AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards

Standards and
Template Development
Speaker(s) Name Adam Sheather

SE9214-1

This course will guide you through the setup and incorporation of your current AutoCAD Standards
in the AutoCAD Structural Detailing Templates. Each "flavor" of AutoCAD Structural Detailing (Formwork,
Reinforcement and Steel) will be looked at from a settings point of view. You'll learn about creating templates, layers,
and linetypes consistent with your current AutoCAD Standards. The course will also look at Autodesk Revit and
Robot integration techniques and de
development of user-defined
defined objects that can be created for use with AutoCAD
Structural Detailing.

About the Speaker:

Adam Sheather has several years experience as a structural/civil draftsman using Autodesk Revit. He
has worked on many international projects
projects from the Middle East region, Asia, the UK, and Australia.
Some of the largest works were Marina settlements for over 280,000 people. Adam joined KarelCAD as
an applications specialist and now spends most of his time working as a project technical consultant
co
with
the largest firms in Australia using all versions of Revit, Navisworks, 3ds Max, Inventor and various
AutoCAD verticals in the AEC and MSD fields for solving current issues on integrated project
deliverables as they emerge into the market and become more commonplace.
Adams@karelcad.com.au

AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Introduction
The following information is for the development of standards for the 3 modules of AutoCAD
Structural Detailing. The following iinformation
nformation is only related to the setup and does not
incorporate the use of commands or workflows.

General Settings.
The general settings
ettings are from the options dialog
dialog in AutoCAD there will be an additional tab.

These general settings contain information regarding what template files are used in creation of
an ASD project. The top selection option refers to the template
template file itself, which can be modified
or created to company standards if required. The bottom option is the workspace setup for each
of the options allowing users to redefine thei
their workspaces as required when first creatio
creation a
project. Workspaces can still be defined in a project, this is only used in project file creation.
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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

FORMWORK SETTINGS
The formwork settings occupy to main setting options. Those for the actual creation and
management of the 3D objects, while another set allows us to manipulate description styles or
tags with different configurations to suit drawing Standards.

Job Preference Settings

Job preferences is created from a template file, The breakdown of a formwork project is a
combination of model
del elements, positioning (naming the objects i.e. for a concrete column the
designation might be CC1.1)

UNITS:
This allows the defilement of the unit type to be used for definition and creation of objects and
the dimensioning of those objects. It gives the user the ability to round up to various overall
values and for differentt dimension sizes for different views. Also allows the ability to associate
the cost and volumes for tender and pricing purposes.

AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Databases:
Databases allow the user to create and modify model objects for use in the project. These are
broken down into 6 categories however each option is vastly different in terms of function,
creation and projection for view creation.

Sections:
Sections refers to any columns, beams and faming members required for your project. You can
access the list to add or remove
remove sections from each project as is needed or you can have a set
of predefined options saved in the template.

The sections that are available are from the standard set of database templates ASD comes
with. Database information can be accessed, manipulated or created from scratch. T
These
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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

databases store parameter information, engineering data, naming conventions and much more.
They are stored as Microsoft Access databases. Be aware for those using Office 2007 that if
you choose to manipulate the data not to update the database.

Like most
ost standard practices if you are planning to make modifications then save a copy of the
original and alter the copy. The profile databases are found in this location.
C:\Program Files\Common
Common Files\Autodesk
Files
Shared\Structural\Common
Common Data\Data\Prof
Data
These databases
bases are created by region or local area so pick the database accordingly to the
standards being used.
Once the database is selected we can then add additional members to our project.

Creation of items can also be done instead of using the database. This will open up a dialog that
allows definition of the member and will stored the ne
new configuration in the project to be used.
This allows the user to pick a shape option which is important and then use the new object in
the project.

AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Materials
The materials options bring up the current list of the materials that can be used in a project. The
material itself allows the defilement of the modeling information, hatching information as well as
cost and other engineering
g data.
You can create as many materials as you need
for your project.

In the materials creation dialog you can specify basic database

ase information to the material. This
is done by clicking on the material database link option and selecting an a database file from the
following folder.
Common Files\Autodesk
Files
Shared\Structural\Common
Common Data\Data\Mate
Data
C:\Program Files\Common

AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

After Database attributes are added you can then create new and manipulate the hatching and
color of the hatch as well as the type of material. Be aware you have only four options for
material type you may wish to create.

The other option we have if we wish to apply it, is the pricing

pricing for the material, as seen below you
can specify both the formwork and material type for each material you create for a pricing table
to help in tendering and instant pricing information.

AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

OPENINGS

Openings are similar to section objects in which can define various penetrations through our
objects. There are 3 opening types you can use; Windows, doors and other openings. Each one
can then be defined according to the size of the opening. Openings
Openings are hosted into walls and
will remove the information
tion instantly from the building model.

