Pdms Design

PDMS
DESIGN
Reference Manual
Part 3: Elements and Attributes
Version 11.3
pdms1131/man31/doc1
Issue 181200
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Contents
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................1-1
1.1 About the DESIGN Reference Manual ................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Organisation of the DESIGN Reference Manual ................................................... 1-1
1.3 Organisation of this Manual ................................................................................... 1-2
2 The Design Database Hierarchy ..................................................................2-1
3 Introduction to Attributes .............................................................................3-1

3.1 Attribute Types........................................................................................................ 3-2
4 Administrative and Reference Elements.....................................................4-1
4.1 Administrative Elements ........................................................................................ 4-2
World Element (WORLD)........................................................................................ 4-2
Site Element (SITE) ................................................................................................ 4-3
Zone Element (ZONE) ............................................................................................. 4-4
Group World Element (GPWL) ............................................................................... 4-5
Group Element (GROUP)........................................................................................ 4-6
General Text Element (TEXT) ................................................................................ 4-7
Ground Model Element (GRDMODEL) .................................................................. 4-8
Site Boundaries and Roadways Element (BOUNDARY) ...................................... 4-9
Routing Plane Element (RPLANE) ....................................................................... 4-10
Penalty or Preferred Volume Element (PVOLUME) ........................................... 4-11
Datum Point Element (DATUM) .......................................................................... 4-12
5 Equipment and Civils Elements...................................................................5-1
5.1 The Main Equipment and Civils Elements ............................................................ 5-2
Equipment Element (EQUIPMENT) ...................................................................... 5-2
Process Subequipment Element (SUBEQUIPMENT) ......................................... 5-3
Structure Element (STRUCTURE)......................................................................... 5-4
Pipe Track Element (PTRACK) .............................................................................. 5-5
Substructure Element (SUBSTRUCTURE) ......................................................... 5-6
5.2 The Primitive Modelling Elements ......................................................................... 5-7
Nozzle Element (NOZZ)........................................................................................... 5-8
BOX Element (BOX).............................................................................................. 5-10
Cylinder Element (CYLI) ...................................................................................... 5-11
CONE Element ..................................................................................................... 5-12
Snout Element (SNOU) ......................................................................................... 5-13
DISH Element ....................................................................................................... 5-14
Circular Torus Element (CTOR) ........................................................................... 5-15
Rectangular Torus Element (RTOR)..................................................................... 5-16
Pyramid Element (PYRA) ..................................................................................... 5-17
Slope-Bottom Cylinder Element (SLCY) .............................................................. 5-18
Extrusion Element (EXTRU) ................................................................................ 5-19
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Solid of Revolution (REVO) ................................................................................... 5-20

Loop Element (LOOP) ........................................................................................... 5-21
Vertex Element (VERT)......................................................................................... 5-22
Polyhedron Element (POHE) ................................................................................ 5-23
Polygon Element (POGO)...................................................................................... 5-24
Drawn Line Element (DRAWI) ............................................................................. 5-25
Point Element (POINT) ......................................................................................... 5-27
Invisible Point Element (IPOINT) ........................................................................ 5-28
Tangent Point Element (TANPOINT) .................................................................. 5-29
5.3 Holes in Primitive Elements ................................................................................. 5-30
Negative Box Element (NBOX) ............................................................................. 5-31
Negative Cylinder Element (NCYL) ..................................................................... 5-32
Negative Cone Element (NCON) .......................................................................... 5-33
Negative Snout Element (NSNO) ......................................................................... 5-34
Negative Dish Element (NDIS)............................................................................. 5-35
Negative Circular Torus Element (NCTO) ........................................................... 5-36
Negative Rectangular Torus Element (NRTO)..................................................... 5-37
Negative Slope-Bottomed Cylinder Element (NSLC)........................................... 5-38
Negative Pyramid Element (NPYR) ..................................................................... 5-39
Negative Extrusion Element (NXTR) ................................................................... 5-40
Negative Solid of Revolution (NREV) ................................................................... 5-41
Loop Element (LOOP) ........................................................................................... 5-42
Vertex Element (VERT)......................................................................................... 5-43
5.4 Elements for Connecting Equipment to Steelwork .............................................. 5-44
Equipment Load Point Element (LOAP) .............................................................. 5-44
6 The Structural Elements...............................................................................6-1
6.1 The Structural Design Elements ............................................................................ 6-2
Structure Element (STRUCTURE)......................................................................... 6-2
Framework Element (FRMW)................................................................................. 6-3
Subframework Element (SBFR).............................................................................. 6-4
Primary Node Element (PNODE) ........................................................................... 6-5
Primary Joint Element (PJOINT)........................................................................... 6-6
Structural Section Element (SCTN) ....................................................................... 6-8
Generic Section Element (GENSEC) .................................................................... 6-10
Spine Element (SPINE)......................................................................................... 6-12
Spine Point Element (POINSP) ............................................................................ 6-13
Curve Element (CURVE) ...................................................................................... 6-14
Justification Line Datum Element (JLDATUM) ................................................ 6-15
Pline Datum Element (PLDATUM) ...................................................................... 6-16
Secondary Node Element (SNODE)...................................................................... 6-17
Secondary Joint Element (SJOINT) ..................................................................... 6-18
Primary Compound Joint Element (PCOJ) .......................................................... 6-20
Secondary Compound Joint Element (SCOJ) ..................................................... 6-21
SubJoint Element (SUBJ) ..................................................................................... 6-22
Fitting Element (FITT).......................................................................................... 6-24
Compound Fitting Element (CMFI)...................................................................... 6-26
Subfitting Element (SBFI) .................................................................................... 6-28
Generic Fixing Element (FIXING)........................................................................ 6-29
Routing Plane Group (RPLG)................................................................................ 6-30
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Contents
Routing Plane Element (RPLANE) ....................................................................... 6-31

Panel Element (PANEL) ....................................................................................... 6-32
Panel Loop Element (PLOO) ................................................................................. 6-34
Panel Vertex Element (PAVE) .............................................................................. 6-35
Panel Linear Joint Element (PALJ)...................................................................... 6-36
Section Linear Joint Element (SELJ) ................................................................... 6-37
Section Vertex Element (SEVE)............................................................................ 6-38
Panel Fitting Element (PFIT) ............................................................................... 6-39
Panel Cofitting Element (COFI) ........................................................................... 6-40
Compound Panel Fitting Element (CMPF) .......................................................... 6-41
6.2 The Stress Analysis Elements............................................................................... 6-42
Load Case Descriptor Element (LCDE) ................................................................ 6-43
Nodal Release Element (RELEASE)..................................................................... 6-44
Nodal Load Element (NOLO)................................................................................ 6-45
Nodal Displacement Element (NODI) .................................................................. 6-46
Section Point Load Element (SPLO)..................................................................... 6-47
Section Distributed Load Element (SDLO) .......................................................... 6-48
7 The Piping Elements.....................................................................................7-1
7.1 The Main Piping Elements...................................................................................... 7-2
Pipe Element (PIPE) ............................................................................................... 7-2
Branch Element (BRANCH) ................................................................................... 7-4
Branch Head and Tail ............................................................................................. 7-7
Restraint Element (RESTRAINT) .......................................................................... 7-8
Pipe Hanger Element (HANGER)........................................................................... 7-9
7.2 The Hanger Components....................................................................................... 7-11
Pipe Clamp Element (PCLAMP) ........................................................................... 7-11
Steel Clamp Element (SCLAMP) .......................................................................... 7-12
Hanger Element (HELEMENT)............................................................................ 7-13
7.3 Piping Components................................................................................................ 7-14
Attachment Point Element (ATTA) ...................................................................... 7-14
Bend Element (BEND) .......................................................................................... 7-16
Cap Element (CAP) ............................................................................................... 7-18
Closure Element (CLOS) ....................................................................................... 7-19
Coupling Element (COUPLING)........................................................................... 7-20
Cross Element (CROSS) ........................................................................................ 7-21
Duct Element (DUCT) ........................................................................................... 7-23
Elbow Element (ELBOW)...................................................................................... 7-24
Blind Flange Element (FBLIND) .......................................................................... 7-26
Filter Element (FILTER)....................................................................................... 7-27
Flange Element (FLANGE)................................................................................... 7-29
Fixed Length Tube Element (FTUBE).................................................................. 7-31
Gasket Element (GASKET)................................................................................... 7-33
Instrument Element (INSTRUMENT) ................................................................. 7-35
Lap-Joint Stub-End Element (LJSE).................................................................... 7-37
Olet Element (OLET) ............................................................................................ 7-39
General Piping Component Element (PCOMPONENT) .................................... 7-41
Reducer Element (REDUCER).............................................................................. 7-43
Standard Hook-Up Element (SHU) ...................................................................... 7-44
Tee Element (TEE) ................................................................................................ 7-46
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Trap Element (TRAP)............................................................................................ 7-48

Union Element (UNION) ...................................................................................... 7-50
Valve Element (VALVE)........................................................................................ 7-52
Vent Element (VENT) ........................................................................................... 7-54
Four-Way Valve Element (VFWAY) ..................................................................... 7-55
Three-Way Valve Element (VTWAY).................................................................... 7-57
Weld Element (WELD) .......................................................................................... 7-59
Index
Contents-iv PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

Version 11.3
1 Introduction
1.1 About the DESIGN Reference Manual
The PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual describes all the DESIGN commands
in detail. It also describes how the Design database is structured, the Design
database elements and their attributes.
DESIGN is normally used interactively. The Graphical User Interface (GUI)
provides discipline-based applications which help you to create, check and
report on the model. How to use the applications is described in user guides
and on-line help.
This manual is written for experienced users of PDMS DESIGN who need to
use commands; for example, to write batch macros or to customise the GUI. If
you are going to customise the GUI, you will also need to refer to the Cadcentre
Software Customisation Guide and Cadcentre Software Customisation
Reference Manual for information about PML, the Cadcentre programming
language.
1.2 Organisation of the DESIGN Reference Manual
The DESIGN Reference Manual has four parts:

• Part 1, General Commands, describes general DESIGN commands, which
are used, for example, for setting up the display, and querying and
navigating around the Design database.
In particular, it describes how to use the command syntax graphs,
which are used to show all the options available for each command.
• Part 2, Creating the Model, describes the commands for creating
database elements and setting their attributes.
• Part 3 (this volume) contains details of all the elements which can be
created in the Design database, their position in the database hierarchy
and their attributes.
• Part 4, Utilities, describes the DESIGN Utilities for data consistency
checking and clash detection, and for exporting DESIGN data to
programs such as REVIEW.
PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual 1-1

Partt 3: Elements and Attributes
Version 11.3
Introduction
1.3 Organisation of this Manual
Chapter 2, The DESIGN Database Hierarchy, shows all the Design database
elements arranged as a hierarchy.
Chapter 3, Introduction to Attributes, describes the different types of attributes
that Design database elements can have.
Chapter 4, Administrative and Reference Attributes, describes the Design
elements which do not have any graphical representation (Sites, Zones, etc),
and shows where they are described in the rest of the manual.
Chapters 5, 6 and 7 are the reference chapters for Equipment and Civils
Elements, Structural Elements and Piping Elements respectively.
Note: For a comprehensive list of PDMS attributes and pseudo-attributes,
see the Cadcentre Software Customisation Reference Manual.
1-2 PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

Version 11.3
2 The Design Database Hierarchy
This chapter shows the hierarchy of all the elements available in the Design
database.
WORLD
SITE GROUP WORLD
GROUP
ZONE BOUNDARY DRAWING GROUND Model
POINT POINT POLYGON

INVISIBLE POINT INVISIBLE POINT
TANGENT POINT TANGENT POINT
POINT
INVISIBLE POINT
STRUCTURE PIPE EQUIPMENT HVAC ROUTING BOUNDARY PENALTY PIPE RESTRAINT DATUM
PLANE VOLUME TRACK
POINT
See Figure 2-2 INVISIBLE POINT See Figure 2-2
TANGENT POINT
See Figure 2-6
Figure 2-1 The top levels of the Design database hierarchy

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The Design Database Hierarchy
ZONE
EQUIPMENT PIPE HVAC RESTRAINT
Design NOZZLE SUBEQUIPMENT BRANCH BRANCH HANGER

primitives
Design NOZZLE Piping HVAC SCLAMP

See Figure 2-5
primitives components components PCLAMP
HELEM
See Figure 2-5 See Figure 2-3 See Figure 2-4
Figure 2-2 The Equipment and Piping (including Hangers and HVAC
elements) hierarchy
ELBO BEND TEE VALVE

REDUCER FLANGE GASKET VENT
WELDOLET BLIND FLANGE FILTER COUPLING
STANDARD HOOK-UP THREE-WAY VALVE CAP WELD
FIXED TUBE LENGTH FOUR-WAY VALVE UNION TRAP
LAP-JOINT STUB END DUCTING CROSS CLOSURE
ATTACHMENT POINT INSTRUMENT
GENERAL PIPE COMPONENT
Figure 2-3 Piping components
AHU Air handling unit OFST Offset

BATTERY PLATE
BCRO Branch connector PLENUM
COWL SILENCER
DAMPER SKIRT
FLEX Flexible bend or tube SPLITTER
GASKET STIFFENER
GRILLE STRT Straight
HACC Access panel TAPER
HFAN Centrifugal fan THREEWAY
HSADDLE TP Test point
IDAM Internal damper TRNS Transformation
MESH
Figure 2-4 HVAC components

