Selecting the Criteria > Bracing command will cause the Column Bracing Criteria dialog box to appear, with the current default settings shown.

The bracing of a column in a particular direction affects the analytical model that is created. The dialog is used to set criteria by which the program will calculate the stories at which the columns are braced in each axis by beams and/or the slab. An option is provided for the slab to automatically brace the column. When selected, the column will be considered braced if it falls within the slab at a particular level.

Additionally, beams framing into columns may cause the columns to be braced. The maximum angle (0 - 90 degrees) for which a beam braces a column may be specified in the edit box provided. If the angle between a given column axis and the beam exceeds the value specified, the beam does not provide bracing to that column in the axis specified.

Refer to Section 3.2.2 of this manual for more information on the affect of column bracing on the boundary conditions of the finite element model.

This criterion is used to determine the bracing for all concrete columns. Steel and other columns are braced according to the bracing criteria for steel members specified in the RAM Steel Column Mode. Refer to the RAM Steel Column Mode for more information.

To change the bracing criteria, click on the desired bracing options and/or enter a new maximum angle in the edit box. Clicking the Cancel button will cancel any changes made. To accept the changes, click the OK button.