Aveva E3d 2.1 Mass Properties Training

CHAPTER 5
5 Mass Properties
5.1 Mass Properties Overview
The Mass Properties utilities are common across all applications in the Design module of AVEVA E3D 2.1.
They enable the user to obtain the Weight, Centre of Gravity (C of G), Surface Area and Volume for
individual items, parts of the model or the whole model.
Whilst the Surface Area and Volume utilities work in the same way for all disciplines, the weight data and
Centre of Gravity data for the Weight and Centre of Gravity utility is obtained from different sources
depending on the discipline.
5.1.1 Weight Data
For Piping, Cable Tray, HVAC and Cable, the weight data is stored against individual component weights
in the Properties database.
For Piping, the wet weight, i.e. the pipe full of fluid, can only be calculated if the Fluref attribute is set on
the PIPE or BRAN elements.
For Equipment (EQUI), Volume Model (VOLM) and Sub Volume Model (SVOLM) elements, the weight
data is stored in the following attributes:
Usrweight the dry weight of the element. A fixed value or an expression may be used.
Usrwweight the wet weight of the element, i.e. the element dry weight plus any fluids. A fixed value
or an expression may be used.
Usrcogravity the co-ordinates of the dry centre of gravity from the elements origin, expressed in the
frame of reference of the element.
Usrwcogravity the co-ordinates of the wet centre of gravity from the elements origin, expressed in
the frame of reference of the element.
A value or expression must be entered for each attribute on each element after it has been created.
For Structural elements and their soft types, the weight data is obtained by multiplying the volume (net or
gross) by the density of the assigned material stored in the Properties database.
5.1.2 Centre of Gravity Data
For Piping, Cable Tray and HVAC, the C of G position is taken from a Ppoint on the catalogue item whose
Purpose attribute is set to COFG. If the Ppoint does not exist then P0 is considered to be the items C of G
position.
For Equipment (EQUI), Volume Model (VOLM) and Sub Volume Model (SVOLM) elements, the C of G
position is stored in the following attributes:
Usrcogravity the co-ordinates of the dry centre of gravity from the elements origin, expressed in the
frame of reference of the element.
Usrwcogravity the co-ordinates of the wet centre of gravity from the elements origin, expressed in
the frame of reference of the element.
A value or expression must be entered for each attribute on each element after it has been created.
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AVEVA Everything3D (1.1)
Model Utilities TM-1802
5.1.3 Accuracy of Mass Properties
The mass properties for Structural elements are calculated by the AVEVA E3D graphical engine and its
interpretation of the geometry. The accuracy of this calculation is defined by the graphics settings.
Selecting VIEW > Settings > Graphics loads the graphics settings form. Selecting the Representation tab
shows the representation settings.
The accuracy of the mass properties calculation is

influenced by the Arc Tolerance setting.
The default setting for arc tolerance is 1mm. The

minimum arc tolerance that may be defined is 0.1mm.
Arcs within AVEVA E3D are approximated as a series

of faceted edges. Reducing the arc tolerance increases
the number of faceted edges that must be considered. It
will also improve the accuracy of the result.
The user must make a judgement between calculation

speed/system performance and the degree of accuracy
required when setting the Arc Tolerance value.

5.2 Weight and Centre of Gravity
Selecting TOOLS > Mass Properties > WeightCofG displays the Weight and Centre of Gravity form.
The upper section of the form allows the user to select the
elements to be considered in the calculations.
The Add buttons allow the user to populate the grid in the
Selected Elements area of the form.
The top Add button allows the user to add elements using the
method selected in the adjacent textbox.
The Add Elements options list

provides the following element
selection methods:
Current Element this option adds the Current Element to

the list.
Element Members this option adds all members of the

Current Element.
Members with Tubing this option adds all members of the

Current Element that contain elements of the type TUBI
(implied tube).
Current Collection this option adds the current collection

(if one exists).
Graphical Pick this option allows the user to select

elements from the graphical display.
Graphical Selection this option uses the current graphical

selection.
Within Area this option allows the user to select an Area

from the 3D view.
Within Volume of CE this option adds all elements that fall

within the bounding box of the current element.
The lower Add button on the form allows the user to add elements using the Named Element textbox
adjacent. CE may be entered here as a valid name.
The Within Area option has been designed to use AREADE elements. These elements are currently
only used for the Room Design application in AVEVA Marine and in AVEVA Plant Nuclear Applications.

