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This StruCube will help you identify the Local Axes and Rotations of
members of various sections UB, RSC, TEE, RHS & RSA
Y Y
Acecad Software Ltd
Truro House
Stephensons Way
Wyvern Business Park
End B End A
A Synopsis of
a Typical StruCad Training Course
Main Subject - Source of Information
Overview of the System - Introduction by the Training Staff
StruCad Environment - StruCad Reference Manual, Chapter 1
CAD Environment - StruCad Reference Manual, Chapter 1
Basic CAD Work - Exercises 1 to 3
Processing the Model - StruCad Reference Manual, Chapter 1
CAD & Connection Macros - Demonstration and Exercise 4
Interactive Work - Exercises 5 to 7
Modify Portal Frame - Exercise 8
Advanced Interactive Work - Exercises 9 to 12
Checking Facilities - StruCad Reference Manual
Backing Up - Demonstration
Producing Information - Demonstrations and StruCad Reference Manual
Drawing Production System - StruCad Reference Manual, Chapters 1 and 4
Printing and Plotting - StruCad Reference Manual, Chapter 1
2D Drawing - Demonstrations and 2D Drawing Ref Manual
First Week
Day 1
There are two main objectives on day one - the first is to get you used to using the
software and the hardware, i.e. getting used to the menu systems and the 3-button
mouse. The second is to get used to the basic CAD system principles, i.e. wireframe
construction, snapping to points, layers and levels etc.
Construction of a simple portal framed building allows us to cover all the principles of
the system. You must look at all Grid/Level commands and explain the difference
between Layers and Levels. The member command must be looked at, as well as
the member attributes, which are applicable at this stage, grade, rotation etc.
Your portal frame will allow us to explain the ToS principles using columns and
rafters, and also the importance of rotating your columns. Eaves ties allow you to
demonstrate local offsets and the reasons for keeping members symmetrical around
the building. Rafter bracing should allow you to cover ToS and rotation (see Hints
and Tips Leaflet U10 here), as well as construction tools such as align, setbrace and
eccent. Other construction commands to look at are COPY, MCOPY, OFFSET,
TRIM, EXTEND, ARRAY etc.
Apply basic end types to your wireframe using ENDTYPE and EDMEM - standard
StruCad macros will do at this stage. This will allow you to start looking at the 3D
model using LOADJOINT and VIEWMOD. Produce example drawings, fabrication
and fitting details, layouts and a 3D view. You can also produce some sample
Material Lists to show exactly what StruCad is capable of.
Other things to cover on the first day are view manipulation using layers and levels,
VIEW, DVIEW, PORTS, ON/OFF etc. You can also look at the different labels
available as these are fairly straightforward.
Day 1/2
Day 1 may run into Day 2, depending on how quickly the trainees pick the system up
- this is no problem as you will go over Day 1 lessons again and again during the
week. Day 2 involves creating local endtype macros such as RBP, GEP, FEP to start
with, and then moving on to HMEP, AMEP and GPB or the American macros; dont
spend too much time on these though.
Add some 2D and 3D assemblies in to your model, cover disassembling and re-
assembling them, copy and move the assemblies to show you act as one unit.
Produce assembly drawings and material lists again, and look at the information
StruCad gives them. Add some user attributes to your model, phase the building and
then produce drawings with phases on and material lists by user attribute.
You will briefly cover different types of structures, hips, curves etc. Dont worry about
the connections it is more important at this stage that you can input any structure
given. If you have time today you will look at inputting part of a typical contract
already detailed. This will allow you to gauge how much has been picked up on the
wireframe construction, layers, levels etc. Make sure at this stage that everything
covered so far has been fully understood. Emphasis will be placed on the importance
of creating models accurately, and how much easier you can make things by
assigning layers correctly.
Day 2/3
A full day of interactive work, covering every modelling command available in the
wireframe environment You will create a basic end plate connection (beam-to-
beam); this covers shortening, cutting, welds, bolts and PUTLIBS, all of which will be
repeated time and time again during the course of the day. Show what happens if
you use this PUTLIB on different beam sizes. Cover a sloping beam end plate
connection to a column, showing why you use ROTMEM and not CUT or
INTERSECT. Do a double angle cleat connection, define the cleats off the web faces
and apply the connection to the A and the B end of the member and observe the
differences. Re-do the same connection again this time defining the cleats off the
end face of the member and have a look at the connection on the A and B ends
again.
Do a connection involving shopping a plate or cleat to another member and check
plate ownership using SLIST and HIFIT. Note the fact that it is the shop another that
actually makes the plate appear on another members shop detail and not welding it
to another member. We will also talk about site fittings and the difference between
field current, field another and field free, and what that ownership means to fitting,
fabrication and arrangement drawings. Member orientation codes and how they
affect ownership of fittings will be explained.
Briefly look at a simple expression, a beam-to- column flange. Shorten the beam to
the flange with clearance for an end plate, then add an end plate sized using
expressions and position it using expressions. Apply to different sized members and
explain the benefits of using expressions.
Make sure the principles of cutting are fully understood, and look at the different
options for cutting (see Hints and Tips Leaflet U8).
Day 4/5
Re-cap everything covered so far; anything not fully understood should be talked
about and demonstrated again. Look at the issuing procedure, REMARK, ISSUE,
AUTOFAB, AUTOASS, DOITALL, etc. Show WCAD and RCAD as a way of breaking
a large contract up into smaller models so more than one user can work on one
contract. Model management should be covered, using issuing models and working
models and the benefits of this method.
Production of drawings and layouts should also be looked at again, showing how to
nest 3 or 4 views onto one GA. After producing a number of drawings, look at
plotting single drawings, batch plotting, nesting, drawing registers and how to sort
drawings into different categories for plotting such as phase, format or issue date in
the drawing environment.
The Instructor will talk about the information we need from a support point of view,
i.e. the error messages brought up on screen. Get StruCad to fail a connection
macro and observe where you find the actual joint and the real error message rather
than the general note at the end of the update. The importance of ringing for
assistance if you encounter a problem such as the wire frame disappearing or the
machine crashing in the middle of an update will be explained. It is critical if
something like this happens that you dont update your model if parts of the
wireframe have disappeared. We can rebuild the model from back-up files or
directories within the model as long as you dont do anything with it.
Second Week
Day 1
Re-cap briefly the whole of week one, making sure that anything not fully understood
is reviewed until it is clear.
Now you will get started on a real job, where you are actually starting to work on your
own initiative and make decisions for yourself regarding the construction of your
model. This job should be typical of the type of contract you will be expected to do in
your particular company. The details and information for this contract will be supplied
by yourself, and can be either an old contract or a live contract, which you will
continue with on your return to work.
The object of carrying out this Company specific exercise is so you can be more
easily guided as to how StruCad can be adapted to your specific needs.
Day 2/3
Continue working on contract with help and guidance from your trainer, making sure
as far as possible, that you cover any specific difficulties, which you may encounter
in your typical use of StruCad.
Towards the end of day 3 you will finish work on the contract and learn how to add
attributes to your wireframe. These attributes define things such as phasing of
models, paint finish, special notes etc. You will then create fabrication drawings,
material lists and erection drawings and protect your model from changes by the use
of the issue command and transmark. The whole issuing procedure will be
covered.
Day 4
Re-cap again, go through every command briefly in the wireframe, interactive and
2D environments, even the ones that you never use.
In the 2D environment, you will learn how to add dimensions to automatically
produced drawings, look at creating a 2D drawing from scratch, importing the
drawing border and then inputting sections and text on to the drawing. Look at
creating new drawing borders (Leaflet P9) and the format of the drawings, i.e. the
base drawing being made up of three parts, the base spf file, the ctl file and the
actual detail itself (Leaflet U1). Hidden blocks in the drawing sheets, fabrication
details and general arrangements and the different blocks in each will be explained.
Day 5
The final day of this course will be devoted to reviewing the whole course and
dealing with any areas, which may need further explanation.
Further Training
Once a detailer is more experienced in using the StruCad System, it may be useful
for them to have some additional training in the more advanced features of StruCad.
Please contact your local distributor or support office for information about what is
available, or to give details of the particular aspect or skills that you require additional
training on.
ix
Training Manual for StruCad
Introduction StruCad
The Worlds Leading 3-D Structural Steel Detailing System
Introduction
Backing Up Demonstration
Exercise 1 1
BASIC CAD PRINCIPLES
The objectives of this exercise are to use and understand the StruCad menu system,
the major commands required to build a simple model, and the basic concepts of 3D
modelling.
