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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................ i
Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Text Conventions ............................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Main Practice.................................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2 - Starting a Project ................................................................................................................. 13
2.1 Template Files................................................................................................................................ 14
2.2 Project Data .................................................................................................................................... 16
2.3 File Structure .................................................................................................................................. 17
Create a Project File ............................................................................................................................ 18
Chapter 3 - Working in 3D CAD ............................................................................................................. 19
3.1 Common CAD Commands........................................................................................................... 20
3.2 Mouse View Commands for 3D................................................................................................... 21
3.3 Viewpoints....................................................................................................................................... 22
3.4 Visual Styles ................................................................................................................................... 23
View Manipulation ................................................................................................................................ 24
Chapter 4 The Advance Steel User Interface................................................................................... 25
4.1 Selecting Objects ........................................................................................................................... 26
4.2 Advance Properties ....................................................................................................................... 27
4.3 Advance Joint Properties ............................................................................................................. 29
4.4 Joint Boxes ..................................................................................................................................... 30
4.5 Deleting Objects............................................................................................................................. 32
4.6 Undo ................................................................................................................................................ 33
4.7 Object Snaps .................................................................................................................................. 34
4.8 2D/3D Osnap.................................................................................................................................. 35
Chapter 5 Coordinate Systems........................................................................................................... 36
5.1 3D Coordinates .............................................................................................................................. 37
5.2 World Coordinates ......................................................................................................................... 38
5.3 User Coordinate System .............................................................................................................. 39
5.4 When to Use a UCS ...................................................................................................................... 43
Chapter 6 Building Grids ...................................................................................................................... 44
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
ii
Table of Contents
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
iv
Table of Contents
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
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Introduction
Chapter 1 Introduction
Overview
Text Conventions
Main Practice
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
1.1 Overview
This training guide is only provided to users who have attended an
approved Autodesk Advance Steel training course. It is intended to
give an overview of all of the basic commands that are required to
create structures and associated documentation using the
Autodesk Advance Steel software. Not all of the Advance Steel
commands are included and not all of the options in the included
commands are covered. Not all content of this training guide is
necessarily covered during the training course. Instead it focuses on
the recommended workflow and the most common commands and
options. This training guide can be referred to for alternate
commands and extra information.
2
Introduction
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Unless otherwise stated, all of the user practices in this training guide
refer to this training project. All of the important information has been
provided in the following drawings. Dimensions or properties that are
not defined in the drawings are not critical and can be selected by
the user.
Figure 1-1
4
Introduction
Figure 1-2
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 1-3
6
Introduction
Figure 1-4
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 1-5
8
Introduction
Figure 1-6
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 1-7
10
Introduction
Figure 1-8
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 1-9
12
Staring a Project
Template Files
Project Data
File Structure
Create a Project File
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 2.1
If you are using the US It also automatically lists the available templates (according to the
English installation of language that was selected when the software was installed) on the
the software, you new tab when you expand the templates option.
should use the
mm_ASTemplate.dwt You should always select the ASTemplate.dwt template to
template for metric
start your metric modeling project.
modeling projects and
the ASTemplate.dwt
template for imperial
modeling projects.
14
Staring a Project
Figure 2-2
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 2-3
The style of this dialog box and all of the other Autodesk Advance
Steel dialog boxes is the same. A list of property groups called Tabs
is displayed on the left. Selecting any of them changes the page of
settings that is displayed on the right.
There are many settings that you can customize or properties that
you can complete for any project. For most projects you need to
complete as much as possible in the Project Info 1 and Project Info
2 tabs. This information is used to complete the title blocks on
drawings and the headings on lists later in the project. You can
usually accept the default settings on the other tabs.
16
Staring a Project
Figure 2-4
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
18
Working in 3D CAD
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
This training guide is written assuming that you are already familiar
with and competent using most typical 2D CAD commands. For
example, to effectively use the Autodesk Advance Steel software,
you should be comfortable using the following as a minimum: Line,
Arc, Rectangle, Circle, Polyline, Object Snaps (running and single
click), Ortho, Move, Copy, Edit Polyline, Extend, Trim, Zoom, Pan,
Plot, Grips, and Layers.
20
Working in 3D CAD
Zoom, Pan, and Orbit can be used at any time, such as in the middle
of a command or when an Advance Steel dialog box is open. When
you release the buttons or wheel, the zooming stops and you return
to the same point in the command.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
3.3 Viewpoints
To move around in the model and display it from a common
viewpoint, select the required view in the View tab, View Manager
panel > or in the top left corner of the model space.
Figure 3-1
22
Working in 3D CAD
Figure 3-2
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
24
The Advance Steel Interface
Selecting Objects
Advance Properties
Advance Joint Properties
Joint Boxes
Deleting Objects
Undo
Object Snaps
2D/3D Osnap
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
You should select the Main Beam (i.e., the beam that is not
shortened by the joint). The software might seem to permit you to
select more than one object, but the top prompt was for a single
beam. Therefore, you should only select one item and then right-click
or press <Enter> to accept and move on in the command. (If you
select more than one item only the last selected object counts.)
26
The Advance Steel Interface
Figure 4-1
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Or
Select the object that you want to edit.
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Tools category,
If the Advance Steel
Tool Palette is not click (Advance Steel Properties).
displayed, click
(Advance Steel Tool
Palette) in the Home
tab > Extended
Modeling panel.
Figure 4-2
This opens the required Properties dialog box for that single object.
Figure 4-3
28
The Advance Steel Interface
To edit the properties of any such group of objects you must set the
following Advance Joint Properties:
Ensure that no commands are active (prompt = Command:).
Ensure that nothing is selected (if in doubt, press <Esc> twice
to clear any existing selection).
Select any object in the group that you want to edit.
Right-click and select Advance Joint Properties.
Figure 4-4
The related macro dialog box for that group of objects opens.
Figure 4-5
The properties in these dialog boxes are divided into tabs and then
grouped into categories. As you select a different category on the left
in the dialog box, the tab displayed changes to be the first in that
category.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
The joint box is not normally displayed when the objects are first
created. However, if the Joint Properties dialog box is opened after
the initial creation, the joint box is displayed.
Figure 4-6
The joint box contains the intelligent link between the objects. It is
possible to delete the joint box without deleting the objects that it
controls (see 4.5 Deleting Objects). If a joint box is deleted the
objects within it remain in the model, but no longer have an intelligent
link to each other or behave like a joint. Instead, they become
independent items.
Models can very quickly become cluttered with many joint boxes on
display. It is important that you do not delete these boxes. To clear
the display, the joint box can be hidden as follows:
30
The Advance Steel Interface
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 4-7
Select objects: Select the objects that you want to delete and
press <Enter> to complete the command.
32
The Advance Steel Interface
4.6 Undo
As with most applications an Undo command is available in the
Autodesk Advance Steel software. The software commands often
perform several operations at the same time. Therefore, you
frequently need to perform several Undo commands to reverse one
Autodesk Advance Steel command. However, you need to be
careful because there is NO REDO in the Autodesk Advance Steel
software.
Figure 4-8
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
For this reason it is A Node snap is placed at either end of every system line, every
recommended that corner of a plate, either end of every grid line, and the reference point
you only have the of every beam or plate feature.
Node snap active for
running objects snaps
A Center snap is placed in the geometric center of a plate
and use object snaps
overrides (regardless of its shape).
(<Shift>+right-click) for
any other The following two Object Snap types are only available in the
requirements. Autodesk Advance Steel software.
Flange Middle: Finds the midpoint of the outer edge of a
beam flange.
Grid Intersection: Finds the point at which two Autodesk
Advance Steel grid lines cross (ignoring any other object
types).
Figure 4-9
34
The Advance Steel Interface
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
3D Coordinates
World Coordinates
User Coordinate System
When to Use a UCS
36
Coordinate Systems
5.1 3D Coordinates
To locate points in space, the distance from a fixed point is measured
in three directions corresponding to the three dimensions of the
world. These directions are labeled X, Y and Z. When working in 2D
CAD you only use X and Y. In 3D you need to add the Z-direction.
Figure 5-1
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
If you have set a UCS you can return to the WCS at any time using
the UCS World icon in the UCS category in the Advance Steel Tool
Palette.
Figure 5-1
38
Coordinate Systems
Figure 5-3
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Move UCS
This command moves the current origin to a new location.
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the UCS category, click
(Move UCS).
Specify a new origin point <0, 0, 0>: Select a new origin point
on the screen or enter the coordinates of the required new
position.
UCS at Object
Use this command to place the UCS on the surface of an existing
object in the model. The axes are also aligned according to the
object.
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the UCS category, click
(UCS at object).
40
Coordinate Systems
When selecting the object at the first prompt, if the entire object is
displayed on the screen, the triads are placed around the entire
object on key surfaces and points. For example, in an I beam this
would be the center of the top surface of the top flange, center of the
bottom surface of the bottom flange, center of either surface of the
web, and center of each end.
Figure 5-4
Figure 5-5
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
UCS View
This command sets the UCS so that it matches the current view. This
is useful to know when using the Autodesk Advance Steel software
to create isometric views in drawings.
First
Orientate the model on the screen as needed.
Then
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the UCS category, click
(UCS View).
The UCS is rotated so that the Z-axis points straight out of the screen
at the viewer and the X-axis points to the right.
42
Coordinate Systems
To identify how to set the UCS appropriately for the command you
are about to use, read the tooltip that displays when you hover over
the icon.
Figure 5-6
Figure 5-7
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
44
Building Grids
Command finished.
Single Axis
This command creates a single grid line in any direction on the
current XY plane.
Please define end points of the grid line. Start point: Select a
point or enter coordinates for the start of your line.
The line is drawn and the Grid Properties dialog box opens.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Please define end points of the grid line. Start point: Select a
point or enter coordinates for the start of your first grid line.
The grid is drawn and the Grid Properties dialog box opens.
In the Objects tab > Grid panel, click (Grid with groups by
distance).
Please define end points of the grid line. Start point: Select a
point or enter coordinates for one end of the first grid line. For
example, enter 0, 0.
End point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the other end
of the first grid line.
46
Building Grids
The grid is drawn and the Grid Properties dialog box opens.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
The line is drawn and the Curved Grid Line Properties dialog
box opens.
48
Building Grids
Figure 6-2
Total tab:
o Use the dimensions to change the overall size of the grid.
The spacing of the last grid line(s) is reduced if the size is
reduced and extra lines are added if the size is increased.
Group tab: The grid is divided into groups of lines with equal
spacing.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
o Name: Enter a new label for the grid line. It does not have
an effect if Automatic Label is still selected in the Total
tab.
Grid labels are not The only type of Grid Line that has different properties is a curved
ordinary text, but are Grid Line. The Total tab of the properties is replaced by a Curved tab
special objects. They that is very similar, but displays the radius of the line rather than the
resize automatically as overall grid size. The other options in this tab work as they do for
you zoom in and out of straight grid lines. The Sequence and Single Grid Line tabs do not
the model. The size of exist.
the text in the model is
not the same as the
size in a finished
drawing view.
50
Building Grids
Delete Axis
This command removes a single grid line from a group of lines
without affecting the spacing of the remaining lines.
In the Objects tab > Grid panel, click (Delete axis).
The new lines are drawn at the specified spacing. The existing lines
are moved up by the total overall size of the new lines (e.g., 3 lines
at 1500 = 4500) and the full grid gets larger.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
single grid line, but can select more than one AutoCAD
elements.
Select grid line that is to be cut: Select the portion of the grid
lines that you want to cut off and accept. The lines are only
cut after you accept.
52
Building Grids
Please define the insertion point for the level symbol: Select a
point at which to place the symbol.
The level symbol is placed and the Properties dialog box opens.
Figure 6-3
Current tab
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Global tab
All of the level symbols in a model share the same Global Datum
Level.
54
Building Grids
Draw the main building grid and the different grid for the mezzanine.
Grid A1 is at the WCS origin. Ensure that you match the position,
directions, and labeling in the drawings.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Structural Frames
Draw a Portal Frame
Place Sections
Beam Properties
Draw Beams and Sections
56
Basic Structures
Figure 7-1
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Sections tab
Note: The images in the dialog box help to clarify the available
options.