Once the Selected Elements grid has been populated, right

clicking in any part of the grid displays a pop-up menu which
has the following options:
Remove Selected Elements(s) this option removes all

selected elements from the list.
Remove all Elements this option removes all elements

from the list.
Enhance in 3D View this option highlights all the

elements in the list in the 3D view.
Unenhance in 3D View this option will un-highlight all

elements in the list in the 3D view.
Navigate To this option is a toggle. When on, indicated by a tick to the left of the option, clicking on
any element in the list will navigate to it in the Model Explorer.
Export to Excel this option enables the Selection grid to be saved to Excel. The user is presented
with a standard windows dialogue box to choose the filename and location for the Excel file.
Print Preview this option produces a print preview of the Selection grid.
Initially the Selection grid has two columns, i.e. Type and Name. When the calculations are complete the
grid displays additional columns for Weight and C of G. The Grid can be filtered and sorted in the same
manner as any AVEVA E3D grid gadget.
The Settings area of the form enables adjustments to be made to

the Weight and Centre of Gravity calculations via a series of
options list and textboxes.
The Wet/Dry option list enables the selection of the Wet Weight
or Dry Weight to be used in the calculations.
The Negatives options list enables the user to select whether or not negative geometry (e.g. end
preparations, holes, etc.) will be considered in the calculations. The options are:
Consider (net) this option allows for negative geometry and produces the most accurate result. The
data returned is appropriate for determining as-built weights for loading calculations, transport planning,
etc.
Ignore (gross) this option ignores the effect of negative geometry. The data returned is appropriate
for material cost estimating, etc.
Ignore (rough) this option is similar to the Ignore (gross) option, however, this calculation makes a
number of simplifications (basic arc tolerances, less iterations of surface smoothing of complex primitive
configurations, etc.). It is quicker calculation and is a useful option for models with large amounts of
data or very complex geometry.
The Weight Of option list allows the user to specify whether the calculations will apply to the Element Only
or All Members associated with the element. For example, consider a section that owns several fittings.
Selecting All Members would include the geometry of the section and the fittings in the calculations.
Selecting Element Only would consider the section only and ignore the fittings.
When calculating mass properties the system uses the Representation Mass value which can be set in the
Representation Level textbox on the Weight and Centre of Gravity form or by using the Representation
tab on the Graphics Settings form.

The Refresh button adjacent to the Representation Level textbox will refresh the level setting if it is
changed on the Graphics Settings form.
Representation Mass is similar to other representation settings for different drawing levels of detail. For
example, a very simple shape may be represented at Level 1, whereas more complicated geometry may be
represented at Level 6. A more simplistic shape representation will return a mass property more quickly,
though it will be less accurate than the result obtained when a detailed representation is considered.
The CofG wrt textbox is used to calculate the centre of gravity of an element with respect to another, the
default is /* (World) coordinates.
The user can input, for example, an element Name and the calculations will use this for the list of individual
Centres of Gravities. If the user changes the CofG wrt value on pressing the Return key the total Centre of
Gravity will be refreshed. To refresh the individual Centre of Gravities displayed in the Selected Elements
grid the calculation must be performed again.
Once the appropriate settings have been chosen the calculations are made by selecting the Apply button. If
all elements are valid, the total Weight and Centre of Gravity coordinates are displayed in the appropriate
textboxes. The individual element data is displayed in the Selection grid.
The Weight and Centre of Gravity use the current session units for Mass and Distance respectively, as
defined in the units setting form.
If a weight or C of G cannot be determined for a selected element,

i.e. a component weight cannot be found (Piping, Cable, HVAC), the
Matref attribute is not set (Structural) or the user data has not be
entered (Equipment), an error message is returned for that element.
5.3 Surface Area
Selecting TOOLS > Mass Properties > Area displays the Surface form.
The top part of the form, including the Selected Elements grid,
looks and functions in a similar way as the Weight and Centre of
Gravity form described earlier, with the following differences.
The Add Elements options list does not contain the Within
Area option.
The Selection grid, when populated and the calculation run,

displays a column for the Surface, rather than Weight and
CofG.
The Settings area functions in the similar way to those described

previously for the Weight and Centre of Gravity form. Except
instead of the CofG wrt text box the user is presented with a Units
option list.
Here the units displayed for surface area can be changed between
square mm, cm, m, inches and feet. This works independently of
the current session distance units.
Clicking the Apply button calculates the Total Surface area,

displaying the result in the Total Surface textbox and populating
the Surface column in the Selection grid for each element.

