Basics I.
– bocad-3D Editions –
Basics I.
Version of Manual: 14.02.2005
Am Umweltpark 7 D-44793 Bochum
Hotline: 0234 / 9 64 17-85 Monday to Friday: 8 until 12 o’cock
Hotfax: 0234 / 9 64 17-86 12:30(pm) until 4:30 (pm)
Contens
1. General . . . 1
1.1. History of bocad Software GmbH . . . 1
1.2. Hardware equipment of a bocad-3D workplace . . . 2
2. Establishment of a project . . . 3
2.1. Program starting . . . 3
2.2. File: New / Open . . . 4
2.3. Rules concerning directory names . . . 5
2.4. Input of project data . . . 5
3. Operating of bocad . . . 7
3.1. Program surface . . . 7
3.2. Symbol bars . . . 9
3.3. Pickmodus . . . 10
3.4. The mouse in bocad . . . 11
3.5. Keyboard layout . . . 12
4. Input of grid data . . . 15
4.1. Geometrical construction, coordinate directions . . . 15
4.2. Replicator sign . . . 16
4.3. Axis-row-level names . . . 17
4.4. Structure: Modify properties . . . 18
4.5. Create grid . . . 19
4.6. Delete grid . . . 20
5. Main views . . . 21
5.1. Change . . . 22
5.2. Additional ! Main view . . . 22
5.3. Create via grid elements . . . 23
5.4. Create via points . . . 24
5.5. Delete . . . 24
6. Creating points . . . 28
6.1. Rule of signs . . . 29
6.2. Tools . . . 32
6.3. Angel, arc, circle . . . 34
7. Creating of members . . . 37
7.1. Indication of the files describing members . . . . 38
7.2. Shifting of members in longitudinal view . . . 41
7.3. Shifting a member with the help of member anchors . . . 44
7.4. Creating of members in side view . . . 47
7.5. Creating of plates . . . 49
8. Editing of members . . . 51
8.1. Length modification . . . 51
8.2. Volume operations . . . 55
9. Work on outline plates . . . 58
10. Welded connections . . . 62
10.1. Automatic weld seam . . . 62
10.2. Controls: Info Connection . . . 64
11. Bolted connections . . . 65
11.1. Terms . . . 65
11.2. Controls . . . 69
11.3. Work on bolt groups . . . 70
12. Backup procedure . . . 80
12.1. After automatic query . . . 80
12.2. Planned saving a point of procedure . . . 80
12.3. Saving when ending a session . . . 81
12.4. Behaviour in case of program crash . . . 82
13. Phases . . . 84
13.1. Creating a phase . . . 84
13.2. Changing a phase . . . 84
13.3. Controlling and editing the phase . . . 84
1. General
1.1. History of bocad Software GmbH
1972 Development of a 3-D model for the steel construction
Decision in favour of a computer oriented 3D model which contained the first ideas at the chair for steel construction at the Ruhr University Bochum
Basic functions for operations in the field of geometry, hidden lines, etc. Development of a design language for steel construction companies
1977 Delivery of the first CAM program units Shop drawing program
First post processors for NC machines
First 3D CAD program for the steel construction (CADBAU3)
1980 Foundation of the bocad engineer community (GbR) First merely commercial installation of CADBAU3
1983 Foundation of bocad Software GmbH (31.08.83)
Business goal: Development, maintenance, distribution and training of software for the building industry
15 companies use CADBAU3 as a mere batch system
1986 First installation of the graphically interactive version of bocad-3D
First application now as well in smaller companies and engineering offices Modification of the program name form CADBAU3 in bocad-3D
First installation of the graphically interactive version (GKS) with tablet
1991 First installtation of bocad-NC
1992 Moving in the own company building
1993 First installations with MOTIF surface First installtation of bocad-3D Roof & Wall
1994 First installtation of bocad-3D Glazing
1996 First PC version of bocad-3D First installation of bocad-ST
First installation of bocad-3D Expert Tower
2000 First installation of bocad-PMR
First installation of the new bocad-3D Roof & Wall module IAI interface
First CNC -interface in metal constructionMembership in the Open DWG Alliance
First installation of bocad-3D Expert Small Fabricator
2003 Starting of bocad-NC version 7.5
2004 Starting of bocad-3D Editions and
bocad-3D Expert Small Fabricator in the versions 20 with Microsoft Windows surface
1.2. Hardware equipment of a bocad-3D workplace
Monitor / graphics board
" minimum requirement 20 or 21 inch CRT or 17 or 19 inch TFT mo-nitor
" graphics board with a minimum re-solution of 1,280 * 1,024 pixel
" Solution with two monitors is pos-sible
Printer
" Output of DIN A4 or DIN A3
" Colour or monochrome
" If possible HPGL2 or PCL5 (or higher) or for postscript
Computer
" Processor with recommended 2 GHZ timing
" with at least 512 MB main memory
" Sufficient hard-disc drive
(0.5 GB für bocad installation and with additional memory for project data)
" Operating system Microsoft Windows 2000/XP or Linux, eg. SuSe 9.0
" bocad hardware dongle and valid li-cense
Plotter
" Output in DIN A0
" Colour or monochrome
" HPGL2 or PCL5 (or high-er) or for postscript
Backup mediums " CD/DVD burner
" DAT drive
2. Establishment of a project
2.1. Program starting
The program starting of the bocad program can be carried out in two different ways. On the desktop (of the surface of the operating system) you will find an icon. By double-clicking or simple clicking in combination with the return button bocad will be started.
Another alternative is to change via the start bar of Windows below the menu point programs
into bocad and to load bocad-3D.
bocad will be now be started and two windows will appear. First a DOS window will appear.
Here the bocad program will be started. The DOS window will
be registered automa-tically into the start bar. It should not be closed while working with bocad-3D becau-se that will caubecau-se a program crash.
After the start of
bo-cad the program will open with a license window which can be left by clicking the OK button in
order to get to the project processing of the program.
2.2. File: New / Open
Establishment of a new project
After starting the program a new project must be established before starting the design process. Choose the menu item File in the menu bar. In this context you will also find the term casca-de (comprises e.g. Saving, copying, creating of profiles, etc.) instead of menu bar.
