ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D Modeling Fundamentals (Metric) TRN015490-1-0004

ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D
Modeling Fundamentals (metric)
Bentley Institute Course Guide
TRN015490-1/0004
Trademarks
AccuDraw, Bentley, the “B” Bentley logo, MDL, MicroStation and SmartLine are registered
trademarks; PopSet and Raster Manager are trademarks; Bentley SELECT is a service
mark of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or Bentley Software, Inc.
AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.
All other brands and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Patents
United States Patent Nos. 5,8.15,415 and 5,784,068 and 6,199,125.
Copyrights
©2000-2011 Bentley Systems, Incorporated.

MicroStation ©1998 Bentley Systems, Incorporated.
All rights reserved.
ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D Modeling Fundamentals 2 Mar-11

Copyright © 2011 Bentley Systems, Incorporated
Table of Contents
Course Overview ____________________________________ 7

Course Description ____________________________________7
Target Audience_______________________________________7
Prerequisites _________________________________________7
Course Objectives _____________________________________8
Modules Included _____________________________________8
System Requirements __________________________________9
Software Requirements_________________________________9
Documentation Conventions_____________________________10
Installation Folders ____________________________________11
Files ________________________________________________12
Template (dwt) File and Model Setup ___________________ 13

Module Overview _____________________________________13
Module Prerequisites __________________________________13
Module Objectives_____________________________________13
Program Startup and Template File Creation ________________14
Units and Measurement Values __________________________16
ProSteel Options (Default Settings)________________________17
Global Settings ____________________________________17
Module Review _______________________________________28
Questions ________________________________________28
Answers __________________________________________28
Viewing and Moving Around the Model _________________ 29

Module Overview _____________________________________29
Utilizing Structural View Tools____________________________30
Understanding and Manipulating Clipping Planes ____________34
User-Defined Templates ________________________________37
Module Review _______________________________________39
Questions ________________________________________39
Answers __________________________________________39
Mar-11 3 ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D Modeling Fundamentals

Table of Contents
Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes ____________ 41

Module Overview _____________________________________41
Handle Editing ________________________________________42
Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model________________________46
Editing Steel Shapes and Plates___________________________56
The Common Tab __________________________________57
The Shapes Tab ____________________________________60
Using the Modify Functions on Steel Shapes and Plates _______62
Module Review _______________________________________64
Questions ________________________________________64
Answers __________________________________________64
Creating a Workframe _______________________________ 65

Module Overview _____________________________________65
Creating a Workframe and Review Settings _________________66
Creating and Manipulating Display Classes and Area Classes____79
Display Classes ____________________________________79
Area Classes_______________________________________81
Part Families ______________________________________82
Module Review _______________________________________85
Questions ________________________________________85
Answers __________________________________________86
Inserting and Manipulating Shapes _____________________ 87

Module Overview _____________________________________87
Inserting Steel Shapes Using the Line ______________________88
Assigning Steel Members to a Display Class _________________92
Inserting Steel Shapes Using the 2 Point Method_____________94
Module Review _______________________________________97
Creating Connections Between Elements ________________ 99

Module Overview _____________________________________99
Creating a Basic End Plate Connection _____________________100
Modifying Connections Using Grip Editing __________________118
Module Review _______________________________________125
Questions ________________________________________125
Answers __________________________________________125

Table of Contents
Creating Base Plates and Cross Bracing __________________ 127

Module Overview _____________________________________127
Creating Base Plates on Columns _________________________128
Drilling the Base Plate to Accommodate Anchor Bolts _________138
Creation of Dynamic and Static Bracings ___________________144
Module Review _______________________________________159
Questions ________________________________________159
Answers __________________________________________159
Purlin Courses, Web Angles, and Shear Plate Connections __ 161

Module Overview _____________________________________161
Creating the Purlins ____________________________________162
Adding Web Angle Connections __________________________180
Module Review _______________________________________186
Questions ________________________________________186
Answers __________________________________________186
Structural Elements __________________________________ 187

Module Overview _____________________________________187
Creating the Handrail___________________________________189
Creating the Stairs _____________________________________199
Ladder and Manual Views _______________________________206
Creating a Manual View ________________________________210
Module Review _______________________________________212
Questions ________________________________________212
Answers __________________________________________212
Extras _____________________________________________ 213

Module Overview _____________________________________213
User-Created Shapes ___________________________________214
Standard User Shape ___________________________________214
Roof and Wall Panels ___________________________________218
Combined Shapes _____________________________________219
Welded Shapes _______________________________________224
Export to Pure AutoCAD ________________________________229
Centre of Gravity ______________________________________230
Collision Detection_____________________________________231
Mar-11 5 ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D Modeling Fundamentals

Table of Contents
Unfold ______________________________________________232
Module Review _______________________________________234
Questions ________________________________________234
Answers __________________________________________234
Appendix A - ProSteel Toolbars and Tips & Tricks __________ 235

Viewtools Toolbar _____________________________________235
Elements Toolbar______________________________________237
Edit Toolbar __________________________________________240
Utilities Toolbar _______________________________________244
Tips and Tricks ________________________________________248
Appendix B - Construction Groups ______________________ 251

Module Overview _____________________________________251
ProSteel 3D Grouping __________________________________252
Module Review _______________________________________264
Questions ________________________________________264
Answers __________________________________________264
Appendix C - Positioning and Material Takeoffs ___________ 265

Module Overview _____________________________________265
Positioning the Model __________________________________266
Creating a Parts List (B.O.M.) ____________________________280
Module Review _______________________________________288
Questions ________________________________________288
Answers __________________________________________288

Course Overview
Course Description
Bentley ProSteel V8i (PSV8i) is a structural steel construction application for
AutoCAD. If you have previously used traditional AutoCAD tools or other 2D
applications to create steel construction drawings, you will need to adjust to a
new method of creating drawings. ProSteel 3D allows you to model your actual
structure in a manner similar to actual erection of the structure. This model is
then used by the program to automatically generate the required 2D shop
drawings.
Target Audience
This course is recommended for the following audience(s):
• New and existing users of ProSteel
Prerequisites
• A minimum of six months experience with AutoCAD 2D.
• Some familiarity with 3D commands and concepts.
Mar-11 7 Course Overview

Course Objectives
Course Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
• Set up and move around a model.
• Create and work with workframes.
• Insert and modify steel shapes and assign them to display classes.
• Create Cross bracing utilizing both static and fully dynamic methods.
• Insert base plates and use the drilling function.
• Create and modify joint connections.
• Group interconnected parts into construction groups.
• Create purlins and modify them using copes, web angles, and the shear tab.
• Generate structural elements.
• Position a model and generate reports.
• Perform extra functionality such as exporting a file to pure AutoCAD,
determining the center of gravity, collision detection, and the unfold function.
Modules Included
The following modules are included in this course:
• Template (dwt) File and Model Setup
• Viewing and Moving Around the Model
• Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes
• Creating a Workframe
• Inserting and Manipulating Shapes
• Creating Connections Between Elements
• Creating Base Plates and Cross Bracing
• Construction Groups
• Purlin Courses, Web Angles, and Shear Plate Connections
• Structural Elements
• Positioning and Material Takeoffs
• Extras
Course Overview 8 Mar-11

System Requirements
System Requirements
You must have a CD drive or Internet access for product installation. The following
prerequisites are required to run Bentley ProSteel V8i:
Processor: Intel Pentium-based PC

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 2000, Service Pack 4 or
later, Microsoft Windows XP Professional,
SP1a or later
Internet: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or greater
Memory: 1 GB or greater
Hard Disk 2GB minimum free hard disk space
Input Device: Industry-standard input device supported by
Windows
Output Device: Industry-standard output device supported by
Windows
Video Graphics Card: Min. 512MB video card
Databases Supported: Supports Oracle 8.1.6, 8.1.7 and 9i, SQL Server
7, 2000 and 2005, MS Access 2000, XP or 2003
and MSDE 2000 databases
Software Requirements
All systems must have the AutoCAD software fully installed. AutoCAD does not
need to be authorized beyond evaluation mode. The AutoCAD application should
be launched at least once before ProSteel V8i is installed.
All required modules from the ProSteel V8i product suite should be installed and
executed in order to set the operation of the software into evaluation mode. This
will authorize the software for a ten-day period. It is preferred that the evaluation
mode is NOT set more than one or two days before the training session is
scheduled to begin. If systems are unable to be set to evaluation mode, you must
contact the consultant prior to arrival so the required temporary licenses can be
obtained and brought to your facility.
In many instances, a working ProSteel project that includes the drawing files used
in this training session will also be provided.

Documentation Conventions
Documentation Conventions
A number of conventions are maintained throughout ProSteel documentation to
improve the identification and understanding of the information presented.
CONVENTION DESCRIPTION
Note: Precedes information of general importance.
Hint: Precedes optional time saving information.
Warning: Precedes information about actions that should not be performed under
normal operating conditions.
Input Commands or information that must be manually entered, clicked, or
selected are bolded.
Cascading Menu commands are bolded.
menus Example: Select Tools > Setup > Drawing Preferences.
Dialogs Dialog and database table names are in italics.
Field_Names Example: The Preferences dialog.
Select Indicates that the command must be executed from a menu or dialog.
Select or click Indicates an item (component or point) that may be selected on a drawing.
Throughout this manual, the menu command sequence required to execute

a command will be explicitly defined in the text, while the associated toolbar
icon is presented in the margin.
Note: The dialogs, toolbars, etc., illustrated throughout this tutorial were
captured running AutoCAD 2008 in the Windows XP environment.

Installation Folders
Installation Folders
Listed below are the folders and subfolders created during the installation
process.
CisSupport Cis files

Data* Databases: Bolts, CombiShapes, Plates, RoofWall, Shapes, UserShapes,
WeldShapes
Detail intermediate folder used by ProSteel (one folder per 3D model detailed)
Dwg suggested folder to place drawing files (not recommended)
EULA End User License Agreement
Export default export folder
FactorySettings for internal use (subfolders: Metric & Imperial)
Liesmich Read me files
Localised* One Subfolder Per Language Used:
English: language used

Bracings: bracing databases
Data: customizable Files
FactorySettings: (subfolders: Metric and Imperial) for internal use
Format: detailcenterxpress and mark numbering related files
Help: help files
Partlist: database-driven B.O.M. templates
Resource: for internal use
Styles: metric and Imperial styles
Userblocks: user-defined blocks
NC CNC Data Default Output Folder
Prg main ProSteel folder & subfolders:
Bitmaps
Configuration Files
Projects* project default folder
Read me Read me files
Samples drawing files showing examples of elements and sampel drawing files. For
advanced users.
Temp metric & Imperial temp files
Varia* metric & Imperial command templates
*For an optimum usage of ProSteel V8i, these folders should be located in one
single hard drive and shared via the network to all ProSteel V8i users'
machines when using multiple stations running ProSteel V8i.
Note: The Temp folder should never be located on a network drive.

Files
Files
Files listed in this section can be edited with any text editor except for the
database (.mdb) files.
Default Location File

of Folder
..\prg\config\ Configuration: PRO_ST3D.CFGThe file is divided into two sections:
- Comments: identified by the “;” at the beginning of each line.

- Files & folders location: used if sharing files or folders over the network.
..\localised\lang Material: ProStructureMaterial.mdb. These materials will be sorted in the
uage\data\ selection list during modelling according to the order that they appear in this
file, regardless of their index No. This means that you can move materials up
the list if you want them to be at the beginning of the selection flyouts
during modelling. Each line has the following information: Index, Material,
Comments, Weight (Kg/m3), Usage Flag.
Description - Layer Description: PRO_ST3D.FDF
Hole Diameter: PRO_ST3D.HDT. After the comment lines, the file is divided
into columns. Each line corresponds to an available hole diameter. The file
structure is: Index, hole size in mm | gap in mm # hole size in inches | gap in
inches. Inch values are entered in decimal format.
Plate Description: PRO_ST3D.PDC. These are the available names for plates.
The file structure is: Index, Description
Plate Thickness: PRO_ST3D.PTT. These are the available plate thicknesses to

be used. The file structure is: Index, plate thickness in mm # plate thickness
in inches. Inch values are entered in decimal format.
..\data\shapes\ Steel Shape Databases: .MDB. You will also find in the corresponding
subfolder here bolts and plates databases as well as usershape subfolders.

Template (dwt) File and Model
Setup
Module Overview
ProSteel V8i has all the capabilities of AutoCAD, plus features that accelerate and
ease working on models of steel structures.
In this module, you will learn how to set ProSteel V8i options and/or default
settings.
You will also learn how to create an AutoCAD dwt template file used when
starting a new Bentley ProSteel V8i model.
Module Prerequisites
• Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation etc.
• Previous experience with 3D CAD system, preferably AutoCAD
Module Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:
• Start the ProSteel V8i software
• Create a template file
• Access the ProSteel Options dialog and control the settings
Mar-11 13 Template (dwt) File and Model Setup

Program Startup and Template File Creation

 Exercise 1: Starting ProSteel 3D
In this exercise, you will learn how to start the ProSteel V8i software. The main
application menu and toolbar are also introduced.
1 Select Programs > ProStructure V8i > ProStructure V8i for AutoCAD 200x
from your Windows Start menu or double-click the ProStructure V8i icon
on your desktop.
2 Close the active dwg file without saving it.

3 Select File > New.
4 Select the PS191_Metric.dwt template. .
Template (dwt) File and Model Setup 14 Mar-11

Note: This file is already tagged as a Metric file. If we had opened a non-tagged
file, we would have gotten a warning dialog asking us to tag this file.
The ProStructures 3D menu is now available:
The ProSteel Design applications and supplemental utilities menus and

toolbars are also available.

Units and Measurement Values
Units and Measurement Values

ProSteel 3D uses AutoCAD units, so you must set your units as you normally do
with AutoCAD. You will have to set the units for the 3D model and the 2D drawing
files. This can be achieved automatically by preparing dwt template files for
modelling and for 2D drawings.
ProSteel 3D also needs another variable to be set properly in order to be able to

insert the steel shapes in the proper dimensions. Let us explain here how it all
works.
Shape Databases are populated with all the information needed to build each
steel shape. The information in the shape's databases is either in metric or
imperial values. ProSteel 3D knows which system was used in each database
according to the shape configuration.
Once inside a dwt file, ProSteel 3D needs to know what system is going to be used
there.
Thanks to this, ProSteel 3D can now tell if it needs to convert the size of a shape
read on a metric database to be inserted into a metric (no conversion needed) or
an imperial (25.4 scale-down factor) model.
We strongly recommend you set up these two settings (Units & Measurement)
inside a dwt file for each possible combination you might need, so you do not
need to worry about it ever again.
To set this, type "measurement" at the command prompt and select 0 (zero) for
Imperial or 1 (one) for Metric.
Note: Once the model is started in either measurement system, it cannot be

converted to the other measurement system.

ProSteel Options (Default Settings)
Global Settings
Now we will look at the ProSteel V8i settings within ProSteel V8i. Because
ProSteel V8i needs to differentiate metric from imperial drawings, these settings
exist in double.
When ProSteel V8i installs it should give you access to the templates included in
the installation.
You can modify these settings and save them as templates for each different
situation (per project, per client, per job, etc).
 Exercise 1: Access the Settings

1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select ProSteel 3D Options or right-
click on the drawing area and select ProSteel > Options.
The ProSteel Options dialog opens. This multi-paged dialog contains the
default settings data, or global settings information, for the model.
2 Assign the Options parameters shown below.

3 Select Grips.
4 Assign the parameters shown below.
5 Select Shapes.
7 Select Shape Label.


9 Select Sketch Display.

11 Select Naming Conventions.

12 Assign the parameters as shown below.
13 Select the Flat steel selection list.


15 Select Straight Plates.

17 Select Plate Label.

19 Select Plate Description.


21 Select Calculation method.

23 Select Bolts.
25 Select Workframe.

27 Select Assembly.
29 Select Values.
31 Select Loglinks.
Note: The Allow additional data check box enables Connection Detailing.
33 Select Revision check.

35 Select Display.
37 Select Colours.

39 Select Monitor Colours.

41 Select Configuration / Isometric View.

43 Select Layer.

45 Select Flat steel selection.

Note: Set to STANDARD FLAT STEEL as per your requirement.
47 Select Dialog settings.

49 Select Tooltips.

51 Select Classes / Families.

53 Select Match Properties.

55 Click the check mark.

All of the settings are applied to the ProSteel model.
56 Select File > Save.
57 Select Dialog Settings in the Expert Mode list.

Additional fields are added to the Options page.
A new page, Files, will be available at the very end of the list.
Hint: After doing some configurations using the expert mode, always set it
back to beginner mode.

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 How do you tell ProSteel 3D if it needs to convert the size of a shape read
on a metric database to be inserted into a metric (no conversion needed)
or an imperial (25.4 scale-down factor) model?
2 What does the ProSteel Options dialog do?
Answers
1 Set up these two settings (Units & Measurement) inside a dwt file for each
possible combination you might need, so you do not need to worry about
it ever again. Type "measurement" at the command prompt and select 0
(zero) for Imperial or 1 (one) for Metric.
2 This ProSteel Options dialog contains the default settings data, or global
settings information, for the model.

Viewing and Moving Around
the Model
Module Overview
In this module, you will learn about ProSteel's view manipulation functions and
the ProSteel tools provided to adjust the AutoCAD's UCS.
• Basic Windows knowledge including file navigation, etc.
• Previous experience with a 3D CAD system, preferably AutoCAD
• Completion of previous modules in this course recommended
Module Objectives
• Change the view of a model
• Center a shape in the view
• Set the UCS by a shape either at a point or centered on the shape
• Understand what clipping planes are and how they affect the view of the
model
• Turn clipping planes on and off
• Change the clipping plane distances so as to change the resultant view
Mar-11 29 Viewing and Moving Around the Model

Utilizing Structural View Tools

Different types of views are available in ProSteel V8i. Some are created
automatically, while others are user-defined/created. These views can also be
used to create engineering 2D plans, elevations and building cross-sections, as
well as fabricators' erection drawings.
These viewing tools all serve the same purpose, making it much easier to work in
a 3D environment than with plain AutoCAD tools.
ProSteel provides five isometric view points generated as per settings in the
ProSteel V8i Global Settings discussed in the previous module. These views can be
used to navigate in the model, as well as to generate isometric views of the whole
structure or of individual parts, assemblies or connection details.
When you select any of the five provided views, you will notice that the viewing
direction of the model changes according to those settings.
 Exercise 1: Change the Model View using the Overview Command

1 Select File > Open.
The VIEWMOD.dwg training drawing opens.
2 Browse to the training file directory.
3 Select the VIEWMOD.DWG drawing file.
Viewing and Moving Around the Model 30 Mar-11

4 Click Open.
5 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Isometric
Overview.
The model displays in an isometric view.
6 Try the other view tools in this menu.
Additional view commands are provided in the ProSteel Zoom / View
toolbar.
7 Return the drawing to the Isometric Overview view.
 Exercise 2: Change the Model View Using the Choose View Command
The Choose View function contains predefined views, which are automatically
created when a workframe is created. This simplifies the process of viewing a
model from any of the standard directional views (e.g., Front, Right, Left etc.).
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Choose View.
2 Select the Bentley_TOP view.

3 Select Set View.
The view is changed to match the selected view name.
4 Execute the Overview command.
5 Switch back to the Overview 1 view.
7 Select the TOP view.
8 Select Set UCS.
Note: The UCS is changed to the view, but the view of the model does not
change.

 Exercise 3: Switch to an Object View (Object View Tools)
In this exercise, you will learn how to switch the view in the model so a selected
shape will be set as the current view and will have the AutoCAD UCS set to this
shape.
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Object View
Centered.
The cross section of the beam (360UB51) displays.
2 Select the beam located at the angle whose part name is displayed
(360UB51).
3 When prompted with the multi-colored direction indicator, select the axis
highlighted in yellow and then click to accept the selection.
The UCS is now centered in the shape and the model view is changed to
the cross section of the beam.
4 Experiment with this option by selecting a different axis when prompted
with the direction indicator.
5 Notice the change in the model view.

 Exercise 4: Switch the UCS to an Object (Object UCS Tools)
In this exercise, you will learn how to move the AutoCAD UCS to an object at a
specific point without changing the model view.
Overview.
The standard Isometric View displays.
2 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Object UCS
centered.
The UCS is centered on the 360UB51 member.
3 Select the same 360UB51 member as above.
4 Select the same left-hand axis (yellow).
The UCS moves to the object, but the view does not change.
5 Try this again, selecting a different axis.
6 Note the change of the UCS location and plane.

Understanding and Manipulating Clipping Planes

Working with a 3D model can quickly become complex, especially if many parts
are spatially stacked or overlap one another. By using AutoCAD Clipping Planes,
ProSteel offers a command to hide parts in front of and behind the current work
plane, also known as the cutting plane.
This simplifies the construction process significantly, since only those objects
approximately in the same work plane are visible. This prevents the accidental
manipulation of stacked shapes. The term "approximately" is used here in the
sense that only the objects within the Clipping Planes created are visible to the
front and rear.
If one of the defined views or an object view is selected, the hide option is
activated as the default setting unless the command has been deactivated
globally.
This command can be selectively activated or deactivated to permit viewing the

depths of all parts simultaneously for a general overview of the component parts
of the model.
 Exercise 1: What Are Clipping Planes
In this section, you will learn what a Clipping Plane is and how it affects what you
see in the model.
1 Continuing with the VIEWMOD drawing, select Isometric Overview.
The standard isometric view displays.
2 Notice the two front-to-rear connecting members. The element on the
right side of the frame is lower in elevation than the element on the left
side of the frame.
4 Select Bentley_SIDE_L view.
5 Click Set View.
When the model regenerates it appears in the left-hand view, but you are
unable to see the member on the right side of the frame. This is because
the clipping plane distance for the left-frame view is set to 500mm and the
member located on the right side of the frame is outside of this range.
7 Select Bentley_SIDE_R view.

8 Select Set View.
Note: The member on the left side of the frame is not visible because it is
outside of the clipping distance set for the right-hand view.
 Exercise 2: Set Clipping Planes On and Off
In this exercise, you will learn how to set the state of the clipping planes using the
Flip command.
1 Select Choose View.
2 The left-side view Bentley_SIDE_L displays.
4 Select Set View.
Note: The members located on the right side of the model are not visible.
5 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Clipplane > Flip.
The clipping planes are deactivated and the members on the right side of
the model are now visible.
6 Repeat the Flip command several times.
7 Note the change in the view of the model each time.
 Exercise 3: Changing Clipping Plane Distances
In this exercise, you will learn how to change the clip plane distance so that the
view in the model will change to show members that were originally outside of
the clipping planes, even though the clip planes are still ON.
The left-side view Bentley_SIDE_L displays.
3 Select Set View.
4 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Clipplane >
Distance.
The clipping planes are changed so that the view displays the members
located on the right side of the model.
The Current clipping plane distances dialog displays.
5 Keep the Front distance at 500.

6 Enter 2500 for the Back distance.

The dialog closes, and the view now shows the column in the middle of
the model.
Note: You will learn later how to set the clip planes at the time the workframe
is generated.

User-Defined Templates
Templates allow users to save and re-use all values related to a dialog (including
all tabs). This functionality saves time and allows settings to be standardized
within projects and shared between co-workers.
Each type of function has a dedicated file to which user-defined templates are
saved. Template files are grouped into the Varia folder under two separate
subfolders, Metric and Imperial.
Templates can be created through most ProSteel V8i dialogs.
To create or to load/import a template:

1 Select Template.
The ProSteel V8i Template Manager dialog appears.
To create a new template in a new folder:

1 Select New Folder.
2 Type a new name for the folder (e.g. "FirstFolder").
3 Click once outside the name field.
4 Select Save Template As.
A new template is added with the name "Template".
5 Type a new name for the template (e.g. "FirstTemplate").
The fields/settings in the dialog are saved to the corresponding template
listed above.
To load a template:
1 Select Template.
2 Select a template from the list of templates.
3 Select Load Template.

All fields/settings in the dialog are populated from the template.
To import a template:
1 Select Template.
2 Select Import.
The file browser appears.
3 Select an existing template.
4 Click Open.
The existing template is loaded into the ProSteel V8i Template Manager
dialog.

Module Review
Module Review
Now that you have completed this module, let’s measure what you have learned.
Questions
1 How do you activate or deactivate clipping planes?
2 What does the Choose View function do, and how do you access it?
Answers
1 Use the Flip command to activate or deactivate clipping planes. From the
ProStructures 3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Clipplane > Flip.
2 The Choose View function contains predefined views, which are
automatically created when a workframe is created. This simplifies the
process of viewing a model from any of the standard directional views
(e.g., Front, Right, Left etc.). To use this function from the ProStructures
3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Choose View.

