How to verify the used mesh size?

In the mesh configuration , you should check 3 things:

1. The size
2. The regularity
3. The free borders

1. Size

Play with the maximul element size to obtain a mesh that is not too big or not too small in relation to the dimensions of the model. By this we mean:

• • Make sure you have about 8 mesh triangles along the shortest side of the plate.
    6-7 is fine, 10 is also fine. But 30 is too many. And 3 is too few.

    Good	Too small	Too Big

  • Make sure that thin plate strips contain at least 2 mesh triangles.
    You can play with advanced mesh settings (minimum element size refinement factor and minimum side distribution) or refine the mesh locally.
    If you can’t get 2 mesh triangles in it, you should consider not modeling that strip.
  • Make sure that each plate edge contains at least 1 mesh node.
    The mesh dimensions are adjusted to the dimensions of the floors. But those mesh dimensions are often too coarse for narrow (masonry) walls. If you want an adequate result in those walls, you must make sure that each plate edge contains at least 1 mesh node.

    Bad
    Good

  • Remove unnecessary points and lines, because each point in the geometry, will become a mesh point.

Good	Bad

2. Regularity

Each mesh triangle only fulfills the equilibrium equations over its surface, regular triangles give better quality of results. Avoid elongated triangles by playing the maximum and minimum size.

Good	Bad

3. Free borders

Diamonds checks the consistency of the model by searching for free edges (= edges where no other plates connect), thus where the model begins and ends. Free edges are highlighted in a bright green color. Check if the free edges are in the right place!

Free edges where they should be	Free edges where they should NOT be