Spec Blocks
- Last UpdatedAug 21, 2025
- 4 minute read
Use the Spec Blocks part of the Structural Specification window to add, delete or reorder blocks. Each block contains a sequence number, type, and description.
A specification block represents a group of specification components. The criteria for grouping specification components is dependent on the specification type:
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For automatic joint specifications, each specification block represents a group of specification components which have the same optional columns. This means that all components in the same block have the same specification questions (although they may have different answers). Multiple blocks in the specification can have the same optional columns provided they are given a unique description.
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For all other specifications, each specification block represents a group of specification components which have the same selector answers. This means that, when written to the database, all components in this block are owned by the same selector. All blocks in the specification have the same columns as no optional columns are available.
The content of the currently selected specification block can be viewed and modified using the Spec Block Rows grid.
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Type |
The Type column is read-only and displays the answer to the first specification question for the block. The column header changes depending on the specification purpose. The column is not visible for auto joint specifications as the first answer is always FIXING. |
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Description |
The Description column can be modified and allows the description attribute of the lowest-level selectors (those which own SPCO elements) to be set. This is important for specifications as the description is visible when items are selected for use from specifications in Model windows. |
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Move Up |
Moves the currently selected specification block up the order in the spec block grid. Not available for automatic joint specifications which are sorted alphabetically by description. |
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Move Down |
Moves the currently selected specification block down the order in the spec block grid. Not available for automatic joint specifications which are sorted alphabetically by description. |
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Add New Block |
Adds a specification block at the end of the grid. |
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Delete Block and Content |
Deletes the currently selected specification block form the spec block grid. The specification block is deleted along with all associated specification components. A Confirm window displays asking you to confirm the deletion.
After deleting a specification block, the first click of Add New Block allows you to restore the deleted specification block. A Confirm window displays asking you to confirm the restore process.
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Organise Spec Blocks |
Groups the existing specification components into blocks so that all blocks contain specification components which have the same selector answers. This may result in the creation of one or more new specification blocks to allow components with different answers to be in different blocks. A Confirm window displays asking you to confirm the organize process.
Using this functionality makes it easier to view how specification components are organized in the database when saved. A specification is automatically organized when written to the database. Note: |
