Supports Connectivity

When a framework support section (GENSEC) is connected to a structural support section (GENSEC), the connection between the two sections is represented on the attached framework support section as End Datum (ENDATU) and Fixing (FIXING) elements in the Model Explorer. To avoid the necessity to write to the structural database, the connection is not represented on the structural support section.

In the supports hierarchy, ENDATU and FIXING elements are created each time an attached section is connected. By default, the ENDATU and FIXING elements are deleted if a connected support is deleted.

When creating a framework using Create By Cursor or Create By Clearance, if the structural element that is picked is not a steel profile (GENSEC or HSTIFF) a civils connection is created. Examples of such elements are: FLOOR, STWALL, PANE.

A civils connection is similar to a steelwork end-plate connection. It consists of an ENDATU and a FIXING. Unlike a steelwork connection, it uses the CONREF attribute on the ENDATU to link to the civils element that it is connected to. There is also a return reference on the civils element, ENDRFA that returns all the civils connections referencing that element.

End Datum (ENDATU)

ENDATU elements are owned by GENSEC elements. By default, an ENDATU element is created for each connection. The ENDATU element contains the positioning line datum for the connection. The positioning line datum represents the Pline that the attached section is trimmed to. ENDATU elements can own FIXING elements.

Fixing (FIXING)

FIXING elements are owned by ENDATU elements and have the same position as the ENDATU. FIXING elements contain properties for:

• Connectivity to the structural 3D model

• Trimming attached members

• Specification Reference (SPREF attribute) for the joint.

Framework Support Section Properties

The GENSEC properties for the attached framework support are identical to the fixing properties for structural sections. Refer to Attached Sections for further information.

End Datum Properties

The ENDATU properties for a framework support section are identical to the end datum properties for structural sections. Refer to End Datum Properties for further information.

Fixing Properties

The FIXING properties for a framework support section are identical to the fixing properties for structural sections. Refer to Fixing Properties for further information.

Reconnect Framework Support

Reconnects the currently selected framework support if it is moved and the connection does not move with it.

On the command line, input the command RECONNECT and press Enter.

Although each connection has created ENDATU and FIXING elements in the Design database, these do not yet have any geometry associated with them. In order to represent them properly, a catalogue specification must be associated with each joint. Refer to Joint Specification for further information.