Advance Steel 2015 - Essentials Metric - Training Guide

Essentials - Metric
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Autodesk Advance Steel 2015
Essentials - Metric
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction.......................................................................1-1
1.1 Overview.................................................................................1-3
1.2 Text Conventions...................................................................1-4
1.3 Main Practice..........................................................................1-5
Chapter 2 Starting a Project..............................................................2-1
2.1 Template Files........................................................................2-3
2.2 Project Data............................................................................2-4
2.3 File Structure..........................................................................2-5
Practice 2a Create a Project File ................................................. 2-6
Chapter 3 Working in 3D CAD...........................................................3-1
3.1 Common CAD Commands....................................................3-3
3.2 Mouse View Commands for 3D ............................................3-4
3.3 Viewpoints..............................................................................3-5
3.4 Visual Styles...........................................................................3-6
Practice 3a View Manipulation .................................................... 3-7
Chapter 4 The Advance Steel Interface............................................4-1
4.1 Selecting Objects...................................................................4-3
4.2 Advance Properties ...............................................................4-4
4.3 Advance Joint Properties .....................................................4-6
4.4 Joint Boxes ............................................................................4-7
4.5 Deleting Objects ....................................................................4-9
4.6 Undo......................................................................................4-10
4.7 Object Snaps........................................................................4-11
4.8 2D/3D Osnap ........................................................................4-12
Chapter 5 Coordinate Systems.........................................................5-1
5.1 3D Coordinates ......................................................................5-3
5.2 World Coordinates.................................................................5-4
5.3 User Coordinate System .......................................................5-5
5.4 When to Use a UCS .............................................................5-10
Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric
Chapter 6 Building Grids...................................................................6-1

6.1 Creating a Building Grid .......................................................6-3
6.2 Grid Properties.......................................................................6-7
6.3 Modifying Grids .....................................................................6-9
6.4 Level Symbols......................................................................6-12
Practice 6a Drawing Grids ......................................................... 6-14
Chapter 7 Basic Structures ...............................................................7-1
7.1 Structural Frames ..................................................................7-3
Practice 7a Draw a Portal Frame ................................................. 7-8
7.2 Placing Sections ....................................................................7-9
7.3 Beam Properties ..................................................................7-13
Practice 7b Draw Beams and Sections..................................... 7-17
Chapter 8 Simple Editing...................................................................8-1
8.1 Overview.................................................................................8-3
8.2 Layer Management ................................................................8-4
8.3 Common Basic CAD Editing Commands ............................8-6
8.4 Transform Elements ..............................................................8-8
8.5 Advance Copy/Rotate/Array ...............................................8-11
8.6 Advance Trim/Extend ..........................................................8-12
Chapter 9 Automatic Joints ..............................................................9-1
9.1 Connection Vault ...................................................................9-3
9.2 Joint Properties .....................................................................9-5
9.3 Repeating Joints....................................................................9-9
9.4 Joint Library .........................................................................9-13
9.5 Joint Groups ........................................................................9-16
Practice 9a Add Joints ............................................................... 9-21
Chapter 10 Beam Features..............................................................10-1
10.1 Introduction..........................................................................10-3
Practice 10a Open the Drawing ................................................. 10-4
10.2 Coping or Notching Beams ................................................10-5
Practice 10b Use a Shorten on a Beam .................................... 10-7
10.3 Shorten at UCS ....................................................................10-8
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Table of Contents
Practice 10c Shorten at UCS ..................................................... 10-9

10.4 Cut at Object ......................................................................10-10
Practice 10d Cut at Object ....................................................... 10-12
10.5 Notch...................................................................................10-13
Practice 10e Notch and Notch, Skewed.................................. 10-16
10.6 Parametric Notch Joint ..................................................10-17
Practice 10f Create a Parametric Notch - Joint...................... 10-21
10.7 Beam Clearance.................................................................10-22
Practice 10g Beam Clearance.................................................. 10-23
10.8 Contour Features...............................................................10-24
Practice 10h Experiment with Contours................................. 10-31
10.9 Editing Features.................................................................10-32
10.10Mitre ...................................................................................10-36
10.11Splitting and Joining Beams ...........................................10-37
Practice 10i Modify Columns................................................... 10-39
Chapter 11 Plates .............................................................................11-1
Practice 11a Open the Drawing ................................................. 11-3
11.1 Flat Plates.............................................................................11-4
11.2 Plate Properties ...................................................................11-8
11.3 Folded Plates .......................................................................11-9
11.4 Gratings ..............................................................................11-16
Practice 11b Remodel Ducting and Add Plates ..................... 11-20
Chapter 12 Plate Features ...............................................................12-1
12.1 Contour Features.................................................................12-3
12.2 Contour Processing Properties..........................................12-8
Practice 12a Ducting ................................................................ 12-10
12.3 Plate Contour Features Non UCS..................................12-11
12.4 Chamfers and Fillets .........................................................12-12
12.5 Dividing and Joining Plates..............................................12-15
Chapter 13 Connection Elements...................................................13-1
13.1 Bolts......................................................................................13-3
13.2 Bolt Properties .....................................................................13-7
13.3 Anchors ................................................................................13-9
iii
13.4 Welds ..................................................................................13-10

13.5 Edit Connected Objects ....................................................13-12
Practice 13a Add Bolts and Welds.......................................... 13-14
Chapter 14 Custom Connections ...................................................14-1
14.1 Introduction..........................................................................14-3
14.2 Modeling the Custom Connection .....................................14-5
14.3 Building Bricks ....................................................................14-6
14.4 Creating Connection Template...........................................14-8
14.5 Insert Connection Template .............................................14-10
Chapter 15 Structural Elements......................................................15-1
15.1 Bracing .................................................................................15-3
15.2 Stairs.....................................................................................15-5
Practice 15a Create Stairs........................................................ 15-12
15.3 Hand Rails ..........................................................................15-13
Practice 15b Add Railings........................................................ 15-19
15.4 Cage Ladders .....................................................................15-20
Practice 15c Add a Cage Ladder ............................................. 15-22
15.5 Cladding .............................................................................15-23
15.6 3D Drawing Tips.................................................................15-27
Practice 15d Add Decking........................................................ 15-31
Chapter 16 Other Model Objects ....................................................16-1
16.1 Concrete Objects .................................................................16-3
Practice 16a Create Concrete Foundations ............................. 16-5
16.2 Special Parts ........................................................................16-6
Practice 16b Insert the Tank ...................................................... 16-9
Chapter 17 Project Explorer............................................................17-1
17.1 Introduction..........................................................................17-3
17.2 Levels....................................................................................17-4
17.3 Work Planes and Columns .................................................17-8
Practice 17a Create Levels ...................................................... 17-10
17.4 Model Views .......................................................................17-11
Practice 17b Create a Model View........................................... 17-20
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Table of Contents
17.5 Queries ...............................................................................17-21

Practice 17c Saved Query........................................................ 17-27
17.6 Groups ................................................................................17-28
Practice 17d Create a Group.................................................... 17-32
17.7 Show All Objects ...............................................................17-33
17.8 Structures...........................................................................17-34
Chapter 18 Validating a Structure ..................................................18-1
18.1 Clash Check .........................................................................18-3
18.2 Object Marking.....................................................................18-6
18.3 Technical Check ..................................................................18-9
18.4 Joint Design .......................................................................18-11
Chapter 19 Numbering.....................................................................19-1
19.1 Model Role............................................................................19-3
Practice 19a Assign Model Roles.............................................. 19-8
19.2 Numbering............................................................................19-9
Practice 19b Numbering........................................................... 19-17
Chapter 20 Creating Drawings........................................................20-1
20.1 Quick Documents ................................................................20-3
20.2 Drawing Styles .....................................................................20-5
20.3 Drawing Processes............................................................20-10
20.4 Cameras..............................................................................20-15
20.5 Summary of Drawing Procedure ......................................20-20
20.6 View Orientation ................................................................20-21
20.7 Setting up Quick Documents............................................20-22
Chapter 21 Editing Drawings ..........................................................21-1
21.1 Document Manager .............................................................21-3
21.2 Manipulating Drawings .......................................................21-9
21.3 Drawing Labels and Dimensions .....................................21-18
21.4 Object Properties...............................................................21-32
Chapter 22 Lists ...............................................................................22-1
22.1 Quick Documents ................................................................22-3
22.2 RDF Viewer...........................................................................22-6
22.3 Selective Lists......................................................................22-8

22.4 Managing Lists...................................................................22-13
Chapter 23 Other Documents .........................................................23-1
23.1 NC Files ................................................................................23-3
23.2 DXF Files ..............................................................................23-5
23.3 Sharing Models and Drawings ...........................................23-7
23.4 Data Exchange ...................................................................23-15
Appendix A Drawing Prototypes ..................................................... A-1
A.1 Editing a Prototype............................................................... A-3
A.2 Title Block.............................................................................. A-4
A.3 Drawing Frame...................................................................... A-7
A.4 BOMs on Drawings............................................................... A-8
A.5 Revision Table .................................................................... A-10
A.6 Other Information ............................................................... A-12
A.7 Printing Setup ..................................................................... A-13
Appendix B BOM Template Editor................................................... B-1
B.1 Introduction........................................................................... B-3
B.2 Element Properties ............................................................... B-4
B.3 Tokens ................................................................................... B-6
B.4 Formatting ............................................................................. B-7
B.5 List Structure ........................................................................ B-8
B.6 Report Contents.................................................................... B-9
Appendix C Advance Steel Options ................................................ C-1
C.1 Defaults.................................................................................. C-3
Appendix D User Sections ............................................................... D-1
D.1 Introduction........................................................................... D-3
D.2 Layers and Basic Elements ................................................. D-4
D.3 Key Points ............................................................................. D-6
D.4 Generate Sections ................................................................ D-9
Appendix E Basic CAD Practice ...................................................... E-1
Practice E1 Course Preparation ................................................. E-3
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Table of Contents
Appendix F Training Outline ............................................................ F-1

F.1 Suggested Five Day Outline ................................................ F-3
F.2 Optional Topics or Further Training ................................... F-8
F.3 Autodesk Links to Forums, Support, and FAQ Pages .... F-10
viii
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter contains the following topics:
Overview
Text Conventions
Main Practice
11
12
Introduction
1.1 Overview
This training guide is only provided to users who have attended
an approved Autodesk Advance Steel training course.
It is intended to give an overview of all of the basic commands
that are required to create structures and associated
documentation using the Autodesk Advance Steel software. Not
all of the Advance Steel commands are included and not all of
the options in the included commands are covered. Not all
content of this training guide is necessarily covered during the
training course. Instead it focuses on the recommended
workflow and the most common commands and options. This
training guide can be referred to for alternate commands and
extra information.
This training guide is written using the Autodesk Advance

Steel 2015 software. Therefore, different versions might not
match this training guide.
13
1.2 Text Conventions

This training guide uses the following conventions for formatting
text.
Autodesk Advance Steel commands are indicated by bold

text.
Prompts in the Autodesk Advance Steel Command Line are

indicated by italic text.
When describing the location of a command or icon in the

Ribbon, it is written as Ribbon tab>Ribbon panel, <image>
(Command Name). For example, Home tab>Extended
Modeling panel, click
(Connection Vault), prompts you to
click the Connection Vault icon in the Extended Modeling
panel in the Home tab in the Ribbon.
When describing the location of a command or icon in a Tool

Palette, it is written as Tool Palette Name, Tool Palette
category, Command Name. For example, in the Advance
Steel Tool Palette, in the Selection category, click
Marked Objects).
14
(Select
Recommended workflow and important points are displayed

in a hint box, which is surrounded by a gray border. There
might be several ways of achieving the required outcome, but
this indicates the most common or easiest way. However, it
can also indicate that there might only be one way to do a
task, but that the task is very important.
Practices are placed in their own sections and identified by

Practice #x and the practice title (e.g., Practice 1a Opening a
Drawing). Follow the instructions to practice and test your
skills.
Margin notes are used to provide extra tips or information that

is useful but not essential.
Introduction
1.3 Main Practice

To provide a coherent plan for the training, the following structure
has been created as a training practice. This structure is not
intended to be an exemplary design, but a representative
structure that demonstrates how to use a broad range of
Autodesk Advance Steel commands in a realistic setting.
Unless otherwise stated, all of the user practices in this training
guide refer to this training project. All of the important information
has been provided in the following drawings. Dimensions or
properties that are not defined in the drawings are not critical and
can be selected by the user.
Figure 11
15
Figure 12
16
Introduction
Figure 13
17
Figure 14
18
Introduction
Figure 15
19
Figure 16
110
Introduction
Figure 17
111
Figure 18
112
Introduction
Figure 19
113
114
Chapter 2
Starting a Project
Template Files
Project Data
File Structure
Create a Project File
21
22
Starting a Project
2.1 Template Files

As with most applications, when you start a new project or file
you should start with a template file. This file is created with
typical layers and settings to suit the Autodesk Advance Steel
software.
As part of a standard installation, the Autodesk Advance Steel
software automatically locates the storage location of the
templates when you click
(New) (in Quick Access Toolbar or
in the Application Menu>New>Drawing).
You can modify the
template to some extent
as needed. For
example, you can set a
new Home View or
change the background
and layer colors, etc.
DO NOT change the
layers or any other
settings.
Figure 21
It also automatically lists the available templates (according to

the language that was selected when the software was installed)
on the new tab when you expand the templates option.
If you are using the
USEnglish installation of
the software, you should
use the
mm_ASTemplate.dwt
template for metric
modeling projects and
the ASTemplate.dwt
template for imperial
modeling projects.
Figure 22
You should always select the ASTemplate.dwt template to

start your metric modeling project.
23
2.2 Project Data

It is recommended that you identify the project in which the file is
going to be used and set some basic settings at the start of any
project.
In the Home tab>Settings panel, click
(Project Settings).
Figure 23
The Project data dialog box opens.
Figure 24
The style of this dialog box and all of the other Autodesk
Advance Steel dialog boxes is the same. A list of property groups
called Tabs is displayed on the left. Selecting any of them
changes the page of settings that is displayed on the right.
There are many settings that you can customize or properties
that you can complete for any project. For most projects you
need to complete as much as possible in the Project Info 1 and
Project Info 2 tabs. This information is used to complete the title
blocks on drawings and the headings on lists later in the project.
You can usually accept the default settings on the other tabs.
24
Starting a Project
2.3 File Structure

Ensure that you store
your projects in a
location that all users
can access and NOT
under My Documents,
Desktop, Program Data,
Program Files,
Documents and
Settings, or any other
user or system folder.
The file that you just opened contains the model of the structure
for this project. This is the master file for the entire project. It is
recommended that you create a sub-folder that is named after
this project in the location in which all of your projects are going
to be stored. You should then save the model drawing in the new
sub-folder and with the same name.
As the project continues and you create drawings or other
outputs, the Autodesk Advance Steel software creates many
more files in the same location as your master file. The software
creates a new folder next to the model file with the same name.
In that folder, more sub-folders are created as required for
Details (drawings), BOMS, Calculations, NC files, etc. The
resulting structure is as follows.
Figure 25
25
Practice 2a
Create a Project File

1. Set up a new Project file for the training structure.
If you are using the

USEnglish installation of
the software, you should
use the
mm_ASTemplate.dwt
template for metric
modeling projects.
26
2. Start a new file using the ASTemplate.dwt template.

3. Complete the project data and save the file in the required
folder.
Project = Advance Steel Training

Project Number = T123
Client = your company name
Designer and Detailer = your name
Contractor = Autodesk
Chapter 3
Working in 3D CAD
Common CAD Commands

Mouse View Commands for 3D
Viewpoints
Visual Styles
View Manipulation
31
32
Working in 3D CAD
3.1 Common CAD Commands

The Autodesk Advance Steel software contains many
similarities to other CAD systems. All of the basic 2D CAD
commands and functions are available to Autodesk Advance
Steel users at all times.
This training guide is written assuming that you are already
familiar with and competent using most typical 2D CAD
commands. For example, to effectively use the Autodesk
Advance Steel software, you should be comfortable using the
following as a minimum: Line, Arc, Rectangle, Circle, Polyline,
Object Snaps (running and single click), Ortho, Move, Copy,
Edit Polyline, Extend, Trim, Zoom, Pan, Plot, Grips, and
Layers.
33
3.2 Mouse View Commands for

3D
When working in 3D, the normal Pan and Zoom commands
remain available, and extra tools are also available. It is
generally recommended that you use the mouse shortcuts to
manipulate your 3D view as follows:
Zoom (mouse wheel): To zoom in or out, scroll the mouse

wheel back (to zoom out) or forward (to zoom in) as is done
in 2D.
Pan (middle mouse button): Press and hold down the

mouse wheel or middle button while moving the mouse as is
done in 2D.
Orbit (<Shift> + middle mouse button): To rotate the model

freely in 3D you can hold down <Shift> while pressing the
middle mouse button or wheel and moving the mouse. The
model then orbits about an arbitrary center point.
Unfortunately, you cannot control the point that is selected. If
you have not done this before, you might need to practice to
get used to orbiting the model as needed. If objects in the
model are selected while rotating in this way, only the
selected objects remain visible during the movement.
Zoom Extents (double-click on the middle mouse

button): To zoom to extents or display the entire model on
screen you can double-click on the middle mouse button.
Zoom, Pan, and Orbit can be used at any time, such as in the
middle of a command or when an Advance Steel dialog box is
open. When you release the buttons or wheel, the zooming stops
and you return to the same point in the command.
34
Working in 3D CAD
3.3 Viewpoints
To move around in the model and display it from a common
viewpoint, select the required view in the Views drop-down list in
the View tab or in the top left corner of the model space.
Aditionally, you can select various points on the ViewCube to
change the view angle of the model. The Isometric views provide
the best overall view of your structure.
Selecting any of the common views that includes zooming to
extents (e.g., to display the entire structure) can cancel any
active command.
Figure 31
35
3.4 Visual Styles

When working with a 3D model it can be helpful to change the
way in which the model is displayed. The Autodesk Advance
Steel software can display the model in several different ways
called Visual Styles. You can select and change the current
visual style at any time using the options in the View tab>Visual
Styles drop-down list or in the top left corner of the model space.
Figure 32
For most purposes, a solid shaded view is preferred by most

users. It corresponds to the Realistic visual style. Sometimes
more information can be displayed using a 2D Wireframe visual
style. For example, Welds can only be displayed in 2D
Wireframe. However, a wireframe style can become confusing
when a model is more complex. Unless specified, you can work
in any visual style. This training guide only specifies the visual
style to use if it is important for the effective use of a command.
36
Working in 3D CAD
Practice 3a
View Manipulation
1. Open ViewModel-3A.dwg in the C:\Advance Steel
Essentials - Metric Class Files folder.
2. Try all of the commands in the lecture material to manipulate
the view in each of the different visual styles until you are
comfortable using them.
37
38
Chapter 4
The Advance Steel Interface
Selecting Objects
Advance Properties
Advance Joint Properties
Joint Boxes
Deleting Objects
Undo
Object Snaps
2D/3D Osnap
41
42
4.1 Selecting Objects

Regardless of what you are modeling or editing, you can use
some common methods and commands that apply to all of the
objects.
The Autodesk Advance Steel software often prompts you to
Select Objects: in commands. At these points you can use any
valid method of selection, such as selecting an object on screen,
using selection windows, etc.
However, to understand which objects the Autodesk Advance
Steel software wants you to select, you frequently need to read
the Command Line above the prompt. For example, when
placing a Single Sided End Plate joint, the prompt is Please
select the main beam: Select objects:.
You should select the Main Beam (i.e., the beam that is not
shortened by the joint). The software might seem to permit you
to select more than one object, but the top prompt was for a
single beam. Therefore, you should only select one item and
then right-click or press <Enter> to accept and move on in the
command. (If you select more than one item only the last
selected object counts.)
43
4.2 Advance Properties

All special Autodesk Advance Steel objects have special
properties beyond ordinary CAD objects, such as lines.
Autodesk Advance Steel objects have basic CAD properties,
such as color and layers, which you can access and edit as
needed (in the Properties palette). However, all of the special
Autodesk Advance Steel properties must be accessed using
Advance Properties commands.
To access the properties of an individual item, such as a beam or
grid, you should do the following:
First
Ensure that no commands are active (prompt = Command:).
Ensure that nothing is selected (if in doubt, press <Esc> twice

to clear any existing selections).
Then
Double-click on the object that you want to edit.
Or
Select the object that you want to edit.
Right-click and select Advance Properties.
Figure 41
44
Or
Select the object that you want to edit.
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Tools category,

click
(Advance Steel Properties).
If the Advance Steel

Tool Palette is not
displayed, click
(Advance Steel Tool
Palette) in the View tab>
Palettes panel.
Figure 42
This opens the required Properties dialog box for that single
object.
Figure 43
Most Autodesk Advance Steel dialog boxes do not have OK or

Apply buttons. All of the changes made in the Advance
Properties dialog box take effect immediately. You can close the
dialog box when ready by clicking the X icon in the top right
corner.
Note: When changing the value of a text or number box, press
<Tab> or <Enter> or select another field in the dialog box to
indicate to the software that you have finished making the
change. If you do not do so, your change might not be applied.
45
4.3 Advance Joint Properties

The Autodesk Advance Steel software includes many
commands that create or control multiple objects at the same
time with intelligent relationships. For example, these could be
Portal Frame, Straight Stair, Eaves Haunch, etc.
To edit the properties of any such group of objects you must set
the following Advance Joint Properties:

to clear any existing selection).
Select any object in the group that you want to edit.
Right-click and select Advance Joint Properties.
Figure 44
The related macro dialog box for that group of objects opens.
Figure 45
The properties in these dialog boxes are divided into tabs and
then grouped into categories. As you select a different category
on the left in the dialog box, the tab displayed changes to be the
first in that category.
46
4.4 Joint Boxes

All of the groups of objects that are created by a macro are
enclosed in a gray box called a joint box. This box might not be
displayed, but must exist for the objects to be a recognized
group with Joint Properties. If the joint box encloses the required
objects, double-clicking on the joint box opens the Joint
Properties dialog box for that group.
The joint box is not normally displayed when the objects are first
created. However, if the Joint Properties dialog box is opened
after the initial creation, the joint box is displayed.
Figure 46
The joint box contains the intelligent link between the objects. It
is possible to delete the joint box without deleting the objects that
it controls (see 4.5 Deleting Objects). If a joint box is deleted the
objects within it remain in the model, but no longer have an
intelligent link to each other or behave like a joint. Instead, they
become independent items.
Models can very quickly become cluttered with many joint boxes
on display. It is important that you do not delete these boxes. To
clear the display, the joint box can be hidden as follows:
Clear all of the object selections (press <Esc> twice).
47
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Selection Filters

category, click
(Joint Boxes).
Figure 47
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Quick Views

category, click
(Selected objects off).
Figure 48
Clear all of the selections (press <Esc> twice).
Note: It is very important to clear the object selection at the end

of the command. If this is not done the joint boxes remain
selected even though they are hidden. This can cause
problems. For example, if you deleted an object as your next
action you would delete every joint box in your model, removing
the intelligence from every joint in the project.
48
4.5 Deleting Objects

To Erase or Delete objects in the Autodesk Advance Steel
software you can do the following:
Either

to clear any existing selections).
Select the items that you want to delete.
Press <Delete>.
Or
In the Command Line, type E and press <Enter> to start the

AutoCAD Erase command.
Figure 49
Select objects: Select the objects that you want to delete and
press <Enter> to complete the command.
Groups: If an object is created as part of an intelligent group

(such as an angle cleat in a joint or a post in a railing), selecting
the single object and pressing <Delete> deletes the entire group
of objects. Therefore, if you want to erase the group you do not
need to select every element of the group, you can just select
and delete any member of the group. Any related members that
are affected by the deleted group are restored as required (e,g.,
fixing bolt holes that have been removed).
49
4.6 Undo
As with most applications an Undo command is available in the
Autodesk Advance Steel software. The software commands
often perform several operations at the same time. Therefore,
you frequently need to perform several Undo commands to
reverse one Autodesk Advance Steel command. However, you
need to be careful because there is NO REDO in the Autodesk
Advance Steel software.
Undo can be accessed in the Quick Access Toolbar, by typing U
and pressing <Enter> in the Command Line, or by pressing
<Ctrl>+<Z>.
Figure 410
410
4.7 Object Snaps

As you use the Autodesk Advance Steel software, note that it
automatically places specific Object Snaps at useful points.
For this reason it is
recommended that you
only have the Node
snap active for running
objects snaps and use
object snaps overrides
(<Shift>+right-click) for
any other requirements.
A Node snap is placed at either end of every system line, every

corner of a plate, either end of every grid line, and the reference
point of every beam or plate feature.
A Center snap is placed in the geometric center of a plate (no
matter what its shape).
The following two Object Snap types are only available in the
Autodesk Advance Steel software.
Flange Middle: Find the midpoint of the outer edge of a

beam flange.
Grid Intersection: Finds the point at which two Autodesk

Advance Steel grid lines cross (ignoring any other object
types).
Figure 411
To use them you must press <Shift>+right-click and select the

required snap in the overrides menu or right-click on Osnap in
the Status Bar to set the Osnap options.
411
4.8 2D/3D Osnap

When working in 3D so many snap points can be available that it
can be difficult to ensure that you have selected the correct one
on the plane on which you are working. To help with this the
Autodesk Advance Steel software includes a toggle for 2D or 3D
snaps. It is located in the Advance Steel Tool Palette.

category, click
(2D Snaps off).
Figure 412
The icon and name always display as the same and the mode
that you are activating is displayed in the Command Line.
412
2D snaps on: While in this mode, regardless of the selected

snap point, the Z-coordinate is ignored and replaced with
zero (the current UCS). This is indicated on the screen by a
yellow symbol displaying the point that you are actually
selecting in addition to the Osnap symbol at the point that you
are picking.
2D snaps off: This is the normal mode of operation. All of the

object snaps select full 3D locations.
Chapter 5
Coordinate Systems
3D Coordinates
World Coordinates
User Coordinate System
When to Use a UCS
51
52
Coordinate Systems
5.1 3D Coordinates
To locate points in space the distance from a fixed point is
measured in three directions corresponding to the three
dimensions of the world. These directions are labeled X, Y and
Z. When working in 2D CAD you only use X and Y. In 3D you
need to add the Z-direction.
Figure 51
When typing coordinates into the Autodesk Advance Steel

software, rather than selecting a point on screen, you can enter a
Z-coordinate if it is not zero. To do so, type an extra comma and
the distance, such as 20,10,50 (i.e., 20 X,10 Y,50 Z) or 30,40
(30 X,40 Y,0 Z).
53
5.2 World Coordinates

When a file is created a point is identified as the origin or 0,0,0
point (called the origin) and the X-, Y-, and Z-directions are set.
This is not changeable and forms a permanent fixed reference.
This is called the World Coordinate System or WCS.
If you have set a UCS you can return to the WCS at any time
using the UCS World icon in the UCS category in the Advance
Steel Tool Palette.
Figure 52
54
Coordinate Systems
5.3 User Coordinate System

It is possible to change the origin point and direction of the three
axes at any time to be more convenient for the current task.
When you do this the new setting is called a User Coordinate
System or UCS. The three axes are always at right angles to
each other.
When coordinates are entered they are always measured using
the current user coordinate system.
Many commands in the Autodesk Advance Steel software
depend on the UCS position and orientation to determine how to
create objects. In these commands the objects are often placed
on an imaginary plane between the X- and Y-axes (called the XY
plane). It might help you to imagine the XY plane as a piece of
graph paper on which you are going to draw while the Z-axis is
the pencil.
Figure 53
The Autodesk Advance Steel software provides a range of

commands in the UCS Tool Palette for easy control of the UCS.
55
Move UCS
This command moves the current origin to a new location.
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the UCS category, click

(Move UCS).
Figure 54
Specify new origin point <0,0,0>: Select a new origin point on

the screen or enter the coordinates of the required new
position.
Rotate the UCS about X, Y, or Z

These three commands all rotate the UCS without changing its
current position. The designated axis does not change, but the
other two axes are rotated 90o clockwise about the selected axis.
It is not possible to go anti-clockwise. Click the command
repeatedly until the required orientation is achieved.

(Rotate UCS about X).

(Rotate UCS about Y).
56
Coordinate Systems

(Rotate UCS about Z).
Figure 55
UCS at Object
Use this command to place the UCS on the surface of an
existing object in the model. The axes are also aligned according
to the object.

(UCS at object).
Figure 56
57
Please identify object: Select a single Autodesk Advance

Steel object on the screen. A number of triads (3D
cross-hairs) display in different colors. Each triad represents
a possible position for the UCS.
Please Select CS: Select ONE of the displayed triads and

right-click. The origin is placed at the point of the triad. The
longest line pointing away from the surface becomes the
positive Z-direction. The medium length line becomes the
X-direction and the shortest line becomes the Y-direction.
When selecting the object at the first prompt, if the entire object
is displayed on the screen, the triads are placed around the
entire object on key surfaces and points. For example, in an
I beam this would be the center of the top surface of the top
flange, center of the bottom surface of the bottom flange, center
of either surface of the web, and center of each end.
Figure 57
Alternatively, if the object is only partially displayed on the

screen, six triads are displayed around the exact point that you
select.
58
Coordinate Systems
Figure 58
UCS View
This command sets the UCS so that it matches the current view.
This is useful to know when using the Autodesk Advance Steel
software to create isometric views in drawings.
First
Orientate the model on the screen as needed.
Then

(UCS View)
Figure 59
The UCS is rotated so that the Z-axis points straight out of the
screen at the viewer and the X-axis points to the right.
59
5.4 When to Use a UCS

There are three main options for setting the UCS depending on
which Autodesk Advance Steel command you are using. When
relevant, the UCS must always be set before using the other
command.
To identify how to set the UCS appropriately for the command
you are about to use, read the tooltip that displays when you
hover over the icon.
If the tooltip does not mention the UCS it is generally not

critical what the current UCS is, although it might still have an
influence over the outcome of the command. However, the
plate, grating, and feature commands still operate in the
current XY plane.
If the tooltip displays ...in the UCS plane... or similar, the

objects are always drawn in the current XY plane and you
should ensure that it is set correctly before starting the
command.
Figure 510
If the tooltip displays ...UCS Z axis should be vertical... or

similar you usually need to use the WCS for this command.
(However, there are a few exceptions that you learn about in
this training guide.)
Figure 511
510
Chapter 6
Building Grids
Creating a Building Grid

Grid Properties
Modifying Grids
Level Symbols
61
62
Building Grids
6.1 Creating a Building Grid

One of the first pieces of information that is often provided to a
steelwork designer is a building grid to help layout the structure.
The Autodesk Advance Steel software has various tools for
creating intelligent building grids rather than using generic
AutoCAD lines. These special Grids are recognized and
handled appropriately in Autodesk Advance Steel drawings. If
you want to ensure that a grid is drawn on each floor plan it is
generally recommended that you draw a grid (and level symbol)
at each floor level.
Grid
Creates two sets of four grid lines that are parallel with the
current X- and Y-axes respectively and on the current XY plane.
The lines are equally spaced over the total size entered.
In the Objects tab>Grid panel, click
(Building Grid).
Figure 61
Please define two diagonal points for grid, origin: Select a

point or enter coordinates for the first corner of your grid.
Second point:_<18000,18000>: Select a point or enter

coordinates for the opposite extreme of your grid.
Command finished.
Single Axis
Creates a single grid line in any direction on the current XY
plane.
63
(Single Axis).
Figure 62
Please define end points of the grid line. Start point: Select a
point or enter coordinates for the start of your line.
End point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the end of

your grid line.
The line is drawn and the Grid Properties dialog box opens.
Grid with 4 Axes

Create a set of four parallel grid lines in one direction only. It can
be in any direction in the current XY plane. The lines are equally
spaced.
(Grid with 4 axes).
Figure 63
64
point or enter coordinates for the start of your first grid line.

your first grid line.
Direction and length of the group: Select a point or enter

coordinates. The grid lines are on the selected side of the first
grid line. The distance measured from the selected point
perpendicular to the first grid line is the overall size of the
grid. The last grid line goes through the defined point, but this
is not necessarily the end of the line.
The grid is drawn and the Grid Properties dialog box opens.
Building Grids
Grid With Groups By Distance

Creates as many grid lines as required in one direction only. This
can be in any direction in the current XY plane. Spacing between
grid lines can vary as needed. All of the lines are parallel and of
an equal length.

distance).
(Grid with groups by
Figure 64
point or enter coordinates for one end of the first grid line. For
example, enter 0,0.
End point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the other

end of the first grid line.
Direction of the group: Select a point anywhere on the side of

the first grid line on which you want further grid lines to be
added.
Distance between grid lines (0.00): Enter the spacing

between the first two grid lines (e.g., 4000 for lines ABCD in
the training structure).
Distance between grid lines (4000.00): Enter the spacing

between each pair of grid lines as you progress. The number
in brackets is the total cumulative distance (not the default
entry). Repeat as often as needed until the full grid has been
defined.
Distance between grid lines (20000.00): Once you have

reached the correct overall distance, press <Enter> without
entering a number to finish the grid.
65
The grid is drawn and the Grid Properties dialog box opens.
Sequence of selecting points
Figure 65
Curved Grid Line

Creates a single curved grid line in the current XY plane.

single axis).
(Curved Grid with
Figure 66
66
Start point: Select a point or enter coordinates for the start of

your grid line.

your grid line.
Circle point: Select a point or enter coordinates for a point

between the first two that the grid line arc should go through.
The line is drawn and the Curved Grid Line Properties dialog
box opens.
Building Grids
6.2 Grid Properties

However they are created all grids of parallel lines have the
same properties and the same dialog box is used to control
them. This dialog box is often automatically opened at the end of
the command that creates the grid.
Figure 67
Total tab:
Use the dimensions to change the overall size of the grid.

