Modeling with parametrics

Commonly used parametrics that are

distributed with SDS/2 2016 and how
to get the most out of them
Parametrics-Where to find them?
• Parametrics are usually located in 1 of 2 places
• Plugin parametrics are located (generally) in
plugins\Distributed\BV\
• Regular parametrics are located (generally) in
macro\examples\Distributed\BV\
Why put parametrics on the toolbar?

• By adding commonly used parametrics to the

toolbar, the user increases likelihood of actually
using them when the opportunity arises
• Makes them even faster and easier to use; no
navigating through folders to find the right one
each time
Toolbar plugin parametrics
• Added to toolbar via toolbar configuration
dropdown “Model—Parametric—BVD”
• SagRods as Anchor Rods
• Shape Info
• Add plate washers to BPL holes
Regular parametrics and the launcher
1. In modeling, click on
Options>Toolbar
Configuration
2. Click Launcher Manager
button, then click Add
3. Enter desired button text
and tooltip (hover text)
4. Click the file cabinet button
next to script and locate
the parametric you want
linked to this button
Regular parametrics and the launcher cont’d

5. If desired, use the same

method to locate small and
large icons for adding to the
toolbar
6. Once all desired parametrics
are added to launcher, close
and open the command group
dropdown
7. Select “Parametric Launchers”.
All items you have added
should now appear there.
8. Add the icons to your toolbar
and close/save
Even Spacing
• macro\examples\Distributed\BV\even_spacing.py
• Gives quick information for breaking a length into
equal (or nearly equal) spaces
• Pick 2 points, enter number of spaces, ta-da!
 Even spacing output
Nothing fancy here, just useful simple calculations
20’-0” into 7 spaces gives 3 results
1. Variable spacing using whole inches
2. Closest fractional equal spacing with overage/shortage
3. 4 decimal place precision equal spacing
Edit Custom Properties
• Download from Design Data’s website in the
parametrics section and place in macro folder
(or any other location you want to use)
• Allow user to skip the step of opening member
edit screen to open member custom properties
window
Shape Info
• plugins\Distributed\BV\Shapeinfo\Shapeinfo.py
• Can preselect member or run parametric first
and type in a material size
• Provides quick reference to material properties
• Tweak code for desired default unit display
Code to change for default units
Open the .py file using notepad or some other text
or code editor and locate the line of code
highlighted above. Change the string in quotes to
desired units from UNITSLIST. Be sure to leave
quotes in place. For example, mine is set up as
DEFAULTUNITS = “inch-fraction”
Leveling plates
• macro\examples\Distributed\BV\Leveling_Plate.py
• Creates leveling plates under selected columns
• Use parametric while in plan view or plates will not
detail correctly
Sample entry
Default settings create typical leveling plate
SagRods as Anchor Rods
• Plugin parametric
• Allows quick input of anchor bolts and epoxy
anchors using the sagrod custom member
• This custom member is more “intelligent” and
versatile than SDS/2 built-in anchor bolt
member
 When using as epoxy anchors in angles, etc.,
be sure the holes are of type “Anchor bolt
hole” or member add will fail

When adding to columns, you can specify by selecting

columns, columns with a particular base plate or just by
picking the holes you want bolts added to
SagRods as Anchor Rods Key Options

• Rod type (Straight+Hook/Straight/Bolt)

• Set grout thickness, embed depth into concrete
and min. bolt projection above BPL
• Adjust calculated rod projection above concrete
• Be aware, bearing washer is not counted in
washer quantity and is modeled as plate
material
SagRods as Anchor Rods Key Options cont’d

• Set thread lengths at both ends as required

• Set hook length where applicable
• Rotate “Straight+Hook” SagRod options, if
desired
• Check box marked Reverse Hole Points when
direction change is required (typically when
using as epoxy anchor)
Bent Plate Pourstop
• macro\examples\Distributed\BV\Beam_BPL_Pourstop.py
• Can be used to add shop attached or field
attached bent plate pourstops
• Recommend using custom members for field
attached due to greater “intelligence”
Pick points and fill out fields
Select point closest to left end of member first
to make horizontal leg point toward CL of beam
Bent plate pourstop key features
• Cope around columns at ends of beam
• Automatically generate closure plates
• Cut to break up material lengths as needed
• Add studs/DBAs to vertical leg if required
Beam HSS Fill
• macro\examples\Distributed\BV\Beam_HSS_Fill.py
• Useful on commercial construction where joists are
used
• Allows rapid input of HSS fill material between joists
where continuous deck support is required
• Press Enter without clicking joists/beams if you wish to
pick points instead
Beam HSS Fill
Select member to add the materials to
Single click each joist/beam (do not hold shift as in
normal multiple model selections) to fill between
Key fields
1) Joist clearance is on EACH SIDE of joist, not total gap
2) Minimum length setting ensures you do not get fillers
at joists that are close together (usually double joists
or staggered joists
Beam Edge Angle
• macro\examples\Distributed\BV\Beam_Edge_Angle.py
• Adds angles to beam flanges
• Useful for pourstops, fascia angles, stud wall
supports
• Input points are for length only, not offset
Key Fields
• Horizontal offset distance determines distance from CL of
beam to back of angle
• Angle toe direction (Up/Down)
• LLH/LLV (if applicable)
• Top or bottom of beam
• Horizontal reference with respect to beam CL (NS/FS of beam
CL to back of angle)
• Angle setbacks (can pick points or enter/edit them from here
Column Deck Angle
• macro\examples\Distributed\BV\Col_DeckAngle.py
• Adds material to selected column faces using beams as
reference location
• Useful for deck supports and outrigger/erecting seats
for beams
Key features

Quickly add angles or other deck support materials

to faces of column based on beam T.O.S.
Adds outrigger seats at offset connections of
beams to columns
Adds temporary seats to columns where beams are
to be field welded
Bolt Flange to Flange
• macro\examples\Distributed\BV\Bolt_FlgToFlg.py
• Quickly bolt beams together that frame over top of
each other
• Will generate shim plates if desired
• Adds bolts and holes per selected pattern and settings
Key features
Bolt pattern and hole types are customizable
Adds filler shim plates when required
Adds top/bottom flange views to beams if desired
Kicker Angle
• macro\examples\Distributed\BV\KickerAngle.py
• Used on projects where kickers are used help restrain
spandrel beams
• Can be used on beams that are sloping and on skew to
each other
• Select both beams, fill out window, pick high/low
points on beams
• Adds pin holes/bolts and welds if req’d
Kicker Angles cont’d