Contents
CHAPTER 3 BEAMS.....................................................................................................................................25
Beams and Beam features ....................................................................................................................... 26
Creating a beam..................................................................................................................................... 26
Shortening a beam................................................................................................................................. 26
Cope at a beam end............................................................................................................................... 27
Circular contour...................................................................................................................................... 28
Splitting / Merging beams....................................................................................................................... 29
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Modifications .............................................................................................................................................30
Displaying beam features (processing)..................................................................................................30
Moving a beam processing ....................................................................................................................30
Deleting a beam processing...................................................................................................................31
Shortening / Stretching a beam..............................................................................................................31
Modifying beams ....................................................................................................................................32
Moving the circular contour ....................................................................................................................32
Creating an additional cope....................................................................................................................33
CHAPTER 4 PLATES................................................................................................................................... 35
Plates, Plate Processing and Plate Contours.........................................................................................36
Creating / Changing plates.....................................................................................................................36
Corner feature / Chamfer .......................................................................................................................36
Rectangular contour ...............................................................................................................................37
Modifications .............................................................................................................................................38
Displaying the plate features ..................................................................................................................38
Modifying the plate size using grips .......................................................................................................38
Second plate ..........................................................................................................................................38
Polygon plate..........................................................................................................................................39
Vertical plate with 2 given points............................................................................................................40
Vertical plate with 3 given points............................................................................................................41
Splitting / Merging plates ........................................................................................................................43
Shrinking a polygon plate .......................................................................................................................44
Extending a plate....................................................................................................................................44
Weld preparation .......................................................................................................................................45
Weld preparation with Y shape – chamfer .............................................................................................45
Weld preparation with U shape – fillet....................................................................................................46
Displaying the weld preparation .............................................................................................................46
Miter cut..................................................................................................................................................46
Cut at UCS .............................................................................................................................................48
Cut plate at another plate .......................................................................................................................49
Folded plates, conical and twisted plates...............................................................................................50
Creating folded plate – without position adjustment ..............................................................................50
Creating folded plate – with position adjustment....................................................................................51
Define the folded plate main object........................................................................................................51
Display unfolded.....................................................................................................................................52
Conical plate – contour...........................................................................................................................52
Conical plate between two beams .........................................................................................................53
Twisted plates ........................................................................................................................................54
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Chapter 1
User Interface Guide
In this chapter:
■ Advance Steel toolbar
■ Standard toolbar
■ Grid, section, plate, structural element
toolbar
■ Joints toolbar
■ Stairs and railings
■ Listing and checking
■ Numbering, drawing
■ Multi user tools toolbar
■ User sections toolbar
■ Additional tools toolbar
■ Design assistance toolbar
■ Cladding for walls and roof toolbar
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Advance toolbars
Access to Joints
Standard toolbar
Move UCS
Rotate UCS by X
Rotate UCS by Y
Rotate UCS by Z
2 D snaps on/off
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Reverse selection
Search filter
Model browser
Document manager
Compass
Country settings
Help to command
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Joints toolbar
Connection vault
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Create a hand-railing
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Update bolts
Update defaults
Numbering, drawing
Access to Sub - MP AP
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Check in
Add objects
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Access to Tools
Add coordinates
Access to Generation
Merge sections
Circular plate
Convert AS drawings
Clash Check
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Advanced copy
Copy
XY Filter
Divide or measure
Advanced Trim/Extend
Insert claddings
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Chapter 2
Grid axes
In this chapter:
■ Creating a rectangular building grid
■ Adjust the distances
■ Moving the grid
■ Deleting and inserting grid axes from
the group
■ Creating an individual building grid
■ Labeling grid axes individually
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2. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Axis Grid flyout, click .
3. On the command line, enter 0,0,0 for the coordinates for the grid origin and press Enter.
4. Next, enter @9000, 9000, 0 for the second point and press Enter.
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Using the same process, define the number of grid axes parallel to the X-direction: 5.
Using the same process, change the representation type for the grid axes parallel to the X-direction.
4. Select the grip in the middle of the grid axis 2B.
5. On the command line, define the moving value: 0, 600.
Using the same process, move the 2C grid axis by 300 mm and the 2E grid axis by –750 mm in the Y-direction.
Verify the distances in the “Axes, parallel” dialog box on the Group tab.
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Axis Grid flyout, click .
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Axis Grid flyout, click .
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Axis Grid flyout, click .
2. Select the 2 grid axis (the grid axis after which to insert the new one), right-click.
3. On the command line, define the number of inserted grid axes: 1.
4. On the command line, define the distance between grid axes: 1200.
Select the grip in the middle of 4 grid axis and drag it to the end point of 2D grid axis.
If Automatic labeling is activated, then the other single axes adjust themselves to the order of the labeling.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Axis Grid flyout, click to create an axis group
at a given distance.
2. On the command line, enter the starting point of the first axis of the group: 0,0,0. Press Enter.
3. Move the mouse pointer in the Y-direction (the setting Ortho causes an exact orientation entry) and enter 19000
to define the end point of the grid axis.
4. Select a point in the X-direction on the screen to define the direction of the axis group.
5. Define the distances between grid axes by entering each distance between axes: 1500, 1000, 3500, 2500, 1000,
1500.
AutoCAD® command line displays now a total value of 11000.
6. Press Enter twice to confirm the axis group creation.
The axis group in the X-direction is created.
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2. Define the start point of the first axis of the group as the 1 axis corresponding end point.
3. Define the end point of the first grid axis as the 7 axis corresponding end point.
4. Select a point in the Y-direction on the screen (direction of the group: Enter) to define the direction of the axis group.
5. Define the distances between grid axes by entering each distance between axes: 1000, 3000, 6000, 4000, 5000.
AutoCAD® command line displays now a total value of 19000.
6. Press Enter twice to confirm the axis group creation.
The axis group in the Y-direction is created.
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Chapter 3
Beams
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Creating a beam
Create a beam of a given length, at a defined start point.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Section Classes flyout, click .
Shortening a beam
Next, shorten the beam at the selected end.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Process Section flyout, click .
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Process Section flyout, click .
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Circular contour
Create an inner contour in the middle of the section, with a 100 mm radius.
The contour is placed in the XY-plane of the current UCS.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Section Contour flyout, click .
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Splitting beams
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Process Section flyout, click .
Merging beams
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Process Section flyout, click .
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Modifications
1. On the Standard toolbar, Sub - UCS flyout, click to move the UCS at object.
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2. Press Delete.
Shortening a beam
1. Select the shortening of the copied beam from the previous step.
2. Right-click and select Advance Properties from the context menu.
3. In the properties dialog box, on the Shape tab, define 0 for Y.
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Stretching a beam
In the properties dialog box, define the shortening value: –60 (if the
value is positive, the beam is shortened; if the value is negative,
the beam is extended).