The spacing of the last grid line(s) is reduced if the size is
reduced and extra lines are added if the size is increased.
Use the Automatic Label options to control the default
labeling of the lines in this grid.
Sequence tab: The grid is divided into sequences of lines
with equal spacing.
Sequence Index selects the group to edit.

Number and Distance indicate how many lines are in the
group and the spacing between them.
Single Grid Line tab: Controls the options for individual
lines.
Grid Line Index selects which grid lines properties are

displayed.
Name: Enter a new label for the grid line. It does not have
an effect if Automatic Label is still selected in the Total
tab.
67
Grid labels are not

ordinary text, but are
special. They resize
automatically as you
zoom in and out of the
model. The size of the
text in the model is not
the same as the size in
a finished drawing view.
68
Secondary Grid Line: Select side 1 or side 2 to create

an extra grid line related to the main line. Complete the
label and distance options as needed.
The only type of Grid Line that has different properties is a
curved Grid Line. The Total tab of the properties is replaced by a
Curved tab that is very similar, but displays the radius of the line
rather than the overall grid size. The other options in this tab
work as they do for straight grid lines. The Sequence and Single
Grid Line tabs do not exist.
Building Grids
6.3 Modifying Grids

Apart from the Grid Properties, there are several commands that
enable you to edit grids after they have been drawn.
Delete Axis
Removes a single grid line from a group of lines without affecting
the spacing of the remaining lines.
(Delete axis).
Figure 68
Please select the grid line to be deleted: Select one existing

grid line and accept. The selected line is deleted and the
labels for other lines in the group are updated accordingly.
Add Axis
Adds a number of grid lines into a group. The other lines in the
group are moved up by the total size of the new lines.
(Add axis).
Figure 69
Please select the grid axis after which the group is to be

inserted: Select an existing grid line. The new line(s) are
added after the selected line.
Number of grid lines: Enter the required number of new lines.
69
Distance between grid lines: Enter the space that is required

between the new grid lines.
The new lines are drawn at the specified spacings. The existing
lines are moved up by the total overall size of the new lines (e.g.,
3 lines at 1500 = 4500) and the full grid gets larger.
Trim Grid Lines

Similar to the AutoCAD Trim command, but used for grid lines.
Cuts the end from a grid line back to the selected cutting edge.
You cannot cut a section from the middle of a grid line.
(Trim axis).
Figure 610
Please select boundary objects: Select existing lines, curves,

or a grid line to cut back to and accept. You can only select a
single grid line, but can select more than one AutoCAD
element.
Select grid line that is to be cut: Select the portion of the grid
lines that you want to cut off and accept. The lines are only
cut after you accept.
Extend Grid Lines

Similar to the AutoCAD Extend command, but for grid lines.
Adds length to an existing grid line to have it meet the selected
boundary element.
610
Building Grids
(Extend axis).
Figure 611
Please select boundary objects: Select the lines, curves, or

grid lines to which to extend and accept.
Select grid line that is to be extended: Select the grid lines to

which to add length and accept. The lines are only extended
after you accept.
611
6.4 Level Symbols

Another type of object that is often closely associated with grids
is a Level Symbol. These are used to identify the elevation of a
point according to a specific datum (often sea level).
The Advance Steel Level Symbols enable you to define a global
datum level. This is added to all of the measurements so that
your model is be kept at the AutoCAD WCS.
Level Symbol
Inserts a small symbol into the model to identify the correct
height at a specific reference point.
(Level Symbol).
Figure 612
Please define the insertion point for the level symbol: Select a
point at which to place the symbol.
The level symbol is placed and the Properties dialog box opens.
Figure 613
612
Building Grids
Current tab
Absolute Level: Global Datum Level plus Relative Level.

Relative Level: Height above the WCS origin
(Z-coordinate).
Global tab
Datum Level: Set the nominal height of the AutoCAD

WCS origin.
For example, if your site zero is at 17350 above Sea Level, you
would enter 17350 as the global datum level. If you then place a
level symbol on some beams 4500 above the site zero the
Relative Level is 4500 and the Absolute Level is 21850.
All of the level symbols in a model share the same Global Datum
Level.
General Arrangement type drawings often automatically place
level symbols or dimensions in the drawings where you have
included level symbols in your models.
613
Practice 6a
Drawing Grids
1. Draw the grids in the structure.
Draw the main building grid and the different grid for the
mezzanine. Grid A1 is at the WCS origin. Ensure that you match
the position, directions, and labeling in the drawings.
614
Chapter 7
Basic Structures
Structural Frames
Draw a Portal Frame
Placing Sections
Beam Properties
Draw Beams and Sections
71
72
Basic Structures
7.1 Structural Frames

Once you have laid out the basic reference information (e.g., the
building grid) you can create the basic structure. Many buildings
are based on or include one of three common types of frame.
Therefore, before starting to draw individual beams, you can use
the macros included in the Autodesk Advance Steel software to
automate the modeling of the common types.
Portal Frame
This macro creates four beams that are arranged as a Portal
frame based on several input points. The frame can be
non-symmetrical if required.
In the Home tab>Extended Modeling panel, click

Gable Frame).
(Portal/
Figure 71
Please select base point for the first column: Enter

coordinates or select a point for the base of one of the
columns in the frame.
Please select top point for the second column: Enter

coordinates or select a point for the position of the other
column in the frame.
73
Please enter point for the apex height or <A>ngle: Press

<Enter> or right-click. A symmetrical frame is created with a
default height. The Portal Frame Properties dialog box
opens.
Figure 72
Layout tab
Symmetrical roof: Clear the option if you want to create

a non-symmetrical frame. When creating a symmetrical
frame, other specific options are disabled.
Span of the frame: Should correspond to the coordinates
of the first and second points selected. If you change this
value column 2 moves to suit.
Total Height: The height of the apex where the rafters
meet. Changing it adjusts the rafter beams.
Eaves Level 1: The height of the top of the rafter directly
above a column. Changing it adjusts the height of the
columns.
Level of Base Plate: If point one was not at the final base
plate level of the frame you can adjust for it here. For
example, if you selected points on a grid at level 0, but the
foundations and base plates were actually at level -500,
you should enter -500 here.
Sections tab
74
Column Size: Select the appropriate section in the library

from which you want to create the columns.
Rafter Size: Select the appropriate section from the
library from which you want to create the rafters.
Projections: You can add values here for an eaves
overhang, but generally you would not do so. The Eaves
haunch joint commonly used at such locations enables
you to add a stub here and that is usually more correct.
Basic Structures
Position tab: Use the options to control the position of the

columns and rafters relative to the selected points.
Note: The images in the dialog box help to clarify the available
options.
Figure 73
Gable Frame
A gable frame is a Portal frame with extra columns across its
width.
To create a Gable Frame, first create a Portal frame.
75
In the Properties tab in the Portal Properties dialog box,

change the Type option to Gable Frame. Two extra tabs
display in the dialog box.
Figure 74
Gable sections tab: Set the section, size, and position of the
extra gable posts.
Gable distances tab: Set the number and spacing of any

extra gable posts that are required.
Mono-pitch Frame
A Mono-pitch frame has a single rafter spanning the entire width
rather than two rafters meeting at an apex, as in the Portal
frame.

(Mono-Pitch Frame)
Figure 75
76
Please select base point for the first column: Select a point or
enter coordinates for the base of the first column.
Please select top point for the second column: Select a point
or enter coordinates for the top of the second column.
Basic Structures
The frame is drawn with a horizontal rafter and the Mono pitch
Properties dialog box opens.
Set Out tab: Set the frame width and column heights as
needed.
Sections tab: Select the section sizes and eaves projections

for the frame.
Note: It is not usually necessary to set a projection here

because the Eaves Haunch joint typically used in these
locations includes options for a stub to be added.
Position of frame tab: Control the position of the columns and

rafter relative to the selected points.
Figure 76
77
Practice 7a
Draw a Portal Frame

1. Continue working in the model that was created in the
previous practice.
2. Draw the first Portal frame for the structure.
3. Draw the frame between grids A1 and A3. Ensure that you
match the sections and dimensions to the structure.
78
Basic Structures
7.2 Placing Sections

After drawing any of these frames as needed you need to draw
the rest of the structure by placing individual members. The
Autodesk Advance Steel software has an extensive library of
standard sections of all types from all over the world. You can
select the required section from a list.
When drawing beams it is recommended that you use object
snaps at logical design points and have the system lines meet
each other.
Straight Beam
For a straight beam the method is the same no matter what
section type you want to create, but there are different icons for
each generic family of sections.
Select the required family of sections in the Home tab>

Objects panel, expanded the Rolled I Section drop-down list.
Figure 77
Please locate start point of system axis: Select a start point

for the beam.
Please locate end point of system axis: Select an end point

for the beam.
79
A straight beam is drawn between the two points and the Beam
Curved Beams
A curved beam of any section can be placed as follows:
In the Home tab>Objects panel, click
(Curved Beam).
Figure 78
Start point: Select a point for one end of the beam.
End point: Select a point for the other end of the beam.
Circle point: Select a point between the other two points for
the beam to go through.
The beam is created in the last section type used. The Beam
Properties dialog box opens enabling you to select the section
and other required properties. An additional Radius option is
located in the Positioning tab.
Curved beams display as faceted on the model, but are always
recognized as true curved beams in the drawings. This display is
for performance purposes.
Beam From Line

If you need to create many beams, you might find it convenient
to lay out all of the beam paths with ordinary AutoCAD elements
and then convert them into beams. Any AutoCAD Line, Arc, or
Polyline can be converted into a beam.
Figure 79
710
(Beam from line).
Basic Structures
Please select lines/arcs: Use normal AutoCAD techniques to

select as many arcs, lines, and polylines as required, and
then accept.
Delete selected objects [Yes/No]? <N>: If you want to keep

your construction lines, enter N for No, otherwise enter Y for
Yes.
The selected elements are all converted into individual beams

with the same properties. If you selected polylines, each
segment of the polyline is an independent beam (compare this
with Beam from Polyline).
Beam from Polyline

If you want to model a beam that has been bent into a shape
(other than a simple arc) you need to use the Beam from
Polyline command.

polyline).
(Beam from
Figure 710
Please specify start point or select [Polyline(s)]: Select the

Polyline option.
Please select one or more 2D or 3D polyline(s) to transform

into beam(s): Select the polyline(s) that you want to convert.
Delete selected objects [Yes/No]? <Y>: If you want to keep

your construction lines, enter N for No, otherwise enter Y for
Yes.
Each polyline is converted into a continuous bent beam made

from one piece.
711
Compound Beams and Welded Beams

The Home tab>Objects panel contains two additional drop-down
lists: Welded Beams and Compound Beams.
Figure 711
These create common configurations of beams that are created

using flats (welded beams) or sections (compound beams), and
welded together to form new profiles. These work like normal
Straight beams with a slight change in the Properties dialog box.
The Compound Beam Class and Compound Beam Type
options in the Sections & Material tab enable you to select the
required configuration of members. The Sections tab is used to
set the type and size of each individual member. Although made
from several members these beams are treated as a single
object as opposed to modeling several individual members with
the straight beam commands.
Cold Rolled Sections

A large range of sections from specific cold rolled suppliers are
also available. These are located in the Slideout in the Objects
tab>Beams panel.
Figure 712
Each icon pre-selects the stated manufacturer, but the rest of the
functionality is the same as any other straight beam.
712
Basic Structures
7.3 Beam Properties

However they are created, all members that are created from
standard sections have many common properties available.
Figure 713
The list of entries

displayed in the short
list is controlled by a
system called Preferred
Sizes. Although outside
the scope of this training
guide, you can
customize them to suit
your requirements.
Contact your Autodesk
representative for more
information.
Section & Material tab
Section: Select the required section type and size. The

first drop-down arrow enables you to select the family of
sections (e.g., I, Channel, or Round), the second
drop-down arrow selects the section class in the family
(e.g., IPE, UK Universal Beam, or JIS H) and the third
drop-down arrow enables you to select the size of the
beam in the selected section class. The fourth drop-down
arrow displays a list of recently selected sections for
quicker re-selection.
Material: Enables you to select the material from which
the beam is to be made. The first drop-down is the type of
material (e.g., Steel or Concrete) and the second
drop-down is the exact material of the selected type (e.g.,
S275JR or St37-2).
Coating: Select the required coating/finish for the beam
(e.g., Iron Oxide Primer or Galvanised).
713
Note: Each of these drop-down lists is filtered to only display

options that are common in your location (depending on the
language selected during the installation). If the required option
is not displayed in the short list, you can use the All option at
the bottom of the list. Selecting it displays the full list of all of the
entries that are included in the Autodesk Advance Steel
software.
Positioning tab
Figure 714
Warning: For
non-symmetrical
sections, such as
Channels, Angles, and
T sections, the positions
in the middle of each
side line up with the
center of gravity and
therefore are often NOT
in the middle of that
side.
714
Offset: Select how you want the beam to be positioned

relative to the selected points. The image of your beam
type has 10 positions from which you can select. Nine of
these positions represent the four corners, the middle of
the four sides, and the center. The tenth dot represents
the Centre of Gravity of the section. Normally vertical
members, such as columns, are placed using the Center
position. Horizontal members, such as floor beams, are
typically placed using the Top Middle position.
Note: A line is drawn between the two selected points. It is

called the System Line and does not move when you select
these position offsets. The beam moves around the line.
Always draw the system line between your nominal design
points and enable the Autodesk Advance Steel software to
determine the detail.
Basic Structures
If you want to align one

beam with another at an
unknown angle (such as
having roof beams align
with rafters), rather than
trying to find the correct
angle to enter, set the
UCS to match the other
beam (UCS at Object)
before placing this
beam. The flanges align
automatically.
Angle: Rotates the section about the system line. Select

the dot corresponding to 45o increments or enter the
required value in the box. When a beam is first placed the
top flange is parallel with the current UCS XY or YZ plane.
The angle setting always displays zero when the dialog
box is first opened and this corresponds to the current
position of the section.
Naming tab: Displays the Single Part and Assembly
numbers of the part plus additional identification, such as
lot/phase and Model Role.
Figure 715
Single Part/Main Part: There are boxes to the left of the

Single Part Number and Main Part Number. If the box
next to single part is filled it indicates that the part is a
single part. If the box next to Main Part is filled it indicates
that the part is the main part of the assembly.
Model Role: To identify what part a specific object plays
in the structure and to assign an appropriate number
prefix, the object needs to have a Model Role assigned,
such as Beam, Column, Rafter, End Plate, or Railing
Post Landing. This is selected in the drop-down list.
When an object is created by an Advance Steel macro,
the appropriate model role is assigned automatically.
When you create an object manually, you must manually
assign the model role.
715
Cambered Properties tab: If designing a cambered beam you

can enter the properties on this tab. The Autodesk Advance
Steel software can then recognize the type of beam so that it
is drawn and identified appropriately for manufacture. Only
straight beams can be cambered. You might need to
manually specify a Cambered Beam drawing style to benefit
from this feature.
Figure 716
716
Basic Structures
Practice 7b
Draw Beams and Sections

1. Draw the remaining members of the structure.
2. Model all of the remaining beams and sections in the
structure (except the bracings). Carefully orient and position
each beam on the outside platform correctly.
717
718
Chapter 8
Simple Editing
Overview
Layer Management
Common Basic CAD Editing Commands
Transform Elements
Advance Copy/Rotate/Array
Advance Trim/Extend
81
82
Simple Editing
8.1 Overview
For convenience, the common Autodesk Advance Steel editing
commands are located in the Advance Steel Tool Palette. They
are Copy, Copy & Rotate 2D, Copy & Rotate 3D, Copy &
Mirror 2D, Copy & Mirror 3D, Copy with Adjustment,
Rectangular Array, and Polar Array.
Figure 81
Although these commands each have an icon they behave as

they would when using the command in the Transform
Elements command and dialog box. They also use the last
setting of the Include additional connections option in the
Transform Elements dialog box.
Advance Trim/Extend
It is not always easy to model objects correctly the first time. You
might want to move, rotate, or change the length of a section.
Alternatively, if you have a number of similar objects it might be
easier to make one and copy it rather than modeling each one
individually.
83
8.2 Layer Management

In CAD it is recommended that you organize the objects in your
model onto separate layers. This enables you to control the
display by easily identifying objects that are displayed differently
and to only hide and display selected objects.
When working in the Autodesk Advance Steel software, it is
recommended that you work on the layer Standard. Doing so
activates the Autodesk Advance Steel automatic layer
management. When you work on this layer, objects that are
created by the software are automatically placed on different
layers depending on their object type. Normally, the layer on
which an object is placed matches the type so that all of the
sections are placed on the layer Beams, plates on Plates, bolts
on Bolts, etc.
If you change the current active layer to anything other than
Standard all of the objects are placed on the current layer
regardless of type.
The layer on which an object is placed does not matter to the
Autodesk Advance Steel software, it is only for convenience. You
can move objects to different layers as needed using the
AutoCAD Properties palette. You can create custom layers using
the AutoCAD Layer Properties in the Home tab>Layers panel.
You can hide, freeze, and lock layers as needed. However,
objects on frozen, hidden, or locked layers cannot be edited.
84
Simple Editing
Note: Further automatic layer management can be set up

based on an objects Model Role if it is assigned by a macro. To
toggle this option on, click
(Management Tools) in the Home
tab>Settings panel. In the Advance Steel Management Tools
dialog box, expand Defaults>Layer assignment and select
the Default layers used for AS objects based on object role
option. All of the members of a Railing are then placed on the
layer Railings, rather than on Beams and Plates. Objects with
their Model Role set to None are placed on the original layers.
Figure 82
85
8.3 Common Basic CAD Editing

Commands
All of the basic editing commands that are common to CAD
programs remain available (in the Modify palette). However,
these commands do not recognize the extra intelligence of
Autodesk Advance Steel objects, so they might not always be
the best option.
It is recommended that you use the basic CAD command if the
resulting object does not require any intelligent handling during
the operation. If the operation would benefit from the Autodesk
Advance Steel softwares extra intelligence, use an Autodesk
Advance Steel command to do the edit. Some of the basic CAD
commands are also not very suitable to 3D (e.g., Rotate only
permits angles in the XY plane).
For example, the following operations can be performed using
the standard CAD commands:
Move a beam that does not have any joints or without

changing its joints. (Move)
Rotate a plate that is not connected to anything. (Rotate)
Copy a column that does not have any joints to many

locations. (Copy)
Move the end of a beam when you missed the snap point
during creation. (Drag the grip at the end.)
Change one beam size to match another. (Match

Properties)
Move an object to another layer. (Properties)
The following operations should be done using Autodesk

Advance Steel commands:
86
Copy an entire Portal frame with joints. (Use Transform

Elements.)
Make a pattern of columns with base plates. (Use Transform

Elements.)
Extend/trim beams, including the system lines, to the surface

of another beam. (Use Advance Trim/Extend.)
Simple Editing
It is recommended that you always use an Autodesk Advance

Steel command because it can handle the extra intelligence of
the Autodesk Advance Steel objects properly.
87
8.4 Transform Elements

A number of common editing operations have been combined
into one intelligent Autodesk Advance Steel command called
Transform Elements. It covers operations that are equivalent to
the Move, Copy, Stretch, Array, and Mirror commands, but
with the extra power and intelligence that is relevant to Autodesk
Advance Steel objects.
Ensure that no objects are selected (press <Esc> twice).
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Tools category, click

(Transform Elements).
Figure 83
In the Transform elements dialog box, click

(Select
Objects) and select the objects that you want to manipulate
using normal techniques. After accepting the selection you
are returned to the dialog box.
If the objects are part of a joint (e.g., the Portal frame) and you
want the result to be part of a joint rather than individual
elements (i.e., three more Portal frames, rather than many
beams) ensure that you select the joint box as part of the
operation.
88
Simple Editing
Figure 84
Select Include additional connections. If it is not selected,

any relationships between the selected elements and others
are ignored.
If you want to include joints between beams in the operation, do

not select every member of the joint, just select the beams that
are between the joints and ensure that this option is selected.
Select the required operation in the lower left area of the

dialog box. Different operations enable and disable different
options in the rest of the dialog box. Always select the
operation before attempting to complete any other options
because the values change when you change the operation.
Complete all of the other options in the dialog box as needed

(all of the coordinates are according to the current UCS).
Click
A prompt might display, such as Select corresponding

entity[Skip]:. If you follow the prompt, note the highlighted
object in the selected objects. Identify the corresponding
object in the new location and select it. If you cannot identify
the correct object you can skip it by pressing <Enter> without
selecting anything. However, if you do so the intelligence is
lost. Repeat this for all of the prompts.
89
The edits are done. You can zoom, rotate, and pan as needed to
inspect the result, but do not select another command.
If the result is correct, click the OK button in the Preview bar.
If the result is not correct, click the Modify button to return to

the dialog box and adjust the settings.
If the result is wrong, click the Cancel button and everything

is restored to before the Transform.
All of the new objects that have been created during the
transform are independent of the originals. Any joints created
maintain their full intelligence.
Therefore, to copy the complete Portal frame with joints from grid
lines A to B, C, and D, you would do the following:
Clear any selection (press <Esc> twice).

(Transform Elements).
Select Objects: Select the joint box around the Portal frame
and the four main beams of the frame and accept.
Select Include additional connections.
Set the action to Copy.
Set the coordinates at the top by clicking the button next to

the values and selecting A1 and then B1 (one pitch).
Set the number of copies to 3.
Click Preview.
Select the corresponding elements as prompted (3 x 4 = 12

selections).
If the results are correct, click the OK button.
In each case the Transform Elements dialog box has buttons

that enable you to select points or offsets on screen using object
snaps. In this way you can achieve the correct value according
to the current UCS, and have it relate to your operation. Always
test your entries using the Preview button rather than clicking
OK immediately. If you do need to undo a transform, a number of
Undo commands are required.
810
Simple Editing
8.5 Advance Copy/Rotate/Array

For convenience, the common Autodesk Advance Steel editing
commands are located in the Palette. They are Copy, Copy &
Rotate 2D, Copy & Rotate 3D, Copy & Mirror 2D, Copy &
Mirror 3D, Copy with Adjustment, Rectangular Array, and
Polar Array.
Figure 85
Although these commands each have an icon, they behave the

same as when using the command in the Transform Elements
command and dialog box. They also use the last setting of the
Include additional connections option in the Transform
Elements dialog box.
811
8.6 Advance Trim/Extend

The standard AutoCAD Trim and Extend commands cannot
work on Autodesk Advance Steel sections. To trim or extend
them you must use the Advanced Trim/Extend command.
Clear any selection (press <Esc> twice).

(Advanced Trim/Extend).
Figure 86
812
Please select operation mode [Trim/Extend/Auto] <Auto>: If

you only want to trim, select Trim. If you only want to extend,
select Extend. If you want to do a mixture of both, select
Auto.
Please select option [System/Centre/Face/Line] <System>:

You can trim or extend to either the system line of another
beam, the center line of another beam, or the nearest face of
another beam, or you can select an ordinary line. Enter the
required option.
Please select boundary objects:~> Select objects: Select the

beam(s) or line(s) to which you want to extend or trim and
accept. (Note that this prompt is over two lines. Do not forget
to read both lines if the prompt displays Select Objects:.)
Select the member to be Trimmed or Extended: Select the

beams to trim or extend near the end that you want to move.
Each beam is modified immediately. You can select individual
beams or use a window selection to select multiple beams.
The end nearest the pick point is changed.
Right-click when finished.
Simple Editing
Edits take place immediately as you proceed. All of the changes

in one Advanced Trim/Extend command are combined into one
undo.
If you use Auto mode to trim a beam, the side of the boundary
object that is the shortest is the end that is cut off, regardless of
the side that you select. If you use the Trim mode, the beam is
cut on the side of the boundary object that you select. In the
following example, the blue beam is the cutting boundary. The
brown beam is selected to cut at the point at which the cursor is
displayed. The result with Auto mode is shown in the middle. The
result with Trim mode is shown on the right.
Figure 87
When drawing beams it is recommended that you use object

snaps at logical design points and have the system lines meet
each other.
The Autodesk Advance Steel software dos not actually need the
system lines or beams to meet each other, fall short of each
other, or even cross: when a joint is placed it adjusts the lengths
of the beams (not the system lines) to suit. You do not need to
edit the system lines to the exact length of the finished machined
member, although it is preferable if it is close. If one of the
members is subsequently edited, the joint automatically adjusts
the length of both beams as required. Therefore, you do not
need to use this command very often. However, if the system
line is noticeably different to the finished beam length it could
have a negative effect on drawing quality.
813
814
Chapter 9
Automatic Joints
Connection Vault
Joint Properties
Repeating Joints
Joint Library
Joint Groups
Add Joints
91
92
Automatic Joints
9.1 Connection Vault

To attach the beams, various joints must be designed between
them. Sometimes a joint can be unique, but usually an engineer
selects one of the many standard types of joints. To make a joint,
the beams must meet and be shaped around each other as
needed. Additional plates, bolts, and welds are also usually
required. Rather than repeatedly modeling all of these objects
individually, the Autodesk Advance Steel software has
intelligent tools for creating a huge range of recognized joints.
The Connection Vault interface is used to organize all of the
types of available joints. To place a new joint, it is recommended
that you always start with the connection vault.
Figure 91
The vault has three panes. The pane on the left contains a list of
the many types of joints in a category type structure. Use the
category symbols to expand and collapse the groups of related
joints.
Select a joint name to display images of examples of the joint in
the top right pane. (These previews are only examples and not
an exhaustive representation of what can be achieved.) The
lower right pane displays a description of the joint and some
additional information.
93
Making a Connection
An intelligent connection is made between two or three beams
as follows:
In the Home tab>Extended Modeling panel,

(Connection Vault).
click
Figure 92
Select the required category on the left.
Click the required joint type.
Please select the main beam~>Select objects: Select the

beam that is NOT going to change length.
Please select the secondary beam: Select the beam that is

going to be adjusted and shaped around the first.
These are generic prompts. The exact prompts vary depending

on the joint that you have selected (e.g., Please identify column:
or Please identify rafter:) There can also be a third prompt for
some joints.
After selecting the inputs, a small alert box might open prompting
you that Template values not found. Take defaults of the
connection. This is for information only. Click the OK button to
proceed.
Figure 93
In engineering terms,
when placing a joint, the
secondary beam
transfers its load onto
the main beam.
94
The joint is created and the joint box displays.
Automatic Joints
9.2 Joint Properties

Every type of joint in the Connection Vault has a different version
of the Joint Properties dialog box. In each case, due to the
complexity of the joints and the number of parameters that can
be varied, a large number of options are displayed in a large
number of grouped tabs. It would be overwhelming to try and list
every option. Therefore, this training guide provides an overview
of some of the common options or properties.
To help you to identify the option or parameter that you need to
set to adjust a specific dimension or position, each tab in the
Properties displays an image of the various numbered
dimensions. The property options in that tab have corresponding
numbers. Find the numbered dimension in the image and enter
the required value in the field with the same number. For
example, if the overall length of the end plates is dimension 3
you need to adjust it using the value in the 3. Length:. field.
Note that various options might be disabled. This is often
because of the way in which another option has been set. In the
example, 3. Length is disabled because End Plate Length Type
is set to Projection. In this option, fields 4 and 5 are valid and
the overall length is calculated. If you would rather set the overall
height of the plate, you need to change End plate length type to
Exact Value from Top or Exact Value from Bottom. Field 3
becomes available, enabling you to enter the required length.
Field 4 or 5 is disabled and calculated as needed.
Sometimes the options interact over several tabs in the
Properties dialog box. Therefore, you might need to change the
settings on the other tabs to enable a specific option on a
specific tab.
Figure 94
95
Sometimes certain types of joints can have unexpected results

when applied to non-symmetrical sections, such as Channels or
Angles. In most cases the required result can be achieved by
trying different options and settings. For example, depending on
the section orientation, the Top and Bottom could be swapped
when manipulating a joint on a Channel type section.
Plate and Bolt Sizes and Projection Option

The various parameters of the plates and bolts are usually on
tabs that are grouped together under General or Plates and
Bolts.
The sizes of the end plates or other plates that are created by a
joint can be set in several ways.
Projections: With this option set you can control the amount
by which the plate overhangs the section on each side. If the
section is edited and changed later, the size the plate and the
spacings in the joint change automatically to maintain the
same projection dimensions.
By Bolts: This option lays out the bolts according to

distances from the sections used in the joint. The plate size is
then calculated based on the overall bolt spacings. If the
section is edited later, the joint updates automatically to
maintain the bolt positions relative to the new section size
and the plate size relative to the bolt positions.
Total Size: If you use this option you can directly set the
overall size of the plate. If the section to which the plate is
fixed changes, the plate size does not update but remains at
the set size.
You might want to select Projections or By Bolt so the joint

updates when a section changes size. However, there might be
problems. Most standard sections do not have a convenient
overall size. In many standards the overall size is not the same
as the nominal size. For example, a UK Universal Beam 254 x
146 x 43 actually measures 259.6 x 147.3. If you add a 50
Projection to this the finished plate would measure 359.6 x
247.3. These are not good dimensions to which to manufacture.
In most cases it is preferred, and cheaper to manufacture, if you
use dimensions that can be constructed from standard Flat
sections. Therefore, in this example, plates measuring 250 wide
could be cut 360 long from a Flat 250 x 10 and a setting of Total
sizes of 360 and 250 would be preferred to projections.
96
Automatic Joints
Figure 95
For Bolt spacings the equivalent of the Projection option would

be the From Section option or a similar option. It is often
recommended that you use another option and set the round
dimension for the spacing, rather than having bolt centers, such
as 309.6 x 197.3.
The Bolt type and diameter can be set in the Bolts and Holes tab.
The Autodesk Advance Steel software has pre-defined
combinations of nuts, bolts, and washers and you can only select
one of them. Select the Bolt Type, such as XOX or Set Screw.
Each type of bolt has specific combinations of nuts and bolts
(such as Standard or Nut and 2 Washers) that are valid and
you must select one of them in the Bolt Assembly box. The bolt
diameter can be set in the Diameter field. The bolt length is
automatically selected from a list of standard bolt lengths that
have been defined in the software.
The options and dimensions controlling the plate sizes in joints
are often located in the same tabs as those for the bolts. For
example, in a Single Sided End Plate Joint the plate sizes are on
the Horizontal Bolts and Vertical Bolts tabs along with the bolt
options.
97
Other Options
Most joints have options for cutting the plates created and/or the
beams involved around other members. In general there is a set
of options for Notches that enable you to control the clearances
that are required for each case.
Figure 96
In most cases the plates or other sections that are created as

part of a joint are welded to one or another member of the joint.
The sizes of these welds might need to vary to suit the section
and loading and this can be done in the Welds tab.
Many joint types enable extra plates to be welded in to
strengthen the joint. These plates follow fixed rules and are
controlled by sets of options on tabs called Stiffeners.
Depending on the type of joint there might be extra options that
are unique to that type of joint. For example, a Base Plate can
have a Shear Anchor or Leveling Plates and an Eaves Haunch
can have an Additional Rafter to create wider eaves. These
options typically have an extra tab in the Joint Properties dialog
box. The first option on the tab is generally a tick box to enable
the option, although this might be located on another tab.
98
Automatic Joints
9.3 Repeating Joints

In a specific structure it is common to repeat the same joint,
between sections of the same sizes, and with the same
parameters in many locations. Rather than having to create each
joint and repeatedly set all of the parameters individually, there
are several ways to efficiently repeat a joint.
Regardless of the method used to create a joint, you can use the
Autodesk Advance Joint Properties to alter its parameters later.
All of the joints remain independent of each other.
Repeat Rule
If you want to create another joint of the same type, but not
necessarily with the same parameters, you can use the Repeat
Rule command instead of using the Connection Vault again.
In the Extended Modeling tab>Joint Utilities panel, click

(Repeat Rule).
Figure 97
Proceed per the normal Joint command as though you have

clicked the Use button in the Connection Vault.
This places the joint and opens the Joint Properties dialog box in
which you can set the required parameters.
Joint Copy
If you want to add another joint with the same type and
parameters as an existing joint to your model, you can use the
Create by template command.
99
In the Advance Tools Tool Palette, in the Tools category, click

(Create by template).
Figure 98
Select connection part: Select any member of the existing

joint that you want to copy and accept.
Please identify column: The prompts from the original

placement of the joint type are repeated and should be
followed.
Please identify rafter: Follow the prompts to select the

members in the new location. When all of the required
members have been selected, the joint is placed with
identical parameters to the copied joint. The Joint Properties
dialog box does not open
Please identify column: The command loops, repeating the

prompts to select members, and places as many copies of
the joint as needed (one at a time). When you have placed all
of the required copies, press <Enter> or right-click without
selecting a member.
Joint Copy, Multiple

If you have many identical or similar situations in which you want
to repeat a joint (such as 25 Cold Rolled Floor Beams to the Hot
Rolled Supporting Beam), you can use the Create by template,
multiple command.
910
Automatic Joints
In the Advance Tools Tool Palette, in the Tools category, click

(Create by template, multiple).
Figure 99
Please select source joint: Select any member of the joint

that you want to copy and accept.
Please select beams corresponding to the source joints input

(1/3)~>Select objects: You must know the first input for the
selected type of joint. For example, on a Double Sided End
Plate the first of the three inputs was the Main Beam. You
should select all of the main beams for all of the required
locations to which you want to copy the joint and then accept.

(2/3)~>Select objects: You must know the second input that
is required for the type of joint. For example, in a Double
Sided End Plate it is one of the secondary beams. You should
select one secondary beam in each location to which you
want to copy the joint and then accept.

