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Table of Contents
Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction.......................................................................1-1 1.1 Overview.................................................................................1-3 1.2 Text Conventions...................................................................1-4 1.3 Main Practice..........................................................................1-5 Chapter 2 Starting a Project..............................................................2-1 2.1 Template Files........................................................................2-3 2.2 Project Data............................................................................2-4 2.3 File Structure..........................................................................2-5 Practice 2a Create a Project File ................................................. 2-6 Chapter 3 Working in 3D CAD...........................................................3-1 3.1 Common CAD Commands....................................................3-3 3.2 Mouse View Commands for 3D ............................................3-4 3.3 Viewpoints..............................................................................3-5 3.4 Visual Styles...........................................................................3-6 Practice 3a View Manipulation .................................................... 3-7 Chapter 4 The Advance Steel Interface............................................4-1 4.1 Selecting Objects...................................................................4-3 4.2 Advance Properties ...............................................................4-4 4.3 Advance Joint Properties .....................................................4-6 4.4 Joint Boxes ............................................................................4-7 4.5 Deleting Objects ....................................................................4-9 4.6 Undo......................................................................................4-10 4.7 Object Snaps........................................................................4-11 4.8 2D/3D Osnap ........................................................................4-12 Chapter 5 Coordinate Systems.........................................................5-1 5.1 3D Coordinates ......................................................................5-3 5.2 World Coordinates.................................................................5-4 5.3 User Coordinate System .......................................................5-5 5.4 When to Use a UCS .............................................................5-10
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
Chapter 6 Building Grids...................................................................6-1 6.1 Creating a Building Grid .......................................................6-3 6.2 Grid Properties.......................................................................6-7 6.3 Modifying Grids .....................................................................6-9 6.4 Level Symbols......................................................................6-12 Practice 6a Drawing Grids ......................................................... 6-14 Chapter 7 Basic Structures ...............................................................7-1 7.1 Structural Frames ..................................................................7-3 Practice 7a Draw a Portal Frame ................................................. 7-8 7.2 Placing Sections ....................................................................7-9 7.3 Beam Properties ..................................................................7-13 Practice 7b Draw Beams and Sections..................................... 7-17 Chapter 8 Simple Editing...................................................................8-1 8.1 Overview.................................................................................8-3 8.2 Layer Management ................................................................8-4 8.3 Common Basic CAD Editing Commands ............................8-6 8.4 Transform Elements ..............................................................8-8 8.5 Advance Copy/Rotate/Array ...............................................8-11 8.6 Advance Trim/Extend ..........................................................8-12 Chapter 9 Automatic Joints ..............................................................9-1 9.1 Connection Vault ...................................................................9-3 9.2 Joint Properties .....................................................................9-5 9.3 Repeating Joints....................................................................9-9 9.4 Joint Library .........................................................................9-13 9.5 Joint Groups ........................................................................9-16 Practice 9a Add Joints ............................................................... 9-21 Chapter 10 Beam Features..............................................................10-1 10.1 Introduction..........................................................................10-3 Practice 10a Open the Drawing ................................................. 10-4 10.2 Coping or Notching Beams ................................................10-5 Practice 10b Use a Shorten on a Beam .................................... 10-7 10.3 Shorten at UCS ....................................................................10-8
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Practice 10c Shorten at UCS ..................................................... 10-9 10.4 Cut at Object ......................................................................10-10 Practice 10d Cut at Object ....................................................... 10-12 10.5 Notch...................................................................................10-13 Practice 10e Notch and Notch, Skewed.................................. 10-16 10.6 Parametric Notch – Joint ..................................................10-17 Practice 10f Create a Parametric Notch - Joint...................... 10-21 10.7 Beam Clearance.................................................................10-22 Practice 10g Beam Clearance.................................................. 10-23 10.8 Contour Features...............................................................10-24 Practice 10h Experiment with Contours................................. 10-31 10.9 Editing Features.................................................................10-32 10.10Mitre ...................................................................................10-36 10.11Splitting and Joining Beams ...........................................10-37 Practice 10i Modify Columns................................................... 10-39 Chapter 11 Plates .............................................................................11-1 Practice 11a Open the Drawing ................................................. 11-3 11.1 Flat Plates.............................................................................11-4 11.2 Plate Properties ...................................................................11-8 11.3 Folded Plates .......................................................................11-9 11.4 Gratings ..............................................................................11-16 Practice 11b Remodel Ducting and Add Plates ..................... 11-20 Chapter 12 Plate Features ...............................................................12-1 12.1 Contour Features.................................................................12-3 12.2 Contour Processing Properties..........................................12-8 Practice 12a Ducting ................................................................ 12-10 12.3 Plate Contour Features – Non UCS..................................12-11 12.4 Chamfers and Fillets .........................................................12-12 12.5 Dividing and Joining Plates..............................................12-15 Chapter 13 Connection Elements...................................................13-1 13.1 Bolts......................................................................................13-3 13.2 Bolt Properties .....................................................................13-7 13.3 Anchors ................................................................................13-9 iii