Modifying beams
Next, change the beam section to HEA400, then rotate the beam with 90°.
1. Select the beam.
2. Right-click and select Advance Properties from the context menu.
3. In the properties dialog box, define the following settings:
On the Section & Material tab:
1. On the Standard toolbar, Sub - UCS flyout, click to move the UCS at object.
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Process Section toolbar, click .
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Chapter 4
Plates
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate flyout, click .
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate Chamfer flyout, click .
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Rectangular contour
Create a rectangular contour of 90 mm by 60 mm.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate Contour flyout, click .
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Modifications
Second plate
Create a copy of the plate at 500 mm distance in the Y direction and modify the size and the shape.
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Polygon plate
Create a polygonal plate between the two existing plates.
First, place the UCS at object.
2. Select the top of a plate to move the coordinate system to this plane.
3. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate flyout, click .
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Next, you will create three vertical plates which will be merged into one plate.
Rotate and move the current UCS so that the X axis of the coordinate system is parallel to the longitudinal edge of the
first plate and the Y axis points upwards.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate flyout, click .
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate flyout, click .
The vertical plate is created and the properties dialog box appears. The Shape & Material tab displays the plate size.
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Modifications
1. Enlarge the chamfer of the first plate by 50 mm in
both directions using the grips.
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Splitting plates
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate flyout, click .
Merging plates
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate flyout, click .
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate flyout, click .
Extending a plate
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate flyout, click .
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Weld preparation
Before starting
Create a plate with length 200 mm and width 100 mm.
Next, split the plate (select the splitting point at the middle, for example). On the command line, enter 2 for the gap
between the two split plates.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate cuts flyout, click .
2. Select the side of the plate to create the chamfer weld preparation.
The weld preparation is created and the properties dialog box appears.
Using the same process, create a chamfer weld preparation on the other plate, as well.
For a more realistic presentation, use the AutoCAD® Visual styles toolbar.
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate cuts flyout, click .
Miter cut
Before starting
First, create a plate with length 200 mm and width 100 mm.
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Use AutoCAD® rotate tool to rotate the second plate with 45°.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate cuts flyout, click .
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Cut at UCS
Before starting
Create a beam and a plate on the top flange, rotated by 20°.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate cuts flyout, click .
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Before starting
First, create two plates as described below:
For the first plate, in the properties dialog box, on the Shape & Material
tab, make the following settings:
− Define the width X of the plate: 200;
− Define the length Y of the plate: 200.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Plate cuts flyout, click .
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Before starting
Create a plate with 400 width and 300 length.
Next, split the plate at the given lines, using the splitting tool.
Delete the auxiliary lines.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Folded plates flyout, click .
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Folded plates flyout, click .
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Folded plates flyout, click .
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Display unfolded
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Folded plates flyout, click .
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Folded plates flyout, click .
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For a more realistic presentation, use the AutoCAD® Visual styles toolbar.
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Folded plates flyout, click .
2. On the command line, enter the B (Beam) for the start shape type and press Enter.
3. Select the RHS square cold beam.
4. On the command line, enter the B (Beam) for the start shape type and press Enter.
5. Select the tube section.
6. In the properties dialog box, define the number of facets per corner: 8.
Twisted plates
Using AutoCAD® drawing tools (Draw toolbar), create two polylines
containing arcs, in parallel planes.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Folded plates flyout, click .
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Chapter 5
Connection elements
Connections:
■ Creating a bolt connection
■ Creating a welded connection
■ Verifying connections
Modifications:
■ Create an additional bolt pattern
■ Create a bolt pattern on a gauge line
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Before starting
Create a HEA260 beam with a length of 1000 mm.
Create the plates 1, 2, 3:
• Plate 1 is placed on the beam flange, with a size of 400x260x15.
• Plate 2 is placed at the beam end. The height corresponds to the beam height plus 12 mm. The width is the
same as the beam and the thickness is 20 mm.
• Plate 3 is placed on the plate 2. It has the same thickness as plate 2 and the size on all sides is 12 mm less than
plate 2.
1. On the Standard toolbar, Sub - UCS flyout, click to place UCS on the plate.
2. On the Grid, section, plate, structural elements toolbar, Sub - Bolt hole patterns flyout, click .
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The bolts and holes are created and the properties dialog box appears.
Modifying properties
In the properties dialog box, make the following settings:
On the Definition tab:
− Select the bolt diameter: 16 mm;
Displaying bolts
On the Representation type tab, select Solids option;
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For a more realistic presentation, use the AutoCAD® Visual styles toolbar.
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural elements toolbar, Sub - Welding patterns flyout, click .
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Using the same process, connect plate 3 at plate 2 with a fillet weld of a 6 mm thickness.
Verifying connections
1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Check connection flyout, click .
On the Standard toolbar, click to clear the marked objects (the elements marked in red in the previous step).
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Check connection flyout, click .
Clear the markings by clicking Clear marked objects on the Standard toolbar.
Modifications
3. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Bolt hole patterns flyout, click .
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6. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Bolt hole patterns flyout, click .
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Chapter 6
Structure for joint example
In this chapter:
■ Model creation
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Model creation
This chapter describes how to create a simple structure which will be used in the next chapter as base model.
This proposed structure will be used in Chapter 7 to create the Intelligent Connections between the beams.
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Create columns
Create a column with the properties as in the following picture.
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Create beams
Create a beam with the properties as in the following picture.
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Chapter 7
Intelligent Connections
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Before starting
1. Open the model created in the previous chapter.
2. On the AutoCAD Standard toolbar click “Zoom window” to display the column.
3. Click two diagonal points to define a selection window and zoom to the base point of the A1 column.
The base plate is created at the end of the column and both the column and the plate are welded.
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4. In the properties dialog box, make the following settings to get a base plate as in the following picture:
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Copying a connection
The current corner base plate is used as template and copied with all its properties at the bottom of the C1 column.
2. Select one element of the base plate connection (for example, the
plate).
3. Select the column on which the base plate will be copied, right-click.
In this example, create base plates at C1 column.
The base plates are created on the specified columns. All the properties
and logic relations are copied.
The rotation of the connection or the bolt distances may need to be
adjusted depending on how the connection was created (e.g., if the bolt
layout is from the center of the column it might need to be readjusted for a
bigger/smaller column).
If the column has a different size, the used plate dimensions from the edge
are automatically modified accordingly.
Note: Alternatively, double click the gray box around the intelligent connection.
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In the properties dialog box, modify the plate rotation angle of the C1 column.
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This time the Attention dialog box does not appear and the base plate is automatically created with the same settings
as the first column.
Note: With many connections, a connection template can be saved in the library with the name “Default” in the
“Comment” field. This connection will be used if no other connection applies.
Deleting a joint
Delete the B1 base plate.
1. Select an element of the connection, for example, the plate.
2. Press Delete.
The entire connection is deleted.
