To create a continuous beam, bay frame, grid frame, or floor grid model, use the following procedure.

1. Select Frame Models from the Model Type drop-down list.
2. Select one of the rectangular frame or beam types by either:

   double-clicking the icon

   or

   click-and-drag the icon to the view window

   • Bay Frame – a 3D frame with no horizontal connecting members at the base
   • Grid Frame – a 3D frame that has horizontal connecting members at all levels
   • Floor Grid – a 2D frame in the XZ plane
   • Continuous Beam – a linear beam continuous over internal supports (i.e., the bay length)
   The Select Parameters dialog opens.
   
3. (Optional) Type a Model Name.
4. Type the overall dimensions of the frame or beam:
   1. Type the Length.
   2. For bay frames and grid frames, type the Height.
   3. For frames, type the Width.
5. Type the number of bays in each dimension:
   1. Type the No of bays along the length.
   2. For bay frames and grid frames, type the No of bays along the height.
   3. For frames, type the No of bays along the width.
6. (Optional) To use unequal length division in any direction:
   1. Click the […] button adjacent to that field. A dialog opens.
   2. Type the length of each bay.
   3. Click OK.
   Note: The total length of the bays must add to the overall length specified in the Select Parameters dialog. The precision should be to about 3 decimal places (e.g., 11.333).
7. Click Apply.