Structural Design Using PDMS

Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1

pdms1161/Structural Design Using PDMS issue 280605

PLEASE NOTE:

AVEVA Solutions has a policy of continuing product development: therefore, the information contained in this document may be subject to change without notice. AVEVA SOLUTIONS MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. While every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this document, AVEVA Solutions shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material.

This manual provides documentation relating to products to which you may not have access or which may not be licensed to you. For further information on which Products are licensed to you please refer to your licence conditions. Copyright 1991 through 2005 AVEVA Solutions Limited

All rights reserved. No part of this document document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of AVEVA Solutions. The software programs described in this document are confidential information and proprietary products of AVEVA Solutions or its licensors.

For details of AVEVA's worldwide worldwide sales and support support offices, see our website at http://www.aveva.com

AVEVA Solutions Ltd, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HB, UK

PLEASE NOTE:

AVEVA Solutions has a policy of continuing product development: therefore, the information contained in this document may be subject to change without notice. AVEVA SOLUTIONS MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. While every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this document, AVEVA Solutions shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material.

This manual provides documentation relating to products to which you may not have access or which may not be licensed to you. For further information on which Products are licensed to you please refer to your licence conditions. Copyright 1991 through 2005 AVEVA Solutions Limited

All rights reserved. No part of this document document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of AVEVA Solutions. The software programs described in this document are confidential information and proprietary products of AVEVA Solutions or its licensors.

For details of AVEVA's worldwide worldwide sales and support support offices, see our website at http://www.aveva.com

AVEVA Solutions Ltd, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HB, UK

Revision History Date

Version

Notes

October 2003

11.5

Updates for this release.

August 2004 June 2005

11.6 11.6.SP1

Updates for this release. Minor updates and corrections for this release.


Revision History-i

Revision History

Revision History-ii


Contents 1

Read This First 1.1

1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5

2

3

The scope of this guide..................................................................................... 1-1 1.1.1 Intended audience............................................ .................................. 1-1 1.1.2 Assumptions........................................... ............................................ 1-1 1.1.3 About the tutorial exercise..................................... ............................. 1-2 1.1.4 Further reading........................................ ........................................... 1-2 Text conventions............................................................................................... 1-2 Terminology ...................................................................................................... 1-2 How the guide is organised............................................................................... 1-3 Further training in the use of PDMS.................................................................. 1-4

Introducing VANTAGE PDMS 2.1 2.2 2.3

1-1

2-1

Introducing the structure of PDMS .................................................................... 2-1 The strengths of PDMS..................................................................................... 2-1 PDMS structural design features ...................................................................... 2-2

Getting Started

3-1

3.1 3.2 3.3

Logging in.......................................................................................................... 3-1 Using the mouse ............................................................................................... 3-2 Using forms ....................................................................................................... 3-2 3.3.1 Using text boxes............................... .................................................. 3-3 3.3.2 Using drop-down lists......................................................................... 3-3 3.4 The PDMS startup display ................................................................................ 3-5 3.5 Using menus ..................................................................................................... 3-6 3.6 Using the tool bar .............................................................................................. 3-6 3.7 Using the Design Explorer ................................................................................ 3-7 3.8 Using the status bar .......................................................................................... 3-9 3.9 More on using forms ......................................................................................... 3-9 3.9.1 Using option buttons .......................................................................... 3-9 3.9.2 Using check boxes ........................................................................... 3-10 3.9.3 Using scrollable lists............................ ............................................. 3-10 3.9.4 Using action buttons............................ ............................................. 3-10 3.10 Responding to alert forms ............................................................................... 3-11 3.11 Using on-line Help........................................................................................... 3-11

4

Setting Up the PDMS Database Hierarchy 4.1 4.2 4.3

5

Starting the Structural Application..................................................................... 4-1 How PDMS Stores Design Data ....................................................................... 4-1 Creating Some Administrative Elements.............................. ............................. 4-3

Creating a Simple Structure 5.1 5.2

5.3

4-1

5-1

Design-to-Catalogue Cross-Referencing .......................................................... 5-1 How PDMS Represents Structural Members.................................................... 5-1 5.2.1 Straight Sections ................................................................................ 5-1 5.2.2 Nodes................................................................................................. 5-2 Some Initial Setting Up Operations ................................................................... 5-2 5.3.1 Setting Default Storage Areas............................................................ 5-3


Contents-i

Contents

5.3.2 Automating Profile and Primary Node Allocations ............................. 5-3 5.3.3 Setting the Default Specification for Profiles ...................................... 5-4 5.4 Creating Sections Explicitly............................................................................... 5-5 5.5 Viewing the Design ........................................................................................... 5-8 5.5.1 Defining What Appears in the View....................................... ............. 5-9 5.5.2 Manipulating the Displayed View ..................................................... 5-10 5.5.3 Navigating in the Database by Picking Elements Graphically.......... 5-12 5.6 Event-Driven Graphics Mode .......................................................................... 5-13 5.7 Creating Sections Using Graphical Picking.............................. ....................... 5-14 5.8 Collecting Elements into Temporary Lists....................................................... 5-20 5.9 Copying Parts of the Design Model................................................................. 5-21 5.10 Completing the Initial Design .......................................................................... 5-23 5.11 Saving Your Changes and Leaving Your Design Session ............................. 5-25

6

A Quick Way to Build a Regular Structure

6-1

7

Enhancing the Basic Structure

7-1

7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7

8

Adding Panels and Plates 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9

9

8-1

Starting the Panels & Plates Application........................................................... 8-1 How PDMS Represents Panels ........................................................................ 8-2 Setting Default Storage Areas........................................................................... 8-3 Creating Simple Panels............................... ...................................................... 8-3 Measuring Distances/Directions in the Design Model...................................... 8-5 Splitting a Panel ................................................................................................ 8-6 Tailoring Panel Edges by Editing Individual Vertices ....................................... 8-7 Moving Panel Edges to New Positions ........................................................... 8-10 Creating Negative Extrusions................................ .......................................... 8-12

Using Panel Fittings 9.1 9.2

10

Restoring a Previously Saved Setup................................................................. 7-1 Trimming Connected Section Ends to Correct Geometry ................................ 7-1 Adding and Modifying Simple Bracing .............................................................. 7-4 Adding Standard Bracing Configurations ........................................................ 7-10 Representing Joints ........................................................................................ 7-12 Dominant versus Subordinate Joints .............................................................. 7-17 Moving Part of the Structure and Maintaining Correct Geometry .................. 7-17

9-1

How Panel Fittings are Defined............................... .......................................... 9-1 Creating a Panel Fitting............................ ......................................................... 9-2

Penetrating One Item With Another

10-1

10.1 How a penetration is defined.................................... ....................................... 10-1 10.2 Creating a steelwork penetration .................................................................... 10-2

11

Checking and Outputting Design Data

11-1

11.1 Checking for clashes....................................................................................... 11-1 11.1.1 Obstruction levels............................... .............................................. 11-1 11.1.2 Extent of clashing............................................................................. 11-2 11.1.3 The clash detection process ............................................................ 11-3 11.2 Generating a data output report ...................................................................... 11-5 11.2.1 Generating a tabulated data report .................................................. 11-5 11.3 Querying mass properties............................................................................... 11-6

Contents-ii


Contents

11.4 Plotting the design model........................................ model........... ............................. ............................ ............ 11-8

12

Adding Some Curved Steelwork

12-1

12.1 How PDMS represents curved sections............................... ........................... 12-1 12.2 Creating a semicircular platform ............................. ............................ ............ 12-1 12.3 Creating a runway beam beam with multiple multiple curves..................................... ............ 12-4 12.3.1 Defining a working grid............................ grid....................................................... ........................... .............. 12-5 12.3.2 Creating a curved section ........................... ............................. ........ 12-6 12.3.3 Modifying a curved section.............................. ............................ ..... 12-7 12.4 Conclusion ........................... ............................. ............................ .................. 12-9

A

The Structural Design Database

A-1

B

Structural Catalogue Guide

B-1

B.1 B.2 B.3 B.4

B.5 B.6 B.7 B.8

C

Other Relevant Documentation C.1 C.2 C.3

D

The Basic Features of the Catalogue................................................................B-1 P-line Identification............................................................................................B-2 Some Standard Profiles ........................ ............................. ............................ ... B-3 Some Standard Joints.....................................................................................B-13 B.4.1 Column Connections........................................................................B-13 B.4.2 Cleated Connections........................................................................B-14 B.4.3 End Preparations .......................... ............................ ....................... B-15 B.4.4 Baseplate Connections ....................... ........................... .................. B-16 B.4.5 Double Notched End Plates .......................... ............................. ......B-17 ...... B-17 B.4.6 Single Notched End Plates ......................... ............................. ........ B-17 Some Standard Fittings...................................................................................B-17 Stiffeners ............................ ............................ ............................ ..................... B-18 Fire Insulation..................................................................................................B-19 Lifting Lugs......................................................................................................B-20

C-1

PDMS introductory guides ........................... ............................ ......................... C-1 PDMS reference manuals.................................................................................C-2 General guides..................................................................................................C-2

Sample Plots


D-1

Contents-iii

Contents

Contents-iv


1

Read This First

1.1

The scope of this guide This guide introduces some of the facilities provided by VANTAGE PDMS for the design and documentation of logically interconnected interconnected structures. It explains the main concepts underlying PDMS and its supporting applications, and shows how you can apply these to your own design projects. The chapters of this guide take the form of a hands-on tutorial exercise combined with frequent explanation of the underlying concepts. As you work progressively through the exercise, you will gain practical experience of the ways in which you can use PDMS while learning about the powerful facilities it provides.

1.1.1 Intended audience This guide has been written for engineers familiar with structural design practices, who may or may not have prior knowledge of computer-aided computer-aided design systems.

1.1.2 Assumptions For you to use this guide, the sample PDMS project, Project SAM, must be correctly installed on your system, and you must have read/write access to the project databases. It is assumed that you know: •

•

where to find PDMS on your computer system you know how to use the Windows operating operating system installed at your site

Contact your systems administrator if you need help in either of these areas.


1-1

Read This First

1.1.3 About the tutorial exercise All the steps of the exercise are numbered sequentially throughout the guide. The start and end of each part of the exercise is marked by lines across the page to separate them from the general information sections, like this:

1.1.4 Further reading You can find a list of relevant AVEVA documentation in the appendices of this guide.

1.2

Text conventions This guide uses the following text conventions: Serif

for the majority of the text.

Bold

to highlight important information, and to introduce special terminology.

Serif italic

to denote internal cross references and citations.

Sans-serif

to denote keys on your keyboard.

Sans-serif bold for menu names and options, and for the names of forms.

Typewriter

1.3

for text within a form, including text that you enter yourself using the keyboard.

Terminology You can switch rapidly between the different parts of the program, so that the distinctions between them become almost imperceptible, but you need to recognise what is happening when you select from the different functions available to you from the various menus. The following terms are used throughout this guide to describe what action to carry out: Enter

1-2

Type text into the specified dialogue box, then press the Enter (or Return ) key to confirm the entry.


Read This First

Click

Place the mouse pointer over a specified point, then quickly press and release the designated mouse button. If no button is specified, use the left-hand mouse button.

Pick

Click on the required item to select it.

Drag

Place the mouse pointer over a specified point, then press and hold down the required mouse button while moving the pointer to a second specified point. Release the button over the second point.

Double-click Place the mouse pointer over a specified point, then click the left-hand mouse button twice in quick succession.

1.4

How the guide is organised This guide is divided into three parts, including some appendices, as follows: Chapter 1

introduces this guide and summarises its scope.

Chapter 2

gives a general overview of the main design facilities provided within the structural application.

Chapter 3

gives you a general guide to using the PDMS graphical user interface, including an explanation of how to access detailed on-line help. A running example is used from this chapter on, to illustrate essential concepts.

Chapter 4

explains how PDMS stores its design data and shows you how to organise your data.

Chapter 5

guides you through the steps needed to create a simple structure comprising only vertical columns and horizontal beams.

Chapter 6

demonstrates a useful facility which provides an alternative method for creating a regularly configured structure rapidly.

Chapter 7

shows how to add diagonal bracing members, how to model joints between connected members, and how to modify the design by moving interconnected parts of the structure.

Chapter 8

shows how to clad the structure by adding panels and plates.


1-3

Read This First

Chapter 9

introduces the concept of panel fittings.

Chapter 10

shows how to configure those locations where one item penetrates another.

Chapter 11

shows how to check your design for clashes, and how to generate reports and plots directly from the design data.

Chapter 12

explains how curved sections are represented and illustrates their use.

Appendix A summarises the database hierarchy which PDMS uses to store your structural design data. Appendix B

comprises a sample catalogue of structural steelwork sections.

Appendix C

identifies other sources of information which supplement, and expand upon, the brief details given in this guide.

The guide concludes with an index, allowing you to refer back to any specific topics about whose details you need to be reminded.

1.5

Further training in the use of PDMS This guide teaches you to about the key features of using PDMS for structural designs only. If you wish to learn more about the wide-ranging facilities of PDMS, AVEVA provides a wide range of training courses, covering all levels of expertise and all design disciplines. For details of courses, and to arrange course attendance, contact your nearest AVEVA support office (see the copyright page at the front of this guide for our web address).

1-4


2

Introducing VANTAGE PDMS This chapter provides:

2.1

•

an introduction to the structure of PDMS

•

the strengths of PDMS

•

structural design features.

Introducing the structure of PDMS PDMS comprises the following functional parts: •

modules

•

applications.

A module is a subdivision of PDMS that you use to carry out specific types of operation. This guide covers the DESIGN module, which you use for creating the 3D design model An application is supplementary program that has been tailored to provide easy control of operations that are specific to a particular discipline. The applications you will use for structural design work in this guide are: •

Beams & Columns

•

Panels & Plates

You can switch quickly and easily between different parts of PDMS.

2.2

The strengths of PDMS In PDMS, you have a powerful suite of facilities, for the design of Process Plant, the emphasis being on maximising both design consistency and design productivity: •

•

The design modelling functions incorporate a degree of apparent intelligence that enables them to make sensible decisions about the consequential effects of many of your design choices. This allows you to implement a sequence of related decisions with a minimum of effort. You can incorporate modifications into your design at any stage without fear of invalidating any of your prior work, because data


2-1

Introducing VANTAGE PDMS

consistency-checking is an integral part of the product. PDMS automatically manages drawing production, material take-off reports, and so on, by reading all design data directly from a common set of databases, to prevent errors from being introduced by transcribing information between different disciplines. •

•

•

2.3

The applications let you check all aspects of your design as work progresses. This includes on-line interdisciplinary clash detection, so the chances of errors and inconsistencies reaching the final documented design are reduced to an exceptionally low level. The applications are controlled from a graphical user interface. This means that all design, drawing and reporting operations are initiated by selecting choices from menus, and by entering data into on-screen forms. For ease of use, many common actions are also represented by pictorial icons. On-screen help is available to assist you whenever you need help.

PDMS structural design features The PDMS structural applications offer the following key benefits: •

•

•

•

•

2-2

The applications are designed to use specification data when selecting structural components from the Catalogue database, so that design consistency and conformity to standards are ensured. It is important, therefore, that the structural Catalogue databases are properly maintained. You can name structural elements in accordance with a predefined set of rules, so that their positions in the database hierarchy are always obvious without you having to enter specific texts during the design process. You can set up pointers to define the storage areas in which specific types of design element are to be held in the database hierarchy. This, especially when combined with the rule-based naming facility, minimises the amount of data which you have to enter explicitly as you build up your design model. You can set up temporary lists of elements, so that you can carry out a design operation on all elements within the list simultaneously. This can avoid a great deal of repetitive work when you carry out commonly-repeated design modifications. The applications incorporate a number of geometric design aids, such as 3D positioning grids, to make it easy for you to position structural elements accurately within the design model.



•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Where possible, the Design applications create and maintain connectivity of the structural network automatically. Non-standard structural components, such as complex panels and floor plates, may be created by defining the required shape as a 2D profile and then extruding this to the desired thickness. Negative primitives and shapes may be used in the structural catalogue to define complex joint geometry and end preparations for structural sections, so that weld preparations and fitting allowances can be modelled easily. Templates may be used to define the basic structure of built-up girders and similar components, so that the detailed design of such items becomes simply a matter of entering the required dimensional and positional data. Multiple copies of design components may be created simply by specifying the number of copies required and their relative positions and orientations. For example, a complete roof structure can be created by designing a single roof truss and then, in one operation, making as many copies as are necessary to support the length of the roof, with each truss displaced by a given distance relative to the preceding one. Much repetitive work can be avoided in symmetrical designs by making copies of interconnected parts of the structure and reflecting them about specified axes, so that the design pattern is repeated as required. Joint positions may be finely adjusted to ensure accurate assembly, using any standard datum line to define the precise alignment of a joint with its attached sections. Sections and panels (wall plates, floor plates, etc.) may be divided at intersections, after the overall size and shape have been defined, without affecting any of their logical interconnections. This enables you to design the ‘macrostructure’ (for example, complete areas to be covered) first and then to subdivide this into a manageable ‘microstructure’ for fabrication purposes at a later stage (typically, to make the most efficient use of stock panel sizes). The edges of panels may be notched to fit around section profiles, and the edges of adjacent panels may be shaped such they interlock automatically. Penetrations may be created as catalogue elements. Such a penetration, which can incorporate appropriate sleeving, kick plates, etc., may be inserted into a structural section or panel as a complete entity, with the dimensions and position of the penetration derived automatically from the dimensions of the pipe/duct/cable tray passing though it.


2-3


•

•

•

2-4

The applications make it easy for you to create panels and to connect them to existing panels or sections via linear joints. This facility uses intelligent pointer picking to enhance the interaction between the displayed graphics and the design creation process. You can derive panel vertices simply by picking appropriate datum lines on existing sections; connections between panels and sections are then created automatically to give a fully connected structural model. Such panels can be used either to represent floors/walls or to build up complex plated connections. You can carry out multi-disciplinary clash checks at any stage of the design, thus avoiding spatial conflicts within the overall model which could be expensive to rectify at the construction stage. This is particularly important where different features of the design model are under the control of different designers. At any stage of your work, you can create reports listing specified data from the current database. You can specify a standard report template, so you can derive lists of commonly-required information very quickly, or you can design a report format to suit your own particular needs. The resultant output, which can include data from any design discipline, sorted in any way you require, can be either displayed on your screen or sent to a file (for storage and/or for printing).


3

Getting Started This chapter explains: •

•

•

3.1

how to log in to PDMS how to use the windows, menus and forms that comprise the PDMS graphical user interface on-line help.

Logging in This is the first step of the tutorial exercise. If you do not know where the PDMS program is stored on your system, you will have to contact your system administrator at this point.

Exercise begins:

1.

Start PDMS by double-clicking on the PDMS icon. The VANTAGE PDMS Login form that appears requires you to specify a number of details at the outset of your session.

Ignore any entries currently shown in this form. The next section describes how to complete the boxes, and the exercise continues afterwards.


3-1

Getting Started

3.2

Using the mouse You use the mouse to steer the graphics pointer around the screen and to select or pick items by using the mouse buttons. The buttons perform different tasks depending on the type of window, and the position within the window, where the pointer is positioned. The appearance of the pointer changes according to the type of display item that is underneath it. The left-hand mouse button has three functions: •

•

•

On a graphical view, clicking the left-hand button with the pointer over a design element results in that element becoming the current element (that is, the design item on which you want to carry out the next operation). In a sequence of menus, dragging with the left-hand button activates the command represented by the highlighted menu option when the button is released. On a form, the effect varies according to what you select.

The middle mouse button is used primarily to manipulate the graphical view contents; the right-hand button is used to access the menu options specific to the graphical view window. Note: the right-hand mouse button menu will henceforth be referred to as the shortcut menu.

3.3

Using forms Forms can include any of the following: •

text boxes

•

drop-down lists

•

option buttons

•

check boxes

•

scrollable lists

•

action buttons.

Text boxes and drop-down lists are explained below; the remainder are explained later in this chapter.

3-2


Getting Started

3.3.1 Using text boxes Text boxes are the areas where you type in alphanumeric data such as names or dimensions. A text box will usually have a label to tell you what to enter. When you first open a form which contains text boxes, the first text-box on the form is current and a text editing pointer (a vertical bar) is displayed in the box. A text-box often contains a default entry (such as unset) when first displayed. Some text boxes accept only text or only numeric data, and entries with the wrong type of data are not accepted. To enter data into a text box: •

•

•

Click in the box to insert the text editing pointer. Type in the required data, editing any existing entry as necessary. (You may need to delete the existing entry first.) When you have finished, confirm the entry by pressing the Enter (or Return) key. Any text box with an unconfirmed setting is highlighted by a yellow background.

