Create Structure from Reference Grid

Creates a structure from an associated reference grid using multiple straight sections.

The associated reference grid must be setup with axis, row and elevation labels, these labels are used if auto-naming is enabled. Refer to Reference Grids for further information.

If a structure (STRU) element is already associated with the reference grid, via the grid reference property, this structure is used to store the created structure. Otherwise, the application attempts to create a structure, if the current element is a SITE or ZONE element.

On the Sections tab, in the Create group, click Straight and select Structure from Grid from the drop-down menu.

You are prompted to Select Grid

Click to identify the associated reference grid and press Enter.

You are then prompted to Select Ground Elevation Line

Click to identify the elevation aid text, to specify the bottom of the structure, and press Enter to display the Structure From Grid window. A ghost of the created structure displays in the 3D view.

Note:
Specifying the ground elevation line is required because reference grids often contain the concrete floor thickness as the bottom elevation line. Structural beams are not created at or below the selected ground elevation line.

The Structure From Grid window allows you to modify the structural sections collectively or individually.

Storage Area

Displays the name of the STRU element that is associated with the structure.

If the structure cannot be associated with a reference grid, a warning displays and the ghost of the created structure does not display in the 3D view

Click Select CE to identify the currently selected STRU element in the Model Explorer as the storage element for the structure.

Manual Selection

Select the radio button to manually modify the beams and columns in the structure.

Rule-Based Selection

Select the radio button to specify a rule set which is used for automatic profile selection of beams. Defined rules can be created for catalogue and template elements. Refer to Rule Sets for further information.

Defaults

The Defaults tab displays the default specification, classification, justification and Y-direction properties used for beams and columns.

The contents are populated with the current default properties set in the ribbon. Input values in the fields, or select from the drop-down lists to modify the default properties. Refer to Default Section Specification for further information

Click Apply current defaults to all profiles to apply the default properties to all beams or columns in the structure.

If Rule-Based Selection is selected, a rule can be specified for automatic profile selection of beams. The drop-down list is populated with a list of all Rule (DRULE) elements with a purpose of SGEN.

Note:
Rules are not available to define the profile specification of columns, this must be chosen manually.

Select a rule from the drop-down list.

Modification

The Modification tab displays the specification, classification, justification and Y-direction properties used for each column and beam in the structure. Modify the required fields in the grid and press Enter to modify the beam and column properties.The ghost of the created structure is updated immediately in the 3D view.

Click Select Ghosts to select multiple columns or beams in the grid. The selected beams or columns are highlighted in the 3D view.

Click Remove Selected Rows to delete the currently selected rows in the grid. The deleted beams or columns are removed from the 3D view.

Click Apply Defaults to Selected Rows to apply the default properties to all selected rows in in the grid.

Generate

Click Generate to create the structure. A progress bar displays at the bottom of the Structure From Grid window, allowing you to track build progress.

• If Automatic Joints is enabled, joints are created when the structure is generated.

• If Auto-naming is enabled,automatic element names are are created when the structure is generated.

• When a structure is generated, a serialization file is created to store the settings for future use.

Throughout the structure creation process you can press ESC to cancel the command. Additional functionality is also available.

The new FRMW and GENSEC elements display in the Model Explorer.