Forms: Beam Properties, Beam Property Data, Beam Properties for {Property Name}
Use the Define menu > Beam Properties command to add, modify, or delete a beam property definition that can be assigned to beam-type line objects that lie in the model datum plane. Beam property definitions are used to specify cross-sectional shape, materials, analysis data (e.g., web width and depth; flange width; shear area, moment of inertia), and design data (e.g., web width and depth; slab depth; cover).
Note: The beam properties also can be accessed by right clicking the Beam Properties sub node, or right clicking on one of the items in the list under this sub node, both under the Property Definitions node on the Model tab in the Model Explorer window.
Click the Define menu > Beam Properties command to access the Beam Properties form: As changes are made on the form, the Analysis Property and Design Property sketches update.
Add New Property button. Click this button to access the Beam Property Data form and define the new beam:
General Data: Input the name of the beam property in the edit box. Select the material for the beam, the rebar material for longitudinal reinforcing, and the rebar material for shear reinforcing from the three drop-down lists. Click the buttons to add, edit or review a material property. Set the display color and click the button to add beam property notes.
Analysis Property Data: Select the beam shape (Rectangular, T-Beam, L-Beam, General) from the drop-down list. For all but the General Beam, input the geometric dimensions (i.e., width and depth) of the beam that should be used when doing analysis. Depth is specified from the top of slab, typically the elevation of the model datum. SAFE will use these dimensions to calculate the necessary analysis properties, such as area and moments of inertia. These calculated values can be reviewed/verified by clicking on the button to access the Beam Properties for {Property Name} form.
If the shape type is a T-beam or a L-beam, check the Inverted Beam check box to invert the beam such that the slab is located at the bottom of the beam. The rules regarding slab and flange overlap, as describe in the note that follows, are applicable in this case as well.
If the shape type is the General Beam, input the analysis properties directly. The display depth and width are used only when extruding a view, and do not have any effect on the analysis properties.
Note: If the shape type is T-beam or a L-beam and the beam is located in the model using a top insertion point such that the flange of the beam and the slab overlap, the flange of the beam will be ignored so that this material is not counted twice; only the rectangular portion of the beam extending below the slab will be used in the analysis property calculation of the beam. For analysis purposes, specifying a rectangular beam connected to the slab with a top insertion point results in an accurate modeling of T-beam and L-beam behavior, and thus is typically preferred to using T-beam and L-beam shapes where the material must be discarded. In general, where slab and beams overlap, the material will not be counted twice so that weights and volumes will be correct. This explanation is pertinent to analysis properties only.
Design Property Data: Input the geometric dimensions (i.e., width and depth) of the beam, and the cover over the mild reinforcing that should be used when doing design. Depth is specified from the top of slab, typically the elevation of the model datum (or the bottom of the slab if the beam is inverted). Select Auto if the flange width is to be determined by the program based on the design code and slab depth, or By User to specify the flange width directly. Note that analysis and design dimensions may differ. The top and bottom covers input are the default settings used in design unless other values have been specified for selected beams using the Design menu > Beam Design Overwrites command. Check the No Design check box if no design is to be performed for this beam property.
Add Copy of Property button. Highlight one of the beam properties in the Beam Property list and click this button to access the Beam Property Data form. All edit boxes, drop-down lists, and option selections (except for the Property Name) on that form will be populated with values identical to those of the highlighted beam property – values may be revised as necessary and then saved to create a new beam property.
Modify/Show Property button. Highlight one of the beam properties in the Beam Property list and click this button to access the property specific Beam Property Data form, which displays the various values that comprise the property definition. Review and revise the data as necessary.
Delete Property button. Highlight one of the beam properties in the Beam Property list and click this button to remove this property from the model.
Note: By default, SAFE provides a property definition named None, which is listed in the Beam Property area of the Beam Properties form when using the Assign menu > Beam Data > Properties command. The None "definition" has no values associated with it. Selecting the None property definition and assigning it to an object removes any definition previously assigned to that object.
TIP: The Calculator feature can be used to assist with mathematical operations in forms. Place the mouse pointer/cursor in an edit box, hold down the Shift key and double click the left mouse button.