Jantesa-11.6 M18 Advanced Steelwork

Version 11.
Module 18
Advanced Steelwork Design
Training Manual
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Error! No text of specified style in document. Training Manual (General User) Contents-i
Contents
Session 1 ...................................................................... 1-1
3D Aid Constructs and Working Planes ..................................................... 1-1
Objectives .................................................................................................. 1-1
Must Know Points ...................................................................................... 1-1
Creating 3D Aid Constructs........................................................................ 1-2
Copying and Modifying 3D Aid Constructs............................................... 1-15
Working Planes ........................................................................................ 1-23
Exercise 1 ................................................................................................ 1-26
Session 2 ...................................................................... 2-1
Curved Sections ........................................................................................... 2-1
Objectives .................................................................................................. 2-1
How PDMS represents Curved Sections ................................................... 2-2
Creating Curved Sections .......................................................................... 2-5
Modifying Curved Sections ...................................................................... 2-13
Exercise 2 ................................................................................................ 2-19
Session 3 ...................................................................... 3-1
Penetrations.................................................................................................. 3-1
Objectives .................................................................................................. 3-1
Must Know Points ...................................................................................... 3-1
Overview of Penetrations ........................................................................... 3-2
Creating a Penetration ............................................................................... 3-4
Updating Penetrations.............................................................................. 3-14
Exercise 3 ................................................................................................ 3-18
Session 4 ....................................................................... 24
Accessways, Stairs and Ladders..................................................................24
Objectives ....................................................................................................24
Must Know Points ........................................................................................24
Overview of ASL Modeller............................................................................25
Creating ASL Components ..........................................................................26
Setting ASL Component Defaults.................................................................36
Modifying ASL Components.........................................................................38
Exercise 4A..................................................................................................42
Exercise 4B..................................................................................................54
Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design Contents-i

Session 1
3D Aid Constructs and Working Planes
3D Aid Constructs are 2D graphics that can assist when creating complicated
geometry, such as curved beams and complex panels, in your 3D model.
Objectives
At the end of this session, you will able to:
Create and position 3D Aid Constructs to assist your design modelling.
Copy and Modify 3D Aid Constructs.
Create and Use Working Planes
Recognise where 3D Aid Constructs can improve speed and accuracy.
Use the different types of 3D Aid Constructs effectively.
Must Know Points

At the end of this session you will be able to explain:
How to create effective 3D Aid Constructs from the available selections.

How to clear 3D Aid Constructs from the display.
How to create and activate Working Planes
How to use Working planes effectively.
Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-1

Creating 3D Aid Constructs

Overview
3D aid constructs are 2D graphics that can assist you when creating complex
geometry in your 3D model. The constructs are not database elements and are,
therefore, only displayed for the duration of the Design session. However, the
constructs may be saved to a file and restored during subsequent Design sessions.
The different constructs may be used in conjunction with the Aid pick type on the
Positioning Control form to give positional information for, say, the start and end of
SCTN elements or PAVE elements in a panel.
Constructs can be deleted, either individually or in their entirety, and may also be
modified once created.
3D aid constructs may be created in any of the four structural applications, i.e.
Beams & Columns, Panels & Plates, Walls & Floors and ASL Modeller.
The types of construct are:
Circle
Line
Working Point
Plane
Grid
The colour of 3D Aid Constructs is controlled from the Colours form, i.e. selecting
Settings>Graphics>Colour from the main menu and selecting the Aids colour.
The 3D Aid Constructs Form

Selecting Utilities>Constructs from the main menu displays the 3D Aid
Constructs form:
Control
The Control menu has the following options:
List
Selecting the List option displays the Aid Constructors form. An explanation of
this form is given later in this session.
Save

Selecting the Save option displays the File Browser form that enables you to
save all of the constructs to a named file.
Restore
Selecting the Restore option displays the File Browser form that enables you to
restore the constructs from a saved file.
Close
Selecting the Close option closes the 3D Aid Constructs form.
Settings
The Settings menu has the following options:
Repeat
If this setting is ON, indicated by a checkmark adjacent to the menu label, you can
continue to create the same type of construct until you press the Esc key. The
option is toggled ON and OFF by alternate selections.
Size
Selecting the Size option displays the Working Point Size form:
The size of working points can be specified by entering a value in the Diameter
text box and the Apply to radio buttons enable you to apply this value to new
working points or those already defined.
Create
All of the Create menu options have sub-menus that enable you to select various
construction methods. At the top of each sub-menu, excluding Copy, is a Toolbar
option which, when selected, displays a toolbar form containing all the construction
methods in the sub-menu.
Copy
The sub-menu options enable you to Copy Offset, Copy Rotate and Copy Mirror
any aid construct type. For further details of these options see Copying and
Modifying 3D Aid Constructs.
Circle
The sub-menu options enable you to create circle constructs in different ways, see
Circle Constructs.
Line

The sub-menu options enable you to create line constructs in different ways, see
Line Constructs.
Work Point
The sub-menu options enable you to create working point constructs, see
Working Point Constructs.
Plane
The sub-menu options enable you to create plane constructs, see Plane
Constructs.
Grids
The sub-menu options enable you to create different types of grid construct, see
Grid Constructs.
Modify
The Modify menu options enable you to modify constructs once they are created
and are covered later in this manual; see Copying and Modifying 3D Aid
Constructs.
Delete
The Delete menu has the following options:
Pick
This option enables you to pick a single construct to delete.
All Constructs
This option deletes all constructs. You will be asked to confirm your decision with
the following confirmation form:

Circle Constructs
Selecting Create>Circle>Toolbar from 3D Aid Constructs form displays the
Circles form:
The various methods of creating Circle constructs are:
Derive from a picked

Through 3 points
item
Fillet Tangential to 3 lines
Fixed radius tangential Fixed radius, passing

to circle through 2 points
Tangential to a circle Tangential to 2 circles
Derived diameter on
Derived diameter
working plane
Fixed diameter on
Fixed diameter
working plane
Derived radius on
Derived radius
working plane
Fixed radius on working

Fixed radius
plane
Define explicitly

Clicking any of the Circle construction method buttons displays relevant prompts in
the Prompt Area of the 3D View. The construction methods work in conjunction with
the Positioning Control form enabling you to use model elements, displayed
graphics, other 3D aid constructs, etc. in creating a Circle.
Where a Circle construction method requires a fixed diameter or radius an
appropriate form is displayed when the button is clicked:
The Measure button on these forms enables you to set the diameter or radius by
graphical picks; alternatively, a value can be entered into the text box.
Circle construction methods that work in conjunction with a Working Plane require
the working plane to be active; otherwise the following error message is displayed:
Working Planes are explained later in this session.

The Define explicitly button displays the Modify Circle form, which enables you to
set the radius, start and end angles, position and orientation of the circle. See
Modifying 3D Aid Constructs for an explanation of this form.
Line Constructs
Selecting Create>Line>Toolbar from 3D Aid Constructs form displays the Lines
form:
The various methods of creating Line constructs are:
Between two points Angled from copied

Derived from a picked

Bisect the picked lines
item
Point to circle tangent Tangential to 2 circles
Define explicitly
Clicking any of the Line construction method buttons displays relevant prompts in
the Prompt Area of the 3D View. The construction methods work in conjunction with
the Positioning Control form enabling you to use model elements, displayed
graphics, other 3D aid constructs, etc. in creating a Line.
The Define explicitly button displays the Modify Line form, which enables you to
set the position, length and direction of the line. See Modifying 3D Aid Constructs
for an explanation of this form.
Work Point Constructs

Selecting Create>Work Point>Toolbar from 3D Aid Constructs form displays
the Points form:
The two methods of creating Working Point constructs are:
Derive position Define explicitly
The Derive position button works in conjunction with the Positioning Control form
enabling you to use model elements, displayed graphics, other 3D aid constructs,
etc. in positioning a Working Point.
The Define explicitly button displays the Modify Work Point form and the
Positioning Control form which enables you to position the Working Point using
explicit co-ordinates or graphical picks.

Plane Constructs
Selecting Create>Plane>Toolbar from 3D Aid Constructs form displays the
Planes form:
The two methods of creating Plane constructs are:
Through 3 points Define explicitly
The Through 3 points button works in conjunction with the Positioning Control
form enabling you to use model elements, displayed graphics, other 3D Aid
constructs, etc. in defining a Plane construct.
The Define explicitly button displays the Modify Plane form and the Positioning
Control form which enables you to size, position and orientate the Plane.
The Modify Plane form is identical to the Working Plane form, see Creating
Working Planes Explicitly for an explanation
Grid Constructs
Selecting Create>Grids>Toolbar from 3D Aid Constructs form displays the
Grids form:
The three types of Grid construct are:
Linear grid Radial grid
Plant grid

Linear Grid
A Linear grid is a net of lines with even spacing in the X direction and even spacing
in the Y direction. The X and Y spacing may be different, but they are consistent
within one direction.
Selecting the Linear grid button from the Grids form displays the Reference Linear
Grid form:
The Options area of the form enables you to:

Label and Detail the grid with text aids by checking the appropriate check box.
Modify the Number of visible lines by entering a value in the text box. The
number of lines are equal in the X and Y directions.
Set the Spacing on the X and Y directions by entering a value in the appropriate
text box.
See a Preview of the grid by clicking the Preview button.

The Position area of the form enables you to position the grid origin, i.e. the centre
of the grid, explicitly by entering East/West, North/South and Up/Down co-
ordinates. As the Positioning Control form is also displayed when the Reference
Linear Grid form is opened, the grid origin may be set by graphical picks.
The Orientation area of the form enables you to orientate the grid in three ways:
1. Clicking the Through three points button prompts you to graphically pick three
points to define the plane of the grid. When the orientation points have been
picked, the Y is and Z is text boxes are updated with new directions defined by
the grid plane.
2. Clicking the Through origin and two points button prompts you to graphically
pick two points which, together with the origin point, define the plane of the grid.
When the orientation points have been picked, the Y is and Z is text boxes are
updated with new directions defined by the grid plane.
3. The orientation can also be set by entering a direction in the Y is and Z is text
boxes. The X direction is automatically derived, using the Left-hand Rule and is
displayed beneath the two text boxes. It should be noted that only one direction
may be altered at a time so it may require two or more entries to re-orientate the
grid. If an invalid orientation is defined using this method the following error
message is displayed:
Orientating a grid does not alter its position.

The wrt text box enables the position and orientation to be set with respect to other
Design elements.

Radial Grid
A Radial grid is a spiders web of radial lines and circles with user defined angles
and diameters.
Selecting the Radial grid button from the Grids form displays the Reference Radial
Grid form:

Set the Angles for the radial lines of the grid. If a value is entered into the text box
adjacent to the Angles label a set of equally spaced angles between 0 and 360,

using the entered value, is displayed in the larger text box below. Alternatively,
angles may be entered individually in the larger text box.
Set the Diameters for the circular lines of the grid. Values for the Diameters are
entered in the large text box below the Diameters label. The values are absolute,
i.e. they are measured from the grid origin. If the values are entered out of
numerical sequence they will be automatically sorted and displayed if the Preview
button is clicked.

The Position and Orientation areas of the form function in the same way as
described for Linear grids.
Plant Grid
A Plant Grid is similar to a Linear Grid except that the X spacing and Y spacing can
vary.
Selecting the Plant grid button from the Grids form displays the Reference Plant
Grid form:


Specify the X and Y spacing for the grid lines. One grid line will be created for
each entry in the X Spacing and Y Spacing text box. The spacings are relative, i.e.
they are measured from the last grid line. Positive values will create lines in the
specified (X or Y) directions and negative values will create lines in the opposite
direction to that specified (-X or Y).


The Position and Orientation areas of the form function in the same way as
described for Linear grids.