Module Review

Drawing and Editing Shapes
and Workframes
Module Overview
In this chapter, you will learn about ProSteel's Grip edit function, which is used to
edit and manipulate steel shapes, plates, and other elements.
• Previous experience with a 3D CAD system, preferably AutoCAD
• Completion of previous modules in this course recommended
Module Objectives
• Activate the grips and invoke the ProSteel Properties function
• Change various shape properties such as size, type and lengt.
• Modify structural objects such as workframes
• Draw steel shapes in the model
• Edit steel shapes and plates
Mar-11 41 Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes

Handle Editing
Handle Editing
In this lesson, you will use AutoCAD Grips to edit steel shapes in order to change
size, length, shape, type, and display options. You will also use grips to edit
ProSteel Objects.
 Exercise 1: Activate a Shape’s Grips and Modify Its Properties
In this exercise, you will learn how to activate a component's grips and display the
Shape Properties dialog. This dialog enables you to modify the properties that
define a shape.
First, you’ll open the ViewMod.dwg training model.
2 Browse to the training file directory.
3 Select the ViewMod.dwg file.
4 Click Open.
The ViewMod.dwg training model opens.
Now you’ll open the Shape Properties dialog.
5 Zoom in on the wide flange beam labeled 360UB51.
6 Select the element.
The element’s AutoCAD grips are invoked and should appear as blue
squares.
7 Right-click.
Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes 42 Mar-11

Handle Editing
8 Select PS3D Properties from the context menu.
The Shape Properties dialog displays, as shown below.

Handle Editing
A brief description of the Shape Properties dialog pages is provided below.
General Data Layout: display options for the shape.
Shape Type: type, class, and size of shape.
Position: information relating to the shape's insertion point and orientation.
Dimension points: extra options for advanced dimensioning.

Partlist Data Data: information available for bill of materials, pos flags, etc.
Values: dimensional and weight information.
Assignments: data for detailing the part and displaying the part in relation to
the model and other shapes in the model.
Conical: data pertaining to slope a shape placed in the drawing.

Other pages that Cuts: information about cuts on the shape.
will eventually
appear Loglinks: settings for links between elements.
depending on
the element's
modifications
You will now change the shape size.

9 Select Shape Type on the Shape Properties dialog.
10 Select Shape Class to AS_PFC, then select 150PFC from the Shape Size list.
11 Notice the change of the shape in the model.
Note: ProSteel uses "non-modal" dialogs. This is a major benefit when editing
a shape or other object, as the changes made in the dialog are
immediately reflected in the actual model.
12 Select the Layout tab.
13 Locate the Layout group box in the upper left-hand corner of the dialog.
14 Move the dialog off to the side so you can see the shape being edited.
15 Cycle through the various display methods and note the changes in the
shape and how it changes in the model.
16 Select Edges Inside in the Layout field.
The display is returned to the Edges Inside mode.
17 In the Options group box on the right-hand side of the Layout tab,
experiment with the display options of the shape and note the changes in
the model.
18 Clear the Part Label check box.

Handle Editing
19 Notice how the part name associated with the shape is no longer
displayed in the model.
20 Select Values.
21 Change the value in the Length field.
22 Notice the change in length of the shape.
23 Return the values to their original settings.
24 Close the dialog.
Note: Modification with more precision and in relation to other ProSteel

objects will be covered in more depth in the next module.

Drawing Steel Shapes in the Model

There are several methods of inserting shapes into a model, including insertion
via a line in the model, selecting two points in the model, and the selection of
multiple lines. You can also insert a shape in a cross-section, where the shape is
drawn in the negative Z-Axis from the current X-Y plane. The Line method and the
2 Point method are the most commonly used. For our training purposes we focus
on these methods.
This section provides an overview of the ProSteel V8i Shapes dialog. You will also
learn how to create a steel Shapes Template to minimize the shape selection.
 Exercise 1: Create a Template File to Minimize the Shape Tables
In this exercise, you will learn how to create a template file of the Australian steel
shapes.
Overview.
You will begin by inserting the columns on the Bentley workframe.
2 Select Shapes.
The ProSteel Shapes dialog displays.
Before you place a shape, you need to minimize the number of shape types
displayed within the dialog. To do this you will create a template file and save
it so that you can recall it later.
3 Select Display.

The Shape Catalog shown below is divided into three main sections.
The list of shape tables shipped with the product is shown on the far left.
The list of available shapes for each table is displayed in the center.
The Current Shape Classes section on the right contains only the shapes
you want to see when you invoke the Shapes Insert command.
Now we will alter the Current Shape Classes to show only the Australian steel
shapes and display them in Metric Units.
4 Select <<.
All the shapes are removed from the Current Shape Classes section.
5 Clear all of the options in the shape tables section except for Australian .
The List of Available Shapes on the right reflects the change.
6 Select >>.
All of the shapes in the List of Available Shapes section are added to the
Current Shape Classes list.

7 Select the Metric radio button.
You will now save the new settings.

8 Select Template.
The ProSteel Template Manager dialog appears.
9 Create a new folder named Bentley.
10 Add the template to the folder, naming it Training.
11 Press Enter.
The ProSteel Template Manager dialog closes, and the previous dialog
returns.
The Steel shape insertion dialog is returned.

The options provided in the Straight Shapes dialog are described in the following
table.
Shape Type Shows the types of shape tables available for use in the model: Standard,
User, Combination, and Roof and Wall.
Resolution The available shape display resolutions
Shape Class Shape classes available for the currently selected Shape Type.
Shape Size The shape sizes available for the currently selected Shape Class. Once a
specific size member is selected, an image of that shape will appear
indicating the possible insertion points with the selected insertion point
highlighted in RED. Also indicated by the image is the current rotation of the
shape about its axis of insertion.
Options Key: the current shape that will be inserted if any one of the insertion
methods at the bottom of the dialog are selected. This can be different than
the shape shown in the Shape Type and Shape Size sections of the dialog.
Material: material assigned to this member at the time of insertion.
Layer: available layers for the elements.
Part Family: If family classes have been defined, you can set them here. The
selection of the family class can influence the colour of the part.
Detail Style: If detailing styles have been defined, set them here.
Display Class: If display classes have been defined, set them here.
Area Class: If area classes have been defined, set them here.
Description: If general parts descriptions have been defined, you can set
them here. The selection of the description can influence the colour and the
layer.
Delta X The insertion offset in X-direction. This field can only be entered if you have
selected the position 'Free' as the insertion point (this is the biggest
displayed insertion point).
Delta Y The insertion offset in Y-direction. This field can only be entered if you have
selected the position 'Free' as the insertion point (this is the biggest
displayed insertion point).
Item No. An item number can be entered directly here.
Turn The shape will be rotated about its insertion axis by this value.
Length Specify the length of the shape. This is important if you want to insert shapes
in the cross-section. Inputs in this field overwrite the length specified by the
insertion points.
Create Group If set, creates a group out of the shape after insertion.
Insertion Points If set, the standard insertion points of the shape are displayed in the
monitor.
User Defined If set, the user-defined insertion points of the shape are displayed in the
Insertion Points monitor.
Opens a dialog where all relevant shape data are displayed

All inserted shapes are still connected with the dialog, so that subsequent
modifications can also be transferred to already inserted shapes. If you don't
want this option, you can interrupt the connection using this button.
However, the shape is not deleted in this case.
Swap Shape: All inserted shapes which are still connected with the dialog are
mirrored along their Y-axis. You will obtain this by exchanging the insertion
points.
Rotate shape: The shapes are turned either positive (turned left in shape
direction) or negative (turned right in shape direction) around their insertion
point using the entered value.
Line: Line Insertion Method, which allows the user to select one line and
then set the orientation of the shape about that line.
Along 2 Points: Prompts the user to select a start point and end point of a
shape
Along Diagonal: Inserts a shape diagonally between two points
Prompts the user to select a start point, an end point, and an axis of rotation
for the shape
Allows selection of multiple lines. Upon selecting the lines the program will
place one shape on each line selected.
For this method of insertion, the orientation of the shape is based on a point
and the entered angle value. The length of the shape is the value entered in
the Length field. You will be prompted to select a point first and then
prompted again to enter an angle.
You can use this option if you have indicated a fixed shape length. You are
prompted for an insertion point and for an alignment. The shape will be
inserted on the current XY-plane of the UCS with the corresponding length to
the back (into the depth).
Displays the Shape Catalog dialog, allowing the customization of the shapes
displayed for selection in the Shape Classes section
Displays the Shape Modification dialog, allowing the addition of bent or

straight segments to a straight or already bent shape
Enables the insertion of secondary beams between two existing main beams
Enables the insertion of multiple secondary shapes between primary shapes
Enables insertion of columns at selected points

Enables insertion of beams at gridlines. With Alt selection is via polygon,

with Control Lines in all Levels are used, otherwise only the ones at the
current UCS Plane.
Match Properties of Selected Shapes.

 Exercise 2: Insert Steel Shapes into a Model
In this exercise, you will learn the Line and 2 Point methods of inserting shapes
into the model.
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Shapes.
The ProSteel V8i Shapes dialog opens.
2 Select the Straight Shapes tab.
3 Set the parameters as shown in the figure below.
Note: Make sure to select the top center insertion point in the image of the
shape. This will insert the shape at the TOS center point
4 Select the Options tab.
5 Set the parameters as shown below.

The options provided in the Options tab are described in the following table.
Options Height: the insertion height above current XY plane.
Start Offset: the offset of shape from start point.
End Offset: the offset of shape from end point.
Radius: the arc radius for bent shapes created from polyline.
Scale: the scale of 2D shapes.
Horizontal Offset: the distance of the shapes if a shape class has been
selected permitting an offset of several shapes in horizontal direction.
Vertical Offset: the distance of the shapes if a shape class has been selected
permitting an offset of several shapes in vertical direction.
Angular List of available insertion points for angle. Determines the insertion point if
Insertion Insert with Length under Angle is selected.
Options
Options Insert in current XY Plane: enables the insertion of shapes current XY plane.
Orientate after insertion: enable sthe orientation of shapes during insertion

using right-click.
Dynamic: enables the dynamic insertion of shapes.
Insert reference points: enables the reference point creation from insertion
points.
Insert as 2D Shape: enables 2d Shape creation.
Close dialog after insertion: enables the dialog closure after shape insertion.
Keep Length: enables the persistence of length field after dialog closure.
Secondary Beam Connect UCS Lines: enables connection of UCS lines of beams with UCS lines
Options of main elements.
Cope: enables addition of cope to secondary beams. If set, enables you to

select a cope template from the drop-down list below.
Opens the Structural Cope dialog, which allows cope style editing.
6 Select the Straight Shapes tab.

You will now place the shape using the line inserion method.
7 Select Line.
The prompt Pick the Desired point <Line> displays.
8 Select the back left vertical frame line at column location 2A.
The prompt Click Left-Hand Mouse Button to Rotate the Shape in Position
or Enter to Accept displays.

9 Click until the shape rotates into the position shown below.
10 Press Enter.
The insertion of the shape is completed.
11 Press Enter.
The command ends, and the Structural Shapes dialog displays.
The dialog closes.
You will now insert another shape using the 2 point method.
14 Define the shape as shown below.
15 Set the same parameters in the Options tab as before.

16 Select Shapes 2 Point Insertion.

The prompt Specify Shape Start point displays.

17 Select the intersection of top level 2A.
The prompt Specify Shape end point displays.
18 Select the intersection of top level 2B.
The prompt Hit Left-Hand Mouse Button to Rotate the Shape in Position or
Right-Hand Mouse to Accept displays.
19 Select Accept current Shape to prevent further changes.
This prevents further changes and allows placement of additional shapes
using different settings from this dialog, without losing the settings of the
shape just placed.

Editing Steel Shapes and Plates

Shapes and plates can be lengthened, shortened, coped, notched, divided, joined,
angle cut, and have boolean operations performed on them. There are several
methods available to modify shapes and plates other than by handle editing.
Manipulation commands are available in the main Structural Modify Element
dialog, accessed through the Structural > Manipulate menu.
In this section, you will become familiar with the Element Modification dialog and
its inherent functions. You will also learn to modify steel shapes and plates using
the Element Modification dialog commands.
 Exercise 1: The Element Modification Dialog

1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Manipulate > Dialog.
Note: Every time you see this icon in a dialog, you have the option to display a
Bitmap (Graphics). However, setting the Global Dialog Settings to Expert
Mode will not show Bitmap (Graphics).
2 Familiarize yourself with the options in the Common tab, which are
described as follows.

The Common Tab

Extend/Trim
At Line: When selected, the shape is cut at a line. This can be an

AutoCAD line, as well as an imaginary line created by entering the letter P as the
line that will be cut. The value you enter in the Distance field is the size of the gap
that will be created between the shape and the line.
To extend to a line: Insert a shape into the drawing and draw a line across its path
a few feet away. Select the icon to extend/trim to line. At this point it is necessary
to select the shape and once that is done, hold down the Alt key and select the
line the element should be extended to.
To trim to a line: Begin in the same manner as above by placing a shape in the
drawing, but create a crossing line that intersects the shape. Select the icon to
extend/trim to line. To trim to a line, select the object on the side that should be
removed then select the line itself.
At Object: When selected, the shape is cut or extended at another

shape. Before the cut takes place, the centerline of the object to be cut must
intersect some part of the shape upon which you are cutting back to. The shape
will be gapped from the cutting element by the amount you enter in the Distance
field in the main dialog.
Distance: offset to cutting line or cutting element.
Creates Straight Cut: If set, creates a straight cut at a line or object, no matter how
these are positioned to the cut object.
To extend to an object: Extending an object/shape is fairly straightforward. Place

two shapes in the drawing; a column, and a beam going towards the column's
flange. Leave a space between them. Select the icon to extend/trim to shape.
Then select the shape to be extended (beam) and then select the shape to extend
to (column). Note that the element will extend to the point where its centerline
touches the object it is extending to.
To trim to an object: For this example, re-create the same geometry between two
object/shapes as above, but have the beam cross past the column. Cut to shape is
done by first selecting the shape that is to be cut and then choosing the shape it
will cut against. Here the shorter side is always removed and as mentioned above,
the element will extend to the point where its centerline touches the object it is
extending to.

Divide/
Connect
Divide: divides a shape into two shapes. The cutting line may be any
line or object. Select the shape to be divided and then the dividing line or point.
When you have entered a value in the Distance field in the main dialog, BOTH
new ends will be shortened this amount.
Distance: distance between elements after division.
Separate on Level: If set, you are asked for three points, which have to form a
plane. The parts are divided along this plane.
To divide, place a shape into the work area. Select the Divide icon and select the
shape. Once the shape is selected it is possible to divide it either by selecting a
point (default) or by selecting a line that crosses the shape.
It is important to keep in mind that when selecting a point that the division will be
made from that point, perpendicular to the shape.
Connect: allows two shapes of the same type to be joined as one. They
must be exactly aligned.
Notch (Other) This function inserts simple geometrical shapes of outlets and countersunk parts
into your shapes. You can create square, wedge-type, and circular shapes using
the dialog which displays upon selecting this option.
Square Notch: To use this option, select the member and then the location on the
member where the notch should be placed. Then fill out the values for Width,
Height, and Depth, and select the position of the notch in accordance with the
point that was selected. The selected point will be indicated by a blue, yellow and
red crosshair.
Wedge Notch: Wedge works like Square does except it includes two new options,
'Edge Front - Edge Back' and 'Edge Top Edge Bottom':
Edge Front - Edge Back: determines whether the vertical flat side should face the
front or back, in relation to the direction that the member was drawn. For
example, if the member is drawn left to right then the vertical flat side for the
front is always to the left and the back is always to the right.
Edge Top Edge Bottom: places the horizontal flat side facing the chosen direction,
as it relates to the direction the member was drawn. If, for example, the beam is
placed in the drawing upside down (rotated 180 degrees) the 'edge bottom'
would place the flat side at the top and the 'edge top' would place the flat side at
the bottom.
Radial Notch: The radial notch works differently than Square and Wedge. It takes
into account the radius, length and angle of the cylinder. It also has the option to
use the outer or inner radius.
Position: Under this tab, the notch rotation can be adjusted along any axis. There
are options for rotating the notch by +/- 90 degrees or, if needed, a value can be
entered and +/-Phi can be used to rotate by the specified amount.

Polycuts
Pick: Select Pick, and then select the shape to be cut. Next, select the
point of the polyline defining the boundaries of the cut.
Polyline: Select Polyline, and then select the shape to be cut. Next,
select the polyline that defines the boundaries of the cut. In this case, the polyline
must be drawn with AutoCAD and be drawn prior to initiating the polycut
command.
Subtract: This is used to subtract the volume of one shape from the
volume of another. Select Subtract, select the shape to be cut and then the shape
to act as the boundary shape.
Position: decides where to apply the cut. The options are: Complete, Only Upper
Half and Only Lower Half.
Gap: If a value is entered here, an offset from the cut line will be maintained
equal to that value.

The Shapes Tab

The options in the Shapes tab are used to modify steel shapes and plates.
The table below provides descriptions of the options available in the Shapes
tab.
Shorten Shapes
Shorten Shapes By Pick: allows you to shorten a shape by selecting

the distance. Initiate the command and begin by selecting the shape to be
shortened. Select a starting point and an end point of the shortening, and
the shape will be shortened by this distance.
Shorten Shapes By Dimension: allows you to shorten a shape by a

distance equal to a set value. Select the shape and enter the amount by
which the shape will be shortened.
Shorten Shapes By Default: shortens the shape a distance equal to

the value entered in the Default field. Type a value in the Default field and
initiate the command. Select the shape to be shortened near the end you
want reduced and the shape will automatically be shortened by this amount.
If you continue to select the same element the shape will continue to be
shortened the default value.

LengthenShapes
Lengthen Shapes By Pick: the same as Shorten Shapes By Pick,

except that the shape is lengthened by the distance selected.
Lengthen Shapes By Dimension: the same as the Shorten Shapes

By Dimension, except that the shape is lengthened by a distance equal to a
set value.
Lengthen Shapes By Default: the same as Shorten Shapes By

Default, except that the shape is lengthened by a distance equal to the value
entered in the Default field.
Cope/Notch
This copes one shape where it meets another shape. The shapes
must intersect. Once the command is initiated, select the shape to be coped,
followed by the shape upon which to cut. After selecting the shapes, a dialog
displays giving you additional options controlling the actual cope distances
and parameters.
Mitre Cuts
Angle Bisect: allows for mitering two shapes that are of the same
size and type. You can also define a Gap between the two mitered shapes by
entering a value in the Gap field.
Outside Edge: allows for mitering two shapes that may not be the
same size and type. You can also define a Gap between the two mitered
shapes by entering a value in the Gap field
Insert Bend: performs a miter and replaces the beveled edge with
a shape section with a radius as specified in the Radius field.
You have now finished reviewing the options of the Element Modifications
dialog.
3 Select Cancel.
The dialog closes.

Using the Modify Functions on Steel Shapes and Plates

In this section, you will use the options in the Element Modification dialog to
shorten, cope, and mitre cut steel shapes and plates.
 Exercise 1: Shorten a Shape

The Element Modification dialog opens.
2 Select the Shapes tab.
3 Select Shorten Shapes By Default.
The prompt Pick Shape at End to be Shortened displays.
4 Select any shape, and notice that the shape shortens.
The dialog closes and the command ends.
 Exercise 2: Angle Mitre Two Shapes That are Angled Adjacent to Each Other
2 Select Angle Bisect in the Mitre Cuts group box in the dialog.
The prompt Select First Shape for Angle Cut displays.
3 Select one of the two shapes that are angled adjacent to each other.
The prompt Select Second Shape for Angle Cut displays.
4 Select the other shape.
5 Notice the mitre that is applied to the two shapes.
The dialog closes.
 Exercise 3: Cut One Shape Back from Another

2 Select At Object in the Extend Trim group box.
The prompt Select Shape to Cut or ESC for more Shapes to Cut displays.
3 Select one of the beams that tees into the flange of a column.

The prompt Select Shape on Which to Cut displays.

4 Select the intersecting column.
5 Notice the cutback that is applied to the beam.
6 Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the other manipulation
functions.

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 What are the most common methods of inserting shapes into a model?
2 What edits can be performed on shapes and plates?
3 Where are shape manipulation commands located?
Answers
1 The Line method and the 2 Point method are the most commonly used
methods of inserting shapes into a model.
2 Shapes and plates can be lengthened, shortened, coped, notched, divided,
joined, angle cut, and have boolean operations performed on them.
3 Shape manipulation commands are available in the main Structural
Modify Element dialog, accessed through the Structural > Manipulate
menu.

Creating a Workframe
Module Overview
In this chapter, you will learn how to create ProSteel V8i Workframes, modify
them, and create a Display Class in which to add the frames.
• Previous experience with a 3D CAD system, preferably AutoCAD.
• Completion of previous modules in this course recommended.
Module Objectives
• Create a symmetrical Workframe and a non-symmetrical Workframe.
• Edit the Workframe to change its properties and dimensional settings.
• Create and manipulate Display Classes and Area Classes.
• Assign a Workframe to the Display Classes and Area Classes.
• Cycle the Display Classes to control the view in the model.
Mar-11 65 Creating a Workframe

Creating a Workframe and Review Settings

The WorkFrame is a 3D object made up of lines in the form of a square/rectangle,
cylinder/cone, or pyramid. It provides the user with the following:
• Routing lines for steel placement
• Automatic clipped views, for 2D drawing generation and for viewing
A structure can be modelled with one or several WorkFrames.
We strongly recommend the use of WorkFrames as often as possible, even

though it is possible to model a complete structure without using one.
In this section, you will learn how to create a symmetrical workframe and a non-
symmetrical workframe. You will also edit the workframe to change its properties
and dimensional settings.
 Exercise 1: Create a Symmetrical Workframe
In this exercise, you will learn how to create and edit a workframe.
1 Create a new drawing using the template created in the Template File and
Model Setup module.
2 Select File > New.
3 Select the PS191_Metric.dwt template. .
4 Select File > Save As > TRNMODEL.
Creating a Workframe 66 Mar-11


Overview.
You will now display the ProSteel V8i Workframe dialog and place a
workframe.
6 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Additions > Workframe.
The prompt Select Origin of Workframe or Enter for UCS Origin displays.
7 Right-click.
The UCS origin is accepted for the workframe and the prompt Specify X -
Axis for Workframe or Enter for UCS X Axis displays.
8 Right-click.
The UCS X-Axis is accepted for the workframe and the ProSteel V8i
Workframe dialog displays, with the Layout tab selected.
9 Set the size and number of divisions as shown in the dialog below.
10 Switch to the Views tab.

12 Set the parameters in the Text X and Text Y tabs as shown below.

13 Border lines are used to add additional grid lines to the workframe.
14 Switch to the Options tab.

15 Set the values as shown below.
16 Switch to the Blocks tab.


The workframe is created.
 Exercise 2: View an Existing Workframe's Settings
In this exercise, you will view a workframe's dimensional settings.

Overview.
The model is set to Overview 1 view.
2 Zoom into the front left corner of the workframe just created.
3 Select the yellow-colored Axis Description.
The AutoCAD grips are active.
4 Right-click.
The context menu displays.
5 Select the PS 3D properties option.

The ProSteel V8i Workframe dialog opens. This is the same dialog used to
create the workframe. From this dialog you can change the workframe's
length, width, height, number of divisions, grid system, grid size etc.
Note: Once steel members have been placed on a workframe and the
workframe is modified, the shapes WILL NOT update to match the new
dimensions of the workframe.
The model is returned with the workframe values unchanged.
7 If the grips are still active, press Esc to deactivate them.
The dimensional portion of a Workframe is known as a Structural Object. This
portion of the workframe contains all of the dimensional data necessary to
define its size and location. In addition to the dimensional data there is
specific frame data associated with every face (top, left, right, front, back and
all faces in-between) of the workframe. Each one of these faces is
independent of the others and can be modified separately. These individual
frames also constitute the frame sections that are automatically processed by
the 2D Detail Center.
 Exercise 3: View the Properties of an Existing Workframe

1 Make sure the model is in Overview 1 view.
2 Window into the front left corner of the workframe you created.
3 Click on the bottom front magenta-colored frame.
The AutoCAD grips are now active.
4 Right-click.
The context menu displays.