SEQUENCE
Starting StruCad and Creating a Structure
Exercise 1
HINTS
You can type u for UNDO immediately after you have done something that you
would like to do again (either because it is wrong, or because you would like to try it
again). If it was a reversible action, StruCad will undo it after you have OKd the
confirmation box. Irreversible activities (e.g. modelling) are ignored by UNDO.
If you select a command by mistake you can cancel this command at any time by
pressing the ESC key on the keyboard.
PROCEDURE
Starting StruCad
Or alternatively go to the start bar and select the StruCad option from the Programs
toolbar:
The StruCad V10 splash screen will appear with a welcome message. This will
disappear shortly, then the StruCad Software Licence Agreement screen is
displayed for confirmation. After you press Accept, the StruCad V10 Front End will
appear.
Fill in the Model Name, Contract Name, Description and your own details as shown
and click on the OK button.
Note that this information will appear on the final material lists, fabrication drawings,
etc, so it must be correct (although it can be edited at a later date).
The StruCad 3-D Modelling Environment will then start - it is within this environment
that we will create the 3-D simulation of the structure.
The main On-line Help is started by pressing the Help button at the Front End
Minimise it ready for re-use when you have finished referring to it.
NOTE: You can also start the On-line Help when in the modelling environments, by
clicking a command button (for details see later).
The full on-line help for individual commands is accessed by moving the mouse
over a specific icon on the main back menu screen, and pressing the middle button
on the mouse. Leave the Windows Help minimised and readily available.
The Pull-down Menu System
If you move the mouse to the toolbar at the top of the screen and click the left-hand
button on the mouse, a pull-down menu system will appear as shown - the most
common commands are here. The required command is selected by placing the
mouse cursor over the command (it will highlight blue) and then pressing the left-
hand mouse button.(or keep the left mouse button depressed and release over
desired command)
Right-clicking in each of these areas brings forward a different floating menu system.
For example, if you click in the top left-hand area you will get the following menu of
commands to be used for Creation activities:
To get help on a command in a floating menu, click the ? box and then the
commands button.
Accept this layout, and then press Enter (or click the middle mouse button) to fix the
location of grid lines. Confirm that the layout displayed as in sk 1.1 is OK by
accepting yes in the yes/no dialog box when it appears:
The second building block for a StruCad structure is to input the datum levels of the
structure.
(2) Create Levels
Levels - Level (select from the main menu screen group shown)
The Level command allows the user to input into the StruCad model the basic
structural levels required.
The SETLEV command allows the user to move the grid lines up and down
between any defined levels.
Choose TOP level
(This moves the grid to the top level we have just
created and also sets the current layer to TOP.)
Note: Layers and levels are independent of each other.
Add Lines
The LINE command allows the user to introduce construction lines into the
StruCad model. These lines are used for setting out points etc, and are
invisible to the structure itself - they will not be shown on fabrication drawings
or material lists etc.
CAD Draw - Line (select from the main menu screen group shown)
To end the LINE command, press the Esc key on your keyboard, or press the middle
(accept/exit) mouse button.
Select the BOT level (This moves the grid to BOT and sets the Current
Layer to BOT. Its STATUS will change to ON.)
TOP - Off
Start Point ........ INT (Intersection of Grid line 1 and Grid line A)
To Point ......... INT (Intersection of Grid line 1 and Grid line B)
To Point ......... INT (Intersection of Grid line 2 and Grid line B)
To Point ......... INT (Intersection of Grid line 2 and Grid line A)
To Point ......... INT (Intersection of Grid line 1 and Grid line A)
Accept
Add Lines
Name = Triangle
Colour = Magenta
Add Lines
Line (select from the main menu screen)
Again, use Snap Modes (click right-hand button) to pick points shown above:
Line-1 Start Point ........ INT (Intersection of Grid line 2 and Grid line A @ BOT level)
To Point ......... MID (Middle point of line 1 @ TOP level)
Line-2 Start Point ........ INT (Intersection of Grid line 2 and Grid line B @ BOT level)
To Point ......... MID (Middle point of line 1 @ TOP level)
Select Entities .... Select both sloping lines then press Enter.
Base Point ........ INT (Intersection of Grid line 2 and Grid line A @ BOT level)
New Point .......INT (Intersection of Grid line 3 and Grid line A @ BOT level)
By aligning the UDS (User Defined Space) to the slope of the triangle,
it allows us to easily position lines along that slope.
Start Point ........ REF, INT/END, Y = -1000 (INT/END means INT or END)
End Point ........ PERP (Perpendicular) to sloping line on grid line 3 - see sk 1.5 above.
A Reference Point allows you to position your required point relative to the
point you choose (see Reference Manual, Chapter 1).
Lower Line sk 1.6
Set UDS back to WORLD
UDS World (select from the main menu screen)
Add Line
Line (select from the main menu screen)
Line-1 Start Point ........ ALONG (Select Line A (the line to reference Along))
Ref point INT/END point ! (the point to Reference from)
Direction INT/END point "(the Direction along the line)
Dist 1000 (Type in from keyboard)
END Point .......PERP (PERP to sloping line on grid line 3)
"
#A
The Along SNAP is another way of positioning lines along a slope without
changing the UDS.
Main
Exit
Save
NOTES
Exercise 2
BEAM AND COLUMN STRUCTURE 2
(New model)
Exercise 2 takes the commands that you have learnt in Exercise 1 and applies them
to the construction of a solid structure of beams and columns.
SEQUENCE
Create a New Model
sk 2.1a
sk 2.1c
Trans - Offset ...... Distance (Select from the main menu screen)
The OFFSET command will copy an entity a specified distance to the position
selected.
Enter offset Distance = 5000
Select the Grid line to Offset (Line 6)
Direction (Select right hand side of Grid Line 6)
(Middle button to cancel command)
Rename the new grid line that was offset, using the EDGRID command.
Move the cursor so it is over the new Grid Line 6 then press the right-hand button
on the mouse. A choice of commands will appear (these menus are known as the
object driven menu system.) This menu has commands appropriate only to grid
lines, and will apply the one you choose to the line selected.
Grid line - Edgrid (Select from the object driven menu system)
sk 2.1d
Trim Grids Back (by creating temporary construction lines using existing grids)
Trans - Offset ... Distance (Select from the main menu screen)
Distance = 2000
Select Grid 5
Direction (Select Right of Grid)
HINT You can return to your last-used command if you press your middle mouse button.
Offset - (Press middle button to repeat command as distance is already set to 2000)
Select Grid B
Direction (Select above Grid)
sk 2.1e
GSTRETCH
Erase.... Select temporary grid lines (Select from the main menu screen)
sk 2.1f
2
Select 1st. This will move the grid line matrix to the 1st level.
Add Members
Move the cursor to the top left quarter of the screen and press the mouses right-
hand button. A floating menu will appear as shown below (this floating menu
system is described in the Reference Manual Chapter 1 and in the Command Index
at the back of this guide).
Creation - Member (Select the member command icon from the floating
menu system)
A dialog menu will appear as on the following page. This dialog box contains all the
information about the new member that you need to set up, such as section stock
size, grades, rotations, offsets, etc.
Most of the other items will be left at their default values, but you must check that
they are OK (refer to screen shot above).
First choose the Stock Size option at the top of the member dialog box. Select your
country of origin, e.g. British (Click NEXT, and you will get a menu of sections like
this):
Insert horizontal members along Grid Line D first, noting the direction of members.
Start Point ........... INT
End Point ........... INT
Repeat (use middle button) ESC to finish
Re-select the MEMBER command (press middle button) to get a new stock size,
and insert vertical members up Grid Line 1.
Stock Size .......... 406x178x60UB (vertical on plan view sk 2.2)
Start Point ........... INT
End Point ........... INT
Repeat (use middle button) ESC to finish
To COPY Multiple.
COPY Select objects (All vertical members on Grid 1)
Type M on keyboard
Base point (INT grids A&1)
Second point (INT grids A&2, A&3 etc)
Copies can only be the same lengths as the originals.
For beams between Grids 5-7 and A-B, where the lengths of the new members will
be different from the originals, use CLONE.