58
Basic Structures
Figure 7-2
Gable Frame
A gable frame is a Portal frame with extra columns across its width.
To create a Gable Frame, first create a Portal frame.
Figure 7-3
Gable sections tab: Set the section, size, and position of the
extra gable posts.
Gable distances tab: Set the number and spacing of any extra
gable posts that are required.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Mono-pitch Frame
A Mono-pitch frame has a single rafter spanning the entire width
rather than two rafters meeting at an apex, as in the Portal frame.
In the Home tab > Extended Modeling panel, click (Mono-
Pitch Frame).
Please select base point for the first column: Select a point or
enter coordinates for the base of the first column.
Please select top point for the second column: Select a point
or enter coordinates for the top of the second column.
The frame is drawn with a horizontal rafter and the Mono pitch
Properties dialog box opens.
Set Out tab: Set the frame width and column heights as
needed.
Figure 7-4
60
Basic Structures
3. Draw the frame between grids A1 and A3. Ensure that you match
the sections and dimensions to the structure.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Straight Beam
For a straight beam the method is the same no matter what section
type you want to create, but there are different icons for each generic
family of sections.
Select the required family of sections in the Home tab >
Objects panel, expanding the Rolled I Section drop-down list.
Figure 7-5
62
Basic Structures
Continuous Beam
The Continuous Beam Command allows you to create linked beams
continuously. The command stops if you press
the <Esc> or <Enter> keys or if you click the right button on your
mouse.
Figure 7-5
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Curved Beams
A curved beam of any section can be placed as follows:
End point: Select a point for the other end of the beam.
Circle point: Select a point between the other two points for
the beam to go through.
The beam is created in the last section type used. The Beam
Properties dialog box opens enabling you to select the section and
other required properties. An additional Radius option is located in
the Positioning tab.
Curved beams display as faceted on the model, but are always
recognized as true curved beams in the drawings. This display is for
performance purposes.
Beam from Line
If you need to create many beams, you might find it convenient to lay
out all of the beam paths with ordinary AutoCAD elements and then
convert them into beams. Any AutoCAD Line, Arc, or Polyline can
be converted into a beam.
In the Home tab > Objects panel, click (Beam from line).
The selected elements are all converted into individual beams with
the same properties. If you selected polylines, each segment of the
polyline is an independent beam (compare this with Beam from
Polyline).
64
Basic Structures
Figure 7-6
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 7-7
Each icon pre-selects the stated manufacturer, but the rest of the
functionality is the same as any other straight beam.
66
Basic Structures
Figure 7-8
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Positioning tab
Figure 7-9
Warning: For non- o Offset: Select how you want the beam to be positioned
symmetrical sections, relative to the selected points. The image of your beam
such as Channels, type has 10 positions from which you can select. Nine of
Angles, and T these positions represent the four corners, the middle of
sections, the the four sides, and the center. The tenth dot represents the
positions in the
Centre of Gravity of the section. Normally vertical
middle of each side
line up with the center
members, such as columns, are placed using the Center
of gravity and position. Horizontal members, such as floor beams, are
therefore are often typically placed using the Top Middle position.
NOT in the middle of
that side.
Note: A line is drawn between the two selected points. It is called
the System Line and does not move when you select these
position offsets. The beam moves around the line. Always draw
the system line between your nominal design points and enable
the Autodesk Advance Steel software to determine the detail.
68
Basic Structures
If you want to align top flange is parallel with the current UCS XY or YZ plane.
one beam with The angle setting always displays zero when the dialog
another at an box is first opened and this corresponds to the current
unknown angle (such position of the section.
as having roof beams
align with rafters),
Naming tab: Displays the Single Part and Assembly numbers
rather than trying to
find the correct angle of the part plus additional identification, such as lot/phase and
to enter, set the UCS Model Role.
to match the other
beam (UCS at
Object) before
placing this beam.
The flanges align
automatically.
Figure 7-10
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 7-11
70
Basic Structures
Figure 7-12
o Assembly properties
- Approval status
- Approval status code
- Approval comment
- Load number - delivery note number
- Carrier
- Shipped date
- Delivery date
o Object properties
- Fabrication station
- Supplier
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
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Basic Structures
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Overview
Layer Management
Common Basic CAD Editing Commands
Transform Elements
Advance Copy/Rotate/Array
Advance Trim/Extend
74
Simple Editing
8.1 Overview
For convenience, the common Autodesk Advance Steel editing
commands are located in the Advance Steel Tool Palette. They are
Copy, Copy & Rotate 2D, Copy & Rotate 3D, Copy & Mirror 2D,
Copy & Mirror 3D, Copy with Adjustment, Rectangular Array,
and Polar Array.
Figure 8-1
Advance Trim/Extend
It is not always easy to model objects correctly the first time. You
might want to move, rotate, or change the length of a section.
Alternatively, if you have a number of similar objects it might be
easier to make one and copy it rather than modeling each one
individually.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
76
Simple Editing
Figure 8-2
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Move the end of a beam when you missed the snap point
during creation. (Drag the grip at the end.)
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Simple Editing
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
If the objects are part of a joint (e.g., the Portal frame) and you
want the result to be part of a joint rather than individual elements
(i.e., three more Portal frames, rather than many beams) ensure
that you select the joint box as part of the operation.
Figure 8-3
80
Simple Editing
The edits are done. You can zoom, rotate, and pan as needed to
inspect the result, but do not select another command.
All of the new objects that have been created during transform are
independent of the originals. Any joints created maintain their full
intelligence.
Therefore, to copy the complete Portal frame with joints from grid
lines A to B, C, and D, you would need to do the following:
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Select Objects: Select the joint box around the Portal frame
and the four main beams of the frame and accept.
Click Preview.
In each case the Transform Elements dialog box has buttons that
enable you to select points or offsets on screen using object snaps.
This way you can achieve the correct value according to the current
UCS, and have it relate to your operation. Always test your entries
using the Preview button rather than clicking OK immediately. If you
do need to undo a transformation, a number of Undo commands are
required.
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Simple Editing
Figure 8-4
Although these commands each have an icon, they behave the same
as when using the command in the Transform Elements command
and dialog box. They also use the last setting of the Include
additional connections option in the Transform Elements dialog
box.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
If you use the Auto mode to trim a beam, the side of the boundary
object that is the shortest is the end that is cut off, regardless of the
side that you select. If you use the Trim mode, the beam is cut on the
side of the boundary object that you select. In the following example,
the blue beam is the cutting boundary. The brown beam is selected
to cut at the point at which the cursor is displayed. The result with
84
Simple Editing
Auto mode is shown in the middle. The result with Trim mode is
shown on the right.
Figure 8-5
The Autodesk Advance Steel software does not actually need the
system lines or beams to meet each other, fall short of each other,
or even cross: when a joint is placed it adjusts the lengths of the
beams (not the system lines) to suit. You do not need to edit the
system lines to the exact length of the finished machined member,
although it is preferable if it is close. If one of the members is
subsequently edited, the joint automatically adjusts the length of both
beams as required. Therefore, you do not need to use this command
very often. However, if the system line is noticeably different from the
finished beam length it could have a negative effect on drawing
quality.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Connection Vault
Joint Properties
Repeating Joints
Joint Library
Joint Groups
Add Joints
86
Automatic Joints
Figure 9-1
The vault has three panes. The pane on the left contains a list of the
many types of joints in a category type structure. Use the category
symbols to expand and collapse the groups of related joints.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Making a Connection
An intelligent connection is made between two or three beams as
follows:
Please select the main beam ~> Select objects: Select the
beam that is NOT going to change length.
After selecting the inputs, a small alert box might open prompting you
that Template values were not found. Take defaults of the
connection. This is for information only. Click the OK button to
proceed.
Figure 9-2
88
Automatic Joints
To help you to identify the option or parameter that you need to set
to adjust a specific dimension or position, each tab in the Properties
displays an image of the various numbered dimensions. The
property options in that tab have corresponding numbers. Find the
numbered dimension in the image and enter the required value in the
field with the same number. For example, if the overall length of the
end plates is dimension 3 you need to adjust it using the value in the
3. Length: field.
Figure 9-3
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
The sizes of the end plates or other plates that are created by a joint
can be set in several ways.
Projections: With this option set you can control the amount
by which the plate overhangs the section on each side. If the
section is edited and changed later, the plate size and the
spacing in the joint change automatically to maintain the same
projection dimensions.
Total Size: If you use this option you can directly set the
overall size of the plate. If the section to which the plate is
fixed changes, the plate size does not update but remains at
the set size.
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Automatic Joints
Figure 9-4
The Bolt type and diameter can be set in the Bolts and Holes tab.
The Autodesk Advance Steel software has pre-defined
combinations of nuts, bolts, and washers and you can only select
one of them. Select the Bolt Type, such as XOX or Set Screw. Each
type of bolt has specific combinations of nuts and bolts (such as
Standard or Nut and 2 Washers) that are valid and you must select
one of them in the Bolt Assembly box. The bolt diameter can be set
in the Diameter field. The bolt length is automatically selected from a
list of standard bolt lengths that have been defined in the software.
The options and dimensions controlling the plate sizes in joints are
often located in the same tabs as those for the bolts. For example, in
a Single Sided End Plate Joint the plate sizes are on the Horizontal
Bolts and Vertical Bolts tabs along with the bolt options.
Other Options
Most joints have options for cutting the plates created and/or the
beams involved around other members. In general there is a set of
options for Notches that enable you to control the clearances that are
required for each case.
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Figure 9-5
In most cases the plates or other sections that are created as part of
a joint are welded to one or another member of the joint. The sizes
of these welds might need to vary to suit the section and loading and
this can be done in the Welds tab.
Depending on the type of joint there might be extra options that are
unique to that type of joint. For example, a Base Plate can have a
Shear Anchor or Leveling Plates and an Eaves Haunch can have
an Additional Rafter to create wider eaves. These options typically
have an extra tab in the Joint Properties dialog box. The first option
on the tab is generally a tick box to enable the option, although this
might be located on another tab.
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Automatic Joints
Regardless of the method used to create a joint, you can use the
Autodesk Advance Joint Properties to alter its parameters later. All
of the joints remain independent of each other.
Repeat Rule
If you want to create another joint of the same type, but not
necessarily with the same parameters, you can use the Repeat Rule
command instead of using the Connection Vault again.
This places the joint and opens the Joint Properties dialog box I
which you can set the required parameters.
Joint Copy
If you want to add another joint with the same type and parameters
as an existing joint to your model, you can use the Create by
template command.
(Create by template).
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Please select source joint: Select any member of the joint that
you want to copy and accept.
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Automatic Joints
Note: Do not try to place too many of variations in one move. While
the command is good at identifying different orientations or
configurations, if you include too many in one command, problems
can occur.
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Figure 9-6
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Automatic Joints
Once applied, there is no link between the joint parameters and the
Library. Therefore, you can override any setting without affecting
any other joints or the table.
Place the joint that you want to store and set all of its
parameters as required.
Figure 9-7
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Figure 9-8
Locate your entry in the table. New entries are usually, but not
always, at the bottom of the table. New entries display a dash
in the Comment column.
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Automatic Joints
When joints are in a joint group, one joint is the master and the others
in the group are slaves and must always match the master. Any
changes to the master joint are immediately applied to all of the slave
joints. If you open the Advance Joint Properties dialog box for a slave
joint you can note all of the settings for the options, but they are all
grayed out and disabled to prevent editing.
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Please select source joint: Select any member of the joint that
you want to copy and accept.
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Automatic Joints
Select Joint: Select any member of the joint that you want to
add to the group and accept. You can only add ONE joint at a
time with this command.
Upgrade to Master
When you want to change the configuration of joints in a group you
must edit the master joint because all of the editing of the slave joints
is disabled. However, you might not know which joint is the master.
If so, you have several options:
You can use the Search Filter to search for a joint that is a
master.
Or
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You can use the joint properties of any joint in the group and
select the Upgrade to Master option on the front page of the
Properties dialog box.
Figure 9-9
When you select Upgrade to Master, the current joint becomes the
master of the joint group, enabling you to edit any of the properties
in the current Joint Properties dialog box.