(3/3)~>Select objects: If the joint type requires it, you are
prompted for the third input as well. As with the first and
second input, select the appropriate members in each
location to which you want to copy the joint and then accept.
911
The Autodesk Advance Steel software analyzes your selection

and places joints at every possible location in your selections
(many at the same time). All of the joints that are placed have
identical parameters to the one copied. The joint box is not
displayed.
Note: Be careful when using this with double-sided joints
because it might result in two copies of the joint in the same
location.
Note: Do not try to place too many of variations in one move.
While the command is good at identifying different orientations
or configurations, if you include too many in one command
problems can occur.
912
Automatic Joints
9.4 Joint Library

To avoid having to set multiple parameters when you use a joint
you can store preferred configurations in the Library for quick
recall or Automatic placement. The Library is located on a tab in
the Joint Properties dialog box. It includes columns for every
parameter in the joint. In each case the table includes columns
stating the class and size of the member(s) on which the joint
was placed and a comment or name for the entry.
Figure 910
Each time a joint is placed the Autodesk Advance Steel software

searches for the same combination of member sizes in the
Library. If it finds a match, it applies the settings stored with that
entry in the Library. The selected line in the table is normally
highlighted in blue. Therefore, you do not need to set multiple
parameters each time you place the joint. (The software does not
search the table when you are using Create by template or
Create by template, multiple because these commands are
designed to copy the same parameters as the selected example
joint.)
If there is more than one possible match in the Library for the
current joint, the Autodesk Advance Steel software applies the
first match it finds in the table. If no match is found in the Library,
an alert box displays prompting you that Template values not
found. Take defaults of the connection. This is not an error. It is
information that your joint does not match a pre-defined
configuration.
913
It is possible to turn off

the Template values
not found alert box so
that the message
displays in the AutoCAD
Command Line instead.
To do so, in the Home
tab>Setting panel, click
(Management
Tools). Select Defaults,
and clear General>
Message box when
template values are not
found.
If you want to apply a different set of parameters than the Library

entry selected by the software, select any line in the Library and
the corresponding parameters are applied immediately. To help
you to locate the required entry in the Library, you can sort the
table by any column (e.g., Comment or Section) by selecting the
heading of that column.
There can be a recognized standard for providing set
dimensions and sizes that have been defined for a specific load
on a specific joint type. The Library is the ideal place in which to
define these parameters, so they can be used easily. For
example, in the UK the British Constructional Steelwork
Association (BCSA) publishes a set of standards (commonly
called the Green Book because of the color of its cover) defining
plate sizes, bolt positions, etc., for several load ranges on many
member sizes and many types of joint. These recognized
pre-defined settings have been stored in the Library as part of
the standard installation.
Once applied there is no link between the joint parameters and
the Library. Therefore, you can override any setting without
affecting any other joints or the table.
To add a custom entry to the joint Library:
Place the joint that you want to store and set all of its
parameters as required.
Select the Library tab in the Joint Properties dialog box.
Click the Save values button.
Figure 911
914
Your settings are added to the table with a dash - in the

Comment column.
Automatic Joints
Click the Edit button. The table editor displays.
Figure 912
To maximize the power

and flexibility of the
Table and to minimize
similar entries, you can
use the % (percent)
symbol as a wild card in
the section columns.
You can also set the
preferred default values
that can be used when a
better match is not
found by creating a
Default entry in the
table. These are outside
the scope of this training
guide. Ask your
Autodesk representative
for more information.
Locate your entry in the table. New entries are usually, but
not always, at the bottom of the table. New entries display a
dash in the Comment column.
Select the Comment box for your entry and enter a

recognizable name.
Click the OK button.
Close the Joint Properties dialog box.
The Library entry is now available for use in any future joints of
that type. The Library is stored on a specific PC, which remains
available for all of the projects and users on that PC.
915
9.5 Joint Groups

When you use the Create by template commands, the joints
created are all independent of each other. Sometimes, you might
need to link a number of joints together so that if one changes
they all change together and continue to match. In this case you
can use the joint group commands.
When joints are in a joint group, one joint is the master and the
others in the group are slaves and must always match the
master. Any changes to the master joint are immediately applied
to all of the slave joints. If you open the Advance Joint Properties
dialog box for a slave joint you can note all of the settings for the
options, but they are all grayed out and disabled to prevent
editing.
Create a Joint in a Joint Group

This command operates in the same way as Create by
template, except that any new joints that are created are slave
joints in a joint group. In the first example, the selected joint is
already a slave or master joint. This is not changed and the new
joints are added to the same group and linked to the same
master. If the sample joint is not a master or slave joint it
becomes the master of a new group.

(Create joint in a joint group).
Figure 913
916
Select connection part: Select any member of the existing

joint that you want to copy and accept.
Automatic Joints
Please identify column: The prompts from the original

placement of the joint type are repeated and should be
followed.
Please identify rafter: Follow the prompts to select the

members in the new location as normal.
When the required members have been selected, the joint is

placed with identical parameters to the copied joint. The Joint
Properties dialog box does not open.
Please identify column: The command loops, repeating the

prompts to select members, and places as many copies of
the joint as needed (one at a time). When you have placed all
of the required copies, press <Enter> or right-click without
selecting a member.
Create Joint in a Joint Group, Multiple

This is the Joint group equivalent of Create by template,
multiple. This command is useful if you have lots of identical
situations in which you want to repeat a joint (such as 25 Cold
Rolled Floor Beams to the Hot Rolled Supporting Beam).

(Create joint in a joint group, multiple).
Figure 914
Please select source joint: Select any member of the joint

that you want to copy and accept.
917

(1/3)~>Select objects: You must know the first input for the
selected type of joint. For example, on a Double Sided End
Plate, the first of the three inputs was the Main Beam. You
should select all of the main beams for all of the required
locations to which you want to copy the joint and then accept.

(2/3)~>Select objects: You must know the second input that
is required for the type of joint. For example, in a Double
Sided End Plate it is one of the secondary beams. You should
select one secondary beam in each location to which you
want to copy the joint and then accept.

(3/3)~>Select objects: If the joint type requires it, you are
prompted for the third input as well. As with the first and
second inputs, select the appropriate members in each
location to which you want to copy the joint and then accept.
The Autodesk Advance Steel software analyzes your selection

and places joints at every possible location in your selections
(many at the same time). All of the joints that are placed are
added to the same group as the original joint. If the original joint
was not in a group, it becomes the master of the new group.
Remove a Joint from a Joint Group

If you have a joint that is a member of a group but needs to be
different from other members of the group you can remove it
from the group, enabling it to be edited independently.

(Remove Joint from a joint group).
918
Automatic Joints
Figure 915
Select connection part: Select any part of the connection that

you want to remove from the joint group and accept.
The selected joint becomes an independent joint again.
Add a Joint to a Joint Group

If you have independent joints that you want to make into a
group you can use this command to do so.

(Add joint to a joint group).
Figure 916
Select Joint: Select any member of the joint that you want to
add to the group and accept. You can only add ONE joint at a
time with this command.
919
Select Master Joint: Select any member of a joint that you

want to link to and accept. If the joint is already in a group, the
new joint is added to the same group. If the second joint is
not already in a group it becomes the master of the new
group.
Upgrade to Master
When you want to change the configuration of joints in a group
you must edit the master joint because all of the editing of the
slave joints is disabled. However, you might not know which joint
is the master. If so, you have several options:
You can use the Search Filter to search for a joint that is a
master.
Or
You can use the joint properties of any joint in the group and
select the Upgrade to Master option on the front page of the
Properties dialog box.
Figure 917
When you select Upgrade to Master, the current joint becomes

the master of the joint group, enabling you to edit any of the
properties in the current Joint Properties dialog box.
920
Automatic Joints
Practice 9a
Add Joints
1. Add joints to the training project.
2. Add all of the required joints to the training project.
The project uses the following joint types:
Base Plate: Enter the name Base Type A in the Joint

Name field and make all of the base plates a joint group.
Single Sided End Plate, Double Sided End Plate with
Safety Bolt on all of the horizontal beams Eaves.
Haunch to Flange and Apex Haunch on all of the rafters.
The Library might sometimes include a matching entry for
the joint.
3. Ensure that all of the joints match the dimensions in drawings

G100 and G113 from Chapter 1, Introduction.
921
922
Chapter 10
Beam Features
Introduction
Coping or Notching Beams
Shorten at UCS
Cut at Object
Notch
Parametric Notch Joint
Beam Clearance
Contour Features
Editing Features
Mitre
Splitting and Joining Beams
101
102
Beam Features
10.1 Introduction
When a section is first drawn it is recommended that it is drawn
between easy design points. However, this results in lots of
sections clashing at their intersections. When you place joints
from the Connection Vault, the sections are shaped around each
other to avoid clashes and space is made for the connection
plates. This is done by creating Beam Features that modify the
shape of the beam.
Although the Autodesk Advance Steel software includes an
extensive range of these intelligent joints, sometimes an
automatic joint cannot be used in specific situations. Additionally,
beams might need to be shaped around obstacles or each other
without forming a joint. In these cases you need to create custom
Beam Features.
103
Practice 10a
Open the Drawing

1. Open Feature Practice.dwg in the C:\Advance Steel
Essentials - Metric Class Files folder.
Figure 101
This file has been created to enable you to practice Beam

Features and to demonstrate specific points.
104
Beam Features
10.2 Coping or Notching Beams

Shorten
The simplest Beam Feature is one that only changes the length
of the beam. This is done using the Shorten command, which
can also add length to a beam. It creates a straight cut across
the end of a section and the system line does not change in
length.
To adjust the length of a section:
In the Advance Tools Tool Palette, in the Features category,

click
(Shorten).
Figure 102
Please select the beam at a reference end: Select the section

near the end where you want to modify the length.
105
The section immediately changes length and the Shorten

Figure 103
This is not intended to

change the nominal
length or end point of a
beam, but only to adjust
the end by a relatively
small amount to allow
for joint plates, etc.
106
Reference: The amount to remove from the beam length

(enter a negative number to increase the length).
Y: Enter a value (in degrees) to rotate the cut about the Y-axis
of the section (zero = perpendicular to the section).
Z: Enter a value (in degrees) to rotate the cut about the

Z-axis of the section (zero = perpendicular to the section).
Beam Features
Practice 10b
Use a Shorten on a Beam

1. Try a Shorten on the exposed ends of the brown beams.
107
10.3 Shorten at UCS

Beams do not always meet at convenient angles and you might
not know the exact angle at which you want to cut off at the end
of the beam. Therefore, entering the correct value in the Y or Z
field in a Shorten command would be difficult. Regardless of the
angle, the exact amount to cut off to meet another section
perfectly is not always obvious (section sizes are not round
numbers). To overcome this you can use the Shorten at UCS
command. Use UCS at Object or other appropriate command to
move the UCS XY plane to the required position and orientation.

click
(Shorten at UCS).
Figure 104
Please identify the object which is to be modified: Select the

beam near the end that you want to cut off and accept.
The beam is cut off immediately at the UCS XY plane.
108
Beam Features
Practice 10c
Shorten at UCS
1. Use Shorten at UCS to cut one of the red beams where it
meets the blue beam.
109
10.4 Cut at Object

The Cut at Object command is easier than the Shorten at UCS
command. It is a one step process rather than two steps and
also has other more powerful options.

click
(Cut at object).
Figure 105
1010
Section to cut against: Select the beam to which you want to

cut and accept.
Section to cut: Select the section that you want to cut and
accept.
Beam Features
The second section is cut back to where it meets the flange of

the first beam and the Properties dialog box opens.
Figure 106
Properties tab (Type): If you want to cut to the web of a

section, rather than the edge of the section, you need to use
Saw cut Web.
Cut tab (Create Weld): Select this is you want the two
sections to be welded together with a standard fillet weld.
1011
Practice 10d
Cut at Object
1. Use Cut at Object where a brown beam meets the blue
beam.
2. Use Cut at Object where the other red beam meets the blue
beam.
1012
Beam Features
10.5 Notch
The previous commands all cut straight across the section.
However, you often need to be able to only cut a corner from a
section, such as when notching around another beam. You can
use the Notch command to do so.

click
(Notch).
Figure 107
Please select the beam at a reference end: Select the flange

of the section that you want to cut near the end to be cut.
The notch is immediately applied and the Cope Properties dialog

box opens.
Figure 108
1013
Shape tab
Width X: Set the amount to cut off the length of the

section.
Depth: Set the distance down the beam that is to be cut
(measured from the outside surface of the section).
Corner Finish tab
This notch is always

square to the section.
Radius: Set the fillet radius for the corner of the cut.
Boring Out: Change the type of relief in the corner of the
cut.
Notch, skewed
If you need a notch that is not square to the section you can use
the Notch, skewed command.

click
(Notch, skewed).
Figure 109
1014
Please select the beam at a reference end: Select the flange

of the section that you want to cut near the end to be cut.
Beam Features
The notch is applied immediately and the Cope Properties dialog

box opens.
Figure 1010
Shape tab
Distance from Axis is

measured from the
system line. Therefore,
if the system line is on
the outside face of the
beam (most floor beams
have the system line in
the top center) you need
to enter a negative
number for the depth.
Width X: Set the amount to be cut from the length of the

section.
Distance from Axis: Set the distance from the system
line of the beam at which the cut should stop.
X: Set the angle of rotation about the sections X-axis.
Z: Set the angle of rotation about the sections Z-axis.
Axis: Set the angle of rotation about the sections Y-axis.
Corner Finish tab
Radius: Set the fillet radius for the corner of the cut.
Boring Out: Select the type of relief in the corner of the
cut.
1015
Practice 10e
Notch and Notch, Skewed

1. Use Notch and Notch, Skewed on the points where the
brown and red beams meet the blue beam.
2. Compare this with a Notch, Skewed on the bottom flange of
the green beam.
1016
Beam Features
10.6 Parametric Notch Joint

As with Shorten, it is not always easy to determine the ideal size
and angle of a notch to shape one section around another. This
tool is designed to create an ideal cut.

click
(Parametric Notch Joint).
Figure 1011
Passing main beam~>Select objects: Select the beam to

which you want to cut (it is not going to be altered) and
accept.
Secondary beam to connect~>Select objects: Select the

beam that you want to cut and accept.
1017
The coping is applied immediately and the Parametric Notch

Figure 1012
Use the options in the Parameters tab to set the gap between
the two members in each direction. You can also add corner
relief for the cuts.
In the Welds tab you can select the option to weld the two
beams together.
This creates a shorten and two notches (and other cuts for the
corners if needed). These individual features are combined into
the Parametric Notch joint.
Element Contour - Rule

Another way to completely shape one member around another is
to use Element Contour - Rule.

click
1018
(Element Contour Rule).
Beam Features
Figure 1013
Please select the beam to be modified at a reference end:

Select the beam that you want to cut near the end to be cut
and then accept.
Please select the cutting beam:~>Select objects: Select the

beam that you want to cut around and accept.
The beam is cut immediately and the Element Contour Rule

Figure 1014
Parameters tab
Welding: Select this option to create a weld between the two

members.
Contour Shape: Select this option if you want your cut to

match:
The exact shape of the passing beam (including corner

radii and tapers).
1019
The standard shape of the passing beam (simplified to

parallel flanges and no fillet radii).
Casing (a box around the passing beam).
Create Shortening: If this option is selected, the end of the
beam is cut off completely. If not selected, the end of the
beam is not cut off and the beams can cross in the middle.
This creates a single shaped cut through the modified beam (and
a shorten if that is selected). This joint has more power than the
Parametric Notch joint and is the preferred option in most cases.
1020
Beam Features
Practice 10f
Create a Parametric Notch Joint

1. Use Parametric Notch Joint and Element Contour
Rule where the brown, red, and blue beams meet.
1021
10.7 Beam Clearance

Beams often need to have a specific clearance between them.
You can use the Beam Clearance command to move a beam
along a main beam to the required distance.

click
(Beam clearance).
Figure 1015
Select main beam: Select the beam that you do not want to
move and press <Enter>.
Select second beam: Select a second beam to measure from

and press <Enter>.
Select beam to move: Select the beam that should be moved

and press <Enter>.
Enter distance: Type the clearance distance in the Command

Line.
The beam moves along the main beam.
1022
Beam Features
Practice 10g
Beam Clearance
1. Use Beam clearance to move the second brown beam so
that it is within 300 units of the first brown beam.
1023
10.8 Contour Features

In addition to shaping one beam around another you might want
to create other cut outs in beams to avoid clashes, etc. A variety
of additional features can be used to achieve this.
Essentially, they all work in the same way. The UCS XY plane
must be parallel to the face that you want to cut (the web or
flange of the section).
Rectangular Contour, Centre

Enables you to create a rectangular cut out using a single
reference point to define the location.
Set the UCS as needed.

click
(Rectangular Contour, Centre, UCS).
Figure 1016

beam that you want to cut.
Please select the center of the beam cope: Select a point to

position the cut out.
The cut is placed immediately at a default size and the Contour

Processing Properties dialog box opens.
1024
Beam Features
Rectangular Contour, 2 Points

Enables you to create a rectangular cut out using two reference
points to define the location and size.

click
(Rectangular Contour, 2 points, UCS).
Figure 1017

Please define two diagonal points for rectangular contour,

first point: Select a point for one corner of the cut out.
,second point: Select a point for the opposite corner of the cut
out.
The cut is placed immediately at the defined size and the

Contour Processing Properties dialog box opens.
Circular Contour, Centre

Enables you to create a circular cut out using a single reference
point for the location.
1025

click
(Circular Contour, Centre, UCS).
Figure 1018

Please select the center of the beam cope: Select a point to

The cut out is placed immediately at a default size and the

Circular Contour, 2 Points

Enables you to create a circular cut out using two reference
points to define the location and size.

click
1026
(Circular Contour, 2 points, UCS).
Beam Features
Figure 1019

Please select the center of the beam cope: Select a point for
the center of the cut out.
Circle radius: Select a point for the radius of the cut out.
The cut is placed immediately at the defined size and the

Polygon Contour
Enables you to create a shaped cut out in a beam. The edges of
the shape can be straight lines or arcs.

click
(Polygon Contour, UCS).
Figure 1020
1027

Please specify start point or select [Polyline(s)]: Select a

point for any corner of the required shape.
Please select point or [<A>rc]: Select subsequent points to

define the shape.
Please select point or [<A>rc/<C>lose]: After at least three

points have been defined, this prompt displays. If you want to
have an arc for an edge of the shape, enter A for the Arc
option.
Please select point or [<S>econd Point/<L>ine/<C>lose]:

When drawing arcs, this prompt displays. Select points to
define the arcs as required. Each arc is tangential to the
previous segment.
Please select point or [<S>econd Point/<L>ine/<C>lose]: If

you want to return to drawing straight edges, enter L for the
Line option.
Please select point or [<A>rc/<C>lose]: When you have

drawn all of the shape except the last edge, select the Close
option and the software automatically connects the last point
to the first point.
The shape that you have defined is cut through the beam and
the Contour Processing Properties dialog box opens.
If you prefer you can draw the required shape as a polyline
before using this command. At the Please specify start point or
select [Polyline(s)]: prompt, enter P for Polyline and select the
polyline. Doing so cuts the predefined shape out of the beam.
Contour Processing Properties

The Contour Processing Properties dialog box is very similar, but
you have created the shape.
1028
Beam Features
Figure 1021
Shape tab
For rectangular contours, set the Width X and Length Y

values to set the size of the cut out.
For a circular contour, set the Radius value for the size of
the cut out.
For Polygon contours, this tab is not available.
Positioning tab
This tab does not exist for Polygon Contours.

For rectangular or circular contours you can set the
position of the cut out relative to the first selected point.
Contour tab
Gap width: It is often easier to select the corners of

objects that you need to cut around than to select points
with clearances. This option enables you to set the
clearance after defining the shape. Enter a value to
expand the shape by that distance in every direction.
Side 1 and Side 2: Select the option to limit the depth of
cut in that direction to the value that is displayed in the
box. If not selected, the cut is infinitely deep in that
direction.
Corner Finish tab: Set the radii in the corners of the cut out.
1029
When a contour is created it is usually infinitely deep in both

directions (Side 1 and Side 2 are not selected). When working
on the web of a section this does not matter. If you are working
on the flange of a section the cut goes through both flanges. To
only have the cut go through one flange you need to select one
of the Side 1 or Side 2 options and enter a depth (e.g., start with
20). It is not easy to determine the direction of Side 1 or Side 2,
so you have to experiment.
It does not matter which
command was used to
create the rectangular or
circular contour. The
Position relative to the
selected point can still
be set in the Position
tab. Therefore, if you
need a cut out but only
know one reference
point (such as that the
middle of one end of the
rectangle must line up
with the node at the end
of a beam), use the By
center option to create
the cut out and then
change the position in
the Positioning tab.
1030
The depth is measured from the system line of the section.

Therefore, if the system line is on an outside edge of the section
(such as the top center of a floor beam) both flanges are on the
same side of the system line. In this case to prevent the cut
going through the flange nearest to the system line you need to
select one of the sides and enter a negative depth (e.g., -20).
The affect of the depth is more apparent if your cut crosses the
web of a section.
Beam Features
Practice 10h
Experiment with Contours

1. Try using each of the contour features.
2. Try cutting the flange of the blue beam where the yellow
beam cuts it.
3. Try cutting the flange of the green beam where the blue beam
cuts it. Ensure that you only cut one flange.
1031
10.9 Editing Features

When features are created they are represented in the model by
green shapes. To return to the feature properties and edit them
you must select the green shape and select Advance
Properties or Advance Joint Properties when editing an
Element Contour Rule or Parametric Notch Joint.
Presentation Type
The green shape is often not displayed. To edit the feature you
must display the shape first. Alternatively, there might be many
green shapes in the display and you might want to hide them.
The cut out in the beam is always displayed regardless of
whether the green shape is displayed.
Several options are available for changing the display of the
features:
First
Select the beam with the feature.
Then
Figure 1022
1032
Beam Features
Or

(Advance Steel properties).
Figure 1023
In the Display Type tab, select Standard to hide the features or

Features to display the green shapes.
Figure 1024
1033
Or

category, click
(Change presentation type) repeatedly to
cycle through the five possible states until the required
display state is achieved.
Figure 1025
Or
If you want to hide the features you can click

(Standard
presentation) in the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Quick
Views category.
Figure 1026
If you want to hide all of the beam features in the model you can
do the following:
1034
Ensure that nothing is selected.
Beam Features
In the Advance Tools Tool Palette, in the Selection Filters

category, click
(Beam features).
Figure 1027
In the Advance Tools Tool Palette, in the Quick Views

category, click
(Selected objects off).
Figure 1028
1035
10.10 Mitre
Another available joint type is to mitre two beams together. This
cuts the beams straight across at a bisecting angle and then
optionally welds them together.

click
(Mitre).
Figure 1029
Or
In the Connection Vault, in the Miscellaneous Joints category,

click
(Mitre).
Figure 1030
Section to cut against: Select the first beam that you want to
edit and accept.
Section to cut: Select the second beam that you want to edit
and accept.
The beams are cut at the bisecting angle and the Mitre
Properties dialog box opens. If you want the beams to be welded
together you must select Create Weld in the Cut tab.
1036
Beam Features
10.11 Splitting and Joining

Beams
As you design your structure you might decide that a single long
beam would be better if it was made of two individual beams or
that two individual beams could be made from one piece. The
Autodesk Advance Steel software has editing commands to do
this. No other features or properties of the beam are affected.
Split Beams
Divides a single beam into two pieces that meet at the selected
point(s).
In the Objects tab>Beams panel, click
(Split Beams).
Figure 1031
Select beam_~>Select objects: Select the beam that you

want to cut.
Select split point or [Gap]: Select a point at which to cut the

beam.
Select split point: Continue selecting points at which to cut or

press <Enter> or right-click when finished.
The cuts are made and you are returned to the Command
Prompt.
1037
Merge Beams
Joins two or more beams into one. The beams must be in line,
meet end to end, and be of the same section.
In the Objects tab>Beams panel, click
(Merge beams).
Figure 1032
Select beam:~>Select objects: Select all of the beams that

you want to make into one and accept.
If they meet end to end the beams are converted into a single
object.
1038
Beam Features
Practice 10i
Modify Columns
1. Modify Columns C4 and D4 in the training structure.
2. Modify the tops of the top of the RHS columns on grid C4 and
D4 ready for the joint, as shown in the drawings.
1039
1040
Chapter 11
Plates
Flat Plates
Plate Properties
Folded Plates
Gratings
111
112
Plates
Practice 11a
Open the Drawing

1. Continue working in Feature Practice File.dwg for practicing
with plates.
113
11.1 Flat Plates

Virtually all structures include many plates, either as parts of
joints or as members. Therefore, the Autodesk Advance Steel
software has many tools for creating plates of all types according
to your needs.
Unless otherwise stated these commands create a flat plate in
the XY plane of the current UCS. Therefore, you need to set the
UCS as required first.
Rectangular Plate, Centre

Enables you to create a rectangular plate using a single
reference point for its position.
In the Objects tab>Plates panel, click

Centre)
(Rectangular Plate,
Figure 111
Please define the center of the plate to be created: Select a

point to position the plate.
A single plate is created on the XY plane at the selected location

with the default dimensions. The Plate Properties dialog box
opens.
Rectangular Plate, 2 Points

Enables you to create a rectangular plate using two points to
define its position and size.
114
Plates

2 Points).
(Rectangular Plate,
Figure 112
Please define the start point of the plate's diagonal line:

Select a point for one corner of the plate.
Please define the end point of the plate's diagonal line: Select
a point for the opposite corner of the plate.
A single plate is created with its corners on the selected points.

The Plate Properties dialog box opens.
Rectangular Plate, 3 Points

Enables you to create a rectangular plate at any angle to the XY
plane using three points to define its position and size.

3 Points).
(Rectangular Plate,
Figure 113
Please specify first point of the plate contour: Select a point

for the first corner of the plate (on the XY plane).
Please specify second point to define the plate X direction

and dimension: Select a point for the next corner of the plate
to define the first edge (on the XY plane).
Please specify third point to define the plate plane and Y

dimension: Select a third point anywhere in empty space to
define the third corner of the plate (diagonally opposite the
first corner) and the plates angle to the XY plane.
115
A plate is created between the three points and the Plate

Polygon Plate
Enables you to create a plate of any shape with straight edges.
(Polygon Plate).
Figure 114
Please specify points that define the contour of the plate:

Select a point for the first corner of the plate.
Polygon vertex 2: Select a point for the next corner of the

plate.
Polygon vertex 3: Select a point for the third corner of the

plate
Polygon vertex 4: Continue selecting the corners of the plate

in sequence as needed. When you have selected all of the
required corners (at least three), press <Enter> or right-click
to join the last corner to the first.
A plate is created using the defined shape, the size is defined,

and the Plate Properties dialog box opens.
Plate at Polyline
Enables you to create a plate of any shape (including curved
edges), by converting a standard AutoCAD Polyline.
116
Create an AutoCAD Polyline forming a closed shape for the

plate as needed.
Plates
(Plate at Polyline).
Figure 115
Select polyline: Select the polyline that you created and

accept.
A plate is created matching the shape of the polyline and the

Plate Properties dialog box opens.
Circular Plate
If you want to create a circular or ring-shaped plate, you can do
so with this command.

Plate).
(Create Circular
Figure 116
The Create Circular Plate dialog box opens. Set the Outer
Diameter, Inner Diameter, and Thickness as needed and
click the OK button.
Figure 117
Your plate is created with its center point at the current UCS
origin. The plate that is created is a square plate with plate
features for creating the curved edges and hole as required.
117
11.2 Plate Properties

Regardless of how they are created, flat plates all use a similar
Figure 118
Shape and Material tab
Width X and Length Y: Only used for rectangular plates.

Set the length and width of the plate as needed.
Thickness: Set the plate thickness as needed (you can
select from the list or enter a value).
Material: Select the required material for the plate.
Coating: Select the required coating or finish for the
plate.
Positioning tab
118
Offset: Regardless of the method used to create the plate

you can adjust its position relative to the points selected
using these options.
Justification: Decide whether the plate is above, below,
or equal to both sides of the plane on which it has been
drawn. Use the icons for the three basic options or enter a
value in the field if another position is required.
Plates
11.3 Folded Plates

In addition to being able to model simple flat plates, the software
can model plates that are folded into complex shapes. A folded
plate is considered a single object for drawing and
manufacturing purposes. Although very powerful, the software is
not a sheet metal package. If a fold does not cover an entire
edge, a bend relief is not modeled. Therefore, the fold is
modeled as a tear. Corner reliefs are not modeled at any time
either.
Folded Plate without Position Adjustment

Convert two neighboring plates into a folded plate.
Create individual flat plates representing each flat face of

your finished object. These plates should be positioned with
the joined edges touching in the required location.

without position adjustment).
(Folded plate
Figure 119
Please identify the plate to connect to: Select the plate that is
not going to move when folded.
Please identify the plate to be connected: Select the plate

that is going to move when folded.
A fold is modeled between the plates and the Folded Plate

Fold Line Properties dialog box opens.
Any plate features that already exist in the individual pieces of
plate are preserved and remain in the correct position relative to
the piece of plate.
Folded Plate with Position Adjustment

Joins any two plates together into a folded plate. The second
plate is moved and rotated so the selected edges are joined and
the plates do not have to be touching at the start.
119
Create the required flat plate pieces.

position adjustment).
(Folded Plate with
Figure 1110
Please identify the plate to connect to near an edge: Select

the plate that is not going to not move near the edge that
should be joined to the other plate.
Please identify the plate to be connected near an edge:

Select the plate that is going to move near the edge to be
joined.
Angle: Enter the required fold angle.
The second plate is moved so that the midpoints of the selected

edges touch and is then be tilted to the specified angle. The
Folded Plate Fold Line Properties dialog box opens.
Any plate features that already exist in the individual pieces of
plate are preserved and remain in the correct positions relative to
the piece of plate.
When setting the sizes of individual plates remember to allow for
the plate thickness in your required final dimensions. The
individual plates on the left are aligned before the fold is applied.
Figure 1111
1110
Plates
Create Conical Folded Plate

Creates a folded plate between any two closed polyline shapes.
This was originally used for hoppers or ducting type shapes in
which rectangles are converted into round sections. The
command can merge any two shapes together.
Create two closed polyline shapes above each other on

different Z planes.

folded plate).
(Create conical
Figure 1112
Select start shape type [Contour/Beam] <C>: Select the

Contour option.
Select contour: Select the polyline for the top of the cone and
accept.
Select end shape type [Contour/Beam] <C>: Select the

Contour option.
Select contour: Select the polyline for the bottom of the cone
and accept.
The Conical Folded Plate dialog box opens. Complete the

required options before continuing.
Figure 1113
1111
Facets per corner/quadrant: How many flat segments

are used to convert a sharp corner into a curve?
Plate thickness: How thick should your plate be?
Plate Justification: Select whether the shapes you drew
were the inside or outside edges of the plate or between
the two.
Click the OK button when you have set the required options.
A shaped folded plate is created, merging the two selected

shapes.
Create Twisted Folded Plate

Creates a twisted, folded plate between any two lines, arcs, or
polylines.
Create the lines, arcs, or polylines that represent the edges of

the plate.

folded plate).
(Create twisted
Figure 1114
1112
Please select two entities (arcs, lines, polylines, splines)

close to the end from where the creation of the folded plate
should begin.~>Please select the first entity: Select the
element for one edge of your plate near one end.
Please select the second entity: Select the element for the
other edge of your plate near the same end.
The Twisted Folded Plate Properties dialog box opens.

Complete the required settings before continuing.
Plates
Figure 1115
Number of division points: How many folds should be

used to create the finished plate?
Plate Thickness: Set the thickness of your plate.
Justification: Set the side of the selected elements on
which plate should be located.
Radius Factor: The fold radius is set to this value
multiplied by the plate thickness.
Click the OK button when you have set the required values.
A shaped folded plate is created, merging the selected elements

as its edges.
A folded plate with flat facets is created to go between the two
selected edges. If the shape can be created using fewer facets
than you set in the Properties dialog box it is done. If the two
elements selected are coplanar the result is a single flat plate (no
facets) of the required shape.
Wit this command you can select Lines, Arcs, Polylines, or 3D
Polylines, Splines, or Helixes to create the folded plate. The
polylines can include straight or arc segments, but you cannot
use a curved polyline (one that uses the Fit or Spline options)
Fold Line Properties

After it has been created the folded plate is treated as a single
object. After creation you cannot return to the Conical Folded
Plate Properties dialog box. Selecting Advance Properties
opens the Plate Properties or Fold Line Properties dialog box,
depending on what was selected.
If you select a flat piece of plate and select Advance Properties
the normal Plate Properties dialog box opens.
1113
If you select the curved portion of plate between two flats and
select Advance Properties the Fold Line Properties dialog box
opens.
Figure 1116
Angle: Enter the angle of fold according to the image.
Justification: Set whether the fold radius should be

measured on the inside surface, outside surface, or between
the two.
Radius: Enter the required bend radius.
If you change the angle the associated plate moves to suit. All of
the features in the plate are preserved in the plate segment.
Deleting Folded Plates

If you select a flat segment of a folded plate and press <Delete>
the entire folded plate is deleted.
If you select the fold between two flat segments of plate and
press <Delete>, the fold is deleted and the flat segments are no
longer joined.
Check Unfolding
When creating folded plates it would be possible to model
something that could not be developed into one sheet of
material. To ensure that you have not done so, you can use the
Check Unfolding command.
1114
Plates
(Check unfolding).
Figure 1117
Please select folded plate: Select the folded plate that you
want to check.
Display unfolded representation [Yes/No] <Y>: Yes
A green outline of the developed plate is displayed.

