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Arched members are not exported

Compound sections

Semi rigid or pinned base plate → Base Plate (1042)

No haunch can be exported

Anchor rod type must be set manually in Tekla (Consteel settings has no effect on the
export)
Anchor rod properties which have effect on the export are the followings: diameter,
grade
Foundation will not be exported
Upper and lower flange weld thickness would be the same in Tekla model(different
Consteel settings has no effect on the export)

Beam to column, moment end plate with haunch → Haunch (40)

Upper and lower haunch dimensions are the same (upper haunch dimensions come from
the lower)
No shear stiffeners are exported into Tekla only supplementary web plate
Flange stiffeners are not exported into Tekla

Beam to column, simple end plate → Haunch (144)

Column top height modification must be set manually

Beam to column, simple end plate → Haunch (146)

Beam splice connected with a pitch, simple or moment end plate without haunch → Haunch
(40)

Left and right sided macros are exported separately, explosion of components and
redefinition of bolt parts are needed in Tekla

Beam splice connected in line, simple or moment end plate without haunch → Joining plates
(14)

Beam splice, moment end plate with haunch → Apex haunch (106)

No upper haunch

Beam splice plate → Splice connection (77)

Bolted circular flange plate → Round joining plates (124)

Stiffened end plate (27)

There is no web stiffener plate in Tekla

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Beam to beam, simple end plate → End plate (144)

Beam to beam, web fin plate → Fin plate (146)

Gusset plate for hollow and tube brace sections → Tube gusset (20)

Bolted gusset plate for angle brace → Bolted gusset (11)

2.3.3 CHANGE MANAGEMENT BETWEEN TEKLA AND CONSTEEL: TEKLA UPDATE

Besides the import and export functions Consteel can check and update Tekla Structures
models during the detailing. Update of Tekla Structures model is always based on Consteel
model with the following attributes:

Element name
Material name
Section name
Section parameters
Element geometry and position

For doing model update a complete model import (or export) process is necessary before.

To update Tekla model, it is important to run both programs at the same time and to have a
model opened in Tekla Structures. Then click on the F I L E menu and select E X P OR T then select
T E K L A S T R U C T U R ES U PD A T E .

A dialog window opens, and we have the possibility to choose if the whole model, or only the
selected parts of the model is desired to be exported. Then click on the C O NT I NU E button.

During the process Tekla Structures model and parts will be updated. In case of conflict the
following dialog will be appeared, and users can make the decision and applied which model
parts will be used.

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Clicking on U PD A T E button the whole process will be finished. New elements created in
Consteel will be automatically exported to Tekla Structures. The next table consists the merge
cases.

UPDATE / MERGE

MERGE

MERGE

UPDATE

MERGE

MERGE

MERGE

MERGE

2.4 IFC IMPORT AND EXPORT

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IFC is a global standard for data exchange in the building industries. IFC is both a common data
model and an open file format. Building industry professionals can use IFC to share data
regardless of what software application they use to get their job done.

The IFC specification is developed and maintained by building SMART International as its "Data
standard".

2.4.1 IMPORT OF IFC FILES

The IFC import function of Consteel supports the importation of those ifc files, which were
exported with the following format scheme:

IFC 2x3

The IFC import function can be initiated from the I M P OR T submenu of F I L E menu, with the
IFC button:

After selecting the IFC function, the import dialogue will appear. The path of the ifc file which
should be imported can be given directly, or it can be browsed with the folders button. At the
scale options, scaling of the imported model can be adjusted. Origo of the placement can be
defined if it is desired, but if it is not, Consteel will place the imported file into the global origo.
For the plane of the placement the main planes, and user defined coordinate systems are also
available to use.

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After clicking on the I M POR T button, the S EC T I O N C O NV E R S I O N dialogue will appear, where
section and material data from the ifc file can be assigned to Consteel sections and materials.
Consteel will automatically try to assign sections to all members, using the section and
material conversion table (located in the installation folder of Consteel), but manual
assignment is also possible. In the left column of the conversion table, section names from the
ifc file can be seen, followed by the material names coming from the ifc file. The next column
stands for the assigned Consteel sections and materials.

There is two possible for the assignment of sections:

Straightforward assignment: In this case the sections in the ifc file can be found int he
conversion tables, and Consteel will automatically assign the correct section
Partially straightforward assignment:
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o „Standard macro sections” case: If the section int he ifc file cannot be found
int he section conversion table, but the parameters of it fits to a standard type
of section (IPE for example), Consteel will create a so called „standard macro
section”, and assign it to the section from the ifc file.
If Consteel is not able to assign any standard macro section to a section, using
the (…) button, sections can be loaded from the section library at any time
o Macro section assignment: In case of sections, where the assignment cannot
be performed, Consteel will draw the shape of the section at the PR OP ER T I ES
side of the dialogue, providing some guidance about the type of the section, so
the correct macro section can be loaded from the section administrator, using
the (…) button.

After the assignments of the sections are performed, the table can be saved into a user
conversion file with the ( ) button and can be used later at any time. By pressing
the C ONT I NU E button, the import process will be performed.

