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ProSteel V8i MicroStation Engineering Fundamentals (metric)

Bentley Institute Course Guide

TRN017710-1/0002

Trademark Notice Bentley and the "B" Bentley logo are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. AccuDraw, MDL, MicroStation, and SmartLine are registered trademarks; PopSet and Raster Manager are trademarks. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.

ProSteel V8i MicroStation Engineering Fundamentals

Mar-12

Table of Contents ProSteel V8i Engineering Fundamentals Overview _________ 9 Course Description ____________________________________ 9

ProSteel V8i MicroStation Modeling Fundamentals ________ 11 Modeling Fundamentals Overview _____________________ 13 Course Description ____________________________________ 13 What is ProSteel V8i? __________________________________ 13 Prerequisites _________________________________________ 13 Course Objectives _____________________________________ 14 Modules Included _____________________________________ 14

Seed File and Model Setup ____________________________ 15 Module Overview _____________________________________ 15 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 15 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 15 Introductory Knowledge ________________________________ 16 Questions ________________________________________ 16 Answers__________________________________________ 16 Training Dataset Installation _____________________________ 17 Program Startup and Seed File Creation ____________________ 18 Units & Measurement Values_________________________ 20 ProSteel Options (Default Settings) ____________________ 21 Module Review _______________________________________ 40 Questions ________________________________________ 40 Answers__________________________________________ 41 Module Summary _____________________________________ 42

Viewing and Moving Around the Model _________________ 43 Module Overview _____________________________________ 43 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 43 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 43 Introductory Knowledge ________________________________ 44 Questions ________________________________________ 44 Answers__________________________________________ 45

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Table of Contents

Lesson 1: Utilizing Structural View Tools____________________ 46 Global Views ______________________________________ 46 Changing the Model View____________________________ 47 Lesson 2: Understanding and Manipulating Clipping Planes ____ 51 Module Review _______________________________________ 53 Questions ________________________________________ 53 Answers__________________________________________ 54

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes ____________ 55 Module Overview _____________________________________ 55 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 55 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 55 Introductory Knowledge ________________________________ 56 Questions ________________________________________ 56 Answers__________________________________________ 57 Handle Editing ________________________________________ 58 Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model _______________________ 62 Editing Steel Shapes and Plates___________________________ 72 Module Review _______________________________________ 80 Questions ________________________________________ 80 Answers__________________________________________ 81

Creating a Workframe _______________________________ 83 Module Overview _____________________________________ 83 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 83 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 83 Introductory Knowledge ________________________________ 84 Questions ________________________________________ 84 Answers__________________________________________ 85 Creating a Workframe and Review Settings _________________ 86 Creating and Manipulating Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families ______________________________________ 98 Display Classes ____________________________________ 98 Area Classes ______________________________________ 100 Part Families ______________________________________ 101 North Direction _______________________________________ 104 User Defined Part Description ________________________ 106 User Defined templates _____________________________ 107 Module Review _______________________________________ 109 Questions ________________________________________ 109 Answers__________________________________________ 110

Inserting and Manipulating Shapes _____________________ 111 Module Overview _____________________________________ 111 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 111

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Table of Contents

Module Objectives_____________________________________ 111 Introductory Knowledge ________________________________ 112 Questions ________________________________________ 112 Answers__________________________________________ 113 Inserting Steel Shapes Using the Line ______________________ 114 Assigning Steel Members to a Display Class _________________ 118 Inserting Steel Shapes Using the 2 Point Method_____________ 119 Module Review _______________________________________ 122 Questions ________________________________________ 122 Answers__________________________________________ 122

Creating Connections Between Elements ________________ 123 Module Overview _____________________________________ 123 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 123 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 123 Introductory Knowledge ________________________________ 124 Questions ________________________________________ 124 Answers__________________________________________ 125 Creating a Basic End Plate Connection _____________________ 126 Modifying Connections Using Editing ______________________ 139 Module Review _______________________________________ 145 Questions ________________________________________ 145 Answers__________________________________________ 146

Creating Base Plates and Cross Bracing __________________ 147 Module Overview _____________________________________ 147 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 147 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 147 Creating Base Plates on Columns _________________________ 148 Drilling the Base Plate to Accommodate Anchor Bolts_________ 156 Creation of Dynamic and Static Bracings ___________________ 162 Module Review _______________________________________ 173 Questions ________________________________________ 173 Answers__________________________________________ 174

Purlin Courses, Web Angles and Shear Plate Connections ___ 175 Module Overview _____________________________________ 175 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 175 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 175 Introductory Knowledge ________________________________ 176 Questions ________________________________________ 176 Answers__________________________________________ 177 Creating the Purlins ____________________________________ 178 Coping the Beam and Adding Web Angle Connections ________ 198

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Table of Contents

Structural Elements __________________________________ 201 Module Overview _____________________________________ 201 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 201 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 202 Creating the Handrail __________________________________ 203 Creating the Stairs _____________________________________ 209 Ladder and Frame Structural Elements_____________________ 218 Creating Custom Workframes (View) ______________________ 224

Extras _____________________________________________ 227 Module Overview _____________________________________ 227 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 227 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 227 User Created Shapes ___________________________________ 228 Standard User Shape ___________________________________ 229 Roof & Wall Panels ____________________________________ 234 Combined Shapes _____________________________________ 234 Welded Shapes _______________________________________ 239 Export to Pure MicroStation _____________________________ 244 Centre of Gravity ______________________________________ 244 Collision Detection_____________________________________ 245 Unfold ______________________________________________ 246

ProSteel V8i MicroStation Detailing Fundamentals ________ 249 Detailing Fundamentals Overview ______________________ 251 Course Description ____________________________________ 251 Target Audience_______________________________________ 251 Prerequisites _________________________________________ 252 Course Objectives _____________________________________ 252 Modules Included _____________________________________ 252

User Defined Styles and Symbols _______________________ 255 Module Overview _____________________________________ 255 Lesson 1: User Defined Styles ____________________________ 255 Bolt Style _________________________________________ 256 Detail Style___________________________________________ 260 Elevation Flag Style _________________________________ 260 Position Flag Style __________________________________ 261 Weld Flag Style ____________________________________ 261 Lesson 2: User Defined Symbols __________________________ 264 Benchmark symbol (north direction) ___________________ 264 Elevation Flags Symbol ______________________________ 266 Grid Text Blocks Symbol _____________________________ 267 Manual Cut Symbol_________________________________ 268

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Table of Contents

Position Flags Symbol _______________________________ 269 Weld Flags Symbol _________________________________ 269

ProSteel Grouping ___________________________________ 271 Module Overview _____________________________________ 271 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 271 Lesson 1: ProSteel Grouping _____________________________ 272 Grouping _________________________________________ 272 Assemblies________________________________________ 272 Groups___________________________________________ 272 Lesson 2: Parts in a Group _______________________________ 278 Lesson 3: Controlling Model Display via the Groups Function ___ 279 Lesson 4: Adding Component Parts to a Group ______________ 282

Creating and Manipulating Part Families ________________ 283 Module Overview _____________________________________ 283 Modules Objectives ____________________________________ 283 Lesson 1: Creating and Manipulating Part Families ___________ 284 Part Families ______________________________________ 284 Lesson 2: User‐defined Part Description____________________ 287

Positioning and Material Takeoffs ______________________ 291 Module Overview _____________________________________ 291 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 291 Lesson 1: Positioning the Model __________________________ 292 Lesson 2: Creating an External Parts List____________________ 307 Lesson 3: Creating a Drawing Parts List_____________________ 315 Module Summary _____________________________________ 323

Detail Center _______________________________________ 325 Module Overview _____________________________________ 325 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 326 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 326 Lesson 1: Loading and Reviewing the 2D Detail Centre ________ 327 What is the DetailCenter?____________________________ 328 Level 1: The Parts Tab Overview_______________________ 329 Level 2: The Views Tab Overview ______________________ 334 Level 3: The Insert Tab (Detail Block) Overview ___________ 337 Lesson 2: Assigning a View to a Style and Creating a 2D Deliverable Drawing_________________________________ 346 Objectives ________________________________________ 346 Lesson 3: Modifying the Model and Automatically Updating the Detail Drawings ____________________________________ 361 Objectives ________________________________________ 361

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Table of Contents

Detail Styles ________________________________________ 363 Module Overview _____________________________________ 363 Saving Styles ______________________________________ 363 Partial Loading of Style Parameters ____________________ 364 Module Prerequisites __________________________________ 364 Module Objectives_____________________________________ 364 Example 1: Anchor Plan_________________________________ 365 Example 2: Single Part DetailStyle_________________________ 373 Sample Shape Detail Drawing_________________________ 376 Example 3: Beam Group Detail ___________________________ 377 Example 4: Marking Elevation Detail ______________________ 383

Appendix A ‐ Bentley ProSteel Course Setup _____________ 387 Module Overview _____________________________________ 387 View Tools ___________________________________________ 387 Element Tools ________________________________________ 390 Edit Tools ____________________________________________ 392 Utility Tools __________________________________________ 395 Detail Style Dialogs ____________________________________ 397

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Table of Contents

ProSteel V8i Engineering Fundamentals Overview Course Description The ProSteel V8i MicroStation Engineering Fundamentals course is composed of two parts: Modeling Fundamentals and Detailing Fundamentals. Modeling Fundamentals allows you to model your actual structure in a manner similar to actual erection of the structure. This model is then used by the program to automatically generate the required 2D shop drawings. After you have created a model, completed your edits, and possibly issued a preliminary parts list, the creations of the 2D layouts (plan, elevations and sections of the building) can begin. This will be covered in the Detailing Fundamentals part of this course.

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ProSteel V8i Engineering Fundamentals Overview

Course Description

ProSteel V8i Engineering Fundamentals Overview

Mar-12

ProSteel V8i MicroStation Modeling Fundamentals

ProSteel V8i

Bentley Institute Course Guide

ProSteel V8i MicroStation Modeling Fundamentals

Mar-12

Modeling Fundamentals Overview Course Description This chapter provides an overview of the Bentley ProSteel V8i MicroStation Modeling course.

What is ProSteel V8i? Bentley ProSteel V8i (PSV8i) is a structural steel construction application for AutoCAD. If you have previously used traditional AutoCAD tools or other 2D applications to create steel construction drawings, you will need to adjust to a new method of creating drawings. ProSteel 3D allows you to model your actual structure in a manner similar to actual erection of the structure. This model is then used by the program to automatically generate the required 2D shop drawings. In this course, you will cover the basics of the ProSteel Modeling functionality and how to take advantage of MicroStation tools while using ProSteel.

Prerequisites

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•

Engineering background in structural steel construction

•

A fundamental knowledge or previous course in MicroStation 3D is advantageous

Modeling Fundamentals Overview

Course Objectives

Course Objectives After completing this course, you will be able to: •

Use ProSteel V8i Modeling successfully on a project

Modules Included The following modules are included in this course: •

Templates and Model Setup

•

Viewing and Moving Around the Model

•

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

•

Creating a Workframe

•

Inserting and Manipulating Shapes

•

Creating Connections Between Elements

•

Creating Base Plates and Cross Bracing

•

Construction Groups

•

Purlin Courses, Web Angles, and Shear Plate Connections

•

Structural Elements

•

Positioning and Material Takeoffs

•

Creating Drawings

Modeling Fundamentals Overview

Mar-12

Seed File and Model Setup Module Overview This module covers the creation of the ProSteel MicroStation project and establishing a MicroStation dgn seed file used when starting a new Bentley ProSteel V8i model. In addition, you will learn how to set ProSteel V8i options and/or default settings.

Module Prerequisites •

Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation etc.

•

Previous experience with a 3D CAD system, preferably MicroStation V8i

Module Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to:

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•

Install the training dataset

•

Establish the ProSteel project for MicroStation

•

Start ProSteel for MicroStation

•

Open the Seed model dgn

•

Become knowledgeable of the Units of Measure and Design File working units and how they relate

•

Access the ProSteel Options dialog

•

Learn what is controlled by the settings in this dialog and how to obtain help for further explanation

Seed File and Model Setup

Introductory Knowledge

Introductory Knowledge Before you begin this module, let's define what you already know.

Questions 1

How do you start a Windows Explorer session?

How do you create a new folder in Windows?

In MicroStation a Level is equivalent to a ______ in AutoCAD?

In MicroStation, a LineStyle is equivalent to _____in AutoCAD?

Answers 1

How do you start a Windows Explorer session? Right mouse click on the Windows Start button, then select Explore.

How do you create a new folder in Windows? Navigate to the location of where you want the new folder to reside and right mouse click in a blank area of the right hand column of the Windows Explorer session. Then select New, then Folder.

In MicroStation a Level is equivalent to a Layer in AutoCAD.

In MicroStation a LineStyle is equivalent to LineType in AutoCAD.

Seed File and Model Setup

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Training Dataset Installation

Training Dataset Installation This topic will cover the installation of the training dataset and the establishment of the ProSteel Project for MicroStation. 

Exercise: Installing the training dataset 1

Create a new folder in C: named ProSteelWorkspaceTemp

Move the delivered Workspace.zip into the new folder

Right mouse click on the Workspace.zip and do an "Extract Here" from the right click menu

Navigate in the Workspace folder to C:\ProSteelWorkSpaceTemp\WorkSpace\Projects\Examples

Open another Windows Explorer session

In the new window, navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\MicroStation\WorkSpace \Projects\Examples

Copy the ProSteel Folder and the ProSteel.pcf from C:\ProSteelWorkSpaceTemp\WorkSpace\Projects\Examples to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ Bentley\MicroStation\WorkSpace\Projects\Examples

Your window should look like the one above. This establishes the ProSteel Project for MicroStation.

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Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

Program Startup and Seed File Creation This topic covers starting ProSteel V8i and opening the model seed file. ProSteel V8i has all the capabilities of MicroStation, plus features that accelerate and ease working on models of steel structures. 

Exercise: Starting ProSteel 1

Start ProSteel (Windows Start menu > All Programs > ProSteel V8i) or double click the ProSteel V8i icon on your desktop.

In the File open dialog, set the following: •

User: examples

•

Project: ProSteel

•

Interface: default

•

Look in: ProSteel seed, then open training_ProSteel3D_V8i_Metric.dgn

Note: In the Look in area of the File Open dialog, you might need to navigate

up one level to the ProSteel folder and then to the seed folder. 3

If the initial seed file were not a ProSteel seed file such as one of the 3D seed files delivered with MicroStation, the following dialog will appear. If this happens, select Metric (Measurement Unit) for this training. However, if the project is in imperial units the option to set up for these units is provided here.

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

MicroStation will start and load the ProSteel V8i menu and toolbars, which provides access to an integrated set of ProSteel Design applications and supplemental utilities.

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Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

Units & Measurement Values This topic provides introductory knowledge to Units of Measure used by ProSteel and how they relate to MicroStation Design File Working Units. ProSteel uses MicroStation units, so you must set your units as you normally do with MicroStation. Keep in mind you will have to set the units for the 3D model and the 2D drawing files. This can be achieved in advance of model or drawing creation by preparing dgn seed files for modelling and for 2D drawings. Consequently ProSteel also needs another variable to be set properly in order to be able to insert the steel shapes in the proper dimensions. Let us explain here how it all works. Shape Databases are populated with all the information needed to build each steel shape. The information in the shape's databases is either in metric or imperial values. ProSteel knows which system was used in each database thanks to the shape configuration. Once inside a dgn file, ProSteel needs to know what system is going to be used there. As a result, ProSteel can now tell if it needs to convert the size of a shape read on a metric database to be inserted into a metric (no conversion needed) or an imperial (25.4 scale down factor) model. These two settings (Units & Measurement) are very important in ProSteel. We strongly recommend you set these up inside a seed file for each possible combination you might need so you do not need to worry about it ever again. 

Exercise: Set the Design File Working units 1

To set the Design file working units go to Setting > Design file > Working Units set as below.

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

Note: Once the model is started in either measurement system, it cannot be

converted to the other measurement system.

ProSteel Options (Default Settings) This topic will discuss ProSteel setup options and demonstrate how to access the Options Dialog. It will also reveal how to obtain additional information on the various settings. Here we will take a look at the ProSteel V8i settings done within ProSteel V8i. Keep in mind that because ProSteel V8i needs to differentiate metric from imperial drawings, these settings exist in double. When ProSteel V8i installs it should by default give you access to the templates included in the installation. You can modify these settings and save them as templates for each different situation that you need (per project, per client, per job, etc). 

Mar-12

Exercise: Accessing the Settings 1

The training_ProSteel3D_V8i_Metric.dgn should still be open. If not, reopen using ProSteel.

Open the ProSteel Options (ProSteel V8i menu > ProSteel Options) dialog shown below.

Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

This multi‐tabbed dialog contains the default settings data, or global settings information, for the model. 3

Assign the Options option parameters shown below, then go to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

OK...Saves changes to the settings modified in any section of the Dialog made after the dialog were opened last. The user must also do a File > Save Settings before exiting the MicroStation session to maintain the settings changes. Cancels any changes made since opening the dialog and after the last OK. Opens the ProSteel Help document pertinent to the settings in the dialog. Provides a method of saving the settings to a template for use later.

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

Assign the Grips option parameters shown below, then go to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

Assign the Shapes option parameters shown below, then go to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

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Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

Assign the Shape Label option parameters shown below, then go to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

Text Size and Distance are relative to 1 Master Unit (MU) in the MicroStation dgn. 7

Assign the Sketch Display option parameters shown below, then go to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

Assign the Naming Conventions option parameters as shown below, then go to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

Hint: Dialogs in MicroStation are Windows compliant. This enables them to be

"ripped out of" the MicroStation session window and makes comparing what is being displayed in the MicroStation dialog to the graphic above much easier by bringing the dialog closer to the graphic. 9

Assign the Flat Steel Selection option parameters as shown below, then go to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

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Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

10 Assign the Straight Plates option parameters as shown below, then go to

the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

11 Assign the Plate Label option parameters as shown below, then go to the

next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

12 Assign the Plate Description option parameters as shown below, then go

to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

13 Assign the Calculation Method option parameters as shown below, then

go to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

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Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

14 Assign the Bolts option parameters as shown below, then go to the next

selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

15 Assign the Workframe option parameters as shown below, then go to the

next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

16 Assign the Assembly option parameters as shown below, then go to the

next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

17 Assign the Values option parameters as shown below, then go to the next

selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

(Continuation below)

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Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

18 Assign the Logical Links option parameters as shown below, then go to the

next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings. Note: The "allow additional data" checkbox affects only the DetailCenter.

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

19 Assign the Revision Check option parameters as shown below, then go to

the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings. Note: Do not set these to "Ask to delete position numbers".

20 Assign the Display option parameters as shown below, then go to the next

selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

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Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

21 Assign the Colours option parameters as shown below, then go to the next

selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

Colours Options settings continued:

(Continuation)

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

22 Assign the Monitor Colours option parameters as shown below, then go to

the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

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Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

23 Assign the Configuration / Isometric View option parameters as shown

below, then go to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

24 Assign the Layer option parameters as shown below, then go to the next

selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

(Continuation below)

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

(Continuation)

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Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

25 Assign the Flat Steel Selection option parameters as shown below, then go

to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

26 Assign the Dialog Settings option parameters as shown below, then go to

the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

27 Assign the Tooltips option parameters as shown below, then go to the

next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

28 Assign the Classes / Families option parameters as shown below, then go

to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

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Seed File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Seed File Creation

29 Assign the Match Properties option parameters as shown below, then go

to the next selection or select OK if you have completed all settings.

30 When all of the settings have been set, press OK to apply all of the settings

to the ProSteel model. 31 From the MicroStation File drop down, click on File > Save Settings. 32 Set Dialog Settings option to Expert Mode.

An additional field will be added to ProSteel Options.

Seed File and Model Setup

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Program Startup and Seed File Creation

Hint: After doing some configurations using the expert mode, always set it back to

beginner mode.

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Seed File and Model Setup

Module Review

Module Review Now that you have completed this module, let's measure what you have learned.

Questions 1

What directory is the default location for MicroStation projects?

To make it more convenient to create new model files, where should the ProSteel set up options be made?

Where are the Design File working units set?

How can someone obtain more help on explaining the set up options?

Seed File and Model Setup

Mar-12

Module Review

Answers 1

What directory is the default location for MicroStation projects? C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\MicroStation\WorkSpace\Projects

To make it more convenient to create new model files, where should the ProSteel set up options be made? In the Project Seed File. Then use the seed file to create new models.

Where are the Design File working units set? From the MicroStation Drop Down menu, select Settings > Design File > Working Units.

How can someone obtain more help on explaining the set up options? Click on this icon in the ProSteel Options dialog, which will take you directly to the section of the ProSteel Help pertaining to the Options settings.

Mar-12

Seed File and Model Setup

Module Summary

Module Summary You are now able to: •

Install the training dataset

•

Establish the ProSteel project for MicroStation

•

Start ProSteel for MicroStation

•

Open the Seed model dgn

•

Set the Design File working units and have an understanding of how they relate to ProSteel's Units of Measure

•

Access the ProSteel Options dialog

•

Adjust the settings in the ProSteel Options dialog to suit your particular project needs and know how to obtain help for further explanation of these settings.

Seed File and Model Setup

Mar-12

Viewing and Moving Around the Model Module Overview In this module, you will learn about ProSteel's View manipulation functions. The ProSteel tools provided to adjust the MicroStation ACS will also be covered. There are two Lessons in this module. Each Lesson begins with a list of objectives that define the information that you will learn in that Lesson. A number of Exercises are provided in each Lesson, which are designed to teach you the stated objectives.

Module Prerequisites •

Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation and so forth

•

Previous experience with a 3D CAD system, preferably MicroStation V8i

•

Completion of previous modules in this course recommended

Module Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to:

Mar-12

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Change the view of the model

•

Center a shape in the view

•

Set the ACS by a shape either at a point or centered on the shape

•

Understand what Clipping Planes are and how they affect the view of the model

•

Turn clipping planes on and off

•

Change the clipping plane distances so as to change the resultant view

Viewing and Moving Around the Model

Introductory Knowledge

Introductory Knowledge Before you begin this module, let's define what you already know.

Questions 1

What is ACS and what is it used for?

How is a Clipping Plane useful in 3D design work?

If the ACS Triad wasn't showing, which of the options below could you use to make it visible? •

Close MicroStation and hope it becomes visible when you restart.

•

Turn on the ACS level to make it visible.

•

Enable its display in View Attributes Dialog.

•

Set it in the Display Tab of the ProSteel Options.

Viewing and Moving Around the Model

Mar-12

Introductory Knowledge

Answers 1

What is ACS and what is it used for? An Auxiliary Coordinate System (ACS) is defined so that you can place elements on planes at different depths and orientations.

How is a Clipping Plane useful in 3D design work? Front and Back Clipping Planes define the limits of visible elements, effectively stopping you from seeing anything that is outside of the clipping planes. It is used to remove the display of unwanted elements making it easier to focus on those elements you are designing or modifying at the moment.

If the ACS Triad wasn't showing, which of the options below could you use to make it visible? •

Mar-12

Enable its display in View Attributes Dialog.

Lesson 1: Utilizing Structural View Tools

Lesson 1: Utilizing Structural View Tools Different types of views are available in ProSteel V8i. Some are automatically created while others are user defined/created; they are all viewing tools serving the same purpose to make working in a 3D environment much easier than plain MicroStation tools. These views can/will also be used to create engineering 2D plans, elevations, and building cross‐sections as well as fabricators' erection drawings.

Global Views ProSteel V8i provides five isometric view points generated as per settings in the ProSteel V8i Global Settings discussed in the Seed File and Model Setup module. We will now explain how these settings work.

Viewing and Moving Around the Model

Mar-12

Lesson 1: Utilizing Structural View Tools

These views can be used to navigate in the model as well as to generate isometric views of the whole structure or of individual parts, assemblies or connection details. By clicking any of the five provided views, you will notice the viewing direction of the model changes according to those settings.

Changing the Model View In this exercise, you will learn how to change the view of the model utilizing ProSteel's Overview and Choose View commands.

Mar-12

Lesson 1: Utilizing Structural View Tools



Exercise: Changing the View Within the Model 1

Open the VIEWMOD.dgn training drawing (File menu > Open).

Browse to the DESIGNS directory. Select VIEWMOD.DGN drawing file and then press Open.

Display the model in an isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Try out the other view tools in this menu. Additional view commands are provided in the ProSteel Zoom / View toolbar. When you are finished, return the drawing to the Isometric Overview view.

Another very effective method of changing the view on the model is by using the Choose View command. This function contains predefined views, which are automatically created when a workframe is created. This simplifies the process of viewing a model from any of the standard directional views (e.g., Front, Right, Left etc.).

Open the Select View dialog (ProSteel menu > Zoom/Views > Choose View…) or click the Select View icon.

Select the F1_TOP view, and then press the Set the Current View button. Notice how the view is changed to match the selected view name. Execute the Overview command and switch back to the Overview 1 view.

Select the Choose View command again. Select the TOP view and then press Set ACS. Notice how the ACS is changed to the view but the view of the model does not change.

Viewing and Moving Around the Model

Mar-12

Lesson 1: Utilizing Structural View Tools



Exercise: Switching to an Object View (Object View Tools)

In this exercise, you will learn how to switch the view in the model so a selected shape will be set as the current view and will have the MicroStation ACS set to this shape. 1

Open the BASICS_01.DGN training drawing (File menu >Open). Browse to the Designs directory. Select the BASICS_01.DGN file and press Open.

Change to view to the cross section of the beam (UB203x133x25) (ProSteel V8i menu > Zoom/Views > Object View Centered) or click Overview Centered icon.

Mar-12

Pick the beam located at the angle whose part name is displayed (UB203x133x25). When prompted with the multi‐coloured direction indicator, pick the axis highlighted in yellow and then click your left mouse button to accept the selection.

Notice how the ACS is now centered in the shape and the model view is changed to the cross section of the beam. Experiment with this option by picking a different axis when prompted with the direction indicator. Notice the change in the model view.

Lesson 1: Utilizing Structural View Tools



Exercise: Switching the ACS to an Object (Object ACS Tools)

In this exercise, you will learn how to move the MicroStation ACS to an object at a specific point without changing the model view. 1

Reset the view to the standard isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Center the ACS on the UB356x171x57 member (ProSteel V8i menu > Zoom/Views > Object ACS centered) or click Object ACS centered icon. Pick the same UB356x171x57 member as above, then pick the same left hand axis (yellow). This time notice how the ACS moves to the object but the view does not change.

Try this again and this time pick a different axis and note the change of the ACS location and plane.

Viewing and Moving Around the Model

Mar-12

Lesson 2: Understanding and Manipulating Clipping Planes

Lesson 2: Understanding and Manipulating Clipping Planes In this section, you will learn specifically what a Clipping Plane is and how it affects what you see in the model. Working with a 3D model can quickly become complex, especially if many parts are spatially stacked or overlap one another. By using MicroStation "Clipping Planes," ProSteel offers a command to hide parts in front of and behind the current work plane, or the so‐called cutting plane. This simplifies the construction process significantly since only those objects approximately in the same work plane are visible. This prevents the accidental manipulation of stacked shapes. The term approximately is used here in the sense that only the objects within the Clipping Planes created are visible to the front and rear. If one of the defined views or an object view is selected, the hide option is activated as the default setting unless the command has been deactivated globally. This command can be selectively activated or deactivated to permit viewing the depths of all parts simultaneously for a general overview of the component parts of the model (more on this in a later exercise). 

Mar-12

Exercise: Working with Clipping Planes 1

Open the VIEWMOD.DGN drawing, change back to the standard isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon). Notice the two front‐to‐rear connecting members. The element on the left side of the frame is lower in elevation than the element on the right side of the frame.

Change to the left side view F1_SIDE_L (click Choose View icon).

Select the F1_SIDE_L view from the dialog displayed and then press Set View. Notice that when the model regenerates you are now in the left‐ hand view, but are unable to see the member on the right side of the frame. This is because the clipping plane distance for the left frame view is set to 450mm and the member located on the right side of the frame is outside of this range.

Change to the right side view F1_SIDE_R (click Choose View icon).

Then select the F1_SIDE_R view from the dialog and then press Set View. Notice that the member on the left side of the frame is not visible. Once again this is because the left‐hand member is outside of the clipping distance set for the right‐hand view.

Lesson 2: Understanding and Manipulating Clipping Planes



Exercise: Toggling Clipping Planes On and Off

In this exercise you will learn how to toggle the state of the clipping planes using the Flip command.



Change to the left side view F1_SIDE_L (click Choose View icon).

Select the F1_SIDE_L view from the dialog displayed and then press Set View. Notice that the members located on the right side of the model are not visible.

Toggle the clipping planes OFF (ProSteel V8i Menu > Zoom/Views > Clipplane >Flip) or click Clip Planes Flip icon.

Notice how the clipping planes are deactivated and the members on the right side of the model are now visible.

Repeat the Flip command several times noting the change in the view of the model.

Exercise: Changing Clipping Plane Distances

In this exercise you will learn how to change the clip plane distance so that even though the clip planes are still ON, the view in the model will change to show members that were originally outside of the clipping planes. 1

Change to the left side view F1_SIDE_L (click Choose View icon).

Select the F1_SIDE_L view from the dialog displayed and then press Set View.

Change the clipping planes so that the view displays the members located on the right side of the model (ProSteel V8i Menu > Zoom/Views > Clipplane > Distance) or click Clip Planes Distance icon.

On executing the Clipplane distance command, the "Current Clipping Plane Distances" dialog is invoked. Enter a value of 2500 for the Back Distance and keep front distance set to 450 and press OK. Note that the view now shows the column in the middle of the model.

Note: You will learn later how to set the clip planes at the time the Workframe

is generated.

Viewing and Moving Around the Model

Mar-12

Module Review

Module Review Now that you have completed this module, let's measure what you have learned.

Questions

Mar-12

How do I set a pre‐defined ISO View?

When I applied a pre‐defined front view, why can't I see some of the members?

How do I set an ACS without changing the model's view?

Module Review

Answers 1

How do I set a pre‐defined ISO View? Click the Isometric Overview icon

When I applied a pre‐defined front view, why can't I see some of the members? Clip Planes have been set, and the Clip planes toggle button is on.

How do I set an ACS without changing the model's view? Click the Object ACS centered icon.