Version 11.3
These all have negative Other positive primitives: Other negative primitives:
equivalents which can be
POLYHEDRON which can own
owned by positive primitives:
POLYGON
CYLINDER
BOX
PYRAMID EXTRUSION which can own EXTRUSION which can own
SNOUT LOOP which can own LOOP which can own
CONE VERTEX VERTEX
DISH
CIRCULAR TORUS
RECTANGULAR TORUS SOLID OF REVOLUTION SOLID OF REVOLUTION
SLOPE-BOTTOMED which can own which can own
CYLINDER LOOP which can own LOOP which can own
VERTEX VERTEX
Figure 2-5 Design primitives
STRUCTURE
SUBSTRUCTURE DRAWING FRAMEWORK POLYHEDRON LOAD CASE ROUTING PLANE

DESCRIPTOR GROUP
design DRAWING POLYGON ROUTING PLANE

primitive PENALTY VOLUME
ROUTING PLANE
optional SUBFRAMEWORK
SECTION GENERIC SECTION PRIMARY NODE PANEL PANEL LINEAR JOINT
See Figure 2-7 See Figure 2-8 See Figure 2-9 See Figure 2-10
Figure 2-6 The top-level Structural elements hierarchy

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SECTION
SECTION SECTION POINT SECONDARY FITTING COMPOUND SECTION

DISTRIBUTED LOAD NODE FITTING LINEAR JOINT
LOAD
SUBFITTING SECTION
VERTEX
SECONDARY SECONDARY RELEASE NODAL NODAL LOAD

JOINT COMPOUND JOINT DISPLACEMENT
SUBJOINT
Figure 2-7 The hierarchy under Sections
GENERIC SECTION
SPINE JLDATUM
PLDATUM
POINSP CURVE
FIXING
Figure 2-8 The hierarchy under Generic Sections
PRIMARY NODE
PRIMARY RELEASE NODAL NODAL PRIMARY FIXING

JOINT LOAD DISPLACEMENT COMPOUND
JOINT
SUBJOINT
Figure 2-9 The hierarchy under Primary Nodes

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PANEL
PANEL LOOP PANEL PANEL FITTING COFITTING COMPOUND negative design

LINEAR JOINT PANEL primitives
FITTING
PANEL VERTEX PANEL VERTEX
SUBFITTING
Figure 2-10 The hierarchy under Panels

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3 Introduction to Attributes
All the Design attributes can be queried and set by the user. However, many
are automatically set as a result of DESIGN commands. Only the attributes
that you would normally set explicitly are described in full. The ones that are
set automatically are of interest because you can report on them.
Note that some attributes are used exclusively by PDMS modules other than
DESIGN. These are not described here.
Attributes can be divided into two categories:
1. General attributes occur throughout the database; they are common to
most elements. For example, OWNER (every element in the Design data
has an owner), POS (position), ORI (orientation), BUILT (true or false,
indicating whether it has been constructed on site or not).
2. Special Attributes belong to particular elements or classes of elements
and have specific meanings for those elements; for example, FLOWD
(flow direction) in a Branch.
The special attributes are either self-explanatory or are explained in the
context of the element under which they appear in this chapter. The general
attributes are best considered in terms of their effect on the Design Model, so
their meanings and applications are described in the earlier chapters.
Note: Some special attributes are only used for drawing control within
ISODRAFT or DRAFT. How the settings of these attributes are
applied is described in the ISODRAFT or DRAFT Reference Manual.
For a comprehensive list of all PDMS attributes and pseudo-

attributes, see the Cadcentre Software Customisation Reference
Manual.
In addition to their standard attributes, elements may have one or more user-
defined attributes (UDAs). These are set and used in the same way as
standard attributes, except that the UDA names are distinguished by being
prefixed with a colon (:) character. For further details, see the LEXICON
Reference Manual.

Version 11.3
Introduction to Attributes
3.1 Attribute Types
The following is a list of all the Design attribute types.

Name Attribute
Every element except the WORLD can be given a name. All names start with a
slash / and consist of any number of name parts separated by further slashes.
The maximum length is 51 characters. A name part consists of any string of
characters, letters, or digits, with the exception of $ or @. If the STAR
command (qv) has been used, the * character has special significance.
The names given to elements are purely for your convenience and have no
meaning in the system.
Examples: /HX42 /HX42/NOZ1 /16/23/NH4/H21/N4 /AREA3
Real Attribute
A real attribute holds a single real number (e.g. 25.5, -0.057, 25683.5, etc.).
Real attributes are generally used to store dimensions (e.g. DIAM, XLEN, etc.).
Integer Attribute
An integer attribute holds a single integer or whole number (e.g. 1, -2, 4000,
etc.). Integer attributes are used in Piping Components to identify connection
points (ARRIV, LEAVE); in Equipment Primitives to identify obstruction levels
for clash detection (OBSTR); etc.
Reference Attribute
A reference attribute holds a reference to another element. The attribute holds
the internal system reference number, e.g. =12/106, and not the name of the
element. Reference attributes are used to forge logical links between elements.
For example, the SPREF attribute is used to link a Piping Component element
in the Design to a Specification Component in a Specification. Note that a
reference attribute may be restricted to storing the references of particular
types of element (e.g. the SPREF reference of a Piping Component may only
contain the reference to a Specification Component element, i.e. an element of
type SPCOM). The restrictions on individual reference attributes are shown in
brackets with each attribute.
Logical Attribute
A logical attribute is either TRUE or FALSE. An example of its use is the
BUILT attribute in a Pipe which is needed to indicate whether the Pipe has
been constructed on site or not.
Word Attribute
A word attribute holds a string of up to four characters. Word attributes are
used, for example, to indicate the direction of flow in a branch (FORW, BACK)
etc.

Version 11.3
Introduction to Attributes
Text Attribute
A text attribute holds a string of up to 120 alphanumeric characters (e.g. ’HP
STEAM’). This string must be input between closing single quotes or,
optionally, between vertical bars (useful for entering imperial units, e.g.
|4’6|).
Real Array Attribute
A real array attribute holds more than one real number. For example, the
position attribute (POS) consists of three real numbers and represents the X, Y
and Z coordinates which define the position of an element.
Integer Array Attribute
An integer array attribute holds more than one integer. For example, the
LEVEL attribute consists of two integers and is used to control the level range
of drawing detail.
Reference Array Attribute
A reference array attribute holds more than one reference to another element.
For example, a connection reference array (CRFA) is used to hold the
connection links of a four-way valve (VFWA) or a CROSS.

Version 11.3
4 Administrative and Reference Elements
There are a number of elements in the Design Model whose range of

applicability is not confined to either Equipment, Piping or Civils. These
include administrative elements (e.g. WORLD, SITE, ZONE), and elements
which refer to restrictions and constraints set by the user (e.g. Penalty
Volume, Routing Plane). The elements and their attributes and Members are
explained in this section.

Version 11.3
Administrative and Reference Elements
4.1 Administrative Elements
World Element (WORLD) Administrative Element
Description: The WORLD is the topmost level of the design hierarchy within which
all other elements exist. It cannot be deleted or copied in the same way
that applies to, say, a ZONE or a BOX. Its existence is controlled
outside DESIGN by the ADMINISTRATION module of PDMS.
Attributes:
Name /*
Lock false
Legal Owners: None
Legal Members: SITE, GPWL, TPWL

Version 11.3
Site Element (SITE) Administrative Element
Description: The SITE is one level below WORLD and is the most significant
element that can be created, deleted, copied or moved. Each SITE may
represent a geographical or administrative division of the plant.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /*
Position E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Orient Y is N and Z is U
Function unset 120 character text
Purpose unset 120 character text
Number 0
Area 0
Module unset
Legal Owners: WORL
Legal Members: TEXT, ZONE, BOUN, DRAWI, GRDM, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE,
PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Zone Element (ZONE) Administrative Element
Description: The ZONE is the administrative element at the third level down the
hierarchy. It may represent a geographical or administrative division
of the plant and can directly own Equipment, Civils and Piping
elements.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Descript unset 120 character text
Number 0
Area 0
Module unset
Pspec Nulref Pipe Specification
Ispec Nulref Insulation Specification
Tspec Nulref Trace heating Specification
DUnion 0 DRAFT union (common edge) setting
Legal Owners: SITE
Legal Members: TEXT, BOUN, EQUI, PIPE, STRU, PTRA, PVOL, DRAWI, RPLA,
DATU, REST, HVAC, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Group World Element (GPWL) Administrative Element
Description: This is a subsidiary World that contains only GROUPs and is owned
by the main WORLD element.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /*
Legal Owners: WORL
Legal Members: GROU

Version 11.3
Group Element (GROUP) Administrative Element
Description: You may define as a GROUP any collection of elements in the

database, assembling these elements as a single GROUP unit.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Legal Owners: GPWL
Legal Members: None (but it can have offspring of any element type)

Version 11.3
General Text Element (TEXT) Administrative Element
Description: TEXT is a general element that can occupy most positions in the
hierarchy. It can be used to store additional information about an
owning or adjacent element.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Stext unset Up to 120 characters of text
Legal Members: None
Legal Owners: SITE, ZONE, EQUI, STRU, PTRA, PIPE, BOUN, DRAWI, GRDM,
SUBS, BRAN, REST, SUBE, FRMW, SBFR

Version 11.3
Ground Model Element (GRDMODEL) Reference Element
Description: Basic shapes and features in the site can be represented by Ground
Models. These may be natural occurrences like mounds or slopes. Each
Ground Model element is built up in exactly the same way as
POHEDRONS (polyhedrons) which are described elsewhere.
Restrictions on the form of Ground Models mean that they are of
limited use. Complex surface profiles are better approximated by a
‘dummy’ STRUCTURE containing any of the basic shapes.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Legal Owners: SITE
Legal Members: POGO, TEXT

Version 11.3
Site Boundaries and Roadways Element (BOUNDARY)

Reference Element
Description: For site layout features such as fences and roadways it will often be
sufficient to restrict modelling to lines and arcs laid out on a surface.
The BOUNDARY element allows this method of modelling by
positioning member POINTS, IPOINTS (invisible points) and
TANPOINTS (tangent points) to describe the required outlines. The
BOUNDARY can be thought of as a ‘high level’ basic element (its
identical low-level equivalent is the DRAWING, which can belong to
EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURES etc.). The BOUNDARY has the normal
drawing LEVEL attribute of a primitive, but no OBSTRUCTION (as it
is composed entirely of lines).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Legal Owners: SITE, ZONE
Legal Members: POIN, TANP, IPOI, TEXT

Version 11.3
Routing Plane Element (RPLANE) Reference Element
Description: This is a planar element that has special significance in pipe routing
(see Part 2 of the DESIGN Reference Manual), but may be used as a
general reference plane. See Part 2 of the DESIGN Reference Manual
for maore information about routing planes in Pipe routing and in
Steelwork Structures.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 1
Xlength 0mm
Ylength 0mm
Z
YLEN Y
XLEN
Figure 4-2 Special Attributes of RPLANE Elements

Legal Owners: ZONE, PTRA, EQUI, STRU, SUBS, SUBE (plus RPLG in Steelwork
applications).
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Penalty or Preferred Volume Element (PVOLUME)

Reference Element
Description: This is a BOX-like volume that has a special significance to the pipe-
routing function of DESIGN (see Chapter 13). DESIGN can determine
whether to treat a PVOL as a Preferred or Penalty Volume, depending
on the relative values of the WEIGHT attribute. Penalty Volumes are
generally used for roads, access ways etc.
Attributes:
Name /PVOL name
Lock false
Owner name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Xlength 0mm
Ylength 0mm
Zlength 0mm
Weight 1 1 1 Three integers indicating whether the PVOL is a Penalty
or Preferred volume
X
ZLEN
YLEN
XLEN
Figure 4-3 Special Dimensional Attributes of PVOL Elements

Legal Owners: ZONE, PTRAC, STRU, SUBS, EQUI, SUBE
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Datum Point Element (DATUM) Reference Element
Description: This point can be used as a reference position against which other
elements are located. It is shown as a set of axes with a local North
pointer.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Height 0mm Length of the datum symbol axes; see Figure 16-4.
Skey unset A code which indicates the symbol and annotating
text which is to be shown when the element is used
as a reference datum for ISODRAFT dimensions.
Stext unset Text used to amplify the element’s identity when
used as a reference datum for ISODRAFT dimensions
HEIGHT
Figure 4-4 Special Attribute of DATUM Element
Legal Owners: ZONE

Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
5 Equipment and Civils Elements
This section describes the elements of the Design hierarchy that are available
for modelling all non-piping (routed) items. The elements mentioned only take
on a physical appearance from the primitive shapes that they own. The
purpose of these elements is therefore to represent assemblies of primitives
that provide convenient and manageable items of plant - structures, pumps,
vessels, columns, stairways etc. In addition, they possess different Special
Attributes that can hold information relevant to their function, construction
status etc. This information can be reported on, in a chosen format, using the
standard PDMS reporting utilities.

