Place Analytical Members

Learn about the different definition methods to place analytical members.

To place an analytical member

1. In the Analyze tab Structural Analytical Model panel, click (Analytical Member)
2. In the Modify | Analytical Members contextual tab, select:
   1. a. Top Point Definition - allows you to create a vertical analytical member, using only one definition point, between two selected levels.

   OR

   2. b. Start/End Point Definition - allows you to create an analytical member by defining line segment between two points including curved segments.

Place an analytical member using the top point definition

1. In the Modify | Analytical Members contextual tab, click (Top Point Definition).
2. Follow the instructions in the Status Bar to create the analytical member.

   The analytical member will be created between the current level and the level below, at the point you specify. Analytical nodes will be created automatically at each end of the analytical member.

Place an analytical member using the start/end point definition

1. In the Modify | Analytical Members contextual tab, click (Start/End Point Definition).
2. In the Modify | Analytical Members Draw panel, select one of the drawing methods for your analytical member.
3. Follow the instructions in the Status Bar to create the analytical member. Analytical nodes will be created automatically at each end of the analytical member.
4. In the Options Bar, select one of the drawing options for your analytical member:
   1. 3D Snapping: Snap to other elements in any view, outside of the current work plane.
   2. Chain: Continuously place analytical members in succession.
   Note: Analytical members are created in the current work plane.