Product(s):	OpenBuildings Designer
	Version(s):	CONNECT Edition
	Area:	Structural Design

Problem

For project purposes, I need a custom-shaped structural member made up of concrete, steel, aluminum, or other materials. How can this be done? 

Solution

This requirement can be fulfilled using the User Shape Manager tool in OpenBuildings Designer, where there are multiple shapes available from which a custom structural element can be created by inputting the required dimensions. In the video below, for example, we have created an I-shape conical member and placed it as a column: