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User Guide
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MDS User Guide
Contents Page
User Guide
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
About this User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
Overview of the MDS Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
Administrators Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2
MDS Catalogues and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2
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Trunnions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1
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Hangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1
Creating a Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1
Using the Filter Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:4
Selecting a Creation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:5
Ending the Creation Of A Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:8
Modifying a Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:8
Rotating all Hanger Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
Rotating a Hanger Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
Additional Modification Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
Creating an MDS Hanger using a Manufacturers Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:13
Creating a Hanger - Witch Hanger interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:14
Creating a Hanger - PSDesigner and LICAD Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:20
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Introduction
1 Introduction
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Introduction
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Using the MDS Application
2. Select Design>Multi Discipline Supports from the main menu (Figure 2:2.: Design
pull-down menu).
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The start-up form re-initialises to become the MDS startup display (Figure 2:3.: MDS
startup display), which includes all functions specific to the MDS application.
The system tests for the existence of the design template database /MDS/
TEMPLATES and the /MDS and /MDF specifications. If neither of these exists, MDS
entry is stopped, an error message is displayed, and you re-enter the DESIGN General
Application. If this occurs, ask your administrator to add the owning databases to your
MDB (Multiple Database).
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Simultaneously, the application overlays a form (Figure 2:4.: Default Creation Zone
form) listing all valid zones found in the current MDB. The administrator controls the
selection of which zones are displayed. For more information on how these zones are
selected, refer to the MDS Admin Data form section in the MDS Administrator Guide.
3. Select a zone in which to create your support structures and click OK. Two tool bars
(Figure 2:5.: General Setup and Shortcut Toolbars) are, by default, located under the
main menu bar.
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Icons which control the general setup and display operations are, by default positioned
on the left.
The icons to the right of centre are short cuts to all the available menus in the MDS
application. Place the cursor over each of these icons to display an associated tool tip.
Note: Toolbars conform to standard Windows operation and can be repositioned in a
number of ways. Beware that some icons may be hidden if you re-arrange the
toolbars. The hidden icons on any toolbar can be accessed using the drop-down
arrow at the right-hand end of the toolbar.
Each icon and its assigned action or purpose is listed in the following table:
Specials Springs
Defaults Wizard
Reports
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2. Click on Multi Discipline Frame. A form similar to the example shown in Figure 2:7.:
Multi-discipline Frameworks selection form is displayed, listing all the available
supports for the MDS application.
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This form shows the framework types listed into groups as below:
L Brackets
Cantilevers/Posts
Pedestals
Frames
Braced Brackets
T Posts
Miscellaneous
These groupings are set by the administrator. Refer to the MDS Structure Defaults form
section in the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
3. Select the type of framework required, for instance a pedestal; this then refreshes the
form with the available pedestals available.
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You can also create support groups using the icon. Group names are identified by
the suffix, [1]. Hangers can be added to the main framework support group and detailed
as one entire MDS support drawing.
Any available support which requires a different description to be displayed, or requires
a different name to the standard name supplied, can be modified using the MDS
Structure Defaults form. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
In the examples shown in Figure 2:7.: Multi-discipline Frameworks selection form, and
Figure 2:8.: Multi Discipline Frameworks selection form the prefix X has been added to
all support default names.
4. Enter a name as follows:
1. Enter the name of the support to be created.
If you enter a legal name in the Name field then click the OK button, the form
becomes active. Notice that in Figure 2:8.: Multi Discipline Frameworks selection
form, no name is specified and so the OK button is inactive.
or
2. Click on the AutoName icon at the top of the form. An automatically generated
name is filled in and the OK button becomes active.
5. Click on the required support type.
Note: Do NOT click on OK at this time.
At any time when the Multi Discipline Frameworks form is displayed, you can click on
the View button to see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
See the example in Figure 2:9.: Engineering Drawing for the Selected Support.
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6. Right-click on the AutoName icon and the button bar shown in Figure 2:10.: Initiate
Selecting a Different Naming File is displayed.
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7. Click on the Select Naming File panel. The MDS AutoNaming File form (Figure
2:11.: AutoNaming File form) is displayed. This allows you to select:
1. a different AutoNaming file for the session,
or
2. a different AutoNaming file set for the zone.
Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
Note: Figure 2:8.: Multi Discipline Frameworks selection form remains displayed.
You can also select a zone, which is used to create all the support structures, by
clicking on the Default Creation Zone icon on the Multi Discipline Frameworks form.
8. Select the support type required.
9. Click on the OK button. The type is selected and the form closes. Refer to the MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
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4. Select the ancillary XAT16 (Bolt on Shoe) from the form. Click on the OK button. The
application now creates the pipe shoe on the selected pipe and positions it at the
previous component or branch start, with a graphical tag of Datum for easy recognition.
The Create datum support atta button is deactivated.
5. Position the shoe on the pipe using:
1. the Distance button, with a distance value placed in the text field next to it,
or:..
2. any of the Through button available options. These include; Through ID Cursor,
Through Back Mark, and so on.
6. Continue to add all the pipes, HVAC and cable racks to the support. These can be
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
Note: The HVAC and cable rack support attachments have a lollipop representation. This
is because the fixings to the steelwork are regarded as supplied by the HVAC and
cable rack contractor; no allowance is made for the selection of different fixings in the
MDS application. The lollipop representation is removed when the support is
completed, returning to its original drawing level before the support was created.
There are no obstruction properties associated with the lollipop representation and
no clashes are reported.
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9. Click Dismiss to accept the selection and return to the XFT09 form (Figure 2:12.:
XFT09 - MDS framework form).
There are three different options that you can use to create the steel framework:
Create by Cursor
Create by Clearance
Create by Dimensions
You will now create the framework with all three options and see what differences they
make.
