Manual PS180

Handbuch

User Manual

Manual

No part of this manual may be reproduced or copied and distributed by any form of electronic means (copy, microfilm, etc.) without written permission of Bentley Systems.

Bentley Systems does not guarantee, either explicitly or implicitly, the suitability for sale or the capability for particular applications of these materials which are supplied only in the existing form. Bentley Systems does not assume any liability for collateral, accidental or indirect damages arising from the purchase and the application of these materials.

Where a liability is assumed by Bentley Systems, such liability is limited to the purchase price of the materials described herein.

Bentley Systems reserves the right to revise or to modify this product at their own discretion. This user’s guide describes the product at the time of publication. This description may not be applicable to future versions of this product.

Please note: all indicated trade names are registered trade marks of the companies concerned.

Content (responsible persons) J. Friedrich / C.Trinkner / G.Griesing

Illustrations and Layout C. Trinkner

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

A

INTRODUCTION

A.1

Introduction

1

A.1.1 General information 1

A.1.2 Installation of ProSteel 3D 3

A.1.3 Installation Structure 7

A.1.4 System Requirements 11

A.2

Language Selection

1

A.3

Dialog Framework

1

A.3.1 ProSteel 3D Dialog boxes 1

A.3.2 Template Manager 4

A.3.3 RollOver-Mechanism 9

A.3.4 Pick Frame and Auxiliary Graphics 10

A.3.5 Input Extensions 11

A.4

Input Options

1

A.4.1 Input Options in Input Fields 1 A.4.2 Input Options at Object Selection 2

A.4.3 Special Key-Commands 3

A.5

Project Manager

1

A.5.1 Working with Projects 2

A.5.2 Create New Projects 4

A.6

Global Settings

1

B

MODELLING AND PART LISTS

B.1

Layer Functions

1

B.2

Construction Utilities

1

B.2.1 Construction lines 1

B.2.2 Measure of distances 6

B.3

3D Object Views

1

B.3.1 Object View / Object-UCS 1

Table of Contents B.3.3 Global View 4 B.3.4 Top View 5 B.3.5 Free View 6 B.3.6 Cutting Plane 7 B.3.7 Perspective View 9

B.4

Move and Copy Parts

1

B.4.1 Move/Copy 2 B.4.2 Turn 3 B.4.3 Mirror 4 B.4.4 Align 5 B.4.5 Clone 7 B.4.6 Rotate 9 B.4.7 Settings 10

B.5

Display / Assign parts

1

B.5.1 Hide 1 B.5.2 Regenerate 3 B.5.3 Display Classes 4 B.5.4 Area Classes 6 B.5.5 Part Families 7 B.5.6 Process Status 11 B.5.7 Search Parts 13

B.6

Work Frames

1

B.6.1 Rectangular Work Frame 2

B.6.2 Cylindrical Work Frame 6

B.6.3 Wedge-Shaped Work Frame 7

B.6.4 Pyramidal Work Frame 8

B.6.5 Create Views 9

B.6.6 Axes Names 11

B.6.7 Additional Axes (Border Lines) 14

B.6.8 Options 15 B.6.9 User-defined Blocks 17

B.7

Choose View

1

B.8

Insert Shapes

1

Table of Contents

B.9

Insert Plates

1

B.9.1 Flat Straight Plates 1

B.9.2 Flat Bent Plates 6

B.9.3 Gratings 7 B.9.4 Bent Plates 8 B.9.5 Additional Settings 13

B.10

Insert Solids

1

B.11

3D-Modifications

1

B.11.6 Notch betwen two Shapes 21

Notch at the End of the Shape

B.11.7 Boolean Operations 29

B.12

Plate Editor

1

B.12.1 Boolean Operations 2

B.12.2 Chamfer / Rounding Off 4

B.12.3 Edge Processing 6

B.13

Drilling / Bolted Connections

1

B.13.1 Drill Holes / Drill Hole Fields 2

B.13.2 Bolted Connections 6

B.13.3 Additional Settings 8

B.13.4 Edge Distances 10

B.14

Bolts

1

B.14.1 Bolting parts 2

B.14.2 Bolt Style Management 4

B.14.3 Insertion of Threaded Rods 11

B.14.4 Sort 12

B.15

Insert Stiffeners

1

B.16

Plate Connections

1

B.16.1 Free Plate Connections 2

B.16.2 Connections Resistant to Deflection / Shear Forces 14

B.16.3 User-Defined Connections 17

Table of Contents

B.18

Web Angle

1

B.19

Shear Plates

1

B.20

Splice Joints

1

B.21

Purlin Connection

1

B.22

Gusset Plates

1

B.23

Dynamic Bracing

1

B.24

Static Bracing

1

B.24.2 Creation of Bracing Parts 6

B.24.3 Creating a Bracing 8

B.25

Haunches

1

B.26

Connection Editor

1

B.27

Group Structure

1

B.27.1 General Information about Groups 1 B.27.2 Creation and Processing of Groups 3

B.27.3 Check Groups 7

B.27.4 Settings 11

B.28

Positioning

1

B.28.1 Automatic Positioning 2

B.28.2 Manual Insertion 14

B.28.3 Automatic Insertion (Distribution) 18

B.28.4 Other Auxiliary Commands 24

B.28.5 Add Drawing Number 26

B.28.6 Depiction of Position Flags 27

B.28.7 Management of Styles 31

Table of Contents

B.30

Create Parts Lists

1

B.30.1 Register Parts Lists 2

B.30.2 Process Parts List 5

B.31

Drawing Parts List

1

B.31.1 Parts List Creation 1

B.31.2 Processing of Parts List Styles 4 B.31.3 Management of Parts List Styles 10 B.31.4 Processing the Content of Parts List 11

B.32

Containment List

1

B.32.1 Creation of Containment List 1

B.32.2 Processing of List Styles 3

B.32.3 Management of List Styles 8

B.32.4 Processing the Content of Drawing Containment List 9

C

DETAILING

C.1

DetailCenter

1

C.1.1 The 2D-Detailing 1

C.1.2 Detailing with the DetailCenter 3 C.1.3 General Information – Scale and Dimension Styles 9 C.1.4 General Information - Detail Types 11 C.1.5 General Information – Group Structure 16

