Analytical Projection Rules

The guidelines for analytical projection are based on the presence of additional elements in relation to the element, the element itself (whether it is a beam, column, floor, or wall), the order of creation, and specified projection properties.

Projection references for linear elements are defined as horizontal and vertical in relation to the local beam coordinate system. Horizontal plane (y-direction) projection references include grids, sides and center of a beam. Vertical plane (z-direction) projection references include levels, top of beam, middle of beam and bottom of beam. Named reference planes are included in the horizontal and vertical projections where appropriate. All sloped planes are included in each projection list. If both projection planes refer to a sloped reference plane the projection point is perpendicular to the sloped plane passing through the location line.

Horizontal Projection

Linear analytical models can project horizontally to a specific reference plane or grid. In the following illustration, the column is projecting to a reference plane parallel to Grid A and the beam is projecting to Grid 1.

When structural columns and beams are joined, they can project to the same reference plane or grid. In the following illustration, columns are projected to a reference plane. The parametric relationship between columns and beams is shown as the analytical projection of the beams adjust to meet those of the columns.
Default analytical meetings Columns projecting to a reference plane

For planar elements such as structural floors and foundation slabs, you can project the whole surface to a work plane. The edges of the surface can also be projected to work planes. The projection maintains the planar nature of these elements.

Vertical Projection

Projection to Elements of the Same Category