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Automatic Joints
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Introduction
Coping or Notching Beams
Shorten at UCS
Cut at Object
Cope
Parametric Cope Joint
Beam Clearance
Contour Features
Editing Features
Miter
Splitting and Joining Beams
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Beam Features
10.1 Introduction
When a section is first drawn, it is recommended that it is drawn
between easy design points. However, this results in many sections
clashing at their intersections. When you place joints from the
Connection Vault, the sections are shaped around each other to
avoid clashes and space is made for the connection plates. This is
done by creating Beam Features that modify the shape of the beam.
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Figure 10-1
This file has been created to enable you to practice Beam Features
and to demonstrate specific points.
106
Beam Features
click (Shorten).
Figure 10-2
This is not intended to Reference: The amount to remove from the beam length
change the nominal (enter a negative number to increase the length).
length or end point of
a beam, but only to Y: Enter a value (in degrees) to rotate the cut about the Y-axis
adjust the end by a of the section (zero = perpendicular to the section).
relatively small
amount to allow for
joint plates, etc. Z: Enter a value (in degrees) to rotate the cut about the Z-axis
of the section (zero = perpendicular to the section).
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108
Beam Features
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110
Beam Features
Section to cut: Select the section that you want to cut and
accept.
The second section is cut back to where it meets the flange o the first
beam and the Properties dialog box opens.
Figure 10-3
Cut tab (Create Weld): Select this if you want the two
sections to be welded together with a standard fillet weld.
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2. Use Cut at Object where the other red beam meets the blue
beam.
112
Beam Features
10.5 Cope
The previous commands all cut straight across the section. However,
you often need to be able to only cut a corner from a section, such
as when notching around another beam. You can use the Cope
command to do so.
click (Cope).
Figure 10-4
Shape tab
o Radius: Set the fillet radius for the corner of the cut.
This notch is always o Boring Out: Change the type of relief in the corner of the
square to the section. cut.
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Cope, skewed
If you need a notch that is not square to the section you can use
the Notch, skewed command.
The cope is applied immediately and the Cope Properties dialog box
opens.
Figure 10-5
Shape tab
o Distance from Axis: Set the distance from the system line
of the beam at which the cut should stop.
114
Beam Features
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116
Beam Features
Figure 10-6
Use the options in the Parameters tab to set the gap between
the two members in each direction. You can also add corner
relief for the cuts.
In the Welds tab you can select the option to weld the two
beams together.
This creates a shortening and two copes (and other cuts for the
corners if needed). These individual features are combined into the
Parametric Cope joint.
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Please select the cutting beam: ~> Select objects: Select the
beam that you want to cut around and accept.
Figure 10-7
Parameters tab
118
Beam Features
This creates a single shaped cut through the modified beam (and a
shortening if that is selected). This joint has more power than the
Parametric Cope joint and is the preferred option in most cases.
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120
Beam Features
Select main beam: Select the beam that you do not want to
move and press <Enter>.
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122
Beam Features
Essentially, they all work in the same way. The UCS XY plane must
be parallel to the face that you want to cut (the web or flange of the
section).
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Second point: Select a point for the opposite corner of the cut
out.
The cut is placed immediately at the defined size and the Contour
Processing Properties dialog box opens.
Please select the center of the beam cope: Select a point for
the center of the cut out.
Circle radius: Select a point for the radius of the cut out.
The cut is placed immediately at the defined size and the Contour
Processing Properties dialog box opens.
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Beam Features
Polygon Contour
It enables you to create a shaped cut out in a beam. The edges of
the shape can be straight lines or arcs.
The shape that you have defined is cut through the beam and the
Contour Processing Properties dialog box opens.
You can draw the required shape as a polyline before using this
command, if you prefer. At the Please specify start point or select
[Polyline(s)]: prompt, enter P for Polyline and select the polyline to
cut the predefined shape out of the beam.
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Figure 10-8
Shape tab
o For a circular contour, set the Radius value for the size of
the cut out.
Positioning tab
Contour tab
126
Beam Features
Corner Finish tab: Set the radii in the corners of the cut out.
When a contour is created it is usually infinitely deep in both
directions (Side 1 and Side 2 are not selected). When working on
the web of a section, this does not matter. If you are working on the
flange of a section the cut goes through both flanges. To only have
the cut go through one flange, you need to select one of the Side 1
or Side 2 options and enter a depth (e.g., start with 20). It is not easy
to determine the direction of Side 1 or Side 2, so you have to
experiment.
It does not matter The depth is measured from the system line of the section.
which command was Therefore, if the system line is on an outer edge of the section (such
used to create the as the top center of a floor beam) both flanges are on the same side
rectangular or circular of the system line. In this case to prevent the cut going through the
contour. The Position flange nearest to the system line, you need to select one of the sides
relative to the and enter a negative depth (e.g., -20). The effect of the depth is more
selected point can still
apparent if your cut crosses the web of a section.
be set in the Position
tab. Therefore, if you
need a cut out but
only know one
reference point (such
as that the middle of
one end of the
rectangle must line up
with the node at the
end of a beam), use
the By center option
to create the cut out
and then change the
position in the
Positioning tab.
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2. Try cutting the flange of the blue beam where the yellow beam
cuts it.
3. Try cutting the flange of the green beam where the blue beam
cuts it. Ensure that you only cut one flange.
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Beam Features
Presentation Type
The green shape is often not displayed. To edit the feature you must
display the shape first. Alternatively, there might be many green
shapes in the display and you might want to hide them. The cut out
in the beam is always displayed, regardless of whether the green
shape is displayed or not. Several options are available for changing
the display of the features:
First
Then
Figure 10-9
Or
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 10-10
Or
If you want to hide all of the beam features in the model you can do
the following:
130
Beam Features
10.10 Miter
Another available joint type is to miter two beams together. This cuts
the beams straight across at a bisecting angle and then optionally
welds them together.
click (Miter).
Or
Figure 10-9
Section to cut against: Select the first beam that you want to
edit and accept.
Section to cut: Select the second beam that you want to edit
and accept.
The beams are cut at the bisecting angle and the Miter Properties
dialog box opens. If you want the beams to be welded together you
must select Create Weld in the Cut tab.
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Split Beams
In the Objects tab > Beams panel, click (Split Beams).
Select beam_~>Select objects: Select the beam that you want
to cut.
The cuts are made and you are returned to the Command
Prompt.
Merge Beams
It joins two or more beams into one. The beams must be in line, meet
end to end, and be of the same section.
Select beam: ~> Select objects: Select all of the beams that
you want to make into one and accept.
If they meet end to end, the beams are converted into a single object.
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Beam Features
2. Modify the tops of the top of the RHS columns on grid C4 and
D4 ready for the joint, as shown in the drawings.
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Chapter 11 - Plates
Flat Plates
Plate Properties
Folded Plates
Gratings
134
Plates
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Please define the start point of the plate's diagonal line: Select
a point for one corner of the plate.
Please define the end point of the plate's diagonal line: Select
a point for the opposite corner of the plate.
A single plate is created with its corners on the selected points. The
Plate Properties dialog box opens.
136
Plates
A plate is created between the three points and the Plate Properties
dialog box opens.
Polygon Plate
It enables you to create a plate of any shape with straight edges.
A plate is created using the defined shape, the size is defined, and
the Plate Properties dialog box opens.
Plate at Polyline
It enables you to create a plate of any shape (including curved
edges), by converting a standard AutoCAD Polyline.
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Circular Plate
If you want to create a circular or ring-shaped plate, you can do so
with this command.
The Create Circular Plate dialog box opens. Set the Outer
Diameter, Inner Diameter, and Thickness as needed and
click the OK button.
Figure 10-1
Your plate is created with its center point at the current UCS origin.
The plate that is created is a square plate with plate features for
creating the curved edges and hole as required.
138
Plates
Figure 11-2
Positioning tab
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Please identify the plate to connect to: Select the plate that is
not going to move when folded.
A fold is modeled between the plates and the Folded Plate Fold
Line Properties dialog box opens.
Any plate features that already exist in the individual pieces of plate
are preserved and remain in the correct position relative to the piece
of plate.
In the Objects tab > Plates panel, click (Folded Plate with
position adjustment).
140
Plates
Any plate features that already exist in the individual pieces of plate
are preserved and remain in the correct positions relative to the piece
of plate.
When setting the sizes of individual plates remember to allow for the
plate thickness in your required final dimensions. The individual
plates on the left are aligned before the fold is applied.
Figure 11-3
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Select contour: Select the polyline for the top of the cone and
accept.
Select contour: Select the polyline for the bottom of the cone
and accept.
Figure 11-4
Click the OK button when you have set the required options.
142
Plates
Please select the second entity: Select the element for the
other edge of your plate near the same end.
Figure 11-5
Click the OK button when you have set the required values.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
selected are coplanar, the result is a single flat plate (no facets) of
the required shape.
If you select a flat piece of plate and select Advance Properties the
normal Plate Properties dialog box opens.
If you select the curved portion of plate between two flats and select
Advance Properties the Fold Line Properties dialog box opens.
Figure 11-6
144
Plates
If you select the fold between two flat segments of plate and press
<Delete>, the fold is deleted and the flat segments are no longer
joined.
Check Unfolding
When creating folded plates it would be possible to model something
that could not be developed into one sheet of material. To ensure
that you have not done so, you can use the Check Unfolding
command.
Please select folded plate: Select the folded plate that you
want to check.
<Y>: prompt:
Once you have finished with the unfolded outline you can remove it
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11.4 Gratings
In the Autodesk Advance Steel software, a Grating is special kind
of plate. There are special commands for drawing the grating, but
after creation it can be modified, etc., in the same way as any other
plate. Gratings are modeled as a flat plate shape, but are visually
distinguished by the hatch pattern that is applied to one surface. The
details of the hatch pattern are representative and do not match the
exact specification of the grating.
Standard Grating
It creates a model of a standard grating panel.
Pick a point to locate the grating: Select a point for the center
of the grating panel.
Figure 11-7
146
Plates
A grating is modeled with the straight edges of the shape you have
defined and the Variable Grating Properties dialog box opens.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 11-8
For a Variable Grating you can set a custom span direction. When
created, a span direction that is parallel to the UCS X-axis is set. You
can modify this setting, if required.
Locate the grip at the end of the symbol and select it.
Move the grip until the required span direction is indicated and
click again.
148
Plates
Figure 11-9
4. This requires that the four plates be turned into a folded plate
and then a conical folded plate be created based on the yellow
polyline and circle provided.
6. Add plates to the top of the RHS columns on grid C4 and D4,
as shown in the drawings.
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Contour Features
Contour Processing Properties
Plate Contour Features Non UCS
Chamfers and Fillets
Dividing and Joining Plates
150
Plate Features
As with beams, you might need to cut holes or shapes into plates.
This is done using Plate Features.
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A rectangular cut out is created in the plate between the two selected
points and the Contour Processing Properties dialog box opens.
Please select the center of the plate cope: Select a point for
the center of your cut.
152
Plate Features
Please select the center of the plate cope: Select a point for
the center of your cut out.
A circular cut out is created at the specified position and size and the
Contour Processing Properties dialog box opens.
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Element Contour
It makes a cut through a plate around a section.
Please identify the object to cut to: Select the section to cut
around.
The cut is created matching the shape of the selected section and
the Contour Processing Properties dialog box opens.
154
Plate Features
Figure 12-1
Shape tab
Positioning tab
Contour tab
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156
Plate Features
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Figure 12-2
158
Plate Features
Corner Cut
Cuts a corner from your plate by selecting near the corner that you
want to cut.
Figure 12-2
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Bevel Cut
It Cuts a chamfer along one of the long edges of the plate.
Please identify object: Select the plate edge that you want to
remove.
Note that Weld preparations are not usually displayed on the model
in shaded views. If you want to display them you must set the Display
Type of the plate to Exact with Weld Preparations.
Figure 12-3
160
Plate Features
The plate is immediately divided into two pieces with the specified
cut.
In the Home tab > Objects panel, click (Split plate at lines).
Select plate ~> Select objects: Select the plate that you want
to cut and accept.
The plate is immediately cut into two pieces along the selected
line(s).
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Merge Plates
It combines multiple plates with common edges into a single plate.
Select plate ~> Select objects: Select the plates that you want
to combine and accept.
