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04 TM 1812 AVEVA Everything3D 1 1 Structural Modelling Rev 1 0 PDF
04 TM 1812 AVEVA Everything3D 1 1 Structural Modelling Rev 1 0 PDF
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1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 11
1.1 Aim ............................................................................................................................................. 11
1.2 Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 11
1.3 Prerequisites.............................................................................................................................. 11
1.4 Course Structure ....................................................................................................................... 11
1.5 Using this guide......................................................................................................................... 11
1.6 Setting up the Training Course ................................................................................................. 12
2 Overview of the Structural Modelling Application ............................................................. 13
2.1 How AVEVA E3D Stores Structural Modelling Data ................................................................. 13
2.2 Considerations When Creating the Hierarchy for Structural Models ...................................... 13
2.3 Starting the Structural Modelling Application .......................................................................... 14
2.4 Creating Administrative Elements ............................................................................................ 14
Exercise 1 – Creating the Model Hierarchy ............................................................................... 16
3 Creating Straight Sections .................................................................................................. 17
3.1 How AVEVA E3D Represents Straight Structural Profiles....................................................... 17
3.2 Initial Settings ............................................................................................................................ 19
3.2.1 Section Specification ............................................................................................................ 19
3.2.2 Storage Area ........................................................................................................................ 21
3.2.3 Automating Profile and Primary Node Allocations.................................................................. 21
3.2.4 Pline Rules ........................................................................................................................... 21
3.3 Picking Control .......................................................................................................................... 23
3.3.1 The Picking Control Form ..................................................................................................... 23
3.3.2 The Section/Wall Pick Settings Form .................................................................................... 26
3.4 Creating Sections ...................................................................................................................... 28
3.4.1 The String Method Frame ..................................................................................................... 28
3.4.2 The Create Option Frame ..................................................................................................... 28
3.4.3 The Verification Frame.......................................................................................................... 30
3.5 Section Connectivity ................................................................................................................. 30
3.5.1 Secondary Node (SNOD)...................................................................................................... 31
3.5.2 Secondary Joint (SJOI) ......................................................................................................... 31
3.5.3 Primary Node (PNOD) .......................................................................................................... 32
3.5.4 Primary Joint (PJOI) ............................................................................................................. 32
3.5.5 Tidying Nodes and Joints ...................................................................................................... 32
3.5.6 Checking Connectivity .......................................................................................................... 34
3.6 Creating a Pipe Rack - A Worked Example............................................................................... 35
3.6.1 Initial Settings ....................................................................................................................... 36
3.6.2 Creating Sections Explicitly ................................................................................................... 37
3.6.3 3D Aid Constructs – Pre-Defined User Grids ......................................................................... 37
3.6.4 Creating Sections Using Graphical Selections ....................................................................... 39
Exercise 2 – Creating an Equipment Support Frame ............................................................... 40
4 Modifying Structural Sections ............................................................................................. 43
4.1 Positioning ................................................................................................................................. 43
4.1.1 Explicitly (AT) ....................................................................................................................... 43
4.1.2 Relatively (BY) ...................................................................................................................... 44
4.1.3 Extend Through .................................................................................................................... 44
4.1.4 Extend By ............................................................................................................................. 46
4.1.5 Align Secondary Nodes ........................................................................................................ 46
4.1.6 Drag Explicitly ....................................................................................................................... 47
4.1.7 Joint Freedom....................................................................................................................... 48
4.2 Orientation ................................................................................................................................. 49
4.2.1 Axes ..................................................................................................................................... 49
4.2.2 Rotate .................................................................................................................................. 50
4.2.3 Beta Angle (Bangle).............................................................................................................. 50
4.2.4 Flip ....................................................................................................................................... 51
4.3 Copying ...................................................................................................................................... 51
4.3.1 Copying with Multiple Attached ............................................................................................. 51
1 Introduction
AVEVA Everything3D™ (AVEVA E3D™) allows designers to utilise an array of applications contained within
the program modules. This training guide provides discipline specific training for the Structural Modelling
application contained within the Model module.
1.1 Aim
The aim of this training guide is to provide designers with the knowledge and skills necessary to create and
modify structural models.
1.2 Objectives
Understand how to apply section fittings, section joints and panel fittings.
Explain how holes and penetrations effecting structural elements are managed in AVEVA E3D.
1.3 Prerequisites
It is expected that trainees will have completed the TM–1801 AVEVA Everything3D™ (1.1) Foundations
training course. Trainees who can demonstrate a suitable understanding of other AVEVA E3D applications
and modelling techniques may also be permitted to undertake the training.
Training will consist of oral and visual presentations, demonstrations, worked examples and set exercises.
Each workstation will have a training project populated with model objects. This will be used by the trainees
to practice their methods and complete the set exercises.
Certain text styles are used to indicate special situations throughout this document.
Menu pull downs and button press actions are indicated by bold dark turquoise text.
Additional information notes and references to other documentation will be indicated in the styles below.
Additional information
System prompts will be bold and italic in inverted commas i.e. 'Choose function'.
Example files or inputs will be in the courier new font. If users are required to enter information as part of
an example, appropriate fonts and styles previously outlined will be used.
Double click the AVEVA E3D 1.1.0 desktop icon or select Start > All Programs > AVEVA Plant > Design
> Everything3D 1.1.0 from the start menu to display the Login form.
Login to AVEVA E3D using the details provided by the Trainer. They will typically be as shown below:
Username: A.STEELMAN
Password: A
MDB: A-STRUCTURAL
On the TOOLS tab, in the Training group, click the Setup button to display the Training
Setup form.
Navigate to the Structural tab. Select the Structural radio button from the Training Setup frame. Check
the Setup Training Course checkbox and click the Apply button. Close the form and Save Work.
AVEVA E3D data is stored in a hierarchical structure, similar to the directories and sub-directories used to
access computer files. The Structural Modelling disciplne requires specific administrative elements to be in
place in order to maintain the system hierarchy.
Structure (STRU)
Framework (FRMW)
Subframework (SBFR)
Section (SCTN)
Panel (PANE)
For some design disciplines the manner in which the database hierarchy should be arranged is readily
apparent. For example pipes may be grouped in Zones by system, piping class, or fluid code. Equipment
may be grouped in Zones by equipment type, systems, or physical location.
This is not always the case for structural models. Some company/project procedures require the structural
model to be broken down by project build methodology, while others may emphasise Work Breakdown
Structure, weight control or material purpose. To assist designers in meeting the required engineering
deliverables, the structural hierarchy provides more administrative elements than other disciplines.
Whatever the modelling objective may be, it is important that the hierarchy is well thought out and has a
meaningful structure. The production of drawings and other deliverable documents are greatly aided by a
good hierarchy breakdown and well named significant elements.
The Structural Modelling discipline interface contains four tabs to assist designers in creating structural
models:
STAIRS LADDERS HANDRAILS – creation of stair flights, ladders, and handrailing elements.
Specific training is available for the Walls and Floors utility and the Stairs, Ladders, and Handrails utility.
Functionality relating to these utilities is outside the scope of this training guide.
Once loaded, the four tabs of the Structural Modelling discipline are displayed. By
default the SECTIONS tab is the current tab.
Before modelling can commence, the required administrative hierarchy must be created. From the
GENERAL discipline only SITE and ZONE elements can be created as these are common to all disciplines.
Significant elements, e.g. SITE, ZONE, STRU, FRMW and SBFR, are normally named. The Create forms
enable the element’s Purpose attribute to be set. A pre-defined list of values can be accessed using the
Purpose options list.
Standard Purpose attribute settings are used by the Walls and Floors utility and other disciplines. The
Purpose attribute may be set manually via the command line to any value which may be used by the
other disciplines.
The aim of this exercise is to create a simple hierarchy for the storage of structural elements created in the
worked examples and other exercises of this training guide.
In Model Explorer navigate to SITE-STRUCTURAL-AREA01. Click the HOME > Create > Zone
button to display the Create Zone form:
Repeat this process using appropriate options from the Create group of the SECTIONS tab to create a
STRU named PIPERACK and a FRMW named ROW_7.
The row IDs referred to in the worked examples and exercises (e.g. ROW 7) reflect a pre-defined user
grid.
Save Work.
The SECTIONS tab facilitates the creation of structural profiles (e.g. pre-cast concrete profiles, steel I-
beams, T-sections, channels, angles, circular hollow sections, etc) in Model. The functionality on the tab
enables the profiles, once created, to be manipulated and modified to create the desired structural
configuration. The tab also enables the insertion of fittings, e.g. stiffeners, lifting lugs, etc., onto profiles and
the application of joints to connected profiles.
To ensure design consistency and conformity to national or company standards, the definition of all profile
shapes used in structural modelling are held in a Catalogue database.
Each individual straight structural profile (column, beam, brace, etc.) is represented in Model by a Section
(SCTN) element. The SCTN has many attributes, some of which are set automatically by placing or
manipulating the element via the appware, graphically or manually whilst others may be set by the user via
appware or manually.
The cross-sectional shape, or geometry, of the profile is defined in the Catalogue. The geometry is usually
defined parametrically, such that the same definition may be used for many different profiles with the same
generic shape but differing values e.g. depth, width, web thickness, flange thickness, etc.
The SCTN has a Specification Reference (Spref) attribute which points to a Specification Component
(SPCO) element in the Catalogue database. The specification acts as a selection mechanism and filters the
available profiles to the user depending on choices made on the selection form. The SPCO points at a
Structural Profile (SPRF) element, which is also held in the Catalogue database, via its Catalogue
Reference (Catref) attribute. The Catref in turn references the geometry definition and other elements.
When a profile is added to the model, the Position, Orientation, and other attributes are set for the element
in the Design database. However, the physical properties of the profile are specified by the Spref attribute
pointing at the geometry definition in the catalogue.