Version 11.3
Equipment and Civils Elements
5.1 The Main Equipment and Civils Elements
Equipment Element (EQUIPMENT) Main Equipment/Civils Element
Description: The EQUIPMENT element represents process vessels, storage vessels,

heat exchangers, pumps and any other predefined item that is part of
the plant. The unique feature of this element is that it may own
NOZZLEs in addition to the normal primitive shapes. Pipework can be
connected to the Nozzles, thus making EQUIPMENTs intrinsic to the
process system.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Number 0
Area 0
Dscode Design Code (text).
Ptspec Paint Specification (text).
Ispec Insulation Specification (text). This does not directly control
insulation, but may be used to indicate insulation requirements
for all connecting Pipes. It must refer to an existing Specification.
Insched Inspection Schedule (text).
Skey A code which indicates the symbol and annotating text which is
to be shown when the element is used as a reference datum for
ISODRAFT dimensions.
StlRef Steel reference; e.g. a pointer to an associated substructure
representing a vessel support.
Legal Owners: ZONE
Legal Members: TEXT, NOZZ, BOX, CYLI, PYRA, DISH, CONE, SNOU, CTOR, RTOR,
SLCYL, POHE, DRAWI, PVOL, RPLA, SUBE, NBOX, NCYL, NSLC,
NSNO, NDIS, NCON, NPYR, NCTO, NRTO, LOAP, EXTR, NXTR,
REVO, NREV, RULS, NRUL, PANE, MNOZ, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE,
PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Process Subequipment Element (SUBEQUIPMENT)

Main Equipment/Civils Element
Description: The SUBEQUIPMENT element is similar to the EQUIPMENT element,
except that it is owned by an EQUIPMENT element and cannot itself
own SUBEQUIPMENT elements.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Number 0
Area 0
Dscode Design Code (text).
Ptspec Paint Specification (text).
Ispec Insulation Specification (text). This does not directly control
insulation, but may be used to indicate insulation requirements
for all connecting Pipes. It must refer to an existing Specification.
Insched Inspection Schedule (text).
Skey A code which indicates the symbol and annotating text which is to
be shown when the element is used as a reference datum for
Desparam Design Parameters. 100-fold real array used to convey data
between the Catalogue and the design.
Legal Owners: ZONE

Legal Members: TEXT, NOZZ, BOX, CYLI, PYRA, DISH, CONE, SNOU, CTOR, RTOR,
SLCYL, POHE, DRAWI, PVOL, RPLA, SUBE, NBOX, NCYL, NSLC,
NSNO, NDIS, NCON, NPYR, NCTO, NRTO, LOAP, EXTR, NXTR,
REVO, NREV, RULS, NRUL, PANE, MNOZ, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE,
PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Structure Element (STRUCTURE) Main Equipment/Civils Element
Description: The structural framework of the plant (for example, buildings, pipe
racks, equipment racks) can be modelled on a simple level using the
same basic set of primitive shapes available for Equipment (the main
difference being that such elements cannot own Nozzles).
The principal feature of the STRUCTURE element is its ability to own
SUBSTRUCTURES as well as primitive shapes, Routing Planes and
Penalty Volumes. This enables, say, a rack to be further divided into
beams and columns. (See also Section 6.1 for the use of this element in
designing Steelwork Structures.)
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Skey unset A code which indicates the symbol and annotating text
which will be shown when the element is used as a
reference datum for ISODRAFT dimensions.
Legal Owners: ZONE
Legal Members: SUBS, TEXT, BOX, CYLI, PYRA, DISH, CONE, SNOU, CTOR, RTOR,
SLCY, POHE, DRAWI, PVOL, RPLA, NBOX, NCYL, NSLC, NDIS,
NSNO, NCON, NPYR, NCTO, NRTO, (plus FRMW, RPLG, and LCDE
in Steelwork applications)

Version 11.3
Pipe Track Element (PTRACK) Main Equipment/Civils Element
Description: The Pipe Track is a type of STRUCTURE along which pipes are to be
routed. It is a special element for the automatic pipe routing function
of DESIGN; it cannot own SUBSTRUCTURES.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Legal Owners: ZONE
Legal Members: TEXT, BOX, CYLI, PYRA, DISH, CONE, SNOU, CTOR, RTOR, SLCY,
POHE, DRAWI, PVOL, RPLA, EXTR, REVO, RULS, PANE, TMPL,
SPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Substructure Element (SUBSTRUCTURE)

Main Equipment/Civils Element
Description: Minor structural elements such as beams, columns, walls, ladders and
staircases can be modelled with the standard set of basic primitive
shapes within a SUBSTRUCTURE element.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Number 0
Area 0
Profile unset Can be used as description of, say, steel section
being used (e.g. 200 x 200 uc).
Length 0mm Can indicate length of element; say the column
height. It has no physical significance - the real
dimensions of the member are modelled with
primitives.
Skey unset A code which indicates the symbol and
annotating text which is to be shown when the
element is used as a reference datum for
Legal Owners: STRU
Legal Members: TEXT, BOX, CYLI, PYRA, DISH, CONE, SNOU, CTOR, RTOR SLCY,
POHE, DRAWI, PVOL, RPLA, NBOX, NCYL, NSLC, NDIS, NSNO,
NCON, NPYR, NCTO, NRTO, EXTR, NXTR, REVO, NREV, RULS,
NRUL, PANE, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
5.2 The Primitive Modelling Elements
This section describes the elements that give the Equipment and Civils items a
real physical shape. They comprise standard solid shapes and a special
Component of EQUIPMENT items - the NOZZLE. These elements can all be
positioned and oriented within their owning item; in order to facilitate this,
they possess standard positioning points (p-points) which also allow connection
operations.
This comprehensive set of geometric shapes forms the physical information
from which non-piping items are constructed. Each shape has a set of special
attributes that give it a physical appearance, e.g. CYLINDER has attributes
DIAMETER and HEIGHT. All the primitives contain the attributes LEVEL
and OBSTRUCTION which allow them to be selectively drawn in DESIGN or
DRAFT, or clash checked in DESIGN. (DRAWI does not have an
OBSTRUCTION as it can only contain lines).

Version 11.3
Nozzle Element (NOZZ) Primitive Element
Description: NOZZles are significant to the Design because they provide the link
between an EQUIPMENT (which owns them) and a Pipe (BRANCH)
which is connected to each one.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Catref Nulref Provides physical description of NOZZLE directly
from
Catalogue. If unset, NOZZLE has no geometry.
Height 0mm Controls height of NOZZLE stem (assuming normal
Catalogue conventions are followed). See Figure 16-5.
Cref Nulref (Connection Reference) Usually set automatically
when a BRANCH is connected to a NOZZLE. Stores
name of connected BRANCH. If unset, NOZZLE is not
connected to anything.
Temp -100000 Can hold relevant temperature rating.
Pressure 0 Can hold relevant pressure rating.
Duty unset Text describing type of fluid handled.
Ispec Nulref (Insulation Spec) Does not directly control insulation,
but may be used to indicate insulation requirements.
It must refer to an existing Specification.
Angle 90 These allow the Nozzle definition in the Catalogue to
include
Radius 0mm Parameterised angles and dimensions which may
then be set
Desparam unset from the design attributes.

Version 11.3
Y
Z
P2
P0
X
P1
Figure 5-5 The NOZZle Element

Legal Owners: EQUI, SUBE
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
BOX Element (BOX) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Obstruct 2
Level 0 10
Xlength 0mm
Ylength 0mm
Zlength 0mm
Figure 5-6 The BOX Element

Legal Owners: EQUI, STRU, SUBS, PTRA, SUBE, PJOI, SJOI, FITT
Legal Members: NBOX, NCYL, NCON, NPYR, NSLC, NCTO, NSNO, NRTO, NDIS,
NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
Cylinder Element (CYLI) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Obstruct 2
Level 0 10
Diameter 0mm Diameter
Height 0mm Axial height
DIAM
P1
P0
Y HEIGHT
P2
Figure 5-7 The CYLInder Element

NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
CONE Element Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Dtop 0mm Diameter of top surface
Dbottom 0mm Diameter of bottom surface
DTOP
P1
Y HEIGHT
P0
X
P2
DBOTTOM
Figure 5-8 The CONE Element

NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
Snout Element (SNOU) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Xoff 0mm Displacement of axes along X-axis
Yoff 0mm Displacement of axes along Y-axis
Height 0mm Perpendicular distance between surfaces
The origin of the Snout is at the mid-point of the line joining the centres of the
top and bottom surfaces and the Z-axis is normal to the top and bottom
surfaces.
DTOP
P1
HEIGHT
Y
P0
X
YOFF
XOFF
P2
DBOTTOM
Figure 5-9 The SNOUT Element

Legal Owners: EQUI, STRU, SUBS, PTRA,SUBE, PJOI, SJOI, FITT
NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
DISH Element Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Diameter 0mm Diameter of base
Height 0mm Maximum height of dished surface above base
Radius 0mm If radius is zero, dish is drawn as section of sphere.
If radius is greater than zero, dish is defined as half
of an ellipsoid:
The origin of the Dish is at the centre of the base, and the Z-axis lies along the
normal to the base.
Figure 5-10 The DISH Element

NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
Circular Torus Element (CTOR) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Obstruct 2
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Rinside 0mm Inside radius
Routside 0mm Outside radius
Angle 90 Subtended angle (max. 180 degrees)
The origin of the Circular Torus is at the centre of the circular arcs of radii
RINSI and ROUTS, and is defined in the X-Y plane.
Figure 5-11 The CTOR Element

NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
Rectangular Torus Element (RTOR) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Obstruct 2
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Height 0mm Height of rectangular section
Angle 90 Subtended angle (max. 180 degrees)
The origin of the Rectangular Torus is at the centre of the circular arcs of radii
Figure 5-12 The RTOR Element

NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
Pyramid Element (PYRA) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Obstruct 2
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Xbottom 0mm Dimension of bottom parallel to X-axis
Ybottom 0mm Dimension of bottom parallel to Y-axis
Xtop 0mm Dimension of top parallel to X-axis
Ytop 0mm Dimension of top parallel to Y-axis
Height 0mm Height between top and bottom surfaces
The origin of the Pyramid is at the mid-point of the line joining the mid-points
of the top and bottom surfaces, and the Z-axis is normal to the top and bottom
faces.
P1 YTOP
XTOP
Z HEIGHT
Y
P0
X
YOFF
XOFF XBOTTOM
P2
YBOTTOM
Figure 5-13 The PYRA Element

NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
Slope-Bottom Cylinder Element (SLCY) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Diameter 0mm Diameter
Height 0mm Height along axis, between P1 and P2
Xtshear 0 Inclination of top face to X-axis
Ytshear 0 Inclination of top face to Y-axis
Xbshear 0 Inclination of bottom face to X-axis
Ybshear 0 Inclination of bottom face to Y-axis
The origin of the Slope-bottom Cylinder is at the mid-point of the axis (mid-
way between P1 and P2) and the default orientation is with the axis on the Z-
axis.
P1 P1
XTSH
YTSH
Z Z
X Y
P0 HEIGHT P0
DIAM
XBSH
YBSH
P2 P2
SOUTH ELEV. WEST ELEV.
Figure 5-14 The SLCY Element

NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
Extrusion Element (EXTRU) Primitive Element
Description: The EXTRUSION can be used to represent any volume of uniform

cross-section. It is defined by sweeping a profile representing the
extrusion’s shape (LOOP) through a given distance (equivalent to the
extrusion thickness).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Height 0 Distance through which LOOP is extruded in Z
direction to form Extrusion (i.e. extrusion thickness).
Z axis of EXTRU
Height =Loop (LOOP)

of EXTRU
Origin of =Vertex (VERT)
EXTRU
Figure 5-15 Defining an EXTRUsion

Legal Owners: EQUI, SUBE, PJOI, SJOI, FITT (see also section 17.3.1)
Legal Members: LOOP, NBOX, NCYL, NCON, NPYR, NSLC, NCTO, NSNO, NRTO,
NDIS, NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
Solid of Revolution (REVO) Primitive Element
Description: The Solid of Revolution represents any shape which can be generated
by sweeping a constant cross-section profile through an angle about an
axis. The profile is represented by a LOOP, in the same way as for an
Extrusion, but in this case the profile is swept about an axis rather
than along a linear path. The swept angle must be in the range -360
to +360 degrees, 360 degrees giving a solid which is axially
symmetrical.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Angle 0.0 Subtended angle through which the 2D loop is swept
around the X axis to create the 3D solid.
Y
=Loop vertex
Origin
Angle
Z
X
Figure 5-16 Defining a Solid of REVOlution

Legal Owners: EQUI, SUBE, STRU, SUBS, PTRA, TMPL
Legal Members: LOOP, NBOX, NCYL, NCON, NPYR, NSLC, NCTO, NSNO, NRTO,
NDIS, NXTR, NREV, NRUL

Version 11.3
Loop Element (LOOP) Primitive Element
Description: The LOOP represents a 2D profile which defines the shape of an

Extrusion or Solid of Revolution. It is defined as a set of edges linking
adjacent points represented by Vertex (VERT) elements.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Legal Owners: EXTRU, NXTR, REVO, NREV
Legal Members: VERT

Version 11.3
Vertex Element (VERT) Primitive Element
Description: A VERT element defines each vertex of a Loop.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Fradius 0 Fillet radius of Loop at vertex position. +ve radius
curves away from vertex; -ve radius curves towards
vertex; zero radius gives point only.
Legal Owners: LOOP