5 Select PS 3D properties.
The Workframe Properties dialog opens. Within this dialog you can
change the display of the workframe and the name, size and spacing of
the workframe axis. You can also set the clip plane distances on the front
and back (or above and below) of the workframe. You can turn on the
Area Name as well as rename the complete frame, set the Camera
location and view location etc.
6 Select each tab in the dialogs shown below and view the contents, leaving
them unchanged.


The dialog closes.

 Exercise 4: Create a Non-Symmetrical Workframe
In this exercise you will use the Axis Distance method to create the non-
symmetrical workframe Bentley2. When using Axis distances you will assign each
axis (Length, Width, Height) a series of distances to form the frame.
Overview.
The model displays in Overview 1 view.
2 Select Workframe.
The prompt Specify Origin of Workframe or right-click for UCS Origin
displays.
3 Select the lower back left corner of workframe Bentley.
The prompt Specify X-Axis of Workframe or Enter UCS X-Axis displays.
4 Press Enter.
5 Select the Layout tab.
6 Make sure the Workframe Layout is set to Rectangular.
7 Make sure the options in the Dimensions and Divisions section are all
disabled.
8 Set the Length, Width, and Height values as shown below.
Note: Both the Width and Height have multiple values, to produce 2 bays wide
and 2 levels high.
9 Select the Views tab.

10 Make sure all other settings are set as shown below.
11 Select the Text X tab.

12 Set the axis description values to match the figures below.
13 Select the Text Y tab.

14 Set the axis description values to match the figures below.


The dialog closes.
You will also need to modify the axis display settings in the previous Bentley
workframe.
18 Select the yellow workframe of Bentley.
19 Right-click.
20 Select PS3D Properties.
21 Select the Text X tab.
22 Select the individual Setting icon.
23 Double-click on the axis A & B under the “invisible” column.

An X is placed in the Invisible column, which will turn off the axis
description for each (A & B) axis.

To finalize the Workframe, you will add additional construction lines for an
awning from grid C between columns 2 and 3.
25 Zoom into the corner of the workframe at C2.
26 Trace an AutoCAD line from level 4000 using polar cords @3000,0
27 Rotate this line to give it a 10 degree slope down.
28 Repeat at column C3 or use AutoCAD's copy command.

Your model should appear as below:

Creating and Manipulating Display Classes and Area Classes

In this section, you will learn about Display Classes and Area Classes, and how to
create them. You will also learn how to assign structural elements and objects to
them to make it easier to view complex models.
Display Classes
Display Classes are a ProSteel V8i tool used to separate a model into object
visibility classes.
The Display Classes command allows you to organize objects (Shapes and
Structural Objects) from different AutoCAD layers into visibility groups that are
independent from the layers they reside in.
Unlike "freezing" layers in AutoCAD, which turns off the display of the complete
layer (resulting in numerous layers to control display), Display Classes allows you
to select entire groups or just a few objects and make them visible or hidden. This
will help simplify the view of the model displayed on the screen.
Note: Each element can exist only in one Display Class at a time. This means
that it will be removed from one class if it is assigned to another.

 Exercise 1: Create Display Classes and Assign Objects to Them
In this section, you will learn how to create display classes. Some of the display
classes you create will be used later in the modelling process.
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Display Classes > Dialog.
You will now assign names to the display classes.

2 Double-click on the first empty list entry.
3 Enter ***Marked Members*** in the input field.
The first display class is now named.
4 Repeat the previous two steps to assign names to Display Classes, Beams,
Columns, Struts, Wind Beams, Wall Stiffeners, Stair Stringers, Joist, Purlins,
Girts, etc, as shown below.

Area Classes
Note: Area Classes are only available with the Professional license level of ProSteel. If
using Modeler or Engineering license levels this command is not available.
In addition to Display Classes, ProSteel V8i includes Area Class functionality to

organize and control the visibility of construction areas (work areas, construction
phases, builds, etc.). The user can create Area Classes, assign objects to those
classes, and then control the visibility of the objects by turning the Area Classes
on or off.
 Exercise 1: Create Area Classes and Assign Objects to Them
In this section, you will learn how to create Area Classes. Some of the Area Classes
you create will be used later in the modelling process.
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Area Classes > Dialog.

3 Enter 1st WorkFrame in the input field.
The first Area class is now named.

4 Repeat the process to assign names to Area Classes, as shown below.
Part Families
Note: Part Families are only available with the Professional license level of ProSteel. If
using Modeler or Engineering license levels this command is not available.
Part Families are a mechanism used to automatically allocate prefixes, colours

and Detail Styles during the modelling/positioning process by categorizing
different types of components (e.g., columns, beams, gusset plates, etc). 2D line
types and color can also be controlled through the Part Families.
Part Families should be created and components assigned to these, and then the
Part Family prefix should be used during positioning.
Note: Each component can belong to only one Part Family at a time.

 Exercise 1: Create Part Families and Assign Objects To Them
In this section, you will learn how to create Part Families. Some of the display
classes you create will be used later in the modelling process.
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Part Families > Dialog

3 Enter Beam Assemblies in the input field.
The first Part Family has been named, and a new dialog appears.
4 Enter B in Pos Prefix.
5 Enter -1 in Colour.

6 Repeat the process to create Part Families as shown below.

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 True or False: Display Classes allow you to select entire groups or just a
few objects and make them visible or hidden.

Module Review
Answers
1 True or False: Display Classes allow you to select entire groups or just a
few objects and make them visible or hidden.
True: Display classes allow you to select entire groups or just a few objects
and make them either visible or hidden.

Inserting and Manipulating
Shapes
Module Overview
In this module you will learn how to insert steel into a Workframe using the Line
and 2 Point methods. After insertion you will edit the steel further, so you can
detail the joints in later chapters.
Module Objectives
• Insert steel shapes using the line.
• Assign a steel member to a display class.
• Insert steel shapes using the 2 point method.
Mar-11 87 Inserting and Manipulating Shapes

Inserting Steel Shapes Using the Line

In this lesson, you will learn how to insert steel Shapes on a workframe, and you
will be introduced to the Divide command from the Manipulate menu.
 Exercise 1: Inserting Steel Shapes Using the Line Method

1 In the ProSteel Shapes dialog, set the options as follows.
2 Select Shape Size 310UC97.

3 Select the node on the center of the shape image.
The insertion point is set to the "center of steel."
4 Select Line Insertion Method.
The prompt Pick the Desired Point <Line> displays.
5 Select the vertical line of the workframe located at grid coordinate A1 in
the workframe Bentley.
The prompt Click Left-Hand Mouse Button to Rotate the Shape in Position
or Enter to Accept displays.
Inserting and Manipulating Shapes 88 Mar-11

6 Click to turn the shape in the direction shown below.
7 Right-click.
The command ends.
8 Right-click.
The dialog returns.
The ProSteel Shapes dialog closes.
10 Repeat this command and insert the same type and size shape (310UC97)
at grid line A2.
11 At all remaining vertical grid lines, insert 310UC97 shapes.
Note: When selecting the vertical grid lines in Frame Bentley2, select the
vertical grid lines near the top of the frame so as not to select the
Bentley grid lines. Also remember to change the Area Class values to
2nd WorkFrame.
12 Return to the ProSteel Shapes dialog.
13 Change the Shape Type to AS UB.
14 Select size 530UB82.
15 Using the Line method, insert and orient the beams on the horizontal lines
as shown in the following figure.

Note: Make sure that the beams are inserted using the top center TOS
insertion point.
Note: Do not forget the options that need to be changed when inserting the
beams. Also remember the two different WorkFrames for Area Classes.
Your model should appear as shown below.

 Exercise 2: Modifying Steel Members with the Divide Command
In this exercise, you will learn how to divide a steel shape into multiple shapes at
column intersections. To do this, you will use the Modify and Divide commands.
1 Select Modify.
2 Select the Common tab.
3 Select Divide.
4 When prompted to select the shapes to be divided, select the 530UB82
beam located between coordinates A3 to C3.
5 When prompted to pick the dividing point or line, select the column
located at coordinate B3.
The snap locates a point on the centroid axis to use as the dividing point.
The command is completed.
7 Repeat the same process for the 530UB82 beam coordinates A2 to C2.
8 Zoom into one of the 530UB82 shapes at the intersection with the
columns.
9 Note that the element is divided into two pieces.

Assigning Steel Members to a Display Class

In this lesson, you will learn how to assign members to a Display Class from within
the Display Class dialog. You will also learn how to assign shapes to a display class
globally by Grip editing shapes.
 Exercise 1: Assign Shapes to a Display Class Using the Display Class Dialog
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Display Classes > Dialog.
The Display Classes dialog opens.
2 Select the Columns Class.
The Columns Class is active.
3 Select Assign.
The prompt Select objects you wish to add to the Display Class displays.
4 Select all of the columns within the model.
5 Right-click.
The Display Classes dialog returns.
6 Turn off Columns Class.
Columns Class is removed from the display.
Note: This makes it easier to be able to select the other items.

7 Select the Beams Class.
Beams Class is now active.
8 Select Assign.
The prompt Select objects you wish to add to the Display Class displays.
9 Select all beams except the two beams located between A3, B3, and C3.
10 Right-click.
The Display Classes dialog is returned.
The model is returned.

 Exercise 2: Assign Shapes to a Display Class using Grip Editing

1 Select the two 530UB82 beams located along A3 and B3.
Their Grips are highlighted.
2 Right-click.
The Shape Properties dialog appears.
3 Select the Assignments tab.
4 Select Beams in the Display Class list.
The model is returned.
6 Add the remaining shapes to the respective display class in the same
manner (i.e. beams on B3 and C3).

Inserting Steel Shapes Using the 2 Point Method

 Exercise 1: Insert Steel Shapes Using the 2 Point Method
The ProSteel Shapes dialog opens.
2 Select Shape Type AS UB.
3 Select Shape Size 410UB54.
4 Select the node on the center of the top flange on the shape image.
The insertion point is set to the "top center of steel".
6 Ensure that the Orientate after insertion option is set.
7 Select the Along 2 Points method of insertion.
8 Zoom in on the intersection of the column at coordinate B2 and the
existing beams.
A prompt displays asking you to select the insertion point of the shape.
9 Select the WorkFrame at B2 at Level 2.
You will now select the second insertion point.
10 Transparently zoom to the column at coordinate B3.
11 Select the WorkFrame intersection at that point.
12 Right-click.
The rotation of the shape is accepted.
13 Right-click.
The dialog is returned.
The command ends.
15 Fill the rest of the structure at level 2.

Your model should now appear as shown below:

 Exercise 2: Insert Remaining Steel Shapes

1 Add the awning beams, as 200UB25, from columns B3 and C3, using the
previously drawn construction lines.
2 Assign these beams to their respective display classes.
3 Save the model.
The model should appear as shown below.

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 How do you assign shapes to a display class using grip editing?
2 How do you assign shapes to a display class from within the Display Class
dialog?
Answers
1 Use grip editing to assign shapes to a display class by 1) selecting the item
to activate its grips 2) right-clicking to access the Shape Properties dialog
3) selecting the Assignments tab, and 4) selecting the class in the Display
Class list.
2 Assign shapes to a display class from within the Display Class dialog by 1)
selecting the Display Class you want to assign the shapes to 2) selecting
the Assign icon, and 3) selecting the shapes to be assigned to the selected
Display Class.

Module Review

Creating Connections Between
Elements
Module Overview
In this module, you will learn to create an end plate connection, add design
features to it, and use grip editing to modify it.
Module Objectives
• Create an end plate connection.
• Add design features to an end plate connection.
• Use grip editing to modify an existing end plate connection.
• Manually modify a connection and add common bolts to two back-to-back
end plate connections.
Mar-11 99 Creating Connections Between Elements

Creating a Basic End Plate Connection

 Exercise 1: Create a Basic End Plate Connection
In this exercise, you will learn how to create a basic End Plate connection and
add design features.
Overview.
2 Zoom into the joint between the column 310UC97 and Beams 530UB82 at
coordinate A1.
3 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Connections > End Plates >
Endplates Normal.
The prompt Select the Shape to Connect displays.
4 Select the 530UB82 member running along Axis 1.
The prompt Select support shape or <RETURN> for no support shape
displays.
5 Select the column that the beam is to be connected to.
The ProSteel Endplates dialog displays.
6 Set the parameters in the Layout tab, as shown below.
Creating Connections Between Elements 100 Mar-11

The following table describes the fields in the Layout tab:
Layout of Plate This option lets you choose from the following connection types:
- Automatic: The program makes the distinction between a spliced / butt or

normal plate connection. An angle of approx. 45° is assumed to be the
critical angle.
- Splice: The connection is always a splice connection.
- Normal: The connection is always a normal plate connection.
- Flange: The connection has a plate welded to its flanges.

Plate Specifies the basic dimensions of the connecting plate:
Dimensions
- Doubler Plate: If set, two connecting plates of the same size are created.
- Width: width of the plate (in case of I shapes, parallel to the shape flange).
- Thickness: thickness of the plate.
- Length: fixed length of the plate independent of the shape height.
- Offset Top/Offset: If the length contains the value 0, you can enter the plate
length variably here as distance from the upper and lower edge of the
selected shape.
As Polyplate If set, indicates that plates are created using a flat steel or polyplates.
Rotate If set, rotates the connection upside down.
Connection
Plates Equal When the Doubler Plate option is set, this forces both plates to be identical
in form.
This retrieves the dimension of the plate from a shape.
This sets the dimensions of the second plate to those of the first plate.
Gap This specifies that an indicated space is left between the supporting shape
and the plate. This allows you to consider finishing tolerances.
Plate Offset Horizontal: The complete plate connection is shifted by this distance, parallel
to the flange of the connecting shape.
Vertical: The complete plate connection is shifted by this distance, parallel to

the web of the connecting shape.

7 Set the parameters in the Holes tab, as shown below.

The Holes tab determines the dimensions from the top of the end plate. The
following table describes the fields in the Holes tab:
Without Holes If set, causes the connecting plate to be entered without drill holes
Vertical The fields in this group box determine the number of vertical drill holes in
the plate and their spacing in a vertical direction.
Asymmetrical: If set, allows you to determine the distances of the holes.

Otherwise, a symmetrical distribution is determined according to the
defaults.
Number: You can select between 1 and 10 drill holes.
Vertical Hole Pattern: The drill hole spacing in a vertical direction (height) is
determined. Depending on the entry, the values have different meanings.
Examples are given at the end of the command description. There are three
options:
- Upside: the distance of the upper row of holes from the plate's upper edge.
- Middle: the distance of the first and second row of holes from the upper
and lower plate edge. If 0, the holes will be distributed uniformly between
the two outer holes. If greater than 4, the other rows of holes will be
arranged in the same manner.
- Downside: the distance of the lowest row of holes from the plate's lower
edge. Note: If the value in the Downside and Upside field is 0, only the
Middle box entry will be used.
Offset: You can enter a simultaneous shifting of all rows of holes with respect
to the plate upper edge here. When entering negative values, shifting will be
carried out with respect to the plate lower edge. If Asymmetrical is set, the
structure of the hole pattern input changes and a list with an input field
appears. Depending on the number of holes, you can determine each
distance individually by selecting the position in the list and by specifying the
distance in the input field. Additionally, you can determine whether the
distribution starts from the upper or lower plate edge, depending on the
checked field upper edge or lower edge.
Measured from: determines whether the distribution starts from the upper
or lower plate edge. If Asymmetrical is set, this determines where the hole
offsets are measured. These options are provided: Upper Edge Plate, Upper
Edge Shape, and Lower Edge Shape.

Horizontal Number: the number of horizontal drill holes in the plate.
The remaining fields determine the horizontal spacing of the drill holes in
the plate:
Left: the distance between the outer left row of holes and the central left
row of holes, if the number of rows is 4
Middle: the distance between the two inner rows of holes. The rows of holes
are generally arranged centrally, unless they are offset by an entry in the
Offset field.
Right: the distance between the outer right row of holes and the central
right row of holes, if the number of rows is 4.
Offset: simultaneous shifting of all rows of holes with respect to the right
plate. When entering negative values, shifting is carried out with respect to
the left plate edge.
8 Set the parameters in the Connect tab, as shown below.

The following table describes the fields in the Connect tab:
Bolt Settings Bolt Style: allows you to select the type of bolts (e.g., 8.8S) to be used for the
connection.
Bolt Style icon: dialog allowing you to create/edit Bolt styles.
Dia: the bolt diameter
Workloose: the required hole diameter of the bolted connection, in most

cases +2 mm.
Weld Settings Weld Style: the type of weld to be used for the connection.
Weld Style icon: dialog allowing you to create/edit Weld styles.
Weld Flange Side: If set, you can enter the thickness of the welding seam on
the flange side.
Weld Web Side: If set, you can enter the thickness of the welding seam on
the web side.
Welding marks can be subsequently assigned to the welding seams.
9 Set the parameters in the Group tab, as shown below.

The following table describes the fields in the Group tab:
Group and Cope Create Group: If set, the plate and the shape to be connected are arranged
to form a group in this field. The plate is allocated to another group, if the
shape is already part of that group. The same applies to the supporting
shape and the associated stiffeners.
With Bolts - assigns the bolts for the connected shape to the group.
With Welds - assigns the welds for the connected shape to the group.
Safety Copes Top Left: leaves a gap in the angle in the upper left side.
Top Right: leaves a gap in the angle in the upper right side.
Bottom Left: leaves a gap in the angle in the bottom left side.
Bottom Right: leaves a gap in the angle in the bottom right side.
10 Set the parameters in the Assignment tab, as shown below.

The end plate is placed.
12 Repeat the same procedure to place the same end plate on the opposite
end of the 530UB82 beam.
 Exercise 2: Create an End Plate Connection with an Inherent Gusset Plate

In this exercise, you will learn how to create an End Plate connection with a
gusset plate on the lower surface of the beam.
1 Zoom to the intersection of the three 530UB82 beams with the 310UC97
column located at coordinate A2.
2 Select Endplate.


displays.
4 Select the column.
The ProSteel Endplates dialog displays.

5 Set the parameters in each tab as shown below.
Note: Do not forget to set each plate's information in the Assignment tab.

The following table provides a description of the fields within the Bt. Train tab:
Select Haunch Specifies the position of the haunch as well as any additional stiffeners
- Top Haunch: If selected, the haunch is created on the topside of the shape
to be connected.
- Bottom Haunch: If selected, the haunch is created on the bottom side of

the shape to be connected.
Coped Shape If set, creates the bottom train from a coped shape
Rectangular If set, creates a rectangular web plate
Plate
Normal to If set, cuts the web plate parallel to the supporting shape. Only available
Column when the Coped Shape option is set.
As Polyplate If set, creates the flange of the bottom train as polyplate
Stiffener in If set, stiffeners are added to the support shape. These stiffeners are created
Support Shape in addition to those created together with the connection.
Stiffener in If set, additional stiffeners are added to the connection shape.
Connect Shape

Shape Size Specifies the haunch plates (plates).
If Coped Shape is set, the haunch is not created from individual plates but
from one cropped shape. The shape size corresponds with the connection
shape. All other shape size fields are then insignificant.
Flange Width: width of the haunch flange if the haunch is designed from
plates.
Flange Thickness: thickness of the haunch flange if the haunch is designed

from plates.
Web Thickness: thickness of the haunch web plate if the haunch is designed
from plates.
Dimensions Specifies the exterior haunch dimensions. A bitmap illustrating the
dimensions is available by selecting the Hide Graphics icon at the bottom of
the dialog. Different illustrations will display depending on the type of shape
size you select. The dimension numbers will correspond with the field
numbers in the dialog.
Haunch Length: Sets the length of the bottom train.
Cut Width: cut height in the connecting shape.
Top Height: top of the height of the web plate.
Flange Width: width of the flange of the bottom train.
Flange Thickness: thickness of the flange of the bottom train.
Plate Thickness: web plate thickness.
Facet Size: facets on the web plate on the inner edges.
Facet Horizontal: the horizontal facet on the outer edge of the web plate.
Only available when the Rectangular Plate option is set.
Facet Vertical: the vertical facet on the outer edge of the web plate. Only
available when the Rectangular Plate option is set.
Supp. Plate Width: width of the supporting plate beneath the coped shape.
Supp. Plate Length: enables the input of the strength plate underneath the
coped shape.
Supp. Plate Thick: thickness of the supporting shape underneath the coped
shape.
Supp. Shape as Poly: if set, creates a supporting plate as polyplate.

 Exercise 3: Place Another End Plate

1 Repeat the previous exercise to place another end plate with a haunch on
the other end of the same beam.
2 Set your model to a BENTLEY2_Y_2 view.
The model should appear as shown below.

 Exercise 4: Create an End Plate Connection with Two Inherent Gusset Plates
In this exercise, you will learn how to create an end plate connection with a
gusset plate on the upper and lower surface of the beam.
1 Return to an Overview 1 view.
2 Zoom to the intersection of the three 530UB82 beams with the 310UC97
column located at coordinate B2.
3 Select Endplate.
displays.
The ProSteel EndPlates dialog displays.


Note: Again, do not forget to set each plate's information in the Assignment
tab.
The plates are placed.
8 Repeat the procedure to place another end plate with gusset plates on the
other end of the same beam.
Your model should appear as shown below. (Bentley2_Y_2 view)

 Exercise 5: Create End Plate Connections at the Remaining Intersections

In this exercise you will finish building end plate connections between beams
and columns.
1 Select Endplate at the intersection of all 530UB82 beams with the column
WEBS at Axis A3.
2 Create an End Plate connection with the following parameters:
Note: The other parameters in this dialog should remain unchanged. Perform
this connection to rest of the beams connecting to the column web and
column flange on the first level of the Structure except for the beam at
Axis B1.
3 Select Endplate at the Intersection of the 410UB54 (located in the TOP
elevation of workframe Bentley2) with the column WEBS.

4 Create End Plate connections with the following parameters:
Note: The remaining settings for these endplates will remain unchanged.
The endplate is placed.
6 Repeat this connection to the rest of the intersection located in the top
level of Workframe Bentley2.
 Exercise 6: Create End Plate Connection with the Awning Beams
In this exercise you will add end plate connections to the awning beams
connecting to the column flange.
1 Select the End Plate at the intersection of the 200UB25 beam with the
column flange 310UC97 at coordinate C3.
2 Create an End Plate connection with the following parameters.

Note: The other parameters in this dialog should remain unchanged.

3 Perform the same action on the other beam, then click the check mark.

Modifying Connections Using Grip Editing

 Exercise 1: Use Grips to Modify an Existing End Plate Connection
Overview.
2 Zoom into the joint between the column and beams at coordinate A1.
3 Select the 530UB82 beam running along Axis 1.
Its grips are highlighted.
4 Right-click.
5 Select PS 3D Properties.
The Shape Properties dialog displays.
6 Select the LogLinks tab.
7 Click the arrow buttons until you find the End Plate located at this
intersection.
Note: The number and description of the link changes as you cycle through the
available links. Also note that in the model, as you move from end plate
to end plate, the intersecting column at the connection will highlight.
This is your indication that this is the joint that will be edited.
8 Select Edit.
The edit dialog displays.

9 Edit the connection as indicated below, changing the Offset in the Plate
Dimensions and the bolts definition.

The changes are applied, and the dialog closes.
11 Click the arrows to cycle to the End Plate connection located at the other
end of the same beam.
12 Modify it in the same manner.
13 Set your model to a Bentley_Y_1 view.

The front frame should appear as shown below.
Hint: When the desired result has the plate extended beyond the limits of the
beam, the offset value will be a negative number. This is true in all cases
including an offset on the top side of the beam. Positive numbers are
used only when the plate needs to be smaller in height than the
intersecting beam.
The editing of a connection can also be accessed by selecting the connecting
plate (activating its grips), right-clicking, and selecting the PS3D Change
Connection option from the context menu.
 Exercise 2: Manually Modify Elements to Change a Connection

In this exercise, you will manually delete the bolts and then bolt the
connection together using the correct bolt length. The new length needs to be
long enough to accommodate both end plates and the column web thickness.
1 Return to an Overview 1 view.
2 Zoom to the joint between the beams and the column located at
coordinate A2.
3 Use the AutoCAD Erase command to erase the bolts that exist between
the connections of both beams on Axis A and the column.
Note: Each connection that was created at this location added a set of bolts to
the connection if the global options were not set properly. Otherwise
the connection should already be using one single set of bolts.
Now that the bolts have been manually deleted, you will need to bolt the
connection together using the correct length bolt. The new length needs to be
long enough to accomodate both end plates and the column web thickness.

