> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-user-manual/interface/toc175916526/toc175916652/toc161393871/toc161393876.md).

# Non-Prismatic Members

How to convert prismatic members into multiple segments to approximate non-prismatic tapered members.

Create > Model Generators > Non-Prismatic Members prompts you with the following dialog.

![](https://560001759-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWNe8U6EBBBdUJHdb2X9G%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-421ddf351dcc9ca4abe5047dbee14dff04f9cbcd%2FFASTFR~1_img102.png?alt=media)

It allows you to quickly convert each of the selected prismatic members into multiple prismatic members to approximate a non-prismatic member. The distance list is a comma separated list that specifies multiple distances. For example, a distance list of “12, 2\@14, 3\@10” will generate distances of 12, 14, 14, 10, 10 and 10 in length units. The lengths of the selected prismatic members must be consistent with the distance list.

The left and right haunches of the non-prismatic members may be of type linear, parabolic or straight. You must define the geometry including middle depth (DM), left depth (DL), right depth (DR), width, left length ratio (LL / L), right length ratio (LR / L). Each of the selected prismatic members will be exploded into multiple prismatic members to approximate the non-prismatic member’s behavior. Appropriate member sections will be automatically added and assigned in the model. Existing loads on the selected prismatic members will be assigned to the new members appropriately.

![](https://560001759-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWNe8U6EBBBdUJHdb2X9G%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ea8e0f60e21bf9cd2f3d565631a08df64f2b2400%2FFASTFR~1_img103.png?alt=media)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-user-manual/interface/toc175916526/toc175916652/toc161393871/toc161393876.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.