Specify the beam system layout properties: number of beams, justification, beam type, spacing, and layout rule.
- On the Properties palette, under Pattern, select a value for Layout Rule:
- Fixed Distance allows you to specify the distance between center lines of beams within the beam system. The number of beams in the beam system is calculated based on your selections.
- Fixed Number allows you to specify the number of beams within the beam system. The beams are evenly spaced and centered within the beam system.
- Maximum Spacing allows you to specify the maximum distance between center lines of beams. The quantity of beams required for the beam system is calculated automatically and centered within the beam system.
- Clear Spacing is similar to the Fixed Distance value, but measures spacing between the exteriors of the beams instead of between their centerlines. When you adjust the size of an individual beam in a beam system with the clear spacing layout rule value, adjacent beams move to maintain the distance between them.
- Enter a value for the Number of Lines that you want in the beam system.
This option is active only when you select the Fixed Number layout rule.
- Enter a value for the Fixed Spacing parameter which is the distance between each beam.
This option is active only when you select the Fixed Distance, Maximum Spacing, or Clear Spacing layout rule value.
- Select the Justification type. This value determines the placement of the first beam in the system. Each subsequent beam is spaced a fixed distance from that point. This option is active only when you select either the Fixed Distance or Clear Spacing layout rule value.
- Select a value for the type of beam used in the beam system.
Note: This is the same list available from the Type Selector drop-down. If the beam you require is not listed in the beam system creation tool, load the beam into the project before specifying the beam type within the beam system.