Two of the most important attributes are the Position Start (POSS) and Position End (POSE) which
effectively determine the length and orientation of the element. These positions are determined from
graphical picks, explicit co-ordinates, direction and distance or a combination of these methods. The 2D
cross-section is ‘extruded’ from the POSS to the POSE.
To provide a method of referring to individual edges of the SCTN, each edge is identified by a named line
running along the length of the profile. These lines, which are specified within the 2D geometry in the
Catalogue, are called Plines. A section has a number of Plines that have a two, three or four letter
abbreviation held in its PKEY attribute.
As an example, some of the most commonly used Plines for a parallel flanged I-shaped profile might be
positioned and named as shown:
Where an asymmetric profile, e.g. an unequal angle, is used, an additional Pline representing the profiles
centre of geometry is provided. This Pline has the PKEY CGEO. The position of the CGEO Pline is
calculated and its location will be unique to the size of the profile. The CGEO Pline has significance for the
Hole Management utility.
See Appendix A for Plines and Parameters of Standard AVEVA Generic Types.
Having selected the profile type, the available profile sizes are
displayed in the list below. The appropriate profile size is
selected from the list.
The Pline Settings frame enables the following attributes for the chosen profile to be set:
Justification line
Member line
Joint line.
Member line - sets the position of the line to be displayed in Draft, e.g. the section centreline.
Joint line - sets the Pline for joint geometry (normally NA).
Clicking the Apply button sets the Default Section Specification. The Default Section Specification,
together with its Justification line, Member line and Joint line settings is displayed in the Settings group of
the SECTIONS tab.
Pline settings are displayed in the order Justification line / Member line / Joint line.
The database Storage Area specifies which FRMW, or SBFR, Sections and Primary Nodes will be stored
in when they are created.
With a FRMW or SBFR as the CE, clicking the Section Storage Area button sets the CE as the storage
area and displays it on the toolbar.
AVEVA E3D stores Sections and Primary nodes in the same storage area.
Connecting sections and the administrative elements required are detailed later in this training guide.
Pline rules also filter the availability of Plines for graphical picks when
creating or positioning fittings, panels, etc. A Pline is only visible or
available for selection if it meets the criteria of the Pline rule.
With no Pline rule set the new section would be trimmed to the
extremities of the existing section.
In this example, the new section has terminated at the extremity of the
existing section instead of the web, i.e. the NARO Pline.
With an appropriate Pline rule set, the new section will trim to the
required Pline (i.e. the NAR Pline) and give the desired result.
AVEVA E3D provides one predefined Pline rule named Normal that cannot be modified. The Normal Pline
rule is PKEY EQ ‘NA’ OR CCON EQ ‘ANY’.
This means that a new section will connect to the NA Pline unless it first encounters a Pline whose
Cconnection attribute (abbreviated to CCON) is set to ANY.
Pline rules are set by clicking the Plines Filter button in the
Settings group to display the Pline Filter form.
All available Pline Filters are displayed. Selecting the required rule
with sets the rule and closes the form.
Pline rules may be simple. For example, a rule to select only the NA Pline would be PKEY EQ ‘NA’. Pline
rules can also include valid operators or expressions allowing users to build more complex rules. For
example, a rule to select only the internal radial Plines on a Gtype TUBE would be MATCHWILD(PKEY,
‘NA*’).
User Defined Pline rules are created from the Pline Filter form. Clicking the Define Rules… link label on the
form displays the Define Rules form.
When defining a rule it is necessary to enter a Name in the textbox. Entering a descriptive name appropriate
to the rules function will assist in its use.
In the following example a Pline rule to select only the ‘Cardinal’ Plines for tubular elements is being created.
As such, the name Tube Cardinals has been given to the rule.
Clicking on the rule Name in the Pline Filter form sets it to be the active Pline Rule.
The keyword INSET used in the rule definition is a PML operator function that takes a comma
separated list of text strings (or numeric values) and applies it to the preceding attribute, i.e. the Pkey
attribute of the PLINE element.
Pline rules, coupled with the Positioning Control form, give designers a number of ways to graphically
select positions in the AVEVA E3D model. To further assist designers, additional picking control functionality
is provided via the Picking Control form.
Selecting PROJECTS > Options > Views > Picking Control displays the
Picking Control form.
Rectangle
Cube
The Options frame enables the modification of settings relating to the Snap Points for section and planar
elements. Elements such as Secondary Nodes, Fittings and Joints can be used as Snap Points for
graphical selections within the model. If the Significant Snaps checkbox is checked (the default) then
significant snap points will be available for selection within the model. If the checkbox is not selected, then
only the start and end points of a Section will act as snap points. The type of elements that can act as a
Significant Snap point varies depending on whether sections or panels are being considered.
Clicking the Set Section and Wall Settings… link label or the Set Panel and Floor Settings… link label
will open additional forms that allow the user to select how these elements will be treated in the graphical
view.
The Offset frame of the Picking Control form presents a series of radio buttons that may be used to apply
various types of offset to the picked point. Information displayed in the lower section of the form varies
depending on to the Offset option selected.
The default setting for offset options is None. The pick position selected by the user will only be affected by
the active settings of the Positioning Control form, i.e. no other offset will be applied to the pick position.
Care must be taken when an offset is applied to a pick position. Other functions that utilise graphical pick
points may also be affected by the offset. For example, the Measure Distance function will use the last
offset condition specified. Hence the user must remember to select the None option from the offset area of
the form before taking measurements in the model.
Using offsets with the Distance Pick Method on the Positioning Control form will apply the specified
distance in addition to any offset set via the Picking Control form.
The images below show the effect of changing the the offset. The upper image shows the offset set to
None, i.e. the pick point is at the start/end of the element. The lower image shows the effect of the offset
being set to Distance Direction, i.e. the pick point is offset East by 300mm.
For section elements the significant snap settings are controlled from the Section/Wall Pick Settings form.
The form is accessed by clicking the Set Section and Wall Settings… link label on the Picking Control
form.
The Section Ends frame determines where the snap point at the
start or end of attached section in a connected member will be.
If the Start/End radio button is selected (default) the pick point will
be at the actual start or end of the section, i.e. where it is trimmed
against the Posline of the owning section. The pick point is to the
Justification line of the picked section.
Position – Start/End
Position - Projected
The pick position may be modified by selecting the Justification, Member or Joint line radio buttons in the
Projection frame for the owning or attached section, which are enabled when the Projected radio button is
selected.
Care should be taken when using these options to ensure the correct setting is being used for the
required task.
The Pline Ends frame governs where Plines terminate with respect to any negative geometry applied to the
section end via a joint.
If the Uncut radio button is selected (default), the Plines extend to the cut plane at the SNOD irrespective of
any end preparations applied to the section.
If the Cut radio button is selected, the Plines will terminate where negative geometry intersects the
section, e.g a joint end preparation.
The Significant Snap frame enables the user to specify which features relating to section elements will be
considered as snap points. The default setting enables Nodes to be snap points, however, Fittings and
Joints can be enabled in isolation or in any combination required.
Clicking the Apply button on the form sets the selected options. The Reset button resets the form to the
default options.
Clicking the SECTIONS > Create > Section button displays the Section form
and the Positioning Control form.
The Section form is divided into three areas of functionality enabling users to
stipulate:
How the start and end points of the section will be defined.
The method used to specify how sections will be created and can be set by clicking one of the three radio
buttons.
Initially, when the Section form is displayed, only one button is active in the Create
Option frame.
The Explicit Position button enables the sections start position to be defined using a
3D co-ordinate, i.e. by entering explicit X, Y and Z co-ordinates.
If the AVEVA E3D model already contains suitable elements, the start position of the section may also
be defined by making a graphical selection using the Positioning Control form.
Clicking the Explicit Position button displays the Define section start
form.
The required East (X), North (Y) and Up (Z) co-ordinates may be
entered and the Start position will be shown by a text aid in the 3D
View.
The default WRT World, defines the co-ordinate system by which the
position is specified. Clicking the OK button on the Define section start
form confirms the entered co-ordinates.
Once the start point of a section is defined, the options for defining the
section end point are updated, i.e.the Direction & Distance button is
activated.
The end position may now be defined by using the active create options
or by making a graphical selection.
Clicking the Explicit button again displays the Define section end
form. This form is used in exactly the same way as the Define section
start form.
Entering a distance (from the section start position) and pressing the
Return key will display an aid line with the start and end position
marked in the graphical view.
Perpendicular From - creates a section perpendicular to the section specified for the new
section start.
Where sections connect, Secondary Nodes are automatically created. This facility may be switched off by
un-checking the Secondary Nodes checkbox in the Create Option frame.
Connecting sections and the administrative elements required are detailed later in this training guide.
The Verification frame of the Section form contains a Confirm checkbox. This
feature allows the user to check the position of each new section before it is added
to the database.
If the Confirm checkbox is checked the Accept and Reject buttons are active.
The Redefine Start button may be clicked at any time during section creation to start the definition of the
section again.
In the Connect group, clicking the Connect button prompts the user to choose the section to attach to and
the section end(s) to be attached. The selection process is terminated by pressing the Esc key.
The SNOD is positioned from the start of the owning section using
the value stored in the Zdistance attribute. This is automatically set
when the sections are connected.
The Posline attribute references the name of the Pline to which the
Attached section is trimmed. This is set in accordance with the Pline
rule current when the connection was made.
PNOD elements are owned by FRMW or SBFR elements, and sit at the same level in the hierarchy as
SCTN elements.
PNOD elements may own more than one Primary Joint element. The Nposition attribute holds the PNOD
position with respect to its owner. As SBFR and FRMW elements do not have a Position attribute, this
position is effectively with respect to the STRU element.
The Cref attribute holds the name of the section from whose
end was used to determine the PNOD position.
Normally when a connected structural member is deleted, the SJOI element in the connection is also
deleted. This can leave an SNOD owning no SJOI elements, i.e. the SNOD is ‘empty’.
