Structural Columns

Use the structural column tools to add vertical load-bearing elements to building models.

Structure tabStructure panel (Column)
Architecture tabBuild panelColumn drop-down (Structural Column)

Topics in this section

About Placing Structural Columns
Although structural columns share many of the same properties as architectural columns, structural columns have additional properties defined by their configuration and industry standards which provide different behaviors.
Place a Vertical Structural Column
Add columns in plan views and 3D views.
Video: Place Columns
Place architectural columns in the model. Use the architectural columns or grid intersections to place structural columns.
About Placing Slanted Structural Columns
Slanted structural columns are becoming more common in large, high profile structures. Slanted column modeling helps engineers detail a project and allow proper analysis calculations.
Place a Slanted Structural Column
Place a slanted column in a plan view with 2 clicks—one to specify the column start point and one to specify its endpoint.
Place Multiple Columns by Grid
Place multiple columns at the intersection of selected grid lines.
Lock Columns to a Grid
Constrain the current position of vertical columns or the tops and bases of slanted columns to a grid. This state allows you to move the grid and keep columns or ends in their respective orientation to their grid placement.
Add a Structural Column Inside a Architectural Column
Use the At Architectural Columns tool to snap structural columns to the center of architectural columns in a plan view.
Structural Column Modification
You can align, move, copy, and adjust structural columns using common element editing tools. Slanted columns possess unique parameters that affect how they interact with framing elements in a join.
Display Splice or Plate Symbols
Specify a structural column to display moment, shear, or base plate symbols.
Structural Column Instance Properties
Modify structural column instance properties to change level offsets, geometry justification, phasing data, and more.
Structural Column Analysis Properties
Modify the analytical properties of the structural column to accommodate structural analysis tools and procedures.
Structural Column Type Properties
Modify structural column type properties to change flange width, web thickness, identity data, and more.
Structural Column Family Properties
Modify a structural column family to define specific behaviors or Identity Data that apply across all types in that family.

Parent topic: Structural Engineering

Structural Framing

Architectural Columns

Structural Columns

Related Concepts

Related Information