To define and assign a prismatic section, use the following procedure.

1. Either:

   select the Database tool in the Specifications group on the Specifications ribbon tab
   
   

   or

   select the Properties page and then click Section Database on the Properties - Whole Structure dialog

   Tip: Selecting the country from the Database tool drop-down list first results in a faster dialog load time.
   The Section Profile Tables dialog opens.
2. Either:

   select the Properties page and then click Define on the Properties - Whole Structure dialog

   or

   on the Specifications ribbon tab, select the Prismatic tool in the Beam Profiles group
   
   

   The Property dialog opens.
3. Select the tab corresponding to the profile shape you want to use.
   Notes:

   • The geometric shapes circle, rectangle, tee, trapezoidal, and general are typically used for concrete members.
   • Tapered I and tapered tube are typically used for steel members.
   • The Assign Profile tab is used to assign a profile shape for steel design for later member selection.
4. Type the profile dimensions for the selected shape.
5. (Optional) Select an associated Material. This feature allows you to use material definitions for steel, stainless steel, concrete, aluminum, or any previously specified, custom material definitions.
6. Either:

   To…	Do the following…
   add the section to the model for later assignment	click Add.
   add the section to the model and assign to the current member selection	click Asign.

7. Click Close.