2.4.1.1 AVAILABLE OBJECTS FOR THE IMPORT PROCESS

Steel members:

I profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved, hot rolled sections with constant
flange thickness symmetric I sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved, welded sections with constant
flange thickness symmetric I sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved, welded sections with constant
flange thickness asymmetric I sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved, hot rolled sections with sloped
flange symmetric I sections
H profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved, hot rolled sections with constant
flange thickness H sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved, welded sections with constant
flange thickness H sections
T profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled T sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved welded T sections
U profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled U sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved welded U sections
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Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled, sloped flange U sections
Hot rolled hollow sections:
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled hollow sections
Cold formed hollow sections:
Members in general positions, straight or curved cold formed hollow sections
Hot rolled tube sections:
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled tube sections
Cold formed tube sections:
Members in general positions, straight or curved cold formed tube sections
Hot rolled L profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled, equal or unequal flange
length L sections
Cold formed L profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved cold formed, equal or unequal
flange length L sections
Cold formed C profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed C sections with edge
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed C sections without edge
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed C sections with edge
and sloped flanges
Lindab C profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed asymmetric C sections
with edge
Welded C profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved welded C sections without edge
Cold formed J profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved, cold formed J sections
Cold formed U profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved, cold formed U sections
Cold formed Z profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed Z sections with edge
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed Z sections without edge
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed Z sections with edge and
sloped flanges
Plate profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved plate sections
Box profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved welded box sections
Maltese/Half Maltese cross profiles:
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Members in general position, straight or curved welded Maltese/half Maltese cross

sections
WQ profiles:
Members on general position, straight or curved, welded WQ sections

Reinforced concrete members:

Members in general position, straight, T shaped sections

Members in general position, straight, circle shaped sections
Members in general position, straight, hollow circle shaped sections
Members in general position, straight, rectangle shaped sections
Members in general position, straight, hollow rectangle shaped sections
Members in general position, straight, trapezoid shaped sections
Members in general position, straight, I shaped sections

Plates

Horizontally positioned rectangle plates without holes, with or without chamfer or

rounding
Horizontally positioned polygonal shaped plates without holes, with or without chamfer
or rounding
Horizontally positioned circle shaped plates without holes, with or without chamfer or
rounding
Horizontally positioned rectangle plates with general (inside the plate) holes, with or
without chamfer or rounding
Horizontally positioned polygonal shaped plates with general (inside the plate) holes,
with or without chamfer or rounding
Horizontally positioned circle shaped plates with general (inside the plate) holes, with or
without chamfer or rounding

Wall plates

Vertically positioned plates without holes, with or without chamfer or rounding

2.4.2 EXPORT OF IFC FILES

Members from Consteel can be exported from into ifc format, too. The export process uses
the following file format:

IFC 2x3
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To export a model to IFC format, press the IFC button in the E XPO R T submenu of F I L E menu.

After pressing the E XP O R T button, the IFC E X P OR T D I A L OG U E will appear, where the path
of the saved file can be set, besides the scaling parameters and the planes of the exported
model.
Pressing the E XP OR T button again, will initiate the process, and the whole model will be
exported.

2.4.2.1 AVAILABLE OBJECTS FOR THE EXPORT PROCESS

Steel members:

I profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved, hot rolled sections with constant
flange thickness symmetric I sections

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Members in general positions, straight or curved, welded sections with constant

flange thickness symmetric I sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved, welded sections with constant
flange thickness asymmetric I sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved, hot rolled sections with sloped
flange symmetric I sections
H profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved, hot rolled sections with constant
flange thickness H sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved, welded sections with constant
flange thickness H sections
T profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled T sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved welded T sections
U profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled U sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved welded U sections
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled, sloped flange U sections
Hot rolled hollow sections:
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled hollow sections
Cold formed hollow sections:
Members in general positions, straight or curved cold formed hollow sections
Hot rolled tube sections:
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled tube sections
Cold formed tube sections:
Members in general positions, straight or curved cold formed tube sections
Hot rolled L profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved hot rolled, equal or unequal flange
length L sections
Cold formed L profiles:
Members in general positions, straight or curved cold formed, equal or unequal
flange length L sections
Cold formed C profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed C sections with edge
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed C sections without edge
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed C sections with edge
and sloped flanges
Lindab C profiles:

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Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed asymmetric C sections

with edge
Welded C profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved welded C sections without edge
Cold formed J profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved, cold formed J sections
Cold formed U profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved, cold formed U sections
Cold formed Z profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed Z sections with edge
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed Z sections without edge
Members in general position, straight or curved cold formed Z sections with edge and
sloped flanges
Plate profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved plate sections
Box profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved welded box sections
Maltese/Half Maltese cross profiles:
Members in general position, straight or curved welded Maltese/half Maltese cross
sections
WQ profiles:
Members on general position, straight or curved, welded WQ sections

Reinforced concrete members:

Members in general position, straight, T shaped sections

Members in general position, straight, circle shaped sections
Members in general position, straight, hollow circle shaped sections
Members in general position, straight, rectangle shaped sections
Members in general position, straight, hollow rectangle shaped sections
Members in general position, straight, trapezoid shaped sections
Members in general position, straight, I shaped sections

