Hi

This link may answer your question: 

http://file.scirp.org/pdf/CS_2016061516424947.pdf

Why not?!! but consider interface element if needed.

It is possible to analyze a beam or column just in software, but you should pay attention to this point that how we can be sure about our analysis. we have to compare that real data with software data to be sure about results. but most of the time especially for huge and expensive construction the use software analysis after that they make that things because they can't make a mistake. but for your case i think it is better to make a real sample sand compare with software analyze.