3.3.2 Using drop-down lists Drop-down lists let you choose one option from a multiple selection. The list will usually have a label to tell you what you are setting and will show the current selection. They typically have the following appearance:

To change the setting, click on the down arrow or button face to reveal the full list of available options, then pick the required option.

Exercise continues:

2.

Click on the VANTAGE PDMS Login form to make it active.

3.

Give the name of the Project in which you want to work: enter SAM.

4.

Give your allocated Username : enter STRUC.

5.

Give your allocated Password : enter STRUC.

6.

Give the part of the project Multiple Database (MDB) you want to work in: enter STRUC.

7.

Give the name of the module you wish to use: select Design.


3-3

Getting Started

Make sure that you leave the Read Only box unchecked, so that you can modify the database as you work. 8.

You must specify which files to load at startup. You can choose either the application default settings ( Load from Macro Files ) or a customised setup saved during an earlier session (Load from Binary Files). Select Macro Files. When you have entered all the necessary details, the form looks like this:

Click on the

3-4

button.


Getting Started

3.4

The PDMS startup display When PDMS has loaded, your screen looks like this:

As labelled above, the display comprises the following: Title Bar This shows the current PDMS module, and its sub-application if applicable. Main Menu Bar This is the area you use to make menu selections. Main Tool Bar This has a number of icon buttons and drop-down lists that offer shortcuts to a selection common PDMS operations and standard settings. Design Explorer This shows your current position in the PDMS database hierarchy. To move to a different point in the database, you click on the appropriate item in the list. Section 3.7 below explains more about how to use the Design Explorer . Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1

3-5

Getting Started

Note: for full details of the Design Explorer , see the PDMS Design online help. 3D View This is the window in which you display the design model graphically as you build it. A shortcut menu (which you access with the right-hand mouse button) enables you to control how the model is represented. This window also has its own tool bar. Status Bar This displays information about the current status of your operations. You can reposition or minimise these windows at any time using standard window management facilities.

3.5

Using menus Menu options in pull-down or pop-up menus can be in any of three formats: Standalone options initiate an action immediately. Options followed by three dots display a form. Options followed by a pointer, display a subsidiary menu that offers a further range of options. Throughout this guide, related selections from menus are denoted using the > symbol as a separator. For example: Select Position>Move>Distance means: a) Select Position from the bar men. b) Select Move from the resulting pull-down menu c)

3.6

Move the pointer to the right and select Distance from the submenu that appears.

Using the tool bar The tool bar is displayed immediately below the main menu bar in the application window. It contains a number of icon buttons which let you carry out common tasks without searching for the options in the menus.

3-6


Getting Started

The actions of the buttons are explained in the on-line help. If you pause the pointer over a button, a tool-tip pop-up box will remind you of the function of the button. To activate a button, you click on it. Note: The tool bar can be switched off, or displayed with larger icons. To do so, select Settings>System from the main menu bar and then set the required options on the resulting System Settings form.

3.7

Using the Design Explorer The Design Explorer presents a hierarchical view of the PDMS databases and makes navigating around the Design Database quick and easy. The figure below shows a typical example of the information the Design Explorer displays:

To expand or collapse any branch of the tree, click on the

or

icon.

You can reduce the amount of information the tree displays by ticking the filter checkbox and selecting one of the predefined core filters from the drop-down combo-box list. If you want to narrow the view down even


3-7

Getting Started

more, you can change the settings in the Explorer Settings, which you can access by selecting Settings>Explorer from the main menu. If you place the mouse-pointer over an element, you will get a ToolTip that gives the element’s name, type, and description; clicking-the right mouse-button while the cursor is over an element will bring up a context menu from which you can choose to perform various actions. What actions are available depend on which DB and module you are using. You can drag-and-drop elements within the Design Explorer to copy them, or you can drag-and-drop from the Explorer to add elements to the 3D view and My Data. The Current Element is highlighted in the tree view and the Current Element will change to follow selections made elsewhere, even if the Explorer is not the active window. If you set the Expand to CE check box in the Explorer Settings, the tree will automatically expand to show the Current Element if it is not currently in view. The Current Element is also the displayed in the History List, which you will find by default on the main menu bar. However, you can undock the History List and have it as a free-floating window. The figure below shows the History List as a free-floating window.

You can make another element the Current Element using the History List by: •

•

•

•

3-8

typing the element’s name into the combo box; selecting a previously typed in element from the combo-box’s pulldown list. Note that if you dock the window vertically, it will not display the combo-box; navigating through the history one element at a time using the backwards and forwards buttons; selecting elements from anywhere in the History List using the drop down lists on the backwards and forwards buttons.


Getting Started

3.8

Using the status bar The status bar displays messages telling you what actions the application is carrying out. You should look at it frequently, especially if the system appears to be waiting for you to do something, since it will always prompt you for any input or action which is required to carry out the next step of your current activity. If the prompt lets you repeat a task an unspecified number of times, such as picking a selection of items using the pointer, you must press the Escape key when you have finished to indicate that you are ready to move to the next operation.

3.9

More on using forms Forms are used both to display information and to let you enter new data. Forms typically comprise an arrangement of buttons of various types, text-boxes, and scrollable lists. Input to a form is usually via a combination of mouse and keyboard. While you have access to a form, you can change a setting, return to the initial values, accept and act on the current data, or cancel the form without applying any changes, according to the nature of the form. You were introduced to text boxes and drop-down lists in Section 3.3; this section describes the remaining boxes, buttons and lists: •

option buttons

•

check boxes

•

scrollable lists

•

action buttons.

3.9.1 Using option buttons Option buttons are used to select one, and only one, from a group of options. The selection is mutually exclusive, so that selecting one option deselects others in that group automatically. They typically have the following appearance: Option selected Option not selected


3-9

Getting Started

To change the selected option button in a group, click the required button.

3.9.2 Using check boxes Check boxes are used to switch an option between two states, typically set and unset. Unlike option buttons, they do not interact, so that you can set any combination of check boxes at the same time. They typically have the following appearance: Set Unset

3.9.3 Using scrollable lists A scrollable list is displayed as a vertical list of options within the form, with vertical and horizontal scroll bars along its sides. To select an option, click on the line you want. The selected line is highlighted. Some scrollable lists let you make only a single selection, so that selecting any option deselects all others automatically. Other lists let you make multiple selections, with all selected options highlighted simultaneously. You can deselect a highlighted option in a multiplechoice list by clicking on it again (repeated clicks toggle a selection).

3.9.4 Using action buttons Most forms include one or more action buttons. You use these to tell PDMS what to do with the details you have entered in the form. The common action buttons are: Tells PDMS to accept the current form settings, and closes the form. Cancels any changes you have made to the form, and closes the form. Tells PDMS to accept the current form settings, and leaves the form displayed for further use. Cancels any changes you have made to the form, and leaves the form displayed for further use. Closes the form, keeping the current settings. 3-10


Getting Started

Some forms contain more specific types of control button which carry out particular command options. The action is indicated by the name of the button (such as Add or Remove).

3.10 Responding to alert forms Alert forms are used to display information such as error messages, prompts and requests for confirmation of changes. You should respond by carrying out the task prompted for, or by clicking on the control buttons on the form (usually an OK or Cancel button).

3.11 Using on-line Help Most bar menus end with a Help option. Where available, on-line help gives detailed instructions on how to use the forms and menus from which you control each application. Choosing one of the Help options will bring up the Help window. The picture below shows a typical example of what you will see:

The pane on the right shows by default a clickable image of the main PDMS Design window. If you click on an area of the image, the image will be replaced by text that describes the part of the image you clicked on.


3-11

Getting Started

The left pane contains a set of tabs that allow you to use Help in different ways. Choosing one of the options described below activates the relevant tab for you so it is at the front when the Help window comes up. The Help option gives you the following choices from its submenu: Help>Contents

This displays the Help window so that you can find the required topic from the hierarchical contents list. Help>Index

This displays the Help window with the Index tab selected, so that you can browse for the topic you want to read about from the alphabeticallyarranged list. You can locate topics quickly by typing in the first few letters of their title. Help>Search

This displays the Help window with the Search tab at the front so that you can find all topics containing the keywords you specify. Help>About

This displays information about the current operating system on your computer and about the versions of PDMS and its applications to which you have access. Pressing the F1 key at any time will display the help topic for the currently active window.

Exercise continues:

9.

Experiment with each of the Help options until you understand the search and navigation facilities for finding specific items of information. Use the Help>On Context option to read the help texts for any forms which you can currently see on your screen.

10.

When you are ready to continue, close any forms which you have been experimenting with as follows: •

•

•

If a form has a Dismiss button, click this button. If a form has its own menu bar, select Control>Close from that menu. Close any Help windows which are displayed by double-clicking in the control box in the top left-hand corner of each window.

Do not close the Design Explorer or the 3D View windows, because you will use these in the next parts of the exercise.

3-12


Getting Started

You are advised to make full use of the on-line help facilities whenever you want clarification of any operations during the later steps of the exercise.


3-13

Getting Started

3-14


4

Setting Up the PDMS Database Hierarchy In this chapter, you will learn: •

about the PDMS database hierarchy

•

how PDMS stores design data

In this chapter we will enter the structural steelwork design application and create some administrative data elements which will enable us to organise our detailed design in a logical way.

4.1

Starting the Structural Application

Exercise continues:

11.

The first structural application which we will use is that for designing interconnected beams and columns. To access this application, select Design>Structures>Beams & Columns from the main menu bar.

When loading is complete, the main menu bar and tool bar will show some extra options, thus:

Before we start to create structural design data, it is important that you know how such data is stored and accessed in the PDMS databases, so that you will understand the terminology which you will encounter during the design process. This is explained in the following section.

4.2

How PDMS Stores Design Data All PDMS data is stored in a hierarchic or ‘tree’ format (similar to the way in which you use a hierarchy of directories and subdirectories to access your computer files). In the case of a PDMS Design database, the


4-1

Setting Up the PDMS Database Hierarchy

topmost data level is called the World (usually represented by the symbolic name /*), below which are the administrative sublevels Site and Zone. The names used to identify database levels below Zone depend on the specific engineering discipline for which the data is used. In the case of structural design data, the lower administrative levels (and their PDMS abbreviations) are Structure (STRU), Framework (FRMW) and (optionally) Subframework (SBFR). The data which defines the physical design of the individual structural components is held below Subframework level, giving the following overall format: ORLD (/*)

SITE

ZONE

STRUCTURE (STRU)

FRAMEWORK (FRMW)

SUBFRAMEWORK (SBFR)

(optional)

Design data defining individual structural components which make up the design model

All data is represented in the database thus: •

•

Each identifiable item of data is known as a PDMS element. Each element has a number of associated pieces of information which, together, completely define its properties. These are known as its attributes. Every element is identified within the database structure by an automatically allocated reference number and, optionally, by a userspecified name. Additional items of information about an element which could be stored as attribute settings include: •

Its type

•

Its physical dimensions and technical specifications

•

Its physical location and orientation in the design model

•

Its connectivity

Some attribute settings must be defined by you when you create a new element, others will be defined automatically by PDMS. 4-2



The vertical link between two elements on adjacent levels of the database hierarchy is defined as an owner-member relationship. The element on the upper level is the owner of those elements directly linked below it. The lower level elements are members of their owning element. Each element can have many members, but it can have only one owner. When you are modifying a database (for example, when you are creating new elements or changing the settings of their attributes), you can consider yourself to be positioned at a specific point within the hierarchy. The element at this location is called the current element (often abbreviated to CE). You can navigate from any element to any other, thereby changing the current element, by following the owner-member links up and down the hierarchy. In many cases, commands which you give for modifying the attributes of an element will assume that the changes are to be applied to the current element unless you specify otherwise, so you must understand this concept and always be aware of your current position in the database hierarchy. The Design Explorer (see Section 3.7) will always show you this information.

4.3

Creating Some Administrative Elements We will now create some administrative elements at the top of the Design DB hierarchy, as explained in the preceding section.

Exercise continues:

12.

Check that you are at World level ( icon) in the Design Explorer , then select Create>Site. On the displayed Create Site form, enter the name TESTSITE in the Name text box.

Press Return to confirm the name; note how the system adds a / prefix automatically to conform to PDMS naming conventions. Click


4-3


OK to create the Site element. Notice that the new element appears in the Design Explorer as the current element. 13.

Repeat this process, using the appropriate options from the Create menu, to create a Zone named TESTZONE, a Structure TESTSTRU, a Framework TESTFRMW and a Subframework (Sub-Frame) TESTSBFR, in that order. Your Design Explorer should now look like this (only newly created elements shown):

14.

Click on the menu option Display>Draw List and you will see that the Structure element has been automatically added to it. We cover the Draw List in more detail later.

In the next chapter, you will start to build up a design model by creating some structural members.

4-4


5

Creating a Simple Structure In this chapter we will start to build up a structural design model by creating a simple configuration of interconnected columns and beams. Before we do so, however, it is important to understand how some of the items which make up the design are represented and accessed in the PDMS databases, as explained in the following sections.

5.1

Design-to-Catalogue Cross-Referencing To ensure design consistency and conformity with company standards, the basic definitions of all items which you may use in the structural design are held in a Catalogue database. This holds definitions of all available profiles and materials for structural columns/beams/bracing etc., all standard types of joint, all auxiliary fittings, and so on. When you add an item to your design model, you store the position, orientation etc. for the item in the Design database, but you specify the physical properties of the item by setting up a cross-reference (called a Specification Reference or SpecRef ) which points to an appropriate entry in the Catalogue database.

5.2

How PDMS Represents Structural Members

5.2.1 Straight Sections Each individual straight structural member (column, beam, etc.) is represented in PDMS by a Section (SCTN) element. The geometry of a Section is defined by two types of attribute setting: •

•

Its cross-section is defined by reference to a Catalogue Profile (SPRF) element (I-beam, T-section, Channel, etc.). All other aspects of its geometry are defined by setting specific design attributes (in most cases these are set automatically by PDMS as you manipulate the model graphically). Two of the most important attributes are the Start Position (POSS) and the End Position (POSE), since the positions of these points effectively determine the length and orientation of the item. We will look in more detail at these and some other attributes of Sections later.


5-1

Creating a Simple Structure

To provide a method for referring to individual edges and faces of a Section, each is identified by a named line running along the length of the Section. These reference lines (which are derived from the Section’s Profile definition in the catalogue) are called P-lines. As an example, some of the most commonly used p-lines for an I-shaped Profile might be positioned and named as follows (see Appendix B for fuller details of how this and other profiles are specified): LTOS

RTOS

TOS

P-line (TOS) Section Profile

LTBS

RTBS NAR

NAL

End Position (POSE)

NA LBTS

RBTS

P-line Naming Key:

Start Position (POSS)

NA = Neutral Axis TOS = Top of Steel BOS = Bottom of Steel LTBS = Left Top Bottom of Steel

LBOS

BOS

RBOS

and so on

5.2.2 Nodes PDMS uses the concept of Nodes to represent basic analytical points within a structure. Nodes have two main functions: •

•

To identify the points at which logical connections are made between adjoining Sections. To define how applied stresses can affect individual points in the structure (for passing design data to separate stress analysis programs).

Primary Nodes have their positions specified independently of other elements. Secondary Nodes are positioned along an owning Section, at a specified distance from the Section’s Start Position. If you move a Section, its Secondary Nodes move with it.

5.3

Some Initial Setting Up Operations In the next part of the exercise we will set up some defaults to customise the application to suit our planned method of working.

5-2



Exercise continues:

5.3.1 Setting Default Storage Areas 15.

First, we will specify where the principal structural elements are to be stored in the design database hierarchy. Select Settings>Storage Areas… . The displayed form lets you specify storage areas for Primary Nodes and Sections independently. At this stage, both areas are shown as unset. We shall store both types of element directly under the Sub-Frame which we created in the last step. Check that the sub-frame /TESTSBFR is the current element (click on it in the Design Explorer if it isn’t), then click on each line in the Storage Areas list in turn. The new storage area settings will be shown as follows:

Close the form by clicking the button. Note how the current storage area settings are shown below the main tool bar, like this:

Section storage area

Node storage area

5.3.2 Automating Profile and Primary Node Allocations 16.

By default, each time you create a new Section, it will automatically be associated with a Profile from the Catalogue. Also by default, Primary Nodes will not be created automatically at unconnected section ends. For our present purposes, leave both of these default settings in force, as shown (and controlled) by the following buttons below the main tool bar, thus:


5-3


5.3.3 Setting the Default Specification for Profiles 17.

The current default profile, justification line, member line and joint line (these terms will be explained later) are shown below the main tool bar. If these have not yet been set (which will be the case here), the data area will look like this:

The first structural sections which we will create will be columns, so we will set the default profile to something suitable. Click on the button. The resulting Section Specification (Default) form lets you select any specification from the available catalogues. For the purpose of this exercise, set the Specification to British Standard and set the Generic Type to Universal Columns . From the displayed list of profiles applicable to BS Universal Columns, select 203x203x46kg/m, thus:

5-4



Leave the Justification list (justification determines the ‘Setting out’ position of the Section, that is the axis about which the geometry is offset), the Member line list (which determines how sections are shown in wireline views and drawings), and the Joint Line list (which determines the position of a joint relative to an attached section) all set to NA (Neutral Axis). We will see the effects of these later. Click Apply to use this setting as the new default, noting that the current specification specification is now shown like this:

Dismiss the Section Specification (Default) form when you have finished with it.

5.4

Creating Sections Explicitly We will first create four vertical columns, to the following design, using explicit positioning; positioning; that is, we will position the columns at given positions within the coordinate system of the site rather than by positioning them relative to existing structural sections (since we have not yet created any).

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4 Column 1

9000

9000

5000

U

4000

E N

5000

5000

7000

Origin

Keep these column designations in mind; we shall refer to them throughout the rest of the exercise. 18.

Select Create>Sections>Straight…. You will see both a Section form and a Positioning Control toolbar, which together control how the start and end points of sections are


5-5


specified. The Positioning Control toolbar is not relevant for our current purposes (we will see what it is used for later). On the Section form, check that the String Method is set to Single (which means that you will define independent start and end positions for each section) and that the Secondary Nodes check box is selected. Select the Confirm check box (so that you can check where each new section will be positioned before it is added to the database). The form’s settings should now look like this:

Click the button, which tells the system that you want to define a position by entering explicit coordinates coordinates (this is the only practical option at this stage). You will see a Define section start form. We want to position the start of the first column at the site origin, so leave the East/North/Up coordinates at the default position ( E0, N0, U0), like this:

5-6



Note: The default entry wrt World, meaning ‘with respect to the World’, defines the coordinate system within which the position is specified. Click OK. The Start position will be shown in the centre of the 3D View. Rather than specifying all three coordinates for the Section’s end position explicitly, we will define its position relative to the Section’s start. Click the button. You will now see a Define section end form in a format which lets you enter the required data. We want to create a vertical column 5000mm high, so enter the Direction as U and the Distance as 5000, thus:

Click OK, then click the Accept button on the Section form to confirm the creation of the Section. Check the Design Explorer : the Section will appear as SCTN 1. The Section will also be added to the Draw List, and will appear (as a very small rectangle) in the centre of the 3D View. 19.

Using the same procedures, create the following three Sections: Start Position E0 N7000 U0; Length 9000 Start Position E0 N12000 U0; Length 9000 Start Position E0 N17000 U0; Length 4000 (Don’t forget to Accept each Section on the Section form after you have defined it.) When you have created all four columns, Dismiss the Section form.


5-7


Your Design Explorer should now show four Sections (SCTN 1-4), like this:

Note that each newly created Section is placed before the current list position, so that SCTN 1 in the list was the last Section created (corresponding to Column 1 in the diagram).

5.5

Viewing the Design In order to see what our design looks like as we build it up, and to enable us to identify design items by simply pointing to them rather than by navigating to them in the Design Explorer , we will now display our current design in a 3D View window and learn how to manipulate this display.

5-8



5.5.1 Defining What Appears in the View

Exercise continues:

20.

The Draw List will contain the four Sections we have just created, as well as the owning Structure element. Notice how there is a ‘ticked box’ adjacent to each element. We want to see all of our current design; to do this, simply click on the ( Walk to Draw List) button on the View Manipulation toolbar on the left-hand side of the main Design window. All four Sections will appear within the 3D View window in cross section, as we are ‘looking down’ on them. Notice how the view is automatically scaled so that all four Sections fit neatly within it.

21.

It is often useful to display coordinate Axes. To do this, click the button on the Main toolbar or select Query>Axes…. You will see the Define Axes form:

By default, the axes are positioned at the origin of the current element, but other positioning options are available from the form’s Select pull-down menu. Ordinal (X,Y,Z) or cardinal (North, East, Up) directions can be specified, as can the size of the axis arrow lines. See the online help for full details of the axes facilities. Select the Cardinal Directions check box, change Size to 1000, then select Close>Retain Axes from the form’s pull-down menu. 22.

