Terminology
When discussing the use of the RAM Steel Column module, it is necessary to differentiate between a single column segment and a vertical stack of column segments. To avoid confusion, the following terminology will be used:
An individual column segment is referred to as a column.
A stack of column segments is referred to as a column line. A column line is an important concept in RAM Steel Column both inside and outside the program. A column line is generated based on certain rules which have been formulated for resolving scenarios where multiple columns diverge or converge at a junction. The rules have also been so structured to allow easier column schedule generation. These rules are as follows:
- A single stack of columns always forms a column line
- A column line generally stops at a point where it cannot resolve which path it must go further. This occurs at a junction where there are multiple columns (for example, two or more sloping columns frame down onto a single column) . The rule in this situation is that the column line continues with the column which frames closest to 180° angle with its top column in the column line compared to other columns at that level. In case there is a tie the column line stops at that junction.
Figures 1 and 2 show different column line scenarios and each individual column line is shown in a different color.