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13.4 Welds ..................................................................................13-10 13.5 Edit Connected Objects ....................................................13-12 Practice 13a Add Bolts and Welds.......................................... 13-14 Chapter 14 Custom Connections ...................................................14-1 14.1 Introduction..........................................................................14-3 14.2 Modeling the Custom Connection .....................................14-5 14.3 Building Bricks ....................................................................14-6 14.4 Creating Connection Template...........................................14-8 14.5 Insert Connection Template .............................................14-10 Chapter 15 Structural Elements......................................................15-1 15.1 Bracing .................................................................................15-3 15.2 Stairs.....................................................................................15-5 Practice 15a Create Stairs........................................................ 15-12 15.3 Hand Rails ..........................................................................15-13 Practice 15b Add Railings........................................................ 15-19 15.4 Cage Ladders .....................................................................15-20 Practice 15c Add a Cage Ladder ............................................. 15-22 15.5 Cladding .............................................................................15-23 15.6 3D Drawing Tips.................................................................15-27 Practice 15d Add Decking........................................................ 15-31 Chapter 16 Other Model Objects ....................................................16-1 16.1 Concrete Objects .................................................................16-3 Practice 16a Create Concrete Foundations ............................. 16-5 16.2 Special Parts ........................................................................16-6 Practice 16b Insert the Tank ...................................................... 16-9 Chapter 17 Project Explorer............................................................17-1 17.1 Introduction..........................................................................17-3 17.2 Levels....................................................................................17-4 17.3 Work Planes and Columns .................................................17-8 Practice 17a Create Levels ...................................................... 17-10 17.4 Model Views .......................................................................17-11 Practice 17b Create a Model View........................................... 17-20
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17.5 Queries ...............................................................................17-21 Practice 17c Saved Query........................................................ 17-27 17.6 Groups ................................................................................17-28 Practice 17d Create a Group.................................................... 17-32 17.7 Show All Objects ...............................................................17-33 17.8 Structures...........................................................................17-34 Chapter 18 Validating a Structure ..................................................18-1 18.1 Clash Check .........................................................................18-3 18.2 Object Marking.....................................................................18-6 18.3 Technical Check ..................................................................18-9 18.4 Joint Design .......................................................................18-11 Chapter 19 Numbering.....................................................................19-1 19.1 Model Role............................................................................19-3 Practice 19a Assign Model Roles.............................................. 19-8 19.2 Numbering............................................................................19-9 Practice 19b Numbering........................................................... 19-17 Chapter 20 Creating Drawings........................................................20-1 20.1 Quick Documents ................................................................20-3 20.2 Drawing Styles .....................................................................20-5 20.3 Drawing Processes............................................................20-10 20.4 Cameras..............................................................................20-15 20.5 Summary of Drawing Procedure ......................................20-20 20.6 View Orientation ................................................................20-21 20.7 Setting up Quick Documents............................................20-22 Chapter 21 Editing Drawings ..........................................................21-1 21.1 Document Manager .............................................................21-3 21.2 Manipulating Drawings .......................................................21-9 21.3 Drawing Labels and Dimensions .....................................21-18 21.4 Object Properties...............................................................21-32 Chapter 22 Lists ...............................................................................22-1 22.1 Quick Documents ................................................................22-3 22.2 RDF Viewer...........................................................................22-6
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22.3 Selective Lists......................................................................22-8 22.4 Managing Lists...................................................................22-13 Chapter 23 Other Documents .........................................................23-1 23.1 NC Files ................................................................................23-3 23.2 DXF Files ..............................................................................23-5 23.3 Sharing Models and Drawings ...........................................23-7 23.4 Data Exchange ...................................................................23-15 Appendix A Drawing Prototypes ..................................................... A-1 A.1 Editing a Prototype............................................................... A-3 A.2 Title Block.............................................................................. A-4 A.3 Drawing Frame...................................................................... A-7 A.4 BOMs on Drawings............................................................... A-8 A.5 Revision Table .................................................................... A-10 A.6 Other Information ............................................................... A-12 A.7 Printing Setup ..................................................................... A-13 Appendix B BOM Template Editor................................................... B-1 B.1 Introduction........................................................................... B-3 B.2 Element Properties ............................................................... B-4 B.3 Tokens ................................................................................... B-6 B.4 Formatting ............................................................................. B-7 B.5 List Structure ........................................................................ B-8 B.6 Report Contents.................................................................... B-9 Appendix C Advance Steel Options ................................................ C-1 C.1 Defaults.................................................................................. C-3 Appendix D User Sections ............................................................... D-1 D.1 Introduction........................................................................... D-3 D.2 Layers and Basic Elements ................................................. D-4 D.3 Key Points ............................................................................. D-6 D.4 Generate Sections ................................................................ D-9 Appendix E Basic CAD Practice ...................................................... E-1 Practice E1 Course Preparation ................................................. E-3
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Appendix F Training Outline ............................................................ F-1 F.1 Suggested Five Day Outline ................................................ F-3 F.2 Optional Topics or Further Training ................................... F-8 F.3 Autodesk Links to Forums, Support, and FAQ Pages .... F-10
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Chapter 1 Introduction
This chapter contains the following topics:
• Overview • Text Conventions • Main Practice
1–1
1–2
Introduction
1.1 Overview This training guide is only provided to users who have attended an approved Autodesk® Advance Steel training course. It is intended to give an overview of all of the basic commands that are required to create structures and associated documentation using the Autodesk Advance Steel software. Not all of the Advance Steel commands are included and not all of the options in the included commands are covered. Not all content of this training guide is necessarily covered during the training course. Instead it focuses on the recommended workflow and the most common commands and options. This training guide can be referred to for alternate commands and extra information. •
This training guide is written using the Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 software. Therefore, different versions might not match this training guide.