After choosing the menu File you must use the function New. A new dialogue window will open. Here you can enter the name of the project.
File cascade
Creating a new project Display of already
exi-sting projects. If requi-red, you can Delete or overwrite with OK mar-ked projects.
Entry field for the project name.
Here you will receive an informative survey con-cerning the project data for a marked project in the left area.
Preview window for al-ready existing project-related drawings.
2.3. Rules concerning directory names
There are the following rules concerning the project names:
" Project names are composed only of small letters (capital letters will automatically transfor-med)
" Special signs, such as ' ! " § $ % & / ( ) = ' as well as German special signs are not allowed and will be rejected
" Numbers may be used
" Space characters in the project name are not allowed. Individual words, however, may be connected by '_' (underline)
After confirming the new file name by pressing the OK button, a file for the new project will be created below the project directory ([installation drive]:\bocad\project). All data concerning the project will be stored in that file. Those data include e.g. all created members, created drawings or parts lists, but also project-related settings you carried out in bocad.
2.4. Input of project data
After establishing a new project you can determine more details. These details are always available in the current project and can e.g. be evaluated for the parts lists or the drawing ge-neration. The dialogue box bocad Start new project has two different input areas: the area above is for the input of project data; the area below is for the definition of a basic grid (we will later give more details about that):
Examples for permissible names Examples for not permitted names
small_hall Extension of a STEELHALL (no use of underlines)
roof_2004 canopy_(1265)
(no use of special signs)
Entry area for project data
Entry area for project data the ba-sic grid
Visualization of the basic grid at activa-ted preview
Considering now the area above, you will find four entries. But there are more entries in that box. Click on the tab Details in order to make those entries visible:
Now you can set more entries. Theses entries can be modified later by the menu point Struc-ture choosing the function Project data.
Here no rules, such as during the determination of the project name, must be observed. Click the mouse in the corresponding line in order to enter the name (be sure to delete the default underline; otherwise it will appear again later).
Tab for extended project data
3. Operating of bocad
3.1. Program surface
The program surface consists of the main window with the menu, icon and status bar and the working area. In that area you can open and arrange (member) views for your project proces-sing in subordinate windows.
Menu bar
The menu bar is below the header of the main window and contains all processing functions of the program (arranged according to subjects). Click a menu point in order to open the required menu cascade.
Cascade
In the documentation of bocad the individual menus are also called cascades. There you will find the functions of a selected menu. By clicking on the relevant entries you will start the re-quired program function.
Standard area for icon bars
Headline of the main window
Menu line Working area
Trace window (here minimized) View window Status line
View window with basic dimetry
Status Line
You will find the status line at the bottom of the program window. It is subdivided into five hori-zontal areas. In the individual areas you will find information about:
Display of input readiness: That function will show you, similar to a traffic light, whether at the moment a program input is possible or not (e.g. during longer calculations or a security query).
1. Display of the message. After choosing a function via the menu you will receive information about each function you want to carry out.
2. Display of the currently chosen working or design step.
3. Display of the currently chosen pick mode (compare chapter Operating of bocad: pick mo-de).
4. Display of the phase plane. Here you see the phase plane you are working in. As long as you do not create a new phase plane, all design Steps refer to Phase plane 1: design Stepp (compare chapter Phase plane).
Trace window
An additional window of the working area opens automatically when starting the program and
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Areas of the status line
Program is occupied Program entry possible
The trace window has the same functions as the views windows. It can, however, not be clo-sed.
3.2. Symbol bars
All important functions of the bocad system can not only be realised via the menus but as well via categorised symbol bars. Since in real working conditions never all existing symbol bars are required at the same time - “and the simultaneous representation of some hundred individual symbols would be extremely confusing” - , the necessary functions can be determined indivi-dually, depending on the working condition and habit.
3.2.1.Example: Activate symbol
bar
Procedure
" Drag your mouse pointer to the menu bar
" Click the right mouse button in or-der to open the context menu (see right side).
" Choose a menu entry, e.g. View.
Result
The context menu will be closed and, during the first choice, the chosen symbol box will be automatically regi-stered above, in the second line. The-re you can also The-remove the box and place it individually at any place of the working area.
If you have already activated a box before and placed it to another place, it will be placed at the former place in case of a new activation.
If you open again the context menu - as explained before – you will see a check mark in front of the menu entry of the selected and visible symbol box. That check mark indicates that the relevant box is activated and visible on the screen.
Trace window
The check mark in front the entry indica-tes that the symbol box is already activa-ted, i.e. it has already been placed!
Via Line up you can arrange the symbol boxes automatically. By clicking the entry all activated symbol boxes will be summa-rized forward or up-ward, i.e. in a place-saving way.
3.3. Pickmodus
The pickmodus is a means to facilitate the easy and direct selection of elements which are very close together. The correct selection of the pickmodus thus makes it possible to work precisely and to avoid unintentional entries. The activated pickmodus will always be displayed in the sta-tus line and permits only the marking of the elements listed in the following survey:
For many functions, the selection of an adequate pickmodus is a significant working step. If the function Delete a member, for example, requires the marking of a member and the pickmodus is set on pick points, at that place no member can be chosen and the function can only be ter-minated when an adequate pickmodus is selected.
The function-oriented working is an essential feature of the pickmodus. Any modification of the pickmodus will be valid for each step of the current function. Thus the pickmodus will not be maintained until the next manual modification but will be switched into the latest modus or into a reasonable default modus for every function and every working step. From that point of view
Members
(catches member edges and edges)
Bolts
(catches all connec-tions, except for pop marks, welds and struct. connections)
Member, bolts and points
Points
(catches grid, pick and database points)
Text
(catches any texts as e.g. designations of axes) Weld seams (catches only weld seams) Dimensioning
(catches all dimen-sioning elements)
Plots-Lines (cat-ches graphic
elements) Any(catches any
ele-ment types)
Free
(enables free mar-king without refe-rence to elements)
3.4. The mouse in bocad
Left mouse button = functional button ! Choose functions:
Click the menu entries by a simple pressing of the mouse button;
! Choose elements:
Depending on the required function pick e.g. a grid, point or member by a simple pressing of the mouse button;
! (Individual) choice of element:
Press the shift button on your keyboard and keep that button pushed. Now pick step by step all required elements by a simple pressing of your mouse button;
Execution of the function Splitting members
First functional application Second functional application
Members
(Indication in case of this function)
First step:
Select member to work on
Members
(Indication in case of this function)
Points (will here be manually changed
to free)
Second step: Indicate section plane
free
(stored from last functional application)
Members
(Indication in case of this function)
Third step:
Select waste side of the member
Members
(Indication in case of this function)
Pickmodus at the beginning of each working step
Behaviour of the pickmodus concerning function and working step
Functional
Representation button
Parameter button
The mouse on the mousepad leads the cursor on the screen.