Version 11.3
Polyhedron Element (POHE) Primitive Element
Description: This free-form element can be built into any shape by assembling a
number of member POLYGONS.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Polyhedrons must be constructed so that they have no re-entrant corners. If a
polyhedron contains a re-entrant corner, it must be split into two or more legal
polyhedrons.
7 polygons, but re-entrant corner
- not allowed
BAD
GOOD 4 polygons, no re-entrant corners
Figure 5-17 The POHE Element

Legal Owners: EQUI, STRU, SUBS, PTRA, SUBE
Legal Members: POGO

Version 11.3
Polygon Element (POGO) Primitive Element
Description: This element can belong to a Polyhedron (or Ground Model) and is the
definition of a face of the owning solid shape. The face is defined by
positioning member points which define its boundary.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
The sequence of points in the Member List must correspond to the
anticlockwise sequence of points when the external face of the polygon is
viewed.
If an IPOI (invisible point) is included as a Member of the POGO, the side
formed by the IPOI and the previous point will be invisible.
POIN
POIN
IPOI
POIN
POIN
Figure 5-18 The POGO Element

Legal Owners: POHE, GRDM
Legal Members: POIN, IPOI

Version 11.3
Drawn Line Element (DRAWI) Primitive Element
Description: DRAWI is an element which may be used to produce a symbol or

shape on a drawing not normally catered for elsewhere in PDMS. If,
for example, it were necessary to show a company name in large
letters painted on the side of a tank, the letters could be built up as
DRAWI elements which would be members of the EQUIP containing
the tank. Commonly used to show the centreline of a beam or column.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
text which is to be shown when the element is used as
a reference datum for ISODRAFT dimensions.
Lissue false Status flag showing if drawing has been issued or not.
Wmax 0 Maximum weld number used in ISODRAFT.
Pmax 0 Maximum part number used in ISODRAFT.
Smax 0 Maximum spool number used in ISODRAFT.
Jmax 0 Maximum joint number used in ISODRAFT.
Revision 0 Current revision number used in ISODRAFT.
Splp unset Spool prefix text used in ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Figure 5-19 shows lines and curves drawn between Points (P), Tangent
Points (T) and Invisible Points (I) for Boundaries and Drawings.
Figure 5-19 The DRAWI Element

Legal Owners: EQUI, STRU, SUBS, PTRA, ZONE, SITE, SUBE.
Legal Members: POIN, TANP, IPOI, TEXT

Version 11.3
Point Element (POINT) Primitive Element
Description: This element is positioned to describe a point in a line (when its owner
is a BOUNDARY or DRAWING) or a vertex on a plane shape (when
its owner is a POGON).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Legal Owners: DRAWI, BOUND, POGO
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Invisible Point Element (IPOINT) Primitive Element
Description: This element is positioned to allow a break in a line.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Legal Owners: DRAWI, BOUND, POGO
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Tangent Point Element (TANPOINT) Primitive Element
Description: This element allows a smooth curve (second order Bezier) to be drawn
between two points in a line.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Legal Owners: DRAWI, BOUND
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
5.3 Holes in Primitive Elements
Holes of any shape can be created in a primitive by creating a ‘negative’

primitive owned by the ‘positive’ primitive within which the hole is to appear.
Any type of positive primitive may own any type of negative primitive. The
negative shapes have position, orientation and dimensions which govern how
they penetrate their owner. Holes can pass either partially or completely
through their owners, but special rules should be observed when penetrating
the surface of a primitive.

Version 11.3
Negative Box Element (NBOX) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Obstruct 2
Level 0 10
Xlength 0mm Dimension parallel to X-axis
Ylength 0mm Dimension parallel to Y-axis
Zlength 0mm Dimension parallel to Z-axis
These are as for BOX, but note that the Zlength dimension must be the
penetrating dimension for a hole which breaks the surface of its owning
primitive.
25 mm
25 mm
OWNING
BOX
NBOX
ZLEN
Figure 5-20 The NBOX Element

Legal Owners: EQUI, SUBE, STRU, SUBS, PJOI, SJOI, FITT, BOX, CYLI, PYRA,
CONE, SLCY, CTOR, RTOR, SNOU, DISH, REVO
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Negative Cylinder Element (NCYL) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Diameter 0mm
Obstruct 2
Level 0 10
Height 0mm This dimension must be the penetrating dimension
for a hole which breaks the surface of its owning
element.
25 mm
25 mm
OWNING
BOX
NCYLINDER
HEIGHT
Figure 5-21 The NCYL Element

Legal Owners: BOX, CYLI, PYRA, CONE, SLCY, CTOR, RTOR, SNOU, DISH, REVO
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Negative Cone Element (NCON) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Negative Snout Element (NSNO) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Height 0mm Perpendicular distance between surfaces
The origin of the NSnout is at the mid-point of the line joining the centres of
the top and bottom surfaces and the Z-axis is normal to the top and bottom
surfaces.
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Negative Dish Element (NDIS) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Diameter 0mm Diameter of base.
Height 0mm Maximum height of dished surface above base.
Radius 0mm If the radius is set to zero, the dish is drawn as a
section of a sphere. If the radius is greater than zero,
the dish is defined as half of an ellipsoid.
The origin of the NDish is at the centre of the base, and the Z-axis lies along
the normal to the base.
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Negative Circular Torus Element (NCTO) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Obstruct 2
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Angle 90 Subtended angle (must not be greater than 180°)
The origin of the NCircular Torus is at the centre of the circular arcs of radii
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Negative Rectangular Torus Element (NRTO) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Obstruct 2
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Height 0mm Height of rectangular section
Angle 90 Subtended angle (must not be greater than 180°)
The origin of the NRectangular Torus is at the centre of the circular arcs of
radii RINSI and ROUTS, and is defined in the X-Y plane.
Legal Owners: BOX, CYLI, PYRA, CONE, SLCY, CTOR, RTOR, SNOU, DISH, REVO
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Negative Slope-Bottomed Cylinder Element (NSLC) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Diameter 0mm Diameter of cylinder
Height 0mm Height along axis, between P1 and P2
Xtshear 0 Inclination of top face to X-axis
Ytshear 0 Inclination of top face to Y-axis
Xbshear 0 Inclination of bottom face to X-axis
Ybshear 0 Inclination of bottom face to Y-axis
The origin of the NSlope-bottom Cylinder is at the mid-point of the axis (mid-
way between P1 and P2) and the default orientation is with the axis on the Z-
axis.
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Negative Pyramid Element (NPYR) Primitive Element

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Obstruct 2
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Xbottom 0mm Dimension of bottom parallel to X-axis
Ybottom 0mm Dimension of bottom parallel to Y-axis
Xtop 0mm Dimension of top parallel to X-axis
Ytop 0mm Dimension of top parallel to Y-axis
Height 0mm Height between top and bottom surfaces
The origin of the NPyramid is at the mid-point of the line joining the mid-
points of the top and bottom surfaces, and the Z-axis is normal to the top and
bottom faces.
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Negative Extrusion Element (NXTR) Primitive Element
Description: The NEGATIVE EXTRUSION can be used to represent any negative

volume of uniform cross-section. It is defined by sweeping a profile
representing the negative extrusion’s shape (LOOP) through a given
distance (equivalent to the extrusion thickness).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Height 0 Distance through which LOOP is extruded in Z
direction to form Negative Extrusion (i.e. negative
extrusion thickness) - see Figure 16-22.
Legal Owners: EQUI, SUBE,
Legal Members: LOOP
Z axis of NXTR
Height =Loop (LOOP)

of NXTR
Origin of =Vertex (VERT)
NXTR
Figure 5-22 Defining an NXTR Element

Version 11.3
Negative Solid of Revolution (NREV) Primitive Element
Description: The Negative Solid of Revolution represents any negative shape which
can be generated by sweeping a constant cross-section profile through
an angle about an axis. The profile is represented by a LOOP, in the
same way as for a Negative Extrusion, but in this case the profile is
swept about an axis rather than along a linear path. The swept angle
must be in the range -360 to +360 degrees, 360 degrees giving a
volume which is axially symmetrical.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Angle 0.0 Subtended angle through which the 2D loop is swept
around the X axis to create the 3D shape.
Y
=Loop vertex
Origin
Angle
Z
X
Figure 5-23 Defining an NREV Element

Legal Members: LOOP

Version 11.3
Loop Element (LOOP) Primitive Element
Description: The LOOP represents a 2D profile which defines the shape of an

Extrusion. It is defined as a set of edges linking adjacent points
represented by Vertex (VERT) elements.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Legal Owners: EXTRU, NXTR, REVO, NREV
Legal Members: VERT

Version 11.3
Vertex Element (VERT) Primitive Element
Description: A VERT element defines each vertex of a Loop.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Fradius 0 Fillet radius of Loop at vertex position. +ve radius
curves away from vertex; -ve radius curves towards
vertex; zero radius gives point only.
Legal Owners: LOOP

Version 11.3
5.4 Elements for Connecting Equipment to Steelwork
Equipment Load Point Element (LOAP) Primitive Element
Description: The Equipment LOAP element provides a link between an Equipment

item and a Steelwork Structural item. The CREF attribute of a LOAP
and the CREF attribute of a Fitting (see Section 17.3.1) may point to
each other to indicate interconnection between them.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Cref Nulref Connection reference. Points to a reference which
identifies the Steelwork Fitting to which the
Equipment item owning the LOAP is to be attached.
Legal Owners: EQUI, SUBE
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
6 The Structural Elements
This section describes those elements which allow you to design logically
interconnected steelwork or concrete structures. The elements have been
subdivided into two types: those representing administrative classifications or
tangible components used during the design of the structure; and those used
solely for stress analysis purposes on the assembled interconnected structure.

Version 11.3
The Structural Elements
6.1 The Structural Design Elements
Structure Element (STRUCTURE) Structural Design Element
Description: The Structure element has already been described in a different

context under the heading ‘Equipment and Civils Design Elements’
(see Chapter 5). However, the hierarchy below the Structure element
also allows for member elements which are specifically used for
Structural Steelwork design.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Number 0
Area 0
DUnion 0 DRAFT union (common edge) setting
Legal Owners: ZONE
Legal Members: FRMW, RPLA, RPLG, LCDE, TEXT, CYLI, SLCY, SNOU, BOX, DISH,
CONE, POHE, PYRA, CTOR, RTOR, DRAWI, PVOL, SUBS, NBOX,
NCYL, NSLC, NSNO, NDIS, NCON, NPYR, NCTO, NRTO, EXTR,
NXTR, REVO, RULS, NRUL, PANE, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS,
LNKS

Version 11.3
Framework Element (FRMW) Structural Design Element
Description: The FRMW element provides a convenient administrative element for

structural design modelling. A number of the attributes set at FRMW
level will cascade down through the design hierarchy as member
elements are created during the steelwork design process.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
The following attributes have functional significance at FRMW level:
Stspec Nulref Structural Specification. Used to allocate the correct
functional specification to selected components.
Matref Nulref Material Reference.
Grade 0 Material Grade.
Ispec Nulref Insulation Specification.
Firesist 0 Fire Resistance.
Ptspec unset Paint Specification (text).
Insched unset Inspection Schedule (text).
DUnion 0 DRAFT union (common edge) setting.
Legal Owners: STRU
Legal Members: SBFR, SCTN, PNOD, PANE, TEXT, PALJ, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE,
PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Subframework Element (SBFR) Structural Design Element
Description: The SBFR element allows you to further subdivide a FRMW into more
manageable administrative portions for structural design modelling.
As for FRMW, some attribute settings will cascade down to member
elements.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
The following attributes have functional significance at SBFR level:
Stspecific Nulref Structural Specification. Used to allocate
the correct
functional specification to selected components.
Ptspec unset Paint Specification (text).
DUnion 0 DRAFT union (common edge) setting.
Legal Owners: FRMW
Legal Members: SCTN, PNOD, PANE, TEXT, PALJ, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS,
LNKS

Version 11.3
Primary Node Element (PNODE) Structural Design Element
Description: The PNODE is a fundamental ‘analytical’ point of connection between

Sections in an interconnected steelwork structure. Its position is used
to define the placing of Sections within the design model and as a
reference point for stress analytical calculations on the interconnected
structure. Its position is defined relative to the coordinate system of
the parent Structure (cf. the Secondary Node element, whose position
is defined relative to an owning Section).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Number 0
Nposition E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Node Position.
Fixty Free Fixity. Text defining the degrees of freedom of
movement under the influence of applied forces or
moments (for stress analysis purposes). GTSTRUDL,
for example, recognise two settings: Free or Support.
Legal Owners: FRMW, SBFR
Legal Members: PJOI, RELE, NOLO, NODI, PCOJ, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Primary Joint Element (PJOINT) Structural Design Element
Description: The PJOINT is used to make a logical connection between a Section’s

start or end and a Primary Node. Its position is defined relative to
that of a PNOD (cf. SJOINT element). It allows you to model,
indirectly, physical connections between Sections.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
Delposition E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Delta position. Defines position of Joint with
respect to that of owning PNOD (i.e. Joint-to-Node
offset).
Opdirection U Origin Plane direction. Partly defines orientation
of Joint (depends on definition of Joint in
Catalogue).
Bangle 0 Beta Angle. Angle of rotation about Joint’s Origin
Plane direction. Partly defines orientation of Joint
(depends on definition of Joint in Catalogue).
Cutback 0mm Specifies length by which a Section attached to the
Joint should be reduced or extended to allow for
fitting geometry.
Cutplane U Cutting Plane Direction. Defines direction of plane
which forms cut end of a Section attached to the
Joint.
Cref Nulref Connection reference. Points to an attached
Section.
Jline unset Joining Line. Defines position of Joint with respect
to the p-lines of an attached Section.
JFree false Defines Joint dominance.
Fireresist 0 Fire Resistance.
Inreference Nulref Insulation Reference.
Spref Nulref Specification Reference. Must refer to existing
Joint component in Catalogue.