4 Select ProSteel > Bolts.

The ProSteel Bolt Styles dialog displays.
5 Select the Bolting tab.
The following field provides a description of the fields in the Bolting tab.
Bolt Style Bolt type (e.g., 8.8S) for the bolted connections. The different bolt types are
filed in databases, allowing you to add self-defined types.
Single Hole Bolt If set, bolts are also defined for single holes. Normally, two opposite drill
holes with their tolerances defined in Geometry Setting are necessary for
bolting.
Create dynamic If set, all involved elements are created with a logical link. Thus the bolting
Connection can be automatically adapted if a component is modified.
Bolt Settings Diameter: Enter the diameter for the bolt(s) to be used in the connection.
Workloose: Enter the desired hole clearance of the bolted connection, in

most cases 2 mm.
Length Addition: You can enter a length addition to the grip of the bolt,
which will be taken into consideration when selecting the bolts.
Tolerances Gap: Enter the distance up to which two drill holes can be considered as
matching and the component parts concerned can be bolted together, in
most cases 2 mm.
Angle: Enter the angle difference of two hole axes, up to which two drill
holes can be considered to be well-aligned and the component parts
concerned can be bolted together, in most cases 1°.
Hint: You should not adjust this value to 0, since in some cases this would
prevent bolt fastening due to an inexact calculation, although in practical
application a connection would be possible.
Bolting: Creates the connections. For this purpose, select all components to
be connected according to the defined mode (maximum of 50 parts in one
operation). Then the program defines the possible bolt settings and inserts
the bolts into the model.

Single Bolt: Inserts a single bolt at the desired position.
Turn: Rotates selected inserted bolts for mounting reasons.
7 Select the Bolt Style tab.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Bolt Style tab:
Bolt Style Displays the selected style name

Additional Parts The options along the left side of the display determine the components of
the bolt connection. Checked items will appear in the display to the right.
Option Icons The icons on the right side display dialogs that provide more detailed
information about the corresponding component. The bolt icon will always
be enabled. For all other component icons, you must first set the check box
for the corresponding component on the left side of the dialog in order to
enable the icon.
Save: Saves the bolt style in the drawing. Please note that you have to save
the style here first and in the drawing later as well, to keep the information.
Load from File: Loads a bolt style from a file you received (e.g. from another
user).
9 Select Save.
The style is saved in the drawing.

Note: New Bolt Styles can be created through the Sort tab of the dialog. Once
created and saved, they will be added to the Bolt Style list.
10 Select the Bolting tab.
11 Select Bolting.
The prompts Select all Parts to be Bolted (max 50) displays.
The prompt Select Objects also displays.
13 Select BOTH end plates.
14 Press Enter.
Bolts are inserted, and the ProSteel Bolt Styles dialog is returned.
The dialog closes.
Hint: You should not perform this type of operation until ready to begin the
detailing or creation of an MTO. After performing this operation, any
editing performed on the End Plate connections via the Logical Links
modification procedure will re-insert bolts for each end plate. This will
double the quantity of bolts if the global settings are not set to allow
back-to-back connections.
You will need to manually add the bolts to the construction group if
required.

Your model should appear as shown in the following figure.

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 The Layouts tab lets you choose one of four possible connection types in
the Layout of Plate field. Name the four connection types.
2 What are the two types of connections assigned in the Connect tab?
3 What are the four tabs in the Bolt Styles dialog?
Answers
1 The four connection types are: Automatic, Splice, Normal, and Flange.
2 The Bolt and Weld connections are assigned in the Connect tab.
3 The Bolt Styles dialog tabs are: Bolting, Threaded Rods, Bolt Style, and
Sort.

Module Review

Creating Base Plates and Cross
Bracing
Module Overview
In this module, you will learn to create an end plate connection, add design
features to it, and use grip editing to modify it.
Module Objectives
• Use the Base Plate command to insert base plates on a column.
• Create base plates using the Plate command.
• Use the Drill command.
• Create dynamic cross bracing and static bracing.
Mar-11 127 Creating Base Plates and Cross Bracing

Creating Base Plates on Columns

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the Base Plate command to insert Base
plates on a column. You will also create Base Plates using the Plate command in
conjunction with the Modify functions to shorten shapes.
 Exercise 1: Using the Base Plate Command to Insert Base Plates at Columns
Overview.
2 Zoom in on the bottom end of the column at coordinate A1.
3 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Connections > Baseplates.
The prompt Select the Shape to connect displays.
4 Select the column near the bottom end.
5 Set the values in the Layout tab of the ProSteel DSTV Baseplate dialog as
shown below.
Creating Base Plates and Cross Bracing 128 Mar-11

Baseplate Dialog Fields

These fields are found on the bottom of the Baseplate dialog for every tab:
Available This list contains base plates for the selected supporting shape under
Standard Selection Templates. These are defined according to the standard DAST
Baseplates guidelines.
The values in the fields are displayed and can be changed. When you select a
plate, the base plate is immediately attached; you can then directly check
the result and make modifications, if necessary.
Note: The plate width and the plate height refer to vertical supports. The
values are correspondingly increased to maintain the shape edges in the
case of inclined supports.
Clone
Select this to apply the data of an already existing base plate to a new plate.
This requires that you select Existing Base Plate.
Layout Tab Fields

Dimensions Selected Column: the column selected for baseplate.
Plate Width: width of the base plate (parallel to the support flange), related
to a vertical supporting shape.
Plate Height: height of the base plate, related to a vertical supporting shape.
Plate Thickness: thickness of the base plate.
Grout Thickness: Enter the grout thickness, or how high the plate will be
above the current Niveou.
Options Align Plate to Shape Normal: If set, the base plate will be entered vertically
to the longitudinal in Profile Direction: axis of the support in this field. If not,
the base plate will be aligned parallel to the x/y axis of the WCS, if it is a
"real" support.
Shorten Column: If set, the supporting shape is shortened by the plate

thickness and the grout space underneath in this field. Otherwise, the base
plate is fastened to the support. The point of reference is determined by the
shape axis in the case of inclined supports.
Form Group: If set, the base plate and the support member are arranged to
form a group in this field. If the support member is already part of another
group, the base plate is assigned to that group.
As Polyplate: If set, the base plate is always aligned parallel towards the x/y-
plane and the smallest torsion is searched. Otherwise it is aligned parallel to
the flanges.
6 Select the Holes tab.

7 Set the values in the Holes tab as shown below.
Holes Tab Fields
Inner Holes Drill Inner Holes: If set, lets you create inner holes using the settings below:
- Hole distance: Enter the width of the inner holefield, or 0 if you only want
holes in the Height.
- Hole distance: Enter the Height of the inner holefield, or 0 if you only want
holes in the width.
- Hole diameter: Enter the diameter of the inner holefield.

Outer Holes Drill Outer Holes: If set, lets you create outer holes according to the settings
below:
- Number: In these two fields, input the number of desired holes in the outer
Holefield.
- Holefield width: Enter the total width of the outer holefield.
- Holefield height: Enter the total height of the outer holefield.
- Hole diameter: Enter the diameter of the outer holefield.
8 Select the Connect tab.

9 Set the values in the Connect tab as shown below.
Connect Tab Fields

Bolts With Tie Bolts: If set, the anchor bolts are displayed by symbols and can be
entered in the parts list.
With Anchor bolts outside: If set, inserts anchor bolts in the outer holefield
also.
Label: description for the anchor bolts.
Use Dowel: If set, use Anchor Dowels instead of a symbolic bolt. The dowels
are stored in a database which is defined in the field below. The browse
allows you to navigate to the desired database.
Weld Settings Weld Style: Define the weld style to be used in this field.
Weld Style icon: dialog allowing you to create/edit Weld styles.
Weld Flange Side: Set this option to use welds on the flange side of the
connection shape. The thickness field next to this option allows you to enter
the thickness of the weld if you want to override the weld style thickness.
Weld Web Side: Set this option to use welds on the web side of the
connection shape. The thickness field next to this option allows you to enter
the thickness of the weld if you want to override the weld style thickness.
10 Select the Dowels tab.

11 Set the values in the Dowels tab as shown below.
12 Select the Assignment tab.

13 Set the values in the Assignment tab as shown below.

15 Repeat this process on the column at coordinate B1, A2, B2, A3, and B3.

 Exercise 2: Prepare the Element for a Manual Base Plate

There may be times when using the Base Plate command may not be the best
method of adding a base plate. In these situations you can create the base
plate by shortening the column using the Modify command and then inserting
the plate using the plate functions.
1 Zoom to the standard Isometric View.
2 Zoom in on the base of column located at coordinate C2.
3 Open the Element Modification dialog.
You will use the Shorten Shapes by Default function to shorten the column by
a distance equal to the fabricated base plate thickness.
5 Set the Default field value to 25.
6 Select Shorten Shapes By Default.
The prompt Select shape at the End to be shortened displays.
7 Select the column near the end.
The column is shortened by 25.
Hint: Before using the Shorten by Default function, make sure to window in on
the element to be shortened. As the command automatically shortens
the column when picked, you may not notice when zoomed out that the
element has been shortened, and you may pick the same element
twice, thus shortening the shape a second time.
The dialog closes.
9 Using the same function, shorten the column located at coordinate C3.

 Exercise 3: Create a Base Plate Using the Plates Command

1 Remain zoomed in on the column at coordinate C3.
2 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Plates > Plates.
3 In the ProSteel Plates/Polyplates dialog set the parameters as shown
below.
Note: Make sure to select the CENTER insertion point in the image of the
plate.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the ProSteel Plates/
Polyplates dialog.
Dimensions Length: sets the plate length if the plate is rectangular.
Width: sets the plate width if the plate is rectangular.
Thickness: thickness of the plate to be created. Enter a value or select a value

from the list.
Height Offset: The insertion plane of the plate is moved by this value in
negative direction towards the reference plane (active UCS or element UCS).
X-Offset: sets the plate X-Offset if the plate is rectangular.
Y-Offset: sets the plate Y-Offset if the plate is rectangular.
Item No.: changes the Plate article number.
If the Current Layer field is set, the plates are not inserted in the plate level
(default is PS_PLATE) but rather in the current AutoCAD layer.
Grid: If set, an additional grid is visible at the upper side to display gridirons,
for example.
Insert Plane Here you indicate the reference plane for the insertion of the plate. These
options are available:
- Current UCS: The corner points of the polyline are referenced with the
current UCS when creating the plate if you have selected the contour Adapt
Contour. This is the standard case if the drawn polyline is located within the
UCS.
- Object UCS: The element UCS of the polyline is considered to be the

reference plane when creating the plate if you have selected the Insert on
Polygon button near the bottom of the screen. Use this setting if the polyline
is not located in the current UCS and you want to insert a plate to it.
- User Defined Plane: This is defined by two lines (which you have to select).
Thus, this will allow you to align a plate on a shape. This works when you
create a plate by selecting points.
Insert Edge Determines the insertion plane of the plate. The options are: Top, Middle, or
Bottom. Please note that the values for the insertion height apply up to this
plane.

Options Label: allows you to select the name of the polyplate.
Material: Choose the material from this list, which will be associated with
the plate in the parts list.
Display Class: enables the selection of the Display Class of the plate.
Description: enables the selection of the Free Description of the plate.
Layer: enables you to select the Level for the plate.

Placement
Options
Insert Polypoint: inserts a polypoint by specified points.
Insert on Polygon: inserts a plate by a selected polygon, circle or

arc.
Insert Rectangular Plate on Point: inserts a rectangular plate on an

insertion point.
Insert Rectangular Plate on Diagonal: inserts a rectangular plate on

a selected diagonal.
Insert Rectangular Plate on Line: inserts a rectangular plate along a

line.
Four Points: determines the form of the plate by picking any four
points in the space you like. The first three points determine at the same
time the insertion plane of the plate. The fourth point is plumbed towards
this plane. Thus you have the possibility to create a plate without setting the
UCS before.
Steel into Poly: transforms already inserted flat steel shapes into
plates. This can sometimes be useful, if you want to carry out modifications
which cannot be made with a shape.
Template: allows the user to name and save the current settings as
a template that can be recalled later.
Dimension: re-specifies the reference line for the plate length.
Grid: re-specifies the reference line for the plate grid.
Additional Flange: enables creation of additional flanges to a plate.

4 Select Insert Rectangular Plate on Point at the bottom of the dialog.

The prompt Pick Insert point of the Rectangular Plate displays.
5 Select the bottom shape point of the column.
The plate is created and the dialog is returned.
6 Repeat the process on the column located at coordinate C2.

Drilling the Base Plate to Accommodate Anchor Bolts

In this lesson, you will learn to use the Drill command.
 Exercise 1: Drill the Base Plate

Now that you have inserted the base plates you will need to drill these to
accommodate anchor bolts using the Drill command.
2 Zoom into the area of the base plate located at the base of the column at
coordinate C2.
3 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Drill.
The ProSteel Drill dialog opens.
4 Set the parameters shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the dialog.
Hole Field Layout: sets the layout type for the hole field, with these options:
Description
- Rectangular: The drill holes are arranged as a rectangle with rows and
columns around the insertion point.
- Radial: The drill holes are arranged in a complete or partial circle around
the insertion point. When this option is selected, additional input fields will
be displayed as shown in the dialog by means of which round drill hole fields
can be determined.
- Single Holes: The drill hole description is ignored, and you can drill
individual holes into the shape.
Shape/X Dir: description of drill hole field in shape direction, for plates in x
direction of the UCS. Details on how to describe a drill hole field are given on
the next page.
Cross/Y-Dir: description of drill hole field perpendicular to the shape

direction, for plates in y direction of the UCS.
Num/Radius: The Number field contains the number of drill holes to be

created. The Radius field contains the radius which the drill holes are
distributed around the insertion point.
Area/Start: The Area field contains the number of degrees that the bolt
holes are to be distributed around (for instance the value 180 for a
semicircle). If you enter the value 0, the complete circle will be used. In the
Start field, you can enter an angle of the first drill hole towards the insertion
X-axis of the component, if the partial circle has to be rotated.
If the Show Pitchlines or Show Centerline field is checked (in the Settings
tab), the midline, gravity line, and tracing dimensions could be displayed
after selecting the shape. The axes are removed again after the drilling has
concluded.
Data Diameter: Enter the hole diameter here.
Workloose: addition to the hole diameter as entered, e.g., for galvanizing.
Slot Length: If a value bigger than 0 has been entered here, the hole is drilled
as a slotted hole. The entered value determines the distance between the
two holes which are drilled as slotted holes.
In case of a slotted hole, two drill holes with a pitch as entered in the input
field will be created, and the space in-between will be cut out.

Layout and Hole Type: The following options are available:

Position
- Drill Through: The material will be completely drilled through. (If a top
flange is drilled, the bottom flange will not be drilled through.)
- Drill Blink Hole: The drill hole has the depth entered in the Hole Depth field.
- Weld marks: Small holes are spot-drilled for marking add-on pieces.
Dimensioning of these small holes can be carried out automatically.
Flange Selection: The following options are available:
- Upper chord: The flange which is "reached first by the drill" will be drilled.
- Lower chord: The second flange which is "reached by the drill" will be
drilled. This function allows a bottom flange from the top view to be drilled
on the shape.
- Both chords: Both flanges are drilled.
At Shape Center: If set, all points on the shape centerline are put
perpendicular to the shape center.
Create Threaded Hole: If set, creates a threaded hole. This will appear
differently in 2D.
Insert Holes into an Object: You can insert the complete hole field or several
single holes into one shape, by selecting the shape or the plate and then
selecting or typing the hole field insertion point.
You can insert different single holes until you right-click or press Enter. All
holes will be drilled now.
Insert Holes into Several Objects: You can insert holes in several shapes at
the same time, e.g., when shapes are placed upon each other, and a hole for
a through rod will be drilled. First, select all desired shapes or plates and
then drill the holes as described in Single.
Each of the selected shapes being hit by an imaginary beam that starts at the
inserted drill holes (in both directions, the beam direction is the position of
the hole axis!) will be drilled at the point of impact, the hole size being
identical. Thus, the holes are exactly aligned.
Adopt: Drill holes in shapes can be taken over according to the "beam principal"
described in Multiple. In this case, the entries in the dialog are ignored. First,
select all shapes with holes to be transferred and then all shapes to adopt
the hole. Using this function, drill holes from a connecting plate may be
rapidly transferred to a shape.

5 Select the Settings tab.

6 Set the values shown below.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the dialog.
Hole Type Group Hole Type list: has the following options:
- Normal Drill: The holes are drilled as normal holes which are drilled
through and which always have the same diameter.
- Countersunk: If set, the holes are drilled as countersunk holes. In the

neighboring input fields, you can specify the countersunk depth and the
opening angle of the hole.
- Step Hole: The holes are drilled as step hole with two different diameters.
The upper diameter is bigger than the lower diameter. In the neighboring
input fields, you can specify the depth and the diameter of the upper hole
section.
Depth/Angle: Depth sets the length of the straight part of the countersunk
hole. Angle sets the upper opening angle for the countersunk hole.
Depth/Radius: Depth sets the length of the lower part of the step hole.
Radius sets diameter of the upper part of the step hole.
Hole Type: determines how the drill holes appear in the detailed shop
drawings. You can choose from Hole Representation, Field Drill, Field Bolt, or
Shop Bolt.

Offset You can define a relative offset by which the actual hole insertion point is to
be moved away from the selected point. This enables you to offset the
starting point of a hole group against the shape starting point and select the
starting point, or to insert asymmetrically positioned hole groups. These
options are available in the list:
- No Offset: The selected point corresponds to the insertion point.
- Rectangular Offset: The offset data in the Distance box are assumed as x/y
values.
- Polar Offset: The offset data in the Distance box are assumed as distance/
pitch values.
Rotation: Specify a rotation of the drill hole field around the insertion point.
X/Y: If you selected Rectangular as offset, these boxes are activated. You can
enter the two distances in the input fields X-Offset and Y-Offset, shown on
the screen next to X/Y.
Dist/Angle: If you selected Polar as offset, these boxes are activated. You can
enter the distance and the angle in the corresponding input fields here.
Monitor This is the window on the right side of the dialog, in which you can see the
selected drill hole field and determine the insertion point by means of the
small points. The bigger red point shows the current insertion point.
7 Select the Dimensions tab.

8 Click the Insert Holes into an Object button in the bottom part of the
dialog box.
9 Select the object to be drilled.
10 Select the plate.
The prompt Pick the Insertion point of Drill Pattern displays.
11 Select the bottom end of the column.
The holes are added to the plate and the dialog returns.
The function ends.
13 Repeat the same procedure on the columns base plate located at
coordinate C3.
Hint: When drilling objects, be sure to have the UCS in the top plane of the
object to be drilled or pick the insertion point of the drill pattern as the
top surface of the object. The Drill command operates exactly like a
real-world drilling process. You would not drill up from the bottom of
the plate. When drilling a shape such as a wide flange it is only
necessary to pick the shape point of the object as the drill pattern
insertion point as the switches "Drill First Flange", "Drill Next Flange",

and "Drill Both Flanges" will control the actual UCS plane from which
the drill pattern originates.

Creation of Dynamic and Static Bracings

In this lesson, you will learn how to create Dynamic cross bracing and Static
bracing. You will also be Introduced to ProSteel 3D Construction lines and delve
further into the ProSteel 3D SNAPS.
 Exercise 1: Prepare to Create Dynamic Cross Bracing

To begin the cross bracing command you need to prepare the model. This
requires you to set the view of the model to the frame that will contain the
cross bracing and to create construction lines to act as your guide lines for the
bracing.
2 Change the display to the saved Bentley_Y_1 view (Select Choose View).
3 Select the Bentley_Y_1 view from the list.
4 Select Set View to set the model to this view.
5 Select the level to PS_CONST.
6 Select the AutoCAD line command.
7 Select ProSteel PS ShapePoints.
We will now create the required construction line by drawing an AutoCAD
line.
The prompt Specify the Start Point of Line displays.
8 Select the object center of the upper right-hand beam.
9 Select ProSteel PS ShapePoints.
10 Select the lower center point of the right-hand column.

 Exercise 2: Define and Insert Dynamic Cross Bracing

1 Remain in the Bentley_Y_1 view.
2 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Connections > Bracing > Bracing
Dynamic.
The prompt Pick System Line of Brace Member <Line>, Point displays.
3 Select the AutoCAD diagonal line between the columns.
The prompt Select First Main Member to connect Brace: displays.
4 Select the left-hand column.
The prompt Pick Second Main Member to which the bracing connects at
opposite end displays.
5 Select the other column.
The ProSteel Bracing dialog opens.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Common tab.
Bracing Type Here you select which geometry will be used. Depending on the selection
(Normal, Rod or Pipe) only the corresponding tab (Shape, Rod or Pipe) will
be used to generate the bracing.
Shape Indicate the utilized shapes for the bracing bars. Enter the Shape Catalog into
Information the first selection box, the Shape Type into the second, and the Shape Size
into the third.
Plate Thickness The thickness of the gusset plate
Edge Distance to Determines the minimum distance between Borders or Border objects to the
bracing rods
Round Shape Rounds the calculated length of the bracing rods to this value
Length to
Plate Width Sets the maximum width of the gusset plates if the triangular symmetric is
Minimum selected
Offset Selects how far the Gusset Plates overlap the Bracing Rods sideways
Depth accord. Sets the depth of the Bracing according to the UCS system
UCS
Gusset Position Sets the position of the Gusset plates according to the connection plane
Gusset Type Sets the form of the Gusset Plates

Opening Angle Here you can determine the opening angle of the gusset plate towards the
bracing bar at the shape triangle bent.
Cross Bracing If set, the bracing is designed in the form of a cross stay. Otherwise, only one
bracing bar is added to the selected system line.
Welded Bracing If set, the bracing is welded in its entirety. No borings are added in that case.
Form Group If set, the individual bracing elements are formed into groups.
Symmetrical If set, the bracing is designed in the form of a cross stay and remains
symmetrical if modified with its grips. Otherwise, every bar can be changed
individually.
Dynamic If set, the bracing immediately depicts the modifications made in the dialog.
If you would like to modify many values, you can clear this option for now.
Add Cutting Edge: adds additional boundary edges (lines) for the gusset plate
calculation.
Delete Cutting Edge: deletes an additional boundary edge.
Stops the creation of a gusset plate at the end of a bracing bar
Includes bracing bar which doesn't belong to the bracing in the creation of a
gusset plate
Excludes any bracing bar which doesn't belong to the bracing from the
creation of a gusset plate

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Shape Bracing
tab.
Shape Offset Shape Position: the position of the shapes in relation to the gusset plates,
with these options:
- Front: The shapes are located in front of the gusset plate.

- Back: The shapes are located behind the gusset plate.
- Cross: One shape is located in front of the gusset plate and one behind.
- Centered: The shapes are located in the bracing plane.
- Double: One shape each is located in front of and behind the gusset plate
(total of 4 shapes for cross stay).
- Replaced: One shape each is located in front of and behind the gusset plate
with one being offset to the left and one to the right (total of four shapes for
cross stay).
- 4-Times: One shape is located on each side (front, rear, left, right), which
makes a total of 8 shapes for cross stay.
Shape Insertion: specifies the insertion position of the shapes:
- Centered: The shapes are inserted along the shape axis.

- COG Line: The shapes are inserted along the COG (Centre of Gravity) line.
- Pitch Line: The shapes are inserted along the pitch line.
- Diagonal: The shapes are inserted along their corner points from Upper
Edge Left up to Lower Edge Right.
- Inverse Diagonal: The shapes are inserted along their corner points from
Lower Edge Left up to Upper Edge Right.

Shape Offset Hole Position: has these options:

(continued)
- Centered: The holes are drilled on the shape axis.
- COG Line: The drill holes are drilled on COG line.
- Pitch Line: The holes are drilled on the shape pitch line.
- Diagonal: The shapes are inserted along their corner points ”Upper Edge
Left“ up to “Lower Edge Right“.
- Inverse Diagonal: The shapes are inserted along their corner points from
“Lower Edge Left“ up to “Upper Edge Right“.
Shape Distance: the distance of the shapes for offset or 4-Times bracings.
Rotation Angle: specifies a rotation of the shapes.
Offset: Specifies a projection of the central gusset plate extending past the
shape edges of the bracing bars. Positive values increase the size of the plate
whereas negative values decrease it.
Shorten: Here you can specify a value to be used to shorten the shapes after
the bracing has been generated.
Divide All: If set, all shapes of a cross stay are separated at the center gusset
plate.
Mirror Shapes: If set, the shapes are mirrored and then inserted.
Center Hole: At a cross stay and selected shape position 'Crossed', a common
hole is drilled into the shapes that are crossing each other.
Bind Plates Indicates if there will be binding plates between the bracing rods. Not used
in this exercise.
Hint: The Bracing command may require that you use "Add Cutting Edge" in
order to better define the limits of the bracing and the gusset plates.
This may not be enough to properly define the plate in which case you
can use additional Modify commands to shape the plates as needed.
This would include such commands as "Extend/Trim to Line". Also of
importance is that Dynamic bracing can be modified after its initial
insertion. It will also dynamically adjust as changes are made to the
adjacent members and the distance between them.
We will now clean up the bracing gusset plates.
7 Select the Common tab of the ProSteel Bracing dialog.
8 Select the Add Cutting Edge function.
9 Select the underside of the beam to reshape and adjust the gusset plates.
10 Select the Add Cutting Edge function again.
11 Select the face of the Endplate to cut the gusset to its face. Do this on the
other side of the beam as well.