! Confirm choice of element (individual):
Confirm your choice of element by double clicking the latest element.
! (Multiple) choice of element:
Press you left mouse button and keep it pressed. Now draw a frame around your selected elements. Then release the button. When you draw the frame from the left side below to the right side above, all elements within the frame will be selected. If you proceed the other way around (i.e. from the right side above to the left side below), all elements which are positio-ned and in touch with the frame will be marked as selected;
! Confirm choice of element (multiple):
Press the return button on your keyboard if you want to confirm elements you selected with the help of a lasso.
Middle button = Representation button ! Refresh representation:
Press again the middle mouse button. Thus "empty surfaces" as the result of deleting ele-ments can be filled again with still existing eleele-ments (e.g. grid lines).
! Zoom in:
Press the middle mouse button and keep it pressed. Now draw a frame around the area you want to represent.
! Zoom out:
If you want to return the last representation after zooming something out, simply press the middle mouse button;
! Shift representation:
Press your middle mouse button and keep it pressed. Now draw a narrow frame in order to shift the view. If you draw the frame from the left side below to the right side, the represen-tation will be shifted to the right side, from the right side to the left side you will achieve a shift to the let side. The same function can be achieved for the other two directions. the width of the shift will be determined by the length of the frame.
Right button = Parameter button ! Load parameter box:
After choosing a function you can load the relevant parameter box by a simple pressing of your right mouse button. In the parameter box you can carry out special settings for the function.
3.5. Keyboard layout
Especially in the case of frequent working steps the use of keyboard commands can be very much quicker than the input with the help of the mouse and menus. Such keyboard commands or short cuts are also available in bocad.
Explanation of functions of keyboard combinations
The individual function of keyboard combinations is dependent on the context of the relevant application. Such contexts are:
! Input of coordinates,
Input of coordinates (K)
In this context, the coordinates for further processing within the current command will be deter-mined.
polygonal Lasso (L)
In this context, the elements within the polygonal frame for further processing within the current command will be determined.
Selection of elements (E)
In this context, the elements for further processing within the current command will be determi-ned (picked, selected).
Selection of command (H)
Here you can repeat former commands which are also known as history function.
Initial context (I)
After starting the program or if no command is activated you are in the initial context.
Explanation of keyboard combinations exceeding the context
The graphic Undo will be activated for each window. The indicator is the system menu icon. This window is protected against modifications in the model as long as the graphic Undo is ac-tivated. After deactivating the graphic Undo or closing the window or the drawing file the Undo information will be no longer available.
There is no additional keyboard input for the initial context. The following additional keyboard combinations are valid in the context of the selection of commands.
BREAK (Interrupt.), CANCEL
Abort of the current command, leave the current con-text, return to the initial context
Ctrl+k, Page-Up Change into the context of selection of commands, at the same time selection of preceding commands Ctrl+c Copy of element references in the intermediate storage,
abort of the current command
Ctrl+v Use of the reference element from the intermediate storage at a coordinate which has to be entered
Ctrl+z Model-Undo
Shift+Ctrl+Z Model-Redo
Shift+A Refresh view (new drawing)
Shift+D Recalculate the current section, if necessary with call Shift+U Starting graphic Undo for the current window, a red
icon will appear on the left side above in the system menu
Ctrl+U Deactivating graphic Undo for the current window, a blue icon will appear on the left side above in the system menu
(minus) Graphic Undo
+ (plus) Graphic Redo
Ctrl+TAB Browsing opened windows in bocad one after another, i.e. activate and load into the foreground.
Explanation of the keyboard combinations for the element selection
Explanation of the keyboard combinations for the polygonal Lasso
Explanation of the keyboard combinations for the input of coordinates
The keyboard combinations for the context of the selection of elements are also valid for the context of the input of coordinates:
Ctrl+j, Page-Down Selection of the next command in the list Ctrl+k, Page-Up Selection of the preceding command in the list
Enter, Return Execute the selected command and leave the context
of the selection of command
t Place pickmodus on members
s Pickmodus on members, bolts, pickpoints
p Pickmodus on points
b Pickmodus on any element
a Place pickmodus on text
f Free pickmodus
Delete Empty picklist
Backspace Remove last element from picklist Return, Enter Confirm picklist, start action
left Go the beginning of the picklist, cancel selection Right, Shift+Return Take over element from preceding picklist Above, Ctrl+Return Take over all elements from preceding picklist
Below Reset last element
Ctrl+Backspace, Ctrl+Down, end
Reset last pick action (also Lasso) Insert Load context dialog (right mouse button)
ll Change into polygonal Lasso context
ESC, BREAK (Inter-rupt.), CANCEL
Abort of the polygon admission, leave the current con-text, return to the preceding context
Shift+A Refresh view (new drawing)
Enter, Return Execute the selected Lasso polygon and leave the po-lygon admission
u Set origin and width for coordinates from grid g Change into coordinates from grid
f Change to free coordinates
x Freeze the Y-coordinate, only X is variable y Freeze the X-coordinate, only Y is variable
oo Orthogonal modus, the respective major coordinate direction is variable, the smaller one will be frozen.
4. Input of grid data
4.1. Geometrical construction, coordinate directions
The grid forms a cube (and can only be created in that form). The cube will be defined by the input of the grid coordinates. The user chooses those coordinates at the beginning of every project. Here it makes sense to choose a grid with dimensions which are as similar as possible as those of the design. You can use e.g. the axes for the building as basis for the selection of the coordinates.