Version 11.3
Desparam unset Design Parameters. 100-fold real array used to

convey data between Joint component as defined in
Catalogue and physical Joint as incorporated into
the design.
Legal Owners: PNOD
Legal Members: TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Structural Section Element (SCTN) Structural Design Element
Description: A SCTN represents a linear component such as a beam, column, strut

etc. It has a uniform cross-section along its length, defined by
reference to a Catalogue PROFILE element, while its length is a
derived property (not stored in an attribute) which is determined by
the Section’s start and end positions.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
Bangle 0 Beta Angle. Angle of rotation about Section’s Z-axis.
Drnstart E Start Direction. Direction of normal to Section’s end-
cutting plane at its start (set automatically by
STRING command).
Drnend E End Direction. Direction of normal to Section’s
end-cutting plane at its end (set automatically by
STRING command).
Posstart E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Start Position. Coordinates of start of Section’s
Neutral Axis (set automatically by STRING
command).
Posend E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
End Position. Coordinates of end of Section’s Neutral
Axis (set automatically by STRING command).
Joistart Nulref Reference to connected Joint (if any) at Section’s start
(set automatically when start is connected to a Joint).
Joiend Nulref Reference to connected Joint (if any) at Section’s end
(set automatically when end is connected to a Joint).
Jline 0 Joining Line. Defines p-line on which origins of
connected Joints are to be positioned.
JustPline unset Justification pline. Identifies pline to be used as
datum for aligning SCTN with another element.
MemLine unset Member line. Identifies pline to be used to represent
SCTN for drawing, dimensioning, etc.
Ctystart 0 Start Connection Type. Defines type of Joint
connection (Joint’s CTYA) to which Section’s start
is connected.

Version 11.3
Ctyend 0 End Connection Type. Defines type of Joint

connection (Joint’s CTYA) to which Section’s end is
connected.
Srelease Start Release. Defines how Section’s start may move
under effect of applied forces and moments.
Erelease End Release. Defines how Section’s end may move
under effect of applied forces and moments.
Inref Nulref Insulation Reference.
Spref Nulref Specification Reference. Defines cross-sectional
geometry of Section. Must refer to existing Profile in
Catalogue.
Antype unset Analysis Type. For stress analysis purposes only.
Desparam unset Design Parameters. 100-fold real array used to store
additional data related to Section; e.g., positions of
ancillary items (like web stiffeners) or additional
Joint dimensions.
Legal Members: SNOD, FITT, SPLO, SDLO, CMFI, SELJ, NBOX, NCYL, NCON,
NPYR, NSLC, NCTO, NSNO, NRTO, NDIS, NXTR, NREV, NRUL,
TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Generic Section Element (GENSEC) Structural Design Element
Description: A GENSEC can represent any component whose geometry is defined

by sweeping a 2D profile along a linear or curved path (its SPINE
element). It has a uniform cross-section along its length, defined by
reference to a Catalogue Profile element. In its simplest form, where
the Spine is defined as a line between two fixed points, the GENSEC
can be used as an alternative to the SCTN element. In its more
general form, where the Spine consists of a sequence of straight and/or
curved segments, it can represent curved beams, curved walls, etc.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
Bangle 0 Beta Angle. Orientation of profile about direction of
Spine, measured clockwise from YDIR of Spine.
Lmirror false Mirror flag. If true, mirrors profile geometry about Y
axis (equivalent to flipping a linear section).
Joistart Nulref Reference to connected Fixing or Joint at start.
Joiend Nulref Reference to connected Fixing or Joint at end
Jlnstart unset Start Joint pline. Aligns attached joint at start.
Jlnend unset End Joint line. Aligns attached joint at end.
JusLine unset Justification pline. Identifies pline to be used as
datum for aligning GENSEC.
MemLine unset Member line. Identifies pline to be used to represent
GENSEC for drawing, dimensioning, etc.
Ctystart unset Start Connection Type. Defines type of Joint
connection (Joint’s CTYA) to which start is
connected.
Ctyend unset End Connection Type. Defines type of Joint
connection (Joint’s CTYA) to which end is connected.
Srelease Start Release. For stress analysis purposes only.
Erelease End Release. For stress analysis purposes only.

Version 11.3

Spref Nulref Specification Reference. Defines cross-sectional
geometry of GENSEC. Must refer to existing Profile
in Catalogue.
Antype unset Analysis Type. For stress analysis purposes only.
Desparam unset Design Parameters. 100-fold real array used to store
additional data related to GENSEC; e.g. positions of
ancillary items.
Legal Owners: FRMW, SBFR, WALL, TMPL
Legal Members: SPINE, JLDATU, DDSE, DPSE, LNKS, PORS, TMPL
End POINSP
CURVE
PROFILE
CURVE
Start POINSP = SPINE

= POINSP
Figure 6-24 Defining a GENSEC

Version 11.3
Spine Element (SPINE) Structural Design Element
Description: A SPINE defines the path through which a cross-sectional Profile

must be swept to generate a GENSEC. The route of the Spine is
defined by a sequence of Spine Points (POINSP): one at the start, one
at the end, and one at each change of direction. Each segment linking
adjacent Spine Points can be either a straight line or an arc of a circle:
the latter is achieved by the insertion of a CURVE element (see Figure
16-24).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Ydir U Local Y axis direction. Defines orientation of
cross-section profile at start of owning GENSEC.
Drnstart Start Direction. Direction of normal to end-cutting
plane at first Spine Point.
Drnend End Direction. Direction of normal to end-cutting
plane at last Spine Point.
Legal Owners: GENSEC
Legal Members: POINSP, CURVE

Version 11.3
Spine Point Element (POINSP) Structural Design Element
Description: A POINSP element defines the start and end of a Spine path, and any
location along the path at which there is a change of direction.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Legal Owners: SPINE
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Curve Element (CURVE) Structural Design Element
Description: A CURVE element defines a segment of a Spine path. It defines the

geometry of the Spine between the POINSPs either side of it in the
members list.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
CurTyp unset Curve Type: LINE, RADI, THRU, BULG, FILL,
CENT. (See Section 10.13.3.)
Defines a critical position for the Curve, depending on
the Curve Type setting.
Radius 0 mm Radius value (for types RADI, FILL, CENT).
Radsetflag true If True, Radius is fixed; If False, limiting radius
determined by positions of adjacent Spline Points.
Bulge 0 Bulge factor (for type BULG only).
Cpos E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Conditioning Point. Selects, for example, plane of
Curve or one from set of possible Curves (for types
RADI, BULG, CENT).
Zdir U
Legal Owners: SPINE
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Justification Line Datum Element (JLDATUM)

Structural Design Element
Description: Defines the frame of reference for its member PLDATUM elements
based on the pline system of its owning GENSEC. (Replaces the
function of the SNODE used by SCTNs.)
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10 Drawing level to control displayed symbol.
Number 0
TPRef Nulref Reference to a POINSP of owning GENSEC. Sets
start position from which interpolated points are
derived.
HPRef Nulref Reference to a POINSP of owning GENSEC. Sets end
position from which interpolated points are derived.
Zdist 0mm Distance along JUSL or NA pline from PKDIS,
measured in direction from TPREF to HPREF.
Pkdist 0 Proportional position between TPREF and HPREF.
Legal Owners: GENSEC
Legal Members: PLDATUM

Version 11.3
Pline Datum Element (PLDATUM) Structural Design Element
Description: Defines the frame of reference for its members based on the
nominated pline (POSL) system of its owning JLDATUM. Used to
position Fixings, Joints or Fittings along a GENSEC.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10 Drawing level to control displayed symbol.
Number 0
Posline unset Positioning Line. Pline of GENSEC along which
Zdistance is measured to obtain origin for frame of
reference.
Ydirection U Defines direction of Y axis relative to axial system of
JLDATUM.
Legal Owners: JLDATUM
Legal Members: FIXING

Version 11.3
Secondary Node Element (SNODE) Structural Design Element
Description: The SNODE is a fundamental ‘analytical’ point of connection between

Sections in an interconnected steelwork structure. Its position is used
to define the placing of Sections within the design model and as a
reference point for stress analytical calculations on the interconnected
structure. Its position is defined relative to an owning Section (cf. the
Primary Node element, whose position is defined relative to the
coordinate system of the parent Structure).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Number 0
Zdistance 0mm Node position defined in terms of distance along
Z-axis of its owning Section.
Fixty Free Fixity. Text defining degrees of freedom of movement
under influence of applied forces or moments (for
stress analysis purposes). GTSTRUDL, for example,
recognises two settings: Free or Support.
Legal Owners: SCTN
Legal Members: SJOI, RELE, NOLO, NODI, SCOJ, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Secondary Joint Element (SJOINT) Structural Design Element
Description: The SJOINT element is used to make a logical connection between two
Sections in an interconnected steelwork structure. Its position is
defined relative to that of a SNOD (cf. PJOINT element).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
Delta position. Defines position of Joint with respect
to that of owning SNOD (i.e. Joint-to-Node offset).
Posline 0 Positioning Line. Defines position of Joint’s origin
with respect to Section’s p-lines. Derived from
Catalogue Joint; usually set to NA (Neutral Axis).
fitting geometry.
which forms cut end of a Section attached to theJoint.
Cref Nulref Connection reference. Points to an attached Section.
Jline 0 Joining Line. Defines position of Joint with respect to
p-lines of an attached Section.
Spref Nulref Specification Reference. Must refer to existing Joint
component in Catalogue.

Version 11.3
Desparam unset Design Parameters. 100-fold real array used to convey

data between Joint component as defined in
the design.
JFree unset Defines Joint dominance.
Legal Owners: SNOD

Version 11.3
Primary Compound Joint Element (PCOJ) Structural Design Element
Description: The Primary Compound Joint is used where two or more attached
sections are connected at a common Primary Node (representing, for
example, a gusset plate). It owns a separate SubJoint for each
connection.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
to that of owning PNOD (i.e. Joint-to-Node offset).
Opdirection U Origin Plane direction. Partly defines orientation of
Joint (depends on definition of Joint in Catalogue).
Plane
direction. Partly defines orientation of Joint
convey data between Joint component as defined in
the design.
Legal Owners: PNOD
Legal Members: SUBJ, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Secondary Compound Joint Element (SCOJ)

Structural Design Element
Description: The Secondary Compound Joint is used where two or more attached
sections are connected at a common Secondary Node (representing, for
example, a gusset plate). It owns a separate SubJoint for each
connection.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
to that of owning SNOD (i.e. Joint-to-Node offset).
Posline 0 Positioning Line. Defines position of Joint’s origin
Catalogue Joint; usually set to NA (Neutral Axis).
Inreference Nulref Insulation Reference.
Catalogue and physical Joint as incorporated into the
design.
Legal Owners: SNOD
Legal Members: SUBJ, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
SubJoint Element (SUBJ) Structural Design Element
Description: The SUBJ is used to make a logical connection as part of a Primary or

Secondary Compound Joint.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
DelpositionE 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Delta position. Defines offset of SubJoint with respect
to position of owning Compound Joint.
Arrive 0 P-point of owning Compound Joint at which origin of
SUBJ is positioned.
Zdirection U Orientation of Z axis.
fitting geometry.
which forms cut end of a Section attached to the
Joint.
Cref Nulref Connection reference. Points to an attached Section.
Jline unset Joining Line. Defines position of Joint with respect to
the p-lines of an attached Section.
data between Joint component as defined in
Catalogue and physical Joint as incorporated into the
design.
JFree unset Defines Joint dominance.

Version 11.3
Legal Owners: PCOJ, SCOJ


Version 11.3
Fitting Element (FITT) Structural Design Element
Description: A FITT can be used to represent any item which is attached to the
Structure but which does not form an integral part of it. It may be
used to indicate such things as the presence of a connected implied
load, such as a pipe hanger attachment, or an ancillary item such as a
web stiffener or a flange plate.
• A FITT is positioned along the Z axis of its owning Section, in the
same way as a Secondary Node.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
Zdistance 0mm Fitting position defined in terms of distance along
Z-axis of its owning Section.
Delta position. Defines offset of Fitting with respect
to position of Node.
Posline 0 Positioning Line. Defines position of Fitting’s origin
Catalogue Fitting; usually set to NA (Neutral Axis).
Bangle 0 Beta Angle. Angle of rotation about Fitting’s Origin
Plane direction. Partly defines orientation of Fitting
(depends on definition of Fitting in Catalogue).
identifies a connected Hanger, an Equipment Load
Point, etc.
Spref Nulref Specification Reference. Must refer to existing Fitting
data between Fitting component as defined in
Catalogue and physical Fitting as incorporated into
the design.