Undoing a command
To undo a command, click Undo (or type U on the command line).
Click Undo on the AutoCAD® Standard toolbar until changes to the column section are undone.
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Transfer properties
In this step, modify the properties of the B2 column and transfer the properties (parameters) to the A2 joints.
In the properties dialog box make the following settings:
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After all the settings are done, save the connection in the library.
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Clash checking
The clash check verifies model interferences. Object interferences may be caused by various modifications made to
plates, bolts, members and their connections. This tool finds all interference cases so that the model can be fixed
before drawing creation.
The Advance Clash check function checks selected elements or the entire model. Any interference will be displayed as
a red collision solid and listed in a text window. In this example, the shear plate connection will be checked for
interferences and if bolts can be inserted and removed.
Note: To check the collision of the entire model the selection is not necessary.
Note: To find a collision from the list, record the collision number.
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Finding collisions
“Display checking results” displays the collision solids for a particular collision by entering its index number. The index
number is listed in the text window by the clash check.
In complex models collision solids are difficult to find. The “Search marked objects” tool creates a red arrow that shows
the location of the collision solids
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Chapter 8
Quick Connection
Quick Connection:
■ Accessing toolbar
■ Automatic cuts for all profiles
■ Automatic connections for all
Joint Design:
■ Modifying the used settings
■ Using the joint design
■ Checking the connections
■ Finding and fixing connections
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Quick Connection
Tools are provided to define connections for any situation in a project. According to the settings the joints are designed
and Advance creates automatically all connections in the project model. These tools help to avoid errors in the
modeling part.
There are two options to connect automatically:
• Param fit – creates automatically all necessary shortening and copes before starting the connection process.
It allows to cut all profiles and get a close representation of the final result. You will be able then to create a
preliminary material list for purchasing purposes.
• Quick connection all – allows defining the connections for the different framing situations.
Accessing toolbar
Before starting the Quick Param fit tool create a copy of the model to connect. Once the cut list is created
you will not be able to use the connection tool on the profile as they are marked as already connected.
Note: The Model role property must be defined in the properties dialog box. It affects which section type is and
reflect the appropriate cut for it.
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Note: Multiple profiles can be created under the “User” group. The “North America” is the group saved as default.
It can be copied, renamed, deleted and set as current.
The Connection rule category allows defining the rule to apply to each condition:
• The type of the profile (e.g., Beam, Column, Girt etc).
• The shape of the profile (e.g., I, C, HSS, Pipe etc.).
• The orientation of the profiles (e.g., Sloped, Skewed, Perpendicular etc.).
• The position of the main profile (e.g., In the flange and in the web).
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Once you have defined which connection type to use, select from the connection library the connection to use.
For example, for the shear plate connection, the previously saved connections are available in the properties dialog
box.
8. In the Properties category, on the Library tab, select the connection saved as My preference that uses the
required bolt distances, cut settings and much more.
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If the conditions (defined in the “Connection Rule” category) are not displayed in the list on the right side, add more
rows using the “Add new connection situation” located right above the list.
Create connections
1. In the Connection rule category, select the profile, e.g. "North America”.
2. Click Apply.
3. Click Use.
4. Click OK.
The elements of the model are connected according to the “North America” profile settings.
Note: Some differences between the saved connection and the final result might appear. This is a normal
process; a third table overwrites some values. The change can be the bolt quantity, the plate thickness or
some other values.
Example: The connection was saved with rows of 2 bolts. The number of bolts changes to 3 after the connection of
the W16 is done.
Global settings
In “Global settings” you can define different solutions for predictable situations.
For example, a beam is connected to the column flange of a really small column. If your preference was to use a clip
angle bolted/bolted, you might end up with not enough space on the column flange to get an appropriate gauge
distance. For this situation the settings from the “Quick connection” window can be overwritten. For example, for a
narrow column, a welded / bolted connection can be created.
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2. In the “Global parameters” window, on the Settings for shear plate tab, the following table overwrites the bolt
quantity defined as 3 for a 16 inch beam.
Note: For “End plate” and “Clip angle” connections, other tabs are available on the Global Parameters tabs.
Most of the options that can be changed are to provide solutions for predictable situations.
The Settings for clip angle tab allows defining the parameters for such a connection.
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Default settings
In addition to all these settings that can be modified, to ensure that the automatic connection considers all possible
situations, another value can overwrite the entire previous values using the Default settings option.
In the “Connection rule” group, the last column is “Default settings”.
The default settings are available for only some conditions and allow, by selecting the checkbox, overwriting for a
certain condition the connection to use.
In the next example, a beam is connected to an HSS column by a clip angle. The clip angle will be welded to the
column no matter what.
Note: All of the changes are saved in your database and may be reused from one project to another, reusing the
different saved profiles as well.
Note: Even though there is a tool “Quick connect all”, it is recommended to start by using “Quick connect
parameters” to select the saved user customized profile. Click then “Apply” and “Use”.
Joint Design
Advance Steel designs most of the common connection according to the ASD or the LRFD code (other codes can be
available with another installation, other than North America).
The joint design creates a design report for each connection with all verifications and conditions.
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Bending moment
Electrocode
In the following example the values are changed to 35 kips automatically through
Quick Connect.
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A *.txt or an *.html file (depending on your preferences) is saved in your project folder under calculation.
2. To find the right connection, refer to the “Connection Number” located at the top of the connection property box.
Note: From the Management Tools, General group, select Display beams, plates and joints user ID in the
dialog and define the value 1.
You can then locate the failed conditions and fix them with the appropriate change to the connection.
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Note: If you need to find a connection, you can also use the “Search marked object” to locate it faster.
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105
Chapter 9
Miscellaneous
In this chapter
1. On the Advance Steel toolbar, click to display the Stairs & Railings toolbar.
4. On the command line, define the coordinates of the two points defining the stair run:
First point: 0,0,0.
Second point: 0,3650,2150.
Note: The tread can be later removed using the options of the stair so that the two nosing points are the finish
floor.
5. On the command line, enter 1 to align the stair in the middle and press Enter.
The stair is created and the properties dialog box appears, in which information for treads and landings can be
entered.
The result should be as shown below. The rectangle surrounding the stair is a visual representation of the input
values. You can also verify the value in the stair properties dialog box. The width was automatically set to the saved
preference, you can change it as well as the other value already defined.
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Note: The quantity of treads always excludes the first and last treads. These treads are not listed regardless if
they are shown.
As shown in this example, the option for the first and last tread is set to show and 12 treads are listed, where 14 treads
really exist. If you remove them to work from finish floor to finish floor the calculation does not change.
At anytime, the grip points from the rectangle can be used to modify the size of the stair.
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Each tread can be customized on the Tread dimension 1 tab. The options vary according to the selected tread type.
