Define the structure

Learn how to define elements of structure like columns, beams and bracings using the previously added sections.

1. In the Standard toolbar, expand the Layouts drop-down menu and select Bars as shown below:
   

   The layout is divided in three parts: View, Bars dialog and Bars table.

2. At the bottom of the drawing area, expand the list of views, and then select the YZ view.
   
3. In the Bars dialog, set the Bar type to Column and set the Section to W 12x96.
4. To create the first column, enter the Node coordinates in the Beginning and End boxes as follows:
   • Beginning: (0.00, 0.00, 0.00),
     Important: The coordinates syntax depends on your regional Windows format. In this tutorial we use the English (United States) format. If you want to change your Windows format, click: Start Control Panel Region and Language Format.
   • End: (0.00, 0.00, 12.00).
     
5. Click Add.

   The column displays in the drawing area.

6. Repeat this process to add the second column, with the following coordinates:
   • Beginning: (0.00, 20.00, 0.00),
   • End: (0.00, 20.00, 12.00).
7. Click Add. The second column displays in the drawing area.
8. Click (View Zoom Zoom All) to better visualize the defined columns.
   
9. To create the first beam, go to the Bars dialog, and then set the Bar Type to Beam, and the Section to HP 10x42.
10. Enter the beam's coordinates, in the Beginning and End boxes as follows:
    • Beginning: (0.00, 0.00, 12.00),
    • End: (0.00, 20.00, 12.00).
    Alternatively, place your cursor in the Beginning box, and then click the nodes 2 and 4 in the drawing area.
11. Click Add. The beam displays in the drawing area.
    
12. To create the first bracing, go to the Bars dialog, and then set the Bar type to Simple bar, and the Section to LP 2x2x0.1875.
13. Enter the bracing's coordinates, in the Beginning and End boxes as follows:
    • Beginning: (0.00, 0.00, 0.00),
    • End: (0.00, 20.00, 12.00).
    Alternatively, place your cursor in the Beginning box, and then click the nodes 1 and 4 in the drawing area.
14. Click Add. The first bracing displays in the drawing area.
15. Repeat this process for the second bracing with the following coordinates:
    • Beginning: (0.00, 0.00, 12.00),
    • End: (0.00, 20.00, 0.00).
    Alternatively, place your cursor in the Beginning box, and then click the nodes 2 and 3 in the drawing area.
16. Click Add. The second bracing displays in the drawing area.