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
Now add a cross member to support the HVAC and cable rack.
4. Select the Add Cross Bar icon . You are presented with the cursor and asked to
identify the support attachment(s) to support with a cross bar.
5. Identify the HVAC and cable rack lollipop.
6. Click the Cancel button on the status form. The application creates the crossbar and
positions it at the correct elevation.
Identify both attachments to which the cross will be attached. This information is used
later in the support Integrity Checker to check the packing distance between the cross
bar and the support attachment. The support Integrity Checker is executed whenever
you press the OK button. The view is then as shown in Figure 2:17.: Design screen 3.
Note: The elements to which the cross-beam is attached must be parallel to the pipe run.
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
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Select the Create Connections icon . This creates a connection only if the
application knows the identity of the steelwork to connect to.
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If you used the Create by Cursor or Create by Clearance methods the connection to the
external steelwork is made automatically.
Note: It is essential that you have write access to create SNOD/SJOI elements on the
necessary external steelwork.
The SNOD is represented in the graphical view. The MDS application defaults control the
level at which joists can be made to the external steelwork.
Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for more details.
1. Select the Modify Connection icon . You are presented with a form that displays all
the available joints.
2. Select the joint for the joints connected to the external steelwork.
If you have identified the external steelwork to connect to with either Create by Cursor
or Create by Clearance, it is possible that the application will connect to the wrong
Pline. This can happen in the case of the SCTN having floating Plines (X) ((a) in Figure
2:22.: Forced connection to SCTN with floating Plines).
You can force-connect the joint to a specific Pline ((b) in Figure 2:22.: Forced
connection to SCTN with floating Plines) by selecting the Force Connect icon . You
are prompted to identify the required Pline using the cursor.
To delete a connection:
1. Identify the connection with the cursor.
2. Select the Delete Connections icon.
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The standard AVEVA Associations Manager form also interfaces with the MDS Structural
Associations utility.
The MDS Structural Associations are generated either automatically or manually, depending
on the mode of creation/modification of the MDS support.
or Clearance , and the user graphically identifies the main structural element(s)
from which the MDS structure SCTN element(s) will be supported.
The MDS Structural Associations are automatically generated for the MDS support, shown
in the picture above, in a ASSOWL element created automatically and named to reflect the
SITE name where the MDS supports are being created, i.e. the ASSOWL name will follow
the convention <sitename>-MDS-ASSOWL.
The figure below shows the typical hierarchy of the MDS supports ZONE and their structural
associations ASSOWL:
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A similar hierarchy to one shown above would also exist for the automatically generated
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It is important to note that a manually generated MDS Structural Association may be created
at any time for an existing MDS framework support, and is independent of any form used for
the creation and/or modification of a MDS framework type support.
After selecting the MDS SCTN Association option a prompt will be displayed in the status
bar, to 'Identify a MDS Support SCTN element to Associate', e.g.
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The user must first identify a MDS Support SCTN element as prompted and then the user
will be prompted to 'Identify a MAIN Structure element to Associate with the MDS SCTN
element', e.g.
When the two vertical MDS SCTNS have been associated with the relevant MAIN structural
elements, the Association Group (ASSOGP) hierarchy for the MDS support will be
populated with the Association (ASSOC) elements etc, as shown in the figure below:
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The Association Filter - Show option gadget has been changed to 'Current Element' and
the Purpose option gadget has been changed to 'MDS'.
Clicking the Refresh button has populated the Associations grid with the associations for
the current MDS framework support structure.
Clicking the left hand side of an association will automatically populate the other two lower
grids, Restrictions and Associations Detail with the data of the selected Association.
When the cursor is placed over a highlighted association other options are made available
by clicking the right mouse button. The options are self explanatory.
Users should familiarise themselves with the standard AVEVA Associations form, described
in Getting Started with PDMS/OUTFITTING.
Note: The standard AVEVA Associations form is a general utility, which is available for use
by the other discipline design applications in the AVEVA MARINE/PLANT software,
as well the MDS design application.
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- Displays a message
If the packing distance is greater than 2mm but not greater than allowable packing
distance.
If the support is a special, a message is issued to you to create the structural steelwork.
If no warning or errors are found.
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Rotate atta rotates individual attas. It rotates the attachment by the angle
entered into the text field next to the icon.
Modify datum atta modifies the datum atta from one atta to another.
Copy like identifies another support of the same standard and copies its
dimensions. The number of associated pipes, cable trays, and HVAC
elements do not have to be the same on each support.
View standard displays the standards associated plot file.
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Copy ancillary
Nudge ancillary
Flip ancillary
Modify atta properties modifies the ancillary type or your editable design
dimensions of the support attachment.
Flip ADP view directions flips the ADP view directions 180 from the
DESIGN General Application, for drawing clarity.
Convert to special converts the existing support to a special support.
Flip field weld is used when a support type can be built with the field weld
at either end of the framework steelwork member. It will place the field weld
at the other end of the steel and depict it with a textural aid.
Identify steel for calculation of trunnion lengths.
Flip atta flips an attachment within the line; this can be used to flip non-
symmetrical attachments.
Reconnect reconnects a hanger to another beam.
To modify a support:
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1. Select Modify>Support from the main menu. The Modify Support form (Figure 2:31.:
Modify Support form) is displayed.
To delete a support:
1. Select Delete>Support from the main menu, or use the appropriate icon from the tool
bar. The Delete Support form (Figure 2:32.: Delete Support form) is displayed.
Note: The buttons on this form are highlighted in red to distinguish it from the Modify
Support form.
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2. Identify the support you want to delete. The support can be deleted in one these ways:
Type a name into the Support Name text field.
Press the CE button to modify the current element if it is a support.
