Geometrical and topological consistency in interactive graphical preprocessors of three-dimensional framed structures

This paper shows how interactive graphical preprocessors can treat inconsistent data to generate consistent finite element and structural models. Algorithms are described for checking the geometrical and topological consistency of three-dimensional meshes made up of one-dimensional finite elements. With the consistency guaranteed, the user of a graphical preprocessor can freely create the geometry and topology of a structure with his or her attention concentrated only on the image shown on the screen. Inconsistencies like repeated nodes or partially overlapped bars are left to the system to solve.