If the plate cannot be unfolded safely the following prompt
displays before the Display unfolded representation [Yes/No]
<Y>: prompt:
Selected folded plate cannot be correctly unfolded!
Display unfolded representation [Yes/No] <Y>:
If you enter Yes a preview of the theoretical unfolded outline
displays, enabling you to identify where the overlap would occur.
If no message is displayed, the plate can be safely developed
into a flat pattern.
Once you have finished with the unfolded outline you can
remove it from the display by clicking
(Clear Marked
Objects) in the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Selection
category.
Figure 1118
1115
11.4 Gratings
In the Autodesk Advance Steel software, a Grating is special
kind of plate. There are special commands for drawing the
grating, but after creation it can be modified, etc., in the same
way as any other plate. Gratings are modeled as a flat plate
shape, but are visually distinguished by the hatch pattern that is
applied to one surface. The details of the hatch pattern are
representative and do not match the exact specification of the
grating.
Standard Grating
Creates a model of a standard grating panel.
In the Objects tab>Grading panel, click

Grating).
(Standard
Figure 1119
Pick a point to locate the grating: Select a point for the center
of the grating panel.
A default grating panel is created and the Standard Grating

1116
Plates
Figure 1120
In the Shape and Connector tab, select the required grating.
Variable Grating, Polygonal

Creates a piece of grating of any size and shape.
In the Objects tab>Grading panel, click

Grating, Polygonal).
(Variable
Figure 1121
Please specify points that define the grating's contour: Select

a point for the first corner of your grating.
Polygon vertex 2: Select a point for the second corner of your

grating.
1117
Polygon vertex 3: Select a point for the third corner of your

plate.
Polygon vertex 4: You can continue to select as many points

as needed. When you have selected at least three points you
can finish the grating by pressing <Enter> or right-click to
connect the last point to the first.
A grating is modeled with the straight edges of the shape you

have defined and the Variable Grating Properties dialog box
opens.
Select the required grating specification in the Shape and
Connector tab.
Variable Gating, Rectangular

Create a rectangular piece of grating of any size.
In the Objects tab>Grating panel, click

Rectangular
(Variable Grating,
Figure 1122
Please define the start point of the grating's diagonal line:

Select a point for one corner of your grating.
Please define the end point of the grating's diagonal line:

Select a point for the diagonally opposite corner of your
grating.
A rectangular piece of grating is modeled between the selected

points and the Variable Grating Properties dialog box opens.
Set the grating specification as required in the Shape and
Connector tab.
Span Direction
The span direction of the grating (the direction of the largest
sections) is indicated by the direction of the hatch pattern and a
symbol in the middle of the hatch.
1118
Plates
Figure 1123
For a Standard Grating the span direction is always parallel to

the shortest edge of the panel.
For a Variable Grating you can set a custom span direction.
When created, a span direction that is parallel to the UCS X-axis
is set. You can modify this setting, if required.
Select the variable grating.
Locate the Span direction symbol near the center of the

grating.
Locate the grip at the end of the symbol and select it.
Move the grip until the required span direction is indicated

and click again.
1119
Practice 11b
Remodel Ducting and Add

Plates
1. Recreate the ducting in the Feature Practice file.
2. Change the AutoCAD layer state to Plate Practice.
3. Remodel the magenta ducting on the end of the brown duct.
Figure 1124
4. This requires that the four plates be turned into a folded plate
and then a conical folded plate be created based on the
yellow polyline and circle provided.
5. Add Plates to Platform joints to the training structure.
6. Add plates to the top of the RHS columns on grid C4 and D4,
as shown in the drawings.
1120
Chapter 12
Plate Features
Contour Features
Contour Processing Properties
Plate Contour Features Non UCS
Chamfers and Fillets
Dividing and Joining Plates
121
122
Plate Features
12.1 Contour Features

The Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Features category
contains plate feature commands that do not include UCS in
their names. They are located at the bottom of the palette. These
features work in the same way as the UCS versions, but the
direction of the cut is always perpendicular to the surface of the
plate.
As with beams, you might need to cut holes or shapes into
plates. This is done using Plate Features.
Contour features create cut outs of a closed shape anywhere on
your plate. In each case the contour shape is drawn in the
current UCS. Therefore, you always need to ensure that the
UCS is set correctly first (usually on top of your plate).
Rectangular Contour, Centre, UCS

Enables you to cut a rectangular shape through a plate based on
one reference point for the position.
Ensure that the UCS XY plane is on your plate.

click
(Rectangular contour, center, UCS).
Figure 121

plate that you want to cut.
Please select the center of the cope: Select a point to

A rectangular cut out is placed in your plate at the selected point

and with a default size. The Contour Processing Properties
dialog box opens.
123
Rectangular Contour, 2 Points, UCS

Enables you to create a rectangular cut out in a plate using two
points to define its position and size.

click
(Rectangular Contour, 2 points, UCS).
Figure 122

Please select two diagonal points for rectangular contour, first

point: Select a point for the first corner of your cut out.
,second point: Select a point for the diagonally opposite

corner of your cut out.
A rectangular cut out is created in the plate between the two

selected points and the Contour Processing Properties dialog
box opens.
Circular Contour, Centre, UCS

Enables you to place a circular cut out in a plate using one
reference point for the position.
124
Plate Features

click
(Circular contour, Centre, UCS).
Figure 123

Please select the center of the plate cope: Select a point for
the center of your cut.
A circular cut out is created at a default size and centered on the

selected point. The Contour Processing Properties dialog box
opens.
Circular Contour, 2 Points, UCS

Creates a circular cut out in a plate using a center point and
radius to control its position and size.

click
(Circular contour, 2 Points, UCS).
Figure 124

Please select the center of the plate cope: Select a point for
the center of your cut out.
125
Circle radius: Select a point to define the radius of your cut

out.
A circular cut out is created at the specified position and size and
the Contour Processing Properties dialog box opens.
Polygon Contour, UCS

Creates a cut out of any shape using lines and arcs for edges.

click
(Polygon contour, UCS).
Figure 125
126

Please specify start point or select [Polyline(s)]: Select a

point for one corner of your cut out.
Please select point or [<A>rc]: Select a point for the second

corner of your shape.
Please select point or [<A>rc/<C>lose]: If you want to draw

an arc for an edge, enter A for the Arc option.
Please select point or [<S>econd Point/<L>ine/<C>lose]:

Pick a point for the end of the arc. The arc is tangential to the
last segment.
Please select point or [<S>econd Point/<L>ine/<C>lose]: To

return to straight edges, enter L for the Line option.
Please select point or [<A>rc/<C>lose]: Continue selecting

points and drawing edges as needed.
Plate Features
Please select point or [<A>rc/<C>lose]: After you have

selected at least three points you can finish the shape by
pressing <Enter> or right-click to join the last point with the
first.
A cut out of the specified shape is created and the Contour

Processing Properties dialog box opens.
Alternatively, you can draw the required shape as a polyline
before using this command. At the Please specify start point or
select [Polyline(s)] prompt, enter P for the Polyline option and
select the polyline. Your predefined shape is cut out of the plate.
Element Contour
Makes a cut through a plate around a section.

click
(Element Contour, UCS).
Figure 126

Please identify the object to cut to: Select the section to cut
around.
The cut is created matching the shape of the selected section

and the Contour Processing Properties dialog box opens.
127
12.2 Contour Processing

Properties
Regardless of the contour command that is used to create the
shape, the Properties dialog box is basically the same.
Figure 127
Shape tab
Width X and Length Y: Only used for rectangular cut

outs. Set the size of the cut out.
Radius: Only used for circular cut outs. Set the size of the
cut out.
Positioning tab
Offset: Regardless of which method you used to define

the cut out, you can adjust the position of the cut out
relative to the selected points.
Contour tab
128
Gap Width: If your shape is drawn to match another

object (such as an Element Contour) this can be used to
create a minimum clearance.
Side 1 and Side 2: If selected, the depth of cut on that
side of the XY plane is limited to the stated distance. Note
that the green contour for the cut is drawn on the XY
plane of the current UCS. This distance measures from
the green shape.
Plate Features
Straight Cut: If the contour is not parallel to the surface of

the plate, selecting this option adjusts the cut in the plate
so the edges are perpendicular to the surface of the plate
while ensuring that the specified shape remains clear all
of the way through.
If the UCS is not parallel to the surface of the plate, or if using
Element Contour and the section is not perpendicular to the
surface of the plate, the shape is not square to the plate. The cut
is still the defined shape and avoids a clash with the other
members. However, for manufacture it is easier to have the
edges of the cut perpendicular to the plate surface, so the
Straight Cut option is intended to be used in this situation.
129
Practice 12a
Ducting
1. Cut the Duct around the blue beam in the Feature Practice
drawing.
2. At the end of the ducting in Feature Practice file, cut a
contour around the blue beam with a 5mm clearance.
1210
Plate Features
12.3 Plate Contour Features

Non UCS
Note that the bottom of the palette has plate feature commands
that are very similar to those above but do not include UCS in
their names. These features work in the same way as those
above, but the direction of the cut is always perpendicular to the
surface of the plate.
Figure 128
1211
12.4 Chamfers and Fillets

Chamfer and Fillet features cut the edges from your plate and
can only be placed on an edge. The UCS position is not
important.
Corner Cut
Cuts a corner from your plate by selecting near the corner that
you want to cut.

click
(Corner cut).
Figure 129
Please select the plate near the corner for the fillet creation:
Select the plate that you want to cut near the corner of the
required chamfer.
Please identify the plate to be modified near the edge

towards that which should be cut: Select the other edge of
the plate for the Chamfer to go to.
The cut is placed at a default size and the Edge Processing

Properties dialog box opens. Set the required size for the
chamfer or type of the fillet. The distances are measured from
the corner along the edge of the plate.
1212
Straight: Cuts off the corner with a straight line at the angle
and distances set.
Convex: Rounds off the corner of a plate with a convex curve

(external fillet).
Plate Features
Concave: Rounds off the corner of a plate with a concave

curve (internal fillet).
Figure 1210
Bevel Cut
Cuts a chamfer along one of the long edges of the plate.

click
(Bevel cut).
Figure 1211
Please identify object: Select the plate edge that you want to
remove.
A chamfer is placed along the edge and the Weld Preparation

Bevel Properties dialog box opens. Enter the required angle and
leg length(s) for the chamfer or select the fillet type.
1213
Note that Weld preparations are not usually displayed on the

model in shaded views. If you want to display them you must set
the Display Type of the plate to Exact with Weld Preparations.
Figure 1212
1214
Plate Features
12.5 Dividing and Joining Plates

Additional commands are available for dividing a plate into
several pieces or joining several plates into one.
Split Plate by Two Points

Cuts a plate into two pieces with a straight cut between two
defined points.

points).
(Split plate by 2
Figure 1213
Select plate: Select the plate that you want to cut.
Select first point of split line or [Gap]: Select a point at one

end of the cut.
Select second point of split line: Select a point at the other

end of the cut.
The plate is immediately divided into two pieces with the

specified cut.
Split Plate at Lines

Cuts a plate into two pieces with a cut that is created by
AutoCAD elements.
Draw the required cut on the surface of your plate using

AutoCAD lines, arcs, or polylines.
1215

lines).
(Split plate at
Figure 1214
Select plate~>Select objects: Select the plate that you want

to cut and accept.
Select line or [Gap]: Select the AutoCAD lines, arcs, or

polylines that you want to use for the cut and accept.
The plate is immediately cut into two pieces along the selected
line(s).
Merge Plates
Combines multiple plates with common edges into a single plate.
(Merge Plates).
Figure 1215
Select plate~>Select objects: Select the plates that you want

to combine and accept.
The plates immediately become one single plate.

Note that each plate must share at least one edge with one of
the other selected plates.
1216
Chapter 13
Connection Elements
Bolts
Bolt Properties
Anchors
Welds
Edit Connected Objects
131
132
Connection Elements
13.1 Bolts
To connect separate objects together when manufacturing or
assembling structures welds and bolts must be used. Various
tools can be used to create them in your Autodesk Advance
Steel models.
The commands for placing Bolts are also used to place Anchors,
Empty Holes, or Shear Studs. The type of object that is currently
placed depends on the setting of the switch. The icon next to the
switch indicates which mode is active.
In the Objects tab>Switch panel, click
(Switch Bolts/
Anchors/Holes/Shear Studs) repeatedly until Bolts is the active
mode.
Figure 131
It is recommended that you ensure that the UCS XY plane is on

the surface of the objects that you want to join before using these
commands.
When a bolt pattern is created the holes to be used by the bolts
are created automatically.
Rectangle, 2 Points
Places a rectangular pattern of bolts based on two points that
define the position and spacing.
In the Objects tab>Connection Objects panel, click

(Rectangle, 2 Points).
Figure 132
133
Please select the parts to be connected~>Select objects:

Select all of the parts that you want to bolt together and
accept.
Lower left corner: Select a point for one corner of your bolt
pattern.
Upper right corner: Select the diagonally opposite corner of

your bolt pattern.
A pattern of bolts is placed and the Bolts Properties dialog box

opens.
Rectangle, Corner Point

Places a rectangular pattern of bolts based on one corner to

(Rectangle, Corner Point).
Figure 133

accept.
Start point: Select a point for one corner of your bolt pattern.

opens.
Rectangle, Centre Point

Places a rectangular pattern of bolts based on a center point to
134
Connection Elements

(Rectangle, Centre Point)
Figure 134

accept.
Central point: Select a point for one corner of your bolt

pattern.

opens.
Circular, Centre Point

Places a circular pattern of bolts based on a center and radius.

(Circular, Center Point).
Figure 135

accept.
Centre of circle: Select a center point for the bolt pattern.
Radius of circle: Select a radius for the bolt pattern.
A circular pattern of bolts is placed and the Bolt Properties dialog

box opens.
135
Shift Bolts/Holes
Sometimes, depending on how the sections were created, a bolt
pattern might display in the wrong flange of a section. This can
be corrected using this command.

Bolts / Holes).
(Shift
Figure 136
Please select the bolt/hole pattern you want to move:~>

Select objects: Select the bolt pattern that you want to move
and accept.
Please select the element (beam or plate) that defines the

reference area: Select the correct flange for the section.
The bolts immediately move to the correct flange.
136
Connection Elements
13.2 Bolt Properties

Regardless of how it is placed, similar properties are available
for a bolt group.
Figure 137
Definition tab
Type: Select the required type of bolt connection.

Grade: Select the required bolt grade.
Bolt Assembly: Select the required set of objects, such
as Standard = Bolt, Washer & Nut or N+2W = Bolt,
Washer, Washer, or Nut.
Diameter: Select the nominal diameter of the bolt.
Hole Tolerance: Set the required general hole clearance.
For example, a 20mm bolt with 2mm tolerance = a 22mm
diameter hole.
Inverted: Select this option to switch the bolt and nut so
that the head of the bolt is at the other side of the
connection.
Finish Calculation at Gap: Usually selected so that a
bolt only goes through one flange in a section. For RHS
sections this can mean that the bolt heads or nuts can be
in inaccessible places. Clear the option to have the bolt go
through the section so that the Head or Nut are easily
accessible on the outside of the section.
137
Distance tab: Only used for rectangular patterns.
If you want to place a

single bolt in the middle
of an area, but there is
no center point to snap
to, use Rectangle, 2
Points instead. Select
the corners of the area
in which you want to
place the bolt and set
the Number X and
Number Y values to 1.
One bolt is added to the
middle of the area.
For threaded holes, a
hole tolerance of zero
must be set to ensure
that the correct thread is
displayed on the
drawings. However, a
zero clearance hole
displays as a clash
during Collision Checks.
You have to recognize
and ignore these
clashes.
138
Number X and Number Y: Sets the number of bolts in

that direction.
Total Length and Total Width: The size of the area that
you have defined.
Intermediate Distance X and Y: The space between the
bolts in each direction.
Edge Distance X and Y: The distance from the edge of
the selected area to the first bolt.
Changing one value recalculates the others. Total Length
= (Number X * Intermediate Distance X) + (2 * Edge
Distance X). You would not normally want to change the
Total sizes, but can use the other values to create the
required bolt pattern in the specified area.
Size tab: Only used for Circular patterns. Set the Radius and
Number of Bolts.
Hole Definition tab: Overrides the general hole tolerance

and hole type for a specific member of the joint.
Part: Select the part in which you want to change the
hole. The selected part is highlighted in red in the model.
Type: Select the required type of hole.
Depending on the type of hole selected different options are
available for controlling. Set these other options to suit your
needs.
Connection Elements
13.3 Anchors
Anchors work in the same way as bolts. When using a Base
Plate type joint, Anchors are placed automatically instead of
bolts.
You can place anchors directly as with bolt groups:
If you have bolts or

welds that do not
connect to anything in
your model, they can be
located when you do a
Technical Check.
In the Objects tab>Switch panel, click

(Switch Bolts/
Anchors/Holes/Shear Studs) repeatedly until Anchors is the
active mode.
Use one of the bolt placement commands.
The range of Anchors includes hooked anchors of various

shapes. To control the direction in which the hook is added you
can edit the Anchor group and change the setting in the
Orientation tab.
139
13.4 Welds
Although the weld beads are not actually modeled it is vital that
welds are identified correctly in the model to be able to add the
correct information to drawings and to identify fabricated
assemblies.
Welds are identified in the model by pink crosses. They are only
displayed in the 2D Wire Frame visual style.
Weld Point
To insert a weld manually, use the Weld Point command.

Point).
(Weld
Figure 138

Select all of the parts that you want to weld together and
accept.
Please define insertion point of the weld: Select a point on

the correct edge of your parts. The selected point is used in
the drawings to locate the weld note.
A weld is placed and the Weld Properties dialog box opens.
Figure 139
1310
Upper Weld tab: Define the symbol that is going to be

displayed on the upper side of the weld symbol in the
drawing. In the Autodesk Advance Steel software this is
always the side of the material to which the arrow is pointing.
Connection Elements
Weld Type: Select the required type of weld.

Surface Shape: Select the required shape for the top of
the weld bead.
Weld Preparation: Select the required weld preparation.
Thickness: Set the size of the weld.
Lower Weld tab: Sets the weld definition for the far side of the
material to which the arrow is pointing. It is displayed at the
bottom of the weld symbol on drawings.
Weld Type: Cannot change this if a double-sided weld is

selected in the Upper Weld Weld Type box. Set to None
if a lower weld is not required.
Distance From Upper: Thickness of the material being
welded on both sides (e.g., gap between the upper and
lower bead)
Weld Definition tab
Location: Select Site or Shop to indicate where the weld

is to be created.
Continuous: Select this box to toggle on the All Round
symbol on the weld symbol in drawings.
Additional Data tab
Text Module>Proceeding: Enter any extra comments or

notes in the text box and they are displayed in the
drawings.
1311
13.5 Edit Connected Objects

If your bolt or weld does not currently connect the required
objects you can adjust the included objects using these
commands.
Add Connection Objects

Adds additional objects to a connection. If the connection is a
bolt group the grip is adjusted to include the new object(s).

Objects to Connection)
(Add
Figure 1310
Please select connecting element (bolt or weld):~>Select

objects: Select the bolt group or weld to adjust and accept.
Select the parts (beam or plate) of the connection to be

inserted or removed~>Select objects: Select the object(s) to
add to the joint and accept.
The connection is immediately adjusted to suit.
Remove Connection Objects

Removes selected objects from a connection. If the connection
is a bolt group the grip is adjusted accordingly.

(Delete Objects from Connections).
Figure 1311
1312
Connection Elements
Please select connecting element (bolt or weld):~>Select

objects: Select the bolt group or weld to adjust and accept.
Select the parts (beam or plate) of the connection to be

inserted or removed.~>Select objects: Select the object to
remove from the connection and accept.
The connection is immediately adjusted to suit.
1313
Practice 13a
Add Bolts and Welds

1. Add Bolts and Welds to the top joints of columns C4 and D4.
2. Add the required Bolts and Welds to the joints at the top of
the RHS columns on grid C4 and D4, as shown in the
drawings.
1314
Chapter 14
Custom Connections
Introduction
Modeling the Custom Connection
Building Bricks
Creating Connection Template
Insert Connection Template
141
142
Custom Connections
14.1 Introduction
It is not always possible to use a joint from the Connection Vault
for your situation. However, while the situation might be
uncommon in the industry, you might want to use that
configuration many times. To do so you can create a Custom
Connection to suit your needs.
For example, a conservatory manufacturer wants to have
concealed connections between members and designs a special
joint for this purpose. Although this special joint is not part of the
Autodesk Advance Steel Connection Vault they want to use the
joint frequently. Therefore, they create a Custom Connection.
You can also use a Custom Connection when you have a
common arrangement of several beams and joints that are often
repeated, such as the bottom of a hip rafter. Different people
have different solutions for connecting the bottom of the hip
rafter. One variation would be to create a cross beam at an
angle, add a simple connection on either end of the cross beam,
and then add a simple connection between the hip rafter and the
cross beam. The entire arrangement of cross beam and three
joints could be created as a custom connection so that it is quick
and easy to place in future.
In this example you can go from this
Figure 141
143
to this in one move.
Figure 142
In this example the red members are part of the Custom

Connection, which has a blue joint box rather than a gray one.
144
Custom Connections
14.2 Modeling the Custom

Connection
The first step in creating a custom connection is to manually
model a typical example of the joint. To do so you can use any of
the modeling methods that are available in the Autodesk
Advance Steel software. This can include other joints from the
Connection Vault if your custom joint is a combination of
common elements.
When modeling your sample joint, do so in a separate file rather
than in the actual project model. This file becomes a library file
for custom connections. Ensure that you use good modeling
practices, such as ensuring that system lines meet and
assigning model roles to all of the parts. Do not number the parts
unless you want the part to have the same number when it is
used, regardless of the model content.
145
14.3 Building Bricks

To help model the sample joint efficiently and include some
intelligent variation options, the software contains a number of
Building Bricks. These are similar to micro-joints. Each one only
creates one or two simple objects, but those objects have some
simple intelligence, such as automatically putting a plate on both
flanges of a beam.
In this example, you might model a plate manually on each
flange, setting the size and position of the plates. However, when
these plates are included in a Custom Connection, the position
and size of these plates is fixed relative to the joint. If the beam in
one use was a different size to another use, the plates would be
in the wrong place at least once.
Instead, you could use one of the Building Bricks in the Custom
Connections Palette. In this example, you would select the Plate
Along Beam Flange brick. It places one or two plates on the
flanges of a beam at the selected end. The plate size and
position is controlled in the Properties dialog box and the gap
between the plates is self-adjusting to the two flanges of the
beam.
Figure 143
146
Custom Connections
When this is used in a Custom Connection and placed on beams

of different sizes the two plates are always placed correctly on
the flanges of each beam.
The range of Building Bricks available is going to be expanded in
future releases of the software.
Figure 144
147
14.4 Creating Connection

Template
Once you have modeled all of the components for your
connection you need to convert them into a Connection
Template before they can be used as a single joint.
Ensure that all of the features and joint boxes related to the
objects in your joint are displayed.
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Custom Connection

category, click
(Create Connection Template).
Select the appropriate definition method for future joint

placement.
Figure 145
Depending on the selected definition method, select and

accept the appropriate beams and members as prompted.
The User Template dialog box opens.
Figure 146
148
Custom Connections
Enter an appropriate name for your joint to be able to

recognize it in future.
Click the Select output objects button and select ALL of the
objects that relate to your connection, including beams,
plates, features, welds, bolts, and joint boxes.
Figure 147
Enter the required prompts at the Driver selection prompts.

Each prompt starts with Select. Therefore, if you enter Hip
Rafter, the prompt would be Select Hip Rafter.
When finished with the input, close the dialog box. A blue
joint box should display around the sample joint.
Figure 148
Before you can use the new Custom connection in another

model you must save the model with the sample connection in
the following path: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Advance Steel
2015\Shared\ConnectionTemplates\.
You can model a number of custom connections in the same file
as a library file, but this should not be an actual project model.
Name the file with a recognizable name so that you can easily
identify it later.
149
14.5 Insert Connection Template

To use a custom connection that you have previously created,
you can use the Insert Connection Template command.
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Custom Connection

category, click
(Insert Connection Template).
Figure 149
In the Connection Template Explorer, select the required

library file and joint and then click the OK button. It only
displays the files in the path.
Figure 1410
Select the appropriate members as prompted. The prompts

were defined when you created the template.
The joint is placed. In the limits of the joint definition and the
parts it contains, the joint works in any orientation and updates
according to the members on it has been placed.
The User Template Properties dialog box contains the Allow
Object Modification option.
1410
Custom Connections
Figure 1411
If you select this option you can use most of the editing functions
on any part in the joint. For example, you can move the cross
beam up or down in the Hip Rafter joint example. You can also
access the Joint Properties for any Building Bricks or full Joints
that are included in the User Template and edit the properties as
required, such as changing the bolt spacing.
If the Allow object modification option is not selected you
cannot edit anything inside the joint.
If you select the blue joint box or any part in the custom joint and
select Custom Connection Properties, the User Template
dialog box opens, enabling you to toggle Allow object
modification on or off.
After placing your first User Connection you can use the Joint
Copy and Joint Group commands as required to work
efficiently when placing the joint in multiple locations.
The following example shows the same joint in four locations
covering different beam sizes and with different stiffener
dimensions in one position.
Figure 1412
1411
1412
Chapter 15
Structural Elements
Bracing
Stairs
Hand Rails
Cage Ladders
Cladding
3D Drawing Tips
151
152
Structural Elements
15.1 Bracing
In addition to the Portal Frame and Mono-Pitch Frame tools
discussed in Chapter 7, Basic Structures, many other useful
macros are available for creating common structural elements.
This command can be used to create bracing in a specific area.
It has the option of creating many common configurations, such
as crossed, single angle, or multiple pitch from any sections.
Set the UCS XY plane to the plane in which you want the bracing
to be located. Ensure that X is horizontal and Y is vertical.

(Bracing).
Figure 151
Please select first point: Select the bottom left corner of the
area that you want to brace.
Please select second point: Select the top right of the area
that you want to brace.
The default bracing is created and the Bracing Properties dialog

box opens.
Figure 152
153
Type and Section tab
Bracing Type: Select whether you require Crossed,

Single, or Inserted style bracing.
Member Type: Select simple (one member in each
direction), double mirrored (two members in each
direction per the image on the left), or flipped (two
members in each direction per the image on the right).
Member Split: Only used for Crossed Bracing. Select
whether to split in one or the other direction or both into
two lengths.
Section size: All of the members are the selected size.
Gap: Set the gap between passing members.
Geometry tab
When adding bracing

between building
columns you can pick
an area beneath floor
beams or eaves ties by
selecting the node
points as normal and
using Offset from top
or Offset from Bottom
to move the corners of
the bracing into a clear
space.
154
Number of fields: Set the number of sets of bracing that

you want to have within the selected area.
Offset from top or bottom: Set this value to move the
top or bottom of your bracing up or down from the edge of
the area. This is used to make the bracing miss a beam at
the top or bottom of your area.
Structural Elements
15.2 Stairs
Stairs are such common and important parts of a structure that
the Autodesk Advance Steel software has several macros for
creating different types of stairs.
In all cases ensure that the UCS is set with Z vertical. You can
use the WCS for all stairs.
Straight Stair
Creates a straight flight of stairs with an optional landing at the
top and bottom. This is defined using two points at either end of
the flight of stairs (the angled portion, not the landings).
Figure 153

(Straight Stair).
Figure 154
Give the first point for the stair: Select a point for the bottom
of the flight.
Give the second point for the stair: Select a point for the top
of the flight
Align stair: Left=0, Middle=1 (default), Right=2: If you stand at

the bottom of the stairs looking up, on which side of the points
should the flight be built? Enter 0 for left, 1 for middle, or 2 for
right.
155
A flight of stairs is modeled and the Straight Stair Properties

dialog box opens.
Figure 155
Distances, Stringer tab
Length, Width, Height: Set the required dimensions for

the stair, excluding the landings. Some of the stair treads
have a fixed width so the width of the stair might be fixed
until you change the tread type. If you change the width or
height, the bottom point that you have selected remains
fixed and the stair adjusts about it.
Stringer Prof. Size Front and Back: Select the section
from which you want the stringer to be created.
Step General>Tread Size tab
Size from formula (2R+G): The rise and going of a stair

flight is usually calculated with the formula 2R+G=value.
The target value is set in Management Tools>Defaults.
On installation, the target is 630. Clear the option if you
want to override the default Rise and Going values.
Step General>Tread Type tab
156
Tread Type: You can select from 24 basic types of tread.

Types 1 to 4 are made of grating or wood and can have a
fixed shape and size, depending on the selected
manufacturer. Types 5 to 21 are folded plates and you
can define almost any dimension for them. Types 22 to 24
are custom user-defined treads and are outside the scope
of this training guide.
Structural Elements
When modeling a stair

case in which each flight
is the same, you can
save a lot of work using
Transform Elements.
Model one flight and
only turn on the front or
rear landing stringer
(depending on direction
of the stair case) top
and bottom. Then use
Transform Elements to
copy the flight up and
rotate the flights into the
required positions. The
landing stringers can
then be joined by a few
extra beams and cover
plates to complete the
stair case.
Step General>Tread Dimensions 1 tab: Set the properties

and sizes for the tread. The exact options vary depending on
the tread type.
Step General > Tread Dimensions 2 tab: Set the properties

for the tread mounting bracket. The exact options vary
depending on the tread type.
Step Top tabs: If activated, the top tread can be different to

the other treads on your flight. These tabs work as they do for
Step General, but only apply to the top tread.
Step Bottom tabs: If activated, the bottom tread can be

different to the other treads on your flight. These tabs work
the same as for Step General, but only apply to the bottom
tread.
Landings>Top Landing prof. tab: Can turn on a front and/or

rear stringer for a landing and set the required section from
which they are to be created.
Landings>Top Landing tab: Set the length of the landing

stringers. Create Lat Tread activates a tread at the landing
level and the Step Top group of tabs.
Landings>Top Cover tab: Set the properties for a cover plate

for the top landing.
Landings>Top Cover Angle tab: Set the properties for the

mounting angle for the top cover if required.
Landings>Bottom... tabs: As for the Landings>Top tabs, but

applied to the bottom landing.
As with any macro you can store your preferred settings in the
Table so you do not have to input the settings each time.
157
Saddle Stair
Creates a flight of stairs with the stringers below the steps rather
than at the side. It is based on four input points.
Figure 156
In the Extended Modeling tab>Structural Elements panel,

click
(Saddle Stair).
Figure 157
Please select the lower left corner in plan: Select point d1 in

the diagram.
Please select the lower right corner in plan: Select point d2 in

the diagram.
Please select the upper left corner in plan: Select point d3 in

the diagram.
Please select the top left corner in elevation: Select point d4

in the diagram.
A flight of stairs is created and the Saddle Stair Properties dialog

box opens.
158
Structural Elements
Figure 158
Treads tab
Tread Thickness, Depth and Width: Set the size of the

treads on the stair.
Stair Section: Select the required section for the stringer
from the list provided.
Slope tab: Add further dimensions for the treads and
stringers.
As with any macro, you can store your preferred settings in the
Spiral Stair
This command models a complete spiral or helical stair based on
a center point, height, direction, and radius.
In the Extended Modeling tab>Structural Elements panel,

click
(Spiral Stair).
Figure 159
Please select center point of the spiral: Select a point for the
center at the bottom of the flight.
159
Please select a point to define the spiral height: Select a point

to define the height of the flight.
Do you want to specify the <F>irst step or the <L>ast step?

(F/L): Decide whether you want the top tread or bottom tread
to be in a fixed position. Enter F for first or bottom tread and L
for top or last tread. The angle of the fixed tread does not
change. The angle of the other treads and total flight are
calculated based on the parameters in the Properties dialog
box.
Please select start point at the outer edge: Select a point to

define the direction and outside radius for the first or last
tread (as specified in the previous step).
A spiral stair is created as specified and the Spiral Stair

Properties dialog box opens. The spiral stair always includes a
handrail on the outside edge.
Figure 1510
Column & Stringers>General Properties tab.
Outer and Inner Radius of Stair: Set the required sizes.

The inner radius is disabled if you have a center post, so
you must toggle it off first to enable this setting.
Stair direction: Select Clockwise or Anti-clockwise.
Column & Stringers>Central Post tab
1510
Create central post: If selected the idle of the stair is

created from a large post or tube and you can select the
section in the list. If not selected an inside stringer is
modeled from a twisted section.
Structural Elements
Column & Stringers>Cover Plate tab: If you want to add a

cap plate to your central post, you can use this tab to
define it.
Column & Stringers>Stringer tab: Set the required
properties of the outside stringer and inside stringer if
activated.
Steps tab group: Set the dimensions and properties for the
treads.
Tread Connections tab group: Set the dimensions and

properties for how the treads connect to the stringer(s) and
central post.
Posts tab group: Set the properties of the handrail posts.

See Handrails for more information.
Handrails tab group: Set the properties for the top and
middle handrails. See Handrails for more information.
Post Connection tab group: Set the properties defining how

the handrail posts are fixed to the stringer.
Stair Joints
There are two special joints in the connection vault for stair
footings. They are Stairs and Railings>Stair Anchor Base
Plate and Stair Anchor Angle. These are used normally, but
have different options to a normal base plate joint, which are
appropriate to the bottom of stringers.
The joints Stair Endplate with notching and Stair Angle at
the top are intended for use on the top of the stair stringers, but
in many cases ordinary end plate or fin plate joints can be used.
1511
Practice 15a
Create Stairs
1. Create the stairs in the training structure.
2. Model the stairs in the training structure according to the
drawings and apply the appropriate joints at the top and
bottom of the stringers.
1512
Structural Elements
15.3 Hand Rails

Creates a full railing that is mounted on selected beams and with
many configuration options as needed. The rail must be placed
on existing sections in your model. The railing does not have to
cover the full length of the selected sections. Railings can be
created on slopes (such as stair stringers) or horizontal beams.
They can be straight or curved and go around corners.