Click the Identify By Cursor button.
When the support has been identified, you can use the Centre on Support icon to view
the support in the centre of the graphical view.
3. Click the Apply button.
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4. Type a name in to the Change to Support Name text field, or click on the MDS
Autoname button to generate the name automatically. If you click on the Cancel
button, the name displayed in the Existing Support Name field (ProvisionalName<n>
is assigned by default.
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Limitations
If the frame FT22 (bedplate) is selected the procedure is terminated, and the standard
form for copying of supports is displayed instead. (see Copying a Support).
The above repeat functions cannot be used for some frames, as they require special
treatment. They are:
FT30 FT55A
FT44 FT55B
FT45 FT55C
FT46 FT55D
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FT54B
FT54C
FT54D
The Modify Atta Properties form allows all editable design dimensions of the support
attachment to be modified.
2. Select the Modify Ancillary Type icon .
3. At the prompt, select the new ancillary type.
The ancillary type depends on the size of the pipe identified and any restriction of ancillary
type that may be created. The type can only be selected if the new type is available at the
branch bore size.
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Note: The MDS application allows the creation of ancillary standards with their own
geometry. This is an administrator function and is described in the MDS
Administrator Guide.
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Limitations
Currently, only DIN frames have oriented alternatives, stored in database MDS/DESITMPL-
DIN-ORI of project MDS. These are as follows:
FT03 FT23
FT04 FT31
FT05 FT32
FT06 FT35
FT08 FT36
FT09 FT37
FT18 FT40
FT19 FT42
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4. Use the Modify Note Position button to attach the Note via EDG (Event Driven
Graphics) to another position on the selected element.
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2. Enter a Name, or click the AutoName icon to use the auto-name facility
3. Enter a Number, this functionality is not normally required, and is usually deactivated
4. Select the Type.
If the default setting is for a unique support number, then the special support number is
checked to ensure that it is unique.
5. Click the OK icon. The Special MDS Framework form (Figure 2:42.: Special MDS
Framework form) form is displayed.
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2. Click on OK. The Create a Special Support form (Figure 2:44.: Create a Special
support form) is displayed.
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3. Identify each existing support in turn and add it to the list of supports to be combined.
The first support identified is used as the master support. The datum atta of this
support is used as the datum atta for the resulting special support.
4. If you require a different support to be used as the master, select the support from the
list and click the Use Selected Support as Master button.
5. Click on the OK button.
The list of supports is taken and the databases are configured so that the individual supports
are created as one support under the new name.
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Project specials are pre-defined in a site called /MDS/SPECIALS. This has three zones
containing the respective special types:
/MDS/SPECIALS/PIPE
/MDS/SPECIALS/HVAC
/MDS/SPECIALS/TRAY
2. Select the Copy Project Special icon. A list of the available templates is displayed
(Figure 2:45.: Select Project Special template form).
3. Select the type of standard the steelwork configuration. This is copied to the datum
support. An example of the selected support configuration is shown in Figure 2:46.:
Example of a Project Special support configuration.
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When the application copies the steelwork, no resizing is performed. You must complete the
special support according to your requirements.
2. Select the Copy Project Special icon . A list of the available templates is displayed.
This list is similar to that for piping (Figure 2:45.: Select Project Special template form).
3. Select the type of standard for the steelwork. The configuration is copied to the datum
support.
The project specials for HVAC are based on a 500mm by 500mm duct and the
framework is modified to suit the size of duct identified.
4. Modify the interface points with other steelwork.
Note: The automatic support modification to suit the supported HVAC duct size on creation/
selection is only available for the HVAC project special templates.
For more information on the configuration of these HVAC projects special frameworks, refer
to the MDS document, Customisation Guide.
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1. Select the Support Attas Only option in the Create field on the Special Support form
(Figure 2:43.: Special Support form). The Special MDS Framework form (Figure 2:42.:
Special MDS Framework form) form is displayed.
2. Select the Copy Project Special icon . A list of the available templates is displayed.
This list is similar to that for piping (Figure 2:45.: Select Project Special template form).
3. Select the type of standard the steelwork configuration. This is copied to the datum
support.
When the application copies the steelwork no resizing is performed. You must complete the
special support according to your requirements.
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The Modify Section icon allows you to extend any special section SCTN end, rotate
special sections using Bangle, flip special sections, and modify the special section
justification of the current special support.
1. Click on the icon and the prompt Identify Steelwork Member to Modify the position of
the start or end is displayed.
2. Select a section and the Modify Special Section form (Figure 2:48.: Modify Special
Section form) is displayed.
3. Move each of the existing MDS sections in turn using the Move icons, for example
moves the current section north and moves the current section down. The CE
button allows you to change to other sections that are part of the special supports.
You can also extend or shorten the current section start/end by a distance you input in
the Extend text field. Use the icons to extend/shorten by the value
you entered.
Note: The value you enter is treated as an absolute and therefore no positive or negative
sign is required.
You can control the overall percentage movement and extension/shortening of the
section using the Increment text fields.
The Default percentage field is set to 100%. If you select Medium percentage
increment at 5%, the selected section is moved or extended/shortened by 5% of the
Extend text field value. All of the Increment fields except the Default can be modified.
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4. You can control the overall rotation angle using the Bangle text field. The default value
is 90 and the maximum allowed is 180.
5. Use these icons at the bottom of the form to perform further modifications:
Align nodes.
Add pad.
Delete pad.
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Adding Snipes to Steelwork Members
This feature currently only works with angular sections, i.e. steelwork profiles of type SCTN
and gtype ANG. Two cases are catered for:
Snipe on end of leg attached to stiffener
Snipe on free end of section.