Plates

Horizontally positioned rectangle plates without holes, with or without chamfer or

rounding
Horizontally positioned polygonal shaped plates without holes, with or without chamfer
or rounding
Horizontally positioned circle shaped plates without holes, with or without chamfer or
rounding
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Horizontally positioned rectangle plates with general (inside the plate) holes, with or
without chamfer or rounding
Horizontally positioned polygonal shaped plates with general (inside the plate) holes,
with or without chamfer or rounding
Horizontally positioned circle shaped plates with general (inside the plate) holes, with or
without chamfer or rounding

Wall plates

Vertically positioned plates without holes, with or without chamfer or rounding

2.5 DXF IMPORT

To import a dxf drawing file, click on F I L E menu, I M POR T tools. Choose DXF from the
available import functions.

A windows file opening dialog will pop-up, where the dxf file must be selected on the
computer. After clicking OK, the drawing file will appear in the modelling area of Consteel, and
dxf import dialog will be opened automatically.

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On the DXF import dialog the following modifications can be made:

Unit of dxf model (mm/cm/m)

DXF model scale with scale factor
Move placement origo (origo of the dxf file)
Plane of placement

X-Y, X-Z, Y-Z of the global coordinate system, or User defined coordinate system)

Layer handling
Layers of the dxf drawing can be imported to Consteel with its properties, or the
whole dxf can be imported to an already existing Consteel layer

With the OK button, the modifications can be applied, and the dxf drawing will be placed in
the modelling area.

2.6 E XPORT OF REINFORCEMENT INTO DXF

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With the export function, contour surface of the required reinforcements with the
corresponding color palette can easily be exported into dxf file format.

During the export, reinforcements contour surfaces for different directions (+x, -x, +y, -y) and
their corresponding color palettes will be placed on different layers

Objects, which will be exported with the function:

Grid: Line, dashed line, or dotted line with the corresponding captions
Plates with their contour lines
FE division
Labels such as name, plate thickness, material grade if the visibility is turned on
Color palettes

The function can be initiated from the F I L E menu’s E XP OR T functions:

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After clicking on the R EI N F OR C EM ENT DXF EX PO R T function, the Reinforcement export

dialogue will pop-up:

1 2

On the right (#2) side of the dialogue, the model portions are shown, while on the left (#1)
side, export related adjustable settings are listed, such as:

Export settings:
○ Export to one file
○ Export portions separately, into individual dxf files
Coordinate system:
○ Global coordinate system
○ User defined
Unit setting for the dxf file [mm, cm, m]
Unit of the reinforcement color palette [cm2/m, mm2/m]
Scale of the dxf model by ratio

At the Considered model portions (#2) field, those portions can be selected which should be
exported.

After clicking on the EXP OR T button, the S A VE dialogue will appear, where path of the dxf file
must be given.

2.7 DLUBAL R STAB AND SAP2000 MODEL IMPORT (. XLSX )

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Consteel is able to import model data, contained in an Excel (.xlsx) file, where different model
data is stored on different worksheets. These table files can be exported from the software
above.

To import the model data, click on F I L E menu, I M P OR T tools. Choose DLUBAL( X L S X ) or

SAP2000( X L S X ) from the available import functions. Import settings for the two software
works the same. After selecting the import function, the I M PO R T dialog will appear:

For the import process, the following settings must be made:

Path of the file on the user’s coordinate must be set by clicking on the button
Unit of the original model file in the other software must be set (mm/cm/m)
Direction of the model Z axis must be set, since it may be different in the other software
The following model data can be imported
o Cross sections (cross section parameters, rotation, eccentricities)
o Nodal supports(rotation, eccentricities)
o Loadcases
o Nodal forces
o Concentrated forces on members
o Member forces

It is important to know for the proper import process, that only those checkboxes should be
checked in, which data is available in the xlsx file, or in other words, the model includes it.

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After the settings are made, and clicked on the OK button, the import process will be initiated,
and the S EC T I ON I M P O R T M A NA G ER will be shown. It is possible to change the conversion
file for grades and for sections or edit the section name and grade manually.

If manual changes have been made the list can be saved ( ) and can be used as a conversion
file in future imports. After clicking OK button, the model will be exported.

After clicking OK on the section import tab, the model will appear in the modelling area. It is
also important to know, that the xlsx model export file must be created using English language,
otherwise the import process will not work.

2.8 E XPORTING MODEL DATA FROM D LUBAL R STAB IN XLSX

FORMAT

In order to export model data to an .xslx file, the following steps are necessary in Dlubal Rstab:

Click on F I L E menu, E XP OR T tools, and choose M I C R OS O FT E XC EL (* XL S X ) format from the

available options:

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After clicking the OK button, the export setting dialog will appear. On the E XP OR T O F
T A B L ES part, data for the export must be chosen. At T A BL ES , the “With table headers” and
“Only filled rows” has to be checked in. At the E XPO R T T Y P E , “rewrite existing worksheet” is
suggested to checked in.

After clicking on the Export button, the Excel (xlsx) file will be generated, and opened. It is
important to know, that if loads are desired to be exported too, the excel file should not be
closed yet.

