03.03.2013 Views

What's New in StruCad V12 - Computer Control Systems

What's New in StruCad V12 - Computer Control Systems

What's New in StruCad V12 - Computer Control Systems

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong><br />

<strong>StruCad</strong><br />

The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3D<br />

Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong><br />

Important System Changes ........................................................................... 2<br />

Supported Operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Systems</strong> .......................................................................................... 2<br />

<strong>StruCad</strong> Version Password Change.................................................................................. 2<br />

CNC Post Processor Dongle <strong>Control</strong> ................................................................................ 2<br />

Important Changes for <strong>StruCad</strong> Version 13 and beyond................................................... 3<br />

<strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Features & Enhancements ...................................................... 4<br />

View Manipulation & Rendered Solids .............................................................................. 4<br />

Dynamic View Manipulation .............................................................................................. 5<br />

Rendered Solids................................................................................................................ 7<br />

The L<strong>in</strong>k Command ........................................................................................................... 9<br />

Enhanced Cutt<strong>in</strong>g............................................................................................................ 10<br />

Enhanced PutLib ............................................................................................................. 11<br />

Undo & Redo................................................................................................................... 12<br />

Improved Stair Macro ...................................................................................................... 12<br />

Improved Cam & DSTV Scrib<strong>in</strong>g ..................................................................................... 13<br />

AutoCad Interoperability.................................................................................................. 13<br />

ACAD Viewer .................................................................................................................. 14<br />

Improved XRef’s.............................................................................................................. 14<br />

Enhanced DPS – AutoView............................................................................................. 15<br />

Enhanced DPS – Detail................................................................................................... 16<br />

StruWalker Enhancements.............................................................................................. 17<br />

Joist Macros ....................................................................................................................18<br />

Vernon Tube Macro & Cam Output................................................................................. 18<br />

K<strong>in</strong>gspan MetlCon Cold Rolled System Updates ............................................................ 18<br />

K<strong>in</strong>gspan (Ireland) Cold Rolled System Updates ............................................................ 18<br />

SPF Viewer Scale Pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g .............................................................................................. 19<br />

Australian Data Set ......................................................................................................... 19<br />

<strong>V12</strong> Bug & Enhancements .............................................................................................. 20<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Page 1


Introduction<br />

The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

As a result of cont<strong>in</strong>ued development, <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> offers significant additions and<br />

enhancements <strong>in</strong> many areas. This document is designed to expla<strong>in</strong> the new features and<br />

added functionality of <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>. For more detailed <strong>in</strong>formation please refer to the onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />

help with<strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong>.<br />

Important System Changes<br />

IMPORTANT – Please read the onl<strong>in</strong>e help for the latest <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />

Version Compatibility<br />

A <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> model cannot be opened <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> V11.2 or earlier.<br />

An earlier <strong>StruCad</strong> version model opened <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> cannot thereafter be opened <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>StruCad</strong> V11.2 or earlier.<br />

If you need to exchange models with<strong>in</strong> or outside your organisation you must therefore make<br />

sure everyone <strong>in</strong>volved will be upgrad<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> at the same time.<br />

Import<strong>in</strong>g a model from an older version <strong>in</strong>to <strong>V12</strong> may cause mark numbers to change.<br />

Please do not import a model if it has been issued or you do not wish the mark numbers to<br />

change.<br />

Supported Operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Systems</strong><br />

<strong>StruCad</strong> Version 12 no longer Supports Microsoft W<strong>in</strong>dows NT4. Support for this operat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

system was withdrawn by Microsoft <strong>in</strong> 2002 and due to system changes can no longer be<br />

supported by AceCad. If you are us<strong>in</strong>g a W<strong>in</strong>dows NT4 system, or have any questions<br />

regard<strong>in</strong>g this matter, please contact your local AceCad Office or distributor for further<br />

assistance or <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />

<strong>StruCad</strong> Version Password Change<br />

To improve security with<strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong>, the Version 12 Password procedure has changed.<br />

Please read the supplementary documentation provided with your <strong>V12</strong> CD or consult the<br />

onl<strong>in</strong>e help via the <strong>StruCad</strong> Workspace once <strong>in</strong>stalled.<br />

CNC Post Processor Dongle <strong>Control</strong><br />

<strong>StruCad</strong> CNC Post Processors are now controlled by the dongle options 49 to 77. Please<br />

contact your local AceCad Office for action codes to activate your Post Processors.<br />

Page 2 What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

Important Changes for <strong>StruCad</strong> Version 13 and beyond<br />

In this section you will f<strong>in</strong>d important <strong>in</strong>formation regard<strong>in</strong>g future releases of <strong>StruCad</strong>. You<br />

may wish to act now to take advantage of <strong>StruCad</strong> V13 and beyond.<br />