Graphical selections utilise SNOD elements as significant snap points in the AVEVA E3D model. To reduce
the chance of selecting an incorrect point on a structural profile it is good practice to remove ‘empty’ SNOD
elements from the model.
The SECTIONS > Tools > Tidy button options list has functions for
tidying Joints and Nodes.
Selecting SECTIONS > Tools > Tidy > Nodes… displays the Tidy
Nodes form.
The function may be executed from any level in the hierarchy from
SITE to SCTN. All ‘empty’ SNODE elements below the CE will be
found and the number reported on the form.
Clicking the OK button on the Tidy Nodes form deletes all ‘empty’
SNOD elements found.
Selecting SECTIONS > Tools > Tidy > Joints displays the Tidy
Joints form.
The function may be executed from any level in the hierarchy from
SITE to SCTN. All SJOI elements below the CE with the Cref
attribute set to Nulref will be found and the number reported on the
form.
As deleting the SJOI may leave the SNOD ‘empty’, checking the
Delete Node if empty checkbox also deletes the SNOD if it does
not own any other SJOI elements.
Selecting SECTIONS > Tools > Query > Connections displays the
Highlight Connections form.
The form shows all SCTN elements in the CE that have Both ends
connected, Neither end connected, and One end unconnected.
For the One end unconnected category the SCTN displays a text
aid at the unconnected end as well as being displayed in the
highlight colour.
This worked example demonstrates how to construct some initial frames for a simple pipe rack using
different section sizes. The text and accompanying drawings provide step-by-step guidance to create the
Pipe Rack. The General Arrangement of the Pipe Rack is shown on the following drawings:
Make FRMW ROW_7 the CE. On the SECTIONS tab, in the Settings group, click the Section Storage
Area button to set the storage area.
In the Settings group, click the Default Section Specification button to display the Section Specification
(default) form and set the Specification to British Standard and the Generic Type to Universal Columns.
Select 203x203x46kg/m from the displayed list and set the Justification
to NA, leaving the Member line and Joint line at NA.
Click the Apply button and close the form. The Settings group should
now look like this:
The Pline rule is by default set to Normal and this will satisfy most of the connection requirements for
standard sections.
Click the SECTION > Create > Section button to display the
Section form. Make sure that the String Method is set to Single
and that the Create Secondary Nodes checkbox is checked.
Click the Explicit button to display the Define section start form.
3D Aid Constructs are graphical elements used to assist users in positioning items and creating structural
items with complex geometry. They can be copied, modified and deleted in a similar manner to AVEVA E3D
elements. 3D Aid Constructs can be used in conjunction with the Aid Pick Type on the Positioning Control
form to give positional information for such items as the start and end of structural profiles or vertex
elements in a panel.
A variety of constructs can be created, including Grids, Planes, Circles, Lines, and Work Points.
Constructs are only displayed for the duration of the Model session, but may be saved to a file and restored
during subsequent Model sessions.
User Grid Systems are a special type of 3D Aid Construct, however, they are
stored in a database and not in a file. Although they do not need to be saved
and loaded in the same manner as other 3D Aid Constructs, they do need to be
activated in each Model session.
On the 3D VIEW tab, in the Aids group, click the User Grid Systems button to
display the User Grid Systems form.
Check that the AREA_01_GRID is selected and click the Gridline IDs radio
button. Click the Display button and the Set View Limits to Grid button.
With the Section form still displayed click the Explicit button again,
noting on the Define section start form that the displayed co-
ordinates are those defining the end position of the previously created
SCTN.
Notice that the Define Section Start form has updated the co-
ordinates to reflect the position selected on the user grid.
Click the Zoom to Draw List tile in the 3D View and set the view
direction to Iso 3. There should now be two parallel
203x203x46kg/m sections in the 3D View.
The next task is to create two horizontal beams for the pipe rack frame. Graphical selections will be used
to select the start and end positions of the sections rather than entering explicit co-ordinates.
Click the first column created near to its upper end to define
the Start position of the new section, noting that the Start
label is displayed adjacent to the section.
Click the upper end of the second column created to define the
End position of the new section. A new UB 203x133x25kg/m
section is created spanning between the two columns.
Note that the beams have been trimmed to the TOS or BOS
Pline of the columns. Toggle wire frame display mode on by
pressing the F8 function key and zoom in to one of the
connections and note the SNOD that has been created.
Click near the upper end of the first column, then near the upper end of the second column, to create a
new horizontal beam.
A 1000mm long stub beam is required on the southern column. Set the Pick Method on the Positioning
Control form back to Snap and click near the top of the southern column. Use the Direction & Distance
button with a direction of S WRT /* and a distance of 1000 to create the beam.
Save Work.
The exercises contained in this training guide allow the user to create an equipment support frame using a
range of standard sections, bracing members, panels, and fittings. The drawings below, coupled with
instructions in each exercise, provide the information necessary to model the structure correctly.
Model ROW H, without the knee bracing, using the drawings above to ascertain co-ordinates,
dimensions and profile sizes. The other parts of the structure will be modelled in later exercises.
The columns of Row H will not be orientated correctly when modelled, however they will be modified in
a later exercise.
Save Work.
4.1 Positioning
Elements that have position attributes, for example SCTN’s, can be re-positioned in a variety of ways. The
two main methods are position Explicitly and position Relatively.
Positioning explicitly allows the user to position elements at specific co-ordinates with respect to the
WORLD or other model elements. Clicking the Common > Position Explicitly button displays the Explicit
Position form and the Positioning Control form. By default the Start position of the current element is
displayed showing East/West, North/South and Up/Down co-ordinates with respect to the world.
The Datum options list allows the user to specify the point on the
element to which the position co-ordinates will apply. The user may
specify Start, End, Centre or Designate Position.
Designate Position – used in conjunction with the Positioning Control form, the user can specify a point
on the element for re-positioning. The entire element is relocated, or re-orientated, with the Designated
Position at the specified co-ordinates and the start and end positions modified.
To define a position explicitly users must enter the required co-ordinates in the appropriate direction textbox.
If necessary, the WRT textbox can be used to identify the element whose co-ordinate system is to be used
for the position data. The bounding box will adjust to show the new position and clicking the Apply button on
the form re-positions the element.
To define a position by reference to existing model items, use the Positioning Control form and the cursor
to identify the required positions by picking them in the graphical view. If required, use the Lock checkboxes
to fix the current co-ordinate along any axis.
To position another section, use the Select menu options on the form to change the focus of the form. Use
the CE or Owner option if the required item is selected in the model explorer, or use the Pick or Pick
Owner option and then select the required item with the cursor when prompted. The form will display the
current position and the user can then change any part of this by entering new values.
Positioning relatively allows the user to position elements by a specified distance, along one or more axes,
from its current position. The directions can be with respect to the world or other model elements.
Extend Through enables the user to specify a plane, position and orientation to extend either end of the
section to. The section will only extend along its Z axis, i.e. its extrusion direction, as the plane is infinite in
its planar dimensions.
In AVEVA E3D a plane’s direction is defined by the direction of a vector normal (i.e. perpendicular in all
directions) to the plane. The position of the plane is defined by the start position of that vector. Selecting
SECTIONS > Tools > Extend > Through displays the Extend Section – Relative form.
In the picture above the plane has been initially positioned using the Cursor > Element option and then
moved be entering a new North co-ordinate. The Plane Direction has been set to South; note the plane aid
and direction vector displayed to help the user visualise the position and direction of the plane.
Clicking Apply button extends the end of the current element to the plane.
The position of any Secondary Nodes owned by the section is measured from its start position. If the user
requires the Secondary Nodes to stay in their original position when the start position of the section is
moved, then the Maintain Sections’ Node Positions checkbox needs to be selected. Otherwise, the
Secondary Nodes will move with the start position, i.e. their Z distance attribute will be maintained.
Checking the Cut end(s) to plane checkbox on the form will orientate the end of the section to the plane
direction after it has been extended or trimmed.
4.1.4 Extend By
Extend By allows the user to lengthen or shorten the section by moving its Start or End position through a
specified amount. Selecting SECTIONS > Tools > Extend > By displays the Extend Section - Explicit
form.
The user can move the end of a section either by Distance or by a Proportion of the sections current
length; by selecting the appropriate radio button and entering the desired amount.
Entering a positive value will lengthen the section and entering a negative value will shorten it.
To maintain the position of any Secondary Node owned by the section, click the Maintain Sections’ Node
Positions checkbox.
When a section that owns Secondary Nodes is repositioned or extended, it is possible that the secondary
nodes may become misaligned.
Selecting SECTIONS > Tools > Utilities > Align Snodes realigns the node(s) with their attached
member(s) and may be executed from SCTN, STRU, ZONE or SITE level.
The Drag Explicitly function allows the user to re-position a section, have any attached sections lengths
adjust and realign the Secondary Nodes automatically. It is, therefore, equivalent to using three operations,
that is Position Explicitly, Trim To Pline (all attached) and Align Snodes, in one.
Selecting SECTONS > Modify > Section > Drag from the Section
displays the Drag Explicitly form and Positioning Control form.
The Datum options list enables the user to select the element
Origin or an ID Model point as the point for the dragging
operation; however, the Origin co-ordinates with respect to the
World are displayed by default.
Any valid model element may be used to define the axis system for
the direction boxes by entering the appropriate element in the wrt
box.
A bounding box and axes aid at the start position are also displayed. Entering new co-ordinates in the axes
boxes will move the bounding box to the new location.
After clicking Apply the section is re-positioned and all attached sections trimmed to the new joint positions.
All connected sections will trim to the new position of the owning section, adjusting their length as
necessary. The behaviour of the attached sections depends on whether the joint is dominant or subordinate,
as described in Joint Freedom later in this chapter.
Where two sections are connected via a joint, the joint may be defined as either dominant or subordinate.