A selected grid can always be supplemented by new ones (e.g. for secondary members) or be edited later. Thus, a cube can also be taken as the basis of the design of complex buildings.
By defining the first basic grid the position of the global coor-dinate system will be determi-ned. All grids which are created later refer to that ori-gin, even if the first grid will be replaced by another one du-ring the design process. The zero point of the coordina-te syscoordina-tems is in the lower right corner of the basis dimetry. The first grid receives the grid number 0. The following grids receive serial numbers.
Considering the dialog box bocad Start New project, the input of the basic grid of the building (tab Project/Grid) has three groups of input lines: One line each in X, Y and Z direction with the corresponding designation of the grid (axis-row-level names).
Basic grid in bocad
Basic information concerning input
The basic input in x and y direction is always possible for relative values, i.e. the entered values describe the distances between the individual grid levels. The input of the value z will be made as an absolute value.
That default value can be modified by placing the following abbreviation (incl. double point!) in front of the catchment's values:
r: r: for a change form absolute to relative values a: a: for a change form relative to absolute values
You can also start with zero for the catchment's values. It can also be started with a negative value. If you use negative values the grid will not start in the original coordinates but in the cor-responding value before. In case of the following input:
x: -5000,1500,500,3500
the grid will start 5000 mm in negative x direction, then it will continue with a positive distance of 1500 mm, 500 mm and 3500 mm. In this case the original coordinates are within the grid (the original coordinates can be displaced via View / Edit / Properties).
Simple input of the values over individual sections
The following catchment's values will be separated by a comma. e.g.: x: 0,5000,2500,500,2500
A grid will be created with the distances of 5000 mm, 2500 mm, 500 mm and 2500 mm. In the case of z values the entered values are really levels and not distances like in the case of x and y. Thus the following input has the following meaning:
z: 0,1250,2750,5200
That levels will be created at 0, at 1250 mm, at 2750 mm and at 5200 mm.
4.2. Replicator sign
Reduced input of values in case of repeating sections
If you have sections with the same dimensions you can reduce the input of values. If you nor-mally write e.g.:
x: 0,2500,2500,2500
You can also define the repeating distances as follows: x: 0,3:2500
The result would be the same: In both cases, three sections with each a distance of 2500 mm will be created.
Reduced input of values in case of repeating areas
If you have areas with the same dimensions, you must not enter the values for these areas as follows:
x: 0,250,1000,1000,250,250,1000,1000,250,250,1000,1000,250
If you apply any of both notations, three areas with a distance of 250 mm, 1000 mm, 1000 mm and 250 mm will be established when the grid is created.
Note: You can as well combine the different notations in one input line. In this case be sure to separate the sections and areas by a comma.
4.3. Axis-row-level names
Standard designation of axis and rows
As a standard you will find in bocad numbers for the names of the axis - starting with the num-ber 1 – and capital letters for the names of rows – starting with the letter A. That allocation of numbers and letters is automatic if no other values are entered in the input lines for the names of the axis and the rows.
Modified designation of axis and rows
You can modify the standard designation of the axis by entering numbers, letters or combina-tions of letters. All entries of a line will only be separated by a comma. Here you will find some example for possible alternatives:
Note: The automatic designation of the alternative A’ which continues after B’ is for the time being not possible because bocad refers to the last sign and not to the first.
Level description
The default letter for the level description is K.That letter will be placed continuously in front of all level indications. If you want to have special designations for levels you must enter the re-quired designation for each level. If you enter for example an additional designation after the letter K, only the second level will receive that designation. The following levels will receive again the first input - the letter K.
Grid designations spelled/numbered backwards
Depending on the input for the names of axes and rows the order of the grid designations can be modified by clicking the icons / . Instead of continuing the usual way of counting or spelling the indicated letter / the indicated number will be spelled / numbered backwards by clicking the icons.
M By entering one letter or one number you will determine a new star-ting letter or a new starstar-ting number for the designation. If no other entries are carried out, the letters and/or the numbers of the designa-tion of the axis will continue automatically.
G,First,H If you have exactly three axes/rows, these will be designated in the above mentioned way. If you have more than three axes/rows, only the first three ones will be designated that way. The designation of the following axes/rows will refer to the last letter and/or the last num-ber and continue on that basis. Suppose the last entry would e.g. be First. The next designation of the axis would then be Firsu, then Firsv.
Examples of input for grid elements
4.4. Structure: Modify properties
Later you can modify properties of existing grids, both of the entire grid and individual grid elements.
In the menu entry Structure you will find the function Attributes in Grid element. When you load that function, a dialog box will open. In that box you can make the relevant settings for modifying grids:
4.4.1.
Grid name
Each created grid can have both an unambiguous (automatic) number and a grid name. Nor-mally, that name will be immediately determined at the creation of the grid. But you can also modify the name later by activating the option Grid name in the dialog box Modify properties in the area above in Grid and by entering the new name in the entry field on the right side.
Grid elements Input Result
Axes and rows B B, C, D, E, ...
9,14 9, 14, 15, 16, ...
3F 3F, 3G, 3H, ...
Level K K [Height]
Floor, eaves, roofridge Floor [Height], eaves [Height], Roofridge [Height] Floor+, eaves+, roofridge+ Floor+ [Height], eaves+ [Height]
roofridge+ [Height]
Later modifying of grid properties
In order to make modifications visible after the editing process, if they not appear automatically, you should recalculate at least in the current window.
Confirm you input with OK and the box will disappear and in the status bar of bocad will appear a message explaining the necessary steps of that function: Pick axis-row-level 1. Double click on any text element of that grid whose name shall be modified.
Note: The continuous recalculating of graphics would occupy too much capacity of the computer, especially in the case of bigger designs. You can, however, carry out any time a manual recalculating in any drawing window by clicking the icon .
4.4.2.
Name of element
As well as you can modify the name of the entire grid, you can also adjust individual designation elements. For doing that load again the dialog box Attributes.