C.1.6 Intelligent 2D-Details 20

C.1.7 Display of Construction Component Lists 22

C.1.8 Component Overview 29

C.1.9 Views Overview 42

C.1.10 Detail Block Overview (Insert) 51

C.1.11 Global Settings 57

C.1.12 Automatic Translation 63

C.1.13 Transfer Drawing Paths 66

C.1.14 Drawing Verification 68

C.1.15 Direct Detailing 73

C.1.16 Modification Management 75

C.1.17 Replace Detail Blocks 84

C.2

Detailing Style

1

C.2.1 Working with Detailing Styles 1

C.2.2 General Info 2

C.2.3 Global Settings 4

C.2.4 2D-Display 12

C.2.5 Dimensioning 33

C.2.6 Label Settings 129

Table of Contents

C.2.8 Example – Detailing of a Single Part 138

C.3

DetailCenter Express

1

C.3.1 Running DetailCenter Express 2

C.3.2 Selection Pages 3

C.3.3 Single Sheet Output 23

C.4

InsertExpress

1

C.4.1 Start InsertExpress 2

C.4.2 Manual Insertion Mode 4

C.4.3 Batch Insertion Mode 16

C.4.4 Format File 18

C.5

Cranked 2D-View

1

C.6

North Symbol

1

C.7

Manual Dimensioning Points

1

C.8

Manual Object Link

1

C.9

Global Scale

1

C.10

Drawing Border

1

C.11

Manual 2D-Cut

1

C.12

Manual Dimensioning

1

C.13

Elevation Flags

1

C.14

Weld Symbols

1

C.15

Short 2D manually

1

C.16

2D-Cutout

1

C.17

Hole Display

1

C.18

Automatic 2D-Cut

1

Table of Contents

D

MISCELLANOUS

D.1

User-Defined Component Parts

1

D.1.1 Special Parts 1

D.1.2 Special Shapes 2

D.1.3 Weld Shapes 11

D.1.4 Parametric Shapes 15

D.2

BlockCenter

1

D.2.1 Structure of the BlockCenter 2 D.2.2 Creation and Edition of Blocks 4

D.2.3 Insert Blocks 6

D.2.4 Display of Block Structure 8

D.2.5 Database of Block Data 11

D.3

Roof/Wall Panels

1

D.4

Dispatch Bolts / Blocks

1

D.4.1 Insertion of Thread Bolts 2

D.4.2 Insertion of Blocks 5

D.4.3 Further Options and Data Base 6

D.5

Auxiliary Tools

1

D.5.6 Create AutoCAD Drawing 10

D.5.7 Convert ADT shapes 11

D.6

Add Effective Static Analysis Lines

1

D.7

Data Exchange

1

D.7.1 General Information about Data Exchange 1

D.7.2 Exchange Lists 3

D.7.3 Interface Format Selection 9

D.7.4 Data Import Command 11

D.7.5 Data Export Command 16

D.7.6 Direct Data Exchange with RSTAB 20

D.7.7 New Interfaces 21

D.7.8 Previous Interfaces 39

Table of Contents

E.1

Structural Element Staircase

1

E.2

Structural Element Handrail

1

E.3

Structural Element Hangar Frame

1

E.4

Structural Element Truss Girder

1

E.5

Structural Element Purlin Course

1

E.6

Structural Element Ladder

1

E.7

Structural Element Joist

1

E.8

ProSteel 3D Properties Dialogs

1

E.8.1 Shapes 2

E.8.2 Plates 15

E.8.3 Bolts 20

E.8.4 Volume Solids / Basic Primitives 25

E.8.5 Special Parts 27

E.8.6 Assemblies 28

E.8.7 Work Frames / Views 30

E.8.8 Structural Elements 30

E.8.9 Roof/Wall-Objects 30

E.8.10 Position Flags, Elevations, Weld Marks,.. 30

E.8.11 Drawing Parts Lists 30

E.8.12 3D Modifications 31

E.8.13 Flat Cuts 34

E.8.14 Poly-Cuts 35

E.8.15 Edge Processing 36

E.8.16 Notches (Outlets) 37

E.8.17 Common Properties 38

E.9

ProSteel 3D Command Reference

1

E.10

Own Notes

1

A

Einführung

Introduction

Introduction

A.1 Introduction

A.1.1 General information

Welcome to ProSteel 3D

You decided to buy our ProSteel 3D program because you are convinced that you will cope with your daily tasks faster and in a more reliable way in the future by using a CAD software package which is successful, well tried and tested all over the world.

We are pleased that you selected a product of our company and we hope that for a long time we will be your reliable partners.

Contents of this Manual

This manual provides a complete description of all commands available with the ProSteel 3D steel construction software package.

Some of the individual descriptions contain examples, which facilitate the recreation of the different command applications by providing graphics and screenshots.

Not Provided in this Manual

Working with ProSteel 3D and this manual requires that you are already familiar with the use of AutoCAD. The chapters of this manual require knowledge of AutoCAD and Windows.

If that is not the case, you should familiarize yourself with the most important basic AutoCAD commands to be able to work effectively with the new software. Although the program will help you to overcome many of the three-dimensional AutoCAD construction hurdles, you should be familiar with terms such as object snap, user coordinate system (UCS), blocks, etc.

Introduction

Differences to your Current Version

Our new CAD Abstract Layer (CAL) technology permits largely uniform functionality and appearance of ProSteel 3D on different CAD-platforms.

In addition, ProSteel 3D is available in several licence models, which differ from each other with regard to their performance range.

Due to the fact that the integration into the CAD system AutoCAD from AutoDesk is the most extensive implementation at the moment, the description of all functions of this manual refers to the version ProSteel 3D Professional for

AutoCAD.

When you bought ProSteel 3D for another platform other than AutoCAD or another licence model (e.g. without detailing), the actual performance range of your version may differ from this manual. In addition, there may be differences due to intermediate updates of the program after publication of this manual.

Introduction

A.1.2 Installation of ProSteel 3D

Insert the installation-CD into your CD-ROM-drive. If the installation doesn’t start automatically, move to the directory \deutsch on the CD and then start the program setup.exe.

Important Note: To install ProSteel 3D successfully, you need the administrator rights for your computer.

First, select the language for your installation.

Step 1 – Language Selection

The installation recognizes which CAD-systems have been installed if they have their own ProSteel 3D version available.