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1.2 Text Conventions This training guide uses the following conventions for formatting text. •
Autodesk Advance Steel commands are indicated by bold text.
•
Prompts in the Autodesk Advance Steel Command Line are indicated by italic text.
•
When describing the location of a command or icon in the Ribbon, it is written as Ribbon tab>Ribbon panel, (Command Name). For example, Home tab>Extended Modeling panel, click (Connection Vault), prompts you to click the Connection Vault icon in the Extended Modeling panel in the Home tab in the Ribbon.
•
When describing the location of a command or icon in a Tool Palette, it is written as Tool Palette Name, Tool Palette category, Command Name. For example, in the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Selection category, click Marked Objects).
1–4
(Select
•
Recommended workflow and important points are displayed in a hint box, which is surrounded by a gray border. There might be several ways of achieving the required outcome, but this indicates the most common or easiest way. However, it can also indicate that there might only be one way to do a task, but that the task is very important.
•
Practices are placed in their own sections and identified by Practice #x and the practice title (e.g., Practice 1a Opening a Drawing). Follow the instructions to practice and test your skills.
•
Margin notes are used to provide extra tips or information that is useful but not essential.
Introduction
1.3 Main Practice To provide a coherent plan for the training, the following structure has been created as a training practice. This structure is not intended to be an exemplary design, but a representative structure that demonstrates how to use a broad range of Autodesk Advance Steel commands in a realistic setting. Unless otherwise stated, all of the user practices in this training guide refer to this training project. All of the important information has been provided in the following drawings. Dimensions or properties that are not defined in the drawings are not critical and can be selected by the user.
Figure 1–1
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
Figure 1–2 1–6
Introduction
Figure 1–3
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Figure 1–4
1–8
Introduction
Figure 1–5 1–9
Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
Figure 1–6
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Introduction
Figure 1–7 1–11
Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
Figure 1–8
1–12
Introduction
Figure 1–9 1–13
Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
This chapter contains the following topics:
• • • •
Template Files Project Data File Structure Create a Project File
2–1
2–2
Starting a Project
2.1 Template Files As with most applications, when you start a new project or file you should start with a template file. This file is created with typical layers and settings to suit the Autodesk® Advance Steel software. As part of a standard installation, the Autodesk Advance Steel software automatically locates the storage location of the templates when you click (New) (in Quick Access Toolbar or in the Application Menu>New>Drawing). You can modify the template to some extent as needed. For example, you can set a new Home View or change the background and layer colors, etc. DO NOT change the layers or any other settings.
Figure 2–1
It also automatically lists the available templates (according to the language that was selected when the software was installed) on the new tab when you expand the templates option. If you are using the USEnglish installation of the software, you should use the mm_ASTemplate.dwt template for metric modeling projects and the ASTemplate.dwt template for imperial modeling projects.
Figure 2–2
•
You should always select the ASTemplate.dwt template to start your metric modeling project. 2–3
Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
2.2 Project Data It is recommended that you identify the project in which the file is going to be used and set some basic settings at the start of any project. In the Home tab>Settings panel, click
(Project Settings).
Figure 2–3
The Project data dialog box opens.
Figure 2–4
The style of this dialog box and all of the other Autodesk Advance Steel dialog boxes is the same. A list of property groups called Tabs is displayed on the left. Selecting any of them changes the page of settings that is displayed on the right. There are many settings that you can customize or properties that you can complete for any project. For most projects you need to complete as much as possible in the Project Info 1 and Project Info 2 tabs. This information is used to complete the title blocks on drawings and the headings on lists later in the project. You can usually accept the default settings on the other tabs. 2–4
Starting a Project
2.3 File Structure Ensure that you store your projects in a location that all users can access and NOT under My Documents, Desktop, Program Data, Program Files, Documents and Settings, or any other user or system folder.
The file that you just opened contains the model of the structure for this project. This is the master file for the entire project. It is recommended that you create a sub-folder that is named after this project in the location in which all of your projects are going to be stored. You should then save the model drawing in the new sub-folder and with the same name. As the project continues and you create drawings or other outputs, the Autodesk Advance Steel software creates many more files in the same location as your master file. The software creates a new folder next to the model file with the same name. In that folder, more sub-folders are created as required for Details (drawings), BOMS, Calculations, NC files, etc. The resulting structure is as follows.