Other looking directions can be selected by positioning the mouse pointer within the 3D View window and pressing the right-hand mouse button. Do this and select Isometric>Iso 3 to set an isometric view direction.


5-9


You should now see all four columns like this:

Notice that the status line shows the viewing direction. See section 5.5.2 for the meaning of ROTATE on the status line. Observe the effect of selecting different view directions (Look, Plan and Isometric from the right-hand mouse button. Revert to Isometric>Iso 3 when you have finished.

23.

5.5.2 Manipulating the Displayed View You can manipulate the displayed model view in a number of ways. The three basic operations which we will look at here are: •

Rotate the view

•

Pan the view across the display area

•

Zoom in or out to magnify or reduce the view

The current manipulation mode is shown in the status line at the bottom of the 3D View window (it is set to ROTATE in the preceding illustration).

5-10



To change the view manipulation mode, look at the Middle Button Drag options on the 3D View shortcut menu. By pressing and holding down the middle mouse button with the pointer within the 3D View, the view can manipulated in the selected way simply by moving the mouse. The options of interest are Zoom Rectangle, Zoom In/Out, Pan and Rotate. Alternatively, you can change the manipulation mode by pressing one of the function keys, or by using the View Manipulation tool bar buttons, thus:

F2 or

selects Zoom mode

F3 or

selects Pan mode

F5 or

selects Rotate mode

(Try these selection options and observe the effect on the Middle Button Drag shortcut menu; a tick appears against the selected option.)

Exercise continues:

24.

Select

.

25.

Position the cursor in the view area and hold down the middle mouse button, then move the mouse slowly from side to side while watching the effect on the displayed model. The initial direction of movement determines how the view appears to rotate; starting with a left or right movement causes the observer’s eye-point to move across the view.

26.

Now release the mouse button, hold it down again and move the mouse away from you and towards you; this time the observer’s eyepoint appears to rotate up and down around the model.

27.

Repeat the rotation operations while holding down the Control key. Note that the word Fast appears in the status line and that the rate of rotation is increased.

28.

Repeat the rotation operations, but this time hold down the Shift key. Note that the word Slow appears in the status line and that the rate of rotation is decreased. For an alternative way of rotating the model, try dragging the horizontal and vertical sliders to new positions along the view borders. You can rotate the model in this way at any time, regardless of the current manipulation mode.

29.

Select

.


5-11


30.

Position the cursor in the view area and hold down the middle mouse button, then move the mouse slowly in all directions. Note that it is the observer’s eye-point which follows the mouse movement (while the viewing direction remains unchanged), so that the displayed model appears to move in the opposite direction to the mouse; in effect, you move the mouse towards that part of the view which you want to see.

31.

Repeat the pan operations while holding down first the Control key (to increase the panning speed) and then the Shift key (to decrease the panning speed).

32.

Select

33.

Position the cursor in the view area and hold down the middle mouse button, then move the mouse slowly up and down.

.

Moving the mouse away from you (up) zooms in, effectively magnifying the view; moving the mouse towards you (down) zooms out, effectively reducing the view. Note that these operations work by changing the viewing angle (like changing the focal length of a camera lens); they do not change the observer’s eye-point or the view direction. 34.

Repeat the zoom operations while holding down first the Control key and then the Shift key.

35.

Position the pointer near the centre of Column 1 and click (do not hold down) the middle mouse button. Notice how the view changes so that the picked point is now at the centre of the view. Whenever you click the middle button, whatever the current manipulation mode, you reset the centre of interest. Switch to Zoom mode (if not already selected), set the centre of interest to the top of Column 2, then zoom in for a close-up view of the top of the column. You will find this a very useful technique when making small adjustments to the design: we shall use it later to see the effect of realigning sections where they are connected at a joint.

36.

To restore the original view when you have finished, select

37.

Finally, observe the effect of clearing some of the ticked check boxes and changing the colours and translucency of the elements using the controls in the Draw List.

.

5.5.3 Navigating in the Database by Picking Elements Graphically 38.

5-12

Notice that the pick mode prompt at the top of the 3D View says Navigate : (there is another mode, Modify : - see the online help for details of this Model Editor mode. Position the pointer over each Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1


column in turn and click the left-hand mouse button. Notice how this navigates to the picked element, which is highlighted in a different colour in the 3D View and becomes the current element in the Design Explorer . Compare the identifier of each SCTN element in the Design Explorer with its designation in the labelled view shown in Step 22; SCTN 1 should correspond to Column 1, and so on.

5.6

Event-Driven Graphics Mode Before we begin the next part of the exercise, it is necessary to understand a new way of using the pointer to pick points in the graphical view. Whenever the Positioning Control form (which you saw but did not use earlier) is displayed, the graphical view is switched automatically into event-driven graphics mode (you may have noticed that the pick mode prompt, immediately above the graphical view, changed while you were defining positions in Steps 18 and 19). This means that when you pick a point in the displayed graphics, your action is interpreted in whatever way is appropriate to your current design operation (i.e. the current event) rather than simply as a request to navigate to a new current element (as was the case in Step 38). In our examples, picking in event-driven graphics mode will always be used to specify a position. The position derived from your pointer pick can be the exact point at which you have placed the pointer or, more commonly, it can be a position which is related to the picked point in a specified way. The main concept involved is that of the snap function, which automatically chooses the nearest Start, End or (optionally) Secondary Node position to the picked point, so that you do not need to be very accurate when positioning the pointer. The full range of options available for identifying positions is extensive. For example, you can specify a position at: •

a given offset from the nearest snap point;

•

the mid-point of a picked item;

•

the intersection of two picked items;

•

a given proportion along the length of a picked item.

We will use several of the available facilities in the rest of the exercise.


5-13


5.7

Creating Sections Using Graphical Picking In the following part of the exercise, we will add horizontal beams to our four columns. We will identify the start and end positions for these beams by using the pointer and left-hand mouse button to pick the columns to which they are to be connected. This has the advantage that you do not need to remember which section is which in the Design Explorer ; you work visually, as you would on a drawing board. The design which we will build is as follows (with column heights shown as a reminder): Beam 1

Column 2

Column 3

(9000)

(9000)

Beam 2 Beam 4

Beam 3 Column 4

Column 1

(5000) U

(4000)

E N

Keep these beam designations in mind; we shall refer to them throughout the rest of the exercise. For demonstration purposes, we shall create a single beam in the position occupied by Beams 3 and 4 and then split this into two separate beams, with automatic length and connection adjustments, in a subsequent step.

Exercise continues:

5-14

39.

Click on the Profile Specification button and set the default profile specification to British Standard , Universal Beams, 305x165x40kg/m (as in Step 17). Leave the Justification, Member Line and Joint Line set to NA for the purpose of this exercise (you will see later that this would not be your normal choice of justification setting in practice; we are using this setting for demonstration purposes only). Apply and Dismiss the form.

40.

Select Create>Sections>Straight… to redisplay the Section form, which you used earlier, and the Positioning Control form, which this time Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1


you will use to identify positions by picking them with the pointer in the graphical view. Set the String Method to Single, since we will begin by specifying the start and end points independently for each section. Select the Secondary Nodes check box so that secondary nodes and joints will be created automatically at all connections between sections. Select the Confirm check box to begin with and clear it Off later when you feel it is no longer necessary. Note that the Secondary Joint (SJOI) element forms the basis of the analytical model Rather than enter explicit coordinates, we will define the Start Position as a point on one of our existing columns (namely the top of Column 3) which we will pick using the pointer. On the Positioning Control toolbar, set the Pick Type option (lefthand drop-down list; see tool tip) to Element. This means that you are going to pick sections themselves, rather than individual plines, for identifying positions within the design model. The Pick Method setting (right-hand drop-down list) specifies how you want your pointer picks to be interpreted as positions (remember, we are now using event-driven graphics mode). Set this to Snap, meaning that you want to snap to the position of the nearest Start or End of a picked section; this option will remain in force until you change it. The settings will look like this:

Notice that the pick mode prompt above the graphical view shows the current event as ‘Define section start (Snap) ’. Pick a point anywhere in the upper half of Column 3. Note that the word Start appears in the view to mark the specified start point and that the snap action has placed this at the upper end of the column. 41.

The pick mode prompt will have changed to ‘ Define section end (Snap)’. Pick a point anywhere in the upper half of Column 2 to define the End Position of the new beam. Note how the proposed route of the new beam is shown in the 3D View. Click the Accept button on the Section form to confirm the section creation. Beam 1 will be shown with its start connected to the top of Column 3 and its end connected to the top of Column 2.


5-15


The length of the beam is calculated automatically, with allowances for the section dimensions, but you will see that the beam’s position is too high. This is because the justification datum is set to the Neutral Axis (NA), as shown by the Profile Specification setting /BSSPEC/305x165x40kg/m (NA/NA/NA). We will now correct this by resetting the justification datum to the Top of Steel (TOS) pline. The result will be as shown in the following diagram: Node

NA of Beam

Node

TOS of Beam

Exercise continues:

42.

Switch temporarily from event-driven graphics mode to graphical navigation mode by clicking the button on the main tool bar (check the pick mode prompt). Change the view direction to Look>East, move the centre of interest to the approximate mid-point of Beam 1, and zoom in to see more clearly what happens at the ends of the beam. Pick the new beam to ensure that it is the current element and select Modify>Sections>Specification…. On the Section Specification form, set the Justification to TOS, thus.

Select the Use as default profile check box, so that the next beams which you create will be aligned correctly without further adjustment. Apply the change and the beam should move down to the correct position. Notice that the default specification has changed, thus:

You could, alternatively, have realigned just the current beam by selecting the Modify>Sections>Justification option, but this would not have let you reset the default specification for subsequent beam creation. 5-16



43.

We will now create Beam 2, with its Start Position at the top of Column 4, running horizontally to connect part-way up Column 3. Reset the view, if necessary, to show all sections so far created. Return to event-driven graphics mode by Dismissing the Section form and selecting Create>Sections>Straight… again, ready to position the start of the next Section (check the pick mode prompt again). Position the Start for Beam 2 at the top of Column 4. To pick the End Position, we will use the snap facility with a specified offset distance along the picked Section. From the Positioning Control toolbar’s Pick Method list, select Distance and, in the adjacent Method Value field, enter 5000 (i.e. the height of Column 4):

The pick mode prompt should now say ’Pick section end (Distance [5000]) ’. Pick anywhere in the lower half of Column 3. The End Position is calculated by snapping to the bottom of the column and then moving up (i.e., towards the pointer) by 5000 mm. Accept the Section on the Section form. 44.

In the preceding step, we had to remember the height of Column 4 in order to set the correct snap offset distance. We will now create a beam from the top of Column 1, running horizontally to Column 3 (equivalent to Beam 3 plus Beam 4 in our design sketch), without remembering any dimensions. Position the Start of the new beam at the top of Column 1 as before (remember to reset the pick option to Snap).

45.

We will now compare two alternative ways of achieving the required End Position. Make sure that Verification: Confirm check box is selected so that you can cancel the first method to try the second. Method 1 Because the beam is to be horizontal, we can constrain its End Position to have the same elevation as its Start Position. To do this, we will use the explicit positioning form which we used earlier, but will enter the coordinates on the form by graphical picking rather than by typing them in. This step will demonstrate the ease with which you can mix the different ways of defining positions (using the Section, Positioning Control and Define section end forms) to suit the current circumstances. Click the button on the Section form to display the Define section end form. The latter will initially show the coordinates of the last point picked, namely the top of Column 1.


5-17


Select the Lock check next to the Up field, like this:

Lock On

Notice how the Up coordinate is greyed out to show that you cannot change it. You can now pick any part of Column 3 to specify the beam’s End Position, since the elevation of the snap point will be ignored in favour of the constraint that the End Position must be at the same elevation as the Start Position; only the East and North coordinates of the pick are used. OK the Define section end form, then click Reject on the Section form to cancel the creation. Method 2 The Start Position will still be shown at the top of Column 1. The and buttons on the Section form both let you create a section which is perpendicular to another section. We will constrain the new beam’s End Direction to be perpendicular to Column 3. Click the Perpendicular to button , then pick Column 3. The derived End Position will be the same as for Method 1. This time Accept the section creation. 46.

When you have created the three beams, dismiss the section creation forms. (Note that clicking Dismiss on the Section form also removes the Positioning Control toolbar and returns the pick mode prompt to Navigate.) Zoom in close to the beam which you created last and notice how it passes straight through Column 2. We will now split this beam into two separate sections to form Beam 3 and Beam 4.

47.

5-18

Select Modify>Sections>Split…. Set the controls on the Split Sections form as follows:



noting that the lengths of Beams 3 and 4 are to be adjusted automatically where they meet at Column 2 (Connections at split set to Trimmed). Click Apply. When prompted to ‘ identify item to be split on’ (see the status line) pick the element which corresponds corresponds to the split point, in this case Column 2. Cancel the next prompt (since we are splitting the beam in one place only) by pressing the Esc key. When prompted to ‘identify section to be split ’, pick any part of the beam which is to be split to form Beams 3 and 4. Esc the next prompt (since we are splitting one section only). Notice how the proposed split point is identified in the graphical view. Confirm the splitting and then dismiss the Split Sections form. When using this facility, the items to be split on and the items to be split must actually intersect at the required split points. Projected intersection intersection points will not work.

We have now completed the creation of the substructure illustrated at the start of this part of the exercise, namely (looking East): Beam 1

Column 2

Column 3

Beam 2 Beam 4

Beam 3 Column 4

Column 1 U E N


5-19


If you look at the Design Explorer , you will see that each column (SCTN) element now owns owns one one or more more Secondary Nodes (SNODs; marked in the above diagram) at the locations of the ends of the beams. Each Secondary Node owns one or two Secondary Joints (SJOIs) with connection references references to the attached beams. This provides the logical connectivity between the sections.

5.8

Collecting Elements into Temporary Lists The next design operation will be to create multiple copies of the current substructure, substructure, with a specified spacing distance between them. In order to demonstrate another useful facility, we will put all members of the Sub-Frame (Sections, Secondary Nodes and Joints) into a List - a temporary collection collection of elements which lets you carry out operations on the list as a whole. Each list definition is valid only for the duration of the current PDMS session (although you can save such definitions in a binary file for reloading into a future session).

Exercise continues:

5-20

48.

Select Utilities>Lists from the main menu or click the button on the main tool bar. You will see a Lists/Collections form for controlling the existence and contents of all lists for the current session. If any lists existed, you would be able to select the one which you wanted to modify from the list next to the button. Since we have not yet used this facility, this will simply say ‘No List’.

49.

From the Lists/Collections menu bar, select Add>List…. In the Description box on the Create List form, enter TESTLIST.

50.

Ensure that your current element is the Sub-Frame by clicking on it in the Design Explorer and then, from the Lists/Collections menu bar, select Add>CE Members. All elements owned by the Sub-Frame will now be shown as items within TESTLIST, like this:



Select Control>Close to dismiss the Lists/Collections form when you have finished with it. Notice that the new list automatically becomes the current list, thus:

5.9

Copying Parts of the Design Model Rather than create many more columns and beams individually, we are now going to copy the ones we have already created and reposition reposition the copies thus:


5-21


Existing Subframe U

Origin

N E

6000

6000

6000

As explained in the preceding part of this exercise, we shall copy the list containing all members of the Sub-Frame rather than the Sub-Frame itself.

Exercise continues:

51.

Select Create>Copy>Offset…. You will see a Copy with Offset form which allows you to specify what you want to copy (Object ), where the copies are to be stored in the database hierarchy ( to), how many copies you want, and how each copy is to be positioned relative to its preceding neighbour (Offset).

52.

Set the Object to be copied to List; since only one list exists, its name (TESTLIST) will be shown without further selection. Set the to option to Rel. (Relative). This will create the new element copies in the same part of the database hierarchy as the original elements; that is, as members of the Sub-Frame.

53.

Set the Number of Copies to 3.

54.

Note that the Offset must be specified in terms of the local X,Y,Z coordinates of the geometric primitives making up the structural items, rather than the E,N,U coordinates used to position items within the overall design model. In our case, by default, X=E, Y=N and Z=U. Note that the axes are shown automatically in the displayed 3D View as a guide. Set the X Offset to 6000, leaving Y and Z set to 0. The form settings should now look like this:

5-22



55.

Click Apply to create the three offset copies and, when prompted, confirm that you want to retain the copies (assuming that they look correct in the graphical view). Dismiss the Copy with Offset form when you have finished.

56.

Click and select Isometric>Iso3 from the 3D View shortcut menu so that you can see the whole of the current design.

57.

Study the Design Explorer to see what elements have now been created and where they fit into the hierarchy. Note that the SubFrame now owns 32 Sections, comprising 16 columns and 16 beams, together with all of the necessary Secondary Nodes and Joints needed to define their interconnections.

5.10 Completing the Initial Design The final design model which we want to achieve in this part of the exercise has beams running in an East-West direction to give the structure stability, as shown in the following diagram:


5-23


A

B

C

D

U N

Origin E

In creating these beams, we will include some variations of the ways so far used to define the start and end positions of the beams.

Exercise continues:

58.

Start by creating the three most southerly beams (show in black on the diagram). Do this by creating a single beam and then splitting it into three lengths to fit between the columns (use the technique described at Step 47).

59.

Next, we will create the three beams directly to the north of those which you have just created (shown cross-hatched on the diagram). We will do this in a sequence of operations in which the start of each section (after the first) will be situated automatically at the end of the preceding section. Set the String Method to Continuous on the Section form to begin creating a chained configuration of sections. By default, the start of the next section is assumed to be at the end of the previous section (as shown in the 3D View); click the Redefine Start button to override this. On the Positioning Control toolbar, set Pick Method to Intersect to show that you will identify positions at the intersection points of pairs of existing sections. To create the first beam, pick first Column 3 and then Beam 2 (whose intersection is at the Start Position of the first required beam, labelled A in the diagram), then use the same method to pick the intersection which identifies the end of this beam (B in the diagram). If Confirm is selected, click Accept to create the beam (otherwise your next picks will simply redefine the end of this section). It is important to stress the behaviour of not picking the attached member first as the sequence of picking the intersections

5-24



determines the ownership of the SNOD/SJOI and therefore the connectivity model The start of the next beam will be positioned automatically at B (as shown in the 3D View). Use the same procedure to pick points C and D to create the next two beams. Click the Redefine Start button on the Section form to define a new start for another section or sequence of sections. 60.

Complete the design using a combination of the techniques which you have learned, plus any other options that you want to experiment with (using the on-line help for guidance when required). Switch Confirm to Off to speed up the process as you gain confidence. If you make a mistake in the middle of defining a section, click Redefine Start to go back a stage. Note: you will probably need to use the Middle Button Drag view manipulation options available from the 3D View shortcut menu in order to be able to have a clear view of the correct Sections prior to clicking on them.

Dismiss the Section form when you are satisfied with your results. Note: If you simply copy beams, either singly or as a composite list, the copies will be positioned but will not be connected automatically.

5.11 Saving Your Changes and Leaving Your Design Session 61.

To update the database so as to store the design model which you have created so far, select Design>Save Work from the main menu bar or click the button. (It is wise to use this function periodically as you build up a design, so that you do not have to start from the beginning in the event of loss of work due to an unforeseen interruption, such as a power failure.)

62.

To save your current screen layout and display settings, so that next time you use the application you can rapidly restart from where you interrupted your design session, select Display> Save>Forms & Display from the main menu bar.

63.

To leave your current PDMS design session and return to the operating system, select Design>Exit from the main menu bar. If you had made any changes since your last Save Work operation, you would be asked if you wanted to save them; in the present situation, you will just be asked to confirm that you want to leave PDMS.


5-25


5-26


6

A Quick Way to Build a Regular Structure If a significant part of the model that you want to design comprises a regular array of beams and columns, a special facility is provided to speed up the creation of all the necessary elements to define the fully connected structure. Even if your model is not completely regular in layout, you might find it quicker to use this facility first and then to modify the design as necessary, rather than build up the design sectionby-section as we have done so far. In this chapter we will build a new structure using this method, so that you can judge whether or not it is relevant to your own types of design work.

Exercise continues:

64.

Restart PDMS and enter the Design module, loading the applications from macro files, as explained in Step 8. Notice how the Project, Username and MDB have been remembered from your last session, so that you do not need to enter them again: you do, however, need to enter your Password for every session. Enter the Beams & Columns application, as in Step 11. (We will see later how to restore the screen layout which you saved earlier.)

65.