This setting, which is determined by the Jfree attribute of the SJOI, controls how the attached section
behaves when the section owning the joint is moved.
If the joint is subordinate, i.e. the attached section is dominant and Jfree is set to false, the attached
sections will extend or trim, maintaining their original orientation, to the Pline that they were trimmed to on
creation.
If the joint is dominant, i.e. the attached section is subordinate and Jfree is set to true, the attached
sections will realign to the new joint position.
The column is the owning section with two beam sections attached.
The standard default is for joints to be subordinate. The default setting can be changed by selecting
SECTIONS > Settings > Tolerances to display the Section Tolerances form.
Joint freedom can be changed after the joint is created by selecting SECTIONS > Modify > Joint >
Subordinate or Dominant . The user will be prompted to nominate the section ends to apply the chosen
setting to.
4.2 Orientation
Like positioning, orientating elements in AVEVA E3D can be performed in different ways. SCTN elements do
not have a direct Orientation attribute. However, a pseudo-attribute for orientation is avialable that returns
the normal orientation format information but is derived from the SCTNs frame of reference, the Start and
End positions and the Beta Angle (Bangle) of the SCTN.
4.2.1 Axes
Selecting Common > Rotate about Axis > Orientate displays
the Orientate form.
4.2.2 Rotate
Clicking the Common > Rotate about Axis button displays the
Rotate form.
The centre of rotation, that is, the origin of the Rotation Axis vector,
may be positioned by entering a distance against one or more
directions. The Angle in degrees by which the element is to be
rotated, must be entered in the Angle (º) textbox prior to clicking the
Apply button.
The centre of rotation can also be set graphically by using the Cursor
and Intersection options from the form menu. The results of the rotate
command may be simply reversed by giving a negative value to the
Angle used and clicking the Apply button again.
The Beta Angle of a SCTN defines the rotation around its Z axis. The effect of changing the Beta Angle is
shown in the diagram below.
4.2.4 Flip
Flip enables the user to change the orientation of sections by exchanging the Start and End positions, that
is, the Z direction of the section is orientated through 180º. This only really affects asymmetrical sections
such as angles and channels although it may be applied to all section profiles.
On the SECTIONS tab, in the Tolls group, clicking the Flip button promts the user to select the element(s) to
Flip. Having made the selection, pressing the Esc key will flip the sections.
4.3 Copying
AVEVA E3D provides three general methods to create copies of elements; Copy Offset, Copy Rotate and
Copy Mirror.
If a connected section is copied using any of the copy methods, the newly created section will not be
connected. There are often times when a multiple copy of a section needs to be made at regular centres,
e.g. stringers in a deck or floor panel. This could be achieved by using a multiple Copy Offset; however,
each end would need to be connected after copying. AVEVA E3D provides a utility that copies a selected
member and produces multiple copies with connection details the same as the original.
Selecting SECTIONS > Tools > Utilities > Multiple Attached Sections prompts the user to select the
section to be copied if a SCTN element is not already the CE. Upon making an appropriate selection, the
Section Copy form is displayed.
In the picture above, the maximum number of sections has been calculated based on the length of the
shortest owning section. When the arrangement shown is correct, clicking the Apply button copies the
sections and connects them to the owning member(s). Any end preparations (see Structural Detailing) will
also be applied.
In this worked example additional frames and horizontal beams required for the Pipe Rack structure will be
created using some of the techniques described in this chapter.
Make the Pipe Rack ROW_7 the CE and select Common > Copy Element > With Offset to display the
Copy with Offset form.
Select Rel. from the to options list, enter 3 in the Number of copies textbox and enter a –5180 in the X
Offset textbox. Click the Apply button and click the Yes button on the subsequent confirmation message.
Note that the STRU PIPERACK now owns three additional FRMW’s.
Make the FRMW adjacent to ROW_7 the CE (it should be FRMW2), right click and select Rename to
display the Name form, enter ROW_5 in the Name textbox and click the Apply button.
Leave the form open, make the FRMW adjacent to ROW_5 the CE (it should be FRMW3), click the CE
button on the Name form, enter ROW_2 in the Name box and click the Apply button. Repeat the procedure
to name ROW_1. Dismiss the Name form.
Select West from the East/West options list and enter 10 in the textbox. Click the Apply button then close
the form.
Whilst individual profiles are not normally named, columns are often used for reference purposes and are
commonly named in the model.
Make the column at the intersection of gridlines K and 1 the CE. Right click the SCTN in Model Explorer and
select the Rename option from the pop-up menu to display the Name form. Enter K1 in the Name textbox
and click the Apply button. Rename the other seven column SCTNs with the appropriate grid references.
Position the cursor over the My Collections option then right click. From the
resulting pop-up menu select New > New Collection to create a new
collection. Rename this new collection (it should be named New
Collection1) by right clicking and selecting Rename from the menu. Enter
J2+J5 in the textbox then press the Return key.
Expand the Systems Collections folder and select the Current Selection
folder. Graphically pick columns J2 and J5, pressing and holding the Ctrl
key to select both sections.
The Current Selection collection will dynamically update with the graphical
selection. Left click on the Current Selection then drag and drop it into the
recently created collection J2+J5.
The two SCTN elements are now in the J2+J5 collection. Close the form.
Select Collection from the options list at the top left of the form and select Nearest End from the End of
Section options list.
Ensure that the Maintain Node Positions checkbox is checked and the Cut end(s) to plane checkbox is
unchecked. Select Cursor > Element from the form menu and graphically select a point near the top of
column J2 to place a plane aid at the top of the column and populate the co-ordinates on the form.
Modify the Up co-ordinate to 107160 and click the Apply button to extend the columns. Close the form.
Create two new FRMW elements, owned by the PIPERACK STRU, named ROW_K and ROW_J. Make
ROW_K the CE and set the storage areas to this FRMW. Set the Default Profile Specification to
Universal Beam 203x133x25kg/m justified TOS and with the Member line and Joint line set to NA.
Select SECTIONS > Create > Section > Straight to display the Section form. Set the Positioning Control
form options to Element and Distance and enter a distance of 3710. Select near the bottom of column K1
to specify the start of the section and then at the bottom of column K2 to specify the end of the section. The
section has been created at EL.(+) 104110 T.O.S.
Create the beams on ROW_K between columns K2 and K5 and between columns K5 and K7.
Make ROW_J the CE and change the storage areas. Create the beams between the columns as shown on
the drawings. For the beam between columns J2 and J5 the Positioning Control form should be set to
Element/Snap and the columns picked very near the top.
Save Work.
Re-orientate the two columns in ROW_H by 90 degrees. Update the beam connections to these
columns and trim the attached sections.
Create FRMW elements for ROWS F, E, and C by copying ROW_H at the appropriate distances.
Add the additional column at E6 for the stair landing to the ROW_E FRMW.
Name all of the columns in accordance with the gridline intersections on which they are positioned, e.g.
C3, C5, E3, E4, etc.
Create the beams between, and extending from, the rows at EL(+)104880_TOS. Create the stair half
landing east of ROW 5. Remember to check the Default Profile Specification before creating the
landing.
Create a collection of all beams, except the stair landing, at EL(+)104880_TOS. Use the collection
option on the Copy Offset form to create the beams at EL(+)107820_TOS. Ensure all copied sections
are correctly connected.
Create the top stair landing at EL.(+) 107820 T.O.S. adjacent to column H5.
Save Work.
Curved structural sections are represented in AVEVA E3D using Generic Section (GENSEC) elements, the
geometry of which is defined by extruding a 2D catalogue profile along a path.
This path lies on a plane and is represented by a SPINE element, owned by the GENSEC, whose route is
specified by a sequence of Spine Points (POINSP). Spine points are created at the start, the end, and at
each change of direction. Each segment linking adjacent spine points can be a straight line or circular arc,
achieved by inserting Curve (CURVE) elements.
GENSECs can be connected to each other or to SCTN elements. Fixings and joints can also be applied to
them. Although GENSECs may look and behave in a similar manner to SCTN elements, their definition and
hierarchy structure are quite different.
A GENSEC element sits at the same level in the hierarchy as SCTN, PANE & PNOD elements, i.e. it may
be owned by a FRMW or a SBFR.
Each element in the GENSEC hierarchy has specific attributes that combine to create the curved section.
GENSEC element
The Position attribute holds the origin of the frame of reference of the GENSEC with respect to the
WORLD. Note: this point will be the ‘start’ of the section for GENSECs containing straights portions
(Curved sections) and the ‘centre’ of the circle/arc for a GENSEC that is solely a partial or complete
circle (Ring sections).
The Orientation attribute holds the orientation of the frame of reference of the GENSEC with respect to
the cardinal axes.
SPINE element
The Ydirection attribute holds the local Y axis direction of the profile with respect to the frame of
reference of the GENSEC. Modifying the Y direction of the SPINE is similar to modifying the Bangle
(Beta Angle) attribute of the GENSEC. However, the effect of the Y direction attribute is independent
of the Bangle.
POINSP element
The Position attribute of the POINSP element holds its position with respect to the origin of the frame
of reference of the GENSEC.
CURVE element
The Position attribute of the CURVE element holds the centre point of the curve for a Centre type
curve or the apex point for a Fillet type curve, see below.
The Cposition attribute holds the position of a point that defines the ‘sense’ of the CURVE.
The CurTyp attribute holds the type of curve of the CURVE element. Two types of curve are used in
GENSEC elements:
1. Centre – the point held by the Position attribute is the centre of the curve.
2. Fillet – the point held by the Position attribute is the apex of the curve.
The Create Methods frame contains buttons that, in conjunction with the
Positioning Control form, enable the user to create predefined closed and
open shapes.There is also a button to enable ‘free’ definition of Spine
Points and Curves.
The Radius text box (default 1000mm) enables the user to enter a value for
the radius of the curves. The Undo button is active during the GENSEC
creation process, enabling the user to step back through the picked points
and correct any errors in the pick sequence.
