Automatic Joint Selection

The automatic joint selection setting changes the behaviour of the structural application to automatically select details for created joints where possible. The setting requires configuration in the catalogue to work correctly:

• An automatic joint specification must be defined in PARAGON using the Structural Joints Specification window, refer to Structural Specifications for further information.

• The specification and default specific type must be chosen in the Joint List window, refer to Automatic Joint and Baseplate Selection State for further information.

Automatic joint selection can be turned on or off using the Fluent UI.

If the option is highlighted, automatic joint selection is on.

If the option is not highlighted, automatic joint selection is off.

Automatic Joint Selection On

When automatic joint selection is turned on, the functionality differs for joint creation and joint modification.

Joint Creation

The functionality automatically selects joints when a section connection is made, refer to Connect Sections for further information. Each connection is analyzed and logic stored in the joint specification is applied. Any associated rules are also executed. If no match is found between the current joint and the criteria defined in the automatic joint specification, no joint detail is applied.

Joint Modification

The automatic joint system can execute and change connections when sections are modified. Connections can be changed as per the dynamic connectivity rules, refer to Dynamic Connectivity Rules for further information. If a connection changes when automatic joints are turned on and correctly configured, the following logic is applied:

• If the specification reference of the fixing is unset, the system attempts to select and create a joint from the specification.

• If the specification reference is set, and was previously selected from an automatic joint specification, the system attempts to update the joint based on the current design context.

  • If the existing detail is valid, any rules on the joint are re-executed to align with the current context.

  • Otherwise, if a new valid detail is found, the existing joint is removed and a new one added to replace it.

• If the specification reference is selected from a manual specification, the joint is not updated. Once created, automatic joints can be managed using the Joint List window.

Automatic Joint Selection Off or No Automatic Joint Specification found in Project

When automatic joint selection is turned off, the functionality differs for joint creation and joint modification.

Joint Creation

When a section connection is made, no joint specification is applied.

Joint Modification

When a section is modified, the joints on any connections remain unchanged