We will store our new model under a separate Structure element in the hierarchy, so that it can easily be distinguished from the design model which we created in the earlier parts of the exercise. Navigate to Zone level and below this create a new Structure, Framework and Subframework, giving them different names from those specified in Step 13 (for example, /REGSTRU, /REGFRMW and /REGSBFR, respectively).

66.

Check that automatic Profile allocation is On and Primary Node creation is Off, as in Step 15. (As you will see soon, storage areas and specifications need not be set yet.)

67.

Select Create>Sections>Specials…. The resulting Section Creation form lists all available methods: the options available depend on how your system has been set up, but they should include the following:


6-1


68.

To initiate the use of any available method, you click on it in the list. In this case, select Regular Structure , then Dismiss the form. You will see a Regular Structure form which gives you complete control of the whole design process. In the following steps, we will look at this form in three distinct parts.

69.

The areas labelled Column Data and Beam Data let you set the storage areas, profile specifications and justification p-lines independently for the two types of section. Set these as follows (replacing /REGSBFR by whatever name you gave the Subframework in Step 65):

Note

•

•

6-2

To enter each Storage area name, navigate to the Subframe and type CE. The name of the current element will be entered automatically. To enter the Profile specifications, click the Profile button to display the Section Specification form and pick the required specification and pline settings. Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1


70.

The Grid Origin area lets you define how your structure is to be positioned spatially. Enter the following settings:

The Datum setting defines the element whose reference axes will determine the origin and orientation of the structure. The Underside of Base-Plate setting lets you set the lowest point of your structure (underside of baseplate) relative to the datum axes. This lets you define the elevations of the structural members relative to a plane which does not correspond to the base of the overall structure. We have set this to 1000, so that the bottoms of the columns will be truncated at an elevation of 1000 mm. (We will see the effect of this when we view the completed model.) 71.

The East Spacings and North Spacings lists specify the relative spacing between adjacent columns in the given directions. The Elevation list specifies the absolute elevations of the beams representing the floor levels. Type in the following values:

These settings will create 16 columns on a 4x4 rectangular grid, with a uniform inter-column spacing of 3000 mm in the East direction and 5000 mm in the North direction. The columns will be 4000 mm high, to accommodate two floors at elevations of 3000 mm and 5000 mm relative to the datum plane, but with the bottoms of the columns truncated so that they do not extend below the 1000 mm elevation specified by the baseplate setting. 72.

Select the Trim sections to Plines check box, so that the beams will have their lengths calculated to fit between the columns to which they are connected.

73.

With view limits set for zone and view direction set to Iso 3, click the Preview button to display a ‘stick’ representation of the specified structure. It should have the following configuration:


6-3


5000 3000 1000

5000

5000

3000 3000 5000 Z/U

3000

Shaded area is datum plane

/N

X/E

Origin

Check and, if necessary, correct the settings, then click Apply to create the structure. The sections will first have the specified profiles applied to give them their 3D geometry, then they will be trimmed to length and connected. This process involves a lot of calculation, and might therefore take a minute or two to complete; progress will be shown in the status bar. 74.

We will now modify the structure by removing beams as follows: * * *

*

*

* * *

6-4



To do so, select Delete>Identified and then pick the 14 beams which are to be removed. Escape the prompt when you have finished picking and confirm the deletion. 75.

Finally, we will reduce the heights of the eight outermost columns (marked * in the preceding diagram). Rather than modify each one separately, create a new list (select Utilities>Lists…, as in Steps 48 and 49) and use the Add>Identified option on the Lists/Collections form to add the columns into the list by picking them with the pointer. (If you make a mistake, click on the column again to deselect it; press Esc when you have finished.)

76.

Select Position>Extend>By…. When prompted to ‘Identify Section’, pick any of the columns and then, on the resulting Extend Section - Explicit form, select your new list as the item to be modified. The Extend option list requires you to specify which end of the item is to be moved. We need to adjust the upper end of each column, but is this its Start or its End? To check this, make any one of the columns the current element and select Settings> Graphics>Mark Section. The Start and End will be tagged in the graphical view. Set the Extend button appropriately. Select the Maintain Section’s Node Positions check box so that the positions of secondary nodes will not be affected by the length adjustments. (This is only really relevant if you move the Start positions. We are leaving the nodes in place here simply to demonstrate another facility in the next step.) Set the Extension by to a Distance of -2000, since we want to reduce the length of each item in the list by 2000 mm. Apply the settings, then Dismiss the form. The result should be as follows:


6-5


6-6

77.

You will notice that the secondary nodes which were at the tops of the deleted columns are still present, even though they no longer serve any useful purpose. To delete these, navigate to the Sub-frame and select Delete>Tidy Nodes…. You will see a Tidy Nodes form telling you that 8 redundant nodes have been identified. Select the Mark Nodes for Deletion check box to tag these nodes in the graphical view, then click OK to delete them.

78.

Now, for practice, extend the bottoms of all sixteen columns downwards by 1000 mm, so that they rest on the origin plane (shown shaded in the illustration in Step 73).

79.

Update the Design database to save your work (by selecting Design>Save Work).


7

Enhancing the Basic Structure In this chapter, we will revert to our original structure and add some bracing members. We will then select some joints from the catalogue. Finally, we will modify the structure by moving part of it to a new position and then restoring the correct geometry between its members semi-automatically.

7.1

Restoring a Previously Saved Setup In order to continue developing the first structural model which we created, we will reload the display setup which we saved earlier. If you intend to continue from where you finish at the end of any PDMS design session, it is quicker to use the Display>Save>... options to save your current settings to a file which you can subsequently reload, rather than to reload the applications from their source macros each time you use the Design module.

Exercise continues:

80.

If you are continuing straight on from the ‘Regular Structure’ part of the exercise, so that the Beams & Columns application is still loaded, select Display>Restore>Forms & Display. If you exited from PDMS after Step 79, restart PDMS and enter Design (as in Step 8), but this time set the Load from option on the PDMS Login form to User’s Binary. In either case, the result will be to load the display setup which you saved in Step 61, so that your graphical view will show the structural model which you created in the first part of the exercise (stored in TESTSTRU).

7.2

Trimming Connected Section Ends to Correct Geometry When you create a section connected to an existing section, the end points of the new section are usually positioned automatically by


7-1


reference to the currently defined Pline Rule. If this rule has not been set up properly, the geometry at the point of connection may be inappropriate. For example, in plan view, the connection between a column and an incoming beam may look like this:

or

rather than the intended configuration:

or

To correct this, you can trim the length of the incoming section to an explicitly picked pline of the owning section. Before we develop our model further, we will correct any errors of this type which might currently exist (otherwise we could have problems connecting our bracing correctly).

Exercise continues:

81.

Zoom in to the graphical view and change the viewing direction so that you can see the detailed geometry of each connection point in turn, looking for any examples where an attached section has been trimmed to the wrong length. If you find any, correct them as follows. Select Connect>Trim to Pline>Pick (force). When prompted to ‘Identify section end to be trimmed ’, pick one of the ends which you want to correct (as shown shaded in the preceding diagram). You will then be prompted to ‘ Identify pline to be trimmed to’; change the view if necessary and pick the pline which corresponds to the required section end point (typically NAR/NAL for a web connection or TOS/BOS for a flange connection, as shown by the black dots in the preceding diagram, see also Appendix B). Note how the pointer shape changes when it is positioned on a pline and how the status bar helps you by identifying which pline is selected at any given moment. Press Escape to action the change.

7-2



Hint:

you will need to make full use of the graphical manipulation facilities detailed in section 5.5.2, in particular it is advisable to zoom in close to the joint of interest. Also, it is advisable switch to wireline display mode by selecting View>Settings>Shaded or by hitting F8 (this toggles between wireline and shaded display modes).

Repeat this sequence, alternately picking section ends and plines, until all errors have been corrected. Note that, if you are confident that you have made the correct selections, you can pick any number of section/pline pairs before pressing Esc. 82.

To check the current pline rule (if any), select Settings>Picking Filters>Plines…. You will see a Pline Filter form showing all currently defined rules; this probably shows No Rule and Normal, with the former selected. The Normal rule will handle the connections that the rule being created below is going to handle. We will set a rule to give appropriate results for the rest of this exercise. To do so, click the Define Rule button to display the Define Rules form. Enter the Name as Extremities (this will be used to identify the rule in subsequent lists) and the Description as Flange or web face for trimming at connection . Enter the Rule thus (taking care to include the apostrophes and commas exactly as shown: PKEY inset (’TOS’,’BOS’,’NAL’,’NAR’,’FOC’,’BOC’,’TOC’)

Click the Include button to add the new rule into the list. The result is as follows:


7-3


Click OK. Select the Extremities rule on the Pline Filters tab of the Snap Settings form to make this the current rule. Click OK and close the Picking Control form. Note: A full explanation of the ways in which pline rules are set and applied is beyond the scope of this introductory guide. Suffice it to say that the rule we have set here may be interpreted as ‘Select a pline which has any of the PKEY settings specified in the list’. (See Appendix C for diagrams showing how these plines are positioned for typical steelwork profiles.)

7.3

Adding and Modifying Simple Bracing In the next part of the exercise, we will insert some simple diagonal bracing and then use a short-cut facility to modify the spacing between the ends of the bracing members and some reference plines.

7-4



We will create bracing members connected between columns, as shown by the thick black sections in the following diagram:

U

2

4

6

1

3

5

A

N

B

C

D

E

(The letters and numbers identifying the columns and beams, respectively, in the above diagram will be used for reference purposes in the steps which follow.) The first bracing member will be connected to Columns A and B and its end positions will be specified in terms of their spacing from Beams 1 and 2. We will then use the Mirror Copying facility to create the other two bracing members. This facility lets you create a copy of an existing element and to reposition the copy automatically by reflecting it about an axis in a specified plane (so that the original and copy elements are mirror images of one another).

Exercise continues:

83.

Click the Default Profile Specification button and reset the default specification to British Standard , Rect (Rectangular) Hollow Sections , 200.0x100.0x10.0 with Justification, Member Line and Joint Line all set to NA. This will be the profile used for the bracing members.

84.

Select Create>Sections>Straight. Using Pick Type: Element and Pick Method: Intersect on the Positioning Control form, create a single bracing member with its Start at the intersection of Column A and Beam 1 (A1 for short) and its End at B2. IMPORTANT: When you pick the sections defining each intersection point, your first pick defines the section to which the connection is made. In this case, therefore, you must pick the column


7-5


before the beam when defining each end, otherwise the bracing gap trimming facility will not work correctly. Do not worry if the vertical alignment of the bracing member ends looks wrong at this stage; we will correct this in the next step.

Accept the beam, then Dismiss the Section form. 85.

Check that the bracing member is the current element and select Modify>Bracing Gap…. You will see a Brace Gaps form listing the different ways of specifying the required gap. Ignore the Default Gap setting and select Distance on picked Pline from a fixed point , noting how the diagram on the form is updated to show the relevant dimensions and picking sequence. Click Apply; you will see a Brace Gap(s) form. Select the Confirm check box, but do not enter the Gap A data yet.

86.

You are now in event-driven graphics mode, ready to pick the plines from which the bracing gap is to be calculated. We will first position the lower end of the bracing member (currently at A1 in the preceding diagram). Using the diagram on the Brace Gaps form as a guide, pick plines in the following order: •

•

•

A pline on the lower face of the bracing member, such as BOS. Pick close to the connection, so that the gap is calculated for the correct end. A pline on Column A along which the gap is to be defined, such as NAL or NAR. A pline on the upper face of Beam 1, such as TOS.

Hint:

7-6

As previously mentioned, you might find it easier to pick the plines if you switch the graphics to a wireline view. (Select View>Settings>Shaded from the main menu bar, or just hit F8.)



1. Pline on lower of bracing member

Bracing Member Column A Gap (to be set to 150mm) Beam 1

3. Pline on upper face of reference member

2. Pline along which gap is to be measured

When you have picked the third pline, the calculated distance for the current position will be shown in the graphical view and will also be inserted into the Gap A text-box on the Brace Gap(s) form. The Accept/Reject buttons are now active. Note that the displayed distance is measured downwards (because of the way the plines currently intersect), whereas we want to move the bracing section upwards. To achieve this, change the Gap A data to -150, check that the new position shown in the graphical view is as required, then click Accept to move the section end. 87.

Repeat the procedure to position the upper end of the bracing member with a gap of 150mm measured down Column B from Beam 2. Dismiss the Brace Gaps form.

88.

Before we create the next bracing members, try this facility for checking whether or not the ends of a section are connected. With the bracing member as your current element, select Utilities>Beams & Columns. From the menu bar of the small form which results, pick Tag>All ends. The ends of the current section should both be tagged as Connected. (We will see another way of checking connectivity later.)

Rather than create and position the other two bracing members B4-C3 and C5-D6 by repeating the preceding sequence of operations, we shall use a short-cut by copying the existing A1-B2 section. We will reposition each copy by defining it as a mirror image of its original reflected in an appropriate plane.


7-7


Exercise continues:

89.

Select Create>Copy>Mirror . You will see a Mirror form which allows you to specify what you want to copy (Object), where the copies are to be stored in the database hierarchy (to), and the plane in which the copy position is to reflected.

90.

Assuming that you are still at the bracing member, set the Object to be copied to CE and set the to option to Rel. Set the Type of mirror option to Mirror Copy (since we want to create a new element rather than simply reposition the original one).

91.

The plane in which we want to reflect the copied section is represented by the shaded area in the following diagram:

Existing member

N

Copied member

U E

B

This plane is specified in terms of its direction (i.e. the direction of the normal to the plane) and of the position of any point within it. The Mirror form provides several methods of specifying these by picking items in the existing model; we will use Column B to define the position and will enter the direction explicitly. Select Cursor>Element from the Mirror form’s menu and, when prompted, pick any part of Column B. The position identified will snap to the start or end of this column (depending on where you picked) and its coordinates will be entered into the East/North/Up text boxes automatically. You will see a symbolic representation of the plane’s position and orientation in the graphical view. Note that the Plane Direction text box now shows the cutplane direction of the column’s start or end (namely Up or Down). Change this to East and observe the reorientation of the symbolic plane in the graphical view.

7-8



Note: If you want to enter the Plane Direction before you pick the position, select the Lock check box to l to prevent its setting being updated when you pick the position. The form settings should now look like this (the Up coordinate will be 9000 rather than 0 if you picked near the top of Column B rather than near the bottom):

92.

Click Apply to create the mirrored copy and, when prompted, confirm that you want to retain the copy.

93.

Using the same procedure, create the third bracing member (C5-D6) by copying and reflecting the second member (B4-C3).

94.

The two copies which you have just created should be positioned correctly, but will not yet be connected. To check this, instead of using the Tag utility for each new bracing member as in Step 88, select Query>End Connections. The resulting Highlight Connections form lets you see the connectivity status of all relevant members of the current element. Navigate to the SubFrame TESTSBFR and click the CE button on the Highlight Connections form to update the displayed data. The numbers on the coloured buttons show the number of sections in each category: they should show 40 sections with both ends connected and 16 sections with neither end connected. Select the corresponding Highlight check boxes to colour the sections in the 3D View; click on a coloured button if you would prefer a different highlight colour.


7-9


Note: You might think that the upper ends of the columns should be shown as connected. However, the beams at those points are connected (via Secondary Joints) to Secondary Nodes positioned along the columns, rather than to Primary Nodes at the column extremities. Therefore, even though the Secondary Nodes in this case happen to be coincident with the tops of the columns, the diagnoses are correct. 95.

7.4

To connect the ends of the two bracing sections to the appropriate columns, select Connect>Connect and follow the status bar prompts carefully. (Escape terminates each stage of the process in the usual way.) Use the Highlight Connections form again to confirm the results.

Adding Standard Bracing Configurations To avoid the need for creating individual bracing sections as we have just done, the application provides a quick way of adding some predefined bracing configurations. To demonstrate this facility, we will first add a cross bracing configuration (using angle sections) in the vertical plane and then a diamond bracing configuration (using universal beam sections) in the horizontal plane, in the locations shown by the thick black lines in the following diagram:

U N E

Exercise continues:

96.

7-10

Select Create>Sections>Bracing configurations…. You will see a Bracing form.



This form does not use the default settings for section data, so first set the following: Hint: Use the same methods for entering this data as in Step 69.

Storage area to the Subframe /TESTSBFR ; Profile to British Standard , Equal Angle, 70x70x6.0; Justification to NAL (Neutral Axis Left: this will align the angle sections back-to-back; see diagram in Appendix D); Member Line and Joint Line to NA. Leave the Bracing Plane option set to Derived by Section so that the bracing members will lie in the same plane as the sections to which they will be attached. 97.

In the Available Bracing Configurations list, select Cross Bracing. Notice how the parameterised diagram shows the details of the selected configuration. The diagram shows the dimensions which must be specified (A, B) and the order in which existing sections must be picked (1, 2, ...) so as to position and connect the bracing members correctly. For the cross bracing configuration it looks like this:

Gap B Pick 2 Pick 1 Gap A

Note: In our design this datum is the lower end of the column, since, there is no cross beam at this position.

Click Apply; you will see a Cross Bracing form. Set Gap A to 150 and Gap B to 300. Select Confirm. You are now in event-driven graphics mode. Using the diagram on the Bracing form as a guide, pick the two columns between which the bracing members are to be connected. To achieve the required configuration, make sure that your first pick is near the bottom of the first column and that your second pick is just below the cross beam on the second column; that is, pick reasonably close to the required connection points for the bracing members. When you are satisfied with the configuration shown in the graphical view, accept the creation of the sections forming the bracing members and then dismiss the Bracing form. 98.

Repeat the procedure used in Steps 96 and 97 to create the diamond bracing at the top of the structure. Set the Profile to British


7-11


Standard, Universal Beams , 203x133x25, and the Justification, Member Line and Joint Line all to NA. In the Available Bracing Configurations list, select Diamond Bracing. The parameterised diagram will show that you need to specify the separations between the bracing members for each pair of opposing sections. Click Apply to display the Diamond Bracing form on which to enter this data. Set both Gap A and Gap B to 500, leave confirm selected, and pick the four beams (in the correct sequence, as shown in the diagram) to complete the operation. Dismiss the Bracing form when you have finished. Note: You must dismiss the Diamond Bracing form, thereby leaving event-driven graphics mode, in order to change the bracing configuration (as you did between Steps 97 and 98). If you want to add more sections using the current bracing configuration, however, you can simply continue picking connection points in the graphical view.

7.5

Representing Joints Although each connection has created a corresponding Secondary Joint element in the Design database (shown in the Design Explorer as SJOIs, owned by SNODs), these do not yet have any geometry associated with them and are not therefore shown in the graphical view. In order to represent them properly, we must associate a catalogue specification with each joint (in the same way that each section profile is defined by an associated catalogue specification). Joints have a number of attributes whose settings allow you to position and orientate them and to modify the ends of sections connected to them. We will look at the most important of these attributes here, so that we can represent some simple joints in our design model. The key to success lies in the optimum design of the joint as defined in the catalogue, which is a specialised field beyond the scope of this user guide. The following topics illustrate the main features (do not try to remember them all now; refer back here when necessary):

7-12



A Shelf Angle Joint as defined in the Catalogue: (only the Neutral Axis pline is shown for clarity) Z Y X

Origin plane is X,Y plane through origin. Origin plane direction is Z. Plines extrude in Y direction. Pline direction is Z direction Note: Origin plane is shown by heavy lines in the following diagrams.

NA

Origin

Position and orientation of a Secondary Joint relative to a Secondary Node: Beta Angle (BANG) defines orientation about Z axis Origin Plane Direction (OPDI) defines orientation about X,Y axes

Z Y

Position Line (POSL) (here set to TOS) defines position

X

TOS Owning Section (2D view only)

NA SNode

BOS ZDIST defines position of SNode relative to POSS of Section

Connecting a Joint to the Start of an Attached Section: Owning Section BOS

NA

TOS TOS

SNode

BANG of Section

POSS

NA

BANG of Joint

Attached Section

BOS

OPDI of Joint JLIN of Joint set to BOS of Attached Section JLIN of Attached Section set to NA of Joint POSL of Joint set to TOS of Owning Section Logical Connectivity: JOIS of Attached Section points to Joint CREF of Joint points to Attached Section CTYA of Joint must match CTYS of Attached Section (for connection compatibility)


7-13


Note how the origin plane of the Joint is set with reference to the Owning Section (via the POSL attribute), while its position within the constraints of that plane is set with reference to the Attached Section (by aligning the plines defined by the JLINs of both Joint and Section). That is, with reference to the orientation of the diagram, the Joint is moved horizontally by changing its POSL and vertically by changing its JLIN. Both the Section and the Joint can be rotated independently by changing their BANGs (the Section rotates about its NA, the Joint about its OPDI). How the Section end configuration depends on the Joint to which it is attached: (using a wedge-shaped Joint to demonstrate the principles) Owning Section NA POSS offset along NA by Cutback (CUTB) of Joint

SNode

POSS DRNS of Attached Section determined b CUTP of Joint

NA

Attached Section

Joint's Cutting Plane

Exercise continues:

For the purpose of this exercise, we will add some simple bolted flanges where the beams are attached to the columns. Remember that the joint elements (SJOIs in the Design Explorer ) already exist as a result of connecting the sections together; we need only set a pointer to the joint specification in the catalogue to define each joint’s geometry.