To export loads from a model, loadcases must be exported one-by-one manually to the
existing excel file. Export of Nodal loads and member loads can be performed on the bottom
part of Dlubal main window:

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By choosing a loadcase at Nodal loads or Member loads, and clicking on the export to excel (

) button, the window below will appear:

On the E XPO R T T A B L E dialogue “Microsoft Excel” format must be chosen. Also, “Export table
to active workbook” must be checked in, so the data will be exported to the already opened
model data. At T A BL E P A R A M ET ER S , the “With table headers” and “Only filled rows” has to
be checked in.

After clicking on the OK button, the xlsx file can be imported to Consteel.

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3 MODEL VIEW
3.1 B ASICS

The transparent and multipurpose model views are very important to the user since these
views provide the first graphical model survey opportunity. Accordingly, the first and most
important objective of the model views to feedback the user with the objects placed, yield a
visual proof that the right objects are at the right place.

3.2 M ODEL VIEWS

The model viewing options are on the left side bar.

Beyond the usual model views (top view, front view, side view, axonometric view,
perpendicular to raster view) there are fore visualizing options for the objects used:

line view : the simplest model view, the bars are represented by single lines, the
surfaces by a two-dimensional figure without thickness; the supports are line types.
Recommended to use in the model building phases, since the clear visualization of the
member snap points making the placement of supports and loads easier.

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wireframe view : in the wireframe view the lines of the cross sections and plate
thickness appear; the supports are line types.

hidden line view : the cross section and plate thickness appear in a solid form without
shading and sparkling effects; the supports are solid types.

solid view : the cross section and plate thickness appear in a solid form with shading
and sparkling effects; the supports are solid types.

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When the full model tends to be more complicated and parts of the model are in focus then
the S U BM OD EL V I E W should be applied.

This

option shows only the selected parts

of the model,

or checked the Show hidden parts of the structure translucently checkbox at the bottom of the
P OR T I O NS M A NA G ER .

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From G EOM ET R Y to G L O BA L C H EC K S in every tab the selected submodel will be visible.

To make the whole model visible again click the F U L L VI E W icon.

3.3 S ELECTION

Objects can be selected in the graphical window, in the object tree, or by the additional
selection options. As a rule, only the visible objects can be selected graphically, accordingly
the same action can result in different selections on different tabs or model views. A selected
object is changed to unselect by clicking on it while pressing the SHIFT button. The ESC
button always unselects all objects.

The basic selection modes and their operation are the followings:

simple graphical selection: click on the object on the graphical window by the left mouse
button. All objects will be selected which graphical symbol intersects the imaginary line
set up perpendicular to the viewing (camera) plane at the clicking point. It means that the
selection depends on the size of the graphical symbol of the objects and note that the
covered objects will be selected as well!

window selection: holding down the left button and moving the mouse will create a
window. It is completed when the mouse button is released. The actual size of the window

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is continually seen on the screen. While drawing the window from left to right, only those
members are selected that are within the window with their full size (inclusion window
selection). When drawing the windows from right to the left every member is selected no
matter how small part is found in the rectangle (section and inclusion window selection).

selection by property: this option can be reached on the left side bar or by right mouse
button click on the graphical window. The selection can be made by choosing the desired
object and further narrowing is possible by sorting the appropriate parameters out.

object tree selection: select objects by clicking on the elements of the Object Tree.

By clicking the object names in the object tree while holding down the C T R L or S H I FT
key results multiple objects selection. To unselect any of the selected object: hold down
the C T R L key and click on the object name again in the object tree.

The additional generalized selection options (select all, unselect all, inverse selection) can be
found on the left side bar or they can be reached by right mouse button click on the graphical
window.

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3.4 P ORTIONS M ANAGER

The P OR T I O NS M A NA G E R is a great tool to manage different but related parts of the model
i.e. floors, columns, bracings, beams, etc. This function can be achieved on the P OR T I O NS
M A NA G ER tab.

New portions can be added by clicking the N EW P OR T I O N icon (#2). Before do so, select the
parts of the model which will belong to that portion.

The portions can be arranged into folders. New folder can be created by clicking the N E W
F OL D ER icon (#1).

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1 2 3 4 5

To turn on a portion, check in the checkbox in front of the name of the portion. More portions
can be turned on at the same time.

If the Show hidden parts of the structure translucently check box (#6) is clicked at bottom of
the P OR T I O NS M A NA G E R tab, then the hidden parts of the model are also shown but those
parts are translucent.

Any objects of the structural model can be part of several portions at the same time.

To modify a previously defined portion, first select the relevant parts of the model which will
be the subject of the modification, then click on the name of the portion you are going to
modify and finally click on the M OD I FY icon (#3).

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The M OD I FY P OR T I O N window will appear with the following options:

Add selected elements to portion: By clicking the OK button, the selected

members will be added to the active portion. If some of the selected members
already belong to this portion, then it will have no additional effect.

Remove selected elements from portion: All those selected elements will no
longer belong to the modified portion.

Assign only the selected elements to portion: The modified portion will contain
only the selected elements.

Renaming the Portion can be done by clicking the name of the portion and click on R E NA M E
icon (#5).

