The Column Line tab is the third investigation tab. From here, you can investigate the different shapes that were selected in Criteria - Trial Groups or assigned using the Assign - Trial Groups command for the entire column line.

When this tab is selected, the shape and yield strength value on the tab reflects the selected story.

The yield strength value can be changed by typing a new value in the edit box.

The Shape combo box controls which shape will be considered during optimization. For Standard Column, the combo box will contain the three relevant shapes while for Hanging Columns, all nine shapes will be available for selection.

Clicking the Optimize button will initiate the optimization of the column line.

Results are displayed in the Trial Group Results section of the table.

The column line weight of trial group design is listed at the bottom of the column.

The yield strength entered on the tab is shown to the far right.

To select a trial group design as your final design, click the column header "Select T.G. #" and this design will be moved to the Final Design section of the table.

When a section is made, an analysis of the entire column line is then run to update the weight and interaction equation values for all columns. If any design warning occur during this analysis, they will be listed in the Design Warning list box.