To compute the deflections in the structure it is necessary to know the geometric and material properties of the members that make up the structure.  Multiframe has a library of pre-defined section properties for the most commonly used steel sections.  If you wish to use structural sections other than those pre-defined in the Sections Library, see "Adding a custom section" below.

Note that Multiframe uses the word "Member " to describe a geometric component of a structure such as a beam, column or strut and the word "Section" to describe a particular structural shape or section with its own material and geometric properties.  Each member of the structure is constructed using a particular section.

To specify the section for a member

§    Select the member or members to be specified

§    Choose Section Type  from the Frame menu

A dialog box will appear with a list of the groups and sections available in the Sections Library.

§    Click on the name of the group you wish to choose from

§    Click on the name of the section you wish to choose

§    Click the OK button

You must specify the section type for every member in the structure before carrying out the analysis.

You can display the sectional shapes on the members in the Frame window by using the Symbol command from the Display menu and turning on Section Shapes.