OpenGL® Compatibility<br />

When <strong>StruCad</strong> Version 13 is released <strong>StruCad</strong> will be fully reliant upon OpenGL®. The use of<br />

a non OpenGL® graphics display system will no longer be supported by <strong>StruCad</strong>.<br />

Should you wish to clarify if your system will support OpenGL® & <strong>StruCad</strong> V13, or should you<br />

wish to purchase an OpenGL® compatible graphics card, please contact AceCad Support via<br />

your local distributor or visit http://www.cad2.com/strucad_workstation.htm for more<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation.<br />

OpenGL® is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc. <strong>in</strong> the United States and/or other<br />

countries worldwide<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Page 3


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

<strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Features & Enhancements<br />

In this section we will be look<strong>in</strong>g at the new features & enhancements <strong>in</strong>troduced for<br />

<strong>StruCad</strong><strong>V12</strong>.<br />

View Manipulation & Rendered Solids<br />

<strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> sees the <strong>in</strong>troduction of OpenGL® technologies <strong>in</strong>to both the Wireframe and 2D<br />

environments, thus allow<strong>in</strong>g features such as the ‘Dynamic View Manipulation’ and ‘Rendered<br />

Solids’ which proved popular <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>teractive environment, to be <strong>in</strong>troduced.<br />

To activate these features you will need to have ‘OpenGL®’ enabled <strong>in</strong> the environment you<br />

are us<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

1. To turn these features on or off you must first exit from <strong>StruCad</strong> leav<strong>in</strong>g only the<br />

‘Workspace’ open.<br />

2. Select ‘Tools’ > ‘Options’ from the drop down menu to open the ‘<strong>StruCad</strong> Options’<br />

dialog.<br />

3. On the ‘General Sett<strong>in</strong>gs’ tab check or uncheck the required option, Click ‘Ok’ and<br />

open the required environment. This will activate or de-activate the OpenGL® Graphics<br />

features such as Dynamic View manipulation and rendered solids.<br />

Page 4 What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

Dynamic View Manipulation<br />

Your mouse can now be used to dynamically alter the direction from which the wireframe, 2D<br />

& Interactive environments are viewed. This provides three ma<strong>in</strong> mouse controls, view<br />

direction, zoom<strong>in</strong>g & pann<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

View Direction <strong>Control</strong><br />

The view direction or rotation of your screen view is controlled by a comb<strong>in</strong>ation of mouse<br />

buttons and the keyboard. <strong>StruCad</strong> uses the mouse po<strong>in</strong>ter and buttons to provide entity<br />

selection and on screen menus, therefore a comb<strong>in</strong>ation of keyboard and mouse controls is<br />

used to alter the screen view.<br />

Below you will f<strong>in</strong>d a list of keyboard and mouse comb<strong>in</strong>ations used to dynamically alter your<br />

view of the model, jo<strong>in</strong>t and draw<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Press & Hold ‘Shift’ + Press & Hold Left Mouse Button<br />

This allows you to rotate the model to be viewed from a different direction <strong>in</strong> the wire frame,<br />

2D and Interactive environments. Dragg<strong>in</strong>g the mouse around the screen controls the view<br />

direction. Move your mouse ‘Up’ the screen to view from a lower angle (below) or ‘Left’ to<br />

rotate the view clockwise.<br />

Tip : Try us<strong>in</strong>g the ‘View’ command to quickly save and restore specific views.<br />

Press & Hold ‘Shift’ + Double click left Mouse Button<br />

This sets the centre po<strong>in</strong>t about which the view rotates. When you double click the screen a<br />

po<strong>in</strong>t is selected <strong>in</strong> the current view direction. For a more precise centre po<strong>in</strong>t selection such<br />

as the <strong>in</strong>tersection of wires at a jo<strong>in</strong>t use the ‘Target’ command.<br />

Press & Hold ‘Shift’ + Press & Hold ‘Left Ctrl’ + Press & Hold Left Mouse Button<br />

This locks the rotation around the current ‘Z’ axis of your UDS. This means that if the ‘Z’ is<br />

vertical on the screen that the view will only rotate clockwise or anti-clockwise it will not move<br />

up or down.<br />

Press & Hold ‘Shift’ + Press & Hold ‘Right Ctrl’ + Press & Hold Left Mouse Button<br />

This locks the rotation about a presumed horizontal axis across the middle of the screen.<br />

Mov<strong>in</strong>g the mouse left to right will have no affect but mov<strong>in</strong>g it up or down will change the<br />

view direction from above to below or vice-versa.<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Page 5


