Column (EN) - unfinished draft, low priority

1 New project

Let’s open IDEA StatiCa and select application Member.

Create a new project, type its name, and select a folder where it will be saved. Then choose the design code, starting material properties and the type of topology. Then add the column span height and change its cross-section. Finally, click on Create project and start modeling the part of the structure.

2 Analyzed members

In the tree menu Analyzed members, you can see and change the parameters of the created members. You have already set the parameters of the analyzed column, so we carry on to the next step.

3 Related members

To add related members, which act as supports and load transferring parts of the structural detail, click on the node cube in the 3D scene or select the CON# in the tree list. Here you can add either ended or continuous related members by clicking on the axis directions X, Y, Z according to the global coordinate system.

By default, there have been 4 related members already added, you can start editing them one by one. Select the related member RM1 either in the 3D scene or in the tree list and modify its properties as cross-section, length, and supports at the free ends.

Edit the related member RM2 the same way.

Modify the related member RM4 accordingly, only that we add the free end support in the X direction as well.

And last edit the related member RM3, changing its direction to be subsequent to the analyzed column with no free end supports.

4 Loads

In the tree menu Loads, we can add and modify load effects. A load effect stands for a group to which we can add one or more distributed loads on any analyzed or related member. Alternatively, within a load effect, we can input nodal internal forces on member ends.

One load effect containing a line load has been generated automatically. Modify it, add 2 more line loads, and assign it to related members, change its magnitudes and location. Also, add an end compression force to the related column member RM3.

5 Connections

Now you can design the joints. Select a node cube in the 3D scene or select a CON# in the tree list and click on Edit connection.

You can start with the column base - the joint CON1.  IDEA StatiCa Connection application opens and you can design the joint by adding operations.

By right-clicking on the column add just a Base plate operation and modify the anchor's size and other parameters.

Next, select the upper joint CON2 and edit it.

First, right-click on the member RM3, select Connect to... and pick member AM1 and select the plate to plate template. Edit the position and other parameters and add bigger bolts.