Compare

The SAI performs a comparison of the imported idealized model and displays the results in a grid.

The comparison process checks for

• New GENSEC elements

• Modified GENSEC elements

  • Modified specification reference attributes

  • Modified material reference attributes

  • Modified position attributes

  • Modified beta angle attributes

• Deleted GENSEC elements

• New PANE elements

• Modified PANE elements

  • Modified thickness attributes

  • Modified material reference attributes

  • Modified position attributes

• Deleted PANE elements

The filter options at the top of the top of each grid column can be used to modify the display of comparison results.

Click on a row in the grid to highlight the element in the 3D view, a graphical aid displays indicating if the element is new, modified, deleted or unchanged.

Compare Against

If the most recent idealized model in the ISTRU hierarchy is an export model, the new import model is automatically compared against it.

If the most recent idealized models in the ISTRU hierarchy are import models, all the import models, and the most recent export model, are displayed in the drop-down list. Select a model from the drop-down list and click Compare Against to perform the model comparison.

For example, after an export, an import is performed and the idealized models are compared. The AVEVA E3D Design structural model can then be updated. If a new STD file is then provided, this can be compared against the most recent import version of the idealized model and the subsequent modifications can be updated on the AVEVA E3D Design structural model.

Update Selected

Updates the currently selected row containing modified element or attribute data to the AVEVA E3D Design structural model.

Modified elements and attributes can be filtered in the comparison grid by selecting Modified on the Status column drop down menu.

Create New Gensecs

Updates all new GENSEC elements to the AVEVA E3D Design structural model.

New GENSEC elements are fully connected to the existing AVEVA E3D Design structural model, where possible.

New GENSEC elements should be reviewed in the AVEVA E3D Design structural model to ensure that the connections have been correctly created.

There are certain built in rules that integrate the GENSEC elements into the AVEVA E3D Design structural model. Refer to Structural Analysis Interface GENSEC Element Rules for further information.

Create New Panels

Updates all New PANE elements to the AVEVA E3D Design structural model.

New PANE elements are fully connected to the existing AVEVA E3D Design structural model,where possible.

New PANE elements should be reviewed in the AVEVA E3D Design structural model to ensure that the connections have been correctly created.

New GENSEC and PANE elements can be filtered in the comparison grid by selecting New on the Status column drop down menu.

Highlight

Select an option from the drop-down list and click Highlight to highlight items in the 3D view.

Deleted GENSEC Elements between Export and Import

If the idealized model is exported and a GENSEC element is subsequently deleted from the AVEVA E3D Design structural model, the GENSEC element is no longer in the model when the comparison is processed on import. A warning displays, indicating that the imported file contains a reference to a deleted GENSEC element.

First Import

It is possible to import an STD file and create the AVEVA E3D Design structural model from the imported file. When using this workflow, there are some points for consideration:

• As there is no way of knowing the numbering system used in Staad Pro, the ‘NEXT’ numbering system is assumed.

• As there is no way of knowing the tolerances used in Staad Pro, they are not set on import. It is then possible to set the tolerances on the first export.

• The AVEVA E3D Design structural model is built in the FRMW element designated in the SAI Import Form window. This model is fully connected, as much as possible, but it should be reviewed to ensure that the connections have been correctly created. For example, bracing elements can be connected to a single node in a beam because the model is created from an idealized model. The AVEVA E3D Design structural model may require modification to include bracing gaps and then tolerances set on the subsequent export.