Example
1. Select the stair.
2. Right-click and select Advance Joint Properties from the context menu.
3. In the properties dialog box, in the Step – General category, on the Tread type tab, select the tread type 21.
Tread #21 is a folded plate with an angle connection. The angles can be bolted or welded to the stringer.
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The stairs (folded plate) may take different shapes by modifying the values on the Tread dimensions 1 tab, as
follows:
As you go along and modify the treads, you can return to the Tread type tab and save the customized preference for
each tread type.
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2. On the Top landing tab, adjust the length to have scissors stair turning back from 180° and create one of the
stringers longer than the other from the desired width of the landing.
Note: Most of the additional changes can be done without removing the intelligent connection.
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Note: To copy and move the stair, select the smaller box.
Many different settings can be changed and manual parts can also be created. Next, create additional stringers and
some supporting angles to hold the grating.
Section class: UPN channel;
Section: UPN 300;
Tools such as miter, cut at UCS, plate, grating, clip angle connection and much more can be used.
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Example
Create a grating using a polyline.
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In this example, make the following settings in the properties dialog box:
On the Angle / base plate tab
− Select Angle, change its position and its size.
On the Bolt distances tab
− Modify the position of the anchor bolt according to the stringer and also readjust the angle according to the
position of the anchor bolt.
− Change the clip angle from outside of the stringer to inside of the stringer and move the clip to prevent
clashes.
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Insert a Rail
1. Place the UCS in a suitable position. Posts are created in the Z direction.
Note: The UCS orientation is crucial, as the Z-direction defines the post direction.
Note: If multiple selections are done, the order of the selection is important.
4. Select the start point of the railing at the beginning of the first beam selected.
5. Select the end point of the railing at the end of last beam selected.
Note: The starting and end point should be in relation: Starting point at the beginning of the first beam, End point
at the end of the last beam selected.
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Note: Distances 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are, as shown in the image, on the right side, but they vary as other options affect
the way they are referenced.
Example
In the properties dialog box, in the Posts category, on the Post layout tab, select the Prefer distance 1 and 2 option
and then uncheck it to notice the difference.
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The difference is also visible when the railing is positioned on a single beam.
These are just a few settings to make sure you can create the desired spacing between the posts.
It is also possible to create multiple railing instead of one long flight.
Note: Remember the distance between the nosing of the tread and the top of stringer if the dimension needs to
be according to the nosing.
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For all the options you will see different options or tabs for horizontal or slopped beams. You may enter different
values for the stair stringer and the landing, for example, the kick rail, the top rail, the middle rail, the connections and
many others.
Example
There are two examples using the middle rail:
• A horizontal rail type:
• A picket railing:
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In combination with the position of the post as well as the quantity and position of the middle rail you can end up with
different settings. The following are some examples:
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When creating connections between the posts and the stringer, different options are available, whether you choose to
connect from the side or on top of the stringer.
The following are some examples of using different types of post connections for railings:
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• The Grab rail end and Grab rail end (end) tabs allow selecting how the grab rail will finish.
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Chapter 10
User Section
In this chapter:
■ Accessing user section tools
■ Creating a frame and contours
■ Adding a section class and name
■ Adding system coordinates and a
references axis
■ Generating a section
■ Using the new section in the model
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ADVANCE TRAINING GUIDE
User Sections
User sections are non-standard profile cross sections. They are drawn using AutoCAD® elements and transferred in
Advance by means of the Advance User Section tool that identifies the profile cross section.
User sections are created in two steps:
1. First, the section and the two texts for the name of the section and the name of the section class are drawn in a
new dwg using AutoCAD® tools.
2. The second step is the actual definition by a command and identification of the drawn elements. The information
is proofed (for example, the contours are not permitted to overlap) and created in the database. The section is
then available in Advance.
Note: The special section definition is its own application (ARX). It is automatically loaded by clicking on the
User section toolbar.
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1. On the User Sections toolbar, Sub - Change current layer flyout, click to activate the section frame layer.
2. On the User Sections toolbar, Sub - Tools flyout, click to specify the start and end points for the rectangle to
define the frame. This is the work space in which the section is created.
3. On the User Sections toolbar, Sub - Change current layer flyout, click to activate the section outer
contour layer:
4. Use the icons on the Tools flyout to draw the contour. It must be a closed polyline, a circle or a rectangle.
Note: The outer contour defines the standard representation of the section in the model and should not include
too many details to avoid a complex representation in the model.
5. On the User Sections toolbar, Sub - Change current layer flyout, click to activate the exact outer contour
layer:
Note: The exact outer contour defines the exact outline of the section that is used for clash checking, drawings
and weight calculation.
If the exact outer contour is different from the outer contour, you can draw it using a closed polyline or copy the
Outer Contour, and make the required modifications. Then move the Exact Outer Contour so that it is aligned with
the outer contour.
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6. On the User Sections toolbar, Sub - Change current layer flyout, click to activate the Inner contour layer.
7. On the User Sections toolbar, Sub – Change current layer flyout, click to activate the Exact Inner contour
layer.
The exact inner contour defines the exact outline of the hollow section that is used for clash checking, drawings
and weight calculation.
Note: If the exact inner contour is different from the inner contour, you can draw it using a closed polyline or copy
the inner contour, and make the required modifications.
You can use the AutoCAD® tools to modify the exact contour. For example, create a chamfer or fillet.
Then move the Exact Outer Contour so that it is aligned with the outer contour.
Frame
Inner contour
Outer contour
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1. On the User Sections toolbar, Sub - Change current layer flyout, click to activate the section class layer.
2. On the User Sections toolbar, Tools flyout, click to create the text for the section class name that will appear
on the Section tab in the Advance properties dialog box.
Some special characters such as period, coma and exclamation mark should not be used.
3. On the User Sections toolbar, Sub - Change current layer flyout, click to activate the section name layer.
Use the same tools as for the section class to define the section name.
You can define many section names in the same section class.
1. On the User sections toolbar, click to add the coordinates system that are displayed when using UCS at
object.
The coordinates system is inserted when selecting one face from the outer contour; the Z-axis is placed along that
face.
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2. On the User Sections toolbar, Sub - Add reference axis flyout, click the corresponding button to add reference
axes to the outer contour axis.
The reference axis position is used to move the section around the reference line on the Position tab in the properties
dialog box.
Generating a section
The section is now ready to be generated.
Make sure that the section contours, class an name are drawn inside the section frame before using the generating
tool.
1. On the User sections toolbar, Sub - Generation flyout, click and select a section frame.
2. On the User sections toolbar, Sub - Generation flyout, click and all section are selected.
The section is saved in a new table called USR_sectionclass in the AstorProfiles database.
Now the section is ready to be used in the model. Close the file after saving it.
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1. On the Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar, Sub - Section classes flyout, click .
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Chapter 11
Management Tools
In this chapter:
■ Introduction
■ Accessing Management Tools
■ Toolbar
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Introduction
“Management Tool” (also referred as MT) is the configuration tool used by Advance to modify default information for
modeling, drawing creation, database management as well as many other management settings.