7-14

99.

Select Modify>Joints>Specification…. When prompted to ‘ Identify end of section joint is connected to ’, pick the end of any N-S beam (that is, any beam which abuts a column flange rather than a web) where you want to insert a bolted joint. You will see a Joint Specification form for the joint to which your picked section end is attached.

100.

The method for selecting from the available joint specifications is the same as that which you used to select section profiles. Select Column



Connections, Column Flange , 6M24_flange, leaving all other form settings at their defaults. 101.

Click the Properties... button. You will see a subsidiary Modify Properties form which lets you specify some local dimensional data for the selected type of joint. Set Thickness of Plt to 10, Dist from TOS to 0, and Dist from BOS to 30 (we will see what these do in a moment). OK the Modify Properties form and Apply the Joint Specification form to complete the setting of the joint specification. (The geometry of most types of joint can be modified via appropriate entries on a form such as this, depending on how the catalogue has been set up.)

102.

To see a correct representation of the joint, we must set up the graphical view so that it displays holes (negative volumes) as well as solid items (positive volumes). To do so, select Settings> Graphics… from the main menu bar and, on the Representation tab, select the Holes Drawn check box. OK the settings. Zoom in close to the beam end to see what the joint looks like. Notice how the height and width of the endplate have been set automatically from the dimensions of the beam and column, respectively, with adjustments to suit the values entered on the Define Properties form. This is possible because the joint dimensions in the catalogue are specified as design parameters whose values are derived from the attached and owning sections. The joint should look something like this:

Section end used to identify joint

Dist from BOS = 30 Thickness of Plt = 10

Notice how the attached beam has been shortened to accommodate the thickness of the plate and how the bolt holes in the plate have generated corresponding holes in the column flanges. 103.

The position of the joint relative to the profile of the column (i.e. its owning section) is determined by the joint’s position line. To see the effect of changing this, select Modify>Joints>Position Line. The Position Line form will show the current setting as either BOS or TOS (depending at which end of the beam the joint is situated). Change


7-15


this to the opposite setting (i.e. TOS or BOS), select the Re-trim attached section check box, and click Apply. The joint and its attached section end will move thus:

Section end used to identify joint

(view rotated)

104.

Reposition the joint correctly, then Dismiss the Position Line and Joint Specification forms.

105.

Rather than set each joint specification explicitly, we can apply the specification for one joint to other joints. We will use this facility to specify the joint at the other end of the beam which we have just been looking at. To do so, select Modify>Joints>Joint Like>Maintain Pline. When prompted to ‘ Identify end of section to be copied like ’, pick the same section end as in Step 99 (i.e. the end shown in the preceding diagram). When prompted to ‘ Identify section end to be modified ’, pick the other end of the same beam. Press Escape for both of the next prompts (we are only modifying one joint in this step). Zoom in close to the second joint and notice how its geometry matches that of the first joint. The position line settings for the two joints are, however, set automatically to opposite flanges of the column (TOS for one, BOS for the other), to give the correct alignment. Note: If the joints were ‘handed’, such as a shelf angle, you would also see that the second joint has been rotated automatically about its vertical axis to match the start/end directions of the section. This is not apparent for the endplate, but if you select Query>Attributes you will be able to see which attributes differ between the two joints.

106.

7-16

Using the same method as in Step 105, set the specifications for some of the other column flange joints.



7.6

Dominant versus Subordinate Joints When you reposition a joint which has one or more attached sections, the effect on those sections depends upon whether or not the joint has been defined as dominant or subordinate, as defined by the setting of the joint’s Joint Freedom (JFRE) attribute. If JFRE is set to False (the default for a new joint), the joint is said to be subordinate (also described by saying that the section is dominant). If JFRE is set to True, the joint is said to be dominant. Consider the following effects, where the joint’s owning section is moved thus:

We will use this feature in the next part of the exercise.

7.7

Moving Part of the Structure and Maintaining Correct Geometry In the next part of the exercise, we shall move the columns and beams at the eastern end of our structure to increase the overall length of the design model. This will require the horizontal beams and the bracing


7-17


member connected to the moved columns to be extended and, in the case of the bracing member, realigned to maintain the correct configuration. The objective is to demonstrate the dominant joint concept (as described in Section 7.6) and to show how you can easily restore geometry between sections which has been disrupted by moving parts of a structure independently. The result which we want to achieve is as follows, where the thick black sections will be moved explicitly and the broken lines indicate the new final configuration: The joints marked * must be dominant

* * * *

Note realignment of bracing member

* * *

N

*

U E

Exercise continues:

107.

In order to make the bracing member realign itself to maintain the specified bracing gap, the joint to which it is connected must be dominant. To ensure this, we will make the joints dominant at both ends of all bracing sections (as would be normal practice). For the purposes of this exercise, we will also make dominant the joints at both ends of each of the four N-S beams between the columns to be moved (i.e. the beams shown shaded in the preceding diagram). Select Connect>Joint Dominant. Each joint is identified by picking the section end to which it is connected. When prompted, pick both ends of each bracing member created in Section 7.3 (six picks) and the ends of all relevant beams (eight picks). Press Escape when you have finished. Note: This part of the exercise has been designed to illustrate, among other features, the concept of joint dominance. In normal practice, only the joints at the ends of the bracing members would be made dominant.

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108.

Use the Utilities>Lists… facility to create a new list and use the Add>Identified option to add into it the four columns to be moved (shown black in the preceding diagram).

109.

Select Position>Relatively (BY). You will see a Position By form which lets you move an item by a given distance in a given direction. Use the option button near the top-left of the form to set the item to be moved to the list containing the columns ( Current List). Enter the required movement in the By text boxes; in this case specify a move by 2000 mm in the East direction. When you Apply the settings, the columns should move as follows:

U N E

At first sight, this appears to be a rather disastrous result. However, as long as we have set all of the connectivity rules correctly, particularly the joint dominance settings, we can easily rectify the problem by reconnecting all of the sections which should be connected to the columns. 110.

Select Connect>Trim to Section>all attached. When prompted, pick each of the four columns in turn, then press Escape and watch the results in the graphical view as the correct geometry is restored. (Note that Trim to Section differs from the Trim to Pline option, which we used before, in that Trim to Section maintains the existing pline connectivity, thereby retaining any previously defined trimming, whereas Trim to Pline resets the connectivity to an explicit or ruledefined pline.)

111.

Save your design changes.

That concludes the introduction to the basic operations involved in the design of a simple structural framework. In the next part of the guide we shall see how to add some sheet cladding (floor plates and/or wall panels) to our structure. Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1

7-19


7-20


8

Adding Panels and Plates In this chapter, we will change to another of the structural design applications, namely the Panels & Plates application, and add a floor plate to our existing structure. We will then modify this in various ways to demonstrate some of the facilities provided for detailing panels. Note: The facilities which we will look at next let you add planar material to the design model in any orientation. Throughout this text, the term panel will be used for such items in all descriptions, regardless of whether the element represents a horizontal floor plate, a vertical wall panel, a sloping roof panel, or any similar planar item.

8.1

Starting the Panels & Plates Application In order to access the panel design facilities, we must leave the Beams & Columns application and load the complementary Panels & Plates application. Many of the options available in the latter application are very similar to those which you have already learned to use f rom the preceding chapters of this guide, so only the differences will be dealt with in any detail.

Exercise continues:

112.

Select Design>Structures>Panels & Plates from the main menu bar (available from within all design applications, not just the current Beams & Columns application), or click the

button.

The main menu bar and tool bar will change, although the differences may not be obvious at a first glance. They will now look like this:

Look at each pull-down menu in turn; you will see that the options in the upper parts of the menus are common to the equivalent Beams &


8-1

Adding Panels and Plates

Columns menus, whereas many of the options in the lower parts of the menus are specific to the Panels & Plates application.

8.2

How PDMS Represents Panels A Panel (PANE) element can be used to represent any sheet material used to clad a structural model. Using a similar principle to that for representing a Section (which is an extruded 2D catalogue Profile), a Panel is represented by extruding a user-defined 2D shape. Its geometry is defined by two types of data: •

•

The panel’s planar area is defined by a Panel Loop (PLOO) element, which is itself defined by linking together a set of Panel Vertex (PAVE) elements, each of which has a specific position in the panel’s 2D coordinate system. Each panel Edge is defined by a line joining adjacent vertices. The panel thickness is defined by setting the Height (HEIG) attribute of the Panel Loop. This represents the distance through which the 2D Panel Loop is extruded to form the 3D panel.

Panel (PANE)

Panel thickness = HEIG of PLOO

= Panel Loop (PLOO) = Panel Vertex (PAVE)

Note that the resulting justification of a panel may be dependent upon the clockwise/anticlockwise direction of creation for the panel. Each Panel Vertex can have an optional Fillet Radius setting which represents a circular arc which curves towards (positive radius) or away from (negative radius) the vertex position, thus:

8-2



PAVE with +ve radius

PAVE with -ve radius

The default radius of zero denotes a point.

8.3

Setting Default Storage Areas In the next part of the exercise we will set up some defaults to customise the application to suit our planned method of working, just as we did for the Beams & Columns application. We will specify where the principal panel design elements are to be stored in the design database hierarchy.

Exercise continues:

113.

Rather than using the Settings>Storage Areas option, as in Step 15, we will use a short-cut method to set default storage areas for Panels and Panel Linear Joints (which we will look at later). We shall store both types of element under the same SubFrame which we have been using for our basic framework design. Navigate to TESTSBFR and then click the (Panels) and (Panel Linear Joints) buttons in turn. These automatically set the storage areas to the current element. The current storage area settings are shown like this:

8.4

Creating Simple Panels We will first create a panel which defines the overall area of a large floor plate and will then divide this up into more manageable sizes such as might be specified for fabrication purposes. These panels will represent the schematic areas only; we will defer detailed trimming of the edges to fit around structural sections etc. until a little later.


8-3


Exercise continues:

Select Create>Panel…. You will see a Create Panel form which provides, among its other settings, various ways of specifying the positions of vertices.

114.

We will not enter the optional names for panels in this exercise. Set the Justification to Bottom (this will let us position the bottom face of our panels on the top of their supporting sections) and set the Thickness to 30. Leave the Representation set to Predefined: Default for now. These settings (Levels and Obstruction) affect the way items are shown in 3D views and how they are dealt with when checking for clashes between design items; the defaults should be adequate for our current purposes. We will define the positions of four vertices, V1-V4, which define the overall area of the floor plate shown shaded in the following diagram (all bracing members omitted for clarity):

V1

A

V4

V2

B

A

V3

B

U N

E

(The broken lines A-A and B-B show where we will later split the panel into three.) The Create Methods buttons give you several ways to define each vertex. The methods we will use are: lets you pick a point graphically using any of the standard pointer picking options lets you specify a distance and direction relative to the preceding vertex

(See the online help for a description of all the icons.)

8-4



In the next steps, we will use these options to illustrate the principles. 115.

Click the button. The Positioning Control form will show that you are now in event-driven graphics mode, ready to pick the position of the first vertex. Set Pick Type to Element and set Pick Method to Intersect. Now pick the column and either of the beams whose intersection coincides with V1 in the preceding diagram. The text below the icon buttons on the Create Panel form will change from ‘No vertices currently defined’ to ‘1 Vertices defined (no Panel created) ’. Note: The first vertex defined for a new panel becomes the panel’s origin (as displayed) by default. You can change this later if required.

116.

Repeat this point-picking procedure to define V2 and V3, in that order. As soon as you have defined three vertices, the plane of the new panel will be shown in the graphical view (as a triangle) and a PANEL element will be added into the Design Explorer .

117.

As a demonstration, we will position V4 relative to V3. Click the button. You will see a Define vertex form on which you can specify the required offset. Set the Direction to West and the Distance to 20000. Click Apply to create the vertex. The text below the icon buttons on the Create Panel form will now say ‘4 Vertices defined ( Panel created) ’.

118.

Leave the Display modification form check box clear (you would select this only if you wanted to modify the panel vertices immediately). Click OK to complete the panel creation operation. Note that the Design Explorer now includes one PANEL, one PLOOP and four PAVERT elements (as defined in Section 8.2).

8.5

Measuring Distances/Directions in the Design Model When we completed the Define Vertex form in Step 118, we had to enter the required distance between V3 and V4; that is, the overall length of the structure in the East-West direction. The figure which we entered (20000) was derived from knowledge of the original design data. Instead of calculating this, we could have measured it by means of a useful utility, as follows:


8-5


Exercise continues:

119.

Either select Query>Measure Distance or click the button. You will see a Measure form and a Positioning Control form which together let you measure the distance between any two points or lines in the design model. On the Positioning Control form, set Pick Type to Element and Pick Method to Snap, then pick near the tops or bottoms (but not one of each) of the columns through the V4 and V3 positions. Hint:

Zoom in if necessary and pick carefully at the ends connected to bracing sections to avoid snapping to the secondary nodes rather than the column extremities.

The Information area on the Measure form will show the direct distance between the Neutral Axes of the sections, the XYZ components of that distance, and the direction of the second point relative to the first. The distance will also be shown in the graphical view. 120.

8.6

Experiment with some other graphical picking options to measure a few other distances and directions, including some in skewed directions, then dismiss the Measure form.

Splitting a Panel We will now split our new panel along the axes of the intermediate beams which support it (shown by the broken lines A-A and B-B in the diagram at Step 115), thus forming three smaller panels.

121.

Ensure that the panel is the current element (shown as PANEL 1 in the Design Explorer ) and select Modify>Split Panel. When prompted to ‘Pick ... to be split on ’, pick either of the beams aligned along A-A in the diagram. (You might need to change the view direction so that the beam you want to pick is not obscured by the panel; alternatively, you can pick either of the other beams which are aligned parallel to A-A in the required plane.) The panel will be split along the picked line to form two separate panels, each with its own panel loop and set of four vertices.

122.

Note that your current element is still PANEL 1, which is the smaller of the two panels. Navigate to the larger panel, PANEL 2, and split this along B-B to give a total of three panels.

(Note that you can only split a panel along the axis of an existing element. To introduce a split line anywhere else, simply create a section 8-6



where you want the split to occur, split the panel, then delete the section.)

8.7

Tailoring Panel Edges by Editing Individual Vertices The edges of the panels which we have created run from vertex to vertex along the centrelines of the beam flanges on which they rest. While this may be an adequate representation for an overall design layout, you will usually need to detail the edges more accurately for fabrication purposes. To do so, you can add, delete or reposition individual vertices which define the shape of the panel loop. To introduce this concept, we will add intermediate vertices between existing panel corners so that the edges fit round the columns which intersect them. We will also set a radius for some of the vertices to give rounded corners. Note: When we split our original panel into three, new vertices were created automatically, so the vertex numbers for the current panels do not correspond to those of the original panel. As you insert new vertices, the numbering will change to accommodate them, so care is needed to check that you are at the correct vertex for each panel editing operation.

Exercise continues:

123.

Navigate to the westernmost panel (i.e. that between V1-A-A-V4 in the diagram for Step 115) and select Modify>Extrusion/Panel…. You will see a Loop Vertex Editor form which lets you modify the shape of the current panel by manipulating individual vertices, edges between vertices, groups of vertices, etc. Whatever methods you use for picking new positions, all vertices are constrained to remain in the plane of the panel loop (i.e., the underside of the panel) throughout these operations. Check that the options Settings>Confirm and Settings>Confirm on delete from this form’s menu bar are both selected. The active controls on the form, and their titles, change to suit the current circumstances as you use the form. As displayed now, you will notice that many of the buttons (especially those relating to Group and Line operations) are greyed out.


8-7


The upper part of the form shows that the current focus is on Vertex 1, while the lower part shows the coordinates and fillet radius of this vertex, thus:

Navigate to vertex by picking

Step through vertices

The geometry of the current panel in Plan view (not to scale) is as follows:

V2

P

V3

A N

E

V7

L V6

V1

V4 V8

V5

Y V1

V4

New vertices to be inserted

Origin X

at V1

We will insert four new vertices between V4 and V1, as shown in the inset view, so that this panel edge fits round the column (note that V4 comes before V1 when defining this edge, since vertex numbering is clockwise as viewed in the diagram). 124.

Each new vertex is added to the sequence immediately after the current vertex, so first navigate to V4 in either of the following ways: •

•

8-8

Click the ‘select vertex/edge ’ button on the Loop Vertex Editor form and pick the p-point at V4. Note that, because this position is within the column, you might find it easier to switch to wireline mode to see it. Use the up/down arrow buttons next to the displayed vertex number to step through the vertex list sequentially. Notice how the current vertex and the edge direction to the next vertex are shown in the 3D View as you do this. Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1


If you know the number of the vertex you want, you can type it directly in the Vertex number field. Do not forget, though, that the numbering may change as you edit the list; it is usually safer to pick a vertex graphically. 125.

Click the ‘Create points ’ button in the Mode Selection area of the Loop Vertex Editor form. Set the Positioning Control to Element Snap and position the vertex at the end of the beam which joins the column from the direction of V4 (i.e. at point V5 on the diagram). A ‘New vertex’ tag is added to the graphical view so that you can check the proposed position; if it is correct, click the Create button at the bottom of the Loop Vertex Editor form to confirm the creation. Notice that the new vertex is now the current vertex (labelled <5>), ready for the next one to be added after it.

126.

Position the next vertex, V6, at the intersection of the corner of the column with the panel. To do so, click the button again, set the Positioning Control to Pline Snap, and pick the column pline which passes through the required point (RBOS or LBOS; see diagram in Section 5.2.1). If you cannot pick the pline you want, select Settings>Pick Filters>Plines from the main menu bar and reset the current filtering rule to No Rule (it is probably still set to Extremities, as in Step 83). Don’t forget to click Create when you have positioned the vertex.

127.

Create V7 and V8 by using similar methods to those in Steps 126 and 127, respectively. Rotate the graphical model as necessary and check that the panel now incorporates a cut-out which fits round the column, as shown in the diagram at the end of Step 124. At present the panel edges are abutted against the column flanges. We will next introduce a small clearance gap by moving the relevant vertices using the explicit editing facilities.

128.

To change from ‘create mode’ to ‘modify mode’, click the button and pick V5. Note how its current settings are copied into the Vertex area at the bottom of the form (X, Y and Radius text-boxes). To introduce a 10mm clearance, change the setting in the X box by adding 10 (the axes, shown at the panel’s origin, are useful here for checking directions in the panel’s coordinate system). Click the Modify button to confirm the new setting.

129.

Repeat the procedure from Step 129, adding or subtracting as necessary, to move V6, V7 and V8 to give a 10 mm clearance all round, noting that V6 and V7 must be moved in both the X and Y directions.


8-9


130.

Pick V6 and change the Radius setting from the default of zero to 15 mm. Update the V6 data to the new setting, then repeat the process for V7. The final result will be as follows: V7

V6

PANEL

V8

V5

(Set the view to Look>Down and zoom in to see this in detail. You might find it easier to see the detail if you switch to wireline mode.)

8.8

Moving Panel Edges to New Positions So far, we have aligned the panel edges along the centrelines of the beam flanges on which they are supported. We will now move the panel edges linking V4-V5 and V8-V1 to the outer edges of the beams. We will specify the new position by aligning the edge with the appropriate pline of the beam on which it rests (LTOS in the following diagram), thus: V7

V6

PANEL RTOS

Move edge

Move edge

TOS LTOS

V1

8-10

V8

V5

V4



Exercise continues:

131.

Still using the Loop Vertex Editor form, click the ‘select edge to modify’ button in the Mode Selection area and then pick a point on the panel near the edge between V4 and V5. Notice how the upper part of the form now shows the current focus as Edge 4, while the lower part shows the coordinates of the Start of the edge (i.e. V4) and the length of the edge, thus:

Navigate to ed e b

Step through ed es Notice also that the controls in the Line area are now active (they were previously greyed out). These are examples of how the form changes to suit current circumstances, as mentioned in Step 124.

132.

By default, the next modification would be applied only to the Start position of the edge; as shown by the Start option, and the fact that START is tagged in uppercase letters in the 3D View (at the V4 end of the beam). We want to move the whole edge (that is, we want to move V4 and V5 simultaneously), so change the option to Aligned, thus:

Set the Positioning Control to Pline Snap , pick the LTOS pline on the top outer edge of the beam and then click the Modify button to move the panel edge to this position. 133.