Note: If you have modified the grid name during the preceding step, you can now open again the dialog box by clicking the right button of your mouse. This is a principle you will always find in bocad: once you choose a function, it will remain activa-ted until you choose another one. So long you can reach the parameters of the function by clicking your right mouse button.
Deactivate, if necessary, the option Grid name and activate then the option axis-row-level in the area Element. Enter the new name in the entry field on the right side and then confirm your input with OK.
Follow the information of the messages and pick one or several grid elements by clicking (for each element) your left mouse button. Terminate your input by double clicking. The selected grid elements will now receive a new name.
4.5. Create grid
Additional grids will be created with the function Grid: Create in the menu Structure. In that case it has to be assured that all values of grid data always refer to the global coordinate sy-stem.
Entering of vaules for additional grids
The settings of the new grid including the grid name will be set the dialog window of the function. If you want to create the new grid with a distance in x and/or y direction referred to the original point, you have to enter the values of these distances instead of the default zero value. Adjust the grids to existing ones in order to avoid that they are directly overlapping. Therefore, they should be continued in a logical way. New grids will receive in addition to their name as well an additional, continuously upwards counting grid number for their unequivocal identifica-tion.
4.6. Delete grid
If you want to delete a grid, be sure that always at least one grid will be left. Therefore it is not permissible to delete the last grid. For deleting a grid load again the menu point Structure > Grid: Delete. The dialog box Delete grid will open.
Mark the grid you want to delete by simply clicking your mouse button and leave the dialog box with OK. The query Delete correct? will appear. The grid will only be deleted if that query will be answered with Yes - that query will appear, however, only if you activated before the option Delete grid with query in the dialog box..
5. Main views
The designing process with bocad-3D is based in so called main views which represent two-dimensional planes within the global coordinate system. These working surfaces for the design process are defined by three points and each surface has an individual, local coordinate sy-stem.
The plane of the view always extends over the X and the Y direction with the Z axis showing from the plane into the direction of the viewer (similar to the three-fingers-rule). All functions concerning main view planes are below the menu point View.
Plane of main picture and coordinate system
X
Y
5.1.
ChangeDepending on the working process it will be necessary to change current design view in the main view window. Due to the default setting main views for all grid planes will already be crea-ted when the project is established. Activate the function View > Main view: Change in order to change into the currently displayed view.
All existing main views will be listed in the opening dialog box. The represented plane of the design can be changed by choosing a view and confirming it with OK.
5.2. Additional
!
Main view
In bocad it is possible to dispose more than one main view in the working area in order to work in several views at the same time. For doing that you can open an additional main view via the menu point View > Additional view: Main view. As well as in the case of changing the main view you must choose first of all an existing main view. After confirmation a dialog box will ap-pear in which you can adjust the representation type of the additional view.
After activating the option With new viewport and confirming the dialog box with OK, the pre-viously selected main view will be opened in an additional window.
Alternatively it is also possible to arrange different main views in one single window. For doing that the option With new viewport must be deactivated. After confirming the dialog you can
5.3. Create via grid elements
Creating views via grid elements is comparatively the easiest possibility to create new main views. If you want to create views for new grid elements or to modify the properties of an exi-sting view, based on the a.m. procedure, you only need to determine the position in order to define the view by indicating the corresponding axis, row or level.
The settings for this function are carried out after activating the function via View > Main view/ Create in the dialog box Create main view via point-grid-view and then the selection of the option Pick: Grid name.
This dialog box contains various settings. For the time being, however, only one setting is in-teresting for us. The options with axis or against axis permit the selection of the view direc-tion on a plane. Here the global coordinate system is referred to: Against the axis means against the direction of the positive glo-bal coordinate axis, i.e. you must determine from which side you want to look at the plane before creating the plane. Lets take a simple example: you can look at any surface of a cube from the inside (you are in the building) or from the outside (viewer stands in front of the building).
Since this function permits to create various main views in one working process, the view di-rections for axis, rows and levels can be switched separately. If you want to replace existing
X
Y
Z
X
Y
Z
main views, you must also activate the option Overwrite existing viewport. Otherwise a mes-sage would indicate that existing views can not be replaced.
After confirming the settings with OK, the dialog box will disappear and you can pick grid ele-ments in any view. Terminate your input by double clicking or pressing the return button and the new views will be created.
5.4. Create via points
The creation of the view via points will be carried out by indicating three points defining the pla-ne. The creation via points, compared with the automatic creation of a view, has the advantage that the adjustment of the plane can be determined by the order of the points. Activate the function in View > Main view: Create and in the opening dialog box by selecting the option Pick: 2-3 points. Enter the name of the plane you want to create in the entry line. You should use logical names for the planes so that the position can be easily recognized, e.g. axis_3, row_5, level_First, etc.
After confirming the dialog box with OK the message Pick plane point 1 between min. 2 and max. 3. During the picking process the currently entered point will be displayed in the message. You can use the basic dimetry for picking the points or any other view or spatial representation. In the later view, the first pikked point forms the origin of the coordinate system and is positio-ned below in the left corner of the view. The second point defines the direction of the X axis. Later, it will extend from the first to the second point and is positioned at the inferior edge of the view. The last point defines the direction of the Y axis. Here, it is not important whether the third point is orthogonally on the first one, but that point is only there for indicating the direction of the positive axis. Finally, you must confirm that point by double clicking or by pressing the return button. Thus the view is defined.
5.5. Delete
All created main views can as well be deleted. So you may delete, for reasons of clarity, unne-cessary views from the view list. The only main view you can never delete is the global plane. For deleting views choose the function Main view: Delete in the menu View. In the dialog win-dow of that function all existing views are listed. You select individual views by mouse clicking and confirming with OK.
Examples for creating views
The following examples shall give a practical understanding of the function of the described creation of views via points. The main focus will be on the connection between the picking or-der of the three plane points and the resulting view.
Picked plane and view direction
Example 1
First point: B1/bottom level
(origin)
Second point: A1/Bot-tom level
(defined X axis)
Third point: B1/level 3000
(defined Y axis)
X
Y
Example 1: Created main view
The result is a place corre-sponding to the grid element (axis 1). The viewer is outside the building looking at the in-terior of the building.