This chapter describes how to customize the default values.
Toolbar
Defaults
Table Editor
Plate Management
Bolt Editor
Static
Preferred sizes
Author
Convert database
Units
Finish
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Defaults
In “Defaults”, information is available for modeling and drawing creation. Next, the most important values are
presented.
Using the filter is faster because it displays only the defaults that include the keyword.
A brief explanation is displayed in the description field explaining the use of the default.
To modify a default, change the value in the “Value” field.
Once a value is modified, it can be changed back to the default value by copying the value from the “Original in
Advance” field.
Once a modification is made in the Management Tool, it must be loaded to be available in Advance Steel.
On the top toolbar, click the “Load settings in Advance” to load modifications.
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Compass East axis text for compass Text shown in the compass in the model and in
the drawings.
North axis text for compass Text shown in the compass in the model and in
the drawings.
Connecting Bolt assembly Parts of a bolt assembly (for example, "Na2W"
elements means nut and two washers)
Bolt/Anchor name General name of a bolt (for example, used on
drawings and in lists)
High strength bolt diameter Standard high strength bolt diameter of all
manually created bolts
High strength bolt type High strength bolt type or standard. Possible
values are available from the "Norm" table.
Hole tolerance The hole tolerance for all bolts and anchors
Representation type of the bolts Bolt representation during the first creation in
the model
Treat special parts as normal objects Treat special parts as normal objects for the
bolt length calculation.
Drawing- Dimension style in details. Name of the AutoCAD® dimension style used
Dimensioning in details
Ordinate dimensions show negative values Ordinate dimensions show negative
dimensions relative to the RD point
Ordinate dimensions: Replacement for the Replacement for the <Name> symbol of
<Name> symbol ordinate dimensions
Drawing- Dimension style in details Name of the AutoCAD® dimension style used
Dimensioning in details, which should be in the prototypes
Drawing- Cut View Name View name for detail section views (Section A-
Labeling A)
Default diameter for the standard holes Diameter for standard holes(13/16 Dia.)
Do not display labels for standard holes Do not display labels for holes with standard
diameter (diameter specified by the “Default
diameter for the standard holes” default).
Reference length for the slope triangle Reference length for the slope triangle (12”)
Drawing- Color of visible lines Color of visible lines in drawings
Presentation Color of hidden lines Color of hidden lines in drawings
Color of system lines Color of system lines in drawings
General Color for marked objects Color for marked objects (for example, due to
a search filter)
Layer Beam layer Layer for beam objects
assignment Plate layer Layer for plate objects
Plate Mapping Mapping Pl to FL
Plate name General name of a plate, used on drawings
and in lists
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Author
The author is a signature applied to all databases when changes are saved. It is used to differentiate the user
modification from the original settings.
The author is also called “Owner” in some databases.
Most of the changes that are done in Advance Steel have a signature.
The signature is used when the user updates to newer releases of Advance Steel. The signature is recognized and
transferred to the new installation. Having an author currently in use simplifies the update process in the future.
Creating an Author
To create an “Author”, select an existing author from the list and rename the Name and Text with your information.
1. Select the “My Company” author.
2. In the Name field, enter your name and company.
3. Click the “Save” button to confirm your entry.
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The new current author is listed at the bottom left corner of the Management Tool.
Preferred size
The preferred size is a customizing tool used in the selection of favorite values.
Once the values are selected, throughout the modeling process some of the options or values are hidden for an easier
selection. This is a more productive modeling process.
Based on the installation, a different country group might be used (with the English Europe Installation the group is:
International (English)). In each group, the same sub-groups are available as shown above (e.g., Beam, Bolt, Plate,
Shear Studs and Weld).
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Once the sub-group in the “preferred size” tool is located, the preferences can be viewed and changed.
Only the selected values are shown in the section class in the model. The other values are still available, if necessary.
To access them, select the “All” option at the end of the section class.
Many preferences can be changed. Go through all the different types and make sure your preferences are selected.
On the top toolbar, click to save
Convert database
“Convert database” is a tool that merges the user modifications from a previous version of Advance Steel to the
current version.
All settings are kept from version to version without redoing the same customization.
For the depth information about converting databases, refer to “Convert databases (Merging)” chapter of the “User’s
guide” on the Documentation CD.
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Units
All the units from the Management Tools are defined using the “Units” tool.
Modifying the units does not affect your work in Advance Steel, but affects the units in the Management Tool.
Precision should be selected to at least two decimals for metric and to 1/32 for imperial.
Table editor
“Table editor” is a tool that opens and edits the Advance Steel databases. Microsoft Access can also be used.
To open a database, click the “MDB” icon and browse for the database to open.
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Database contents
In Advance Steel, the databases are Microsoft Access files (.mdb files). Some of the most important databases are
presented and their location and content is described.
Some of the values included in the databases can be manually edited to better suit your needs.
The database content is important to know to standardize databases used between colleagues. You will know which
database was affected by someone’s changes and be able to use that same database including the new changes on
everyone’s computer.
It is also very useful when assistance is needed from the technical support team. You will know what the technical
support team needs to help you and thus save time to get a quicker answer.
AstorBase.mdb
Located in: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Graitec\AdvanceSteel\2009\Steel\Data.
In AstorBase, the following information is available:
Authors The author is a signature applied to all databases when changes are saved. It is used
to differentiate the user modifications from the original settings. More information is
available in the “Author” section of this tutorial
Bolts, stud, anchor and Modifications to an existing bolt, stud, anchor or plate or creation of new ones are
plate saved (e.g. creation of new plate thickness preference in the Plate tool from the MT).
Coating A new coating can be created to match your requirements.
Material A new material can be created to match your requirements.
Scale Two tables include the available scales in Advance Steel.
− “Scale” (currently in use) includes all imperial standard scale values. A new entry
can be created if required.
− Scale All” (not used) includes all imperial and metric scale values. To activate the
table, it must be renamed to “Scale”. All imperial and metric scale values are then
available in your detail drawing. A new entry can also be created if required
Welds Symbols are saved in the installation and they correspond to the different weld types
in this table. Modification to the symbol drawing or creation of a new weld can be
done using this table.
AstorRules.mdb
Located in: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Graitec\AdvanceSteel\2009\Steel\Data.
Information about connections is available in AstorRules. Every time connections are saved in a library, they are saved
in AstorRules.
AstorSettings.mdb
Located in: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Graitec\AdvanceSteel\2009\Steel\Data.
All “Defaults” values from the Management Tool are saved in AstorSettings.
AstorProfiles2009.mdb
Located in: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Graitec\Data.
All profiles from Advance Steel are saved in AstorProfiles2009.
All created user section profiles are saved in AstorProfiles2009.
AstorAddln.mdb
Located in: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Graitec\AdvanceSteel\2009\User2\Data.