Select Settings>Tag edges from Loop Vertex Editor menu. Repeat the method of Steps 132 and 133 to move Edge 8 (V8-V1) to the outer edge of its supporting beam.

134.

Use the same process to move the non-abutting edges of all three panels to the outer edges of their supporting beams (but do not modify any more edges to fit round columns yet; we will look at other ways of doing this later).


8-11


8.9

Creating Negative Extrusions In exactly the same way that you position Panel Vertex elements to define the shape of a 2D Panel Loop and then extrude this by the required thickness to create a 3D Panel, as illustrated in Section 12.2, so you can also position Vertex (VERT) elements to form a 2D Loop (LOOP) and then extrude this to create a 3D Negative Extrusion (NXTR). The difference is that, as its name implies, the negative extrusion represents a negative volume, that is, a hole. (We have already encountered negative volumes used in the catalogue definition of a bolted flange, where they were used to remove the end of the section to accommodate the joint and to represent bolt holes through both the joint and the flange of its owning column; see illustration in Step 101.) A negative extrusion is owned by the panel through which the hole is required. When created, its justification is set automatically to be the same as that of its owning panel, although you can move it later if necessary. We will use this facility to create a hole through the floor plate where one of the columns passes through it. The negative extrusion will have the same shape as that created by the interposed vertices (V5- V8) in the preceding diagram, namely: V3

V4

PANEL

NEGATIVE EXTRUSION

Panel V3 V2

Panel V2 V1

Note: Vertices V1-V4 in this diagram define the negative extrusion; their numbering is independent of the panel vertices. (Negative extrusion vertices are shown in italic to distinguish them from panel vertices.) Notice how the outer edge of the negative extrusion (V1-V2) extends beyond the outer edge of the panel to ensure that the hole always penetrates through the panel edge. Similarly, the thickness of the negative extrusion should exceed the thickness of the panel to ensure that the hole always penetrates completely through the panel.

8-12



Exercise continues:

135.

We will create the negative extrusion where a column passes through the midpoint of the easternmost edge of the largest panel (that is, at the opposite end of the structure from the vertices added in Section 12.7). Navigate to that panel (which should be PANEL 3 in the Design Explorer ) and select Create>Negative Extrusion…. You will see a Create Negative Extrusion form (similar to the Create Panel form which you used earlier).

136.

To see the negative extrusion volume in the graphical view when you create it, select Settings>Graphics>Representation and clear the Holes Drawn check box (we selected this in Step 103; we will see the effect of this setting in more detail shortly). Select the Update all Graphics check box and OK the change.

137.

To achieve the correct justification and orientation for the negative extrusion relative to its owning panel, click the Surface button in the Settings area of the form, then pick the upper face of the panel. Hint:

zoom in close to the panel and the column of interest and look along (and slightly above) the panel.

The hole will penetrate into (or, in our case, through) the panel thickness from this surface. Set Hole Depth (equivalent to the thickness of the negative extrusion) to 250. This large depth will make it easy to see the volume of the negative extrusion once you have created it: a depth slightly greater than the panel thickness would normally suffice, since the application automatically adds 1 mm to ensure that the hole always cuts through the referenced panel surface. The settings should now be as follows:

138.

Using any combination of the methods which you used to create and modify panel vertices (Sections 8.4 and 8.7), create the four vertices needed to define the required hole round the column, as shown in the preceding diagram. For ease of positioning, align V1 and V2 with the outer face of the column (although any position beyond the panel edge would be satisfactory). Introduce a clearance of 10 mm round the column and set the radii of the two vertices within the panel area to 15 mm.


8-13


Note that the origin plane of the negative extrusion is its bottom face, as shown by the positions of the graphical aids when you are creating and modifying its vertices. 139.

When created, the negative extrusion will appear as an outline volume superimposed on the design in the graphical view. If you have positioned it correctly, its upper face will just protrude from the top face of the panel, thus:

Look>West:

V2

Look>North:

Negative

Negative

extrusion

extrusion

V1

Panel

V3

V2

(If not, use the Position>Relatively (BY) menu option to move the negative extrusion vertically to a position where it cuts both faces of the panel.) 140.

To see the result of applying the negative volume represented by the negative extrusion to the positive volume of the panel, revert to Holes Drawn On representation (see Step 102). Notice how the negative extrusion creates a hole only through its owning panel; it does not affect the column.

Note the effects of the Holes Drawn setting on the Representation form: •

•

When Holes Drawn is Off, negative volumes are shown as outline shapes in the graphical view and can be picked using the pointer (you must pick a visible edge, not an invisible surface). Their effect of removing material from positive (solid) items in the design is not shown. Use this mode when explicitly creating or modifying a negative item. When Holes Drawn is On, negative volumes are not shown explicitly in the graphical view and cannot be picked using the pointer (although you can still navigate to them using the Design Explorer as normal). Only their effect on positive volumes through which they pass is visible. Use this mode for normal design work to view a realistic 3D representation of the design model.

That concludes the addition of simple panels to the structural framework, including two methods for representing holes in the panels where they fit round structural members. In the next part of the guide, we shall look at ways of adding predefined catalogue fittings to panels.

8-14


9

Using Panel Fittings In this chapter we will introduce the concept of Panel Fittings and then incorporate such a fitting into our design to represent a manhole giving access through a floor plate.

9.1

How Panel Fittings are Defined A Single Panel Fitting (PFIT) is a catalogue item which can be used to represent any type of geometric entity which is to be owned by, and positioned relative to, a panel. Typically, the catalogue might include panel fittings representing doors, windows, access manholes, lifting lugs, and so on. As with the bolted joint which we used earlier, panel fittings can incorporate (or consist entirely of) negative volumes which represent holes in their owning panels. A panel fitting is positioned relative to its owning panel’s origin by setting its Position (POSI) attribute and is orientated about an axis perpendicular to the panel by setting its Beta Angle (BANG) attribute. It can be justified to align its origin plane with the top face, centre plane, or bottom face of the panel by setting its Justification (SJUS) attribute. As an example, a stylised manhole might be defined like this: Z

Positive volume representing lid

Beta Angle defines orientation about Z axis X

Negative volume representing hole through panel

Origin Plane determines justification relative to panel

Origin

When you create a new panel fitting, it is positioned automatically at the origin of its owning panel. You can then move it to the required position in any of the standard ways.


9-1

Using Panel Fittings

9.2

Creating a Panel Fitting

Exercise continues:

141.

Navigate to the panel in which you want to insert the manhole and select Create>Fittings>Single…. You will see a Create Panel Fitting form giving access to all available panel fitting specifications in the current catalogue. Because we are creating a new panel fitting, rather than modifying the specification of an existing one, the form is set to show New Panel Fitting as the current element. Select the Specification for Standard Access , Access Cover , Standard Manhole Access, ACCESS_COVER (probably the only item in the list). Set the Justification to Top outwards. These options let you specify the panel plane (top, centre or bottom) to be used as the alignment datum and the orientation of the fitting relative to this plane, like this: Centre

Top outwards

outwards

Top inwards

9-2

Bottom inwards

Centre inwards

Bottom outwards

142.

By default, the fitting will be positioned at the origin of its owning panel (as shown by the Position field). We will position it by eye, using the pointer. Click the ‘ Pick Position ’ button , set the Positioning Control to either Graphics Snap or Graphics Cursor, and pick a point somewhere near the centre of the panel area. OK the Pick Fitting Position form to transfer the coordinates of the picked position to the Create Panel Fitting form, then Apply the latter to create the fitting. The new panel fitting is shown in the Design Explorer as a PFITTING owned by the PANEL.

143.

With the PFIT as your current element, select Orientate>ß Angle>90 Degrees to rotate the fitting within the plane of the panel. (The default orientation has the Beta Angle set to zero.)

144.

To see the effects of changing the justification, select Modify>Fitting and, on the resulting Modify Panel Fitting form, try each of the Justification options in turn. Zoom in and look at both faces of the panel to see how the negative part of the fitting creates the



necessary access hole. Reset whichever justification you think is most appropriate before dismissing the form.

Note: Sections can also own Fittings (FITTs rather than PFITs in this case) which can serve a similarly wide range of purposes. We will not look explicitly at these in the exercise, but similar principles apply to their creation and manipulation. You may want to experiment with these yourself by switching to the Beams & Columns application; see section B.5 for some examples. Note that such a fitting is positioned along its owning section by setting its distance from the section’s start (the Zdistance). More complex fittings may be represented by Compound Fittings, each of which can own a set of Subfittings. You will see an example of how these may be used when we look at Penetrations in the next chapter.


9-3


9-4


10

Penetrating One Item With Another Several of the design applications include the concept of a Penetration to allow one or more items to pass through another such that there is a logical link between the penetrating and penetrated items (in contrast to, say, a negative extrusion which can be positioned and dimensioned independently independently of any item which passes through it or through which it passes). In this chapter you will use this facility to show yet another way of creating a hole in a panel where a section passes through it.

10.1 How a penetration is defined Each type of penetration is a selectable catalogue item whose dimensions are parameterised in such a way that they can be derived automatically from the dimensions of the component which passes through the hole. You can modify the final dimensions by specifying clearance distances etc. to allow for any special requirements of the local design geometry. Such a penetration can be used where pipes or sections pass through a panel, or, with some restrictions, through a section. The element types used to represent a panel penetration are as follows: •

•

•

The point along a pipe at which it passes through a penetration is represented by an Attachment an Attachment (ATTA) element owned by the appropriate appropriate Branch. The point along a section at which it passes through a penetration is represented by a Fitting (FITT) element. The point at which a penetration is positioned through a panel is represented by a Compound Panel Fitting (CMPF) element which owns a separate Subfitting (SBFI) for each associated penetrating item.

When you create a panel penetration, the application sets up crossreferences between the ATTA or FITT and the CMPF/SBFI, like this:


10-1


FITT owned by Section

ATTA owned by Branch

Branch

Panel

SBFI by CMPF; CMPF by panel

Section

CREF of ATTA points to CREF of SBFI points to ATTA

Panel

SBFI by CMPF; CMPF by panel

CREF of FITT points to CREF of SBFI points to FITT

(These diagrams show only single penetrations, where each CMPF owns just one SBFI. For a multiple penetration, each CMPF would own one SBFI for each penetrating pipe or section.) For your present purposes, you will consider only the case of a structural section passing through a panel, so you will be concerned with specifying specifying a FITT and a SBFI for each penetration.

10.2 Creating a steelwork penetration Your design model currently looks like this (bracing members and manhole omitted for clarity), showing the two methods so far used for allowing columns to pass through panels:

Vertices fitted round column

PANEL 1

PANEL 2

PANEL 3

Negative extrusion

Penetration to go here N

U E

You will now add a penetration, as indicated in the above diagram, to allow the column to pass through the corner of Panel 1.

10-2



Exercise continues:

128.

You can create a penetration for a section through a panel either from the Beams & Columns application or from the Panels & Plates application. From either application, the penetrating item will be dominant in determining the penetration’s position and geometry; that is, whether it is the section or the panel which is to be regarded as the owner of the penetration. Here we want the penetration to be owned by the section. Change to the Beams & Columns application.

129.

Select Utilities> Penetrations…. This starts the Panels Penetration subapplication, whose menu bar will be displayed in addition to the existing Beams & Columns Application menu. Both menus are active: one gives access to the general steelwork design functions, the other accesses those functions specific to penetration design.

130.

From the Panels Penetration Application menu select Create>Penetration… then select Steel Penetration. You will see a Create Section Penetrations form. This form requires you to specify four types of data: •

•

•

•

Whether the penetration is to allow for a single penetrating item or for multiple items. How you want to identify the panel(s) through which the penetration is to pass (the penetrated items). How you want to identify the section(s) which are to pass through the penetration (the penetrating items). The default specification of the catalogue penetration which is to be used (the first penetration in the selected specification will be used by default).

Set the Penetration Type option to Single Penetration . Set both the Elements to be penetrated and Elements that penetrate options to Pick using cursor , showing that you will identify each item individually by picking it in the graphical view. Set the Defaults: Spec. option to Penetrations. Select the Confirm before penetrating check box and click Apply. You will be prompted to ‘Identify item to be penetrated’. Pick the panel and Escape the next prompt. When prompted to ‘Identify items that penetrate’, pick the column and Escape the next prompt. Check that the picked intersection point is correct, as tagged in the 3D view, and confirm the creation of the penetration.


10-3


131.

You will now see a Penetration Item List form; this is displayed automatically so that you can complete the specification of the penetration elements. It shows all data settings relevant to the penetrating item (FITT) and the penetrated item (or hole; SBFI). The upper scrollable list acts as a specific Design Explorer for the rapid selection of, and navigation to, elements relevant to penetrations. It displays the penetrating and penetrated items in a hierarchic (indented) format. Leave the Show option set to Items. The List option controls how the hierarchy is sorted. Since your penetration is owned by the section rather than by the panel, the options work as follows: Penetrating Items - Owner lists all FITTs for each section; Penetrating Items - Attached lists all FITTs for each panel (grouped by CMPF), thus:

(You have only a single penetration, so the difference here is less significant than when you have several penetrations.) Select Penetrating Items - Owner . The middle list, labelled Penetrating Item , shows the relevant attribute settings for the current FITT (as selected in the upper list). It is in this list that you select the settings which you want to modify. The lower list, labelled Hole Information , shows the relevant attribute settings for the SBFI which is referenced from the current FITT. This data is shown for reference only; you will see how to modify it later. Select the Navigate on selection check box. Any item picked in the upper list will then automatically become the current element in the Design Explorer .

10-4



132.

You have only one FITT which you can modify, so select this in the upper list. Its relevant attribute settings appear as follows:

You want to set the specification, so select SpecRef in this list (the > symbol shows that this is an editable entry). You will see a Modify Fitting form. From the list of fitting specifications displayed, select Steel Sections, Steel Sections , Rectangular, PENI/RECT. Set the Justification to NAL or NAR (it does not matter which). The Zdist(ance), which determines the position of the fitting along its owning section, is set automatically from the calculated penetration coordinates; leave this value as it appears. Leave the Beta Angle (which determines the orientation of the fitting about the section) at the default value of 0. Click the Properties... button. The resulting Modify Properties form lets you set the local geometry for the fitting (similar to the way in which you specified joint details in Step 102). Set the XClearance and Y-Clearance to 20 so that the fitting extends beyond the section extremities by 20mm in each direction. Leave the X-Offset and Y-Offset set to zero, so that the fitting is centred on the section’s neutral axis. OK these settings and Apply the Modify Fitting form. When you have finished setting the specification for the FITT, Dismiss the Penetration Item List form and its associated forms. 133.

Having fully specified the part of the penetration which relates to the penetrating section (the FITT), you must now do the same for the part which relates to the penetrated panel (the CMPF and its SBFI). Navigate to the panel and select Modify>Penetrations from the Steelwork Penetration Application menu. The resulting Penetration Display form lets you specify whether you want to modify penetrating or penetrated items: select List Penetration Holes and click Apply. You will see a Penetration List form. This is very similar to the Penetration Item List form which you used in the preceding step, except that the lists are now based on the CMPF and SBFI data rather than the FITT data. The ‘ navigation’ lists now look like


10-5


this, so the owner/attached definitions have been reversed when compared with the equivalent lists shown in Step 131:

Note that the middle list now shows Hole Information ready for modification, while the lower list now shows Penetrating Item data for the referenced FITT. 134.

Select the SBFI in the upper list. Before you modify the SBFI’s specification, you need to ensure that it is correctly aligned with the FITT from which it is to derive some of its settings. To do this, select Position>Align with ref. from the Steelwork Penetration Application menu.

135.

Select SpecRef in the middle list to show the Modify Panel Fitting form. Set the specification to Hole Penetrations , Hole Penetrations, Rectangular, PENH/FITT/RECT2. Click the Properties... button to display the Modify Properties form for the dimensions of the hole. Although you could set Xlength and Ylength explicitly to match those of the penetrating item, there is an easier way of doing this by copying the data automatically from the referenced item (namely the FITT). Leave all properties at their default values of zero and OK/Apply the forms to set the SpecRef.

136.

10-6

From the Steelwork Penetration Application menu, select Modify>Copy like ref . The effect is to change the attributes of the current SBFI to match the corresponding settings of the FITT to which it refers. In this case, the effect is to set the X and Y dimensions of the SBFI to be compatible with those of the FITT. To check this, look at the Ref Data settings shown in the Hole Information list on the Penetration List form:



137.

Close all of the forms relating to penetrations, select Holes Drawn (from Settings>Graphics>Representation...) and zoom in for a close inspection of the new penetration. Save your design changes to conclude this part of the exercise.

In the next part of the exercise, you will look at some ways of checking the design model and outputting some design data derived from the database settings.


10-7


10-8


11

Checking and Outputting Design Data To ensure maximum design integrity, the structural applications let you check the data in several ways so that any potential mistakes are drawn to your attention. In this chapter you will look at one of these checking facilities, namely the method of checking for clashes (spatial interferences) between design elements. Finally, you will look at three ways of outputting design data derived from the structural model: the generation of a tabulated report showing the material required to build the design (categorised by section profile); the analysis of some mass properties of the steelwork members (centre of gravity, surface area and weight calculations); and the creation of a plot showing the structural layout. Note: The facilities which you will be using here are available from both the Beams & Columns and the Panels & Plates applications (from all design applications, in fact), so it does not matter which application you are currently using.

11.1 Checking for clashes The types of clash identified depend on two factors: •

The obstruction levels of the clashing elements

•

The current touch and clearance tolerances

11.1.1 Obstruction levels All design primitives and all catalogue primitives have an obstruction attribute (OBST) which defines the physical type of obstruction which the primitive represents: •

•

•

A hard obstruction (OBST=2) represents a rigid and impenetrable object, such as a steel beam or a plant vessel. A soft obstruction (OBST=1) represents a volume which is not solid but which needs to be kept clear for access. Any primitive with OBST=0 represents a freely accessible volume and is ignored for clash checking purposes.


11-1


11.1.2 Extent of clashing As well as distinguishing between hard and soft clashing items, the checking utility recognises three categories of clash between them, depending on how far the two primitives intrude on each other’s allocated space. These categories are: •

•

•

A physical clash: the primitive volumes overlap by more than a specified amount. This usually means that a definite interference exists. A touch: the primitives either overlap by less than the amount needed to cause a clash or are separated at their closest point by less than a specified distance. This may simply mean that one item is resting upon another as intended, or it may indicate a problem. A clearance: the primitives are separated at their closest point by more than the amount necessary to constitute a touch but less than a specified clearance distance. This represents a near miss, which you may want to investigate.

These three classes are illustrated below for the clash specifications: Touch limits:

5mm overlap to 2mm gap

Clearance limit:

8mm

so that the following criteria apply: •

If the items overlap by more than 5mm, a clash is reported

•

If the items overlap by less than 5mm, a touch is reported

•

•

•

If the items do not overlap but are separated by less than 2mm, a touch is reported If the items are separated by more than 2mm but less than 8mm, a clearance is reported If the items are separated by more than 8mm, no interference is found

overlap > 5mm a physical clash

11-2

overlap < 5mm

gap < 2mm touches

2mm < gap < 8mm a clearance



11.1.3 The clash detection process Each element which is to be checked for clashes has its own geometry checked against that of all other elements which are specified by a current obstruction list. Items which are not in the obstruction list are ignored during the clash checking operations. By default, the obstruction list includes all elements in the database, so that each element to be clash checked is tested against every other element. To control the amount of checking carried out in a large database, you can restrict the obstruction list to a few specific elements and/or you can specify a 3D volume (the clash limits) within which the clash checking is to be confined. To highlight the locations where clashes are found, the clashing and obstruction items are shown in contrasting colours in the graphical view (two shades of red, by default).

Exercise continues:

138.

You will start by using the defaults for all clash checking settings. To see what these are, select Settings>Clasher>Defaults… to display the Clash Defaults form. Think about the meaning of each setting shown (refer to the preceding introduction; ignore the reference to ‘ Branch’, which relates to piping designs only); then Cancel the form.

139.

You will check the westernmost panel (PANEL 1) for clashes against all other elements in the test framework. The default obstruction list (all elements in the current design database) will include the regular structure created in Chapter 6, so you must edit the list to remove this. To do so, select Settings>Clasher>Obstruction>List…. You will see an Add/Remove Obstruction Items form. Remove All current entries and then Add the framework /TESTFRMW.

140.

