pointSketch2D
is a program aimed at providing a better understanding of the
structural behaviour of two dimensional trusses. The core of the program
is a computational engine capable of analysing most aspects of a
two-dimensional trusses. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) acts as a
layer between the user and the computational engine. The GUI is designed
to be as intuitive as possible in order to provide a possibility for
the user to freely experiment with the parameters that determine the
structural behaviour of trusses.
The program is not a tool for dimensioning, it is rather a
sketchpad on which one can sketch structural behaviour. The GUI is
divided into four modes; the sketch mode, the appearance mode, the
physics mode, and the action mode. In the present version of
pointSketch2D only the two latter modes are available. In the physics
mode the truss is viewed as it is interpreted from a physical point of
view, i.e. a system consisting of nodes, bars, supports and forces. All
sketching in the program takes place in this mode since the parameters
viewed here determine the structural behaviour of the truss. In the
action mode results from the computational engine associated with the
current sketch can be viewed. By switching between these two modes the
user gets instant feedback concerning the structural behaviour
associated with the latest sketch.
Download
For the moment, pointSketch2D is only available for the Windows
platform. The program is downloaded as a compressed file (you need
winzip to
unpack) containing the main program file, other required files and a
few model files. If you have the .NET framework installed on your
computer you don't need to unpack the .dll files (msvcp71.dll and
msvcr71.dll). However, the program will run just fine even if you do
unpack them and have .NET installed. So, if you are not sure about .NET
just go ahead unpack all files in to a directory of your choice. To run
the program just double click on the file named pointSketch2D.exe.
Download pointSketch2D (zip)
Link for download is unfortunately currenlty unavailable
Feedback
The intention is to keep developing the pointSketch programs as
well as the general concept of pointSketch. This is where your comments
and suggestions play an important role. Please feel free to send us your
thoughts about pointSketch2D using the contact information below.