(Hand-railing).
Figure 1511
Select base beams for railing~>Select objects: Select the

sections to which you want to add the railing. They do not
have to be exactly end to end, but must make a sensible and
obvious path for the rail to follow.
Select start point of railing: Select the point at which you want
the railing to start (it does not have to be the end of a beam).
Select end point of railing: Select the point at which you want
the railing to finish (it does not have to be the end of a beam).
Do you want to select a nosing point relative to the start

point? [Yes/No] <N>: If going up a stair you might want to
measure the railing dimensions from the nosing point of the
stair instead of from the stringer top. If so, enter Yes and
select a nosing point. Otherwise, enter No.
1513
The default railing is created along the specified path and the
Railing Properties dialog box opens.
Figure 1512
Post>Post tab
Section: Select the section from which you want to create

the railing posts.
Alignment of post: Set the required position of the railing
posts relative to the beams on which the railing sits.
Post offset along rail axis: Normally the railing posts are
equally spaced, but if you need to move one post to avoid
an obstacle you can use this option to do so.
Post>Set out of posts tab
1514
Prefer distance 1 and 2: Which value is more important

to you, the spacing between the posts or the distance of
the first and last posts from the end of the rail?
Prefer max dist. between posts: If selected, the number
of posts is calculated to create an equal spacing no larger
than the defined max. distance. If cleared, a fixed number
of posts are created at the resulting spacing.
Calculate dist. for each beam: If working on more than
one beam and this option is selected, a start and end post
on each beam and more posts are added according to the
rules above. If cleared, the entire length of the rail is used
to calculate the spacing and quantity of posts, even if the
space goes around a corner.
Structural Elements
Move start or end base point: When picking start and

end points it is often easiest to pick nodes on the ends of
beams. If this would cause a clash (e.g., with a column)
you can adjust the end positions using these values.
Enter a negative value to make the rail shorter.
Post>Post top handrail tab: Select the joint between the
posts and the top rail. It can be fitted, flush, or cap & stool.
Post>Post middle handrail tab: Select the joint between the

posts and the middle handrail(s).
Post > Post kickrail tab: Select the joint between the posts
and the kickrail, if there is one.
Handrail>Top handrail tab
Section: Select the required section from which to create

the top handrail.
Distance from top of beam: Sets the height to the top
handrail from the top of the beam on which it is placed. If
using a tube for the top rail, the distance is measured to
the center line of the tube. If using another section, the
distance is measured to the top of the section.
Distance from top of sloped beam: You can set a
different height for the handrails on a slope.
Handrail>Middle Handrail horizontal tab
Section: Select the section from which to create the

middle rail(s).
Distance from bottom handrail: Set the height of the
bottom rail from the beam on which the railing is based
(the horizontal railing).
Number of middle handrails: You can have as many
equally spaced middle rails as needed.
Distance between axis: Set the spacing of the middle
rails on a horizontal railing.
Start and End extra length: Set where the middle rail
should end relative to the top hand rail. You can also
select to end at the last rail post.
Handrail>Middle handrail Sloped tab: Spacing of middle
rail(s) on a sloped portion of railing.
Handrail>Balusters tab: Set the section and distances for the
baluster posts.
1515
Create Balusters: If selected, vertical balusters are

created between the bottom and top middle rails. If there
is only one middle rail, the balusters go to the top
handrail.
Handrail>Kick plate tab: Select the section and spacing for
your kick rail. You can select whether to have a rail at all on
the horizontal or sloping sections of the rail.
Handrail>Handrail Handrail tab: Select the joint between

each section of rail when it is based on more than one beam.
Handrail>End of handrail start or End tabs: Set the type of

ending you want to have at the start or end of your rail. You
can select from None, Downstand, Radius, Return, Loop,
or Loop Return and set the properties of each as needed.
Post Fixing tab group: Set the parameters for how the
railing posts fix to the beams on which the railing is based.
Hang off rail tab group: Set the parameters for a hang off
rail if you want to add one.
Any railing created with the macro is constructed as a set of

fabricated assemblies, one per each beam selected. The top rail
is one length per assembly, regardless of how long that is. If you
have short railings going round a corner you can make that into
one piece by setting the Weld Type option in the Handrail>
Handrail handrail tab to Shop.
Table to you do not have to input the settings each time. If the
table has an entry for the section size that is selected when
placing the rail, it automatically selects that specification of
railing.
When selecting end points for the railing, special grips are
placed at these points. Alternatively, you can adjust the overall
length of your railing by moving these grips.
1516
Structural Elements
Length grip
for handrail
Figure 1513
Handrail Joint
If you create two independent hand railings and then want to
have a smooth transition between them, you should use Stairs &
Railings>Handrail Joint in the Connection Vault.
In the Connection Vault, in the Miscellaneous category, click

(Railing joint handrail).
Figure 1514
1517
Select first beam~>Select objects: Select the first handrail

that you want to join and accept.
Select second beam~>Select objects: Select the second

handrail that you want to join and accept.
The rails are adjusted and the Handrails Joint Properties dialog
box opens.
Figure 1515
Select the type of joint that you want to use: Miter cut or Elbow,
and complete the properties as needed. If you select Elbow, the
inserted curved piece of beam matches the section of the first
piece of rail.
1518
Structural Elements
Practice 15b
Add Railings
1. Add all of the railings to the training structure.
2. Add all of the railings to the training structure according to the
drawings. Select the appropriate parameters that match the
drawings where specified or shown. Try to ensure that all of
the joints are smooth and avoid clashes in all of the locations.
1519
15.4 Cage Ladders

The Autodesk Advance Steel software also has a macro for
creating cage ladders.
Set your UCS so that Z is vertical and Y is pointing toward the
person climbing the ladder.

ladder).
(Cage
Figure 1516
Please select the start point of the ladder: Select a point for
the middle of the ladder at the bottom.
Please select the point to define the ladder height: Select a

point for the middle of the ladder at the exit height.
A ladder is created and the Cage Ladder Properties dialog box

opens.
Figure 1517
1520
Ladder>Ladder tab: Set the basic sizes of the ladder.
Structural Elements
Ladder>Sections tab: Select the required sections for the

stringer and rungs.
Ladder>Rung Distances tab: Set the spacing of the rungs.
Ladder>Wall connection tab: Initially the ladder is placed

exactly on the selected points. If these points are on a wall or
in line with beams in your structure you need to move the
ladder away and create connections to the supporting
objects. Use the settings on this tab to do so. The Wall
distance option moves the ladder away from the selected
points.
Ladder>Ladder Exit tab: Six styles of ladder exit shape are

available, including Straight.
Ladder>Edit Dimensions tab: If you are not using a straight

exit you can set the properties here.
Cage>General tab: You can have no cage or use one of the

four shapes of cage on your ladder. Select the type and
properties on this tab.
Finish Cage at Exit Level: If this is not selected the cage

goes all the way up the ladder. If selected the cage stops
at the exit height and enables you to use separate
settings for an exit cage.
Cage>Brace.... tabs: Use these tabs to set the properties of
the horizontal straps of the cage.
Cage>Bands... tabs: Use these tabs to control the properties

of the vertical straps of the cage.
Exit>Top Cage tab: If the main ladder cage exists but stops at
exit level you can use a different top cage around the ladder
exit. You can also select a cage that has exits on the side of
the ladder, rather than in front of the climber.
At this time the top cage can only exist if the ladder exit is set to
Straight.
table so that you do not have to input the settings each time.
1521
Practice 15c
Add a Cage Ladder

1. Add a cage ladder to the training structure.
2. Create the cage ladder in the training structure as shown in
the drawings. Select your own properties where they are not
defined in the drawings.
1522
Structural Elements
15.5 Cladding
Many steel buildings are covered with standard cladding panels.
Similar standard panels can also be used for decking. These
panels are often complex shapes and must be placed at fixed
pitches. To model these objects easily, the Autodesk Advance
Steel software has a three-stage process for creating cladding.
Define Cladding Area

The first stage of the cladding process is to define the area to
clad. This area can be any shape, but must be in a single plane.
Draw an AutoCAD closed polyline representing the area that

you want to clad.

Cladding Area).
(Define
Figure 1518
Do you want to select supporting beams? [Yes/No] <N>:

Enter No. (If you enter Yes, the panel length splits at the
supporting beams.)
Create area [Rectangular/from Polyline] <R>: Enter P for

from Polyline.
Please select a polyline: Select the polyline that you have

created and accept.
Delete selected objects [Yes/No]? <Y>: Enter Yes.
A Cladding Area Object is created that matches the polyline.

Always delete the selected object. If you do not do so, a
Cladding Area Object and a Polyline are created on top of each
other making it difficult to select the correct item later.
1523
Define Cladding Opening

If you want to have openings in your cladding you must define
them as the second stage of the process.
Draw an AutoCAD closed polyline representing the shape of

the required opening. Note that this shape must be in the
same plane as the cladding area.
In the Home tab>Extended Modeling panel,

Cladding Opening).
(Define
Figure 1519
Create opening [Rectangular/from Polyline] <R>: Enter P for

from Polyline.
Select area object: Select the Cladding Area Object that

represents the cladding in which you want add the opening.
DO NOT select the polyline for your opening.
Please select a polyline: Select the polyline that represents

the opening and accept.
Delete selected objects [Yes/No]? <Y>: Enter Yes.
A Cladding Opening Object is created that matches the polyline.

Always delete the selected objects or you create an opening
area object that is on top of the polyline.
Create Claddings
The third and final stage is to create the cladding in the defined
areas.
1524
Structural Elements

Claddings).
(Create
Figure 1520
Select area:~>Select objects: Select the Cladding Area

Object that was created above and accept.
The cladding panels are created and the Cladding Properties

dialog box opens.
Figure 1521
Section Properties tab: Select the required cladding or

decking section in the list. The orientation and finish
properties can also be set.
Cladding General Properties tab
Cladding Direction: Select the Horizontal or Vertical

panels.
Cladding Orientation: Select the end of your area in
which to start laying panels. The last panel width is
reduced accordingly to fit the area.
Upper/Right and Lower/Left level and offset tabs
1525
1526
Upper/Right or Lower/Left level: If set to Same level for

all panels the cladding panels are all the same length
regardless of the shape of the area. If set to Level
according to slope the panel lengths vary to fit the shape
of the area.
Upper/Right or Lower/Left cut according to slope: If
set to Straight Cuts the cladding panels are cut square
regardless of the shape of the area. If set to Sloping Cuts
the panels are cut at an angle (this is always a straight
cut) to best fit the defined area.
Offset: Sets the amount by which the panels overhang
the area.
Structural Elements
15.6 3D Drawing Tips

Cladding is usually added to a structure. Therefore, it is not
unusual for the cladding area to be drawn on top of existing
beams. In these situations various tools are available to help you
when drawing and selecting such objects.
2D/3D Osnaps
When using snap points, to ensure that they are all on the
current drawing plane, use the 2D/3D Snap toggle

category, click
(Turn 2D Snaps On/Off ).
Figure 1522
With 3D snaps active, the Osnaps work as normal. In 2D Osnap

mode, when you hover the cursor over an Osnap point, an
additional symbol displays in line with the point but on the current
XY plane (i.e., ignoring the Z-coordinate). When you select an
Osnap in this mode the point is located on the XY plane.
1527
Cycle Select
After drawing the polyline it might be hard to select it when it is
on top of other objects. You can turn layers off to make this
process easier. If using the Autodesk Advance Steel software on
top of the AutoCAD software, you might also want to become
familiar with AutoCAD
(Selection Cycling) in the Status Bar.
To toggle it on, expand

(Customization) in the Status Bar and
select Selection Cycling.
Figure 1523
Project Explorer Model Views

If you are still having trouble displaying the required objects
clearly, you might want to limit what is on screen to just the
relevant objects in the required area. You can do so using Model
Views. When active, a Model View hides everything but the
selected area. When turned off everything is displayed.
The Project Explorer is a tool that manages Model Views and
other objects.
1528
Structural Elements
To create a model view:
In the Home tab>Project panel, click
(Project Explorer).
Figure 1524
A new panel opens, usually on the left of the screen.
If you want to display everything below a specific elevation,

click Create Level. The Create Level dialog box opens.
Figure 1525
Enter the WCS Z-coordinate for the top of your level in the
Altitude dialog box.
Figure 1526
Or
if you want to select a specific area to include in the view,

click Create New Model View.
Figure 1527
1529
Select a definition method by clicking the appropriate icon

in the dialog box.
Select the objects or points as prompted to define the 3D
volume that you want to include in your view.
Enter the view depths as prompted.
Give view name: Enter a name for your view.
Please select default view direction: A box is drawn
around the defined area and a colored arrow is displayed
pointing at each face of the box. Select the arrow that is
pointing in the direction that you want to use for your view
and accept.
The view is added to the Model Views list in Project Explorer.
Levels are activated immediately but other Model Views are not.
To activate a Model View, click the Light Bulb icon next to the
name in Project Explorer to toggle it on. Click the Light Bulb
icon again to toggle it off and everything should be displayed.
Figure 1528
To ensure that no other settings are hiding objects and that the
entire structure is displayed, click Show All Elements.
Figure 1529
You can close Project Explorer by clicking the small X in the top
right corner of the panel.
1530
Structural Elements
Practice 15d
Add Decking
1. Add some decking to the mezzanine level in the training
structure.
2. Use Project Explorer to create a Level at the mezzanine floor
level (3000).
3. Create a cladding on the mezzanine with an opening around
the tank.
4. Select your own parameters.
1531
1532
Chapter 16
Other Model Objects
Concrete Objects
Special Parts
161
162
Other Model Objects
16.1 Concrete Objects

To complete the model there are a few other types of object that
you might want to include.
Many structures are a mixture of concrete and steel. Most steel
structures are placed on concrete foundations. Although it is not
normally your responsibility to design the concrete items it can
be useful to display the basic shapes to make the models and
drawings more complete.
The Autodesk Advance Steel software contains the following
tools that can be used to model basic concrete shapes: Wall,
Polygon Wall, Rectangular Slab, Polygon Slab, Concrete
Beam, Concrete Curved Beam, Concrete Column, Isolated
Footing, and Continuous Footing. These are located in the
Home tab>Objects panel or Objects tab>Other objects panel.
Figure 161
163
They all work in the same way as steel beams and plates with
the following exceptions.
Figure 162
164
Section shape and size: The generic shape is selected in

the drop-down list, but there are no preset sizes. Instead, you
select the size field and enter the required dimensions. When
you hover the cursor over the size field a formula is displayed
indicating how to enter the dimensions relative to the preview
in the field. By default, all of the concrete dimensions are in
centimeters. For example, for Square Hollow the formula is
C|b|s|r1|r2. Therefore, you could enter C60|10|10|20 for a
600mm square beam with 100mm thick walls, a 100mm
inside radius, and a 200mm outside radius. In this example,
the I section formula is Ioverall height x web thickness +
top flange width x top flange thickness + bottom flange
width x bottom flange thickness.
Fitting: Walls and some other concrete objects automatically

cut around or merge with each other according to specific
rules. Generally, if the finished shape is correct it does not
matter to your design how the fitting is done. Properties for
controlling this are located in the Automatic Fitter tab in the
Advance Properties, but that is outside the scope of this
training guide.
Other Model Objects
Practice 16a
Create Concrete Foundations

1. Model the concrete foundations in the training structure.
2. Create Continuous and Isolated footings in the training
structure, similar to those shown in the drawings.
165
16.2 Special Parts

Many steel structures are designed around other existing
buildings or equipment. It would be useful to display these
objects in the model so you can avoid clashes and to help in
communication. Alternatively, you might sometimes want to
include special proprietary parts in your structures.
It might not be appropriate to model these items out of Advance
Steel objects, but you can still include them in your model as
Special Parts.
Start with a plain AutoCAD solid model of the objects in a

DWG file. The WCS origin in this file should be placed in a
useful location because it becomes the insertion point of the
part.
In your Autodesk Advance Steel model, click

(Advance
Steel Special Part) in the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the
Tools category.
Figure 163
166
Central point: Select a point at which to insert the part (this

matches the WCS origin in the part file).
If the The field Block name cannot contain a zero-value.

Please enter a name in this field. prompt displays, click the
OK button.
Other Model Objects
The Special Part Properties dialog box opens.
Figure 164
Section & Material tab
If this is the first time you are going to use the part, click
the browse button and locate the DWG file. If you have
already used the part in this model, you can select its
name in the Block Name drop-down list.
Weight: By default, the weight of all of the special parts is
set to zero. If you want to include the weight of the part in
your model (e.g., for lifting purposes) you should enter the
correct weight here.
Behavior tab: In most cases these parts are not the
responsibility of the structure designer, they are displayed for
completeness and clash check. Therefore, to ensure that
these parts do not get part numbers or display in the Bills of
Materials, you should clear the Used for numbering and
Used for bill-of-material options as required.
When you close the Properties dialog box the part is inserted.
The WCS axis in the part file is aligned with the current UCS in
your model.
167
Special Parts in your model are included in part numbering, bills

of materials, and weight calculations depending on the
properties that have been set. In the model you can only snap to
the insertion point of the part (using the Insertion Point or Node
Osnaps). If you need other snap points, such as mounting hole
centers, you can place AutoCAD points in the special part file at
the required points before inserting it into your model. These
points are then available as Osnaps in the Autodesk Advance
Steel model.
Anything that can be
turned into an AutoCAD
solid object in a DWG
file can be used as a
special part. This can be
any kind of 3D model
that AutoCAD can
import. A very common
file format that is
recommended for the
transfer of 3D models
between systems is
ACIS (*.sat) files. Most,
if not all 3D modeling
systems on the market
can export to this format
and the AutoCAD
software can import it
using the ACISIN or
Import commands.
168
When creating drawings Special parts only display in assembly

or general arrangement drawings depending on the drawing
style. Automatic dimensions are only created to the insertion
point, but you can add extra manual dimensions to other points
as needed. Detail drawings of Special Parts cannot be created.
Other Model Objects
Practice 16b
Insert the Tank

1. Insert the tank into the training structure.
2. The tank on the outside platform is a special part that is
located in Mechanical Part.dwg. Insert it into the model
correctly.
169
1610
Chapter 17
Project Explorer
Introduction
Levels
Work Planes and Columns
Model Views
Queries
Groups
Show All Objects
Structures
171
172
Project Explorer
17.1 Introduction
When working on a project you often need to display specific
parts of the structure without worrying about other parts. For
example, you might be working on a level in the middle of a
structure and find that it does not display clearly with the rest of
the structure displayed. Alternatively, you might want to isolate a
wing of a building to display it from all angles without the rest of
the building being in the way.
You can use the Project Explorer to do this. It contains tools for
isolating selected objects on the screen based on various
conditions. Isolating the objects on screen makes it easier to see
what you are working on, reduces the processing load for
handling the graphics of the structure on screen, and makes it
easier to select the required objects when editing.
To display the Project Explorer panel in the Autodesk Advance
Steel software, click
Project panel.
(Project Explorer) in the Home tab>
Figure 171
The Project Explorer panel can float anywhere on your screen or

on a second screen if you have one. The panel can also be
docked to the left or right of your normal working area. You can
move the panel by dragging the title bar (in the example it
displays Structures).
173
17.2 Levels
The first type of view that is listed in the Project Explorer is
Levels. These are used to create a slice through your structure
based on the height in the WCS. They are useful in structures
that have multiple stories that each have a flat floor, such as
mezzanines, racking, or buildings.
Creating a Level
To create a level, click

Project Explorer.
(Create Level) at the top of
Figure 172
In the dialog box that opens, enter the details that are
required for the level.
Figure 173
174
Above/Below: Select whether you are adding the level

above or below the building. Below the building would suit
basements or cellars.
The Name defaults to Level ? where ? is the next
available level number. However, you can rename the
level as needed, such as Basement, Roof, or Elevation
+12315.
Project Explorer
The default spacing for levels is 3000 above the previous

level. You can change this as needed. You can set the
Altitude (absolute height above the WCS origin in the
Z-axis) or Height (distance from the base level to this
level). The other value is recalculated automatically.
Base Level defaults to the highest existing level (or lowest
if it is below the building). You can change this to None if
you want to measure from the WCS origin.
When you click the OK button, the level is created.
When a new level is created, it is immediately displayed and

active.
Displaying a Level
The existing levels in your structure are listed at the top of the
Model Views area in the Project Explorer.
Figure 174
Each level displays a Light Bulb icon in front of its name.

Clicking the Light Bulb icon toggles it on or off. When it is
toggled ON, the level is displayed.
175
When a level is displayed, only the model objects between the

selected level and its base level are displayed. Objects that
extend outside this height range are cropped. Special parts are
not cropped.
Figure 175
When more than one level has its light bulb toggled on, all of the
elements between the highest displayed level and the lowest
base level are displayed with everything in the middle.
Therefore, displaying Level 0 and Level 3 in a structure would
display everything from the WCS origin to Level 3, including
Level 1 and Level 2 without toggling them on.
Displaying levels makes it easier to clearly display what you are
working on in specific areas. Hidden objects cannot be directly
selected by selecting them or using selection windows, but ALL
of the parts remain selectable using tools, such as selection
filters. Note that your edits might unexpectedly affect hidden
objects.
Active Levels
When a new level is created it immediately becomes Active. An
Active level causes all of the sections drawn using the beam
commands, such as Rolled I Section, to have both ends of the
system line locked to the active level.
176
Project Explorer
When drawing these objects you can select Osnap points with
any Z-coordinate and the Z is replaced with the current active
level. For example, if you are drawing a mezzanine floor you can
activate a level at the required height and then rotate it to a plan
view. You can then draw the floor beams in plan view selecting
snaps at the column center lines. You do not need to determine
whether the snap is at the top or bottom of the column because
your beam is at the defined height. Other object types are not
affected by active levels.
If you double-click on a level name in Project Explorer the level
becomes active and the model rotates to a plan view of the
structure.
If you edit the level later and change the altitude, all of the beams
associated that are with that level automatically move to the new
altitude. Any joints, etc., that have been applied to those beams
move as well to stay with the beams. Therefore, it is possible to
change the height of a floor and make all of the required edits in
the model quickly.
To restore normal modeling behavior you should deactivate the
level. To activate or deactivate a level, right-click on the level and
select Activate or Deactivate as required.
Figure 176
Activating or deactivating is unique to levels.
177
17.3 Work Planes and Columns

The Project Explorer has a second tab called Work Planes. It
can be accessed by clicking Work Planes at the bottom of the
Project Explorer panel.
In the Work Planes tab there are two boxes with arrows pointing
at a column symbol. These specify the level on which a column
top and bottom should be placed. Therefore, it is possible to
create columns and walls that are intelligently locked to the
required height.
Set the Required Height

To set the required height of a column or a wall, you can select
the required planes. Each Level that is created in the Structures
tab in Project Explorer automatically includes a matching work
plane.
Click the top level button.
Figure 177
178
In the list, select the required work plane for the top of a
column or wall.
Click the Bottom Level button.
In the list, select the required work plane for the bottom of a
column or wall.
Project Explorer
Placing Columns and Walls

The top and bottom levels are set when you use the Column,
Concrete Column, or Wall commands and the resulting object
is automatically placed between the designated levels. If the
level properties change, the tops or bottoms of these objects
automatically adjust to follow. Therefore, you cannot only place
horizontal beams in plan view, but can work in plan view while
drawing these object types having determined that they are the
correct height.
Figure 178
Click the circle symbol at the end of the top or bottom level icons
to clear that option. If there are no entries for the top and bottom,
the default value is used. This is normally zero to 3000mm in the
WCS Z-axis.
179
Practice 17a
Create Levels
1. Create levels in the training structure at the Finished Floor
level, Mezzanine level, and Eaves level.
2. Create a new platform of four beams and columns at the
mezzanine level while working in plan view.
3. Change the mezzanine level properties and verify that the
platform changes accordingly.
1710
Project Explorer
17.4 Model Views

Another way to visually isolate objects is to use Model Views.
Rather than being based on the vertical position, a Model View is
used to isolate objects in a specific 3D volume.
The display of a model view can be toggled on or off using the
Light Bulb in front of the name.
When a model view is displayed only model objects in the
defined view volume are displayed. Objects that are partially
inside the defined area are cropped to only display the relevant
portion. Turning on multiple model views displays everything in
the extremes of all of the views combined, rather than in several
isolated areas.
Model views do not have an equivalent of activating a level, they
are a display tool that is used to reduce the amount of data on
screen, improving clarity and performance. As with levels,
hidden objects can still be selected by commands, such as
selection filters.
If you double-click on a Model View name the view display is
toggled on and the model rotates to the selected Default View
direction.
Model Views display in Project Explorer under the Model Views
group, but in a different collection to Levels.
Figure 179
There are four ways in which a model view can be defined, each
with slightly different properties.
1711
One Point in the UCS

If you want a model view to be centered about a specific point,
this is the easiest tool to use.
In the Project Explorer, click
(Create new Model View).
Figure 1710
One Point in UCS
Figure 1711
1712
Please select point: Select a point anywhere in the space at

which you want the center of your Model View area to be
placed.
Give view name: Type a name for the view and press
<Enter>.
Please select default view direction: A box opens in your

model displaying the Model View area. By default, this is a
1m cube. Six colored arrows point at the cube, one in the
center of each face.
Project Explorer
Figure 1712
Select one of the arrows and accept.
Your model view is created and displays in Project Explorer.
Figure 1713
Two Points in the UCS

The second option for Model View is Two Points in UCS + front
and rear depth. This is ideal if you want to define a view around
a specific area of your model that is not otherwise distinguished.
For example, this could be around a mezzanine floor or balcony
in your building.
1713
Figure 1714
Two points in UCS + Front and Rear Depth.
Figure 1715
1714
Please select first point: Select one corner of the required

view in the XY plane.
Please select second point: Select the opposite corner of the

required view in the XY plane.
Front depth(500.00): Enter a depth in mm in the positive

Z-direction to include in your view (e.g., 1500).
Rear depth(500.00): Enter a depth in mm in the negative

Z-direction to include in your view (e.g. 4000).
Give view name: Enter the required name for your view (e.g.,
Balcony).
Please select default view direction: Select one of the six

direction arrows and accept.
Project Explorer
Figure 1716
Your model view is created in Project Explorer.
Figure 1717
1715
At Grid Line
If you have an Autodesk Advance Steel grid in your model, you
can create a model view directly based on one of the grid lines.
In this case, the length of the grid line defines the width of the
view. The depth of the view defaults to 500 on either side of the
grid line. The height of the view is unlimited.
Figure 1718
At grid line.
Figure 1719
1716
Please select grid line: Select the required grid line or its label
and accept.
Give view name: Enter a name for the view (e.g., Grid C).
Please select default view direction: Select one of the

direction arrows.
Project Explorer
Your view is created in Project Explorer
Figure 1720
At Joint Box
You might want to work on a specific joint and note that it is
clearly in isolation. This Model View is based on the joint box that
is created around any macro driven objects, such as Connection
Vault joints, User Connections, Stairs, Railings, etc.
Figure 1721
At joint box.
Figure 1722
Please select joint box: Select the joint box around the
required objects.
1717
Give view name: Enter a name for your Model View (e.g.,
Stairs).
Please select default view direction: Select one of the colored

arrows for the required view direction and accept.
The model view is created in Project Explorer
Figure 1723
Editing a Model View

You can edit various model views in various ways. If you want to
change the name, right-click on the Model View name in Project
Explorer and select Rename.
If you right-click on the model view name in Project Explorer and
select Properties you can edit the size of the Model View box.
Any changes here are always applied equally about the center
point of the view.
Figure 1724
1718
Project Explorer
However, it is much easier to change the size of a Model View

box using grips. Select the Model View box on the screen to
display the at each modifiable point. Click once on the required
grip to activate it, move to the required location, and click again
to place the grip. Changes are often made equally about the
center depending on the type of view. Changes can also be
made while the Model View is displayed. In this way you can
adjust the view to display it correctly as required.
The size of the Model View is not restricted to the original
creation dimensions. Therefore, the four creation methods can
be selected based on the convenience of getting close to the
required volume and the box can then be adjusted.
Figure 1725
Model View boxes can be hidden or displayed using the tools in

the Quick Views palette, as with any other AS object. They can
also be moved to other layers to help control the display of the
objects.
1719
Practice 17b
Create a Model View

1. Create one of each type of model view. You can use the
examples from the text above or create custom examples.
1720
Project Explorer
17.5 Queries
When working on a structure you might need to locate various
objects based on specific properties. For example, you might
want to select all of the glass objects, all of the beams of a
specific size, all of the objects in a specific lot of phase, or all of
the objects that do not have a Model Role. To achieve this you
should use the Search Filter tool. If you want to save the search
to use again, you can store it in the Queries area in Project
Explorer.
Search Filter
The Search Filter tool is used to search for objects in your
model that have specific properties. All of the Autodesk Advance
Steel properties of any given object type can be searched for.
For example, you can search for all of the objects in Lot 1.
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Selection category,

click
(Search Filter).
Figure 1726
1721
Or
(Create new Query).
Figure 1727
The Search Filter dialog box opens.
General tab: Usually you select Complete Model and

New Marking. The other options are self-explanatory and
enable you to search in the existing selections (Current
Selection) or existing results (Current Marked Set) and
to add or remove the new results from the previous ones.
Objects tab: Select all of the object types that you want to
search for. For example, if you are searching for glass
panels you need to search for plates and possibly folded
plates, but not any other object type. In the example of
searching for Lot 1, you need to find all of the object types
to which a lot or phase might have been assigned.
Therefore, you would select the following objects.
Figure 1728
1722
Project Explorer
Other tabs: Depending on the type of property that you want

to search for, you can find it in different tabs. Properties
unique to plates, gratings, walls, or slabs, such as thickness,
are in the Planar Elements tab. The section size of a beam
would be in the Beams tab. Many object types can have a lot
or phase assigned to them, which is located in the Common
Properties tab. To search for a criterion you must first select
the box to the left of that criteria name. If the box is not
selected, any value that is displayed in the property box is
irrelevant. After selecting the start of the line you can enter
the required value in the box for which to search. Complete
the required search criteria as needed. In the example, you
need to select Lot/Phase in the Common Properties tab and
complete a value of Lot 1.
Figure 1729
Note that the criteria boxes have a NOT column in front of them.
It is possible to search for all of the objects that do not match a
specific criteria. Therefore, you could search for everything that
is NOT made of glass by selecting the Material search box,
selecting the NOT box and selecting Glass as the material for
which to search.
If you click the OK button the search is executed immediately.
1723
Instead of clicking the OK button you can click the Save

button and enter a search name in the small dialog box, such
as Lot 1. Click the OK button.
Figure 1730
This saves the search in the Queries list in Project Explorer.

When you return to the Search Filter dialog box it remembers the
previously used search criteria. The tabs in which the search
criteria has been set are displayed in bold. You can execute the
search again by clicking the OK button or start a new search by
clicking the Reset Dialog button.
When a search is executed, the objects that fulfill the criteria are
Marked in red. These marked objects can be selected by
clicking
(Select all marked objects) in the Advance Steel
Tool Palette, in the Selection category.
Figure 1731
1724
Project Explorer
When you have finished with the search results you can remove
the red marking on the objects by clicking
(Clear marked
objects) in the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Selection
category.
Figure 1732
Using a Saved Query

Once your Query has been saved in Project Explorer it displays
in the Queries list. You can use it in two ways.
Double-click on the name of the query to execute the query
immediately. The matching objects are marked in red as usual.
Figure 1733
1725
If you click the Light Bulb icon, the search is executed and all of
the objects in the model that do not match the results are hidden,
leaving only the matching objects displayed. Object marking is
not done and any existing marking is not affected. Toggling the
Light Bulb off restores the display of all of the objects on the
screen.
Figure 1734
Each time you execute the search the full model is searched
again and the results are new and current. If you change the
properties of objects while the results of a search are displayed,
the results do not update until you execute the search again in
one of the two ways above.
Editing a Saved Query

If you want to change the name of a saved query you can
right-click on the name and select Rename. Enter the new name
as required.
If you want to edit the search criteria you can right-click on the
name and select Properties. The Search Filter dialog box opens
and has been completed according to the saved search. Change
the search criteria as needed and click the Save button to
update the properties of the saved query. If you change the
criteria and click the OK button without clicking the Save button,
the saved query does not change.
1726
Project Explorer
Practice 17c
Saved Query
1. Create a saved Query for all of the 20mm thick plates.
2. Try each method of use.
1727
17.6 Groups
The third and final collection in the Structures tab in Project
Explorer is Groups. These enable you to select any collection of
objects by any means and associate them to each other. For
example, this could be one wing of a building, all of the railings,
etc.
Create a Group
Create a new empty group as follows:
(Create new Group)
Figure 1735
Enter the required group name in the dialog box.
Figure 1736
The group name displays in the Groups list in Project Explorer.

The group itself is empty.
1728
Project Explorer
Figure 1737
Group Contents
Model objects must be added to a group after the group has
been created.
Select the required objects in any way.
Right-click on the group name in Project Explorer and select

Add Elements.
Figure 1738
1729
If you accidentally add incorrect elements to a group they can be

removed from the group.
Select the model objects.
Right-click on the group name and select Remove

Elements.
Figure 1739
Objects can be added or removed from a group at any time.