5.4 Volume
Selecting Tools > Mass Properties > Volume from the main menu displays the Volume form.
The top part of the form, including the Selection grid, looks and
functions in a similar way as the Weight and Centre of Gravity
form described earlier, with the following differences.
The Add Elements options list does not contain the Within
Area option.
After running the calculation the Selection grid displays a

column for the Volume rather than Weight and CofG.
The Settings area options functions in the similar way to those

described previously for the Weight and Centre of Gravity form.
Except, instead of the CofG wrt text box the user is presented
with a Units dropdown list.
Here the units displayed for surface area can be changed

between cubic mm, cm, m, inches and feet. This works
independently of the current session distance units.
Clicking the Apply button calculates the Total Volume, displaying

the result in the Total Volume textbox and populating the
Volume column in the Selection grid for each element.
5.5 Using the Mass Properties Utility A Worked Example
Exit AVEVA E3D then re-enter AVEVA E3D as a Structural Designer using the details provided by the
Trainer, for example:
Project: Training (TRA)
Username: A.STEELMAN
Password: A
MDB: A-STRUCTURAL
Module: Model
Select the Structures module from the quick access

toolbar to enter the Structures application.

This worked example utilises the STRU PIPERACK to demonstrate the functions of the Mass Properties
utility.
Add the STRU PIPERACK, in ZONE ZONE-STRUCTURAL-AREA01, to the 3D view. Select the Piperack
either from the model explorer or using a selection fence.
From the Properties Grid change the Material field to S355J0 Steel.
5.5.1 Calculating Weight and Centre of Gravity
Select TOOLS > Mass Properties > Weight CofG display the Weight and Centre of Gravity form.
With the STRU PIPERACK as the CE, select Element Members

from the Add Elements options list and click the Add button.
Each FRMW within the STRU is listed in the Selected Elements

grid. Note that the elements are highlighted in the 3D view.
Leave the Settings area of the form at the default values then click
the Apply button.
The Selected Elements grid now contains two further columns

listing the Weight and CofG coordinates for each FRMW.
Note the Total Weight and Centre of

Gravity at the bottom of the form for
all FRMWs and the axes aid
graphically showing the Centre of
Gravity in the 3D view.

In the Settings area of the form enter J1 in the CofG wrt textbox and
press the Return key.
Note that the overall Centre of Gravity coordinates have changed but
the individual Centres of Gravity are the same. Clicking the Apply
button updates the individual Centres of Gravity.
Right click within the grid, from the pop-up menu select Remove All
Elements to remove all elements from the Selected Elements grid.
In the Named Element text box enter /ROW_J-BRACING and press

the Return key then click the adjacent Add button.
In the Settings area of the form enter WORLD in the CofG wrt
textbox and press the Return key.
Leave the other settings at the default values and click the Apply
button. Note the calculated Total Weight.
In the Settings area of the form, enter 2 in the Representation Level textbox and click the Refresh button.
Click the Apply button again and note the calculated Total
Weight. The total weight should have increased from the
previous calculation.
Close the Weight and Centre of Gravity form.
The difference in weights is due to the use of different Mass

Representation levels. In this example Mass Representation
Level 2 has utilised simplified geometry (e.g. no radius at
corners of the RHS) when considering the section profile.
By contrast, Mass Representation Level 6 utilised more detailed geometry representation (e.g. radii at
corners) when considering the section profile. The geometry at different representation levels is set in the
structural profile catalogue.
In a similar manner to changing the way negative geometry is considered, the mass representation level
provides another tool allowing designers to choose between accuracy of result and speed of calculation.
Care should be taken with the mass representation level and negative geometry. The designer must
consider how the returned information is to be used.
5.5.2 Calculating Surface Area
Change the viewing direction to a Plan North view. Use

the PowerWheelTM to set limits to extents.
Using a Wholly Within selection rectangle, select the

eastern most bay of the STRU PIPERACK.
Select TOOLS > Mass Properties > Area to display the Surface form. Select Graphical Selection from the
Add Elements option list and click the Add button to display the sections from the graphical selection in the
Selection grid.

Change the viewing direction to Isometric N-E and

note the elements are highlighted in the 3D view.
Enter 6 in the Representation Level textbox, press the

Return key and click the Update button.
Leave the other settings in the Settings area at the

default values.
Click the Apply button.
The Selection grid displays the Surface area for each

individual element and the surface area of all elements is
displayed in the Total Surface textbox at the bottom of
the form.
Right click in the Selected Elements grid and select Remove All Elements to remove all members from the
Selected Elements grid.
In the Model Explorer navigate to GENSEC 2 of FRMW ROW_J of the PIPERACK. Select Current Element
from the Add Elements options list and click the Add button.
This GENSEC owns a number of web stiffener fittings where the bracing members are connected to it.
In the Settings area of the Surface form select

Element Only from the Surface Of options list.
Click the Apply button and note the calculated Total

Surface area.
Change the Surface of setting to All Members and

click the Apply button again. Note the change in the
Total Surface value.