M3 = Distance between flange top outside edge of stiffener and leg point
connected with the flange top of stiffener (default = 25 mm)
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When L > M1 + FL + M2 and M2 >= 25mm, When L > M1 + FL + M2 and M2 < 25mm
Snip is not provided on support leg as below. Snip is to be provided on support leg as below
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difference between the size of the angle leg where the snipe is intended/created and
the thickness of the angle leg.
If the support leg is already connected by a joint to the stiffener, then the snipe is not
created, whereas the connection by joint is not allowed by the application if the snipe
already exists.
Snipes created in this way can be modified or deleted by the Snipes utility (described
below).
2. Identify the section which is to have a snipe added in one of the following ways:
Type a name into the Modify Section text field.
Click the CE button to modify the current element, if it is an angle section.
3. Use the Select Angle Leg option buttons to select the required leg of the angle
section.
4. Make the required selection using the Select Sniped End option buttons.
If the Identify by Cursor icon is activated, then the sniped end of the angle section
can be picked directly from the 3D graphical view. If the Auto function is enabled, the
snipe is created immediately after picking, to speed up the process.
5. Enter values into the Snipe Length and Snipe Height fields. If the Lock/Unlock icon
is activated, the two values are locked together, and changing one changes the
other.
The values are checked when entered. If a value is less than the minimum (fixed at
10mm) then it is reset to the minimum. If it is greater than the maximum, it is reset to
the maximum size. The maximum size depends on the angle section size and is
calculated using the difference between the size of the angle leg where the snipe is
intended/created and the thickness of the angle leg.
6. Click the Create button to confirm creation of the snipe.
7. Repeat the above steps to create further snipes. Click Dismiss to terminate snipe
creation.
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Adding Snipes to Steelwork Members
8. If a snipe already exists at the selected end, its size can be changed by entering new
values for the snipe length and height, then clicking Modify.
9. Click Delete to remove an existing snipe.
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Adding Snipes to Steelwork Members
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Trunnions
4 Trunnions
2. Enter the name of the support to be created. You can also use the auto-naming feature
by clicking on the AutoName icon .
3. Select the support type required.
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Trunnions
At any time when the Trunnions form is displayed, you can click on the View button to
see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
4. Click on OK to display the trunnion creation form.
Refer to the MDS Trunnion Defaults form in the MDS Administrator Guide for further
information.
- Example:
In this example you will create support type XTT04 using the name PS14721.
The form shown in Figure 4:2.: Trunnion Creation form is displayed.
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Trunnions
1. Select the component the trunnion is being added to using the icons at the top of the
form:
Elbow
Tube (straight piece of pipe)
Eccentric reducer
Tee
2. Use the cursor to identify a respective branch member applicable to the icon chosen (in
this case identify ELBO to create a base support).
3. At the prompt, identify the steelwork or panel you want to support from. The Select
Trunnion Material form shown in Figure 4:3.: Select Trunnion Material form is
displayed.
4. Select the piping specification of the trunnion material from a list of the available piping
specifications in the current MDB. The default pipe specification of the parent pipe (the
main branch) is highlighted by default.
If a trunnion is added to a reducer/elbow and no connection point is found, the current
pipe specification is interrogated to find the appropriate reducer/elbow and the
specification reference to the new reducer is reset.
If a trunnion is added to a tee, the tee changes to a cross and scans the current pipe
specification for a suitable cross. This is required because a tee has one only
connection reference.
If a trunnion is deleted, any element reselected is replaced with the original
specification reference.
5. Click OK and the form shown in Figure 4:4.: Trunnion Creation form (after selection of
BRAN member) is displayed, with Length and Trunnion Bore being active.
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Trunnions
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MDS User Guide
Hangers
5 Hangers
The standard MDS application for hangers allows you to create fixed and variable pipe
hangers. The application is interactive and configurable, and simplifies:
Definition of project related defaults.
Control of hanger design.
Determination of range, types, and configuration of hanger components that can be
used on the project.
Hangers are designed using the hanger components catalogue of a given supplier and are
template-driven.
Note: The standard hanger templates are stored in a SITE named /MDS/HANGERS. To
use the standard hanger templates the default option property for the MDSHANGIF
keyword must be set to Standard MDS on the PARAGON defaults database, (refer
to the MDS Admin Data form in the Administrator Guide).
The application is supplied with hanger templates from three different hanger component
suppliers. The project administrator can configure and customize those templates to adopt
any companys hanger configurations or any other hanger components catalogue. For
further information refer to the MDS Hanger Data form in the MDS Administrator Guide.
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Hangers
3. Choose Fixed Hanger to display the form shown in Figure 5:2.: Fixed Hanger
configurations form. This shows all the available hanger configurations that can be
created.
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Hangers
- Example:
A T1 M2 B4 hanger means that the hanger has a T1 type top connection, M2 type middle
connection, and a B4 type pipe connection.
These types of connection can represent the components from different supplier catalogues
or different company standards.
1. Enter the name of the hanger to be created. You can also select the AutoName icon
to name the support. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
2. Click on OK. The form becomes active.
3. Select a hanger type from the list.
4. Click on OK.
5. Identify the pipe to support and the steelwork beam (if relevant to the selected hanger
type) to connect the hanger to.
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Hangers
Since the list of hanger types contains all the hangers available, regardless of the pipe
size, the pipe insulation, and the type of the steelwork connection, you may find that the
hanger type selected is not suitable for the pipe to support or is not suitable for an
insulated pipe. Avoid this situation by using the filters at the bottom of the form (see
Figure 5:2.: Fixed Hanger configurations form). This is described in Using the Filter
Buttons.
By default the ALL filter is activated and the form displays all available hanger categories.