CLONE (Select from the main menu screen)
Select a member of the correct stock size to be cloned. Insert the clone between
appropriate intersections in the same way as when copying members.
NOTE: The positions of all the beams input so far default to Wireframe = Top of
Steel (as they are horizontal) (i.e. the Top of Steel flag is Off).
Wi - Window around the secondary members and view the orientation of the
channels and the angles. Note that it is important that you draw members in
the correct direction.
Check orientation of Channel
Query - Vsec (Use pull-down menus to select the VSEC command)
Click the HELP button. The helpshape diagram for the RSC shape will
appear. Drag the window off to one side to move the shape diagram and view
the table at the same time.
The PFC diagram above shows you the shape file of a channel viewed from the B
end of the member (the end joint), looking towards the A end of the member (the
start joint), as shown by the bold arrows (refer your cube). From this you can see
that it is important to draw the member in the correct direction, so that the channel
toes are pointing the correct way. The same principle also applies to the angle
members that you have input - you can also check the orientation of those members
using either your cube or using VSEC for an RSA and by observing the cross-
sectional icon of the member in the wireframe.
VIEWING VIEW PLAN
Select Members.........Window (click approx point ! then click approx point ")
Press right-hand button and select Remove. Select Secondary Members and all
members to right of Grid 5
Select level ........... 2nd
' !)'
Layers - Edit Layer (Select from the pull down menu system)
Select 1st Status OFF
Select 0 Status ON
Select 2nd Status ON
Create New Layer for Columns (Note that layers are independent of levels!!)
Layers - New layer (Select from the pull down menu system)
Name... COLUMNS
Colour... WHITE
Insert Columns
Creation - Member (Select from top left floating menu system)
Stock Size ............ 305X305X97UC
Start Point ............ INT (On grid lines)
End Point .............. INT/END (On members at 2nd floor level)
Note the orientation of the column when input. A column with 0 rotation is positioned
with its local X-Y axis the same as the world UDS (use HELPSHAPE for UB to
confirm). Also, because it is a non-horizontal member (i.e. vertical or sloping), it is
automatically positioned on its neutral axis.
(Use COPY, MCOPY, COPY multiple or CLONE to place remainder of columns as
SK 2.6)
Add Members
Creation - Member (Select from the floating menu system)
Stock Size ... 203X203X60UC
Start Point ... INT (Grid Level)
End Point .......INT / END (1st Floor Level)
Move the cursor over Member Number ! and press the third, right-hand button on
the mouse. The following menu will appear:
Wire member - Edmem (Select from the object driven menu system)
From this menu select the Edmem command. The EDMEM command will allow you
to change any properties of the member, such as stock size, rotations, offsets, etc.
Refer to the cutout cube at the front of the tutorial for the direction of X.
The ECCENT command automatically applies global offsets such as ADZ or BDY.
Selecting the member end does this and then selecting the point to offset toIn this
case; we will create this point by using construction lines.
Select Member End ! (Select Near the end of the member)
Select Actual End Point INT "
(The intersection between construction lines)
Select Member End #
Select Actual End Point INT $ (Select Near the end of the member)
(The intersection between construction lines)
Examine the 3 members that have offsets, being Members A, B and C in sk 2.9.
Props - Edstate (Select from the main menu screen under PROPS)
Select FULL EXTRUDED, then SELECT.
Select the 3 members we have offset, to view their true positions.
VIEW
VIEW From different view presets (i.e. Front, Right etc)
Although there are a number of options in the DISPLAY command, the main one
used is MEMBER+JOINTS. This option will allow you to select any member, or any
number of members, within the model, show them in solid, and allow them to be
worked on in full solid mode.
Select the MEMBERS+JOINTS option. Then press the right-hand button on the
mouse to get the Select Objects menu - choose VISIBLE (this selects all the
members you can see on screen). Then press Enter on the keyboard (or the middle
mouse button) - after a few seconds processing time, all the visible members will be
shown in full solid format, and will remain so until you undisplay them.
To change the model back to wireframe format, or to a combination of wire and solid
members, use the UNDISPLAY command. (Display and Undisplay may need to be
used alternately to give certain results.)
Again, although there are many options in the UNDISPLAY command (see below),
the main options used are SELECT SOLID and ALL SOLID.
SELECT SOLID will allow the user to select any solid and return its parent member
to wire format. Whereas ALL SOLID will allow you to return the whole model back to
wire format
View - Undisplay (Select from pull-down menu)
Select the ALL SOLID option and all the solid members will revert to wireframe
format.
In this particular context, the option of CADMODES in which we are interested is the
DISPLAY NEW SOLID option. There are three different types of working mode
available to us using this option:
Choose the Matlists group and then the MATLIST command. You will be informed
that the model is not marked; if so, choose YES from the dialog box to mark the
model. After marking is completed, a further menu will appear:
Choose the RUN/SETUP option - this will allow you to
choose which material lists you require to view or print off:
If StruCad asks Do you want to re-export StruCad data?
choose YES, and the batch process will proceed in its
own window.
If next, just the main MatList window appears, select the Report tab and then the
Setup button.
Otherwise, a menu will straight away appear within the main window, asking which
material lists you require.
First click the Clear All button to clear all the default options off. Then check the
following lists On (i.e. ticked): Assembly List
Membysec All Members by Section
Then choose Save Selection and Run Selected. When the Select User Attribute
window appears, check off All Contract and select OK. The material lists are now
produced and displayed in the window. (StruCad exports the data from the solid 2
model into a material lists database, and it is from this database that material lists are
compiled.
NOTE: Although you can print all the reports just produced from this window, you
do not need to - see below for a better, more selective, method.
File
EXIT
You now get a list of all the reports run so far on this model. (In this example some
reports have been previously run by User Attribute PHASE)
Use the left button on the mouse to check off the material lists that you have just run,
then press either the View Selected or Print buttons as required. The material lists
will then be displayed in the main window, or printed out, as requested.
Main
EXIT
SAVE
Exercise 3
PORTAL FRAME STRUCTURE
(New model)
Exercise 3 takes the commands that you have used so far and applies them to the
3
construction of a full portal frame structure. We will then produce General
Arrangement drawings of it.
SEQUENCE
Create a New Model
Exercise 3
PROCEDURE
3
Create a new model
Note the direction of CHS Eaves Tie members. This will be important later on, when
we start applying offsets to members.
Column Rotation
When columns on grids A & C both have 0 rotation, their UDS is the same as the
world UDS and their TOP faces are both to the top of the screen. Consequently,
when you connect a beam between the columns on Grid Lines C and A, the beam
connects to the BOT face of the column on Grid Line C and the TOP face of the
column on Grid Line A. This would result in the two columns being marked differently
3
and therefore having separate fabrication details.
However, when you rotate the column on Grid Line A so that it has a rotation of 180,
the TOP face of the column stays towards the outside of the building. Connecting a
beam between the two columns will now result in the connection being formed with
the BOT face of both columns, therefore only giving the columns one erection mark
and one fabrication detail.
You will also find that by keeping the TOP face of your column to the outside of the
building, the cold rolled connection macros also work much better. By keeping your
beams and columns symmetrical (wherever possible) you will have more success in
keeping down the number of detail drawings produced, you will also find that your
interactive connections (which will be covered later) will have a higher success rate,
under more varied conditions. One other benefit is that it makes it easier to workout
offsets of members, which you will see when it comes to off-setting our eaves ties
later in this model.
UDS - Vector-Vector (To position X and Y axes along two chosen vectors)
- Select Grid Line 1 (at Grid A end so that the X-axis points towards Grid C)
- Select column on Grid A/1 (so that the Y-axis is vertical)
Add Rafter
Members - Member
Stock Size .... 406x140x39UB
Top of Steel .. ON (sloping member to have top flange on wire)
Start point .... END !
End point ..... TYPE: @10000<17.5
(This will place a section 10000 long at 17.5 roof pitch) 3
@ = Relative
Select both rafters. When asked for a Base Point, first type m; you will then be asked
again for a base point. Pick an end for the Base Point, and the copy of the rafters will
be retained to be placed on each pair of columns (sk 3.5). When finished, press the
middle button.
The top two diagrams above show you that, for a HORIZONTAL member with the
TOS flag OFF, the wireframe is the actual Top of Steel of the member, whether it is a
UB, an RSA, an RSC, a CHS, a cold-rolled section or any other type of member.
