Form: Connection: {ID}
Interactive steel connection design allows design results for any connection to be reviewed, the design overwrites to be changed interactively, and the results viewed immediately.
Access Interactive Steel Connection Design as follows:
Select the Analyze menu > Run Analysis command to analyze the model.
Select the Design menu > Steel Connections Design > Start Design/Check command.
Right click on a frame element while the design results are displayed on it to access the Connection {ID} form and enter the interactive design mode to interactively design the element. If design results are not currently displayed, click the Design menu > Steel Connection Design > Interactive Design command and then right click a frame element to enter the interactive design mode for that element.
Use the various areas of the Connection {ID} form to review the design:
Designed Connection display boxes. These items -- Story, Beam, Beam Section, Connection Type -- identify the connection with respect to the story level where it occurs, the beam ID and section definition of the frame member used in the connection, and the type of connection (e.g., beam-column major moment connection).
Designed Parts display boxes. These items -- Web Plate Thickness, Weld Size, Bolt Type, and Number of Bolts -- describe the connection.
Results spreadsheet. The design results for the selected connection are indicated as Passed or Failed using the specified design combination. The maximum Demand/Capacity Ratio is derived from the applicable code. The Design Control item shows the criterion applied to determine if the connection passed or failed given the calculated D/C ratio.
Overwrites button. Clicking this button accesses the Steel Connection Design Preferences Overwrite for {ID} form.
Summary button. Clicking this button accesses the Report Viewer form and a summary of the connection design, including a diagram of the connection, a summary of the design results, a listing of material and geometric properties, and data about the bolts, plates and weld. The various options on the Report Viewer can be used to move through the pages of the summary as well as print it, or export it to a Word document format.
Details button. Clicking this button accesses the Report Viewer form and a detailed summary of the connection design, including everything that is provided in the summary along with the design calculations. Similar to the summary report, the options on the Report Viewer can be used to move through the pages of the summary as well as print it, or export it to a Word document format.
3D View diagram. The connection is illustrated in the 3D View display area on the right of the form. The Restore View, Zoom In, Zoom Out, Pan and Color Settings buttons along the top of the diagram can be used to manipulate its appearance to make review easier. The Camera button can be used to rotate the diagram. Click the Camera button then click the diagram; hold down the mouse button and drag the diagram to the desired orientation.