Columns and beams
On this page
Columns
- Pick the Column tool.
- In the tool options choose Square or Round and the Size, a profile from the library (an I, a T, a channel, your own), or a column Type.
- Click where each column goes.
A column runs from its level up to the next one, unless you tie its top to a level or give it a fixed height in Properties. Properties also has its rotation and its Profile: Its own (width × depth), or any profile of the library, such as an I-section or a tube. Drag its centre handle to move it, its top handle to change its height and its base handle to change its base offset.
Over several levels
A column's Properties has four rows that say where it starts and stops:
- Base level and Base offset: the level it stands on, and how far above that level its foot is.
- Top level and Top offset: the level its top is tied to, and how far above that level the top is. Unconnected means a fixed height, or up to the next level.
When the top is tied to a level, the column stretches when either level moves.
For example, say a column was drawn on Level 5 and needs to stand on Level 3 and run up to Level 5:
- Select it and set its Top level to Level 5.
- Set its Base level to Level 3. The top stays where it is, so it now runs through Level 4.
Changing the base level always keeps the top where it is. A column that ran up to the next level stays tied to that level.
In a section or elevation, drag its top or base handle up or down. When the top is tied to a level, dragging it changes the Top offset.
A column that runs through a level is drawn cut in that level's plan too.
Copying a column to other levels with Copy to levels… keeps its span in storeys. See Levels.
Beams
- Pick the Beam tool. Set Width and Depth in the tool options, pick a Profile from the library (an I, a T, an L, your own), or a beam Type.
- Click the beam's start, then its end. Keep clicking to chain beams. Esc stops, and picking another tool (or Beam again) starts a new chain.
By default a beam's top sits at the top of the storey (Top offset 0), hanging under the next level. Its handles move each end and its top.
Beams on a face
Switch on On face in the tool options to draw in 3D on a face: a roof slope, a wall. The first click picks the face, and the beam lies in its plane, square to it and sitting on its surface, at any angle you draw. The next points stay on that face, so purlins, rafters and braces go where they belong. A beam drawn on a roof goes on the level under it. Stand plumb in Properties puts its section upright again.
Chains and corners
Corners in the tool options sets how the beams of a chain meet:
| Corners | Gives |
|---|---|
| Separate | Pieces of their own, as concrete beams are |
| Mitred | Ends cut on the line between the two, as welded steel |
| Butt | One runs through, the next stops against it |
Slopes, extensions and ends
Properties has a Start rise and an End rise, to slope a beam (a rafter, a stair stringer), and a Start extension and End extension to run an end on past where it was drawn, or a minus value to pull it back. Ends is Square, One mitred or Both mitred; Square ends takes the mitre cuts off.
In drawings and schedules
Cut columns are filled solid in plans; beams above the cut are dashed, and members seen from above take their material's colour. A sloped beam is cut and drawn by its full height. For footings under columns, see Footings. File › New schedule › Columns and beams lists every one with its type, level, material, section and length.
A beam inside a wall is hidden in most drawings: use X-ray or Hidden in a view to see it, and Tab to pick it.