If, on the other hand, you want to work about the neutral axis of a horizontal member,
then you must toggle the TOS flag to ON and it will then give you the wireframe on
the centre line of most sections, such as a UB or a CHS; for an angle, it works to its
Centre of Gravity.
For a cold rolled member, the rules are slightly different when you turn the TOS flag
ON, as the member is then positioned sat up above the wireframe by the standard
distance specified by the cold rolled manufacturer:
If you pick an incorrect point to which to align the member, then the rotation could be the angle of
slope +180, which will have serious consequences if the member is inverted..
Use Extend, Trim, Copy, etc, as learnt in previous exercises, to complete the
nearside of the roof.
Array Members to the far-side Roof Slope
Layers - Edit Layer ................. Grid, Rafters, Eaves - Freeze = Yes
Trans - Array ................... Polar
Select objects ................. Visible (we can do this because all other layers
are frozen)
Centre point of array ...... Midpoint of Grid Line B (the centre of the
building)
Number to copy ............... 1
Angle to fill ................... 180 degrees
NOTE: This rotates the members so that they have the correct rotation and offsets
on the far-side roof.
The offsetting of bracing member end-points MUST be done prior to aligning the
members, since if you offset them after alignment you will have the wrong rotations.
Global Offsets
Global Offsets enable you to offset the ends of a member in the directions of the
World UDS axes. Use the members X offset at end A, Y offset at end A and Z offset
at end A values to offset End A of the member in the global X, Y and Z directions,
and its X offset at end B, Y offset at end B and Z offset at end B values to offset the
members End B. For instance, if a member has an X offset at end A, value of 100,
its A end will be offset from the wireframe position by 100mm in the World UDS
X-direction.
Global Offsets are not to be confused with a members Local Offsets, which are
applied using XOFF and YOFF, and relate to the members local UDS (use
HELPSHAPE or your cube to determine these from the relevant shape diagram).
Normally, when bodily offsetting the whole of a member, you will apply either an
XOFF or a YOFF. When you only need to offset one end of a member, or to apply
different offsets to the A and B ends, you will use the global offset member attributes.
The rafter bracing in this case has both types of offsets, a YOFF to drop the bracing
down perpendicularly within the depth of the rafter, and both ADY and ADZ offsets to
move the setting-out point from the centre-line of the column up the rafters slope.
Layers
Edit Layer
Rafters Freeze - NO
Again, the member ends do not move - all that happens is that global offsets are
applied to the bracing members ends to move their SOPs apart. Use MLIST to
check again.
Sk 3.8
NOTE: Remember that the ALIGN command only works correctly in the members
positive X-axis. Check your cube for the CHS members X-Y axis for aligning and
offsetting purposes.
Mirror the Bracing Panels to the other end of the building (using MMIRROR).
View - PLAN
Determine Distance to Offset Portal Brace Column See sk 3.13
Window in on Plan View
Wi
Measure - Dist
SNAPS ...... SOLID (so that we can measure to the members icon)
1st point ...... END !
Check SOLID snap is still on
2nd point ...... END "
*** Make a note of the X Value. *** (using the World UDS)
Compound Identities (CompIds) are used when two or more members occupy the
same wire position, or are within 15 degrees of each other. The StruCad software will
only recognise them as different members if the CompIds are set differently. By
default, the CompId is 1; for any other members occupying the same wire, their
CompIds must be set to 2 or 3, etc.
Remove SOLID SNAPS after use
Snaps
SOLID Off
Accept
Copy Portal Brace Column to Grid 5 and alter value of Rotation Angle (use
EDMEM)
See sk 3.15
Rotate the member through 180 (i.e. change the rotation from -90 to 90). This
allows us to leave the Y offset of the member as it is.
Modelling etc - Update (Select from bottom right floating menu system)
Marking will NOT automatically be done when Update (or any other modelling
command) is run (unless you have specially set the CADMODES option for
AUTOMATIC MARKING to Yes). Before you can create any GAs you must mark the
model - either by using the MARK command, or by responding to the marking prompt
when it is displayed.
Remember that, after the update you can choose to view the structure in solid or part
solid or wire, using the DISPLAY and UNDISPLAY commands - refer to Exercise 2.
After the UPDATE we are now ready to produce GA drawings (provided marking is
up-to-date).
Using the main menu, go to Drawings Listings and CNC Production at the bottom
right. Choose the GA dwgs group icon, and then pick the Gaprod command.
Choose new drawing, since we will be defining a new drawing. (If any drawings
have already been done, they will be listed here as well. A drawing can be
regenerated, i.e. updated to the latest state of the model, by choosing it from this list
of existing drawings.)
Then the user is asked what type of GA drawing to produce. Choose Level Plan.
Remember that, even after a drawing has been produced, you can always go back to
GAPROD later and regenerate it, changing any of the options to suit, e.g. scale of
drawing.
Then a dialog box appears asking which labels to apply to the GA:
Accept the defaults. (Again, you can always produce new drawings with different
options later on. Or try some here to see what the results are.)
3
As we are producing a roof plan, we choose the EAVES level so as to show the
rafters. A depth of clip was added of -2400; this will show any members that are
within a 2400 depth above the level. (To show members below the level, a +ve depth
of clip would be required.)
To save the configuration of the GA without actually producing the drawing, you
would select the SAVE option. Normally, however, you should select the SAVE and
RUN option -this will save the definition and create the drawing. Do this now.
A list of the GA drawings that have been produced will appear. Choose the drawing
number you just created.
The View Drawings environment will then be opened automatically, and the selected
drawing will be displayed for you.
If you are linked to a printer or plotter, you can plot out the drawing as an example:
Utility - Plot (Select from pull-down menu)
No depth of clip
Follow the other steps as above, except rather than asking for a level, StruCad will
ask you to select a grid line. Select Grid Line 1.
StruCad will then ask you to select a view point (this is the direction you will view the
grid line from. Select the end of Grid A outside of the building.
Again, to view the drawing, go to GASDRAW as shown in the above example.
Further Exercises
1. Produce a plan view on FFL that shows the column locations.
2. Produce an elevation view on Grid Line A showing the rafter members. A suitable
depth of clip will be required in order to include the rafters, where +ve is away from
view point.
3. Produce material lists for the job (as described in Exercise 2).
CLIP Explanation
A +ve depth of clip for a level plan is taken from below the level you have chosen.
A -ve depth of clip for a level plan is taken from above the level you have chosen
A +ve depth of clip for an elevation is taken in the direction of view from the grid line
you have chosen
A -ve depth of clip for an elevation is taken opposite to the direction of view from the
grid line you have chosen
NOTES
NOTES
Exercise 4
MACRO CONNECTIONS
PRINCIPLES AND EXAMPLES
(Use model from EX3)
Exercise 4 adds connections to the portal frame structure that you made in Exercise
3, checks the model and produces more drawings of it. 4
MACROS CONSIDERED
Introduction
Throughout this exercise, all the changes, which we make to the graphically
produced macros, are designed to give examples of how the macros can be changed
to produce the connection required. The first page of a G.U.I. macro acts as a filter
to disregard those parts of the macro, which are irrelevant to your particular
application. This makes the macro easier to use and understand.
There are still a few macros, which have not yet been changed to the new graphical
format. For all of these macro connections you will need to use the On-line Help to
get a better understanding of the changes you are making. The only way of
becoming proficient with the macros is by experience; only look for the parameters
you want to change, and ignore all the rest, as most options will be irrelevant to the
connection you require.
A macro that is run in manual mode (which is how you will normally run it) will give
you the connection you require and will give you warnings if there is something
wrong with the design of the connection. A macro run in automatic mode can be
used for connection design. By applying loads to your wireframe members and then
setting up your macro, it will do a strength check on the connection that you have
created. If, say, the bolts or plate fails the strength check, the macro will attempt to
create a connection that works, by increasing the size of the plate or increasing the
number of bolts. If the strength check still fails, or the actual members fail the design
checks, then you will get a macro error and the connection will fail. This will be
highlighted on the screen by a red dot on the joint. Move the mouse onto this red dot
and click the right-hand button - the macro error message will be shown in a box on
the screen, allowing you to see what the problem is.
Exercise 4
MACRO CONNECTIONS
HINT
Whenever you need to remove an unwanted or faulty connection, you must replace it with a
null connection, to ensure that all traces of the previous connection are removed.