Viewing and Moving Around the Model

Mar-12

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes Module Overview In this chapter, you will learn about ProSteel's Handle edit function used to edit and manipulate steel shapes and plates and other elements. There are three lessons in this chapter. Each lesson begins with a list of objectives that define the information that you will learn in that lesson. A number of Exercises are provided in each lesson that are designed to teach you the topics listed in the Objectives section at the start of each lesson.

Module Prerequisites •

Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation etc.

•

Previous experience with a 3D CAD system, preferably MicroStation V8i

•

Completion of previous modules in this course recommended

Module Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to:

Mar-12

•

Activate the handles and invoke the ProSteel Properties (ProSteel Properties) function

•

Change various shape properties such as size, type and length

•

Modify structural objects such as workframes

•

Draw Steel Shapes in the model

•

Edit steel shapes and plates

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Introductory Knowledge

Introductory Knowledge Before you begin this module, let's define what you already know.

Questions 1

What are Edit Handles?

When the Edit Handles aren't displaying when you click on an element, you just have to set the View attribute for them. True or False?

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Introductory Knowledge

Answers 1

What are Edit Handles? Edit Handles (or "handles") are used dynamically modify or manipulate elements. They generally appear as coloured squares on elements that can be adjusted.

When the Edit Handles aren't displaying when you click on an element, you just have to set the View attribute for them. True or False? False. If they aren't displaying, you must enable their display on the Element Selection Dialog.

Mar-12

Handle Editing

Handle Editing In this lesson, you will use MicroStation handles to edit steel shapes in order to change size, length, shape, type and display options. You will also use handles to edit ProSteel Objects. 

Exercise: Editing a Shape's Properties

In this exercise, you will learn how to activate a component's handles and subsequently display the Shape Properties dialog. This dialog enables you to modify the properties that define a shape. 1

Open the BASICS_01.DGN training model (File menu > Open).

Browse to the training file directory. Select the BASICS_01.DGN file and press Open.

Open the Shape Properties dialog.

Zoom in on the wide flange beam labelled UC 203x203x46. Using the left mouse button, pick the element to invoke its MicroStation handles (which should appear as blue squares).

With the handles of the element still highlighted, right‐click and select PS 3D Properties from the context menu.

The Shape Properties dialog will display as shown below.

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Handle Editing

A brief description of the shape property tab settings is provided below.

Mar-12

•

Layout Tab: contains the display options for the shape.

•

Shape Type Tab: contains the shape type, class, and size of the shape.

•

Position Tab: contains information relating to shape's insertion point and orientation.

•

Analysis View Tab: Analysis Effective Centerlines are a parallel view of the CAD model used for structural analysis. This tab defines endpoints of these lines and whether they are automatic or user defined.

•

Data Tab: contains parts list data.

•

Values Tab: contains dimensional and weight information.

•

Cuts Tab: contains information with regard to cuts on the shape.

•

Loglinks Tab: contains the setting for links between elements.

•

Conical Tab: contains data pertaining to the slope of a shape placed in the drawing.

•

Assignments Tab: contains data for detailing the part and displaying the part in relation to the model and other shapes in the model.

Change the shape size: select the Shape Type tab on the Shape Properties dialog. Select UB 203x133x25 from the Shape Size drop down. Notice the change of the shape in the model.

ProSteel uses "non‐modal" dialogs. This is a major benefit when editing a shape or other object as the changes made in the dialog are immediately reflected in the actual model.

Handle Editing

Switch to the Layout tab and locate the Layout group box in the upper left hand corner of the dialog. Move the dialog off to the side so you can see the shape being edited.

Cycle through the various display methods in the Layout Drop Down and note the changes in the shape and how it changes in the model. Return the display to the Edge Inside mode.

10 In the Options group box on the right hand side of the Layout tab,

experiment with the display options of the shape and note the changes in the model. Disable the Part Label option and notice how the part name associated with the shape is no longer displayed in the model. 11 Switch back to the Shape Type tab and select the Shape Class drop down

and change the shape to a BS_EQUAL shape. In the Shape Size drop down scroll through the list and change the size to an EA 70x70x8 angle. Notice the change in the model.

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Handle Editing

12 Finally, switch to the Values tab and change the value in the Length field to

3250. Notice the change in length of the shape.

13 Return the values to their original settings and close the dialog. Note: Modification with more precision and in relation to other ProSteel objects will

be covered in more depth in the Creating a Workframe module of this course.

Mar-12

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model This section provides an overview of the ProSteel V8i Shapes dialog. You will also learn how to create a steel Shapes template to minimize the shape selection. There are several methods of inserting shapes into a model, including insertion via a line in the model, picking 2 points in the model, and the selection of multiple lines. You can also insert a shape in a cross section, where the shape is drawn in the negative Z‐Axis from the current X‐Y plane. The two most common methods of inserting shapes are the Line method and the 2‐Point method. For our training purposes we focus on these methods. 

Exercise: Creating a template file to minimize the Shape tables

In this exercise, you will learn how to create a template file of the BS steel shapes. 1

Open the TRNMODEL.DGN file.

Change to the standard isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

You will begin by inserting the columns on the FR1 workframe (click Shapes icon).

Before you place a shape you need to minimize the number of shape types displayed within the dialog. To do this, create a template file and save this so that you can recall it later.

From the ProSteel Shapes dialog, press the Display button. As you can see the Shapes Catalog shown below is divided into three main sections.

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model

The list of shape tables shipped with the product is shown on the far left and the list of available shapes for each table is displayed in the center. The Current Shape Classes section on the right contains only the shapes you want to see when you invoke the Shapes Insert command.

Mar-12

Alter the Current Shape Classes to show only the BSI British steel shapes and have them display in Metric units. To begin, press the << button to remove all the shapes from the Current Shape Classes section.

Next, disable all of the options in the catalog section except for the BSI British. The List of Available Shapes to the right will reflect the change.

Now press the >> button to add all of the shapes in the List of Available Shapes section to the Current Shape Classes list.

From the centre of the dialog, select the Metric radio button. The dialog should now appear as shown below.

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model

10 To save the new settings, pick the Template button. When the ProSteel

Template Manager dialog appears, create a new folder named "TRAIN", then add a template to the folder named "Metric". The dialog should appear as shown below. 11 Press Enter to return to the previous dialog and press OK to return to the

Steel shape insertion dialog.

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model



Exercise: The ProSteel Shapes Dialog 1

Open the BASICS_01.DGN file.

Open the ProSteel V8i Shapes dialog (ProSteel V8i menu > Shapes or click Shapes icon) and click on the Straight Shapes tab if it is not open.

The shape selection dialog contains three tabs as shown in the above figure. Together they control the shape type and size as well as its orientation, length, offset, material and method of insertion. The options provided in the Straight Shapes dialog are described in the following table.

Mar-12

Field

Description

Shape Type

Shows the shape tables available for the use in the model. The options displayed in this depend on which selection (Standard shapes, User shapes, Combination shapes and Roof and Wall shapes) is current in the drop down above it

Resolution

List the available shape display resolutions

Shape Class

List the shape sizes available for the currently selected Shape Type. Additionally, it controls the display directly to the right of the size list.

Shape Size

List the shape sizes available for the currently selected Shape Class. Once a specific size member is selected an image of that shape will appear indicating the possible insertion points with the selected insertion point highlighted in RED. Also indicated by the image is the current rotation of the shape about its axis of insertion.

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model

Field

Description

Key

Displays the current shape that will be inserted if any one of the insertion methods at the bottom of the dialog were to be selected. This is the actual shape that gets inserted and can be different than the shape shown in the Shape Type and Shape Size sections of the dialog.

Material

The material that will be assigned to this member at the time of insertion.

Layer

Provides a drop down list of available layers for the elements.

Part Family

If family classes have been defined, you can set them here. The selection of the family class can influence the colour of the part.

Detail Style

If detailing styles have been defined, you can set them here.

Display Class

If display classes have been defined, you can set them here.

Area Class

If area classes have been defined, you can set them here.

Description

If general parts descriptions have been defined, you can set them here. The selection of the description can influence the colour and the layer.

Delta X

The insertion offset in X‐direction. This field can only be entered, if you have selected the position 'Free' as insertion point (this is the biggest displayed insertion point).

Delta Y

The insertion offset in Y‐direction. This field can only be entered, if you have selected the position 'Free' as insertion point (this is the biggest displayed insertion point).

Item No.

An item number can be entered directly here.

Length

Specify the length of the shape. This is important if you want to insert shapes in the cross‐section. Inputs in this field overwrite the length specified by the insertion points.

Turn

The shape will be rotated about its insertion axis this value.

Create Group

This option creates a group out of the shape after insertion. Click this button to open the following dialog where all relevant shape data are displayed.

All inserted shapes are still connected with the dialog, so that subsequent modifications can also be transferred to already inserted shapes. If you don't want this option, you can interrupt the connection using this button. However, the shape is not deleted in this case.

Swap Shape: All inserted shapes, which are still connected with the dialog, are mirrored along their Y‐axis. You will obtain this by exchanging the insertion points.

Match Properties of Selected Shapes

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model

Field

Description Allows the user to pick one line and then set the orientation of the shape about that line.

Rotate Shape: The shapes are turned either positive (turned left in shape direction) or negative (turned right in shape direction) around their insertion point using the entered value.

Prompts the user to pick a start point and end point of a shape.

Enables you to insert a shape diagonally between two points.

Prompts the user to pick a start point, an end point and an axis of rotation for the shape.

Allows you to select multiple lines. Upon selecting the lines the program will place one shape on each line picked.

For this method of insertion, the orientation of the shape is based on a point and entered angle value. The length of the shape is assigned based in the value you entered in the LENGTH field of the dialog. You will be prompted to pick a point first and then will be prompted to enter an angle. You can use this option if you have indicated a fixed shape length. You are prompted for an insertion point and for an alignment. Then the shape will be inserted on the current XY‐plane of the ACS with the corresponding length to the back (into the depth).

Displays the Shape Catalog dialog allowing you to customize the shapes that are displayed for selection in the Shape Classes section.

Displays the Shape Modification dialog allowing you to add bent or straight segments to a straight or already bent shape.

Mar-12

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model

Field

Description Enables the insertion of secondary beams between two existing main beams.

Enables you to insert multiple secondary shapes between primary shapes

Enables insertion of beams at gridlines. With Alt selection is via polygon, with Control Lines in all Levels are used, otherwise only the ones at the current ACS Plane.

Enables insertion of columns at selected points.



Exercise: Inserting Steel Shapes into the model

In this exercise, you will learn the Line and 2 Point methods of inserting shapes into the model. 1

Open the ProSteel V8i Shapes dialog (click Shapes icon).

Open the Straight Shapes tab and set the parameters as shown in the figure below. Make sure to pick the top centre insertion point in the image of the shape. This will insert the shape at the TOS centre point.

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model

Next, switch to the Options tab and set the parameters as shown below.

The options provided in this dialog are described in the following table.

Mar-12

Name

Description

Height

Specify insertion height above current XY plane.

Start Offset

Specify offset of shape from start point.

End Offset

Specify offset of shape from end point.

Radius

Specify arc radius for bent shapes created from polyline.

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model

Name

Description

Scale

Specify scale of 2D shapes.

Horizontal Offset

The distance of the shapes if a shape class has been selected permitting an offset of several shapes in horizontal direction.

Vertical Offset

The distance of the shapes if a shape class has been selected permitting an offset of several shapes in vertical direction.

Angular Insertion List of available insertion points for angle. Determines the insertion point if Insert with Length under Angle is selected. Insert in XY Plane Enable insertion of shapes current XY plane. Orientate

Enable orientation of shapes during insertion using right‐mouse click

Dynamic

Enables dynamic insertion of shapes.

Insert Ref Points

Enable reference point creation from insertion points.

Insert as 2D Shape

Enable 2d Shape creation.

Close Dialog

Enable dialog closure after shape insertion.

Keep Length

Enable persistence of length field after dialog closure.

Secondary Beam

Connect AEC Lines: Enables connection of AEC lines of beams with AEC lines of main elements. Cope: Enable addition of cope to secondary beams. If selected, enables you to select a cope template from the drop down list below. Opens the Structural Cope dialog allowing you to edit a cope style.

Switch back to the Straight Shapes tab and place the shape using the Line insertion method. (Press the Line button near the bottom of the dialog). The prompt: Pick the desired Point <Line> is displayed.

Pick the back left vertical frame line at column location 2A. The prompt: Click Left‐Hand Mouse Button to Rotate the Shape in Position or Enter to Accept is displayed.

Click the left mouse button until the shape rotates into the position shown below. When the shape is in the correct position, click the Right mouse button to end the insertion of the shape, and then click the Right mouse button again to end the command.

When the Structural Shapes dialog displays, press OK to close the dialog.

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model

Insert another shape using the Line method (click Shapes icon).

Define the shape as shown below.

10 Set the parameters in the Options tab the same as before and insert the

shape (press the Line button). The prompt: Pick the Desired point <Line> will appear. 11 Pick the top line located 2A.

The prompt: Click Left‐Hand Mouse Button to Rotate the Shape in Position or Enter to Accept will appear. 12 Click the Left Mouse Button to Rotate the Shape in Position or Right

Mouse to Accept. 13 Press the Accept current Shape to prevent further changes button. This

will allow you to place additional shapes using different settings from this dialog without losing the settings of the shape just placed.

Mar-12

Editing Steel Shapes and Plates

Editing Steel Shapes and Plates In this section, we are going to have a close look at some of ProSteel V8i modification tools. Shapes and plates can be lengthened, shortened, coped, notched, divided, joined, angle cut and have Boolean operations performed on them. There are several methods available to modify shapes and plates other than by Handle editing. Manipulation commands are available in the main Structural Modify Element dialog that is accessed through the Manipulate menu item. ProSteel V8i Manipulate dialog (ProSteel V8i menu > Manipulate) or click Modify icon. This section covers the Element Modification dialog. 

Exercise: The Element Modification Dialog 1

Open the Element Modification dialog shown below (ProSteel V8i menu > Manipulate) or click Modify icon.

Note: Each time that you see this icon

in a dialog, you have the option

to display a Bitmap (Graphics). However, setting the Global Dialog Settings to Expert Mode will not show Bitmap (Graphics). This dialog is divided into six functional tabs. The options in the Common tab are described in the following table. In the next exercise, you will execute some of these functions on the shapes in the BASICS_01.DGN model.

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Editing Steel Shapes and Plates

Extend/Trim (highlighted block). The first icon is to cut the shape at a line. This can be a MicroStation line as well as an imaginary line that can be created on fly by entering the letter "P" when prompted to pick the line upon which to cut. When you enter a value in the Distance field in the main dialog the shape will be gapped from the line this amount. To Extend to a Line, insert a shape into the drawing and draw a line across its path a few feet away. Select the icon to extend/trim to line. At this point it is necessary to select the shape and once that is done, hold down the [Alt] key and select the line the element should be extended to. To Trim to a Line, begin in the same manner as above by placing a shape in the drawing, this time however create a crossing line that intersects the shape. Select the icon to extend/trim to line. To trim to a line simply select the object on the side that should be removed then select the line itself. The second icon is to cut or extended at another shape. In order for the cut to take place, the centerline of the object to be cut must intersect some part of the shape upon which you are cutting back to. When you enter a value in the Distance field in the main dialog the shape will be gapped from the cutting element this amount. The Distance text box lets you enter an offset to the cutting line or cutting element. Creates Straight Cut: turn on this check box to create a straight cut at a line or object, no matter how these are positioned to the cut object. To Extend to Object: Extending to a object/shapes is fairly straightforward. Place two shapes in the drawing; a column, and a beam going towards the column's flange. Leave a space between them. Select the icon to extend/trim to shape. Then select the shape to be extended (beam) and then select the shape to extend to (column). Note that the

Mar-12

Editing Steel Shapes and Plates

element will extend to the point where its centerline touches the object it is extending to. To Trim to Object: For this example recreate the same geometry between two object/shapes as above but this time have the beam cross past the column. Cut to shape is done by first selecting the shape that is to be cut and then choosing the shape it will cut against. Here the shorter side is always removed and as mentioned above, the element will extend to the point where its centerline touches the object it is extending to.

Divide/Connect (highlighted block). The first icon, Divide, is used to divide a shape into two shapes. The cutting line may be any line or object. Pick the shape to be divided and then the dividing line or point. When you have entered a value in the Distance field in the main dialog BOTH new ends will be shortened this amount. Distance text field: Distance between elements after division. Separate on Level check box: If this option has been activated, you are asked for three points, which have to form a plane. The parts are divided along this plane. To Divide: With divide it is possible to take a single shape and break it into two completely separate elements. To do this, place a shape into the work area. Next choose the divide icon and select the shape. Once the shape is selected it is possible to divide it either by selecting a point (default) or by selecting a line that crosses the shape. It is important to keep in mind that when selecting a point that the division will be made from that point, perpendicular to the shape.

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Editing Steel Shapes and Plates

The second icon is the Connect icon. This function allows two shapes of the same type to be joined as one. They must be exactly aligned. Distance text box: Distance between elements after division. Separate on Level check box: If this option has been activated, you are asked for three points, which have to form a plane. The parts are divided along this plane.

Notch icon: Using this function, you can insert simple geometrical shapes of outlets and countersunk parts into your shapes. You can create square, wedge‐type, and circular shapes using the dialog which displays upon selecting this option. Square Notch: To use this option simply select the member and then the location on the member where the notch should be placed. Once this is done, fill out the values for Width, Height and Depth and select the position of the notch in accordance with the point that was selected. A blue, yellow and red crosshair will indicate the point that was selected. Wedge Notch: Wedge works the same way that 'Square' does but includes two new options, 'Edge Front ‐ Edge Back' and 'Edge Top Edge Bottom'. The first option is whether the vertical flat side should face the 'front' or 'back'. This determines the notches direction in relation to the direction that the member is being drawn. For example if the member is drawn left to right then the vertical flat side for the 'front' is always to the left and the 'back' always to the right. The second option is 'top' or 'bottom' edge. This will place the horizontal flat side facing whichever direction is chosen. Again this is related to the way the member has been drawn. If, for example, the beam is placed in

Mar-12

Editing Steel Shapes and Plates

the drawing upside down (rotated 180 degrees) the 'edge bottom' would place the flat side at the top and the 'edge top' would place the flat side at the bottom. Radial Notch: The radial notch works differently than Square and Wedge. It takes into account the radius, length & angle of the cylinder. It also has the option to use the outer or inner radius. Position: Under the 'Position' tab, the notch rotation can be adjusted along any axis. Here there are options for rotating the notch by +/‐ 90 degrees or if needed a value can be entered and +/‐Phi can be used to rotate by the specified amount.

Polycuts section: Press the Pick button (first icon), then pick the shape to be cut. Next, pick the point of the polyline defining the boundaries of the cut. The Complete, Only Upper Half and Only Lower Half settings decide where to apply the cut. If a value is entered in the Gap field, an offset from the cut line will be maintained equal to the value entered in the Gap field. Polyline: Press the Polyline button (second icon), then pick the shape to be cut. Next, you pick the polyline that defines the boundaries of the cut. In this case the polyline must be drawn with MicroStation and be drawn prior to initiating the polycut command. The Complete, Only Upper Half and Only Lower Half settings decide where to apply the cut. If a value is entered in the Gap field an offset from the cut line will be maintained equal to the value entered in the Gap field. Subtract: This button is used to subtract the volume of one shape from the volume of another. Press the Subtract button (third icon), then pick the shape to be cut, then the shape to act as the boundary shape. The Complete, Only Upper Half and Only Lower Half settings decide where to

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Editing Steel Shapes and Plates

apply the cut. If a value is entered in the Gap field an offset from the cut line will be maintained equal to the value entered in the Gap field. 2



After reviewing the options of the Element Modification dialog, press Cancel to close.

Exercise: Using the Modify Functions on Steel Shapes and Plates

In this section, you will use the options in ProSteel Element Modification dialog to modify steel shapes and plates. 1

Open the Element Modification dialog (ProSteel V8i menu > Manipulate).

Click on the Shape tab. You will shorten shape UC152x152x23 by 300. Type 300 in the Default field in the Shorten section of the dialog as shown below.

The text below provides descriptions of the option available in the Shapes tab. Shorten Shapes: there are three icons in this section. By Pick: Allows you to shorten a shape by picking the distance. Initiate the command and begin by picking the shape to be shortened. Pick a starting point then an end point of the shortening and the shape is shortened by this distance. By Dimension: Allows you to shorten a shape by a distance equal to a set value. Pick the shape then, when prompted, type in a value and the shape is shortened by this amount. By Default: Shortens the shape a distance equal to the value entered in the Default field. Type a value in the Default field and initiate the command. Pick the shape to be shortened near the end you want reduced

Mar-12

Editing Steel Shapes and Plates

and the shape will automatically be shortened this amount. If you continue to pick the same element the shape will continue to be shortened the default value. Lengthen Shapes: there are three icons in this section: By Pick: Same as the Shorten Shapes By Pick except the shape is lengthened by the distance picked. By Dimension: Same as the Shorten Shapes By Dimension except the shape is lengthened by the dimension entered. By Default: Same as the Shorten Shape By Default except the shape is lengthened by the default value. Cope/Notch: there is one icon in this section: Cope: Copes one shape where it meets another shape. The shapes must intersect. Once the command is initiated pick the shape to be coped followed by the shape upon which to cut. After picking the shapes, a dialog displays giving you additional options controlling the actual cope distances and parameters. Mitre Cuts: there are three icons in this section: Angle Bisect: This function allows for mitering two shapes that are of the same size and type. Additionally you can define a Gap between the two mitered shapes by entering a value in the Gap field. Outside Edge: This function allows for mitering two shapes that may not be the same size and type. Additionally you can define a Gap between the two mitered shapes by entering a value in the Gap field Insert bend: Performs a miter and replaces the beveled edge with a shape section with a radius as specified in the Radius field. 3

Press the By Default button. The prompt: Pick Shape at End to be Shortened is displayed.

Pick the UC152x152x23 shape near its left end. Notice that the shape shortens. Press OK to close the dialog and end the command.

Open the Element Modification dialog (ProSteel V8i menu > Manipulate).

Angle mitre the two UC152x152x23 shapes that are angled adjacent to each other. In the Mitre Cuts section of the dialog, press the Angle Bisect button. The prompt: Select First Shape for Angle Cut is displayed.

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Editing Steel Shapes and Plates

Pick one of the two UC152x152x23 shapes that are angled adjacent to each other. The prompt: Select Second Shape for Angle Cut is displayed.

Pick the other UC152x152x23 shape and note the mitre that is applied to the two shapes.

Press OK to close the dialog.

10 Open the Element Modification dialog (ProSteel V8i menu > Manipulate). 11 Now you will cut one shape back from another. Press the At Object button

in the Extend Trim section of the dialog. The prompt: Select Shape to Cut or ESC for more Shapes to Cut is displayed. 12 Select the UC152x152x23 shape that tees into the flange of the

UC152x152x23 shape. The prompt: Select Shape on Which to Cut is displayed. 13 Pick the intersecting UC152x152x23 shape. Notice the cutback that is

applied to the beam. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the other manipulation functions.

Mar-12

Module Review

Module Review Now that you have completed this module, let's measure what you have learned.

Questions 1

What are the two most common ways to Place Shapes into the Design?

What four ways are used to shorten a beam or column?

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Module Review

Answers 1

What are the two most common ways to Place Shapes into the Design? Insert Shape on a selected line, or by two points.

Mar-12

What four ways are used to shorten a beam or column? •

Use Edit Handles

•

Change the Length in the ProSteel Properties of the Shape.

•

Trim to a Line.

•

Trim to another Shape.

Module Review

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Mar-12

Creating a Workframe Module Overview In this chapter, you will learn how to create ProSteel V8i Workframes, modify them, and create a Display Class in which to add the frames. There are five lessons in this chapter. Each lesson begins with a list of objectives that define the information that you will learn in that lesson. A number of exercises are provided in each lesson.

Module Prerequisites •

Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation etc.

•

Previous experience with 3D CAD system preferably MicroStation V8i

•

Completion of previous modules in this course recommended

Module Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to:

Mar-12

•

Create a symmetrical and a non‐symmetrical Workframe

•

Edit the Workframe to change its properties and dimensional settings

•

Create and manipulate Display Classes and Area Classes

•

Assign our Workframe to the Display Classes and Area Classes

•

Cycle the Display Classes to control the view in the model.

Creating a Workframe

Introductory Knowledge

Introductory Knowledge Before you being this module, let's define what you already know.

Questions 1

Creating a Workframe

How do you set an Auxiliary Coordinate System back to a global origin and base rotation? •

Type GO=0,0,0 in the Keyin Dialog

•

Type ACTIVE ORIGIN CENTRE in the Keyin Dialog and Datapoint

•

Reproject the Global Origin by setting a Geographic Coordinate System

•

Right mouse click on the ACS Dialog and reset to Global

Why would you need to reset the Auxiliary Coordinate System?

Mar-12

Introductory Knowledge

Answers 1

How do you set an Auxiliary Coordinate System back to a global origin and base rotation? Right mouse click on the ACS dialog and reset to Global

Why would you need to reset the Auxiliary Coordinate System? If the orientation of the ACS is at an odd angle, the workframe will not sit flat; rather, it will go off at an incorrect angle.

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Creating a Workframe

Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

Creating a Workframe and Review Settings We strongly recommend the use of Workframes as often as possible, even though it is possible to model a complete structure without using one. The Workframe is a 3D object made‐up of lines in the form of square/rectangle, cylinder/cone or pyramid. It provides the user with the following: •

Routing lines for steel placement.

•

Automatic clipped views, for 2D drawing generation and easier viewing.

A structure can be modeled with one or several Workframes. 

Exercise: Creating the Symmetrical Workframe

In this exercise, you will learn how to create and edit a workframe. 1

Create a new drawing using the template created in Chapter 2 and set the view to Isometric Overview 1.

Display the ProSteel V8i Workframe dialog and place a workframe (ProSteel V8i menu > Structural Objects > Workframe) or click Workframe icon. The prompt: Select Origin of Workframe or Enter for ACS origin is displayed.

Right click to accept the ACS origin. The prompt: Specify X ‐ Axis for Workframe or Enter for ACS X Axis is displayed.

Right‐click to accept the ACS X Axis. The ProSteel V8i Workframe dialog displays as shown below.

Creating a Workframe

Set the size and number of divisions as shown in the dialog below.

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Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

Next switch to the Views tab and set the parameters as shown below.

Now set the parameters in the Text X and Text Y tabs as shown below.

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Creating a Workframe

Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

Switch to the Options tab and set the values as shown below.

Creating a Workframe

Finally, switch to the Blocks tab and set the values as shown below, then press OK to create the workframe.

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Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

Note: A cell in MicroStation is the equivalent of a Block in AutoCAD. 

Exercise: Viewing an existing Workframe's settings

In this exercise, you will learn how to edit a workframe's dimensional settings. 1

Set the model to the Overview 1 view (Click Isometric Overview Icon). Zoom into the front left corner of the workframe just created and pick the yellow collared Axis Description.

Once the MicroStation handles are active, right‐click to access the context menu.

Select the PS 3D Properties option. This will open the ProSteel V8i Workframe dialog. This is the same dialog used to create the workframe. From this dialog you are able to change the workframe's length, width, height, number of divisions, grid system, grid size, etc.

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Creating a Workframe

Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

Note: Once steel members have been placed on a workframe and the workframe is

modified the shapes WILL NOT update to match the new dimensions of the workframe.



Leave the workframe values unchanged. Press OK to return to the model. If the handles are still active, left‐click twice to deactivate them.

The dimensional portion of a Workframe is what is known as a 'Structural Object'. This portion of the workframe contains all of the dimensional data necessary to define its size and location. In addition to the dimensional data there is specific frame data associated with every face (top, left, right, front, back and all faces in between) of the workframe. Each one of these faces is independent of the others and can be modified separately. These individual frames also constitute the frame sections that are automatically processed by the 2D Detail Center. In the next exercise you will view and modify one of these frames.

Exercise: Viewing properties of an Existing Workframe

In this exercise, you will learn how to view/edit a workframe's properties. 1

With the model in the Overview 1 view, window into the front left corner of the workframe you created.

Now, pick on the top magenta collared frame. Once the MicroStation handles are active, right‐click to access the Context menu.

Browse the menu and select the PS 3D Properties option. This will open the Workframe Properties dialog. Each tab within the dialog allows you to view/modify various properties of the workframe as shown below.

Creating a Workframe

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Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

From within this dialog you can change the display of this workframe. You have the ability to change the name, size and spacing of the workframe axis. You can also set the clip plane distances on the front and back (or above and below) of the workframe. You can turn on the Area Name as

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Creating a Workframe

Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

well as rename the complete frame, set the Camera location and view location etc. 4

Creating a Workframe

Leave the Workframe Properties unchanged and press OK to close the dialog.

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Creating a Workframe and Review Settings



Exercise: Creating a Non‐Symmetrical Workframe

In this exercise you will use the Axis Distance method to create the non‐ symmetrical workframe FR2. When using Axis distances you will assign each axis (Length, Width, Height) a series of distances to form the frame. 1

Set the model to the Overview 1 view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Add another workframe (click Workframe icon). The prompt: Specify origin of workframe or right mouse button for ACS displays.

Pick lower back left corner of workframe FR1. The prompt: Specify X‐axis of Workframe or Enter ACS X‐axis displays.

Click the Right Mouse button.

Click on the Layout tab and make sure the Workframe Layout is set to Rectangular. Make sure the options in the Dimensions and Divisions section are all disabled.

Set the Length, Width, and Height values as shown below.

Note: Both the Width and Height have multiple values to produce 2 bays wide

and 2 levels high.

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Switch to the Views tab and make sure all other settings are set as shown below.

Creating a Workframe

Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

Next, switch to the Text X and Text Y tabs of the dialog and set the axis description values to match the figures below.

Creating a Workframe

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Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

Finally, set the parameters in the Options tab as shown below.

10 When the settings are as shown above, press OK to close the dialog. 11 You will also need to modify the axis display settings in the previous FR1

workframe. Select the yellow workframe of FR1 using the left hand mouse button, then right‐click and select the PS 3D Properties from the menu list. Select the Text X tab select the individual Setting Button.

