MULTISPAN FRAME

Geometry
You can define geometry of a 3D multispan frame.

To begin defining a 3D frame, open the Parametric Structures - 3D - Multispan Hall dialog from:

Menu: Steel > Parametric structures > Multispan frame

Ribbon: ASD - Model > Parametric structures > Multispan frame

Toolbar: Parametric structures > Multispan frame .

In the drawing area, click to specify the frame.

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Specify frame parameters:

Number of frame spans

Number of frames (repeating over the length)
Spacing of frames over the length
Rafters - select this to generate longitudinal beams in the roof ridge(s) of the defined
frame.
External spandrel beams - select this to generate longitudinal (spandrel) beams between
the external points of the defined frame (see the drawing below).

In the lower part of the dialog, axial dimensions of the frame span are defined.

After you finish defining frame dimensions, click the Profiles tab to display the Multispan Hall -
Profiles dialog.

Profiles
After you finish defining Multispan Frame - Geometry click the Profiles tab.

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Using the options on the Profiles tab, you can assign bar profiles and types of bar families to the
bars of the generated 3D frame.

Attributes are assigned separately to individual frame elements (columns, rafters, and spandrel
beams). Rafters and spandrel beams are available if the corresponding options were selected on
the Geometry tab.

Profiles available on the selection list for each type of frame element are defined in the Profile
List dialog. To add a profile to the list, click Database. The Profile list dialog displays, where
you can select a profile to add.

Profile families available on the selection list for each type of frame element are defined in the
Family Manager dialog. To add a family to the list, click Family Manager. The Family manager
dialog displays, where you can select a family to add.

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Use the buttons at the bottom of the dialog:

Apply - after you click this, the 3D frame defined in the dialog is generated on screen
without closing the dialog. This lets you check whether the 3D frame has been generated
correctly.
OK - click this to generate the defined 3D frame and close the dialog.
Hide - after you click this, the dialog is no longer visible on screen. To restore the dialog
display on screen, press Esc.
Close - click this to close the dialog without generating a 3D frame.

Example of 3D Frame Definition

To define a 3D frame:

1. Click the Multi-span frame option .

2. In the drawing area, click to specify the insertion point of a 3D frame (the bottom node of
the left column of the first frame - see the drawing of the frame below).
3. On the Geometry tab of the Multispan Hall dialog:
o For Number of spans, enter 3.
o For Number of frames, enter 4.
o For Frame spacing, enter 240 in.
o Select Rafters and External spandrel beams.
4. Enter the frame dimensions as shown.

5. On the Profiles tab:

o For Columns, select profile C10x15.3, and family Profile.
o For Rafters, select profile C10x15.3, and family Profile.
o For Spandrel beams, select profile C10x15.3, and family Profile.
6. Click OK.

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The frame is generated.

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