Combine Shell Elements

This option is to avoid small elements in the FE model.

Max Distance Factor means that lines shorter than ["Max Distance Factor" x element size] will be deleted by combining the end points.

Max Distance Factor needs to be less than Min Line Length Factor; otherwise lines created in the refinement process might be deleted.

The values for the factors are a first guess. They can be changed to modify the behavior.

Example:

Handling complex knuckles

If the line connecting the knuckle to the top of the longitudinal bottom girder is shorter than ["Max Distance Factor" x element size], it will snap.