For columns the user may indicate whether or not the Deck braces the column. This option is only applicable for Integrated models. If a particular column is outside the deck perimeter it is not considered to be braced by the deck regardless of the selection for this option. Bracing is also provided by beams that frame into the column. The user may indicate the maximum angle from a given column axis that a beam is considered to be providing bracing to the column. If the angle between the beam and the column axis exceeds the value selected, the beam is not considered to provide bracing to the column in that axis.

In the case of a column that slopes between two levels at which the column is braced, the un-braced length will be considered the (sum of) actual length of the column(s), NOT just their vertical height between end point elevations.

Also, where more than one column slopes to the same point at a story all the columns that intersect (above and below the intersecting story) will be considered braced at this intersection in BOTH axis. The engineer can override these calculated unbraced lengths if they are not what are desired

Note that these criteria can be overridden on a member-by-member basis using the Assign menu. Also, the member unbraced length can also be directly specified by the engineer through the Assign-Columns-Unbraced Length command. If not directly assigned the column unbraced length is the distance between braced levels for a given axis. If a particular level is unbraced, the program will sum the story heights as necessary to determine the unbraced length.