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 building parameters. The default length of the column is also determined in the building 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 Modeling | Accessory Component | Profile Column.
   • Right-click to open the context-sensitive menu, and select Column.
2. Select the profile properties in the dialog box.

   Properties

   You can copy the profile properties from an existing profile by clicking the Pick button in the dialog box. Click the profile in the model or in the floor plan.

   The status bar displays the cross section information and the purpose of the profile to be added.

   You can open the properties to the dialog box again by selecting Properties from the auxiliary menu.

3. If necessary, change the locating height of the column's bottom or top end with the function Parameters in the auxiliary menu.
4. If necessary, change the direction of the cross section with the functions in the auxiliary menu.
   • 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.