Portion can be deleted by clicking the name of the portion and click the D EL ET E button (#4).

3.5 O BJECT NAMES AND R ENUMBERING

Names and labels are used for the better organization of the different objects in the model
and for the better transparency of the documentation. The names and numbers of the objects
are generated automatically while modelling. In some cases (for example creating Joints), the
user has the opportunity to name the objects.

The following name and renumbering options are available:

numbering of finite element points – generated fully automatically, the user can’t
influence the process.

names of structural element – these are generated automatically while the user creates
or copies structural objects (beam, column, plate, wall). Names consist a prefix and a
number (for instance: “B1” for a bar element). These names appear on the object tree in

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the right-side table. The names can be modified by the R EN U M BE R S EL E C T ED O BJ EC T S

tool on the S T R U C T U R A L M EM B ER S tab. Using this function, a specific prefix and a start
number can be defined, and a direction can be set in which the renumbering will be
processed. On the finite element view these names denote the numbering of the finite
elements of the members.

names of structural supports, releases, and links – these names show the type of the
placed support, release, or link objects (for instance: “Fixed” or “yy,zz,w”)

names of joints – these names show the user defined names of a placed joint (for instance:
“Beam-to-column 01”)

Renumbering the objects

To renumbering the objects first select the relevant objects, then click on the R EN U M BE R
S EL EC T ED O B J EC T S icon on the S T R U C T U R A L M EM B ER S tab.

The R ENU M B ER S E L EC T ED O BJ EC T window will appear, with the automatically recognized

object types contained by the set of selection. With the checkboxes can be selected the
different types objects for renumbering.

The following functions can be used for renumbering:

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Prefix of the name can be defined

Start number can be defined

Priority of the renumbering can be set in the 3 main directions (X, Y Z)

The new names of the objects will be built up from the given prefix and the new serial number,
except the placed joint object type.

Label’s visibility

The visibility of the labels can be set on the bottom status bar as it was discussed above
(Chapter 1.2.6). The following label options are available:

material – the used material name of structural members (for instance: “S235”)

shape – the name of the used cross-sections of structural bar members (for instance:
“HEA 200”)

thickness – the thickness of the used structural plates or walls

load intensity

units – the units of load and thickness if set (for instance: “kN” or “mm”)

initial curvature – the value of the initial curvature on structural bar members

coordinate system – the names of the local coordinate axes (X,Y,Z)

Additionally, arbitrary text can be assigned to structural elements manually on the

D I M E NS I O NI NG dialogue using the last tool.

3.6 D IMENSIONS

For the documentation of the calculated structural model it is very important to be aware of
the exact dimensions of the model. The dimensioning tool can be found on the G EOM ET R Y
tab.

This provides a great number of different dimensioning options:

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Projected dimension of a linear object : The projected length of the selected linear
object onto the global X or Y or Z axis will be dimensioned.

Parameters:

Auto: moving the mouse, the system detects the desired reference axis.

According to global axis X: the X axis projection of the length of the linear object.

According to global axis Y: the Y axis projection of the length of the linear object.

According to global axis Z: the Z axis projection of the length of the linear object.

Lengthwise dimension of a linear object : The length of the selected linear object can
be placed in one of the planes which is defined by centerline of the object and the global
coordinate system X,Y plane, and a plane perpendicular to this plane and containing the
centerline of the object.

Parameters:

Auto: moving the mouse, the system is detecting the desired plane.

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Projected dimension of the distance between two selected points : The length of the
distance between two selected points will be projected onto the global X or Y or Z axis.

Parameters:

Auto: moving the mouse, the system is detecting the desired reference axis.

According to global axis X: the X axis projection of the distance between two selected
points.

According to global axis Y: the Y axis projection of the distance between two selected
points.

According to global axis Z: the Z axis projection of the distance between two selected
points.

Lengthwise dimension between two points : The distance between the selected two
points could be placed in one of the following planes.

Plane defined by centerline of the object and the X,Y plane global coordinate system
The plane perpendicular to the above plane and containing the centerline of the
object.

Parameters:

Auto: moving the mouse, the system detects the desired reference axis.

Diameter of a circle

Radius of a circle

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Angle of two lines : After selecting two lines any of the four angles could be
dimensioned.

Height dimension : This function helps for quick dimensioning the height positions of
selected points relative to global Z direction related to the given value in Basic line filed.

The content of the Basic line field means the height of the 0 level in the global Z direction.
All the picked points will be measured from to this value as a 0.

Textbox to a given line : The given text (A-2) in the script field can be placed into the
model.

3.7 M EASURE

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During modelling it is helpful to measure distances and angles. The M EA SU R E tool is found at
the end of the G EOM ET R Y tab.

The following window offers the measuring functions:

Measure distance : Shows on the screen the measured distance between two picked
points in meter or in millimeter, selected from the “unit of length” list box.

Measure angle : The function measures the angle between two lines defined by
clicking three snap points in the 3D space in the plane of the two lines in degree or in
radian.

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Data of structural member : The function shows on the screen the length, the
surface, and the weight of the selected structural member.

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3.8 M ODEL GRID

On the G EOM ET R Y T A B , it is possible to create custom M OD EL G R I D .

By clicking on the function, the S T R U C T U R A L GRID dialogue will be opened.