Note that each plate must share at least one edge with one of the
other selected plates.
162
Connection Elements
Bolts
Bolt Properties
Anchors
Welds
Edit connected Objects
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13.1 Bolts
To connect separate objects together when manufacturing or
assembling structures welds and bolts must be used. Various tools
can be used to create them in your Autodesk Advance Steel
models.
The commands for placing Bolts are also used to place Anchors,
Empty Holes, or Shear Studs. The type of object that is currently
placed depends on the setting of the switch. The icon next to the
switch indicates which mode is active.
When a bolt pattern is created, the holes to be used by the bolts are
created automatically.
Rectangle, 2 Points
Places a rectangular pattern of bolts based on two points that define
the position and spacing.
Lower left corner: Select a point for one corner of your bolt
pattern.
164
Connection Elements
Start point: Select a point for one corner of your bolt pattern.
A pattern of bolts is placed and the Bolts Properties dialog box
opens.
Central point: Select a point for one corner of your bolt pattern.
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A circular pattern of bolts is placed and the Bolt Properties dialog box
opens.
Shift Bolts/Holes
Sometimes, depending on how the sections were created, a bolt
pattern might display in the wrong flange of a section. This can be
corrected using this command.
166
Connection Elements
Figure 13-1
Definition tab
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If you want to place a o Number X and Number Y: Sets the number of bolts in
single bolt in the that direction.
middle of an area, but
there is no center o Total Length and Total Width: The size of the area that
point to snap to, use you have defined.
Rectangle, 2 Points
instead. Select the
corners of the area in
o Intermediate Distance X and Y: The space between the
which you want to bolts in each direction.
place the bolt and set
the Number X and o Edge Distance X and Y: The distance from the edge of
Number Y values to the selected area to the first bolt.
1. One bolt is added
to the middle of the o Changing one value recalculates the others. Total Length
area. = (Number X * Intermediate Distance X) + (2 * Edge
Distance X). You would not normally want to change the
For threaded holes, a
Total sizes, but can use the other values to create the
hole tolerance of zero
must be set to ensure
required bolt pattern in the specified area.
that the correct thread
is displayed on the Size tab: Only used for Circular patterns. Set the Radius and
drawings. However, a Number of Bolts.
zero clearance hole
displays as a clash Hole Definition tab: Overrides the general hole tolerance and
during Collision hole type for a specific member of the joint.
Checks. You have to
recognize and ignore o Part: Select the part in which you want to change the hole.
these clashes.
The selected part is highlighted in red in the model.
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Connection Elements
13.3 Anchors
Anchors work in the same way as bolts. When using a Base Plate
type joint, Anchors are placed automatically instead of bolts.
If you have bolts or The range of Anchors includes hooked anchors of various shapes.
welds that do not To control the direction in which the hook is added you can edit the
connect to anything in Anchor group and change the setting in the Orientation tab.
your model, they can
be located when you
do a Technical
Check.
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13.4 Welds
Although the weld beads are not actually modeled it is vital that welds
are identified correctly in the model to be able to add the correct
information to drawings and to identify fabricated assemblies.
Welds are identified in the model by pink crosses. They are only
displayed in the 2D Wire Frame visual style.
Weld Point
To insert a weld manually, use the Weld Point command.
In the Objects tab > Connection Objects panel, click
(Weld Point).
Figure 13-2
170
Connection Elements
Weld main tab: Defines the symbol for a weld placed on the
arrow side.
Weld double tab: Defines the symbol for a weld placed on the
far side of the arrow.
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172
Connection Elements
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2. Add the required Bolts and Welds to the joints at the top of the
RHS columns on grid C4 and D4, as shown in the drawings.
174
Custom Connections
Introduction
Modeling the Custom Connection
Building Bricks
Creating a Connection Template
Insert a Connection Template
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14.1 Introduction
It is not always possible to use a joint from the Connection Vault for
your situation. However, while the situation might be uncommon in
the industry, you might want to use that configuration many times.
To do so you can create a Custom Connection to suit your needs.
You can also use a Custom Connection when you have a common
arrangement of several beams and joints that are often repeated,
such as the bottom of a hip rafter. Different people have different
solutions for connecting the bottom of the hip rafter. One variation
would be to create a cross beam at an angle, add a simple
connection on either end of the cross beam, and then add a simple
connection between the hip rafter and the cross beam. The entire
arrangement of cross beam and three joints could be created as a
custom connection so that it is quick and easy to place in future.
Figure 14-1
176
Custom Connections
Figure 14-2
In this example the red members are part of the Custom Connection,
which has a blue joint box rather than a gray one.
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178
Custom Connections
Instead, you could use one of the Building Bricks in the Custom
Connections Palette. In this example, you would select the Plate
Along Beam Flange brick. It places one or two plates on the flanges
of a beam at the selected end. The plate size and position is
controlled in the Properties dialog box and the gap between the
plates is self-adjusting to the two flanges of the beam.
Figure 14-3
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Figure 14-4
180
Custom Connections
Ensure that all of the features and joint boxes related to the objects
in your joint are displayed.
Figure 14-5
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 14-6
Click the Select output objects button and select ALL the
objects that relate to your connection, including beams,
plates, features, welds, bolts, and joint boxes.
Figure 14-7
When finished with the input, close the dialog box. A blue joint
box should display around the sample joint.
182
Custom Connections
Figure 14-7
Before you can use the new Custom connection in another model,
you must save the model with the sample connection in the following
path (this example is for USA, for other country installations, the
folder name changes from USA to INT, AUS, GBR, etc.):
C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Advance Steel
2018\USA\Shared\ConnectionTemplates
Name the file with a recognizable name so that you can easily
identify it later.
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Figure 14-8
The joint is placed. In the limits of the joint definition and the parts it
contains, the joint works in any orientation and updates according to
the members on it has been placed.
The User Template Properties dialog box contains the Allow Object
Modification option.
Figure 14-9
If you select this option you can use most of the editing functions on
any part in the joint. For example, you can move the cross beam up
184
Custom Connections
or down in the Hip Rafter joint example. You can also access the
Joint Properties for any Building Bricks or full Joints that are included
in the User Template and edit the properties as required, such as
changing the bolt spacing.
If you select the blue joint box or any part in the custom joint and
select Custom Connection Properties, the User Template dialog
box opens, enabling you to toggle Allow object modification on or
off.
After placing your first User Connection you can use the Joint Copy
and Joint Group commands as required, to work efficiently when
placing the joint in multiple locations.
Figure 14-11
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Bracing
Stairs
Hand Rails
Cage Ladders
Cladding
3D Drawing Tips
186
Structural Elements
15.1 Bracing
In addition to the Portal Frame and Mono-Pitch Frame tools
discussed in Chapter 7, Basic Structures, many other useful macros
are available for creating common structural elements.
Set the UCS XY plane to the plane in which you want the bracing to
be located. Ensure that X is horizontal and Y is vertical.
Please select first point: Select the bottom left corner of the
area that you want to brace.
Please select second point: Select the top right of the area
that you want to brace.
The default bracing is created and the Bracing Properties dialog box
opens.
Figure 15-1
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Geometry tab
When adding bracing
between building o Number of fields: Set the number of sets of bracing that
columns you can pick you want to have within the selected area.
an area beneath floor
beams or eaves ties o Offset from top or bottom: Set this value to move the top
by selecting the node or bottom of your bracing up or down from the edge of the
points as normal and area. This is used to make the bracing miss a beam at the
using Offset from top or bottom of your area.
top or Offset from
Bottom to move the
corners of the bracing
into a clear space.
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Structural Elements
15.2 Stairs
Stairs are such common and important parts of a structure that the
Autodesk Advance Steel software has several macros for creating
different types of stairs.
In all cases ensure that the UCS is set with Z vertical. You can use
the WCS for all stairs.
Straight Stair
It creates a straight flight of stairs with an optional landing at thetop
and bottom. This is defined using two points at either end ofthe flight
of stairs (the angled portion, not the landings).
Figure 15-2
Give the first point for the stair: Select a point for the bottom
of the flight.
Give the second point for the stair: Select a point for the top
of the flight
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Figure 15-3
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Structural Elements
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Figure 15-4
A flight of stairs is created and the Saddle Stair Properties dialog box
opens.
Figure 15-5
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Structural Elements
Treads tab
Slope tab: Add further dimensions for the treads and stringers.
As with any macro, you can store your preferred settings in the
Table so you do not have to input the settings each time.
Spiral Stair
This command models a complete spiral or helical stair based on a
center point, height, direction, and radius.
Please select center point of the spiral: Select a point for the
center at the bottom of the flight.
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Figure 15-6
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Structural Elements
o Handrails tab group: Set the properties for the top and
middle handrails. See Handrails for more information.
As with any macro, you can store your preferred settings in the
Table so you do not have to input the settings each time.
Stair Joints
There are two special joints in the connection vault for stair footings.
They are Stairs and Railings > Stair Anchor Base Plate and Stair
Anchor Angle. These are used normally, but have different options
to a normal base plate joint, which are appropriate to the bottom of
stringers.
The joints Stair Endplate with notching and Stair Angle at the
top are intended for use on the top of the stair stringers, but in many
cases ordinary end plate or fin plate joints can be used.
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Structural Elements
Select base beams for railing ~> Select objects: Select the
sections to which you want to add the railing. They do not
have to be exactly end to end, but must make a sensible and
obvious path for the rail to follow.
Select start point of railing: Select the point at which you want
the railing to start (it does not have to be the end of a beam).
Select end point of railing: Select the point at which you want
the railing to finish (it does not have to be the end of a beam).
The default railing is created along the specified path and the
Railing Properties dialog box opens.
Figure 15-7
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Post > Post top handrail tab: Select the joint between the
posts and the top rail. It can be fitted, flush, or cap & stool.
Post > Post middle handrail tab: Select the joint between
the posts and the middle handrail(s).
Post > Post kickrail tab: Select the joint between the posts
and the kickrail, if there is one.
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Structural Elements
o Start and End extra length: Set where the middle rail
should end relative to the top hand rail. You can also
select to end at the last rail post.
Handrail > Kick plate tab: Select the section and spacing for
your kick rail. You can select whether to have a rail at all on
the horizontal or sloping sections of the rail.
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Post Fixing tab group: Set the parameters for how the railing
posts fix to the beams on which the railing is based.
Hang off rail tab group: Set the parameters for a hang off
rail if you want to add one.
As with any macro, you can store your preferred settings in the
Table to you do not have to input the settings each time. If the table
has an entry for the section size that is selected when placing the
rail, it automatically selects that specification of railing.
When selecting end points for the railing, special grips are placed at
these points. Alternatively, you can adjust the overall length of your
railing by moving these grips.
Figure 15-8
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Structural Elements
Handrail Joint
If you create two independent hand railings and then want to have
a smooth transition between them, you should use Stairs &
Railings > Handrail Joint in the Connection Vault.
Figure 15-9
Select first beam ~> Select objects: Select the first handrail
that you want to join and accept.
The rails are adjusted and the Handrails Joint Properties dialog box
opens.
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Figure 15-10
Select the type of joint that you want to use: Miter cut or Elbow, and
complete the properties as needed. If you select Elbow, the inserted
curved piece of beam matches the section of the first piece of rail.
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Structural Elements
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Set your UCS so that Z is vertical and Y is pointing toward the person
climbing the ladder.
Please select the start point of the ladder: Select a point for
the middle of the ladder at the bottom.
Figure 15-11
Ladder > Ladder tab: Set the basic sizes of the ladder.
Ladder > Sections tab: Select the required sections for the
stringer and rungs.
Ladder > Rung Distances tab: Set the spacing of the rungs.
Ladder > Ladder Exit tab: Six styles of ladder exit shape are
available, including Straight.
Ladder > Edit Dimensions tab: If you are not using a straight
exit you can set the properties here.
Cage > General tab: You can have no cage or use one of the
four shapes of cage on your ladder. Select the type and
properties on this tab.
Cage > Brace.... tabs: Use these tabs to set the properties of
the horizontal straps of the cage.
Cage > Bands... tabs: Use these tabs to control the properties
of the vertical straps of the cage.
Exit > Top Cage tab: If the main ladder cage exists but stops
at exit level you can use a different top cage around the ladder
exit. You can also select a cage that has exits on the side of
the ladder, rather than in front of the climber.
