Divide Frames

Form Divide Selected Frames

Select one or more frames and then use the Edit menu > Edit Frames > Divide Frames command to divide the frame into multiple frames. The following options are available for dividing frames:

Divide into ___ Frame Objects option. Divides the selected framet(s) into the specified number of frames. The divided frames are all the same length.
Break at Intersections with Selected Frames and Joints option. Breaks each selected frame at any joint where it intersects another selected frame or joint. The figures below show some examples.

Figure "a" shows two crossing frames. Initially the frames are not connected at their intersection. When the two frames are selected and the Break at Intersections with Selected Frames and Joints option is used to divide the frame, each of the frames is broken into two objects at the intersection point.

Figure "b" shows a common situation in a chevron braced frame. Notice that the frames representing the top beam (labeled 5) spans from one column to the other and is not broken at the intersection with the braces. To break this beam at the intersection with the braces, select the beam and one of the braces (say you select the line objects labeled 2 and 5) and use the Break at Intersections with Selected Frames and Joints option. Alternatively, select the joint at the top of the braces and the top beam (frame labeled 5) to achieve the same result.

In both cases shown in the figures, ETABS would provide connectivity at the intersection points whether the frames are divided or not, unless the intersecting frames are indicated not to be meshed using the Assign menu > Frame > Automatic Frame Subdivide...No Auto Meshing command. In most cases, breaking up intersecting frames manually as described here and shown in the figures is not necessary, unless different properties are to be assigned or a different label is required. The example in the figures is provided to illustrate the Break at Intersections with Selected Frames and Joints option for dividing frames.

Break at Intersections with Visible Grid Lines option. Breaks each selected frame at any location where it intersects a visible grid line regardless of the coordinate system associated with the grid line.
Apply button. After making the appropriate selections, click this button to apply them.

Note the following about divided frames.

The property assignments to divided frames are the same as the property assignments to the original frame.

Load and mass assignments on the original frame are appropriately broken up onto the divided frames.

Assignments that occur at the ends of the original frame, such as releases and rigid end zones, occur at the appropriate ends of the frames after the original frame has been divided.