Step 2 – Selection of the Platform to be Supported

Now, you can choose whether you want to install ProSteel 3D for example for AutoCAD 2007 or AutoCAD 2008 or for several platforms simultaneously. Then press the “Continue” button to continue the installation.

Introduction

Step 3 – Installation Directory

You are now prompted to define the installation folder for the installation. Normally, ProSteel 3D will be installed on the directory C:\Programs\Bentley\ProSteel 3D\R18.0\AutoCAD 2007.

(C:\Programs corresponds to your program directory).

If you click on the “Search” button, you can define the folder in which ProSteel 3D V18.0 (here for AutoCAD 2007) has to be installed.

Step 4 – License Agreement

The installation shows the license agreement between you and Bentley Systems. Read through the license agreement carefully. If you agree with the conditions, select: ‘I agree with the conditions of the license agreement’.

you don’t agree and you want to cancel the installation, press ’I don’t agree If

Introduction

Step 5 – Component Selection

Now the installation permits you to select certain components, such as shape catalogues, COM-examples, roof-wall shapes and special shapes. After a component has been selected, the files of the component will be installed. On the right of the dialog, a size value is displayed, which approximately corresponds to the volume of the files to be installed. After having selected the desired components, press the “Continue” button.

Now, the selected components are installed. A warning message is displayed if some files to be installed on the target directory already exist. Now you can indicate whether this file has to be overwritten or not.

If you select “No all”, no file will be overwritten in the following. If vice versa you select “Yes all”, the result will be that in the following already existing files will always be overwritten.

Introduction

Step 6 – End of Installation

Then, the installation of ProSteel 3D for AutoCAD 2007 is finished. If you selected further platforms, you have to repeat the above-mentioned steps. For concluding information concerning the installation please refer to the readme.txt file, displayed in the text editor. It can be exported on a printer, if necessary.

Installation under AutoCAD 2006

The installation under AutoCAD 2004-2006 corresponds to the installation for AutoCAD 2007-2008 described above.

However, you have to use the program setup.exe from the separate directory for AutoCAD 2004 because the ProSteel 3D program files for AutoCAD 2007-2008 are not compatible to this.

Introduction

A.1.3 Installation Structure

The installation of ProSteel 3D is subdivided into a part depending on the language and into a part not depending on the language. The part of installation which doesn’t depend on the language is in the main directory of ProSteel 3D-installlation, the part depending on the language is in the subdirectory ‘Localised’ of the installation.

Part not Depending on the Language

The following directories are available for the general part (not depending on the language) of the installation:

CISSupport Support-files for the output of CIMSteel/2-files Data Definitions for shapes, bolts, combi shapes, etc. Detail The standard output path for detailing

Dwg The initial directory for ProSteel 3D (blank) Export The standard output path for data export FactorySettings Preset files for the start of the program. NC The standard output path for NC-data export

Introduction

Prg The directory with program files and plugins; the configuration is in the subordinate folder Config of this directory.

Projects The standard path for working with the project manager Samples Sample drawings for ProSteel 3D.

Temp The directory for storing temporary dialog settings Varia The directory for storing template files

Introduction

art Depending on the Language

ry Localise

recognises comp and offers to use them in the

P

You will find the different language sets of available language versions in the directo d of the ProSteel 3D installation. ProSteel 3D automatically

letely installed language sets language selection dialog (see below).

The support directories for the different language sets are in the part d on the language.

Introduction

r the English language: The following directories are available fo

Bracings The catalogue files for windbracings

Data Here preset files such as e. g. hole definition table and status of processing are stored.

Format Templates for detailing

Help The German auxiliary file and the help for plugins Menus The menu files for this language

PartList The template files for the output of parts lists Resource The language files for this language and the plugins. Styles Styles for detailing, bolts, weld marks, etc.

UserBlocks The block files for axis labelling, position flags, etc.

Dividing of the Sy

perial) system of measuring units

stems of Measuring Units

e names Metric and Imperial. In this version, the metric and the British (im

g th are stored in different subdirectories havin

Safety files, templates and styles are saved in these directories according to the wever, you have to use the program setup.exe from the separate directory 3D program files for AutoCAD 2004-currently set system of measuring units.

Ho

for AutoCAD 2007 because the ProSteel 2006 are not compatible to this.

Introduction

.1.4 System Requirements

The system requirements are based on an installation running under AutoCAD. For other platforms these requirements can be different and they are depended on the selected CAD system.

In principle, ProSteel 3D can run on every PC, where the CAD-program AutoCAD 2004 is running as well. Therefore the system requirements of AutoCAD 2004-2006 or AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD 2008 are valid.

Hardware-Performance (Minimum Requirement)

Processor Pentium 4 with 3 GHz

Working Memory 1024 MB

Fixed Disk Storage 500 MB

Hardware-Performance (Recommended)

Processor Pentium Core 2 Duo with 2,4 GHz

Working Memory 2048 MB

Fixed Disk Storage 2,0 GB

The requirements for the graphic card correspond to the recommendations of Messrs. AutoDesk for 3D-mode.

In addition, a CD-ROM-drive for the installation is required and – depending on the software protection – a floppy disk drive, USB-port or parallel port.

Operating System and Additionally Installed Software

Microsoft Windows 2000/XP Professional

AutoCAD 2004...2008 or the corresponding Mechanical- or ADT product Adobe Reader 6.0 or higher

Introduction

Language Selection

A.2 Language Selection

In ProSteel 3D you can select the language of the menu prompt and thus of the configuration, too while the program is running.

The displayed dialog offers all languages which are installed at the very moment. To switch over to another language check the field beside the flag and confirm the modification with the OK-button.

Apart from the language of the menu prompt, the modified settings for the configuration will be loaded as well when the program is started for the next time.

If you switch over e. g. from German to English, nothing will happen first in the running mode except the language of the dialogs. However, if you start ProSteel 3D anew together with the modified language setting, the configuration of the language setting will be loaded as well from the currently installed language set. This means that a plate will not be created with the name Blech but with the name Plate.

The search paths of the program for blocks, temp- and varia-directories will change as well and another ProSteel 3D configuration will be available.

Please refer to the chapter Installation to see which installations depend on the language.

Dialog Framework

A.3 Dialog Framework

A.3.1 ProSteel 3D Dialog boxes

In ProSteel 3D you will mainly meet dialog frames based on a standardized appearance. The advantage is that you will always find certain repetitions of the different commands at the same place and with the same icon.