Navigate to the panel which you want to check (by clicking on it in the display, or in the Design Explorer , or in the Add/Remove Obstruction Items form) and select Utilities>Clashes…. You will see a Clash Display form. The left-hand side of this form controls the clash checking process; the right-hand side consists of a 3D view in which you can look in detail at any clashes diagnosed. Select Control>Check CE from the form’s menu bar to run the clash checking process and, when completed, study the Clash List which shows all clashes found. You will see a hard-hard ( HH) clash at both points where the panel has a column passing through it, and a hard-hard touch where the panel rests on each of its seven supporting beams and where it abuts the adjacent panel. To see a summary of all clashes found, select


11-3


Query>Clash>Summary… from the form’s menu. The resulting Summary form shows the total number of clashes in each category:

Note, in particular, that there are no clashes where the panel has been modified to fit round the columns. 141.

To study any clash in detail, select the corresponding line in the Clash List and then select Query>Clash>Detail…. The Clash Detail form shows the extent of the clash, the identities of both the clashing and obstruction items, and the calculated position at which the clash was diagnosed. Notice how the clashing items are highlighted in different colours in the graphical view. To change these colours, display the Clash Defaults form again (as in Step 138) and choose the colours you want to use.

142.

Experiment with some of the other options on the Clash Display menus and then close the form.

Note: If the Auto Clash button is selected, thus: , each new element that you create is checked immediately for clashes as the design is built up. This can slow down progress when you are adding many new elements, but is very useful when you want to add a few new items to an existing design which has already been checked for clashes.

11-4



11.2 Generating a data output report This section describes two ways of outputting design data derived from the structural model. •

•

generating a tabulated report showing the material required to build the design creating an plot showing the layout and associated manufacturing data.

11.2.1 Generating a tabulated data report The reporting utility lets you read selected types of information from the design database and present the output in a convenient tabulated format. Each report can be customised by specifying some or all of the following: •

•

•

•

•

•

Where the output is to appear (on the screen or in a file ready for printing). Any introductory header which is to appear at the beginning of the report. The page length (if the report is to be paginated). The page layout, including number and positions of columns, column headings, etc. Any headers and footers which are to appear at the top and bottom of each page. The selection criteria which define which data settings are to be included in the report.

Once such a report has been designed, its specification can be saved for future use in the form of a report template file. The ways in which you define how a given report is to be generated and presented are beyond the scope of this exercise, but you will look at the results of the process by using a pre-prepared template which outputs a material take-off list for each type of steel profile used in your design. (You will probably use your company’s standard templates for most reports anyway, in which case this is the method you would normally use in practice.)

Exercise continues:

143.

Select Utilities>Reports>Run… to initiate the reporting process. You will see a File Browser listing all files in the current reporting


11-5


directory (specified by your System Administrator as part of the project setting-up procedure). Select the ...\REPORTS\TEMPLATES directory. All files with a .tmp suffix are report templates. Select steel_mto.tmp, which has been designed to produce a material take-off report for steelwork sections. Click OK on the File Browser . 144.

To run the report defined by the chosen template, you must specify two things (as determined by the rules within the template): where the report is to appear, and what part of the database hierarchy is to be read when extracting the required types of data. When you OK the File Browser to specify the template, a Report Details form will appear which lets you do this. Leave the Filename text-box empty (which will send the report to the screen automatically). In the Hierarchy text-box, enter /TESTFRMW, since you want to list the material take-off for the whole of the design model. Click OK to run the report.

145.

The tabulated report output will be displayed in a Command Input & Output window which is opened automatically. This report shows the total cut length for each of the steel profiles used in the design and the number of lengths into which each profile is divided. (Do not worry if part of the heading seems inappropriate for your project; this wording is written into the template simply as an example of the type of heading which you might want to use.)

11.3 Querying mass properties You can calculate the surface area, volume, mass and the position of the centre of gravity (CofG) of a structural item from a knowledge of its geometry and the properties of the material from which it is made. The calculation can be set to derive either a gross or a net result; for example: •

•

Gross weight is the weight of material needed before any negative geometry (such as end preparations) is applied. This data is appropriate for material cost estimating etc. Net weight is the weight of material after any negative geometry is applied. This data is appropriate for determining as-built weights for loading calculations, transport planning etc.

(The detailed way in which positive and negative geometry is used in calculations is determined by the Representation Level settings. These

11-6



are beyond the scope of this introduction and you will use the default levels throughout this exercise.) In the same way that the geometry of a section profile, joint, fitting etc. is specified by setting the design element’s SpecRef attribute to refer to an entry in a Catalogue database (as explained in Section 5.1), so its material properties are specified by setting its Material Reference (MatRef) attribute to refer to an appropriate entry in a Properties database. It is the material density which is the significant property used in the mass calculations. In the next steps of the exercise, you will first specify the material for each structural element in your design model and will then use this data to derive some mass-related details.

Exercise continues:

146.

You will specify the same material for all structural items (sections, joints, fittings, panels etc.), so first navigate to the subframework TESTSBFR and then select Modify>Material… from the main menu. You will see a Set Material form listing all available material specifications in the Properties database. Leave the option set to CE and select the Cascade Material to all offspring check box. (The latter will set the MatRef for all elements below the current subframework to the selected material automatically.) From the Materials list, select GR275 (density 7850.00 Kg/M3) and click Apply. The whole framework will be highlighted in the graphical view to show that all design elements have been selected for modification to the selected material. Confirm the change.

147.

Select Query>Mass Properties…. You will see a Mass Properties form which lets you make all necessary calculations based on the current material density. Set the upper option to CE (still at subframework level), set the Results option to Gross, and click Apply. The calculated gross surface area, volume and mass for the whole subframework will be shown in the Mass Properties list, together with the position of the centre of gravity. The centre of gravity will also be tagged in the graphical view.

148.

Change the Results option to Net, select the Append to list check box (so that you can compare the next result with the existing one in the list), and click Apply again. Note the difference between the calculated net and gross weights; this small difference is due to the material removed for joint allowances, panel cut-outs, etc.


11-7


149.

Set the upper option to Pick, click Apply, and perform similar calculations for individual items or groups of items which you pick using the pointer. (Use Esc to terminate each picking sequence in the usual way.)

11.4 Plotting the design model PDMS’s drawing module provides very powerful facilities for generating annotated and dimensioned plots of all or part of the design model. You will use just a small part of this power to produce an isometric plot of your structural layout using default settings only.

Exercise continues:

In order for the drawing facilities to apply the correct rules for representing structural items, you must set a design attribute which will tell the drawing module how to interpret the design data. The attribute used for this purpose is the Function attribute of the parent Zone. 150.

Navigate to the Zone which you created in Step 13 ( /TESTZONE) and select Modify>Attributes…. You will see a Modify Attributes form listing the current settings for the Zone. The Function attribute will probably say unset; it is this setting which you need to change. Select the Function line in the list. You will see a small Function form showing the current setting. Edit the text to replace unset by Steelwork. OK/Apply the changes. You must now switch from the DESIGN module, which you have been using to create the design model, to the DRAFT drawing module.

151.

Select Design>Modules>Draft>Macro Files. When the DRAFT applications have been loaded from their macro files, you will see the DRAFT General menu bar and tool bar, and an empty 2D view window (the Main Display, analogous to the 3D View which you have been using in DESIGN), thus:

11-8



You must next set up an administrative hierarchy to define how plots are to be stored (in a real project this would probably have been done for you already). The parts of the hierarchy with which you are concerned here are as follows:


11-9


DEPARTMENT (DEPT)

REGISTRY (REGI)

LIBRARY (LIBY)

DRAWING (DRWG)

SHEET (SHEE)

LIBRARY (LIBY) Standard symbols, annotations etc.

VIEW

Design database elements to be drawn

152.

Select Create>Department and name the element STRUCDEPT. Click OK. You will now see a Department Information form. Attributes set at Department level are cascaded down to all lower levels. To set them, click the Attributes button to display a Department Attributes form. On the latter form: •

•

•

•

Select the A4 drawing sheet size (note that this sets the Width and Height automatically). Leave all pen definitions, hatch patterns and terminators at their default settings. From the Ruleset Reference options, select /DRA/PRJ/REPR/GEN/STRU. Set Backing Sheet Reference to Reference and select /DRA/MAS/BACKS/MET/A4_Land. This will apply standard borders and data areas to all drawings created in this Department.

The settings should now look like this:

11-10



•

Click Apply, then Dismiss.

Check that the Create Registry check box on the Department Information form is selected and OK this form. You will see a Create REGI form. 153.

Name the Registry STRUCREGI and click OK. You will see a Registry Information form. Click Attributes... to see a Registry Attributes form. Note that all attribute settings for the Registry have been copied from its owning Department (any individual attribute cascaded in this way can be overwritten at a lower level if required). Dismiss the Registry Attributes form.

154.

Select the Create Drawing check box and select Explicitly. Click OK. You will see a Create DRWG form.


11-11


155.

Name the Drawing STRUCDRWG and click OK. You will see a Drawing Definition form. Enter the Title as Structural View . Note that the Date and Drawn By entries are derived automatically from your system log-in data. Click Apply, then Dismiss.

That completes the setting up of the drawing administration hierarchy; you are now in a position to define the content of a drawing sheet ready for viewing and plotting. 156.

Select Create>Sheet>Explicitly… and OK the Create SHEE form. The Main Display view will show the backing sheet specified in Step 152. You will also see a Sheet Definition form. Note that all settings have been cascaded down from Department level. Click Apply, then Dismiss.

The detailed design data, extracted directly from the Design database, is applied to the sheet in the form of individual Views. 157.

Select Create>View>User-defined… and OK the resulting form. A Userdefined View form will be displayed, and a default rectangle will be added to the Main Display to show where the design data for this view will be plotted. You will plot a single view on the sheet, so you will first resize the default view area to fill the available space. To do so, select Frame>Size>Cursor from the User-Defined View menu and, when prompted, pick points just inside the top-left and bottom-right corners of the drawing area within the backing sheet layout. On the User-defined View form, enter the Title as ISO3 View; set the View Type to Global Hidden Line ; and set the Direction to ISO3 (select this using the options from the middle Direction control). The part(s) of the design model which are to be plotted are specified by means of a drawlist. Select Graphics>Drawlist… from the UserDefined View menu to display the Drawlist Management form. In the Reference List Members list, navigate to the subframework holding the design model ( /TESTSBFR) and click the Add button to add it to the drawlist. Dismiss the Drawlist Management form. You must now set the drawing scale so that the plotted model representation fits sensibly into the area available on the sheet. First click the Auto Scale button on the User-Defined View form and notice how the precisely calculated scale is displayed in the adjacent text-box. To modify this to the nearest smaller standard scale, click the Nearest button. The chosen standard scale will now be displayed (e.g. 1/200). Click Apply to implement the new scale calculation. The final settings will look something like this:

11-12



Click the Update Design button to plot the drawlist element(s) in the Main Display at the chosen scale, thus:


11-13


This is as far as you will go with Draft in this exercise, although the full range of 2D drafting facilities available is extensive, allowing you to add dimensioning and labelling data derived directly from the design model, and to add any other specific 2D annotation which you require.

In the next, and final, chapter, you will look at some of the facilities available for creating and modifying some nonlinear structural design elements.

11-14


12

Adding Some Curved Steelwork So far you have built your design model entirely from straight steelwork sections. In this final chapter you will add some nonlinear sections. In order to provide some reference points for use when routing a curved section, you will construct a temporary working grid.

12.1 How PDMS represents curved sections Curved structural items are represented by Generic Section (GENSEC) elements, the geometry of which is defined by sweeping a 2D catalogue profile along a path. This path is represented by a Spine element, owned by the GENSEC, whose route is specified in terms of a sequence of member Spine Points (POINSP) and Curves. For example:

End POINSP CURVE

PROFILE

CURVE Sta rt POINSP

= SPINE = POINSP

The Beams & Columns application menu provides options for creating two versions of the GENSEC: A ring section, restricted to an arc of a circle (up to a full circle), comprising two Spine Points separated by a single Curve. A more general curved section, comprising any number of Spine Points and Curves.

12.2 Creating a semicircular platform In order to demonstrate the principles, you will create a semicircular ring section which projects out from your existing structure. The ends of the Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1

12-1


ring section will be positioned near the ends of the topmost beam at the western end of the structure, and it will be supported from below by two straight sections, like this (only sections shown, not panels): Looking Down: End Support 180º Ring Section

Existing diamond bracing

Support N

Start E

Looking East: End

End

Inset 100

Inset 100

Start U

N

Existing cross bracing

Exercise continues:

12-2

158.

In the Beams & Columns application, set the default profile specification to British Standard , Equal Angle , 120x120x10.0, with Justification, Member Line and Joint Line all set to NA.

159.

Navigate to the Subframe element (TESTSBFR). From the main menu bar, select Create>Sections>Ring…. You will see a Ring Section



form, the buttons on which provide many different ways of specifying the section’s geometry. You do not want to create a full circle, so click Circle Definition: Arc . You will define the path of the section (the GENSEC’s Spine) by picking the two positions at its ends plus a third point which specifies how the arc is directed (that is, whether it curves towards the East or the West). The diameter of the circle will be derived automatically from the distance between the first two positions. To do this, click the ‘Derived diameter’ button

(fourth button, second row).

To define the start of the ring section (prompt says ‘Define ... first point’), set the Positioning Control to Pline, Distance 100 and pick near the southern end of the NA pline of the beam (see figure at start of this section. You will probably need to unset the pline picking rules (Settings>Pick Filters>Plines) and zoom in very close to distinguish between the plines. To define the end (prompt says ‘ Define ... second point’ ), use the same procedure at the northern end of the same pline. The third prompt says ‘Define ... control point’. The point you pick will determine the plane in which the ring section lies (the plane through all three points) and the direction in which the section curves (depends on the position of the third point relative to the line joining the first two points; or create an additional pline rule for ‘NA’ only). You want the ring section to lie in a horizontal plane and to curve towards the west, so pick any point on the NAR pline of the beam. (This has the same elevation as the NA pline and lies to its west.) 160.

You will now create two straight sections which run from the midpoint of the beam below the ring section, and which support the ring section at points equispaced along its length (as shown in the preceding diagram). Select Create>Sections>Straight…. Both sections will have the same start point, so on the Section form set String Method to Radial . Set the Positioning Control to Pline, Mid-Point and pick the BOS pline of the beam. To position the upper ends of the two supports, set the Positioning Control to Element, Fraction 3 and pick the ring section twice, about one third of its length from each end (not forgetting to Accept each support), then Esc. You may, if you wish, modify the angle sections to give more realistic geometry at their ends, although the current configuration is adequate for your present purpose.


12-3


161.

You will complete the semicircular platform by positioning a floor plate inside the supporting angle section. Change to the Panels & Plates application. Select Create>Panel…. On the Create Panel form, set Thickness to 20 and Justification to Centre. You will define the panel boundary by picking points around the ring section (GENSEC) whose shape it is to follow. Click the ‘Derived arc passing through three points’ button

.

Pick the three points defining the panel boundary as follows: •

First point: snap to one end of GENSEC.

•

Second point: snap to mid-point of GENSEC.

•

Third point: snap to other end of GENSEC.

Escape the next prompt. The 3D View will show a circle, half of which follows the ring section, as a construction aid. Notice that, although you have only picked three points, the message ‘ 4 vertices defined’ is shown. These vertices are positioned thus: First pick

V1

V4 Third pick

fillet radius

fillet radius

V2

V3 Second pick

Click OK to complete the panel creation.

12.3 Creating a runway beam with multiple curves To demonstrate how you can create and modify a section which follows a multiply-curved path, you will position an overhead runway beam along the southern end of the structure, thus:

12-4



7 End

Start Y Grid origin X

6

N

12

20

= existing structure E

= working grid (1000mm spacing) = runway beam (curved section)

The upper face of the runway beam will, for convenience, be positioned against the lower faces of the beams from which it is suspended. In practice, you would probably want to interpose hangers or bolted flanges to support the runway beam. To make it easier to position the points and curves defining the GENSEC’s spine, you will first create a horizontal working grid as a working aid (as shown in the diagram).

Exercise continues:

12.3.1 Defining a working grid 162.

Switch back to the Beams & Columns application. Select Utilities>Working Plane…. The resulting Working Plane form lets you define a plane onto which all graphical picks will be projected, with an optional grid superimposed on the plane to help you position graphical picks without needing to refer to existing parts of the design model. From the Working Plane form’s menu, select Define>Linear Grid…. The resulting Working Plane - Linear Grid form lets you define the number and spacing of the grid lines, and the position and orientation of the grid’s plane. Set both the X and Y Spacing to 1000 and enter the Number of visible lines as 40. (The grid behaves as though it is of infinite size; this setting controls only the size of the grid shown in the 3D View.)

163.

The default position of the plane’s centre and its orientation are shown by the green dotted-line square in the 3D View. Leave the


12-5


Orientation as it is (Y is N, Z is U, X is E). You want the elevation of the plane to be at the lower faces of the beams, so set the Positioning Control to Pline, Intersect and pick the BOS plines for the two beams which meet at the required origin (see preceding diagram). The Position should be East 0, North 0, Up 4696.6 (the latter is the height of the column less the depth of the beam). Click the Preview button to see the grid in the 3D View. Select the Detail check box and click Preview again to number the grid lines. OK the Working Plane - Linear Grid form. 164.

On the Working Plane form, select the Active and Visible check boxes (so that the grid will be both effective and visible in the graphical view). Select Working Grid Snap , which means that when you later pick positions on the grid, the picked point will always snap to the grid intersection nearest to the pointer position. Select Control>Close from the Working Plane form’s menu to complete the operation.

12.3.2 Creating a curved section Note: In the following steps, you will identify positions along the path of the spine by their (X,Y) coordinates on the working grid; for example, (X 20, Y0) is the position of the southeastern corner of the overall structure. 165.

Set the default profile specification to British Standard , Joists , 203x152x52kg/m. Set the Justification to TOS, so that the upper face of the runway beam will coincide with the working plane and, therefore, with the undersides of the supporting beams. (See generic type DINI in Appendix B.3 for a diagram of a similar profile.)

166.

Select Create>Sections>Curved…. You will see a Curved Section form, the buttons on which provide various ways of specifying the path of the section’s spine. Because your section follows a complex path which does not conform to the simplified standard geometry provided by most of the buttons, you will use a free-form definition which will let you build up any sequence of spine points and curves. Click the ‘Free definition’ button

.

Notice that the Working Plane toggle at the left-hand side of the Positioning Control form is now selected. This provides a way of switching the working plane on or off without having to display the Working Plane form each time. The red highlight on the toggle button is intended as a reminder when the working plane is active, since you 12-6



can get unexpected results if you forget it is on when you make graphical picks. 167.

You are now in event-driven graphics mode, ready to pick the sequence of positions which will define the spine. Set the Positioning Control to Screen, Snap. Any pointer pick you make will be projected onto the working plane and will then snap to the nearest grid intersection point (remember that you set Working Grid Snap to On when you defined the grid in Step 164). If you make a mistake at any stage, the Undo button on the Curved Section form lets you delete one or more points in reverse order. With reference to the grid coordinates, pick position (X0, Y2) to define the start (origin) of the GENSEC. Set the Radius to 2000 and pick (X4, Y2) to define the position of the first curve. With Radius still set to 2000, pick the following positions, in this order: (X4, Y6), (X8, Y6), (X8, Y2), (X18, Y2), (X18, Y6), (X20, Y6). When you pick the last position, you will be warned that it is not possible to fit in a curve with 2000 radius so close to the preceding position and will be asked if this represents the end point: click Yes to complete the operation. Close the Curved Section form.

12.3.3 Modifying a curved section 168.

To demonstrate how easily you can modify a curved section, you will reroute part of the runway beam as follows:

7 End

Start 1

5

4

Y 0 6

X

12

20

= original path = modified path 1


= curve number (at new fillet position)

12-7


Check that the new GENSEC is the current element and select Modify>Sections>Definition…. You will see a Modify Section (Curved) form which lets you edit the position and/or radius for each individual point/curve in the spine. Set the first Spine Point option to Start and pick the new start position at (X0, Y1). Click the Modify button to implement the move. Change the first Spine Point option to Curve and set the second Spine Point option (up/down arrows) to 1. Move Curve 1 to (X4, Y1), leaving its Radius set to 2000. Note: The graphical aids show the position and radius of the current and adjacent curves as you modify the spine shape. The X and Y Attributes on the Modify Section (Curved) form show the coordinates relative to the GENSEC’s origin (start), not in terms of the working grid positions. Move Curve 4 to (X8, Y1) and change its Radius to 3000. Select Curve 5 and change the third Spine Point option from Fillet to Centre:

Notice how the graphical aid now shows the radius centre at (X16, Y4) instead of the radius fillet at (X18, Y2). Move the centre to (X15, Y4), press Modify , then change the Radius to 3000. The latter operation illustrates the two ways of specifying a curve’s position: Fillet position Radius

Centre position

12-8

169.