13 Add the endplate connection to the beam at coordinate B1 connecting to

the web.
The dialog closes.
 Exercise 3: Prepare to Create Static Bracing

To begin the bracing command you need to prepare the model. This requires
you to set the view of the model to your frame that will contain the cross
bracing and to create construction lines to act as your guides for the bracing.
Overview.
2 Change the display to the saved Bentley2_Y_3 view (select Choose View).
3 Select the Bentley2_Y_3 view from the list.
4 Select Set View.

The model is set to this view:
Now you will create the construction line for your Static bracing.
5 Invoke the line command.
The prompt Specify first point displays.
6 Select ProSteel PS Shapepoints, then click on the bottom of the left
column's center line.
The start of the line is placed at the base of the column.
The prompt Specify Next Point displays.
7 Select ProSteel PS Shapepoints, then select the snap.
8 Select the CENTER of the crossbeam.
An asterisk will be displayed at the centre of the beam to confirm you are
in the correct location.
The last segment of the line snaps to the center column's base.

 Exercise 4: Define and Insert Static Bracing

In this exercise you will define and insert Static Bracing components.
Static.
The ProSteel Static Bracing dialog opens.
2 Set the parameters in the Shapes tab as shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Shapes tab of the
ProSteel Bracing dialog.
Shape Type Selects the shape type for the bracing rods
Shape Class The shape that will be displayed in the field Shape Window
Resolution The resolution in which the bracing rods will be inserted
Shape Size The shape size for the bracing rods
UCS Location Determines the position of the gusset plate with respect to the plane of the
bracing:
- The first image: plate front edge.
- The second image: plate center.
- The third image: plate rear edge.
Rod Insertion Determines the position of the rod with respect to the insertion line (system
line). You can insert the rod as Centered, on the Gravity line, or on the Root
line.
Rod Position You can determine the position of the rod with respect to the bracing plane.
You can check the selected position in the Shape Window on the right side of
the Bracing dialog Shape tab.
- Front side: The rod is flush with the front edge of the gusset plate (more
precise: in positive z direction of the UCS).
- Back side: The rod is flush with the rear edge of the gusset plate (more
precise: in negative z direction of the UCS).
- Both sides: A rod is positioned on both sides of the gusset plate.
- Centered: The rod axis is in a centered position in the UCS plane.

Rotation You can insert the rod in its normal position or rotated by +90 degrees or -90
degrees. You can check the selected mode in the Shape Window on the right
side of the Bracing dialog Shape tab.
Mirror The shape can be inserted in a normal or mirrored way. You can check the
selected mode in the Shape Window on the right side of the Bracing dialog
Shape tab.

Plate Thickness Thickness of gusset plates.

Placement
Options
You can create bracing rods and gusset plates in one operation.
However, the command is not suitable for the connection of several rods
from different systems. This should be done using a single function.
Inserts only Bracing Rods: You can insert single rods that are
automatically drilled.
Existing shapes are drilled on their ends, according to the

definitions in the dialog field. You must select the shapes for this purpose.
Plate Auto: A gusset plate will be created automatically. Select

Bracing Rods that have already been drilled and then select Boundary Lines
for the Plate Edges. The program will try to find a suitable plate dimension by
keeping the edge distances and the boundary lines. It may be necessary to
pick one point at the planned bracing end. Select the approximate position
of the gusset plate.
Determines the shape of the gusset plate.Select the drilled bracing

rods that are to be connected and pick a point on the planned bracing end.
Select the approximate position of the gusset plate. The edge distances will
be displayed. You then define the shape of the plate by selecting the edge
points of a polyline. You can check the shape being created. The functions
available for creating the polyline are the same as those available for
drawing a polyline using AutoCAD.
If you have not determined the UCS plane before using the
command, you can do this subsequently: the active UCS plane (and
consequently the plane of the bracing) will be determined by selecting 3
points.
Note: You will return to the dialog after completing any of the placement
options above.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Connect tab of
the ProSteel Bracing dialog.
Bolt Settings Bolt Style: determines the style of bolt.
Dia.: determines the diameter of the bolts.
Workloose: workloose between the Hole diameter and Bolt diameter.
Number Shape: the number of bolts (drill holes) in shape direction of the rod
on each shape end. The spacing will result from the selected bolt diameter.
Number Cross: sets the number of bolts normal to the bracing rod direction.
Distance: sets the spacing of the holes normal to the bracing rod direction.
Hole Position: determines the position of the holes in the rod. You can insert
the holes as Centered, on the Gravity line, or on the Pitch line.
Options Weld Bracing: If set, the shapes and gusset plates are not drilled. The
dimensions of the gusset plates, however, are determined as if drill holes
exist.
Plate without Edges: If set, the edges of the gusset plate are not beveled but
right-angled.
Create Group: If set, a group is formed for each rod.
With Bolts: If set, the bolts of the bracing rod to be connected are also
allocated to the group.

5 Set the parameters of the Distance tab as shown below.
As you are building a static bracing you will need to build this in sections. First
you will define the bracing angles.
6 Click Inserts only Bracing Rods.
The prompt Pick System Line of Brace Member <Line>Point displays.
7 Select the AutoCAD line on the left.
The prompt Pick Border Line of Brace Member or Return for End <Line>,
Back, Point displays.
8 Select the left column.
9 Select the cross beam at the top.
10 Right-click.

The definition phase ends and the Bracing Rod Length dialog opens.
Note: Here you could set the actual length of the rod by changing Wanted
Bracing Length, then clicking the check mark.
11 Repeat this function for the other brace rod.
Now you need to create the gusset plates at each end of the bracing rods. On
the ends that meet the columns you will create two single rod plates. At the
intersection of the two rods with the crossbeam you will create a common
plate for both rods.
12 If the ProSteel Bracing dialog is not displayed, open it now and select Plate
Auto.
13 Select the lower end of the left bracing rod.
14 Right-click.
The prompt Pick Border Line for Gusset Plate or Return for End <Line>,
15 Select the inside edge of the column flange.
16 Right-click.
The prompt Pick a Point at the Proposed Brace End displays.
17 Right-click.
The gusset plate is placed and the Structural Bracing dialog is returned.
Note: If selecting the edge of the beam is not recognized by the command,
type P (for point) when asked to select border and define 2 points along
the edge of the beam.
18 Repeat the same process at the lower end of the right bracing rod.
19 Repeat the process one more time at the top end of both bracing rods.

20 Select Plate Auto.

The prompt Pick Connection End of Brace Member to be connected or
Return for End: Select objects displays.
21 Select the upper end of BOTH bracing rods where they meet the cross
beam.
22 Right-click.
23 Select the lower edge of the flange on the crossbeam.
24 Right-click.
The gusset plate is placed and the bracing dialog is returned.
The command closes.
Your model at the location of the bracing should appear as below.
Hint: When adding gusset plates you can use the Select Plate function to
define the plate. You must select the bracing rod near the end to
receive the plate and then pick a point near the gusset plate end. This
will highlight the element with the edges of the plate limits and you
then must build a boundary that defines the shape of the plate.

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 Can you insert holes in several shapes at the same time using the Drill
command?
2 What are the two types of connections assigned in the Connect tab of the
ProSteel DSTV Baseplate dialog?
3 How do you access the dialog where you define and insert Static Bracing
components?
4 How do you access the dialog where you define and insert Dynamic
Bracing components?
Answers
1 Yes, you insert holes in several shapes at the same time using the Multiple
icon in the ProSteel Drill dialog.
2 The Bolt and Weld connections are assigned in the Connect tab in the
ProSteel DSTV Baseplate dialog.
Static. The ProSteel Static Bracing dialog is returned.
Dynamic. The ProSteel Bracing dialog is returned.

Module Review

Purlin Courses, Web Angles,
and Shear Plate Connections
Module Overview
In this module, you will learn how to prepare the model for the creation of
purlins. You will also learn how to create and modify purlins.
• Previous experience with 3D CAD system, preferably AutoCAD.
Module Objectives
• Prepare the model for the creation of purlins.
• Create two purlins in the upper elevation of our structure.
• Modify the purlins to prepare for detailing the joints.
• Cope shapes and create a template of the cope for future use.
• Add web angles to the coped elements and add web angles where the cope is
called from within the web angle command.
Mar-11 161 Purlin Courses

Creating the Purlins

This section describes how to create the purlins.
 Exercise 1: Prepare the Model for the Purlin

In this exercise, you will learn how to set the UCS to the proper plane for the
creation of the Purlin.
Overview.
2 Set the UCS using the Object UCS at point, by selecting any part of the
upper flange on one of the two 200UB25 sloping beams.
Note: Purlins will be created along the "X" axis of the active UCS.
Note: If the UCS display is still incorrect, right-click or press Enter twice. This
will rotate the UCS to the correct orientation.
3 Zoom into the area around the awning.
 Exercise 2: Create the Purlins (Roof Purlins)

1 From the ProSteel Structural Objects toolbar, select Purlin.
The prompt Pick Lower Left Edge of Purlin Object or ESC for secondary
Beams displays.
2 Select the upper/front side of the top flange in the right edge of the beam
on line 2.
The prompt Pick Upper Right Edge of Purlin Object displays.
3 Select the upper/back side of the top flange in the left edge of the beam
on line 3.
Purlin Courses 162 Mar-11

See below for the purlin insertion points.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the Common dialog.
Angle The purlins are rotated around this angle value, so that they are arranged in
a diagonal fashion.
Height Offset This allows you to move the purlin course in positive Z-direction by applying
the indicated value.
Dynamic If set, the modifications of the settings can be monitored immediately on
screen.
Symmetrical If set, the area to be filled (object frame) remains symmetrical.
Draw Diagonal If set, the area to be filled (object frame) is marked with two additional
diagonals.
Cut at Edge If set, the purlins at the edges of the area to be filled are cut flush. Values in
the field Left Projection and Right Projection are then not considered.

5 Select Dimensions.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the Dimensions

dialog.
Fixed Grid Grid: If set, you can indicate in the neighboring input field the approximate
distance of the purlins within the area between first and last purlin. The
program divides the distances regularly according to this specification and
the value is rounded up or down correspondingly.
Pattern effective: displays the actual distances between purlins.

Free Grid If Grid is not set, you can freely define the grid division within the area
between the first and last purlin in the Distance list. You can vary the
number and the distances.
Turn: If set, the distances are inverted.

Offset Bottom The distance from the centerline of the lowest purlin to the outer edge of
the selected area.
Offset Top The distances from the centerline of the topmost purlin to the outer edge of
the selected area.
Offsets Fixed If one of these options is activated, the selected distances are also kept in
the grid; otherwise they are centered.

7 Select Border lines.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Border lines
dialog:
Cut Lines Cutting edges can be added subsequently to permit the creation of non-
rectangular purlin courses as well.
Adds a cutting edge. You are prompted for a borderline to be

selected or to be defined by 2 points.
Cut Width: All purlins intersecting this edge are divided at the edge with the
distance specified here.
Removes a selected cutting edge
Polycut Apart from cutting edges, it is also possible to add sections for light domes or
similar items. The procedure is the same as for sections; the only difference
is that you have to select a poly-line here.
Adds another section
Removes a section
Hint: As a rule, after creating a purlin you should delete the yellow object that
inserts in the model. This is used to modify the purlin.
Note: If you leave this object in the model and modify one of the shapes that
are a part of the purlin separate from the other elements and the
purlin, and then you go back later and modify the purlin itself, the one
element previously modified will be replaced by the shape defined in
the purlin. This is true for all ProSteel 3D Structural Objects.

9 Select Shapes.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the Shapes dialog.
Shapes headings Select the desired Shape Class, Shape Size, and Shape Type. All shapes are
available for selection.
Position The insertion position of the girders related to the insertion axis
Rotation The rotation of the shapes around the insertion axis
Resolution Provides options Low, Normal, High

You will now add the purlin connections.
12 Select Purlin Connection.
13 Select all of the purlins.
14 Right-click to accept.
15 Select the two beams the purlins connect to.
16 Right-click to accept.
The Purlin Connection dialog is displayed.


 Exercise 3: Create the Purlins (Floor Beams)

In this exercise, you will use the Purlin command to add floor beams to the top
of the Bentley Workframe.
1 From the ProSteel Structural Objects toolbar, select Purlin.
A prompt appears asking you to specify the lower left edge.
2 Press Esc.
You can now select shapes instead of the 2 corners.
The prompt Select desired shape displays.
3 Select the beam between columns A1 and A2.
A prompt appears asking you to select another shape.
4 Select the beam between columns B1 and B2.
The Purlin dialog is displayed so you can modify the parameters if
required.

 Exercise 4: Create the Cope and Shear Plate Connection

We will now create templates for the cope and shear plate connection. The
first (Cope) will be called within the second (Shear plate connection), which
we will call within the Purlin distribution dialog.
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Modify.
2 Select Enables to Cope one Shape on another.

The prompt Select second Shape to Cope displays.
3 Select any of the 310UB32 purlin shapes just inserted.
The prompt Select shape on which to cut displays.
4 Select the 530UB82 shape located on Axis A.

The ProSteel Cope dialog appears.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the Structural Cope
dialog.
Layout This allows you to select the shape of the notch. The different variants are
shown:
On the upper left, the initial situation before notching is shown (the shapes
are still overlapping), and on the upper right you see the Contour.
Pictures below from left to right: Fit Shape Start (the normal notch), Fit
Shape Middle and Fit Shape End.
Corner Layout Edge: The notches at the shape radii are carried out with a beveled edge.
Radial: The notches at the shape radii are carried out with adapted radii.
Radius: In this input field, the determined radius can be modified later.
Access Hole: Holes are drilled in the inner corners of the notch. In the Radius
input field, the radius of the drill holes can be preset.

Align If From Inner Flange is set, the dimensions refer to the inside of the flanges.
Otherwise, the dimensions for the distance between top and bottom flange
inside refer to the outside of the flanges.
If From Center is set, the dimensions refer to the end of the shape (the exact
position depends on the value in the Web Distance field). Otherwise, the
dimensions for the distance between top and bottom flange edge refer to
the outside of the flanges.
Distance Allows you to set distances for the Top Flange Inside, Bottom Flange Inside,
Top Flange Edge, Bottom Flange Edge, Top Flange Outside, Bottom Flange
Outside, the Web Distance and the drill Radius.
Get Flange Allows an unknown shape to be selected. The flange thickness is then
Thickness entered in the input fields for Top and Bottom Flange. If you have entered a
value in the +Distance field, this value will be added. Using this function, a
flange distance can be swiftly determined without knowing the shape. As
reference, you should select the setting Outer Edge.
List of Copes In the Data tab, a list of previously defined copes is displayed from a
database. These database files can be created by means of any DBASE editor.
Thus, you can previously define a selection of the most frequent copes. In
the different list fields you can see the basic data of the linkage and load the
required cope by selecting an entry.
You will now save the cope just created as a template so it can be recalled
later.
5 Select Template at the bottom of the Cope dialog.
6 Create a new folder named Training.
7 Add a new cope to the Training folder.
8 Type Type 1 in the Name field.

The cope settings are saved as a template.
10 Press Enter.

The Cope dialog is returned.

You will now delete the cope from the beam.
11 Select the coped 310UB32 beam.
12 Right-click.
13 Select PS3D Delete Connection from the context menu.

The Deletion confirmation dialog box appears.
14 Click the check mark to confirm the deletion of the cope.

You will now create a shear plate connection, save it as a template, and then
delete the connection.
15 Using the Shear plate connection, select any of the previously inserted
purlins.
16 Select the supporting 530UB82 beam.
The ProSteel Shearplate connection dialog appears.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Shapes tab.
Shape Selection Thickness: the thickness of the web plate
Cut Plate: If set, the plate is cut at the connecting shape in case of beveled
shapes to be connected.
Normal to Cut Plane: If set, the plate is not inserted in shape direction at
beveled connecting shapes but always perpendicular towards the
connecting shape.
Use Polyplates: Polyplates are inserted instead of flats.

Position Position: Specify the web side of the shape to be connected (left or right),
selection which is to be used for attaching the web plate. If Both is selected, a plate is
attached to both sides of the web.
From Edge: If set, the vertical offset is measured from upper edge shape to
upper edge web plate.
Lower Edge: If set, the vertical offset refers to the lower edge of shape and
web plate.
Up to First Bolt: If set, the vertical offset does not refer to the edges of the
web plate but to the center of the first drill hole.
Gap: Enter the distance to be adhered to from the outer edge of the support
shape to the outer edge of the shape to be connected.
Vertical Offset: Enter the distance of the offset for the web plate from the
axis of the shape to be connected towards top or to the right (depending on
position). Negative values affect an opposite offset.
18 Select the Distance tab.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Distance tab.
Distribution Number: number of drill holes in shape direction

Shape Direction
Slot Length: length of the slot
End Offset inside: distance of the last center of a drill hole to the end of the
web plate on the side of the connecting shape
Connection Edge: distance of the last drill hole to the end of the connecting
shape on the side of the support shape
Distance Between: distance between two drill holes in the direction of the
connecting shape
Distribution Number: number of drill holes in transversal shape direction
Cross Direction
Edge Distance: distance of the drill holes to the outer edge of the web plate
Distance Between: distances between two drill holes in the transversal

direction of the connecting shape


The following table provides a description of the fields in the Connect tab.
Bolt Settings Bolt Style: Select the bolt style (e.g. A325 FIELD) for the connection in the
list.
Dia.: Specify the bolt diameter for the connection.
Workloose: Enter the desired clearance of the bolted connection, usually 1/

16".
Bolt Style Add/Edit: edit the bolt style or create a new one.
Weld Settings Weld Style: Specifies the kind of weld seam
Weld Style Add/Edit: edit the weld style or create a new one.
Weld Connect/Support Shape Side: Specify which seams are to be created in

the model using the option Weld Flange Side or Weld Web Side. The
Thickness of the different weld seams is specified in the corresponding input
fields.

22 Select the Cope tab.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Cope tab.
Cope If set, you can either select an already stored notch variant or enter the data
directly using the icon.
Cope Specify how the connecting shape has to be notched. You can select Top
Connection double sided or Bottom double sided.
Shape
Gap Define the necessary gap distance for the notch in the Gap field.

24 Select the Group tab.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Group tab.
Create Group If set, at insertion of the shear plate connection, the inserted parts are
automatically assigned to a construction group which is created.
With Bolts/ If set, the bolts and weld seams are also added to that group.
Weldment
Create a Group If set, an individual construction group is created for each inserted shear
of each Plate plate.
Note: Remember to go through the Assignment tab to assign all the proper
information to the plate properties.
 Exercise 5: Add the Shear Plate Template Automatically to All the Purlins
In this exercise, you will create a template as you did for the Cope and delete
the connection in the same way.
1 Select the yellow "X" (parametric line) that appeared on the purlins T.O.S.
you created on top of the Bentley Workframe.
A context menu appears.
2 Right-click on PS3D Properties.
3 Select the Connections page.

The floor beams are inserted to the spacing entered and the shear plate
connections are automatically added according to the template selected,
which includes the cope template.
 Exercise 6: Divide the Purlins in Half with a New Support Beam

In this exercise, you will use the Divide option from the Manipulate submenu
to separate the purlins into multiple pieces and ready the intersections for
joint detailing.
Overview.
You will now insert a 360UB45 beam at the mid-point of the 530UB82 beams
between columns A1 and B1, and A2 and B2.
2 Select ProSteel Shapes.
3 Set to 360UB45 shape.
4 Insert the shape using the 2 points method.
5 Select the mid-point of the beam between A1 and B1.
6 Select the mid-point of the beam between columns A2 and B2.
7 Click OK.
The Choose View dialog opens.
9 Select the Bentley_TOP view.
10 Select Set View.
The UCS and the view are set to the upper frame of the structure.

11 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Manipulate > Divide.

The prompt Select the Shapes to be Divided displays.
12 Select all 310UB32 beams added in the second purlin exercise.
13 Right-click.
The selections are entered, and the prompt Pick Dividing Point <Point>,
Line appears.
Note: To be able to select multiple shapes for modification, the Multiple

Object Selection option for the type of manipulation you are performing
must be enabled in the Options tab of the Element Modification dialog
(from the ProStructures 3D menu, select Manipulate > Dialog).
14 Click on the end of the 360UB45 beam on the upper frame.
The 310UB32 shapes are divided where they cross the 360UB45 shape.

Adding Web Angle Connections

 Exercise 1: Add the Web Angle Connection to the 360UB45 Beams
In this exercise, you will add web angles where the cope is called from within
the web angle command.
You will connect 360UB45 beams to the 530UB82 beams on Axis 1 and 2, and
then connect the 310UB32 beams you divided to the 360UB45 beam between
Axis A and B.
Overview.
2 Window in on the area where the 360UB45 beam intersects the upper
530UB82 beam.
3 Select Webangle connection.

The prompt Select Shape to connect displays.
4 Select the 360UB45 beam.
The prompt Select support Shape displays.
5 Select the 530UB82 beam on Axis 2.
The ProSteel Web Angle Connection dialog appears.
Note: If you press Enter (or right-click) when prompted to select the support
shape, you will be able to add a web angle to the selected beam
without any supporting beam.

Shape Selection Shape Class: the angle shape of the selected connection. Only shapes that
are equal-sided angles and unequal-sided angles can be selected.
Use flat: If set, the web angle will be made from bent plate steel instead of
angle steel.
Enter required lengths in these fields: Long Leg, Short Leg, Thickness, and
Bent Radius. The program determines the actual length of the steel plate.
Position Position: the side of the shape (Left or Right) to be connected to the web
selection angle. If both sides are selected, a web angle is created at each side of the
web.
Turn Angles: If set, the long and short sides of the web angle are exchanged
so that the long side is situated at the connecting shape.
Gap: the distance between the end of the connecting shape and the
supporting shape
Side Offset: the distance between the web of the connected shape and the
web angles (normally 0 or a slight clearance).
Vertical Offset: the distance the web angle is shifted from the axis of the
shape to be connected, upwards or to the right (depending on the position).
A negative entry will cause shifting in the opposite direction.
Selecting one of the following options permits you to make additional

specifications referring to the dimension:
From Edge: if set, the vertical offset is measured from the upper edge of the
shape up to the upper edge of the web angle.
Lower Edge: if set, the vertical offset refers to the lower edge of shape and
web angle instead of to the upper edge.
Up to First Bolt: If set, the vertical offset refers to the centre of the first bolt
instead of to the edges of the web angle.
7 Select the Distance tab.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Distance tab.
Number Shape Shape: the number of drill holes in both sides of the web angle cross-wise to
(all fields) the shape to be connected (in the original position parallel to the connecting
shape).
Connecting: the number of drill holes in the long side of the web angle (in
the original position parallel to the shape to be connected).
Supporting: the number of drill holes in the short side of the web angle (in
the original position cross-wise to the connecting shape).
Distance Slot Length: the drill holes are carried out as slotted holes with the indicated
(all fields) slot length.
Edge/Inner Distances: the outer edge of the angle shape for each direction.
Distance Between: the distance between two holes for each direction.
Absolute Inner Distance: If set, the inner distance of the holes in the short
leg means the distance between the holes.


The following table provides a description of the fields in the Connect tab.
Bolt Style Select the bolt style (e.g. 8.82s) for the connection in the list.
Dm Specify the bolt diameter for the connection.
Workloose Enter the desired clearance for the bolt connection, usually 2mm.
Bolt Style Add/Edit: edit the bolt style or create a new one.
Diagonal Offset A shift of the bolt axes between support and connecting bolts
Gap Spacing Distance between the web of the supporting shape and the web angle
11 Select the Welding tab.


The following table provides a description of the fields in the Welding tab.
Weld Style Specify the kind of weld seam.

