The RAM Steel Column module automatically detects the brace points for columns based on the framing. When a beam or joist frames into a column it braces the column in that axis. In the case of skewed framing, there is a maximum angle for which this is true.

• Select Criteria > Bracing.

Notice that the deck can also be sufficient to brace interior columns when there are no beams framing into it. In some cases you may wish to alter the program determined brace points. To do so now:

• Select Assign > Bracing.
  

As soon as the command is started, the graphic will indicate the current brace locations using green triangles in the plan of the bracing.

• Set the Major and Minor Axis to Unbraced
• Click [Single].
• Select each of the two levels of the sloping columns at R-2 to illustrate the process.

Column splices are also preset when entering the Steel Column Module. When we defined the story data in the modeler, this also established the splice levels. When the story data was specified to have a splice at the 4th floor (story #3), that tells the program to change size for the columns above this level. The columns between 4^th and 5^th floors won't change size. There are exceptions to this rule, places where the program will splice the column at non-splice levels. These automatic or temporary splice location result whenever the column changes material, shape or orientation between levels. Lateral columns can also have splice at non-splice levels since the column sizes are specified level-by-level.

• To view the splice locations Select View > Splicing.

The splices are indicated as red squares at the levels where the splice occurs. In practice, the splice will be a few feet above the floor but for the purpose of design, the column size changes just above the level.

• Turn off the display of Splices using the toolbar button or use the View menu option again.