To filter the list, click on one of the filter buttons. The application then prompts you to take
further action depending on the filter selected.
View: enables you to display the standard data sheets for the selected hanger.
View Config: displays a 3D view of the selected hanger configuration to enable early model
appreciation of the configuration selected.
- Example:
1. Click on the filter (single-hanger connected to a beam). The application prompts
you to identify the item you want to support.
2. Identify the item in the graphical view.
Note: At any stage, you can press the Esc key to escape the application prompt.
The tube size and the insulation thickness of the identified pipe are displayed in the
selection area just below the filter buttons. This area shows the current selection data.
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Hangers
The list displays the available hanger configurations for the selected category (single-
hanger connected to a beam), pipe bore size, and insulation thickness.
The application prompts you to identify the steelwork beam you want to connect the
hanger to. The identified beam type is appended to the selection data in the form
selection area.
In the case of double-hangers, or hangers connected to a double-channel beam, the
application prompts you to identify the required additional beams.
The form displays a filtered list containing only the hanger configurations that meet the
selection criteria (Figure 5:3.: Filtered Hanger configurations form).
3. Enter the hanger name in the Name input field. You can also use the auto-naming
feature by clicking the AutoName icon .
4. Click OK.
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Hangers
- Create Once
This mode creates multiple hangers of the same configuration, or of different configurations,
using a minimum of keystrokes.
1. Identify the pipe and the beam(s) required.
2. Click OK. The application creates the hanger and activates the ALL button of the
hanger configurations form:
3. Enter the name of the next hanger (if any).
4. Click on a filter button.
5. Identify the tube and the beam(s) and create the next hanger. The hanger can be
cancelled or modified only by first accepting it and subsequently deleting it or modifying
it. Refer to Modifying a hanger' (see Modifying a Hanger).
- Multi Create
This mode quickly creates multiple hangers of the same configuration.
Click OK. The application creates the hanger and prompts you to select a new pipe and
beam(s) for the next hanger. The hangers are named automatically using the naming
convention set by the MDS administrator.
- Example:
In this example you will create a hanger configuration of type T1 M2 B6. You will use the
name HANG1.
1. Confirm that the current create mode is Create and Modify.
2. Click OK. The form shown in Figure 5:5.: Hanger form is displayed.
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Hangers
The application creates the hanger using the data entered in the hanger configuration form.
If the selected beam intersects with the pipe, then the hanger is positioned at the
intersection point. In this case the Distance and Through buttons become deactivated as
the hanger cannot be moved while it is connected to the beam.
You can still move the hanger using the Reconnect To Another Beam icon .
If the beam selected is parallel to the pipe, the hanger is positioned as close as possible to
the start of the identified beam.
The application tries to locate the position by moving the hanger along the beam until the
hanger can be connected vertically.
If the application cannot find a valid connection point on the beam, then an error message is
issued and you are allowed to select another beam.
If a valid connection point is found, then the application creates the hanger. In this case the
Distance and Through buttons become activated, allowing you to modify the position of the
hanger. Moving the hanger with these buttons also moves the steelwork connection point(s)
and associated fitting(s) accordingly.
When creating the hanger, the application does the following:
Creates an atta in the identified tube.
The atta name is the same as the hanger name. If the hanger configuration is such that
the hanger is connected directly to the pipe, then the hanger is connected to this atta.
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Hangers
If the hanger configuration is such that the hanger is connected to the pipe through a
trunnion, a welded lug, or any other standard pipe support, then the hanger is
connected to the atta of the standard support. The Stex attribute of the hanger atta is
set to: Connected to <standard_support_name>. In this case the cref attribute of the
hanger atta remains not set.
Creates the fitting(s) as a member(s) of the steelwork section(s). In the case of a
double-channel beam, the fitting is created in only one of the steelwork sections. The
name of the fitting is the name of the hanger appended by /FITT/H and by the fitting
sequence number (for instance: /HANG1/FITT/H1).
Creates the hanger and connects it to the atta and to the fitting.
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Hangers
2. Enter the angle in degrees by which you want to rotate the hanger.
3. Click Apply.
2. Enter the angle in degrees by which you want to rotate the hanger member.
3. Click Apply.
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Hangers
Note: Some of the buttons shown in Figure 5:9.: Modify Hanger form are deactivated
because they are not applicable to the current hanger configuration. The action of all
buttons is described later in the section.
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Hangers
Enter the required length in the appropriate input field. The rod length is modified
accordingly.
Each rod has a minimum and maximum allowed length. These values depend on the limits
set by the MDS Administrator. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for more information.
Changing the length of one rod automatically updates the length of the other rod, such that
the total hanger height does not change.
To make the rods lengths equal:
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Hangers
clicking on a different filter icon. For the purposes of this explanation, the default filtered
list is used.
2. Select the T10 M2 B6 configuration.
3. Click on OK. The hanger configurations form closes and the hanger form opens. The
hanger configuration changes and now contains a variable spring and a turnbuckle.
4. Click on the Modify icon . The Modify Hanger form is displayed and a new icon
has been activated.
5. Click on the new icon. A selection form opens, listing spring sizes that are available for
this specific spring type (see Figure 5:10.: Spring Sizes selection form).
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Hangers
- Centre on hanger
Click on the icon. The graphical view of the support being created or modified is
refreshed. The view scale is not modified.
- Adding a note
Click on the icon. You can now add a note to be displayed on the hanger drawing.
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Hangers
2. Enter the name of the hanger to be created, or select the Autoname icon to name
the support.