At this time the top cage can only exist if the ladder exit is set to
Straight.
As with any macro, you can store your preferred settings in the table
so that you do not have to input the settings each time.
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206
Structural Elements
15.5 Cladding
Many steel buildings are covered with standard cladding panels.
Similar standard panels can also be used for decking. These panels
are often complex shapes and must be placed at fixed pitches. To
model these objects easily, the Autodesk Advance Steel software
has a three-stage process for creating cladding.
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Create Claddings
The third and final stage is to create the cladding in the defined
areas.
In the Home tab > Extended Modeling panel, click (Create
Claddings).
The cladding panels are created and the Cladding Properties dialog
box opens.
Figure 15-12
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Structural Elements
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2D/3D Osnaps
When using snap points, to ensure that they are all on the current
drawing plane, use the 2D/3D Snap toggle
Cycle Select
After drawing the polyline it might be hard to select it when it is on
top of other objects. You can turn layers off to make this process
easier. You might also want to become familiar with AutoCAD
(Selection Cycling) in the Status Bar, located in the bottom right side
of the workspace. If you want to toggle it on, click (Customization)
to expand the menu in the Status Bar and select Selection Cycling.
Figure 15-13
210
Structural Elements
The Project Explorer is a tool that manages Model Views and other
objects.
Figure 15-14
Figure 15-15
o Enter the WCS Z-coordinate for the top of your level in the
Altitude dialog box.
Figure 15-16
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Or
Figure 15-17
The view is added to the Model Views list in Project Explorer. Levels
are activated immediately but other Model Views are not. To activate
a Model View, click the Light Bulb icon next to the name in Project
Explorer to toggle it on. Click the Light Bulb icon again to toggle it
off and everything should be displayed.
Figure 15-18
To ensure that no other settings are hiding objects and that the entire
structure is displayed, click Show All Elements.
Figure 15-19
You can close Project Explorer by clicking the small X in the top right
corner of the panel.
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Structural Elements
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Concrete Objects
Special Parts
214
Other Model Objects
Figure 16-1
They all work in the same way as steel beams and plates with the
following exceptions.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 16-2
216
Other Model Objects
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 16-3
218
Other Model Objects
o If this is the first time you are going to use the part, click
the browse button and locate the DWG file. If you have
already used the part in this model, you can select its
name in the Block Name drop-down list.
When you close the Properties dialog box the part is inserted.
The WCS axis in the part file is aligned with the current UCS in your
model.
Anything that can be Special Parts in your model are included in part numbering, bills of
turned into an materials, and weight calculations depending on the properties that
AutoCAD solid object have been set. In the model you can only snap to the insertion point
in a DWG file can be of the part (using the Insertion Point or Node Osnaps). If you need
used as a special other snap points, such as mounting hole centers, you can place
part. This can be any AutoCAD points in the special part file at the required points before
kind of 3D model that inserting it into your model. These points are then available as
AutoCAD can import. Osnaps in the Autodesk Advance Steel model.
A very common file
format that is
When creating drawings, Special parts only display in assembly or
recommended for the
transfer of 3D models general arrangement drawings depending on the drawing style
between systems is Automatic dimensions are only created to the insertion point, but you
ACIS (*.sat) files. can add extra manual dimensions to other points as needed. Detail
Most, if not all 3D drawings of Special Parts cannot be created.
modeling systems on
the market can export
to this format and the
AutoCAD software
can import it using the
ACISIN or Import
commands.
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220
Project Explorer
Introduction
Levels
Work Planes and Columns
Model Views
Queries
Groups
Show All Objects
Structures
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17.1 Introduction
When working on a project, you often need to display specific parts
of the structure without worrying about other parts. For example, you
might be working on a level in the middle of a structure and find that
it does not display clearly with the rest of the structure displayed.
Alternatively, you might want to isolate a wing of a building to display
it from all angles without the rest of the building being in the way.
You can use the Project Explorer to do this. It contains tools for
isolating selected objects on the screen based on various conditions.
Isolating the objects on screen makes it easier to see what you are
working on, reduces the processing load for handling the graphics of
the structure on screen, and makes it easier to select the required
objects when editing.
Figure 17-1
222
Project Explorer
17.2 Levels
The first type of view that is listed in the Project Explorer is Levels.
These are used to create a slice through your structure based on the
height in the WCS. They are useful in structures that have multiple
stories that each have a flat floor, such as mezzanines, racking, or
buildings.
Creating a Level
In the dialog box that opens, enter the details that are required
for the level.
Figure 17-2
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224
Project Explorer
Displaying a Level
The existing levels in your structure are listed on the top part of the
Model Views area in the Project Explorer.
Figure 17-3
Each level displays a Light Bulb icon in front of its name. Clicking
the Light Bulb icon toggles it on or off. When it is toggled ON, the
level is displayed.
Figure 17-3
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When more than one level has its light bulb toggled on, all of the
elements between the highest displayed level and the lowest base
level are displayed with everything in the middle. Therefore,
displaying Level 0 and Level 3 in a structure would display everything
from the WCS origin to Level 3, including Level 1 and Level 2 without
toggling them on.
Active Levels
When a new level is created it immediately becomes Active. An
Active level causes all of the sections drawn using the beam
commands, such as Rolled I Section, to have both ends of the
system line locked to the active level.
When drawing these objects you can select Osnap points with any
Z-coordinate and the Z is replaced with the current active level. For
example, if you are drawing a mezzanine floor you can activate a
level at the required height and then rotate it to a plan view. You can
then draw the floor beams in a plan view, selecting snaps at the
column center lines. You do not need to determine whether the snap
is at the top or bottom of the column because your beam is at the
defined height. Other object types are not affected by active levels.
If you edit the level later and change the altitude, all of the beams
associated that are with that level automatically move to the new
altitude. Any joints, etc., that have been applied to those beams
move as well to stay with the beams. Therefore, it is possible to
change the height of a floor and make all of the required edits in the
model quickly.
226
Project Explorer
Figure 17-4
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In the Work Planes tab there are two boxes with arrows pointing at a
column symbol. These specify the level on which a column top and
bottom should be placed. Therefore, it is possible to create columns
and walls that are intelligently locked to the required height.
Figure 17-5
In the list, select the required work plane for the top of a
column or wall.
228
Project Explorer
In the list, select the required work plane for the bottom of a
column or wall.
Figure 17-6
Click the circle symbol at the end of the top or bottom level icons to
clear that option. If there are no entries for the top and bottom, the
default value is used. This is normally zero to 3000mm in the
WCS Z-axis.
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230
Project Explorer
The display of a model view can be toggled on or off using the Light
Bulb in front of the name.
Figure 17-7
There are four ways in which a model view can be defined, each with
slightly different properties.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 17-8
Give view name: Type a name for the view and press <Enter>.
232
Project Explorer
Figure 17-9
Figure 17-10
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 17-11
Please select first point: Select one corner of the required view
in the XY plane.
Give view name: Enter the required name for your view (e.g.,
Balcony).
234
Project Explorer
Figure 17-12
Figure 17-13
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At Grid Line
If you have an Autodesk Advance Steel grid in your model, you can
create a model view directly based on one of the grid lines. In this
case, the length of the grid line defines the width of the view. The
depth of the view defaults to 500 on either side of the grid line. The
height of the view is unlimited.
At grid line.
Figure 17-14
Please select grid line: Select the required grid line or its label
and accept.
Give view name: Enter a name for the view (e.g., Grid C).
236
Project Explorer
Figure 17-15
At Joint Box
You might want to work on a specific joint and note that it is clearly
in isolation. This Model View is based on the joint box that is created
around any macro driven objects, such as Connection Vault joints,
User Connections, Stairs, Railings, etc.
At joint box.
Figure 17-16
Please select joint box: Select the joint box around the
required objects.
Give view name: Enter a name for your Model View (e.g.,
Stairs).
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Figure 17-17
238
Project Explorer
Figure 17-18
The size of the Model View is not restricted to the original creation
dimensions. Therefore, the four creation methods can be selected
based on the convenience of getting close to the required volume
and the box can then be adjusted.
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Figure 17-19
240
Project Explorer
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17.5 Queries
When working on a structure, you might need to locate various
objects based on specific properties. For example, you might want
to select all of the glass objects, all of the beams of a specific size,
all of the objects in a specific lot of phase, or all of the objects that do
not have a Model Role. To achieve this you should use the Search
Filter tool. If you want to save the search to use again, you can store
it in the Queries area in Project Explorer.
Search Filter
The Search Filter tool is used to search for objects in your model
that have specific properties. All of the Autodesk Advance Steel
properties of any given object type can be searched for. For example,
you can search for all of the objects in Lot 1.
o Objects tab: Select all the object types that you want to
search for. For example, if you are searching for glass
panels you need to search for plates and possibly folded
plates, but not any other object type. In the example of
searching for Lot 1, you need to find all of the object types
to which a lot or phase might have been assigned.
Therefore, you would select the following objects.
242
Project Explorer
Figure 17-20
Note that the criteria boxes have a NOT column in front of them. It is
possible to search for all of the objects that do not match specific
criteria. Therefore, you could search for everything that is NOT made
of glass by selecting the Material search box, selecting the NOT box
and selecting Glass as the material for which to search.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 17-21
This saves the search in the Queries list in the Project Explorer.
When you return to the Search Filter dialog box it remembers the
previously used search criteria. The tabs in which the search criteria
have been set are displayed in bold. You can execute the search
again by clicking the OK button or start a new search by clicking the
Reset Dialog button.
When a search is executed, the objects that fulfill the criteria are
Marked in red in the model. These marked objects can be selected
When you have finished with the search results you can remove the
244
Project Explorer
Figure 17-22
If you click the Light Bulb icon, the search is executed and all of the
objects in the model that do not match the results are hidden, leaving
only the matching objects displayed. Object marking is not done and
any existing marking is not affected. Toggling the Light Bulb off
restores the display of all of the objects on the screen.
Figure 17-23
Each time you execute the search the full model is searched again
and the results are new and current. If you change the properties of
objects while the results of a search are displayed, the results do not
update until you execute the search again in one of the two ways
above.
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If you want to edit the search criteria you can right-click on the name
and select Properties. The Search Filter dialog box opens and has
been completed according to the saved search. Change the search
criteria as needed and click the Save button to update the properties
of the saved query. If you change the criteria and click the OK button
without clicking the Save button, the saved query does not change.
246
Project Explorer
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17.6 Groups
The third and final collection in the Structures tab in Project Explorer
is Groups. These enable you to select any collection of objects by
any means and associate them to each other. For example, this
could be one wing of a building, all of the railings, etc.
Create a Group
Create a new empty group as follows:
Figure 17-24
Figure 17-25
248
Project Explorer
Group Contents
Model objects must be added to a group after the group has been
created.
Figure 17-26
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 17-27
Using Groups
In a group, select the group name to access several options.
250
Project Explorer
Figure 17-28
If you toggle on the Light Bulb icon next to a group name, all of the
objects that do not belong to the group are hidden from display.
Figure 17-28
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2. Use the group to select all of the parts and assign them to Lot
2.
252
Project Explorer
A quick way to toggle off all of the light bulbs is to click (Show All
Objects) in the Project Explorer.
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17.8 Structures
If you have a large or complex model, you might want to create
different levels, queries, or groups for different parts of the structure.
This can be done using Structures.
Click the Plus sign to add a new structure to the list. Each
structure can maintain its unique contents for the rest of the
Project Explorer. Double-click on a structure name to activate
it.
Figure 17-29
254
Validating a Structure
Clash Check
Object Marking
Technical Check
Model Check
Joint Design
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 18-1
256
Validating a Structure
Figure 18-2
Index number.
Clash volume.
The most important information to help fix the clash is the index
number.
You can close the text window when you have noted the index
number of the clash that you want to fix.
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If you have trouble finding the clash volume, use the following
marking tools.
The Autodesk
Advance Steels clash
check includes
checking for Tool
clearances around all
of the bolt heads and
nuts. The size of the
tool head to allow for
is set in Management
Tools > Defaults.
When displaying the
clash volume, a clash
of this type looks like
part of a hexagon
head that is larger
than the nearest nut
or bolt.
