How to create double-I column?

[Ali.Katebi]

Hi all

I need to create double-I or triplex-I columns. How can I do this correctly and in principle?

Thanks

 

[RPTHOMAS108]

Assembly in project or family? Often such choices depend on how many of them you have.

For a family this is no different to creating any column family, multiple profiles set around an origin with a sweep or extrusion. Could use family type parameters to designate section types making up column (I section profile types).

Probably a further decision is if and how you intend to use steel connections later. When you create a complex column family on a single line it probably limits what you can do with standard connections for incoming beams i.e. the connection recognising that connecting to the web of a single UB column is the same as connecting to one of a pair in an assembly in terms of geometry. If there is likely to be no such thing as a standard connection to these columns then I prefer families.

[Ali.Katebi]

I created a double-I UB/IPE column. I'll attach it, but as you told, my big problem is steel connections. When I click on the connection tools, there is actually no connection in the Type selector, while I have loaded all the connections.

 

[RPTHOMAS108]

Connections may be referring to the 'Section Shape' family parameter, so you could try finding something for that and populating the associated length parameters.

Probably nearest you can set it to is 'Rectangular HSS' however this assumes a constant wall thickness. So there may be issues there in terms of connecting to flange vs web.

There just aren't enough Section Shapes to choose from i.e. no welded box, no rolled ASB (Slimflor beam).

Probably your standard connections are going to fall short of requirements regardless i.e. if your incoming beam is central to flange it is going through welded plate between sections and not wholly through one of the individual UB flanges.

[YarUnderoaker]

If you want to use steel connections with compound columns you must model it from single elements which has standard section shape. I often modeling double angles from two mirrored angle and connect it by binding plate connection. Also use gusset plate for one of the angle and increase bolt length manually to connect other angle.