Figure 2–5
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
Practice 2a
Create a Project File 1. Set up a new Project file for the training structure.
If you are using the USEnglish installation of the software, you should use the mm_ASTemplate.dwt template for metric modeling projects.
2–6
2. Start a new file using the ASTemplate.dwt template. 3. Complete the project data and save the file in the required folder. • • • • •
Project = Advance Steel Training Project Number = T123 Client = your company name Designer and Detailer = your name Contractor = Autodesk
Chapter 3 Working in 3D CAD
This chapter contains the following topics:
• • • • •
Common CAD Commands Mouse View Commands for 3D Viewpoints Visual Styles View Manipulation
3–1
3–2
Working in 3D CAD
3.1 Common CAD Commands The Autodesk® Advance Steel software contains many similarities to other CAD systems. All of the basic 2D CAD commands and functions are available to Autodesk Advance Steel users at all times. This training guide is written assuming that you are already familiar with and competent using most typical 2D CAD commands. For example, to effectively use the Autodesk Advance Steel software, you should be comfortable using the following as a minimum: Line, Arc, Rectangle, Circle, Polyline, Object Snaps (running and single click), Ortho, Move, Copy, Edit Polyline, Extend, Trim, Zoom, Pan, Plot, Grips, and Layers.
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3.2 Mouse View Commands for 3D When working in 3D, the normal Pan and Zoom commands remain available, and extra tools are also available. It is generally recommended that you use the mouse shortcuts to manipulate your 3D view as follows: •
Zoom (mouse wheel): To zoom in or out, scroll the mouse wheel back (to zoom out) or forward (to zoom in) as is done in 2D.
•
Pan (middle mouse button): Press and hold down the mouse wheel or middle button while moving the mouse as is done in 2D.
•
Orbit ( + middle mouse button): To rotate the model freely in 3D you can hold down while pressing the middle mouse button or wheel and moving the mouse. The model then orbits about an arbitrary center point. Unfortunately, you cannot control the point that is selected. If you have not done this before, you might need to practice to get used to orbiting the model as needed. If objects in the model are selected while rotating in this way, only the selected objects remain visible during the movement.
•
Zoom Extents (double-click on the middle mouse button): To zoom to extents or display the entire model on screen you can double-click on the middle mouse button.
Zoom, Pan, and Orbit can be used at any time, such as in the middle of a command or when an Advance Steel dialog box is open. When you release the buttons or wheel, the zooming stops and you return to the same point in the command.
3–4
Working in 3D CAD
3.3 Viewpoints To move around in the model and display it from a common viewpoint, select the required view in the Views drop-down list in the View tab or in the top left corner of the model space. Aditionally, you can select various points on the ViewCube to change the view angle of the model. The Isometric views provide the best overall view of your structure. Selecting any of the common views that includes zooming to extents (e.g., to display the entire structure) can cancel any active command.
Figure 3–1
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
3.4 Visual Styles When working with a 3D model it can be helpful to change the way in which the model is displayed. The Autodesk Advance Steel software can display the model in several different ways called Visual Styles. You can select and change the current visual style at any time using the options in the View tab>Visual Styles drop-down list or in the top left corner of the model space.
Figure 3–2
For most purposes, a solid shaded view is preferred by most users. It corresponds to the Realistic visual style. Sometimes more information can be displayed using a 2D Wireframe visual style. For example, Welds can only be displayed in 2D Wireframe. However, a wireframe style can become confusing when a model is more complex. Unless specified, you can work in any visual style. This training guide only specifies the visual style to use if it is important for the effective use of a command.
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Working in 3D CAD
Practice 3a
View Manipulation 1. Open ViewModel-3A.dwg in the C:\Advance Steel Essentials - Metric Class Files folder. 2. Try all of the commands in the lecture material to manipulate the view in each of the different visual styles until you are comfortable using them.
4.1 Selecting Objects Regardless of what you are modeling or editing, you can use some common methods and commands that apply to all of the objects. The Autodesk® Advance Steel software often prompts you to Select Objects: in commands. At these points you can use any valid method of selection, such as selecting an object on screen, using selection windows, etc. However, to understand which objects the Autodesk Advance Steel software wants you to select, you frequently need to read the Command Line above the prompt. For example, when placing a Single Sided End Plate joint, the prompt is Please select the main beam: Select objects:. You should select the Main Beam (i.e., the beam that is not shortened by the joint). The software might seem to permit you to select more than one object, but the top prompt was for a single beam. Therefore, you should only select one item and then right-click or press to accept and move on in the command. (If you select more than one item only the last selected object counts.)
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4.2 Advance Properties All special Autodesk Advance Steel objects have special properties beyond ordinary CAD objects, such as lines. Autodesk Advance Steel objects have basic CAD properties, such as color and layers, which you can access and edit as needed (in the Properties palette). However, all of the special Autodesk Advance Steel properties must be accessed using Advance Properties commands. To access the properties of an individual item, such as a beam or grid, you should do the following:
First •
Ensure that no commands are active (prompt = Command:).