Weld Connect You can specify which seams have to be created in the model here.
Shape Side or
Weld Support The Thickness of the different weld seams is specified in the corresponding
Shape Side input fields.
Weld Style Add/Edit: edit the weld style or create a new one.
13 Select the Cope tab.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Cope tab.
Cope Cope check box: if set, allows you to select an already stored cope template
or enter the cope data directly.
Cope Connection Shape: defines how the connecting shape has to be coped.
Gap: Specify the necessary gap distance for the cope.
Create or modify the cope template. To activate, clear Cope.
Safety Copes Specify whether a safety cope has to be carried out. In addition, the inserted
angle can be shortened.

16 Repeat for the other end of the 360UB45.
Note: The connection should appear with all the same settings as the previous
connection, so there is no need to go through all of the dialog's pages.

17 Repeat the connection on all the purlins (310UB32) where you divided
them at the 360UB45 intersection using the same settings, except for the
Distance page, as follows:
The structure should now look like this:

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 What functions are available in the Border lines page in the ProSteel Purlin
dialog?
2 What functions are available in the Shapes page in the ProSteel Purlin
dialog?
3 What tabs are available in the ProSteel Shear Plate Connection dialog?
4 What information is assignment in the Connect tab of the ProSteel Shear
Plate Connection dialog?
Answers
1 In the Border lines page of the ProSteel Purlin dialog, you can add or
remove a cutting edge or a section.
2 In the Shapes page of the ProSteel Purlin dialog, you select the 1) shape
class, size, and type 2) the insertion position of the girders related to the
insertion axis 3) the rotation of the shapes around the insertion axis, and
4) the resolution.
3 ProSteel Shear Plate Connection dialog contains the following tabs:
Shapes, Distance, Connnect, Cope, Data, Group, and Assignment.
4 The Connect tab of the ProSteel Shear Plate Connection dialog assigns
parameters concerning connecting bolts, such as bolt style and diameter.

Structural Elements
Module Overview
In addition to all of the described construction tools, ProSteel enables the
generation of repeatedly occurring standard construction in parameterized form -
the so-called structural objects. These are pre-designed small construction
sections, such as handrails, stairs, or hangar frames, which you can modify to your
own requirements.
The structural objects are generated by the program according to pre-specified,

adjustable construction methods; if these correspond with your expectations you
can generate an entire handrail. Although this is a new AutoCAD element, you can
later access each and every individual building component and adapt and modify
it individually using the ProSteel 3D standard functions.
Note: When working with structural objects, you should remember that these
individual changes are lost if you subsequently modify the structural
object using the dialog or the grips. The reason for this is that, in the
case of structural objects, only the dialog parameters are saved, not
your subsequent dialog-independent modifications.
• Previous experience with 3D CAD system, preferably AutoCAD.
Mar-11 187 Structural Elements

Module Objectives
Module Objectives
• Use the handrail functionality.
• Create stairs.
• Use the ladder.
• Create custom manual views.
Structural Elements 188 Mar-11

Creating the Handrail

In this lesson, you will learn how to prepare the model for creation of a handrail,
create the handrail, and attach the handrail to your structure.
 Exercise 1: Prepare the Model for the Handrail

In this exercise, you will learn how to set the UCS to the proper plane for the
creation of the handrail and draw the polyline needed to construct the
handrail.
Overview.
2 Start the AutoCAD Polyline command and place a polyline around the
upper area of frame BENTLEY using the following coordinates:
Start at X= –70 Y= 3773 Z= 3000.
Then move the cursor towards axis A for a distance of 3887.
Then move the cursor towards axis 2 for a distance of 4140.
Then move the cursor towards axis B for a distance of 2874.
Lastly, right click or press Enter to end the polyline.
 Exercise 2: Create the Handrail

1 Select Handrail on the Structural Objects toolbar.
The prompt Select the polyline displays.
2 Select the polyline you created in the previous exercise.
The ProSteel Handrail dialog displays.
3 Set the parameters in the Common tab as shown below.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Common tab.
Layout Determines whether the handrail has to be carried out as parametrical

construction or with user-defined blocks. These options are available:
Parametric: All further settings are in the section "Dimensions".
Blocks: All further settings are in the section "Blocks".

Dynamic If set, the modified settings can be verfied directly and immediately on
screen. A modification of the polyline has immediate effects, too.
Draw Diagonal If set, an auxiliary diagonal of the actual structural object is drawn in the
different segments to facilitate its selection.
No Auto Update If set, you can manually release the update of the handrail by pressing a
button.
Group Status Determines whether another parent group has to be formed out of all
handrail components (including their inner group structure). You can choose
between No Group, Component Part Group and Assembly.
Group Name Indicates the name of the parent group. Wildcards for the overall
dimensions ($(L), $(W), $(H)) are permitted.
4 Select the Dimensions tab.

5 Set the parameters in the Dimensions tab as shown below.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the Dimensions tab.
Heights (all) The distance between the drawn polyline and the insertion line of the rails
(can be center, top or bottom of rail)
Radii (all) Radii of the railings and kick-plate at the corners of the handrail. If a radius is
specified, the corresponding shape bends are applied; otherwise a mitered
joint is cut.
Connect. Sphere Indicates the thickening radius at the gusset points between posts and e. g.
Dia. knee-high guardrails.

6 Select the Post Distribution tab.

7 Set the parameters in the Post Distribution tab as shown below.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the Post distribution
tab.
Post Distribution Specifies the approximate spacing of the rail posts within the individual
polyline segments.
Normal: The segment is regularly divided and the pre-determined post

distance is adapted.
Adapt First: The post distance of the default setting is kept and only the first
part of the segment is corrected.
Adapt Last: The post distance of the default setting is kept and only the last
part of the segment is corrected.
Adapt First/Last: The post distance of the default setting is kept and only the
first and the last part of the segment are corrected equally.
Post Distance The distance of the rail posts within the individual polyline segments.
Depending on the setting, the program uses this information to space out
the newel posts in regular intervals and rounds the value up or down as
needed.
Maximum If set, the values of the determined post distances are never rounded up. The
post distance is regarded as the maximum value. If necessary, additional
posts are inserted.
Edge Offset The spacing of the corner posts between two handrail segments starting
with the intersection of the polyline segments
Min. segment The minimum length of a handrail segment from which posts are created.
Length Thus you avoid e. g. the creation of posts at the inner edge of intermediate
landings at staircases with changing direction.
Min. seg. 2 posts The minimum length of a handrail segment from which two posts are
created at the beginning and at the end. If the actual length is smaller (but
larger than the Minimum Segment Length), only one post will be created in
the middle of the segment.

8 Select the Offset tab.

9 Set the parameters in the Offsets tab as shown below.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the Offsets tab.
Posts inside If set, the end posts are moved to the inside. The post distances in the first
and last segment are decreased by the value specified for the offset of the
railing head.
All Equal If set, the default settings for railing head offset are used for all shapes.
Start Offset Projection of the corresponding shape starting from the middle of the first
rail post towards the outside.
End Offset Projection of the corresponding shape starting from the middle of the last
rail post towards the outside.
All input fields Individually determine start and end offset of the different shapes if All Equal
is not set.

10 Select the End form tab.

11 Set the parameters in the End form tab as shown below.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the End form tab.
Upper Selection Specifies the form of the handrail's end.

Lists (Transitions
without End Align As Is: No detailing takes place.
Offset)
to Outer Edge: The handrail is extended up to the outer edge of the post.
Anglecut: The handrail and the end post are cut to build a miter joint.
Insert Bend: The handrail and the end post are combined by means of a bent
part. Enter the radius in the Radius input field.
The Radius field can be entered as an absolute value or as a multiplier of the

diameter using the * in front of the multiplier value. E.g. *2 - means twice
the diameter
Lower Selection Specifies the form of the handrail's end. Additional shape parts are added in
Lists (Transitions the handrail outside the end post.
with End Offset)
Align As Is: No detailing takes place.
Anglecut: The additional shape parts in the rail are cut to build a miter joint.
Insert Bend: The additional shape parts in the handrail are combined by
means of a bent part. Enter the radius in the Radius input field.
The Radius field can be entered as an absolute value or as a multiplier of the

diameter using the "*" in front of the value. E.g. *2 - means twice the
diameter.
Link with/Type Specify up to which height the handrail has to be extended to the bottom.
When you select knee-high guardrail above, center or below (if they exist),
an additional perpendicular part will be added.
Close If set, the handrail will be extended up to the end support after detailing.

13 Set the parameters in the Shapes tab as shown below.

Shape Class The settings are valid for the selected shape group.
(upper)
Shape Class The class or catalogue of the selected shape
(lower)

Shape Size The size of the selected shape

Shape Type The type of the selected shape
Insertion Plane The insertion plane of the shape. You can choose between Center, Lower
Edge and Upper Edge.
Angle The rotation around the insertion axis.
Mirror The shape is mirrored before insertion.
The settings of another component part group can be copied into the
current selection.
14 Select the Kick Plate tab.

15 Set the parameters in the Kick Plate tab as shown below.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the Kick Plate tab.
Other Side If set, the baseboard will be inserted at the other side of the railing posts.
Side Offset Specifies the distance of outer edge of railing post and inner edge of
baseboard. This permits you to keep some space for individual fastenings or
grouts.
Height Offset The distance between the drawn polyline and the lower edge of baseboard.
Negative values will move the baseboard towards the bottom.
16 Select the Connection tab.

17 Set the parameters in the Connection tab as shown below.
The following table provides a description of the fields in the Connection tab.
Layout Selects how the handrail is fastened. Depending on selection, you have
different possibilities which may also influence other dialog tabs.
Outside If set, lateral connecting plates will be welded on the other side of the posts.
This option is only available for lateral connections.
For Diagonals If set, you can specify other dimensions for diagonal handrail segments e.g.
at a stringer. This option is only available for vertical connections.
Plate Layout Indicates how the lateral connection plates have to be executed. This option
is only available for lateral connections.
Complete Plate: All plates are created with the complete dimensions.
Cut Outside: The plates at the two outside posts are cut at the outside to be
flush with the support.
Only Right Side: All plates are cut on the left side to be flush with the
supports.
Only Left Side: All plates are cut on the right side to be flush with the
supports.
Projection Side For plates which are cut to be flush (projection= 0) you can indicate a
projection beyond the edges of the supports here and thus modify the plate
size. Negative values will reduce the size of projection towards the inside.
This option is only available for lateral connections.
Plate Width The width of the connecting plates
Plate Length The length (height) of the connecting plates
Plate Thickness The thickness of the connecting plates
Hole Dia. The diameter of fastening holes
w (horizontal) The axis distance of fastening holes
w (vertical) The vertical distance of fastening holes, if you selected lateral connecting
plates. You can thus create a plate with four holes. If you enter the value 0,
only two holes are created.
Galv. HoleDm Enter the diameter of an additional galv. outlet hole (center position towards
post axis) This option is only available for Vertical connections.

Side Offset If you enter a value bigger than 0, a perpendicular connecting plate will be
inserted between plate and post. If you indicated an Inlet Radius in addition,
the additional plate will be omitted and the connection will be made as bent
post. This option is only available for lateral connections.
Start Radius If you enter a value bigger than 0, the connection will be made as bent post
with perpendicularly welded plate. This option is only available for lateral
connections.
As Polyplate If set, a polyplate will be created instead of a flat steel.
Rotate 90 deg. If set, base plates will be rotated by 90°. This option is only available for
Vertical connections.
18 Create a template with these settings to use later under the stair
command.

Creating the Stairs
Creating the Stairs

 Exercise 1: Create the Stair and Modify its Settings
Overview.
2 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Structural Objects > Stairs.
The prompt Pick Start point of the Stairs displays.
3 Type in the absolute coordinates (8500,3250,0).
The prompt Pick direction of the stairs displays.
4 Select a point to the left of the insertion point (in the direction of negative
"X" Axis).
The Dimensions page of the ProSteel Stair dialog displays.
Descriptions of the fields in the Dimensions page of the ProSteel Stair dialog
are provided in the table below.
Width The width of the staircase across outer steel edge

Length Entire length of the stair construction
Height The height of the staircase from starting point to stair head including
gridiron
Riser The desired rise of the staircase steps
Riser Count The resulting number of steps
Angle The resulting gradient of the staircase
Going The resulting exact tread depth of the steps. This value can, however, also be
determined before and the construction will be calculated anew according
to this value.
Actual Rise The resulting exact rise of the steps. This value can, however, also be
determined before and the construction will be calculated anew according
to this value.

Creating the Stairs
Upper insert If set, the insertion point is situated on the upper side of the staircase
point instead of the bottom side (and it is extended towards the bottom).
Dynamic If set, you can monitor the settings immediately on screen.
Template Allows you to name and save the settings for later use.
6 Select the Basis page.

Descriptions of the fields in the Basis page of the ProSteel Stair dialog are
provided in the table below.
Lower Landing Length of the lower stair head. To create the stair head, you have to check
Length the input field in front of it. Otherwise, the staircase cheeks are cut at the
basic plane and the stair head is omitted.
US_Definition If set, the stair head lengths are defined according to US-standards.
Upper Landing Length of the upper stair base.
Stair foot length Enter the length of the Staircase foot.
Vertical section Allows you to enter a vertical cut from the front edge of the staircase cheek.
This field is only available when you didn't specify a length of staircase foot
(i.e. the staircase cheek is directly running into the floor level.)
Ground distance Allows you to enter a gap between staircase foot and floor level to have
room e.g. for an additional construction or for foundations. This field is only
available when you didn't specify a length of staircase foot (i.e. the staircase
cheek is directly running into the floor level.)
Web Grating Height of the attached gridirons.
Side Offset The projection of the attached gridirons beyond the outer edge of the
staircase construction. Negative values decrease the dimension of gridirons.

Creating the Stairs
8 Select the Platforms page.

Descriptions of the fields in the Platforms page of the ProSteel Stair dialog are
No. of platforms Enter the number of floors (intermediate stair heads).

Inner Distance Enter the measure between two staircases (including cheek shapes) if the
intermediate stair heads are stair heads for change over.
Platform No. Select the floor you want to process.
Length Length of the current platform
Height Height of the current platform
Lower Landing Length of the lower landing of the current platform
Length
Upper Landing Length of the upper landing of the current platform
Length
Angle to prev. If you enter an angle here, you can create the bent running of the staircase
Platform or stair heads for change over (180°). Negative values create an opposite
sense of rotation.

Creating the Stairs
10 Select the Shapes page.

Descriptions of the fields in the Shapes page of the ProSteel Stair dialog are
Shape Class/ Allows you to select the shapes for the stair and stair header cheeks
Size/ Type/
Resolution
12 Select the Bolts page.

Descriptions of the fields in the Bolts page of the ProSteel Stair dialog are
Drill Stringer If set, the stair cheeks are drilled to permit bolting the steps or the handrail.
Bolt Handrail to If set, the cheeks and the handrail are bolted - if a handrail exists. Select the
Stringer required bolt type in the selection list.
Bolt Tread to If set the steps and cheeks are bolted. Select the required bolt type in the
Stringer selection list.

Creating the Stairs
14 Select the Treads page.

Descriptions of the fields in the Treads page of the ProSteel Stair dialog are
Create Treads If set, the stair steps are generated.

Step Type Provides three options: Standard Steps, Treads Built from Shapes and
Blocksteps.
Treads Built from Shapes: If set, the steps are generated from shapes instead
of as DIN-steps. In the selection lists you can select the required shape as
usual. All shapes are available for selection.
Increment The depth of the staircase steps
b, c, d Distances for the mounting holes of the staircase steps:
b: distance of the holes from the upper edge of the steps

c: height of the fastening of staircase steps
d: hole spacing of both mounting holes
Hole Spacing The spacing of the steps' mounting holes
Hole Dia. The hole diameter of the steps' mounting holes
Slot Length The distance of the axes of the rear oblong step hole
Offset The offset of the staircase steps from the front edge of the staircase to the
back. Negative values move the steps to the front.
Note: The type of step that is selected from the Step Type list controls which
set of parameters are displayed in the Treads tab. More information on
the parameters for the different step types can be accessed from the
ProSteel 3D help
16 Select the Handrail page.

Creating the Stairs
Descriptions of the fields in Handrail page of the ProSteel Stair dialog are provided
in the table below.
Create Handrails If set, a handrail is added to the staircase.

Handrail Allows you to specify the bolting of handrail and staircase cheek.
Connection
Automatic: The program tries to determine the most suitable fastening.
Vertical: The handrail is always bolted on the staircase cheek from above,
independently of the settings in the used handrail template.
By Side: The handrail is always bolted laterally on the staircase cheek,

independently of the settings in the used handrail template.
Individual: The settings in the handrail template are used.

Start Offset Allows you to enter an offset value that moves the start of the handrail from
the front edge of the staircase to the back. Negative values move the
handrail to the front. For staircases without basic stair head, you can move
the start of the handrail to a position where a bolt mounting is possible.
End Offset As in Start Offset, enter an offset value here for the end of the handrail.
Side Offset Allows you to enter an offset value that moves the handrail from the outer
edge of the staircase to the outside. This permits you to mount the handrail
outside the staircase on other shapes or on the wall.
Height Offset Allows you to enter an offset value that moves the handrail from the upper
edge of the staircase cheek to the top. This permits you to attach a grout or
an individual fastening.
Side Offset If you enter a value bigger than 0 in this input field, a vertical connecting
plate is inserted between plate and staircase cheek in case of lateral
mounting.
Handrail Select the template to be used for the handrail in the selection list. This
Template template describes the exact structure. The handrail templates are created
by means of the Handrail structural element and the template function.
Select this to preset the handrail structure (shapes, distances, etc.) or edit
the used handrail templates. Another dialog opens which is identical with
the Handrail structure object. You can refer to this dialog for further
information.

Creating the Stairs
18 Select the WorkFrame tab.
Hint: A separate WorkFrame can be created showing a direct overview on the

staircase to allow for better working at the staircase within the bounds
of a bigger construction. By clicking the fields Front View, Lateral View
Left, Lateral View Right or Top View, you can create the corresponding
working frame. You can enter the general name of the workframe in the
Group Name field. If you enter a value in the Edge Distance field, the
size of the different frames is decreased. Thus, you can better select
frames that are lying next to each other.
The ProSteel Stair dialog closes.
20 Save your model.
The model should look like the figure below.

Ladder and Manual Views

 Exercise 1: Create a Ladder
In this exercise, you will learn how to create the Ladder element and modify
its settings.
1 Select Ladders from the ProSteel 3D Structural Objects toolbar.
The prompt Pick Left Insertion Point of Ladder displays.
2 Select the intersection of Axis A and Axis 2 at elevation 3000.
The prompt Pick right insert point of ladder displays.
3 Select the intersection of Axis B and Axis 2 at elevation 3000.
The prompt Pick a Top Point (+ ALT Key) displays.
4 Hold down the Alt key and select a point toward the top right-hand corner
of the drawing area.
The Dimensions page of the ProSteel Ladder dialog displays.
Descriptions of the fields in the Dimensions page of the ProSteel Ladder dialog
Width The width of the ladder as clear dimension between the uprights
Height The height of the ladder without possible projection as help for climbing out
Riser The desired distance between the rungs. The program divides the distances
between first and last rung regularly according to this specification and the
value is rounded up or down correspondingly.
Actual riser The actual resulting distance between the rungs
Distance to Floor The distance between the upper edge of the first rung and the ground area
of the ladder
Top Distance The distance between the upper edge of the last rung and the climbing out
area of the ladder

Offset The height of the help for climbing out related to the climbing out surface of
the ladder (axis measure)
Stringer The depth of the help for climbing out (axis measure)
Sharp Bend The front jump-in of the help for climbing out (axis measure), if it has to be
created with a bend
Dynamic If set, you can monitor the settings immediately on screen.
Draw Diagonal If set, a diagonal of the actual structural element is drawn in the ladder to
support an easier selection.
Fit Ladder Rung If set, the Rungs are displayed even if there is no Shape given.
6 Select the Shapes page.

Descriptions of the fields in the Shapes page of the ProSteel Ladder dialog are
Selection Lists Select the shapes of the ladder uprights and rungs as usual. All shapes are
available for selection.
0°,90°,180°,270° You can rotate the profiles around their insertion axis here by checking the
required angle.
Mirror If set, the profile will be mirrored before insertion.
8 Select the Wall Mounting page.


Descriptions of the fields in the Wall Mounting tab of the ProSteel Ladder
dialog are provided in the table below.
0°,90°,180°,270° You can rotate the wall profile around its insertion axis here by checking the
required angle.
Mirror If set, the wall profile will be mirrored before insertion.
Position Select the insertion position of the wall profile:
Inner Edge: If set, the wall shape is inserted at the inner edge of the upright
and shows to the inside.
Centrally: If set, the wall shape is inserted in axis position on the height of
upright axis.
Outer Edge: If set, the wall shape is inserted at the outer edge of the upright
and shows to the outside.
Wall Distance The distance between upright axes and wall surface where the ladder has to
be mounted
Distance to Floor The distance between the axis of the first wall profile and the ground area of
the ladder
Distance The desired distance of the wall profiles. The program divides the distances
between the first and last wall profile regularly according to this
specification and the values are rounded up or down correspondingly.
Top Distance The distance between the axis of the last wall profile and the climbing out
area of the ladder
Template: allows you to name and save the settings for later use.
Crone: You can transmit the data of an existing connection to the new
connection by selecting the existing web angle connection.
10 Select the Safety Cage page.


Descriptions of the fields in the Safety Cage tab of the ProSteel Ladder dialog
0°,90°,180°,270° You can rotate the profile around its insertion axis here by checking the
required angle.
Mirror If set, the wall profile will be mirrored before insertion.
Position Select the insertion position where the stiffening ring is connected with the
upright.
Inner Edge: If set, the connection between stiffening ring and upright is
inserted at the inner edge of the upright and shows to the inside.
Centered: If set, the connection between stiffening ring and upright is

inserted in axis position on the height of upright axis.
Outer Edge: If set, the connection between stiffening ring and upright is
inserted at the outer edge of the upright and shows to the outside.
Radius Specifies the radius of cage stiffeners
Number of Specifies how many longitudinal rungs the cage has to have. The bars will be
Rungs divided regularly on the resulting semicircle.
Lower Radius Sets the Inner radius of the safety cage at the lower edge
Lower Distance Sets the distance of the lower to the next connection of the safety cage
Distance The desired distance of the stiffeners (rings) of the safety cage. The program
divides the distances between the first and last ring regularly according to
this specification and the values are rounded up or down correspondingly.

The ladder is inserted.

Creating a Manual View

 Exercise 1: Create a Custom Frame (View)
In this exercise you will learn how to create a custom view to be used by the
Choose View command and for later use in the detailing.
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Zoom/Views > Object View at
Point.
The prompt Select element to set View to, or RETURN to align the View is
displayed.
2 Select one of the Purlins support beams on either side at its top of steel
(top of top flange) on the awning.
The prompt Pick desired Axis is displayed.
3 Select the Magenta axis pointing upwards away from the model.
Now that you have the desired plane depicted in our model, you can begin the
process of creating the custom view.
The Choose View dialog opens.
5 Select Create New Workframe.
6 Name the new view Awning_P.
The prompt Select lower left edge of desired window displays.
8 Use the snap and select the bottom left hand corner of the purlin.
The prompt Select upper right edge of desired window displays.
9 Select a point to the right and above the first point to include all of the
purlins and the first part of the mounting beams, similar to the figure
below.
The view is created and the Choose View dialog returns.
10 Select Cancel.

The process ends.

Overview.
The isometric overview is returned.
You are now ready to test.
12 Select Zoom/Views > Choose View.
13 Select your newly created view Awning_P.
14 Select Set View, or double-click on the view.

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 What are structural elements?
2 What are the dimensions defined in the Dimensions page of the ProSteel
Stair dialog?
3 After you enter the dimensions for the staircase in the Dimensions page of
the ProSteel Stair dialog, what is automatically generated?
4 What are pages are used in the ProSteel Ladder dialog?
Answers
1 Structural elements are pre-designed small construction sections, such as
handrails, stairs, or hangar frames, which you can modify to your own
requirements. They are accessed via the Structural Objects toolbar.
2 In the Dimensions page of the ProSteel Stair dialog, you define the
following for the stairs: stair width, stair construction length, staircase
height, rise of the steps.
3 After you enter the dimensions for the staircase in the Dimensions page of
the ProSteel Stair dialog, the number of steps, gradient, tread depth, and
rise of the steps are calculated.
4 The ProSteel Ladder dialog defines ladders using the following page:
Dimensions, Shapes, Wall Mounting, Safety Cage, Side Exit, and
Assignment.