Copying and Modifying 3D Aid Constructs

Copying 3D Aid Constructs
Selecting Create>Copy from the 3D Aid Constructs form menu displays a sub-
menu with three choices:
Offset
Selecting the Offset option displays the Aid Copy Offset form:

The Graphic Aids area of the form enables you to select the select the Aid(s) that
you wish to copy. Click the Pick button and then select the aid(s) with the cursor,
pressing the Esc key to end the selection. The number of aids selected is displayed
after the Selected: text. The Clear button, when active, clears the selection.
Note that the Apply button is greyed out until the selection has been completed.
Having selected the aids, the Copy Settings area of the form enables you to select
whether to Copy or Move the selection (Move is covered later in this section) as well
as specifying the number of copies required.
The Offset Settings area of the form enables you to select the Type of offset
required and then specify the appropriate Cardinal offsets or Distance and
Direction.
Note that if multiple copies have been specified then each aid is offset the specified
amount from the previous copy.
Clicking the Apply button copies the selected aid(s) the specified number of times by
the specified offset(s).
Rotate
Selecting the Rotate option displays the Aid Copy Rotate form:

The Graphic Aid and Settings area of the form function as described for Offset
except that the Rotation Angle, in degrees, must also be specified.
The Rotation Axes area of the form enables you to to slect or specify the Position
and Direction of the rotation axis. The area contains two buttons to assist you:
Pick Position of Rotation - clicking this
button displays the Postioning Control
form and enables you to specify the origin
of the rotation axis using the forms
options.
Pick rotation line - clicking this button
enables you to select a 3D Aid whose
position position will be the origin of the
rotation axis.
The rotation axis origin may also be specified by manually entering appropriate co-
ordinates in the text boxes.
If you use the Pick Position of Rotation button or specify the rotation axis origin
manually, the direction of the rotation axis may be specified in the Direction text
box.
Using the Pick rotation line button sets the Direction to the direction of the
selected 3D aid.
Whichever method you use to specify the Position and Direction of the rotation
axis, the values may be edited manually at any time.
Note that if multiple copies have been specified then each aid is rotated the specified
angle from the previous copy.
Clicking the Apply button copies the selected aid(s) the specified number of times by
the specified angle around the specified rotation axis.
Mirror
Selecting the Mirror option displays the Aid Copy Mirror form:

The Graphic Aid and Settings area of the form function as described for Offset
except that the multiple copies cannot be specified.
The Mirror Plane area of the form enables you to to slect or specify the Position
and Direction of the mirror plane. The area contains two buttons to assist you:
Pick position of mirror plane - clicking
this button displays the Postioning
Control form and enables you to specify
the origin of the mirror plane using the
forms options.
Pick mirror plane - clicking this button
enables you to select a 3D Aid whose
position will be the origin of the mirror
plane.
The mirror plane origin may also be specified by manually entering appropriate co-
ordinates in the text boxes.
If you use the Pick position of mirror plane button or specify the rotation axis origin
manually, the direction of the mirror plane, i.e. the direction of the vector normal to
the plane, may be specified in the Direction text box.

Using the Pick mirror plane button sets the Direction to the direction of the
selected 3D aid.
Whichever method you use to specify the Position and Direction of the mirror
plane, the values may be edited manually at any time. A vector aid and
representation of the plane are displayed using the specified settings.
Clicking the Apply button copies and mirrors the selected aid(s) about the specified
mirror plane.
Modifying 3D Aid Constructs

Selecting Modify from the 3D Aid Constructs form menu displays the following
menu:
Move
The Move option displays a sub-menu with Offset, Rotate and Mirror
options. These choices display the Aid Move Offset, Aid Move Rotate and Aid
Move Mirror forms respectively. The forms are identical in both apperance and
function to the respective Copy forms described previously except that Move is the
default in the Copy Settings area of the form and the copies text box is greyed out.
Cut
This option enables you to Cut (delete) one selected aid.
Copy
This option copies a selected aid to the clipboard.

Paste
This option displays the Positioning Control form and prompts you to select a
position to paste the aid from the clipboard.
Toolbar displays Modify toolbar:
The toolbar options are:

Delete picked aid item this option allows you to delete an aid.
Reposition picked aid item after picking the aid the Positioning Control form
is displayed allowing you to reposition the aid origin using the forms options.
Redefine radius of picked circle after selecting a circle aid the Positioning
Control form is displayed allowing you to graphically change the circle radius.
Note that the circle origin does change.
Extend end of picked line after selecting a line aid the Positioning Control
form is displayed allowing you to specify a position through which the line will be
extended (or trimmed) using the forms options. Note that the direction of the line
does not change.
Definition
This option allows you to modify an aid definition via a form. After selecting this
option from the menu you will be prompted to select an aid to be modified using the
cursor. Once the aid is selected an appropriate form is displayed depending on the
type of aid that has been selected. The form contains all the data that defines that
particular aid type and it can be modified by entering new values:

Position
This option prompts you to select an aid to re-position. After selection the
Positioning Control form is displayed and the aid origin can be graphically re-
positioned using the forms options.
Note that other data that defines the aid, e.g. radius, orientation, length, etc. is not
modified.
This option is the same as Reposition picked aid item on the Modify menu.
Radius
This option prompts you to select a Circle aid. After selection the Positioning
Control form is displayed and the radius can be changed by graphically picking a
point using the forms options.
Note that other data that defines the circle, e.g. position, orientation, etc. is not
modified.
This option is the same as Redefine radius of picked circle on the Modify menu.

Extend
This option prompts you to select a Line aid. After selection the Positioning Control
form is displayed and the length of the line may be changed by graphically selecting
a point through which the end of the line, nearest the selected point, will pass
through.
Note that the orientation of the line is not modified.
This option is the same as Extend end of picked line on the Modify menu.
Project onto plane

This option is greyed out unless there is an active Working Plane.
If there is an active Working Plane this option enables you to project the aid onto
the Working Plane and orientates the aid to the plane.

Working Planes
Overview
A Working Plane, which may be a plane or a grid, can be used to control positioning
operations. If a working plane is active, picked positions will be projected onto the
plane. If a grid is used as a working plane, picked positions can be snapped to the
intersections or cell centres of the grid.
You can create a Working Plane explicitly, using the Utilities>Working Plane
options from the main menu, or you can create a 3D Aid Plane or Grid, as described
previously, and then make the aid the active Working Plane.
Note that only one Working Plane mat be active at any given time.
Creating Working Planes Explicitly

Selecting Utilities>Working Plane from the main menu displays the Working
Plane form:
The Control form menu has only one option, Close, which enables you to dismiss
the form.
The Define form menu has the following options:
Pick
This option enables you to pick an existing plane or grid to be the active working
plane. Once selected, the Active and Visible checkboxes are automatically checked
and the selection becomes the active working plane.
Reposition
This option displays the Positioning Control form and enables you to reposition the
origin of the active working plane by graphically selecting a point using the forms
options.

Plane
This option displays the Working Plane form:
The Options area of the form enables you to Label the plane, display the plane
Axes and toggle between a Filled and unfilled graphical representation of the plane,
if it is displayed.
The Size area of the form enables you to specify the size of the graphical
representation of the plane, when displayed. The size does not affect the actual size
of the plane, which is infinite, only the graphical representation of it.
The Position & Orientation area of the form enable you to position the plane origin
and orientate the plane as previously described for Linear Grids.
Clicking the OK button on the form sets the defined plane as the active Working
Plane, automatically checking the Active and Visible checkboxes.

Linear Grid
This option displays the Working Plane Linear Grid form. This form is identical in
appearance and functionality to the Reference Linear Grid form previously
described.
Clicking the OK button on the form sets the defined grid as the active Working
Radial Grid
This option displays the Working Plane Radial Grid form. This form is identical in
appearance and functionality to the Reference Radial Grid form previously
described.
Plant Grid
This option displays the Working Plane Plant Grid form. This form is identical in
appearance and functionality to the Reference Plant Grid form previously
described.
If a plane or grid is the active working plane, selecting Plane, Linear Grid,
Radial Grid or Plant Grid from the Working Plane form Define menu will
display the appropriate form with all the data for the current working plane element.
If a grid is the active working plane, the Working Grid snap area of the Working
Plane form becomes active. The options are:
On Picked position snaps to nearest grid
intersection.
Off Grid behaves as a uniform working plane.
Centre Picked position snaps to nearest grid cell centre.

Exercise 1
Creating 3D Aid Constructs
In this exercise we will create, copy and modify 3D Aid Constructs in order to create
two panels with complex shapes.
1. Select Utilities>Constructs from the main menu to display the 3D Aid
Constructs form. From the form menu select Create>Grids>Toolbar to
display the Grids form.
2. Click on the Linear Grid button to display the Reference Linear Grid and the
Positioning Control form. In the Spacing area of the Reference Linear Grid
form enter 2 for the X value and 2 for the Y value. Enter a value of 20 for the
Number of visible lines, click the Preview button on the form and zoom in to the
displayed graphics. Change your view direction to Iso 3.
3. In the Orientation area of the form enter the following values in sequence:
Z is E - press the Return key and note the change in axis and aid direction.
Y is U - press the Return key and note the change in axis and aid direction.
Z is S - press the Return key and note the change in axis and aid direction.
4. Click the Preview button again. Your grid should now look like this in an Iso 3
view.

5. Select Create>Circle>Toolbar from the 3D Aid Constructs form menu to

display the Circles form and click the Fixed radius, passing through 2 points
button to display the Radius form, enter a value of 10 for the radius.
6. Set the Positioning Control form to Aid/Snap and click on the top horizontal
grid line where it intersects with the sixth vertical grid line, i.e.10 from the top
right hand corner of the grid, this is the first point defining the circle. Click on the
same vertical grid line where it intersects with the centre horizontal grid line, i.e.
10 spaces below the first point, a distance of 10 x 2" = 20 inches, this is the
second point defining the circle.
7. There are two possible arcs that can be drawn with the specified radius between
these two points. You are now prompted to select a Polar Control point, i.e. a
point that will define where the arc will pass through. Select an intersection of the
right hand vertical grid line with any of the horizontal grid lines between the first
and second points selected. An arc will be drawn as shown in the left hand
picture below:
8. Select Create>Line>Toolbar from the 3D Aid Constructs form menu to

display the Lines form and click the Between two points button. Create three
lines to form the shape shown in the right hand picture above.
9. Click on the Point to circle tangent button on the Lines form and create a line
as shown below.

Modifying and Copying 3D Aid Constructs

1. Select Modify>Position from the 3D Aid Constructs form and select the grid.
Make sure the Positioning Control form is set to Aid/Snap and click on the top
of the vertical Line aid. The grid origin will reposition to the selected point.
2. Select Modify>Definition from the 3D Aid Constructs form and select the
grid again to display the Modify Grid form. In the Orientation area of the form
enter the following values in sequence:
Y is E - press the Return key.
Z is U - press the Return key.
3. Create a Circle and Lines to form a shape similar to the picture below, utilising
Modify>Copy Mirror, Modify>Copy Offset Modify>Definition where
appropriate:

4. Delete the grid and the larger circle using Delete>Pick from the 3D Aid
Constructs form menu. Your aids should now look like this:
Creating Panels using 3D Aid Constructs

1. If you are in the Beams & Columns application switch to Panels & Plates. Make
sure that the Positioning Control form is set to Aid/Snap.

2. Using the vertical aids that you constructed first, create a 1 thick, centre justified
panel with the following pick sequence:
Using the Derive points from graphic picks button on the Create
Panel form create the first three vertices as shown:
Using the Fixed radius arc, passing through 2 points button on the
Create Panel form, create the curved part of the panel. Enter a value of
10 in the Radius form and select the two points and the Polar Control
point as shown. Note: For point 5 select near the upper end of the
sloping line. For point 6 (Polar Control point) change the Positioning
Control form settings to Aid/Cursor.
Finally, using the Derive points from graphic picks button and
changing the Positioning Control form settings back to Aid/Snap,
select the last vertex position.

3. Create thick bottom justified panel, as shown, using the horizontal aids.
Using a Working Plane

1. Enter the Beams & Columns application. Set the default Section Specification
to AISC Standard w8x24, the Justification Line to NA and the Pline Rule to
Normal. Create two columns 20 high and 32 apart in a North/South direction.
2. Select Utilities>Working Plane from the main menu to display the Working
Plane form.

3. Selecting Define>Plane from the Working Plane form menu to display the
Working Plane definition form. Position the working plane by snapping on the
top of the TOS Pline on the southern most column and enter a Z direction of N
U. Click the OK button and note that the working plane disappears and the
Active checkbox on the Working Plane form is checked. Check the Visible
checkbox so that the working plane is displayed.
4. Uncheck the Visible checkbox on the Working Plane form. Select

Create>Line>Between two points from the Working Plane form menu and
create a Line aid between the tops of the two columns. Check the Active
checkbox and select Create>Work Point>Derived position from the Working
Plane form menu. Set the Positioning Control form to Aid/Mid-Point and select
the mid-point of the Line aid. Note that the Work Point is position is projected
onto the working plane.

5. Change the default Section Specification to AISC Standard S12x35 and the
Justification Line to TOS. Set the Positioning Control form to Aid/Snap, select
Create>Section>Straight from the main menu and select the Work Point aid
as the start of the section. Change the Positioning Control form settings to
Element /Snap and select the top of the southern most column as the end point
of the section.
6. Uncheck the Active checkbox on the Working Plane form and create a sloping
beam from the Work Point to the northern most column. Select
Modify>Sections>Mitre Ends from the main menu and mitre the apex of the two
beams. Delete the aids.

Session 2
Curved Sections
Curved sections may contain straight segments or consist entirely of a partial or full
circle. This session explains the creation and modification of curved sections.
Objectives
Create curved sections using a variety of pre-defined shapes.
Create curved sections using freeform graphical picks.
Modify curved and ring section geometry.
Explain the function of different curved section elements.
Must Know Points

At the end of this session you will be able to explain:
The different elements that form a curved section.