1.
2.
Example 2
First point: B2/Bottom level
(Origin)
Second point: B1/Bot-tom level
(defined X axis)
Third point: B2/level 4500
(defined Y axis)
Picked plane and view direction
X
Y
The result of this point order is a plane (grid element row B) which are viewed from the in-terior of the building.
Example 2: Created main view
1.
2.
Example 3:
First point: !1/level 3000 (origin)
Second point: A2/level 3000 (defined X axis) Third point: B2/level 4500
(defined Y axis)
X
Y
Picked plane and view direction
The result is a roof plane. The viewer looks from out-side at this inclined plane. Example 3: Created main
view
1.
2.
6. Creating points
When designing with bocad, the designer/engineer orientates himself with the help of different spatial points. That may be points created by grids (grid points) or by a member (e.g. outline points of a HEA profile) or via the menu point Points. In bocad there is a classification of dif-ferent types of points.
Grid points
Grid points are created via the grid input (compare Input of grid data). They are represented as
⊗
and are visible in all views and can only be deleted together with the grid elements.Pick points
Pick points are created via the menu Points or the symbol bar Points Normal. They are only visible in the view in which they were created and are represented as
⊗
, like grid points. They can either be deleted via the menu point Points (function Delete point) or via the symbol De-lete point.DB-points
DB-points are created by transforming existing grid or pick points. DB-points are visible in any view and are represented with a drawback line and a serial number.
You can delete them via the function Points > Delete point with the setting DB-points (or any) within the corresponding dialog box which will appear after clicking you right mouse button:
Points 2D/3D
Various functions in the menu Point either consider the creation of points in the plane (2D) or in the space (3D), for example, the functions Add or Projection. You will find in several functions the option With Z coordinate for distinguishing whether the creation of points will be carried out two or three dimensionally, i.e. whether the third axis shall be considered in case of picked points. Depending on you requirements that option can be switch in or off.
6.1. Rule of signs
All actions serving to create points refer to a previously created point (or to a grid point). Nor-mally a measure (in mm) or an angle (in grade) will be rotated from an existing point. These entries can be both positive and negative. It is also possible to enter repeating values as dis-cussed in the chapter Entry of grid data.
An angle in the bocad system is defined in the mathematically positive sense, i.e. it is positive if it turns anti-clockwise. You need a local coordinate system in order to enter a positive or ne-gative dimension. This coordinate system is defined by the order of the points.
As well as in the case of creating a plane the first clicked point is defined as the origin of the coordinate. The second point defines the direction of the x axis. The y direction is positioned vertically on the x axis. Therefore dimensions will be registered on their respective axis in de-pendence of their signs. Positive signs may not be written in front of a dimension. In case of negative values it is obligatory to set a minus sign.
6.1.1.
Perpendicular
With the function Perpendicular you can create one or several points from two existing ones. From the name of that function you can already recognize that the new point will then be
per-Point 1 Point 1 Point 2 Direction Sign
Y
X
pendicularly to the original points. Among other things, the dialog box Perpendicular shows the input line for entering the dimensions of the distances with their sign (if negative).
The input is a relative value. Therefore you can create several points with always the same distances. If you want e.g. to determine the geometric positions (points) of the rafters on a pur-lin, so you can enter 4 : 500 in the input line. As a result four new points will be drawn with a relative distance of 500 mm between each point. You may add additional points with different distances by separating them by commas.
After entering the dimensions you leave the box with OK In the message you will see Pick Point 1. After clicking the first point the message Pick Point 2 will follow. After picking point 2 the program will calculate the points and display them on the screen:
6.1.2.
Parallel
The function Parallel is similar to the function Perpendicular. Here two new points will be crea-ted in the defined distance, parallel to the two picked points.
As in the case of the creation of points via the perpendicular, the distance of the parallel points can be positive or negative. A - quicker - alternative for indicating a negative distance instead of a positive one is to reverse the pick order of point 1 and point 2.
6.1.3.
Lengthen
With the help of two points on the line a third one can be created in one distance. That distance
Point 1 Point 2 created Point D ist a n ce Point 1 Point 2 created Points D ist ance
the direction). In case of negative values the point will be created against the positive axis di-rection.
That function can as well be used in the 3D area. For doing that you will find the option with Z coordinates in the parameter box. If that option is activated you can create a point with 3D coordinates in a perspective view. For doing that you must pick the points in a perspective view. If you work with the same setting (option with Z coordinate active) in one plane, the point will be projected into the plane. .
Point 1 Point 2 created Point Distance Point 1 Point 2 created Point Dist ance
6.2. Tools
6.2.1.
Add
With the function Add you can create new points by adding distance values for the X, Y and Z axis with reference to existing points.
The input of 1:100 or only 100 in the line dx of an existing point in local x direction, for in-stance, will create a new point with a distance of 100 mm. Correspondingly, the input of 3:100 in the line dy will create three points with a distance of each 100 mm from the original point in the local y direction.
The input for the value dz will only be considered if the option With Z coordinate is activated and the original point is picked in a perspective view.
6.2.2.
Mirror
One important function in the point package is the function Mirror. Two picked points form the mirror axis (pick point 1 and/or pick point 2 of the mirror axis). After defining that axis you can mirror as many points as you like. For doing that you only have to pick these points (pickpoint 1, 2, 3, …). The last point will be confirmed with a double click or with the return button.
Point 2 created Point 3 Mirro r axis Point 3 Point 1 Point 1 of axis Point 2 of axis created Point 1 created Point 2
6.2.3.
Divide line
In the menu Point you will find the function Divide line. In the selection list of the dialog box you will find various possible settings for creating several new points via an existing line. The division of the line can be realised by Number of points, Maximum field length, Rest P2, Rest P1, Rest P1&P2 or Free input.
Division of line with Number of points
The division of line with Number of points divides a straight line represented by two points by a defined number of points. For doing that you can enter the number of intermediate points in the dialog box of the function. After confirming the box with OK you must then pick the two end points of the straight line in accordance with the indications of the messages.