Extras
Module Overview
This module contains information on creating shapes in ProSteel, including user-
created, standard user, roof and wall panels, combined and welded shapes. It also
explains exporting a file to pure AutoCAD, determining the center of gravity,
collision detection, and the unfold function.
Module Objectives
• Create a profile using closed Polylines.
• Use two or more native shapes to create a combined shape.
• Create a welded shape.
• Export to pure AutoCAD.
• Calculate the centre of gravity.
• Use the Collision Detection function and the Unfold function.
Mar-11 213 Extras

User-Created Shapes
User-Created Shapes
ProSteel 3D provides functionality to create different user-defined shapes. Using
User Shapes, Combined Shapes, Roof and Wall Panelling Shapes and Welded
Shapes, you can create any user-definable shapes during a ProSteel 3D session
without having to go to a new dwg file to create them. Also, you do not have to
close ProSteel in order to load their definition like you would need to do if
modifying the shape databases. These shapes will react in similar fashion to
native ProSteel 3D shapes.
Shapes created by the user are classified in catalogues (folders on the hard drive).
To learn about these tools, start a new Metric drawing or work on the side of the
current model.
Standard User Shape

User shapes can be created from AutoCAD closed Polylines, with or without
internal islands (with closed Polylines).
Extras 214 Mar-11

Standard User Shape
 Exercise: Create a Similar Profile Using Closed Polylines

In this exercise, you will create a figure similar to the image just shown, using
one external closed polyline and two internal closed polylines.
1 Select Create User Shape from the ProSteel Edit toolbar.
2 Select User Shapes.
3 Right-click.
4 Select Create a new Catalog.
5 Type Training in the provided field.

6 Right-click on the Training catalogue.
7 Select Create User Shape.
Mar-11 215 Extras

Standard User Shape
8 Type Training User Shape in the provided field using a normal resolution.
Note: You have the option of selecting a low, normal, or high resolution.
9 Right-click on Training User Shape.
10 Select Create Normal Resolution.
The dialog temporarily disappears.
11 Select the outer contour Polyline.
12 Select the inner islands.
13 Press Enter twice.
14 Type Training User Shape in the Name field.

The optionally provided information appears in the PS3D Properties and
can be extracted in the B.O.M.
Extras 216 Mar-11

Standard User Shape
The creation process is complete, and the User Shape is created and ready
to be used from the Shape dialog (see below).
Mar-11 217 Extras

Roof and Wall Panels
Roof and Wall Panels

Create a similar profile (see illustration) using a closed Polyline.
The procedure to create Roof & Wall Panel Shapes is identical to the process
used to create a Standard User Shape.
Extras 218 Mar-11

Combined Shapes
Combined Shapes
Combined shapes can be created out of two or more native ProSteel 3D shapes,
user-defined shapes or a mix of both. Create a similar profile (see illustration)
using native ProSteel 3D shapes.
Note: The shapes used to create a combined shape should be in the same
orientation and they should not be mirrored.
 Exercise: Use Two or More Native Shapes to Create a Combined Shape

1 Using the ProSteel Shapes dialog, create a geometry similar to the image
below with a standard “PFC” shape and a standard “UB” shape from the
AUSTRALIAN catalogues.
Mar-11 219 Extras

Combined Shapes
2 Use the Object View Centered command to orientate the view to the
section view of the two shapes.

4 Select the User Shape Manager tab of the ProSteel User Shape Manager
dialog.
5 Select Combined Shapes.
6 Right-click.

Extras 220 Mar-11

Combined Shapes
10 Select Create CombiShape.
11 Type My First Combined Shape in the provided field using a normal

resolution.
Note: You have the option of selecting a low, normal, or high resolution.
12 Right-click on My First Combined Shape.
The dialog temporarily disappears.

14 Select both steel shapes (PFC and UB).
Mar-11 221 Extras

Combined Shapes
15 Press Enter twice.
16 Type My First Combined Shape in the Name field.

The creation process is completed.
Extras 222 Mar-11

Combined Shapes
At this point the Combined Shape is created and ready to be used from the
Shape dialog.
Mar-11 223 Extras

Welded Shapes
Welded Shapes
Welded shapes consists of several plates welded together to form a profile. The
plates can be of different sizes and positions within the cross-section. They can be
treated or quantified as a single shape or as separate plates.
Like native ProSteel 3D shapes, welded shapes are created with a constant cross-
sectional depth/height and can be tapered using the PS3D Properties.
Two different kinds of welded shapes exist in ProSteel 3D: I-Form welded shape,
and welded shape with any number of plates.
• I-Form Welded Shape - This shape is made up of three plates in the
form of an I-beam. The advantage of this type of shape is the ability to
modify the web plate by adding or removing vertexes using PS3D
Properties to create a complex form, as shown below.
• Welded Shape with any number of plates - This shape is not limited by
the use of three plates in the shape of an I-beam.
 Exercise: Create a Welded Shape

2 Select Weld Shapes.
3 Right-click.
Extras 224 Mar-11

Welded Shapes

7 Select Create WeldShape.
8 Type My First Welded Shape in the provided field.

At this point you can create three different representations for low, normal
and high resolutions of My First Welded Shape. You will create a normal
resolution.
9 Right-click on My First Welded Shape.
The dialog temporarily disappears and the Weld Shape editor appears.
11 Select Add Another Element to the Shape Definition.
Mar-11 225 Extras

Welded Shapes
A new plate is inserted at the origin with 0 degree rotation.
12 Enter the settings and values as shown below.
Extras 226 Mar-11

Welded Shapes
13 Repeat the previous operation three more times as shown below.

The User Shape Properties dialog appears.
15 Type My First Welded Shape in the Name field.
Mar-11 227 Extras

Welded Shapes
The User Shape Properties dialog closes.

The ProSteel User Shape Manager dialog closes.
The Welded Shape is created and ready to be used from the Shape dialog.
Extras 228 Mar-11

Export to Pure AutoCAD
Export to Pure AutoCAD

You can convert any ProSteel 3D model into a pure AutoCAD native file, using
either of these two options:
• Select ProSteel V8i > 2D > Create Pure AutoCAD dwg.
The ProSteel 3D file (plan, elevation or detail) is converted into pure
AutoCAD lines.
• Select ProSteel V8i > 2D > Create ACIS dwg.
The ProSteel 3D model is imported into other software that recognizes
AutoCAD solid but not ProSteel 3D objects.
These two commands produce a file that is strictly for viewing or distribution to
clients or subcontractors that have AutoCAD but not ProSteel 3D. The AutoCAD
file can be used to check the model. In the AutoCAD file, lines and arcs will be
converted into AutoCAD blocks.
Note: When you convert a ProSteel 3D model to AutoCAD, you lose all
ProSteel 3D information in the current file.
Warning: When exporting a ProSteel 3D model to AutoCAD, work on a copy of the model, as
this is not a "Save As" procedure.
Mar-11 229 Extras

Centre of Gravity
Centre of Gravity
Use this function to calculate the centre of gravity of any number of selected
parts. (This is usually used to determine where to place lifting lugs, finding out
global weight and volume.)
To use this function do the following:

1 Select Center of Gravity on the ProSteel 3D Edit toolbar.
2 Select any number of shapes, plates, etc.
A sphere is created at the center of gravity of the selected objects and
information similar to the following appears at the command line/text screen:
SELECT OBJECTS: 1 FOUND

SELECT OBJECTS: RESULTING BODYVOLUME IS 100.366 m^3
COORDINATE OF CENTER OF GRAVITY ARE X= 52670.326 Y= 12071.276 Z=
1698.610
RESULTING BODYWEIGHT IN STEEL IS 789379.642
Note: Different specific weights are ignored; this function considers that all
selected parts are made of steel.
Extras 230 Mar-11

Collision Detection
Collision Detection
This function is used to visually inspect and detect collisions between ProSteel 3D
objects in congested areas; it is not meant to clash-detect a massive structure.
 Exercise: Use the Collision Detection Function

1 Create two crossing pipes as shown below.
2 Select Collision Detection on the ProSteel 3D Edit toolbar.

The Collision Detection dialog opens.
3 Enter values as shown below.
4 Select Collision Detection.

5 Select the newly-created pipes.
ProSteel 3D creates magenta-coloured volumes at each collision.
6 Select left or right arrows to move from one collision to another.
7 Select Collision Volumes Erased.
All collision volumes are erased.
• Min volume = Clash tolerance in cubic millimeters (in³ if imperial)
• Display scaling = Zooming factor
• Actual/Max = Total number of collisions
Mar-11 231 Extras

Unfold
Unfold
This function is used to unfold/develop any ProSteel 3D shape with or without
modifications (cuts, drills, notches etc.) onto the current/active UCS.
 Exercise: Unfold a Pipe

1 Start a new drawing.
2 Create similar pipes with a polycut and a Boolean subtract intersect, as
shown below.
3 Select Unfold from the ProSteel 3D Edit toolbar.

The ProSteel Unfold Pipe dialog opens.
4 Enter values and settings as shown below.

6 Select the part with the modification.
7 Place the result anywhere in the model.
Extras 232 Mar-11

Unfold
The result should be as shown below.
Mar-11 233 Extras

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 True or False: The shapes used to create a combined shape should be in
the same orientation and they should not be mirrored.
2 Two different kinds of welded shapes exist in ProSteel 3D. What are they?
3 There are two commands that convert any ProSteel 3D model into a pure
AutoCAD native file, strictly for viewing or distribution to clients or
subcontractors that have AutoCAD but not ProSteel 3D. What are they?
Answers
1 True: The shapes used to create a combined shape should be in the same
orientation and they should not be mirrored.
2 The two kinds of welded shapes in ProSteel 3D are: I-Form welded shape,
and welded shape with any number of plates.
3 When you select ProSteel V8i > 2D > Create Pure AutoCAD dwg, the
ProSteel 3D file (plan, elevation or detail) is converted into pure AutoCAD
lines.When you select ProSteel V8i > 2D > Create ACIS dwg, the ProSteel
3D model is imported into other software that recognizes AutoCAD solid
but not ProSteel 3D objects.
Extras 234 Mar-11

Appendix A - ProSteel Toolbars
and Tips & Tricks
Viewtools Toolbar
The illustration below shows the layout of the Viewtools toolbar. Below the
illustration, you will see the names of each tool. They are keyed by the letters A
through K.
Tool Set Tools

A. ProSteel Isometric Overview 1
Overview Isometric Overview 2
Isometric Overview 3
B: Select View Select View
Mar-11 235 Appendix A - ProSteel Toolbars and Tips & Tricks

Viewtools Toolbar
Tool Set Tools

C: Plane View Plane View
D: Object View Object View Centered

Object View at Points
Faceview Centered
Faceview at Points
E: Clip Planes Clip Planes

Clip Planes Off
Clip Planes On
Clip Planes Distance
Clip Planes Flip
F: Perspective Perspective
On
Distance
Focal
Off
G: Free View Free View
H: Analysis Analysis Effective Line

Effective Line
I: Zoom Zoom
Modelspace
Paperspace
Viewport Scale
Viewport Maximum
Paperspace Maximum
J: Object UCS Object UCS Centered

Object UCS at Points
Face UCS Centered
Face UCS at Points
K: Display Classes Display Classes

Hide
Hide Group
Hide Except
Hide Except Group
Hide at plane
Hide at plane Except
ProSteel 3D Region
Area Classes
Part Families
Process Status
Appendix A - ProSteel Toolbars and Tips & Tricks 236 Mar-11

Elements Toolbar
Elements Toolbar
The illustration below shows the layout of the Elements toolbar. Below the
illustration, you will see the names of each tool. They are keyed by the letters A
through N.
Tool Set Tools

A: Shape Options Add Shape Section
Dispatch Blocks
Shape
B: Plates Plates
Add Flanges
Wall
Plate Funnel Easy
Plate Funnel Extended
Cover Plate
C: Bolting Bolting
D: Connection Connection Center

Center

Elements Toolbar
Tool Set Tools

E: EndPlate EndPlate
Endplate Normal
Endplate Splice
Endplate Flange
F: Baseplates Baseplates Acc.DSTV

Baseplates With Stiffener
G: Shearplates Shearplates
Shearplates Connection
Beam Beam Shearplate Conection
Box Columns Shearplate Connection
Beam Column Flange Connection
H: Splice Splice
Connection Hollow Beam Splitter
Beam Beam Splice
Box Columns Splice
Column Splice
Pipe Splice
Angle Splice
I: Purlin Purlin Connection

Connection Beam Beam Clamp
Purlin Beam Fly Brace
J: Prosteel 3D Stiffener
Stiffener Stiffener at Angle
K: Haunch Haunch
L: Columns Beam WebAngle

Connection Columns Beam Endplate
Columns Beam Web
Moment Connection
Seated Connection
Pipe Strap

Elements Toolbar
Tool Set Tools

M: Bracing Bracing Static
Bracing Dynmaic
RodBracing
Gusset Plate Connection
N: ProSteel 3D Stairs
Structural Object Circular Stairs
Frames
Purlins
Handrails
Trusses
Ladders
Joists
Distribute Roof\Wall Panels
Façade
Cat Walk
Podest Rectangular
Podest Cylindrical

Edit Toolbar
Edit Toolbar
The illustration below shows the layout of the Edit toolbar. Below the illustration,
you will see the names of each tool. They are keyed by the letters A through K.

Edit Toolbar
Tool Set Tools

A: Drill Drill
B: Modify 1 Modify 1
Dialog
Shorten Via Pick
Shorten Via Enter
Lengthen Via Pick
Lengthen Via Enter
Extend/Trim To Line
Extend/Trim To Line
Extend/Trim To Object
Divide
Connect
Notch
Round Edge
C: Modify 2 Modify 2
Polycut
Cope
Angle Bisect
Chamfer Plate Edge
Insert Plate Edge
Plate Editor
D: Primitives Box
Sphere
Cylinder
Cone
Extrude
Rotate
Hull
Rect 2 Circle
Conical Pipe
Torus
E: Boolean Union
Subtract
Intersect
Subtract Intersect Body

Edit Toolbar
Tool Set Tools

F: Copy Copy
Dialog
X'
Y"
Z"
Plane
3D
Drag
Mirror
X"
Y"
Z"
Plane
3D
Drag
Mirror
Dispatch
G: Positioning Positioning
Dialog
Position - Element
Position - Groups
Position - Groups Part
Position - Short
Position - Bolts
Position - Mounting
Position - Free
Compare Part
Search Parts
H: Groups Groups
Dialog
Edit Group Data
Create Group
Dissolve Group
Add To Group
Subtract From Group
Check Group
I: Partlist and Projectmanagement

Export Create Partlist Database
Create Partlist
Insert Drawing Partlist
Group Containment list
NC - Data
ERP - Data
Analysis Interface
Import
Export
Create Partlist Part
Create User Shape
Drawing Information Table

Edit Toolbar
Tool Set Tools

J: Prosteel 3D Collision Detection
Collision Center Of Gravity
Detection Motionsimulation
K: Unfold Pipe Unfold Pipe

Utilities Toolbar
Utilities Toolbar
The illustration below shows the layout of the Edit toolbar. Below the illustration,
you will see the names of each tool. They are keyed by the letters A through N.

Utilities Toolbar
Tool Set Tools

A: Workframe Workframe
B: Dimension 1 Dimension 1
Dialog
Shape Default
Shape Pick
Endplate Default
Endplate Pick
Dim Arc
Dim Radius
Insert Dim Object
C: Dimension 2 Dimension 2
Single Horizontal
Single Vertical
Single Aligned To line
Single Aligned To Points
Chain Horizontal
Chain Vertical
Chain Aligned To line
Chain Aligned To Points
Fence Horizontal
Fence Vertical
Fence Aligned To Line
Fence Aligned To Points
D: Construction Construction Line

Line Dialog
Horizontal Pick
Vertical Pick
Parallel And Offset
Normal To
Normal To And Offset
Divide
Measure
Delete All
E: Elevation Elevation Symbols

Symbols
F: Welding Welding Symbols

Symbols

Utilities Toolbar
Tool Set Tools

G: Detail DetailCenter
Insert Drawing Border
Create 2D Section
Insert Automatic Cut
2D Cutout
Insert Cranked View
2D Shortening
Benchmark
Create Pure AutoCAD Drawing
Batch Create Pure AutoCAD Drawing
Create ACIS DWG
Batch Create ACIS DWG
Hole Display Style
Flatten Viewport
Layering Display Page
Create AutoCAD Views
Insert Reference Points
Length Scale
Insert Manual Link
Set Anchor Point
H: BlockCenter BlockCenter
I: ProSteel 3D ProSteel 3D Scale

Scale
J: Create Create Viewport

Viewport
K: Layer Layer
Viewport Window
Set Layer 0
Set Object Layer
Object Layer Off
Workframe Layer Off
Workframe Layer On
Element Layer Off
Element Layer On
Addition Layer Off
Addition Layer On
Construction Layer Actual
Construction Layer Off
Construction Layer On
L: Direction Direction Vectors

Vectors X - Axis
Y - Axis
Z - Axis

Utilities Toolbar
Tool Set Tools

M: Start Gamma Start Gamma ray
ray
N: Change Change Language

Language

Tips and Tricks
Tips and Tricks

Most input fields for distances can accept a right-click to bring up a context menu
allowing the selection of multiple choices:
• 1st Insert Picked Length. This allows you to pick a distance in the drawing area
(by two points)
• 2nd Insert Picked Length. This is the same as above except the "Z" distances
will be ignored.
• Insert Calculated Value. This option will bring up a calculator which's result
will be pasted in.
Here listed are a few more shortcuts that can be used with various commands:
• Use the [SHIFT]+[ESC] keys to start the filter during object selection.
• Use the [ALT] key while grip editing to be able to move out of Ortho mode.
• Use the context menu {RIGHT-CLICK} to turn tool-tips (object onscreen
information) ON/OFF
• Use the [ALT] key in Extend/Trim to line command to be able to extend to line.
• Use the context menu {RIGHT-CLICK} to turn subpart grips (little triangles on
2D drawings for subparts) ON/OFF
• Use [ESC] key while using the Purlin command for connections & cope tab.
• Use the [ALT] key in Connect command to avoid shape checking and transform
second shape as first shape.
• The DisplayClasses & AreaClasses dialog boxes can be lengthen by the user. If
you wish to revert back to the original length for these dialog boxes, simply
use the [CTRL] key while bringing up the dialog box.
• In the WorkFrame & Purlin command, while entering unequal grid lengths,
using the [ALT] key will let you enter the values in a linear mode. To delete the
list of unequal spacing, uncheck the equal distance entry checkbox in the
dialog, "click" in the value list dropdown while pressing the [CTRL] key.
• When using the ObjectView (six directional arrow selection), if the view is not
aligned to the World, you can press twice the [ENTER] key. You can always
force it by pressing the [ALT] key while selecting the point (before selecting
the direction).
• When snapping to a shape using the ProSteel 3D Shapepoints, pressing the
[ALT] key will let you use the reference points of the shape (if created) instead
of the centerline end-points and mid-point.

Tips and Tricks
• To toggle the grouping selection mode "On/Off", use [CTRL]+[SHIFT]+[A] or

[CTRL]+[H]. Keep in mind the grouping selection mode must be activated
through the grouping dialog for this to take effect.
• To cycle through object selection for overlapping objects use the [CTRL] key
when selecting overlaying lines. This has changed in AutoCAD 2007-8 to
[SHIFT]+[SPACE BAR].
• In PaperSpace to cycle from one viewport to the next, use [CTRL]+[R].
• Make sure AutoCAD has its Single Document Interface (SDI) variable set to 0
(zero) in order to work with ProSteel.

Tips and Tricks

Appendix B - Construction
Groups
Module Overview
In this module, you will learn how to invoke the Groups dialog and how to
determine which parts exist or do not exist in a group. You will learn how to
manipulate the display within a model using groups, and you will learn how to
add parts to an existing group.
Module Objectives
• Invoke the Groups dialog.
• Determine what parts exist in groups and which parts are not in a group.
• Manipulate the display within the model using groups.
• Add parts to an existing group.
Mar-11 251 Appendix B - Construction Groups

ProSteel 3D Grouping
Grouping in ProSteel 3D is synonymous to assembly. It defines which parts are
detailed and shipped together. Each group always consists of one primary
component part and as many secondary parts as desired. Groups cannot be
nested, which means that a group cannot be a secondary part of another group.
A group structure is defined by a main member and any number of sub-members.

However, if desired, a group can be assigned to a single main member without
sub-members.
Each element can exist only in one group at a time.
Hint: When creating groups, start with the sub-groups and end with the
assemblies. In most cases you will simply work with the groups. The
sub-groups and assemblies features are for exceptional use.
Due to the importance of grouping, ProSteel 3D provides a number of tools for

creating, editing, deleting, searching, viewing, etc.groups.
Assemblies
Assemblies can include groups and subgroups as well as single parts. There is no
main part to an assembly, just a collection of various objects. It is the largest of
the three group types.
Groups
A group is a collection of parts and/or sub-groups which are recognized as a single

item. A main part is assigned to the group and all other parts are considered
subparts of the group. These groups can be called into a 2D drawing and
dimensioned together as a single item. Groups are the default type created when
doing connections and other tasks that have the Group option within their
menus.
Sub-Groups
Almost identical in nature to the groups, subgroups are handled in the same way
that groups are and have access to all the same tools as groups do. Subgroups can
be used when one single part is required in two groups. Since a single part can
Appendix B - Construction Groups 252 Mar-11

only be part of one group at a time, a subgroup can be formed and the same
single part can be placed into this second group type structure.
 Exercise 1: Invoke the Groups Dialog

In this exercise, you will learn how to access the Groups function.
1 Select Isometric Overview.
2 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Groups > Dialog.
3 Review the functions in the Groups tab.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Groups tab.
Create Assigns parts to material groups. Select the main part of the material group
and then select the parts to be assigned. Only steel or special parts can be
selected for a group. The parts to be assigned can also be selected in a field.
If the main part is selected twice, it will be ignored, as wlll other construction
lines. The part's new selection is ignored if it already belongs to a group.
Release
Detaches a group. To do so, select any part of the group. Removal of single
parts from the group is also possible.
Delete
Deletes all parts of a group. To do so, select any part of the group.
Edit This function allows you to edit the group data.
The top fields: Enter the data of the selected group for the parts lists.
Pos. No.: The position in this field has been taken over from the main part,
provided the Takeover Mainpart Data field was set in the Groups tab.
Subsequent modification of the position number is possible.
The outer dimensions and the total weight of the group are shown at the
bottom.
Takeover If set, the data of the main part is accepted as group data for the parts lists.
Mainpart Data Subsequent modification of this data is possible.
Add Elements
Adds parts to a group. The complete group will be selected when you select
any part of the group. Further Accessory Parts can be added by selecting
them.
Remove
Elements
Removes selected parts from a group.

Import Inserts a stored group into your drawing. The existing group structure is
maintained when “Dissolve Block after insert” has been selected, or if you
drop the imported cell using PS_EXPLODE.
Export A group can be exported and stored in an external file. It can be inserted into
another drawing by using Import Groups. The group structure will remain
unchanged. When prompted, select objects by selecting any part of the
group.
Selection Mode Decide whether a group is to be loaded completely when a part of it is

selected, or whether the parts shall remain independent. Select any part of
the group. The mode will change according to your selection, and the
current status will be displayed in the command line.
Export complete If set, selects a whole group when one member is selected. If not set, all
Group Parts must be explicitly selected in order to manipulate them. All Groups
generated by ProSteel 3D during a connection have this feature set.
Dissolve Block If set, the group is automatically exploded when imported. The structure of
after Insert the group remains unchanged.
Count
All groups in the drawing are counted and displayed in the Number field next
to this button.
4 Select the Verify tab.