How to create a curved section using different methods.
How to modify all aspects of curved sections.
Limitations on curved sections and their uses.

Curved Sections
How PDMS represents Curved Sections

Overview
Curved structural sections are represented in PDMS using Generic Section
(GENSEC) elements, the geometry of which is defined by sweeping a 2D catalogue
profile along a path.
This path is represented by a SPINE element, owned by the GENSEC, whose route
is specified by a sequence of Spine Points (POINSP), one at the start, one at the
end, and one at each change of direction. Each segment linking adjacent POINSPs
can be a straight line or circular arc, achieved by inserting a Curve (CURVE)
elements.
The current Appware does not allow GENSECs be connected to each other or to
SCTN elements and fittings and joints cannot be applied to them. Although a
GENSEC may look like a SCTN, its definition and hierarchy structure a quite
different.
GENSEC Hierarchy and Attributes

A GENSEC element sits at the same level in the hierarchy as SCTN, PANE & PNOD
elements, i.e. it may be owned by a FRMW or a SBFR.
Each element in the GENSEC hierarchy has specific attributes that combine to
create the curved section.
GENSEC element
The Position attribute holds the origin of the frame of reference of the
GENSEC with respect to the WORLD. Note: this point will be the start of the
section for GENSECs containing straights portions (Curved sections) and the
centre of the circle/arc for a GENSEC that is solely a partial or complete
circle (Ring sections).
The Orientation attribute holds the orientation of the frame of reference of the
GENSEC with respect to the cardinal axes.
SPINE element

Curved Sections
The Ydirection attribute holds the local Y axis direction of the profile with
respect to the frame of reference of the GENSEC. Note: Modifying the
Ydirection of the SPINE is similar to modifying the Bangle (Beta Angle)
attribute of the GENSEC. However, the effect of the Ydirection attribute is
independent of the Bangle.
POINSP element
The Position attribute of the POINSP element holds its position with respect
to the origin of the frame of reference of the GENSEC.
CURVE element
The Position attribute of the CURVE element holds the centre point of the
curve for a Centre type curve or the apex point for a Fillet type curve, see
below.
The Cposition attribute holds the position of a point that defines the sense of
the CURVE.
The Radius attribute holds the radius of the CURVE.
The CurTyp attribute holds the type of curve of the CURVE element. Note:
there are two main types of curve:
1. Centre the point held by the Position attribute is the centre of the curve.
2. Fillet the point held by the Position attribute is the apex of the curve.

Curved Sections

Curved Sections
Creating Curved Sections

Curved Sections
A Curved GENSEC is a section that includes straight and curved segments.
Selecting Create>Sections>Curved... displays the Curved Section form:
The Create Methods area contains buttons that enable you to create predefined
closed and open shapes for curved sections, using either Centre or Fillet curve
types, as well as a button to enable free definition of Spine Points and Curves.
The Radius text box enables you to enter a value for the radius of the curves.
The various Create Method buttons are:
Free definition this option, together with the Positioning
Control form, enables you select any number of Spine Points
to define a curved section. A Fillet curve type is added at each
change in direction of the selected path, using the current
Radius value.
Right angle this option enables you to pick three points,

together with the Positioning Control form, to create an L-
shaped right angle with a Fillet type curve, using the current

Curved Sections
Radius value, at the change in direction of the straight

segments.
Closed rectangle (fillet) this option enables you to pick

three points, together with the Positioning Control form, to
create a closed rectangle with Fillet type curves, using the
current Radius value, at each corner.
Open rectangle (fillet) this option enables you to pick three

points, together with the Positioning Control form, to create
an open rectangle (three sides) with Fillet type curves, using
the current Radius value, at each corner.
Swan neck - this option enables you to pick three points,

together with the Positioning Control form, to create swan
neck (two opposed right angle bends) with Fillet type curves,
using the current Radius value, at change in direction of the

Curved Sections
straight segments.
Obloid - this option enables you to pick two points, together

with the Positioning Control form, defining the centres of two
semi-circular ends (Centre curve type), using the current
Radius value, plus a third point to show in which of the straight
sides the start and end points are positioned.
Closed rectangle (centre) this option enables you to pick

create a closed rectangle with Centre type curves, using the
current Radius value, at each corner.
Open rectangle (centre) this option enables you to pick

create an open rectangle (three sides) with Centre type
curves, using the current Radius value, at each corner.

Curved Sections
The Undo button enables you to step back through the picked points to correct any
errors.
Note: There is no Apply button on the form, the creation process is carried out
automatically.
Ring Sections
A Ring GENSEC is a section that is a full or partial circle.
Selecting Create>Sections>Ring... displays the Ring Section form:
The Circle Definition area of the form enables an Arc or Full circle to be specified
to avoid any ambiguity.

Curved Sections
The Create Methods area of the form provides the following methods to create an
arc or full circle:
Through 3 points this option enables you, together with the Positioning
Control form, to pick three points through which the circle is to pass. For
an Arc the first point is start and the third point is end.
Derive from a picked item - this option enables you to pick a Design item
from which radius and centre of circle can be derived. The ring will be
superimposed on this circle, which can then be repositioned as required.
Fillet - this option enables you to enter the required radius on a separate
form and then pick two linear design items that will be tangential to the
required circle. For an Arc, contact point with the first line is the start and
the contact point with second line is end. The plane of the ring is normal to
both lines and through first line.
Tangential to 3 lines - this option enables you to pick three linear design
items to define the circle which will fit between these tangents. The plane
of ring is normal to, and midway between, first two lines.
Fixed radius, tangential to a circle - this option enables you to enter the
required radius on a separate form, pick a position, together with the
Positioning Control form, towards which circle is to be directed (the
control point) and then pick a Design item from which circle can be derived.
The ring will be tangential to derived circle on the side specified by control
point.
Fixed radius, passing through 2 points - this option enables you to enter
the required radius on a separate form and then pick two positions,
together with the Positioning Control form, defining the start and end of
the ring, then pick a position towards which circle is to be directed (control
point).
Tangential to a circle this option enables you to pick a position, together
with the Positioning Control form, defining the centre of the ring, then
pick a Design item from which circle can be derived. The ring will be
tangential to the derived circle and the radius will be distance from first pick
to the tangent point.
Tangential to 2 circles - this option enables you to enter the required
radius on separate form, then on two coplanar circular Design items, pick
positions, together with the Positioning Control form, near points where
the ring is to touch tangentially; then pick a position near centre of ring.
Derived diameter this option enables you to pick two positions, together
with the Positioning Control form, representing opposite sides of circle
(distance between picks defines diameter), then pick a position towards
which the circle is to be directed (control point). For an Arc the first point is
start and the second point is end.

Curved Sections
Derived diameter on working plane for this option a Working Plane

must be active. This option enables you to pick two positions, together with
the Positioning Control form, representing opposite sides of the circle
(the distance between the picks defines the diameter). The picked
positions will be projected onto the Working Plane and the ring will lie in
this plane. For an Arc the first point is the start and the second point is
end.
Fixed diameter This option enables you to enter the required radius on a
separate form, then pick a position, together with the Positioning Control
form, for the centre of the ring, then pick two positions aligned with start
and end of the ring (in that order). The ring lies in plane through the three
points.
Fixed diameter on working plane for this option a Working Plane must
be active. This option enables you to enter the required diameter on
separate form, pick a position, together with the Positioning Control form,
for the centre of the ring. The ring will be a 180 arc, created anticlockwise
about the Z-axis of working plane, with start on the X-axis.
Derived radius this option enables you to pick a position, together with
the Positioning Control form, for the centre of the ring, then a position for
the start of the ring (the distance between picks defines radius) and then
pick a position aligned with the end of the ring. The ring lies on the plane
through the three picked points.
Derived radius on working plane - for this option a Working Plane must
be active. This option enables you to pick two positions, together with the
Positioning Control form, representing the centre and the start of the ring
(the distance between the picks defines radius). The picked positions will
be projected onto working plane and the ring will lie in this plane. The ring
will be a 180 arc, created anticlockwise about the Z-axis of working plane.
Fixed radius This option enables you to enter the required radius on a
separate form, then pick a position, together with the Positioning Control
form, for the centre of the ring, followed by two positions aligned with the
start and the end of ring (in that order). The ring lies in the plane through
the three picked points.
Fixed radius on working plane - for this option a Working Plane must be
active. This option enables you to enter the required radius on separate
form then pick a position, together with the Positioning Control form, for
the centre of ring. The ring will be a 180 arc, created anticlockwise about
Z-axis of the working plane, with the start on the X-axis.
Define explicitly this option displays the Create section (Ring) form
which enables you to specify the centre position, radius, plane orientation,
and subtended start/end angles for the ring section. Each of these can be
entered explicitly via the keyboard or picked graphically..

Curved Sections
The Settings area of the form enables

you to specify the Radius, Start and
End angles (measured anti-clockwise
from E wrt the current frame of
reference) and the sense of the arc,
i.e. whether Anti-Clockwise or
Clockwise.
Anti-Clockwise
Clockwise
The functionality of the Position and Orientation areas of the form is similar to that
described for Linear Grids in 3D Aid Constructs, see Session 1 of this manual,
with the additional functionality described below.
The Position area of the form contains a

pull-down list, with a default of Origin,
that enables you to define what the co-
ordinates on the form refer to

Curved Sections
Origin the co-ordinates refer to the centre of the ring.

Radius the co-ordinates refer to a point, measured along the X axis from
the Origin, that corresponds to the value in the Radius text box in the
Settings area of the form. If the value of this co-ordinate is changed, the
value of the Radius will change automatically. Conversely, if the Radius
value is changed the co-ordinates will be changed automatically.
Start Angle the co-ordinates refer to a point, measured from the Origin,
that corresponds to the start point of the ring based on the Radius and Start
Angle values. If the value of one, or either, of the co-ordinates is changed, the
value of the Start Angle will change automatically. Conversely, if the Start
Angle value is changed the co-ordinates will be changed automatically.
End Angle - the co-ordinates refer to a point, measured from the Origin that
corresponds to the end point of the ring based on the Radius and End Angle
values. If the value of one, or either, of the co-ordinates is changed, the value
of the Start Angle will change automatically. Conversely, if the Start Angle
value is changed the co-ordinates will be changed automatically.

Curved Sections
Modifying Curved Sections

After making the GENSEC that you wish to modify the CE, selecting
Modify>Section>Definition... from the main menu displays the appropriate
modification form depending on how the section was defined, i.e. whether it was a
Curved or Ring section.
Curved Sections
If the CE is a Curved section, selecting Modify>Section>Definition... from the main
menu will display the Modify Section (Curved) form:
The Spine Point area of the form

enables you to select a POINSP
(start or end) or CURVE element to
modify. Note: Intermediate
POINSPs cannot be edited via this
form.
The Attributes area of the form

displays the X and Y co-ordinates
(with respect to the GENSEC
origin) of the current PPOINSP or
CURVE element.
Modifying the Start or End Position

The position of the POINSP element at the Start or End of the GENSEC may be
modified by selecting Start or End from the pull-down list in the Spine Point area of
the form. The position may be modified graphically, in conjunction with the
Positioning Control form, or explicitly by setting the X and Y co-ordinates, with
respect to the GENSEC origin, in the appropriate text boxes.
A graphical aid, showing the local axes of the GENSEC, is displayed to assist you in
positioning the Start or End. When a new position is entered the graphical aids are
modified to reflect the new position.
Note: in the example below note the change in angle of the subsequent CURVE
element.
When a new position has been defined the Modify button on the Modify Section
(Curved) form becomes active. Clicking this button will reposition the Start or End.

Curved Sections
Note: The axes aid has not moved, i.e. the

Position attribute of the GENSEC element has
not been modified.
Accessing CURVE elements

CURVE elements in the SPINE definition may be accessed by selecting Curve from
the pull-down list in the Spine Point area of the form. This selection activates four
gadgets on the Modify Section (Curved) form:

Curved Sections
1. A Curve counter in the Spine Point area of the form. This may be used to
step through, forwards or backwards, the different CURVE elements (if more
than one exists)
2. A Curve Type pull-down list in the Spine Point area of the form.
3. A Delete button in the Spine Point area of the form .

4. The Radius text box in the Attributes area of the form.
The X and Y text boxes in the Attributes area of the form display the co-ordinates of
the curve point, with respect to the GENSEC origin, and the curve type, i.e. Centre
or Fillet, is displayed in the pull-down lists.
Graphical aids show the local axes of the GENSEC element and the location and
type of the curve point.
Modifying a Curve Type

The Curve Type may be modified by selecting Fillet or Centre from the pull-down
list in the Spine Point area of the form. The X and Y co-ordinates will change to
reflect the new curve point position and the graphical aids will update to show the
new position and curve type.
Note: The Modify button will not be activated until data in the Attributes area of the
form has been modified. This can be affected by re-entering the same radius.
Clicking the Modify button, when activated, will change the Curve Type.