•
Ensure that nothing is selected (if in doubt, press twice to clear any existing selections).
Then •
Double-click on the object that you want to edit.
Or •
Select the object that you want to edit.
•
Right-click and select Advance Properties.
Figure 4–1
4–4
The Advance Steel Interface
Or •
Select the object that you want to edit. •
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Tools category, click
(Advance Steel Properties).
If the Advance Steel Tool Palette is not displayed, click (Advance Steel Tool Palette) in the View tab> Palettes panel. Figure 4–2
This opens the required Properties dialog box for that single object.
Figure 4–3
Most Autodesk Advance Steel dialog boxes do not have OK or Apply buttons. All of the changes made in the Advance Properties dialog box take effect immediately. You can close the dialog box when ready by clicking the X icon in the top right corner. Note: When changing the value of a text or number box, press or or select another field in the dialog box to indicate to the software that you have finished making the change. If you do not do so, your change might not be applied.
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4.3 Advance Joint Properties The Autodesk Advance Steel software includes many commands that create or control multiple objects at the same time with intelligent relationships. For example, these could be Portal Frame, Straight Stair, Eaves Haunch, etc. To edit the properties of any such group of objects you must set the following Advance Joint Properties: •
Ensure that no commands are active (prompt = Command:).
•
Ensure that nothing is selected (if in doubt, press twice to clear any existing selection).
•
Select any object in the group that you want to edit.
•
Right-click and select Advance Joint Properties.
Figure 4–4
The related macro dialog box for that group of objects opens.
Figure 4–5
The properties in these dialog boxes are divided into tabs and then grouped into categories. As you select a different category on the left in the dialog box, the tab displayed changes to be the first in that category. 4–6
The Advance Steel Interface
4.4 Joint Boxes All of the groups of objects that are created by a macro are enclosed in a gray box called a joint box. This box might not be displayed, but must exist for the objects to be a recognized group with Joint Properties. If the joint box encloses the required objects, double-clicking on the joint box opens the Joint Properties dialog box for that group. The joint box is not normally displayed when the objects are first created. However, if the Joint Properties dialog box is opened after the initial creation, the joint box is displayed.
Figure 4–6
The joint box contains the intelligent link between the objects. It is possible to delete the joint box without deleting the objects that it controls (see 4.5 Deleting Objects). If a joint box is deleted the objects within it remain in the model, but no longer have an intelligent link to each other or behave like a joint. Instead, they become independent items. Models can very quickly become cluttered with many joint boxes on display. It is important that you do not delete these boxes. To clear the display, the joint box can be hidden as follows: •
Clear all of the object selections (press twice).
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
•
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Selection Filters category, click
(Joint Boxes).
Figure 4–7
•
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Quick Views category, click
(Selected objects off).
Figure 4–8
•
Clear all of the selections (press twice).
Note: It is very important to clear the object selection at the end of the command. If this is not done the joint boxes remain selected even though they are hidden. This can cause problems. For example, if you deleted an object as your next action you would delete every joint box in your model, removing the intelligence from every joint in the project.
4–8
The Advance Steel Interface
4.5 Deleting Objects To Erase or Delete objects in the Autodesk Advance Steel software you can do the following:
Either •
Ensure that no commands are active (prompt = Command:).
•
Ensure that nothing is selected (if in doubt, press twice to clear any existing selections).
•
Select the items that you want to delete.
•
Press .
Or •
In the Command Line, type E and press to start the AutoCAD Erase command.
Figure 4–9
•
Select objects: Select the objects that you want to delete and press to complete the command.
Groups: If an object is created as part of an intelligent group (such as an angle cleat in a joint or a post in a railing), selecting the single object and pressing deletes the entire group of objects. Therefore, if you want to erase the group you do not need to select every element of the group, you can just select and delete any member of the group. Any related members that are affected by the deleted group are restored as required (e,g., fixing bolt holes that have been removed).
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4.6 Undo As with most applications an Undo command is available in the Autodesk Advance Steel software. The software commands often perform several operations at the same time. Therefore, you frequently need to perform several Undo commands to reverse one Autodesk Advance Steel command. However, you need to be careful because there is NO REDO in the Autodesk Advance Steel software. Undo can be accessed in the Quick Access Toolbar, by typing U and pressing in the Command Line, or by pressing +.
Figure 4–10
4–10
The Advance Steel Interface
4.7 Object Snaps As you use the Autodesk Advance Steel software, note that it automatically places specific Object Snaps at useful points. For this reason it is recommended that you only have the Node snap active for running objects snaps and use object snaps overrides (+right-click) for any other requirements.
A Node snap is placed at either end of every system line, every corner of a plate, either end of every grid line, and the reference point of every beam or plate feature. A Center snap is placed in the geometric center of a plate (no matter what its shape). The following two Object Snap types are only available in the Autodesk Advance Steel software. •
Flange Middle: Find the midpoint of the outer edge of a beam flange.