SPREAD FOOTINGS.
Footings, stairs and Prefabricated elements
are items used to define non typical objects.
Footings options are useful for creating our
foundation plans for documentation. Stairs
and prefabricated elements are separate
items you can create.
There are two options for creating these types
of objects.

First is by using any 3D modeling information that can

n be brought into AutoCAD and saved. This
level allows the user to quickly select a 3D model object and convert it into an ASD formwork
object that will recognize the item when it comes to documentation.

AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

The other option for certain items is the ability to have parametric items. This gives the user
some discretion in creating different configurations of sizes without having to recreate a
separate model for each item. The option for either simply depends upon the item type you are
trying to create.

Options
Options allow for different configurations for how objects are cut by slabs, either in the 3D model
or whether this cut is shown when creating your drawing files.
file
Elements
Priorities
Prioritizing elements is the way in which ASD interprets
interprets the importance of an item when it
conflicts with another object. The system is based upon how high the priority is. For instance in
the case shown below a Beam would cut out the geometry of a wall due to the fact it has a
priority rating. When items share the same priority then it depends upon which items where
created first. Refer to the help file for more detail on this.

AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Dimension Lines
Dimension options give the user the ability to
t specify the dimension style, what items need to be
dimensioned and how the dimensions will be created when many items need to be
dimensioned, as well as openings and AutoCAD objects that may have been drawn into the
project.

DRAWINGS
The ability to define a standard for different drawings is very important. In ASD when a view is
created it takes a 2D snap shot of the model and creates this as a new drawing that can then be
detailed. The options shown below are the controls for what linetypes and colours lines will be
associated with when created as a drawing. You can also define hidden line information on your
drawings. Each option has differences in how the drawing is created based upon the view type.
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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

These configurations in the job preferences can be changed and then saved under a new
definition set by hitting save once you have applied the changes you need to the drawing. All
template changes will be saved in the dwg file, which can then be saved a .dwt
.
for a company
template.
Graphic Representation of Elements.
The graphic options refer to how the model is depicted in 3D. Each element type can be
configured according to the graphical representation settings, as well as showing symbolic
representation for items such as steel framing.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

DRAWING TEMPLATE MANAGER

This tool allows us to define our template settings from our job preferences as well as specify
our drawing component information, so when we produce drawings it will rely on the template
from
rom our job preferences in conjunction with the other options under drawing components.

ADJOINING ELEMENTS: Iss used to define the surroundings of a selected element type
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION: determine parameters of graphic presentation of views and
sections
SECTION/VIEW PARAMETERS
PARAMETERS: used to determine parameters of section symbols and
descriptions.
DRAWING LAYOUT: used to determine a drawing layout.
layout

DETAILING INFORMATION FOR FORMWORK

The options we have explored so far are directly related to the modeling information and
presentation in both the 3D views and when we create our plans and sections. The following
options are for the description styles
styles or the tags for each of the members. This gives the user
the ability to tag all the elements (Using positioning) and track them to provide automated tag
creation on the drawings.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Drawings Description Styles

This refers to the tagging and setup of the building model objects in the
the project. Once opened
different elements can have different tags, text styles, color and linetype information so when
elements are tagged there is no need for layer management. There are two tabs one for the
appearance of the element tag and
and the other to define how you wish the item to be tagged
whether by individual numbering or material name if required.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Styles Graphic Symbols.

The options that appear are the current setup for section symbols, grid lines faming m
marks,
opening and callouts. Once open you can modify an existing element to suit or create a new
option for your project.

The items have definable parameters to suit your company standards. At this point in time most
of the shape symbols are fixed and cannot be rebuilt.

The formwork section is very complex when first looking at the elements but once broken down
is logical in the development of the template. By creating different definitions of items and tying
them to specific drawing standards th
this
is opens up the file for users to create as many definitions
as they need to support specific company standards based upon different
nt project types and
what you are doing on the project.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

REINFORCEMENT MODULE

Reinforcement Settings:
The reinforcement tools in AutoCAD Structural Detailing are
are for the two dimensional creation of
reinforcement drawings and details taken from profiles of items.
You can either create a series of elements from the profile creation tool in the reinforcement
area, or you can extract objects from ASD Formwork to send straight into the Reinforcement
module for detailing.
The tools available have less options but there is alot more depth in the actual creation tools
which we will not be covering.