Figure 18-3
258
Validating a Structure
The display is zoomed in to display the marked object filling the view.
The display is not rotated.
All the object marking is removed, but the objects themselves are not
affected.
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Technical Check
Use this command to check the entire model for technical criteria.
Figure 18-4
Figure 18-5
260
Validating a Structure
In this example, you need to note the handle of the connection object
to be able to find and fix the error. You can then close the report.
Mark Object
To identify the connection element causing the error, use this
command.
Please specify the object handle: Enter the handle that you
noted previously (it is not case-sensitive).
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 18-6
You can highlight and fix each error entry using the controls from the
bottom right side of the panel.
262
Validating a Structure
Figure 18-7
Enter the appropriate loads in the M, N, and V boxes. (Note that the
moment load M is only enabled in appropriate types of joints that are
officially recognized as suitable for moment loads.)
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After checking, the results are displayed in the Status window and
title.
An instant check and the most recent check results are also
displayed on the front page of any Joint Properties dialog box.
Figure 18-8
If the joint fails the check, the status displays Checking failed in red
and a list of failed criteria is displayed.
This report can be displayed in the Joint Design tab in either the
Long or Short format. Click the Settings button in the Joint Design
tab and select Short or Long. The Short format only displays the
failed criteria as a list of names and the Long format displays the
complete report in the window. This setting does not affect the output
file that is saved on your hard drive or what is displayed when clicking
the Report button.
264
Validating a Structure
Figure 18-9
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Chapter 19 - Numbering
Model Role
Numbering
266
Numbering
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 19-1
Search Filter
When modeling it is easy to forget to assign model roles as you
proceed. To find all of the parts without a Model Role you can use
the Search Filter command.
268
Numbering
Figure 19-2
Figure 19-3
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Either
Double-click on the search name to carry out the specified
search and mark the results.
Or
Click the Light Bulb icon next to the search to toggle it on.
Every object that does not match the search criteria is
hidden.
This is ideal for the Model Role = None search in the example.
The results are not totally dynamic because they are only updated
when the light bulb is toggled off and then on again. Therefore, if
you edit the beam properties the parts do not disappear until the
search is run again.
To ensure that no other settings are hiding objects and that the entire
structure is displayed, click (Show All Elements).
You can close the Project Explorer by clicking the small X in the top
right corner of the panel.
270
Numbering
2. Ensure that no parts are left in the structure that are set to
Model Role = None.
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19.2 Numbering
Number
Figure 19-4
272
Numbering
General tab
Figure 19-5
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Special tab
274
Numbering
Part Types
For the purposes of numbering and detailing, the Autodesk
Advance Steel software identifies each object as one of three types
of part:
Single Part: All of the remaining parts that are not main parts.
Standalone parts can Standalone Part: A part that does not have any other parts
be treated as parts, fixed to it in the workshop or an assembly of only one part.
assemblies, or both This can affect the numbering depending on the selected Post
for drawing purposes. Numbering Method.
The Management
Tools > Defaults >
Drawing General > Post Number Methods
Standalone
A post number method is a rule that is applied after the initial
Part - Detailing
Behavior setting numbering has been completed to obtain the required results.
controls the type(s) of
drawing that you want There are four possible options:
the Autodesk
Advance Steel None: No extra rule is implemented. Part numbers and
software to produce assembly numbers are not related in any way. For example,
for these parts. the Beam assembly B26 might contain the parts M1000 (the
beam), F1089, F1094, and F1104 (the plates). A piece of the
Angle Bracing standalone part could be Assembly Number
BR1 and Part number M1001.
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Figure 19-6
Figure 19-7
276
Numbering
Figure 19-8
Figure 19-9
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Renumber
When a user refers to renumbering a model they want you to use the
Number command again. The options and settings used to number
the model previously are remembered and set by default. Do not
change these options unless you want to change every part number
in the structure.
Object Naming
After part numbers have been assigned, you can find the information
for each object in the Naming tab in the Advance Properties dialog
box.
278
Numbering
Figure 19-10
You can assign parts Main Part/Single Part: There is a box in front of the Single
to different lots or part number and Main part number lines. If the box next to
phases for Single part number is shaded this part is a Single Part. If the
construction box next to Assembly number is shaded this is a Main Part.
purposes. You can Normally, this is automatically controlled by the software and
determine whether
this is an indication for the user.
this also influences
the assigned part
numbers. For more
information on
Assigning Lot/Phase
Numbers contact your
Autodesk
representative.
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280
Creating Drawings
The palettes allow you to quickly browse and use drawing styles and
drawing processes for drawing creations as well as list templates for
BOM list creations. The categories are represented by intuitive
images.
Figure 20-1
Figure 20-2
Quick
Palette Documents
Palette name
282
Creating Drawings
Drawing Styles
Palette
Drawing Processes
Palette
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BOM Templates
Palette
284
Creating Drawings
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure 20-3
From this dialog you can choose between two options to create
the detail:
o Create with default settings: this option will also show a
small, non-editable list containing those default settings
(prototype, drawing name and scale), to easily see what
options the drawing style uses when creating the detail.
When you select this option the drawing creation phase
will start directly. At this point, you may be prompted to
choose different options related to the view parameters,
depending on how the drawing style is configured. For
example, an elevation drawing style that prompts you for
the xOy viewport, will prompt you to select the viewport
after you had selected the Create with default settings
option.
o Modify settings: when you select this option, the Select
Destination File dialog appears, containing a set of
override settings for the detailing procedure:
Figure 20-4
286
Creating Drawings
Click OK.
Verify that the File Name is correct (you must not edit the path,
but you should verify that the name at the end reflects the
correct sheet size).
With or without Labels: The Drawing Style defines the parts that
should be labeled in a view and how they are labeled. Some of the
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Selected parts: Some of the styles prompt you that they are for
selected parts (e.g., 3D view, selected with labels). These styles
only draw the parts that you have selected. This is ideal if you only
want to provide an enlarged detail of a joint or other view of a
selected detail. It is recommended that you select the required
components before starting the Quick Documents command.
However, if this is not done, you are prompted to do so later.
The normal object selection methods apply.
To create a new 3D Hot or Cold Rolled: Some styles specify that they are only for
view you need to set Hot Rolled parts (such as Floor plan, hot rolled all). If you select
the UCS to point in these styles all of the cold rolled components of your structure are
the correct direction. NOT drawn. Where there is a Hot rolled style there is usually a Cold
To do so, orient your Rolled style to go with it (such as Floor plan, cold rolled All). If you
view on screen as select the Cold Rolled style all of the hot and cold rolled objects are
needed and then set drawn, but only the cold rolled is labeled and dimensioned.
the UCS to view
(UCS>UCS View).
You can use Drawing Styles directly to create drawings of parts or
assemblies as needed. Generally, it is more efficient to use a
process. You might want to select a Style directly if you want to
specify that a specific style be designed for a specific type of part,
such as a stringer, but these should be handled by a well-defined
process.
For example:
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Creating Drawings
Drawing Prototype
A Prototype is a blank drawing sheet. Each prototype already has
the drawing border, title block, and BOMs if required, a Revision
table, and default notes that are appropriate for the drawing type
(such as a foundation bolt description). When you create a drawing
using a Drawing Style you should select the appropriate prototype
for your drawing. Therefore, for a Stanchion Plan a Foundation
prototype would be appropriate, but you would not use an A1
Assembly prototype with notes about hole sizes and welds for a GA
drawing.
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Figure 20-5
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Creating Drawings
Click OK and wait for the activity to finish (the Command Line
stops at Command:).
Tests several drawing scales to find the best fit on the sheet.
The actual scales tried are defined in the Process. If multiple
sizes are permitted, all of the scales are attempted on the
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smallest sheet first and then all of the scales on the next sheet
size, etc. If a single sheet size is selected and none of the
scales fit the border, the views are created at the smallest
scale on a specific sheet.
Figure 20-6
292
Creating Drawings
Figure 20-7
Figure 20-8
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20.4 Cameras
Cameras are objects that you can place in your model to define the
required drawing views in a visible and editable way. You can then
create drawings from the cameras using drawing processes and edit
the cameras later to adjust the resulting drawing views.
Creating a Camera
To create a camera, follow this procedure:
Set the UCS as though creating the required view (XY in plane
of required view with Z pointing at the viewer).
The camera is created and the Camera Properties dialog box opens.
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Creating Drawings
Figure 20-9
Once created, the Camera object has a grid drawn in the view plane
and some bounding boxes are displayed according to the camera
settings. A thick arrow indicates the view direction.
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Editing a Camera
To edit a camera you can select it, right-click and select Advance
Properties. This opens the original Camera Properties dialog box,
enabling you to adjust any of its properties.
All of the normal tools for editing objects can also be used, enabling
you to copy a camera to another location.
Figure 20-10
296
Creating Drawings
Figure 20-11
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Parts Drawings:
o Select objects.
o Quick Documents
Assembly Drawings:
o Select objects.
o Quick Documents
GAs
o Quick Documents
The drawings are all stored in the Details sub folder, in the Project
folder.
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Creating Drawings
When a part drawing is created, the internal UCS of the part defines
the view orientation. The TOP view is defined as Z pointing toward
the viewer and X as pointing right.
Some special assembly styles are based on the UCS. They are
designed for cases in which you might want the main part to be
displayed in a specific position other than horizontal. For example,
Handrailing - Stairs, UCS. For these styles, set the UCS so that the
XY plane is oriented as you would want the paper to be oriented
relative to the object in your view. Therefore, for the stair example,
having X horizontal along the ground in line with the stair and the Y
vertical, provides a side view of the stair in the real slope orientation
rather than a horizontal stringer.
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You can access the Documents palettes from the Output tab >
Documents panel.
Figure 20-12
300
Creating Drawings
Figure 20-14
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Figure 20-15
302
Creating Drawings
After the drawing has been created you are returned to the
Manager dialog box. Click the OK button.
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Document Manager
Manipulating Drawings
Drawing Labels and Dimensions
Object Properties
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Editing Drawings
Figure 21-1
The left pane displays a list of document types. Drawings are located
in the Details area. When you first try to expand this list it might flash
and disappear again. This is not an error but is part of the process in
which the Autodesk Advance Steel software checks the current
status of each drawing to ensure that it is up to date.
The drawing files are listed according to their file names. If you are
using the default naming and numbering system all of the file names,
include a prefix indicating the type of drawing:
Single sheet part and assembly drawings are named after the part or
assembly mark of the object that they display. Multi sheet and GA
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Once you have located the required drawing you can open it by
double-clicking on the file name or clicking the Open Drawing
button.
Figure 21-2
Keeping Up to Date
The Autodesk Advance Steel software can track all of the changes
in a model since it was created and knows when a drawing or other
document is out of date. If documents are found to be out of date
they are placed in a separate folder in the left pane in the Document
Manager.
To update these documents you have two options, depending on
whether you want the change to be recorded.
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Editing Drawings
Figure 21-3
Wait for the activity to finish. The documents are updated and listed
in the Up to date folder in the left pane.
Figure 21-4
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Figure 21-5
Figure 21-6
Wait for the activity to finish. The documents are updated and listed
in the Up to date folder in the left pane. The revision index displays
in the left pane after the file name. The file name is also changed to
include the revision index.
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Editing Drawings
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Update Detail
It forces an immediate update of a specific drawing detail. A detail
can contain several drawing views. It is NOT recorded as a drawing
revision.
Figure 21-7
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Editing Drawings
Figure 21-8
After the activity finishes, ALL of the drawings have their title blocks
updated with the latest Project Information. This change is not
recorded as a revision.
Update Lists
It forces an immediate update of a BOM or other list in a drawing.
Figure 21-9
Figure 21-10
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Figure 21-11
Change Detail
This opens the Detail Properties dialog box.
Figure 21-12
In the Edit Detail dialog box you can change the scale of your detail
(all of the views match the scale) and the title of your detail. Although
the Autodesk Advance Steel software selects all of the required
views for you, you can override this as needed.
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Editing Drawings
Figure 21-13
The top left part of this dialog box displays a list of the
available automatic views. Select the view that you want to
use and change the Properties tab to View State.
To hide a view that you do not want to use, select Always off.