Dialog Frame Structure

Each dialog consists of the basic control buttons such as OK, CANCEL, TEMPLATE, etc., which are placed at the bottom edge of the dialog.

On the right, you will find auxiliary diagrams, preview windows or a pick frame also called “monitor” in the descriptions, appearing in some of the commands. The actual content of the dialog differs from one command to the other; additional buttons may appear in the lower button bar depending on the corresponding command. The following picture shows a typical dialog frame, containing all standard elements, for the example of an end plate connection:

The standard elements (lower button bar) as well as the general behaviour of the dialogs are described below. When the different commands are described, these things won’t be explained any more.

Dialog Framework

Dialog-Commands

OK

By clicking on this button, you close the dialog and the last settings such as content of the dialog, position on the screen, selected dialog tab, etc. are stored.

Depending on the command, you are prompted to continue with other things like e.g. selection of component parts, etc.

CANCEL

By clicking on this button, you close the dialog and the command is cancelled. If possible, the previous status is restored as it was before selection of the command

HELP

When you click on this button, the Online-help is opened.

TEMPLATE

By clicking on this button, you can save or load again the complete settings of the dialog for the selected command under any template name you like.

Here, another dialog of ProSteel 3D template management opens which is described separately in this subordinate chapter.

CLONE

By clicking on this button, you can read the settings of an existing connection and import it onto another one. This function is especially suitable for automatic connections.

It helps you to obtain an identical connection to an existing one, the exact default settings of which, however, you don’t know any more. For more detailed information, please refer to the descriptions of the individual functions.

Dialog Framework

UPDATE

When you click on this button, the connection, structure or the component part are updated according to your default settings.

Normally in ProSteel 3D, you are working in a dynamic mode. Each modification of a parameter is directly translated into a modification of the corresponding object so that you can see the results immediately.

In case of very complex structures or less powerful computers, it may be reasonable to deactivate this automatic update in the global settings of ProSteel 3D and to activate it manually if need be.

ROLL-OVER

By clicking on this button, you alternatively switch on or off the so-called Roll-Over-mechanism.

When RollOver is switched on, the visible dialog area depends on the current mouse position. For more detailed information, please refer to the separate description in this chapter.

GRAPHIC

When you click on this button, the auxiliary graphics of the corresponding dialogs are alternatively switched on or off. This influences the size of the dialog on the screen.

Dialog Framework

A.3.2 Template Manager

When working with the program, you will see that it provides a variety of different dialog boxes, which are used to enter settings for the functions and commands. Many of these settings are repeated for construction tasks in different orders or are used in a slightly modified for (e.g. connection plates with holes for specific supports) – it would be useful to save these settings for later use.

For this purpose, ProSteel 3D offers you a template management function. Many of the dialogs feature a TEMPLATE button. Clicking this button calls up the template management dialog box where you then can save or load the settings. Sometimes, the templates can also be accessed via the context menu of the right mouse key.

Although this is always the same window, the saved entries depend on the type of dialog box from which you are using the template management dialog. The only items visible in the command ’Work Frame’ are saved work frames. The command ‘Plates’ correspondingly offers only connection plate specifications.

The methods of working within the template management are very similar to those of Windows Explorer. For example, you can organize the templates’ structure in different list branches and easily modify this structure at any time via Drag&Drop.

Dialog Framework

Dialog-Commands

LOAD

When you click on this button, the template marked in the selection list is loaded and the input fields of the dialog box are filled in accordingly. Then, the dialog will be closed immediately.

You can also double-click the list entry for this command. SAVE

By clicking on this button, you can save the settings entered in the dialog frame using a name indicated by you. You first have to select the desired list branch where your template has to be saved and then click the SAVE button.

Now an entry with a standard name will be created the name of which can be modified immediately or at a later moment.

To overwrite an existing entry, select the corresponding entry instead of a list branch.

NEW FOLDER

By clicking on this button, you can create a new branch (folder) on the topmost level or even within a list branch to save your templates.

You first have to select the desired list branch and then click the NEW FOLDER button.

IMPORT

Click on this button to add other templates of the same type to your current template file. This may be a single template, a list branch or the complete file.

A file selection dialog opens where you can select the template file to be imported. It is checked whether you selected the same type.

If the name of some list branches of the imported template file is identical with the entry in the existing file, you can decide for each branch individually whether the existing data have to be overwritten or not.

The new branches or templates are only added; they may be re-organized later by using Drag&Drop.

Dialog Framework

SORT

Click on this button, and the alphabetical order of the display list is turned upside down. You can reach entries which are placed further down without having to scroll up and down the list.

First, you have to select a list branch the order of which has to be changed. Sorting can be defined for each branch individually.

Context Menu

Most of the dialog commands can be reached via the context menu of the right mouse key. Further commands are available here.

REMOVE

Select this command to delete the selected template or a complete branch including all subordinate branches.

EXPORT

Select this command to save the selected template or a complete branch including all subordinate branches under any file name you like. The data can be added again at any time using the IMPORT command or they can be made accessible to other users for import.

After selection of the command, the file selection dialog opens where you can select a file name or a file path.

FAVOURITES

Select this command to add the selected template to the favourites’ list or to remove it from this list.

BLOCK

Select this command to block the selected template against overwriting. This function is only available in expert mode.

UNBLOCK

Select this command to unblock templates which were blocked against overwriting. This function is only available in expert mode.

Dialog Framework

Permanent and Temporary Dialog Templates

The templates are saved as permanent dialog settings in the variants folder of the program and thus are available for all users at the same time in a network if the same folder has been set at this workstation.

In addition, the last settings are saved in an individual temporary folder of the workstation each time the dialog is left. Thus you have fast access to the last entry when selecting the function repeatedly.

Dialog Framework

Version Control

You are perhaps used to the fact that in other programs and in previous ProSteel 3D versions already defined templates were often lost during an update.

This is the reason why the data structure of template file was equipped with a version and type control. Your new defined templates remain compatible with the following versions and when former files are loaded, any new added values will have a standard value.

dBASE-Import and -Export

Different functions additionally offer the possibility to export the template files into the dBASE-format or to import them from this format. You can create data records using Excel or comparable programs. These data records then are available as ProSteel 3D-templates.