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

The Target Command<br />

To aid with the manipulation of the view direction the command ‘Target’ has been<br />

<strong>in</strong>troduced. When the command is <strong>in</strong>voked you will be asked to select a po<strong>in</strong>t. This po<strong>in</strong>t is<br />

then used as the centre po<strong>in</strong>t about which the view is rotated.<br />

Zoom<strong>in</strong>g<br />

The mouse wheel or middle mouse button can be used to zoom <strong>in</strong> and out while <strong>in</strong> the<br />

Interactive, Wireframe & 2D environments.<br />

When us<strong>in</strong>g a mouse with a wheel button mov<strong>in</strong>g the mouse wheel ‘Up’ will zoom <strong>in</strong> and<br />

‘Down’ will zoom out.<br />

When us<strong>in</strong>g a 3 button mouse with no wheel, hold the Middle mouse button down and drag<br />

the mouse cursor up the screen to zoom <strong>in</strong> and down to zoom out.<br />

This zoom function has 2 modes for specify<strong>in</strong>g the centre po<strong>in</strong>t of the zoom.<br />

If you zoom <strong>in</strong> or out us<strong>in</strong>g the mouse wheel, the current mouse cursor position is taken as<br />

the centre po<strong>in</strong>t of the zoom.<br />

If the ‘Shift’ key is held down while the mouse wheel is used to zoom <strong>in</strong> or out, the centre<br />

po<strong>in</strong>t of the zoom will be taken as the current centre po<strong>in</strong>t of the screen.<br />

When us<strong>in</strong>g a 3 button mouse without a wheel, the zoom centre po<strong>in</strong>t is always the centre of<br />

the screen.<br />

AutoFit on <strong>New</strong> View<br />

The option ‘AutoFit on <strong>New</strong> View’ has been added to ‘CadModes’ and controls whether the<br />

model is zoomed out when the view direction is changed. When set to ‘No’ the current level of<br />

zoom will be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed when the view direction is change us<strong>in</strong>g a command such as View -><br />

ISO. When set to ‘Yes’ the model will be zoomed to fit the visible entities when the view<br />

direction is changed.<br />

Pann<strong>in</strong>g<br />

The view can be moved up/down/left/right or panned by press<strong>in</strong>g & hold<strong>in</strong>g the ‘Shift’ key<br />

while press<strong>in</strong>g and hold<strong>in</strong>g the right mouse button.<br />

Page 6 What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

Rendered Solids<br />

Rendered solid has now been <strong>in</strong>troduced to the ‘Solid Display’ <strong>in</strong> the Wire Frame. Previously<br />

only the edges of modelled solids would be displayed, now the faces are rendered to provide<br />

a true 3D solid display. The ‘Display’ Command is still used to display or un-display the solid.<br />

The <strong>in</strong>troduction of Rendered solids has necessitated several new commands and functions.<br />

The Display and UnDisplay commands function the same as previously with the exception of<br />

the new options to switch the Solid / Wire Frame on or off. These two options have been<br />

added to a new type of toolbar icon on the left hand side tool bar.<br />

SolToggle<br />

Toggles the solid rendered Display ‘On’ and ‘Off’. When the icon<br />

is depressed the Solid is visible.<br />

Toggles the wire frame display ‘On’ and ‘Off’. When the icon is<br />

WireToggle<br />

depressed the wireframe is visible<br />

When the solid display is rendered it can be difficult to use snaps for <strong>in</strong>putt<strong>in</strong>g wires or<br />

select<strong>in</strong>g member ends when apply<strong>in</strong>g end types etc. We have <strong>in</strong>troduced two modes of<br />

render<strong>in</strong>g. These modes are known as ‘Work Mode’ and ‘View Mode’. Each mode has its own<br />

sett<strong>in</strong>gs for the level shad<strong>in</strong>g or transparency. Each mode is used <strong>in</strong> different circumstances.<br />

Work Mode is used whenever a command or part of a command requires the selection of an<br />

entity or po<strong>in</strong>t. This could also be referred to as a pick mode. Hav<strong>in</strong>g a lower level of<br />

transparency makes it far easier to use a select command but stills allows for the full rendered<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Page 7