Grid manager functions:

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Create a new structural grid with the button

Accept grid properties and finalize grid with the button

Modify previously created grid with the button

Delete previously created grid with the button

Model grid properties:

Division of the grid in X and Y direction must be set.

o New row for the division can be created with the button.
o Defined rows can be deleted with the button.
o The sequence can be modified with the arrows button. Values can be
defined with single values (1500) or as multiplicated values (2*2000)
Caption properties can be set both for X and Y directions.
o It is possible to choose from capital letters, lowercase letters, decimal
numbers, and roman numbers too.
o Initial values can be set from the dropdown menu.
o Prefix of the captions can be set manually.
o Captions can be chosen if they desired to be in ascending or descending order
both for X and Y directions
Grid position can be set at the bottom of the dialogue.
o Coordinates of the insertion point can be set manually according to the global
coordinate system (X0,Y0,Z0), or with a graphical selection on the screen

using the arrow button

o Rotation of the grid can be set with the definition of the alpha value,
according to the global X axis
o It can also be chosen if the grid is desired to be shown on the lowest visible
storey of the model (previously defined storeys are necessary)

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4 DRAWING GEOMETRY
4.1 B ASICS

The first step of the modelling phase is the geometry drawing of the structure. In Consteel all
the geometrical objects can be easily created and modified in a 3D space. Among the basic
CAD drawing, modifying, and moving functionality advanced snap options make the modelling
efficient. All the CAD functionality is placed on the G EOM ET R Y tab, the further view, select,
and snap options are on the side and status bar. Additionally, all the relevant modelling
functions are placed on the dialogues of structural members, supports and loads.

4.2 C OORDINATE SYSTEMS

For the appropriate modelling and interpretation of the analysis and design results it is of high
importance to be aware of the applied coordinate systems. This section summarizes in detail
all the coordinate systems used in the Consteel.

z Two different type of coordinate systems can be used: the

rectangular Descartes system (XYZ) and the polar system
(L). In the polar system “” denotes the angle between
L
the axis “X” and the vertical plane defined by the axis “Z”
y
and the point, “” denotes the angle between the section
line of that plane and the coordinate plane “XY” and the line
 from the origin to the point, and “L” denotes the distance
from the origin. The polar coordinate system is less

frequently used so the rest of this section describes the
x Descartes system.

z As a general convention all the Descartes coordinate systems (axes

directions and rotation signs) follow the most commonly applied right
hand rule. This rule is valid for the definition of geometry and loads as
y
well. The positive moments and rotations are defined as
x counterclockwise about the axis if it is viewed in front (towards the origin)
in both the global and local system.

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In the further text the following denotations are used:

In case of global geometry (3D structural modelling):

X, Y,Z: global coordinate system

x, y, z: local coordinate system

In case of cross sections (2D modelling of

sections):

v, w: section edit coordinate system

Y, Z: section edit coordinate system with
its origin in the center of gravity of the
section
y, z: section principal coordinate
system

4.2.1 USER COORDINATE SYSTEM

The User coordinate system (UCS) is used for making the modelling easier and faster. The UCS
is a specially positioned Descartes system (XYZ).

The tools for creating and modifying the coordinate systems can be reached by the S ET GRID
A ND C O OR D I NA T E S Y S T EM button on the side bar.

The User coordinates system can be switched on (or switch back to the global system) at the
bottom status bar

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The following creation options are available (from left to right):

Switch to global system

Set new origin for the UCS

The “XY” plane of the global system will be the “XY” plane of the UCS

The “XZ” plane of the global system will be the “XY” plane of the UCS

The “YZ” plane of the global system will be the “XY” plane of the UCS

Set the UCS by 3 points: the origin, the direction of ”X” and “Y” axis
Set the standing of the UCS identical to the local coordinate system of the selected

plane with origin placed into the first node of this plane

Set the direction of the axis “X” by two points

Set the direction of the axis “Y” by two points

Set the direction of the axis “Z” by two points

Reverse the direction of the selected axis

On the S T R U C T U R A L M EM B ER S T A B and in the S ET L OC A L C O OR D I NA T E S Y S T EM S ( )

function it is possible to modify the alignment of the local coordinate axes of bar members(

), surfaces ( ) or supports( ).

Icons for the modifications on the S ET L OC A L C O OR D I NA T E S Y S T E M S dialog are the following

(from left to right):

Set “X” axis of UCS

Set “Y” axis of UCS

Set “Z” axis of UCS

Set the “Z” axis perpendicular to the surface formed by the connecting beams

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4.2.2 LOCAL COORDINATE SYSTEM OF BAR ELEMENTS

The reference line of bar members defines the axis “x” of the local coordinate system of the
bars. The direction of the axis “x” is given by the start (J) and end (K) node of the reference
line.

In the basic case the local coordinate system of a bar

Z can be determined considering its reference line (“x”)
identical to the global axis “X”. In this case the
Y direction of local axes “y” and “z” are identical to the
z global axes “Y” and “Z”. The position of the cross
y
J section on the bar is the following: the reference line
x
goes through its center of gravity, and the section
K
X “YZ” system coincides with the local “yz” system of
the bar.