Especially the creation of template records similar in quality (e.g. only with two variable dimensions) is considerably facilitated.

Select EXPORT and IMPORT as file type dBASE III List in the dialog commands to export individual templates or branches into the dBASE-format or to import them from there.

If the selection is not possible, format conversion is not available for these dialog templates.

Favourites

You can collect selected templates individually in a favourites’ list. These lists are displayed in the dialogs of the functions to have a quick selection of templates available.

First click on the corresponding entry to define a template as favourite. Then, select the option Add to favourites in the context menu. Now, the entry is displayed in bold type.

To remove an entry, click on the entry again and select the entry Remove from Favourites in the context menu.

Dialog Framework

A.3.3 RollOver-Mechanism

The so-called RollOver-mechanism allows for a better use of your drawing surface in ProSteel 3D because the dialogs are only displayed completely if you probably intend to enter something or to control the settings.

Otherwise, the dialogs are reduced to the title bar allowing you at any time to recognize which dialogs are open at the moment.

The change from complete to reduced status depends on the movements of your mouse.

When you leave the input area of a dialog with the mouse, it will be “folded up” except for the title bar shortly afterwards and you can look at your construction. It is not until you move to the title bar again with the mouse, that the dialog is displayed completely because the program now assumes that you are going to modify something.

Individual Control

Due to the fact that perhaps you don’t want to have a RollOver-mechanism activated for each dialog, it can be switched on or off for each dialog individually. You may even completely deactivate the RollOver-mechanism in the global settings if you don’t like this way of working at all. However, your individual defaults are kept in each dialog frame and become valid again when the mechanism is activated.

Dialog Framework

A.3.4 Pick Frame and Auxiliary Graphics

Many dialogs have a graphic depiction on the right. This is either a pure auxiliary graphic explaining the dialog parameters or – depending on the command – a pick frame for the determination of reference points (“monitor“).

Auxiliary Graphics

The auxiliary graphics show a depiction in the form of a diagram, e.g. a connection or a structural element with the most important dimensions, which can be modified in the dialog frame.

Here, different numbers which you will find again in the labelling of input fields and which allow for a clear assignment marks the dimensions. In some dialog frames, the graphics change depending on the selection of an option or even of an input field. Thus they are sufficient in most cases as help for the parameters.

Monitor

The monitor frame helps you to define the reference points e.g. at the insertion of shapes.

In this case, you usually find small circles serving as marks to be clicked. The activated reference point then is displayed in red.

In addition, the monitor also shows a preview of your current default settings e.g. at the definition of position flags. In contrast to the auxiliary graphics, its proportions change.

Dialog Framework

A.3.5 Input Extensions

Apart from the ToolTips customary in Windows-programs, displaying an auxiliary text with explanations, when you move your mouse to an input field or button, further useful helps are available for you in the dialog frames.

Pick Lengths

Most input fields for entering distances allow picking the distance in your drawing. Then, the picked length is entered into the input field. This extension permits comfortable seizing of distances from your construction.

To do so, select the entry Add Picked Length in the corresponding field via the context menu; the dialog frame is temporarily hidden, and you can pick the distance via two points.

If you select the entry Add Picked Length (without Z) instead, the distance will be calculated without Z-coordinates.

Pocket Calculator

Most input fields for entering distances alternatively allow the use of an integrated pocket calculator to calculate the values. The new calculated value then is entered into the input field.

To do so, select the entry Add Calculated Value via the context menu; the pocket calculator is displayed. If a value was entered into the input field before, it will be automatically displayed in the pocket calculator.

Input Options

A.4 Input Options

A.4.1 Input Options in Input Fields

Some additional functions are available in all fields where you can enter a length, distance or coordinate. These commands, however, are not available for fields where you enter texts, angles, or general digits such as factors or scaling values.

You have access to these functions by calling the context menu with the right mouse key in the corresponding input field and then select the desired entry

The well-known Windows functions for input fields such as e.g. Copy and Paste will of course be at your disposal there in future, too.

Additional Functions

Pick Length If you select this function, the dialog is hidden and you can pick two points in the drawing. The distance from one point to the other is calculated and the result is entered into the corresponding dialog field. Then, the dialog is displayed again. Pick Length without Z If you select this option, the z-coordinates are removed

at distance calculation. Running is the same as described above.

Pocket Calculator A small pocket calculator is displayed when you use this option.

When selected, the calculator takes over the content of the current field and you can directly calculate with this value. When the calculation is finished and you want to copy the result into the current input field, just quit the calculator using the COPY button.

Input Options

A.4.2 Input Options at Object Selection

When the program prompts an object selection, you can select the desired component parts via window or via selection. In this case there are two functions, which can be rather useful.

Comparison In most of the functions, and in the case you want to select all parts, you can answer the selection with RETURN. Then, all parts of the current drawing will be selected.

Filter When you interrupt the selection with ESC and SHIFT, the filter function is selected and the function is not left.

In this case you would filter your input for all parts being longer than 2000 mm. If you press the OK-button, the parts are selected on which the filtering is based. Then, the original function is carried out together with the filter result.

For a detailed description of the filter possibilities, please refer to the description of PS_SEARCH command.

Input Options

A.4.3 Special Key-Commands

In some other cases, you can select another function by simultaneously pressing ALT, CTRL or SHIFT-key. The available options are displayed in the following list.

Use of CTRL-Key

Bolted Joint The bolted joint command saves the last created bolt to avoid searching through the database if the next bolt is a bolt of the same type and length, etc. When you keep the CTRL-key pressed during bolted joint command, the stored data are deleted and the program is forced to read the bolt data from a file.

Select View At Select View command you can set whether double-clicking quits the dialog. This setting is turned upside down when the CTRL-key is pressed simultaneously.

Display Class You can move the dialog of display and area classes lengthways. To return to the original status, keep the CTRL-key pressed while the corresponding dialog is opened. NC-Data The CTRL-key pressed while component parts for NC-creation

are selected switches on the Debug-mode. Diverse graphical outputs are generated for NC-creation. They are rather meant for development, but sometimes they help to solve problems as well.

Positioning If you enter the starting value of positioning, the next following value will be calculated. If you have alphanumerical values, which start with A, this is not possible, because you have to enter a 0 and the result will be an <A> displayed. A pressed CTRL-key creates an <a>.