3. Click on the Filter Type icon for the type of hanger support which is required to be
created. Filtering is described in Using the Filter Buttons. In this example select the first
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Hangers
7. Click the OK button. A dotted line is drawn in the graphical view between the pipe and
the steelwork, and the MDS main hanger elements are created in the database. The
form below is also displayed:
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Hangers
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Hangers
10. Click on the V icon to design a variable support; the following form is displayed:
11. Enter the required Operating/Hot Load value and the positive and negative
Movement required for the Axial (X), Vertical (V) and Lateral (Z) directions.
12. Select the OK button; the following form is displayed:
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Hangers
13. Click the Typical Assemblies button to display the types of variable hangers available
for selection:
14. Select the required assembly and click the OK button. This initialise the hanger design
and allows you to manually set the intermediate hanger elevation using the form shown
below:
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Hangers
15. Click the OK button. The hanger design is displayed in the main Witch Hanger form, as
shown below:
16. Select the Save icon to save the completed hanger design, exit the Witch Hanger
application and return to the MDS application. The hanger data is translated and
created into MDS hanger components, as shown in the 3D view.
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Hangers
Note: On exiting Witch Hanger and returning to MDS, an automatic SAVEWORK command
is issued to make sure that the Witch Hanger and MDS databases are in alignment.
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Hangers
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Hangers
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MDS User Guide
Branch Reinforcements
6 Branch Reinforcements
2. Enter a name of the support to be created. You can also use the auto-naming feature
by clicking on the icon. If a legal name is entered, the OK button on the form
becomes active. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
3. Select the standard support type required.
At any time when the Branch Reinforcement form is displayed, you can click on the
View button to see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
4. Click OK. The support type form (Figure 6:2.: Example of a support type) is displayed.
- Example:
This example demonstrates how to create a support type XBR01.
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Branch Reinforcements
1. Click the Create datum support atta button at the top of the form.
Notice that the positioning fields are deactivated. The branch reinforcement is
positioned through a series of prompted identification picks.
For this branch reinforcement standard, a header tube is required. In this case it is one
of the following:
Tee
Olet
Reducer
2. Select a header tube.
3. At the prompt, identify a second branch tube. This forms the vertical leg of the tube.
4. Click OK when you have finished the support
The application then performs a series of Integrity Checks to ensure the support is
completed.
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Preliminary Supports
7 Preliminary Supports
2. Enter a name for the support to be created. You can also use the auto-naming feature
by clicking on the icon. If a legal name is entered, the OK button on the form
becomes active. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
3. Select the support type required.
At any time when the Preliminary Supports form is displayed, you can click on the View
button to see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
4. Click OK. The Preliminary Support creation form (Figure 7:2.: Preliminary Support
creation form) is displayed.
This form contains all of the available 18 preliminary supports. Support names and
descriptions can be modified in the MDS Ancillary Defaults form. Refer to the MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
- Example:
This example demonstrates how to create a support type ANCHOR.
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Preliminary Supports
1. Select the Create datum support atta button at the top of the form.
2. When prompted to Identify tube of pipe, make a suitable selection.
3. Position the preliminary support atta in the pipe. Do this in one of these ways:
Use the Distance button with a distance value in the text field
Use any of the available options available with the Through button
4. Click OK when you have finished the support.
A graphical X identifies the preliminary support position.
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MDS User Guide
Lighting Supports
8 Lighting Supports
The MDS application allows you to create support frameworks for electrical light fittings,
without the necessity to identify and create an atta within a pipe, HVAC element or cable
tray. A light fitting is identified by a type and purpose and the application will display a list of
available supports for that light fitting. (The functionality is similar to that of project specials,
where you can select from a series of predefined support configurations).
Refer to the MDS Lighting Support Default form in the MDS Administrator Guide for further
information.
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Lighting Supports
2. Enter the name of the support to be created into the Name text field. Alternatively, click
on the AutoName icon ; an automatically generated name is filled in. All other
gadgets are unavailable until a name is specified.
3. Once the name is specified, the Create button becomes active. Click on the button to
create the new support with the given name. You are then prompted to pick the light
fitting that is to be supported. (The Identify Lighting button will only become active if
the create process is interrupted by pressing the keyboard ESC key).
The Height text box is automatically filled in during the create process, and also
modified automatically when clicking the Connect Support to Ceiling /Wall Icon
and identifying the element from which to support the light fitting. Alternatively, you may
manually enter a height value in the text box. The application checks the value to
ensure that it is within the alternative height range. To use the Height value to modify
the support, click the Dimension icon to redesign the support.
4. Use the cursor to identify the light fitting in the graphical view. When this is done, the
available choice of support templates for the selected light fitting is displayed, as shown
in Figure 8:2.: Template Selection form.
5. If the template list is large, enter suitable characters and logical operators into the Filter
text field to filter the list. A * character means all templates will be listed.
6. Select a template by clicking on it, then click the Dismiss button. The selection is
accepted, the form is removed and the lighting support creation form is switched to
modify mode, as shown in Figure 8:3.: Modify Lighting Support form.
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Lighting Supports
The definition of the lighting support is completed by clicking on the appropriate icons. Only
the icons applicable to lighting supports are active (i.e. not greyed out). These are listed
below:
Rotate support.
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Lighting Supports
Create welds.
7. Click OK to confirm the changes made. If Cancel is clicked the support is deleted, after
confirmation.
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MDS User Guide
Welding Application
9 Welding Application
Select the Create Weld icon from the MDS Framework or Special Framework form.
The Framework Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld Selection form) is
displayed.
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Welding Application
All Welds created or modified are stored in a TMPL at the STRU level of the support in your
database. They are displayed together with all relevant welding information in the weld list,
such as shown below.
Section: The name of the section with which the Weld is associated.
Weld name: The name of the weld as stored in the TMPL in your database.
Symbol Name: The name of the symbol as used in DRAFT on the MDS
drawing.