The Total Surface area calculated using the All Members option includes the area of the web stiffeners,
whereas, the Element Only option ignored the stiffeners and considered the surface area of the section
only. Close the Surface form.
5.5.3 Calculating Volume
Select TOOLS > Mass Properties > Volume from the main menu to display the Volume form.
In the Model Explorer navigate to FRMW ROW_7 of

the PIPERACK.
Select Element Members from the Add Elements

option list and click the Add button to display the
members of ROW_7 in the Selection grid.
Note the selected items are highlighted in the 3D

View.
Leave the settings in the Settings area at the default values. Click the Apply button to calculate the volume.
The Selection grid displays the Volume for each individual element
and the surface area of all elements is displayed in the Total
Volume textbox at the bottom of the form.
Close the Volume form.

Exercise 4 Calculating Mass Properties
This exercise adds weight and C of G data to the equipment in Area 01 and then uses the Mass Properties
utilities to determine weight, centre of gravities, surface areas and volumes.
Navigate to ZONE ZONE-EQUIPMENT-AREA01 and, using the Attributes form, add the following data to
the relevant equipment attributes.
Equipment Name Usrweight Usrwweight Usrcogravity Usrwcogravity

C1101 15000 16000 E 0 N 0 U 10350 E 0 N 0 U 9900
D1201 3000 3200 E 0 S 2400 D 50 E 0 S 2400 D 50
E1301 2250 3000 E 0 N 3250 D 5 E 0 N 3250 D 5
E1302A 1200 1500 E 0 S 2750 U 55 E 0 S 2750 U 55
E1302B 1250 1550 E 0 S 2750 D 10 E 0 S 2750 D 10
P1501A & B 250 300 E 10 S 605 D 180 E 10 S 500 D 150
P1502A & B 400 475 E 0 S 600 D 275 E 0 S 550 D 250
The syntax for entering the C of G values is (EA NB UC) where A, B, C are the ENU coordinate values
respectively.
Calculate the dry and wet weights and C of G for :PUMP P1501A and note that the obtained values
correspond to the input values.
Calculate the weight and C of G of different combinations of equipment, with respect to the World and to
other elements.
Calculate the surface area and volumes of individual pieces of equipment and combinations of equipment.

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CHAPTER 5

5.1 Mass Properties Overview

5.1.1 Weight Data

5.1.2 Centre of Gravity Data

Copyright 2013. 51 www.aveva.com

5.1.3 Accuracy of Mass Properties

The accuracy of the mass properties calculation is

The default setting for arc tolerance is 1mm. The

Arcs within AVEVA E3D are approximated as a series

The user must make a judgement between calculation

Copyright 2013. 52 www.aveva.com

5.2 Weight and Centre of Gravity

The Add Elements options list

Current Element this option adds the Current Element to

Element Members this option adds all members of the

Members with Tubing this option adds all members of the

Current Collection this option adds the current collection

Graphical Pick this option allows the user to select

Graphical Selection this option uses the current graphical

Within Area this option allows the user to select an Area

Within Volume of CE this option adds all elements that fall

Copyright 2013. 53 www.aveva.com

Once the Selected Elements grid has been populated, right

Remove Selected Elements(s) this option removes all

Remove all Elements this option removes all elements

Enhance in 3D View this option highlights all the

Unenhance in 3D View this option will un-highlight all

The Settings area of the form enables adjustments to be made to

Copyright 2013. 54 www.aveva.com

If a weight or C of G cannot be determined for a selected element,

5.3 Surface Area

The Selection grid, when populated and the calculation run,

The Settings area functions in the similar way to those described

Clicking the Apply button calculates the Total Surface area,

Copyright 2013. 55 www.aveva.com

After running the calculation the Selection grid displays a

The Settings area options functions in the similar way to those

Here the units displayed for surface area can be changed

Clicking the Apply button calculates the Total Volume, displaying

5.5 Using the Mass Properties Utility A Worked Example

Project: Training (TRA)

Select the Structures module from the quick access

Copyright 2013. 56 www.aveva.com

5.5.1 Calculating Weight and Centre of Gravity

With the STRU PIPERACK as the CE, select Element Members

Each FRMW within the STRU is listed in the Selected Elements

The Selected Elements grid now contains two further columns

Note the Total Weight and Centre of

Copyright 2013. 57 www.aveva.com

In the Named Element text box enter /ROW_J-BRACING and press

Close the Weight and Centre of Gravity form.

The difference in weights is due to the use of different Mass

5.5.2 Calculating Surface Area

Change the viewing direction to a Plan North view. Use

Using a Wholly Within selection rectangle, select the

Copyright 2013. 58 www.aveva.com

Change the viewing direction to Isometric N-E and

Enter 6 in the Representation Level textbox, press the

Leave the other settings in the Settings area at the

Click the Apply button.

The Selection grid displays the Surface area for each

In the Settings area of the Surface form select

Click the Apply button and note the calculated Total