•
Grid Intersection: Finds the point at which two Autodesk Advance Steel grid lines cross (ignoring any other object types).
Figure 4–11
To use them you must press +right-click and select the required snap in the overrides menu or right-click on Osnap in the Status Bar to set the Osnap options.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
4.8 2D/3D Osnap When working in 3D so many snap points can be available that it can be difficult to ensure that you have selected the correct one on the plane on which you are working. To help with this the Autodesk Advance Steel software includes a toggle for 2D or 3D snaps. It is located in the Advance Steel Tool Palette. •
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Quick Views category, click
(2D Snaps off).
Figure 4–12
The icon and name always display as the same and the mode that you are activating is displayed in the Command Line.
4–12
•
2D snaps on: While in this mode, regardless of the selected snap point, the Z-coordinate is ignored and replaced with zero (the current UCS). This is indicated on the screen by a yellow symbol displaying the point that you are actually selecting in addition to the Osnap symbol at the point that you are picking.
•
2D snaps off: This is the normal mode of operation. All of the object snaps select full 3D locations.
Chapter 5 Coordinate Systems
This chapter contains the following topics:
• • • •
3D Coordinates World Coordinates User Coordinate System When to Use a UCS
5–1
5–2
Coordinate Systems
5.1 3D Coordinates To locate points in space the distance from a fixed point is measured in three directions corresponding to the three dimensions of the world. These directions are labeled X, Y and Z. When working in 2D CAD you only use X and Y. In 3D you need to add the Z-direction.
Figure 5–1
When typing coordinates into the Autodesk® Advance Steel software, rather than selecting a point on screen, you can enter a Z-coordinate if it is not zero. To do so, type an extra comma and the distance, such as 20,10,50 (i.e., 20 X,10 Y,50 Z) or 30,40 (30 X,40 Y,0 Z).
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5.2 World Coordinates When a file is created a point is identified as the origin or 0,0,0 point (called the origin) and the X-, Y-, and Z-directions are set. This is not changeable and forms a permanent fixed reference. This is called the World Coordinate System or WCS. If you have set a UCS you can return to the WCS at any time using the UCS World icon in the UCS category in the Advance Steel Tool Palette.
Figure 5–2
5–4
Coordinate Systems
5.3 User Coordinate System It is possible to change the origin point and direction of the three axes at any time to be more convenient for the current task. When you do this the new setting is called a User Coordinate System or UCS. The three axes are always at right angles to each other. When coordinates are entered they are always measured using the current user coordinate system. Many commands in the Autodesk Advance Steel software depend on the UCS position and orientation to determine how to create objects. In these commands the objects are often placed on an imaginary plane between the X- and Y-axes (called the XY plane). It might help you to imagine the XY plane as a piece of graph paper on which you are going to draw while the Z-axis is the pencil.
Figure 5–3
The Autodesk Advance Steel software provides a range of commands in the UCS Tool Palette for easy control of the UCS.
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Move UCS This command moves the current origin to a new location. •
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the UCS category, click (Move UCS).
Figure 5–4
•
Specify new origin point <0,0,0>: Select a new origin point on the screen or enter the coordinates of the required new position.
Rotate the UCS about X, Y, or Z These three commands all rotate the UCS without changing its current position. The designated axis does not change, but the other two axes are rotated 90o clockwise about the selected axis. It is not possible to go anti-clockwise. Click the command repeatedly until the required orientation is achieved. •
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the UCS category, click (Rotate UCS about X).
•
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the UCS category, click (Rotate UCS about Y).
5–6
Coordinate Systems
•
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the UCS category, click (Rotate UCS about Z).
Figure 5–5
UCS at Object Use this command to place the UCS on the surface of an existing object in the model. The axes are also aligned according to the object. •
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the UCS category, click (UCS at object).
Figure 5–6 5–7
Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
•
Please identify object: Select a single Autodesk Advance Steel object on the screen. A number of triads (3D cross-hairs) display in different colors. Each triad represents a possible position for the UCS.
•
Please Select CS: Select ONE of the displayed triads and right-click. The origin is placed at the point of the triad. The longest line pointing away from the surface becomes the positive Z-direction. The medium length line becomes the X-direction and the shortest line becomes the Y-direction.
When selecting the object at the first prompt, if the entire object is displayed on the screen, the triads are placed around the entire object on key surfaces and points. For example, in an I beam this would be the center of the top surface of the top flange, center of the bottom surface of the bottom flange, center of either surface of the web, and center of each end.
Figure 5–7
Alternatively, if the object is only partially displayed on the screen, six triads are displayed around the exact point that you select.
5–8
Coordinate Systems
Figure 5–8
UCS View This command sets the UCS so that it matches the current view. This is useful to know when using the Autodesk Advance Steel software to create isometric views in drawings.
First •
Orientate the model on the screen as needed.