Curved Sections
Modifying a CURVE Radius

The Radius of the CURVE element may be changed by entering a new value in the
Radius text box in the Attributes area of the form. The graphical aid will change to
reflect the new path of the SPINE and the Modify button will be activated. Clicking
the Modify button will update the CURVE with the new Radius.
Note: the curve point co-ordinates have not

been modified.
If the value entered for the Radius is too large
the following error message is displayed.

Curved Sections
Deleting a CURVE element

A CURVE element may be deleted from the SPINE definition by making it the CE
and clicking the Delete button in the Spine Point area of the form.
The graphical aid will change will

change to reflect the new path of the
SPINE and the following confirmation
message will be displayed:
Clicking the YES button will delete the

CURVE element and modify the SPINE
path as shown by the graphical aid.
Note: The curve point of the second
CURVE point is not re-positioned.
If only one CURVE element exists in the SPINE definition, or only one CURVE
element is left after others have been deleted, any attempt to delete the last CURVE
will fail and the following Warning message displayed:

Curved Sections
Ring Sections
If the CE is a Ring section, selecting Modify>Section>Definition... from the main
menu will display the Modify Section (Ring) form:
The Modify Section (Ring) form is
identical in appearance and
functionality to the Create Section
(Ring) form, described earlier in this
session, with the exception of the Anti-
Clockwise and Clockwise radio
buttons in the Settings area of the
form.
To modify the sense of the ring, the
Start and End angle values must be
swapped as appropriate.
It should be noted that when opening
the Modify Section (Ring) form the
frame of reference of the GENSEC will
be displayed with East (X) through the
Start POINSP, regardless of how the
ring section was created, with the
Orientation values reflecting this
direction.
Thus, if the orientation values are
modified, i.e. the frame of reference
changes, and the Start and End
angles are unchanged, clicking the
Apply button will modify the Start and
End positions.

Curved Sections
Exercise 2
In this exercise we will create and modify Curved and Ring type GENeric SECtions.
Creating Curved Sections

1. Make sure you are in the Beams & Columns application, create a new SBFR for
this exercise, set the storage areas to this SBFR and set the default Section
Specification to AISC Standard w10x22 (TOS/NA/NA).
2. Create a Linear Grid 30 x 30 with X and Y spacing of 2. Orientate the grid Y is
N and Z is U and position it at a point of your choice. Set the viewing direction to
Iso 3.
3. Select Create>Section>Curved from the main menu to display the Create
Section (Curved) form. Select the Swan neck shape button and set the
Positioning Control form to Aid/Snap. Note the prompt in the Prompt Area
reads: Define curved section swan neck start (Snap) Snap :
4. The Swan neck shape requires three points to define its shape, corresponding
with the three red squares shown on the button. Snap on the south-westerly
corner of the grid. A text aid is displayed confirming the start point of the Swan
neck. Note that the prompt has now changed to: Define curved section swan
neck end for first leg (Snap) Snap :. Select a point on the grid for the end of
the first leg, note the text aid and the change to the prompt and then select a
point for the end of the Swan neck. The curved section produced will look like
this:

Curved Sections
5. Query the attributes of the GENSEC, SPINE, POINSP and CURVE elements in
turn and note how each contributes to define the curved section.
6. Create curved sections with each of the pre-defined shapes, using the same grid,
finishing with the Free definition. Modify the default Radius for different shape to
see how this affects the definition. Query the attributes of the different elements
for each shape to determine how each shape is defined.
7. Delete all GENSECs except the one defined by the Free definition.
Modifying Curved Sections

1. With the Free definition curved section as the CE, select
Modify>Section>Definition from the main menu to display the Modify
Section (Curved) form. Note the axes aid positioned at the Start point of the
GENSEC showing the local axes directions:
2. On the Modify Section (Curved) form, enter a value (say 2) in the Y text box
and click the Modify button. Note that the curved sections start position is
modified but the axes aid, which is positioned at the curved sections origin, i.e.
the position defined by the GENSEC element, is unchanged.
3. Return the start position to its original location by entering 0 in the Y value text
box and clicking the Modify button. Enter a value (say 2) in the X text box and,
before clicking the Modify button, note the affect on the first curve, as shown by
the graphical aids, of the new X value. Click the Modify button and note that
although the start position has moved and the arc length of the first CURVE has
changed, the CURVE has not changed position.
4. Select Curve from the pull-down list in the Spine Point area of the Modify
Section (Curved) form and note the additional features, i.e. curve counter,
Delete button, etc., that become active. Use the curve counter to step through
each curve and note the co-ordinates of the curve point and the curve type.
Modify the radius, curve type and co-ordinates for some curves and note the
affect on the SPINE path. Finally, delete one of the CURVE elements.

Curved Sections
Creating Ring Sections

1. Set the default Section Specification to AISC Standard L-Uequal Profiles
6x4x1/2 (TOAX/TOAX/NA).
2. Create a Radial Grid with circle diameters of 30, 50, 60, 70, 90 and
radial lines at 15 intervals. Orientate the grid Y is N and Z is U and position it at
a point of your choice. Set the viewing direction to Iso 3.
3. Select Create>Section>Ring from the main menu to display the Ring Section
form. Ensure that Arc is selected in the Circle Definition area of the form, select
the Through 3 points button and set the Positioning Control form to Aid/Snap.
Note the prompt in the Prompt area reads Define ring section first point
(Snap) Snap :.
4. Snap on the intersection of the 0 (X) radial line and the 70 diameter circle. A
text aid is displayed confirming the start point of the circle definition. Note that the
prompt has now changed to: Define ring section second point (Snap) Snap :.
Select a point on the same Radial Grid circle diameter anti-clockwise fro the first
point. Note the new text aid and the change to the prompt and select a third point,
on the same Radial Grid circle diameter. The ring section created will look like
this:
5. Select Full in the Circle Definition area of the Create Ring form and repeat the
process described above to create a full circle ring section with a diameter of
90. Compare the two ring sections and note the difference in the number of
POINSP and CURVE elements created. Query the attributes of each element of
the ring sections noting how the different elements combine to form the ring
sections.

Curved Sections
6. Using the Radial and Linear Grids, create new ring sections with other options in
the Create Methods area of the Ring Section form.
7. Finally, create a ring section using the Define explicitly button option.
Modifying Ring Sections

1. Select an arc ring sections, an arc ring, you have created making it the CE, and
select Modify>Section>Definition from the main menu to display the Modify
Section (Ring) form.
2. Modify the radius by entering a new value in the Radius text box in the Settings
area of the form. Note the graphical aids show the affect of the new value prior to
clicking the Apply button.
3. Select the Clockwise radio button in the Settings area of the form and click the
Apply button. The arc ring section will change sense forming an opposite arc to
the original definition. Note that the start and end points and the Start Angle and
End Angle are unchanged:
4. Enter new values in the Start Angle and End Angle text boxes in the Settings
area of the form, again noting the affect, as shown by the graphical aids, of the
new values prior to clicking the Apply button. Note the orientation values in the
Position & Orientation area of the form.
5. Dismiss the Modify Section (Ring) form and, without changing the CE, select
Modify>Section>Definition from the main menu. Note that the orientation
values have changed such that the X axis aligns with the start point of the ring
section.
6. Select Radius from the pull-down list in the Position area of the form. Note that
the co-ordinates change to give a position, along the X axis, that corresponds
with the Radius value in the Settings area of the form.
7. Modify the Radius value in the Settings area of the form and note, before
clicking the Apply button, that the graphical aids and the co-ordinate values

Curved Sections
change to reflect the new value. It should be noted that the c-ordinates are wrt /*
(the default) unless explicitly changed.
8. Modify the X and/or Y co-ordinate for the radius and note the affect on the
Radius value in the Settings area of the form.
9. Select Start Angle from the pull-down list in the Position area of the form. Note
that the co-ordinates change to give a position that corresponds with the Start
Angle value in the Settings area of the form.

Curved Sections
10. Modify the Start Angle value in the Settings area of the form and note, before
clicking the Apply button, that the graphical aids and the co-ordinate values
change to reflect the new value. It should be noted that the c-ordinates are wrt /*
(the default) unless explicitly changed.
11. Modify the X and/or Y co-ordinate for the radius and note the affect on the Start
Angle value in the Settings area of the form. The End Angle functionality
operates in the same way.

Session 3
Penetrations
Several of the design applications include the concept of a Penetration to allow one
item to pass through another, such that there is a logical link between the
penetrating item and the penetrating hole. In contrast to, say, a negative extrusion,
which can be positioned and dimensioned independently of any item which passes
through it or through which it passes.
Objectives
Create penetrations through panels for steel sections and pipes.
Combine penetrations to form a new multiple penetration.
Control the position, angle and specification of a penetration.
Explain the hierarchy of a penetration and multiple penetrations.
Must Know Points

By the end of this module you will be able to explain:
How to create simple one on one penetrations.

How to create penetrations for an element which penetrates many others.
What element owns the created penetrations.
How to use preview to identify the correct geometry for multiple fittings.

Penetrations
Overview of Penetrations
General
A penetration, in PDMS terms, is an intelligent hole in a panel or section through
which another Design element passes. The penetrated item and the item(s) that
penetrate are logically linked so that if the penetrating item is moved during design
development, the penetration position may be updated to ensure that it is in the
correct location.
Each type of penetration is a selectable catalogue item, (provided they exist in the
catalogue) whose dimensions are parameterised in such a way that they can be
derived automatically from the dimensions of the item that penetrate. The catalogue
item may be simple negative geometry, e.g. a hole, or may include positive, e.g. a
pipe sleeve or kickplate, that may be as simple or complex as required.
In PDMS it is possible to penetrate Panels (PANE), Sections (SCTN), and curved
sections (GENSEC) elements.
Elements and Logical Connections

The elements used to define a penetration are owned by the penetrated item and the
item that penetrates. For example:
Where a Section (SCTN) penetrates a Panel (PANE) a Section Fitting (FITT) is
created that is owned by the SCTN. A Compound Fitting (CMPF) is created that is
owned by the PANE. A Sub-fitting (SBFI) is also created, owned by the CMPF.
The FITT and SBFI are logically connected by the Connection Reference attribute
(CREF), i.e. the CREF attribute of the FITT points to the SBFI and the CREF
attribute of the SBFI points to the FITT:
Note: In this simple example the CMPF only owns one SBFI. For multiple
penetrations, i.e. where two or more penetrating items share the same hole, the
CMPF will own one SBFI for each penetrating item and each SCTN will own one
FITT. The CREF attribute of each FITT will point to one SBFI and the CREF attribute
of each SBFI will point to one FITT. Multiple penetrations are covered later in this
session.

Penetrations
The situation is similar where, say, a pipe penetrates a panel, however, the elements
involved are different. Where a pipe branch (BRAN) penetrates a panel (PANE) an
Attachment Point (ATTA) is created, owned by the BRAN. A CMPF and SBFI are
created, owned by the PANE, as for the section penetration.
The logical connections are created, as before, using the CREF attributes of the
ATTA and SBFI:
Each FITT, ATTA and SBFI have specification reference (SPREF) attributes which
point into the catalogue, via the specification, to a specific type of penetration,
suitable for the conditions to which it is being applied.
Penetrations may be created in the following Design applications:
From the Beams & Columns Application, you can create only Section
Penetrations.
From the Pipework Application, you can create only Piping Penetrations.
From the Panels & Plates Application, you can create both Piping
Penetrations and Section Penetrations.
From the Walls & Floors Application, you can create only Wall
Penetrations.
Although each of the forms are identical, some of the choices are not relevant in
certain applications

Penetrations
Creating a Penetration
Example
This example creates a single penetration for a AISC-HSS-Box Profiles HSS
6x4x1/4 section passing through a single panel:
Although this example uses a structural section, creating a single penetration for a
pipe is very similar.
In the Panels & Plates application, selecting Utilities>Penetrations displays the
Panel Penetration Application form:
The form contains various form menu options that will be explained as the example
progresses.
The Settings form menu options are:
Defaults - this option displays the Penetrations Defaults form. This form
enables you to set default specifications for each type of penetration so that you
do not need to enter design details of the local geometry (clearances, etc.) each
time you create a new penetration. The form is divided into three areas, one for
each type of penetration, i.e. pipe penetrations, steel (section) penetrations and
penetration holes. Within each area, a scrollable list shows the various
specification options that are available in the current specifications/catalogues
that are included in your MDB for each of the categories. The highlighted entries
are the current defaults.

Penetrations
Clicking on one of the options in the

scrollable list displays a Modify
Properties form that enables you to
set the Design Parameters (if any),
e.g. clearances, offsets, etc., for that
particular penetration specification.
Angled Penetrations this option displays the Angle Defaults form that enables
you to specify a maximum angle, in degrees, for sections or pipes that pass
through the penetration.
Angled penetrations are covered later in this session.

