Modeling Sloping Framing
When modeling braces, some options require input of distances along beams at which the braces will connect. These commands allow the user to specify that the distance be measured either along the actual length of the beam or else along the projected (horizontal) length. If the slope of the beam is subsequently changed after a brace has been modeled, the brace will automatically be repositioned to maintain its connection to the beam. Regardless of how the beam was originally modeled, it will be repositioned to maintain its relative position with regards to the horizontal projection (that is, its global X- and Y-coordinates will not change, only its Z-coordinate will change). When a brace frames into a column at a location other than the top or bottom of the column (e.g., knee braces), the vertical distance between top of column and the brace is maintained when the column is extended or shortened.
Care should be taken when using these commands not to create any zero or negative length columns. The DataCheck will detect such conditions and give an Error message.