Steel Column

New steel columns may be added with a simple click on the Building Modeller Main Window.

On the steel column's Properties Window users can select one section from the predefined standard sections .

It is possible to define a column height different from the general storey height, as well as to adapt the foundation level of the column, thus providing the possibility to the user to define different foundation levels.

The steel’s properties can be defined within the member’s Properties Window. The characteristic steel yield strength and the type of the members, i.e. existing or new member, should be defined.

Additional loads can be defined by clicking on the Distributed and Edge Loads button. Users can define uniform distributed forces along the length of the member in all three translational directions X, Y or Z, and forces or moments in any translational or rotational direction (X, Y, Z, RX, RY or RZ) at either of the two edges of the member (bottom or top). Additional permanent loads G’ (not associated with the self-weight of the structure), live Q and snow S loads may be applied, with the latter being applicable only to ASCE 41 and TBDY. By default all loads are equal to zero.

In the Advanced Modelling area, the code-based settings of the structural member can  be defined through the Advanced Member Properties dialog box that opens from the corresponding button. The member’s Modelling Parameters may be also defined from the Modelling Parameters dialog box, accessed by the corresponding button.  Finally, the insertion point (point of the section that corresponds to the location of the mouse click), and rotation of the section on plan view may be selected.

For guidelines on how to insert a column click here.