Description: Text to describe the weld type.
Weld Size: The size of the weld that is output on the MDS drawing.
1. Click on New Weld. The Select Standard Weld form (Figure 9:2.: Select Standard Weld
form) is displayed.
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Welding Application
Standard welds provide a method of selecting the weld symbol for use in DRAFT on the
MDS drawing.
2. Select the Weld.
3. Click Apply.
Nothing happens in the database at this point. Information is passed from the Select
Standard Weld form into the Framework Weld Selection form.
4. Click on Save on the Framework Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld
Selection form). The selection is written to the database.
There are two methods of positioning welds using weld position buttons on the Framework
Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld Selection form). They are:
Single Position
Start & End
To position a weld:
1. Select either Single Position or Start & End radio button.
2. Select Pick on the Framework Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld
Selection form). In either case, the Set Weld Position form is displayed. Welds can be
made on either a single Pline or on Pline Intersections.
- Single Pline
For single position welds, the Set Weld Position form is as shown in Figure 9:3.: Set Weld
Position form (single Pline).
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Welding Application
- Pline Intersections
On the Set Weld Position form (see Figure 9:3.: Set Weld Position form (single Pline)):
1. Select the Pline Intersections radio button. The available intersecting sections are
populated in the list and the Set Weld Position form appears as shown in Figure 9:4.:
Set Weld Position form (Pline Intersections).
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Welding Application
2. Click on the upper Identify Pline button and select the first (owning) Pline that requires
the weld.
3. Click on Identify SCTN button and select the section containing the intersecting Pline.
4. Click on the lower Identify Pline button and select the intersecting Pline.
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Welding Application
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Isometric Material List Control
You can exclude selected items from the Isometric Material List. For example:
Individual ancillaries (including the DATUM atta)
Ancillaries on other branches belonging to the support
The support frame itself
To access the Isometric Material List Control facility:
1. Click on the Isometric Control icon from any of the support forms. The Isometric
Material List Control form (Figure 10:1.: Isometric Material List Control form) is
displayed.
3. Optionally, you can exclude ancillaries or the support frame and either draw them
dotted and dimensioned, or draw them dotted and non-dimensioned.
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Isometric Material List Control
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MDS User Guide
Data Access Control
The teams owning the database mechanisms handle the method of controlling data access.
In addition, the following access control features allow you to specify in additional detail
what operations a user can carry out on elements in the database. This is known as Data
Access Control (DAC).
Note: To use DAC it must be switched on for the project, otherwise only the teams owning
database controls will apply.
With DAC switched on, all general users are prevented from carrying out any operation on
any part of the database unless they have specifically been given the necessary access
rights. DAC uses the following new administration database elements:
Role defines the type of operations a user can carry out. For example, creating,
modifying and deleting elements. Roles are defined as a collection of permissible
operations (Perops).
Scope defines the part of the database in which a user can work.
Access Control Rights (ACRs) are a combination of a role and a scope. Users can,
and usually will, have several ACRs, allowing them to carry out specified operations on
specified parts of the database.
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Data Access Control
If you can do neither of these, then the Create, Modify, Force Connect and Delete icons are
deactivated.
If you can create a support, you are allowed to modify or delete the same components that
have been created and to modify or delete additional components (for instance: elbow,
reducer, bend).
Create
Modify
Reducers CREF.
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Application Data Sheets
The MDS application is supplied with a series of support data sheets. These are used as the
default set of support configurations. The PARAGON defaults database supplied with the
application reflect the dimensions and properties specified in these data sheets.
The dimensions and properties can be changed from their default values for specific office
or project environments. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for more information.
Note: The support data sheets MUST NOT be considered to be the master office or project
support standard. The office or project must still use their own support standards and
configure the PARAGON defaults database to suit their own requirements. These are
described in the MDS Administrator Guide.
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Application Data Sheets
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MDS Wizard
13 MDS Wizard
The MDS Wizard helps you to quickly identify pipes, structural sections, and equipment.
1. Select Utilities>MDS Wizard from the main menu or click on the Wizard icon on
the main tool bar. The MDS Wizard form (Figure 13:1.: MDS Wizard form) is displayed.
2. Select an Add Type option to determine the type to be searched for and added to the
graphical view. The following mutually exclusive toggle types are available:
Pipes
Steelwork
Equipment
3. Click on the Cursor icon and identify an element to use as the datum of a volume.
This is called the Reach Box. A graphical representation is added, identifying the
volume to be used.
4. Enter a value in the Reach field. Modify this value to make the Reach Box smaller or
larger.
5. Click on the Drawlist icon . The application searches within the reach distance from
the element and adds all the selected types found to the Drawlist.
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MDS Wizard
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MDS Reports
14 MDS Reports
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MDS Reports
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MDS Reports
Settings for each column heading in a given report can be defined. If any of the
following fields are modified, then the OK button becomes active.
The options are:
Sort Precedence:
Set Effect
0 No sorting required.
1 to n Sort highest priority to lowest priority.
Set Effect
Checked Sort ascending.
Unchecked Sort descending.
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MDS Reports
Set Effect
0 No subtotalling.
1 or n Provides a subtotal of the referenced column number if any
value in that column changes.
Sort Values:
Set Effect
ON Values are always output.
OFF Values are never output unless a subtotal for this column is
output.
SUB Values are output if a subtotal for any column is output.
FIRST Values are output for the first occurrence of a group of
common values in a sorted column.
Total Column:
Set Effect
Checked Total for the selected column is output at the bottom of the
report.
Unchecked Total for that column is not output at the bottom of the report.
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MDS Health Check Utility (HCU)
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MDS Health Check Utility (HCU)
2. The list of supports is initially blank. To load supports for checking, select All or CE and
Below from the Add pull-down menu.