There is no Apply button on the Curved Section form. The creation process is carried out automatically
once the specified points for a given creation method are established. The only exception to this is the
Free Definition method.
Free definition
Right angle
Swan neck
Obloid
If the CE is a curved section, selecting SECTIONS > Modify > Section > Definition displays the Modify
Section (Curved) form.
The Spine Point area of the form enables the user to select
a POINSP (start or end) or CURVE element to modify.
A graphical aid, showing the local axes of the GENSEC, is displayed to assist the user in positioning the
Start or End. When a new position is entered the graphical aids are modified to reflect the new position.
In the following example note the change in angle of the subsequent CURVE element, even though the
CURVE point itself has not been modified.
When a new position has been defined the Modify button on the Modify Section (Curved) form becomes
active. Clicking this button will reposition the Start or End.
A Curve counter in the Spine Point area of the form. This may be used to step through, forwards or
backwards, the different CURVE elements (if more than one exists).
A Curve Type options list in the Spine Point area of the form.
The X and Y textboxes in the Attributes area of the form display the co-ordinates of the curve point, with
respect to the GENSEC origin. The curve type, i.e. Centre or Fillet, is displayed in the adjacent option list.
Graphical aids show the local axes of the GENSEC element and the location and type of the curve point.
The Curve Type may be modified by selecting Fillet or Centre from the options list in the Spine Point area
of the form. The X and Y co-ordinates will change to reflect the new curve point position and the graphical
aids will update to show the new position and curve type.
The Modify button will not be activated until data in the Attributes area of the form has been modified.
This can be affected by re-entering the same radius. Clicking the Modify button, when activated, will
change the Curve Type.
The Radius of the CURVE element may be changed by entering a new value in the Radius textbox in the
Attributes area of the form. The graphical aid changes to reflect the new path of the SPINE and the Modify
button will be activated. Clicking the Modify button will update the CURVE with the new Radius.
This worked example demonstrates a number of creation and modification processes that will assist users
to model Curved GENSEC elements. It will also introduce the use of additional 3D Aid Constructs that will
make the modelling process easier.
Navigate to SITE-EQUIPMENT-AREA02,
then to ZONE-EQUIPMENT-AREA02-
B02.
Due to the positions of the reserved areas a number of curved sections will be used to form the gantry
beam. The gantry beam could be defined explicitly as a single Gensec. However it is often more
convenient to divide a complex shape up into a number of simple shapes.
The shape required for this example could be thought of as three basic shapes; a right angle bend, a
swan neck, and an open rectangle. These basic shapes will be created, then modified, to model the gantry
beam in the sections that follow.
The gantry beam will be modelled using a Universal Beam profile. On the SECTIONS tab, in the Settings
group, click the Default Profile Specification button ito display the Section Specification (Default) form..
From the British Standard specification ensure Universal Beams is the selected Generic Type. Select
the 254x146x31 kg/m profile and set the Justification to BOS. Click the Apply button and close the form.
New hierarchy for the storage areas is also required. In the Model Explorer navigate to STRU
BUILDING_02_Level_01 and expand the hierarchy. Navigate to FRMW B02_LEVEL_01_BEAMS. Create a
new SBFR and name it B02_LEVEL_01_GANTRY_BEAMS.
Make the new SBFR the CE and then on the SECTIONS tab, in the Settings group, click the Set Section
Storage Area button.
In the previous worked example, a pre-defined user grid was used to assist in positioning sections. Other
types of aid constructs, including a variety of grids, can also be created. To assist with the positioning of the
gantry beam a Plant Grid will be created.
Select Create > Grids > Toolbar… from the menu. The Grids form will be displayed.
The buttons on the Grids form correspond to the sub-menu creation options.
Click the Plant Grid button from the toolbar to display the Reference
Plant Grid form.
Label and Detail the grid with text aids by checking the
appropriate checkbox.
Specify the X and Y spacing for the grid lines. One grid line will
be created for each entry in the X Spacing and Y Spacing text
box. The spacing’s are relative, i.e. they are measured from the
last grid line.
9500, 100, 1300, 100, 1700, 100, 3000, 100, 1300, 100, 2000.
The Position area of the form enables the user to position the grid
origin, i.e. the lower left corner of the grid (for positive X/Y spacings).
The Orientation area of the form enables the user to change the plane in which the grid will be applied. This
can be done using any of the three methods outlined below. Orientating a grid does not alter its position.
Clicking the Through three points button prompts the user to graphically pick three points to define the
plane of the grid. When the orientation points have been picked, the Y is and Z is text boxes are
updated with new directions defined by the grid plane.
Clicking the Through origin and two points button prompts the user to graphically pick two points
which, together with the origin point, define the plane of the grid. When the orientation points have been
picked, the Y is and Z is text boxes are updated with new directions defined by the grid plane.
The orientation can also be set by entering a direction in the Y is and Z is text boxes. The X direction
is automatically derived, using the Right-hand Rule and is displayed beneath the two text boxes.
Only one direction may be altered at a time, thus two or more entries may be
required to re-orientate the grid. If an invalid orientation is defined using this
method an error message is displayed.
Due to the method used to position the grid, it is also correctly orientated and
no further action is required. To create the grid click the OK button. The form
will be dismissed and the aid lines will be displayed in the 3D view.
Leave the Radius set to 1000 and the Connect Ends checkbox unchecked. On the Positioning Control
form adjust the Pick Type to Aid. Pick the points in order as shown below.
Once valid picks have been made the GENSEC will be created. To exit this Gensec creation method press
the Esc key.
From the Create Methods frame of the Curved Section form click the Swan Neck button to start the
GENSEC creation process.
Once the points have been selected press the Esc key to end the creation method. The GENSECs should
now look like this:
From the Create Methods frame of the Curved Section form click the Open Rectangle (Fillet) button to
start the GENSEC creation process. Three graphical selections are required. The first two selections place
the apex points of the two fillet curves. The third selection defines the length of the open legs. Pick the
points in order as shown below.
Once the points have been selected press the Esc key to end the creation method. The GENSECs should
now look like this:
The three basic shapes provide most of the geometry required for the gantry beam. However, the right angle
gensec needs to be extended toward the West, while the open rectangle gensec requires it’s western most
leg to be extended to the North.
Dismiss the Curved Section form then make the Right Angle Gensec the CE. In the Common group.
Click the Measure Distance button to display the Measure Distance form and the Positioning Control
form. Set the Positioning Control form Pick Type to Graphics and the Pick Method to Cursor. Measure
from the western end of the GENSEC back to the inside face of the western wall over the main door
opening.
Select SECTIONS > Modify > Section > Definition… ro display the Modify Section (Curved) form and an
axis aid will be positioned at the Start of the GENSEC.
Make the Open Rectangle GENSEC the CE and select SECTIONS > Modify > Section > Definition to
display the Modify Section (Curved) form.
The Start and End points of the Gensec are labelled in the 3D view and an zxis aid is displayed at the origin
of the GENSEC. The western leg of the open rectangle needs to be extended to the North. To achieve this the
position of the End spine point must be modified.
From the Modify Section (Curved) form, select End from the options list in the Spine Point frame. The
position of the End spine point can now be expressed in term of the GENSECs origin. In the Attributes frame
enter -4000 in the Y position textbox.
A preview of the new position is provided and the Modify button is now active. Click the Modify button and
close the form.
Aside from the small gaps between the three GENSECs, the geometry of the gantry beam is now complete.
Merging the GENSECs into one model element will be considered later in the training guide.
A ‘Ring’ GENSEC does not contain straight segments and is used to create full or
partial circles. Selecting SECTIONS > Create > Section > Ring displays the Ring
Section form.
The Circle Definition frame enables an Arc or a Full circle to be specified to avoid
any ambiguity. In a similar manner to Curved GENSECs, the Positioning Control
form is active and may be used to facilitate the creation of ring sections.
For an Arc ring section, the Flip Sense button toggles between an anti-clockwise
and clockwise direction for the arc, i.e. the ‘sense’ of the arc is changed.
For a full ring section, the Flip Sense button has the same affect as using the Flip
command described earlier.
Through 3 points – this option enables the user to pick three points through which the circle is to
pass. For an Arc the first point selected is the start and the third point is the end.
Derive from a picked item - this option enables the user to pick a model item from which the radius
and centre of circle can be derived. The ring will be superimposed on this circle, which can then be
repositioned as required.
Fillet - this option enables the user to enter the required radius on a separate form and then pick two
linear model items that will be tangential to the required circle. For an Arc, the contact point with the
first line is the start and the contact point with second line is the end. The plane of the ring is normal
to both lines and through the first line.
Tangential to 3 lines - this option enables the user to pick three linear model items to define the
circle which will fit between these tangents. The plane of the ring is normal to, and midway between,
the first two lines.
Fixed radius, tangential to a circle - this option enables the user to enter the required radius on a
separate form, pick a position towards which the circle will be directed (the control point), and then
pick a model item from which the circle can be derived. The ring will be tangential to the derived circle
on the side specified by the control point.
Fixed radius, passing through 2 points - this option enables the user to enter the required radius
on a separate form and then pick two positions defining the start and end of the ring. A control point is
then picked. This is the point to which the circle will be directed.
Tangential to a circle – this option enables the user to pick a position defining the centre of the ring,
then pick a model item from which the circle can be derived. The ring will be tangential to the derived
circle and the radius will be the distance from first pick to the tangent point.
Tangential to 2 circles - this option enables the user to enter the required radius on a separate form.
Then, on two coplanar circular model items, pick positions near points where the ring is to touch
tangentially and also a point near the centre of ring.
Derived diameter – this option enables the user to pick two positions representing opposite sides of
a circle (distance between picks defines diameter), then pick a position towards which the circle is to
be directed (control point). For an Arc the first point is the start position and the second point is the
end position.