Job Preferences
Units: Similar to the ASD Formwork Settings allowing you to define your measuring system.
Codes/Materials

The Codes/Materials option allows

all
the user to specify the code for RC structure design and
drawing code (drawings of reinforcement). A selected drawing code imposes the appropriate
symbols of designation, hatching, etc. valid in a given country whose
wh e code is currently in use.
There is only a limited number of local codes at this stage though for those more proficient you
can manipulate the database to suit your local standards if they are not available. The
Reinforcement code files can be found here.
C:\Program Files\Common
Common Files\Autodesk
Files
Shared\Structural\Common
Common Data\Data\Reinf
Data

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

This is also applies to the Wire fabrics database. The steel profiles refer to the steel members in
your project and the materials assigned to them. Steel profiles can be found here.
C:\Program Files\Common
Common Files\Autodesk
Files
Shared\Structural\Common
Common Data\Data\Prof
Data

me options for how bar bends are produced when creating drawings.
OPTIONS: Has some

Bar Display
This
his option controls how are bars are displayed for drawing representation purposes. The
options gives users the ability to change colors thicknesses, bar bends and perpendicular bar
display options.

Wire fabric Display

This
his option controls how are bars are displayed for drawing representation purposes. The
options gives users the ability to change colors thicknesses, bar bends and perpendicular bar
display options for our wire fabric drawings.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Profiles Display
These options provide the user the ability to add and control the visibility of steel members for
drawing and detail creations.

Symbol Styles
Similar to the Formwork tool customization
custom
of section symbols, elevation marks is available by
selecting an option and clicking modify. This will open up the Graphic Element Styles dialog
shown below, and allow the user to customize the markers
rkers to company standards.

Graphic Element Styles

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Reinforcement Description Styles

The reinforcement Description Style is similar to the formwork tag options. This gives the user
the ability to define key tags and marks, as well as manipulating the description syntax or the
position information so it will bring up the text and detail information
n in the style to the standards
set by the user.
There are many different bar descriptions depending on the bar detailing you are trying to
accomplish, whether it be standard bars or ligatures
ligatures and other reinforcement options for
detailing.
The reinforcement tools are 2 dimensional in nature but the complexity of the tools is for another
talk as there is a large difference between setting up this information and creating the drawing
standards for these tools.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

STEEL MODULE
Steel Settings:
The steel module of AutoCAD structural detailing allows the creation of a 3D steel model,
including the creation of connections, bracing, bolts etc.
This information can then be extracted and the results will be the 2D drawing
drawin views of the model
which can be used for documentation. In conjunction with this the steel module also contain
c
tools for interference checking, tolerances and specifying onsite and workshop assembly of
fabricated items.

Project Preferences
General:
The general options are separated into tolerance options for clash detection, automated
development of assemblies when connections are added to members and naming conventions.
The Families Settings button gives the user access to create additional layers for the 3D model
and allows teams the ability to break down models via custom visibility options.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Units: Measurement specifications for the model and the resulting drawings.
Materials: Ability to add local database material codes containing engineering data for objects
strengths, tonnage and to separate items to the correct material. Users can also define paint
types for painting of them members for aesthetic or treatment of the structure purposes.

Profiles:
The profiles list is similar to the sections list in the formwork module. Users can specify a
country local code for their member sizes then add the members
bers they need to the project they
are working on.

Styles: Table settings.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Connectors:
This area allows users to define by colors what elements are going to be created in onsite or in
i
the fabrication workplace. Also can be changed to define by materials or sizes for the bolts and
welds

Standards:: This tool no longer has bearings on projects and other options have taken it
its place.
Project Info:: Assign project specific data regarding project, client etc. And
nd add these fields to a
Titleblock
itleblock for instant updating of project information.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Description Styles
The Description Styles contains the tag editing dialog options.
options Users can open these elements
and modify the tags by clicking on the modify option.

Styles of objects have both the physical and detailing representation of the object as well as the
tag to be placed. Users can define various tagging information and there is some control over
the symbolic representation of the tag itself.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Dimensioning Styles
Dimensioning Styles are the tools that ASD use to create automatic connections depending on
the type of automated detail you are trying to produce you can add specific setup options to
each of the options
ions you may want to create a part for. Many different standard options can be
created depending on the documentation being undertaken. Clicking on modify will open the
dimensioning styles assembly.
assembly

Dimensioning Style Settings.

ble are very
The setting available
extensive and control the
dimension styles, view types,
tag types, detail level of tags.
Text and view title naming.
Control over hidden lines, break
lines and custom parts can also
be created in order to enhance
your drawings to suit.

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AutoCAD Structural Detailing Standards and Template Development

Templates
Once dimension settings are created to company standards users can begin to add these
standards to default templates which give access to use the automated drawing tools.
tools Allowing
very quick development of documentation across a large level of var
various
ious details, schematics,
plan views and isometrics. The automated drawing creation tools
tools will also load the
th correct
Titleblock
tleblock needed and the views laid in accordance to the standards being put together.

The tools for steel are quite simple to setup compared to the other options. The main area really
to focus on is the dimension style settings. Good setup of these elements combined with
template creation will really speed up the docu
documentation process for the steel detailing of any
project. I hope the information provided will be of benefit in organization and setup of AutoCAD
structural detailing for those just getting into the package and looking to setup
etup local standards.
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