Note that if you override the view options like this, they are no longer
capable for modification if required to suit the edits to the members.
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Figure 21-14
Select the required view at the top left of the dialog box.
The three values indicate how much to draw and how much
to cut out of the member.
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Editing Drawings
Figure 21-15
Figure 21-16
Figure 21-17
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Move View
You can move a view by selecting any element of the view and
dragging the mouse. Alternatively, you can use the AutoCAD Move
command or the following command:
Figure 21-18
Move detail view from point: Select a start point for your move.
Delete View
To delete a view, you can select the inner green frame around it and
press <Delete>. Alternatively, you can use this command.
In the Labels & Dimensions tab > Parametric Views panel, click
(Delete view).
Figure 21-19
316
Editing Drawings
Figure 21-20
The new view is created immediately and placed under the existing
views (not in line).
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Figure 21-21
Figure 21-22
318
Editing Drawings
Figure 21-23
The weld note in the The dialog box works as it does for placing welds in the model.
drawing prototypes is Note that Management Tools > Settings > Defaults has options
not intelligent. If you stating that a specific standard weld size does not need to be used.
change the setting for It is assumed that there is a note in the drawing stating All welds
the standard weld 6mm Fillet Unless Otherwise Stated. All of the welds that do not
type in Management match this standard definition are automatically displayed in the
Tools you must drawing if they are in the model. Manually placed weld symbols do
manually edit the
not display a size if they match the standard size.
prototypes to suit or
there are many
errors.
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Manually placed weld symbols are not linked in any way to the welds
in the model, even if they are pointing at the same location.
Insert Label
It inserts a leader line pointing at an object that contains intelligent
text about that object.
Figure 21-24
Please select the label start point: Select the position to which
the leader should point.
If you prefer, you can place many labels at the same time as follows:
Please select objects: Select the objects that you want to label
and accept.
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Editing Drawings
To edit a label that you have placed and change the text, double-
click on it. The Label and Symbols dialog box opens. The text that is
currently displaying in the label displays in the text box. However,
this is not ordinary text. You can enter any text in this box, but if you
want some of the text to be intelligently linked to the model object,
you should select the required property in the Tokens drop-down list.
When you select the property in the list the appropriate text is
inserted. The intelligent link is also maintained if the model is edited.
Figure 21-25
If you want to add a frame or balloon around any of your text, select
the text first and then select the type of frame in the Frame drop-
down list.
The other formatting tools are as you would expect for text. A large
number of tokens are available in the Autodesk Advance Steel
software and storing all of these values for all of the parts in all of the
drawings could have a negative effect on performance. To minimize
this effect you might find that some of the values or tokens are not
available in every drawing. If this happens and the required token is
not available, you can use the Label Information Manager to load the
missing tokens as needed.
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Figure 21-26
Select detail view: Select the view that you want to label.
Level Symbols
It inserts a level symbol to identify the elevation of a point in
the model.
In the Labels & Dimensions tab > Labels panel, click (Insert
Level Symbol).
Figure 21-27
Slope Symbol
It inserts a triangle type slope symbol.
In the Labels & Dimensions tab > Labels panel, click (Insert Slope
Symbol).
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Editing Drawings
Figure 21-28
Linear Dimension
You have a single command for both horizontal and vertical
dimension lines. Depending on how you handle the dimension in the
preview stage - before placing it in the detail - it will be created as
either a horizontal or a vertical dimension.
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Figure 21-29
The dimension chains are drawn as you proceed. At this point the
Dimension Properties dialog box opens.
324
Editing Drawings
Figure 21-30
Note that if you do not follow the command through to the dialog box,
but press <Esc> or select another command before you have
finished properly, the dimensions that you have just drawn are not
displayed.
All of the new dimensions work similarly, but with various prompts
depending on their type. Follow the prompts carefully and always
proceed to the Properties dialog box or you the required dimensions
are not created.
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Figure 21-31
Figure 21-32
326
Editing Drawings
Figure 21-33
First dimension point: Now select the first point for your
dimension chain.
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Arc Dimension
It places a dimension measuring the length along an arc, rather than
an angle.
In the Labels & Dimensions tab > Parametric Dimensions panel, click
(Arc).
Figure 21-34
328
Editing Drawings
Angle Dimension
It places an angular dimension.
In the Labels & Dimensions tab > Parametric Dimensions panel, click
(Angle).
Figure 21-35
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Radial Dimension
It places a dimension indicating the Radius of an element.
Figure 21-36
Smart Dimensions
The Autodesk Advance Steel software includes a Smart Dimension
engine to recognize when a dimension point moves and then
updates the dimension correctly. To use smart dimensions means
330
Editing Drawings
that when you update a drawing fewer of the manual dimensions are
lost. Smart Dimensions only work when they use recognized key
points on elements in your views, such as End Points of lines or
Center Points of holes. To assist in selecting only valid traceable
points, there is a special Autodesk Advance Steel Object Snap
called Preferred for Manual Dimensions. If you use this snap at all
times when working with dimensions or labels, the CAD engine only
locks onto valid traceable points.
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For example, to turn off the labels at one end of a grid line:
Figure 21-37
Remove the tick from one end of the symbol in the dialog box.
332
Editing Drawings
Figure 21-38
Select Off.
You can change the color and hatching properties of most of the
objects in your drawing views as needed.
DO NOT FORGET Objects that have been turned off are moved to a different layer
TO SAVE YOUR called Objects Off and are still displayed on screen. Freeze the
DRAWINGS AFTER Objects Off layer to avoid displaying them on screen. This layer
EDITING THEM. For does not print and is not displayed in the finished drawing output,
your changes to be even if displayed on screen. You can select the objects on this layer
remembered you and turn them back on again as needed.
must save the
drawing files after
finishing your edits.
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Chapter 22 - Lists
334
Lists
Saved lists can be opened and reused. If you save them in the
correct path you can also display them and update them in the
Document Manager. However, there is no revision control on lists in
the Autodesk Advance Steel software so the update is not recorded
or indicated in the file in any way.
Some lists have the items grouped by specific criteria while others
produce a single run in the list. This is controlled by the List
Template. Therefore, the results depend on which list you produce.
Figure 22-1
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Figure 22-2
All lists created in this way are generated from nothing based
on the entire structure in the file.
Figure 22-3
336
Lists
Wait for the BOM editor to display (it might take a few
seconds).
In the top right corner, select the category of list that you want
to use.
Figure 22-4
In the middle, select the box next to each type of list that you
want to display in the BOM Templates palette.
Click OK.
When you next open BOM Templates palette, the selected lists will
be available.
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Only one page is displayed at a time and you should use the green
arrows at the top to change pages. If you double-click on the main
display, all of the pages are displayed. Double-click on one of the
pages again to only display that page.
Figure 22-5
It is recommended that you save the list file in the BOM sub-folder of
the project folder. You need to do so manually using the Save button
in the top left. The file is saved in RDF format and cannot be viewed
by any other application. If saved in the correct location the list is
displayed in the Document Manager. If you locate the list in the
Document Manager you can update it as needed and display a
preview of the list. In the preview you can view or print the list. Since
RDF is a special format it is also possible to export the list to other
popular formats for easy viewing and distribution.
Click OK.
When you have finished with the list on screen, close the RDF
Viewer.
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If you require a list that only includes items that match specific
criteria, such as in Phase 1, a different procedure is used to create
the list.
Create Lists
The Create Lists command creates a data file called a BOM Extract
that contains the list properties of the defined items. The required list
is then generated from this extract rather than from the entire model.
The BOM Extract dialog box opens. If this is not the first
extract for this model, the previously used properties are
displayed and cannot be changed.
Figure 22-6
340
Lists
Figure 22-7
You are prompted with a name for the extract that is based on
the current date and time.
Figure 22-8
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Figure 22-9
Figure 22-10
342
Lists
Select the title block, right-click and choose Block Editor from
the menu.
Figure 22-11
Click in the title block and type TEXT in the command line.
Figure 22-12
Define the start point and height of your text and type your
own custom one.
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Figure 22-13
In the Labels and Dimensions tab, Text panel, click the small
arrow to edit the text style.
You can also add a new custom one, by clicking the New
button.
Figure 22-14
If you right-click on the added text you can access the text
properties, such as text type, color etc.
344
Lists
Figure 22-15
Figure 22-16
Figure 22-17
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You can open the BOM Template Editor by clicking (BOM Editor)
in the Output tab > Document Manager panel and then generate lists
from existing BOM extracts. Alternatively, you can access the BOM
Template Editor after creating an extract.
Figure 22-18
In the top right pane, select the required list format that you
want to generate.
The template for this list is displayed in the main central pane.
346
Lists
Figure 22-19
You must have a BOM Extract created before you can create a list
using the BOM Template Editor.
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Figure 22-20
If you change the central pane to the Preview tab you can display the
BOM and print it using the icon at the top. However, it cannot be
opened or exported.
348
Other Documents
NC Files
DXF Files
Sharing Models and Drawings
Data Exchange
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23.1 NC Files
Drawings and Lists are not the only types of file that the Autodesk
Advance Steel software can create. Several other file types that
might be useful are also available.
Creating the DSTV files for your model in the Autodesk Advance
Steel software is quick and easy.
Figure 23-1
If you have not selected anything, NC files for the entire structure are
created. If you only want to produce specific parts you should select
them before starting the NC command.
The NC files are automatically created and stored in the path Project
folder\DStV\NC. The files are also controlled by the Document
Manager and are located in DStV file\DStV-NC. The text contents of
the file are displayed in the Preview tab.
350
Other Documents
Figure 23-2
The DSTV standard The Document Manager prompts you if a file is out of date and
permits specific enables you to Force Update the file. There is no revision control on
selections and NC files.
options.
Some machine
To use the NC file for manufacture, send the manufacturer all of the
manufacturers work
differently or interpret
*.NC files in the NC folder. NC Files that have an error have the file
the standard extension *.NC.ERR. If you remove the *.ERR from the end of the
differently to others. file name, the file can still be used in an NC machine (at your
The NC files discretion). The lines in the Error files that cause the problem start
produced by the with two asterisks **. Although the lines are identified for you it is not
Autodesk Advance recommended that you try to edit the NC files directly. If you want to
Steel software are fix the errors you should adjust the model accordingly and update the
strictly according to NC file.
the
DSTV standard at all
times. It might be
necessary to adjust
some settings in
Management Tools
>
Settings > Defaults
to suit a specific
manufacturers
machinery.
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Figure 23-3
Figure 23-4
DXF files for all of the selected objects are produced in a few
seconds. If you do not have anything, the selected files for the entire
structure are produced.
The resulting DXF files have the file extension *.DXF and are saved
in the file path project folder\DSTV\NC. You can send these files to
the manufacturer.
352
Other Documents
Figure 23-5
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You might also want to share your model with the structural engineer
for structural analysis, with the plant designers for plant layout or with
the BIM manager for coordination. The software has several ways of
achieving these needs.
354
Other Documents
Figure 23-6
In the dialog box, enter the required file path and name or click
the Browse button.
Click Save.
OR
Figure 23-7
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Figure 23-8
Explode to ACIS
If you want to give your model to use in another 3D modeling
package you need to convert the objects to ACIS solids. ACIS is a
neutral format for modeling 3D solids.
Ensure that you do this in a safe copy of your model file because you
cannot undo after the explode and all of the Autodesk Advance Steel
intelligence is going to be lost. The easiest way to convert all of the
appropriate Autodesk Advance Steel objects to ACIS is:
356
Other Documents
Press <Delete>.
Explode to ACIS.
Figure 23-9
o Click OK.
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Figure 23-10
Figure 23-11
If the objects from the previous step remain selected as well it should
not matter as long as they are now selected.
358
Other Documents
o Click OK.
The exploded model should look identical but all of the Autodesk
Advance Steel intelligence is removed and the objects are just solids.
This file could now be used in the AutoCAD software or exported as
an ACIS *.SAT file for importing into any other solid modeling
software, such as the Autodesk Inventor software or Solid Edge.
Note: With the Advance Steel Object Enabler you can open the
DWG files directly into the solid modeling software.
Exploding Drawings
If you want to explode your 2D drawings to DWG files containing only
CAD entities, you need to follow this procedure.
