The Process - View/Update command is a powerful feature, which allows the user to view on-screen the analysis results of any individual frame member. If desired, member sizes and material properties can by modified and saved back to the database. It is a convenient tool for inspecting and revising the model.

The View/Update command is only available after an analysis has been performed, and will appear grayed out on the menu until then. Once the analysis has been completed, any lateral frame member can be inspected and modified interactively using the View/Update command.

When the View/Update command is invoked, a target cursor will appear with which the user selects the member to view. Selecting View Results causes the Member Forces output to appear on screen. In addition to showing member properties and analysis criteria, this output shows the member forces for the selected load cases. See Select Cases for more information on selecting load cases for output. The output screen is exited by selecting the Close Preview button.

In the View/Update dialog box the current size of the lateral member is displayed in the top box of the drop down list box, and other available shapes are listed below. Material properties are also listed. These items can be modified, and the changes saved to the database using the Update Data Base button. When the database is changed in this way, the status indicator light at the right end of the status bar turns yellow. See Analysis Status for more information.