Adding a Post
In PLAN VIEW or MODEL VIEW (3D), click on the beam you would like to add the post to. A pop up will appear. Select Modify/Add post.
Select the number of posts from the drop-down menu.
By default, intermediate posts are distributed evenly
Deleting a Post
If you want to remove an end post that the software has automatically added, select the post you want and select “OFF”
The red square is replaced by a line
This is handy if you want to shift a post from a fascia beam to a return beam. In this example I have selected the left return beam and chosen “Modify/Add Posts”
I turned “ON” the post corresponding to the right dotted circle end of the beams, the End Post and chose to offset it by 150mm
Before:
After:
Moving a Post
To change the position of the end posts, slide them in or select the dimension below the line and type in the desired distance
To change the intermediate post position, un-select “Evenly Space Internal Post”
The intermediate posts will change from grey to red.
Select and type the dimensions you want or slide the posts left or right
Gable structures
In Gable Structures the posts are represented by lines only; the Start and End Post must be turned “ON” to move them
Once you have turned the posts on you can move them as outlined above
IMPORTANT
If you move a corner post away from the corner, it will be seen by the software as an Intermediate post and will then be treated as such
This means the Top Connection Style assigned to Intermediate posts in the Properties Tab will then be applied to that post as well.
If the top connection style is “Beam To Side” you will get a Cantilever fail
SOLUTION
Select the post which has been shifted and change the Top Connection Style to “Notched” or “Post Behind Beam”
The beam will now pass Engineering
Other Post Modification Options
Selecting an individual posts allows you to choose several options:
Modify Post
Add a Downpipe
Change Footing Type
It also gives you the details of the post at the bottom of the pop-up
Modify Post
Change the individual post size
Change the individual post colour
Change the individual post to-connection style
This will override the connection style chosen in the properties tab for that post only
Modify post length for individually longer posts in cases of sloping or uneven land
Add a Downpipe
You can choose to have downpipes added automatically by ticking the box in the Gutters and Downpipes Tab or you can untick the box and add them individually
The Choose Downpipe Window gives the recommendation based on roof area of your structure
Allows you to select which option is most relevant for your design
“Offset under Eave” will only add a downpipe at an eave attachment
You can remove added Downpipes, by selecting and choosing the “Remove Downpipe” option
This will only be offered if the “Automatically Add Downpipes” is unticked
Modifying Post Footing
Freestanding
You will be given the choices shown on the left, but cannot apply the “Bolt to Slab Flange Post” to more than 50% of the posts
Attached
A 3rd choice may be given – Bolt to Slab (internal Connector) – depending on your state and the wind rating
You will also be given the option to
“Apply to all Footings in Area 1” if you want all footings the same