Derived diameter on working plane – for this option a Working Plane must be active. This option
enables the user to pick two positions representing opposite sides of the circle (the distance between
the picks defines the diameter). The picked positions will be projected onto the Working Plane and
the ring will lie in this plane. For an Arc the first point is the start position and the second point is the
end position.
Fixed diameter – This option enables the user to enter the required radius on a separate form, then
pick a position for the centre of the ring and two positions aligned with start and end of the ring (in that
order). The ring lies in plane through the three points.
Fixed diameter on working plane – for this option a Working Plane must be active. This option
enables the user to enter the required diameter on a separate form and pick a position for the centre of
the ring. The ring will be a 180° arc, created anticlockwise about the Z-axis of the working plane, with a
start position on the X-axis.
Derived radius – this option enables the user to pick a position for the centre of the ring, the start of
the ring, and a position aligned with the end of the ring. The distance between the later two picks
defining the rings radius. The ring lies on the plane through the three picked points.
Derived radius on working plane - for this option a Working Plane must be active. This option
enables the user to pick two positions representing the centre and the start of the ring (the distance
between the picks defines radius). The picked positions will be projected onto the working plane and
the ring will lie in this plane. The ring will be a 180° arc, created anticlockwise about the Z-axis of the
working plane.
Fixed radius – This option enables the user to enter the required radius on a separate form, then pick
positions for the centre of the ring, the start, and the end of ring (in that order). The ring lies in the
plane through the three picked points.
Fixed radius on working plane - for this option a Working Plane must be active. This option enables
the user to enter the required radius on a separate form then pick a position for the centre of ring. The
ring will be a 180° arc, created anticlockwise about the Z-axis of the working plane, with the start
position on the X-axis.
Define explicitly – this option displays the Create Section (Ring) form Details relating to this method
are provided in the section that follows.
The Settings frame enables the the Radius, Start and End angles
to be specified. Angles are measured anti-clockwise from East wrt
the current frame of reference. The ‘sense’ of the arc, i.e. whether
Anti-Clockwise or Clockwise, can also be set
Anti-Clockwise
Clockwise
The default setting positions the Origin of the ring section i.e. the
centre of the ring. Other position options include:
Radius – the co-ordinates refer to a point, measured along the X axis from the Origin, which
corresponds to the value in the Radius text box in the Settings area of the form. If the value of this co-
ordinate is changed, the value of the Radius will change automatically. Conversely, if the Radius value
is changed the co-ordinates automatically change.
Start Angle – the co-ordinates refer to a point, measured from the Origin, that corresponds to the start
point of the ring based on the Radius and Start Angle values. If the value of one, or either, of the co-
ordinates is changed, the value of the Start Angle will change automatically. Conversely, if the Start
Angle value is changed the co-ordinates will be changed automatically.
End Angle - the co-ordinates refer to a point, measured from the Origin that corresponds to the end
point of the ring based on the Radius and End Angle values. If the value of one, or either, of the co-
ordinates is changed, the value of the Start Angle will change automatically. Conversely, if the Start
Angle value is changed the co-ordinates will be changed automatically.
In addition to the co-ordinate text boxes, the Positioning Control form is also active and can be used to set
the section position using graphical picks.
The Orientation area of the form provides the user with three methods by which the ring section can be
orientated.
Clicking the Through three points button prompts the user to graphically pick three points to define the
plane of the ring section. When the orientation points have been picked, the Y is and Z is text boxes
are updated with new directions defined by the ring section.
Clicking the Through origin and two points button prompts the user to graphically pick two points
which, together with the origin point, define the plane of the ring section. When the orientation points
have been picked, the Y is and Z is text boxes are updated with new directions defined by the ring
section.
Orientating a ring section does not alter its position. The wrt text box enables the position and orientation to
be set with respect to other model elements.
To modify the ‘sense’ of the ring, the Start and End angle
values must be swapped as appropriate.
This worked example demonstrates creation and modification processes that will assist users to model
Ring GENSEC elements. It will also build on the the use of 3D Aid Constructs that will make the modelling
process easier.
The support beam will be modelled using a Parallel Flange Channel. Click the Default Section
Specification button in the Settings group.
The support beam needs to be positioned such that the top of the section coincides with the underside of the
floor slab. This can be achieved in a number of ways during element creation, however one means of
ensuring the correct elevation is to establish a Working Plane.
A Working Plane may be a plane or a grid and can be used to control positioning operations. If a working
plane is active, picked positions will be projected onto the plane. Only one Working Plane may be active at
any given time when creating a new working plane, ensure this box is unchecked.
Select the Define > Plane option from the form menu to display
the Working Plane form.
The Options frame enables the user to Label the plane, display
the plane Axes, and toggle between a filled and unfilled
graphical representation of the plane (if displayed). The Size of
the graphical representation of the plane can also be adjusted by
changing the values in the X and Y textboxes.
With the working plane suitably defined additional circle and line aid constructs can be created. Select 3D
VIEW > Aids > Graphical Aids to display the 3D Aid Constructs form.
Select Create > Circle > Toolbar from the form menu to display the select the Circles toolbar. An arc
shaped aid line will be created from the existing geometry of the Level 01 floor slab.
Click the Through 3 Points button on the Circles toolbar to display the prompt ‘Circle (three points) first
point Snap (Snap):’. On the Positioning Control form set the Pick Type to Graphics and the Pick
Method to Snap.
Select the southeast corner of the floor slab. This marks the start position of the arc aid line. As a
working plane is active, the picked point is transposed to the working plane. An aid graphic indicating the
point selection sequence is displayed.
The second pick point needs to be made approximately mid way around the circumference of the curved
floor. Position the cursor over the floor slab then hold down the left mouse button. The cursor will change to
a parallelogram shape. While holding down the left mouse button move the cursor toward the edge of the
curve. When the cursor shape changes to a dumbell shape release the mouse button.
The third pick point defines the end of the arc aid line. Select the Southwest corner of the floor slab. On
selecting the final pick point the aid graphic will be displayed with an arrow at the origin of the arc and two
text boxes at the start and end of the defined angle.
To assist in creating the GENSEC a further aid line, bisecting the arc aid line, will be created. Dismiss the
Circles toolbar then select Create > Line > Toolbar… from the 3D Aid Constructs form.
Click the Bisect the picked lines button from the Lines toolbar. Two lines need to be selected as noted in
the primary prompt area.
Select the line defined between the arc origin and the arc start position. For the second line select the
line defined between the arc origin and the arc end position. The aid graphics should now look similar to
the picture below.
The arc aid graphic is based on the geometry of the floor slab. The position of the support beams must
account for the exterior wall and the smaller sized floor of Level 02. Rather than reposition the beam after it
is created the aid graphics will be modified to ensure the beams are created the correct position
Close the Lines toolbar then select Modify > Definition… from the 3D
Aid Constructs form to display the prompt ‘Pick the aid to be
modified:’. Graphically select the arc aid line to display the Modify
Circle form.
The aid graphics will display the proposed new position. Click the OK button to modify the position of the
aid. Dismiss the 3D Aid Constructs form. The completed aid graphics should look similar to the picture
below.
Select SECTIONS > Create > Section > Ring to display the Ring Section form.
Ensure the Arc radio button is selected then click the Through 3 Points button in
the Creation Methods frame.
Three points defining the start, a point on the circumference, and the end of the arc
must be selected graphically. The start and end of the support beam will tie into the
existing Level 01 beams and columns while the intersecting aid lines define the point
of curvature.
The Positioning Control form can be adjusted for each pick point to provide the
correct position for the support beam.
On the Positioning Control form set the Pick Method to Element and the Pick Type to Intersect.
Near the southwest corner of the structure, select a beam aligned East/West followed by the column in the
southwest corner. An aid graphic will be displayed at the elevation of the active working plane.
On the Positioning Control form set the Pick Method to Aid. Pick a position somewhere along the arc aid
line then select the bisecting aid line.
On the Positioning Control form reset the Pick Method to Element. In the southeast corner select the
beam aligned East/West followed by the column in the southeast corner.
A ring GENSEC will be created and the Flip Sense button on the Ring Section form will be active. Zoom
the 3D view out, then click the Flip Sense button to see the effect it has on the GENSEC created. Click the
Flip Sense button again to restore the GENSEC to the correct sense. Save work.
A similar support beam is also required for the roof structure. Navigate to STRU BUILDING_01_LEVEL_02
in Model Explorer and expand the hierarchy. Make FRMW B01_LEVEL_02_BEAMS the current element
and add them to the 3D View. Change the Section storage area to this framework also.
Select 3D VIEW > Aids > Graphical Aids > Working Plane to display the Working Plane form.. In the
Settings frame turn off the working plane by unchecking the Active checkbox. Select Define > Reposition
from the form menu.
On the Positioning Control form, set the Pick Method to Element and the Pick Type to Snap. Graphically
select the top of one of the beams in Level 02. Check the Active checkbox on the Working Plane form.
The working plane will be visible in the new location. Close the Working Plane form.
On the Ring Section form click the Fixed diameter on working plane
button to display the Diameter form. This option will only work if a
working plane is active. An error message is returned to the user if no
active working plane is found.
A number of GENSEC creation methods only work if an active working plane exists. However, there is
usually an equivalent method designed for use without a working plane.
Selecting the centre of the ring section a semi circle GENSEC of the specified diameter is created.
The sense of the section needs to be corrected. Click the Flip Sense button. The GENSEC is now correctly
aligned but the start and end positions require modification. With the semi circular GENSEC as the current
element select SECTIONS > Modify > Section > Definition to display the Modify Section (Ring) form.
In the Position frame select Start Angle from the options list. A graphical selection can now be made for
the start position of the GENSEC. On the Positioning Control form and set the Pick Type to Element.
