Exporting Connections

End connections and base plates are modelled in Design Catalogue items and transferred to the SDNF file using end coding information stored in the CTYA attribute of the Catalogue component. A mapping table is required to enable the information to be transferred in order that a corresponding entity can be created in the external 3D steel detailing package. Once the end has been detailed, the resultant geometry may be returned to Model as Plate members in Packet 20 for graphical and clash checks. In the application, joint selection is controlled by specification.

As it exports Connections (PJOI and SJOI elements), the interface uses only the old connectivity model. New connectivity elements, such as FIXIngs are not handled. The system initially checks that the SPRE attribute is set.

If so, the CTYA of the relevant Catalogue component is checked against the Connection mapping table. If it is valid, the local CTYS or CTYE attribute of the attached member is set for the sake of consistency. As it is doing so, the interface also checks that the connectivity references are consistent. The CTYA attribute is then matched against the required text for output in the SDNF file.

The interface also determines the identifier and end of the Linear Member to which the joint is attached.

Error and Log File Messages