By double clicking on the axis 1 and 2 there will be an "X" placed in the Invisible column.

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Creating a Workframe

Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

12 Select OK. 13 To finalize the Workframe, you will add additional construction lines for

an awning from grid 3 between columns B and C. Zoom into the corner of the workframe at B3. 14 Set Current Level to PS_WORKFRAME. 15 Set the ACS to front view. 16 Start the MicroStation Line command.

The prompt: Pick first point Is displayed. 17 Select the intersection point of axis B3 level 1

The prompt: Specify next point: Is displayed. 18 Change AccuDraw to Polar and enter 120 for distance and ‐10 for angle,

then enter a data point to accept. 19 Repeat the steps above for column at C3.

Your model should appear as below:

Creating a Workframe

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Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

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Creating a Workframe

Creating and Manipulating Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families

Creating and Manipulating Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families In this section, you will learn what Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families are and how to create them. Additionally you will learn how to assign structural elements and objects to them to make viewing the model easier in the case of complex models.

Display Classes Display Classes are a ProSteel V8i tool used to separate a model into object visibility classes. The Display Classes command allows you to organise objects (Shapes and Structural Objects) from different MicroStation levels into visibility groups that are independent from the levels they reside in. Contrary to "freezing" levels in MicroStation, which turns off the display of the complete level (resulting in numerous levels to control display), Display Classes allows you to select entire groups or just a few objects and make them visible or hidden. This will help simplify the view of the model displayed on the screen. Note: Each element can exist only in one Display Class at a time. This means that it

will be removed from one class if it is assigned to another. 

Exercise: Creating Display Classes and Assigning Objects to them.

In this section, you will learn how to create display classes. Some of the display classes you create will be used later in the modelling process. 1

Creating a Workframe

Open the ProSteel V8i Display Classes dialog (ProSteel menu > Display Classes > Dialog) or click Display Classes icon.

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Creating and Manipulating Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families

You need to assign names to our Display Classes. In order to assign a name double click on one of the empty list entries and enter a name in the input field. The first Display Class will be named ***marked members***.

Assign names to Display Classes, ***marked members***, Beams, Columns, Struts, Wind Beams, Wall Stiffeners, Stair Stringers, Joist, Purlins, Girts, etc, as shown below.

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Creating a Workframe

Creating and Manipulating Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families

Area Classes In addition to Display Classes, ProSteel V8i includes Area Class functionality to organize and control the visibility of construction areas (work areas, construction phases, builds, etc.). The user can create Area Classes, assign objects to those classes and then control the visibility of the objects by turning on or off the Area Classes. 

Exercise: Creating Area Classes and Assigning Objects to them

In this section, you will learn how to create Area Classes. Some of the Area Classes you create will be used later in the modelling process. 1

Open the ProSteel V8iArea Classes dialog (ProSteel menu > Area Classes > Dialog) or click Area Classes icon.

You need to assign names to our Area Classes. In order to assign a name double click on one of the empty list entries and enter a name in the input field. The first Display Class will be named BEAM.

Assign names to Area Classes, BEAM, COLUMN, JOIST, BRACING‐ VERTICAL, BRACING‐GENERAL, etc, as shown below.

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Creating and Manipulating Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families

Part Families Part Families are a mechanism to automatically allocate prefixes, colours and DetailStyles during the positioning process by categorizing different types of components (e.g., columns, beams, gusset plates, etc.). 2D line types and colour can also be controlled through the Part Families. Part Families should be created, components assigned to these and then the Part Family prefix should be used during positioning. Note: Each component can belong to only one Part Family at a time. 

Exercise: Creating Part Families and Assigning Objects to them.

In this section, you will learn how to create Part Families. Some of the display classes you create will be used later in the modelling process. 1

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Open the ProSteel V8i Part Families dialog (ProSteel menu > Part Families > Dialog) or click PartFamilies icon.

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Creating a Workframe

Creating and Manipulating Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families

You need to assign names to our Part Families. In order to assign a name double click on one of the empty list entries and enter a name in the input field. A new dialog will appear, enter Description, Pos Prefix and Colour.

Assign names to Part Families, BEAM, COLUMN, JOIST, BRACING‐ VERTICAL, BRACING‐GENERAL, etc, as shown below.

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Creating and Manipulating Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families

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Creating a Workframe

North Direction

North Direction The Benchmark is a symbol/marker that can be inserted into the 3D model to specify/control the north direction for erection purpose. 

Exercise: Creating North Direction.

In this section, you will learn how to create a North Direction. 1

To insert a benchmark into the 3D model, click the Benchmark icon on the ProSteel V8i Utilities toolbar, then specify an origin/point and a north direction, the dialog shown below will appear.

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North Direction

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Creating a Workframe

North Direction

User Defined Part Description ProSteel V8i provides a mechanism to assign user definable part/shape descriptions that can be used during the creation and editing of parts (e.g., specifying level, colour and line styleline style), searching and organizing and filtering the display of parts during 2D drawing production. To assign a Description to a shape, select a shape in the V8i model, right‐click and select PS3D Properties from the context menu. The Shape Properties dialog will appear. From the Description drop‐down in the Assignment tab, select any predefined description.

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North Direction

The text file (..\LOCALISED\ENGLISH\DATA\PRO_ST3D.FDF) controls this drop‐ down list. It contains some predefined descriptions but is modifiable by the user with the help of a text editor such as Microsoft Notepad. The PRO_ST3D.FDF data content is arranged as follows: Index, description [,layername,layercolor, layerlinetype][,color normal, linetype normal, colour hidden, linetype hidden] Where "normal" are visible lines on 2D details and "hidden" are hidden lines on 2D details.

User Defined templates Templates allow users to save all values related to a dialog (including all tabs) to a user defined template name and then reuse the values by loading the template. This functionality saves time and allows settings to be shared between co‐ workers and standardised within projects. Each type of function has a dedicated file to which user defined templates are saved. Template files are grouped into the Varia folder under two separate subfolders: Metric and Imperial. Templates can be created through most ProSteel V8i dialogs.

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Creating a Workframe

North Direction

To create or to load/import a template click on Template Template Manager dialog will appear.

. The ProSteel V8i

To create a new template in a new folder, do the following: •

Click on New Folder

. A new folder is added with the name "New Folder".

•

Type a new name for the folder (e.g.,."FirstFolder").

•

Click once outside the name field, then click on Save Template As. A new template is added with the name "Template". Type a new name for the template (eg, "FirstTemplate"). This saves the fields/settings in the dialog to the corresponding template listed above.

To load a template, click on Template. The ProSteel V8i Template Manager dialog will appear. Select a template from the list of templates and click on Load Template . This will populate all fields/settings in the dialog from the template.

To import a template, click on Template. The ProSteel V8i Template Manager and the file browser will appear. Select an dialog will appear. Click on Import existing template and click on Open. The existing template will be loaded into the ProSteel V8i Template Manager dialog.

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Module Review

Module Review Now that you have completed this module, let's measure what you have learned.

Questions

Mar-12

What is the advantage of using a Workframe?

Why do we use a Part Description?

What does a ProSteel template save?

What is the process to create a template?

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Module Review

Answers 1

What is the advantage of using a Workframe? The workframe can make the placing of Steel directly onto the lines easier. If set to do so, it can also automatically create views that you can rotate to which have front and back clipping planes already defined.

Why do we use a Part Description? The main use of Part Descriptions is to enable the setting of a Position Prefix for elements.

What does a ProSteel template save? All of the settings on a ProSteel Dialog.

What is the process to create a template? Click the Template button, create a folder, then create the template.

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Inserting and Manipulating Shapes Module Overview In this chapter, you will learn how to insert steel into a Workframe using the Line and 2‐Point methods. After insertion you will edit the steel further so you can detail the joints in later chapters.

Module Prerequisites •

Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation etc.

•

Previous experience with 3D CAD system preferably MicroStation V8i

•

Completion of previous modules in this course recommended

Module Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to:

Mar-12

•

Insert steel Shapes on a workframe

•

Assign members to a Display Class

•

Insert shapes in a model using the 2 Point method

Inserting and Manipulating Shapes

Introductory Knowledge

Introductory Knowledge Before you begin this module, let's define what you already know.

Questions 1

How do you rotate the model to a standard ProSteel Isometric view?

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Introductory Knowledge

Answers 1

How do you rotate the model to a standard ProSteel Isometric view? On the ProSteel Zoom/Views menu, choose the appropriate Isometric Overview from the five pre‐defined options.

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Inserting Steel Shapes Using the Line

Inserting Steel Shapes Using the Line In this section you will create a Steel Shapes template to minimize the shape selection. Then you will learn how to insert steel Shapes on a workframe. 

Exercise: Inserting Steel Shapes Using the Line Method

In this exercise, you will learn how to insert steel shapes on our workframe using the Line method. 1

From within the ProSteel Shapes dialog, set the Shape Class to BS UB and the Shape Size to UB305x165x46. Set the insertion point to the "centre of steel" by picking the node on the centre of the shape image.

Click on the Options tab and make sure the Orientate after insertion option is enabled.

Press the Insert shape on Selected Line button. The prompt: Pick the desired Point <Line> displays.

Select the vertical line of the workframe located at grid coordinate A1 in the workframe FR1. The prompt: Click left‐hand mouse button to rotate the shape in position or enter to accept displays.

Click the left mouse button to turn the shape in the direction shown below.

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Inserting Steel Shapes Using the Line

When the shape is orientated correctly, right‐click twice to end the command and return to the dialog.

Press the OK button to close the ProSteel Shapes dialog.

Repeat this command and insert the same type and size shape (UB305x165x46) at grid line A2. At all remaining vertical grid lines, insert UB305x165x46 shapes.

Hint: When selecting the vertical grid lines in Frame FR2, be sure to pick the

vertical grid lines near the top of the frame so as not to select the FR1 grid lines. 9

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Next, return to the ProSteel Shapes dialog. Keep the Shape Class as BS UB, and set the size to UB533x210x101. Using the Line method, insert and orient the beams on the horizontal lines as shown in the following figure. Make sure that the beams are inserted using the top center "TOS" insertion point.

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Inserting and Manipulating Shapes

Inserting Steel Shapes Using the Line

Your model should appear as shown below.



Exercise: Modifying Steel Members with the Divide Command

In this exercise, you will learn how to divide a steel shape by dividing it into multiple shapes at column intersections. Now that you have some elements inserted in your model you will need to divide some of these where they intersect a column. To do this you will use the Manipulate and Divide commands.

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Inserting Steel Shapes Using the Line

Open the Element Modification dialog (click Modify icon).

Press the Divide button in the Common tab.

When prompted to select the shapes to be divided, choose the UB533x210x101 beam located between coordinates B1 to B3. Right‐click to accept the selections.

When prompted to pick the dividing point or line, or when prompted to pick a snap point, choose the column located at coordinate B2. The snap will locate a point on the centroid axis to use as the dividing point.

Mar-12

Press OK to complete the command.

Repeat the same process for the UB533x210x101 beam coordinates C1 to C3.

Zoom into one of the UB533x210x101 shapes at the intersection with the columns and note that the element is now divided into two pieces.

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Assigning Steel Members to a Display Class

Assigning Steel Members to a Display Class 

Exercise: Assigning Shapes to a Display Class Using the Display Class Dialog

In this exercise, you will learn how to place shapes into a display class using the Display Class dialog Assign feature. 1

Open the Display Classes dialog (ProSteel menu > Display Classes > Dialog…) or click Display Classes icon.

Note: If there are no Assigned Classes in the dialog, you can edit the content

of the field Class Name by double‐clicking it. 2

Select the Columns Class to make it active, then press the Assign button. The prompt: Select objects you wish to add to the Display Class displays.

Pick all of the columns within the model and then right‐click to return to the Display Classes dialog.

Turn off Columns Class to remove them from the display. This makes it easier to be able to select the other items.

Select the Beams Class to make it active then press the Assign button. The prompt: Select objects you wish to add to the Display Class displays.



Choose all beams except two beams located between C1, C2, and C3. Right‐click to return to the Display Classes dialog.

Press OK in the Display Class dialog to return to the model.

Exercise: Assigning Shapes to a Display Class Using Editing 1

Select the two UB533x210x101 beams located along C1 and C2 to highlight them. Right‐click to access the ProSteel Properties.

When the Shape Properties dialog appears, switch to the Assignments tab.

Next to the Display Class pick box, select the drop down arrow and, from the list of available display classes, select the Beams display class. Select OK to return to the model.

Add the remaining shapes to the respective display class in the same manner (i.e. beams located along C2 and C3).

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Inserting Steel Shapes Using the 2 Point Method

Inserting Steel Shapes Using the 2 Point Method The objective of this lesson is as follows: •

Learn how to insert shapes in a model using the 2 Point method.



Exercise: Inserting Steel shapes Using the 2 Point Method 1

Open the ProSteel Shapes dialog (click Shapes icon).

From within the Structural Shapes dialog, set the Shape Type to be BS UB and the Shape Size to UB406x140x39.

Set the insertion point to the "top center of steel" by picking the node on the center of the top flange on the shape image.

Click on the Options tab to make sure the Orientate after insertion option is enabled.

Select the 2 Point method of insertion and zoom in on the intersection of the column at coordinate B2 and the existing beams.

When prompted to select the insertion point of the shape, choose the mid‐point of the upper flange of the intersecting beam (running along Axis B) at B2 Level 2.

For the second end insertion point, zoom to the column at coordinate C2 choose the midpoint of the upper flange of the intersecting beam (running along Axis C).

Right‐click to accept the rotation of the shape.

Right‐click again to return to the dialog, then press OK to end the command. Your model should now appear as in the diagram below.

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Inserting Steel Shapes Using the 2 Point Method



Exercise: Inserting Remaining Steel shapes 1

Add the awning beams, such as BS UB152x152x37, from columns B3 and C3, using the previously drawn construction lines.

Assign these beams to their respective display classes.

Save your model. Your model should now appear as shown below.

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Inserting Steel Shapes Using the 2 Point Method

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Module Review

Module Review Now that you have completed this module, let's measure what you have learned.

Questions 1

What two methods can be used to assign a Display Class to a steel member?

Answers 1

What two methods can be used to assign a Display Class to a steel member? You can either set it on the Display Class dialog, or set it on the Shape Properties > Assignments tab.

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Creating Connections Between Elements Module Overview This module describes how to create connections between elements. You will learn how to create and use End Plate connections. You will also use the Bolting command to add bolts to End Plate connections.

Module Prerequisites •

Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation etc.

•

Previous experience with 3D CAD system preferably MicroStation V8i

•

Completion of previous modules in this course recommended

Module Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to:

Mar-12

•

Create an End Plate connection

•

Add additional design features to an End Plate connection

•

Use editing to modify an existing End Plate connection

•

Manually modify a connection and add "common" bolts to two back to back End Plate connections

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Introductory Knowledge

Introductory Knowledge Before you being this module, let's define what you already know.

Questions 1

How do you spin your view to the top view of a particular beam?

How do you spin your view to the Front view of a particular Workframe?

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Introductory Knowledge

Answers 1

How do you spin your view to the top view of a particular beam? On the ProSteel Views menu choose the appropriate Isometric Rotation from the five pre‐defined options Outline 1… to Outline 5

How do you spin your view to the Front view of a particular Workframe? On the ProSteel Views menu choose the appropriate Isometric Rotation from the five pre‐defined options Outline 1… to Outline 5.

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Creating a Basic End Plate Connection 

Exercise: Creating a Basic End Plate Connection

In this exercise, you will learn how to create a basic End Plate connection. 1

If not already loaded, open the TRNMODEL.DGN drawing file.

Zoom to the standard isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

You will begin by zooming into the joint between the column UB305x165x46 and Beams UB533x210x101 at coordinate A1.

Place an end plate (ProSteel Menu > Connections > End Plates) or click Endplates icon. The prompt: Select the Shape to Connect is displayed.

Pick the UB533x210x101 member running along Axis A. The prompt: Select support shape or <RETURN> for no support shape is displayed.

Select the column that the beam is to be connected to. The ProSteel Endplates dialog will display. Set the parameters as shown below in the Layout tab: Layout

Set the parameters in the Holes tab as shown below:

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Creating a Basic End Plate Connection

Hole Dimensions from top of end plate

Set the parameters in the Connect tab, as shown below: Connect

Set the parameters in the Group tab, as shown below: Group

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10 Set the parameters in the Assignment tab, as shown below, then click the

green check mark to place the end plate. Assignment

11 Repeat the same procedure and place the same end plate on the opposite

end of the UB533x210x101 beam. A description of the fields within the different tabs of the ProSteel Endplates dialog is provided in the following tables.

Name

Description

Layout Tab Fields and Descriptions Layout of Plate

This option lists the following connection types to choose from: Automatic: The program makes the distinction between a spliced / butt or normal plate connection. An angle of approx. 45° is assumed to be the critical angle. Splice: The connection is always a splice connection. Normal: The connection is always a normal plate connection. Flange: The connection has a plate welded to its flanges.

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Creating a Basic End Plate Connection

Name

Description

Plate Dimensions

Specify the basic dimensions of the connecting plate. Width: means the width of the plate (in case of I shapes: parallel to the shape flange). Thickness: means the thickness of the plate. Length: means a fixed length of the plate independent of the shape height. Entering the value 0 for the length, you can enter the plate length variably in the Offset Top/Offset fields as distance from the upper and lower edge of the selected shape. Gap: specifies that an indicated space is left between the supporting shape and the plate. This allows you to consider finishing tolerances. Double Plate: means that two connecting plates of the same size are created.

As Polyplate

Select if plates are created using a flat steel or polyplates

Rotate Connection

Rotates connection upside down.

Plates Equal

When the Double Plates option is enabled, this forces both plates to be identical in form. Press this button to retrieve the dimension of the plate from a shape. Press this button to set the dimensions of the second plate to those of the first plate.

Plate Offset

Horizontal: means the complete plate connection is shifted parallel to the flange of the connecting shape. Vertical: means the complete plate connection is shifted parallel to the web of the connecting shape.

Holes Tab Fields and Descriptions Without Holes

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The connecting plate is entered without drill holes if this field is selected.

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Creating a Basic End Plate Connection

Name

Description

Vertical

This allows you to determine the number of vertical drill holes in the plate. Asymmetrical: If this field is checked, you can determine the distances of the holes. Otherwise, a symmetrical distribution is determined according to the defaults. Number: You determine the number of drill holes in vertical direction. You can select between 1 and 10 drill holes. (Vertical Hole Pattern): The drill hole spacing in a vertical direction (height) is determined. Depending on the entry, the values have different meanings. Examples are given at the end of the command description. You can enter the distance of the upper row of holes from the plate's upper edge in the Upside field. If this value is 0, and the value in the box Downside is also 0, the only entry that will be used is in the Middle field. You can enter the distance of the first and second row of holes from the upper and lower plate edge in the Middle field. The holes will be distributed uniformly between the two outer holes if this value is 0. The other rows of holes will be arranged in the same manner if the number is greater than 4. You can enter the distance of the lowest row of holes from the plate's lower edge in the box Downside. Only the entry in the Middle box will be used if the value in the Downside and Upside field is 0. You can enter a simultaneous shifting of all rows of holes with respect to the plate upper edge in the Offset field. Shifting will be carried out with respect to the plate lower edge when entering negative values. If you have selected the Asymmetrical option, the structure of the hole pattern input changes and a list with an input field appears. Depending on the number of holes, you can determine each distance individually by clicking the position in the list and by specifying the distance in the input field. Additionally, you can determine whether the distribution starts from upper or lower plate edge, depending on the checked field upper edge or lower edge.

Horizontal

This allows you to determine the number of horizontal drill holes in the plate. Number: You determine the number of drill holes in horizontal direction (width) in the list. You can select 1, 2, or 4 drill holes. Thus, 1 to 40 hole patterns can be created. (Horizontal Hole Pattern): The drill hole spacing in a horizontal direction (width) is defined here. Examples are given at the end of the command description. The distance between the outer left row of holes and the central left row of holes, if the number of rows is 4, is entered in the Left field. The distance between the two inner rows of holes is entered in the Middle field. The rows of holes are generally arranged centrally, unless they are offset by an entry in the Offset field. The distance between the outer right row of holes and the central right row of holes, if the number of rows is 4, is entered in the Right field. Simultaneous shifting of all rows of holes with respect to the right plate edge is entered in the Offset field. When entering negative values, shifting will be carried out with respect to the left plate edge.

Measured from

If the Asymmetrical option is enabled, this provides a list of options to determine where the hole offsets are measured. The available options are Upper Edge Plate, Upper Edge Shape, and Lower Edge Shape.

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Creating a Basic End Plate Connection

Name

Description

Connect Tab Fields and Descriptions Bolt Settings

The Bolt Style allows you to select the type of bolts (e.g., DIN558) to be used for the connection. The Edit Style button next to this field displays a dialog allowing you to create new Bolt styles and edit existing ones. You can enter the bolt diameter for the connection in the Dia field and the required hole diameter of the bolted connection, in most cases +2 mm in the Workloose field.

Weld Settings

The Weld Style allows you to select the type of weld to be used for the connection. The Edit Style button next to this field displays a dialog allowing you to create new weld styles and edit existing ones. You can enter the welding seam thicknesses by enabling the Weld Flange Side Weld Web Side options and in entering the thickness in the corresponding fields. Welding marks can be subsequently assigned to the welding seams.

Group Tab Group and Cope

If the Create Group option is enabled, the plate and the shape to be connected are arranged to form a group in this field. The plate is allocated to another group, if the shape is already part of that group. The same applies to the supporting shape and the associated stiffeners. The bolts or welds for the shape to be connected are also assigned to the group in With Bolts or With Welds fields.

Safety Copes

Top Left: Leaves a gap in the angle in the upper left side. Top Right: Leaves a gap in the angle in the upper right side. Bottom Left: Leaves a gap in the angle in the bottom left side. Bottom Right: Leaves a gap in the angle in the bottom right side.

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Exercise: Creating an End Plate Connection with an Inherent Gusset Plate

In this exercise, you will learn how to create an End Plate connection with a gusset plate on the lower surface of the beam. 1

To place a connection plate, first, zoom to the intersection of the three UB533x210x101 beams with the UB356x171x51 column located at coordinate B1.

Place an end plate (click Endplate icon). The prompt: Select the Shape to Connect is displayed.

Pick the UB533x210x101 member running along Axis B. The prompt: Select support shape or <RETURN> for no support shape is displayed.

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Pick the column to display the ProSteel Endplates dialog shown below.

Set the parameters as shown below and then press OK.

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Creating a Basic End Plate Connection

Click the check mark.

Repeat these steps to place another end plate with a haunch on the other end of the same beam.

Set your model to the FR2_FRONT view. It should appear as shown below:

The following table provides a description of the fields within the Bottom Train (Bt. Train) tab:

Name

Description

Select Haunch

Specify the position of the haunch as well as any additional stiffeners. If the Top Haunch field is checked, the haunch is created on the topside of the shape to be connected. If the Bottom Haunch field is checked, the haunch is created on the bottom side of the shape to be connected.

Coped Shape

Creates the bottom train from a coped shape

Rectangular Plate Creates a rectangular web plate.

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Normal to Column

Cuts the web plate parallel to the supporting shape. Only available when the Coped Shape option is enabled.

As Polyplate

Creates the flange of the bottom train as Polyplate.

Stiffener in Support Shape

If the Support Shape field is checked, stiffeners are added to the support shape. These stiffeners are created in addition to those created together with the connection.

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Name

Description

Stiffener in Connect Shape

If the Connection Shape field is checked, additional stiffeners are added to the connection shape.

Shape Size

Specify the haunch plates (plates). If the Coped Shape field is checked, the haunch is not created from individual plates but from one cropped shape. The shape size corresponds with the connection shape. All other shape size fields are then insignificant. Flange Width is the width of the haunch flange if the haunch is designed from plates. Flange Thickness is the thickness of the haunch flange if the haunch is designed from plates. Web Thickness is the thickness of the haunch web plate if the haunch is designed from plates.

Dimensions

Specifies the exterior haunch dimensions. A bitmap illustrating the dimensions is available by pressing the Hide Graphics button at the bottom of the dialog. Different illustrations will display depending on the type of shape size you select. The dimension numbers will correspond with the field numbers in the dialog. Haunch Length: Sets the length of the bottom train. Cut Width: Sets the cut height in the connecting shape. Top Height: Sets the top of the height of the web plate. Flange Width: Sets the width of the flange of the bottom train. Flange Thickness: Sets the thickness of the flange of the bottom train. Plate Thickness: Sets the web plate thickness. Facet Size: Sets the facets on the web plate on the inner edges. Facet Horizontal: Sets the horizontal facet on the outer edge of the web plate. Only available when the Rectangular Plate option is enabled. Facet Vertical: Sets the vertical facet on the outer edge of the web plate. Only available when the Rectangular Plate option is enabled. Supp. Plate Width: Sets the width of the supporting plate underneath the coped shape. Supp. Plate: Enables the Input of the strength plate underneath the coped shape. Supp. Plate Thickness: Sets the thickness of the supporting shape underneath the coped shape. Supp. Shape as Poly: Creates a supporting plate as polyplate.

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Exercise: Creating an End Plate Connection with Two Inherent Gusset Plates

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Creating a Basic End Plate Connection

In this exercise, you will learn how to create an End Plate connection with a gusset plate on the upper and lower surface of the beam. 1

Return to an Overview 1 view, then zoom to the intersection of the three UB533x210x101 beams with the UB356x171x51 column located at coordinate B2.

Place an end plate (click Endplate icon). The prompt: Select the Shape to Connect is displayed.

Pick the UB533x210x101 member running along Axis B. The prompt: Select support shape or <RETURN> for no support shape is displayed.

Pick the column to display the ProSteel Endplates dialog shown below. Set the parameters as shown below. When finished, press OK to place the plates.

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After setting the parameters in the Bt. Train tab for the Top Haunch, enable the Bottom Haunch input the same values as the Top Haunch. This will insert haunches above and below the UB533x210x101 beam.

Repeat the procedure and place another end plate with gusset plates on the other end of the same beam. Your model should appear as shown below. (FR2_FRONT view)



Exercise: Creating End Plate Connections at the Remaining Intersections

In this exercise, you will finish building End plate connections between beams and columns. 1

At the intersection of all UB533x210x101 beams with the column WEBS, create an End Plate connection (click Endplate icon) with the following parameters.

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Creating a Basic End Plate Connection

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After setting the parameters above, switch to the Group tab and enable the Create Group and With Bolts options. The other parameters in this dialog should remain unchanged.

At the Intersection of the UB406x178x60 (located in the TOP elevation of workframe FR2) with the column WEBS create End Plate connections (click Endplate icon) with the following parameters:

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The remaining settings for these endplates will remain unchanged, so after setting the Layout parameters as shown, press OK to place the endplate.

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Modifying Connections Using Editing

Modifying Connections Using Editing The objectives of this lesson are as follows: •

Learn how to use editing to modify an existing End Plate connection.

•

Manually modify a connection and add "common" bolts to two back to back End Plate connections.

•

Introduce the BOLTING command.



Exercise: Modifying an Existing End Plate Connection 1

Zoom to the standard isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Zoom into the joint between the column UB305x165x46 and beams UB533x210x101 at coordinate A1.

Pick the UB533x210x101 beam running along Axis A to highlight it.

Right‐click and select PS 3D Properties.

From the Shape Properties dialog, select the LogLinks tab.

Search the Link until you find the End Plate located at this intersection. This can be accomplished by using the arrow buttons at the bottom of the Log Links tab.

Hint: The number and description of the link changes as you cycle through the

available links. Also note that in the model, as you move from end plate to end plate, the intersecting column at the connection will highlight. This is your indication that this is the joint that will be edited. 7

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Once the End Plate connection is located, select the Edit button to invoke the edit dialog.

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Edit the connection as indicated in the figure below changing the Offset in the Plate Dimensions section to ‐350.

Press the OK button to close the dialog and apply the changes.

10 While still in the Shape Properties dialog, use the arrows and cycle to the

End Plate connection located at the other end of the same beam and modify it in the same manner. 11 Set your model to a FR1_FRONT view and the front frame should appear

as shown below.

Hint: The offset value will be a Negative number when the desired result has

the plate extended beyond the limits of the beam. This is true in all cases including an offset on the top side of the beam. Positive numbers are used only when the plate needs to be smaller in height than the intersecting beam.

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

Exercise: Manually Modifying Elements to Change a Connection 1

Return to an Overview 1 view and zoom to the joint between the beams and the column located at coordinate B1.Use the MicroStation Delete Element command to erase the bolts that exist between the connections of both beams on Axis 1 and the column.

Note: Each connection that was created at this location added a set of bolts to

the connection. 2

Now that the bolts have been manually deleted, you will need to bolt the connection together using the correct length bolt. The new length needs to be long enough to accommodate both end plates and the column web thickness.

Select Bolts from the ProSteel menu or click the Bolt icon. This will load the ProSteel Bolt Styles dialog.

Click on the Bolting tab and set the values as shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the dialog shown above.

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Name

Description

Bolt Style

Contains the bolt type (e.g., DIN558) for the bolted connections. The different bolt types are filed in databases which allows you to add self‐defined types.

Single Hole Bolt

When enabled, bolts are also defined for single holes. Normally, two opposite drill holes with their tolerances defined in Geometry Setting are necessary for bolting.

Create dynamic Connection

If this field is checked, all involved elements are created with a logical link. Thus the bolting can be automatically adapted if a component is modified.

Bolt Settings

In the Diameter field, enter the diameter for the bolt(s) to be used in the connection. In the Workloose field, enter the desired hole clearance of the bolted connection, in most cases 2 mm.

Tolerances

In the Gap field, you enter the distance up to which two drill holes can be considered as matching and the component parts concerned can be bolted together, in most cases 2 mm. In the Angle field, you enter the angle difference of two hole axes, up to which two drill holes can be considered to be well aligned and the component parts concerned can be bolted together, in most cases 1°. Hint: You should not adjust this value to 0, since in some cases this would prevent bolt fastening due to an inexact calculation, although in practical application a connection would be possible. Bolting: Press this button to create the connections. For this purpose, you must select all components to be connected according to the defined mode (maximum of 50 parts in one operation). Then the program defines the possible bolt settings and inserts the bolts into the model. Single Bolt: Press this button to insert a single bolt at the desired position. Turn: Press this button to rotate inserted bolts for mounting reasons. For this purpose, select all bolts that are to be turned.