Work Frame If you want to delete the list values of a dimension, you have to put the focus on it and keep the CTRL-key pressed. Using the ALT-key allows elegantly editing of the field.

Positioning At automatic positioning the subsequent calculation of component parts can be switched off using the CTRL-key. Modify Properties Keep the STRG-key pressed to modify the properties of

Input Options

Use of ALT-Key

General The pressed ALT-key avoids working off the link update. No updates due to modifications are carried out. You can e.g. use this function to move parts without causing a reaction of the connected parts.

Render Export After the parts for Render-Export have been selected, a standard file name is used. The ALT-key permits file name selection.

Object View The object view first creates a non-aligned view on the part. Alignment is made via RETURN-button. If you press the ALT-key at selection of view direction, an aligned view will be directly created.

Free View This is not carried out using Clipping. If the ALT-key is pressed, the global clipping distances will be used.

Osnap A pressed ALT-key during Object Snap selection inserts the reference points as well, if existing.

Handrail At shape selection, the selection of the previous type can be taken over if you keep the ALT-key pressed while selecting the shape class (post, hand rail, knee-high guard rail, etc.). The same function is valid at modification of shape status, i.e. whether the corresponding shape is used or not.

Edit Drill Holes At modification of drill holes, you can cancel the blocking of bolt fields by means of the ALT-key. These then can be deleted as well. Use this option carefully!

Truss Girders Same function as for the selection of handrail shapes. Lattice Girders Same function as for the selection of handrail shapes.

At insertion, the lattice girder is created with the entered width. The Alt-key creates a frame with the width of the entered points.

Select View At Select View command, double-clicking on it activates the selected view. The ALT-key only moves to the corresponding UCS.

Hangar Frame At insertion, the frame is created with the entered width. The ALT-key creates a frame with the width of the entered points.

Input Options

Haunch If you press the ALT-key while seizing the connection shape, a ceiling joist is carried out.

If you press the ALT-key while seizing the supporting shape, the plate thicknesses are adapted to the supporting shape. Ladder The ALT-key causes that the ladder length is calculated from

the third point.

Insert Shapes If you choose Select Position, a pick into the drawing causes a rotation by 90°. The ALT-key causes a rotation by -90°. Stiffeners If you keep the ALT-key pressed during selection, the program

is forced to an input via angles.

Copy At selection via menu points instead of via dialog, the ALT-key causes a conversion of the setting, whether the operation is valid for group or not.

Working Areas Activating one of the three list fields for distances permits comfortable input of the distances. If the CTRL-key is pressed, the existing distances are deleted.

Line Cut Pressing the ALT-key at selection causes not only a cut but, if need be, an adaptation, too.

Connect Pressing the ALT-key at selection of the second shape avoids type check and everything is connected.

ArcShape Osnap and Center: The ALT-key causes that the endpoints can be seized as well.

Bolt Grips If a bolt is modified using its grips, the ALT-key causes that the endpoints can be moved freely in space, otherwise only in bolt direction.

Purlin Connect. If the frame is modified, moving of the grips along a line causes the movement of the line without modifying the size. If the ALT-key is pressed, the line is moved and the size is modified depending on the neighbouring lines.

Plate Grips Same effects as purlin connection object.

Shape Osnap and Center. The ALT-key causes that the endpoints can be seized as well.

2D Details In groups, the movement of an accessory part doesn’t cause new drawing of the main part. The modification will only be visible after regeneration. Pressing the ALT-key forces re-structuring of the group even without regeneration.

Grips For shapes, you can specify whether the length modification has only to be effected in shape direction or freely. Using the ALT-key turns this setting upside down.

Project Manager

A.5 Project Manager

In all ProSteel 3D versions it is possible to store drawing files, parts list files or similar things on the folder you like. This feature is often very useful; on the other hand, however, the problem is to keep all files of a project together. Up to now, it was not possible to store the pre-settings, templates or even configurations related to the project. In the current version, a project manager has been implemented offering exactly these options.

File Management Related to the Project

You can choose for your temporary, template, style and format files whether these have to be managed related to the project or related to the workstation. Related to the workstation means that you only have a data record of the settings. In contrast, related to the project means that your settings may differ for each project and will be stored within the project.

If you work e.g. with detailing styles and formats related to the customer, but use always the same settings and templates, you set the temporary and template files to ‘not related to the project’, the style and format files, however, are related to the project.

Project Manager

A.5.1 Working with Projects

In the upper line, you see the set project path where the projects are filed and from which the stored projects are displayed. In the list, all available projects are displayed, the lines on the right show the information stored for the corresponding project.

Use this button to load the currently highlighted project and to carry out all desired modifications of the configuration. The available possibilities are displayed under Create Project. Alternatively, you can activate a project by double-clicking on it.

Load Project... If this option is activated, the current project is automatically activated when you start ProSteel 3D. The prerequisite is, however, that ProSteel 3D has been quit as usual.

Click on this button to finish the current project and to return to the basic configuration.

This option permits to create a new project. The available possibilities are displayed below.

Project Manager

Use this option to delete the currently highlighted project as well as all included files. Also, you have the possibility to close this function, and then the files will be deleted. The current project cannot be deleted.

This option allows the modification of project data and settings. Please refer to Create New Project.

This option permits the creation of a DwgInfo-table (drawing information) throughout the project. In each project drawing, these files can be taken over later into the corresponding DwgInfo-table.

The change of the AutoCAD main dialog informs you whether a project has been loaded. Name and file path of the loaded project are displayed there, instead of the information that you are working with a certain AutoCAD version. Open this dialog to see the name of the current project displayed in the bottom line as well.

Project Manager

A.5.2 Create New Projects

The following dialog appears when you want to create a new project. Use this dialog to enter the project data.

Project Name Enter the desired name of your project. The remaining paths are modified as well according to your inputs. However, they can be overwritten individually.

Model Files Enter the path to be used for storing your model files. In contrast to the other paths, it is not possible to force AutoCAD to use this path as previously set. Therefore at storing, you have to take care manually that this path will be used to store your model files there.

This button allows interactive path selection if you don’t want to use the proposed path.

This button deletes your individual input and activates the previously set path again.

Project Manager

Detail Files This is the path for your detail drawings. The Detail Centre takes over the selection made here as pre-setting.

