Openings in Structural Elements

You can cut openings through structural elements using the Opening by Face tool. For more information, see Openings.

You can cut openings in these structural elements:

• Structural beams
• Structural columns
• Braces

The following behavior applies to all structural elements:

• A beam opening is applied to a face that is vertical or horizontal through the major or minor axis (typically vertical or horizontal) of the beam.
• A beam opening cuts through the entire element (for example, it cannot cut only one flange of a wide-flange beam).
• Two perpendicular planes for openings are provided by each beam, brace, or column. These planes align with the major and minor axis of the member.

Note: Curved beams are not valid hosts for beam openings.

To cut an opening in a structural element

1. On the ribbon, click Opening By Face.

   Where is it?

   • Structure tabOpening panel By Face
   • Architecture tabOpening panel By Face
2. Select the desired plane of the member to which you want to add an opening.
   

   Selecting the plane of the column

3. Using the Draw panel sketching tools, sketch the opening on the structural element.
   

   Sketching the opening

   When you sketch an opening for a structural element using the rectangle option, you can specify a radius, which allows you to sketch rectangles with fillets. This helps to avoid sharp corners on the opening that can concentrate stresses.

   

   Beam opening with radius

   For more information, see Sketching.

4. On the ribbon, click Mode panelFinish Edit Mode.
   

   Finished sketch



For information about reinforcing openings, see Structural Stiffeners.