Layer Off (Pick portal brace column member icons) Accept defaults
PROCEDURES 4
(1) Rectangular Base Plate Connection (Create New LOCAL RBP1)
(Use model from Exercise 3)
Create Base Plate Macro (See Sketch sk rbp1, and Set-up File
RBP1.DATon page 4-6)
Macpar (Select from main menu)
The MACPAR command will allow you to create a new standard connection set up to
your requirements.
When you select MACPAR, a dialog box will appear with all the macro connections
available within StruCad, broken down into relevant connection categories, and listed
in alphabetical order.
Select the General Purpose or Base and Top category, and click the RBP
Rectangular Base Plate macro button.
Select the on-line help by clicking the Help button; the help diagram may need
positioning. (Click on the help diagrams top bar, then hold down the left mouse
button and move the box)
Close the help and click the Next> button. Another dialog will appear which contains
a list of the master set-ups available for the RBP macro. We now wish to create a
new version of the macro, and we must make a copy since you cannot edit the
master macros.
Move the mouse cursor over the top existing macros (rbp) and click the right-hand
button.
Choose Copy to Local. The macro will automatically allocate a macro number (the
next available one) for the local copy and, when you press OK, will make the copy.
You will then see the new local macro in the list. Double-click on this new macro.
This will open a Graphical User Interface (G.U.I.) in which the parameters of the
local rbp1 connection macro can be defined and modified:
NOTE: Each of the ports on this opening page can be edited to suit the
requirements of the base plate design.
As each port is edited the Tabs at the top of the page will change, some may
disappear, and additional ones may appear. This selection process means that only
those set-up files, which need to be edited, will become accessible. You can quickly
access these files by clicking the appropriate tab.
Modify the parameters of this macro to match those shown on the following two
pages.
Range tables for both Depth and Width of column to be edited as shown above.
Additional ranges can be created by inserting a new range limit in the available box,
and then selecting the + button. Ranges which are not required may be deleted by
inserting the range limit in the box and selecting the button. ( except for the
master range )
The only criteria which limits the number of ranges which you can use is that some of
the fields do not have variable values, as follows:-
1. Base Plate Thickness.
2. Holding Down Bolt Details.
3. Weld Parameters.
4. Base Plate Material Grade
5.
When complete, choose the Exit button on the dialog, and say yes to save changes.
A Local Macro dialog will appear. This will allow you to select from your local
macros.
Select the Local Macro rbp1 (this is the macro that we customised to reproduce the
base plate in sketch sk rbp1). You will then be asked to Select Member Ends to
which the base plates are to be applied.
Select all Column Ends at the bottom. This will apply the connection rbp1 to the
members. (Clicking anywhere on the member below the arrow will go to the base of
the member; clicking anywhere above the arrow will go to the top of the column.)
View the connection. Slist, (From the object driven menu system) will allow you to
check the properties of your plate, bolts etc. Alternatively you can measure distances
manually.
Return to Wireframe
UNLOADJNT (Select from Main drop-down menu)
1. The best way to check the connection is to produce a fabrication drawing of it. To
do this choose the FABMEM command ( this will produce a drawing of a selected
member).
Marking system not up to date
MARK - YES
A list of any existing drawings will appear. Choose the one that you just created.
3. You can also produce a drawing of just the base plate. To do this, select the
FITMEM command.
This will produce all parts belonging to the selected member - select the column on
grid line A1 again.
4
A list of parts will appear - select the base plate drawings.
Main Exit To close the drawing and return to the StruCad model.
Select the following Global Macros and copy them to your local macro directory:
Right hand click over the macro and select copy to local as:
mspr has neither sleeve nor stay save locally as mspr1
mspr1 has no sleeve and a stay save locally as mspr2
mspr2 has a sleeve and no stay save locally as mspr3
mspr3 has both a sleeve and a stay save locally as mspr4
Edit local copy of mspr1 as shown below (right hand button click over local macro
& choose edit edit as shown on following page:
Now edit local copy of mspr2 On first 2 pages make similar changes to mspr1
then edit Rafter Stay Settings as shown on following page:
Now we can edit local copy of mspr4 Edit as mspr2 the only differences are,
again the sleeve selection box is ticked and the gable rafter stay configuration should
remain on stay
Select required Purlin Ends and apply local macro - as shown on the two following
sketches. (Set view to PLAN, turn off any layers you do not want to see at this time)
You have now applied sleeves to all the purlin connections on one side of the roof,
except where they connect to the rafters on Grids 1 & 8, where a butted connection
is sufficient. The second line of purlins up the slope additionally has rafter stays at
every connection. Although we have used a standard set-up, you can still (if
required) create your own local macros, and change any of the parameters to suit
your company requirements, or those of the engineer.
The most common things you may want to change will be the overhang at the end
bays (which defaults to 1000), and the type of fixing required to the rafter, either a
plate or a cleat.
Loadjoint (You will see that there is no connection present - the reason for this is that
there is no member end at this joint in the model. Endtypes can only be
applied to Member Ends.)
To be able to form a connection at this joint we need to create an artificial member
end - to do this we use what we call Dummy Members, which are here used to
form the purlin connection to the rafter. Dummy members are not given an Erection
Mark and thus do not have Fabrication Drawings produced for them, nor do they
show up on material lists (see Reference Manual, Section 4.1 for more information
about using Dummy Members).
Displacement - 0
Endtype - mspr1 * (Enter from keyboard)
CompID - 2 (Dummy on top of main member)
Dummy Length - 500
Connection Point - I (Intersection of rafter and purlin)
4
2
A
This will insert a Dummy Member at the three positions on this rafter where we have continuous
purlins that need to be connected to the rafter. Each dummy member will have the same rotation,
offsets, etc that have been applied to the main purlin. You can now
either repeat the Dummy command for each rafter where the purlins are continuous, or you can
copy one of your dummy purlins to each position where it is required. Make sure that you complete
both sides of the roof. UPDATE & Check connections
(3) Rafter Eaves Haunch Moment End Plate (Create New LOCAL HMEP1)
(Use model from Exercise 3)
Create Eaves Haunch Macro See Sketch sk hmep1 and Set-up File HMEP1.DAT
Utility - Macpar (You can also get it from the Utility drop-down menu)
Select General Purpose or Haunch category and then HMEP
macro.
General
Edit the first page of the Macro above by changing the following:
Haunch Cutting
Stiffener Options
Miscellaneous - no change
Apply to Rafters
For full checking it is recommended that you produce some shop drawings and
fitting drawings as previously described at the end of Section (1).
(4) Rafter Apex Moment End Plate (Create New LOCAL AMEP1)
(Use model from Exercise 3)
Create Apex Haunch Macro See Sketch sk amep1 and Set-up Diagrams
Utility - Macpar (Select from drop-down menu)
Select General Purpose or Haunch category and then AMEP macro
180 x 12 Plate
20 Dia Bolts at 90 c/crs
General
Miscellaneous - no change
Apply to Rafters
Creation - Endtype See Sketch sk 4.4
Local Macros
Select AMEP1
Select both Rafter Ends at apex
Crop 3 No Changes
EXIT
SAVE Changes
(6) Flexible End Plates with Load (Create New LOCAL FEP1)
(Use model from Exercise 2 )
Create Flexible End Plate Macro
Utility - Macpar
Select General Purpose or Simple connections
category, then FEP macro.
View the Calculation File for the member with a Shear Force applied
4
Select the end of the member with the load applied to it.
You can choose whether to print out the calculation file, or just view it with Wordpad.
Configuration Type
------------- ----
1 Sided Beam to Column Flange Connection
Supported Member(s)
--------- ------
No. = 1 Size = 406X178X60UB Grade = 43A
Supporting Member
---------- ------
No. = 3 Size = 305X305X97UC Grade = 43A
-------------------------------------------------
AUTOMATIC Mode Selected , Rigorous Design Check
No. of Rows of Bolts will be Calculated by Macro
-------------------------------------------------
***************************************************************************
You should be aware that StruCad is only checking what you have input into the
macro data file. When the macro is run in Automatic mode it will check your input
and, if it doesnt agree, then the program will increase the plate size and the number
of bolts to try to get the connection to work. If it still cant get the connection to work,
then it will fail the connection and give you a macro error. You must then either revise
your member sizes or change the connection that you are applying.
