Forms: Column Properties, Column Property Data, Column Properties for {Property Name}
Use the Define menu > Column Properties command to access the Column Properties form and add, modify, or delete a column property definition that can be assigned to column-type line objects drawn to model columns or braces. Column property definitions are used to specify cross-sectional shape, materials, and dimensions.
Note: The column properties also can be accessed by right clicking the Column 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.
Add New Property button. Click this button to access the Column Property Data form:
General Data: Input the name of the column property in the edit box, select the column shape (Rectangular, Circular, T-Shaped, L-Shaped, General) from the drop-down list, choose the material for the column from the drop-down list, set the display color, and click the button to add column property notes. Click the button adjacent to the material drop-down list to add, edit or review a material property.
Column Section Dimensions: For all but the General column, input the geometric dimensions of the column. The default local 2-axis is set parallel to the global X-axis direction. 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 Column Properties for {Property Name} form.
For the General column, click on the button and enter the analysis properties in the edit boxes on the Column Properties for {Property name} form. For the General column, the Parallel to 2-Axis (Web Height) and Parallel to 3-Axis (Flange Width) dimensions shown on the Column Property Data form are used for display and punching shear calculations.
Check the Include Automatic Rigid Zone Area Over Column check box to add a rigid element over the column that prevents deformation of the slab at the column location.
Automatic Drop Panel Dimensions: Check the Include Automatic Drop Panel Over Column check box to add a square or rectangular drop panel at every location where this column property is assigned. Input the dimensions of the drop panel in the edit boxes, and select the drop panel slab property from the drop-down list. If a column object with this column property assignment is moved, the drop panel defined with this option moves with the column.
Note: Although the drop panels defined with the Include Automatic Drop Panel Over Column option are modeled using area objects, unlike area objects drawn using the Draw menu commands, the size and properties of these drop panels cannot be altered using the typical area object editing tools. These drop panels may be revised using the Column Property Data form only.
Automatic Column Capital (Drop Cap) Dimensions: Check the Include Automatic Column (Drop Cap) check box to add a capital at every location where this column property is assigned. Input the geometric dimensions of the column capital in the edit boxes. Height is measured from the underside of the slab to the bottom of the capital. Column capitals are available only for rectangular and circular column shapes. Column capital dimensions are used in calculating non-prismatic section properties and punching shear.
Add Copy of Property button. Highlight one of the column properties in the Column Property list and click this button to access the Column 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 column property. Values may be revised as necessary and then saved to create a new column property.
Modify/Show Property button. Highlight one of the column properties in the Column Property list and click this button to access the Column 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 column properties in the Column Property list and click this button to remove this property from the model.
Note: By default, SAFE provides a property definition named None when using the Assign menu > Column/Brace 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.