Step 5 - Add Nodes

Nodes are automatically created when you draw framing elements in the GenFEA model workspace, but you are also able to manually add nodes in the Input Workbook using the contextual ribbon tools (as shown below).

For our assisted tutorial exercise, you DO NOT need to complete this step, as we will automatically generate nodes when creating Framing Elements in the steps to follow. However, should you want to manually add nodes, follow these steps:

1. Click in any cell from the Input Workbook to activate the contextual ribbon
2. Select 'Nodes' from the 'Active Sheet' dropdown menu in the contextual ribbon
3. Click on 'Add' from the 'Nodes' contextual ribbon to add a new node
4. Notice the contextual ribbon now changed into 'Edit' mode. Next, specify the X, Y, and Z coordinates  for the new node
5. Click 'Apply and Add New' from the contextual ribbon
6. Repeat the process to add as many nodes as required, then to finish, simply click 'Apply'

It is important to note that node IDs are assigned automatically by GenFEA. You may also want to set the support conditions for a node by indicating the freedom of translation and rotation in X, Y, and Z directions.