While in C-Beam Material mode, the Layout > C-Beam > Assign Duct Size command is available and can be used to specify the size of mechanical ducts that the web openings in the C-Beam™ must accommodate. The program will then select a beam of sufficient depth and with an opening of sufficient size to allow the duct of the specified size and shape to pass through.

Duct sizes are assigned to the C-Beam on a beam-by-beam basis, allowing the user to assign different sizes in different areas of the floor layout. Ducts may be specified as either rectangular or round. Note that this is not in reference to the shape of the hole. The holes in the web of Castellated beams are always hexagonal, but the size of the openings in the web will be selected such that a duct of the size and shape specified will be able to pass through the hexagonal opening. This feature should only be used for small or moderate size holes. If very large web penetrations are needed, a web post may be removed and the section reinforced. If this is required, contact SteelFab, Inc. directly for assistance.

A duct size assignment may be cleared by selecting the No Duct Specifiedoption of the Assign Duct Size command and then by selecting the desired beam.

Beams that have been assigned a duct size may be highlighted by selecting the Duct (C-Beam) option of the Options > Set Show Options command.