Division of line with maximum field length
The setting with maximum length has a similar function as the setting with Number of points. However, instead of a number of points a maximum distance value will be indicated, i.e. the systems will calculate a regular division of the length which is smaller or equal in comparison with that dimension.
Division of the line with Rest P2 / Rest P1 / Rest P1&P2
These settings are similar concerning their functions. As in the case with setting with ma-ximum length an existing line will be divided. The division is, however, precise. Due to the precise division rests, i.e. lines will remain which are smaller than the indicated dimension. These can be distributed with different setting at different places. The rest lengths can either be distributed to point 1 (with rest P1) or point 2 (with rest P2). It is as well possible to dis-tribute regularly to both points (rest P1&P2).
Division of line with free input
With the help of this function you can realise a division of line between minimum and maxi-mum values. For doing that you must indicate the minimaxi-mum and maximaxi-mum values for the areas edge 1, field and edge 2. Then a regular division within these values will be created. The value delta defines the approximation of the values in millimetres. The bocad system always orientates itself to the maximum values. After confirming the dialog box the usual messages will appear.
6.2.4.
Intersection
The procedure of the intersection will calculate a new point on the basis of four given points, i.e. the intersection. After loading that function the message will ask for the first two points, i.e. the points of the first imaginary line. Then the points of the second line will follow. The two lines which may not be parallel will finally be intersected.
The function Graphic intersection offers a similar function. The only difference is that here no points but lines can be directly picked. These lines will then indicate as well the individual in-tersection.
6.3. Angel, arc, circle
6.3.1.
Rotate angle
In addition to the described function which are carried out with the help of X and Y coordinates, there are function working with angle functions. These functions include the function Rotate angle. That function creates a point on the circle arc via two pick points or via an indication of an axis which refers to the local coordinate system.
In the dialog box Rotate angle you must enter a degree number in the input field Angle. Here, the rule of signs is applied as well. If the default setting Basic line: Pick is switched on and the box left by confirming with OK, the message will ask to pick two points. After defining the ima-ginary line, a new point will be created. That point will be rotated around the first pick point in the indicated angle and the distance first to the second pick point.
Point 1 created Point Point 4 Point 3 Point 2 Point 1 created Point Angle Point 2
to a new point will rotate in the chosen Distance in direction of the local coordinate axis. Both signs and input rules are fully valid.
6.3.2.
Divide an angle in half
This function will create a new point via three pick points. First of all, the message will require a centre of a circle and then an additional point on an imaginary circle. The third point defines an angle which refers to the centre of the circle. The new point will rotate in the middle of the angle, on the circle.
6.3.3.
Divide arc
The function Divide arc creates any number of points, on an arc with regular division, via three pick points or two pick points and the angle data. For doing that, the following indication are required in the function's dialog box: angle if the option Angle is activated, and the number of points to be created.
After confirming the box with OK the pick points will be selected. The bocad system will then create in regular distances a new number of points limited by the second and third pick point
Pickpoint
created Point
Distance
(here in positive X-direction) Angle
Point 2 created Point
Point 1
or by the arc around the first pick point and limited by the angle.
6.3.4.
Intersection Circle - Line, Circle - Circle
In the menu Points > Circle intersection you will find the functions Line and Circle-Circle. With the help of these functions you can create new points as intersections to an ima-ginary circle. The first step for both functions is identical: first of all, a circle will be defined by two picked points – centre of the circle and radial circle point. During the following working steps this circle will be emphasised with the help of an helpline.
Intersection Circle - Line
Concerning this function, in the second step you must pick a line via two points. When calcu-lating the intersections the extension of the line will be considered as well. The new points will be created at both intersections with the circle.
Intersection Circle - Circle
In this function an additional circle will be picked in the second Step. The two new points will then be created at the intersections of the second circle with the first circle.
Point 3
Angle
Point 1 Point 2
created Points
7. Creating of members
In the basic setting of bocad you can create all standard profiles (such as UB, UC, RSC, RHS, etc), members with geometries to be determined (e.g. plates or bars), cold rolled sections (ZKRUPP, STABA, etc.) and catalogue profiles, e.g. for glazing and metal construction. Activate the function for creating of profiles in the menu point Members > Create profile. Then, typical for the working style in bocad, you can open the dialog box Create profiles < Members by clicking your right mouse button:
Selection of the profile type to be created:
"Standard profiles as well as profiles with geometries to be determined "Cold rolled sections
"Profiles from given or customers' individual catalogues
(Optional) preview of the set posi-tion parameter and the selected profile type - the eye symbol indi-cates here the view direction on the creating plane.
7.1. Indication of the files describing members
7.1.1.
Initial mark number
The initial mark number serves for preliminary numbering of crea-ted members. It is characterised by 'S' (for start position) and a number, e.g. 'S300'. The definite numbering will be carried out la-ter by the positioning.
The initial mark number has two properties. With the first property you can structure the num-bering process. So the entry (default is 1) indicates the start value for the numnum-bering of the po-sition number.
For example, you can link number starting with 300 to such members as e.g. roof purlins. For doing that you must enter 300 in the entry line. Unless you modify the number all created mem-bers will receive from now on an initial mark number starting with the set value 300 (nummem-bers will be counted upwards).
The other main function of the initial mark number is to set members in accordance with parts lists or to create them as null position. Null positions are members at the site as e.g. bases or as well steel components not belonging to the delivery scope; therefore, they receive the initial mark number '0'.
7.1.2.
Designation
The designation is a precise description concerning a member. For example, you can define a member, in addition to the name (profile), in its function, e.g. as support, beam, etc. You must not comply any convention when entering your description in the relevant entry line beside the designation. You can open a list containing various designations by clicking the button besi-des the entry line:
Note: The selected designation will be later a relevant distinguishing characteristic du-ring the positioning. Concerning other properties such as profile and lengths, identical members will be positioned with different numbers if they have different designations.
7.1.3.
Profile types
As mentioned before you will find various profile types as default entries in the bocad system. You must observe the designation of profiles in order to find them when they will be created. If you make no entry in the dialog box Create profiles < Members besides the button Profile and then click it you will open a profile list.