All user customizable information is located in AstorAddIn. Everywhere the “Advance”, “User” and “Project” options are
available; the values in the “User” groups are saved in AstorAddIn.
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Conclusion
Many tables are not explained in this document, as well as other databases and files that are important for Advance
Steel. If in depth explanation is needed, the technical support team can assist you in your proprietary customization.
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Chapter 12
Numbering & Drawings
Numbering
■ Prefix settings
■ Starting the numbering
■ Numbering with Standard part
■ Numbering by phase
Drawings
■ Processing a detail drawing
■ Opening and modifying a drawing
■ Accessing Drawing manager
■ Open the drawings
■ Modify a drawing
■ Drawing update after model
modifications
■ Update details
■ Alternative Detail Style
■ View
■ Elevation
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ADVANCE TRAINING GUIDE
Numbering
The Advance numbering tool automatically numbers Single Parts and Assemblies for the entire model. The basis
for numbering is finding identical parts that should have the same mark.
The elements are compared by geometry, material properties, coating, commodity (and behavior).
Prefixes can be assigned according to elements Model role (defined in the element’s properties dialog box).
Prefix settings
The automatic prefixes for single part and assembly numbering can be configured, based on the model role (e.g.,
beam, angle etc.).
The “Prefix configuration” dialog box appears. Different profiles for different jobs are set.
2. Select Use prefix option to activate the prefix settings.
Predefined prefixes are grouped in Advance category. New prefixes can be defined in the User category. They
can be set by single part or by assembly.
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Copy a prefix
Delete a prefix
Note: The numbering for single parts and assembly parts can be performed in one step or separately. Unless
both single part and assembly numbering are done together (recommended), then single part numbering
must be done first
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Numbering methods
On the General tab you can select the numbering method:
Note: There is no link between the assigned element number and the drawing the piece is detailed on.
• The numbering method With drawing number assigns an “internal” number to each object. During the detail
creation, the internal number will be changed to the drawing number the piece is detailed on.
Important: Detail the single parts first and the assembly parts afterwards.
Assembly numbering
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• None:
No special setting.
• SP Number (for main part) = Assembly Number:
This setting assigns the same mark for the single part mark and assembly mark of the main assembly piece.
For example, the biggest piece in an assembly is the main piece; this piece gets the same number information for
single part and assembly.
• SP Number (for standalone part) = Assembly Number:
Assembly pieces that have nothing welded to them in shop get the same piece mark as the single part and
assembly number.
Note: This applies only to the standalone pieces and not to other assembly pieces.
• Assembly Group:
This setting assigns the single part marks in relation to the assembly part.
The single part mark includes the assembly number and refers to the assembly where it was first detailed.
Advance links standard parts to the current project. During a numbering process objects are compared to detect
identical parts. Any part in the current model that matches a Standard Part in the template gets the same mark.
The folder
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Graitec\Advance Steel\2009\Shared\StandardPartTemplate
contains the standard part models.
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2. In the numbering dialog box, select the Standard part template tab. The drawings from the
StandardPartTemplate folder are listed.
Numbering by phase
Part marks will be created for the first phase starting at 1000 (single parts) and 100 (main parts) and for the second
phase starting at 2000 (single parts) and 200 (main parts).
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Note: The filter tool and this selection tool can be used to change the properties of several elements at the same
time by right-clicking anywhere on the screen and selecting Advance Properties.
2. In the “Numbering” dialog box select the proper start values for single part marks (1000) and main part marks
(100).
Then you can create the phase drawings.
Follow the same procedure for all subsequent phases.
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Drawing creation
For each format (e.g., A0) the same series of selection groups are available. The selection groups shown for the
format A0 recur for the formats A1, A2, A3, and A4.
The icons on the left side of the separator are for “all” and the ones on the right side are for “selected”. To work with a
lot/phase, the “selected” icons should be used.”
The first 4 icons are different single parts (SP) processes: All SP plate processes, for example, would detail only plates
which are considered as SP.
The next 4 icons are main part (MP) processes: All MP plate processes, for example, would detail only plates that are
considered as MP.
If the “Assembly Group” method was selected, detail the main part first.
If the “With drawings numbers” method was selected, detail the single parts first.
The drawing can be created using a selection (for a lot/phase) or for all single parts.
Note: When the process is done, all the single part drawings are also done.
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1. On the Numbering, drawing toolbar, Process A0 flyout, click “All main parts” .
Note: When the process is done, all the main part drawings are also done.
The result is a drawing that is part of Advance, not AutoCAD. The 2D drawing is related to the model such that
modifications in the model update the drawing, but not vice versa.
Browse the created drawings by selecting a detail in the tree on the left side. The tabs on the right display the drawing
properties or a preview.
In addition, the Document Manager updates drawings, assigns revisions, creates a batch plot etc.
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Modify a drawing
There are two green frames around the detail: double click on the smaller frame. The available options are displayed.
Dimensions and labels can also be modified. Double click a dimension or a label to display also available options.
A dimension or a label can be moved by selecting the grip points and moving them to the new location.
The tools for creating or removing dimension point or dimensions chains are grouped in the Sub – Label &
Dimensions flyout.
Additional functions include inserting new labels, inserting weld symbols etc.
4. On the Numbering, drawing toolbar, Sub - Numbering flyout, click to start again the numbering.
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5. On the Numbering, drawing toolbar, Sub - Drawing Management flyout, click to open Document Manager.
The Update required branch groups the drawings affected by the modification.
5. Select a detail that needs update.
6. Click Update BOM tables.
The drawing and the list on the drawing are updated and become current. The details correspond to the model.
View
Advance provides different styles for isometric views that differ in the labeling. In the next example, a style without any
label is used.
The viewpoint depends on the active user coordinate system (UCS). The view direction is against the -Z-direction of
the UCS.
1. On the Standard AutoCAD® toolbar, UCS flyout, click to place UCS in the plane of the screen.
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7. Click OK.
The drawings are created and saved as DWG.
The Document Manager controls all dependent details and lists all information. More than one detail can be stored in
a single DWG file and the Document Manager's tree structure displays the details that are in each DWG file.
The link between the model and the drawings is managed automatically. Advance detects the details that are changed
due to model modifications.
Elevation
In this step, a model elevation is created. The elevation plane corresponds to the XY-plane of the current user
coordinate system. Depth limits can be defined for the dependent drawings.
There are different styles for elevations that differ in labeling and dimensioning.
The viewpoint for elevations depends on the user coordinate system. The view direction is against the Z-direction.
1. On the Standard AutoCAD® toolbar, UCS flyout, click to place UCS in the plane of an elevation of the 3D
model.
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4. Click OK.
The “Select destination file” dialog box appears.”
5. Select the file ASDETPROTO-A2.dwg in the Prototype (template) field.
6. Enter a path for a separate DWG in the File name field, which contains the detail.
7. Click OK.
The drawings are created and saved as DWG.