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

display to be used where required. No user <strong>in</strong>put is needed to swap from one mode to the<br />

other, however the ‘F3’ button can be used to toggle the display between Work & View mode<br />

when <strong>in</strong> the wireframe.<br />

Auto-Update<br />

The ‘Auto-Update’ option has been added to ‘CadModes’. If set to ‘Yes’ the update command<br />

is run after any command which adds, modifies or removes entities from the wire frame such<br />

as add<strong>in</strong>g or edit<strong>in</strong>g members.<br />

The Shad<strong>in</strong>g Command<br />

The shad<strong>in</strong>g command is used to control the shad<strong>in</strong>g or transparency sett<strong>in</strong>gs for the ‘View’<br />

and ‘Work’ modes.<br />

Click the Shad<strong>in</strong>g icon to <strong>in</strong>voke the<br />

‘Shad<strong>in</strong>g’ command. You will then be<br />

prompted to select a level of shad<strong>in</strong>g for<br />

each mode.<br />

There are 6 levels of shad<strong>in</strong>g rang<strong>in</strong>g<br />

from 0 which is no shad<strong>in</strong>g or completely<br />

transparent to 5 which is fully solid.<br />

The ColSol Command<br />

The ‘ColSol’ command is used to control the Solid<br />

Display colour. The user can def<strong>in</strong>e whether colour of<br />

members, fitt<strong>in</strong>gs, bolts & welds are controlled by the<br />

standard $ layer colours such as cyan for members etc,<br />

or the wire colour can be used.<br />

When us<strong>in</strong>g the wire colour the fitt<strong>in</strong>gs are coloured<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to the standard $ layer colours. Two options<br />

are available to def<strong>in</strong>e whether the fitt<strong>in</strong>gs, bolts and<br />

welds are coloured by the colour of the member they are shopped to and the member they<br />

are def<strong>in</strong>ed off.<br />

This gives the user the option to run the equivalent of the command ‘HiFit’ while <strong>in</strong> the wire<br />

frame without hav<strong>in</strong>g to load a jo<strong>in</strong>t.<br />

Bolt Representation<br />

Bolt representation has been modified to show the shank,<br />

nut and the gap for the washer. This will help to identify the<br />

bolt direction through solids.<br />

Page 8 What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

The L<strong>in</strong>k Command<br />

The ‘L<strong>in</strong>k’ command allows the user to l<strong>in</strong>k jo<strong>in</strong>ts together. This means that when you have a<br />

situation where two wires do not touch and adjust<strong>in</strong>g the wireframe position is not possible<br />

you can still create a jo<strong>in</strong>t with the required member ends present. This removes the need <strong>in</strong><br />

many cases for the use of dummy members and connections.<br />

The command works by select<strong>in</strong>g a ‘Subord<strong>in</strong>ate’ jo<strong>in</strong>t and then a ‘Master’ jo<strong>in</strong>t. The<br />

Subord<strong>in</strong>ate jo<strong>in</strong>t can be a member end or any po<strong>in</strong>t along a wire member, and the Master<br />

jo<strong>in</strong>t can be a member end or any po<strong>in</strong>t along a member.<br />

The l<strong>in</strong>k between jo<strong>in</strong>ts is <strong>in</strong>dicated by a s<strong>in</strong>gle l<strong>in</strong>e with a 4 axis arrow represented at the<br />

middle.<br />

You can l<strong>in</strong>k multiple Subord<strong>in</strong>ate jo<strong>in</strong>ts to one master jo<strong>in</strong>t and so br<strong>in</strong>g several nonconnect<strong>in</strong>g<br />

members together.<br />

Load<strong>in</strong>g a l<strong>in</strong>ked jo<strong>in</strong>t is exactly the same as a normal jo<strong>in</strong>t, select either the jo<strong>in</strong>t, the l<strong>in</strong>k or<br />

another member <strong>in</strong> the jo<strong>in</strong>t to see all of them.<br />

The l<strong>in</strong>k itself has entity properties so that it can be copied or moved from one location to<br />

another, just as if it were a dummy member.<br />

Commands such as ‘endpo<strong>in</strong>t’ and ‘edprop’ can be used on the l<strong>in</strong>k entity to change its start<br />

and f<strong>in</strong>ish locations, or colour / layer properties.<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Page 9


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

Enhanced Cutt<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Cutt<strong>in</strong>g Cont<strong>in</strong>uous Members<br />

While <strong>in</strong> a loaded jo<strong>in</strong>t which conta<strong>in</strong>s a cont<strong>in</strong>uous member, that is to say a member that<br />

does not have either end <strong>in</strong> this jo<strong>in</strong>t, it was previously impossible to cut the cont<strong>in</strong>uous<br />

member. It is now possible to cut the cont<strong>in</strong>uous member and save the cut to the end of<br />

another member <strong>in</strong> the jo<strong>in</strong>t. The cutt<strong>in</strong>g process is exactly the same as cutt<strong>in</strong>g a member<br />

end. The options for sav<strong>in</strong>g the cuts are controlled through new options <strong>in</strong> the ‘PutLib’<br />