Controlling the group contents is a manual task because the
group might contain a random collection of objects that are
otherwise unrelated.
Using Groups
In a group, select the group name to access several options.
1730
Mark Elements: Marks all of the members of the group in

red.
Select Elements: Selects all of the members of the group

directly (without marking).
Project Explorer
Check-out or Partial Check-out: Checks out all of the

members of the group at the same time when working with
multi-users.
Figure 1740
If you toggle on the Light Bulb icon next to a group name, all of
the objects that do not belong to the group are hidden from
display.
Figure 1741
1731
Practice 17d
Create a Group
1. Create a group that contains all of the components of the
mezzanine and balcony.
2. Use the group to select all of the parts and assign them to
Lot 2.
1732
Project Explorer
17.7 Show All Objects

It is possible to turn on light bulbs from several collections at the
same time to combine their effects.
A quick way to toggle off all of the light bulbs is to click
(Show All Objects) in the Project Explorer.
Figure 1742
1733
17.8 Structures
If you have a large or complex model you might want to create
different levels, queries, or groups for different parts of the
structure. This can be done using Structures.
To display the structures in Project Explorer, click

(Structure).
Figure 1743
Click the Plus sign to add a new structure to the list.
Each structure can maintain its unique contents for the rest of the
Project Explorer. Double-click on a structure name to activate it.
Figure 1744
1734
Chapter 18
Validating a Structure
Clash Check
Object Marking
Technical Check
Joint Design
181
182
18.1 Clash Check

The Autodesk Advance Steel software includes many tools for
easily creating complex structures. However, the responsibility
for the structure being correct remains with the user. To ensure
that problems are minimized, the Autodesk Advance Steel
software includes a range of additional tools to help you to
validate your model.
The first type of validation you can do is a Clash or Collision
check to ensure that no parts go through any others.
The first step is to start the clash check.
If you only want to check specific parts, select those parts. If

nothing is selected, the entire model is checked.
In the Home tab>Checking panel, click
(Clash Check).
Figure 181
A Clash check palette displays the checking results.

The intention is to not have any clashes in your model. In this
example, the result is displayed above the Command Line:
Figure 182
183
Unfortunately, it is probably more likely that there are going to be

some clashes and the results are as follows:
Figure 183
For each collision found the following data is displayed:
Index number.
First clashing part number: section size: model role.
Second clashing part number: section size: model role.
Coordinates of the center of the clash volume.
Clash volume.
The most important information to help fix the clash is the index
number.
You can close the text window when you have noted the index
number of the clash that you want to fix.
Display Clash Checking Results

To locate an actual clash you need to use this command. It is
most effective in the 2D Wire Frame visual display.

Checking Results).
Figure 184
184
(Display Clash
Please enter the index number of the collision to view: Enter

the index number of the clash that you want to view and fix.
The clash volume is displayed in red on your model. You need to

study the shape and position of the volume to understand what is
wrong and then take the appropriate corrective action.
If you have trouble finding the clash volume, use the following
marking tools.
Although the number of clashes listed might seem high, it is
probably not as bad as it seems. Often the action you take to
correct one clash, such as adjusting the bolt spacings in a joint,
fixes several clashes; one per bolt in this case.
The Autodesk Advance
Steels clash check
includes checking for
Tool clearances around
all of the bolt heads and
nuts. The size of the tool
head to allow for is set
in Management Tools>
Defaults. When
displaying the clash
volume, a clash of this
type looks like part of a
hexagon head that is
larger than the nearest
nut or bolt.
Figure 185
Rather than trying to fix many clashes at the same time, it is

recommended that you rerun the clash check after one or two
fixes.
185
18.2 Object Marking

When the clash volume is displayed in red it is a form of Object
Marking in the Autodesk Advance Steel software. Since clashes
are usually small it is often hard to find the red volume in your
model without help. Several tools are provided to assist with this.
Search for Marked Objects

Use this command to find the red volume wherever it is in your
model.

click
(Search for Marked objects).
Figure 186
A large colored arrow is drawn on screen pointing at any object

or volume that is currently marked.
186
Zoom to Marked Object

Use this to quickly zoom in on a marked object.

click
(Zoom to marked object).
Figure 187
Select objects: Select an arrow on the display from a Search

for Marked Objects and accept.
The display is zoomed in to display the marked object filling the

view. The display is not rotated.
Clear Marked Objects

After fixing a clash the marked volume remains. Marking can
also be used for other purposes. To ensure that previously
marked objects and volumes do not confuse future commands
you need to remove the marking.
187

click
(Clear Marked objects).
Figure 188
All of the object marking is removed, but the objects themselves

are not affected.
188
18.3 Technical Check

Where clash checking looks for items that overlap you can also
use a Technical Check to look for other design factors, such as
bolts that are too close to the edge of the material.
Technical Check
Use this command to check the entire model for technical
criteria.

Construction Technical Checking).
(Steel
Figure 189
A Steel check palette displays the results of the check.
Figure 1810
For each error the following information is provided:
Index number of error. Parent part type and handle.
Description of error and handle of connection element

causing the error.
189
In this example, you need to note the handle of the connection

object to be able to find and fix the error. You can then close the
report.
Mark Object
To identify the connection element causing the error, use this
command.

click
(Mark object).
Figure 1811
Handle/Id: Enter H for Handle.
Please specify the object handle: Enter the handle that you
noted previously (it is not case-sensitive).
The object is highlighted in red. As with Clash Check, you need

to determine and take the appropriate corrective action.
1810
18.4 Joint Design

The last kind of validation you can perform in the Autodesk
Advance Steel software is Joint Design to validate the strength of
a joint.
IMPORTANT: Using the Joint Design functionality in the
software is not a replacement for certified approval from a
qualified Structural Engineer. This check is intended to reduce
the iterations that might be required to get a joint right, but all of
the final stress and strength calculations should be carried out
and certified by a qualified Structural Engineer in accordance
with the appropriate legislation that applies to the project.
Open the Joint Properties dialog box.
Change to the Joint Design tab.
Figure 1812
NSA module: Select the standard in which you are working.
Enter the appropriate loads in the M, N, and V boxes. (Note

that the moment load M is only enabled in appropriate types
of joints that are officially recognized as suitable for moment
loads.)
Click the Check button.
1811
After checking, the results are displayed in the Status window

and title.
An instant check and the most recent check results are also
displayed on the front page of any Joint Properties dialog box.
Figure 1813
If the joint passes a check to the selected standard the status

displays OK in green.
If the joint fails the check, the status displays Checking failed in
red and a list of failed criteria is displayed.
For more information, click Report to display a full report
indicating each criteria that has been checked, the formula used,
and the result for your model. The report can be generated in the
RTF or HTML formats and is automatically saved in the
calculations sub-folder of the project folder.
1812
This report can be displayed in the Joint Design tab in either the
Long or Short format. Click the Settings button in the Joint
Design tab and select Short or Long. The Short format only
displays the failed criteria as a list of names and the Long format
displays the complete report in the window. This setting does not
affect the output file that is saved on your hard drive or what is
displayed when clicking the Report button.
Figure 1814
1813
1814
Chapter 19
Numbering
Model Role
Numbering
191
192
Numbering
19.1 Model Role

Many possible
numbering systems are
in use around the world
and the Autodesk
Advance Steel software
has many options and
settings enabling
different systems to be
created. However, to
avoid confusion this
training guide
concentrates on the
most common system
that is used by the
software after a
standard installation. If
you want to learn how to
use different numbering
systems please contact
your Autodesk
representative for more
information.
Before any documentation can be created for your structure it

must be numbered. The numbering function carries out several
vital processes that are closely related.
Analyses the structure to identify equal parts and determine

quantities.
Analyses the relationships between parts to identify

assemblies and main parts.
Assigns part and assembly numbers to objects in the

structure.
These tasks would be very difficult to do accurately manually, but

are easy if you do them using the Autodesk Advance Steel
software.
In most number systems, parts and assemblies are assigned a
prefix to the actual unique number. This prefix usually indicates
the type of part or assembly. For example, parts are usually M for
Main Part or F for Fitting. Assemblies can be B for Beam, C for
Column, R for Rafter, etc.
To assign the correct prefix to each part, the software must
determine what the object represents in your structure. This is
achieved using the Model Role property that is in every section
and plate. When a part is created using a macro, such as the
Railing macro, it is automatically assigned an appropriate Model
Role. For parts that have been created manually, you need to set
the Model Role manually.
To set the Model Role for an object:
Select the object.
193
Select the Naming tab.
Model Role: Select the most suitable role in the selection

list.
You can assign a role to

many objects at the
same time if they are of
the same type (e.g.,
beam, plate, and
grating). Select all of the
required objects and
only those objects.
Right-click and select
Advance Properties or
Advance Multi Edit>
Beam Properties as
needed. Make the edit
as for one part and all of
the selected parts are
updated.
Figure 191
Close the Properties dialog box.
Search Filter
When modeling it is easy to forget to assign model roles as you
proceed. To find all of the parts without a Model Role you can
use the Search Filter command.
Ensure that nothing is selected (press <Esc> twice).

click
194
(Search Filter).
Numbering
Figure 192
The Search Filter dialog box opens.
General tab: Click the Reset Dialog button.
Select Complete model and New Marking.
Objects tab: Select the appropriate objects for which to

search.
Figure 193
Common Properties tab: Select Model Role and then select

None in the selection list.
195
All of the objects matching the search (i.e., of the selected object
types and without a Model Role) are highlighted in red.
Project Explorer - Saved Searches

When using the Search Filter command, a Save button is
available at the bottom of the dialog box. If you click it you are
prompted to enter a name for the search. You can use this to
save multiple different searches, rather than having to redefine
them each time you want a specific search.
To reuse a previously saved search:
In the Home tab>Project panel, click
(Project Explorer).
Figure 194
Expand the Queries list if needed.
Figure 195
Either
Double-click on the search name to carry out the specified

search and mark the results.
Or
Click the Light Bulb icon next to the search to toggle it on.
Every object that does not match the search criteria is
hidden.
This is ideal for the Model Role = None search in the example.
The results are not totally dynamic because they are only
updated when the light bulb is toggled off and then on again.
Therefore, if you edit the beam properties the parts do not
disappear until the search is run again.
196
Numbering
To ensure that no other settings are hiding objects and that the
entire structure is displayed, click
(Show All Elements).
Figure 196
You can close the Project Explorer by clicking the small X in the
top right corner of the panel.
197
Practice 19a
Assign Model Roles

1. Assign Model roles to the structure.
2. Ensure that no parts are left in the structure that are set to
Model Role = None.
198
Numbering
19.2 Numbering
Number
This command does the numbering process.
Ensure that nothing is selected (press <Esc> twice). If you

have any parts selected, only those parts are considered.
Normally, it is best to consider the entire structure to avoid
possible problems later.
In the Home tab>Document panel, click

The Numbering dialog box opens.
(Numbering).
Figure 197
Select all of the required options and click the OK button.
199
Several reports of the results are displayed. These might be of

interest, but can be closed otherwise. In the reports, note any
parts or assemblies with a None prefix, indicating that they do
not have a Model Role.
Figure 198
For typical basic numbering, the following options in the

Numbering dialog box are useful.
General tab
1910
Post Number Method: Select the required system for the

numbering (see below for an explanation of the options).
Single Part Start: This is the lowest number that is
used for individual parts.
Assembly Start: This is the lowest number that is used
for assemblies. Many users want assemblies to start at 1
while parts start at 1000.
Numbering
Special tab
It might be tempting to
try to edit the numbering
manually to get the
required results.
However, this is very
error prone and leads to
many support calls.
Reuse unused numbers: If you edit a model after

numbering and a part number is no longer used it should
be re-assigned when renumbering. If you have already
issued the deleted part you might want to record that it
has been deleted and not reuse its number. Therefore,
you would clear this option.
Use Column orientation for assembly numbers: If
selected two otherwise identical columns in different
orientations are assigned two different numbers. If not
selected they are assigned the same number.
Part Types
For the purposes of numbering and detailing, the Autodesk
Advance Steel software identifies each object as one of three
types of part:
Standalone parts can be

treated as parts,
assemblies, or both for
drawing purposes. The
Management Tools>
Defaults>Drawing
General>Standalone
Part - Detailing
Behavior setting
controls the type(s) of
drawing that you want
the Autodesk Advance
Steel software to
produce for these parts.
Main Part: The heaviest (and therefore usually largest) part

of any assembly. It is considered the most important part. It
affects the numbering, but the affect varies depending on the
selected Post Number Method. Assembly drawing views are
oriented according to the main part so that the main part is
usually horizontal (depending on the Drawing Style).
Single Part: All of the remaining parts that are not main
parts.
Standalone Part: A part that does not have any other parts
fixed to it in the workshop or an assembly of only one part.
This can affect the numbering depending on the selected
Post Numbering Method.
Post Number Methods

A post number method is a rule that is applied after the initial
numbering has been completed to obtain the required results.
There are four possible options:
1911
None: No extra rule is implemented. Part numbers and

assembly numbers are not related in any way. For example,
the Beam assembly B26 might contain the parts M1000 (the
beam), F1089, F1094, and F1104 (the plates). A piece of the
Angle Bracing standalone part could be Assembly Number
BR1 and Part number M1001.
Figure 199
SP Number (for main part) = Assembly Number: For each

assembly the main part has its part number changed to
match the assembly number.
Therefore, the B26 assembly in the example would contain
parts B26, F1089, F1094, and F1104 while the same angle
bracing standalone part would be Assembly Number BR1
and part number BR1.
Figure 1910
1912
Numbering
SP Number (for standalone part) = Assembly number:

For each standalone part (not the main parts of other
assemblies) the part number is changed to match the
assembly number.
The beam would then be assembly B26 with parts M1000,
F1089, F1094, and F1104 while the angle bracing standalone
part would be assembly BR1 and part number BR1.
Figure 1911
Assembly Group: This setting assigns part numbers for all

of the parts relative to the assembly where they are first
located. The main part is assigned the assembly number for
its part number. The single parts are assigned the fitting prefix
F followed by the number of the part in the first assembly in
which it was found. In an assembly, parts are numbered with
letters.
1913
Therefore, this example would be beam B26 with parts B26,

Fa-B1, Fa-B26, and Fe-C3. Plate Fa-B1 was the first plate in
assembly B1, plate Fa-B26 is the first unique plate that was
found in this assembly (B26), and plate Fe-C3 is the fifth
unique plate that was first found in assembly C3. The
standalone angle bracing part would be assembly BR1 with
part BR1.
Figure 1912
Renumber
When a user refers to renumbering a model they want you to use
the Number command again. The options and settings used to
number the model previously are remembered and set by
default. Do not change these options unless you want to change
every part number in the structure.
When you edit a model after it has been numbered it is difficult to
determine whether the change could affect the numbers.
Important: ALWAYS RENUMBER THE MODEL AFTER
COMPLETING THE EDITS.
When renumbering, the Autodesk Advance Steel software only
changes a number of a part if required (i.e., if one of the following
conditions is met):
1914
The part no longer matches other parts of the same number.
The numbering options or settings have been changed since

the last numbering.
Numbering
Therefore, it is not only recommended but important to renumber

a model after making changes.
Object Naming
After part numbers have been assigned you can find the
information for each object in the Naming tab in the Advance
Figure 1913
Single Part Number: The number allocated to this part.
Single Part Prefix: The prefix allocated to this part (normally

M or F unless using a Post Number Method).
Assembly Mark: The number assigned to this assembly.
Assembly Prefix: The prefix assigned to this assembly. It is

selected against a set of rules based on the Model Role.
1915
You can assign parts to

different lots or phases
for construction
purposes. You can
determine whether this
also influences the
assigned part numbers.
For more information on
Assigning Lot/Phase
Numbers contact your
Autodesk
representative.
1916
Main Part/Single Part?: There is a box in front of the Single

part number and Main part number lines. If the box next to
Single part number is shaded this part is a Single Part. If the
box next to Assembly number is shaded this is a Main Part.
Normally, this is automatically controlled by the software and
this is an indication for the user.
Numbering
Practice 19b
Numbering
1. Number the structure.
2. Apply numbering to the structure with the Post Numbering
Method set to None.
1917
1918
Chapter 20
Creating Drawings
Quick Documents
Drawing Styles
Drawing Processes
Cameras
Summary of Drawing Procedure
View Orientation
Setting up Quick Documents
201
202
Creating Drawings
20.1 Quick Documents

The main interface for creating new documents from the
Autodesk Advance Steel software is the Quick Documents
interface.
The basic operation of Quick Documents is:

Documents).
(Quick
Figure 201
Select a document type.
Click
The exact operation varies depending on the type of document

that you are creating.
Figure 202
203
The Quick documents window has three main areas:
List of Document Types: On the left side of the window is a

tree structure that displays a list of the document types that
you might want to create.
Preview: The area in the top right of the window is used to

display an example of the document type that is selected on
the left. This is a fixed example rather than a live document
that is generated from your model.
Description: The bottom right pane of the window is used to

display a description of the selected document type.
The document type list is split into a tree structure with two root
folders:
The Advance area contains the default installed document

types that you cannot edit. Unless you have customized a
style or process it is recommended that you always select
from the Advance branch in the tree.
The User area links to the document types that you can
adjust to suit your requirements. After the initial install, all of
the user documents are clones of the Advance documents. If
you need to use a style or process that you have customized,
remember to select from the User branch in the tree.
Both the Advance and User areas contain the same sub
sections:
204
Drawing Styles: Individual styles for creating individual

drawings or drawing views.
Drawing Processes: Automated processes for creating

many drawings based on sets of rules.
Templates: Document styles for creating Bills of Materials

and other lists from your model rather than from drawings.
Creating Drawings
20.2 Drawing Styles

All of the drawings created by the Autodesk Advance Steel
software are created based on a complex set of rules. These
rules are called Drawing Styles. Each Drawing Style is set up to
create a drawing that is ideal for a specific purpose, such as a
Single Part detail for a plate, assembly of a rafter, or general
arrangement section through a structure.
Although part and assembly drawings can be created using
Drawing Styles, in most cases it is recommended that you use a
process. Normally, Drawing Styles are only selected directly for
General Arrangement (GA) type drawings or when a specific
style is required, rather than the normal option. For example, the
Parts drawing processes select a simple general drawing for
most tubes, but if you want to use a wrap-around template you
could request it by selecting the style directly.
The method of creating a drawing using a drawing style (such as
a GA view) is:
Set the UCS as required: Many styles base the view

orientation on the UCS. If using the GA styles, the view is
always created as though the Z-axis is pointing directly at the
viewer and X is pointing right, regardless of the name of the
drawing style. Most of the Assembly and Part styles base the
view orientation on the main part, rather than on the UCS.

Documents).
(Quick
Figure 203
Select the required Drawing Style from the list: Such as

Advance\Drawings Styles\GA - Plan\Stanchion Layout
All.
Click
205
The Drawing Type dialog box opens.
Figure 204
Select a scale in the General tab, in the Scale field.
Enter a view title in the General tab, in the Title field.
Click
The Drawing Type box closes and the Select Destination File
dialog box opens.
Figure 205
206
Creating Drawings
If the view is going to be added to a new drawing:
Select a suitable drawing prototype in the list on which to

place your view.
Verify that the File Name is correct (you must not edit the
path, but you should verify that the name at the end
reflects the correct sheet size).
OR if you want the view to be added to an existing drawing:
Change to the Existing Drawings tab.

Select either the required drawing in the list on the left or
another view of the required drawing in the list on the
right.
Your drawing view is created in the specified file.

There are several variations of this procedure depending on the
selected style.
PICKBOX: Some styles are based on using a Pickbox to define
the area that is displayed in the view. If the style displays ALL it
displays everything. However, if the style is based on a Pickbox
you are prompted to select the area that you want to display in
the drawing. This prompt is a typical case of selecting two points
to define the rectangular area that you want to display. You are
prompted after clicking the OK button in the Select File
Destination dialog box.
With or without Labels: The Drawing Style defines the parts
that should be labeled in a view and how they are labeled. Some
of the styles include many labels that might produce a cluttered
drawing. In other styles all of the labels have been turned off so
that you can add custom labels later as needed.
Selected parts: Some of the styles prompt you that they are for
selected parts (e.g., 3D view, selected with labels). These
styles only draw the parts that you have selected. This is ideal if
you only want to provide an enlarged detail of a joint or other
view of a selected detail. It is recommended that you select the
required components before starting the Quick Documents
command. However, if this is not done, you are prompted to do
so between the Drawing Type and Select Destination File boxes.
The normal object selection methods apply.
207
WARNING: If you create a view that is based on selected parts

and edit the drawing in the future, creating new parts or moving
parts into the view area, the view NEVER displays the new or
moved parts because they were not selected when the view
was created. Your only option would be to delete and recreate
the view. Use this type of view with caution and only for cases
in which the parts in the view would never need to change.
To create a new 3D view
you need to set the UCS
to point in the correct
direction. To do so,
orient your view on
screen as needed and
then set the UCS to
view (UCS>UCS View).
Hot or Cold Rolled: Some styles specify that they are only for
Hot Rolled parts (such as Floor plan, hot rolled all). If you
select these styles all of the cold rolled components of your
structure are NOT drawn. Where there is a Hot rolled style there
is usually a Cold Rolled style to go with it (such as Floor plan,
cold rolled All). If you select the Cold Rolled style all of the hot
and cold rolled objects are drawn but only the cold rolled is
labeled and dimensioned.
You can use Drawing Styles directly to create drawings of parts
or assemblies as needed. Generally it is more efficient to use a
process. You might want to select a Style directly if you want to
specify that a specific style be designed for a specific type of
part, such as a stringer, but these should be handled by a
well-defined process.
While drawings can be edited after creation, careful selection of
the correct drawing style for your purpose minimizes future
editing and finishing requirements.
For example:
3D view - selected+ pickbox, Assembly lab: Creates a

view on the UCS of only the selected parts, displaying only
the defined area, and with only the main parts labeled with
the assembly numbers.
3D Detailview All Pickbox, visible + lab: Creates a view

on the UCS of ALL parts but only displaying the selected
area. Only the visible edges are drawn. All of the parts are
labeled with their part number and section size.
3D Detailview All Pickbox, vishidden + lab: Creates a

view on the UCS of ALL parts but only displays the selected
area. Both visible and hidden edges are drawn. All of the
parts are labeled with their part number and section size.
Review the sample image and read the description at the bottom
of Quick Documents carefully to understand the differences
between the styles.
208
Creating Drawings
Drawing Prototype
A Prototype is a blank drawing sheet. Each prototype already
has the drawing border, title block, and BOMs if required, a
Revision table, and default notes that are appropriate for the
drawing type (such as a foundation bolt description). When you
create a drawing using a Drawing Style you should select the
appropriate prototype for your drawing. Therefore, for a
Stanchion Plan a Foundation prototype would be appropriate,
but you would not use an A1 Assembly prototype with notes
about hole sizes and welds for a GA drawing.
209
20.3 Drawing Processes

A Drawing Process steps through all of the selected objects,
selects a suitable Drawing Style, creates a drawing of the object,
and moves on to the next object. In this way many drawings of
many objects can be created quickly and easily.
The basic procedure is:
Select the objects that you want to draw.
In the Home tab>Documents panels, click

Documents).
(Quick
Figure 206
Select the required Process from the list and click

.
2010
The Process Properties dialog box opens. Generally, you do

not need to change any options in this dialog box. However,
one option that you might want to use is Arrangement. It
controls the order in which the selected items are drawn. For
example, the sequence could be based on the distance from
the WCS origin, Beam length, or Plate thickness.
Creating Drawings
Figure 207
Click
and wait for the activity to finish (the
Command Line stops at Command:).
The drawings are created. Each progress bar that displays

represents one view being created.
Figure 208
2011
Typical options that are available when selecting a Drawing

Process are:
Parts or Assemblies/fabrications: Select the process,

which is named accordingly.
Single or Multi Sheet: Single Sheet drawings only have

views of ONE component or assembly (or one GA view).
Multi sheet drawings have views of MULTIPLE components
or assemblies (or GA views). If the selected process is a Multi
Sheet process it continues to place parts on the same
drawing sheet until the sheet is full and to then start the next
drawing. If the process is a Single Sheet process, every part
has its own drawing.
BOM or No Bom: You might want to add a Bill of Materials to

the drawing that contains the displayed parts. This is possible
in the Autodesk Advance Steel software and is generally
controlled by the drawing prototype on which you place a
drawing. Processes with BOM select prototypes with BOMs
and Processes without BOMs select prototypes without
BOMs. All of the other output is the same.
Sheet size: Each Process name indicates the sheet size(s) it

is going to create. For the processes that could create
multiple sizes the drawing is tested on the smallest size sheet
first and then the sheet size is increased until a fit is found.
Regardless of the selected process it typically does the following

as well:
2012
Select an appropriate drawing style based on the object type

and model role.
Select an appropriate drawing prototype.
Give the file the required name.
Test several drawing scales to find the best fit on the sheet.
The actual scales tried are defined in the Process. If multiple
sizes are permitted, all of the scales are attempted on the
smallest sheet first and then all of the scales on the next
sheet size, etc. If a single sheet size is selected and none of
the scales fit the border, the views are created at the smallest
scale on a specific sheet.
Creating Drawings
Some examples of typical drawings that have been created in

the Autodesk Advance Steel software are as follows. The first is
a typical Multi-sheet part drawing of some plates. The second is
a typical single-sheet drawing of a part. In this case, it is column
A1 in the training structure. The third drawing is a typical
assembly drawing, containing one of the rafters in the training
structure.
Figure 209
2013
Figure 2010
Figure 2011
2014
Creating Drawings
20.4 Cameras
Cameras are objects that you can place in your model to define
the required drawing views in a visible and editable way. You can
then create drawings from the cameras using drawing processes
and edit the cameras later to adjust the resulting drawing views.
Creating a Camera
To create a camera follow this procedure:
Set the UCS as though creating the required view (XY in

plane of required view with Z pointing at the viewer).

(Create Camera, UCS).
Figure 2012
Select the location that should be the center of the required

view.
The camera is created and the Camera Properties dialog box

opens.
Properties tab: Basic properties of the camera.
Camera Type: Select the appropriate category for your

camera. The drawing processes can be set to draw all of
the cameras of a selected type or any camera.
Description: This value is only displayed in this dialog
box, but can be useful for recognizing the correct camera
later when editing the model.
Detail Box tab: Define the content of your view.
2015
Z-viewport, Front and Rear: If these boxes are selected,

the view depth in this direction is limited to the distance in
the property. If the box is not selected, the view depth is
infinite in that direction. Front is toward the viewer and
Rear is away from the view relative to the plane of the
camera.
XY-Viewport Automatic: This results in the entire
structure being included your view (according to Z depth
above).
XY-Viewport Fixed: Enter the required values in the
X Delta and Y Delta for the width and height of the area to
include in your drawing view. These values are always
calculated equally about the center of the view. For
example, a value of 1500 results in a value of 750 on each
side.
Drawing Style: Use the Style drop-down list to select a
view type. These views are the same as the views in the
drawing styles. Note that although the drawing styles
define the view area during normal use, the Camera
Viewport properties completely override these settings.
Therefore, you can select any view that has the required
presentation and dimensioning rules regardless of
whether it is usually based on the UCS or part orientation,
a pickbox or all, etc.
Figure 2013
2016
Creating Drawings
Cameras always have a fixed geographical area that they

include in the view. All of the objects in the defined area are
included in the view subject to the drawing style presentation
strategy. You cannot define a camera based on a pickbox or
selected parts.
Once created, the Camera object has a grid drawn in the view
plane and some bounding boxes are displayed according to the
camera settings. A thick arrow indicates the view direction.
Editing a Camera
To edit a camera you can select it, right-click and select
Advance Properties. This opens the original Camera Properties
dialog box, enabling you to adjust any of its properties.
If you want to adjust the area covered by a camera this can be
achieved by selecting the camera and moving the grips. If the
view depth is limited, the front and back planes of the camera
can be moved to adjust this. If the view depth is unlimited the
camera only displays the grid. If a fixed XY Viewport is defined it
can be adjusted using the grips on the grid, but the adjustment is
always equal about the center point. Moving the center grip
moves the entire camera to a new position. If the XY Viewport is
set to Automatic grips do not display on the edges of the grid.
All of the normal tools for editing objects can also be used,
enabling you to copy a camera to another location.
2017
Creating Drawings from Cameras

To create drawings from cameras you need to select a Drawing
Process that is designed for this purpose. Typically, variations on
the processes enable you to draw all of the cameras of a specific
type, just selected cameras, etc.
Figure 2014
As always these processes are located in Quick Documents and

are used in the same way as any other process.
Cameras versus Drawing Styles

Two methods are described above for creating GA type views.
Creating a GA view directly using a Drawing Style is slightly
quicker if you are confident that you can create the correct view
the first time or if you need to use a pick box or selected parts
type view.
However, most of the time it is recommend that you use a
camera to create your GA views. Cameras have the advantage
of being an object that can be modified if required. Therefore, if
your view needs to change size you have precise and simple
control over that. You can even change the selected drawing
style if needed.
2018
Creating Drawings
Another benefit of a Camera view is that it can be accessed from

the right-click menu to provide quick access to the drawings.
When you select a part and right-click, the menu provides
options for opening any Part, Assembly, or Camera views in
which the part displays. Other GA views that have been created
directly from Drawing Styles do not display in this way.
Figure 2015
Additionally, because Camera views can be created using

Drawing Processes, the software can experiment with different
scales and paper sizes depending on the process set up. If you
are creating manual views you have to select the paper size and
view scale so it can be difficult to get a good selection the first
time.
2019
20.5 Summary of Drawing

Procedure
To summarize the procedure that is generally required for
creating all of the necessary drawings, there are three
fundamental stages that you can do in any order. These are
Parts, Assemblies, and GAs. Therefore, for a entire structure you
would do the following:
Parts Drawings:
Select objects.
Quick Documents
Select a Drawing Process for parts.
Assembly Drawings:
Select objects.
Quick Documents
Select a Drawing Process for Assemblies.
GAs
Decide on the required views and for each view:

Set the UCS as required.
Create a Camera for each view.
Quick Documents
Select and use Drawing Process(es) for cameras.
The drawings are all stored in the Details sub folder in the
Project folder.
2020
Creating Drawings
20.6 View Orientation

When an Autodesk Advance Steel object is created in the model
it has its own internal UCS. This is roughly aligned with the
current UCS when the object is created.
When a part drawing is created, the internal UCS of the part
defines the view orientation. The TOP view is defined as Z
pointing toward the viewer and X as pointing right.
If you create an assembly drawing the internal UCS of the Main
Part is what decides the view orientation.
Some special assembly styles are based on the UCS. They are
designed for cases in which you might want the main part to be
displayed in a specific position other than horizontal. For
example, Handrailing - Stairs, UCS. For these styles, set the
UCS so that the XY plane is oriented as you would want the
paper to be oriented relative to the object in your view.
Therefore, for the stair example, having X horizontal along the
ground in line with the stair and the Y vertical, provides a side
view of the stair in the real slope orientation rather than a
horizontal stringer.
For GA styles, the current UCS defines the view orientation.
Regardless of the description of the style, such as Elevation,
Roof Plan, 3D View, etc., the view always looks down the Z-axis
with X pointing right.
2021
20.7 Setting up Quick

Documents
As previously stated, Quick Documents contains a list of the
available drawing styles and processes in the left pane. This list
does not display all of the styles or processes that are available
in the system. Rather it is a list of preferred items. The full list of
available Styles or Processes are located in the respective
manager systems that are used to define them.
The Styles and
Processes provided with
the software are
designed to be suitable
for general manufacture
and changing them is
not recommended
unless it is absolutely
necessary. If you want
to edit the existing
entries, or create your
own, a separate training
guide is offered to cover
this complex subject.
Please contact your
Autodesk
Representative for more
information.
Drawing Styles are defined in the Drawing Style Manager. The

definition of a Drawing Style is very complex with six levels of
settings that are layered on top of each other. It is not
recommended that you change any of the settings in these styles
without very careful thought and planning.
To display the full list of available styles and identify the ones that
should be visible in Quick Documents, follow this procedure:
In the Output tab>Document Manager panel, click

(Drawing Style Manager).
Figure 2016
Figure 2017
2022
Creating Drawings
Ensure that Drawing Styles is selected in the top left.
Expand the Advance or User list as needed.
Select the required group of styles.
In the right pane a list of styles is displayed with boxes next to

them. Select only the styles that you want to display in Quick
Documents.
Click the OK button to close the Drawings Style Manager.
(Update Defaults).
Figure 2018
Drawing Processes are a system that selects and applies

drawing styles for you. As with Drawing Styles, all of the
available Drawing Processes in the Quick Documents interface
are not always displayed, just the preferred ones. To display the
full list of the available processes and select the ones that are
displayed in Quick Documents, follow this procedure:

(Drawing Process Manager).
Figure 2019
2023
Figure 2020
Expand the Advance or User list as needed.
Expand the Drawing Processes folder.
Select the required category for the processes.
In the right pane a list of styles with tick boxes is displayed in

front of each one. Select only the styles that you want to
display in Quick Documents.
Click the OK button to close the Drawings Style Manager
(Update Defaults).
Figure 2021
Although not as complex as Drawing Styles, it is recommended

that you do not attempt to edit Drawing Processes without
careful thought and planning.
2024
Creating Drawings
Quick Documents is designed to only display the preferred styles

and processes for quick access and general use. If you
occasionally require a different style in the list you do not have to
add it to Quick Documents before using it. Instead do the
following:
Output>Document Manager>Drawing Style Manager or

Drawing Process Manager.
Locate the required style or process in the list of those

available.
Click the USE button.
Proceed with normal drawing creation.
After the drawing(s) has been created you are returned to the
Manager dialog box. Click the OK button.
2025
2026
Chapter 21
Editing Drawings
Document Manager
Manipulating Drawings
Drawing Labels and Dimensions
Object Properties
211
212
Editing Drawings
21.1 Document Manager

The main interface for accessing and controlling all of the
documents that you create from your model is the Document
Manager. To open the Document Manager, in the Home tab>
Document panel, click
box opens.
(Document Manager) and the dialog
Figure 211
Figure 212
The left pane displays a list of document types. Drawings are

located in the Details area. When you first try to expand this list it
might flash and disappear again. This is not an error but is part of
the process in which the Autodesk Advance Steel software
checks the current status of each drawing to ensure that it is up
to date.
213
The drawing files are listed according to their file names. If you
are using the default naming and numbering system all of the file
names include a prefix indicating the type of drawing:
[S] = Single Part drawing
[MP] = Multi sheet part drawing
[A] = Assembly drawing
[MA] = Multi sheet assembly drawing
[G] = GA type drawing.
Single sheet part and assembly drawings are named after the
part or assembly mark of the object that they display. Multi sheet
and GA drawings have a drawing number. The drawings sheet
size is also included.
The right pane in Document Manager displays details of the
views on the drawing(s) that are selected on the left or a preview
of the selected drawing. To display the preview, select the
Preview tab. The preview is a live preview of the actual file and
can be zoomed or panned in the dialog box.
Once you have located the required drawing you can open it by
double-clicking on the file name or clicking the Open Drawing
button.
Right-click to Open Drawings

As a convenience feature it is possible to select an object in your
model and right-click to open drawings directly without using the
Document Manager.
When you right-click on a selected object any drawings in which
that object displays are listed. Part Drawings, Assembly
Drawings, and Camera Views are listed, but GA views that were
created directly from the Drawing Styles are not listed. If the
drawing is out of date that is also indicated in the menu.
214
Editing Drawings
Figure 213
This is provided to make opening drawings faster (there is no

need to know the part/assembly/drawing number). You cannot
update the drawings in this way.
Keeping Up to Date
The Autodesk Advance Steel software can track all of the
changes in a model since it was created and knows when a
drawing or other document is out of date. If documents are found
to be out of date they are placed in a separate folder in the left
pane in the Document Manager.
To update these documents you have two options, depending on
whether you want the change to be recorded.
To update the documents without recording the change:

Manager).
(Document
Figure 214
Select the document(s) in the left pane.
215
Click the Force Update button.
Figure 215
Wait for the activity to finish. The documents are updated and
listed in the Up to date folder in the left pane.
If you WANT the update to be recorded as a formal issue of the
file, use the Revision system as follows:

Manager).
Figure 216
Select the document(s) in the left pane.
Click the Update Revision button.
Figure 217
216
(Document
Editing Drawings
An Add Revision Mark dialog box opens.
Figure 218
If updating a single document, click the Add button. (If

updating multiple documents this step is not needed.)
Figure 219
A Revision Details dialog box opens.