Penetrations
The Create form menu has the following options:

Penetration Hole - this option enables you create a penetration hole in a panel
explicitly, where no existing element passes through it. This would generally be
used to add a door, window, access port, etc. to a wall. Selecting this option
displays the Create Compound Panel Fitting form:
This form enables you to select a

compound panel fitting, depending
on the catalogue. The fitting may be
positioned using the Position
options from the main menu.
1 to 1 Penetration this option enables you to add a single penetration through

a panel while designing in the Pipework Application. The principle is to let you
specify where you need penetrations for your pipes without having to consider
their design details. Selecting this option displays the 1 to 1 Penetration form:
This form allows you to select a pipe and
panel. This creates a penetration,
logically connecting the items, whose
detailed geometry will be specified later
by the panel designer. As such, it is not
relevant to this example.

Penetrations
Penetration - this option enables you to create a pipe penetration or a section

penetration in a panel. Selecting this option displays the Item Penetration Type
form, from which you select the type of penetration required:
After making the selection clicking the Apply button displays either the Create
Piping Penetration form or the Create Section Penetration form:
The form options are:

The Penetration Type pull-down enables you to select between Single
Penetration and Multi Penetration.
The Elements to be penetrated pull-down enables you to identify the panels
through which the penetrating items are to pass. The choices are to pick them
individually using the cursor or to use a predefined list containing the required
panels. If no list is defined only the Pick using cursor option is available.
The Elements that penetrate pull-down enables you to identify the section(s) or
pipe(s) which are to pass through the panel(s). The choices are to pick them
individually using the cursor or to use a predefined list containing the penetrating
sections or pipes. If no list is defined only the Pick using cursor option is
available.
The Defaults: Spec. pull-down enables you to select the specification of the
required penetration in the catalogue. Note that only specifications relevant to the
current design discipline are available for selection.
The Confirm before penetrating checkbox enables you to toggle whether you
see where each penetration is positioned before it is created.
If the Pick using cursor options have been selected, clicking the Apply button will
prompt you to select the identify item to be penetrated in the Status area of the 3D
View. Selection is made by selecting a panel with the cursor and pressing the Esc

Penetrations
key to end the process. The identified items will be coloured cyan. You will then be
prompted to identify items that penetrate. Again, selection is made by a section
and pressing the Esc key to end the process. The selected item will be coloured red.
Having made the selections, PDMS calculates the position of each penetration by
checking for clashes between the Elements to be penetrated and the Elements
that penetrate. When this process is complete the Penetration Item List form is
displayed:
The top pane shows the fitting(s)
owned by the penetrating item.
The Show pull-down list acts as a
filter so you can restrict the display
to any of the following:
Items all items of the
appropriate type, i.e. FITT
Items with refs. only items
with valid connection
references.
Items with Nulrefs only items
with no connection reference.
This shows items that have not
had their connection reference
set or whose corresponding
hole has been deleted.
Items with Unknown refs -
only items that have an invalid
connection references, e.g.
references to items in deferred
databases.
Items with No Spref only
items that do not have their
specification reference set.

Penetrations
The centre pane displays details about the penetrating item and specific data,
prefixed by >, may be edited.
The bottom pane displays information about the hole. This data is for information
only and cannot be edited from this form.
To set the specification reference for the FITT, click on the line > SpecRef =0/0
in the centre pane of the Penetration Item List form. This displays the Modify
Fitting form:
Notes:
1. The specification displayed on
the form results from the
default settings made
previously on the Penetrations
Default form.
2. The Justification pull-down
enables you to set a Pline for
the justification of the fitting.
For this example, as the
section is to be centred in the
hole, NA is used.
3. The Zdistance displays the
distance from the start point of
the section to the centre of the
panel through which it passes.
4. The Beta Angle allows the
fitting to be rotated around the
Z direction of the Pline used for
justification. Unless absolutely
necessary, this value should
be left as the default.
Clicking the Properties button displays the Modify Properties form that enables
you to set any Design Parameters, if they have been incorporated into the
catalogue definition of the fitting. These values may have been set via the
Penetrations Defaults form but may be changed at this time.
For this example, using the penetration specification shown, the Modify Properties
form gives these Design Parameter options:

Penetrations
X-Clearance and Y-Clearance are

the clearances from the section to the
hole in the X and Y directions (wrt the
panel) respectively, as shown by the
graphical aids.
X offset and Y offset are the offsets
of the centre of the hole to the Pline
selected for justification in the X and Y
directions (wrt the panel) respectively,
as shown by the graphical aids.
For this example the X-Clearance and Y-Clearance are set to 50mm and the X
offset and Y-offset to 0mm so that the section will be centred in the penetration
hole.
Having entered the values in the
Modify Properties form, clicking the
OK button sets the values and
dismisses the form.
Clicking the Apply button on the
Modify Fitting form will update the
settings in the centre pane of the
Penetration Item List form. As all
Penetrating Item data has now been
set, the form can be dismissed.

Penetrations
The data for the penetration hole, i.e. the SBFI, must now be entered. With the CE
set to the panel, selecting Display>Penetration List from the Panel Penetration
Application form menu displays the Penetration List form:
This form is similar to the Penetration

Item List form except the top pane
shows the compound and sub-fitting(s)
owned by the item to be penetrated
and the centre and bottom panes are
reversed, i.e. the centre pane shows
the Hole Information, which is now
editable, and the bottom pane shows
the Penetrating Item data which has
been previously set.
The Show pull-down list again acts as
a filter so you can restrict the display to
relevant items, e.g. If the panel owns a
number of previously defined
penetrations, selecting Holes with No
SPREF from the Show list will display
the CMPF for the penetration being
created as the specification reference
has not been set.
Selecting the SBFI element in the top
pane displays the data in the top pane
displays the hole data in the centre
pane and the connected FITT data in
the bottom pane.
To set the specification reference for the SBFI, click on the line > SpecRef =0/0
in the centre pane of the Penetration List form. This displays the Modify Panel
Fitting form:

Penetrations
Notes:
1. The specification displayed on
the form results from the
default settings made
previously on the
Penetrations Default form.
2. The Justification pull-down
enables you to justify the
panel fitting on the top, centre
or bottom of the panel. Unless
absolutely necessary, this
value should be left as the
default.
3. The Beta Angle allows the
panel fitting to be rotated
around the direction of the
Ppoint P0 of the fitting. Unless
absolutely necessary, this
value should be left as the
default.
Clicking the Properties button displays the Modify Properties form that enables
you to set any Design Parameters, if they have been incorporated into the
catalogue definition of the panel fitting. These values may have been set via the
Penetrations Defaults form but may be changed at this time.
Xlength and Ylength are the overall
lengths of the hole in the X and Y
X offset and Y offset are the offsets
of the centre of the hole to the Pline
selected for justification in the X and Y

Penetrations
These values could be set manually, however, they can be set automatically using
the data from the Penetrating Item. Having clicked the Apply button on the Modify
Panel Fitting form to set the Spref, this form can now be dismissed. The centre
pane of the Penetration List form now shows the hole data with the Spref set but
the Design Parameter values set to 0.
Selecting Modify>Copy like ref. from the Panel Penetration Application form
menu sets the Design Parameters for the hole data based on the information
derived from the Design Parameters of the Penetrating Item.
Note: the Xlength and Ylength values have been set to the external dimensions of
the section (6x4) plus twice the X-Clearance and Y-Clearance values set
previously for the section fitting.
The penetration will now be displayed on the panel:
Note: ensure that the Holes Drawn

checkbox on the Representation form
is checked so that the penetration hole
is shown.
Select
Settings>Graphics>Representation
on the main menu to display the
Representation form.
This penetration catalogue definition
includes a stiffening plate above and
below the opening.

Penetrations
Updating Penetrations
As the penetrated item(s) and the penetrating item(s) are logically linked via the
CREF attributes of the FITT (or ATTA) and SBFI elements, if the penetrating item is
re-positioned, re-orientated or re-sized during the design development process,
PDMS can update the penetration position, orientation and size.
Position
If the penetrating item is moved, the

penetration position is not updated
automatically.
With the SBFI as the CE, selecting

Position>Align with ref. from the Panel
Penetration Application form menu will
re-position the penetration with the
penetrating item.
Note: If the PANE is the CE, this
command will update the position of all
penetrations owned by the panel.

Penetrations
Orientation
If the penetrating item is re-orientated, the penetration may be updated to match the
orientation. The method used depends on how the penetrating item has been re-
orientated.
If the penetrating item has been rotated

the penetration orientation will not be
aligned automatically.
With the SBFI as the CE, selecting

Orientate>Align with ref. from the
Panel Penetration Application form
menu will re-orientate the penetration to
the penetrating item.
This command will only function correctly
if the panel fitting and section fitting (or
pipe attachment) Point Sets has been
correctly defined in the catalogue.
Note: If the PANE is the CE, this
command will update the orientation of
all penetrations owned by the panel.
If the catalogue Point Sets have not been

correctly defined, selecting
Orientate>Rotate from the Panel
Penetration Application form menu will
display the Rotate form where the
required angle, in degrees, may be
entered in the text box.

Penetrations
If the penetrating item has been sloped

as it passes through the panel, the
penetration orientation will not be re-
orientated automatically.
Selecting Orientate>Angled from the

Panel Penetration Application form
menu displays the Set Angled form.
Selecting Align with attached from the

Set Angle form and clicking the Apply
button will orientate the penetration to the
alignment of the penetrating item.
Selecting Normal to surface from the
Set Angle form and clicking the Apply
button will orientate the penetration to be
perpendicular to the penetrated item.
Selecting Specify direction from the Set
Angle form, entering an angle in the
Direction text box and clicking the Apply
button will orientate the penetration to the
specified direction.

Penetrations
Size
If the penetrating item changes size the

penetration will not be re-sized
automatically.
Selecting Modify>Copy like ref. from
the Panel Penetration Application
form menu will update the size of the
penetration. The previously defined
clearances and offsets will be used.

Penetrations
Exercise 3
In this exercise you will create and modify penetrations in a panel for both steel
sections and pipe. The exercise uses a set of pre-prepared elements that must be
loaded into the Design database.
Set-up
1. Remove all elements from the Draw List.
2. With the WORLD set to the CE, load the build macro M18_Ex3.mac from the
command line.
3. Set the view limits to the Draw List and the view direction to Iso 3.
4. Your 3D View should now look like this:
Creating a Penetration for a Steel Section

1. Enter the Panels & Plates application and select Utilities>Penetrations from
the main menu to display the Panel Penetration Application form.

Penetrations
2. Select Create>Penetration from the form menu to display the Item

Penetration Type form. Select the Steel Penetration radio button and click the
Apply button to display the Create Section Penetrations form.
3. Select Steel Sections from the Spec. pull-down and click the Apply button. In
the Status Area of the 3D View you will be prompted to identify the item to be
penetrated. Select the panel and press the Esc key to end the selection process.
You will then be prompted to identify items that penetrate. Select the steel RHS
section and press the Esc key once to end the selection process. The
Penetration Item List form will be displayed.
4. Select the FITTING item in the top window of the form and note that the
Penetrating Item and Hole Information data is displayed.
5. In the middle window of the form select the SpecRef =0/0 line to display the
Modify Fitting form. There is only one choice available, PENI/RECT so this will
be the fitting specification reference. Note that Z distance value in the Settings
area of the form has been calculated from the start of the SCTN to the mid-point
of the panel thickness.
6. Modify the Justification setting to NA so that the penetration will be justified
around the neutral axis of the SCTN. Click the Properties button to display the
Modify Properties form and enter an X-Clearance value of 2 and a Y-
Clearance value of 2. Leave the X offset and Y offset values at their default of
0.
7. Click the OK and Dismiss button on the Modify Properties form and then the
Apply button on the Modify Fitting form. Note the data in the Penetrating Item
window of the Penetration Item List form has been updated.
8. Dismiss the Penetration Item List form and select Display>Penetration List
from the Panel Penetration Application form to display the Penetration List
form.
9. Select the SBFITTING item in the top window of the form and note that the
Penetrating Item data is displayed in the bottom window.
10. In the middle window of the form select the SpecRef =0/0 line to display the
Modify Panel Fitting form. Select Hole Penetrations from the Specification
pull-down and Rectangular from the Sub-Type pull-down. You will see three
types of rectangular penetration holes to choose from. Select PENH/FITT/RECT.
11. Click the Properties button to display the Modify Properties form. Note that the
four values are set to their defaults of 0. We could enter the Xlength and Ylength
values here but we will let the application determine the values from the
referenced penetrating item. Click the Cancel button on the Modify Properties
form and then the Apply and Dismiss buttons on the Modify Panel Fitting form.
12. With the SBFITTING item still highlighted in the top window of the Penetration
List form, select Modify>Copy like ref. from the Panel Penetration Application
form. Note that the Hole Information data has now been updated to show the
Xlength and Ylength values derived from the RHS section size.