Click on the Bolt Style tab to display the fields shown below.

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The following table provides a description of the fields in the Bolt Styles tab shown above.

Name

Description

Bolt Style

The selected style name is displayed here.

Additional Parts

The options along the left side of the display determines the components of the bolt connection. As you check an item, it will appear in the display to the right.

Option Buttons

The buttons on the right side of the Additional Parts section display dialogs that provide more detailed information about the corresponding component. For a component button to be enabled, you must first enable checkbox for the corresponding component on the left side of the dialog. The only exception is the Bolt button. It will always be enabled. Save: Click this button to save the bolt style in the drawing. Please note that you have to save the style here first and of course the drawing later, too, to keep the information. Load from File: Click this button to load a bolt style from a file you received e.g. from another user.

Set the values as shown above and Save to save the style in the drawing.

Note: New Bolt Styles can be created through the Sort tab of the dialog. Once

created and saved, they will be added to the Bolt Style drop down list.

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Return to the Bolting tab and press the Bolting button at the bottom of the dialog. The prompt: Select all Parts to be Bolted (max 50): Select Objects: displays.

Pick the column and BOTH end plates.

Right Mouse click. This will insert bolts and return you to the ProSteel Bolt Styles dialog.

10 Press OK to close the dialog. Hint: You should not perform this type of operation until ready to begin the detailing

or creation of a MTO. After performing this operation, any editing performed on the End Plate connections via the "Logical Links" modification procedure will re‐insert bolts for each end plate thus doubling the quantity of bolts.

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Module Review

Module Review Questions

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The Layouts tab lets you choose one of four possible connection types in the Layout of Plate field. Name the four connection types.

What are the two types of connections assigned in the Connect tab?

What are the four tabs in the Bolt Styles dialog?

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Answers 1

The four connection types are: Automatic, Splice, Normal, and Flange.

The Bolt and Weld connections are assigned in the Connect tab.

The Bolt Styles dialog tabs are: Bolting, Threaded Rods, Bolt Style, and sort.

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Creating Base Plates and Cross Bracing Module Overview In this module, you will learn how to create base plates on columns; how to drill the base plate to accommodate anchor bolts; and how to create dynamic and static bracings.

Module Prerequisites •

Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation etc.

•

Previous experience with 3D CAD system preferably MicroStation V8i

•

Completion of previous modules in this course recommended

Module Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to:

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•

Use the Base Plate command to insert Base plates on a column.

•

Create Base Plates using the Plate command

•

Use the Drill command

•

Create Dynamic cross bracing

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Creating Base Plates on Columns

Creating Base Plates on Columns In this lesson you will learn how to use the Base Plate command to insert base plates on a column. You will also learn how to create Base Plates using the Plate command in conjunction with the Modify functions to shorten shapes. 

Exercise: Using the Base Plate Command to Insert Base Plates at Columns 1

If not already loaded, open the TRNMODEL.dgn drawing file.

Select Zoom/Views > Isometric Overview from the ProSteel menu.

Zoom in on the bottom end of the column at coordinate A1.

Select the Baseplates option: select ProSteel menu > Connections > Baseplates or click Baseplates icon.

When prompted to Select the Shape to connect, pick the column near the bottom end.

Set the values in the ProSteel DSTV Baseplate dialog as shown below, starting with the Layout tab.

Set the values in the Holes tab, as shown below:

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Set the values in the Connect tab, as shown below:

Set the values in the Data tab, as shown below:

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10 Set the values in the Dowels tab, as shown below:

11 Set the values in the Assignment tab, as shown below:

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12 When finished setting the parameters press the check mark. 13 Repeat this process on the column at coordinate A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.

The following tables provide a description of the fields in the ProSteel DSTV Baseplate dialog. Name

Description

Layout Tab Fields and Descriptions Selected Column

Displays the column selected for baseplate.

Plate Width

Width of the base plate (parallel to the support flange), related to a vertical supporting shape.

Plate Height

Height of the base plate, related to a vertical supporting shape.

Plate Thickness

Thickness of the base plate.

Grout Thickness

Enter the grout thickness, or how high the plate shall be above the current Niveau.

Align Plate to Shape Normal

The base plate will be entered vertically to the longitudinal in Profile Direction: axis of the support in this field. If not, the base plate will be aligned parallel to the x/y axis of the WCS, provided, it is a "real" support.

Shorten Column

The supporting shape is shortened by the plate thickness and the grout space underneath in this field. Otherwise, the base plate is fastened to the support. The point of reference is determined by the shape axis in the case of inclined supports.

Form Group

The base plate and the support member are arranged to form a group in this field. If the support member is already part of another group, the base plate is assigned to that group.

As Polyplate

If this field is checked, the base plate is always aligned parallel towards the x/y‐plane and the smallest torsion is searched. Otherwise it is aligned parallel towards the flanges .

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Name

Description

Holes Tab Fields and Descriptions Inner Holes

Drill Inner Holes: Enable this option to create inner holes according to the settings below: • Hole Distance: Enter the width of the inner holefield, or 0 if you only want holes in the Height. • Hole Distance: Enter the Height of the inner holefield, or 0 if you only want holes in the width. • Hole Diameter: Enter the diameter of the inner holefield.

Outer Holes

Drill Outer Holes: Enable this option to create outer holes according to the settings below: • • • •

Number: In these two fields, input the number of desired holes in the Outer Holefield. Holefield Width: Enter the total Width of the outer holefield. Holefield Height: Enter the total Height of the outer holefield. Hole Diameter: Enter the diameter of the outer holefield.

Connect Tab Fields and Descriptions With Tie Bolts

If With Tie Bolts is selected, the anchor bolts are displayed by symbols and can be entered in the parts list.

With Anchor bolts Inserts anchorbolts also in the outer holefield. outside Label

Description for the anchor bolts.

Use Dowel

Use Anchor Dowels instead of a symbolic bolt. The dowels are stored in a database which is defined in the field below. The browse button allows you to navigate to the desired database.

Weld Style

Define the weld style to be used in this field.

Weld Flange Side

Enable this option to use welds on the flange side of the connection shape. The thickness field next to this option allows you to enter the thickness of the weld if you want to override the weld style thickness.

Weld Web Side

Enable this option to use welds on the web side of the connection shape. The thickness field next to this option allows you to enter the thickness of the weld if you want to override the weld style thickness.

Data Tab Fields and Descriptions Column Load in kN

Maximum force to be carried by the plate.

Hole diameter

List of standardized hole diameters.

Concrete

Concrete grade of the elements.

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Creating Base Plates on Columns

Name

Description

Available Standard Baseplates

You will find base plates for the clicked supporting shape under Selection Templates. These are defined according to the standard DAST guidelines. The values in the fields below are displayed and can be changed. When you select a plate, the base plate is immediately attached; you can then directly check the result and make modifications, if necessary. Note: The plate width and the plate height refer to vertical supports. The values are correspondingly increased to maintain the shape edges in the case of inclined supports.

Clone



Press this button to apply the data of an already existing base plate to a new plate. This requires that you press the Existing Base Plate button.

Exercise: Preparing the element for a manual base plate

There may be times when using the Base Plate command may not be the best method of adding a base plate. In these situations you can create the base plate by shortening the column using the Modify command and then inserting the plate using the plate functions. 1

Zoom to the standard isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Zoom in on the base of column located at coordinate B3.

Open the Element Modification dialog (click Modify icon).

Click on the Shapes tab. You will use the Shorten Shapes by Default function to shorten our column by a distance equal to our fabricated base plate thickness.

Set the Default field value to 25mm.

Press the By Default button and when prompted to: Select shape at the End to be shortened.

Pick the column near the end. This will shorten the column by the value of 25mm.

Hint: Before using the Shorten by Default function, make sure to window in on

the element to be shortened. As the command automatically shortens the column when picked when zoomed out you may not notice the shortening of the element and will pick the same element twice, thus shortening the shape a second time. 8

Press OK to close the dialog.

Using the same process, shorten the column located at coordinate C3.

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

Exercise: Creating a base plate using the Plates command 1

While still zoomed in on the column at coordinate C3, invoke the Plates command (ProSteel menu > Plates) or click Plates icon.

In the ProSteel Plates/Polyplates dialog set the parameters as shown below. Make sure to select the CENTER insertion point in the image of the plate.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the ProSteel Plates/ Polyplates dialog. Name

Description

Length

Sets the plate length if the plate is rectangular.

Width

Sets the plate width of the plate is rectangular.

Thickness

Thickness of the plate to be created. Either enter a value or select a value from the list.

Height Offset

The insertion plane of the plate is moved by this value in negative direction towards the reference plane (active ACS or element ACS).

Dimensions

Enter the plate dimension into the Length and Width fields if you have selected the contour Rectangular.

X‐Offset

Sets the plate X‐Offset if the plate is rectangular.

Y‐Offset

Sets the plate Y‐Offset if the plate is rectangular.

Item No

Changes the Plate article number

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Name

Description

Grid

If the Active Layer field is enabled, the plates are not inserted in the plate level (default is PS_PLATE) but rather in the current MicroStation level. If the Grid field is enabled, an additional grid is visible at the upper side to display gridirons, for example.

Insert Plane

Here you indicate the reference plane for the insertion of the plate. If the Current ACS field is marked, the corner points of the polyline are referenced with the current ACS when creating the plate if you have selected the contour Adapt Contour. This is the standard case if the drawn ply‐line is located within the ACS. If the Object ACS field is marked, the element ACS of the polyline is considered to be the reference plane when creating the plate if you have selected the contour Adapt Contour. Use this setting if the polyline is not located in the current ACS and you want to insert a plate to it. The User Defined Plane is defined by two lines (on which you have to click). Thus, this will allow you to align a plate on a shape. This is working when you create a plate by selecting points.

Insert Edge

The selection Top, Middle, or Bottom determines the insertion plane of the plate. Please note that the values for the insertion height apply up to this plane.

Options

• Label: Allows you to select the name of the polyplate • Material: Choose the material from this list, which will be associated with the plate in the parts list. • Display Class: Enables the selection of the Display Class of the plate. • Description: Enables the selection of the Free Description of the plate. • Active Layer: Enables you to select the Level for the plate.

• Insert Polypoint: Inserts a polypoint by specified points. Placement Options (in order • Insert on Polygon: Inserts a plate by a selected polygon, circle or arc. of icons) • Insert Rectangular Plate: Inserts a rectangular plate on an insertion point. • Insert Rectangular Plate: Inserts a rectangular plate on a selected diagonal. • Rectangular on Line: Inserts a rectangular plate along a line. • Four Points: If the By 4 Points field is checked, you determine the form of the plate by picking any four points in the space you like. The first three points determine at the same time the insertion plane of the plate. The fourth point is plumbed towards this plane. Thus you have the possibility to create a plate without setting the ACS before. • Steel into Poly: Transforms already inserted flat steel shapes into plates. This can some times be useful, if you want to carry out modifications which cannot be made with a shape. • Template: Allows the user to name and save the current settings as a template that can be recalled later. • Dimension: Press this button to re‐specify the reference line for the plate length. • Grid: Enable this option to re‐specify the reference line for the plate grid. • Additional Flange: Enables creation of additional flanges to a plate.

Press the Insert button at the bottom of the dialog and when prompted to: Pick Insert point of the Rectangular Plate, pick the bottom shape point of the column. The plate will be created at this point and you will return to the dialog.

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Repeat the process on the column located at coordinate B3.

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Drilling the Base Plate to Accommodate Anchor Bolts

Drilling the Base Plate to Accommodate Anchor Bolts In this lesson, you will learn how to use the Drill command. 

Exercise: Drilling the Base plate

Now that you have inserted the base plates, you will need to drill these to accommodate anchor bolts. Use the Drill command to accomplish this. 1

Zoom to the standard isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Zoom into the area of the base plate located at the base of the column located at coordinate B3.

Select the Drill option (ProSteel menu > Drill) or click Drill icon.

In the ProSteel Drill dialog loads set the parameters shown below.

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The following table provides a description of the fields in the dialog. Name

Description

Hole Field Description

Layout: The following options are available to set the layout type for the hole field: Rectangular: For a rectangular drill hole field, the drill holes are arranged as a rectangle with rows and columns around the insertion point. Radial: At a radial drill hole field, the drill holes are arranged in a complete or partial circle around the insertion point. When this option is selected, additional input fields will be displayed as shown in the dialog by means of which round drill hole fields can be determined. Single Holes: When this box is activated, the drill hole description is ignored, and you can drill individual holes into the shape Shape/X Dir: Description of drill hole field in shape direction, for plates in x direction of the ACS. Details on how to describe a drill hole field are given on the next page. Cross/Y Dir: Description of drill hole field perpendicular to the shape direction, for plates in y direction of the ACS. Number/Radius: Enter the number of drill holes to be created in the Number field and the radius which the drill holes are distributed around the insertion point in the Radius field. Area/Start: In the Area field, enter the number of degrees that the bolt holes are to be distributed around (for instance the value 180 for a semicircle). If you enter the value 0, the complete circle will be used. You can enter an angle of the first drill hole towards the insertion ‐X‐axis of the component in the input field Start if the partial circle has to be rotated. Shape Center: When the Shape Center box has been clicked, all points on the shape centerline are put perpendicular to the shape center. If the Show Axis field is checked, the midline, gravity line, and tracing dimensions are displayed after clicking the shape. The axes are removed again after the drilling has concluded.

Data

Diameter: Enter the hole diameter here. Workloose: Addition to the hole diameter as entered, e.g., for galvanizing. Slot Length: If in the input field Slot Axis a value bigger than 0 has been entered, the hole is drilled as slotted hole. The entered value determines the distance between the two holes which are drilled as slotted holes. In case of a slotted hole, two drill holes with a pitch as entered in the input field will be created, and the space in between will be cut out.

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Name

Description

Layout and Position

Hole Type: Drill Through means that the material will be completely drilled through. (If a top flange is drilled, the bottom flange will not be drilled through.) Drill Blink Hole means that the drill hole has the depth as entered in the Bore Hole Depth field. Weld marks means that small holes are spot‐drilled for marking add‐on pieces. Dimensioning of these small holes can be carried out automatically. Flange Selection: Upper Chord means that the flange which is "reached first by the drill" will be drilled. Lower Chord means that the second flange which is "reached by the drill" will be drilled. This function allows a bottom flange from the top view to be drilled on the shape. Both Chords means that both flanges are drilled. Create Threaded hole: Creates a threaded hole. This will appear differently in 2D. Single: You can insert the complete hole field or several single holes into one shape. First, click the shape or the plate. Then click or type the hole field insertion point. When having selected single holes, you can insert different single holes until you press the Enter key or the right mouse button. All holes will be drilled now. Multiple: You can insert holes in several shapes at the same time, e.g., when shapes are placed upon each other, and a hole for a through rod shall be drilled. First, click all desired shapes or plates and then drill the holes as described in Single.

Each of the selected shapes being hit by an imaginary beam that starts at the inserted drill holes (in both directions, the beam direction is the position of the hole axis!) will be drilled at the point of impact, the hole size being identical. Thus, the holes are exactly aligned. Adopt: Drill holes in shapes can be taken over according to the "beam principal" described in Multiple. In this case, the entries in the dialog are ignored. First, click all shapes with holes to be transferred and then all shapes to adopt the hole. Using this function, drill holes from a connecting plate may be rapidly transferred to a shape.

Press the Settings tab and set the values shown below.

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Hint: If the holes are not immediately visible, change the View Display to

Wireframe. The following table provides a description of the fields in the dialog. Name

Description

Hole Type Group

Normal Drill: the holes are drilled as normal holes which are drilled through and which always have the same diameter. Countersunk: If this field is enabled, the holes are drilled as countersunk holes. In the neighbouring input fields, you can specify the countersunk depth and the opening angle of the hole. Step Hole: the holes are drilled as step hole with two different diameters. The upper diameter is bigger than the lower diameter. In the neighbouring input fields, you can specify the depth and the diameter of the upper hole section.

Depth/Angle

Depth sets the length of the straight part of the countersunk hole. The Angle sets the upper opening angle for the countersunk hole.

Depth/Radius

Depth sets the Length of the lower part of the step hole. The Radius sets diameter of the upper part of the step hole.

Hole Type

Mar-12

Hole Type: The selection list offers you several Hole Types to choose from, which determines how the drill holes appear in the detailed shop drawings. You can choose from Hole Representation, Field Drill, Field Bolt, or Shop Bolt.

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Name

Description

Offset

You can define a relative offset by which the actual hole insertion point to be moved away from the clicked point. This enables you to offset the starting point of a hole group against the shape starting point and click on the starting point, or to insert asymmetrically positioned hole groups. No Offset means that the clicked point corresponds to the insertion point. Rectangular Offset means that the offset data in the Distance box are assumed as x/y values. Polar Offset means that the offset data in the Distance box are assumed as distance/ pitch values.

Rotation

Here, you can specify a rotation of the drill hole field around the insertion point.

Distances

These boxes are activated if you selected a relative offset under 'Offset'. If you have selected Rectangular as offset, you can enter the two distances in the input fields X‐ Offset and Y‐Offset. If you have selected Polar as offset, you can enter the distance and the angle in the corresponding input fields Distance and Angle.

Monitor

Here, you can verify the selected drill hole field and determine the insertion point by means of the small points. The bigger red point shows the current insertion point.

Return to the Dimensions tab and press the Single button from the bottom of the dialog.

At the prompt: "Select the element to be drilled", pick the plate.

When prompted to: "Pick the Insertion point of Drill Pattern", pick the bottom end of the column. This will add the holes to the plate and return you to the dialog.

Press OK to end the function.

10 Repeat the same procedure on the columns base plate located at

coordinate C3. Hint: When drilling objects, be sure to have the ACS in the top plane of the

object to be drilled or pick the insertion point of the drill pattern as the top surface of the object. The Drill command operates exactly like a real world drilling process. You would not drill up from the bottom of the plate. When drilling a shape such as a wide flange it is only necessary to pick the shape point of the object as the drill pattern insertion point as the switches "Drill First Flange", "Drill Next Flange", and "Drill Both Flanges" will control the actual ACS plane from which the drill pattern originates. Your model should appear as shown below.

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Creation of Dynamic and Static Bracings

Creation of Dynamic and Static Bracings 

Exercise: Preparing to Create Dynamic Cross Bracing

In this exercise, you will learn how to prepare the TRNMODEL.DGN to create Dynamic Cross bracing. 1

Zoom to the standard isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Hint: To begin the cross bracing command you need to prepare the model.

This requires you to set the view of the model to the frame that will contain the cross bracing and to create construction lines to act as your guides for the bracing. 2

Change the display to the saved FR1_FRONT view (click Choose View icon).

When the dialog appears, select the FR1_FRONT view from the list and press the Set View button to set model to this view.

Create the required construction line by drawing a MicroStation line.

When prompted to: Specify the Start Point of Line, select the object centre of the upper right hand beam.

Next, select the lower centre point of the left hand column.

Your model should appear as shown below.



Exercise: Defining and inserting Dynamic Cross Bracing

In this exercise, you will learn how to define and create Dynamic Cross Bracing. 1

While still in the FR1_FRONT view select the Dynamic Bracing option (ProSteel menu > Connections > Dynamic Bracing) or click the Connections icon, followed by clicking the Dynamic Bracing icon.

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When prompted to: "Pick System Line of Brace Member <Line>, Point", pick the MicroStation diagonal line between the columns.

When prompted to: "Select first main member to connect Brace:", pick the left hand column.

When the prompt: "Select second main member to which Brace connects at opposite end:" displays, pick the Right hand column. This will open the ProSteel Bracing dialog. Set the parameters as shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Common tab.

Mar-12

Name

Description

Shapes

Indicates the utilized shapes for the bracing bars. Enter the Shape Catalog into the first selection box, the Shape Type into the second, and the Shape Size into the third.

Plate Thickness

Indicates the thickness of the gusset plate.

Edge Distance to

Determines the minimum distance between Borders or Border objects to the bracing rods.

Round Shape Length to

Rounds the calculated length of the bracing rods to this value.

Plate Width Minimum

Sets the maximum width of the gusset plates if the triangular symmetric is selected.

Offset

Selects how far the Gusset Plates shall overlap the Bracing Rods sideways.

Depth accord. ACS

Sets the depth of the Bracing according to the ACS system

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Name

Description

Gusset Position

Sets the position of the Gusset plates according to the connection plane.

Gusset Type

Sets the form of the Gusset Plates.

• • • •

Butt Strap Rectangular Triangular Minimised Triangular Symmetrical

Opening Angle

Here you can determine the opening angle of the gusset plate towards the bracing bar at the shape 'Triangle bent'

Cross Bracing

If this switch is enabled, the bracing is designed in the form of a cross stay. Otherwise, only one bracing bar is added to the clicked on system line.

Welded Bracing

If this switch is enabled, the bracing is welded in its entirety. No borings are added in that case.

Form Group

If this switch is enabled, the individual bracing elements are formed into groups.

Symmetrical

If this switch is enabled, the bracing is designed in the form of a cross stay and remains symmetrical if modified. Otherwise, every bar can be changed individually.

Dynamic

If this switch is enabled, the bracing immediately depicts the modifications made in the dialog. If you would like to modify many values, you can deactivate this option for the time being. Add Cutting Edge: By pressing this button, you can add additional boundary edges (lines) for the gusset plate calculation.

Delete Cutting Edge: Press this button to delete an additional boundary edge.

To stop the Creation of a gusset plate at the end of a bracing bar, just click on this button.

Includes bracing bar which doesn't belong to the bracing in the creation of a gusset plate

Excludes any bracing bar which doesn't belong to the bracing from the creation of a gusset plate.

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Hint: The Bracing command may require that you "Add Cutting Edge" in order

to better define the limits of the bracing and the gusset plates. This may not be enough to properly define the plate in which case you can use additional MODIFY commands to shape the plates as needed. This would include such commands as "Extend/Trim to Line". Also of importance is that Dynamic bracing can be modified after its initial insertion. It will also dynamically adjust as changes are made to the adjacent members and the distance between them.

Mar-12

To clean up the bracing gusset plates, return to the Common tab of the ProSteel Bracing dialog. Select the Add Cutting Edge function.

Select the underside of the beam to reshape and adjust the gusset plates. When finished, press OK to close the dialog.

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

Exercise: Preparing to Create Static bracing

In this exercise, you will learn how to prepare the model to create Static Bracing. 1

Zoom to the standard isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Hint: To begin the cross bracing command you need to prepare the model.

This requires you to set the view of the model to your frame that will contain the cross bracing and to create construction lines to act as your guides for the bracing. 2

Change the display to the saved FR2_BACK view (click Choose View icon).

When the dialog appears, select the FR2_BACK view from the list and press the Set View button to set model to this view.

Now you will create the construction line for our Static bracing. Invoke the line command and when prompted to specify the first point, select a point close to the bottom of the left hand column to place the start of the line at the base of the column.

At the prompt: "Specify Next Point:"

Select the snap and then select the CENTER of the crossbeam. An asterisk will be displayed at the centre of the beam to confirm you are in the correct location.

For the last segment of the line snap to the centre of the column base. Your model should appear as shown below.

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

Exercise: Defining and inserting Static Bracing

In this exercise you will define and insert Static Bracing components. 1

Select the Static Bracing option. (ProSteel menu > Connections > Static Bracing) or click Static Bracing icon. This will open the ProSteel Static Bracing dialog. Set the parameters in the Shapes tab as shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Shapes tab of the ProSteel Bracing dialog.

Mar-12

Name

Description

Shape Type

Selects the shape type for the bracing rods.

Shape Class

Selects the shape that will be displayed in the field Shape Window.

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Name

Description

Resolution

Selects the resolution in which the bracing rods will be inserted.

Shape Size

Determines the shape size for the bracing rods

ACS Location

The position of the gusset plate with respect to the plane of the bracing is determined. The first image shows the plate front edge. The second image shows the plate Center and the third image shows the plate rear edge.

Rod Insertion

Determines the position of the rod with respect to the insertion line (system line). You can insert the rod in the Middle, on the Gravity line, or on the Root line.

Rod Position

You can determine the position of the rod with respect to the bracing plane. You can check the selected position in the Shape Window in the upper right corner of the dialog field. Frontside means that the rod is flush with the front edge of the gusset plate (more precise: in positive z direction of the ACS). Backside means that the rod is flush with the rear edge of the gusset plate (more precise: in negative z direction of the ACS). Bothsides means that a rod is positioned on both sides of the gusset plate. Centered means that the rod axis is in a centered position in the ACS plane.

Rotation

You can insert the rod in its normal position or rotated by +90 degrees or ‐90 degrees. You can check the selected mode in the Shape Window in the upper right corner of the dialog field.

Mirror

The shape can be inserted in a normal or mirrored way. You can check the selected mode in the Shape Window in the upper right corner of the dialog.

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Name

Description

Plate Thickness

Thickness of gusset plates.

Placement Options

You can create bracing rods and gusset plates in one operation. However, the command is not suitable for the connection of several rods from different systems. This should be done using a single function. You will return to the dialog field after creation. You can insert single rods that are automatically drilled. You will return to the dialog field after creation Existing shapes are drilled on their ends, according to the definitions in the dialog field. You must select the shapes for this purpose. You will return to the dialog field afterwards. A gusset plate will be created automatically. Select Bracing Rods that have already been drilled and then click Boundary Lines for the Plate Edges. The program will try to find a suitable plate dimension by keeping the edge distances and the boundary lines. It may be necessary to pick one point at the planned bracing end. Click the approximate position of the gusset plate. You will return to the dialog field afterwards. You can determine the shape of the gusset plate. Select the drilled bracing rods that are to be connected and pick a point on the planned bracing end. Click the approximate position of the gusset plate. The edge distances will be displayed. You then define the shape of the plate by clicking the edge points of a polyline. You can check the shape being created. The functions available for creating the polyline are the same as those available for drawing a polyline using MicroStation. The dialog will be restored after creating the plate. If you have not determined the ACS plane before using the command, you can do this subsequently: the active ACS plane (and consequently the plane of the bracing) will be determined by clicking 3 points. You will return to the dialog field afterwards.

Mar-12

Click on the Connect tab and set the parameters as shown below.

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The following table provides a description of the fields in the Connect tab of the ProSteel Bracing dialog. Name

Description

Bolt Style

Determines the style of bolt.

Diameter

Determines the diameter of the bolts.

Workloose

Workloose between the Hole diameter and Bolt diameter.

Number Shape

You can enter the number of bolts (drill holes) in shape direction of the rod on each shape end. The spacing will result from the selected bolt diameter.

Number Cross

Sets the number of bolts normal to the bracing rod direction.

Distance

Sets the spacing of the holes normal to the bracing rod direction.

Hole Position

You can determine the position of the holes in the rod. You can insert the holes in the Middle, on the Gravity line, or on the Pitch line.

Weld Bracing

The shapes and gusset plates are not drilled if the Weld Bracing field is selected. The dimensions of the gusset plates, however, are determined as if drill holes were existing.

Plate without Edges

The edges of the gusset plate are not beveled but right‐angled if the Plate without Edge field is enabled.

Create Group With Bolts

A group is formed for each rod if the Create Group field is selected. The bolts of the bracing rod to be connected are also allocated to the group if the With Bolts field is selected.

Next, set the parameters of the Distance tab as shown below.

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Hint: As you are building a static bracing, you will need to build this in

sections. First you will define the bracing angles. 4

From within the dialog press the Rod button. When prompted to: Pick System Line of Brace Member <Line>Point, pick the MicroStation line on the left.

When prompted to: "Pick Border Line of Brace Member or Return for End <Line>,Back, Point," pick the left column.

At the prompt: "Pick Border Line of Brace Member or Return for End <Line>,Back, Point", pick the cross beam at the top.

When prompted a third time to: "Pick Border Line of Brace Member or Return for End <Line>,Back, Point", right‐click to end the definition phase and bring up the Bracing Rod Length modification dialog.

Set the actual length of the rod to match the figure below, then press OK.

Repeat this function for the other brace rod.

Hint: Now you need to create the gusset plates at each end of the bracing

rods.

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On the ends that meet the columns you will create two single rod plates. At the intersection of the two rods with the crossbeam you will create a common plate for both rods. 10 If the ProSteel Bracing dialog is not displayed, open it now and press the

Plate Auto button. 11 When prompted to: Pick Connection End of Brace Member to be

connected or Return for End: Select Objects:, pick the lower end of the left bracing rod and right‐click. The prompt: Pick Border Line for Gusset Plate or Return for End <Line>,Back, Point displays. 12 Pick the inside edge of the column flange. 13 When prompted a second time to: "Pick Border Line for Gusset Plate or

Return for End <Line>,Back, Point", right‐click. 14 When prompted to: "Pick a Point at the Proposed Brace End:", right‐click

to place the gusset plate and return to the Structural Bracing dialog. Note: If picking the edge of the beam is not recognized by the command, type

P (for point) when asked to select border, then define 2 points along the edge of the beam. 15 Repeat the same process at the lower end of the right bracing rod. 16 Repeat the process one more time at the top end of the both bracing

rods. 17 Press the Plate Auto button. When prompted to: Pick Connection End of

Brace Member to be connected or Return for End: Select objects:, pick the upper end of BOTH bracing rods where they meet the cross beam and right‐click. 18 When prompted to: "Pick Border Line for Gusset Plate or Return for End

<Line>,Back, Point", pick in the lower edge of the flange on the crossbeam and right‐click to place the gusset plate and return to the bracing dialog. 19 Press OK to exit the command.

Your model at the location of the bracing should appear as below.

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Module Review

Hint: When adding gusset plates you can use the Select Plate function to define the

plate. You must pick the bracing rod near the end to receive the plate and then pick a point near the gusset plate end. This will highlight the element with the edges of the plate limits and you then must build a boundary that defines the shape of the plate.

Module Review Now that you have completed this module, let's measure what you have learned.

Questions

Mar-12

What is the difference between Dynamic Bracing and Static Bracing?

Can you pick the length or width of a column and set those values as the size of your baseplate?

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Answers 1

What is the difference between Dynamic Bracing and Static Bracing? With Static you create the various parts of the bracing manually.

Can you pick the length or width of a column and set those values as the size of your baseplate? Yes, you right mouse click on the length or width on the dialog and select the pick length option.

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Purlin Courses, Web Angles and Shear Plate Connections Module Overview In this module, you will learn how to prepare the model for the creation of purlins. You will also learn how to create and modify purlins.

Module Prerequisites •

Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation etc.

•

Previous experience with a 3D CAD system, preferably MicroStation V8i

•

Completion of previous modules in this course recommended

Module Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to:

Mar-12 Connections

•

Prepare the model for the creation of Purlins

•

Create two Purlins in the upper elevation of our structure

•

Modify the Purlins to prepare for detailing the joints

•

Cope shapes and create a template of the cope for future use

•

Add web angles to the coped elements and add web angles where the cope is called from within the web angle command

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Introductory Knowledge

Introductory Knowledge Before you being this module, let's define what you already know.

Questions 1

How do you set an Auxiliary Coordinate System (ACS)in MicroStation?

How do you rotate ACS to the top of a beam using ProSteel?

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Introductory Knowledge

Answers 1

How do you set an Auxiliary Coordinate System (ACS) in MicroStation? Go to Utilities > Auxiliary Coordinates and choose the appropriate option from the dialog (for example Define ACS by points).

How do you rotate ACS to the top of a beam using ProSteel? Choose the Object ACS at Point option from the ProSteel View commands toolbox.

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Creating the Purlins

Creating the Purlins This section describes how to create the purlins. 

Exercise: Preparing the Model for the Purlin

In this exercise, you will learn how to set the ACS to the proper plane for the creation of the Purlin. 1

Move to an isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Set the ACS using the MicroStation Define ACS (By Points).

Select Points as below.

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Save the ACS as Purlin.



Exercise: Creating the Purlins (Roof Purlins)

In this exercise, you will create the Purlins.

Mar-12 Connections

From the ProSteel Structural Elements toolbar press the Purlin icon.

When prompted to: "Select lower left edge of Purlin distribution, or ESC for secondary Beams", pick the top left hand corner of the beam on grid line B.

When prompted to: “Specify upper right edge of Purlin element”, pick the top right hand corner of the beam on grid line C.

See below for the purlin insertion points.

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Creating the Purlins

When the ProSteel Purlin dialog appears, set the parameters as shown below and then press OK.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Common tab. Name

Description

Angle

The purlins are rotated around this angle value, which means they are arranged in a diagonal fashion.

Height Offset

This allows you to move the purlin course in positive Z‐direction by applying the indicated value.

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Name

Description

Dynamic

If this field is checked, the modifications of the settings can be monitored immediately on screen.

Symmetrical

If this field is checked, the area to be filled (object frame) remains symmetrical.

Draw Diagonal

If this field is checked, the area to be filled (object frame) is marked with two additional diagonals.

Cut at Edge

If this field is checked, the purlins at the edges of the area to be filled are cut flush. Values in the field Left Projection and Right Projection are then not considered.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Dimensions tab.

Mar-12 Connections

Name

Description

Fixed Grid

If the 'Grid' field is checked, you can indicate in the neighboring input field the approximate distance of the pulins within the area between first and last purlin. The program divides the distances regularly according to this specification and the value is rounded up or down correspondingly. The actual distances then are displayed in the Effective Grid Field.

Free Grid

If the 'Grid' field is not checked, you can freely define the grid division within the area between the first and last purlin in the 'Distances' list. You can vary the number and the distances, as you like.

Turn

The distances are used inverted.

Offset Bottom

The distance from the centerline of the lowest purlin to the outer edge of the selected area.

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Name

Description

Offset Top

The distances from the centerline of the topmost purlin to the outer edge of the selected area.

Offsets Fixed

If one of these options is activated, the selected distances are also kept in the grid; otherwise they are centered.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Border Lines tab. Name

Description

Cut Lines

Cutting edges can be added subsequently to permit the creation of non‐rectangular purlin courses as well. Click this button to add a cutting edge. Then, you are prompted for a borderline to be clicked or to be defined by 2 points. All purlins intersection this edge are divided at the edge with the distance specified in the Cut Width input field. Click on this button to remove a selected cutting edge.

Poly‐Cut

Apart from cutting edges, it is also possible to add sections for light domes or similar things. The procedure is the same as for sections; the only difference is that you have to click on a poly‐line here.

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Name

Description Click on this button to add another section.

Click on this button to remove a section.

Hint: As a rule, after creating a purlin you should delete the yellow object that

inserts in the model. This is used to modify the purlin. If by chance you leave this object in the model and modify one of the shapes that is a part of the purlin separate from the other elements and the purlin and then go back later and modify the purlin itself the one element previously modified will be replaced by the shape defined in the purlin. This holds true for all "ProSteel Structural Objects". 6

Select Shapes from the list and set the parameters as shown below:

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Shapes tab.

Mar-12 Connections

Name

Description

Shapes Headings

This allows you to select the desired shape (Shape Class, Shape Size, Shape Type). All shapes are available for selection.

Position

Indicates the insertion position of the girders related to the insertion axis.

Rotation

Specifies the rotation of the shapes around the insertion axis.

Resolution

Provides options Low, Normal, High

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Creating the Purlins

You will now add the purlin connections. 7

Select the Purlin Connection icon from the Connections toolbar and, when prompted, select all of the purlins and right‐click to accept. Select the two beams the purlins connect to and right‐click to accept.

The Purlin Connection dialog is displayed. Set the parameters as shown below.

Select OK to finish the command.



Exercise: Creating the Purlins (Floor Beams)

In this exercise, you will create the Purlins Floor Beams. You will now use the Purlin command to add floor beams to the top of FR1. 1

Select the Purlin command.

When prompted to Specify lower left edge, select the shape instead of the two corners.

When prompted to Select desired shape, select the beam between columns A1 and B1. Then when prompted to Select another desired shape, select the beam between columns A2 and B2. The Purlin dialog is displayed so you can modify the parameters if required.

Highlight Dimensions and set the parameters as shown below.

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Creating the Purlins

Highlight Shapes and set the parameters as shown below, then press OK.

The result is that the floor beams are inserted to the spacing entered and the shear plate connections are automatically added according to the template selected. We will now insert a UB356x171x51 beam at the midpoint of the beams between columns A1 ‐ B1 and A2 ‐ B2.

Mar-12 Connections

Select the ProSteel Shapes icon and set to UB356x171x51 shape.

Insert the shape using the 2 points method. When prompted to Specify the shape start point, select the mid point of the beam between A1 ‐ A2. When prompted to Specify the shape end point, select the mid point of the beam between columns B1 ‐ B2. Then select OK.

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Creating the Purlins



Exercise: Create the Cope and Shear Plate Connection We will now create templates for the cope and shear plate connection. The first (Cope) will be called within the second (Shear plate connection), which we will call within the Purlin distribution dialog. 1

From the ProSteel menu, select Modify.

Select Enables to Cope one Shape on another. The prompt Select second Shape to Cope displays.

Select any of the 310UB32 purlin shapes just inserted. The prompt Select shape on which to cut displays.

Select the 530UB82 shape located on Axis 1.

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The ProSteel Cope dialog appears.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Structural Cope dialog. Layout

This allows you to select the shape of the notch. The different variants are shown: On the upper left, the initial situation before notching is shown (the shapes are still overlapping), and on the upper right you see the Contour. Pictures below from left to right: Fit Shape Start (the normal notch), Fit Shape Middle and Fit Shape End.

Corner Layout

Edge: The notches at the shape radii are carried out with a beveled edge. Radial: The notches at the shape radii are carried out with adapted radii. Radius: In this input field, the determined radius can be modified later. Access Hole: Holes are drilled in the inner corners of the notch. In the Radius input field, the radius of the drill holes can be preset.

Mar-12 Connections

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Align

If From Inner Flange is set, the dimensions refer to the inside of the flanges. Otherwise, the dimensions for the distance between top and bottom flange inside refer to the outside of the flanges. If From Center is set, the dimensions refer to the end of the shape (the exact position depends on the value in the Web Distance field). Otherwise, the dimensions for the distance between top and bottom flange edge refer to the outside of the flanges.

Distance

Allows you to set distances for the Top Flange Inside, Bottom Flange Inside, Top Flange Edge, Bottom Flange Edge, Top Flange Outside, Bottom Flange Outside, the Web Distance and the drill Radius.

Get Flange Thickness

Allows an unknown shape to be selected. The flange thickness is then entered in the input fields for Top and Bottom Flange. If you have entered a value in the +Distance field, this value will be added. Using this function, a flange distance can be swiftly determined without knowing the shape. As reference, you should select the setting Outer Edge.

List of Copes

In the Data tab, a list of previously defined copes is displayed from a database. These database files can be created by means of any DBASE editor. Thus, you can previously define a selection of the most frequent copes. In the different list fields you can see the basic data of the linkage and load the required cope by selecting an entry.

You will now save the cope just created as a template so it can be recalled later. 5

Select Template at the bottom of the Cope dialog.

Create a new folder named Training.

Add a new cope to the Training folder.

Type Type 1 in the Name field.

Click the check mark. The cope settings are saved as a template.

10 Press Enter.

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The Cope dialog is returned. You will now delete the cope from the beam. 11 Select the coped 310UB32 beam. 12 Right‐click.

13 Select PS3D Delete Connection from the context menu.

The Deletion confirmation dialog box appears.

14 Click the check mark to confirm the deletion of the cope.

You will now create a shear plate connection, save it as a template, and then delete the connection. 15 Using the Shear plate connection, select any of the previously inserted

purlins. 16 Select the supporting 530UB82 beam.

The ProSteel Shearplate connection dialog appears.

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17 Set the parameters as shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Shapes tab. Shape Selection

Thickness: the thickness of the web plate Cut Plate: If set, the plate is cut at the connecting shape in case of beveled shapes to be connected. Normal to Cut Plane: If set, the plate is not inserted in shape direction at beveled connecting shapes but always perpendicular towards the connecting shape. Use Polyplates: Polyplates are inserted instead of flats.

Position selection

Position: Specify the web side of the shape to be connected (left or right), which is to be used for attaching the web plate. If Both is selected, a plate is attached to both sides of the web. From Edge: If set, the vertical offset is measured from upper edge shape to upper edge web plate. Lower Edge: If set, the vertical offset refers to the lower edge of shape and web plate. Up to First Bolt: If set, the vertical offset does not refer to the edges of the web plate but to the center of the first drill hole. Gap: Enter the distance to be adhered to from the outer edge of the support shape to the outer edge of the shape to be connected. Vertical Offset: Enter the distance of the offset for the web plate from the axis of the shape to be connected towards top or to the right (depending on position). Negative values affect an opposite offset.

18 Select the Distance tab.

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19 Set the parameters as shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Distance tab. Distribution Shape Direction

Number: number of drill holes in shape direction Slot Length: length of the slot End Offset inside: distance of the last center of a drill hole to the end of the web plate on the side of the connecting shape Connection Edge: distance of the last drill hole to the end of the connecting shape on the side of the support shape Distance Between: distance between two drill holes in the direction of the connecting shape

Distribution Cross Direction

Number: number of drill holes in transversal shape direction Edge Distance: distance of the drill holes to the outer edge of the web plate Distance Between: distances between two drill holes in the transversal direction of the connecting shape

20 Select the Connect tab. 21 Set the parameters as shown below.

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The following table provides a description of the fields in the Connect tab. Bolt Settings

Bolt Style: Select the bolt style (e.g. A325 FIELD) for the connection in the list. Dia.: Specify the bolt diameter for the connection. Workloose: Enter the desired clearance of the bolted connection, usually 1/ 16".

Bolt Style Add/Edit: edit the bolt style or create a new one. Weld Settings

Weld Style: Specifies the kind of weld seam

Weld Style Add/Edit: edit the weld style or create a new one. Weld Connect/Support Shape Side: Specify which seams are to be created in the model using the option Weld Flange Side or Weld Web Side. The Thickness of the different weld seams is specified in the corresponding input fields.

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22 Select the Cope tab. 23 Set the parameters as shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Cope tab.

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Cope

If set, you can either select an already stored notch variant or enter the data directly using the icon.

Cope Connection Shape

Specify how the connecting shape has to be notched. You can select Top double sided or Bottom double sided.

Gap

Define the necessary gap distance for the notch in the Gap field.

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24 Select the Group tab. 25 Set the parameters as shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Group tab. Create Group

If set, at insertion of the shear plate connection, the inserted parts are automatically assigned to a construction group which is created.

With Bolts/ Weldment

If set, the bolts and weld seams are also added to that group.

Create a Group of each Plate

If set, an individual construction group is created for each inserted shear plate.

Note: Remember to go through the Assignment tab to assign all the proper

information to the plate properties. 26 Click the check mark. 

Exercise: Add the Shear Plate Template Automatically to All the Purlins In this exercise, you will create a template as you did for the Cope and delete the connection in the same way. 1

Select the yellow "X" (parametric line) that appeared on the purlins T.O.S. you created on top of the Bentley Workframe. A context menu appears.

Right‐click on PS3D Properties.

Select the Connections page.

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Set the parameters as shown below.

The floor beams are inserted to the spacing entered and the shear plate connections are automatically added according to the template selected, which includes the cope template. 

Exercise: Divide the Purlins in Half with a New Support Beam In this exercise, you will use the Divide option from the Manipulate submenu to separate the purlins into multiple pieces and ready the intersections for joint detailing. 1

From the ProSteel 3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Isometric Overview.

You will now insert a 360UB45 beam at the mid‐point of the 530UB82 beams between columns A1 and B1, and A2 and B2. 2

Select ProSteel Shapes.

Set to 360UB45 shape.

Insert the shape using the 2 points method.

Select the mid‐point of the beam between A1 and B1.

Select the mid‐point of the beam between columns A2 and B2.

Click OK.

Select Choose View. The Choose View dialog opens.

Select the FR1_TOP view.

10 Select Set View.

The view are set to the upper frame of the structure.

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11 Set the parameters as shown below.

The floor beams are inserted to the spacing entered and the shear plate connections are automatically added according to the template selected, which includes the cope template. 

From the ProSteel 3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Isometric Overview.

You will now insert a 360UB45 beam at the mid‐point of the 530UB82 beams between columns A1 and B1, and A2 and B2. 2

Select ProSteel Shapes.

Set to 360UB45 shape.

Insert the shape using the 2 points method.

Select the mid‐point of the beam between A1 and B1.

Select the mid‐point of the beam between columns A2 and B2.

Click OK.

Select Choose View. The Choose View dialog opens.

Select the FR1_TOP view.

10 Select Set View.

The view are set to the upper frame of the structure.

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11 From the ProSteel 3D menu, select Manipulate > Divide.

The prompt Select the Shapes to be Divided displays. 12 Select all 310UB32 beams added in the second purlin exercise. 13 Right‐click.

The selections are entered, and the prompt Pick Dividing Point <Point>, Line appears. Note: To be able to select multiple shapes for modification, the Multiple

Object Selection option for the type of manipulation you are performing must be enabled in the Options tab of the Element Modification dialog (from the ProSteel 3D menu, select Manipulate > Dialog). 14 Click on the end of the 360UB45 beam on the upper frame.

The 310UB32 shapes are divided where they cross the 360UB45 shape. 15 Click the check mark.

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Coping the Beam and Adding Web Angle Connections

Coping the Beam and Adding Web Angle Connections 

Exercise: Coping the UB356X171x51 Beam

In this exercise, you will learn how to cope the W8x18 beam at the beams in Axis A and B. 1

Zoom to an isometric view (click Isometric Overview Icon). Window in on the area where the UB356x171x51 beam intersects the upper UB533x210x101 beam.

Cope the beams (click Modify Icon).

When prompted to: Pick the second Shape to Cope, pick the UB356x171x51 shape.

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When prompted to: Select shape on which to cut:, pick the UB533x210x101 shape located on Axis B. The ProSteel Cope dialog will appear. The following table provides a description of the fields in the Structural Cope dialog.

Name

Description

Layout

Corner Layout

Edge means that the notches at the shape radii are carried out with a beveled edge. Radial means that the notches at the shape radii are carried out with adapted radii. In the Radius input field, the determined radius can be modified later. Access Hole means that holes are drilled in the inner corners of the notch. In the Radius input field, the radius of the drill holes can be preset.

Align

If From Inner Edge is activated, the dimensions refer to the inside of the flanges. Otherwise, the dimensions for the distance between top and bottom flange inside refer to the outside of the flanges. If From Center is activated, the dimensions refer to the end of the shape (the exact position depends on the 'web distance' value). Otherwise, the dimensions for the distance between top and bottom flange edge refer to the outside of the flanges.

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Distance

Allows you to set distances for the Top Flange Inside, Bottom Flange Inside, Top Flange Edge, Bottom Flange Edge, Top Flange Outside, Bottom Flange Outside, the Web Distance and the drill Radius.

Get Flange Thickness

Pressing this button allows an unknown shape to be clicked. The flange thickness is then entered in the input fields for Top and Bottom Flange. If you have entered a value in the +Distance field, this value will be added. Using this function, a flange distance can be swiftly determined without knowing the shape. As reference, you should select the setting Outer Edge.

List of Copes

In the Data tab, a list of previously defined copes is displayed from a data base. These data base files can be created by means of any DBASE editor. Thus, you can previously define a selection of the most frequent copes. In the different list fields you can see the basic data of the linkage and load the required cope by clicking on an entry.

Before exiting the Cope dialog, save the cope just created as a template so it can be recalled later.

Press the Template button at the bottom of the Cope dialog to display the dialog shown below.

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Coping the Beam and Adding Web Angle Connections

Create a new folder named "StructCopes", then add a new cope to this. In the Name field type the name Cope1. Next press the Save button to save these cope settings as a template. Press Enter to return to the Cope dialog.

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Structural Elements Module Overview In addition to all of the described construction tools, ProSteel enables the generation of repeatedly occurring standard construction in parameterized form ‐ the so‐called structural objects. These are pre‐designed small construction sections, such as handrails, stairs, or hangar frames, which you can modify to your own requirements. The structural objects are generated by the program according to pre‐specified, adjustable construction methods ‐ if these correspond with your requirements you can generate an entire handrail. Although this is a new MicroStation element, you can later access each and every individual building component, and adapt and modify it individually using the ProSteel standard functions. Note: When working with structural objects, you should remember that these

individual changes are lost if you subsequently modify the structural object using the dialog box. The reason for this is that, in the case of structural objects, only the dialog parameters are saved, not your subsequent dialog‐ independent modifications.

Module Prerequisites

Mar-12

•

Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation etc.

•

Previous experience with a 3D CAD system, preferably MicroStation V8i

•

Completion of previous modules in this course recommended

Structural Elements

Module Objectives

Module Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to: •

Use the handrail functionality

•

Create stairs

•

Use the ladder and frame structural elements

•

Create custom workframes

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Creating the Handrail In this lesson, you will learn how to prepare the model for creation of a handrail; create the handrail; and attach the handrail to your structure. 

Exercise: Preparing the Model for the Handrail

In this exercise, you will learn how to set the ACS to the proper plane for the creation of the handrail and draw the LineString needed to construct the handrail.



Zoom to an isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Reset the ACS to global.

Start the MicroStation Place SmartLine command and place a line around the upper area of frame FR‐1.

Exercise: Creating the Handrail 1

Press the Handrail icon on the Structural Elements toolbar.

When prompted to: “Select SmartLine”, pick the SmartLine you created in the previous exercise. This will display the ProSteel Handrail dialog.

Set the parameters in the Dimensions tab as shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Dimensions tab.

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Name

Description

Connection Height

The distance between the drawn SmartLine and the beginning of the posts including possible fastening plate.

Railing Height

The distance of the upper edge of the newel posts or the center of the railing head (if in place) measured perpendicular to the SmartLine. Upper Rail Height: The center distance of the upper knee‐high rail (if in place) measured perpendicular to the SmartLine. Mid Rail Height: The center distance of the middle knee‐high rail (if in place) measured perpendicular to the SmartLine. Lower Rail Height: The center distance of the lower knee‐high rail (if in place) measured perpendicular to the SmartLine.

Hand Rail Radius

Radius of the railing head at the corners of the handrail. If a radius is specified the corresponding shape bends are applied; otherwise a mitered joint is cut.

Knee Rail Radius

Radius of the knee‐high guardrail at the corners of the handrail. If a radius is specified the corresponding shape bends are applied; otherwise a mitered joint is cut.

Kick Plate Radius

Radius of the baseboard at the corners of the handrail. If a radius is specified the corresponding shape bends are applied; otherwise a mitered joint is cut.

Post Distance

The approximate spacing of the rail posts within the individual SmartLine segments. Depending on the setting, the program uses this information to space out the newel posts in regular intervals and rounds the value up or down as needed.

Maximum

If this field is enabled, the post distances are regarded as the maximum value. If necessary additional posts are inserted.

Edge Offset

The spacing of the corner posts between two handrail segments starting with the intersection of the SmartLine segments.

Min. Segment Length

Enter the minimum Distance for at least one post.

Min. seg. 2 posts

Enter the minimum Distance for two posts.

Start Offset

Projection of the knee‐high guard rails and the railing head starting from the middle of the first rail post towards the outside.

End Offset

Projection of the knee‐high guardrails and the railing head starting from the middle of the last rail post towards the outside.

Connect Sphere Dia.

Enter the radius of thickening at the intersection points between the posts and e.g. the knee‐high guardrails.

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Name

Description

Dynamic

If this field is enabled, you can monitor the settings immediately on screen.

Draw Diagonal

If this field is enabled, a diagonal of the actual structural element is drawn in the different segments to support an easier selection.

Select Post Distribution. Set the parameters as shown below:

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Select Shapes. Set the parameters as shown below. You will select several different shape classes.

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In the Shapes tab you can select the profiles for the individual sections of the handrail. Select a handrail option from the Shape Class list, then set the desired

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parameters for that option. Only Shape Class options that have been defined will be placed in the model. The Angle and Mirror options allow you to rotate the shapes of the different parts of the handrail around their insertion axis. This is of great importance in combination with unsymmetrical shapes. Set the rotation Angle to either 0°, 90°, 180° or 270° for the corresponding part of the handrail and check the Mirror field if the shape has to be mirrored.

You can add a kick plate to the handrail. The options in the KickPlate tab, however, will only be activated if the Kick Plate option has been defined in the Shapes tab. The remaining fields are described in the following table.

Name

Description

Other Side

If this field is enabled, the baseboard will be inserted at the other side of the railing posts.

Side Offset

This allows you to specify the distance of outer edge of railing post and inner edge of baseboard. This permits you to keep some space for individual fastenings or grouts.

Height Offset

The distance between the drawn poly‐line and the lower edge of baseboard. Negative values will move the baseboard towards the bottom.

In the Layout and Position list, you select the fastening of the handrail posts. If None is selected, no fastening will be provided. If Vertical is selected, the plates

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will be perpendicular to the post. If Lateral is selected, plates or bent connections will be welded to the outside of the post.

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Creating the Stairs

Creating the Stairs 

Exercise: Creating the Stair

In this exercise, you will learn how to create the Stair element and modify its settings. 1

Move to an isometric view (ProSteel menu > Zoom/Views > Isometric Overview).

Set ACS to global.

Press the Stairs icon on the Structural Elements toolbar or go to ProSteel menu > Structural Objects > Stairs.

When prompted to: Specify start point of the Stairs, type in the absolute coordinates X,Y,Z.

When prompted to: Specify stair direction, pick a point to the left of the insertion point.

This will display the ProSteel Stair dialog. Set the parameters as shown below.

Descriptions of the fields in the ProSteel Stair dialog are provided in the table below.

Mar-12

Name

Description

Width

The width of the staircase across outer steel edge.

Length

Entire length of the stair construction.

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Name

Description

Height

The height of the staircase from starting point to stair head including gridiron.

Riser

The desired rise of the staircase steps.

Riser Count

The resulting number of steps.

Angle

The resulting gradient of the staircase.

Going

The resulting exact tread depth of the steps. This value can, however, also be determined before and the construction will be calculated anew according to this value.

Actual Rise

The resulting exact rise of the steps. This value can, however, also be determined before and the construction will be calculated anew according to this value.

Upper insert point

If this field is checked, the insertion point is situated on the upper side of the staircase instead of the bottom side (and it is extended towards the bottom).

Dynamic

If this field is enabled, you can monitor the settings immediately on screen.

Template

Allows you to name and save the settings for later use.

Select Basis, then set the parameters as shown below:

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Name

Description

Lower Landing Length

Length of the lower stair head. To create the stair head, you have to check the input field in front of it. Otherwise, the staircase cheeks are cut at the basic plane and the stair head is omitted.

US_Definition

If the US‐Definition field has been checked additionally, the stair head lengths are defined according to US‐standards.

Upper Landing Length

Length of the upper stair base.

Stair foot length

Enter the length of the Staircase foot.

Vertical section

Allows you to enter a vertical cut from the front edge of the staircase cheek. This field is only available when you didn't specify a length of staircase foot (i.e. the staircase cheek is directly running into the floor level.)

Ground distance

Allows you to enter a gap between staircase foot and floor level to have room e.g. for an additional construction or for foundations. This field is only available when you didn't specify a length of staircase foot (i.e. the staircase cheek is directly running into the floor level.)

Web Grating Thickness

Height of the attached gridirons.

Side Offset

The projection of the attached gridirons beyond the outer edge of the staircase construction. Negative values decrease the dimension of gridirons.

Select Platforms, then set the parameters as shown below:

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Name

Description

No. of platforms

Enter the number of floors (intermediate stair heads).

Inner Distance

Enter the measure between two staircases (including cheek shapes) if the intermediate stair heads are stair heads for change over.

Platform No.

Select the floor you want to process.

Length

Length of the current platform.

Height

Height of the current platform.

Lower Landing Length

Length of the lower landing of the current platform.

Upper Landing Length

Length of the upper landing of the current platform.

Angle to Previous If you enter an angle here, you can create the bent running of the staircase or stair Platform heads for change over (180°). Negative values create an opposite sense of rotation.

Select Shapes, then set the parameters as shown below:

10 Select the Bolts page, then set the parameters as shown below:

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Name

Description

Shape Class/Size/ Allows you to select the shapes for the stair and stair header cheeks. Type/Resolution Drill Stringer

If this field is enabled, the stair cheeks are drilled to permit bolting the steps or the handrail.

Bolt Handrail to Stringer

If this field is enabled, the cheeks and the handrail are bolted ‐ if a handrail exists. Select the required bolt type in the selection list.

Bolt Tread to Stringer

If this field is enabled, the steps and cheeks are bolted. Select the required bolt type in the selection list.

11 Select Treads, then set the parameters as shown below:

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Name

Description

Create Treads

If this field is enabled, the stair steps are generated.

Step Type

Provides (3) options Standard Steps, Treads Built from Shapes and Blocksteps. Treads Built from Shapes If this field is enabled, the steps are generated from shapes instead of as DIN‐steps. In the selection lists you can select the required shape as usual. All shapes are available for selection.

Increment

The depth of the staircase steps.

b,d,c

Distances for the mounting holes of the staircase steps. "b" is the distance of the holes from the upper edge of the steps, "c" is the height of the fastening of staircase steps, "d" is the hole spacing of both mounting holes.

Hole Spacing

The spacing of the steps' mounting holes.

Hole Dia.

The hole diameter of the steps' mounting holes.

Slot Length

The distance of the axes of the rear oblong step hole.

Offset

The offset of the staircase steps from the front edge of the staircase to the back. Negative values move the steps to the front.

Note: The type of step that is selected from the Step Type list controls which set of

parameters are displayed in the Treads tab. More information on the parameters for the different step types can be accessed from the ProSteel help. 12 Select Handrail, then set the parameters as shown below:

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Name

Description

Create Handrails

If this field is enabled, a handrail is added to the staircase.

Handrail Connection

Allows you to specify the bolting of handrail and staircase cheek. Automatic: The program tries to determine the most suitable fastening. Vertical: The handrail is always bolt on the staircase cheek from above, independently of the settings in the used handrail template. By Side: The handrail is always bolt laterally on the staircase cheek, independently of the settings in the used handrail template. Individual: The settings in the handrail template are used.

Mar-12

Start Offset

Allows you to enter an offset value that moves the start of the handrail from the front edge of the staircase to the back. Negative values move the handrail to the front. In case of staircases without basic stair head, you can thus move the start of the handrail to a position where a bolt mounting is possible.

End Offset

Analogously to start offset, you enter here an offset value for the end of the handrail.

Side Offset

Allows you to enter an offset value that moves the handrail from the outer edge of the staircase to the outside. This permits you to mount the handrail outside the staircase on other shapes or on the wall.

Height Offset

Allows you to enter an offset value that moves the handrail from the upper edge of the staircase cheek to the top. This permits you to attach a grout or an individual fastening.

Side Offset

If you enter a value bigger than 0 in this input field, a vertical connecting plate is inserted between plate and staircase cheek in case of lateral mounting.

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Name

Description

Handrail Template

Select the template to be used for the handrail in the selection list. This template describes the exact structure. The handrail templates are created by means of the structural element 'Handrail' and the template function.

Handrail Settings By clicking this button, you can preset the handrail structure (shapes, distances, etc.) or edit the used handrail templates. Another dialog opens which is identical with the 'Handrail' structure object. Thus you can refer to this dialog for further information.

13 Next, click on the WorkFrame tab. Hint: A separate WorkFrame can be created showing a direct overview on the

staircase to allow for better working at the staircase within the bounds of a bigger construction. By clicking the fields Front View, Lateral View Left, Lateral View Right or Top View, you can create the corresponding working frame. You can enter the general name of the workframe in the Group Name field. If you enter a value in the Edge Distance field, the size of the different frames is decreased. Thus, you can better select frames that are lying next to each other. 14 Press OK to close the ProSteel Stair dialog.

The model should look like the figure below.

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Ladder and Frame Structural Elements

Ladder and Frame Structural Elements In this lesson, you will learn how to do the following: •

Create a ladder

•

Create a frame

•

Create a custom workframe for detailing



Exercise: Creating a Ladder

In this exercise, you will learn how to create the Ladder element and modify its settings. 1

Start a new model (File menu > New). Start with the seed file ProSteel V8i Metric.dgn. Name it "TRNMODEL2.DGN".

Select the Ladders icon from the Structural Elements toolbar. The prompt: Specify left insertion point of ladder displays.