The profile list contains all standard profiles of the bocad profile database including all usual profiles in steel construction. In addition to the profiles of the list you can create profiles with individual geometries, at example plates PL (see the following tables concerning profile types). Now you can select the required profile form the profile list. The existing list is very extensive and the user will be faced with the problem to browse to entire list. One useful function in the window Profile list (as in other profile windows in bocad) is the possibility of jumping in the alphabetically sorted list by entering letters. For doing that you must mark any entry in the list with the help of your mouse. If you now enter a letter the mark will jump the first entry of this list beginning with that letter. By quickly entering a combination of letters (e.g. 'IP') you can also search profiles beginning with those letters.
The second search help for he profile list is a filtered list, i.e. the indicated list can be reduced to one certain profile type. For doing that you must first of all enter the name of that row in the entry line beside the button Profile, e.g. IPE. If you click then the button Profile you will only receive the profiles of the IPE row:
Of course, you have also the possibility in bocad to enter the profile type of a profile row direct-ly, e.g. IPE300. Especially in this case you must observe a particular notation (compare with the following tables).
Standard profiles
Profiles with individual geometric dimensions
Note: In the case of standard profiles you can use as well ½-I-profiles. For doing that you must enter e.g. 1/2IPE300 in the dialog box. In the case of plates there is for example an unlimited variety of geometries. Therefore, they are for the time being not included in the profile list. After shifting a plate this will automatically be adopted in this list.
7.1.4.
Materials
Via the button Material you can open a selection list which contains all usual material names.
Profile type Notation Example
HEA HEAh or HEhA HEA100 or HE100A
IPE IPEh or IPhA IPE300 or IP300E
Profile type Notation Example
Plates BLd*h BL10*240
Edged U-profiles BLUh*b*d BLU200*80*8 Edged L-profiles BLLh*b*d BLL200*80*8
Flat bar FLh*d FL100*8
Squared timber KHh*b KH100*30 [cm]
Rectangular hollowed MSHh*b*d MSH100*200*8 Rectangular section (RHS) MSHh*d MSH200*8 Square tube round-edged QRRh*d QRR200*8 Square tube sharp-edged QRSh*d QRS200*8 Rectangular tube
round-edged RRRh*b*d RRR200*100*8
Rectangular sharp-edged RRSh*b*d RRS200*100*8
Square VKh VK60
Tubes TUBEh*d TUBE100*8
Round iron bar ROUNDd ROUND10
Plate girder BTfh*fd*sh*sd BT300*30*1200*15
Acronyms: h = height w = width
th = thickness hf = height of flange tf = thickness of flange hw = height of web
7.2. Shifting of members in longitudinal view
In case of this type of creat a member with its longitudinal axis will be placed parallel to the re-ference plane. Normally the rere-ference plane is here identical with the plane of picking of that view in which the first member-defining point will be picked.
7.2.1.
Number of generation points
You can carry out the creating of members in long view via one or various points. The first pick-point always determines the origin or the start of the longitudinal axis. The following determi-nation of length and alignment of the member is dependent on the setting of the option Points.
:Creating via a point:
If you shift a member only by picking the original point you will determine the length of the member with the help of a fixed value to enter in the dialog window. The member direction will be calculated via the value Angle determining the rotation of the longitudinal axis of the mem-ber around the picked original point:
Line of sight on the reference plane (Z axis)
Rotation of the member around the original
Creating via two points:
If you create the member with the help of the setting 2 points, the first pickpoint will determine the origin and the second pickpoint the end point of the longitudinal axis of the member and thus length and alignment of the member:
The creating forms of profiles via n points and the creating of bended members will be treated separately in the Basics Volume II. in the chapter Curved members.
7.2.2.
Setting of the viewed face
There are different views depending on the position from which you look on the member.
bo-cad offers four different viewed faces in order to facilitate the placing of members in different
views: front view, top view, rear view and bottom view. These views can be set before shifting in long view. Front view is basically defined as the view on the web (in case of standard profi-les). In case of plates front view is defined as the view on the surface.
While an UB profile has only two different views, since the top and bottom view and the front
Line of sight on the refe-rence plane (Z axis)
Original and end point of the member
We recommend activating the option Preview in the dialog window of the function in order to check before the creating how the realised settings would influence the later position of the member in the reference plane.
The four available viewed faces in the example of an uneven L profile
Top view
Bottom view
Rear view Front view
In addition to the set viewed faces you can indicate a free angle for car-rying out more precise rotations around the member axis.
7.3. Shifting a member with the help of member anchors
7.3.1.
Member anchors
Up to now we took as a starting point that the position of a member will be determined alongside its middle axis between a picked original point and an end point – either picked or by entering a value. The position of the member and its anchorage in the reference plane is determined by the middle point of the profile and each 50% of the member is above and below the reference plane and the member is in the middle of the selected create axis:
If you want, however, that a member levels with its superior left profile edge at the create axis, you can modify the default anchorage of the member with the help of the setting matrix Loca-tion:
points always refer to external outline of a member. Depending on the profile type, those an-chor points do not touch directly the member:
So you can create a member above, in the middle of or below the reference plane by using the vertical setting matrix of the Position. By using the horizontal setting matrix you can align the member anchor with regard to the create axis to the left hand, in the middle or to the right hand. In any case one point of the external outline touches the create axis.
7.3.2.
Auxiliary shift
By entering a value for depth and transverse shift (DZ or DY) you can additionally shift the member anchor set in the location matrix in order to create a tolerance or an overlapping bet-ween the member and the create axis. The definite location of the member will thus be deter-mined by a picked axis and the corresponding anchor point on it and, additionally, by the set depth or shift in y direction.
The depth shift DZ will result in a shifting of the anchor alongside the Z axis of the reference plane. A positive shifting value will create a tolerance and a negative value an overlapping of member and create axis if the anchor is located at a vertical external point of the profile outline. If the anchor is located vertically in the middle, you will always shift upward. In case of a nega-tive value you will shift downward.
Z axis of the reference plane Depth shift of the anchor point
via a positive value:
Depth shift via a nega-tive value
Reference plane
Z axis of the reference plane Reference plane
Depth shift of the anchor point via a negative value:
