Create Sections Explicitly

To create vertical columns, use explicit positioning; that is, the columns are positioned at given positions within the coordinate system of the site rather than by positioning them relative to structural sections that already exist.

1. From the main menu bar, select Create > Sections > Straight.

   A Section window and a Positioning Control toolbar are displayed. Together they control how the start and end points of sections are specified. The Positioning Control toolbar is not relevant at the moment (its use is described later).

2. In the Section window, check that the String Method is set to Single (which means that independent start and end positions for each section are to be defined) and that the Secondary Nodes checkbox is selected.

3. Select the Confirm checkbox (so that the position of each new section can be checked before it is added to the database).

   The Section window is now populated as shown below.

   

4. In the Section window, select Define Start/End Explicitly, which means you must enter the exact coordinates for the start of the section or picks a point in the 3D graphical view.

   A Define section start window is displayed and you are prompted to Define section start (Snap) Snap:

5. To position the start of the first column at the site origin, leave the XEast/YNorth/ZUp coordinates at the default position (XE0, YN0, ZU0), as shown:

   

   

   Note: The default entry wrt World, which means ‘with respect to the World’, defines the coordinate system within which the position is specified.

6. Click OK.

   The Start position is shown in the centre of the 3D Graphical View.

   Rather than specifying all three coordinates for the Section’s end position explicitly, its position is defined relative to the Section’s start.

7. In the Section window, select Define End a Given Distance and Direction from Start.

   A Define section end window is displayed.

   

8. Enter the required data.

   

   • Click OK, then Accept in the Section window to confirm the creation of the Section.

     The Section is displayed as SCTN 1 in the Design Explorer and as a very small rectangle in the centre of the graphical display.

   • Or click Cancel to discard any inputs and close the Define section end window.

9. When all the required columns have been created, click Dismiss to discard any information and close the Section window.

   The Design Explorer displays the Sections (in this case, four, SCTN 1-4), as displayed below:

   

   

   Note: Each newly created Section is placed before the current list position, so that SCTN 1 in the list was the last Section created. From the main tool bar, you can click Edit > Undo to clear the SCTN creation if required.