Version 11.3
Legal Owners: SCTN

Legal Members: RELE, NOLO, NODI, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Compound Fitting Element (CMFI) Structural Design Element
Description: A CMFI can be used to represent a penetration at which one or more

elements (Pipes or Sections) pass through a hole in a Section. The
position of each individual penetrating item is represented by a
Subfitting (SBFI) element owned by the CMFI; the CMFI is primarily
an administrative element used to position a group of SBFI.
A CMFI is positioned along the Z axis of its owning Section, in the same
way as a Secondary Node.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
Zdistance 0mm Compound Fitting position defined in terms of
distance along Z-axis of its owning Section.
Delta position. Defines offset of Compound Fitting
with respect to position derived from ZDIS and POSL
Posline unset Positioning Line. Defines Section p-line along which
origin of Compound Fitting is positioned. Derived
from Catalogue Fitting; usually set to NA (Neutral
Axis).
Plane direction (Z axis). Partly defines orientation of
Fitting (depends on definition of Fitting in
Catalogue).
Desparam unset Design Parameters. 100-fold real array, used to
convey data between Fitting component as defined in
the design.

Version 11.3
Legal Owners: SCTN

Legal Members: SBFI, RELE, NODI, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS, NOLO

Version 11.3
Subfitting Element (SBFI) Structural Design Element
Description: A SBFI can represent a single penetration at which a Pipe or Section

passes through a hole in a Panel or Section. Multiple penetrations are
represented by a group of SBFIs (one for each penetrating item) owned
by a common Compound Fitting (CMFI) or Compound Panel Fitting
(CMPF) element.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
DelpositionE 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Delta position. Defines offset of Subfitting with
respect to owning CMFI or CMPF.
Plane direction (Z axis). Partly defines orientation of
Fitting (depends on definition of Fitting in
Catalogue).
Arrive 0 P-point of owning Compound Fitting at which origin
of SBFI is positioned.
Zdirection U Orientation of Z axis.
identifies a connected Hanger, an Equipment Load
Point, etc.
data between Fitting component as defined in
the design.
Legal Owners: CMFI, CMPF

Version 11.3
Generic Fixing Element (FIXING) Structural Design Element
Description: A FIXING can represent any fitting or joint owned (indirectly) by a

GENSEC. It serves a similar function to elements such as FITT,
CMFI, SBFI, PCOJ, SCOJ, but in a more generalised way.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
identifies a connected Hanger etc. (when representing
a fitting) or attached section (when representing a
joint).
Cfra unset Connection reference array.
or Joint component in Catalogue.
data between Fixing component as defined in
Catalogue and physical Fixing as incorporated into
the design
Cutback 0mm Specifies length by which Section attached to Fixing
should be reduced or extended to allow for fixing
geometry.
which forms cut end of Section attached at the Fixing.
JFree false Defines joint dominance.
Jline unset Joining Line. Defines position of Fixing, used as a
Joint, with respect to plines of attached Section.
Legal Owners: PLDATUM, FIXI, PNOD
Legal Members: FIXING, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Routing Plane Group (RPLG) Structural Design Element
Description: The RPLG is a grouping element whose members may be Steelwork

RPLANEs (see next entry), as opposed to the Piping RPLANEs
described in Chapter 7.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Legal Owners: STRU
Legal Members: RPLA

Version 11.3
Routing Plane Element (RPLANE) Structural Design Element
Description: The RPLANE is a planar element that may be used as a construction

guide (e.g. for representing setting-out or grid lines) when defining the
positions of other steelwork elements.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Level 0 10
Obstruct 1
Xlength 0mm
Ylength 0mm
Legal Owners: RPLG, STRU (in the current context)
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Panel Element (PANEL) Structural Design Element
Description: The PANEL element is used to represent sheet materials (walls,

floors, decking, etc.) used to clad the structure. It is defined by
sweeping a profile representing the panel’s shape (the Panel Loop.
PLOOP) through a given distance (equivalent to the panel thickness) -
see Figure 6-25.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Level 0 10
Obstruct 2
Number 0
Spref Nulref Specification reference.
Matref Nulref Material reference.
Grade 0 Material grade.
Ispec Nulref Insulation specification.
Z axis of PANE
Height = Panel Loop (PLOO)

of PANE
Origin of = Panel Vertex (PAVE)
PANE
Figure 6-25 Defining a PANE

Version 11.3

Legal Members: PLOO, PALJ, PFIT, COFI, CMPF, NBOX, NCYL, NCON, NPYR,
NSLC, NCTO, NSNO, NRTO, NDIS, NXTR, NREV, NRUL, DPSE,
DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
Panel Loop Element (PLOO) Structural Design Element
Description: The PLOOP represents a 2D profile which defines the shape of a

Panel. It is defined as a set of edges linking adjacent points
represented by Panel Vertex (PAVE) elements.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Height 0 Distance through which PLOO is extruded in Z
direction to form Panel (i.e. panel thickness).
Sjust unset Surface Justification. Defines justification plane (top,
centre or bottom of panel).
Spref Nulref Specification reference
Matref Nulref Material reference
Legal Owners: PANE
Legal Members: PAVE

Version 11.3
Panel Vertex Element (PAVE) Structural Design Element
Description: A PAVE element defines each vertex of a Panel Loop or each connected
end of a Panel Linear Joint.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Position E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm (Note: the Up coordinate is ignored)
Number 0
Bangle 0 Beta Angle. Angle of rotation about Z-axis.
Fradius 0 Fillet radius of Panel Loop at vertex position. +ve
radius curves away from vertex; -ve radius curves
towards vertex; zero radius gives point only.
Date unset
Mvertex Nulref Master vertex
convey data between item as defined in Catalogue
and physical item as incorporated into the design.
Ctyattached unset Attached connection type.
Legal Owners: PLOO, PALJ
Legal Members: NOLO, SPLO, NODI, RELE, SDLO

Version 11.3
Panel Linear Joint Element (PALJ) Structural Design Element
Description: A Panel Linear Joint is used to connect two Panels together. The start
and end of the PALJ are defined by two Panel Vertex (PAVE) points.
Logical connections from the attached Panel are made by setting
Master Vertex (MVERT) attributes of two of the Panel’s PAVEs to
point to the corresponding PAVEs on the linear joint.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Shop false
Built false
Gtype unset
Number 0
Date unset
Sjust unset Surface justification. Defines justification plane (top,
centre or bottom of panel) for positioning joint.
Legal Owners: SBFR, PANE
Legal Members: PAVE

Version 11.3
Section Linear Joint Element (SELJ) Structural Design Element
Description: A Section Linear Joint is used to connect a Panel to a Section. The

start and end of the SELJ are defined by two Section Vertex (SEVE)
points. Logical connections from the attached Panel are made by
setting Master Vertex (MVERT) attributes of two of the Panel’s
PAVEs to point to the corresponding SEVEs on the linear joint.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Shop false
Built false
Gtype unset
Number 0
Date unset
Legal Owners: SBFR, PANE
Legal Members: SEVE

Version 11.3
Section Vertex Element (SEVE) Structural Design Element
Description: A SEVE element defines each connected end of a Section Linear Joint.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
Bangle 0 Beta Angle. Angle of rotation about Z-axis.
Delta position. Defines offset of SEVE with respect to
owner.
Fradius 0 Fillet radius at vertex position. +ve radius curves
away from vertex; -ve radius curves towards vertex;
zero radius gives point only.
Posline unset Position line (p-line on which vertex is located)
Zdistance 0mm Vertex position defined in terms of distance along
Z-axis of Section.
Date unset
Mvertex Nulref Master vertex.
convey data between item as defined in Catalogue
and physical item as incorporated into the design.
Ctyattached unset Attached connection type.
Legal Owners: PLOO, PALJ

Version 11.3
Panel Fitting Element (PFIT) Structural Design Element
Description: A PANEL FITTING can be used to represent any item which is

attached to a Panel. It may be used to indicate such things as the
presence of a penetrating item or an ancillary item such as an
inspection cover, doorway etc.
• A PFIT is positioned relative to the origin of its owning Panel.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Position with respect to the Panel’s origin.
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
Bangle 0 Beta Angle. Angle of rotation about Z axis.
Sjust unset Surface justification.
identifies a penetrating item etc.
Crfa unset Connection reference array.
data between component as defined in Catalogue and
physical Fitting as incorporated into the design.
Legal Owners: PANE

Version 11.3
Panel Cofitting Element (COFI) Structural Design Element
Description: A PANEL COFITTING is used where a fitting or penetration spans

the junction between two or more panels. One panel owns a PFIT,
while the others each own a COFI. Each COFI refers back to the
associated PFIT via its PFRE (PFIT Reference attribute).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Pfreference Nulref PFIT reference.
Legal Owners: PANE
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Compound Panel Fitting Element (CMPF) Structural Design Element
Description: A CMPF can be used to represent a penetration at which one or more

elements (Pipes or Sections) pass through a hole in a Panel. The
position of each individual penetrating item is represented by a
Subfitting (SBFI) element owned by the CMPF; the CMPF is primarily
an administrative element used to position a group of SBFIs.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Position with respect to the Panel’s origin.
Gtype unset
Shop false
Built false
Number 0
Bangle 0 Beta Angle. Angle of rotation about Z axis.
Sjust unset Surface justification.
convey data between Fitting component as defined
in Catalogue and physical Fitting as incorporated
into the design.
Legal Owners: PANE
Legal Members: SBFI, TMPL, DPSE, DDSE, PORS, LNKS

Version 11.3
6.2 The Stress Analysis Elements
This section defines those elements which are accessed only during stress
analysis of an interconnected steelwork structure. For further details of the
ways in which their settings are extracted for use by separate stress analysis
packages, see the SAINT Reference Manual.

Version 11.3
Load Case Descriptor Element (LCDE) Stress Analysis Element
Description: The LCDE element allows you to supply a detailed description of the
types of loading case that are to be considered as being applied during
stress analysis of the Structure. Any element without a LCDE will be
ignored during stress analysis.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Lcase 0 Load Case Number. A reference number which
identifies a given descriptive text (Stext). The same
number is assigned to the LCAS attribute of any of
the following elements to which the corresponding
description applies.
Stext unset Holds the descriptive text used to describe the Load
Case associated with a given Load Case Number.
Legal Owners: STRU
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Nodal Release Element (RELEASE) Stress Analysis Element
Description: The RELE element is used to define how a stressed structure may flex
under the influence of applied forces or moments. Its attribute settings
control both directional and rotational movement at its owning Node.
The Release directions are specified relative to a locally defined axis
system.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Descript unset
120 character text
Nrelease Nodal Release. Holds a ‘coding’ integer which defines
the settings (DX, DY, DZ, RX, RY, RZ) for permitted
directional and rotational movement of the Node
under the influence of applied forces and moments.
Laxes Y is N and Z is U
Local Axes. Orientation of RELE axes relative to
those
of Structure within which owning Node is positioned.
Dflfactors 0 0 0 Directional Force Load Factors. Represent
‘translational spring’ values (restoring forces) in X, Y,
and Z directions.
Rflfactors 0 0 0 Rotational Force Load Factors. Represent ‘rotational
spring’ values (restoring moments) about X,Y,Z axes.
Legal Owners: PNOD, SNOD
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Nodal Load Element (NOLO) Stress Analysis Element
Description: The NOLO element is used to apply forces or moments to its owning
Node. The forces and moments are specified relative to a locally
defined axis system (LAXES).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Local Axes. Orientation of NOLO axes relative to
those of Structure within which owning Node is
positioned.
Force 000 Defines force to be applied in each of X, Y and Z
directions.
Moment 000 Defines moment to be applied about each of X, Y and
Z axes.
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Nodal Displacement Element (NODI) Stress Analysis Element
Description: The NODI element allows you to apply directional or rotational

displacement results or preconditions to a Structure. The
displacements are specified relative to a locally defined axis system.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Local Axes. Defines orientation of NODI axes relative
to those of Structure within which owning Node is
positioned.
Displace 0mm 0mm 0mm
Defines linear displacement in each of X, Y and Z
directions.
Rotation 0 0 0 Defines rotational displacement about each of X, Y
and Z axes.
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Section Point Load Element (SPLO) Stress Analysis Element
Description: The SPLO element allows you to apply forces or moments at given
points on the Neutral Axis of a Section. The forces and moments are
specified relative to the axis system of the parent Structure.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Zdistance 0mm Position at which forces or moments are to be applied,
expressed as distance along Neutral Axis measured
from Section’s start point.
Force 000 Defines force to be applied in each of X, Y and Z
directions.
Moment 000 Defines moment to be applied about each of X, Y and
Z axes.
Legal Owners: SCTN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Section Distributed Load Element (SDLO) Stress Analysis Element
Description: The SDLO element allows you to apply forces or moments distributed
over a specified length of the Neutral Axis of a Section. Stress analysis
calculations assume a linear interpolation of such a force or moment
over the specified part of the Section. The forces and moments are
specified relative to the axis system of the parent Structure.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Szdist 0mm Start position of length over which force or moment is
to be applied, expressed as distance along Neutral
Axis measured from Section’s start point.
Ezdist 0mm End position of length over which force or moment is
to be applied, expressed as distance along Neutral
Axis measured from Section’s start point.
Sforce 000 Forces to be applied at SZDI position.
Eforce 000 Forces to be applied at EZDI position.
Smoment 000 Moments to be applied at SZDI position.
Emoment 000 Moments to be applied at EZDI position.
Width 0mm
Legal Owners: SCTN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
7 The Piping Elements
This section describes those elements of the Design hierarchy that allow
Piping to be modelled. These include all routed items - pipes, ducting, cable
trays and hangers. The elements described here obtain most of their physical
appearance from the PDMS Catalogue, although unique attributes such as
position are held in the Design hierarchy. The basic Components of a route are
organised into a sequence which represents its Head-to-Tail logic. It is
therefore important with these elements to control their location within the
hierarchy carefully (as achieved by the routing commands).