Z
In case of a generally positioned beam member (not
z column with vertical reference line) the plane defined
y by the local “xz” system takes always vertical position
J
Y x
and the axis “z” points towards the positive “Z”
K direction. For beams with (single) curvature the axis
“x” is always the tangent.

Z Z In case of vertical reference line (column

K J members) the local axis “y” has the same
x y direction as the global axis “Y”, the
y
direction of the local axis “z” depends on
z the placement of the column (position of
z
Y Y the start and end points).
x

J K
X X

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The interpretation and signs of the inner forces on a member is defined by its local coordinate
system and the mentioned general sign convention as described in the following figure:

Vz
Mz
My
Vy
J
N
K
Mx

4.2.3 LOCAL COORDINATE SYSTEM OF SURFACE ELEMENTS

For surface elements the local plane “xy” is defined in the plane of the surface, the axis “z” is
perpendicular to that plane and the direction of “+z” is in accordance with the right-hand role
of coordinate systems. The roles of the directions of the local axes of the plane surface
elements:

By creating a rectangle shaped plane surface element:

the axis “x” and “y” are parallel with the edges of the rectangle plane element. The “z”
direction created in accordance with the right-hand role of the coordinate systems.

By creating a plane surface element with polyline border:

the axis “x” is parallel with the line defined by the first and the second picked points.
It is the first edge of the plane surface element.
the axis “y” points accordingly to the direction of the third picked point. It is the second
edge of the created plane surface element.
The “z” direction created in accordance with the right-hand role of the coordinate
systems.

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In case of surface elements, the local coordinate system can be modified using the tools
presented in Chapter 4.2.1.

4.3 D EFINING ACTION POINTS

Action points (snap points) can be set by moving the cursor on the icon on the right side
of the bottom status bar. You can find the description about the snap point settings above in
1.2.7 T H E S T A T U S BA R chapter.

4.4 D RAWING

The functions for drawing described below are collected on the G EOM ET R Y tab.

Draw line

Simple line drawing. First select the start point. Then select the end point.

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Polyline drawing. First select the start point. Then select the next points. Press E S C to
interrupt line drawing.

Draw rectangle with lines

Draw rectangle. Select the corner point. Select the opposite corner.

Draw leaning rectangle in the space. Select the corner point. Select end point of the side
of the rectangle. Select third point of the rectangle.

Draw Circle

Draw circle by radius. Select the center-point of the circle. Select the radius of the circle.
The circle will be created in the plane containing the center-point and parallel to the actual
UCS.

Draw circle by diameter. Select the start point. Select the end point. The circle can be
created out of the actual UCS system.

Draw circle by 3 points. Select first point. Select second point. Select third point. The
circle will be created in the plane defined by the three definition points.

Draw Arc

Arcs could be created out of the actual UCS.

Draw arc by center-point, start point and angle. Select the center of the arc. Select the
start point of the arc. Select the angel of the arc or type it to the dialog window

Draw arc by 3 points. Select the start point. Select the end point. Select a point in the
arc.

Draw arc by start point, end point and tangent. Select the start point. Select the end
point. Select the other point of the tangent.

Draw two-dimensional plane elements

Draw two-dimensional plane element. Define the geometry of the plane element.
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Draw hole. Select the plane element. Define the geometry of the hole (Rectangle, closed
polyline, or circle).

Edit a plate element.

Change the direction of the local “x” axes of a plane element by defining two points.

Select the surface. Select the start point. Set the direction with the second point.

The construction modes of the plane elements:

The construction mode of a rectangle type plane element can be selected: rectangle or
leaning rectangle.

The construction mode of a circular type of the plane element can be selected: draw
circle by radius, by diameter, or circle by 3 points.

Draw polygon (a closed polyline). Set the first point. Set the next points. To close the
polygon, press right click on the mouse.

The editing modes of a plate element:

Add a new point to the plane element by breaking the edge. To do this, you need to
select the desired edge and then enter the location of the new point.

Delete a point or an arc section of a plane element. In both cases, after deletion, a
straight edge is created between adjacent corner points.

4.5 M ODIFYING

The four mostly used modifying functions are placed on the left sidebar:

Move point and edge. Select the point and (or) edge to be moved. Set the new position
of the point (edge). This function is used for changing the position of any of the end point of a

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linear or circular element, or to change the position of an edge or a corner point of a polygon,
or of hole in a polygon.

Move selected objects. The selected objects can be moved or copied

Select the objects, and click the M OVE S EL EC T ED OB J EC T S icon:

Select the transformation (Move or Copy). The copy function can be activated by the radio
button near the Copy function. The number of copies can be selected.

Set start point of the vector for moving/copying. Set the end point of vector for
moving/copying.

The selected members, loads and supports will be moved or copied to the position which is
defined by the given vector accordingly to the selected options. The Move/Copy function is
independent from the actual UCS.

Effect of the options:

Copy structural members:

Unchecked: Use when only the loads and/or the supports of the structural member need
to be coped or moved.

Checked: Default. Structural members will be copied or moved.

Copy loads:

Unchecked: The loads will not be copied with the selected structural members.

Checked: The loads will be copied with the selected structural members.

Copy supports:

Unchecked: The supports of the selected structural members will not be copied.

