Prepare the Model

If you don't have a model to import, you can create your own one.

Before you can draw structure elements, you need to set up a structural axis for your model. Once the structure has been created, you need to add supports.

Model preparation tasks

The steps below show you how to perform the model preparation tasks from either the Start layout, or the Geometry menu.

To prepare your model

1. Click , or click Geometry Axis Definition to set a structural axis for your model.
2. Click , or click Geometry Bars to draw bars.
   Note: Other structure elements are available from the Geometry menu.
3. Click , or click Geometry Supports to apply supports to your structure.

Create and apply loads

Once you have finished modeling your structure, you need to create loads and apply them on your model.

To create loads from the Loads layout

1. Select the Loads layout from the Layout drop down list.
2. Set up the types of loads that you want to use.
3. Click to open the Load Definition dialog and apply the loads on your structure.

To create loads from the Loads menu

1. Click Loads Load Types to set up the types of loads that you want to use.
2. Click Loads Load Definition to apply the loads on your structure..