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
7.1 The Main Piping Elements
Pipe Element (PIPE) Main Piping Element
Description: The PIPE is an administrative owner of one or more two-ended

BRANCHes. Usually a PIPE will include a principle BRANCH routed
between two NOZZLES, with subsidiary BRANCHes for control loops,
bypasses to spare pumps etc. The PIPE contains functional attributes
of three types:
• Those which are used directly from the PIPE element (by modules
such as ISODRAFT) as a collective attribute for all the BRANCHes
in the PIPE, e.g. Pipe Spec (PSPE).
• Those which have no direct significance at PIPE level, but which
are cascaded downwards to member BRANCHes (or even
Components) where they perform a particular function, e.g.
TEMPERATURE - only used by Branch for insulation, stressing
etc.
• Information attributes that can only be reported on, e.g. BUILT.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
The following attributes have functional significance at PIPE level:
Temp -100000 Temperature rating. Used by the detailing interfaces.
Pspec Nulref Pipe Specification. Used by modules such as
ISODRAFT, which places it in the title block of the
isometric.
Ispec Nulref Insulation Specification. Used by ISODRAFT.
Tspec Nulref Trace heating Specification. Used by ISODRAFT.
Ptspec unset Paint Specification. Used in ISODRAFT.
Revision -1 Revision. Used by ISODRAFT, which automatically
increments value and places it in isometric title block.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
The following attributes only have a functional significance below PIPE level
and are cascaded from the PIPE setting:
Lntp 0 Line Type Identification
Erection 0 Erection Class
Pressure 0 Pressure rating
Matref Nulref Material Reference
Fluref Nulref Fluid Reference
Casref Nulref Case Reference
The following attributes are used to store information:
Dscode unset Design Code (text)
Insched unset Inspection Schedule (text)
Duty unset Fluid flowing through pipe (text)
Ccentre 0 Cost Centre
Cclass 0 Cost Class
Safclass 0 Safety Class
Bore 0mm Nominal Bore (no physical significance)
The following attributes are used by the Spooling application only:
Wmax 0 Maximum Weld Number used.
Pmax 0 Maximum Part Number used.
Smax 0 Maximum Spool Number used.
Jmax 0 Maximum Joint Number used.
Drrf Nulref Drawing reference.
Cdrg unset
Cnumber unset
Carea unset
Splp unset Spool prefix text.
Legal Owners: ZONE
Legal Members: BRAN, TEXT, REST

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Branch Element (BRANCH) Main Piping Element
Description: The BRANCH is the key element for all routed piping in the Design
model. It represents a two-ended entity whose route is defined by its
Head, Tail and the sequence of Components (Members) between. A
BRANCH Head or Tail may be connected to NOZZLEs, multi-way
Components such as TEEs, or other BRANCH Heads or Tails.
Alternatively, a Head or Tail may be positioned explicitly in space. (All
the commands which control the Head and Tail attributes are
described in Chapter 11.) The remaining BRANCH attributes are for:
• Functional use
• Information storage
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false Shop fabricated flag. Cascades to Component level to
indicate shop or site fabrication for ISODRAFT.
The functional attributes of BRANCH are as follows:
Detail false Can be set automatically by ISODRAFT to indicate
that Branch has been detailed.
Lstressed false Logical Stressed. Can be set by stress analysis
programs to show that Branch has been stressed.
Flowd unset Flow Direction. Used by ISODRAFT.
Hstube Nulref Head Specification Tube. Describes Tube from Branch
Head to first Component.
Pspec Nulref Pipe Specification. Used by Selection process to
search automatically for correct specification for
Branch and its Components.
Ispec Nulref Insulation Specification. Cascades to Component level
to indicate insulation requirements for each
Component.
Temp -100000 Temperature. Used to determine insulation thickness
for each insulated Component of the Branch, or for
stress analysis.
Lntp unset Line Type Identifier. Used by ISODRAFT to indicate
if Branch is jacketed.
Erection 0 Erection Class. Indicates wastage grouping for
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Pressure 0 Branch internal pressure rating. Used for stress

analysis.
Matref Nulref Material Reference (SOLID). Used for stress analysis,
to override material specification for Branch.
Fluref Nulref Fluid Reference (FLUID). Used for stress analysis, to
override fluid specification for Branch.
Casref Nulref Case Reference (GROUP). Indicates current stressing
case for stress analysis programs.
Tspec Nulref Trace heating Specification. Overrides PIPE tracing
for ISODRAFT (text).
Ptspec unset Paint Specification. Overrides PIPE paint
specification for ISODRAFT (text).
Splh unset Holds spool number for Branch Head Tube, for use by
ISODRAFT’s Repeatability function.
Hdmtype unset Head dimension type is a 2-fold word array used to
set dimension format for ISODRAFT reference
dimensioning.
Hdmfarray unset Head dimension array is a 2-fold reference array
used to set names of reference elements for
ISODRAFT reference dimensioning.
Tdmtype unset Tail dimension type is a 2-fold word array used to
set dimension format for ISODRAFT reference
dimensioning.
Tdmfarray unset Tail dimension array is a 2-fold reference array used
to set names of reference elements for ISODRAFT
reference dimensioning.
The Information attributes of BRANCH are as follows:
Dscode unset Design Code (text).
Duty unset The fluid flowing through the pipe (text).
Ccentre 0 Cost Centre.
Cclass 0 Cost Class.
Safclass 0 Safety Class.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
The following attributes are used by the Spooling application only (for use by
ISODRAFT):
Wmax 0 Maximum Weld Number used.
Pmax 0 Maximum Part Number used.
Smax 0 Maximum Spool Number used.
Jmax 0 Maximum Joint Number used.
Drrf Nulref Drawing reference.
Spsp unset Spool prefix text.
Mtoh unset Material take-off.
Ptnarray unset Part number array.
Jnum unset Joint number.
Joip unset Joint prefix.
Head and Tail Attributes (see next section for further details):
Lhead false
Ltail false
Hbore 0mm
Tbore 0mm
Hconn 0
Tconn 0
Href Nulref
Tref Nulref
Hpos E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Hdir E
Tpos E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Tdir E
Legal Owners: PIPE
Legal Members: ELBO, BEND, TEE, VALV, REDU, FLAN, CROSS, GASK, DUCT,
VENT, FTUB, SHU, COUP, CLOS, OLET, LJSE, CAP, FBLI, VTWA,
VFWA, TRAP, FILT, WELD, PCOM, UNION, INST, ATTA
The following elements are used for the HVAC design application
only:
TAPE, TRNS, STRT, OFST, PLEN, PLAT, THRE, BRCO, MESH,
GRIL, COWL, DAMP, HFAN, SILE, BATT, AHU, STIF, HACC, HSAD,
IDAM, TP, SPLR, SKIR, FLEX

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Branch Head and Tail Main Piping Element

Keywords: HREF TREF HPOS TPOS HDIR TDIR HCON TCON
HSTUBE HSROD
Description: When a BRANCH (or HANGER) is created, a Head and Tail are
immediately available to represent the two ends of that item. The
Head and Tail are special because they are not separate Design
elements but rather attributes of the BRANCH (or HANGER). This is
because they are always required, being the minimum information
necessary to describe a two-ended entity.
If the Head and Tail are set up with no intermediate Components, the
content of the Branch will be one piece of straight Tube (or Rod)
running between them. When the BRANCH (or HANGER) is created,
the Head and Tail have no position, orientation, bore or connection
type. These can be set collectively by connecting to another BRANCH
or a NOZZLE, or individually if positioning the BRANCH in free
space. They can also be referred to collectively as the PH and PT (or
HH and HT) respectively. The Head and Tail attributes of BRANCH
(and HANGER) are as follows:
Href,Tref
The name of the element to which the Head or Tail is connected (e.g. a
Nozzle, a Tee in another Branch, or another Branch Tail).
Hpos,Tpos
The Head or Tail position in Zone axes (PIPE has no POS attribute).
Hdir,Tdir
The Head or Tail position in Zone axes (PIPE has no ORI attribute).
Hcon,Tcon
The connection type of the item to which the Head is connected (e.g.
the flanged face of a Nozzle).

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Restraint Element (RESTRAINT) Main Piping Element
Description: The area of the hierarchy owned by the RESTRAINT element is

provided to allow modelling of pipe supports and hangers. The
RESTRAINT is an administrative element which can own HANGER
elements in convenient groupings. It is analogous to the PIPE element.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Number 0
Area 0
Hspec Nulref Hanger Specification (SPECI). Cascaded to the
HANGER element, which uses it for hanger selection.
StlRef Nulref Steel reference; e.g. a pointer to an associated
substructure.
Legal Owners: ZONE, PIPE
Legal Members: HANG, TEXT

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Pipe Hanger Element (HANGER) Main Piping Element
Description: The HANGER is a two-ended entity which is routed between a

BRANCH and supporting steelwork. It is analogous in many respects
to the BRANCH element and can own Components routed between a
Head and Tail. The Head or Tail can be connected to a piping
attachment point (ATTA) or positioned specifically, e.g. on a
supporting member. Its attributes can be classified as follows:
• Functional and Information attributes for the complete HANGER
(described here).
• Head and Tail attributes (already described).
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Number 0
Area 0
The functional and information attributes of a HANGER are as follows:
Lhead false
Ltail true
Hpos E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Tpos E 0mm N 0mm U 0mm
Hdir E
Tdir E
Href Nulref
Tref Nulref
Hconn 0
Tconn 0
Hbore 0mm
Tbore 0mm
Hspec Nulref Hanger Specification (SPECI). Used by Selection
process to search correct Specification automatically
for HANGER and its Components.
Hsrod Nulref Head Rod Specification. Describes Rod from
HANGER Head to first HANGER Component.
Htype unset Hanger Type (information only).
Nload 0 Nominal Load (information only).

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Legal Owners: RESTR

Legal Members: PCLA, PCLI, PLUG, SHOE, UBOL, POST, TRNN, HELE, HROD,
EYRD, RCDL, TRNB, WASH, CLEV, EYNT, HPIN, HNUT, VSPR,
SWBR, SNUB, SCLA, SLUG, BWLD, BBLT, SOST, STLS, SPAC,
WPAD

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
7.2 The Hanger Components
Pipe Clamp Element (PCLAMP) Hanger Component
Description: Component for pipe clamps.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Built false
Shop false
Lsrod Nulref Leave Rod specification.
Angle 90
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Posflag false Shows if element has been positioned.
Oriflag false Shows if element has been orientated.
Height 0mm
Nload 0 Nominal load. Currently has no special significance.
physical item as incorporated into the design.
Legal Owners: HANG
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Steel Clamp Element (SCLAMP) Hanger Component
Description: Component for all connections to supporting steelwork.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P--arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Height 0mm
Legal Owners: HANG
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Hanger Element (HELEMENT) Hanger Component

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Gtype unset
Built false
Shop false
componen in Catalogue.
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Height 0mm
Radius 0mm
Legal Owners: HANG
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
7.3 Piping Components
Attachment Point Element (ATTA) Piping Component
Description: The ATTACHMENT point has three main applications:

• To allow pipe HANGERS to be connected to a point in the
BRANCH
• To indicate a special point on the BRANCH which can be
dimensioned, labelled, etc.
• To allow forces, moments, etc. to be applied to the BRANCH during
pipe stressing.
The ATTA is created, selected and consistency-checked in the same
way as other Components. However, it is ignored as an in-line fitting
by the CONNECT command and is ignored by the reporting utility
when listing tube lengths.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Spref Nulref Specification Reference.
Lstube Nulref Leave tube specification.
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Oriflag false Shows if element has been positioned.
Tspec Nulref Trace heating specification.
Cstref Nulref Constraint reference. Points to constraint
(force/stiffness) vectors in Properties Catalogue for
stressing purposes. As far as stress analysis is
concerned, this is the Hanger; no account is taken
of the physical Hanger model.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Cref Nulref Connection reference. Bears name of a Hanger that

has been connected to it. As far as ISODRAFT is
concerned, this identifies the Hanger; no account is
taken of the physical Hanger model.
Local axes. Allows constraint vectors at that point
to be rotated independently of normal orientation.
Attype 0 Attachment type. Code used by ISODRAFT to
indicatethe role of the ATTA as follows:
•Setting ATTY to ‘XXXX’ indicates to ISODRAFT that the ATTA

marks a user-controlled pipe splitting point
• Setting ATTY to ‘CCCC’ indicates to ISODRAFT that the ATTA
represents a general comment
• Setting ATTY to ‘CCNN’ indicates to ISODRAFT that the ATTA
represents a non-dimensional comment
• Setting ATTY to ‘FLOW’ causes ISODRAFT to plot in-line flow
arrows
Stext unset Used by ISODRAFT to generate information note.
Lend false Logical End. Flag used in stressing to indicate
breakpoint of legally stressable network.
Spln unset Spool number for component, for use by ISODRAFT.
Splt unset Spool number for component’s leave tube, for use by
ISODRAFT.
Spsp unset Spool start/end specification for use by ISODRAFT.
Dmtype unset Dimension type is a 2-fold word array used to set
dimension format for ISODRAFT reference
dimensioning.
Dmfarray unset Dimension array is a 2-fold reference array used to
set names of reference elements for ISODRAFT
Dpfn unset Detail plot file name for use by ISODRAFT.
Dpgrid 0 Detail plotfile grid area for use by ISODRAFT.
Mtoc unset Material take-off for Component in ISODRAFT.
Mtot unset Material take-off for Tube in ISODRAFT.
MtoRef unset Reference array holding up to 4 additional SPREFs
giving extra detail and material texts for the item on
ISODRAFTmaterial lists.
Mtoxarray unset Extra mto part numbers array for ISODRAFT.
Ptno 0 Part number for component in ISODRAFT.
Ptnt 0 Part number for tube in ISODRAFT.
Ptnbarray unset Part number array for bolt sets in ISODRAFT.
Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Bend Element (BEND) Piping Component
Description: Used where a bend is made in tubing. As the Implied Tube must be
straight, it is necessary to insert such a ‘Component’ where any
change of direction occurs. (This is not the same as an ELBO, which is
a separate catalogue component.)
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Cref Nulref Connection reference.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Loffline true Logical offline flag.
ISODRAFT.
dimensioning.
referencedimensioning.
Cmpx unset Component exclusion text for use by ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

