Flange restraints must be specified for both the top and bottom flanges at each end of a design group and at each intermediate restraint position. These inputs are used to determine the effective flange restraints along the length of the member, for each load case.
The Generate flange restraints tool can be accessed by clicking the “Generate Flange Restraints” button in the Steel Member Design Form. Alternatively, once a steel member has been created, the form can be accessed by right clicking on the steel member and selecting “Generate Flange Restraints Based on Node Positions”.
This tool helps to specify flange restraints at the end of a steel member, and at intermediate nodes along the length of the member.
End Flange Restraints
These are the flange restraints that will be placed at the ends of the steel member.
Intermediate Flange Restraints
Flange restraints will be placed at the intermediate nodes along the steel member depending on which options you select in this area of the form. Your choices are any or all of the following:
When multiple intermediate flange restraint options are applicable to the same node and flange, priority is given to intermediate nodes in the following order:
Apply Ignore (I) segment where members contain a manual/built up type section
Automatically places an “I” for ignore in the flange restraint code for any beam segments with a section source of manual, or a section that is created from the shape builder using multiple shapes to build up the section.
Restraint Type Help
The effectiveness of flange restraints depends on the combined influence of restraint types at both the critical flange and the opposing flange. This button brings up a form which provides information about the effective restraint. This form is purely informative and does not alter the steel member design data in any way.
See also Steel member design data.