Pick a point in the model.

When prompted to: Specify right insert point of ladder, pick a point to the right of the first point.

When prompted to: Pick a Top Point (+ ALT Key), hold down the ALT key and pick a point toward the top right hand corner of the drawing area. This will open the ProSteel Ladder dialog.

Set the parameters for each tab as shown below then press OK to insert the ladder.

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Descriptions of the fields in the Dimensions tab of the ProSteel Ladder dialog are provided in the table below. Name

Description

Width

The width of the ladder as clear dimension between the uprights.

Height

The height of the ladder without possible projection as help for climbing out.

Riser

The desired distance between the rungs. The program divides the distances between first and last rung regularly according to this specification and the value is rounded up or down correspondingly.

Actual riser

The actual resulting distance between the rungs is displayed.

Distance to Floor

The distance between the upper edge of the first rung and the ground area of the ladder.

Top Distance

The distance between the upper edge of the last rung and the climbing out area of the ladder.

Offset

The height of the help for climbing out related to the climbing out surface of the ladder (axis measure).

Stringer

The depth of the help for climbing out (axis measure).

Sharp Bend

The front jump‐in of the help for climbing out (axis measure), if it has to be created with a bend.

Dynamic

If this field is enabled, you can monitor the settings immediately on screen.

Draw Diagonal

If this field is enabled, a diagonal of the actual structural element is drawn in the ladder to support an easier selection.

Fit Ladder Rung

If this field is enabled, the Rungs are displayed even if there is no Shape given.

Mar-12

Select Shapes, then set the parameters as shown below:

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Descriptions of the fields in the Shapes tab of the ProSteel Ladder dialog are provided in the table below.

Name

Description

Selection Lists

Select the shapes of the ladder uprights and rungs as usual. All shapes are available for selection.

0°,90°,180°,270°

You can rotate the profiles around their insertion axis here by checking the required angle.

Mirror

If this field is enabled, the profile will be mirrored before insertion.

Select Wall Mounting, then set the parameters as shown below:

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Descriptions of the fields in the Wall Mounting tab of the ProSteel Ladder dialog are provided in the table below.

Name

Description

0°,90°,180°,270°

You can rotate the wall profile around its insertion axis here by checking the required angle.

Mirror

If this field is enabled, the wall profile will be mirrored before insertion.

Position

Select the insertion position of the wall profile. Inner Edge: If this field is enabled, the wall shape is inserted at the inner edge of the upright and shows to the inside. Centrally: If this field is enabled, the wall shape is inserted in axis position on the height of upright axis. Outer Edge: If this field is enabled, the wall shape is inserted at the outer edge of the upright and shows to the outside.

Wall Distance

The distance between upright axes and wall surface where the ladder has to be mounted.

Distance to Floor

The distance between the axis of the first wall profile and the ground area of the ladder.

Distance

The desired distance of the wall profiles. The program divides the distances between the first and last wall profile regularly according to this specification and the values are rounded up or down correspondingly.

Top Distance

The distance between the axis of the last wall profile and the climbing out area of the ladder.

Template

Allows you to name and save the settings for later use.

Clone

You can transmit the data of an existing connection to the new connection by clicking the existing web angle connection.

Mar-12

Select the Safety Cage page, then set the parameters as shown below:

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Descriptions of the fields in the Safety Cage tab of the ProSteel Ladder dialog are provided in the table below.

Name

Description

0°,90°,180°,270°

You can rotate the profile around its insertion axis here by checking the required angle.

Mirror

If this field is enabled, the wall profile will be mirrored before insertion.

Position

Select the insertion position how the stiffening ring is connected with the upright. Inner Edge: If this field is enabled, the connection between stiffening ring and upright is inserted at the inner edge of the upright and shows to the inside. Centered: If this field is enabled, the connection between stiffening ring and upright is inserted in axis position on the height of upright axis. Outer Edge: If this field is enabled, the connection between stiffening ring and upright is inserted at the outer edge of the upright and shows to the outside.

Radius

Specify the radius of cage stiffeners.

Number of Rungs Specify how many longitudinal rungs the cage has to consist of. The bars will be divided regularly on the resulting semicircle. Lower Radius

Structural Elements

Sets the Inner radius of the safety cage at the lower edge.

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Ladder and Frame Structural Elements

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Name

Description

Lower Distance

Sets the distance of the lower to the next connection of the safety cage.

Distance

The desired distance of the stiffeners (rings) of the safety cage. The program divides the distances between the first and last ring regularly according to this specification and the values are rounded up or down correspondingly.

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Creating Custom Workframes (View)

Creating Custom Workframes (View) 

Exercise: Creating a Custom Frame (View)

In this exercise you will learn how to create a custom workframe to be used by the Choose View command and for the later use in the detailing. 1

If not already loaded, open the TRNMODEL.dgn file.

Select Zoom/Views > Object View Centered from the ProSteel menu. The prompt: Select element to set View to, or RETURN to align the View is displayed.

Select one of the Purlins on the awning.

When prompted to: Pick desired Axis, pick the magenta axis pointing upwards away from the model. Now that you have the desired plane depicted in our model you can begin the process of creating the custom view.

Structural Elements

Open the Choose View dialog (click Choose View icon).

Select the Create New Workframe button and name the new view AWNING_P.

Press OK, and when prompted to: Select lower left corner of desired window, use the snap and pick the bottom left hand corner of the purlin.

When prompted to: Select upper right edge of desired window, pick a point to the right and above the first point to include all of the purlins and the first part of the mounting beams, similar to the figure below.

This will create the view and return you to the Choose View dialog. Press the Cancel button to end the process.

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10 Return to an isometric overview (click Isometric Overview icon). 11 To test, select Zoom/Views > Choose View. When the dialog appears pick

on your newly created view AWNING_P and then pick the Set View button, or double click on the view.

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Creating Custom Workframes (View)

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Extras Module Overview This module contains information on creating shapes in ProSteel, including user‐ created, standard user, roof and wall panels, combined and welded shapes. It also explains exporting a file to pure AutoCAD, determining the center of gravity, collision detection, and the unfold function.User‐created shapes

Module Prerequisites •

Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation, etc.

•

Previous experience with a 3D CAD system, preferably AutoCAD.

•

Completion of previous modules in this course recommended.

Module Objectives After completing this module, you will be able to:

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Create a profile using closed Polylines.

•

Use two or more native shapes to create a combined shape.

•

Create a welded shape.

•

Export to pure AutoCAD.

•

Calculate the centre of gravity.

•

Use the Collision Detection function and the Unfold function.

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User Created Shapes

User Created Shapes ProSteel provides functionality to create different user defined shapes. Using User Shapes, Combined Shapes, Roof and Wall Panelling Shapes and Welded Shapes, the user can create any user definable shapes during a ProSteel session and use them on the fly. These shapes will react in a similar fashion to native ProSteel shapes. Shapes created by the user are classified in catalogues (folders on the hard drive). To learn about these tools start a new drawing or work on the side of the current model.

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Standard User Shape

Standard User Shape User shapes can be created from MicroStation Lines, open or closed SmartLines, with or without internal islands (with closed SmartLines).

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Standard User Shape



Exercise: Create a similar profile using closed SmartLines

In this exercise, you will create a figure similar to the image just shown, using one external closed polyline and two internal closed polylines. 1

Select Create User Shape from the ProSteel Edit toolbar.

Select User Shapes.

Right‐click and select Create a new Catalog.

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Type "Training" in the provided field.

Right click on the "Training" catalogue.

Select Create User Shape.

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Standard User Shape

Type My First User Shape in the provided field using a normal resolution.

Right click on My First User Shape.

Select Create Normal Resolution. The dialog temporarily disappears.

10 Select the outer contour Polyline. 11 Select the inner islands, then press Enter twice.

At this point the User Shape is created and ready to be used from the Shape dialog (see below).

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Standard User Shape

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Standard User Shape

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Roof & Wall Panels

Roof & Wall Panels Create a similar profile (see illustration) using a closed SmartLine.

The procedure to create Roof & Wall Panel Shapes is identical to the above process to create a Standard User Shape.

Combined Shapes Combined shapes can be created out of two or more native ProSteel shapes, user defined shapes or a mix of both. Create a similar profile (see illustration) using native ProSteel shapes. The shape must be vertical in the current ACS System. Note: The shapes used to create a combined shape should be in the same orientation

and they should not be mirrored. 

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Exercise: Using two or more native shapes to create a combined shape 1

From the ProSteel Edit toolbar click on Create User Shape icon.

In the User Shape Manager tab of the ProSteel User Shape Manager dialog select Combined Shapes.

Right‐click and select Create a new Catalog.

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Combined Shapes

Type "Training" in the provided field.

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Right‐click on the "Training" catalogue and select Create CombiShape.

Type "My First Combined Shape" in the provided field. At this point you can create three different representations for low, normal and high resolutions of "My First Combined Shape". You will create a normal resolution.

Right‐click on the "My First Combined Shape" and select Create Normal Resolution. The dialog will temporarily disappear.

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Combined Shapes

Select both steel shapes (S and C), then right‐click twice. The User Shape Properties dialog will appear.

Type "My First Combined Shape" in the Name field. The optionally provided information will appear in the PS3D Properties and can be extracted in the Bill of Materials (B.O.M.).

10 Complete the creation process by clicking the Ok check mark.

At this point the Combined Shape is created and ready to be used from the Shape dialog (see below).

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Combined Shapes

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Combined Shapes

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Welded Shapes

Welded Shapes Welded shapes consists of several plates welded together to form a profile. Those plates can be of different sizes and positions within the cross‐section. They can be treated or quantified as a single shape or as separate plates. Similar to native ProSteel shapes, Welded Shapes are created with a constant cross‐sectional depth/height and can be tapered using the PS3D Properties. Two different kinds of Welded shapes exist in ProSteel: I‐Form welded shape; and welded shape with any number of plates. I‐Form Welded Shape. This is a shape that is made up of three plates in the form of an I beam. The great advantage of this type of shape is the ability to modify the web plate by adding or removing vertexes using PS3D Properties to create a complex form (see below)

Welded Shape with any number of plates. This shape is not limited by the use of three plates in the shape of an I‐beam. 

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Exercise: Creating a welded shape 1

From the ProSteel Edit toolbar click on Create User Shape.

In the User Shape Manager tab of the ProSteel User Shape Manager dialog, select Weld Shapes.

Right‐click and select Create a new Catalog (see below).

Type "Training" in the provided field.

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Welded Shapes

Extras

Right‐click on the "Training" catalogue and select Create Weld shape.

Type "My First Welded Shape" in the provided field.

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Welded Shapes

At this point you can create three different representations for low, normal and high resolutions of "My First Welded Shape", you will create a normal resolution.

Right‐click on the "My First Welded Shape" and select Create Normal Resolution. The dialog will temporarily disappear and the Weld Shape editor will appear.

Click on Add another Element to the Shape Definition. A new plate is inserted at the origin with 0 degree rotation.

Enter the settings and values as shown below.

10 Repeat previous operation three more times as shown below.

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Welded Shapes

11 End the process by clicking the OK check mark. The User Shape Properties

dialog will appear.

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Welded Shapes

12 Type "My First Welded Shape" in the Name field. The optionally provided

information will appear in the PS3D Properties and can be extracted in the B.O.M. 13 Close the User Shape Properties dialog by clicking the OK check mark.

14 Close the ProSteel User Shape Manager dialog by clicking OK. At this point

the Welded Shape is created and ready to be used from the Shape dialog (see below).

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Extras

Export to Pure MicroStation

Export to Pure MicroStation You can convert any ProSteel model into a pure MicroStation native file. As a matter of fact, you have two options to do this: •

The first one is to convert a ProSteel file (plan, elevation or detail) into pure MicroStation lines. Use the ProSteel > 2D > Create Native Drawing command for this option.

•

The second option is to import a ProSteel model into another software that recognizes MicroStation solids but not ProSteel objects. Use the ProSteel > 2D > Create Solids File command for this option.

These two commands produce a file that is strictly for viewing or distribution to clients or subcontractors that have MicroStation but not ProSteel. The MicroStation file can also be used to check the model. In the MicroStation file, lines and arcs will be converted into MicroStation cells. Note: When you convert a ProSteel model to MicroStation, you lose all ProSteel

information in the current file. This is not a "SAVE AS" procedure. When exporting a ProSteel model to MicroStation work on a copy of the model.

Centre of Gravity Use this function to calculate the centre of gravity of any number of selected parts. (Traditionally this is used to determine where to place lifting lugs, finding out global weight and volume) To start, click Centre of Gravity on ProSteel > Collision Detection toolbar, then select any number of shapes, plates, etc. A sphere will be created at the centre of gravity of the selected objects and information similar to the following will appear at the command line/text screen. Resulting Bodyweight in Steel is 6084.886 Coordinates of Center of Gravity are X= ‐8047 Y= 4700 Z= 3526 Resulting Bodyvolume is 0.774 m^3 Note: Different specific weights are ignored; this function considers that all selected

parts are made of steel.

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Collision Detection

Collision Detection This function is used to detect clashes between ProSteel objects. It is designed to visually inspect and detect collisions in congested areas; it is not meant to clash‐ detect a massive structure. To learn this function, create two crossing pipes as shown below.



Exercise: Using the Collision Detection function 1

Click Collision Detection

on ProSteel Edit toolbar.

When the Collision Check dialog appears, enter values as shown below.

Click and select the newly created pipes. ProSteel creates magenta coloured volumes at each collision.

To move from one collision to another click on

To erase all collision volumes click on

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Min volume = Clash tolerance in mm³

•

Display scaling = Zooming factor

•

Actual/Max = Total number of collisions

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Unfold

Unfold This function is used to unfold/develop any ProSteel shape with or without modifications (cuts, drills, notches etc.) onto the current/active ACS. To learn this function, start a new drawing and create similar pipe with a polycut and a Boolean subtract intersect as shown below.



Exercise: Using the Unfold function 1

Click on Unfold from the ProSteel Edit toolbar. The ProSteel Unfold Pipe dialog will appear. Enter values and settings as shown below.

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Click the Ok check mark, then select the part with the modification, subsequently place the result anywhere in the model.

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Unfold

The result should be as shown below.

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Unfold

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ProSteel V8i MicroStation Detailing Fundamentals

ProSteel V8i

Bentley Institute Course Guide

ProSteel V8i AutoCAD Detailing Fundamentals

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Detailing Fundamentals Overview Course Description After you have created a model, completed your edits, positioned all of the necessary components, and possibly issued a preliminary parts list, the Finishing or Detailing of the 3D components can commence. ProSteel generates the usual 2D views of the components for the workshop plans using the model, as follows: •

ProSteel will dissemble the model into its components, analyse the geometry of all the individual parts, and ascertain any existing invisible edges.

•

Then, depending on the requirements of your selections, the shape is displayed in several views, dimensioned, and attached to a position flag.

Note: All of this takes place in a split second and in the background.

•

Once ProSteel has finished with one component, this component is deposited in a library in the form of a block, clearly organized according to the individual construction groups and design sections.

After this procedure had concluded, you can further use ProSteel to help you with the layout of the parts on your drawing sheets. From here on, you can treat the parts as if they were the typical drawings generated in a CAD program, although ProSteel will offer you a few extra functions to facilitate your work.

Target Audience This course is recommended for the following audience(s):

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Structural Designer

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Structural Engineer

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Structural Engineering Technician

•

Architect

Detailing Fundamentals Overview

Prerequisites

•

Architectural Designer

•

Architectural Engineer

Prerequisites •

Experience with MicroStation 2D/3D experience

•

Experience with ProSteel V8i for MicroStation

Course Objectives After completing this course, you will be able to: •

Define different user styles such as the bolt, elevation flag or weld flag

•

Understand ProSteel grouping

•

Learn how to create Part Descriptions and Part Families for steel members by categorizing different types of components (e.g., columns, beams, gusset plates, etc.)

•

Create and set styles for different final 2D drawing types

•

Create customized 2D drawing styles to the company standard

•

Create 2D plans, elevations and sections from 3D models

•

Create steel single member part details

•

Create beam and column group detail

Modules Included The following modules are included in this course: •

User Defined Styles and Symbols

•

ProSteel Grouping

•

Creating and Manipulating Part Families, Part Descriptions

•

Positioning and Material Take Offs

•

Components Required Prior to 2D Drawing Creation

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Modules Included

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Detail Center

•

Detail Styles

•

Appendix, Bentley ProSteel Course Setup

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Modules Included

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User Defined Styles and Symbols Module Overview This chapter includes two lessons: User Defined Styles; and User Defined Symbols. You will learn how to establish the styles and what they will be used for.

Lesson 1: User Defined Styles In ProSteel, you can customize (create and use) the graphical representation or symbol for Bench Marks, Elevation Flags, Grid Axis, Handrail, Manual Cuts, Position Flags, Stair Steps and Weld Flags. Those blocks can be assigned to styles, which in turn can be used and specified in the 3D model as well as in the DetailCentre for 2D drawing production. All ProSteel blocks are grouped into categories within the User Blocks folder.

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User Defined Styles and Symbols

Lesson 1: User Defined Styles

Bolt Style 

Exercise: Creating a new bolt style 1

Open the example model TRNMODEL.dgn, located in the Project ProSteel_Metric.

To create a new bolt style, click first on the Bolting button on the ProSteel Elements toolbar to bring up the dialog.

In the Sort tab, click on create a new bolt style.

Enter a name for the new bolt style (i.e. 8.8S with 2 FW), then click the check button. Your new bolt style will be listed in the loaded styles.

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Move to the Bolt Style tab and select the newly created bolt style from the Bolt Style drop‐down list.

Click on the bolt settings button and enter all desired specifications (see illustration bellow) then click the check button.

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Lesson 1: User Defined Styles

Next click on the washer buttons and enter all desired specifications to match the following image, then click the check button.

Click on the nut button and enter all desired specifications to match the following image, then click the check button.

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Repeat the previous steps if a tapered washer or a lock nut are desired.

At this point the newly created Bolt Style is ready for use in the active drawing, to have it available for other drawings click on the button and save the style externally. Once the new style is saved externally it can be loaded into a drawing by clicking on the Load style definition from a file button.

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Detail Style

Detail Style This will be covered in Detail Center Section of this Manual.

Elevation Flag Style 

Exercise: Creating a new elevation flag style 1

To create a new elevation flag style, click first on the Elevation Symbols button on the ProSteel Utilities toolbar.

In the Sort tab, click on create a new elevation flag style.

Enter a name for the new elevation flag style (i.e. DEFAULT), then click the check button. Your new elevation flag style will be listed in the loaded styles (as following image).

Move to the Layout tab and select the newly created elevation flag style from the Elevation Flag drop down.

Select Created geometry, then click on the Edit style.

Enter all desired specifications to match the illustration below, then click the check button.

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Detail Style

At this point the newly created elevation flag style is ready for use in the active drawing. To have it available for other drawings, click the Save icon to save the style externally. Once the new style is saved externally, it can be loaded into a drawing by clicking on the Load Style Definition from a File icon.

Position Flag Style This will be covered in Detail Centre Section of this Manual.

Weld Flag Style 

Exercise: Creating a weld flag style 1

To create a new weld flag style, click on the Welding Symbols button on the ProSteel Utilities toolbar to bring up the dialog.

In the Sort tab, click on Create a new weld style.

Enter a name for the new weld flag style (i.e. Filled 5mm), then click the check button. Your new weld flag style will be listed in the loaded styles (see illustration below).

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Detail Style

Click on the Weld Style Display tab and select the newly created weld flag style from the Weld style drop‐down

Select Created geometry, then click on the Flag‐specific settings.

Enter all desired specifications (see dialog below), then click the check button.

Click on Top side or Down side to set weld symbol specifications (see illustration below), then click the check button.

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Detail Style

At this point the newly created weld flag style is ready for use in the active drawing. To have it available for other drawings, click on the Save icon and save the style externally. Once the new style is saved externally, you can load it into a drawing by clicking on Load style definition from a file icon.

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Lesson 2: User Defined Symbols

Lesson 2: User Defined Symbols This lesson describes how to create user‐defined symbols in ProSteel.

Benchmark symbol (north direction) The Benchmark is a symbol/marker that can be inserted into the 3D model to specify/control the north direction for erection purpose. The ProSteel Benchmark has the tabs shown below:

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Lesson 2: User Defined Symbols

To insert a benchmark into the 3D model, click the Benchmark icon on the ProSteel Utilities toolbar, then specify an origin/point and a north direction.

Elevation Flags Symbol You can create any desired symbol for the elevation flag with Lines, Arcs, Circles and Text only. Add to them an attribute with the tag VP for the elevation value, and N1&N2 for Notes 1 & 2. Then save the block in the ELAVATIONFLAGS folder. Warning: The attribute must not be mirrored and should be in the Positive area in both axes, so that the lowest point of the graphics is at 0,0 in WCS Coordinate.

Click on Elevation symbols ; the dialog will appear. In the Layout tab click on Block path to select ..\LOCALISED\ENGLISH\USERBLOCKS\ELEVATIONFLAGS\. Enable Block Geometry and select the newly created block from the Block Geometry dropdown (see illustration).

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Lesson 2: User Defined Symbols

At this point the newly created Elevation Flag symbol is ready to be used.

Grid Text Blocks Symbol You can create any desired symbol for the grid text blocks with Lines, Arcs, Circle and Text only. Add to them two attributes, one with the tag LINE1 for the column grid value and another if desired with the tag LINE2 for a column sub grid value. Save the block in the GRIDTEXTBLOCKS folder. You will also need to create four invisible attributes for the docking lines DP1, DP2, DP3 & DP4. Warning: The attribute must not be mirrored and should be in the Positive area in both axes, so that the lowest point of the graphics is at 0,0 in WCS Coordinate.

At this point the newly created grid text block symbol is ready to be used. Click on Workframe; the dialog will appear after specifying an origin and a direction. In the Layout tab, check the Axis descriptions box. In the Layout area of the TextX tab, select block from the dropdown of axis description type. Repeat the same for the TextY; in the Blocks tab, turn on the Enable from file button, then click on Block path to select ..\LOCALISED\ENGLISH\USERBLOCKS\GRIDAXIS. Select desired blocks from the Block nameX and Block nameY drop‐downs.

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Lesson 2: User Defined Symbols

At this point the newly created grid text blocks will be applied to the work frame.

Manual Cut Symbol You can create any desired symbol for the Manual Cut with lines, arcs, circles and text only, then save the block in the MANUALCUT folder. At this point the newly created manual cut symbol is ready to be used. Click on Create 2D Section. In the dialog that appears, in the Symbol tab, enable the Block button, then specify the Top Block and Down Block by clicking the Block path button ..\LOCALISED\ENGLISH\USERBLOCKS\MANUALCUT\ folder (see illustration).

At this point, the newly created ManualCuts can be used in the drawing.

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Lesson 2: User Defined Symbols

Position Flags Symbol This will be covered in Detail Centre Section of this Manual.

Weld Flags Symbol You can create any desired symbol for the weld flags with Lines, Arcs, Circle and Text only. Add to them two attributes, one with the tag DP1 and the other tag DP2 defining insertion points. The flag reference line will connect to the closest one. You can also add any number of attributes from the list of available attributes below, then save the block in the WELDFLAGS folder. •

TT: Topside/far side Thickness

•

TL: Topside/far side Length

•

TG: Topside/far side Gap/interval

•

TC: Topside/line1 Comment

•

DT: Downside/near side Thickness

•

DL: Downside/near side Length

•

DG: Downside/near side Gap/interval

•

DC: Downside/line2 Comment

Warning: The attribute must not be mirrored and should be in the Positive area in both axes, so that the lowest point of the graphics is at 0,0 in WCS Coordinate.

At this point the newly created weld flag symbol is ready to be used. Click on Welding Symbols ; the dialog will appear. In the Weld Style Display tab, click on Block path to select ..\LOCALISED\ENGLISH\USERBLOCKS\WELDFLAGS\. Enable Block Geometry and select the newly created block from the Block Geometry dropdown (see illustration).

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Lesson 2: User Defined Symbols

At this point the newly created weld flag can be inserted into the drawing.

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ProSteel Grouping Module Overview This chapter discusses Groups. Each Group always consists of one primary component part and as many secondary parts as desired. Groups cannot be nested, which means that a group cannot be a secondary part of another group.

Module Objectives

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Learn how to invoke the Groups dialog

•

Learn how to determine what parts exist in groups and which parts are not in a group

•

Learn how to manipulate the display within the model using groups

•

Learn how to add parts to an existing group

ProSteel Grouping

Lesson 1: ProSteel Grouping

Lesson 1: ProSteel Grouping Grouping Grouping in ProSteel is synonymous to assembly. It defines which parts are detailed and shipped together. Due to its importance, ProSteel provides a number of tools for creating, editing, deleting, searching, viewing, etc. A main member and any number of sub‐members define a group structure, however, if desired, a group can be assigned to a single member that is the main part. Note: Each element can exist only in one Group at a time. When creating groups, start

with the sub‐groups and lastly the assemblies. In most cases you will simply work with the groups. The sub‐groups and assemblies features are for exceptional use.

Assemblies Assemblies can include groups and subgroups as well as single parts. There is no main part to an assembly, just a collection of various objects. It is the largest of the three group types.

Groups A group is a collection of parts and/or sub‐groups, which are recognized as a single item. A main part is assigned to the group and all other parts are considered subparts of the group. These groups can be called into a 2D drawing and dimensioned together as a single item. Groups are the default type created when doing connections and other tasks that have the Group option within its menu.

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Lesson 1: ProSteel Grouping

Sub‐Groups Almost identical in nature to the groups, Sub‐Groups are handled in the same way that groups are and have access to all the same tools as groups do. Sub‐groups can be used when one single part is required in two groups. Since a single part can only be part of one Group at a time, a Sub‐Group can be formed and the same single part can be placed into this second group type structure. 

Exercise: Invoking the Groups dialog 1

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Open the example model TRNMODEL.dgn, located in the Project ProSteel_Metric.

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Lesson 1: ProSteel Grouping

Select isometric view (click Isometric Overview icon).

Open the Administrate Groups dialog (ProSteel > Groups > Dialog) or click Group icon.

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The following table provides a description of the fields in the Administer Groups dialog. Name

Description

Create

You can assign parts to material groups by using this function. Click the main part of the material group and then select the parts to be assigned. The parts to be assigned can also be selected in a field. The main part that may have been selected twice and other construction lines are ignored in this case. Only steel or special parts can be selected for a group. The part's new selection is ignored if it already belongs to a group.

Release

A group can be detached by using this function. To do so, click any part of the group. Removal of single parts from the group is also possible.

Delete

You can delete all parts of a group with this function. Click any part of the group to do this.

Edit

This function shows the group data through the following dialog.

You can enter the data of the selected group for the parts lists in the top fields. The position in the field Pos. No. has been taken over from the main part, provided the "Takeover Mainpart Info" field was selected. Subsequent modification of the position number is possible. You can see the outer dimensions and the total weight of the group at the bottom. Takeover Mainpart Data

The data of the main part is accepted as group data for the parts lists. Subsequent modification of this data is possible.

Add Elements

Parts are added to a group by using of this function. The complete group will be selected when you click any part of the group. Further Accessory Parts can be added by clicking them.

Remove Elements Parts are removed from a group by using this function. The complete group will be selected when you click any part of the group. Click the parts to be removed. Export

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A group can be exported and stored in an external file. It can be inserted into another drawing by using Import Groups. The group structure will remain unchanged. When prompted, select objects by clicking any part of the group.

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Name

Description

Import

A stored group can be inserted into your drawing by using this function. The existing group structure is maintained, when the field Explode Blocks after Insertion has been clicked, or if you drop the imported cell using PS_EXPLODE.

Selection Mode

You decide whether a group is to be loaded completely when selecting a part of it or whether the parts shall remain independent with this function. Click any part of the group. The mode will change according to your selection, and the current status will be displayed in the command line.

Export Complete When Exporting, this enables you to select a whole group by selecting just one member. Group If this field is unmarked, you need to select all Parts explicitly to manipulate them. All Groups generated by ProSteel during a connection have this feature enabled. Dissolve Block after Insert

The group is automatically exploded when being imported. The structure of the group remains unchanged.

Count

All groups in the drawing are counted and displayed in the Number field below this button.

Click on the Verify tab and review the following functions.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Verify tab. Name

Description

Check Groups

Mark Orphans: If this field is checked, all valid groups are hidden according to the specifications when checking a group. Parts that belong to no group are marked in colour. Use the command Global Settings > Colours to specify what colours to apply. Coloured markings are removed once you assign the parts to a group or when you select the Regenerate command.

Orphans ‐> Groups

Creates one group out of each selected Orphan object.

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Name

Description

Hiding other groups can be used to search for groups. Enter the position numbers of the groups to be searched in the field Search Numbers and click the button Search. Select the parts to be searched (in most cases, you will select all of the parts in a field) and confirm your selection by pressing the Enter key or the right mouse button. Only those groups whose position numbers you have entered will remain visible. By using the Regenerate command you can recall the other groups. Several position numbers can be entered at the same time, provided they are separated by a decimal point. Complete position areas must be separated by a hyphen. If you search the positions No. 5 and 7 or 17 through 28, you enter the value 5,7,17‐28 in the Search Numbers field. If the Hide field is enabled, all parts not satisfying the search condition are hidden. The hidden parts become visible again when the drawing is regenerated. If the Mark field is enabled, all of the parts found in the searched are highlighted in the drawing. If the Zoom Extents field is enabled, all parts satisfying the search condition are automatically zoomed. A dialog displays allowing you to indicate the Display Size (zoom factor) and to navigate to each component found.

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Hide

Using the MainPart, Singleparts, and All Parts options in this section you choose which parts of a group you can hide. Click any part of the group to do this. You can recall the parts using the Display command.

Display

Displays all hidden groups or group parts.

Compare

Groups of the same position are checked for equality in this function. Select main Parts of the group to be checked. If the Compare and change option is enabled and the program finds groups with the same position number but with different structure, indices are added to the position numbers to differentiate them.

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Lesson 2: Parts in a Group

Lesson 2: Parts in a Group Sometimes you can work with existing groups and not know what parts are in the group. This exercise shows you how to determine this information. 