ISODRAFT material lists.
Jnum unset Joint number in ISODRAFT.
Joip unset Joint prefix in ISODRAFT.
Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Cap Element (CAP) Piping Component
Description: Component for capping a pipe.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
ISODRAFT.
Ptno unset Part number for component in ISODRAFT.
Ptnt unset Part number for tube in ISODRAFT.
Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Closure Element (CLOS) Piping Component
Description: Component for piping closure.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.
Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Coupling Element (COUPLING) Piping Component
Description: Component for full or half couplings.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
ISODRAFT.
Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Cross Element (CROSS) Piping Component
Description: Multi-way component for straight cross or reducing cross.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
Loffline false Logical offline flag.
ISODRAFT.
dimensioning.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Duct Element (DUCT) Piping Component
Description: General component for rectangular HVAC ducting straights.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
ISODRAFT.
Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Elbow Element (ELBOW) Piping Component
Description: Component for elbows and returns.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
ISODRAFT.
dimensioning.
set
names of reference elements for ISODRAFT reference
dimensioning.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Blind Flange Element (FBLIND) Piping Component
Description: Component for blind flanges

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
ISODRAFT.
Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Filter Element (FILTER) Piping Component
Description: Component for filters.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Legal Owners: BRAN

Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Flange Element (FLANGE) Piping Component
Description: Component for all classes of flange

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Height 0mm
Loose false Used by ISODRAFT to indicate where flange is to be
supplied loose. (ISODRAFT will add length of extra
pipe and increase indicated cut length to allow for
field fitting.)
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Fixed Length Tube Element (FTUBE) Piping Component
Description: This component is for stubs or tube of minimum allowed length. It is

easier to specify these as Components from a Specification where the
minimum lengths are stored. However, unlike Implied Tube, the
reporting utility does not currently add these lengths when totalling
Tube for a BRANCH.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Gasket Element (GASKET) Piping Component
Description: Component for gaskets.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Legal Owners: BRAN

Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Instrument Element (INSTRUMENT) Piping Component
Description: Component for in-line instruments (flow measurement, etc.).

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Lap-Joint Stub-End Element (LJSE) Piping Component
Description: Component for lap-joint (or ‘Van Stone’) flanges.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Height 0mm
Loose false Used by ISODRAFT to indicate where flange is to be
supplied loose. (ISODRAFT will add length of extra
pipe and increase indicated cut length to allow for
field
fitting.)
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Olet Element (OLET) Piping Component
Description: Component for olets of all types.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.
dimensioning.
set
dimensioning.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
General Piping Component Element (PCOMPONENT)

Piping Component
Description: Element for any type of component not covered by the other
classifications.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Reducer Element (REDUCER) Piping Component
Description: Component for all classes of reducers, swages, inserts etc.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
ISODRAFT.
Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Standard Hook-Up Element (SHU) Piping Component
Description: Component for general usage by items not covered by the other
Component types.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Tee Element (TEE)
Description: Component for all classes of tee, lateral, set-on branch, stub-ins, etc.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.
dimensioning.
set
dimensioning.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Trap Element (TRAP) Piping Component
Description: Component for all classes of separators, strainers, screens and

driplegs.
Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Union Element (UNION) Piping Component
Description: Component for any class of union, connector or bushing.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Legal Owners: BRAN

Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Valve Element (VALVE) Piping Component
Description: Component for all classes of two-way valve.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
convey data between component as defined in
Catalogue and physical item as incorporated into the
design.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Vent Element (VENT) Piping Component
Description: Component for vents.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
ISODRAFT.
Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Four-Way Valve Element (VFWAY) Piping Component
Description: Component for all classes of four-way valve.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements

Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Three-Way Valve Element (VTWAY) Piping Component
Description: Component for all classes of three-way valve.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Cref unset Connection reference.
Angle 90
Radius 0mm
Height 0mm
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Legal Owners: BRAN

Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Weld Element (WELD) Piping Component
Description: Component for itemised welds.

Attributes:
Name /name
Lock false
Owner /name
Built false
Shop false
Arrive 1 P-arrive.
Leave 2 P-leave.
Angle 0
Height 0mm
Allowance 0mm Field-fit weld allowance for use by ISODRAFT.
ISODRAFT.

Version 11.3
The Piping Elements
Wldn 0 Weld number in ISODRAFT.

Wldp unset Weld prefix in ISODRAFT.
Legal Owners: BRAN
Legal Members: None

Version 11.3
Index
Attachment Point element, 7-14 Duct element, 7-23

Attributes Elbow element, 7-24
types, 3-2 Equipment element, 5-2
user-defined, 3-1 Equipment Load Point element, 5-44
Bend element, 7-16 Extrusion element, 5-19
Blind Flange element, 7-26 Filter element, 7-27
Boundary element, 4-9 Fitting element, 6-24
Box element, 5-10 Fixed Length Tube element, 7-31
Branch element, 7-4 FIXI element, 6-29
Cap element, 7-18 Fixing element, 6-29
Circular Torus element, 5-15 Flange element, 7-29
Clamp element blind, 7-26
piping, 7-11 Four-way Valve element, 7-56
steelwork, 7-12 Framework element, 6-3
Closure element, 7-19 Gasket element, 7-33
CMFI element, 6-26 Generic Fixing element, 6-29
CMPF element, 6-41 Generic Section element, 6-10
Cofitting element, 6-40 GENSEC element, 6-10
Compound Fitting element, 6-26 Ground Model element, 4-8
Compound Joint Group element, 4-6
primary, 6-20 Group World element, 4-5
secondary, 6-21 Hanger element, 7-9, 7-13
Compound Panel Fitting element, 6-41 Instrument element, 7-35
Cone element, 5-12 Invisible Point element, 5-28
Coupling element, 7-20 JLDATUM element, 6-15
Cross element, 7-21 Joints
Curve element, 6-14 primary, 6-6
Cylinder element, 5-11 secondary, 6-18
Datum Point element, 4-12 Justification Line Datum element, 6-15
Dish element, 5-14 Lap-Joint Stub-End element, 7-37
Drawn Line element, 5-25 Linear Joints
PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual Index-1

Version 11.3
Index
panel, 6-36 Pipe Track element, 5-5

section, 6-37 Piping Component element
Load Case Descriptor element, 6-43 general, 7-41
Load Point element, 5-44 PLDATUM element, 6-16
Loop element, 5-21, 5-42 Pline Datum element, 6-16
Negative Box element, 5-31 POINSP element, 6-13
Negative Circular Torus element, 5-36 Point element, 5-27
Negative Cone element, 5-33 Polygon element, 5-24
Negative Cylinder element, 5-32 Polyhedron element, 5-23
Negative Dish element, 5-35 Primary Compound Joint element, 6-20
Negative Extrusion element, 5-40 Primary Joint element, 6-6
Negative Pyramid element, 5-39 Primary Node element, 6-5
Negative Rectangular Torus element, 5- Pyramid element, 5-17
37
Rectangular Torus element, 5-16
Negative Slope-bottom Cylinder
Reducer element, 7-43
element, 5-38
Release element, 6-44
Negative Snout element, 5-34
Restraint element, 7-8
Negative Solid of Revolution element, 5-
41 Routing Plane element, 4-10, 6-31
Nodal Displacement element, 6-46 Routing Plane Group element, 6-30
Nodal Load element, 6-45 SBFI element, 6-28
Nodal Release element, 6-44 SCOJ element, 6-21
Nodes SCTN element, 6-8
primary, 6-5 Secondary Compound Joint element, 6-
21
secondary, 6-17
Secondary Joint element, 6-18
Nozzle element, 5-8
Secondary Node element, 6-17
Olet element, 7-39
Section Distributed Load element, 6-48
Panel Cofitting element, 6-40
Section element, 6-8
Panel element, 6-32
Section Linear Joint element, 6-37
Panel Fitting element, 6-39
Section Point Load element, 6-47
Panel Linear Joint element, 6-36
Section Vertex element, 6-38
Panel Loop element, 6-34
Site element, 4-3
Panel Vertex element, 6-35
Slope-bottom Cylinder element, 5-18
PCOJ element, 6-20
Snout element, 5-13
Penalty Volume element, 4-11
Solid of Revolution element, 5-20
Pipe Clamp element, 7-11
Spine element, 6-12
Pipe element, 7-2
Spine Point element, 6-13
Pipe Hanger element, 7-9
Index-2 PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

Version 11.3
Index
Standard Hook-up element, 7-44 Three-way Valve element, 7-58

Steel Clamp element, 7-12 Torus element
Structural Section element, 6-8 circular, 5-15
Structure element rectangular, 5-16
equipment etc., 5-4 Trap element, 7-48
steelwork, 6-2 Union element, 7-50
Subequipment element, 5-3 Userdefined attributes, 3-1
Subfitting element, 6-28 Valve element, 7-52
Subframework element, 6-4 four-way, 7-56
Subjoint element, 6-22 three-way, 7-58
Substructure element Vent element, 7-54
equipment etc., 5-6 Vertex element, 5-22, 5-43
Tangent Point element, 5-29 Weld element, 7-60
Tee element, 7-46 World element, 4-2
Text element, 4-7 Zone element, 4-4
PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual Index-3

Version 11.3
-

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 Copyright 1990 through 2001 Cadcentre Limited

Cadcentre Ltd, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HB, UK

3 Introduction to Attributes .............................................................................3-1

Solid of Revolution (REVO) ................................................................................... 5-20

Routing Plane Element (RPLANE) ....................................................................... 6-31

Trap Element (TRAP)............................................................................................ 7-48

Contents-iv PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

1.2 Organisation of the DESIGN Reference Manual

The DESIGN Reference Manual has four parts:

PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual 1-1

1.3 Organisation of this Manual

1-2 PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

SITE GROUP WORLD

POINT POINT POLYGON

Figure 2-1 The top levels of the Design database hierarchy

PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual 2-1

EQUIPMENT PIPE HVAC RESTRAINT

Design NOZZLE SUBEQUIPMENT BRANCH BRANCH HANGER

Design NOZZLE Piping HVAC SCLAMP

See Figure 2-5 See Figure 2-3 See Figure 2-4

ELBO BEND TEE VALVE

Figure 2-3 Piping components

AHU Air handling unit OFST Offset

Figure 2-4 HVAC components

2-2 PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

Figure 2-5 Design primitives

SUBSTRUCTURE DRAWING FRAMEWORK POLYHEDRON LOAD CASE ROUTING PLANE

design DRAWING POLYGON ROUTING PLANE

SECTION GENERIC SECTION PRIMARY NODE PANEL PANEL LINEAR JOINT

Figure 2-6 The top-level Structural elements hierarchy

PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual 2-3

SECTION SECTION POINT SECONDARY FITTING COMPOUND SECTION

SECONDARY SECONDARY RELEASE NODAL NODAL LOAD

Figure 2-7 The hierarchy under Sections

Figure 2-8 The hierarchy under Generic Sections

PRIMARY RELEASE NODAL NODAL PRIMARY FIXING

Figure 2-9 The hierarchy under Primary Nodes

2-4 PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

PANEL LOOP PANEL PANEL FITTING COFITTING COMPOUND negative design

Figure 2-10 The hierarchy under Panels

PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual 2-5

For a comprehensive list of all PDMS attributes and pseudo-

PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual 3-1

3.1 Attribute Types

The following is a list of all the Design attribute types.

3-2 PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual 3-3

There are a number of elements in the Design Model whose range of

PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual 4-1

4.1 Administrative Elements

World Element (WORLD) Administrative Element

4-2 PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

Site Element (SITE) Administrative Element

PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual 4-3

Zone Element (ZONE) Administrative Element

4-4 PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

Group World Element (GPWL) Administrative Element

PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual 4-5

Group Element (GROUP) Administrative Element

Description: You may define as a GROUP any collection of elements in the

4-6 PDMS DESIGN Reference Manual

General Text Element (TEXT) Administrative Element