Penetrations
13. Dismiss all the open forms except for the Panel Penetration Application form. If
necessary, set Holes drawn on from the Representation form.
14. Your panel penetration should look like this:
Creating a Penetration for a Pipe

1. Using the same methodology you have just used for creating the penetration for
the steel section, create a penetration for PIPE_1. Note the following differences
as you work through the steps:
On the Item Penetration Type form select the Pipe Penetration radio button.
On the Create Piping Penetrations form select Penetrations from the Spec.
pull-down.
On the Penetration Item List form note that the SpecRef for the Penetrating
Item has already been set. Click on the Clearance unset line in the middle
window to display the Modify Clearance form. Enter a clearance value of 20
and click the Apply and Dismiss buttons on this form.
On the Penetration List form note that there are now two CMPFITTING
(Compound Fitting) items that each own a SBFITTING (Sub Fitting) item. The
second one is the fitting for the steel section penetration. Click on the first
SBFITTING item, this is the one for the pipe penetration.
On the Modify Panel Fitting form select Circular from the Sub-Type pull-
down. Select PENH/FITT/CIRD from the three available fittings.
Accept the default settings on the Modify Properties form.

Penetrations
2. Your piping penetration should look like this:
Modifying Penetrations
Position
1. Make the RHS section the CE and move it North by 17.
2. Make the panel the CE and select Display>Penetration List from the Panel
Penetration Application form menu.
3. Select the second SBFITTING item in the top window of the form. Note the aid
that is displayed on the panel fitting.

Penetrations
4. Select Position>Align with ref. from the Panel Penetration Application form
menu. Note that the penetration hole has now moved to align with penetrating
item.
Orientation
1. Make the RHS section the CE and rotate it through 45 degrees by changing the
Beta Angle to 45.
2. Make the SBFI element of the steel section penetration the CE, select
Orientate>Align with ref. from the Panel Penetration Application form menu.
Note that the penetration has aligned with the RHS section.
3. Rotate the column to through 45 degrees again by changing the Beta Angle to
90. Make the panel the CE and display the Penetration List form by selecting
Display>Penetration List from the form menu. Select the SBFI element for
the steel section penetration from the top window of the form and then select
Orientate>Rotate from the Panel Penetration Application form menu to
display the Rotate form.
4. Enter a value of 45 on the Rotate form and click the Apply button. Note that the
penetration has not re-aligned to the RHS section. This is because the angle is
measured in absolute terms from the default 0 position. Enter a value of 90 on
the Rotate form, click the Apply button and note that the penetration has now
aligned with the RHS section. Dismiss the Rotate and Penetration List forms.
5. Create a penetration in the panel for PIPE_2, using the same panel fittings and
default values as you did for PIPE_1. Note that the penetration sleeve is not
aligned with the pipe.

Penetrations
6. Make the panel the CE and display the Penetration List form. Select the SBFI
element for the PIPE_2 penetration from the top window of the form. Select
Orientate>Angle from the Panel Penetration Application form menu to
display the Set Angled form. Select the Aligned with attached radio button and
click the Apply button. Note that the penetration sleeve is now aligned with the
pipe.
7. Select the Normal to surface radio button and click the Apply button. Note that
the penetration sleeve has been aligned perpendicular to the panel surface.
Dismiss all penetration forms except the Panel Penetration Application form.
Size
1. Make the RHS section the CE and modify its SPREF to /DIN-
SPEC/RHS300x300x8.
2. Display the Penetration List form and select the SBFI element for the steel
section penetration from the top window. Select Modify>Copy like ref. from the
Panel Penetration Application form menu. Note that the penetration has re-
sized to suit the new size of the RHS section.

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders
Session 4
This session describes how to create accessway, stair and ladder
configurations to enhance the model. The limitations of ASL Modeller
application are also discussed.
Objectives
Recognise where ASL can benefit the model.
Have a good knowledge of the components available in ASL.
Explain the hierarchy of a typical ASL component.
Must Know Points

By the end of this module you will be able to:
Create ASL components with the correct orientation and position.
Modify existing ASLcomponents to suit your individual needs.
Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 24

Overview of ASL Modeller

Normally accessways, stairs, ladders and handrailing are added towards the
end of a project as the access requirements are better defined at this point
and the elements can be can be positioned to give the minimum disruption.
The ASL Modeller application enables the user to create pre-configured
stairs, ladders, platforms and handrailing and provides tools to modify the
configurations, where required.
The ASL components created by the application are constructed from
primitives and, therefore, do not have the level of intelligence or connectivity
of other structural elements. This means that if a modification is made to an
element that interacts with an ASL component, the ASL configuration does
not update automatically.
As primitives cannot be assigned a material reference, no material take off or
mass properties may be extracted from the constructs. If you wish to extract
MTO or C of G reports for stairs, ladders, handrailing, etc., they must be
constructed from SCTN, GENSEC and PANE elements using standard
modelling techniques.
The positioning of ladder hoops, allowable angles of stairs, heights of
handrails and other standard safety parameters are all created automatically
with the selected ASL component. The rules governing these parameters are
derived from recognised bodies such as Lloyds, DNV, etc., however, the
parameters cannot be adjusted.
Care must be taken when using the ASL Modeller as the storage area is not
defined as in the other structural applications. A STRU element is created in
the database hierarchy below the current ZONE every time a major ASL
component is created. Some components are owned by an existing STRU.
The STRU owns SubStructure (SUBS) elements, which own the primitives
that make up the ASL component. As a new STRU element is produced each
time, it can be confusing knowing which STRU represents each ASL
component, therefore, it is good practise to name every new ASL component.

Creating ASL Components

The ASL Modeller application is loaded by selecting
Design>Structures>ASL Modeller from the main menu.
The types of ASL components that may be created are listed under the
Create option on the main menu:
All menu choices have sub-menus which give the following options:
Platform
Corner
This option produces a
rectangular platform with
handrailing on two adjacent
sides.
The thickness of the floor
plate and the size of the kick
plate can be specified.
There is an option to mirror
the platform if the orientation
is incorrect.
Rectangular
handrailing on all four sides.
Return Access
handrailing on three sides.
There are options for the
direction of the access and
for mirroring if the orientation
is incorrect.

Walkway
rectangular walkway with
handrailing on two sides.
There is an option to select
the direction of the open
ends of the walkway.
Floorplate
This option produces a floor
plate (BOX primitive).
For all rectangular platform and floorplate creation there are two methods of
creating the components:
Define
This method displays a
creation form where the details
of the component are defined,
including Length, Width,
Position and Direction, prior
to the component creation.

On ID Sections
This method displays a similar
form to define the component,
however, Length, Width,
Position and Direction are
determined by subsequent
picks of SCTN elements to
define these values.
The Extent options enable the
extents of the component to be
placed on the Centreline or the
external edge of the chosen
SCTN elements.
The following options are available for creating circular platforms:

Circular>Round
This option produces a circular
platform.
There outside radius, width and
angular sweep of the platform
can be specified as well as the
thickness of the floor plate and
the size of the kick plate.
Circular>Six Sides
This option produces a platform
with a hexagonal outer edge and
a circular inner edge.
There outside radius and inside
radius of the platform can be
specified as well as the thickness
of the floor plate and the size of
the kick plate.

Circular>Eight Sides
This option produces a platform
with an octagonal outer edge and
a circular inner edge.
There outside radius and inside
radius of the platform can be
specified as well as the thickness
of the floor plate and the size of
the kick plate.
Stair
There are two sub-menu options for creating stairs, top flight and bottom
flight. The difference between the two types is the position of the origin of the
stair and the configuration of the handrailing at the bottom of the flight.
Both types of stair have options for specifying the geometry of the stair:
Height and Angle
This option applies to both top flight and bottom flight stairs.
The height and angle of the stairs must be specified. The angle defaults to
34 degrees and must be in the range 30 to 50 degrees.

The number of steps is calculated using the defined length and angle. An
error message is displayed if the number of steps exceeds the default value,
see Setting ASL Component Defaults.
The depth and thickness of stair stringers, width between stringers and the
landing floor thickness may also be specified.
Height and Length

This option applies to both top flight and bottom flight stairs.
The height and length of the stairs must be specified. The stair angle is
calculated using the defined distances and an error message is displayed,
showing the calculated angle, if the angle is not within the range 30 to 50
degrees.
The number of steps is calculated using the defined height and length. An
error message is displayed if the number of steps exceeds the default value,
see Setting ASL Component Defaults..
FFL to FFL
This option applies to top flight stairs only.
A Ppoint on the top floor plate and the bottom floor plate must be specified.
The height, length and angle and used to determine if the angle is within the
30 to 50 degree range and the number of steps does not exceed the default
value, see Setting ASL Component Defaults..
Ladders
Step
This option creates a step
ladder whose angle defaults to
65 degrees and must be in the
range 65 to 75 degrees.
The vertical height of the
ladder must be specified.
There are no restrictions on
height or number of steps.

Front exit
This option creates a front exit
ladder with a varying number
of cage hoops depending on
the height of the ladder.
ladder must be specified with a
maximum of 9144mm (30).
A clearance from the centre of
ladder to the landing plate may
be specified (default 200mm).
Side Exit>Single
This option creates a single
side exit ladder with cage
provided below the landing
level.
ladder must be specified with a
minimum of 3060mm (10) and
a maximum of 9144mm (30).

Side Exit>Double
This option creates a side exit
ladder with two cages below
each of two landing levels.
The vertical height to the top
landing must be specified with
a minimum of 6096mm (20)
and no maximum. The vertical
height to the first landing must
be specified with a minimum of
3060mm (10). There must be
a minimum of 3060mm (10)
between the first landing and
the top landing.
Floor Penetration
Floor penetrations may be inserted in Rectangular or Circular floor plates
created by the ASL Modeller, i.e. in the BOX or CTOR elements that are
used to construct the ASL floor components.
The floor plate and

penetrating item must
be identified and a
clearance around the
penetrating item,
together with a
kickplate height and
thickness may be
specified.

The penetrating item is limited to a primitive forming part of an EQUI element

or a BRAN element for piping. The penetration has no intelligence, i.e. no
logical link between the penetrating item and the penetrated item, therefore, if
the penetrating item is moved or the size changes, the penetration hole
cannot be updated.
Post
This option enables the creation of handrail posts using the following sub-
menu options:
Between Handrail Ends
This option creates handrail posts between two selected top elbows of other
handrails. The created posts do not contain handrail joints.
Between Posts
This option creates handrail posts between two other handrail posts. The
created posts contain handrail joints.
Between End and Post
This option creates handrail posts between another handrail post and the top
elbow of another handrail. The post must align with the elbow. The created
posts do not contain handrail joints.
At Explicit
This option creates a handrail post at an explicit location. The created post
contains handrail joints.
At P-Point
This option creates a handrail post at a selected Ppoint. The created post
contains handrail joints.
Corner Posts
This option creates a pair of corner posts, with handrail joints, and connects
the two posts around the corner with handrails. There are three sub-menu
options available:
At Explicit Corner
This option creates the corner posts at an explicit corner, i.e N/W, N/E, S/W
and S/E, of a rectangular floor plate.
On Floor Plate
This option creates a pair of corner posts and associated handrails on all four
corners of a rectangular floor plate.
At Intersection of Rails
This option creates a pair of corner posts and associated handrails at the
intersection of two top rails.

Handrail
Only
This option creates a top and bottom rail handrail between identified Ppoints
at the top of posts.
Closure
This option creates a handrail closure to a specified length and direction.
End pad
This option creates a circular end connection pad to a single handrail.
Kickplate
This option creates kickplate only for various situations. The kickplate creation
will only function with rectangular ASL floorplate components.
Along Floorplate Edge
This option creates a single kickplate to a specified height along an identified
edge of a floorplate.
Along Edge with Cutout

This option creates a kickplates to a specified height along and identified edge
of a floorplate with a cutout (gap) in the kickplate whose length is determined
by identifying two posts at each end of the cutout.
Around Floorplate
This option creates kickplates to a specified height on all four edges of an
identified floorplate.
Between Posts
This option creates a kickplate to a specified height along an identified edge
of a floorplate between two identified posts.
Post Joints
This option creates three different types of post joint. The joints are created at
the top and bottom rail positions on an identified post. The joints may be
rotated through 90 degrees after rotation.
The three different types of joint are:

Note: If ASL components are created and incorrectly orientated, the best
practice is to delete the component and start again. This is because
orientating the component, i.e. the STRU element, the local axes becomes
incongruent with the World axes making each element of the

Setting ASL Component Defaults

The settings that appear as defaults on the creation forms, e.g. kickplate
thickness, stair width between stringers, ladders clearance, etc., as well as
others used in rule calculations, e.g. stair angle, are stored in the file
%PDMSDFLTS%/DES-ACESS.
The values stored in the file may be modified at any time, however, changes
will only be applied to ASL components created after the changes have been
made.
Selecting Settings>Defaults from the main menu displays the ASL
Defaults form:
The majority of default settings are self-explanatory; however, the different

types of Post type are as follows:

The default settings may be saved to the existing ASL defaults file by
selecting File>Save from the ASL Defaults form menu or saved to another
file by selecting Save As from the same menu.
Default settings may be loaded from the supplied defaults file by selecting
File>Load from the ASL Defaults form menu or loaded from another file by
selecting Load From from the same menu.