8. On the Numbering, drawing toolbar, Sub - Drawing Management flyout, click to open Document Manager
to look at the views.
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Chapter 13
Lists
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ADVANCE TRAINING GUIDE
Creating lists
In Advance, external lists and lists on drawings can be created in several different formats. Several lists on the same
drawing can also be created, for example, a bolt list and a material list.
All model objects including their graphic and non-graphic properties, features, joints, and connections are stored and
managed by Advance. Extracts are created from the numbered and saved models. The Advance List Template Wizard
creates structured BOMs from the extracts. The created BOMs can be saved, printed, or exported in various formats.
3. Select the top right corner of the page frame for the first point.
4. Select any lower left point for the second point to define a window.
5. In the “List” dialog box, make the following settings:
− On the Layout tab, define two fixed points of the list to specify the required width: the top right corner and
the left corner.
Note: Points for the height should not be selected since it would block the list from extending as more material is
added.
− On the Template tab, select the Drawing – Structural List layout in the User templates group.
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Updating a list
1. Select the created frame.
2. On the Numbering, drawing toolbar, Sub - Finishing flyout, click to update the list.
The list is automatically updated with the information from the model.
Many different lists can be inserted in the same drawing by repeating this operation.
External lists
In this step, an extract of the model will be created and used to create different kinds of external lists such as a
material list, saw list, shipping list and more.
Creating an extract
1. On the Advance Steel toolbar, click to display the Listing & checking toolbar.
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3. In the “Selection of model objects for the list” dialog box, select the information to be reflected in the list. For this
example, select the following options:
− Complete model to use the complete model for the list.
− Based on assembly to provide complete information for the secondary pieces.
− Include created project documents to provide information concerning the sheets (.dwg files).
4. Click Apply.
5. Click Next.
6. In the “Select destination file” dialog box, enter the name of the extract, such as the name of the selected item (for
example, sequence 1) or the date of the creation (default).
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Creating a list
The BOM Editor groups the templates in user (customizable lists) and Advance (default lists). The templates can be
changed and modified as described in the BOM Editor Chapter.
1. From the User Template tree, Part list sub-group, select the Material list summary template list to use for the
list creation.
2. Click Use.
The “Select the model extract for the BOM” dialog box appears.
3. Click OK.
The list is completed.
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Open, save, export functions Template preview Tools for page navigation
Table of Contents
The tree is sorted by material size.
The tree on the left hand side is sorted by material size and the top bar provides page navigation.
Saving a list
The tools for opening, saving and exporting a list are grouped at the top of the “Material list summary” window.
• The Save function saves the list as a RDF file (BOM viewer). It automatically selects the BOM subfolder in the
model folder.
• The Export function saves the list as a desired format (e.g., Excel, PDF, Word etc.).
The list can be saved to more than one file.
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Reusing an extract
To reuse the same extract to create multiple lists, close the “Material list summary” and repeat the same operation
starting from the selection of the template list and the extract.
1. On the Listing & checking toolbar, Sub - BOM flyout, click to start the BOM editor.
2. In the BOM editor, select the template to use for the list creation.
3. Click Use.
4. In the “Select the model extract for the BOM” dialog box, select the model extract you want to reuse.
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Chapter 14
BOM Editor
BOM Editor:
■ Introduction
■ Accessing BOM Editor
■ BOM Editor Components
■ Displaying a template
■ Template managers tools
Template customization:
■ Template preview components
■ Template editing
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BOM Editor
Introduction
Advance Steel has a powerful module for reports such as material lists, plate lists, cut lists, assembly lists, bolt lists
etc. The preset templates for these reports are available in the BOM Editor.
This tutorial describes the BOM Editor components and explains how to customize the templates for content and
format.
Derived documents
These lists are related to the created drawings and
their status.
List on drawings
These reports are the BOMs inserted in the drawings.
Lists
These lists are for quantity take-off, material loading or
shipping. Divided between Metric and Imperial lists,
they are based on:
− Single parts for Part list
− Assemblies for Structured lists
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The extracted reports can be printed or exported in different file formats such as PDF, XLS and others.
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View Grid: turn On/Off the grid lines used to align cells inside the
template.
Field content: opens the “Content” dialog box. The field content can be
a user text or an attribute from the list whose values are taken from the
model.
In the following images, you can see the result with the grid lines off/on.
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Note: You can edit the list of objects only for the BOM templates from the User template and Project template
groups.
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Template customization
Template customization can be easily done by modifying an existing template. We will explain the template preview
components, how to edit the template for format and content modifications and how to insert a new logo in the report header.
4
3
1. ReportHeader - ReportFooter
The ReportHeader displays the company and project information.
The ReportFooter summarizes some of the data included in the report such as the total weight.
2. PageHeader - PageFooter
The PageHeader represents the header line that is displayed at the beginning of each page. It contains User text
describing the data listed in the report.
The PageFooter displays the page number.
3. GroupHeader1 – GroupFooter1
The GroupHeader1 displays the title of the group data that are described in the next level.
For example, for Structured list, the GroupHeader1 displays the Assembly main part name for the single parts that
are listed in the next level.
4. Detail
The Detail contains the attributes for the data that is listed in the report according to the header line of the
PageHeader block.
The data inside the Detail block can be listed based on selected criteria: for example, if sorting is based on Weight, the
heaviest piece is listed first in the report.
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Template editing
Template blocks contain fields that can be edited for content and format. A field is an area inside the block that can
have a user text or attribute tag.
1. Click a field to modify its properties.
Appearance
This property is used to edit the field content for alignment, font, color
and style.
Behavior
This property is used to adjust the field content regarding the field
dimension.
− True: if the field content is longer than the field dimension, then
the content in the report is shown in multi-lines to fit inside the
field.
− False: only part of the content is shown if it is longer than the field
dimension.
Data
This property describes the content and the text format.
Design
This property is used for field identification.
Layout
This property identifies the field location and size in the report.
− Location provides the field coordinates (X, Y) at the top-left
corner.
− Size provides the field dimensions.
If two fields have to be aligned horizontally, for example, their X
coordinates should be equal. Therefore, the field location is very
important to have a correct presentation of the report.
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3. Click OK.
4. Select the suitable field content from the list.
5. Click OK.
Note: The field content can be a user text or an attribute from the list whose values are taken from the model.
Inserting an image
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Chapter 15
Prototypes
Prototypes
■ Prototype file location
■ Modifying prototypes
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Prototypes
Advance Steel prototypes are template files already set up for drawing creation. As with AutoCAD® templates, they
have standard drawing formats: ANSI, ISO. Prototypes also include title blocks, material lists, revision table and any
additional information. They can be created for a particular style: dimension, text etc according to the client’s
requirements.