When the macro is run in Manual mode it will not fail the parameters you input, but
will give you macro warnings telling you what is wrong with the connection. It is 4
important, therefore, that you check these warnings in the F1 Pad by scrolling
through each joint and checking for warning messages.
The same applies if you get a macro error in automatic mode - you must find out
what the error message is, to see if you can correct the problem.
Exit
Save changes
(7) Eaves Tie General End Plate (Create New LOCAL GEP1)
(Use model from Exercise 3)
Create General End Plate Macro See Set-up File GEP1.DAT
Utility - Macpar
You will notice that the Eaves Ties are out of position. The next exercise shows
you how to reposition the Eaves Ties correctly using the interactive environment
as a tool.
To do a thorough check for collisions on the structure we need to run the clash
detection program. This will check for clashes and bolt access problems etc.
Select the CLASH command and, when the option window appears, ACCEPT all the
defaults.
When asked to Select Members, press the right-hand button for the Object
Selection options and select all visible.
C Hard clash in a joint (cleat to plate, bolt to fitting, fitting to member etc).
B Bolt access violations (Working area around bolt heads).
M Member to Member clash (Any clashes between members).
F Flying Fittings (Any fitting placed more than 5mm from the member it is
shopped to).
Props Hiclash
Hiclash Set all four clash categories to OFF - OR set Delete all clash symbols to
ON
1. Produce some GA Drawings for the structure (as per end of Exercise 3):
plan on roof, foundation plan, typical section through building, elevations, etc.
2. Then produce some Material Lists (as per end of Exercise 2), including:
Assembly List, All Members by Section, All Fittings by Section, Bolt Lists, Location
Lists for Bolts (for hot and cold-rolled, shop and site bolts).
NOTES
Exercise 5
The aim of this exercise is to manually re-work an eaves tie connection using the
principles learnt and practised in Exercise 4.
5
SEQUENCE
(3) Measure
Exercise 5
NOTE: We can select the Eaves Ties on both sides of the building, because we
have input them all anti-clockwise and therefore we have kept their local axes
consistent.
Props - Hiclash
NOTES
Exercise 6
INTERACTIVE BASE PLATE
(Using model from Exercise 3)
The aim of this exercise is to manually construct a special base plate, which has
additional stiffeners.
SEQUENCE
Exercise 6
Move the mouse cursor over the member and press the right-hand button. An object
menu will appear with the main interactive commands available for the selected
member:
Then select No Rotation from the dialog box that appears - we dont need to rotate
the plate.
HINT:
If, at any stage of applying a plate, you do something wrong, do not CANCEL (or
Escape). Instead, when the command asks you to CONFIRM the action, say NO -
you will then be allowed another attempt. If you cancel the activity, you will have
to start from the beginning of the command again!! This also applies when you are
creating cleats and bolts.
6
Select the BOLTS command from the dialog box.
This will enable you to insert bolts into the plate. (If, on the other hand, we wished to
place bolts or holes in the column itself, then the mouse would be clicked over the
column.)
NOTE: The bolts shown here are graphical representations of the extended Holding
Down Bolts. They are shown fully if they are displayed in the wire / solid environment
using the DISPLAY command. However, they will not be drawn extended like this in
the drawings, nor in hidden-line views, since the Drawing Production system (DPS)
can only draw them in their short form.
NEGATIVE
ON THE BACK FACE
It is possible to position the bolt closest to the UDS in both cases but, when you
select the back face from which to drill, you would have to define a negative X pitch.
If, when the back face is selected to drill from, you position the bolt closest to the
UDS of the plate (and have a positive X pitch), then you will get the effect shown on
the following page. The bolt you position is correct, but the other bolts are all
positioned relative to that one, resulting in the two bolts with the positive X pitch
being off the plate.
Bear in mind the fact that the face on the plate you choose to drill from will be
determined by the positions of other plates and other members relative to the current
plate. It is important that you look at the direction of the X-Y axis (UDS) and then
decide whether you need a positive or negative pitch for your bolts, and also which
bolt you are going to position.
Remember that the first bolt you position is the one that defines to which plate or
member ALL the bolts will belong, and also defines the length of the bolt (by the
number of plies it passes through)
Choose the Scopy command (Solid Copy, and then use the plan viewport only).
NOTE: In the activity below you will be using SINT and LINT, two SNAPS that treat
the 3D environment, in which we are working, as if it were a 2D environment. These
two SNAPS will ONLY work correctly in the Plan View, Right View and the Front
View, and NOT in the Isometric View. All the other available SNAPS work in ALL the
viewports as 3D areas.
Using SCOPY we will be copying the plate (whereas, if we had wanted to copy the
bolts, then we would have clicked the mouse cursor on the bolts).
NOTE: The weld is defined by the direction of the arrows on the member.
Weld Parameters
Some of the weld parameters are obvious, but the ones that arent are as follows:
Round/Segment ............ Weld either all round the chosen face, or weld part
of the chosen face (e.g. a Segment).
Shop/Field ......................... A shop weld or a site (field) weld
Spec. of Weld ............... FSE43 means a fillet weld in the shop using
Electrode Strength 43
Inside/Outside ................... Weld either inside or outside the line of the face
chosen to weld.
Single/Double ................. Either a single weld between the two points you
choose or a double weld. The latter will give you a
weld between the points you choose and, in
addition, a weld on the corresponding opposite
face, i.e. welds on both sides of a web.
Stitch Weld ....................... Do you require a stitch weld? (If you say YES, it will
prompt you for the number of stitches and the spacing
between them. Then define the length of weld - you pick the
start point, and for the end point of the weld you pick the
same point again. Then specify an offset equal to the weld
run length required.)
This time we have chosen the weld Parent as a fitting, which means that we define
it off one of the faces of the plate. Once we have chosen the plate face (in this case
the front or the back), we can apply a segment weld. But this time it will be Inside
the weld line (i.e. in the plate). If we had chosen to weld outside the line, the weld
would have been on the inside of the flanges and the web of the member.
NOTE: It is important to get into the routine of saving your putlibs using a system
that relates to the contract, and is in numerical order. The description is also
important, as it allows you to recognise the putlibs at a later date when you list them
using LISTLIB.
6
Confirm to do a PUTLIB .................. YES
It is therefore safe for us to discard the changes since, when we saved the
connection as a putlib, we saved the connection to our Interactive Library.
If you have not saved the member end as a putlib, then UNLOADJNT will result in a
loss of all the work that you have done in this interactive session.
2. DISPLAY your new joint in solid on its own, and do a HIDE on it to display a
hidden-line view of it. (Note that the long holding-down bolts are shortened in the
graphics of the hidden-line view.)
3. Produce fabrication drawings of the member with the interactive base plate and
check that it is OK. (The HD bolts are not shown at all.)
EXIT
Save Changes
NOTES
Exercise 7
CONNECTION TO TOES OF SUPPORTING BEAM
(Using model from Exercise 2)
This exercise gives more practice in producing customised connections interactively.
This connection will join two horizontal beams as shown below.
SEQUENCE
Exercise 7
PROCEDURE
WIREFRAME ENVIRONMENT
INTERACTIVE ENVIRONMENT
Choose the SHORTEN command. This will shorten the current end.
No Rotation
Choose the Scopy command (Solid Copy - this enables us to copy the plate)
NOTE: Although the plates are all defined off the current member end, the
ownership of the two stiffeners and the toe plate was shop another. This means that
they will appear on the shop detail of the continuous member you selected to shop
them to. However, the plates that are highlighted as shop another to the continuous
beam are not defined off that member. This becomes important when you save your
interactive connection as a Putlib. When you run Putlib, the items saved are
everything defined off the current member, including items shopped to another
member. In this case, everything is included in the one Putlib.
Choose the Putlib command, and then set up the PUTLIB dialog box as described
below.
NOTES
Exercise 8
SEQUENCE
(1) Create WCAD of Model from Exercise 3
(2) Switch to New Model
(3) Erase Redundant Members
(4) Add Hip Rafters
(5) Trim Purlins to Hip and Portal Rafters
(6) Add Lattice Members
(7) Define Members together to Create an Assembly
(8) Apply a Camber to Lattice
(9) Apply End Connections and Update
(10) Produce Drawing of Lattice Assembly
Exercise 8
PROCEDURE
Select ADD
Select the top boom first (as the Reference Member) and then all members that
belong to the lattice.
NOTE: 1. The first member that you select is the Reference Member for the
assembly, i.e. the member that is given the erection mark on Arrangement
Drawings.