Click the southeast column. A text aid indicating the proposed position is displayed. Click the Apply button
on the Modify Section (Ring) form. The start of the GENSEC will be updated to the new position.
Return to the Position frame form and select End Angle from the options list. To position the end of the
GENSEC click the southwest column followed by the Apply button on the Modify Section (Ring) form.
Close the Modify Section (Ring) form and Save work. The completed support beams should look similar to
the image below.
Using the Model Explorer, open the Zone WORKSHOP_BUILDING and navigate to STRU
AREA02_WORKSHOP.
Create a new FRMW AREA02_WS_GANTRY and set the section and node storage area to the new
FRMW.
Create a linear grid aid construct centred on the intersection of the beams in FRMW
AREA02_WS_ROW_B3. Ensure the spacing is 1000mm by 1000mm and increase the number of
visible lines to 20.
Choose suitable construction methods to create the GENSEC shown below. The beam used is a 356 x
171 UB 45 from the British Standard. The TOS should be 2850mm above the base of the columns. A
radius of 1000mm has been used for all curves.
6 Structural Utilities
AVEVA E3D provides functionality that enables the user to create bracing from pre-defined configurations
which may be adapted to suit most situations. The advantages of using the pre-defined configurations to
create bracing, rather than create sections individually are:
Selecting SECTIONS > Tools> Bracing > Bracing configurations displays the Bracing form.
The Available Bracing Configurations list displays the available configurations. Clicking on a configuration
text in the list displays a picture of the configuration. There is more than one choice for some of the
configuration styles, for example A/K Bracing, which cover the majority of possible scenarios. The
configurations may be used where the members are in different orientations to those shown providing the
configuration is the same.
The Bracing Plane options list enables the user to specify the
plane in which the bracing will be created. The choices are:
The plane origin may be entered explicitly or by use of the Positioning Control form. Having made the
appropriate settings on the Bracing form, clicking Apply displays a bracing dimensioning form which will
differ depending on the bracing configuration chosen.
A distance may be entered in A and B to make the initial gap, as shown on the corresponding diagram of
the Bracing form. Having entered the distances, the sections used to define the bracing configuration are
picked in the sequence indicated in the diagram on the Bracing form.
If the Confirm checkbox is selected, aids representing the bracing plane and bracing elements will be
displayed. Clicking the Accept or Reject button will create or discard the bracing. If Confirm is unchecked,
the bracing is created without further input.
The diagrams below show the currently available bracing configurations. The dimensions marked ‘A’ and ‘B’
correspond to the A and B values on the bracing dimensioning forms. The ballooned numbers indicate the
sequence of picks. The sections must be picked in the order shown to ensure the bracing is configured
correctly.
Having created bracing sections either as individual sections or using the standard configurations, gaps
between the bracing members may be adjusted to suit the design.
The gap may be changed to the correct distance before clicking the Accept or Reject button to modify or
discard the gap change. If Confirm is unchecked, the gap will be modified to that shown in the Gap A
textbox.
The diagrams below show the currently available bracing gap configurations. The ballooned numbers
indicate the sequence of picks for sections or Plines.
It is often easier to model an overall structure then split it into smaller components for fabrication or
assembly purposes. The split function allows Sections, Generic Sections, and Panels to be split from the
SECTIONS or PLATES tab.
The elements to be split are added to the Elements to split list using
the options available in the Add to list options list.
The pop up menu is available at any time and does not require the
Elements to split list to be populated.
If the Element to split list is empty, the options to remove items from
the list are greyed out.
If the list is populated, the two element removal options are active.
There functions are described below.
Pick Section(s) to split on – this option enables the user to graphically select one or more sections to
be split on from the 3D View. Selecting this option displays the prompt ‘Pick a section to split on:’ .
One or more sections may be selected, the selection process being terminated by pressing the Esc
key. The selected items are highlighted in cyan.
The SCTN(s) selected to split on does not have to touch the elements that will be split. However the
Neutral Axis must intersect the elements to be split in at least one plane.
Define Graphical Aid Line(s) to split on – this option enables the user to create one or more aid lines
to split on by selecting points in the graphical display. Selecting this option displays the prompt ‘Line
start (Snap) Snap:’ One or more aid lines may be created, the creation process being terminated by
pressing the Esc key.
Define Graphical Plane(s) to split on – this option enables the user to create one or more planes to
split the selected elements on.
Selecting this option activates the Plane Size and Plane Direction
textboxes in the Define split-on area of the form and the
checkboxes adjacent to them.
Graphical selections activate the Positioning Control form. The prompts for these options may vary
depending on the Pick Method used.
Checking the Fill checkbox ‘fills’ the plane aid. Checking the checkbox adjacent to the Plane Direction
textbox locks the Plane Direction, for any subsequently created plane(s), to the current setting.
Once graphical aid lines and/or planes have been defined the Modify
Graphical aid line/plane and Delete Graphical aid line/planes buttons
are enabled.
Clicking the Modify Graphical aid line/plane button displays the prompt ‘Pick aid to be modified pick
Aid:’. Picking a line or plane from the 3D view displays the appropriate aid modification form, i.e. Modify
Line or Modify plane.
Clicking the Delete Graphical aid line(s)/plane(s) button displays the prompt ‘Pick aid(s) to be deleted.
<esc to finish> pick Aid:’. One or more lines or planes may be selected for deletion. The selection process
is terminated by pressing the Esc key.
The Connections at split area of the form enables the user to define what will happen to the sections at the
split. This functionality is applicable to SCTN elements only.
The user can define how the ends of the split section(s) will relate to one
another after the split by selecting one of three options.
None
Nodes
The section is split at the Justification line of the section it is split on.
SNOD and SJOI elements are created connecting the split sections to the
section(s) they were split on.
Trimmed
The section is split at the Justification line of the section it is split on.
SNOD and SJOI elements are created connecting the split sections to the
section(s) they were split on. The split sections are trimmed to the Pline at
the extremity of the section(s) they were split on.
When all selection options have been made, clicking the Split button on the bottom of the Split Steel form
will split the elements.
One part of the split element retains the original Database Reference Number and the remaining part(s) are
allocated new Database Reference Numbers.
Splicing allows the user to divide sections into smaller lengths at any point along their length and, optionally,
connect the abutting ends created by the splice.
The SJOI may be used to apply lap or splice joints between the
end-to-end connected sections.
Structural elements of the same type, i.e. SCTN, PANE or GENSEC, may be merged together to form a
single element. However, it is only possible to merge elements that are colinear (or coplanar in the case of
panel elements). Any number of elements may be merged but the first element selected will be the
dominant section, i.e. the section that all other selected sections will be merged into and whose attributes
the merged sections will inherit.
Any number of SCTN elements may be merged regardless of their specification, beta angle, or position
provided they are colinear.
Clciking the SECTIONS > Tools > Merge button displays the prompt ‘Pick Panel/Section or End of first
gensec to merge’.
The first section picked is the dominant section, i.e. the section that all other picked sections will be
merged into and whose attributes the merged sections will inherit.
On picking the first (dominant) section the prompt changes to ‘Pick Section to merge or <esc> to finish:’
The remaining sections to be merged may then be graphically picked form the 3D view. The picking process
is terminated by pressing the Esc key.
If the Esc key is pressed before at least one section to merge has
been picked, an error message is displayed.
Two GENSEC elements may be merged regardless of their specification, beta angle, or position provided
the ‘line’ of the GENSEC at the ends to be merged is collinear.
Clicking the SECTIONS > Tools > Merge button displays the prompt ‘Pick Panel/Section or End of first
GENSEC to merge’.
The first GENSEC selected is the dominant GENSEC, i.e. the GENSEC that the other picked GENSEC will
be merged into and whose attributes the merged GENSEC will inherit.
On picking the first (dominant) GENSEC end the prompt changes to ‘Pick the end of the second gensec
to merge:’ The end of the second GENSEC to be merged may then be graphically picked form the 3D view.
The end of the GENSECs used for the merge depends on the pick point position on the GENSEC, i.e. the
nearest end to the pick point is selected.The two ends to be merged are labelled in the 3D view with aid text.
The merged section will have the database Reference Number of the section picked first, i.e. the dominant
GENSEC.
Any number of PANE elements may be merged regardless of their thickness or justification providing they
are coplanar and at least one vertex on each adjacent panel loop is coincident.
Clicking the PLATES > Tools > Merge button displays the prompt ‘Pick Panel/Section or End of first
gensec to merge’.
The first panel picked is the dominant panel, i.e. the panel that all other picked panels will be merged into
and whose attributes the merged panels will inherit.
On picking the first (dominant) panel the prompt changes to ‘Pick Panel to merge or <esc> to finish:’ The
remaining panels to be merged may then be graphically picked form the 3D view. The picking process is
terminated by pressing the Esc key.
If the Esc key is pressed before at least one panel to merge has
been picked, an error message is displayed.
The merged panel retains the database Reference Number of the panel picked first, i.e. the dominant
panel.
Filleting enables two non-parallel sections or GENSECs to be merged to form a single GENSEC, regardless
of specification, justification or beta angle, so long as they are not parallel and are coplanar. As a
GENSEC cannot own fittings, any fittings on sections to be filleted will be deleted.
The first section picked is the dominant section, i.e. the section whose attributes the created GENSEC will
inherit.
On picking the end of the first section, the prompt changes to ‘Pick the end of the second section to
fillet’.
Once the fillet radius has been entered, the Fillet Point and
Start and End of the GENSEC are displayed with aid
graphics. A further confirmation message is also displayed.
Care should be taken when entering a curve radius as inappropriate values (e.g. very large radii) can
produce unexpected results.
Filleting GENSECs is similar to filleting sections; however, the prompts and messages are slightly different.
Selecting SECTIONS > Tools > Merge > Fillet displays the prompt ‘Pick end of first gensec/section to
fillet’.
The first GENSEC picked is the dominant GENSEC, i.e. the GENSEC whose attributes the filleted
GENSEC will inherit.