Modifying ASL Components

As the ASL Modeller creates predefined configurations it is likely that the
components will require some modification to suit the exact requirements of
the design.
ASL Modeller provides tools to aid the modification of ASL components.
Stretch/Trim
Selecting Modify>Stretch/trim from the main menu displays a sub-menu with
the following options:
All Sides
This option displays the Stretch/Trim All Sides form:
Entering a Value in the text box and clicking the Apply button changes all
dimensions of the current element by the specified amount.
A positive value will increase the dimensions, i.e. Stretch the primitive, and a
negative value will decrease the dimensions, i.e. Trim the primitive.
Care should be taken when using this command as unexpected results may
occur, i.e. when using on a floorplate (BOX primitive) the height (thickness) of
the floorplate will be changed as well as the length and width.
Id P-point
This option displays the Stretch/Trim P-Point form:
Entering a Value in the text box and clicking the Apply button prompts the
selection of a Ppoint on the current element to which the specified value will
be applied.

A positive value will increase the dimension of the selected Ppoint, i.e.
Stretch the primitive, and a negative value will decrease the dimension of the
selected Ppoint, i.e. Trim the primitive.
The selected Ppoint must be on the current element.
To P-Point
This option enables a selected Ppoint on a primitive to be stretched or
trimmed to the appropriate co-ordinate of a Ppoint on another Design
element.
You are first prompted to select the Ppoint to be moved from the current
element and then prompted to select the Ppoint to stretch/trim to.
To Pline
This option enables a selected Ppoint on a primitive to be stretched or
trimmed to the appropriate co-ordinate of a Pline on another structural SCTN
or GENSEC element.
You are first prompted to select the Ppoint to be moved from the current
element and then prompted to select the Pline to stretch/trim to.
Clearance to P-Point
This option displays the Stretch/Trim Clearance to P-Point form:
selection of a Ppoint on the current element to be stretched/trimmed. Having
made the selection you will be prompted to select a Ppoint on another Design
element. The selected Ppoint on the current element will be moved to the
specified distance from the appropriate co-ordinate of the target Ppoint.
A positive or negative value will determine which side of the target Ppoint the
Ppoint on the current element will be moved to.
Clearance to Pline
This option displays the Stretch/Trim Clearance to Pline form:

selection of a Ppoint on the current element to be stretched/trimmed. Having
made the selection you will be prompted to select a Pline on a SCTN or
GENSEC element. The selected Ppoint on the current element will be moved
to the specified distance from the appropriate co-ordinate of the target Pline.
A positive or negative value will determine which side of the target Pline the
Ppoint on the current element will be moved to.
For all of the above options, you will be prompted to confirm the modification
on completion of the operation.
Slide
Sliding enables the position of a primitive to be modified without changing its
dimensions.
Selecting Modify>Slide from the main menu displays a sub-menu with the
following options:
To P-Point
This option moved the primitive in the direction of a selected Ppoint on the
primitive to align with a target Ppoint on another Design element.
To Pline
This option moved the primitive in the direction of a selected Ppoint on the
primitive to align with a target Pline on a SCTN or GENSEC element.

For both of the above options, you will be prompted to confirm the
modification on completion of the operation.
Origin
All ASL Structure (STRU) and Substructure (SUBS) elements have a default
origin when they are created. The origin position for either element type may
be modified identifying a Ppoint on a Design element or to an explicit position
relative to its current position.
Selecting Modify>Origin from the main menu displays a sub-menu where the
appropriate element type, i.e. Structure or Substructure can be selected.
Each selection displays a further sub-menu with the following options:
ID P-Point
This option prompts you to select a Ppoint to move the origin to. The selected
Ppoint does not have to belong to a primitive within the selected element.
Explicit
This option displays the Modify Structure Origin form or the Modify
SubStructure Origin form depending on the chosen option:
The forms enable appropriate values to be entered to move the selected

element origin relative to its current position.

Exercise 4A
In this exercise you will create and modify ASL components using the
equipment support structure you created in Module 6 Basic Steelwork
Design.
Setting Defaults
1. Select Design>Structures>ASL Modeller from the main menu to load
the ASL Modeller application.
2. Select Settings>Defaults from the main menu to display the ASL
Defaults form.
3. Make the following settings on the form:
Floor Thickness 3/8
Kickplate Depth 6
Kickplate Thickness
Stair Width Between Stringers 36
Post type Jointed Edge Mounted
4. Dismiss the Defaults form.
Creating Platforms
1. Clear the Draw List, add in the EQUIP_SUPPORT subframe. Set the view
limits to the Draw List and the view direction to Iso 3.
2. Create a new ZONE, owned by STRUCT_SITE, named ASL_ZONE and
make it the CE.
3. First you will create a platform on the top level of the equipment support
structure between ROW_C and ROW_E. Select
Create>Platform>Rectangular>On ID Sections from the main menu to
display the Rectangular Platform on ID Sections form. Note the default
settings appear on the form.
4. Name the component TOP-PLATFORM, set the Extent to Edge via the
pull-down and click the Apply button. Noting the prompts in the Status
Area of the 3D View, select the most Northerly section of EL(+) 258 of
the equipment support structure (on ROW_C), followed by the most
Southerly (on ROW_E), most Easterly and most Westerly. The platform
will be created on top of the support structure.
5. Create a corner platform, named TOP-LANDING, on the top stair landing
using Create>Platform>Corner>On ID Sections, setting the Extent to
Edge. Mirror the platform to position it correctly when prompted.
6. Create a Floorplate named MID_PLATFORM over the extent of
EL(+)158 of the equipment support structure using
Create>Platform>Floorplate>On ID Sections and setting Extent to
Edge.

7. Create another Floorplate, named MID-LANDING, using the same

method on the stair landing at EL(+)258.
8. Your platforms should now look like this:
Creating Posts and Handrails

1. On the ASL Defaults form set the Handrail Post Inset from Corners
value to 14.
2. Make the MID_PLATFORM STRU the CE, select Create>Corner
Posts>On Floorplate from the main menu and select the MID-

PLATFORM floorplate when prompted. Eight posts, two in each corner of

the floorplate, with connecting corner handrailing, have been created.
3. Delete the SUBS elements containing the handrails for each corner to
leave only the posts.
4. You will now create new posts between the corner posts on all four sides
of the MID-PLATFORM. Select Create>Post>Between Postsfrom the
main menu to display the Posts Between Posts from. Make sure that
Handrails is set to Yes and click the OK button. Noting the prompt in the
Status Area, select the northern post on the western edge of the MID-
PLATFORM followed by the southern post on the western edge. Four
posts and handrail have been created between the two selected posts.
5. Repeat the post and handrail creation for the other three sides of the MID-
PLATFORM.
6. Rotate the post baseplates on the central northern and southern edge
posts through 90.
7. Make the SUBS for the handrail on the western edge of the
MID_PLATFORM the CE. Select Create>Handrail>Closure from the
main menu to display the Handrail closure form. Enter a Length value of
11, set the Direction value to N and click the Apply button. Noting the
prompt in the Status Area, select the Ppoint at the northern end of the top
handrail on the western edge of the platform. A closure wing handrail has
been created.
8. Create closures for all handrail ends on the MID-PLATFORM.
value to 8.
10. Create Corner Posts on the N/E, S/E and S/W corners of the MID-
LANDING using Create>Corner Posts>At Explicit Corner and
selecting the applicable corners in turn on the Corner Post on floorplate
form.
11. Create a new post and handrail on the southern edge of the MID-
LANDING between the corner posts. Rotate the baseplate of the new post
through 90.
12. Create handrailing between the corner posts on the eastern edge of the
MID-LANDING using Create>Handrail>Only.
13. Your MID-PLATFORM and MID-LANDING should now look like this:

Creating Stairs
You will now create stairs from the TOP-LANDING to the MID-LANDING and
from the MID-LANDING to grade.
1. Before you create the stair between the TOP-LANDING and MID-
LANDING, the southern edge of the TOP-LANDING floorplate must be
aligned with the edge of the supporting beam. Select
Modify>Stretch/trim>To Pline from the main menu, and, noting the
prompts in the Status Area of the 3D View, select the Ppoint on the
southern edge of the floorplate followed by the Pline on the edge of
supporting beam.
2. Make the MID-LANDING floorplate the CE and query the position of the
Ppoint in the centre of the northern edge wrt /*. This will be the position of
the stair.
3. Measure the distance between the Ppoint in the centre of the northern
edge of the MID-LANDING floorplate and the Ppoint in the centre of the
southern edge of the TOP-LANDING floorplate. The Y value will be the
stair length and the Z value will be the stair height.
4. Select Create>Stair>top flight>Height & Length to display the Top
Flight by Height and Length form. Name the flight STAIR-1 and enter
the stair position, the height and the length using the data in steps 3 and
4 above. For the position add 5mm to the Up co-ordinate as the Ppoint
position used was in the centre of the floorplate thickness.
5. To move the stair to its correct position, select Position>Relatively
(BY) from the main menu to display the Position By form. Lock the
North and Up co-ordinates at 0 and, using the Positioning Control form
with settings of Ppoint/Snap, select the top Ppoint on the eastern top post
of the stair handrail followed by the top Ppoint on the south eastern post of

the TOP-LANDING handrail. Click the OK button on the form to change

the position.
6. To create the stair between the MID-LANDING and grade, set the
Maximum Number of Steps per Flight to 30 on the ASL Defaults form
and then select Create>Stair>bottom flight>Height & Length and
complete the form as shown below:
7. Your stairs should now look this:

Creating Ladders
You will now create a front exit ladder from the MID-PLATFORM to the TOP-
PLATFORM.
1. Select Create>Ladder>Front Exit from the main menu to display the
Ladder Front Exit form and name the ladder LADDER_1.
2. You need to specify the location of the ladder origin (on the ladder
centreline at the bottom of the front face of the stringers) and the direction
of the ladder. The centreline of the ladder is to be placed 26 east of the
centre of column E5, 8 inches south of the TOP-PLATFORM edge. The
centre of column E5 is at W 314200, therefore, the west co-ordinate for the
ladder is W 313450. The northing of the Ppoint on the south face of the
TOP-PLATFORM floorplate is N 295463, therefore, the ladder origin, i.e.
the face of the stringers, will be at N295263. The Up co-ordinate for the
top of the MID-PLATFORM is U 104890.
3. Complete the Ladder Front Exit form with the following settings:
4. Your ladder should now look like this:


Having created the required ASL components, some modifications,
particularly to the handrailing, are required for the components you have just
created.
TOP-PLATFORM and LADDER-1
1. Delete the two SUBS elements for the posts on the south edge of the
TOP-PLATFORM handrailing adjacent to the two posts belonging to
LADDER-1.
2. Trim the top handrail on the southern edge of the TOP-PLATFORM to the
Ppoint on top of the western ladder post using Modify>Stretch/trim>To
Ppoint.
3. Trim the bottom handrail on the southern edge of the TOP-PLATFORM to
the Ppoint on top of the eastern ladder post using
Modify>Stretch/trim>To Ppoint.
4. Create copies of the trimmed handrails to complete the TOP-PLATFORM
southern edge handrailing using Create>Copy>Offset.
5. Trim the kickplate on the southern edge of the TOP-PLATFORM to the
western ladder post.
6. Create a new kickplate between the eastern ladder post and the most
easterly post on the TOP-PLATFORM south edge handrail. Stretch the
kickplate to the kickplate on the western edge of the platform.
7. Your TOP-PLATFORM and top of LADDER-1 should now look like this

TOP-LANDING, TOP-PLATFORM and top of STAIR-1

1. Make one of the top handrail SLCY elements of STAIR-1 the CE and
query its ORIentation, the Z value will give the angle of the stair.
2. You are going to move the components of the top left and right posts of
STAIR-1 down the slope of the stringers by 300mm. Make one of the post
SLCY elements the CE and select Position>Plane Move>Distance
from the main menu to display the Move form. Enter a Direction for the
move, using the stair angle from step 1, and a Distance of 300. Click the
Apply button to move the element.
3. Repeat the procedure for all elements of the top stair handrail posts.
4. Delete the SUBS elements for the two posts at the north end of the east
side of the TOP-PLATFORM.
5. Create a Work Point at the intersection of the top east handrail of the
TOP-LANDING and the top handrail of the stairs.