Exercise: Determining what parts are in a group 1

With the Administer Groups dialog displayed and the Verify tab selected, select the Check Groups button and note the display in the model.

Refresh your display to show all parts in the model (ProSteel menu > Groups > Dialog, then press Display).

What just happened? When initiating the Check Groups function, ProSteel scans the model and searches for all parts associated to a group and disables their display. This acts as quick reference to determine what parts are not in a group and leaves these elements displayed. This will allow you to better determine which groups, if any, these rogue elements belong in. Before we start adding these parts into a group we will investigate other functions within the Groups function.

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Lesson 3: Controlling Model Display via the Groups Function

Lesson 3: Controlling Model Display via the Groups Function You can use the Groups functionality to control how your model is displayed. 

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Exercise: Controlling the model display using Groups 1

Window Area on the connection between the crossbeam and the column located at coordinate A1.

Open the Administer Groups dialog (ProSteel > Groups > Dialog).

Click on the Verify tab. With the All Parts option enabled, press the Hide button.

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The following prompt is displayed: Select Part of Group to be Hidden Select Objects: 4

Pick the cross beam and note the display of the model. Right click to end the Hide Groups function. Note that all parts of the group disappeared from the view of the model. This shows how the hide groups function can be used to control model display. This is very important when working with a large model congested by many parts and detailed joints.

With the Administer Groups dialog still displayed, press the Display button to return the model to a full display of all parts. We will perform the same operation again, only this time with grouping hiding only certain elements of the group.

Load the group function and, before pressing the Hide button, set the Hide section of the dialog to hide only Single Parts by enabling the pulldown selection as shown below.

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Now press the Hide button and pick the same cross beam as before. Note the display within the model. This time only the Sub Parts of the group have been hidden.

From ProSteel menu, select ProSteel Regen to return the set the display to all parts.

Note: Before moving onto building groups it is important to differentiate

between the Release button and the Delete button that are located in the Admin tab. If you wish to break up a group and still have the parts in the model, use the Release function. This will dissolve the group but leave all parts in the model. If you wish to completely remove the grouped parts from the model, use the Delete button. This will dissolve the group and delete these items from the model. Note: The “Single Parts” selection in the verify tab actually refers to sub‐parts of

groups, not single loose parts. The Settings Tab, shown below, gives the user the possibility to make multiple selections or loop grouping command.

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Lesson 4: Adding Component Parts to a Group

Lesson 4: Adding Component Parts to a Group In this lesson, you will learn how to add parts to an existing group. 1

Window area into the area of two manual base plates located on columns located at coordinates B3 and C3 (click Isometric Overview icon).

Open the Administer Groups dialog (ProSteel menu > Groups > Dialog > Admin) or click Administer Group icon.

From the Groups tab, select the Add Elements button. The following prompt is displayed: Pick a Part of the required group

Pick the column located at coordinate B3. The following prompt is displayed: Select Parts to add to the selected Group

Pick the base plate located at the bottom of the column. Right click to end the addition of parts, and then right click a second time to end the function.

Note: After selecting the group part to which you will add components, the

software will automatically shift to the ADD function and prompt you to pick those elements to add. Continue selecting parts until you are finished. Right click to select another group part to add items to. Right click twice to end the Add Elements function. 6

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Repeat the process and add the other plate to the group of the column located at coordinate C3.

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Creating and Manipulating Part Families Module Overview In this chapter, you will learn how to create ProSteel Part Families, modify them, and create a Part Description for them.

Modules Objectives

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Learn about Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families

•

Create Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families

•

Assign our Workframe to the Display Classes, Area Classes and Part Families

•

Cycle the Display Classes to control the view in the model

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Lesson 1: Creating and Manipulating Part Families

Lesson 1: Creating and Manipulating Part Families In this section, you will learn what Display Classes, Area Classes, and Part Families are and how to create them. Additionally you will learn how to assign structural elements and objects to them to make viewing the model easier in the case of complex models.

Part Families Part Families are a mechanism to automatically allocate prefixes, colours and DetailStyles during the positioning process by categorizing different types of components (e.g., columns, beams, gusset plates, etc). 2D line types and colour can also be controlled through the Part Families. In this section, you will learn how to create Part Families. Some of the display classes you create will be used later in the modelling process. Part Families should be created, components assigned to these and then the Part Family prefix should be used during positioning. Note: Each component can belong to only one Part Family at a time. 

Exercise: Creating Part Families and assigning Objects to them 1

Open the example model TRNMODEL.dgn, located in the Project ProSteel_Metric.

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Lesson 1: Creating and Manipulating Part Families

Open the ProSteel Part Families dialog (ProSteel menu > Part Families) or click the PartFamilies icon.

You must assign names to the Part Families. Double click on one of the empty list entries and enter a name in the input field. A new dialog will appear.

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Enter Description, Pos Prefix and Colour.

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Assign names to Part Families, as shown below.

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Lesson 2: User‐defined Part Description

Lesson 2: User‐defined Part Description ProSteel provides a mechanism to assign user definable part/shape descriptions that can be used during the creation and editing of parts (e.g., specifying layer, colour and linetype), searching and organizing and filtering the display of parts and the dimensioning rules during 2D drawing production. 

Exercise: Assigning a description to a shape 1

Select a shape in the 3D model.

Right click and select ProSteel Properties from the context menu.

The Shape Properties dialog will appear. 3

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From the Description drop‐down in the Assignment tab, select any predefined description.

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This drop‐down list is controlled by a text file (..\Localised\[country]\Data\pro_st3d.fdf). It contains some predefined descriptions but is modifiable by the user with the help of a text editor such as Microsoft Notepad.

The PRO_ST3D.FDF data content is arranged as follows:

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Index, description [layername, layercolor, layerlinetype][,colour normal, linetype normal, colour hidden, linetype hidden] Note that "normal" implies visible lines on 2D details and "hidden" implies hidden lines on 2D details.

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Positioning and Material Takeoffs Module Overview This module contains three lessons: Positioning the Model; Creating a Parts List; and Creating a Drawing Parts List. Each Lesson contains a number of exercises that are designed to teach you the topics listed in the objectives.

Module Objectives After completing Lesson 1 in this module, you will be able to: •

Set the defaults for Positioning

•

Define the Position Flags

•

Position the Model

After completing Lesson 2 in this module, you will be able to: •

Create an external parts list

•

Edit the parts list data and format

•

Generate the actual report

After completing Lesson 3 in this module, you will be able to:

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•

Learn how to create a parts list

•

Modify the partlist contents

Positioning and Material Takeoffs

Lesson 1: Positioning the Model

Lesson 1: Positioning the Model In this section, you will learn how to set the defaults for positioning, define the position flags, and position the model. 

Exercise 1: Setting the Defaults for Positioning 1

Open the example model TRNMODEL.dgn, located in the Project ProSteel_Metric.

View the isometric view of the model by selecting the main menus item ProSteel > Zoom/Views > Isometric Overview.

Open the ProSteel Positionflags and Positioning dialog by selecting the main menu item ProSteel > Positioning > Positioning or select the Positioning icon. In the dialog, select the Steel Positioning tab.

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Descriptions of the fields in the Steel Positioning tab are provided in the table below: Name

Description

Plugin

List shows all available external positioning plug‐ins. This list is only available when the Use external Plug‐In option is enabled.

Type

Allows you to enter the type of the position number. Numerical means that the position numbers are composed of numbers only. Alphanumerical means that the position numbers are composed of letters only. The order then is A, B, ..., Z, AA, AB,.... etc. Mixed means that the position numbers are composed of a numerical and an alphanumerical part. The numerical part is following the alphanumerical part, the order is A1, A2,..., A9, B1, B2, etc. The number of numerical positions can be preset under ‐> 'Limits'.

Filter

Allows you to determine which parts to be positioned. All: When pressing this button, all selected parts will be positioned. Only Empty: When pressing this button, only those selected parts will be positioned that have not yet been assigned a position number (e.g., new parts). Only Changed: When pressing this button, only those selected parts will be positioned that have been changed. Thus, after detailing changed parts can be assigned new position numbers, if necessary the parts are identified using "Modification Tags," which will be deleted when the part concerned is detailed. This means that parts are assigned new position numbers that have active change tags (query via command 'Shapes > Change Properties > Data').

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Name

Description

Last Single

Displays the last used position number for single elements.

Last Group

Displays the last used position number for group elements.

Increment

In the Increment field you enter automatic incrementing of the position numbers (normally by one step).

In the Next No. field you enter the number to be assigned to the first part to be positioned.

Use Shipping Number

Enable this option to use Send Numbers instead of Position numbers.

Use X‐refs

Enables the use of an external plug‐in for positioning instead of using the built in default functions. Calls the dialog for automatic positioning. Resets the Positioning options. Processes automatic positioning only for single parts with the given settings. Processes automatic positioning only for groups with the given settings. Processes automatic positioning for both parts and groups with the given settings.

After reviewing the setting for positioning, you will set the options for Automatic Positioning. In the ProSteel Positionflags and Positioning dialog, select the Call the Dialog for Automatic Positioning icon and set the parameters on each tab as follows:

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Descriptions of the fields in the above dialog are provided in the table below: Name

Description

Filter

These parts are considered in case of automatic positioning. Select the parts (shapes, special shapes, plates, bolts and other special parts) that are to be numbered in one operation. Sort Flats like Plates: Enable this option to consider Flats and Plates equal for Pre‐ Sorting.

Pre‐Sort (Left Window)

Sets the order of the Pre‐Sort. Use the arrow buttons next to the window to move a value up or down.

Post‐Sort

Sets the Order of the Post‐Sort. Use the arrow buttons next to the window to move a value up or down.

Options

Overwrite Existing means existing position numbers will be overwritten when assigning new ones. If Equal Part Detection is enabled, the parts are checked for equality. If they are identical, they are assigned the same position number. Parts are considered identical when deviations with respect to dimensions and drill diameter are within the values given as reference tolerances. If Equal Group Detection is enabled, the groups are checked for equality. Groups are considered identical when identical parts are arranged in the same mounting position ‐ single parts are only compared using their position number (i.e., if parts are identical but have different position numbers, the groups will also be assigned different position numbers). If Consider Weld Marks is enabled then Weld Marks are used to compare elements. First Main Parts, then Sub Parts means that first, all main parts of groups are positioned (and sorted according to the sorting criteria within the groups), followed by the accessory parts (also sorted according to the sorting criteria). This can be deemed as an additional, even higher ranking sorting criterion. Subparts starts at: Determines from which number, group subparts will be positioned.

Groups

Differentiation Unequal Groups: When the group is assigned the position of the main part (normal case), it may happen that two different groups having the same main part are assigned identical position numbers. In such cases, the program will check whether or not the groups are really identical. If not, it will change the group position number. 25 ‐> 25.1 means the changed group positions are identified by the index.1, etc., following their position number (i.e., 100.1, 100.2,...). 25 ‐>25A means the changed group positions are identified by the index A, etc., following their position number (i.e. 100A, 100B,...). 25 ‐> MAX+1 means positioning of the changed group positions is continued after the highest position currently assigned.

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Name

Description

Group Options

The Max = Subpart Max option determines if the next available Position number is a single or group number If Takeover MainPart Position ‐>Group is enabled, the position of the main part is taken over as group position. If necessary, the group position is changed afterwards (see Differentiation Groups). If this is not requested, the group positions will start at the position entered in GroupsStart at the Last [+].

Position Prefix

This allows explanatory text to be entered before the group position. It is possible to differentiate between support beams, girders and other groups, the differentiation always being related to the main part of the group. In Columns, you enter the designation for all vertical shapes. In the attribute field Deviation in Degrees, you enter an angle within which the shape is still considered to be vertical. In Beams, you enter the designation for all horizontal shapes. In the attribute field Deviation in Degrees, you enter an angle within which the shape is still considered to be horizontal. Vertical and horizontal are always related to the work frame, i.e., to the x/y plane of the WCS. In Other, you enter the designation for all other groups. The Position Tolerance fields determine the position tolerance for vertical columns and horizontal beams. If Use Part Family Prefixes is enabled, the family classes prefix is set in front if the component part belongs to a family class and a prefix is planned.

Tolerances Geometry Check

Geometry Check: Compares the parts with the visible geometry, line for line. Minimum Line Length means additional lines up to the specified length are not considered for a comparison. Length Tolerance means length deviations do not result in a different part. Hole Tolerance means deviations of the drill hole axis up to the specified length do not result in a different part.

Tolerances Volume Check

Compares the parts with the visible volume. You cannot mix Facet and Acis bodies. Max Part Difference: Sets the maximum difference in % up to which the elements are treated as identical. Max. Group Difference: Sets the maximum difference in % up to which the groups are treated as identical.

Once the parameters are specified, click the check button to return to the ProSteel Positionflags and Positioning dialog. Keep this dialog open for the next exercise.

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

Exercise 2: Define Position Flags 1

Click on the Sort tab in the ProSteel Positionflags and Positioning dialog. Select the Creates a New Position Flag Style icon.

Creates a New Position Flag Style icon 2

Type Singleparts into the Enter the Name of the new Positionflag Style dialog, and then click the check button. Repeat this procedure to add a Bolts style. When finished, the new styles will be displayed in the Loaded Styles window, as shown below:

Click on the Layout tab in the ProSteel Positionflags and Positioning dialog.

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Select Singleparts in the Style filed and then select the Enables Setting of Position Flag Style icon, adjacent to the Created Geometry field.

Set the parameters for the Singleparts style in the Posflag Definition dialog as seen below. Click the check button to apply the settings.

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Descriptions of the fields in the above dialog are provided in the table below: Name

Description

LineType

Allows you to define the kind of guideline to be used. No Line ‐ No guideline will be displayed. Normal Line ‐ Only one line will be displayed. Line with Arrow ‐ A line with an arrow will be displayed. Line with Dot ‐ A line with a point will be displayed.

Bubble Form

Allows you to define the kind of position number. No Bubble: only the number is displayed. Round Bubble: the number is displayed in an oval. Rectangular Bubble: the number is displayed in a field. Six Edged Bubble: the number is displayed in a hexagon. On Line: the number is displayed on the construction line.

Text Type

Allows you to define the type of shape designation in case of length indication. U100...160: the designation is as follows…IPE270... 7890. U100 160: the designation is as follows…IPE270 ‐ 7890. U100x160: the designation is as follows… IPE270x7890. Format Template: The designation is as indicated in the 'Format Template' input field.

Alignment

Allows you to determine the direction of the construction line with respect to the position text. At Shape: the direction is in parallel to shape. At Line: you will be prompted to enter a reference line by clicking. Text will be aligned accordingly. At Horizon: the direction is horizontal. At Vertical: the direction is vertical.

Text Style

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Specifies the text style for the text of the position flag.

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Name

Description

Default Format

Specifies the format for the user‐defined shape designation if you have selected 'Format Template' as text type. The following parameters are available. $(N) for part name $(L) for part length $(W) for part width $(T) for part thickness The result of the format string $(N) $(T)x$(W) would e.g. be plate 5x380

Pos‐Nr. Prefix/ Postfix

In the input field Prefix or Postfix you can enter a text which is displayed in front of or after the position of the position flag. The default can be set independently of each other for both numbers.

Shipping‐Nr. Prefix/Postfix

In the input field Prefix or Postfix you can enter a text which is displayed in front of or after the shipping number of the position flag. The default can be set independently of each other for both numbers.

Divide

Specifies a text which is written between position number and shipping number, if both numbers have to be displayed as position number entry in the position flag.

Layout

Allows you to determine which information to be displayed. Total Number: the number of parts is displayed, e.g., 17 x IPE 270. Name: the designation is displayed (e.g., the shape designation). Comment: the comments of the parts lists are displayed. Item Number: display the Article number of the parts in the position flag. Dimensions: display the parts dimensions of the parts in the position flag. Position number: the position number is displayed. Shipping Number: the shipping number is displayed. Material: the material designation is displayed. Original Position Number: the fixed (former) position number is displayed.

Options

No Line: suppresses the leader line of the position flag. Dynamic: Creates an association between the object and the position flag. Group Length: Use group dimension for display if a group is selected.

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Name

Description

Size

You can define the text size for general lettering and for position numbers (No.size). For printing, the MicroStation text sizes are scaled according to selected scale.

Colours

You set the corresponding colour for the flag as MicroStation colour number using the fields Line, Number, Bubble and Text. If you enter ‐1 as value, the pre‐setting will be used.

Select Bolts in the Style filed and then select the Enables Setting of Position Flag Style icon, adjacent to the Created Geometry field.

Note: Upon selecting the Bolts style, the following dialog may display,

prompting you to save the changes to the Singleparts style. Press the check button to continue with the Bolts style settings.

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Set the parameters for the Bolts style in the Posflag Definition dialog as seen below. Then, click the check button to apply the settings.

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

Exercise 3: Position the Model 1

Use Element Selection > Block to select all elements in the model.

With the ProSteel Positionflags and Positioning dialog still open, select the Steel Positioning tab and then click on the Process Automatic Positioning for all Parts with Given Settings icon.

Note: Click the check button when prompted to save changes for the Bolts

style. The system will begin the positioning process and when complete will display the ProSteel Positioning: Result Single Part dialog, as shown below. This serves as a visual check on what Singleparts were positioned. Its contents are not editable.

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Click the check button in the ProSteel Positioning: Results Single Parts dialog. The ProSteel Positioning: Result Groups dialog will appear on screen.

Click the check button to complete the process and allow positioning to apply the sorting and comparison options.

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Once the system returns us to our model, we will view the ProSteel Properties of an item. Pick the column located at coordinate A1 and right click to access the ProSteel Properties from the pop‐up menu.

Access the Data page and note the Pos. No. field. Switch to the Group Data page and note the Pos. No. field. One position number is for the part and the other is for the group. Also, note that the positioning has also counted how many of this part and the group exist in the model. After applying the comparison options, the system now knows that this model has two groups that are exactly alike (column assemblies at A1 and B1).

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Lesson 2: Creating an External Parts List

Lesson 2: Creating an External Parts List In this section, you will learn how to create a parts list, edit the parts list data and format, and generate the actual report. 

Exercise 1: Create the Parts List 1

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Open the Partlist Creation dialog by selecting the main menu item ProSteel > Additions > Partlist Database… In the Partlist Creation dialog, set the parameters as follows:

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Descriptions of the fields in the above dialog are provided in the table below: Name

Description

Selection Types

Allows you to select the parts for which a parts list is to be created. 3D parts: means that you select the parts from the work frame. 2D positions flags: means that the parts lists will be deducted from the position flags of a detailed workshop drawing. From modified 2D drawings you can generate new bills of materials.

Options

Verify position number: only those selected parts will be taken over into the parts lists that have a valid position number. Only Group Parts: only those selected parts will be taken over into the parts lists that are assigned to a group. Only Selected parts: Only selected parts are written to the partslist. If disabled, then the complete groups of the selected parts are written to the parts list. Create Group record: Group records are created for all complete groups that are selected. Otherwise, no group records are written into the parts list. If Start Parts List is clicked, parts list processing is loaded immediately after creation of parts list file by means of this file. Calculate NC Cut Angles: Defines cut angles for generation of a NC file that can be read by a NC machine to fabricate a section. Straight End at front: Turns the NC‐data so an eventual straight End is at front. With Welds: Adds weld data into parts list. Combine Welds: Combines all welds of same style and thickness into one entry.

Bolts

If Bolts without Position Number is clicked, bolts will be included in the parts lists, even if they have no position number. Washers Extra, Nuts Extra, Safety Washers Extra, Tapered Washers Extra means that the additional parts for the bolts are separately specified in the list of materials.

Output File

The file for the list of materials is stored in the file displayed in the Name field, for example, in the ‘XBASE format’. By pressing the File button you can set the directory in the same manner as you use to do under Windows.

With Bolts

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By pressing this button, you start part selection. The selected bolts will be considered as well.

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Name

Description

Without Bolts

By pressing this button, you start part selection. Bolts will not be considered, even though they have been selected.

Mounting List

By pressing this button, you start part selection. Only the main parts of groups including bolts will be considered.

Select the Enables Selection of Data icon in the Output File section of the Partlist Creation dialog and name the database you want to create.

Hint: It is recommended that you name the database the same name as the

model. In this instance, name the database TRNMODEL.MDB. 3

Select the Creates a Partlist without Bolts icon in the Partlist Creation dialog.

When prompted to: “Select all parts to add in bill of material, RETURN for all Shift+ESC for Filter” and “Select Objects”, key in All at the command prompt and then press Enter. All parts will be selected and the process will begin. When the data is all read, all parts that were written to the database file will be turned "off" in the model as a checking step. You can use the ProSteel Regen command to bring all items back on screen.



Exercise 2: Edit the Parts List Data and Format 1

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Open the ProSteel Partlist dialog by selecting the main menu item ProSteel > Additions > Partlist.

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Select File > Open in the ProSteel Partlist dialog. Load the TRNMODEL.MBD database.

Hint: The part list will be C:\Program

Files\V8i_[SELECTseries]\ProSteel\MicroStation\Localised\[country]lis\ PartList. The Part list Processing dialog will be propagated as shown below with possibly unsorted data from the parts list. In the list, each part is stored individually, but a combination of equal positions will be carried out at the time of printout. You can open several files at the same time. The opened files will be displayed in the list Act Database on the left side of the dialog. By clicking a file name, the file will be your current work file. The parts contained in the work file are displayed on the right side of the dialog. The list of parts gives a survey of the entries. By clicking an entry twice, within the right hand column, another dialog will be displayed which contains all data available with respect to the entry concerned. This data can be processed in the dialog. When closing the dialog, they are imported, and IMMEDIATELY stored in the file. End the data recorded by clicking the check button.

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Lesson 2: Creating an External Parts List

Note: You are modifying "live" data. Any changes you make will reflect in the

report and will not back update the model. 3

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In order to have a more recognizable list, select the menu item File > Sort from the within the dialog and this will load the sorting dialog shown below. Enter the following parameters: •

First Key: POS_NUMBER

•

Second Key: ITEMNO

•

Sort: Ascending

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Press OK and the sorting will be applied and the database information will return to the display and be sorted according to our settings.

Now that you have the data loaded and sorted, you will create the format for our report. Next, you will touch on the basics of report formats and not specific settings within the format file itself.

Select the menu item Settings > Edit Part List Definition from the ProSteel Partlist dialog.

When the file selection dialog appears, open the METRIC.FREEPARTS.LST file. This will load the Designer window for the specific report that you selected. From here you can change the format, title, grouping of parts, colours, fonts, rows, and columns etc. for each type of report. Experience with report writer tools is required in order to generate the desired formats needed by your company. Close this window as we will leave this unedited in this exercise.

Select File > Exit to return to the Parts List Processor for Structural 3D dialog.

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

Exercise 3: Generate the Report 1

Select the menu item Delivery > Select SinglePart list from the ProSteel Partlist dialog. When the dialog loads, select METRIC.FREEPARTS.LST from the list of reports and then press Open

Note: If a message regarding the paper size should display, just continue with

the printing process. 2

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The Print Options dialog shown below will display:

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From within the Print Options dialog, change the Direct To field to send the report to a Preview. Press the Start button to begin the process and display the report.

Select the Magnifying glass icon at the top to zoom in on the reports content. Note how the parts are displayed in the report. When finished, exit this report by pressing the Exit Preview icon at the top of the screen.

Execute the procedure again, this time choosing a different report format. Note the display of the data.

Exit any reports still open and when you return to the ProSteel Partlist dialog, select File > End to exit the database editor/report generator.

Hint: Changes made in the model after the database is generated WILL NOT update

the database. The report should be re‐run to capture the new or changed data.

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Lesson 3: Creating a Drawing Parts List

Lesson 3: Creating a Drawing Parts List In this section, you will learn how to create a parts list that can be dropped directly onto the model or 2D drawings & modify the partlist information to display. 

Exercise 1: Create the Drawing Parts List 1

Select the Insert Drawing Partlist tool from ProSteel > Additions > Insert Drawing Partlist, or click on the Insert Drawing Partlist icon from the Partlist and Export toolbar (also a fly‐out from the Edit toolbar).

When prompt to select objects, type "all" and press ENTER. The partlist will now be inserted wherever you click with your cursor. Make sure the "Ortho" option is selected.

Once inserted, the dialog box appears. Set the first page as shown in the graphic below.

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We will now create a completely new list by moving to the List Styles tab. Under the Bentley folder, we will create a "Training" list using the Create button.

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Now move to the Layout tab and make sure the newly created list is selected in the pull down field, then click the editing icon.

The newly opened dialog will let us personalize the layout of this partlist. Set values in the lower area as shown in the graphic below.

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Descriptions of the fields in the above dialog are provided in the table below: Name

Description

Style name

The name of the current style; all modifications are related to this style.

Display List

Here, you see an overview of all displayed columns of the parts list. They are displayed in this order from the left to the right in the drawing parts list. Click on this button to modify the line selected in the display list (parts list column). Click on this button to add a new line (parts list column) to the end of the list. Click on this button to add a new line (parts list column) in front of the highlighted line. Click on this button to delete the selected line (parts list column) from the list. Click on this button to open the footer notes and extra information dialogbox. The arrow buttons are used to move items up or down the list if required.

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Name

Description

Values section

Text Size: Determines the text size in drawing units at a scale 1:1 Height Scaling: Increases the height of the lines spacing by this factor. Depending on the text style, the readability of the parts list is increased Left Margin: Distance of the text to the left margin at left‐justified insertion. Right Margin: Distance of the text to the right margin at right‐justified insertion. Offset: Distance of the part group position number entries vs the group position number. Rotation: Rotation of the whole list by the indicated degrees Block Size: Indicates after how many lines of text a horizontal line has to be inserted. This only serves for a clearer overview. Header: Additional title to place on the very top of the list.

Colour Fields

Here you control the colours for various parts of the table. Move Up: If this field is checked, the list is running from the bottom to the top, i. e. the column headers are below. Divide Groups: At group lists, the groups are divided by horizontal lines. The settings under 'Block Size' do not have any influence in this case. Align Numbers at right: All numerical values are aligned to the right margin Fill remaining with zero: All numerical values are filled up with zeros according to the indicated format length and digits after the decimal point. Header: The header of the list is used Text Style: Select the desired text style. Please refer to the MicroStation manual for more detailed information about MicroStation text styles. Sort: Depending on the field selected here, the output is sorted in rising order from the column header onward. Invert: Causes a sorting in descending order from the column header onward. Use Prefix: At sorting, the entries are separated in prefix and number and then sorted separately

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Lesson 3: Creating a Drawing Parts List

Use the Add New Line icon to open up the Column settings dialog. Complete the partlist information for each field as shown in the following image:

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Descriptions of the fields in the Column settings dialog are provided in the table below: Name

Description

Field Name

Select (double‐click) the desired field from the data fields.

Name1

The name of the column header respective to the first name if an entry has been indicated in input field Name2 as well. There are two rows are available altogether.

Name2

The second name of column header.

Length

Enter the desired column width in text signs. The exact column width depends on the selected text style.

Dec. Point

The number of desired positions after the decimal point. For Imperial precision, use the following guide: 1/2"=1, 1/4"=2, 1/8"=3, 1/16"=4, 1/32"=5, etc.

Text Size

Enter the text size of the column. If you have entered the value 0, the general text size of the list style is used.

Colour

Enter the colour of the column text (colour number). If you have entered the value ‐1, the text colour of the list style is used.

Position

Enter the alignment of the column: Left, Center, Right or Automatic. If Automatic has been selected, all texts are aligned to the left and all digits are aligned to the right.

Units

Enter the unit format Metric, Imperial or Automatic. If Automatic has been selected, the default units of the drawing are used.

Now we will look at the footer, using the Footer icon. From here we can control the footer text, its color, size, alignment, and so forth. We can also use a factor value to calculate percentage additions. It is also possible from here to modify the color and prefix of the header of group, sub‐group and assembly listings.

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Descriptions of the fields in the above dialog are provided in the table below: Name

Description

Footer

Enter the desired foot lines. You can use pre‐defined variables as well. The following variables are available as foot lines: $(N) The number of lines is indicated. $(F) Multiplication factor addition in % $(L) Overall length of all parts without addition $(LF) Overall length of all parts with addition $(W) Overall weight of all parts without addition $(WF) Overall weight of all parts with addition $(P) Overall area to be painted of all parts without addition $(PF) Overall area to be painted of all parts with addition

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Addition

Percentage by which the determined values have to be increased. These increased values can be output by means of the variable $(?F).

Dec. Point.

The number of desired positions after the decimal point.

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Name

Description

Offset

The distance to the corresponding margin.

Colour

Enter the colour of the text (colour number). If you have entered the value ‐1, the text colour of the list style is used.

Position

Enter the alignment of the text: Left, Center, Right or Automatic. If Automatic has been selected, all texts are aligned to the left and all digits are aligned to the right.

Units

Enter the unit format Metric, Imperial or Automatic. If Automatic has been selected, the default units of the drawing are used.

Group Row

In the Prefix input field, you can indicate a prefix for the position numbers of group lines. In the Colour input field you can specify the colour of the group line. If the value of ‐1 has been indicated here, the normal text colour will be used. These settings can be made separately for groups, subgroups and assemblies.

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Module Summary

Module Summary You are now able to:

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Set the defaults for Positioning

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Define the Position Flags

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Position the Model

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Create a parts list

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Edit the parts list data and format

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Generate the actual report

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Module Summary

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Detail Center Module Overview Now that the modelling process is complete, you can begin the process of creating the frame deliverable drawings. The entire process is automated through the ProSteel 2D DetailCenter. Note: Do not confuse the term 2D or DetailCenter with the process of steel detailing.

All 2D output is controlled from within this function. Think of this as the "Drawing Production Centre". This module will focus on the format and use of the DetailCenter. You will briefly touch on the specifics of the detail styles used to generate the desired results. You will learn what comprises the DetailCenter and how to use it to produce your engineering drawings. You will also learn how to use the DetailCenter to produce Manual or Custom details. The true power of the DetailCenter is evident when you use the DetailCenter to correct your existing 2D details after a change is made in the model. There are four lessons in this module. Each lesson begins with a list of objectives that define the information that you will learn in that lesson. A number of exercises are provided in each lesson that are designed to teach you the topics listed in the Objectives section at the start of each lesson. Warning: It is recommended that you start the 3D model with a Seed file (*.dgn) containing the required "measurement" variable setting, "units" setting, Text styles, Dimension style, Display classes, Part families, Area classes, and so forth. For 2D drawing generation, ProSteel takes all required text and dimension styles specified in the DetailStyle from the model and brings them over to the 2D drawing. The seed file (*.dgn) used for 2D drawings should be free of text and dimension styles except for the border/drawing frame text styles to avoid erroneous results.

