Metal Bldg Frame

[StructTaco]

Has anyone ever modeled a tapered beam/col frame for a metal bldg? The nonprismatic beam definition starts and ends with a wide flange section, not sure if this accurate, aren't they welded plate girders?

 

[slickdeals]

You can model a nonprismatic member in ETABS and use it for analysis. I am not sure it designs the member though.

 

[stressed]

There's an ETABS FAQ on engineered tapered section on the CSI website under the Support section. Use the "Add" I/Wide flange to use plate girders instead of using standard steel shape from a library