I have a Validation > Analysis > General > Supports > "No supports defined in model" validation error. Why do I get this and how do I resolve it?

Question

I have a Validation > Analysis > General > Supports  > "No supports defined in model" validation error. Why do I get this and how do I resolve it?

 

Answer

This message is self explanatory. No supports exist in the model (i.e. under columns), and hence the structure is unsupported. Applied loads cannot go to ground and hence the structure is not in equilibrium.

We have seen this appear after a mat foundation has been modelled. In this scenario, the supports that are automatically placed under columns are manually deleted to ensure the columns are supported on the mat foundation (with a specified ground stiffness). Later in the modelling process, Engineers decide to delete the mat foundation (as they no longer wish to model it), but forget to reinstate the supports.

To resolve this issue, use the Model ribbon tab > Support command. Define the degrees of freedom required in the Properties window and then place the supports by either clicking at the base of each columns, or by boxing a window in a 2D plan view.