Repeat the clash checks which you carried out on the earlier version of the design model in Section 11.1. Think about the reasons for the extra clashes which are diagnosed for the current design.

170.

Save your design changes and exit from PDMS.



12.4 Conclusion This concludes both the tutorial exercise and this introduction to some of the ways in which PDMS and AVEVA applications can help you in your structural design work. You should now have an insight into the potential power of PDMS and sufficient confidence to explore some of the more advanced options on your own. For further technical details, refer to the sources of information listed in the last appendix. If you have not already done so, you are strongly advised to attend one or more of the specialised PDMS training courses, which will show you how to get the maximum benefits from the product in your own working environment (see Section 1.5).


12-9


12-10


A

The Structural Design Database The part of the Design database hierarchy which holds structural elements is as follows (elements in italics, e.g. RELEASE , are for analytical purposes only):

STRUCTURE (STRU)

FRAMEWORK

ROUTING PLANE GROUP

(FRMW) optional

(RPLG)

LOAD CASE DESCRIPTOR (LCDE)

SUBFRAMEWORK

ROUTING PLANE

(SBFR)

(RPLA)

PANEL LINEAR JOINT

PANEL SECTION (SCTN)

(PANE)

PRIMARY NODE

(PALJ)

(PNOD)

PANEL FITTING (PFIT)

PANEL LINEAR JOINT

PANEL LOOP (PLOO)

(PALJ)

(PAVE)

PANEL VERTEX

(RELE)

primitives

NEGATIVE EXTRUSION

(PAVE)

PRIMARY JOINT (PJOI) RELEASE

negative

COFITTING PANEL VERTEX (COFI)

(NXTR)

LOOP PRIMARY COMPOUND JOINT (LOOP) (PCOJ)

NODAL LOAD (NOLO)

VERTEX

SUBJOINT

GENERIC SECTION NODAL DISPLACEMENT (GENSEC)

(VERT)

(SUBJ)

(NODI)

JOINT LINE DATUM

SPIN

(JLDATUM)

(SPINE)

POSITION LINE DATUM SPINE POINT

(PLDATUM)

CURVE

(CURVE)

(POINSP)

FIXING (FIXI)

FITTING SECTION POINT LOAD ( SPLO)

SECONDARY NODE

(FITT)

(SNOD)

(SELJ)

SECTION VERTEX

SECONDARY JOINT (SJOI)

SECTION DISTRIBUTED LOAD (SDLO)

RELEASE (RELE)

SECTION LINEAR JOINT

(SEVE)

NODAL LOAD (NOLO)

NODAL DISPLACEMENT (NODI)

SECONDARY COMPOUND JOINT (SCOJ)

SUBJOINT(SUBJ) Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1

A-1

The Structural Design Database

A-2


B

Structural Catalogue Guide This appendix gives a much-simplified introduction to the way the structural catalogue is used in creating the design model and lists the principal features of some standard catalogue components to which you may want to refer when creating your design model. (For full details of the way in which the catalogue is built up and used, see the PDMS PARAGON Reference Manual.)

B.1

The Basic Features of the Catalogue All profiles, joints, fittings etc. used in the design are selected from the Catalogue database by setting the Specification Reference for the corresponding design element so that it points to the required catalogue entry. Each catalogue item is defined in terms of two subsidiary sets of data: •

•

A Geometry Set, which defines the overall physical shape of the item in terms of a set of 2D and/or 3D basic shapes (known as primitives). A sectional profile is made up of 2D primitives only (which are extruded to form a 3D section in the design model); a joint or a fitting is made up of 3D primitives which define its complete volume. A geometry set can include negative 3D primitives to represent holes. Point Set, which defines a number of reference points and directions superimposed on the geometric shape so that individual parts of that shape can be identified and manipulated. These reference points can include p-points, which represent a 1D point position and a direction, and p-lines (or plines), which represent a 2D line and a direction.

A range of catalogue components with similar overall geometry will all reference the same geometry set and point set, so that the amount of data needed to represent all possible items is kept to a minimum. The dimensions of the items are not fixed in the catalogue but are expressed in terms of design parameters. Values are allocated to these parameterised dimensions when the item is used in a specific part of the design model: they may either be set explicitly or derived from associated dimensions of other design components to which the item is to be connected.


B-1


B.2

P-line Identification Each p-line is identified by a two, three or four letter code (known as its PKEY) which identifies its relative position in the 2D profile (remember that each p-line is extruded in the design model to represent a line running along the length of a section). The most commonly referenced PKEYs use the following naming conventions (each profile uses only a subset of these): BBH BBHL BBHR BLW BLWT BOC BOS BRW BRWT FOC HBA HOA IOC LBOA LBOC LBOS LBTS LTBA LTBS LTOC LTOS LTTA NA NAB NAL NALO NAR NARO NAT RBOA RBOC RBOS RBTS ROA ROC RTBS RTOC

B-2

Bottom bolt hole Bottom bolt hole, left Bottom bolt hole, right Bottom left of web Bottom left web top Bottom of channel Bottom of steel Bottom right of web Bottom right web, top Face of channel Hole, bottom of angle Hole, outside of angle Inside of channel Left bottom of angle Left bottom of channel Left bottom of steel Left bottom top of steel Left top bottom of angle Left top bottom of steel Left top of channel Left top of steel Left top of angle Neutral axis Neutral axis bottom Neutral axis left Neutral axis left outside Neutral axis right Neutral axis right outside Neutral angle top Right bottom of angle Right bottom of channel Right bottom of steel Right bottom top of steel Right of angle Right outside of channel Right top bottom of steel Right top of channel Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1


RTOS TBH TBHL TBHR TLW TLWB TOAX TOAY TOC TRWB TOS TRW

B.3

Right top of steel Top bolt hole Top bolt hole, left Top bolt hole, right Top left of web Top left web, bottom Top of angle, X orientation Top of angle, Y orientation Top of channel Top right web, bottom Top of steel Top right of web

Some Standard Profiles The following pages illustrate the principal catalogue profiles, showing the p-lines and parameterised dimensions associated with each.


B-3


Generic Type: BOX PARA 2 TOS

PARA 4

LTOS

RTOS

PARA 7

PARA 3

NA LEFT

RIGH

PARA 1

PARA 6

LBOS

RBOS BOS

Other Parameters: PARA 5 = Weight per unit length

B-4



Generic Type: ANG PARA 2 PARA 10 PARA 5 NAT TOAX RTTA TOAY PARA 8

RTOA

PARA 4 NAB LOA

HBA

PARA 7

PARA 9

NA NAL

NAR

PARA 1

HOA

PARA 3

LBOA

RBOA



B-5


Generic Type: TUBE HH

GG

FF

II

EE

JJ

DD

KK

CC

NA & NAGG NAII

LL

NAEE

NAKK

NACC

NAMM

MM

BB

NAAA

NAOO

AA

PARA 1

NAWW

NN

XX NAQQ

NASS

NAUU

OO

WW

PP

VV

QQ

UU RR

SS

TT PARA 2

There are three types of S AA-XX every 15 degrees round the S NAAA-NAWW every 30 degrees from the S NA equivalent to NAGG


B-6



Generic Type: BEAM PARA 2

TLW

LTBS

PARA 4

TOS

LTOS

RTOS TRW

TBHL

TBHR TLWB

RTBS

TRWB

PARA 6

PARA 3

NA

PARA 8 PARA 1

NALO

NAL

NAR

BLWT

BRWT

NARO

BBHL LBTS

LBOS

BBHR

BLW

BRW BOS

RBTS

RBOS

PARA 12

Other Parameters: PARA 5 = Weight per unit length PARA 7 = Cross Sectional Area PARA 9 = Nominal Depth PARA 10 = Nominal Width PARA 11 = Surface Area per unit length


B-7


Generic Type: DINI PARA 2 PARA 4

TOS

LTOS

PARA 7

RTOS

TBHR TBHL

PARA 6 PARA 3 NA PARA 8 NALO

NAL

NAR PARA 1 NARO

BBHL

BBHR PARA 10 (as percentage)

LBOS

BOS

RBOS

PARA 11

PARA 4 measured midway between TOS and LTOS

Other Parameters: PARA 5 = Weight per unit length PARA 9 = Nominal Depth

B-8



Generic Type: BSC PARA 2 LTOC

PARA 4

TOC

RTOC

TBH

PARA 5

NA PARA 10 FOC

IOC

ROC PARA 1

PARA 3 PARA 7

BBH PARA 9 (degrees)

PARA 8 LBOC

BOC

RBOC

PARA 13

PARA 4 measured midway between LTOC and RTOC

Other Parameters: PARA 6 = Weight per unit length PARA 11 = Nominal Depth PARA 12 = Nominal Width


B-9


Generic Type: DINU PARA 2 PARA 14 LTOC

=

=

TOC

RTOC

PARA 4

TBH

PARA 5

NA PARA 10 FOC

IOC

ROC PARA 1

PARA 3 PARA 7

BBH PARA 9 (as percentage)

PARA 8 LBOC

BOC

RBOC

PARA 13

PARA 4 measured midway between the PARA 14 limit and RTOC PARA 14 is usually either zero or equal to PARA 3

Other Parameters: PARA 6 = Weight per unit length PARA 11 = Nominal Depth PARA 12 = Nominal Width

B-10



Generic Type: TEE

PARA 1

PARA 5

PARA 4

TOS

LTOS

LTBS

RTOS

TBHL

TBHR TLWB

NA

RTBS

TRWB

PARA 7 NALO

NAL

NAR

PARA 3

LBOS

NARO

PARA 2

RBOS BOS

Other Parameters: PARA 6 = Weight per unit length PARA 8 = Nominal Width PARA 9 = Nominal Depth PARA 10 = Original Depth PARA 11 = Original Width PARA 12 = Original Weight


B-11


Generic Type: DINT PARA 1 PARA 13 LTOS

TOS

RTOS

PARA 4

PARA 14

PARA 16 (as percentage)

PARA5 TBHL

TBHR

NA

PARA 7 NALO

NAL

NAR

PARA 3

NARO PARA 2

PARA 15

BOS

PARA 3 measured midway between TOS and BOS PARA 4 measured midway between LTOS and TOS

Other Parameters: PARA 6 = Weight per unit length PARA 8 = Nominal Width PARA 9 = Nominal Depth PARA 10 = Original Depth PARA 11 = Original Width PARA 12 = Original Weight

B-12



B.4

Some Standard Joints The following diagrams illustrate the principal types of joint in the catalogue, showing the parameterised dimensions (as described on the corresponding forms) which must be specified when each joint is connected to a section in the design.

B.4.1

Column Connections Column Flange: c a

Dist from TOS = a Dist from BOS = b Thk of Plt = c

b

Column Web: c

a d

d b

Dist from TOS = a Dist from BOS = b

Notch Depth = d

Thk of Plt = c


B-13


B.4.2

Cleated Connections Bolted Web: 4M20_bolted_web_cleats

a

Length of cleats = a

Cutback Bolted Web:

a

Length of cleats = a

elded Seat:

a

Extension Width of Bottom Angle = a

B-14



B.4.3

End Preparations

Single Clearance:

a Radius of Rathole = a

Double Clearance:

Flush_p_cutback:

a Radius of Rathole = a

Flush_p_cutback_with_snipe:

a Radius of Rathole


B-15


B.4.4

Baseplate Connections 30mm_thick_attached_baseplat e:

a Dia of Bolt = a

30mm_thick_user_defined_baseplate:

c e

a

Depth of Plt = a Width of Plt = b Bolt wrt Depth = c Bolt wrt Width = d Dia of Bolt = e

c d

d b

B-16



B.4.5

Double Notched End Plates Dble Notch End Plate: 4M6_10mm_thk_plt

B.4.6

Single Notched End Plates Sgle Notch End Plate:

a b

B.5

1st Row = a 2nd Row = b 3rd Row = 0 (in this example)

Some Standard Fittings The following diagrams illustrate some typical fittings from the catalogue, showing the parameterised dimensions (as described on the corresponding forms) which must be specified when each fitting is added to the design.


B-17


B.6

Stiffeners

Single Full Depth: 10mm_flange_stiffener

Double Full Depth: 8mm_double_stiffener

Single Partial Depth: 8mm_single_stiffener

a

short length = a long length = b b

B-18



B.7

Fire Insulation Parallel Flange Beam:

a c

d

b f

Top Flange Top Thickness = a Top Flange Width = Top Flange Bottom Thickness = c Web Thickness = d Bottom flange Top Thickness = e Bottom flange Width = f Bottom Flange Bottom Thickness = g Position Line NA Zdistance (measured from POSS of section) determines start of insulation

e g


B-19


B.8

Lifting Lugs General Lifting Lug (GEN-

d e

c

a

Height of Pad Eye = a Width of Pad Eye = b Vertical Distance = c Shape Radius = d Hole Radius = e Pad Eye Thickness = f (not shown)

b

Lifting Lug, Bolted:

B-20


C

Other Relevant Documentation This guide serves purely as an introduction to those parts of PDMS most relevant to structural design. Therefore, it describes only the main concepts needed to get you started. Documents that can provide you with further information are listed below.

C.1

PDMS introductory guides There is a set of introductory guides like this one, that introduce a subset of principal PDMS facilities to new users. The complete set is: Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Design Using VANTAGE PDMS HVAC Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Industrial Building Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Pipework Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Support Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Introduction to PDMS Design Templates Drawing Production Using PDMS Introduces the range of facilities available in the Draft module. Reporting from PDMS Introduces the database reporting utility available from within most PDMS applications, including the use of expressions to select relevant data. PDMS DESIGN Graphical Model Manipulation Guide Introduces the DESIGN Model Editor, which enables you to reposition selected Plant Items using the mouse pointer.


C-1

Other Relevant Documentation

C.2

PDMS reference manuals The full PDMS documentation set includes a number of reference manuals which give detailed explanations of all the technical concepts involved. These manuals also describe the underlying command syntax which can be used to control PDMS directly (should you wish to bypass the forms and menus interface). Reference manuals particularly relevant to structural design work include: DESIGN Reference Manual

Covers concepts and commands for all design disciplines.

ISODRAFT Reference Manual Explains how to create customised piping isometric plots. DRAFT Reference Manual

Explains the PDMS 2D drafting facilities.

PARAGON Reference Manual Explains how to set up a PDMS Catalogue. SPECON Reference Manual

C.3

Explains how to create tabulated specifications.

General guides The following guides are intended for use only by experienced PDMS users who want to write their own applications: Plant Design Software Customisation Guide Explains how to write your own application macros using PML ( AVEVA’s Programmable Macro Language) and how to design your own forms and menus interface. Plant Design Software Customisation Reference Manual Supplements the Customisation Guide. Includes a list of PML 2 Objects, Members and Methods. For Forms and Menus objects, the command syntax relating to the objects is included.

C-2


D

Sample Plots This appendix comprises some examples of typical (though relatively simple) plots showing the sorts of structural designs which may be created using PDMS with the AVEVA structural applications.


D-1

Sample Plots

D-2


Sample Plots

Structural Design using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1

D-3

Sample Plots

D-4


Index 3D view, 3-6

obstruction list, 11-3

Application

principles, 11-1

Beams & Columns, 4-1

Clash limits, 11-3

definition, 2-1

Clashing extent, 11-2

loading, 8-1

Clearance

Panels & Plates, 8-1 Attachment pipe penetrations, 10-1 Attribute definition, 4-2 Bracing

definition, 11-2 Collection. See List Compound panel fitting penetrations, 10-1 Control button, 3-10 Copying

creating individual members, 7-4

mirror option, 7-8

creating standard configurations, 7-10

offset option, 5-22

modifying bracing gaps, 7-6 Button control, 3-10 radio, 3-9 toggle, 3-10 Catalogue database, 5-1 Centre of gravity calculations, 11-6 Check box, 3-10 Clash definition, 11-2 Clash checking checking process, 11-3 clash limits, 11-3 extent of clash, 11-2 obstruction levels, 11-1 Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1

Current element definition, 4-3 Curve definition, 12-1 Curved section creating, 12-6 definition, 12-1 modifying, 12-7 Database hierarchy, 4-2 Draft data, 11-10 Density, 11-7 Design Explorer, 3-5 Design parameters, 1 Design session ending, 5-27 Display index-i

Index

restoring, 7-1 saving, 5-26 Distance measuring, 8-6 Draft applications loading, 11-8 Draft database hierarchy, 11-10

definition, 4-2 Function attribute setting for Draft, 11-8 Generic Section (GENSEC) definition, 12-1 GENSEC definition, 12-1

Draft module, 11-8

Geometry set, 1

Drag

Graphical view, 3-6

panel edge, 8-10

Gross weight, 11-6

Drawing sheet, Draft, 11-12

Hard obstruction, 11-1

Edge

Help, on-line, 3-11

definition, 8-2

Holes

dragging, 8-10

negative extrusion, 8-13

picking, 8-8

penetrations, 10-1

Element definition, 4-2 End position

Isometric view, 5-10 Joint beta angle, 7-13

definition, 5-1

connection references, 7-14

identifying, 6-5

cutback, 7-14

Ending design session, 5-27

cutting plane, 7-14

Escape key/button, 3-9, 5-20

dominant/subordinate, 7-18

Event-driven graphics mode, 5-14

joint freedom, 7-18

Fillet radius

origin plane direction, 7-13

definition, 8-2

position and orientation, 7-14, 7-16

setting, 8-10

position line, 7-13, 7-16

Fitting section penetrations, 10-1 Forms and display restoring, 7-1 saving, 5-26 Framework (FRMW) creating, 4-4 Index-ii Version 11.6SP1

secondary, 5-21 selecting from catalogue, 7-15 specifying, 7-12, 7-15 Joint line definition, 5-5 Justification definition, 5-5 Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS

Index

specifying, 5-17

deleting, 6-6

Leaving design session, 5-27

primary, 5-2

Linear grid

secondary, 5-2, 5-21

defining, 12-5 List

Obstruction levels, 11-1 Obstruction list, 11-3

adding members, 5-22

On-line help, 3-11

creating, 5-22

Option button, 3-3

definition, 5-21

Owner

scrollable, 3-10 Loop (LOOP) definition, 8-13 Mass calculations, 11-6 Mass properties querying, 11-6

definition, 4-3 Panel (PANE) creating, 8-4 definition, 8-2 Panel edge definition, 8-2

Material reference (MatRef), 11-7

dragging, 8-10

Measuring facility, 8-6

picking, 8-8

Member definition, 4-3 Member line definition, 5-5 Menu pull-down, 3-6

Panel fillet radius definition, 8-2 setting, 8-10 Panel fitting (PFIT) beta angle, 9-1 definition, 9-1

Menu bar, 3-5, 3-6

justification, 9-1

Module

position, 9-1

definition, 2-1 Mouse buttons functions, 3-2 Negative extrusion (NXTR) definition, 8-13 Negative volume, 8-13 Net weight, 11-6 Node definition, 5-2 Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS Version 11.6SP1

Panel loop (PLOO) definition, 8-2 Panel origin definition, 8-5 Panel thickness definition, 8-2 Panel vertex (PAVE) definition, 8-2 modifying, 8-7 Index-iii

Index

picking, 8-8

setting, 7-15

Panel vertex creation, 8-4

Properties database, 11-7

Panning view, 5-11

Pull-down menu, 3-6

Parameters, 1

Radio button, 3-9

Penetration

Regular structure

creating, 10-2 definition, 10-1 detailing, 10-4 Physical clash definition, 11-2

creating, 6-1 Reports templates, 11-5 Representation setting graphical view, 7-16

Pick mode prompt, 5-14

Representation level, 11-7

PKEY, 2

Ring section

Pline

creating, 12-3

definition, 5-2, 1

definition, 12-1

identification, 2

Rotating view, 5-11

Pline rule

Save work facility, 5-26

function, 7-2

Saving design changes, 5-26

setting, 7-3

Screen layout

Plotting facilities, 11-8

saving, 5-26

Point set, 1

Scrollable list, 3-10

P-point

Secondary joint (SJOI), 5-21

definition, 1 Primary node automatic creation, 5-3 Primitives, 1 Profile (PROF)

Secondary node (SNOD), 5-21 Section extending/shortening, 6-5, 7-2 Section (SCTN) definition, 5-1

definition, 5-1

Sheet, Draft, 11-12

specifying, 5-3

shortcut menu, 3-2

Project selection, 3-3 Prompt cancelling, 5-20

Site creating, 4-3 definition, 4-2

Prompts, 3-9

Snap function, 5-14

Properties

Soft obstruction, 11-1

Index-iv Version 11.6SP1

Structural Design Using VANTAGE PDMS

Structural Design Using PDMS

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