Delete the top and bottom rails from the

east side of the TOP-LANDING and
replace them with SLCY elements
running from the Work Point to the
handrail corners. Extend the SLCY
elements of the stair handrail to the ends
of the new SLCY elements. Modify both
the platform handrail and stair handrail
SLCY elements, using the Ytshear
attributes, to mitre the handrails
together.
6. Move the most northerly post on the east side of the TOP-PLATFORM to
align with the Work Point. Using the two CTOR elements left from
deleting the posts in step 4, and creating new CYLI elements for handrails,
modify the top of the western side of the stair handrail to look like this:
7. Trim the western edge of the TOP-LANDING floorplate to align with the
eastern edge of the TOP-PLATFORM floorplate.
8. Extend the kickplate on the eastern edge of the TOP-LANDING.
9. Your TOP-PLATFORM, TOP-LANDING and STAIR-1 should now look
like this:

MID-PLATFORM and MID-LANDING

1. Trim the eastern edge of the MID-LANDING floorplate to align with the
western edge of the MID-PLATFORM floorplate.
2. Delete the SUBS elements for the two corner posts in the south-west
corner of the MID-LANDING and the handrail that connects them.
3. Move the post on the eastern edge of the MID-PLATFORM to align with
the handrail on the southern edge of the MID-LANDING. Stretch the
handrails on the southern edge of the MID-LANDING to this post. Trim the
northern ends of the handrails on the eastern side of the MID-PLATFORM
to this post.
4. Relocate the handrail posts on the east and west edges of the MID-
PLATFORM either side of the columns on Rows D and E, with the
exception of the one you have just moved, to a clearance of 400mm from
the columns.
5. Create handrail closures 275mm long for all handrail ends adjacent to the
columns.
6. Move the SUBS element of the corner post on the north edge of the MID-
LANDING to align with the eastern handrail of STAIR-2. Create three
copies of the SUBS element for this post to align with the west handrail of
STAIR-2 and both handrails for STAIR-1.
7. Create handrail between the two middle posts and a small handrail closure
between the western post and the column.
8. Your MID-PLATFORM and MID-LANDING should now look like this:

Bottom of STAIR-1 and top of STAIR-2

1. Delete the SUBS elements for the two posts at the bottom of STAIR-1 and
the two posts at the top of STAIR-2.
2. On one of the posts on the northern edge of the MID-PLATFORM in line
with STAIR-2, create a new SLCY element at the top of the post such that
it points north. Create a Work Point at the intersection of this SLCY
element and the SLCY element forming the top stair handrail coinciding
with the post.
3. Modify the handrail stub and the stair handrail so that the Ppoints meet at
the Work Point. Adjust the Ytshear or Ybshear attributes for each SLCY
element as appropriate to mitre the ends of the handrails. Delete the other
handrails on the stair and copy the stubs and stair handrail to the other
three locations.
4. Repeat the task for the bottom of STAIR-1. Note: the Work Point will be
in a different location for this stair.
5. Your stair handrails should now look like this:


Exercise 4B
In this exercise you will create and modify ASL components using the deck
structure you created in Module 6 Basic Steelwork Design.
Setting Defaults
1. Select Design>Structures>ASL Modeller from the main menu to load
the ASL Modeller application.
2. Select Settings>Defaults from the main menu to display the ASL
Defaults form.
3. Make the following settings on the form:
Floor Thickness 10
Kickplate Depth 150
Kickplate Thickness 6
Stair Width Between Stringers 1000
Post type Welded Edge Mounted
4. Dismiss the Defaults form.
Creating Platforms
1. Clear the Draw List, add in the STRUCT_SITE and remove the
MAINDECK_PLATE and MEZZDECK_PLATE subframes. Set the view
limits to the Draw List and the view direction to Iso 3.
2. Create a new ZONE, owned by STRUCT_SITE, named ASL_ZONE and
make it the CE.
3. First you will create a platform on top of the ACCESSTOWER. Select
Create>Platform>Rectangular>On ID Sections from the main menu to
display the Rectangular Platform on ID Sections form. Note the default
settings appear on the form.
4. Name the component TOP_PLATFORM, set the Extent to Edge via the
pull-down and click the Apply button. Noting the prompts in the Status
Area of the 3D View, select the most Northerly section of the upper level
of the ACCESSTOWER, followed by the most Southerly, most Easterly
and most Westerly. The platform will be created on top of the
ACCESSTOWER.
5. On the ASL Defaults form set the Handrail Inset from Edge value to 150
and the Post type to Welded Floor Mounted. Dismiss the form.
6. Create a Return Access platform named MEZZ_PLATFORM, using the
On ID Sections option, on the eastern end of the MEZZDECK up to the
HE300A located in the middle of the platform. Set the Open End
Direction to East/West and the Extent to Edge. Mirror the Return Access
when prompted.

7. Create a Floorplate named MID_PLATFORM on the middle level of the

ACCESSTOWER.
8. Your platforms should now look like this:
Creating Posts and Handrails

value to 400 and the Handrail Inset from Edge value to 50.
2. Make the MID_PLATFORM STRU the CE, select Create>Corner
Posts>On Floorplate from the main menu and select the
MID_PLATFORM floorplate when prompted. Eight posts, two in each
corner of the floorplate, with connecting corner handrailing, have been
created. Note the handrail corner radius elements are obscured by the
ACCESSTOWER columns.
3. Delete the SUBS elements containing the handrails for each corner to
leave only the posts.
4. Make the MID_PLATFORM STRU the CE and select
Create>Handrail>Only from the main menu and, when prompted, select

the Ppoint on top of one of the posts on the southern edge of the
MID_PLATFORM, followed by the Ppoint on top of the other post on the
southern edge of the platform. Repeat for the posts on the northern edge
of the platform.
5. Select Create>Post>Between Postsfrom the main menu to display the
Posts Between Posts from. Make sure that Handrails is set to Yes and
click the OK button. Noting the prompt in the Status Area, select one of the
posts on the western edge of the MID_PLATFORM followed by the other
post on the western edge. Two posts and handrail have been created
between the two selected posts.
6. Repeat the post and handrail creation for the eastern edge of the
MID_PLATFORM.
7. Make the SUBS for the handrail on the western edge of the
MID_PLATFORM the CE. Select Create>Handrail>Closure from the
main menu to display the Handrail closure form. Enter a Length value of
300, set the Direction value to N and click the Apply button. Noting the
prompt in the Status Area, select the Ppoint at the northern end of the top
handrail on the western edge of the platform. A closure wing handrail has
been created.
8. Create closures for all handrail ends on the MID_PLATFORM.
9. Your MID_PLATFORM should now look like this:

Creating Stairs
You will now create a stair from the MEZZ_PLATFORM to the
MID_PLATFORM.
1. Select Create>Stair>bottom flight>Height & Angle from the main
menu to display the Bottom Flight Stair form and name the stair
STAIR_1. On the ASL Defaults form set the Stair Angle value to 38.
2. You need to specify the location of the stair origin (on the stair centreline
at the bottom of the flight) and the direction of the flight. Query the
positions of the ACCESSTOWER south-east corner column and the east
central column, they should be E 14350 N 5000 U 14000 and E 14350 N
7500 U 14000 respectively. The centreline of the stair is to be placed at
the midpoint of these columns. As you do not know the length of the stair
you can place it at a known position and then move its correct location
when it has been created.
3. Complete the Bottom Flight Stair form with the following settings:
4. To move the stair to its correct location, i.e. with the top of the stringers
butting against the external face of the ACCESSTOWER RHS beam,
make the STAIR_1 STRU element the CE and select Position>Relatively
(BY) from the main menu to display the Position By and Positioning
Control forms. As the stair only needs to move West, lock the North and
Up settings at 0.00 and, using Positioning Control settings of
Graphics/Snap, indicate the distance between the end of the stringer and

the face of the RHS. Click the Apply and Dismiss buttons on the Position
By form. Note that the stair has moved to the correct position.
5. Your stair should look like this:
Creating Ladders
You will now create a front exit ladder from the MEZZ_PLATFORM to the
TOP_PLATFORM.
10. Select Create>Ladder>Front Exit from the main menu to display
the Ladder Front Exit form and name the ladder LADDER_1.
11. You need to specify the location of the ladder origin (on the ladder
centreline at the bottom of the front face of the stringers) and the
direction of the ladder. The centreline of the ladder is to be placed at
the midpoint of the ACCESSTOWER east centre column and the north
east corner column, 200mm east of the platform edge. The centre of
the ACCESSTOWER eastern columns is at E 14350. The columns are
100x100 RHS, therefore, the east co-ordinate for the ladder origin will
be 14350+50+200 = 14600. The central column is at N 7500 and the
columns are spaced 2500mm apart, therefore, the north co-ordinate for
the ladder centreline will be 7500+1250 = 8750. The top of the
MEZZ_PLATFORM floorplate is at the up co-ordinate of 14010.
12. Complete the Ladder Front Exit form with the following settings:

13. Your ladder should now look like this:


The handrailing on the MID_PLATORM and TOP_PLATFORM must be
modified to allow access to STAIR_1 and LADDER_1 respectively.
MID_PLATFORM and STAIR_1
1. Move the top posts and baseplates on STAIR_1 down the stringers by
300mm using Position>Plane Move>Distance
2. Make the SUBS element for the MID_PLATFORM handrail post at the top
of the stairs the CE and move it to align with the right hand stair handrail
using Position>Move>Through
3. Copy the SUBS element for this post to create a new post and baseplate
that aligns with the left hand stair handrail using Create>Copy>Offset.
Note: measure the distance between the stair handrailing before
performing the copy.
4. Trim the MID_PLATORM handrails to the new right hand post at the top of
the stairs using Modify>Stretch/trim>To P-point.
5. Modify the MID_PLATFORM handrails that form part of the closure
previously created, to the new left hand post at the top of the stairs using
Modify>Stretch/trim>ID P-point. Note: Measure the distance between
the handrail end Ppoint and the post before performing the stretch/trim.

6. To finish the closure between the stair handrails and the platform
handrailing, create four new sloped cylinder (SLCY) primitives, adjust the
length of the stair handrailing and modify the Yshear attributes of the
handrail primitives to the appropriate angle.

TOP_PLATFORM and LADDER_1

1. Move the SUBS element for the platform post that obstructs the ladder exit
to align with the left hand ladder post using Position>Move>Through
2. Copy this posts SUBS element and align the copy with the right hand
ladder post. Delete the ladder posts and handrail stubs connecting the
ladder posts to the top cage hoop.
3. Trim the top platform handrail to the right hand side of the top cage hoop
and the bottom platform handrail to the left hand side of the cage
reinforcing bar
4. Copy the top and bottom platform handrails to complete the platform
handrailing.
5. Trim the top cage hoop and the hoop reinforcing bar to the Ppoints on the
ends of the handrail. Move the semi-circular ends of the cage bars to their
correct position. Trim the kickplate to the left hand post and create create
a new kickplate between the two posts to the right of the ladder. Finally,

stretch the new kickplate to meet the kickplate on the northern edge of the
platform.
6. The top of your ladder and platform handrailing should look like this:

Jantesa-11.6 M18 Advanced Steelwork

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Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design Contents-i

Must Know Points

How to create effective 3D Aid Constructs from the available selections.

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-1

Creating 3D Aid Constructs

The 3D Aid Constructs Form

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-2

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-3

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-4

The various methods of creating Circle constructs are:

Derive from a picked

Fillet Tangential to 3 lines

Fixed radius tangential Fixed radius, passing

Tangential to a circle Tangential to 2 circles

Fixed radius on working

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-5

Working Planes are explained later in this session.

The various methods of creating Line constructs are:

Between two points Angled from copied

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-6

Derived from a picked

Point to circle tangent Tangential to 2 circles

Work Point Constructs

The two methods of creating Working Point constructs are:

Derive position Define explicitly

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-7

The two methods of creating Plane constructs are:

Through 3 points Define explicitly

The three types of Grid construct are:

Linear grid Radial grid

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-8

The Options area of the form enables you to:

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-9

Orientating a grid does not alter its position.

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-10

The Options area of the form enables you to:

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-11

See a Preview of the grid by clicking the Preview button.

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-12

The Options area of the form enables you to:

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-13

See a Preview of the grid by clicking the Preview button.

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-14

Copying and Modifying 3D Aid Constructs

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-15

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-16

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-17

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-18

Modifying 3D Aid Constructs

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-19

Toolbar displays Modify toolbar:

The toolbar options are:

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-20

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-21

Project onto plane

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-22

Creating Working Planes Explicitly

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-23

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-24

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-25

Module 18 Advanced Steelwork Design 1-26

5. Select Create>Circle>Toolbar from the 3D Aid Constructs form menu to