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MDS Health Check Utility (HCU)
The CE and Below option loads all supports below the current element (CE), or if at an
element which is part of a support, e.g. SCTN of a structural support or ROD of a
hanger, then that single support is loaded. Groups are counted as one support, and the
group name is displayed in the list (e.g. PS05555, where the group may consist of
/PS0555[1], /PS0555[2] etc. The whole group is loaded if one support, or part of one
support is loaded.
Frameworks with multiple crossbars are counted as one support.
Any supports which are not valid and so cannot be loaded into the list for checking (but
are still, in some part or way, MDS supports) are recorded in a temporary load list file,
e.g. MDS-HEALTH-CHECK-LOADREPORTONLY-21Mar2007-093214-dat (or csv as
appropriate). Unnamed supports are also included in the file.
The load errors file is stored in the %pdmswk% directory and can be viewed by
selecting Load Errors Only from the View Report menu.
3. The Remove option allows you to either remove All entries in the Supports list, or to
remove selected entries from the list.
4. Click on an Output Format option button to select the required format for the health
check report. The options are as follows:
If the screen option is selected, the report is output to the command window.
If text file is selected, the output is written to a text file (e.g. MDS-HEALTH-CHECK-
REPORT-21Mar2007-0931214.dat) in the directory specified in the Directory field.
This directory defaults to %projcodeinfo%, where projcode is the Project Code (e.g.
TWD). If %projcodeinfo% does not exist, then %pdmswk% is used as the default
and is displayed in the field. If an invalid directory name is entered, an error alert is
displayed and the file is not written. If the field is left blank, the default directory is
used (%projcodeinfo% if it exists, otherwise %pdmswk%), following an error alert.
The appearance of the text file output is the same as the screen output.
If CSV file is selected, the same directory rules apply as for a text file, but a csv
(comma separated variables) file is created. The file naming convention is the same
as for a text file, except that a .csv extension is used. The csv output represents
data under column headings, and can be viewed in a spreadsheet application (e.g.
Excel).
5. Once the supports have been loaded and the output format selected, click on the
Apply button to start the health check. Once the check is complete, the report is output
for screen or file, as described above. In addition to the file described in step 3, a
temporary file of the report is also saved in the %pdmswk% directory.
6. View the report by selecting Load Errors Only or Complete Health Check from the
View Report menu.
7. Click the Dismiss button to exit the Health Check Utility.
Example output
************************************************************
MDS Health Check Utility Report
Date: 27-Sep-2006
Time: 09:34:09
User: SYSTEM
15:3 12.0
MDS User Guide
MDS Health Check Utility (HCU)
Project: TWD
User Name: michael.board
User Login: michael.board
Host: UKCHED3054
Process ID: Xa30-UKCHED3054
************************************************************
Load Errors
Number of load errors = 0
************************************************************
Support Name /PS05767
Support Type FRAME
** Warning ** - Section longer than template default
Section Name = /PS05767-V1
Actual Length = 2088.45
Maximum Template Length = 1575.00
** Warning ** - Section longer than template default
Section Name = /PS05767-V2
Actual Length = 2088.45
Maximum Template Length = 1575.00
** Warning ** - Section longer than template default
Section Name = /PS05767-BAR-1
Actual Length = 1641.59
Maximum Template Length = 1360.00
** Warning ** - Section longer than template default
Section Name = /PS05767-BAR-2
Actual Length = 1641.59
Maximum Template Length = 1360.00
Number of errors with support = 0
Number of warnings with support = 4
************************************************************
Support Name /PS05791
Support Type GROUP
Number of errors with support = 0
Number of warnings with support = 0
************************************************************
Support Name /PS05791[1]
Support Type FRAME
Number of errors with support = 0
Number of warnings with support = 0
************************************************************
15:4 12.0
MDS User Guide
MDS Health Check Utility (HCU)
15:5 12.0
MDS User Guide
MDS Health Check Utility (HCU)
15:6 12.0
MDS User Guide
Index
A trunnion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1
L S
LICAD Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:20 Snipe utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1
Lighting Support Snipes
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1 adding to steelwork members . . . . . 3:1
Modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:4 applicable MDS templates . . . . . . . . 3:3
creating automatically . . . . . . . . . . . 3:3
creating manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:4
M
Special MDS Framework form . . . . . . . 2:40
Manufacturers Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:13 Special section
MDS Catalogues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2 modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:48
MDS Framework form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:9 moving an HVAC project special joint/SCTN
MDS Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2 2:47
MDS startup display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:2 Special support
Modifying creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:39, 2:42
ancillary dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:34 creating a special SCTN . . . . . . . . 2:46
ancillary type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:34 creating a stiffener box . . . . . . . . . 2:46
hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:8 including a section . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:46
lighting support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:4 modifying stiffener box . . . . . . . . . . 2:47
special section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:48 Starting the Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:1
stiffener box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:47 Steelwork size
support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:27 selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:12
support name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:35 Support
adding to drawlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38
O copying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:31
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:4
Overview of the MDS Application . . . . . . 1:1 deleting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:30
modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:27
P repeating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:32
Packing piece T
adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:18
Project special support Through button . . . . . . . .2:11, 5:7, 5:16, 7:2
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:43 Tool bar icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:4
Project specials Tool bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:3
for cable tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:45 Trunnion
for HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:45 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1
for piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:44 Trunnion creation form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:2
PSDesigner Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:20
V
Q
View button
Query ancillary properties . . . . . . . . . . . 2:39 branch reinforcement creation . . . . . 6:1
W
Warning message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:27
Weld
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1
positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:3
Witch Hanger interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:14
Wizard
MDS application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13:1