2. To disassemble an assembly, use the REMOVE option in the 2D ASSEMBLY
dialog box above, and apply it to the Reference Member.
Now make another Local Copy from FWT, this copy will be fwt4.
Edit fwt4 by changing Intersection Priority to centre member, and editing Separate
Members to Yes.
Edmem
Select all Diagonal Internals.
End Type A..... FWT4 (25mm separation)
End Type B. FWT4 (25mm separation)
You can now create connections for the ends of the Truss Booms. These can be
created using the GEP (General End Plate) Macro.
Utility - Macpar (Select from drop - down menu)
Now create a Local Copy of the GEP macro, gep2, and edit to suit. (Your
turn to edit a macro as you think it should be)
Edmem
Select Top and Bottom Booms.
End Type A ...gep2
End Type B ...gep2
Update
UPDATE ............ Update the model
Select the assembly. StruCads DPS will produce the assembly drawing and give it a
reference number (probably A1).
Check drawing
You can view the drawing by selecting ASSDRAW.
A list of created drawings will appear. Choose the drawing of your lattice assembly
that you have just created (probably drawing A1, with subsidiary drawing A1-1 if
more space for fabrication details was needed).
NOTES
NOTES
Exercise 9
INTERACTIVE DOUBLE ANGLE CLEAT CONNECTIONS
(New model)
The object of this exercise is to create a new portal structure, and to connect two
secondary beams on the first floor using an interactively created double angle cleat
connection.
SEQUENCE
Exercise 9
INTERACTIVE DOUBLE ANGLE CONNECTIONS
HINT
Whilst working interactively on a connection, periodically save your endtype as a
temporary Putlib (with a temporary name) in case anything goes wrong (such as a
power-cut) - you will then not lose the work that you have done so far.
PROCEDURE
NOTE: The direction in which eaves beams are input allows us to keep the same
offsets on all of the beams (the members local X-Y axes are all pointing the same
way).
Select the Loadjnt command - this will load the joint where the two beams touch.
To Point (sk 9.7 point ") ... REL 0,25,0 (Round up notch size)
The blue line you see is the cut definition; this does not appear on any of your
fabrication details - it is only visible in the Interactive/Loadjoint Environment. Erasing
the blue line will not get rid of the cut. To delete a cut you use the DELETE
command and select the cut definition line; this will then replace the steel that you
cut away.
HINT
Although it would probably be easier to position the angle off the web, you will find it
can cause problems when applying a Putlib that was defined off the A end of a
member, to a new B end of a member. For example, the cleats would need to be
rotated through 180 and then moved into position.
This is caused by the direction of the X-Y axes on the member ends (refer to your
cube) - i.e. when you look towards the A end of the member from the B end, the X-
axis is to the right, but when you look towards the B end from the A end, then the X-
axis is to the left. Consequently, when you define things and position them off the
webs of members, a Putlib from a members A end will not necessarily work on a
members B end.
You will get a much better success rate if you define fittings from particular ends
of members - i.e., define the connection to be used specifically on member A ends,
or on B ends.
Choose the CLEAT command. The list of face names (including the new cut faces)
appears.
This has moved the angle cleat into position horizontally, so we must now
move it into position vertically.
Right-click on the cleat and select Smove from the menu of commands that apply to
the cleat. (You could alternatively select Smove from bottom-left floating menu, but
then you would have to Select the Fitting anyway.)
NOTES
Exercise 10
INTERACTIVE SLOPING CONNECTIONS
(Using model from Exercise 9)
In this exercise we will try three different ways of interactively making a connection
on a sloping beam, to see which is the best method.
SEQUENCE
(5) Method 2 - Cut The Sloping Beam Parallel to the Column Face
(6) Method 3 - Rotate the Member End to be Parallel to the Column Flange
10
(5) Method 2 - Cut the Sloping Beam Parallel to the Column Face sk 10.2
Interactive Creation - Cut (Select from top left floating menu)
Use the Plan View port
Select parent. Member you want to cut
Cutting Options .............................. Local Axes of another member
Select a Member ........................... Select the column
From Point .................................... REF - INT ! Y= -13
To Point ....................................... REL X= -150
Cut Face Name .............................. 1 (Face ! in sk 10.2)
To Point/<CR> to Finish .............. <CR> (press Return)
Cut Slope ...................................... Accept
(6) Method 3 - Rotate the Member End to be Parallel to the Column Flange sk
10.3
Determine the Angle of the Sloping Member
Right-click the mouse over the sloping beam for the menu of its interactive
commands:
First choose the Slist command. The Pad will display the list of the beams
properties.
Make a note of the Variable $VSLOPE, the vertical slope, which will be about 31
degrees.
ACCEPT
This will rotate your member end so that it is parallel to the column flange. It will also
have rotated the members UDS, therefore making it easier to position the end plate
(see sk 10.3 and sk 10.4).
10
You have now used three different ways of shortening the sloping beam in
preparation for adding the rest of its connection to the column. These were (a)
INTERSECT, (b) CUT, and (c) ROTMEM. The simplest to use should be
INTERSECT or CUT. With the beam now shortened, proceed with the rest of the
connection.
(10) Repeat to Make a Sloping Connection to the Underside of the Floor Beam
Create a similar connection at the B end of the sloping beam.
When rotating the member end, use the X Rotate by Point option as shown in sk
10.6.
10
NOTES
Exercise 11
INTERACTIVE HAUNCH CONNECTION -
UTILISING DUMMY MEMBERS
(Using model from Exercise 9)
This exercise enables you to prepare eaves and apex haunches for subsequent
connection.
SEQUENCE
(1) Create a Suitable Base Plate for the Columns using the RBP Macro
(10) Apply End Type to Dummy Members at the Other Apex Connections
PROCEDURE
(1) Create a Suitable Base Plate for the Columns using the RBP Macro
Using the RBP macro, apply a column base to all columns.
Use the commands you have learned in previous exercises (e.g. Exercise 4 (1)).
Connection - Endtype (Select from drop-down menu)
(3) Bisect the Rafter and the Column and Save Connection sk 11.1
Bisect the Column into the Rafter
Right-click the mouse on the column to get the menu of interactive commands
available for the selected member:
11
HINT You can change the PARAM, Prefix for PUTLIB Endtype parameter to ex11-
to enable you to save Putlibs with this prefix from now on in this model from Exercise
9.
Alternatively, provided you have already applied the Putlib, you can use the
ENDCOPY command to copy connections from one end of a member to other ends.
ENDCOPY is under the Members drop-down menu.
11
Load the Joint between the Dummy Member and the Rafters
Right-click the joint between dummy and the rafters
Joint - Loadjnt
Manipulate Views so that you can see the Dummy and the Rafters
Use ZO, ZI, WI, PAN, etc.
sk 11.4
11
sk 11.5
You will see that, by selecting the vertex of the middle part of the cleat, the CUT
command finds the nearest end of the line you select. This means that it keeps the
outside portion of the cleat, i.e. not the part we want to keep.
So, to be able to define the cleat we want, we must define two separate cuts, as
shown in Sketch sk 11.6 below. For Cut 1 you will pick SINTs ! and " as shown
on sk 11.6 and then, when you select the vertex to keep, pick the opposite corner of
the cleat.
Repeat for Cut 2, picking SINTs # and $, and again the vertex to keep will be the 11
opposite corner. You will find that, by cutting the cleat in two separate actions, you
can achieve the desired haunch.
HINT You can repetitively use the middle button of the mouse when checking round
a model, since it will toggle automatically between LOADJNT and UNLOADJNT.
NOTE: You cannot erase the dummy members, as they have the Haunch Cleat end
types on them. The rafters at the apex already have a Putlib on their ends, the
Bisect, so the dummy has to be present to position the haunch.
11
NOTE: The Dummy Member does not need to be part of the Assembly.
NOTES
Exercise 12
INTERACTIVE EAVES BRACKET CONNECTION
(Using model from Exercises 9 - 11)
In Exercise 12 you cut the Eaves Beams to fit properly, and then connect them to the
columns using interactively created brackets.
SEQUENCE
Use the commands that you have learnt in previous exercises to complete this
exercise. You should only need a total of 3 Putlibs for this exercise!