command expla<strong>in</strong>ed later.<br />

Cutt<strong>in</strong>g Tapered Members<br />

Previously it would be necessary to model a tapered or full length cut <strong>in</strong> the jo<strong>in</strong>ts at each end<br />

of the member. It is now possible to cut a member along its full length from either end. The<br />

process of cutt<strong>in</strong>g the member is exactly the same as a normal cut except you will be<br />

prompted to select the side of the cut you wish to keep.<br />

Page 10 What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

Enhanced PutLib<br />

The PutLib dialog has been completely<br />

redesigned to make work<strong>in</strong>g with<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>uous members easier and to allow<br />

the user full access to all PutLib options <strong>in</strong><br />

one w<strong>in</strong>dow.<br />

The tick box option ‘Over-Write exist<strong>in</strong>g’<br />

has been added, as well as the new<br />

sections ‘Current Member’ & ‘Object off a<br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>uous Member’.<br />

As can be seen <strong>in</strong> the lower image all<br />

<strong>in</strong>teractive objects are now highlighted to<br />

<strong>in</strong>dicate their status relat<strong>in</strong>g to the current<br />

member be<strong>in</strong>g putlib’d.<br />

The member which is be<strong>in</strong>g putlib’d is<br />

highlighted <strong>in</strong> a sandy / cream colour. All<br />

other members appear <strong>in</strong> the typical cyan<br />

blue.<br />

If an <strong>in</strong>teractive item is def<strong>in</strong>ed off or<br />

already associated with the current<br />

member then it will appear <strong>in</strong> purple. If the<br />

item is def<strong>in</strong>ed off or associated with<br />

another member it appears <strong>in</strong> dark grey.<br />

Any items appear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> white are<br />

unassigned and created from a cont<strong>in</strong>uous<br />

member.<br />

You can add and remove objects from the<br />

current putlib selection by tick<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

options ‘Add or Remove’ <strong>in</strong> the current<br />

member and cont<strong>in</strong>uous member boxes.<br />

Once you click ok you will be given the<br />

option to select extra objects to add to the<br />

current endtype or to select an exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />

object to remove it.<br />

The Auto option allows <strong>StruCad</strong> to decide<br />

which member end, items created off the<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>uous members are saved. By tick<strong>in</strong>g the ‘Add or Remove’ option you can manually<br />

overwrite these sett<strong>in</strong>gs. Please see the onl<strong>in</strong>e help for further details and a practical<br />

example.<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Page 11


Undo & Redo<br />

The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

<strong>StruCad</strong> Version 12 now supports the ability to undo & redo multiple commands up to a<br />

maximum of 50 commands.<br />

Undo & Redo are available from the Toolbars us<strong>in</strong>g the icons (undo) & (redo) or<br />

by us<strong>in</strong>g the keyboard shortcuts, R for Redo and U for Undo.<br />

Certa<strong>in</strong> commands such as update, mark, issue etc cannot be undone or redone but <strong>StruCad</strong><br />

is able to bypass these commands and go back to the command before. The same applies to<br />

redo.<br />

Clos<strong>in</strong>g the model or load<strong>in</strong>g a jo<strong>in</strong>t will clear the current undo list and start a new one. The<br />

wireframe, 2D and <strong>in</strong>teractive environments have their own undo and redo lists.<br />

For a full list of commands supported/bypassed or that clear the undo redo list, please see the<br />

onl<strong>in</strong>e help.<br />

Improved Stair Macro<br />

The stair cad macro has been completely rewritten to<br />

support significantly more features and resolve issues with<br />

the previous version. The new macro utilizes the latest<br />

advances <strong>in</strong> the StruMac system. Listed below are the key<br />

features <strong>in</strong> the improved stair macro.<br />

Intuitive and user friendly keyboard controls. Allows<br />

stair flights and land<strong>in</strong>g to be added, orientated and<br />

edited us<strong>in</strong>g the cursor keys.<br />

Multiple flights and land<strong>in</strong>gs can be added <strong>in</strong> one<br />

operation of the stair macro and previous saved<br />

stair configurations can be loaded.<br />

User configuration for each flight/land<strong>in</strong>g with<br />

consideration of the impact to other land<strong>in</strong>gs/flights<br />

that are part of the same stair.<br />

Gui Macro <strong>in</strong>terface accessible for each flight and<br />

land<strong>in</strong>g. Gives the user control over the sett<strong>in</strong>gs for<br />

each section of the stair.<br />

Logic checks for m<strong>in</strong>imum and maximum go<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and rise.<br />

Page 12 What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

Improved Cam & DSTV Scrib<strong>in</strong>g<br />

The Cam program (AutoCam & Camem) has been completely re-written to improve<br />

performance, precision and functionality. The Cam system can now be easily modified by<br />

