Profile

A structural profile is a 2D cross-sectional shape defined by a series of vertex elements placed at each change in direction of the shape.

The shape must have a minimum of three vertices. Each vertex is defined with the following attributes

When defining the vertices the following practices should be observed to make sure the correct results are achieved:

• Vertex numbering should maintain rotational order, either clock wise or anti-clockwise.

• Lines between vertices should not self intersect or cross each other.

When creating an enclosed shape consider using two touching SPRO components to simplify the shape.

Profiles require a Geometry Set, a Pline Set, a Data Set and a Specification to function correctly. The profiles are usually defined parametrically such that a single definition may be used for a wide variety of similar shaped profiles with different dimensions.

All structural profiles have a Generic Type set via the GTYPE attribute of the SPRF element. A Gtype is an abbreviated description (a maximum of four letters) that refers to a generic shape of a profile, for example a BEAM, TUBE, ANG and so on.

There are a number of reserved GTYPES as listed below:

The reserved Gtypes are held in the file %AVEVA_DESIGN_DFLTS%UI-GTYPE-SELEM. This is a read only file. If new Gtypes are required then the read only attribute must be removed from the file and then use the to edit the list.

Generic Type Definitions

Structural Profiles, Joints and Fittings in the catalogue have a Generic Type (Gtype) that is set to a World. When a catalogue item is selected via the specification, this Gtype may be used as a filter to make sure that only items suitable for the desired function are made available.

All of the Gtypes populates the main part of the window in a tabular format. Values can be changed by typing over an entry and clicking Apply to commit the change.

Use the Generic Type drop down to select the overall class of the catalogue, possible sections are as follows:

• Structural Profiles

• Structural Joints

• Structural Fittings

The tabulated data is delimited with a space; Gtype word occupies the first four columns and the description begins in the sixth column.

Profile Geometry Components

A profile geometry is created using parameter values so that one definition can be used for any size of profile. Refer to Understanding Parameters for a detailed explanation of parameters.

There are three components that may be used to define the geometric shape of the profile, SREC,SANN and SPRO.