Add a Beam

This function can be used to add a profile that acts as a beam. When adding a beam, the locating point at both ends of the beam is the same point of the cross section. When selecting the position of the beam, the cursor is locked so that the start and end point of the beam are positioned at the same height. The cursor is locked at the default height in the direction of the z coordinate. The default height is determined in the project parameters.

1. Do either of the following:
   • Select Beams, Columns > Beam.
   • Right-click to open the context-sensitive menu, and select Profiles > Beam. The status bar displays the cross section information and the purpose of the profile to be added.
2. Select the profile properties by using the functions on the contextual toolbar:
   • Properties - Define the profile properties in a dialog box.
   • Copying Properties from Another Profile - Copy the properties of a profile added earlier.

   The cross section you selected will be set as the default until you select another cross section.

3. If necessary, change the beam's locating height with the function Parameters on the contextual toolbar.
4. If necessary, change the direction of the cross section with the functions on the contextual toolbar.
   • Match Cross Section Direction to Plane Normal
   • Match Cross Section Direction to Another Profile
   • Select Cross Section Direction

   When you add a profile in the 2D drawing, the cursor shows the direction of the cross section.

   

5. Select the locating point in one of the following ways:
   • Select one of the nine points on a rectangle drawn around the cross section as the locating point from the auxiliary menu.

     

   • Select the Select Locating Point function from the auxiliary menu, and select any point on the cross section as the locating point. If required, you can change the locating point to one of the nine quick-selection points, and then activate the selected locating point again by selecting the Free Locating Point function.
6. Select the start point of the beam.
7. Select the end point of the beam.

Note

• When adding a beam, you can change its height, locating point, direction or properties at any time.
• You can form joints and add joint components between profiles by using the Connection Details function.

Auxiliary Profile Adding Functions
Add a Profile
Add a Column
Editing a Profile
Editing the Locating Height of a Profile
Profiles