AceCad to support new shapes us<strong>in</strong>g customizable templates. The cam system also provides<br />

support for scrib<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

The most significant change with regards to post processors is the <strong>in</strong>troduction of scrib<strong>in</strong>g<br />

data to the DSTV output. This facility allows scrib<strong>in</strong>g data to be added to the DSTV output file.<br />

The scrib<strong>in</strong>g facility allows CNC mach<strong>in</strong>ery support<strong>in</strong>g this functionality to mark the location or<br />

contours of fitt<strong>in</strong>gs us<strong>in</strong>g a scrib<strong>in</strong>g tool. This will speed up the fabrication process and help to<br />

limit mistakes. This feature has been implemented with the support of Kaltenbach & Ficep.<br />

<strong>New</strong> Cam and DSTV parameter files have been created to support these features.<br />

Further details are available <strong>in</strong> the onl<strong>in</strong>e help.<br />

AutoCad Interoperability<br />

To make the process of communicat<strong>in</strong>g us<strong>in</strong>g AutoCad file formats easier we have created<br />

two new commands which can be used <strong>in</strong> wireframe and 2D environments.<br />

ACADIN & ACADOUT import and export to a wide variety of AutoCad formats.<br />

ACADIN & ACADOUT support the follow<strong>in</strong>g list of file formats.<br />

DXF DWG DWF<br />

AutoCad 9 AutoCad 11-12 4.2 ASCII<br />

AutoCad 10 AutoCad 13 4.2 B<strong>in</strong>ary<br />

AutoCad 11-12 AutoCad 14 4.2 Compressed B<strong>in</strong>ary<br />

AutoCad 13 AutoCad 2000-2 5.5 ASCII<br />

AutoCad 14 AutoCad 2004-6 5.5 B<strong>in</strong>ary<br />

AutoCad 2000-2 5.5 Compressed B<strong>in</strong>ary<br />

AutoCad 2004-6 6.0 Compressed ASCII<br />

6.0 B<strong>in</strong>ary<br />

Batch conversion of <strong>StruCad</strong> SPF draw<strong>in</strong>gs is also available to all formats and versions <strong>in</strong> the<br />

table above but without the need to download and/or <strong>in</strong>stall any other software. Batch<br />

conversion is run from the <strong>StruCad</strong> Draw<strong>in</strong>g Explorer <strong>in</strong> exactly the same way as previous<br />

versions.<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Page 13


ACAD Viewer<br />

The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

In previous versions the AutoDesk VoloView application was l<strong>in</strong>ked to the Draw<strong>in</strong>g Explorer<br />

and used for view<strong>in</strong>g and pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g AutoCad draw<strong>in</strong>gs. This facility has now been replaced with<br />

our own AutoCad viewer us<strong>in</strong>g the same technologies as the ACADIN & ACADOUT<br />

commands.<br />

To open the AutoCad viewer click the DWG Viewer icon <strong>in</strong> the Draw<strong>in</strong>g Explorer. Select<br />

the location and File format you wish to view. Then use the zoom, layers and pr<strong>in</strong>t tools.<br />

Improved XRef’s<br />

The XRef command now supports SPF, DXF, DWG & DWF files <strong>in</strong> the versions<br />

specified <strong>in</strong> the table on the previous page. These can be attached to the Wireframe & 2D<br />

environments.<br />

We have added a ‘Move’ button to the XRef w<strong>in</strong>dow. This allows you to move an XRef once it<br />

has been <strong>in</strong>serted, <strong>in</strong>stead of attach<strong>in</strong>g and detach<strong>in</strong>g it.<br />

Select the XRef you wish to move from the list at the top and click ‘Move’. You will be<br />

prompted for a base po<strong>in</strong>t and then a new po<strong>in</strong>t.<br />

DXF, DWG & DWF are native file formats and trademarks of Autodesk Inc.<br />

Page 14 What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

Enhanced DPS – AutoView<br />

We have added three new options to the AutoView command. These are to control the<br />

labell<strong>in</strong>g of mark numbers.<br />

Label Member Marks<br />

If this option is set ‘Yes’ the member marks are labelled. This is the same as previous version<br />

except that the marks are now labelled on the correct end of the member. This is the same<br />

end as the ‘Erection Mark’ on the Fabrication and Assembly draw<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

Label Field Free Fitt<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

If this option is set to ‘Yes’ any Site Fitt<strong>in</strong>gs which are def<strong>in</strong>ed as ‘Field Free’ <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>teractive will<br />

be labelled on the draw<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Label Field Another Fitt<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