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Checked: The supports of the selected structural members will be copied. (In case of the
selection set does not contain at least one selected member, then the selected supports
will not be copied.)

Join point:

If the Join points box is checked then the end points of the copied objects will be connected
with lines.

Mirror selected objects. The two given points represent mirroring axis will be projected
into the actual UCS system and the mirroring will be performed in the actual UCS
symmetrically to the axis of mirroring.

As first step select the UCS for mirroring (if it is needed), select objects to be mirrored and
click on the M I R R OR S E L EC T ED OB J E C T S icon.

Selecting the mirror line by picking two points for the mirror axis, the selected objects will be
moved or copy to the mirrored position.

The effects of the options are the same as it was described above.

Rotate selected objects. Select the objects for rotation.

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Select the Move or Copy option for the transformation. The number of copies can be selected.
Set the center of rotation. Set reference point of rotation. Set the direction point or type in
the rotation angle and click on the A PPL Y button.

The effects of the options are the same as it was described above.

The further modifying functions are on the G EO M ET R Y tab:

Sizing of the selected objects. Select objects for sizing. Set the sizing center, the sizing
reference point, and the sizing multiplier point (the distances of the sizing reference point and
the sizing multiplier point to the sizing origin point determines the sizing factor). The sizing
will be performed. The length (and depending on the sizing origin maybe the position) of the
objects will be changed. The length of the line-loads will be changed proportionally.

Refract the selected line element. Select the edge to refract and the insert point along
the axis of the selected object. Set the new position of the selected point. The original object
will be broken into two parts.

The coordinates of the new position of the selected point also can be given manually
accordingly to the selected coordinate system.

Curve selected line element. Select the edge for bend. Set the insert point.

Straighten selected arc. The selected arc segment of a plane element will be deleted and
substituted by a straight edge.

Divide selected objects. Lines and bars can be divided into equal or unequal parts.

By selecting the To equal parts option, the number of the segments or the length of the
segments can be set.

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By selecting the two unequal parts option a series of relative or absolute lengths can be
defined measured from A or B endpoint of the object.

Break two selected objects. Select the two intersected objects to break. Both objects
will be broken by the intersection point. It works with linear and curved objects, also with
plate elements.

Trim selected line or plate element by cutting edge or plate. Select cutting edge or
plate. Select the part to be trimmed. It works both with linear and curved objects, also with
plate elements.

Extend selected line or plate elements to limit line or plate. Selecting the limit line or
plate and click on the linear or plate object to be extended to the limit line or plate. It works
with plate elements only, if the edges of the extended plate element do not cross each
other.

Divide by trim. Cut out a part of the selected element. Select object for cut out. Select
start point and the end point of the segment of the cut out.

Chamfer of two selected linear element. Select the first and the second linear element.
The chamfer will be applied according to the order of selection.

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Filleting of the edge of the section of two line elements. Select the first and the
second linear element. Chose a fillet radius.

4.6 L AYERS

The layers dialog window can be used for:

Create new layers

Copy existing layer-definition to a new layer

Delete layers

Edit properties of existing layers (color, line style, thickness, and transparency)

Turn the visibility of layers on and off

Freeze layers from activity whilst keeping them visible

Turn on and off own style. If Objects of own style checkbox is turned OFF then all the
objects on the layer use the selected color, line style, thickness etc. If it is turned ON
(default setting) then all the objects use the global style.

All CAD systems have a layer concept of some sort. Objects are placed on appropriate layers
as a practical way of managing the objects within the model.

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5 STRUCTURAL MODELLING
5.1 B ASICS

From the beginning of Consteel great emphasis was taken on the user-friendly structural
modelling to build the structural model using real structural elements. Accordingly, the user
model, using whole structural members (beams with haunches, tapered columns, tension
braces, slabs etc.) is completely separated from the calculation model, which is an
automatically generated sophisticated finite element model used by the structural analysis
and design. It follows that the engineer does not need to deal with the calculation model;
he/she can concentrate solely on the building the real structural model.

IT SHOULD BE KEPT IN MIND THAT THE ENGINEER SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE FEATURES ,
POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF THE APPLIED ANALYSIS MODEL ALREADY AT THE MODELLING
STAGE BECAUSE THE MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE MODELLING OPPORTUNITIES CAN LEAD TO
UNEXPECTED ANALYSIS AND DESIGN RESULTS.

All the functionality connecting with the structural modelling are placed on the S T R U C T U R A L
M EM B ER S tab. Due to the high importance and wide range of modelling possibilities the
functions of the cross-sections and joints are collected in separate modules C S S EC T I ON
(Chapter 10) and C S J OI N T (Chapter 14).

5.2 L INE MEMBERS

The line members can be modelled with steel thin-walled, reinforced concrete, and composite
cross-section. The members – depending on the placement – can be columns or beams. The
column is a special positioned line member, which is always vertical, so the placement is
simpler, because only the height should be defined.

The dialogue allows the following modelling options for creating members:

Draw the reference line of the member

draw as a line segment or continuous line

draw as an arc by centerpoint, startpoint and angle, 3 points or startpoint,

endpoint and tangent

Select an existing line for the section as a reference line of a member

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