PROCEDURE
sk 12.1
(4) Create Similar Connections for Other End of Eaves Beam sk 12.2
Shorten and cut to achieve the connection shown.
sk 12.2
12
(5) Save End Type and Apply to Ends of Other Eaves Beams
Putlib
Save as ex12-002.
Abort, and apply to Eaves Beam Ends at the end columns on Grids A & C
Update
sk 12.3
Distance
Measure the distance using screen intersections between Points ! and " to
determine the size and length of cleat required.
Cleat
Create the cleat shown, defining it off the column.
Position it centrally on the column, and centrally to the Eaves Beams.
sk 12.4
Use the commands that you have learnt in earlier exercises to position the cleat
correctly. You will need to measure the distance, and then move the cleat relatively
12
from its present position.
Weld
Create an all-round fillet weld (6FW) between the cleat and the column.
NOTE: The all-round welding option only works for a cleat, and not for a plate.
Putlib
Give it a temporary name (e.g. temp-1) to save the work so far.
sk 12.5
Plate
Add an end plate for the Eaves Beam Bracket, and position it centrally on the
cleat.
As shown in Sketch sk 12.5, create welds as follows:
(a) Between the UB Stub and end plate (4 welds in total),
(b) An inside profile weld each side of the web, and
(c) A weld at the top and bottom of the end plate.
Remember to distinguish between inside and outside welds when doing these
welds. If you cannot remember, then refer to Exercise 6, or ask your
instructor!!
Check the position of your cleat and plate in all four-view ports.
Putlib
Again, save the connection at this point as a temporary back up.
sk 12.6
Putlib
Re-save the temporary connection.
12
sk 12.7
12
NOTES
NOTES
12
A1
Locations and Lists of Commands
A1
Main Menu
Figure 1 Menu Screens (double left-click for Wireframe and Interactive Modelling Environments
Right-clicking on Objects
The default groups of commands that you get when you right-click on an object are
those that are most useful when working on that object, in the environment you are
A1
in. The objects or entities that are sensitive to right-clicking are as follows, but each
is applicable only in the environments that allow them:
Grid Line; Wire Member; Curved Member; 2D Group; Assembly; Solid
Member;
Joint; Plate; Cleat; Bolt; Hole; Weld; Cut;
Text; Line; Arc; Fill; 2D Block.
Since the commands grouped in the floating menus for these objects are logical, no
further details are given here.
If you want to change the groups of commands, or to add more commands to any of
the floating menus, use the MSETUP command.
The floating menus that you get when you right-click on an area of the screen in
either 2D environment are listed below, and the full-screen menu and all the
commands for these environments are shown in Figure 4.3 on the next page.
2D Draughting Environment - Default Screen Area Menus
Pull-Down 2D Menu
Main 2D Menu
Figure 3 Menu Screens (double left-click) for the Drawings and 2D CAD Environments
Abbreviations to enable you to quickly type the commands - often the quickest way to
get them.
An indication of which environment each command works in, and the location of its
command button - either in a top strip drop-down menu, in the main menu, or in a right-
click menu. In the main menu, the entry menu indicates that a command has its own
button whilst, if you have to select a group to get it, its group name is given. (To help you
find the groups, or where else a command button is located, refer to Figures 1 and 2,
which illustrate the displays presenting the Command Menus.)
If you need more information about particular commands, consult the On-line Help at the
Front End. If you need to, you can print the command descriptions from On-line Help.
NOTES: 1. Commands that affect your model or drawing in some far-reaching way, but
cannot be easily be undone again, are labelled (CAUTION).
2. Abbreviations may change slightly as new commands are added, since the
computer chooses the abbreviations to be unique and to avoid clashes between
them.
Abbreviations: T = command only typeable; M = command is a macro - must be RUN;
* = command works slightly differently in different environments;
Int = Interactive menus r/c = right-click menus - = N/A.
Table 1 List of StruCad Commands
COMMAND ABBRE- DESCRIPTION Finding the Finding the Command in
(MENU VIATION Command - Command - Right-click
NAME) 3D Modelling 2D Drawing Menu
CADMODES CADM Set up initial environment for model / loadjnt topUTILITY topUTILITY Bottom Right
CALCRISE CALCR Calculate rafter rise CONST - -
CALCULATE CALCU Display a calculator window UTILITY Tools -
CAMEM CAM Produce selected CAM data STRUCAM - -
CATALOG CAT Display StruCad steel section catalogue SHAPES - -
CDIST CD Displays cumulative distance between points topQUERY topQUERY -
CHKCOMP CH Display mems with same coords & comp Ids LABELS - -
CIMSTEEL CIM Export or import CIMsteel (neutral) files LINKS - -
CIRCLE CIR Insert a circle CAD DRAW topDRAWING w/fBotL,2dTL
CLASH CLA Activate StruCad clash detection topUTILITY - Bottom Right
CLEAT CLE Insert a cleat Int CREATE - Top Left
CLIST CLI List member coordinates topQUERY - -
CLONE CLONE Clone selected members topMEMBERS - r/c member
CLONETXT CLONET Enter text with same attributes as existing text T T -
CLOUD CLOU Draws a revision cloud round selected points - topDRAWING Top Left
CMEMBER CM Create a compound member CONST - -
COG COG Calculate centres of gravity CONST. - -
COLDCAM COLD Produce StruCads cold rolled section list STRUCAM - -
COLOUR COLO Set the colour for all new objects menu topPROPS -
COLUSR COLU Colour entities by value of a user attribute USER - -
CONNECT CONN Establish connectn priority tween 2 members topCONSTR - -
CONSTRUCT CONS Create construction lines on a GA - topDRAWING -
COPY COPY Copy an object topCOPYING topCOPYING Bot L;IntBotR
COPYCAT
CTAP
COPYC
CT
Copy the models Local Catalogue to Global
Create a Tapered member
SHAPES
CONST
-
-
-
-
A1
CURVMEM CUR Insert curved member MEMBERS - Top Left
CUT CUT Cut member or fitting Int Create - Top Left
GAPROD GAP Produce/edit GA definition files and drawings G.A.DWGS - Right Edge
GASDRAW GAS View GA drawing in Wireframe environment G.A.DWGS - Right Edge
GENDRAW GEND View drawing in general category VIEWDRAW - -
GENTEMP GENT Generate full-size template for plates TEMPLATE - -
GENWRAP GENW Generate wrap-round template TEMPLATE - -
GETLIB GETL Execute interactive library detail Int EDIT END - Bot L, REdge
LAYOFF LAYOF Turn layer off by selecting an entity topLAYER topLAYER 2dRight Edge
LAYON LAYON Turn layer on by name or entity topLAYER topLAYER 2dRight Edge
LDLIST LD List end reactions LISTS - -
LEFT LEF Select left-hand side view direction T T -
LENGTHEN LEN Lengthen lines - menu -
LEVCOPY LEVC Copy a level LEVELS - Left Edge
LEVEL LEVE Insert a new level LEVELS - Left Edge
LINE LINE Create and insert lines topCONSTR topDRAWING 3BotL, 2TopL
LINETYPE LINET Set style for subsequent lines, grids & arcs PROPS topPROPS 2dRight Edge
LIST LIST List information about object * topQUERY topQUERY IntBotR,w/fline
LISTASS LISTA List information about an assembly LISTS - r/c assembly
LISTLIB LISTL Produce a list of interactive library files UTILITY - Int RightEdge
LOADJNT LOADJ Load a joint for interactive modelling topMAIN - Bottom Right
LOADSTAT LOADS Show load status STATUS - -
OCODE OC Orientation code of member wrt current end Int UTILITIES - Bot R, LEdge
OFF, ON OFF, ON Make selected members invisible / reinstate topLAYERS - wf Top Right
OFFSET OFFS Offset members, lines or arcs * topCOPYING topCOPYING 2dBot Left
RAD, RAP RAD, RAP Rationalise expression down / up Int UTILITIES - Bot R, LEdge
RCAD RC Read external CAD file UTILITY menu -
RDF via RUN Rounds imperial numbers in conn macros M - -
READARF REA Read results from *.arf file LINKS - -
RECTANG REC Draw a rectangle - topDRAWING Top Left
REDRAW RED Redraw model (in each viewport) VIEWING T 3d Top Right
REMARK REM Re-mark entire model afresh (CAUTION) UTILITY - -
RESTORE RES Restore member to bare end Int EDIT END - Bottom Left
REVIN REVI SDNF revision import LINKS - -
A1