Configure the Support

Next you configure the support.

1. Select the Create Support Template icon on the Support Creation toolbox. The Support Configuration form displays, with the name of the Support being configured shown at the top of the form:

   

2. Within the Specification you have selected, there are three Types of configuration:

   • Goalposts have two stanchions and varying numbers of cross-members.

   • Cantilever supports have one or two cross-members, and optionally a bracing member.

   • L-brackets have a stanchion and one or two cross-members.

     You should choose the configuration closest to the one you require. You must define all the members in the template: for example, if you choose a 2-level goalpost you must specify at least two levels of pipes.

     The Configurations list shows configurations for the selected configuration type. The picture on the form shows a parameterized diagram of the configuration type. The Joint Type under the list shows the joint type for the selected configuration.

     The Support Type can be set to Standard or Special. You can change the sizes of the members of a standard support but you should not add extra members.

     When you have configured the support, the parameters will be shown in the text boxes below the picture. You can change them if you need to: this is illustrated in the example in Create a Two-plane Support.

     The Invert and Mirror buttons reconfigure the support, and any members which have been added to the template will be removed. This means that you should orientate the support correctly before adding any extra members to the template.

     Invert changes the stanchion direction (and also the principal direction).

     Mirror changes the cross-member direction (and also the principal direction).

3. On the Support Configuration form:

   • Set Spec to Standard Support Configs.

   • Set Support Type to Special, because you are going to modify the configuration by adding bracing members.

   • Set Type to Goalposts.

   • From Configurations select N Level Goalpost.

     When you click Apply, the support configuration is calculated. The configured support template is shown in the graphical view as illustrated.

• The cross-members are shown as solid lines.

• The stanchions are shown as solid lines in the active colour.

• The stanchions end in anchor points, shown as small spheres.

• The joints between members are shown as small crosses.

  If necessary, click the Flip button, , to orientate the support so that the stanchions point upwards.