The Structural Usage property of a beam is typically automatically assigned based on the structural elements that support the beam. However, structural usage can be changed before or after the beam is placed.
The following table lists the default automatic Structural Usage setting for beams, based on which elements are being connected:
| - |
C |
B |
HB |
G |
J |
P |
O |
|---|
|
Wall
|
G |
O |
HB |
G |
J |
P |
O |
|
Column
|
G |
O |
HB |
G |
J |
P |
O |
|
Brace
|
|
O |
O |
O |
O |
O |
O |
|
Horizontal Brace
|
|
|
HB |
HB |
HB |
HB |
O |
|
Girder
|
|
|
|
J |
J |
P |
O |
|
Joist
|
|
|
|
|
P |
P |
O |
|
Purlin
|
|
|
|
|
|
P |
O |
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
O |
| Key. HB: Horizontal Bracing; G: Girder; J: Joist; P: Purlin; and O: Other. |
Beams and their structural properties also have the following characteristics:
- The default Structural Usage setting can be changed using the Properties palette.
- Beams can be attached to any other structural element, including structural walls, however they will not join to non-bearing walls.
- The structural usage parameter can be included in a structural framing schedule, allowing quantity calculation of girders, joists, purlins, and horizontal bracing.
- The structural usage parameter value determines the line style of the beam in a coarse-scale view. Use the Object Styles dialog to change the default styles of structural usage.
- Beams also have a structural usage as the chords of a structural truss.