If this option is set to ‘Yes’ any Site Fitt<strong>in</strong>gs which are def<strong>in</strong>ed as ‘Field Current’ or ‘Field<br />

Another’ <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>teractive will be labelled on the draw<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

We have now enabled the option to display all user attributes from 0 – 49 on General<br />

Arrangement draw<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Page 15


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

Enhanced DPS – Detail<br />

We have added four new option to the Detail Command. These are to control the Display of<br />

Bolts, Grids & Hidden details.<br />

Bolt Graphics<br />

This option has three sett<strong>in</strong>gs. None, Symbol & Full. When set to<br />

‘None’ no bolt graphics will be displayed. When set to ‘Symbol’ the 2D<br />

block def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the Bolttype file is used. When set to ‘Full’ the full bolt<br />

detail is displayed <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the head and Nut.<br />

Hole Graphics<br />

This option has three sett<strong>in</strong>gs. None, Symbol & Full. When set to<br />

‘None’ no hole graphics will be displayed. When set to ‘Symbol’ the<br />

2D block def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the Holetype file is used. When set to ‘Full’ the<br />

full hole detail is displayed.<br />

Grid L<strong>in</strong>es<br />

This option <strong>Control</strong>s whether or not to show Grid L<strong>in</strong>es on a detail view.<br />

Hidden L<strong>in</strong>es<br />

This option has three sett<strong>in</strong>g. Off, On & Full. When set to Off no<br />

hidden detail will be shown. When set to On only hidden plates, bolts<br />

cleats etc will be shown. When set to Full all hidden detail will be<br />

shown such a member’s web.<br />

We have also fixed numerous bugs with the detail command and the<br />

production of detail views.<br />

Page 16 What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

StruWalker Enhancements<br />

Perspective View<br />

Click<strong>in</strong>g the Perspective icon will change the StruWalker View from the standard 3D<br />

view to a Perspective view. Click<strong>in</strong>g it aga<strong>in</strong> will change it back. This feature can be used with<br />

StruWalker .bsw files created <strong>in</strong> older versions of <strong>StruCad</strong>.<br />

StruWalker Fly<strong>in</strong>g Mode<br />

StruWalker now has a ‘Fly<strong>in</strong>g’ mode. This is controlled by the mouse po<strong>in</strong>ter and mouse<br />

wheel, allow<strong>in</strong>g the user to move around and through the StruWalker model <strong>in</strong> any direction.<br />

Click the Fly icon to activate fly<strong>in</strong>g mode. Use the mouse wheel to move forward or<br />

backwards at vary<strong>in</strong>g speeds. The ‘Space Bar’ can be used to stop the forward or backwards<br />

motion.<br />

Click and hold the left mouse button to rotate the view direction while mov<strong>in</strong>g or stationary.<br />

Move the mouse up to view up and down to view down etc. The Z axis is always fixed as<br />

vertical so you won’t end up upside down. Use the cursor keys on the keyboard to pan the<br />

view or move it up / down / left / right.<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Page 17


Joist Macros<br />

The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

We have created a new Joist macro system designed for<br />

modell<strong>in</strong>g US joist assemblies. The new connection macros<br />

BJB & BJC have been created along with new member sizes<br />

for the trusses and can be found under Bar Joists <strong>in</strong> the<br />

American section of the catalog.<br />

BJB details truss end connections to beams and BJC details<br />

truss end connections to columns.<br />

Apply the BJB or BJC macro to the end and use the GUI macro <strong>in</strong>terface to customize the<br />

connection. Try us<strong>in</strong>g the ‘Joist’ default snf file to get you started.<br />

Vernon Tube Macro & Cam Output<br />

The Vernon Tube Macro has now been <strong>in</strong>troduced to allow the modell<strong>in</strong>g of tube member<br />

ends. This is run <strong>in</strong> conjunction with the Vernon cadmacro to produce PMP data for runn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Vernon tube cutt<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>es.<br />

K<strong>in</strong>gspan MetlCon Cold Rolled System Updates<br />

K<strong>in</strong>gspan MetIcon have made several changes to their system.<br />

Revised their section nam<strong>in</strong>g convention.<br />

Added new multichannel depths.<br />

Changed multichannel flange dimensions.<br />

This has required a number of modifications to connection macros, the section catalogue and<br />

ColdCam V3 databases.<br />

K<strong>in</strong>gspan (Ireland) Cold Rolled System Updates<br />

K<strong>in</strong>gspan (Ireland) have made several changes to their system.<br />

Modified the backmarks and hol<strong>in</strong>g of their MC, MTC and Multicleat fitt<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

