I'm trying to model the strutting of a trench. Therfore I would like to use springs. As i also model the excavation I would like to ask if it is possible to use Springs in combination with model change or how to activate them later during a simulation.

At first I tried to use beam elements and applied the spings on the beam. I thought I coul just activate the beams when I need the strutting. But the springs are active from the beginning.

I hope anyone can help either in explaning how to activate springs later in a simulation or an other idea how to model the strutts.

Thanks in advance!