Parts Lists.. This is the path for your parts list files. The file for the creation of parts lists takes over the selection made here as pre-setting. Of course, only the new selection is concerned. If another project was activated at the last selection of the parts list creation, the path still is the one set for this project. NC Files This is the path for your NC files. The NC-creation takes over

the selection made here as pre-setting. Of course, only the new selection is concerned. If another project was activated at the last selection of the NC-creation, the path still is the one set for this project.

PPS Files This is the path for your PPS files. The PPS-function takes over the selection made here as pre-setting. Of course, only the new selection is concerned. If another project was

activated at the last selection of the PPS-function, the path still is the one set for this project.

Export Files This is the path for your export files. The export function takes over the selection made here as pre-setting. Of course, only the new selection is concerned. If another project was activated at the last selection of the NC-creation, the path still is the one set for this project.

Temp Project If this option is activated, you can store the temporary files separated from the standard storing place and organize your settings related to the project. In the temporary files e.g. the last active dialog content, the dialog position, etc. are stored. Temp Files Enter the path for your temporary files.

Copy from Enter the path from which all existing temporary files have to be copied into the new directory. You don’t have to work with a bare installation, but you will find the usual environment, even if from now on it will only be valid for this project. Templates Proj... If this option is activated, you can store the template files

separated from the standard storing place and organize your settings related to the project.

In the template files, all data are stored which have been created via the template management.

Template Files Enter the path for your template files.

Copy from Enter the path from which all existing template files have to be copied into the new directory. You don’t have to work with a bare installation, but you will find the usual environment, even if from now on it will only be valid for this project.

Project Manager

Styles Project If this option is activated, you can store the style files separated from the standard storing place and organize your settings related to the project.

This option is valid for all 5 types of style files (detailing style, position flags, weld marks, elevations, bolts).

Style File Enter the path for your style files. This path is used to file the corresponding subdirectories for the 5 types of style files. Copy From Enter the path from which all existing style files have to be

copied into the new directory. You don’t have to work with a bare installation, but you will find the usual environment, even if from now on it will only be valid for this project.

DWG Project If this option is activated, you can store the Dwg format templates separated from the standard storing place and organize your settings related to the project.

DWG Frame Enter the path for your frame files.

Copy From Enter the path from which all existing Dwg frames have to be copied into the new directory.

Project Descr. Here you have the opportunity to describe your project in 10 lines. The data are displayed at project selection and have to facilitate selection.

Global Settings

A.6 Global Settings

This dialog box and its pages allow you to enter the standard settings for several functions. You access the dialog by selecting the ‘ProSteel 3D/Options item via the context menu of the right mouse button when no objects are selected. Identical values for the corresponding ProSteel 3D-components resulting from these settings can be modified at any time for each part via the “Change PS Properties” command.

Most entries are explained with the individual functions; therefore just some settings will be explained in the following.

Options General settings

Grips Settings for grips and stretching; when no grip is entered for an object, the AutoCAD-command “Stretch” cannot be used. Shapes Settings for shapes

Straight Plates Settings for any kind of plate (poly-plates) Bolts Settings for bolt display

Work Frame Settings for work frame Assembly Settings for assemblies

Values Settings for resolution of circular volumes for volume patterns (Facet-Modeler)

LogLinks Settings for links between elements Revision Settings for modification control Display Settings for display

Colours Settings for the element and other highlighting colours Monitor Settings for the display monitor in the dialogs

Configuration Settings for iso-views, layers, flat steel tables Dialogs Settings for all dialogs are specified.

Files Access to the most important system files; this is only visible in expert mode (see Dialog settings).

Global Settings

Options

Analysis View For shape properties, an additional tab for the static view is available. If this option is not required, you can deactivate it here generally.

Double Click The part properties can be processed by double clicking the part.

Unit Dialog You are asked at the beginning of a new drawing in which unit system you want to work (metrical or British). Otherwise, the current AutoCAD-setting will be adopted.

As the consequent use of the same unit system within a drawing is indispensable for the correct display of shapes, the modification of the system variable MEASUREMENT that is responsible for this can cause unwanted results.

This option grants that the once selected unit system is kept and a corresponding hint will be displayed in case of (mostly unwanted) modifications.

Enable DSTV The shape and bolt designations in a parts list are named according to the latest DSTV standard.

Global Settings

Remove Modifications Drill holes e.g. which lie outside of the shape after a length modification has been performed, are deleted automatically.

Remove Links Logical links, which haven’t any meaning any more, are deleted when parts are deleted. During normal operation, this option should be turned on.

Remove References When the drawing is cleaned with the AutoCAD command “Purge”, in order to reduce the drawing size, unused shape references can be deleted after confirmation. Check DWG Each time the drawing is opened, it is verified with regard to

invalid group entries. In some cases, unexpectedly big drawings could be created which is avoided using this option. Recalculate Parts Internal calculations are not carried out by ProSteel each

time a part is „touched“, but only if it is really necessary. This shortens the processing time of some functions.

Group as a Whole This option permits selection of groups as a whole if the AutoCAD system variable “Pickstyle” has been set accordingly.

Convert Boolean In case of Boolean volume operations, the solid, which is responsible for the processing, will be parameterized. Thus it is possibly to modify the dimensions of the processing later, even if the solid responsible for the processing doesn’t exist any more (in the case it was e.g. only an auxiliary object and has been deleted again).

Ignore Detailing In case of Boolean deduction of parts, the component parts are deducted without detailing. Thus it is easier to switch over from Acis to Facet model and vice versa. However, it may be that not any detailing is carried out correctly.

Check Shape Lengths The shape lengths are automatically verified when a shape is inserted.

Check Hole Edges The admissible edge distances are automatically verified if drill holes are inserted.

Ignore Inner Contour

Description Layer Component parts are placed on the corresponding layer indicated in the description file

Global Settings

Execute Boolean When logical links are processed, the Boolean volume operations within the parts are carried out before a cut is made. The display of component parts can change by using this option.

Shapes as Acis New shapes are created by means of the Acis modeller. Plates as Acis New plates are created by means of the Acis modeller. Log Dwg Input A log file is created when a file is opened.

Grips

Shapes

Modify Length A grip is created for length change (or for position change) and all measurements can be altered.

Move Cuts A grip is created for the section. You might now have one grip for changing the length and one for changing the section.

