Create a custom cross-section
The module esa.07 General Cross-section (old protection) or sen.05 General cross-section editor (cloud protection) allows users to create their own cross-sections.
Go to the cross-section library and choose a new section.
![Cross sections library in menu](/sites/default/files/styles/embed_medium/public/images/2022-05/SciaEngineer_MCPJw0arir_0.png?itok=zXsrVe-O)
Then choose General:
![General cross section in library](/sites/default/files/styles/embed_medium/public/images/2022-05/SciaEngineer_o5pYb7ceZ8_0.png?itok=HF7TPE7r)
After adding the General cross-section, the Cross-section editor is opened:
![cross section editor](/sites/default/files/styles/embed_medium/public/images/2022-05/SciaEngineer_jJhZosxC0b_0.png?itok=Dh9H50Ji)
In this cross-section editor, a custom cross-section can be created.
Cross-sections to start the drawing from can be loaded from the cross-section library or dwgs can be loaded from a CAD-program. For more information, see also the FAQ about importing cross-sections from DWG (FAQ ESA1111).
Or it is possible to draw your own cross-section in this editor. The materials these cross-sections consist of can also be chosen. For instance a steel tube filled with concrete can be created as cross-section.
![custom cross section editor](/sites/default/files/styles/embed_medium/public/images/2022-05/SciaEngineer_yXPbVuSw5N_0.png?itok=1nNKylkJ)
After having created your own cross-section, click on ‘Update’. Now the properties of the cross-section are calculated.
![update cross section properties](/sites/default/files/styles/embed_medium/public/images/2022-05/SciaEngineer_K3NrZaxNBz.png?itok=UGZ2fmbT)
These properties are used by the program for calculating the internal forces and deformations.