Advance Steel can use two types of prototypes for drawing creation:
• Metric: prototypes file names start with ASDETPROTO or mm_ASDETPROTO (for ANSI formats)
• Imperial: prototypes file names start with ASDETPROTO (for ANSI formats)
Note: Metric ANSI prototypes should be renamed to the typical name (e.g., without mm_).
The file name is followed by the sheet format for General Arrangement drawings.
For fabrication drawings, it is followed by:
• Single-sheet format for single part drawings
• Assembly-sheet format for main part drawings
Keep the prototypes file names so they are still recognized by Advance.
Sub-folders can be created for imperial and metric prototypes for easy access.
The second option allows having different prototypes for different projects.
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Modifying prototypes
In this example, you open the ASDETPROTO-ASSEMBLY-List-A3.dwg prototype file, modify the header and the
border blocks, edit the revision table. You will learn to use dimension styles in the prototype and to generate other
prototype files.
Modify the header, as required, by adding and moving around the different attribute tokens available for the title block.
See the table below for the available tokens. The values are taken from the model.
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Note: In addition to the attributes used by Advance, text and AutoCAD® attributes can be used inside the title block.
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After closing the page setup manager, check if the border is inside the plotting area defined by the dashed
line.
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4. In the “Revision Control” dialog box you can make the following settings:
Note: To edit or insert a material list on the prototype, see Chapter 13 – Lists.
To create your own style, make sure to keep the same name used by Advance.
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Example
1. Copy the ASDETPROTO-Assembly-A0.dwg.
2. Rename it to ASDETPROTO-Single-A0.dwg.
3. Apply the changes (e.g., change the structured list for a material list.)
4. Repeat the process for ASDETPROTO-A0.dwg and remove the material list as general arrangement drawings do
not contain material lists. Maybe some special notes are inserted as well.
Repeat the same process for the other formats.
Using prototypes
The dialog box below appears when creating drawings (Chapter 12 – Numbering, drawings). In this dialog box you can
select the appropriate prototypes from the model folder or the default location.
Note: All the steps in this training guide are based on the fact that you modified the already existing prototypes
files from Advance.
You can also start with your own AutoCAD® file that you were using. You have to make sure that all the steps
explained above are used in your files (e.g., the names used for the file, the block and the dimension style).
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Chapter 16
Tokens
In this chapter::
■ Tokens for Title block
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Chapter 17
Multi-user
In this chapter:
■ Introduction
■ What is the Master model
■ How it works
■ Connecting to the Master model
■ Modifying the local copy
■ Publish modifications to the Master
model
■ Reloading the master model
■ Administrator tools
■ Canceling checked out elements
■ Marking checked out objects
■ Security warnings
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Introduction
With the “Model share” technology, users can work simultaneously at the same project.
Each member of a project team has access to a master model and can check-out the elements he needs to work on.
In addition, users get real-time notifications enabling them to identify which parts of the model are being worked on by
other members. Areas of the model that have been checked-out by other members are always available in a read-only
mode. When the work is done, users have the ability to "publish" their work back to the master model, thus making it
instantly accessible to other members.
How it works
To work in a multi-user environment, first create the Master model in a .dwg file and share it in a network.
Once the model is shared, it can be accessed by several users which will share their work through the Master model.
Each user who wants to work on the Master model must go through the following stages:
• Connect to the Master model. The model is loaded into the workspace, in read only mode.
• Modify the local copy (modify existing elements, add new elements...)
• Send the modifications to the Master model.
The next diagram illustrates the entire workflow.
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On the Advance Steel toolbar, click to display the Multi user tools toolbar.
Note: The Master model must be closed as working directly on the Master model is not a best practice.
2. On the Multi user tools toolbar, click to connect to the Master model.
The Master model is loaded to the workspace and appears in “read-only” mode.
The model loaded in the workspace is the local copy of the Master model. AutoCAD Save command saves
the local copy on the local computer. In order to share modification with other user the modifications must
be “published” in the Master model.
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Several users can add features and connections on the same element
Example
• In a shared model, a column is connected to a rafter by a rule-based joint. Two users have to add new elements
and create all connections.
• User 1:
− modifies the section of the connected column -> the column must be checked out completely
− connects the column to the other rafter -> the other rafter must be checked out partially so that another user
can work on it.
• User 2:
− adds sub floor beams as in the picture below -> the columns must be checked out (completely or partially)
− connects the rafters with the supporting columns except the column checked out by the User 1 which must
be checked out partially.
- elements checked out by User 1
- elements checked out partially by both users
- elements checked out by User 2
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Notice that not only the selected column is checked out, but also the rafter connected to the column and the elements
of the intelligent connections in which the column is involved. The user can modify any of the column properties and
the connections. On the other hand, only some properties of the rafters can be changed – those that do not affect the
section. The joint can be modified in any way.
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The properties of the two rafters cannot be modified, but connections and features can be added.
The elements can be clicked (single selection) or selected using AutoCAD tools like crossing windows or enclosing
windows. Another option is to use check out by filter to select a group of elements that have the same properties.
1. On the Multi-user tools toolbar, click for a complete check out by filter.
2. In the “Search and mark objects” dialog box, define the following settings
− On the General tab select the search field: complete model.
− On the Sections tab select the elements you want to modify (for example, all I, I400 sections).
Note: Using the “Partial check out” function, only the selected sections are checked out, regardless their
connections.
Notice that not only the selected sections are checked out, but also the elements which are connected to
the searched sections.
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User1 User2
1. On the Multi-user tools toolbar, click to turn off the other objects.
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2. To display again all the elements of the model, on the Multi-user tools toolbar, click .
• “Check in” tool – the modifications are published to the Master model and the elements are released. If the user
wants to modify again the element he must check it out again.
Each user sees a message about changes to the Master model on the bottom-right of the screen.
Note: The marked objects can be unmarked using the “Remove selected” tool on the Standard toolbar.
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2. Select the elements to add to the Master model and press Enter.
Administrator tools
Note: The Master model must be closed as working directly on the Master model is not a best practice.
The owner of the Master model may at anytime suspend the access to the master model for any user, by clicking
on the Multi user tools toolbar.
The selected users will no longer be able to check in the modifications made on their local copies.
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The designer of “MasterDatabase” may also check which parts of the model are checked out and by whom by clicking
on the Multi-user tools toolbar.
In this example, the model is accessed for editing by 2 users, User1 and User2.
Security warnings
To avoid having multiple users work on the same element, warning messages appear if a user wants to access an
object already completely checked out by another user.
Also if any actions are started on the Master model (e.g., numbering, workshop or general arrangement drawing
creation), a warning message informs the user if some elements are still checked out.
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Chapter 18
Steel Workflow
Following the steps described in this chapter you will get the model
used in the Connection chapter. Also, you can use it as guidelines in
approaching an Advance Steel project.
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2. Draw grid lines – start @ 0,0,0 – use grid by distance 27. Do all single part or by selection with filter
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