Access Template Data in the Design Database

Design Template data is accessed via specific cross-references in the Design Database (DB).

For example, to create a Design template instance, the structural designer creates a Panel Fitting (PFIT) element at the required position on the Panel and sets the specification of the PFIT to point to the Design Template.

Note:
To make the template accessible to the designer, it must be included in a specification in a Steelwork Catalog DB. The designer can select from the specification; there is no distinction between a catalog component and a Design Template for the designer.

When the Specification Reference of the panel fitting is set to the Design Template, the TMPL element is copied into the member list of the PFIT element by default. The design hierarchy includes the following:

• From PFIT level, the User can query the properties data held in the DDATs of its TMPL by reference to a pseudo-attribute PROP identified by the corresponding Key value. For example, to query the X-length (which has the Key value of LENG), the command is Q PROP LENG. The system navigates down automatically via the TMPL and its DDSE to find the required property. The Template Properties window displays a list of all defined properties for a Design Template. Refer to Search Templates for further information.

• From BOX level, the User can query the properties data held in the DDATs of its parent TMPL by reference to a pseudo-attribute CDPR (Current template’s Design PRoperty). The application navigates to the owning TMPL by default and then down the hierarchy via that template’s DDSE.