Locate the drawings that you want to share and select them
(you can use <Shift> and <Ctrl> to select more than one file).
Figure 23-12
You can check the file that you have added to the explode list
in the new Batch Explode folder in the selection tree.
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Figure 23-13
If you have added a file to the list by mistake you can remove
it by right-clicking on it and selecting Remove Item from list.
When you have added all of the required files to the Explode
list click OK.
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Other Documents
Using the Export & Import panel, the following special formats are
available in the Autodesk Advance Steel software.
Figure 23-14
Although many systems can read or write many of these file types,
the preferred option varies depending on the system. In each case
the file contains data describing the position, section/size, material,
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362
Other Documents
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Editing a Prototype
Title Block
Drawing Frame
BOMs on Drawings
Revision Table
Other Information
Printing Setup
364
Drawing Prototypes
The drawing prototypes are blank drawing sheets that are used to
create the drawing views. The Autodesk Advance Steel software
comes with a set of typical drawing sheets, but it is common to want
to customize some aspects to suit your company needs.
Figure A-1
Select the file that you want to edit and click the Open button.
The prototype opens for editing as needed.
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Note: Although the block has the same name in all of the
prototypes, it is not actually the same block. Do not copy the block
from one file to another.
In the title block, Attributes are used for the drawing information. If
you want the Autodesk Advance Steel software to complete the value
of an attribute with intelligent text, such as the Project Data that is
completed when creating a new Project file, you must use an
attribute tag from the list of recognized Tokens. When creating a
drawing, the software completes all of the attributes, using
recognized tokens as tags.
Figure A-2
366
Drawing Prototypes
Figure A-3
Close the Block Editor, ensuring that you save the block as
you exit.
The following tokens can be used in title blocks:
Token Description
Be careful when PROJECT Project Name
using the token for PROJECT_NO Project No.
the drawing number. CLIENT Client Name
It needs to be either BUILDING Building Name
POS_NUM for a BUILDING_LOCATION Location of the building
single sheet part and CONTRACTOR Contractor Name
assemblies or DATE_ORDER Date of Order
DRAWING_NO for DATE_CONSTR Dare of construction
other drawings. DESIGNER Checked by
DETAILER Detailed by
MODEL_DWG Name of model.dwg.
DRAWING_NO Drawing number
POS_NUM Piece mark of the object
DATE_DRAW Date of created drawing
SCALE Scale used for detail
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368
Drawing Prototypes
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First point: Select one corner of the area where you want the
BOM to be located.
370
Drawing Prototypes
Update Lists
This command, in the Labels & Dimensions tab > Management
panel, (Update lists), updates the lists in the BOM on drawings.
Figure A-5
To update a list
The list is automatically updated with the information from the model.
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Figure A-6
Lower left corner: Select the corner of the area where you
want the table to be located.
Figure A-7
372
Drawing Prototypes
Column Format tab: Set the formatting for each columns data.
Layout tab: Select the layout that you want to use for your
table and set the number of rows of revision history that you
want to display.
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374
Drawing Prototypes
Figure A-8
Figure A-9
In the dialog box verify whether the required print settings are
already in the list. If they are, skip the next four steps.
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Figure A-10
Figure A-11
376
Drawing Prototypes
Figure A-12
Click the OK button and your new setup should display in the
list.
Select your preferred default setup in the list and click the Set
Current button.
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Figure A-13
Once this process has been completed any new drawings that you
create inherit the default print settings. The Batch Plot in the
Document Manager uses the current print setup for each file when
plotting.
378
BOM Template
Introduction
Element Properties
Tokens
Formatting
List Structure
Report Contents
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B.1 Introduction
As with drawing prototypes you might need to adjust some basic
elements of the BOM templates to suit your company needs.
The most obvious adjustment would be to replace the standard logo
with your company logo.
Figure B-1
Locate the template that you want to edit in the top right pane. You
cannot edit templates in the Advance area in the list.
Figure B-2
380
BOM Template
Figure B-3
Images
To change the image in the logo, select the Image line in the
Properties and then click the ellipses symbol (...) at the end of the
line. You can select a file that is in any common image format, up to
a maximum of approximately 200kb in size.
Figure B-4
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Text
To change plain text you can edit the contents in the Text box in the
Properties pane. The font properties can also be set here.
Figure B-5
382
BOM Template
B.3 Tokens
To change intelligent text, right-click on the box and select Field
Content. Select the required token in the list on the left side of the
dialog box.
Figure B-6
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B.4 Formatting
To edit the border of a cell, right-click on it and select Format Border.
Edit the border properties in the dialog box as needed.
Figure B-7
Note that this editor Cosmetic elements, such as lines and shapes, can be added by
contains more than is dragging from the palette on the left.
described here. It is
possible to create Elements can be aligned using the icons in the toolbar at the top.
virtually any format of When using these icons the last element selected is the one that
list with a huge range does not change and the others change to suit.
of information that
can be included. For
more information on
creating custom list Figure B-8
templates please
contact your You can also set the foreground and background color of any box.
Autodesk However, lists are normally printed in black and white so you should
representative. select colors that are going to print clearly.
If you export the list to Microsoft Excel, a new column is added to the
left and right edges of every box in the report. Therefore, if a cell in
the report header overlaps the Weight column in details, two columns
are displayed in Excel. To avoid this, line up the left and right edges
as much as possible across the entire report.
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BOM Template
The Detail line is repeated for every element on the list. This is the
line on which you can enter each parts name, quantity, weight, etc.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure B-9
In the Report Contents box, select the object types that you
want to include on the BOM.
Figure B-10
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BOM Template
Note that there are entries for Exploded Bolt and Exploded
Anchors as well as Bolts, Site Bolts, Anchors, and Anchors on
Site. The Bolts and Anchors entries provide the full bolt assembly
details as one entry (e.g., M20x50 CSK 8.8 Bright Zinc Plated
Standard) and you are expected to understand the meaning of
standard in terms of nuts and washers. If the Exploded versions are
selected, the list displays each bolt, nut, and washer as separate
items (e.g., M20 x 50 CSK 8.8, M20 Hexagonal Nut Gr8, and
M20 Flat Steel Washer). It is also important to note that bolts and
anchors are normally fitted on site, so you should include both Bolts
and Site Bolts in your lists and do the same for Anchors.
Some entries that are available in the Report Contents box are sub-
sets of other groups of items. For example, Straight Beams include
all of the Beams with saw cuts and Beams with holes. Therefore, you
cannot select both options at the same time. The later options are
only for listing those specific objects rather than every beam.
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Defaults
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Advance Steel
Options
C.1 Defaults
The system for setting options in the Autodesk Advance Steel
software is different to other programs. The system is called
Management Tools and the basic program settings are located in
Defaults.
Select Defaults.
Figure C1
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure C2
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Advance Steel
Options
Figure C3
Figure C4
There are over 1500 options in total. To help you find the required
entry you can use the Filter.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure C5
Tool Diameter
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Options
The scale factor applied to the
bolt diameter when checking
for tool clearance.
Running dimension
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Drawing Use the new BOM on Select whether to use the new
General Drawing. or old BOM templates in
drawings. Ensure that it
matches your prototypes.
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Options
should be displayed when
placing joints.
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Introduction
Layers and Basic Elements
Key Points
Generate Sections
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User Sections
D.1 Introduction
The Autodesk Advance Steel software includes a library of
hundreds of different section types from all over the world. Each of
the section types includes many different sizes. Therefore, the library
includes many thousands of standard sections. However, sometimes
you might need to create a customized section or to use a proprietary
section from a manufacturer. The software has tools that enable you
to create such sections and to use them like the standard sections.
A User Section can be created and then used in the same way as
any other section in the system. All of the joints in the Connection
Vault work, as do the structural elements macros. A few of the
macros and joints are specialized and work from a restricted list of
appropriate sections. Therefore, they might not work with your user
section because that would not be appropriate.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure D-1
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User Sections
Figure D-2
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Reference Axis
First you must define the nine possible locations of the system line
in the profile. Do the following for each of the nine points in turn:
Figure D-3
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User Sections
Figure D-4
Add Coordinates
Finally, you should define the surfaces in which the UCS systems
can be placed using the UCS at Object command. To define these
surfaces:
Figure D-5
Repeat as required.
In the example there are four obvious outer contour edges on which
to place coordinates.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure D-6
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User Sections
If you only have one section in your drawing, you can use:
Figure D-7
OR if you have more than one section in your drawing you might
prefer to use:
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure D-9
Figure D-10
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User Sections
Figure D-11
The section name(s) display in the Size drop-down list for selection.
Your section is placed and used as for any other section. The
Standard display type displays the simplified section shape while the
Exact display type displays the exact contours that have been
defined.
Figure D-12
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Figure D-13
The nine offset points in the Positioning tab match the nine points
that you have defined. The center of gravity point is calculated for
you. If you use the UCS at Object command on this section only the
faces that you have defined display UCS triads for the selection
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Basic CAD Practice
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Figure E-1
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Training Outline
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Each group being trained has different needs and is starting from
different levels of experience. The trainer takes these factors into
account and adjusts the training guide to suit. Therefore, every
course can be slightly different.
Getting Started.
Basics
o Beams
o Plates
o Connections (Bolts, Anchors, and Welds)
o Concrete elements
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Training Outline
LUNCH
Basic Structure
o Concrete
o Portal Frame
o Practice: Draw first Portal frame.
o Transform Elements.
o Copy/Mirror, etc.
o Practice: Copy Portal frame.
o Individual Beams.
o Practice: Draw all remaining sections in place.
Joints
Connection Vault
Joint Tables
Joint Copy
Create all of the standard joints in a structure.
Shorten
Notch
Contours
Advance Trim/Extend
Practice: Work in Feature Practice file and try the various features
described in Chapter 10, Beam Features.
Plates
Flat Plates
Folded Plates
LUNCH
Plate Features
Chamfer/Fillet
Contours
Practice: Practice according to instructions in Chapter 11, Plates and
Chapter 12, Plate Features.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Connection Elements
Bolts
Welds
Practice: Practice in Feature Practice file.
Structural Elements
o Bracing
o Practice: Add bracing to the training model.
o Stairs
o Practice: Add stairs to the training model.
o Railing
o Practice: Add railing to the training model (except round
outside platform).
o Cage Ladder
o Practice: Add ladder and outside railing to the training
model.
o Concrete
o Practice: Add concrete foundation to our model.
o Special Parts
o Practice: Add Mechanical Part.dwg as special part in
model.
LUNCH
Validating Model
o Collision Check
o Find Results/Marking
o Practice: Students fix some clashes and technical errors
on their own.
Model Roles
o Significance
o Search Filter and Saved Searches.
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Training Outline
Numbering
o Numbering methods.
o Practice: Number the training model.
Creating Drawings
o Cameras/GA Views
o Drawing Processes
o Practice: Create Gas
o Parts
o Assemblies
o Practice: Create part and assembly drawings from the
training structure.
o Document Manager
LUNCH
Editing Drawings
o Editing Views
o Adding sections.
o Adding/editing annotation.
o Practice: Make some changes to training drawings.
Lists
BOM Templates
o Replacing logo.
o Report contents.
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Practice: Create NC files for all of the parts and DXF files for
Revision/Update Management
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Training Outline
Whether or not they are covered in the course, all of the main topics
are contained in this training guide for personal review.
Joint Groups
Project Explorer
o Levels
o Create a level for 0m and 3m. Create some extra floor
beams with the 3m level Active (or use the floor beams
shown in main practice if they have not already been
created). Show that the beams move if the level height
changes.
o Model views
o Create one example of each type of model view.
o Saved Searches
o Create a search for all of the parts without a model role.
o Groups
o Create a group containing all of the parts of the mezzanine
floor.
Further Plates
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Special Parts
Cladding
Technical Check
Management Tools
o Projects
o Preferred Sizes
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Training Outline
o Object Properties
Joint Design
User Sections
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2018 Essentials Metric
Advance Steel In the product help, you can learn about the main features of the
Autodesk Advance Steel software, which include: Whats New, a
Documentation Getting Started section, extended guides and workflows, and
& frequently asked questions.
FAQs http://help.autodesk.com/view/ADSTPR/2018/ENU/
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