Then •
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the UCS category, click (UCS View)
Figure 5–9
The UCS is rotated so that the Z-axis points straight out of the screen at the viewer and the X-axis points to the right. 5–9
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5.4 When to Use a UCS There are three main options for setting the UCS depending on which Autodesk Advance Steel command you are using. When relevant, the UCS must always be set before using the other command. To identify how to set the UCS appropriately for the command you are about to use, read the tooltip that displays when you hover over the icon. •
If the tooltip does not mention the UCS it is generally not critical what the current UCS is, although it might still have an influence over the outcome of the command. However, the plate, grating, and feature commands still operate in the current XY plane.
•
If the tooltip displays ...in the UCS plane... or similar, the objects are always drawn in the current XY plane and you should ensure that it is set correctly before starting the command.
Figure 5–10
•
If the tooltip displays ...UCS Z axis should be vertical... or similar you usually need to use the WCS for this command. (However, there are a few exceptions that you learn about in this training guide.)
Figure 5–11
5–10
Chapter 6 Building Grids
This chapter contains the following topics:
• • • •
Creating a Building Grid Grid Properties Modifying Grids Level Symbols
6–1
6–2
Building Grids
6.1 Creating a Building Grid One of the first pieces of information that is often provided to a steelwork designer is a building grid to help layout the structure. The Autodesk® Advance Steel software has various tools for creating intelligent building grids rather than using generic AutoCAD® lines. These special Grids are recognized and handled appropriately in Autodesk Advance Steel drawings. If you want to ensure that a grid is drawn on each floor plan it is generally recommended that you draw a grid (and level symbol) at each floor level.
Grid Creates two sets of four grid lines that are parallel with the current X- and Y-axes respectively and on the current XY plane. The lines are equally spaced over the total size entered. •
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click
(Building Grid).
Figure 6–1
•
Please define two diagonal points for grid, origin: Select a point or enter coordinates for the first corner of your grid.
•
Second point:_<18000,18000>: Select a point or enter coordinates for the opposite extreme of your grid.
•
Command finished.
Single Axis Creates a single grid line in any direction on the current XY plane.
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•
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click
(Single Axis).
Figure 6–2
•
Please define end points of the grid line. Start point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the start of your line.
•
End point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the end of your grid line.
•
The line is drawn and the Grid Properties dialog box opens.
Grid with 4 Axes Create a set of four parallel grid lines in one direction only. It can be in any direction in the current XY plane. The lines are equally spaced. •
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click
(Grid with 4 axes).
Figure 6–3
6–4
•
Please define end points of the grid line. Start point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the start of your first grid line.
•
End point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the end of your first grid line.
•
Direction and length of the group: Select a point or enter coordinates. The grid lines are on the selected side of the first grid line. The distance measured from the selected point perpendicular to the first grid line is the overall size of the grid. The last grid line goes through the defined point, but this is not necessarily the end of the line.
•
The grid is drawn and the Grid Properties dialog box opens.
Building Grids
Grid With Groups By Distance Creates as many grid lines as required in one direction only. This can be in any direction in the current XY plane. Spacing between grid lines can vary as needed. All of the lines are parallel and of an equal length. •
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click distance).
(Grid with groups by
Figure 6–4
•
Please define end points of the grid line. Start point: Select a point or enter coordinates for one end of the first grid line. For example, enter 0,0.
•
End point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the other end of the first grid line.
•
Direction of the group: Select a point anywhere on the side of the first grid line on which you want further grid lines to be added.
•
Distance between grid lines (0.00): Enter the spacing between the first two grid lines (e.g., 4000 for lines ABCD in the training structure).
•
Distance between grid lines (4000.00): Enter the spacing between each pair of grid lines as you progress. The number in brackets is the total cumulative distance (not the default entry). Repeat as often as needed until the full grid has been defined.
•
Distance between grid lines (20000.00): Once you have reached the correct overall distance, press without entering a number to finish the grid.
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•
The grid is drawn and the Grid Properties dialog box opens.
Sequence of selecting points
Figure 6–5
Curved Grid Line Creates a single curved grid line in the current XY plane. •
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click single axis).
(Curved Grid with
Figure 6–6
6–6
•
Start point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the start of your grid line.
•
End point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the end of your grid line.
•
Circle point: Select a point or enter coordinates for a point between the first two that the grid line arc should go through.
•
The line is drawn and the Curved Grid Line Properties dialog box opens.
Building Grids
6.2 Grid Properties However they are created all grids of parallel lines have the same properties and the same dialog box is used to control them. This dialog box is often automatically opened at the end of the command that creates the grid.
Figure 6–7
•
Total tab: •
•
Use the dimensions to change the overall size of the grid. The spacing of the last grid line(s) is reduced if the size is reduced and extra lines are added if the size is increased. • Use the Automatic Label options to control the default labeling of the lines in this grid. Sequence tab: The grid is divided into sequences of lines with equal spacing. • •
•
Sequence Index selects the group to edit. Number and Distance indicate how many lines are in the group and the spacing between them. Single Grid Line tab: Controls the options for individual lines. • •
Grid Line Index selects which grid line’s properties are displayed. Name: Enter a new label for the grid line. It does not have an effect if Automatic Label is still selected in the Total tab.