Complete the details and click the OK. button.
OR if updating multiple documents, complete the revision
details in this dialog box.
Ensure that the Index option is set to Next available

index for each document unless you want to change
them all to the same issue, regardless of previous issues.
Wait for the activity to finish. The documents are updated and
listed in the Up to date folder in the left pane. The revision index
displays in the left pane after the file name. The file name is also
changed to include the revision index.
217
The previous revision of the document (immediately before you

select Update) is moved to a Backup folder in the Project\Details
folder.
Revision System in Drawings

If you select the Update Revision option to update the drawings
the Revision is recorded in the drawing as follows:
If the revision table in

the drawing includes the
Rev Details column, the
Autodesk Advance
Steel software
automatically completes
this column with a
generic description of
the changes in the
drawing.
218
A note is added to the Revision table containing the

information that you entered in the Revision Details dialog
box.
The main revision in the title block is updated.
Any previously existing revision clouds are deleted.
A revision cloud is drawn around any dimensions or labels

that change.
A revision cloud is drawn around the changed part or feature.
An index mark is placed next to the revision clouds.
The use of revision clouds is controlled by a number of options in

Management Tools>Defaults. The exact results depend on
these settings. The default options might vary depending on your
installation.
Editing Drawings
21.2 Manipulating Drawings

A number of tools are provided to manipulate the drawing views
and other drawings content after creation. All of these
commands are carried out in an open drawing, rather than in the
model.
Update Detail
Forces an immediate update of a specific drawing detail. A detail
can contain several drawing views. It is NOT recorded as a
drawing revision.
In the Labels & Dimensions tab>Management panel, click

(Update detail and keep revision).
Figure 2110
Select detail view: Select any element in the drawing detail to

update.
The Updates Happen Immediately. Update the Page

Header.
This is an exception to the rule about only working in the
drawings. When a drawing is created, the title block is populated
with details from the Project Information dialog box. If the project
information changes after the drawing has been created you
need to use this command to update the title blocks.
Close ALL of the drawings for this project.
219

(Update page header)
Figure 2111
After the activity finishes, ALL of the drawings have their title
blocks updated with the latest Project Information. This change
is not recorded as a revision.
Update Lists
Forces an immediate update of a BOM or other list in a drawing.

(Update list)
Figure 2112
All of the BOMs or lists in the drawing are immediately updated.

This change is not recorded as a revision.
Rearrange all of the Details

If you have manually added views to a drawing they might
display in odd places in the first instance. This command
attempts to rearrange all of the details in the drawing to fit in the
drawing border.
In the Labels & Dimensions tab>Parametric Views panel,

click
2110
(Rearrange all details).
Editing Drawings
Figure 2113
No input is required. All of the details are rearranged

immediately.
Rearrange all of the Views in a Detail

If you have added views to a detail they are initially stacked
vertically. If you use this command it rearranges the views in the
selected detail.

click
(Rearrange all views in detail).
Figure 2114
Select detail view: Select any element in the detail.
Change Detail
This opens the Detail Properties dialog box.

click
(Change Detail).
Figure 2115
Select detail view: Select any element in the detail to edit.
Alternatively, double-click on the outer green frame around a

detail.
2111
In the Edit Detail dialog box you can change the scale of your
detail (all of the views match the scale) and the title of your detail.
Although the Autodesk Advance Steel software selects all of the
required views for you, you can override this as needed.
Figure 2116
The top left of this dialog box displays a list of the available
automatic views. Select the view that you want to use and
change the Properties tab to View State.
To turn the view on, select Always on.
To hide a view that you do not want to use, select Always off.
Note that if you override the view options like this they are no
longer able for modification if required to suit the edits to the
members.
Sometimes, beams can have long distances without any
interesting features. To minimize wasted paper these views are
typically clipped (drawn shorter than they would normally be) to
remove the unneeded areas. If you want to change what has
happened in a view you can do so here.
2112
Editing Drawings
Figure 2117
Select the required view at the top left of the dialog box.
Set the Properties tab to Clip.
If the X clipping or Y clipping option is selected, clipping is

permitted in that direction. Clear the option to toggle clipping
off and force the full length to be drawn.
The three values indicate how much to draw and how much
to cut out of the member.
Clipping Type: No clipping line means the clip is only

drawn as a small break in the outline of the part. This can
sometimes be hard to recognize. Normal Clipping means a
clipping line is drawn on either side of the cut. The line is a
standard AutoCAD Linetype. Custom Clipping draws a
clipping line with a single zig-zag in the middle.
Clipping Line Type: The AutoCAD Linetype to use for the

clipping line if Normal Clipping is selected in Clipping Type.
2113
Change Prototype File

If you want to have a drawing on a different prototype (usually to
change the sheet size) you can use this command to change the
background sheet without affecting the detail(s).

click
(Change prototype file).
Figure 2118
A small dialog box opens displaying a list of the available

prototypes.
Figure 2119
2114
[Optional] If you click the Settings button another small

dialog box opens in which you can select the properties of the
old prototype that you want to keep and those to take from
the new prototype.
Editing Drawings
Figure 2120
Select the required new prototype and click the OK button.
The drawing is updated immediately. You might need to clean up

the BOMs, sheet notes, and revision tables in the final drawing.
Move View
You can move a view by selecting any element of the view and
dragging with the mouse. Alternatively, you can use the
AutoCAD Move command or the following command:

click
(Move View).
Figure 2121
Select detail view: Select any element in the view to move.
Move detail view from point: Select a start point for your
move.
To point: Select an end point for your move.
The benefit of using this command or the AutoCAD Move

command is that, by using Osnaps and Osnap tracking, you can
align the views. When you move a view, all of the associated
annotation moves as well.
Delete View
To delete a view, you can select the inner green frame around it
and press <Delete>. Alternatively, you can use this command.
2115

click
(Delete view).
Figure 2122
Select detail view: Select any element of the view to delete.
The view is successfully deleted.
Any annotation that is associated with the view is also deleted.
Create View/Section
This command enables you to create an extra section view in
your drawing. If you want to have a full view (not a section), draw
the cutting plane outside the view.

click
(Create view/section).
Figure 2123
2116
Please enter view request Key [Request list] or <Enter> for

last request: Press <Enter>.
Please select detail view or [Settings]: Select the view from

which you want to project your new view.
First corner of detail window: Select a point for one end of

your section line/cutting plane.
Second corner of detail window: Select a point for the other

end of your section line
Please specify cut depth or [Unbounded/Zero]: Select a point

on the correct side of your section line (the arrow on the
screen indicates which way the view oriented.
Editing Drawings
Use automatic depth settings? [Yes/No]<Y>: Enter Yes (or

press <Enter>).
Use the view scale ? [Yes/No] <Y>: Enter Yes or press

<Enter>. If you enter No you are prompted for a scale and the
view is drawn at a different scale to the original.
The new view is created immediately and placed above the

existing views (not in line).
Renumber Cut Views

If you have created extra section views or deleted section views
the letters might not run in the required sequence. Use this
command to rearrange the letters identifying the views into the
required sequence.

click
(Renumber cut views).
Figure 2124
Select detail view: Select any element in the detail.
All of the section views are renamed, starting at A.
2117
21.3 Drawing Labels and

Dimensions
Once you have created all of the required views you can use the
tools in this palette to edit the annotation of the drawing. You
cannot use the standard AutoCAD Dimension and Annotation
tools because they do not have the extra intelligence that comes
with the Autodesk Advance Steel tools.
Insert Weld Symbol

Adds a weld symbol to the drawing.
In the Labels & Dimensions tab>Labels panel, click

(Insert Weld Symbol)
Figure 2125
Please select detail: Select any element in the view.
Please select the reference point of the symbol on the detail:

Select the point at which you want the leader line to be
placed (the position of the weld).
Please select placing point for the symbol: Select a point to

place the symbol.
A symbol is drawn and the Weld Symbol dialog box opens.

Close the dialog box when finished.
The weld note in the
drawing prototypes is
not intelligent. If you
change the setting for
the standard weld type
in Management Tools
you must manually edit
the prototypes to suit or
there are many errors.
2118
The dialog box works as it does for placing welds in the model.
Note that Management Tools>Settings>Defaults has options
stating that a specific standard weld size does not need to be
used. It is assumed that there is a note in the drawing stating All
welds 6mm Fillet Unless Otherwise Stated. All of the welds that
do not match this standard definition are automatically displayed
in the drawing if they are in the model. Manually placed weld
symbols do not display a size if they match the standard size.
Editing Drawings
Manually placed weld symbols are not linked in any way to the
welds in the model, even if they are pointing at the same
location.
Insert Label
Inserts a leader line pointing at an object that contains intelligent
text about that object.

(Insert Label).
Figure 2126
Select object you want to label(<C>hange label, <M>ultiple

selection): Select the object that you want to label.
Please select the label start point: Select the position to

which the leader should point.
Start point of the text: Select a point to place the text.
Angle of the text (RETURN for parallel): Select a point to set

the angle of the text or press <Enter> or right-click to have
the text parallel to the object.
Select object you want to label(<C>hange label, <M>ultiple

selection): The command repeats. If you have finished
placing labels, press <Enter> or right-click.
A default label is placed as specified.

If you prefer, you can place many labels at the same time as
follows:
2119

(Insert Label).
Figure 2127
Select object you want to label (<C>hange label, <M>ultiple

selection): Enter M for Multiple.
Please select objects: Select the objects that you want to

label and accept.
A label is placed for each object and positioned automatically.

To edit a label that you have placed and change the text,
double-click on it. The Label and Symbols dialog box opens. The
text that is currently displaying in the label displays in the text
box. However, this is not ordinary text. You can enter any text in
this box, but if you want some of the text to be intelligently linked
to the model object, you should select the required property in
the Tokens drop-down list. When you select the property in the
list the appropriate text is inserted. The intelligent link is also
maintained if the model is edited.
Figure 2128
2120
Editing Drawings
If you want to add a frame or balloon around any of your text,

select the text first and then select the type of frame in the Frame
drop-down list.
The other formatting tools are as you would expect for text.
A large number of tokens are available in the Autodesk Advance
Steel software and storing all of these values for all of the parts in
all of the drawings could have a negative effect on performance.
To minimize this effect you might find that some of the values or
tokens are not available in every drawing. If this happens and the
required token is not available, you can use the Label
Information Manager to load the missing tokens as needed.

content manager)
(Label
Figure 2129
Select detail view: Select the view that you want to label.
Figure 2130
Select the tokens that you want to have available in this

drawing detail.
Level Symbols
Inserts a level symbol to identify the elevation of a point in the
model.
2121

(Insert Level Symbol).
Figure 2131
Please select detail: Select any element in the view in which

to place the symbol.
Please select the reference point of the symbol on the detail:

Select the point to dimension
Please select placing point for the symbol: Select a position

at which to draw the symbol.
The level symbol is placed with the appropriate elevation already

completed.
Slope Symbol
Inserts a triangle type slope symbol.

(Insert Slope Symbol).
Figure 2132
2122
Please select a view (<D>iameter, <angle>, <arc>,

<dimensioning<ST>yle, <dimension>type): (Slope): Select
any element in the view.
Start point of the 0o line: Select an apex point for measuring

your angle (one end of the line that you want to measure).
End point of the 0o line: Select a point to set to zero degrees.
Editing Drawings
Enter dimension point: Select another point on the line to

measure its slope.
Placing of the dimension line: Select a point at which to place

the triangle.
Please select a view (<D>iameter, <angle>, <arc>,

<dimensioning<ST>yle, <dimension>type ) : (Slope): This
command repeats. Press <Enter> or right-click when done.
You slope triangle is drawn.
Horizontal/Vertical Dimensions
To add entire new chains of dimensions, select the appropriate
command and follow the prompts carefully. For example:
In the Labels & Dimensions tab>Parametric Dimensions

panel, click
(Horizontal).
Figure 2133
2123
or Vertical
Figure 2134
Please select a view : (horizontal linear dimension): Select

any element in the view that you want to dimension.
First dimension point: Select the first point of your chain.
Enter dimension point: Select the second point of your chain.
Enter point to specify the dimension line placement: Select a

point through which to draw the dimension line.
Enter dimension point: Select additional points for this chain

to dimension.
Enter dimension point: When you have finished selecting

points for this chain, press <Enter> or right-click.
Please select a view : (horizontal linear dimension): This

command loops so you can start a new chain or when
finished, press <Enter> or right-click.
The dimension chains are drawn as you proceed. At this point

the Dimension Properties dialog box opens.
2124
Editing Drawings
Figure 2135
Dimension Chain tab
Presentation: Select whether you want absolute or

relative dimensions of different styles.
Group equal distances: If selected, consecutive
dimensions of the same length are grouped into one, such
as 3 x 385.
Close the Properties dialog box when finished.
Note that if you do not follow the command through to the dialog
box, but press <Esc> or select another command before you
have finished properly, the dimensions that you have just drawn
are not displayed.
All of the new dimensions work similarly, but with various
prompts depending on their type. Follow the prompts carefully
and always proceed to the Properties dialog box or you the
required dimensions are not created.
Insert Dimension Point

If you want to insert an extra point in an existing dimension
chain, use this command.

panel, click
(Insert Point).
Figure 2136
2125
Select dimension where you want to insert a point: Select the

dimension chain and accept.
Enter dimension point: Select the new point to which to

dimension.
Enter dimension point: Keep selecting points as required.

Right-click when finished.
Select dimension where you want to insert a point: This

command loops. Press <Enter> or right-click when finished.
The existing dimension chain is adjusted to include the new

point(s).
Delete Dimension Point

Use this command to remove one point from an existing chain of
dimensions.

panel, click
(Delete point).
Figure 2137
Select the dimension line you want to remove: Select the

witness line to the point that you want to delete from the chain
and accept.
Select the dimension line you want to remove: This command

loops. Press <Enter> or right-click when finished.
The chain is adjusted with the selected point removed.
Linear Sloped Dimension

Places a dimension that is aligned as specified rather than
horizontal or vertical.

panel, click
2126
(Linear Sloped).
Editing Drawings
Figure 2138
Please select a view : (slope linear dimension): Select any

element in the view to dimension.
First point for direction: Select a point to define the direction

of your dimension not to measure to.
Second point for direction: Select a second point to define the

direction of your dimension not to measure to. The dimension
created measures in a straight line parallel to an imaginary
line between these two points.
First dimension point: Now select the first point for your
dimension chain.
Enter dimension point: Select the point to which to measure.
Enter point to specify the dimension line placement: Select a

point through which the dimension line is going to be drawn.
Enter dimension point: Select additional points to which to

dimension.
Enter dimension point: When done, press <Enter> or

right-click.
Please select a view : (slope linear dimension): This

command loops. When done, right-click again to open the
Dimension Properties dialog box.
2127
Arc Dimension
Places a dimension measuring the length along an arc, rather
than an angle.

panel, click
(Arc).
Figure 2139
2128
Please select a view (<D>iameter, <Angle>, <slope>,

<dimension<ST>yle, <dimension>type) : (arc): Select any
Circle centre point (3P/2P/Radius): Select the center point for

the arc to dimension.
Point on the circle: Select the first point on the arc to

dimension.
Placing of the dimension line: Select a point through which to

draw the dimension line.
Enter dimension point: Select the point to which to measure.
Enter dimension point: Select additional points to which to

measure or right-click when done.
Editing Drawings
Please select a view (<D>iameter, <Angle>, <slope>,

<dimension<ST>yle, <dimension>type) : (arc): Create
another dimension or right-click when done to open the
Dimension Properties dialog box.
Angle Dimension
Places an angular dimension.

panel, click
(Angle).
Figure 2140
Please select a view (<D>iameter, <ARC>, <slope>,

<dimension<ST>yle, <dimension> type) : (angle): Select any
Start point of the 0o line: Select one end of the object to

dimension.
End point of the 0o line: Select a reference point to be zero

degrees.
Placing of the dimension line: Select a point through which to

draw the dimension line.
First <D>imension point or point for second <L>ine:

Dimension point: Select the other end of the line to
dimension.
2129
Enter dimension point: Select additional points to dimension

or right-click when done.
Please select a view (<D>iameter, <ARC>, <slope>,

<dimension<ST>yle, <dimension> type) : (angle): This
command loops. Place another chain or right-click when
done.
Radial Dimension
Places a dimension indicating the Radius of an element.

panel, click
(Radial).
Figure 2141
2130
Please select a view (<angle>, <ARC>, <slope>,

<dimension<ST>yle, <dimension>type) : (diameter): Select
any element in the view to dimension.
Circle centre point (3P/2P/Radius): Select the center point for

your dimension to measure from.
Point on the circle: Select the point to which to measure.
Placing of the dimension line: Place the dimension leader

line.
Editing Drawings
Please select a view (<angle>, <ARC>, <slope>,

<dimension<ST>yle, <dimension>type) : (diameter): Place
another dimension or right-click when done.
Smart Dimensions
The Autodesk Advance Steel software includes a Smart
Dimension engine to recognize when a dimension point moves
and then update the dimension correctly. Using smart
dimensions means that when you update a drawing fewer of the
manual dimensions are lost. Smart Dimensions only work when
they use recognized key points on elements in your views, such
as End Points of lines or Center Points of holes. To assist in
selecting only valid traceable points, there is a special Autodesk
Advance Steel Object Snap called Preferred for Manual
Dimensions. If you use this Osnap at all times when working
with dimensions or labels the CAD engine only locks onto valid
traceable points.
If you select a dimension point that cannot be traced through
updates the prompt Error: Unable to recognise all points. Some
Points will be deleted after update, displays in the Command
Line when you finish the dimension chain. A red circle is also
drawn around each point that cannot be recognized. If displayed
this indicates that not all of the selected points can be
recognized by the Smart Dimension engine and that the
dimensions to that point are going to disappear during a drawing
update. You might want to double-check the selected points.
Some manually placed dimensions are deleted during an update
to avoid the risk of having an incorrect dimension in a drawing. In
some systems all of the dimensions might remain but if a hole
moves by 5mm this might not be visible at the drawing scale. If
the dimension cannot be updated to point at the new position of
the hole (as Smart Dimensions do) it would display the wrong
value. If objects were manufactured to the dimensions they
would be wrong. To avoid this situation, if Smart Dimensions
cannot be certain that a dimension is accurate after a drawing
has been updated it deletes the dimension. If the uncertain point
is only one in a chain, the rest of the dimension chain remains.
2131
21.4 Object Properties

The way an object is drawn in a view is controlled by the drawing
styles. If you want to adjust this you can edit the properties of
any object in the drawing using the Advance Properties dialog
box. To open it, double-click on the object or select it, right-click
and select Advance Properties.
For example, to turn off the labels at one end of a grid line:
Double-click on the grid.
Figure 2142
Remove the tick from one end of the symbol in the dialog
box.
To hide a decking panel to display the beams underneath:
2132
Double-click on the panel in the view.
In the Properties dialog box, select the Display type tab.
Editing Drawings
Figure 2143
Select Off.
When the view is updated the beams behind the panel

display.
You can change the color and hatching properties of most of the
objects in your drawing views as needed.
Note that it is recommended that you turn off the presentation of
an object rather than deleting it. If you select it and delete it, it
returns when the view is updated. If you turn the presentation of
an object off it stays off during an update.
DO NOT FORGET TO
SAVE YOUR
DRAWINGS AFTER
EDITING THEM. For
your changes to be
remembered you must
save the drawing files
after finishing your edits.
Objects that have been turned off are moved to a different layer
called Objects Off and are still displayed on screen. Freeze the
Objects Off layer to avoid displaying them on screen. This layer
does not print and is not displayed in the finished drawing output,
even if displayed on screen. You can select the objects on this
layer and turn them back on again as needed.
2133
2134
Chapter 22
Lists
Quick Documents
RDF Viewer
Selective Lists
Managing Lists
221
222
Lists
22.1 Quick Documents

All of the types of lists in the Autodesk Advance Steel software
are created in the same way, whether they are Bills of Materials,
Drawing Lists, Loading Lists, etc. It only takes a few seconds to
generate a list in the software.
Saved lists can be opened and reused. If you save them in the
correct path you can also display them and update them in the
Document Manager. However, there is no revision control on
lists in the Autodesk Advance Steel software so the update is not
recorded or indicated in the file in any way.
Some lists have the items grouped by specific criteria while
others produce a single run in the list. This is controlled by the
List Template. Therefore, the results depend on which list you
produce.
The preferred way of creating a list is to use the Quick
Documents interface.
In the Home tab>Documents panel, click

Documents)
(Quick
Figure 221
Select the required list in the Template folder in the left pane.
Click
You list is generated and displayed immediately in the RDF

Viewer.
All lists created in this way are generated from nothing based on
the entire structure in the file.
223
Setting Up Quick Documents

As with drawings, Quick Documents does not display an
exhaustive list of every possible type of list. If the type of list you
require is not displayed (or if no lists are currently displayed) in
Quick Documents you can select the lists that should be
available as follows:

Editor)
(BOM
Figure 222
Wait for the BOM editor to display (it might take a few
seconds).
In the top right corner, select the category of list that you want
to use.
Figure 223
224
Lists
In the middle, select the box next to each type of list that you
want to display in Quick Documents.
Click
When you next open Quick Documents, the selected lists are
available.
Note that a list of existing drawings is categorized as a Derived
Documents list. The category called Drawing is for the BOM
types that actually display in drawings, rather than being
generated as stand-alone lists.
225
22.2 RDF Viewer

All of the stand-alone lists are displayed in a stand-alone
application called the RDF Viewer. Once the resulting list has
been displayed you can determine how it should be used.
Only one page is displayed at a time and you should use the
green arrows at the top to change pages. If you double-click on
the main display, all of the pages are displayed. Double-click on
one of the pages again to only display to that page.
Figure 224
It is recommended that you save the list file in the BOM

sub-folder of the project folder. You need to do so manually using
the Save button at the top left. The file is saved in RDF format
and cannot be viewed by any other application. If saved in the
correct location the list is displayed in Document Manager. If you
locate the list in the Document Manager you can update it as
needed and display a preview of the list. In the preview you can
view or print the list.
Since RDF is a special format it is also possible to export the list
to other popular formats for easy viewing and distribution.
Click
(Export) at the top.
Figure 225
226
Lists
In the Export Format drop-down list in the Report Export

dialog box, select one of the six different formats.
RTF: Rich text file. Formatted text that can be edited in a

word processor.
PDF: Portable Document Format. The world leading
document distribution format viewable with Adobe
Acrobat Reader or similar software. A non-editable
format.
HTML: The basic format of web pages that is viewable in
any web browser.
XLS: Microsoft Excel. Formatted into columns and lines.
Useful for manipulating large amounts or data or
importing into 3rd party systems.
TIF: Tagged image format. A picture of your list.
Text: Unformatted text that is editable with Notepad or
similar software.
Click
Select a file name and path and click
When you have finished with the list on screen, close the RDF
Viewer.
In addition to accessing the files through the Document
Manager, you can locate the file in Windows Explorer and
double-click to open it again in the RDF Viewer.
227
22.3 Selective Lists

When created using the Quick Documents interface, the list is
based on the entire structure. Different list types only include
specific types of items, such as only beams, only bolts, etc., but
they include all of the beams or bolts in the structure.
If you require a list that only includes items that match specific
criteria, such as in Phase 1, a different procedure is used to
create the list.
Create Lists
The Create Lists command creates a data file called a BOM
Extract that contains the list properties of the defined items. The
required list is then generated from this extract rather than from
the entire model.
(Create Lists).
Figure 226
228
The BOM Extract dialog box opens. If this is not the first
extract for this model, the previously used properties are
displayed and cannot be changed.
Lists
Figure 227
If you want to create a new extract with the same properties

(and up to date data) you can click the Next button.
OR if you want to create a new extract with different

properties, click the New button the top left, enter a name,
and click the Next button.
Figure 228
Complete model: If this box is selected, the entire model

is searched for objects that match the other criteria. If this
is not selected, only the selected objects are searched or
considered for inclusion in the BOM. If you only want the
selected objects, you should select them before starting
the Create Lists command.
Based on Assembly: This should always be selected to
ensure that all of the parts know the assemblies to which
they belong. If you do not select the option this assembly
information is not collected.
229
Include derived documents information: If you want to

display information regarding drawings you must select
this box; otherwise you can leave it empty.
In the rest of the dialog box, selecting any other option
restricts the items included in the BOM to those that
match that criteria.
Click the Next button.
You are prompted with a name for the extract that is based on
the current date and time.
Figure 229
The default name is fine, but it might help to edit it to make it

more recognizable regarding its purpose or contents.
Click the Create Lists. button.
The BOM Template Editor displays.
BOM Template Editor

The BOM Template editor enables you to define custom
templates for generating lists. That is outside the scope of this
training guide. Contact your Autodesk representative for more
information.
The BOM Template Editor also contains the complete list of
templates that are already available from which you can
generate a list.
2210
Lists
You can open the BOM Template Editor by clicking

(BOM
Editor) in the Output tab>Document Manager panel and then
generate lists from existing BOM extracts. Alternatively, you can
access the BOM Template Editor after creating an extract.
Figure 2210
Figure 2211
In the top right pane, select the required list format that you
want to generate.
The template for this list is displayed in the main central

pane.
Click
in the bottom right corner.
2211
In the Select Model Extract dialog box, select the required

extract on which to base the list and click the OK button.
Figure 2212
Your list is immediately generated and displayed in the RDF

Viewer.
You must have a BOM Extract created before you can create a
list using the BOM Template Editor.
2212
Lists
22.4 Managing Lists

If you save the RDF files for your lists in the BOM sub-folder of
your project folder the list is displayed in the List area in
Document Manager.
Figure 2213
Every time the Document Manager is opened it checks whether

each list is up to date. If a list is not up to date, it is listed as
Update Required. Revision control is not available for lists, so
the only option for updating an existing list is to select it and click
Force Update. The existing list is updated as is any BOM
Extract on which it was based (a new extract is not created, so
the time and date in the file name of the extract are now
meaningless).
If you change the central pane to the Preview tab you can
display the BOM and print it using the icon at the top. However, it
cannot be opened or exported.
2213
2214
Chapter 23
Other Documents
NC Files
DXF Files
Sharing Models and Drawings
Data Exchange
231
232
Other Documents
23.1 NC Files
Drawings and Lists are not the only types of file that the
Autodesk Advance Steel software can create. Several other file
types that might be useful are also available.
Modern manufacturing machinery is often computer controlled.
Providing programs for these machines that are produced
directly from your model can help reduce errors (resulting from
human input to the machines).
The program files are typically known as NC files (NC = Numeric
Control) and the content of these files can be complicated. The
content is defined by a standard called DSTV that is recognized
by the machinery.
Creating the DSTV files for your model in the Autodesk Advance
Steel software is quick and easy.
(NC).
Figure 231
An individual file is created for each section or plate in your

model. A report of errors in your NC files might also display.
If you have not selected anything, NC files for the entire structure
are created. If you only want to produce specific parts you should
select them before starting the NC command.
There are certain standards regarding the limits of NC
manufacture. Criteria are defined, such as to how close a hole
can be drilled to the edge of the material. These are considered
when creating the NC files and anything that does not meet the
standard is flagged as an error. Ideally you can adjust the model
so that no such errors occur. The actual NC file is correct
according to the model even if it says these errors exist.
233
The NC files are automatically created and stored in the path

Project folder\DStV\NC. The files are also controlled by the
Document Manager and are located in DStV file\DStV-NC. The
text contents of the file are displayed in the Preview tab.
Figure 232
The DSTV standard

permits specific
selections and options.
Some machine
manufacturers work
differently or interpret
the standard differently
to others. The NC files
produced by the
Autodesk Advance
Steel software are
strictly according to the
DSTV standard at all
times. It might be
necessary to adjust
some settings in
Management Tools>
Settings>Defaults to
suit a specific
manufacturers
machinery.
234
The Document Manager prompts you if a file is out of date and

enables you to Force Update the file. There is no revision
control on NC files.
To use the NC file for manufacture, send the manufacturer all of
the *.NC files in the NC folder. NC Files that have an error have
the file extension *.NC.ERR. If you remove the *.ERR from the
end of the file name, the file can still be used in an NC machine
(at your discretion). The lines in the Error files that cause the
problem start with two asterisks **. Although the lines are
identified for you it is not recommended that you try to edit the
NC files directly. If you want to fix the errors you should adjust
the model accordingly and update the NC file.
Other Documents
23.2 DXF Files

Another type of file that is used with computer controlled
machinery, especially for profiling plates, is a DXF file. As with
NC files, these are extremely quick and easy to produce in the

objects))
(DXF (all
Figure 233
OR In the Output tab>NC & DXF panel, click

(plates)) as required.
(DXF
Figure 234
DXF files for all of the selected objects are produced in a few
seconds. If you do not have anything, the selected files for the
entire structure are produced.
235
The resulting DXF files have the file extension *.DXF and are
saved in the file path project folder\DSTV\NC. You can send
these files to the manufacturer.
Figure 235
The Document Manager controls these files as well, enabling

you to update them as needed. They are located in
DSTV-NC-DXF. There is no revision control for these files. The
Preview tab displays the contents of the file (a simple outline with
a label).
236
Other Documents
23.3 Sharing Models and

Drawings
Although using a DWG file format, Autodesk Advance Steel
models and drawings cannot be viewed without the Autodesk
Advance Steel software. Not every person you communicate
with has the software, but you might need them to be able to
display your model or drawings. Alternatively, you might want to
share your model with people for stress analysis or to include in
other systems for layout of larger areas. The software has
several ways of achieving these needs.
3D DWF
If you want to provide someone with a viewable model, perhaps
for sales purposes, the standard 3D DWF format file can be
used.
Click
(Application Menu)>Export>DWF.
Figure 236
237
In the dialog box, enter the required file path and name or
click the Browse button.
Figure 237
Click
The resulting DWF file can be viewed using the Autodesk Design
Review application, which is available as a free download from
the Autodesk website. The file is a lightweight format that creates
small files. The files can be viewed in full 3D and printed, but
cannot be edited and provide limited information to the user,
ensuring that your design is secure. The files include object
properties that identify the section sizes, etc. The DWF can also
be marked up electronically and sent back. Therefore, they can
be useful for approval purposes.
Explode to ACIS
If you want to give your model to someone to use in the
AutoCAD software or another 3D modeling package you need to
convert the objects to ACIS solids. ACIS is a neutral format for
modeling 3D solids.
Ensure that you do this in a safe copy of your model file because
you cannot undo after the explode and all of the Autodesk
Advance Steel intelligence is going to be lost.
The easiest way to convert all of the appropriate Autodesk
Advance Steel objects to ACIS is:
238
Delete all of the joint boxes.
Other Documents
Select any Joint Boxes around the stairs and delete.