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Detail Center

Module Prerequisites

Module Prerequisites This course is designed for the experienced user of ProSteel who understands and is capable of modeling, grouping, and Part and family and positioning with ProSteel. As such the participant should have a clear understanding of the usage of MicroStation and the Windows operating system.

Module Objectives

Detail Center

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Learn how to load the DetailCenter

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Learn the basic design of the DetailCenter

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Learn how to load a detail style to begin the process of detailing our structure

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Lesson 1: Loading and Reviewing the 2D Detail Centre 

Exercise 1: Loading the Detail Centre

In this exercise you will learn how to load the DetailCenter.

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Open the example model TRNMODEL.dgn, located in the Project ProSteel_Metric.

Load the DetailCenter (ProSteel menu > 2D > DetailCenter). This will load the DetailCenter and display the components from the model, as well as the frames that were generated when you created the Workframes.

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What is the DetailCenter? In ProSteel, users control the complete 2D drawing and plan generation from within the DetailCenter ‐ from a first overview of the components to the workshop drawing with multiple changes and manipulations. Think of the DetailCenter as a program within the program because it offers many more possibilities and options than one can see at first glance. When you open the DetailCenter for the first time, you will see a clearly organized dialog box with just a few setting options. You really do not need anything else at this point if you have already customized the program because right now, you want to derive your workshop plans from the model. However, if you want to, you can push into the innermost depths of the drawing derivation at any time. You can set a great variety of options; request information; and monitor and check drawings. The philosophy behind this development is that you should be able to obtain the same result in a variety of different ways, that you can change many elements and options ‐ but that you do not have to. The highest possible level of flexibility for you as the user during the final phase of the design ‐ that is the DetailCenter.

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In Exercise 2, you will learn the lay of the land in the DetailCenter.

Level 1: The Parts Tab Overview Here you will obtain an overview of the parts of the model and their functional associations and relationships. You can view construction groups, single parts or whole areas of the model ‐ all clearly structured in a tree format. This is the place where you manage and change detail styles and link your components with these styles as well as manage the modification mechanism. In addition, the DetailCenter is launched from here.

Under the Parts tab there are three display areas:

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The first window is located directly below the icons and is used for informational purposes only. Information cannot be changed or edited in this display and no additional functions can be accessed from this area.

The second window is the DetailStyles window. This window lists all of the DetailStyles currently loaded. From here DetailStyles can be created, loaded, copied or saved with a right‐click within the window and selecting the appropriate action. The DetailStyles are stored here within folders called “themes”. These can be used to sort DetailStyles by client, project, etc.

The last window is a list of all active model’s elements. It is by the action of drag and drop from this window onto the appropriate DetailStyle that creating the 2D drawings begins. The sorting, mentioned above, can be done to the items displayed in this window so that assigning them to DetailStyles becomes faster and easier. Also with a right‐click in this window, you can update and open any 2D drawings that have been created.

The Icons are as follows: The icons on the Parts tab allow you to control the information displayed below in various ways. Each one serves a specific function and will be covered in turn. What is important to note at this point is that even though some icons may appear to be identical on different tabs, each icon serves only the tab it has been

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placed onto. For example, the icon of the wrench on one tab may not offer the same options as the icon of the wrench on another tab. Or, the sorting on one tab may be different from the sorting on another tab. The first icon on the Parts tab is used to right‐click the selected element(s) and move it (them) along to the next stage (tab). The chosen item(s) should first have a DetailStyle assigned to it (them) before this option is used. The first icon on the first three tabs, Parts, Views and Insert, may look different but each performs the same function. A drag and drop of an item on it will move it to the next stage (tab). The recursive icon allows for all parent and child elements to be selected at the same time in the same tree like structure.

For example, if items were sorted showing the assembly structures, elements making up the assembly would be listed as child elements. With recursive turned on when the assembly is chosen, the individual elements forming the assembly would also be selected. Note: This feature should be disabled when assigning detail styles to different

elements so that single parts do not receive the same style for dimensioning as the assembled components do. The recursive icon is available on the first three tabs and each work the same way; however, each tab can have its recursive option set on or off individually.

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The Sorting icon controls how the list of elements from the model is displayed. When this icon is used, a dialog appears which allows you to define how you would like the list sorted.

Within this dialog you can first choose between PS Standard and User Defined. The ProSteel standard option is necessary to be able to select views and plans, as User Defined methods will not list these. Once the initial display type has been chosen, if User Defined was selected, then the window on the left hand side near the top becomes available and how items are sorted can be selected. The window to the right and the arrows directly below are used to control which methods for sorting are made available and in which order they are performed if more than one method is selected. The filters of this dialog box allow you to further limit the items displayed by selecting and setting up arguments that must be met in order to be displayed. Two separate filters can be set up and used if required. The final part of this dialog allows for optional settings to be defined. Here users can change the Sort Order to ascending or descending methods, or select no sorting at all.

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The option for Show entries only 1x is also available. This option will list identical members only once. New per group will list identical members once per group if Show entries only 1x is on and as many times as created in each group if this option is not on. The Group‐Display drop down box allows for the selection to display only parts, only groups or both in a tree structure. With Pre‐Sort will add descriptions as a parent heading and sort items below these parent headings. The last setting is No empty folder, which simply hides any folder with nothing in it. Probably the best user method for sorting the list is by Part Descriptions or Part Families. Keep in mind however that the display type should be set back to ProSteel Standard in order to process anchor plans, elevations (or sections) and plans. Also you will need to keep an eye on whether group or single 'group‐ display' has been set when using user defined settings. The wrench icon is for settings. When this icon is selected, a dialog box will appear with different settings for you to select from.

The Overwrite protection option locks drawings and stops any updates from being done to them. This option should not be enabled unless you are certain that the drawings being produced will be to the specifications required and will not need to be modified. The Hide in part list option simply hides any item placed onto a DetailStyle. Reopening the DetailCenter will refresh the list showing all elements again including those that were hidden using this option.

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Take over into view list is not a required option, but does provide a means of moving items from the Parts tab to the Views tab quickly and efficiently. With this option enabled, any element placed onto a DetailStyle will automatically be taken over to the Views tab saving you from having to drag and drop to the top left icon for processing. In the final section of this dialog box are two options: one is for Restore manual changes if updated, and the other is Also delete dimensions/labels. It is recommended that these options always be turned on. What happens if they are not turned on is that any manual changes or deletions to the 2D drawing will be lost when an update is done. With these checked, all manual changes would be saved even after an update to the drawing has been performed. This icon will reread all the information from the model and repopulate the display window at the bottom of the Parts tab. It is the equivalent of closing and reopening the DetailCenter. It is important to remember however that it will read the information from the window that currently has focus and so it is important that when using this option, the window with the model is the one currently open and selected. This icon will open up the DetailCenter Express. It is used for automating the process of 2D drawing creation. This process involves several pages of information being answered, external templates being made and the creation of specific control files.

Level 2: The Views Tab Overview

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Once a DetailStyle is assigned in the parts tab and the item brought over from there (either automatically or manually), it will appear in this tab. The Views tab's main purpose is to allow you to preview the drawings in a WYSIWYG mode to adjust the DetailStyles assigned to them, meaning DetailStyle adjustments can be made and seen dynamically. This way, users can be sure the DetailStyle is set up properly prior to inserting the selected item into a 2D drawing. Note: The preview should never be saved as a 2D drawing since it is not directly linked

to the model and cannot be updated if changes are made in the model.

The Icons The icons shown above are: 2D; Recursive; Sorting; Options; and Custom view. The 2D icon will take any items which are dragged and dropped on it to the next stage. At this point these items should be available under the Insert tab. The Recursive icon works in exactly the same fashion as it did under the Parts tab. However it will affect only items under the current tab. The Sorting icon works in exactly the same fashion as it did under the Parts tab. However it will affect only items under the current tab. The Options icon brings up the options available at this point. In this case a small dialog box appears with only one option, Hide part in model. This will hide the part in the model once it has been moved to the Insert tab.

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The Custom View icon allows for the creation of a custom detail view taken from the model that can include position flags and weld mark symbols. The creation of these views will be explained in more detail in a different section.

The Display Windows

When you right‐click in the display window on a part, group or view, a small menu will appear. From here the options Preview and Edit DetailStyle are available. These are the primary options and the reason for this tab. In addition to these options, a user can create Additional Views and Display Info. Additional Views allows for the creation of a custom detail view taken from the model that can include position flags and weld mark symbols. The creation of these views will be explained in more detail in a different section.

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The Display Info option simply opens another window with all the information about the selected item. It is for informational purposes only. The first option is Create 2D. When using this it is the same as the drag and drop of selected items onto the 2D icon at the top left in that it will move the selected items over to the Insert tab.

Level 3: The Insert Tab (Detail Block) Overview The Insert tab is where all the parts, groups and views get placed into 2D drawings. The first step is to start and save a new drawing. Then, you will select the items to be placed in this drawing and drag and drop them on the icon in the top left corner. The next step is to place the 2D Detail within the new drawing. Once finished, save the drawing again and process the same way a drawing is normally processed under MicroStation.

The Icons The icons shown above are: Drag and Drop; Recursive; Sorting; Options; Reload; Insert Assistant; and Exchange. The Drag and Drop icon lets you indicate where the files should be dragged and dropped into the drawing.

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The Recursive icon works in exactly the same fashion as it did under the Parts tab. However it will affect only items under the current tab. The Sorting icon works in exactly the same fashion as it did under the Parts tab. However it will affect only items under the current tab. The Options icon brings up the available options at this point. In this case a small dialog box appears with two options.

The first option will remove the part from the list once it has been placed into a 2D drawing. The second option determines whether US Mark Numbering will be used or not. The fields below the second option are informational only. The Reloads icon window.

reloads all the detail blocks and updates the display

The Insert Assistant tool can be used to automatically insert items onto multiple drawings. This requires a certain amount of setup and is not covered in the basic course. The Exchange icon block.

opens a dialog box which lets you exchange or edit a detail

The Display Windows

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There are three windows under the Insert tab. Each window is described below.

The first window is informational only and no addition functions exist from here.

The second window displays a folder view. Each folder represents a 3D model that has been prepared for 2D insertion. The name of the folders should be the same as the names of the 3D dgn files containing the models. A right‐click in this window will allow you to delete a folder or 'detail dictionary' completely.

The third window displays everything contained within the folder that has been selected in the above window. If no folders are selected then this window will show no elements.

A right‐click in the third window will bring up a small drop‐down menu. From there you get four choices (depending on the highlighted element when the right‐ click is done). Insert 2D will allow you to directly insert the selected object(s) into the 2D drawing without the need to drag and drop to the icon in the top left hand corner. Preview will bring up a preview of what the detail block is. This is not the 2D dgn and should not be saved but rather discarded. The block should be inserted into a 2D drawing and then saved.

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Delete entry from detail library will remove the selected entries so that they no longer are available in the window for selection. If they need to be inserted into a drawing in the future then you will have to go back to at least the view tab if not further and bring them over to the Insert tab once more. Display Info opens a window containing information about the particular detail block. The window that opens is informational only.

The Settings Tab The Settings tab is dedicated to the global behavioural settings of the DetailCenter, including templates and configuration files.

Colour Coding throughout the tabs •

Detail Center

GREY: Parts not processed

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BLUE: The detail block of the part was created; it is not inserted in the 2D drawing and does not need updating.

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YELLOW: The detail block of the part was created; it is not inserted in the 2D drawing and it needs updating.

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GREEN: The detail block of the part was created; it is inserted in the 2D drawing and it does not need updating.

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RED: The detail block of the part was created; it is inserted in the 2D drawing and it needs updating.

Information Window:

There is also an information window, which will be displayed if you right‐click on one of the components listed in the Parts tab list and select Display Info. This information window is assigned to all three work levels and shows the current status of the entry. Depending on the list, this window displays the name and type of the part, data of detailing, insertion location, current status, and much more.

Context Menu A supplement to every level is a level‐specific Context Menu accessible through the right mouse button, which lists only those functions that are significant to the respective list. This option offers the fastest way to access a command.

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Detail Styles

The detail styles are the cornerstone of the entire detailing process. They describe how a part is to look as a workshop detail or how the model is to appear as an overview. The content of the styles is described in some detail in the next lesson.

Preview

The detailing of a selected part can be previewed from within the view's overview or directly from within the model. This will create a small MicroStation View displaying the exact result of the detail style settings applied to this part. The

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small drawing shows how the part will be detailed. This window and its drawing can be Windows or queried for information because it is an independent MicroStation drawing. Since you can now open this part's detail style, you can track the effects of different style settings in real time. You call this fine‐tuning of the detail style. If you open the preview for another part you do not have to close this window first. The content is updated automatically.



Open the DetailCenter Part Setting dialog (Part tab > Press the DetailCenter Settings icon).

Set the parameter values as shown below.

When finished, click the check mark to close the settings dialog.

Exercise 3: Loading a Detail Style

In this exercise, you learn how to load a detail style in order to begin the detailing process. You will also briefly look at the specifics of the detail style itself. 1

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From within the Parts tab of the DetailCenter, select any Style in the DetailStyles window. Then right‐click the mouse to display the Context menu.

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From the context menu, select Load/Save > Load Style(s).

When the dialog appears to load a style, select the AUS_Engineering_Plans style. This will load the style into the DetailCenter under its original theme or currently selected theme, depending on the selection made in this dialog box.

Now that the AUS_Engineering_Plans style is loaded you will briefly review its content. This can be done by either double‐clicking the style name or highlighting the style and then right clicking the mouse and selecting Edit DetailStyle from the context menu.

Open the AUS_Engineering_Plans style and review the contents of this style.

The detailing style offers you some decisive influence over the style of the detailing because it is here that you determine what is to be dimensioned, how to dimension it, what texts to include, whether to attach position flags, and so much more. Over 200 parameters are available to specify the appearance of your drawing. You can save and load these styles individually and even import or export them from third parties. Since it is possible to manage entire parameter records you can

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create specific styles for specific detailing tasks (e.g., for overviews, workshop plans, life‐sized displays, etc.) and just select them later. Your main task consists of defining the suitable styles once. The program offers the option to immediately check each change using a preview feature until details look exactly like you want them to be. Note: Understand that creating a detail style can take some time and should not be

rushed. Use the Preview function to verify the settings. Allow sufficient time to create the style for your desired output. In the end, time spent up front will pay off in quick time saving drawing production.

Saving Styles Normally, the detailing styles are saved together with the drawing. This means that you always have to save your model if the modifications of detailing styles are to be kept permanently. There is, however, the possibility to write a detailing style as a file on the hard drive and to re‐import it from there. This permits you to exchange, update or even transfer the detailing styles of different models. Furthermore, you can create a collection of detailing styles, and in the model use only a selection of those styles that are required for that moment.

General Info If you double‐click on a detail style, a dialog with several tabs displays in which the individual parameters are organized according to different areas. Some of the tabs have tabs themselves, which are used for special settings. These are usually infrequently used settings and are thus removed by a few extra mouse clicks. You do not have to take care to close all of these dialogs because the program closes them automatically when you select a different tab.

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Lesson 2: Assigning a View to a Style and Creating a 2D Deliverable Drawing

Lesson 2: Assigning a View to a Style and Creating a 2D Deliverable Drawing Objectives The objectives of this lesson are as follows: •

Learn how to assign a view to a detail style.

•

Learn how to process a view through the DetailCenter.

•

Further use the Multiple Document Interface to create your "deliverable" drawing.

•

Complete the process by saving your drawing and your model, and reviewing the display of the DetailCenter and using it to determine the status of a view.

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Exercise 1: Assigning a view to a Detail Style

In this exercise, you will learn how to assign the view to the detail style.

Detail Center

From within the DetailCenter Parts tab, select the FR1_TOP view. With the view highlighted, drag and drop the view onto the AUS_Engineering_Plans style. The View in the Parts tab will have a check mark next to it. This is your signal that the view has been assigned to a style.

Pick on the view FR1_TOP and then with the arrow on the highlighted frame name, right‐click and access the context menu. From within the context menu, select Display Info. This will load the information dialog and you will see the style named that has been applied to the frame.

Close dialog.

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

Exercise 2: Processing the view through the Detail Centre

In this exercise, you will learn how to process the view FR1_TOP through the DetailCenter. 1

From within the DetailCenter, select the Views tab. When the display changes to the contents of the Views tab you will see the FR1_TOP view in the current views section of the tab.

At this point you can preview the results of the AUS_Engineering_Plans detail style. Highlight the FR1_TOP view then right‐click the mouse to access the context menu. From the menu select Preview. This will open the preview of the detail.

Note: If the text sizes of the dimensions and descriptions are not proportionate to the

drawing, you can change this. Close the preview without saving the changes. Next, right‐click the mouse while in the model and select ProSteel > Options. Highlight the Shapes > Shape Label option and check the Text Size and Distance (try 5mm for text and 3 for distance). Hint: At this time you can open the detail style used to create the view by selecting

Edit Style from the context menu when you right‐click on the selected view and make changes to the style and watch as the changes update in the created view. This serves as a great construction tool when defining detail styles.

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Before continuing through the process you must close the preview window. To do this, press the X in the corner of the Preview window and when prompted to save the contents of the preview, press No.

The next step in the detailing process is to pass the view onto the Insert tab and allow ProSteel to process the view into an intelligent block. Back in

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the Views tab of the DetailCenter you can either drag and drop the FR1_TOP view onto the Start detailing of selected Parts button or highlight the FR1_TOP view and right click the mouse button and then select Create 2D form the sub menu. The system will take a moment to process the view through the DetailCenter. 5

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Switch to the Insert tab of the DetailCenter. In the section labelled Detail directory pick the TRNMODEL listed. This will refresh the view and in the lower half of the tab labelled Detail Blocks, your FR1_TOP view will appear. At this point the view is ready to insert into a deliverable drawing.

Exercise 3: Preparing the Deliverable Drawing to Accept your Detail Block

In this exercise, you learn how to create a new "deliverable" drawing and insert a border. 1

Detail Center

From the MicroStation menu select File > New.

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When the MicroStation New dialog displays, browse and select the seed file ProSteel3DV8i Metric.dgn from project Seed directory. Then click Open.

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After the new drawing is created, save TRNDET1.

You will not be able to insert the detail into the new drawing until it has a valid drawing name, as the name is linked to the item in the 3D model. ProSteel will warn you that the drawing has not been saved.

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Detail Center

Now for the border create new 2D sheet model: from MicroStation menu, select File > Models to create new sheet model.

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Next step is to Reference the border sheet (File >References>Tools> Attached).

Browse to the Format directory and select A0QUER.DGN, then click Open.

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

Set the attachment as below.

Now we have an A0 border sheet which we can Reference inserted FR1_TOP. We can reference other plans, elevation or details inserted to Model to the border sheet.

Close the detail sheet TRNDET1.dgn.

Exercise 4: Inserting your View Detail into your Deliverable Drawing

In this exercise you will learn how to insert the view into your drawing, save the view and model, and review the 2D DetailCenter settings.

Detail Center

Open TRNDET1.dgn. From the MicroStation menu, select File > Models and select Model. Use the Top View.

From the DetailCenter Insert tab, select the required version of the FR1_TOP view, as each time you process the view you will create a new date and time stamped version. Now make the 2D drawing created in the previous exercise your current drawing. Highlight the required view then right mouse click and select Insert 2D from the sub menu. After doing this, a check mark will appear beside the view.

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The block will appear as a ghost image in the model area. 3

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Use the mouse to position the block in the desired position, then left‐click to place it in the drawing. When finished the view should be in the drawing and appear similar to the figure below.

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Note: The insert position can be set within the DetailStyle.

Detail Center

Switch back to the Parts tab of the DetailCenter. Reload the model into the DetailCenter using the Reload icon. Note that the FR1_TOP view is now highlighted in green. This denotes that the view has been processed, resides in a drawing, and is up to date.

Within the Parts tab, highlight the FR1_TOP view then right‐click to access the context menu. From within the context menu pick Display Info. Note

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how the information dialog for the view now contains the drawing that the detail resides on as well as the path.

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To place the TOP Plan in the border sheet: from the MicroStation menu, select File > Models and select TOP PLAN.

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Detail Center

Reference the model (File > References > Tools > Attached) and select TRNDET1.

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Select the model as shown below (live nesting on).

Locate the Plan in the border as shown below.

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Exercise 5: Inserting a Detail into a Drawing Sheet

In this exercise you will add a component detail from your model to a drawing sheet. 1

From the 2D DetailCenter Parts tab, confirm that the AUS_BEAMS DetailStyle has been loaded. If it has not, right mouse click to display the context menu. From the context menu, select Load Detail Style(s). When the dialog appears, select the AUS_BEAMS style. This will load the style into the DetailCenter.

From within the model select the beam that is located on gridline A. Right mouse click and select PS Search/Select Single Part. This will highlight the part in the component list.

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Make sure you select the top level (the Group item) from the list.

From within the DetailCenter Parts tab, select the highlighted component and drag and drop it onto the AUS_BEAMS style. The component will have a check mark next to it. This is your signal that the component has been assigned to a style.

From within the DetailCenter, select the Views tab. When the display changes to the contents of the Views tab you will see the component in the current views section of the tab.

At this point you can preview the results of the AUS_BEAMS detail style. Highlight the component, then right‐click to access the context menu. From the menu select Preview. This will invoke the preview of the detail.

Close the preview window. When prompted to save the contents of the preview, press NO.

The next step in the detailing process is to switch to the Insert tab and allow ProSteel to process the view into an intelligent block. Back in the Views tab of the DetailCenter, either drag and drop the component view onto the Create Detail Blocks button or right mouse click and select Create 2D from the sub menu. The system will take a moment to process the view through the DetailCenter.

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Switch to the Insert tab of the DetailCenter. Under the DetailDirectory node, select the TRNMODEL listed. This will refresh the view and in the lower half of the tab under the Detail Blocks node, your component will appear. At this point the view is ready to insert into a deliverable drawing.

10 Start a New Blank Drawing and save it as TRNDET2. 11 From within the Insert tab of the DetailCenter, select the required date

and time stamped version of component view. You can drag and drop the view name onto the Insert Detail Block button located at the top of the tab, or you can right‐click and select insert 2D from the sub menu. 12 The block will appear as a ghost image in the drawing. Use the mouse to

position the block into the desired position, then left‐click to place the block in the drawing. 13 Save the detail sheet. Using the window menu, select the TRNMODEL.

When this becomes active, save it as well. 14 Switch back to the Parts tab of the DetailCenter. Note that the object is

now highlighted in green. Green denotes that the view has been processed, and now resides in a drawing. 15 In the Parts tab, highlight the object, then right‐click to access the context

menu. Select Display Info. Note how the information dialog for the view now contains the drawing that the detail resides on as well as the path.

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Lesson 3: Modifying the Model and Automatically Updating the Detail Drawings

Lesson 3: Modifying the Model and Automatically Updating the Detail Drawings Objectives The objectives of this lesson are as follows: •

Learn how to use the power of the DetailCenter to update the details when the model changes

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Exercise 1: Modifying the Model

In this exercise, you will modify the model and change a shape size. 1

Open TRNMODEL.DGN.

Window on front 530UB82 cross beam located at grid line A, at the top of the FR1 frame.

Pick the 530UB82 and edit the shape. Change the shape to a 610UB125. When the model updates, press the check button to end the modification process.

Click the Reload icon to reload the model into 2D DetailCenter. Note that the two views you processed through the DetailCenter are now flagged in red. This means that ProSteel has read the model file and knows that these items are inserted in a detail sheet and that they no longer match the model.

To update the detail sheet where these blocks reside, select the two blocks flagged red (use the CTRL key to make the multiple selection). Right‐click on one of the two blocks and when the context menu opens, select Update 2D Drawings.

To check if the 2D detail has been changed, highlight the component, then right click and from the context menu select Open 2D‐drawing. The drawing associated to this component will be displayed. Note that the detail sheet now reflects the updates made to the model.

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Save both the model and detail sheet and close the DetailCenter. Also note that the modified components now appear in green because they now reflect the model again.

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Detail Styles Module Overview The DetailStyles program offers you some decisive influence over the style of the detailing because it is here that you determine what is to be dimensioned, how to dimension it, what texts to include, whether to attach position flags, and much more. A great number of parameters are available to specify the appearance of your drawing. You can save and load these styles individually and even import or export them from other users. Since it is possible to manage entire parameter records you can create specific styles for specific detailing tasks (e.g. for overviews, workshop plans, life‐sized displays, etc.) and just select them later. Your main task consists of defining the suitable styles once. The program offers the option to immediately check each change using a preview feature (see DetailCenter Preview) ‐ until details look exactly like you want them to be for your requirements.

Saving Styles Normally, the DetailStyles are saved together with the 3D‐model of the drawing. This means that you always have to save your model if the modifications of DetailStyles are to be kept permanently. You can write a DetailStyle as a file on the hard drive and re‐import it into other models. You can also replace only partial sections of a style. This permits you to exchange, update or transfer the DetailStyles of different models. Furthermore, you can create a collection of DetailStyles and use only those styles suitable for your particular modelling requirements.

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Detail Styles

Module Prerequisites

Partial Loading of Style Parameters If, for example, you want to combine the default settings for dimensioning and the default settings for labelling of two existing styles to create a new style, you can do this by partial loading of pages. Select the desired page in the selection tree and then call the context menu by pressing the right mouse button. Now you can replace the parameters of the currently selected page by the equivalent parameters of an existing style file. Alternatively, you can also load all the pages subordinate to this page to replace a much bigger set of parameters.

Module Prerequisites This course is designed for the experienced user of ProSteel who understands and is capable of modeling, grouping, assigning Part description and Part families, positioning and using DetailCenter with ProSteel. As such the participant should have a clear understanding of the usage of MicroStation and the windows operating system.

Module Objectives

Detail Styles

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Create Anchor plan style setting

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Create Shape single detail style setting

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Create Beam Group Detail style setting

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Create Elevation Detail style setting

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Example 1: Anchor Plan

Example 1: Anchor Plan Default Settings

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2D Display

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Dimensions

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Example 1: Anchor Plan

This dialog allows us to set the distances from the detail to the first dimension and subsequent dimensions, for a number of different dimensioning locations.

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Descriptions

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Example 1: Anchor Plan

Sample Anchor Plan Drawing Note that all the dimensions are true length, but the base plates have been scaled up so you can see the required detail of the holes; otherwise the dimensions would be too small to see. We have also requested that the grids be displayed.

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Example 2: Single Part DetailStyle

2D Display

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Dimensions

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Example 2: Single Part DetailStyle

Descriptions The Descriptions dialog for both Positioning Flags and Weld Flags does not require any input as we have told DetailCenter not to include Position and Weld flags from within the Default Settings dialog.

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Sample Shape Detail Drawing

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Example 3: Beam Group Detail

Example 3: Beam Group Detail Default Settings

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2D Display

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Descriptions

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Dimensions

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Sample Group Shape Detail Drawing

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Example 4: Marking Elevation Detail

Example 4: Marking Elevation Detail Default Settings

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2DÂ Display

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Descriptions

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Sample Marking Plan Detail Drawing

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Appendix A ‐ Bentley ProSteel Course Setup Module Overview This appendix provides standard Bentley ProSteel course setup instructions. An overview of the course is also provided.

View Tools The tools available in the ProSteel View toolbar are as follows: Overview Tools Name

Description Isometric Overviews 1 Isometric Overviews 2 Isometric Overviews 3 Isometric Overviews 4 Isometric Overviews 5

View Tools Name

Description Select View

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View Tools

Object View Tools Name

Description Object View at Point Object View at Centre Face View at Point Face View at Centre

Clip Plane Tools Name

Description Clip Plane Off Clip Plane On Clip Plane Distance Clip Plane Flip Clip Plane Default

Analysis Tools Name

Description Analysis Effective Lines

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View Tools

Object UCS Tools Name

Description Object UCS at Centre Object UCS at Point Face UCS at Centre Face UCS at Point

Display Classes Tools Name

Description Display Classes Hide Hide Group Hide Except Hide Group Except ProSteel Regen Area Classes Part Families Process Status

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Element Tools The tools available in the ProSteel Elements toolbar are as follows: General Tools Name

Description Plates Shape Bolts End Plate Base Plate Shear Plate Splice Purlin Connection Stiffeners Haunch Web Angle

Bracing Tools Name

Description Bracing Static Bracing Dynamic Gusset Plate

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Element Tools

Structural Object Tools Name

Description Stairs Frame Purlins Handrails Trusses Ladders Joists Distribute Roof/Wall Panels

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Edit Tools

Edit Tools The tools available in the ProSteel Edit toolbar are as follows: General Tools Name

Description Drill Modify Copy/Move/Mirror/Align Groups Unfold Pipes

Primitive Tools Name

Description Box Sphere Cylinder Cone Extrude Rotate Conical Pipes Torus

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Edit Tools

Boolean Tools Name

Description Union Subtract Intersect Subtract Intersect Body

Positioning Tools Name

Description Positioning Position Compare Parts Search Parts

Partlist and Export Tools Name

Description Project Management Create Partlist Database Create Partlist Insert Drawing Partlist Group Containment List NC‐Data ERP‐Data

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Edit Tools

Name

Description Import Export Create Partlist Part Create User Shape Drawing Information Table

Collision Detection Tools Name

Description Collision Detection Centre of Gravity Motion Simulation

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Utility Tools

Utility Tools The tools available in the ProSteel Utility toolbar are as follows: General Tools Name

Description Workframe Elevation Symbol Welding Symbol Change Language

Detail Tools Name

Description DetailCenter Drawing Border 2D Section Automatic Cut Cranked View 2D Shortening Bench Mark Native File Batch Native File

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Utility Tools

Name

Description Solid File Batch Solid File

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Detail Style Dialogs

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Detail Style Dialogs

•

In the main menu, select ProSteel > ProSteel Options.

•

In the ProSteel Options dialog, select Shapes > Shape Label.

•

Check Note 2.

See the dialog on the next page.

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