Prokon Rigid Links are very important structural elements used to create a unified model without which SUMO will not be able to analyze your model.

Prokon Rigid Links are extremely stiff beam elements but their properties are not derived from the sections database. Rather, the properties of the Rigid Link are determined by three factors within the Advanced options of the Analysis Settings window of SUMO.

The relevant properties of the largest beam in the current model are multiplied by these factors and these then become the properties of the Rigid Link (ex. the Rigid Link will have a Moment of Inertia x1000 larger than the largest beam in the model).

Rigid Links can be added to a SUMO to link different structural elements that are not, as modelled, connected. This is usually the case with slabs that are offset from each other, structural steel gussets and monolithic beams. Monolithic beams in particular are automatically connected to the relevant slab with multiple rigid links whose spacing is determined by the mesh size of the slab.

Prokon Rigid Links are added to the model as you would add any beam element by simply clicking on the Rigid Link command and snapping to the relevant points. Rigid Links should not be used to replace structural elements but should simply be used to connect different structural elements.

In conclusion, by incorporating rigid links into our structural models, we can achieve a more accurate representation of the real-world behavior of the structure, they must, however, be applied correctly. If you need any assistance please get hold of me at jacobus@mgfx.co.za and I will gladly assist.

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