Global Settings

Please note: When you move a section grip in a way to shorten the length of the shape, the length grip is moved simultaneously.

When you move the length grip over the section grip, the shape will be cut off at the same spot, because you have not moved the sectional plane. When you move the section grip over the length grip, you eliminate the section from the shape (although the sectional plane remains at the section grip) the section grip “seizes” the sectional plane, while the length grip “seizes” the shape length. When you stretch a cut shape, the section angle within the shape remains the same, just like in reality.

Move Holes Drill holes receive a grip and can be moved. Otherwise they remain where inserted when the shape is stretched.

Move Polycuts Poly-sections receive a grip and can be moved (the original form of the poly-line is stored; therefore you only move the line). Otherwise, the section remains where inserted when the shape is stretched.

Only Along Center Line Shapes can only be stretched along their axis, i. e. a change of position is not possible.

Layout When you have entered a value > 0 in this input field, the length of the shape can only be changed via grips in preset modular steps. When you have entered 0, any kind of change can be performed.

Plates

Modify Plate Size A grip for changing thickness is displayed, in all other cases only form changes can be performed.

Move Cuts All other plates fields have same definition as the shape fields. Please refer to this chapter for more detailed information.

Global Settings

Shapes

With the exception of the additional dialog tabs and some specifications, most of the settings can be found under the section describing the shape properties. Offset Centre Line You specify the length beyond which the centre line has to

exceed the shape ends.

Maximum Shape If you enter a value bigger than 0 and you have checked the entry ‘Verify Shape Lengths’ under ‘Options’, and shapes are inserted, a message is displayed drawing your attention to the fact that the maximum delivery length is exceeded by some shapes.

A hint dialog appears and the corresponding shapes are highlighted in colour.

Global Settings

Shapes...Labels

In the 3D-model a shape labelling can be displayed additionally, the configuration of which is set here.

Text Size Enter the text size of the shape labelling.

Distance Enter the distance between labelling and the upper side of the shape. However, don’t forget that the actual size depends on the set global scale of the drawing.

Position No. Prefix This designation is put in front of the position number. Text Style The AutoCAD text style for the labelling text

Global Settings

Label The name of the shape is additionally added to the labelling. Position Number The position number is additionally added to the labelling. Length The length of the shape is additionally added to the labelling. Note2 The content of the note2 field is output as well. If the ‘Below’

Global Settings

Dynamic The text of shape labelling is dynamically adjusted to the view for depictions in paper area if the “Viewport- support” has been activated.

The advantage is that the text has the same size independent of the scale in the view window. Select the AutoCAD text style to be used for the labelling in the selection list Text Style. Shape Type not to be labelled In this input field you enter the shape types,

which have to be excluded from labelling. The advantage is that only shape sizes differing from a default value will be output individually.

Shapes...Sketch Display

Sketch Size

Sketch Length You can enter the length of sketch display from the centre in the Value input field below to outline the shape as solid. If you enter the value 0, the result will only be a cross-section display at the centre.

Global Settings

Relative Length You can enter the relative size of sketch display related t o the overall length of the shape in the Value input field below. End Offset You can enter the distance of the end points of the displayed

system line towards the actual insertion points in the ‘Value’ input field below.

Layout

Insertion Line The insertion line of the shape is displayed as system line of the shape (which could for example be the upper edge). Middle Line The middle line of the shape is displayed as system line.

Here, you can see an example for a sketch display as well as some corresponding dimensions:

Global Settings

Shapes...Name Conventions

Input Fields Here, you can indicate a general default consisting of format variables and constant designations for the indicated shape type in question.

All format variables are placed in round brackets and start with a $-symbol outside the brackets. Thus they can be identified as variables at once. This is followed by the format

specification for the desired dimension.

Format Specifications:

$(W) shape width $(H) shape height $(T) shape thickness

$(D) outside diameter in case of round shapes or edge length at square shapes

Global Settings

Shapes...Flat Steel Selection

Select from List Dimensions of e.g. end plates which are preferably produced of flat steel can only be selected from flat steels existing in the database.

When the option is not activated, you can indicate any lengths and widths.

Metrical/Imperial

List Here, you select the kind of shape designation from the selection lists depending on the unit system of the model. Places after Decimal Point Here, you specify the accuracy of the

dimensions in the list display depending on the unit system of the model.

E.g. it is possible to nevertheless use the American designations in models with metrical unit system and to have them displayed with a higher accuracy than metrical designations would normally permit.

Global Settings

Straight Plates

With the exception of the additional dialog tabs and some specifications, most of the settings can be found under the section describing the shape properties.

Grid lengthwise Here you enter the lengthwise grid distances if a grid is to be displayed.

Grid cross-wise Here you enter the cross-wise grid distances if a grid is to be displayed.

Grid Length This is where you specify the maximum grid length running from the outer edge of the plate or from existing inner contours. If you enter the value 0, the plate will be displayed with a complete grid. This option permits you to display the plate without complete grid. The display is limited to the contour edges. Shapes that are situated below remain visible by this way.

Grid Height Enter the grid height here.

Grid = Thickness The grid height always corresponds to the current plate thickness.

Global Settings

Offset Middle Line If you selected the display as middle line, this is where you enter a projection of the middle line over the two plate surfaces.

In contrast to shapes, the centre line of plates is not running along the longitudinal direction but along the plate thickness.

Input Thickness You can indicate the plate thickness in the insertion dialog, as you like. Otherwise, only the values of a selection list are available (preference values).

Volume Weight The weight of the plates is determined by the volume.

Plates...Labels

Since this dialog tab is identical with the shape labelling, please refer to this chapter for the meaning of the input fields.

Global Settings

Plates...Description

Standard Plate Name

Name of the plate when it has been created by means of ProSteel 3D.

Desired Plate Name

Name of the plate which has to be used for PPS- / NC-output.; Keep this name later, otherwise there will be compatibility problems with output.

Description of Name Here, you specify the format default of the plate name as it is used e.g. at labelling and in the property fields.

Position Flags Here, you specify the format default of the plate name in position flags.

Export Here, you specify the format default of the plate name at the export of parts list data.

Format Default Structure:

The names like e.g. $(N) serve as variable for the current value of the corresponding plate and are explained in the dialog itself. The ‘Name’ of the plate is the constant part like plate, grating, etc.