Column (Geometry)

Column property	Description
Icon
Modules where available
Function	Point support in
	Column in
Position	Always vertical
Geometry	Straight
Cross-section	Arbitrary profile
Eccentricity	Available
End connection	Arbitrary
Material	Steel, concrete, timber and general
Load direction	Arbitrary in
Load type	All point and line load in
Available analysis results	Reaction forces in
	Displacement, internal forces, stresses, stability and vibration shape in
Available design	Steel design in
	RC design in  (Column punching is available in )
	Timber design in
Alternative	Steel column can be modeled/designed as the set of shells (Shell model)
Default Short Command	CL

Table: Column properties

Definition steps

1. If needed (and available in the current FEM-Design module), set a proper position for the working plane.
2. Start Column command from tabmenu and choose  Define.
   

3. Set the properties of the new column at  Default settings:
   

   • Identifier (General)
     The program automatically generates it, but you can define custom value. Identifier (ID and Position) number can be displayed in model view (Display settings).
   • Allow uplift (General)
     Available in   only. “Uplift” behavior can be modeled by activating this option. It works in case of tensional reaction force.

     In 3D modules, “uplift” can be modeled with non-linear Point support settings.

   • Section
     Choose a column profile from the Section library or define a new cross-section by parameters. The applied section name can be displayed in model view (Display settings).

   • End conditions
     In , the support conditions (General) of the top and bottom ends can be set to fully rigid or fully hinged. Because Columns are point supports further point support is not needed to define at Column end.
     In 3D modules, the end connections can be set under the End conditions tab. Only the released motion (arrow) and rotation (two-headed arrow) components are displayed in the model view (Display settings). End connections can be fully customised for bar ends by setting the rigidity of the displacement components.
     The component directions are valid in the beam’s local co-ordinate system.
     Inactive component means a fixed motion/rotation, while a checked component behaves according to the user-specified rigidity value.
     
     With the „Rigid” and the „Hinged” buttons pre-defined end condition values can be applyed to the bar ends.
     Eccentricity of analytical model (End conditions)
     In 3D modules, eccentricity of the analytical model can be set in the End conditions tab similarly to Beams. The default position (center of gravity) of the column axis (local x’ axis) can be set in the aspect of analysis/design calculation.

   • Physical model
     Eccentricity of the physical model can be set in the Physical model tab, in a similar way as the Eccentricity of analytical model for Beams. It has no effect on the calculation.

   • Material
     Any type of materials can be set for column Analysis, but design can be run for concrete, steel and timber columns only. The applied material name can be displayed in model view (Display settings).

4. Define the direction of the cross-section y’ axis.
5. Choose a method for insertion point definition (geometry).
6. Place the column in the model view based on the chosen geometry method.

Optional steps:

7. Modify the bar properties with the Properties tool of the Column tool palette.
8. Set the display settings of columns at Settings > All > Display > Beam, Column and Truss similarly to Beams.
9. The columns are stored on “Columns” Object layers. At layer settings, the default color and pen width can be set for all columns. The color and pen width settings by selected column elements can be modified by Edit > Properties > Change appearance.
10. In Plate module, the  Info tool displays the support stiffness (motion and rotation) values of the column ends valid in the column local co-ordinate system.
    
    Figure: Support stiffness of Columns in Plate module
11. To simulate camber of the elements check the box next to Camber simulation by prestressing in the Default setting/General tab.