5 Review the following functions.

The following table provides a description of the fields in the Verify tab.
Check Groups This function checks whether all the groups have a main part. When a group
without a main part is detected, this group is dissolved. In addition, when
using the Highlight Orphans command you can make display the parts that
do not belong to a group. Groups without a main part may occur when the
main part was deleted and the group has not been detached.
Downgrade
Downgrades a component part group to a subgroup. However, this material

must not contain any subordinated subgroups.
Upgrade
Upgrades a subgroup to a standard component part group.
Mark Orphans If set, all valid groups are hidden according to the specifications when
checking a group. Parts that belong to no group are marked in colour. Use
the command Global Settings > Colours to specify what colours to apply.
Coloured markings are removed once you assign the parts to a group or
when you select the Regenerate command.
Release single If set, all valid groups consisting of only one component part are released
part groups when checking a group.
Search You can search different groups by highlighting and zooming found groups or
by hiding the other groups. To do that:
1) Enter the position numbers of the groups to be searched in the Search

Numbers field. Several position numbers can be entered at the same time,
provided they are separated by a decimal point. Complete position areas
must be separated by a hyphen. For example, to search 5 and 7 or 17
through 28, enter the value 5,7,17-28.
2) Select Search.
3) Select the parts to be searched (in most cases, you will select all of the
parts in a field) and confirm your selection by pressing Enter or right-clicking.
Only those groups whose position numbers you have entered will remain
visible. You can recall the other groups using the Regenerate command.
The position number of a picked component part is taken over in the preset
field for search.
Display Type list Determines how the result of a search will be displayed. The following
options are available:
- Hide: All parts not satisfying the search condition are hidden. The hidden
parts become visible again when the drawing is regenerated.
- Mark: All of the parts found in the search are highlighted in the drawing.
- Zoom: The found parts are highlighted.
- Zoom Extents: All parts satisfying the search condition are automatically
zoomed. A dialog displays allowing you to indicate the Display Size (zoom
factor) and to navigate to each component found.

Hide Use this function to hide all parts of a group together (depending on the
parameters for hiding). To do so, click any part of the group. When you use
the Regenerate command or Display Parts, the parts of the group can be
made visible again.
Using the selection list, you choose which parts of a group will be hidden.
- Main Parts: Only the main part will be hidden.

- Single Parts: All accessory parts will be hidden.
- All Parts: The whole group will be hidden.
Display
Makes all hidden parts of a group visible again
Displays the hierarchic group structure of a component part
Orphans ->
Groups
Creates one group out of each selected orphaned object
Compare
Checks groups of the same position for equality. Select main parts of the
group to be checked.
Compare and If set and the program finds groups with the same position number but
change different structure, indices are added to the position numbers to
differentiate them.

 Exercise 2: Determine the Parts in a Group

1 Verify that the Administer Groups dialog is displayed and the Verify tab
selected.
2 Select Check Groups.
ProSteel 3D scans the model, searches for all parts associated to a group,
and disables their display. This acts as a quick reference to determine
which parts are not in a group and leaves these elements displayed. This
allows you to better determine which groups, if any, these rogue elements
belong in.
4 In the Verify tab, click Display.
The display is refreshed to show all parts in the model.
Before we proceed to adding these parts into a group we will investigate other
functions within the Groups function.

 Exercise 3: Control Model Display via the Groups Function

1 Zoom in on the connection between the crossbeam and the column
located at coordinate A1.

The Administer Groups dialog opens.
3 Select the Verify tab.
4 Select Main Parts in the Hide list.
5 Select Hide in the Search list.
The main parts of all groups are hidden.
6 Click Check Group Data.
All main parts disappear from the model and only subparts remain.
Note: The Hide Groups function can be used to control model display, which is
very important when working with a large model congested by many
parts and detailed joints.
7 Select Display.
The model returns to a full display of all parts.

8 Perform the same operation again, this time hiding only sub-parts of the
group.
9 Set the fields in the Verify tab as shown below.
The Hide section of the dialog is set to hide only Single Parts.
10 Click Check Group Data.
Note: This time, in the display within the model, only the Sub Parts of the
groups have been hidden.
11 Select ProSteel 3D Regen to return the display to all parts.
Note: It is important to differentiate between Release and Delete, located in

the Groups, Sub Groups, and Assembly tabs (known collectively as the
Administration tabs). Both functions dissolve a group; however, Release
keeps the parts in the model and Delete removes them.
Note: Single Part in this list refers to a sub-part of a group.

The Settings tab gives the user the choice of making multiple selections or
executing in a loop.

 Exercise 4: Adding Component Parts to an Existing Group

1 Select Isometric Overview.
2 Zoom into the area of two manual base plates on columns at coordinates
C2 and C3.

The Administer Groups dialog opens.
4 From the Groups tab, click Add Elements.
The prompt Pick a Part of the wanted Group displays.
5 Select the column located at coordinate C2.
The ADD function begins and prompts you to pick the elements to add.
6 Select the base plate located at the bottom of the column.
Note: At this point, it is possible to select multiple parts, but for this exercise
we'll select only one.
7 Right-click.
This completes the addition of elements to this group part.
8 Right-click.
The Add Elements function ends.
9 Repeat the process and add the other plate to the group of the column
located at coordinate C3.


11 Close the dialog box.

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 True or False: A group can be nested as a secondary part of another group.
2 What are the three types of groups?
3 How do you hide the main parts of all groups?
4 What is the difference between the Release and Delete functions in the
Groups, Sub groups, and Assembly tabs of the Administer Groups dialog?
Answers
1 False: A group cannot be nested as a secondary part of another group.
2 The three types of groups are: Assemblies, Groups, and Subgroups.
3 To hide the main parts of all groups, select the Verify tab of the Administer
Groups dialog, select Main Parts in the Hide list, and select Hide in the
Search List.
4 Both the Release and Delete functions dissolve a group. However, the
Release keeps the parts in the model, but the Delete removes them from
the model.

Appendix C - Positioning and
Material Takeoffs
Module Overview
In this module, you will learn how to set the defaults for positioning. You will learn
how to define the position flags and how to create a parts list (Bill of Materials, or
B.O.M.).
Module Objectives
• Set defaults for positioning.
• Define the position flags.
• Create a Bill of Materials.
Mar-11 265 Appendix C - Positioning and Material Takeoffs

Positioning the Model

 Exercise 1: Set the Defaults for Positioning
In this exercise, you will learn the basics of positioning and setting of the defaults.
Overview.
The isometric view displays.
2 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Positioning > Dialog.
3 Select the Steel Positioning tab.
The following table describes the fields in the Steel Positioning tab of the ProSteel
Positionflags and Positioning dialog.
Plug-In Shows all available external positioning plug-ins. This list is only available
when the Use external Plug-in check box is set.
Type Allows you to enter the type of the position number:
Numerical: numbers only
Alphanumerical: letters only. The order is A, B,....Z, AA, AB,.... etc.
Mixed: composed of a numerical and an alphanumerical part, with the

numerical part following the alphanumerical part. The order is A1, A2,..., A9,
B1, B2, etc. The number of numerical positions can be preset under ->
'Limits'.
Appendix C - Positioning and Material Takeoffs 266 Mar-11

Filter Allows you to determine which parts are to be positioned:
All Parts: positions all selected parts
Only Void: positions only those selected parts that have not yet been
assigned a position number (e.g., new parts).
Only Changed: positions only those selected parts that have been changed.
Thus, after detailing, changed parts can be assigned new position numbers.
If necessary, the parts are identified using Modification Tags, which will be
deleted when the part concerned is detailed. This means that parts are
assigned new position numbers that have active change tags (query via
Shapes > Change Properties > Data).
Last Single Displays the last used position number for single elements
Last Group Displays the last used position number for group elements
Increment The amount of automatic incrementing of the position numbers (normally
by one step)
Next The number to be assigned to the first part to be positioned
Use Shipping If set, sends numbers instead of position numbers
number
Use external Enables the use of an external plug-in for positioning instead of using the
Plug-In built-in default functions
Calls the dialog for automatic positioning
Resets the Positioning options
Applies the position numbers to the selected items
Processes automatic positioning only for single parts with the given settings
Processes automatic positioning only for groups with the given settings
5 Select Automatic Positioning.

Descriptions for the fields in the Filter and order tab are provided in the
table below.
Filter These parts are considered in case of automatic positioning. Select the parts
(shapes, special shapes, plates, bolts and other special parts) that are to be
numbered in one operation.
Sort Pre-Sort (Left Window): Sets the order of the Pre-Sort. Use the arrow
buttons next to the window to move a value up or down.
Post-Sort: Sets the Order of the Post-Sort. Use the arrow buttons next to the
window to move a value up or down
Sort Flats like Plates: If set, Flats and Plates are considered equal for Pre-
Sorting.



Descriptions for the fields in the Options tab are provided in the table
below.
Options Overwrite Existing: If set, existing position numbers will be overwritten

when assigning new ones.
Equal Part Detection: If set, checks whether parts are identical. If they are
identical, they are assigned the same position number. Parts are considered
identical when deviations with respect to dimensions and drill diameter are
within the values given as reference tolerances.
Equal Group Detection: If set, checks whether groups are identical. Groups
are considered identical when identical parts are arranged in the same
mounting position - single parts are only compared using their position
number (i.e., if parts are identical but have different position numbers, the
groups will also be assigned different position numbers).
Consider Weld Marks: If set, Weld Marks are used to compare elements.
First Main Parts then Sub Parts: If set, all main parts of groups are positioned
first (and sorted according to the sorting criteria within the groups), followed
by the accessory parts (also sorted according to the sorting criteria). This can
be deemed as an additional, even higher-ranking sorting criterion.
Subparts starts at: Determines from which number, group subparts will be
positioned.
Groups Differentiation Unequal Groups: When the group is assigned the position of
the main part (normal case), it may happen that two different groups having
the same main part are assigned identical position numbers. In such cases,
the program will check whether or not the groups are really identical. If not,
it will change the group position number.
25 -> 25.1: The changed group positions are identified by the index .1, etc.,
following their position number (i.e., 100.1, 100.2, ...).
25 ->25A: The changed group positions are identified by the index A, etc.,
following their position number (i.e. 100A, 100B, ...).
25 -> MAX+1: Positioning of the changed group positions is continued after

the highest position currently assigned.
Group Options Max = Subpart Max: determines if the next available Position number is a
single or group number
Takeover MainPart Position -> Group: If set, the position of the main part is
taken over as group position. If necessary, the group position is changed
afterwards (see Differentiation Groups). If this is not requested, the group
positions will start at the position entered in GroupsStart at the Last [+].

9 Select the Prefixes tab.

Descriptions for the fields in the Prefixes tab are provided in the table
below.
Position Prefix This allows explanatory text to be entered before the group position. It is
possible to differentiate between support beams, girders and other groups,
the differentiation always being related to the main part of the group.
Columns: Enter the designation for all vertical shapes. In the attribute field
Deviation in Degrees, you enter an angle within which the shape is still
considered to be vertical.
Beams: Enter the designation for all horizontal shapes. In the attribute field
Deviation in Degrees, you enter an angle within which the shape is still
considered to be horizontal. Vertical and horizontal are always related to the
work frame, i.e., to the x/y plane of the WCS.
Other: Enter the designation for all other groups.
Position Tolerance: These fields determine the position tolerance for vertical
columns and horizontal beams.
Use Family Prefix: If set, the family classes prefix is set in front if the
component part belongs to a family class and a prefix is planned.

11 Select the Comparison method tab.

13 Descriptions for the fields in the Comparison method tab are provided in
the table below.
Tolerances Calculation Method: comparison method.
Geometry Check: Compares the parts with the visible geometry, line for line.
Minimum Line length: Additional lines up to the specified length are not
considered for a comparison.
Length Tolerance: Length deviations do not result in a different part.
Hole Tolerance: Deviations of the drill hole axis up to the specified length do
not result in a different part.
Volume Check A second method to recognize equal parts is the real volume comparison.
Here, you carry out a detection of identical parts based on the volume of the
component part. The tolerances can be set for groups and single parts as
relative value to the compared volume (e.g. 0.1 percent for component parts
and 0.2 percent for groups).
- Max. Part Difference: Sets the maximum difference in % up to which the

elements are treated as identical.
- Max. Group Difference: Sets the maximum difference in % up to which the

groups are treated as identical.

The dialog closes and the previous dialog displays.

 Exercise 2: Define Position Flags
In this exercise you will learn about the settings for the physical Position flags.
1 Select the Sort tab.
2 Select Create New Position Flag Style.
3 Type Bentley-Parts into the dialog that displays.
The new style is created.
5 Repeat this procedure to add the Bentley-Groups style.
When finished, the new styles will display in the Loaded Styles group box
as shown below.
6 Select the Layout tab to display the following:

7 Select Bentley-Parts from the Style field.

8 Select Enables Setting of Position Flag Style, next to the Created
Geometry field.
The Posflag Definition displays.
9 Set the parameters as shown for the Bentley-Parts style.
The fields of this dialog are described in the following table.
Line Type Defines the kind of guideline that will be displayed:
None: No guideline displays.

Line: Only one line displays.
Arrow: A line with an arrow displays.
Dot: A line with a point displays.
Bubble Form Defines the kind of position number:
None: only the number displays.

Round: the number displays in an oval.
Rectangular -the number displays in a field.
Hexagonal: the number displays in a hexagon.
On Line: the number displays on the construction line.

Text Type Allows you to define the type of shape designation in case of length
indication:
IU100...160: the designation is as follows…IPE270... 7890
U100 160: the designation is as follows…IPE270 - 7890
U100x160: the designation is as follows… IPE270x7890
Format Template: the designation is as indicated in the 'Format Template'

input field
Alignment Determines the direction of the construction line with respect to the
position text:
Shape: The direction is parallel to shape.
Line: You will be prompted to enter a reference line by clicking. Text will be
aligned accordingly.
Horizon: The direction is horizontal.
Vertical: The direction is vertical.

Text Style Specifies the text style for the text of the position flag
Default Format Specifies the format for the user-defined shape designation if you have
selected 'Format Template' as text type. The following parameters are
available:
$(N) for part name

$(L) for part length
$(W) for part width
$(T) for part thickness
The result of the format string $(N) $(T)x$(W) would e.g. be plate 5x380.
Prefix/Postfix You can enter a text which displays in front of or after the position of the
position flag. The default can be set independently for each number.
Send Prefix/ You can enter a text which displays in front of or after the shipping number
Postfix of the position flag. The default can be set independently for each number.
Divide Specifies a text which is written between position number and shipping
number, if both numbers have to be displayed as position number entry in
the position flag.

Layout Determines which information is to be displayed:
Total Number: number of parts, e.g., 17 x IPE 270
Name: designation (e.g., the shape designation)
Comment: comments of the parts lists
Item Number: article number of the parts in the position flag
Dimensions: parts dimensions of the parts in the position flag
Position Mumber
Shipping Number: shipping number displays
Material: material designation
Original Position number: fixed (former) position number

Options No Line: suppresses the leader line of the position flag
Dynamic: creates an association between the object and the position flag
Group Length: Use group dimension for display if a group is selected

Size Define the text size for general lettering (Text Size) and for position numbers
(Number Size). For printing, the AutoCAD text sizes are scaled according to
selected scale.
Colours Set the corresponding colour for the flag as AutoCAD colour number using
the fields Line, Number, Bubble and Label. If you enter -1 as value, the pre-
setting will be used.

The settings are applied.
11 Select the Bentley-Groups style.
Note: The following dialog may display prompting you to save the changes to
the Bentley-Parts style. Click the check mark.

12 Define the Bentley-Groups style using the settings shown below.

The ProSteel Positionflags and Positioning dialog returns.
Note: When prompted to save changes for the Bentley-Groups style, click the
check mark to continue again.
 Exercise 3: Positioning the Model
In this exercise, you will position the model and grip edit individual piece parts to
see the positioning rules that have been applied.
1 With the ProSteel Positionflags and Positioning dialog still open, select the
Steel Positioning tab.
2 Select Apply position numbers to selection.
Note: When prompted to save changes for the PositionFlag style, click the
check mark to continue.
3 Select all steel members.
The system will begin the positioning process and, when complete, will
display the ProSteel Positioning: Result Single Parts dialog shown below.

This provides a visual check of what single parts were positioned. The
contents of the dialog are not editable.
4 Click OK.
The dialog closes, and the following dialog opens.

The process completes, allowing positioning to apply the sorting and
comparison options. The system returns to your model.
6 Select the column located at coordinate A1.
7 Grip edit the shape.
8 Select the Data tab.
9 Note the Pos. No. field for the part.

10 Select the Group Data/Data tab.

11 Note the Pos. No. field for the group.
Note: The positioning has counted how many of this part and the group exist
in the model. After applying the comparison options, the system now
knows that this model has one single "groups" like this.
Note: Positioning can be applied as many times as needed to start the

numbering from a given base number. For example, you may wish to
number particular items starting at 100, then other items starting at
500. You would apply the positioning on the displayed items, others
being turned off by their Display Class, then reset the start number and
reprocess the other items.

Creating a Parts List (B.O.M.)

 Exercise 1: Create the Parts List
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Project Management.
The ProSteel Project Management dialog opens.
2 Select Create a new Project.
3 Enter ProSteel Structural Training in the name box.
5 Select the ProSteel Structural Training project.

6 Select Load the selected Project as actual Project.
7 Select Enables to edit the drawing Table Data.

The Drawing Information Table dialog opens.

8 Define the settings as shown below.
9 Create a template.
11 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Additions > Create Partlist
Database.
Note: When opening the Create Partlist Database for the first time, the
Drawing Information Table dialog opens. Use the template created
above to load the settings into this drawing table.

The table below describes the fields in the Partlist Creation dialog.
Part Selection Selects the parts for which a parts list is to be created:
3D parts: You select the parts from the work frame.
2D positions flags: The parts lists will be deducted from the position flags of
a detailed workshop drawing. From modified 2D drawings you can generate
new bills of materials.
Options Verify position number: If set, only those selected parts that have a valid
position number will be taken over into the parts lists.
Only Group parts: If set, only those selected parts that are assigned to a
group will be taken over into the parts lists.
Only Selected parts: If set, only selected parts are written to the partslist. If
disabled, then the complete groups of the selected parts are written to the
parts list.
Create group record: If set, Group records are created for all complete
groups that are selected. Otherwise, no group records are written into the
parts list.
Start Partlist: If set, parts list processing is loaded immediately after creation
of parts list file by means of this file.
Calculate NC Cutting Angles: If set, defines cut angles for generation of an NC

file that can be read by an NC machine to fabricate a section
Straight End at front: If set, turns the NC-data so an eventual straight End is
at front
With Welds: If set, adds weld data into parts list.
Combine Welds: If set, combines all welds of same style and thickness into
one entry.
Bolts Bolts without position number: bolts will be included in the parts lists, even
if they have no position number.
Washers extra, Nuts extra, Safety Washers extra, Tapered Washers extra: the
additional parts for the bolts are specified separately in the list of materials.
Output File Displays the file for the list of materials. By clicking File, you can set the
directory in the same manner as you do under Windows.
With bolts: starts part selection and considers selected bolts.
Without bolts: starts part selection and does not consider bolts, even though
they have been selected.
Mounting list: starts part selection and considers only the main parts of
groups including bolts.

12 Select the folder icon on the bottom right-hand side and enter Training 3D
in the File name field.
Note: It is recommended that you name the database the same as the model.
13 Select Without Bolts.
The prompt Select all parts to add in bill of material, RETURN for all,
Shift+ESC for Filter: Select Objects: displays.
14 Type All at the command prompt.
15 Press Enter.

 Exercise 2: Edit the Parts List Data and Format
In this exercise, you will learn how to access and alter the parts list data and
modify the format of the report.
1 From the ProStructures 3D menu, select Additions > Create Partlist.

3 Select the Training 3D.MDB database located at C:\..\Partlist.
The Parts List Processing dialog will be populated as shown below with
possibly unsorted data from the parts list. In the list, each part is stored
individually, but a combination of equal positions will be carried out at the
time of printout.
You can open several files at the same time. The opened files will be displayed
in the Act Database list on the left side of the dialog. Selecting a file name will
make it your current work file. The parts contained in the work file are
displayed on the right side of the dialog. The list of parts gives a survey of the
entries. Double-click an entry within the right-hand column to display a dialog
containing all data available for that entry.
This data can be processed in the dialog field. When closing the dialog field,
they are imported (and immediately stored in the file).

4 Click OK.
The data record ends.
Note: You are modifying live data. Any changes you make will reflect in the
report and will not back-update the model.
5 Select Settings menu > Edit PartList definition from the Parts List
Processor for Structural dialog.
6 Select FreeParts.lst from the list of reports.
7 Click Open.

Hint: This will load the Designer window. From here you can change the
format, title, grouping of parts, colours, fonts, rows, and columns etc.
for each type of report.
Experience with report writer tools is required in order to generate the
desired formats needed by your company.
8 Close this window.
Note: This will leave this unedited in this exercise.

9 Select File > Exit.
The Parts List Processor for Structural dialog is returned.
 Exercise 3: Generate the Report
In this exercise, you will generate an actual report from the compiled data.
1 Select Delivery menu > Select SinglePart list from the Processor for
Structural dialog.
2 Select FreeParts.lst from the list of reports.
3 Click Open.
Note: If a message regarding the paper size displays, just continue with the
printing process.
The Print Options dialog displays.

4 Change the Direct To field to send the report to a Preview.

5 Click Start.
The report displays.
6 Select +2 Magnifying glass at the top.
The screen zooms in on the report content.
7 Note how the parts are displayed in the report.
8 Click Exit Preview at the top of the screen.
9 Execute the procedure again, this time choosing a different report format.
10 Note the display of the data.
11 Exit any reports still open.
The Partlist Processor for ProSteel dialog returns.
12 Select File > End.
The database editor/report generator closes.
Hint: Changes made in the model after the database is generated WILL NOT
update the database. The report should be re-run to capture the new or
changed data.

Module Review
Module Review
Questions
1 What is the Line Type list in the Posflag Definition dialog, and what options
are available in it?
2 What command is used to create a Partlist Database?
Answers
1 The Line Type field in the Posflag Definition dialog defines the kind of
guideline that will be displayed. The following Line Types are available:
None (no guideline displays), Line (only one line displays), Arrow (a line
with an arrow displays), and Dot (a line with a point displays).
2 To create a Partlist Database, select Additions > Create Partlist Database,
from the ProStructures 3D menu.


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ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D

Modeling Fundamentals (metric)

Bentley Institute Course Guide

AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.

United States Patent Nos. 5,8.15,415 and 5,784,068 and 6,199,125.

©2000-2011 Bentley Systems, Incorporated.

ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D Modeling Fundamentals 2 Mar-11

Course Overview ____________________________________ 7

Template (dwt) File and Model Setup ___________________ 13

Viewing and Moving Around the Model _________________ 29

Mar-11 3 ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D Modeling Fundamentals

Drawing and Editing Shapes and Workframes ____________ 41

Creating a Workframe _______________________________ 65

Inserting and Manipulating Shapes _____________________ 87

Creating Connections Between Elements ________________ 99

ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D Modeling Fundamentals 4 Mar-11

Creating Base Plates and Cross Bracing __________________ 127

Purlin Courses, Web Angles, and Shear Plate Connections __ 161

Structural Elements __________________________________ 187

Extras _____________________________________________ 213

Mar-11 5 ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D Modeling Fundamentals

Appendix A - ProSteel Toolbars and Tips & Tricks __________ 235

Appendix B - Construction Groups ______________________ 251

Appendix C - Positioning and Material Takeoffs ___________ 265

ProSteel V8i AutoCAD 3D Modeling Fundamentals 6 Mar-11

Mar-11 7 Course Overview

Copyright © 2011 Bentley Systems, Incorporated

Course Overview 8 Mar-11

Processor: Intel Pentium-based PC

Mar-11 9 Course Overview

Throughout this manual, the menu command sequence required to execute

Course Overview 10 Mar-11

CisSupport Cis files

English: language used

Note: The Temp folder should never be located on a network drive.

Mar-11 11 Course Overview

Default Location File

- Comments: identified by the “;” at the beginning of each line.

Description - Layer Description: PRO_ST3D.FDF

Plate Thickness: PRO_ST3D.PTT. These are the available plate thicknesses to

Course Overview 12 Mar-11

Mar-11 13 Template (dwt) File and Model Setup

Copyright © 2011 Bentley Systems, Incorporated

Program Startup and Template File Creation

2 Close the active dwg file without saving it.

Template (dwt) File and Model Setup 14 Mar-11

The ProStructures 3D menu is now available:

The ProSteel Design applications and supplemental utilities menus and

Mar-11 15 Template (dwt) File and Model Setup

Units and Measurement Values

ProSteel 3D also needs another variable to be set properly in order to be able to

Note: Once the model is started in either measurement system, it cannot be

Template (dwt) File and Model Setup 16 Mar-11

ProSteel Options (Default Settings)

 Exercise 1: Access the Settings

Mar-11 17 Template (dwt) File and Model Setup

7 Select Shape Label.

Template (dwt) File and Model Setup 18 Mar-11

9 Select Sketch Display.

11 Select Naming Conventions.

13 Select the Flat steel selection list.

Mar-11 19 Template (dwt) File and Model Setup

15 Select Straight Plates.

17 Select Plate Label.