Moving and Sloping Columns

In the modeler you have the option to move columns either completely or top or bottom only. With the top or bottom only commands you can slope a column or join the top or bottom of multiple columns at a point. In order to achieve the sloping face of the open atrium we will have to slope the steel columns of the 2^nd and 3^rd floor types.

Select the 2nd floor type by using the drop down menu in to toolbar.
Select Layout-Columns-Move or by selecting the column icon in the toolbar and then the move icon to the right.
In the dialog box select Top only and click [Single] (leave the location set to Specify New Location). This allows you to select the new location of the TOP of the column in the modeler.
Select the column at grid intersection R1-S1 and notice that the column highlights. Move your cursor to the intersection of grid line R1-S2 and click to move the top of the column. Notice that there is a shadow of the column from the bottom location to the top.
Repeat for all the columns along gridline S1.
Switch to the 3rd floor type.
Now slope the top of the steel columns on gridline S2 to gridline S3 in the same manner as the columns on the 2nd floor type.

Note: You can also move the complete columns or top or bottom only by using the Increment Current Coordinates command in the Column-Move dialog or in the Layout-Columns-Text dialog.

Note: For gravity columns, remember that RAM designs the columns for the vertical component of the forces only. All horizontal thrust data is not used or stored. So, for columns with increasing angles and lateral loads, the thrust that is resisted or transferred by these columns is neglected.