Legsize of the Multibracket KS-MB1A and KS-MB1B and the MTC cleats have been<br />

altered. The KSEBC and KSMC macros have also been updated<br />

The ColdCam V3 database has been changed to reflect the new cleat details.<br />

Page 18 What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

SPF Viewer Scale Pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />

The SPF Viewer freeware now has the ability to pr<strong>in</strong>t to scale.<br />

Australian Data Set<br />

We have now <strong>in</strong>troduced an Australian data set to <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>. This will be available when<br />

us<strong>in</strong>g the English Language.<br />

When creat<strong>in</strong>g a new model select ‘Australia’ from the DataSet List.<br />

Note : Users who have already <strong>in</strong>stalled the Australian data <strong>in</strong>to V11 or below will need to<br />

alter the Model Parameters (model.par) with the local par folder and replace the %DATASET<br />

= UK l<strong>in</strong>e with %DATASET = AU to use the model <strong>in</strong> <strong>V12</strong>.<br />

What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong> Page 19


The World’s Lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Structural Steel Detail<strong>in</strong>g System<br />

<strong>V12</strong> Bug Fixes & Enhancements<br />

Type No. Description<br />

Analysis F0033006 Portal BS5950 Horizontal Load Cases 1-3 Removed and Disabled.<br />

Analysis F0033003 Regression capability added. It is now possible to save all output<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation for comparison with later versions.<br />

Analysis F0032251 Fixed problem with load cases dialog not appear<strong>in</strong>g when selected<br />

from the analysis menu.<br />

Analysis F0032224 Fixed issue with the member check be<strong>in</strong>g different for symmetrical<br />

tw<strong>in</strong> span frames over 35m when the load<strong>in</strong>g was the same.<br />

MatRTF F0032838 Various enhancements to the Dutch language version of MatRTF.<br />

Macro CPAS macro has been corrected to work at column tops requir<strong>in</strong>g<br />

a fillet to the corners.<br />

Macro CPA macro has been corrected to use the right bolts when<br />

multiple member are present. The slot which did not drill through<br />

the member correctly has been fixed.<br />

Macro FP macro has been modified to allow the bottom flange to be<br />

notched, coped or not affected.<br />

Macro FEP Altered GUI macro <strong>in</strong>terface to be more user friendly<br />

Macro F0032214 Albion ASPR macro no longer applies a slotted hole for cleader<br />

angles as this is no longer required.<br />

Macro F0032778 K<strong>in</strong>gspan (Ireland) : KSEBC & KSMC updated to support need for<br />

back marks and hol<strong>in</strong>g arrangements.<br />

Macro F0032777 K<strong>in</strong>gspan Metlcon : Modifed multichannel sizes and nam<strong>in</strong>g<br />

conventions.<br />

ColdCam F0032208 Albion ColdCam V3 updated to correct various problems and<br />

<strong>in</strong>clude updated section references.<br />

ColdCam F0032778 K<strong>in</strong>gspan (Ireland) : ColdCam database updated to reflect macro<br />

changes.<br />

ColdCam F0032778 K<strong>in</strong>gspan Metlcon : ColdCam database updated to reflect section<br />

size and nam<strong>in</strong>g convention changes.<br />

DPS F0032669 Fixed problem with Anchor Bolt Plan where grid l<strong>in</strong>es are<br />

positioned <strong>in</strong>correctly or grouped <strong>in</strong> the bottom left corner.<br />

Macro F0032577 Vern Macro now supports UB support member profiles.<br />

Macro F0032577 Vern Macro Setup file modified for improved clarity.<br />

MatRTF F0032579 Fixed problem with section sizes be<strong>in</strong>g sorted numerically <strong>in</strong>stead<br />

of by the order <strong>in</strong> the section catalog.<br />

DPS F0032382 Fixed problem with AutoNest crash<br />

2D Cad F0032285 Full support for Ch<strong>in</strong>ese characters added. Various issues with<br />

character spac<strong>in</strong>g and redundant characters have been resolved.<br />

2D Cad Various issues resolved with the DXFIN / DXFOUT command<br />

2D Cad Fixed issues with plott<strong>in</strong>g DXF files conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g text and l<strong>in</strong>e widths<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g ignored.<br />

Shapes F0032146 Added the CREB7D shape. This is the same as CREB7 but allows<br />

the bottom lip to po<strong>in</strong>t down.<br />

Page 20 What’s <strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>StruCad</strong> <strong>V12</strong>


Local Distributor<br />

AceCad Software Ltd, Truro House, Stephenson’s Way, Wyvern Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Park, Derby DE21 6LY United K<strong>in</strong>gdom<br />

Tel: +44 (0) 1332 545800 Fax: +44 (0) 1332 545801<br />

www.acecad.co.uk<br />

sales@acecad.co.uk

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!