Add a Column

This function can be used to add a profile that acts as a column. When adding a column, the locating point at both ends of the column is the same point of the cross section. When selecting the location of the column, the cursor is locked so that the column can only be positioned vertically. When selecting the location of the bottom end of the column, the cursor is locked at the default height in the direction of the z coordinate. The default height is determined in the project parameters. The default length of the column is also determined in the project parameters.

When adding a column below a beam, you can determine the length of the column by stretching its end up to the bottom surface of the beam (A). If the cross section of the column added below the beam is wider than the beam, you can stretch the column up to the top surface of the beam and notch the column to fit the beam (B).

1. Do either of the following:
   • Select Beams, Columns > Column.
   • Right-click to open the context-sensitive menu, and select Profiles > Column. 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 locating height of the column's bottom or top end 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
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 column.
7. Select Confirm.
8. If the column is located below a beam, select one of the following in a message box:
   • Trim - Stretch the column up to the bottom surface of the beam above it.
   • Notch - Stretch the column up to the top surface of the beam above it, and notch it to fit the beam.

Note

• You can form joints and add joint components between profiles by using the Connection Details function.
• When you are adding a column to a log wall, use the Low Walls > Add Log Column function.

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