In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Selection Filters
category, click
(Joint Boxes).
Figure 238
Press <Delete>.
Explode to ACIS.
In the Advance Steel Tool Palette, in the Selection

category, click
(Search Filter).
Figure 239
In the General tab, click the Reset Dialog button.
239
In the Objects tab, select the required modeled objects.
Figure 2310
Click
.
category, click
(Select Marked Objects).
Figure 2311
2310
Other Documents
Right-click and select Explode to ACIS.
Figure 2312
Explode the remaining Autodesk Advance Steel parts (if you

have any).

category, click
(Clear Marked Objects).
Figure 2313
2311

category, click
(Search Filter).
Figure 2314
In the Objects tab, select at least the required objects.
Figure 2315
If the objects from the previous step remain selected as well it

should not matter as long as they are now selected.
2312
Click
Other Documents

category, click
(Select Marked Objects).
Figure 2316
Enter the Explode command in the Command Line.

The exploded model should look identical but all of the Autodesk
Advance Steel intelligence is removed and the objects are just
solids. This file could now be used in the AutoCAD software or
exported as an ACIS *.SAT file for importing into any other solid
modeling software, such as the Autodesk Inventor software or
Solid Edge.
Exploding Drawings
To set your 2D drawings so that they can be used in the
AutoCAD software instead of the Autodesk Advance Steel
software, you need to follow this procedure.

Manager).
(Document
Figure 2317
Locate the drawings that you want to share and select them
(you can use <Shift> and <Ctrl> to select more than one file).
2313
Click the Add to Explode button.
Figure 2318
You can check the file that you have added to the explode list
in the new Batch Explode folder in the selection tree.
Figure 2319
If you have added a file to the list by mistake you can remove
it by right-clicking on it and selecting Remove Item from list.
When you have added all of the required files to the Explode
list, click
You are prompted to confirm the explode in a dialog box.

Click
The drawings are exploded.

The exploded drawings are located in the DetailsExploded
sub-folder of the project folder. The drawing files in this folder
contain standard AutoCAD elements and all of the Autodesk
Advance Steel intelligence has been lost. The original Autodesk
Advance Steel drawings have not changed.
2314
Other Documents
23.4 Data Exchange

If you want to share files with users of other specialist steelwork
software for analysis or design purposes, a number of different
file standards are available.
Using the Export & Import panel, the following special formats
are available in the Autodesk Advance Steel software.
GTC or GTCX: For sharing with other Autodesk software,

such as the Autodesk Revit software.
CIS/2: File extension is *.stp.
SDNF
STD: Best for StaadPro.
IFC: IFC2x3 standard. File extension is *.IFC.
PSS: File extension is *.stp.
KISS: Export only. File extension is *.kss.
PML: Export only. File extension is *.txt.
3d DWF: For import into the Autodesk Navisworks software.
Figure 2320
Although many systems can read or write many of these file

types, the preferred option varies depending on the system.
In each case the file contains data describing the position,
section/size, material, coating, etc. Therefore it contains more
information than the Sharing Models and Drawings methods.
2315
When reading or writing one of these files, the Autodesk

Advance Steel software compares the data to a list in its
database to be able to translate it. If the data is not found in the
list you are prompted to enter or select the appropriate
translation. For example, if the PSS file prompts you that the
material is Steel, you are prompted to select an appropriate
grade of steel. The selection is then added to the list and you are
not prompted again.
Note: Depending on the use of the model it might be
constructed in a different way or specific properties might be
entered differently (e.g., materials, section names, or axis). In
some cases the result of the data exchange might not very
useful. This is not an error, but is the result of different
requirements in different systems. If data is exchanged
regularly, rework can be minimized by taking other users needs
into account with the way the model is constructed.
2316
Appendix A
Drawing Prototypes
Editing a Prototype
Title Block
Drawing Frame
BOMs on Drawings
Revision Table
Other Information
Printing Setup
A1
A2
Drawing Prototypes
A.1 Editing a Prototype

The Appendices in this training guide cover topics that might be
of interest to beginners or are closely related to topics that have
already been covered, but are outside the scope of the essential
training. This information is primarily provided as a reference, but
can be covered during the course at the discretion of the course
instructor.
The drawing prototypes are blank drawing sheets that are used
to create the drawing views. The Autodesk Advance Steel
software comes with a set of typical drawing sheets, but it is
common to want to customize some aspects of them to suit your
companys needs.
The prototypes are stored in the installation folder of the
Autodesk Advance Steel software on your hard drive. The
easiest way to open a prototype for editing is:

Prototypes).
(Edit
Figure A1
A normal file open window displays, which has already

navigated to the correct path for your prototypes.
Select the file that you want to edit and click the Open button.
The prototype opens for editing as needed.
A3
A.2 Title Block

The title block in any drawing prototype is an AutoCAD block
called HYPERSTEELPAGEHEADER. DO NOT change the
name of this block. You can edit the block to any required
geometry and replace the logo with your company logo as
needed.
Note: Although the block has the same name in all of the
prototypes, it is not actually the same block. Do not copy the
block from one file to another.
In the title block, Attributes are used for the drawing information.
If you want the Autodesk Advance Steel software to complete the
value of an attribute with intelligent text, such as the Project Data
that is completed when creating a new Project file, you must use
an attribute tag from the list of recognized Tokens. When
creating a drawing, the software completes all of the attributes,
using recognized tokens as tags.
The recommended procedure for editing a title block in a
prototype file is as follows:
Open the prototype.
Select the block HYPERSTEELPAGEHEADER, right-click

and select Block Editor.
Figure A2
A4
In the Block Editor, edit the geometry and general text as

needed.
In the Block Editor, edit the attributes as needed. Use tokens

where you want the software to complete the value for you.
Drawing Prototypes
AutoCAD
Multi-line Text
Figure A3
Be careful when using

the token for the
drawing number. It
needs to be either
POS_NUM for a single
sheet part and
assemblies or
DRAWING_NO for
other drawings.
Close the Block Editor, ensuring that you save the block as
you exit.
The following tokens can be used in title blocks:

Token
Description
PROJECT
Project Name
PROJECT_NO
Project No.
CLIENT
Client Name
BUILDING
Building Name
BUILDING_LOCATION
Location of the building.
CONTRACTOR
Contractor Name
DATE_ORDER
Date of Order
DATE_CONSTR
Date of construction.
DESIGNER
Checked by
DETAILER
Detailed by
MODEL_DWG
Name of model.dwg.
DRAWING_NO
Drawing number
A5
A6
POS_NUM
Piece mark of the object.
DATE_DRAW
Date of created drawing.
SCALE
Scale used for detail.
MATERIAL
Material of the object.
REVISION_INDEX
Revision index
REVISION_AUTHOR
Revision created by
REVISION_DATE
Revision date
REV_COMMENT
Revision description
COATING
Coating of the object.
PHASE
Phase/Lot of the object.
FILENAME
The name of the DWG file.
ROLE
Model Role
NAME
Description of the part.
OBJECTTYPE
Object Type
QUANTITY
Quantity of the part required.
USERATTR1 USERATTR10
User Attributes 1-10
USERPROJATTR1
Project user attribute 1
USERPROJATTR2
USERPROJATTR3
USERPROJATTR4
USERPROJATTR5
Drawing Prototypes
A.3 Drawing Frame

The drawing frame is an AutoCAD block called
HYPERSTEELPAGEFRAME. You can edit the geometry of this
frame as needed, but must not change the name of the block.
A7
A.4 BOMs on Drawings

To use a list on a drawing it is recommended that you place it in
the prototype file as follows:

(Insert a list).
Figure A4
The system for the

templates of lists in
drawings has been
updated to improve
performance by up to
50% and to increase
flexibility. The templates
in the BOM template
editor are in the old
system. In your
prototype, if the BOM
displays a diagonal line
and Update Required it
is an old style BOM. If it
displays geometry and
tokens it is a new style
BOM. Ask your
Autodesk representative
for more information.
A8
First point: Select one corner of the area where you want the
BOM to be located.
Second point: Select the diagonally opposite point of the area

where you want the BOM to be located.
The BOM Properties dialog box opens.
Figure A5
Layout tab: The BOM can change size to suit the

information it contains. If you do not want a corner to
move, select the corresponding box in this tab. Usually
you leave either both top or both bottom boxes cleared.
Otherwise the list cannot change length to suit the
number of lines required.
Drawing Prototypes
Template tab: Select the BOM template that you want to

use for the BOM.
Close the dialog box.
The BOM is empty or displays tokens rather than proper

information if the prototype is not linked to any specific parts.
A9
A.5 Revision Table

All of the prototypes already include revision tables. However, if
you want to use different ones, you can insert a new one as
follows:

(Revision Table).
Figure A6
Lower left corner: Select the corner of the area where you
want the table to be located.
Upper right corner: Select the opposite corner of the area

where you want the table to be located.
The Revision Table Properties dialog box opens.
Figure A7
A10
Columns tab: Select the columns that you want to display in

your table.
Drawing Prototypes
Column Format tab: Set the formatting for each columns

data.
Heading tab: Set the formatting for the column headings.
Layout tab: Select the layout that you want to use for your
table and set the number of rows of revision history that you
want to display.
Close the dialog box.
A11
A.6 Other Information

The existing notes
about standard weld or
hole sizes are not
intelligent. If you change
the settings in
Management Tools>
Settings>Defaults you
have to edit the notes
manually.
A12
You can place any other text or geometry that you want to use in
your prototypes. For example, many prototypes have notes
about standard bolts, holes, or welds.
Drawing Prototypes
A.7 Printing Setup

To take advantage of the batch print facility in the Document
Manager you should set up the correct printing options in each
prototype file. Pre-defined printers are not provided in the
prototypes.
To set up the default printing settings, complete the following
procedure in each prototype.
Open the prototype. The quickest way to do so is use

(Edit Prototype) in the Output tab>Document Manager
panel.
Figure A8
At the bottom left, right-click on a tab.
Figure A9
Select Page Setup Manager.
A13
In the dialog box verify whether the required print settings are
already in the list. If they are, skip the next four steps.
Figure A10
Click the New button in the dialog box.
Enter a name for the setup (e.g., A3 Laserjet).
Figure A11
A14
Drawing Prototypes
Set the plot settings as if you were plotting manually. Ensure

that you select AdvanceSteel.ctb as the Pen Table to plot in
black and white with the correct line thicknesses based on
the default AS color scheme.
Figure A12
Click the OK button and your new setup should display in the
list.
A15
Select your preferred default setup in the list and click the Set
Current button.
Figure A13
Close the Page Setup Manager dialog box.
Save and close the prototype.
Once this process has been completed any new drawings that
you create inherit the default print settings. The Batch Plot in the
Document Manager uses the current print setup for each file
when plotting.
A16
Appendix B
BOM Template Editor
Introduction
Element Properties
Tokens
Formatting
List Structure
Report Contents
B1
B2
BOM Template Editor
B.1 Introduction
As with drawing prototypes you might need to adjust some basic
elements of the BOM templates to suit your companys needs.
The most obvious adjustment would be to replace the standard
logo with your company logo.
To access the BOM Template Editor, click
the Output tab>Document Manager panel.
(BOM Editor) in
Figure B1
Locate the template that you want to edit in the top right pane.
You cannot edit templates in the Advance area in the list.
Figure B2
B3
B.2 Element Properties

All of the boxes and elements in the template can be edited.
Select the element in the template that you want to edit and the
lower right pane displays a list of properties, such as fonts and
colors. You can adjust these properties to suit your needs.
Figure B3
Images
To change the image in the logo, select the Image line in the
Properties and then click the ellipses symbol (...) at the end of
the line. You can select a file that is in any common image
format, up to a maximum of approximately 200kb in size.
Figure B4
B4
BOM Template Editor
Text
To change plain text you can edit the contents in the Text box in
the Properties pane. The font properties can also be set here.
Figure B5
B5
B.3 Tokens
To change intelligent text, right-click on the box and select Field
Content. Select the required token in the list on the left side of
the dialog box.
Figure B6
B6
BOM Template Editor
B.4 Formatting
To edit the border of a cell, right-click on it and select Format
Border. Edit the border properties in the dialog box as needed.
Figure B7
Note that this editor

contains more than is
described here. It is
possible to create
virtually any format of
list with a huge range of
information that can be
included. For more
information on creating
custom list templates
please contact your
Autodesk
representative.
Cosmetic elements, such as lines and shapes, can be added by

dragging from the palette on the left.
Elements can be aligned using the icons in the toolbar at the top.
When using these icons the last element selected is the one that
does not change and the others change to suit.
Figure B8
You can also set the foreground and background color of any
box. However, lists are normally printed in black and white so
you should select colors that are going to print clearly.
If you export the list to Excel, a new column is added to the left
and right edges of every box in the report. Therefore, if a cell in
the report header overlaps the Weight column in details, two
columns are displayed in Excel. To avoid this, line up the left and
right edges as much as possible across the entire report.
B7
B.5 List Structure

Each list is divided into various sections controlling the structure
of the output. The top level of the structure is ReportHeader and
ReportFooter, which only display at the top of the first page and
end of the last page respectively.
PageHeader and PageFooter are repeated at the top and
bottom of each page.
GroupHeaderX and GroupFooterX enclose the groups in the
list. For example, an assembly list would be grouped by the
assembly. Therefore, GroupHeader1 might contain information
about the assembly and GroupFooter1 would display the total
weight of the assembly. Groups can be nested inside other
groups and can be tracked using the counter. Correct grouping
can be difficult to achieve so it is recommended that you copy a
list that is already grouped in the required fashion and then edit
the other contents.
The Detail line is repeated for every element on the list. This is
the line on which you can enter each parts name, quantity,
weight, etc.
B8
BOM Template Editor
B.6 Report Contents

Each BOM template can filter the data for specific types of
objects, such as bolts, beams, or plates. To control this you can
use the Report Contents box.
Open the BOM Editor.
Ensure that the template for the required list is displayed.
Right-click on the template name in the tree structure at the

top right.
Select Report Contents from the menu.
Figure B9
B9
In the Report Contents box, select the object types that you
want to include on the BOM.
Figure B10
Save the template.
Note that there are entries for Exploded Bolt and Exploded
Anchors as well as Bolts, Site Bolts, Anchors, and Anchors
on Site. The Bolts and Anchors entries provide the full bolt
assembly details as one entry (e.g., M20x50 CSK 8.8 Bright
Zinc Plated Standard) and you are expected to understand the
meaning of standard in terms of nuts and washers. If the
Exploded versions are selected, the list displays each bolt, nut,
and washer as separate items (e.g., M20 x 50 CSK 8.8, M20
Hexagonal Nut Gr8, and M20 Flat Steel Washer). It is also
important to note that bolts and anchors are normally fitted on
site, so you should include both Bolts and Site Bolts in your lists
and do the same for Anchors.
Some entries that are available in the Report Contents box are
sub-sets of other groups of items. For example, Straight Beams
include all of the Beams with saw cuts and Beams with holes.
Therefore, you cannot select both options at the same time. The
later options are only for listing those specific objects rather than
every beam.
B10
Appendix C
Advance Steel Options
Defaults
C1
C2
C.1 Defaults
The system for setting options in the Autodesk Advance Steel
software is different to other programs. The system is called
Management Tools and the basic program settings are located in
Defaults.
You access these settings as follows:

Tools)
(Management
The Management Tools interface opens.
Select Defaults.
Figure C1
C3
A window opens displaying a navigation tree, etc.
Figure C2
For each option
C4
Use the arrow symbols to expand or collapse the sections

in the tree and select the sub-group in each section.
Locate and select the required settings in the panel on the
right.
A description displays in a tooltip if you hover the cursor
over the name of the setting and the possible values on
the right.
Select the new value or required option.
Figure C3
Once you have changed all of the required settings, click

Load Settings in Advance.
Figure C4
Close the Management Tools.
If you do not click Load Settings in the Management Tools, the

changes do not take effect until the next time you start the
C5
There are over 1500 options in total. To help you find the
required entry you can use the Filter.
Figure C5
Select the Use Filter option at the bottom left.
Enter the search term in the Filter line (avoid plurals).
When you press <Enter> the settings list is filtered to only

display those entries that contain the search term.
Some of the more common settings to adjust include the

following:
Group
Default
Explanation
Beam
Coating for Sections
Coating for beams. Possible

values are available in the
Coating table.
Section Material
Material for beams. Possible

values are available in the
Material table.
Minimum volume of the

collision solid.
Minimum volume of the

collision solid that is recognized
in a collision check [mm3]. If
this value is small, all of the
collisions are displayed in a
collision check report. If the
value is large, the volumes of
collision under this value are
not displayed in the collision
report.
Tool Diameter
The scale factor applied to the

bolt diameter when checking
for tool clearance.
East axis text for

compass.
Text displayed in the compass

in the model and in drawings.
North axis text for

compass.
Text displayed in the compass

in the model and in drawings.
Collision
Control
Compass
C6

Connecting
elements
DrawingDimensioning
DrawingLabeling
DrawingPresentation
Bolt assembly
Parts of a bolt assembly (e.g.,

Na2W means nut and two
washers).
Bolt/Anchor name
General name of a bolt or

anchor (e.g., used on drawings
and in lists).
High strength bolt

diameter.
Standard high strength bolt

diameter of all manually
created bolts.
High strength bolt type.
High strength bolt type or

standard. Possible values are
available in the Norm table.
Hole tolerance
Hole tolerance for all bolts and

anchors.
Representation type of
the bolt.
Bolt representation during first

creation in model.
Treat special parts as

normal objects.
Treat special parts as normal

objects for bolt length
calculation.
Dimension style for
Name of the AutoCAD

dimension style used for that
type of dimension in details.
Running dimension
shows negative
dimension.
Ordinate dimensions display

negative dimensions relative to
the RD point.
Standard hole diameter

on drawings.
Diameter for standard holes.
Do not display labels for

standard holes.
Do not display labels for holes

with standard diameter
(diameter specified by Default
diameter for the standard
holes default).
Reference length for the

slope triangle.
Reference length for slope

triangle.
Color of
Color of specified line type in

drawings.
C7

DrawingGeneral
Use the new BOM on

Drawing.
Select whether to use the new

or old BOM templates in
drawings. Ensure that it
matches your prototypes.
Allow Duplicate
workshop drawings.
If set to zero you cannot

produce more than one
drawing per part or assembly.
Standalone part
detailing behavior.
Select whether standalone

parts should be treated as
parts, assemblies, or both.
Numbering
Assign Unused
Numbers
If set to 1 any numbers that are

unused (e.g., part deleted) are
reused. Set to 0 to prevent this.
Layer
Assignment
Default layers used for

AS objects based on
object role.
Activate more automatic layer

management based on the
Model Role of an object.
General
Message box when

template values not
found.
Select whether the Template

values not found alert box
should be displayed when
placing joints.
Derived documents are

copied on Save As.
Select whether your drawings

and BOMs are copied when
you do a Save As on a model
file.
Elongation for unfolding

calculation method.
Select the method used for

calculating the size of a
developed plate.
Revision control cloud

marking method.
Select whether to put a cloud

around the part, the dimension,
or both.
Show the revision index.
Select whether the revision

index should be labeled next to
each cloud.
Revision
Control
C8
Appendix D
User Sections
Introduction
Layers and Basic Elements
Key Points
Generate Sections
D1
D2
User Sections
D.1 Introduction
The Autodesk Advance Steel software includes a library of
hundreds of different section types from all over the world. Each
of the section types includes many different sizes. Therefore, the
library includes many thousands of standard sections. However,
sometimes you might need to create a customized section or to
use a proprietary section from a manufacturer. The software has
tools that enable you to create such sections and to use them
like the standard sections.
A User Section can be created and then used in the same way
as any other section in the system. All of the joints in the
Connection Vault work, as do the structural elements macros. A
few of the macros and joints are specialized and work from a
restricted list of appropriate sections. Therefore, they might not
work with your user section because that would not be
appropriate.
Creation of a user section is done in the following stages:
Draw the section on specific layers.
Define the key points.
Generate in the library.
D3
D.2 Layers and Basic Elements

In simple terms sections are defined by drawing the section on
specific layers and importing them into the Autodesk Advance
Steel software. Each part of the section must be drawn on the
correct layer to be recognized by the software when generated.
Therefore, as you draw each part of your section you must first
select the appropriate layer in the Extended Modeling tab>Use
Section panel, by clicking
(Layer drop down list).
Frame
Outer contour
Inner contour
Exact outer contour
Exact inner contour
Section class
Section name
Figure D1
The following describes the available layers:
D4
Frame: If defining a range of sections or sizes you can draw

the entire range in one DWG file. Each individual section
must be enclosed in a frame. The frame should be a
rectangle that surrounds the section drawing and labels.
Outer Contour: All of the sections must have an outer

contour or shape. On this layer you should draw the exact
outer shape of your section with precise dimensions. This
layer is for the approximate section so you should not include
fillet radii or other small details (see Exact Outer Contour
below).
Inner Contour: If your section has a hollow, such as a

rectangular hollow section, you should draw the shape of the
hollow on this layer. As with the outer contour, this is the
simplified shape without fillet radii or similar objects.
Exact Outer Contour: This layer should contain a precise

drawing of your section, including all of the small details, such
as fillet radii. This drawing should be on top of the simplified
Outer Contour.
User Sections
Exact Inner Contour: This is the precise hollow, if needed,

including any fillet radii or other small details.
Section Class: On this layer you should place a single piece

of text, which is the name of the section class for your
section. This is equivalent to UK Universal Column or GUS
Channel 8240-97.
Section Name: This layer should also contain a single piece

of text that is the actual name of this section and size.
Existing examples would include RB 1 5/16 or HEA360.
The required elements can be drawn using standard AutoCAD

commands. The four contours must be closed polylines. The
simplified inner and outer contours are used most of the time in
the model to maximize performance. The exact inner and outer
contours are used when creating element contours and clash
checking.
Examples of each element are as follows. For clarity the exact
contours have been moved away from the simplified ones, but
you should draw them on top of each other.
Figure D2
D5
D.3 Key Points

After the section has been drawn you must identify the key points
used by the Autodesk Advance Steel software for placing the
system line and coordinate systems.
Reference Axis
First you must define the nine possible locations of the system
line in the profile. Do the following for each of the nine points in
turn:
In the Extended Modeling tab>User Section panel, click

(Reference Axis drop-down list).
Snap to the outer contour at the point to insert a reference

axis: Select the appropriate point.
Reference axis left-top

Reference axis center-top
Reference axis right-top
Reference axis left-center
Reference axis center-center
Reference axis right-center
Reference axis left-bottom
Reference axis center-bottom
Reference axis right-bottom
Figure D3
D6
User Sections
These points can only be placed on the snap points of lines.

Therefore, you might need to draw construction lines to identify
the key point. This would apply to the center-center point in the
example. The construction line can be on any layer other than
the special ones that are used to define the section or you can
delete the line after placing the reference axis. The construction
line must not remain on one of the special layers when
generating the section or it can cause errors.
The reference axis symbols are oriented according to the
element on which they are placed: this is frequently not oriented
correctly. The orientation of the symbol does not matter, only the
location matters.
Figure D4
Add Coordinates
Finally, you should define the surfaces in which the UCS
systems can be placed using the UCS at Object command. To
define these surfaces:

(Add Coordinates).
Figure D5
D7
Select an outer contour face at which to define a coordinate

system. Select any point on the outer contour edge to which
you want to add a possible UCS.
Repeat as required.
Each possible UCS displays as a magenta symbol of two arrows

at 90o.
In the example there are four obvious outer contour edges on
which to place coordinates.
Figure D6
D8
User Sections
D.4 Generate Sections

You have now defined all of the details that are required for the
section. To add the section to the Autodesk Advance Steel
library, you need to generate it.
If you only have one section in your drawing, you can use:

(Generate Selected Section).
Figure D7
Select objects: Select the frame around your section and

accept.
OR if you have more than one section in your drawing you might
prefer to use:

(Generate All Sections).
Figure D8
This also works if there is only one section in your drawing. If you
have many sections the command might seem to be jumping
from one section to another in a strange sequence, but this does
not have an affect on the final result.
D9
You should keep the

DWG drawing file of
your section in a safe
place. If you want to use
the same section on
another computer or to
do anything to the
Autodesk Advance
Steel installation (i.e.,
reinstall or upgrade) you
need to generate the
section(s) again on
each computer on which
you want to use them.
After generating the section a confirmation that it has been

successful should display.
Figure D9
Using User Sections

After generating, a user section can be used in the same way as
any other standard section in any dialog box in which you can
select the section type.
First select Other Sections in the Type drop-down list.
Figure D10
D10
User Sections
Then select your class name in the Class drop-down list.
Figure D11
The section name(s) display in the Size drop-down list for

selection.
D11
Your section is placed and used as for any other section. The
Standard display type displays the simplified section shape
while the Exact display type displays the exact contours that
have been defined.
Figure D12
D12
User Sections
Figure D13
The nine offset points in the Positioning tab match the nine
points that you have defined. The center of gravity point is
calculated for you.
If you use the UCS at Object command on this section only the
faces that you have defined display UCS triads for the selection.
D13
D14
Appendix E
Basic CAD Practice
E1
E2
Basic CAD Practice
Practice E1
Course Preparation
As a warm up for the training course and to give you a chance to
experience the Autodesk Advance Steel CAD Platform you can
complete the following practice.
1. Start a new blank file in the Autodesk Advance Steel software
and recreate the following training drawing, including the
three views and dimensions (no logo or border) and only
using standard 2D CAD commands.
2. It can be drawn in approximately 20 minutes by an
experienced CAD user. If you require more than 30 minutes
you might consider updating or improving your general CAD
skills.
Figure E1
E3
E4
Appendix F
Training Outline
Suggested Five Day Outline

Optional Topics or Further Training
Autodesk Links to Forums, Support, and FAQ Pages
F1
F2
Training Outline
F.1 Suggested Five Day Outline

The material in this training guide is provided for reference after
completing the training course. Therefore, the information is
grouped into related topics and might not be in the same
sequence that was used training.
Each group being trained has different needs and is starting from
different levels of experience. The trainer takes these factors into
account and adjusts the training guide to suit. Therefore, every
course can be slightly different.
Nevertheless, certain subjects and topics are required by all of
the users of the Autodesk Advance Steel software and need to
be covered in every training guide. Therefore, as a starting point,
here is a suggested outline for a four day course covering all of
the essential topics. The timings are approximate and the
subjects and breaks can be rearranged to suit the needs of the
group.
DAY 1
Warm Up/Basic CAD Skills Test: Maximum time 30

minutes. Provides students with a chance to focus their
minds ready for training while giving the trainer a chance to
assess their basic skills.
Getting Started.
Start with a template.

Project Data.
File structure on disk.
Practice: Start training project, complete project data, and
save file.
Drawing Grids.
Using Coordinate Systems.
Viewing Tools.
Practice: Draw grids for training project.
Basics
Beams
Plates
Connections (Bolts, Anchors, and Welds)
Concrete elements
F3
LUNCH
Basic Structure
Joints
DAY 2
Connection Vault
Joint Tables
Joint Copy
Create all of the standard joints in a structure.
Beam Features
Concrete
Portal Frame
Practice: Draw first Portal frame.
Transform Elements.
Copy/Mirror, etc.
Practice: Copy Portal frame.
Individual Beams.
Practice: Draw all remaining sections in place.
Shorten
Notch
Contours
Advance Trim/Extend
Practice: Work in Feature Practice file and try the various
features described in Chapter 10, Beam Features.
Plates
Flat Plates
Folded Plates
LUNCH
Plate Features
F4
Chamfer/Fillet
Contours
Practice: Practice according to instructions in Chapter 11,
Plates and Chapter 12, Plate Features.
Training Outline
Connection Elements
Create Manual Joints at tops of columns C4 and D4.
Structural Elements
DAY 3
Bolts
Welds
Practice: Practice in Feature Practice file.
Bracing
Practice: Add bracing to the training model.
Stairs
Practice: Add stairs to the training model.
Railing
Practice: Add railing to the training model (except round
outside platform).
Cage Ladder
Practice: Add ladder and outside railing to the training
model.
Other Model Objects
Concrete
Practice: Add concrete foundation to our model.
Special Parts
Practice: Add Mechanical Part.dwg as special part in
model.
LUNCH
Validating Model
Collision Check
Find Results/Marking
Practice: Students fix some clashes and technical errors
on their own.
Model Roles
Significance
Search Filter and Saved Searches.
Practice: Create saved search for no model role and use
it. Ensure that all parts have appropriate model role.
F5
Numbering
Creating Drawings
DAY 4
Numbering methods.
Practice: Number the training model.
Cameras/GA Views
Drawing Processes
Practice: Create GAs
Creating Drawings (continuation)
Parts
Assemblies
Practice: Create part and assembly drawings from the
training structure.
Document Manager
LUNCH
Editing Drawings
Lists
Creating BOMs through Quick Documents.

RDF Viewer
Creating BOMS from Extracts and BOM Editor.
Practice: Create some lists from the training model.
BOM Templates
F6
Editing Views
Adding sections.
Adding/editing annotation.
Practice: Make some changes to training drawings.
Replacing logo.
Report contents.
NC & DXF Files
Practice: Create NC files for all of the parts and DXF files for
all of the plates in the training model.
Training Outline
Revision/Update Management
Show how Document Manager controls revisions

Show revision clouds, etc.
Practice: Makes some change to model and revise
documents.
Management Tools - Defaults
F7
F.2 Optional Topics or Further

Training
The following topics can be covered if there is time and it is
considered appropriate for the students. It is at the discretion of
the trainer if and when to add these topics.
Whether they are covered in the course or not, all of the main
topics are contained in this training guide for personal review.
Joint Groups
Project Explorer
Levels
Create a level for 0m and 3m. Create some extra floor
beams with the 3m level Active (or use the floor beams
shown in main practice if they have not already been
created). Show that the beams move if the level height
changes.
Model views
Create one example of each type of model view.
Saved Searches
Create a search for all of the parts without a model role.
Groups
Create a group containing all of the parts of the
mezzanine floor.
Further Plates
F8
Create joint in joint groups.

Adding and removing existing joints to or from groups.
Master joints.
Link all of the associated joints together as joint groups
(e.g., all of the Eaves Haunches). Locate the master and
change it to a different joint. Edit one joint in the group and
show the other change together.
Twisted folded plate.

Conical plate.
Draw a hopper with a square top and circular bottom. Add
mounting flanges to two horizontal beams around the end
of the hopper top. Split the hopper into two sections so
that it can be manufactured more easily from smaller
plates.
Training Outline
Special Parts
Cladding
Assembly Weight calculations.

Saved searches or Groups in Project Explorer (if not
already covered).
Split the model into sensible lots with a maximum of five
tonnes each.
Editing Drawing Prototypes
What is the Technical Check and how to use it.

Finding results.
Perform a technical check and fix a number of the issues
that are found.
Lotting and Phasing
Add decking to the mezzanine floor and leave an opening

around the water tank.
Technical Check
Show how to use proprietary parts in the model, such as

Key Clamp fittings in the railings.
Use the provided Key Clamp library to add suitable fittings
to the rail and create an assembly drawing with the fittings
included.
Replace the Autodesk logo and change/add a token in the

title block of one prototype. Create a drawing using that
prototype and prove that it works correctly.
Management Tools
Projects
Preferred Sizes
Object Properties
Joint Design
User Sections
How to define a user section.

Create a custom user section and place it in a model.
F9
F.3 Autodesk Links to Forums,

Support, and FAQ Pages
The Autodesk Knowledge Network was created to give Autodesk
users additional assistance. You can use it to gain support,
additional learning, and become part of the community of users.
FAQs
In the Autodesk Knowledge Network, you can access frequently

asked questions in the support area.
http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/advance-steel/learn-exp
lore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/AdvSteel-FAQ-List/file
s/GUID-3D472E99-894D-410D-8CC4-5026F7898C41-htm.html
Advance Steel
Documentation
In the support area, you can learn about the main features of the
Autodesk Advance Steel software, which include: Whats New,
Starting Guide, and Users Guide.
http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/advance-steel/learn-exp
lore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/AdvSteel-DocList/files
/GUID-D9FAE1D0-3FFF-4CEE-97F8-80B2E2C472A1-htm.html
F10

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Essentials - Metric

2014 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

Chapter 6 Building Grids...................................................................6-1

Practice 10c Shorten at UCS ..................................................... 10-9

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

13.4 Welds ..................................................................................13-10

17.5 Queries ...............................................................................17-21

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

22.3 Selective Lists......................................................................22-8

Appendix F Training Outline ............................................................ F-1

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

This chapter contains the following topics:

This training guide is written using the Autodesk Advance

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

1.2 Text Conventions

Autodesk Advance Steel commands are indicated by bold

Prompts in the Autodesk Advance Steel Command Line are

When describing the location of a command or icon in the

When describing the location of a command or icon in a Tool

Recommended workflow and important points are displayed

Practices are placed in their own sections and identified by

Margin notes are used to provide extra tips or information that

1.3 Main Practice

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

This chapter contains the following topics:

2.1 Template Files

It also automatically lists the available templates (according to

You should always select the ASTemplate.dwt template to

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

2.2 Project Data

The Project data dialog box opens.

2.3 File Structure

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

Create a Project File

If you are using the

2. Start a new file using the ASTemplate.dwt template.

Project = Advance Steel Training

This chapter contains the following topics:

Common CAD Commands

3.1 Common CAD Commands

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

3.2 Mouse View Commands for

Zoom (mouse wheel): To zoom in or out, scroll the mouse

Pan (middle mouse button): Press and hold down the

Orbit (<Shift> + middle mouse button): To rotate the model

Zoom Extents (double-click on the middle mouse

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

3.4 Visual Styles

For most purposes, a solid shaded view is preferred by most

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

This chapter contains the following topics:

The Advance Steel Interface

4.1 Selecting Objects

Autodesk Advance Steel 2015 Essentials - Metric

4.2 Advance Properties

Ensure that no commands are active (prompt = Command:).

Ensure that nothing is selected (if in doubt, press <Esc> twice

Double-click on the object that you want to edit.

Select the object that you want to edit.