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•
Grid labels are not ordinary text, but are special. They resize automatically as you zoom in and out of the model. The size of the text in the model is not the same as the size in a finished drawing view.
6–8
Secondary Grid Line: Select side 1 or side 2 to create an extra grid line related to the main line. Complete the label and distance options as needed. The only type of Grid Line that has different properties is a curved Grid Line. The Total tab of the properties is replaced by a Curved tab that is very similar, but displays the radius of the line rather than the overall grid size. The other options in this tab work as they do for straight grid lines. The Sequence and Single Grid Line tabs do not exist.
Building Grids
6.3 Modifying Grids Apart from the Grid Properties, there are several commands that enable you to edit grids after they have been drawn.
Delete Axis Removes a single grid line from a group of lines without affecting the spacing of the remaining lines. •
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click
(Delete axis).
Figure 6–8
•
Please select the grid line to be deleted: Select one existing grid line and accept. The selected line is deleted and the labels for other lines in the group are updated accordingly.
Add Axis Adds a number of grid lines into a group. The other lines in the group are moved up by the total size of the new lines. •
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click
(Add axis).
Figure 6–9
•
Please select the grid axis after which the group is to be inserted: Select an existing grid line. The new line(s) are added after the selected line.
•
Number of grid lines: Enter the required number of new lines.
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•
Distance between grid lines: Enter the space that is required between the new grid lines.
The new lines are drawn at the specified spacings. The existing lines are moved up by the total overall size of the new lines (e.g., 3 lines at 1500 = 4500) and the full grid gets larger.
Trim Grid Lines Similar to the AutoCAD Trim command, but used for grid lines. Cuts the end from a grid line back to the selected cutting edge. You cannot cut a section from the middle of a grid line. •
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click
(Trim axis).
Figure 6–10
•
Please select boundary objects: Select existing lines, curves, or a grid line to cut back to and accept. You can only select a single grid line, but can select more than one AutoCAD element.
•
Select grid line that is to be cut: Select the portion of the grid lines that you want to cut off and accept. The lines are only cut after you accept.
Extend Grid Lines Similar to the AutoCAD Extend command, but for grid lines. Adds length to an existing grid line to have it meet the selected boundary element.
6–10
Building Grids
•
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click
(Extend axis).
Figure 6–11
•
Please select boundary objects: Select the lines, curves, or grid lines to which to extend and accept.
•
Select grid line that is to be extended: Select the grid lines to which to add length and accept. The lines are only extended after you accept.
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6.4 Level Symbols Another type of object that is often closely associated with grids is a Level Symbol. These are used to identify the elevation of a point according to a specific datum (often sea level). The Advance Steel Level Symbols enable you to define a global datum level. This is added to all of the measurements so that your model is be kept at the AutoCAD WCS.
Level Symbol Inserts a small symbol into the model to identify the correct height at a specific reference point. •
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click
(Level Symbol).
Figure 6–12
•
Please define the insertion point for the level symbol: Select a point at which to place the symbol.
The level symbol is placed and the Properties dialog box opens.
Figure 6–13
6–12
Building Grids
•
Current tab • •
•
Absolute Level: Global Datum Level plus Relative Level. Relative Level: Height above the WCS origin (Z-coordinate). Global tab •
Datum Level: Set the nominal height of the AutoCAD WCS origin. For example, if your site zero is at 17350 above Sea Level, you would enter 17350 as the global datum level. If you then place a level symbol on some beams 4500 above the site zero the Relative Level is 4500 and the Absolute Level is 21850. All of the level symbols in a model share the same Global Datum Level. General Arrangement type drawings often automatically place level symbols or dimensions in the drawings where you have included level symbols in your models.
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Practice 6a
Drawing Grids 1. Draw the grids in the structure. Draw the main building grid and the different grid for the mezzanine. Grid A1 is at the WCS origin. Ensure that you match the position, directions, and labeling in the drawings.
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Chapter 7 Basic Structures
This chapter contains the following topics:
• • • • •
Structural Frames Draw a Portal Frame Placing Sections Beam Properties Draw Beams and Sections
7–1
7–2
Basic Structures
7.1 Structural Frames Once you have laid out the basic reference information (e.g., the building grid) you can create the basic structure. Many buildings are based on or include one of three common types of frame. Therefore, before starting to draw individual beams, you can use the macros included in the Autodesk® Advance Steel software to automate the modeling of the common types.
Portal Frame This macro creates four beams that are arranged as a Portal frame based on several input points. The frame can be non-symmetrical if required. •
In the Home tab>Extended Modeling panel, click Gable Frame).
(Portal/
Figure 7–1
•
Please select base point for the first column: Enter coordinates or select a point for the base of one of the columns in the frame.
•
Please select top point for the second column: Enter coordinates or select a point for the position of the other column in the frame.