Step 1: Open the Section Property Dialog

From the Geometry tab on the top ribbon, select the Section option. This opens the Section Property Assignment dialog box, allowing you to define or assign cross-section properties to members.

Step 2: Choose the Section Type

In the left panel, expand the IS Indian → ISMB (I-Sections) list. These are predefined I-beam profiles conforming to IS 808 standards.

Step 3: Select the Required Beam Size

Choose ISMB 100 from the list. The properties panel displays details such as:

• Mass = 8.9 kg/m
• Area = 0.00114 m²
• Depth (D) = 0.1 m
• Flange Width (B) = 0.05 m
• Thickness (Tf) = 0.007 m

Step 4: Review Section Properties

IMDAS automatically loads the geometric and sectional properties from the section database, such as:

• I_z,I_y,Z_y, Z_z, J, r_y, and r_z values

Step 5: Set the Section Orientation

In the Section Orientation area, choose the correct axis alignment. Option 1 (as shown in the image) sets the local Y-axis vertically, which is typical for columns and beams.

Step 6: Apply the Section

Once all parameters are reviewed, click Add to add the selected section to your model then click Close to finish.

Step 1: Open the Custom Section Dialog

From the Frame Designer tab, click on the Section icon and choose Define Custom Section as highlighted in the image. This opens a dialog that allows you to create new section shapes not found in the standard database.

Step 2: Select the Section Type

Use the dropdown menu to choose the desired section shape. Available options include:

• Rectangle
• Circular
• Tubular Pipe
• Built-Up 'T' or Box Section
• Cold-Formed Channel or Hat Section
• Taper Section
• Custom Profile

The example image shows a Rectangular section type selected.

Step 3: Enter Section Dimensions

Specify the section’s geometric dimensions — such as B (width) and D (depth) — in meters. The section diagram on the right updates automatically to reflect these values.

Step 4: Review Property Table

Once dimensions are entered, the program calculates the sectional properties like area, moment of inertia, and section modulus, and displays them in the Property Table.

Step 5: Apply or Add Section

After reviewing, click Apply to preview the section, or Add to permanently include it in your section library for use in the model.

Step 6: Save and Assign

Click Close to exit the dialog. You can now assign this custom section to any beam or column members in your model.

Step 1: Open the Material Definition Dialog

From the Geometry tab, click on the Material icon highlighted in red in the image above. This opens the Material Properties dialog box where you can select required materials.

Step 2: Select Material Category

The left panel lists predefined material libraries:

• Indian (IS 2062)
• American

Under the Indian standard, grades like E165, E250, E300, E350, E410, and E450 are available.

Step 3: Choose Material Grade

Select E 250 (1) from the list. The corresponding material properties will automatically appear in the table on the right.

Step 4: Review Material Properties

The software loads default values as per IS 2062:

Step 5: Add or Edit Material

Click Add Material to include it in your project library.

Step 6: Assign Material to Members

Once defined, assign the material to specific members in your model when creating new members or update material using the Property grid options before performing analysis.