On picking the end of the first GENSEC, the prompt changes to ‘Pick the end of the second gensec to
fillet’.
Once the fillet radius has been entered, the Fillet Point and
Start and End of the GENSEC are displayed with aid graphics.
A further confirmation message is also displayed.
Provided certain conditions are met, AVEVA E3D allows users to mitre sections and GENSECs either to
another section (or GENSEC) or to panel elements. The workflow required to create each type of mitre
representation is discussed in the following sections.
To successfully mitre two section ends the following points concerning relative position, orientation and other
attributes of the two sections must be considered:
The sections do not have to be the same Gtype but unacceptable results may occur.
The sections do not have to have the same Beta Angle but unacceptable results may occur.
The sections do not have to be co-planar but must be within the Offset depth tolerance.
The Y direction of the sections does not have to be the same but unacceptable results may occur.
Clicking the SECTIONS > Tools > Mitre Ends button displays the prompt ‘Pick Section/Gensec/Panel
Elements to be mitred:’.
On picking the first section, the prompt changes to ‘Pick Section or Gensec to Mitre with or Panel to
Mitre to:’. The end of the section may then be picked from the 3D view.
If the picked section ends are not coplanar but within the Offset
depth tolerance, a warning message is displayed.
If the picked sections are not coplanar and outside the Offset
depth tolerance, an error message is displayed.
If the sections selected are valid, graphical aids will display the
angle bisector and additional information together with a
confirmation message.
Clicking the Yes button mitres the ends of the selected sections.
Where the sections physically cross, the retained portion of the sections depend on which side of the
intersection point the sections are picked on.
Where the sections do not physically cross but the projected line of one section would physically cross
the other section, the retained portion of the crossed section depends on which side of the projected
intersection of the crossed section is picked.
Where the sections do not physically cross or the projected line of one would not physically cross the
other section, there is only one point of convergence and it does not matter where either section is
picked.
Mitring GENSECs is similar to mitring sections and the same considerations to positioning, orientation and
other attributes apply.
The location of pick points is significant in that the first straight part
of the conveging ends of the GENSEC must be selected. Selecting
one straight at the converging end of a GENSEC and then the
straight at the non-converging end of the other GENSEC displays
an error message.
Mitring a SCTN and a GENSEC is possible provided the general rules required for a successful section
mitre are followed. Depending on the justification and creation direction of the GENSEC, occasional errors
relating to mitre offset tolerances may be encountered. This can be overcome by making a careful change to
the Mitre Offset tolerance value.
A section or GENSEC may be mitred against a panel (PANE) element such that the start or end direction
(DRNS or DRNE attribute) of the section or GENSEC is modified to the plane of the panel. The section or
GENSEC must intersect the panel within the boundary of its loop otherwise the mitring operation is
abandoned.
Clicking the SECTIONS > Tools > Mitre Ends button displays the prompt ‘Pick Section/Gensec/Panel
Elements to be mitred:’.
If a panel is picked first the prompt changes to ‘Pick Section or Gensec to Mitre with:’. If a SCTN or
GENSEC is picked first the prompt changes to ‘Pick Section or Gensec to Mitre with or Panel to Mitre
to:’ as described previously.
Picking a valid combination of panel and SCTN/GENSEC displays aid lines on the panel and from the
SCTN/GENSEC, extending along the Justification Line, and a confirmation prompt.
Clicking the Yes button mitres the SCTN/GENSEC to the panel. Clicking the No button abandons the mitring
operation.
The Pipe Rack in SITE-STRUCTURAL-AREA01 will be used in this worked example. This example
demonstrates how to create a Pline rule, how to utilise bracing configurations, and how to the modifiy
bracing gaps. The splitting of diagonal bracing sections around a horizontal beam is also demonstrated.
To assist the designer in creating bracing and modifying the bracing gap, a suitable user defined Pline Rule
will be created.
Click the SECTIONS > Settings > Plines Filter button to display the Pline Filter form. Click the Define
Rules… link label to display the Define Rules form. Enter the following in the appropriate textboxes:
Click the Include button to create the User Defined Pline Rule and click the Apply button on the Define
Rules form. The new rule is displayed on the Pline Filter form. Click the entry RHS Bracing to set it as the
current Pline rule.
Create a Subframe below FRMW ROW_K named ROW_K-BRACING and make it the CE. Select
SECTIONS > Tools > Bracing > Bracing Configuration to display the Bracing form. Enter CE in the
Storage area textbox.
Click the Apply button to set the bracing specification and close
the Section Specification form.
Click the / \ Bracing (K) radio button and enter 200 in the Gap A
text box and 150 in the Gap B textbox. Click the Confirm
checkbox to set confirmation on.
Create the K bracing on ROW K between ROWS 1 and 2 by graphically picking column K1 at the bottom,
the beam at EL. (+) 104110 T.O.S. between ROWS 1 and 2 and column K2 at the bottom, in that order.
Click the Accept button to create the bracing. Create the K bracing on ROW K between ROWS 5 and 7
using the same gap values. Close the A/K Bracing(3), 3picks form.
From the Bracing form select the Defined… option from the
Bracing Plane option list.
Create a SBFR below FRMW ROW_J named ROW_J-BRACING and make it the CE.
Create a collection of the K bracing members on ROW K. Mirror copy the list to the ROW_J-BRACING
SBFR. Connect the K bracing on ROW J to the appropriate beams and columns using the Connect button
in the Connect group.
Revert to the Derived by Section Bracing Plane option on the Bracing form. Create the knee bracing on
ROWS 1, 2, 5 and 7 using option 8, Knee Bracing(2). Remember to change the storage area for each
ROW on the Bracing form.
The bracing gap associated with the cross brace between ROW 2 and 5 will now be adjusted. Manipulate
the 3D-view such that the bottom of column K5 and the intersecting cross brace can be clearly seen.
Select SECTIONS > Tools > Bracing > Bracing Gap from
the Tools group to display the Brace Gaps form.
Click and hold down the left mouse button on the RHS
bracing member to display the Plines. Move the pointer to
select the Pline running along the bottom of the RHS.
Select the nearest Pline at the centre of the web of the UB,
this will either be the NAL or NAR Pline. The Gap A textbox
on the Brace Gap(s) form will display the current measured
gap value. Enter 75 in the Gap A textbox and click the
Accept button to adjust the gap.
Click the SECTIONS > Tools > Split button to display the Split Steel
form.
Select Graphical pick from the Add to list options list. Pick one of the
the cross brace members on ROW K to be split then press the Escape
key.
From the Define split-on frame, select Pick Section(s) to split on from
the options list. Graphically pick the other cross brace member on ROW K
then press the Esc key.
Click the Trimmed radio button then click the Split button.
Save Work.
Create the ROW 3-BRACING in a new FRMW. Justify the bracing Angles at TOAX.
Adjust the bracing gaps in accordance with the drawings. This will require a new Pline rule using the
Plines TOAX, LBOA, NAL, NAR, BOS and TOS.
Copy the ROW 3-BRACING FRMW to create a new ROW 5-BRACING FRMW and connect all the
members.
The Equipment Support Structure bracing should now look like this:
Return to the GENSECs created for the Gantry beam in building B02. Merge the 3 GENSECs to create
a single element.
Save Work.
This chapter describes how the 3D structural model may be detailed by adding section fittings and joints.
Section fittings are catalogue items defined in Paragon. They are referenced in Model by fitting elements
(FITT) which are owned by SCTN elements. Each fitting is designed to be associated with one or more
appropriate Plines for the particular section profile it is attached to. Due to catalogue parameterisation, one
fitting type may be applied to all section sizes of a particular profile category it was designed for.
A section fitting is positioned relative the start position of a SCTN element along its extrusion direction, i.e.
its Z direction.
Selecting SECTIONS > Create > Fitting > Single with a SCTN element as the CE displays the Create
Fitting form. The function of the form is briefly described in the following sections.
The Specification button and options list enables the user to select the type of fitting required, e.g. web
stiffeners, lifting lugs, fire insulation, etc.
The Section Type option list shows the Generic Type (GTYPE) of the SCTN that will own the fitting, i.e. the
current element.
The Sub-Type options list enables the user to select the sub-type of fitting e.g. a particular type or shape of
stiffener.
The scrollable list displays all available fittings for the Specification, Section Type and Sub-Type selected.
The Justification options list enables the user to select the Pline to which the fitting will be ‘attached’.
The Pick Justification button can be used to select the required Pline graphically rather than selecting from
the options list.
The Zdistance textbox enables the user to enter the distance from the section start to the fitting along the
selected Pline.
The Position Element button may be used, in conjunction with the Positioning Control form, to determine
the position of the fitting and, therefore, the Zdistance graphically.
The Beta Angle textbox is used to specify the rotation of the fitting around the owing sections Z axis.
When a section fitting is designed in Paragon, it is usually intended for use on one or more specific Plines
which may be shown on the Plotfile. For the fitting to work as intended, the Justification Pline should be
carefully selected.
When a Justification Pline has been selected from the options list or graphically identified, an aid arrow is
displayed at the Pline location on the section, pointing in the Z direction of the Pline. The aid arrow is
identified by a text aid showing the Pkey of the fitting, i.e. the Pline name. The aid arrow is positioned along
the Z direction of the section at the distance specified in the Z Distance textbox. The default Z Distance is
0.
Fittings are usually designed in Paragon to a specific orientation such that the Beta Angle does not need to
be modified from the default of 0. However, some fittings may work at different Beta Angles and entering a
value in the Beta Angle textbox orientates the fitting around the fittings Z axis, i.e. the Z axis of the
Justification Pline; the direction of the aid arrow.
The standard AVEVA catalogue provides simple examples of section fittings that are used for
demonstrations and training. It is important for companies to develop their own catalogues for all section
fitting requirements.
7.2 Joints
Like section fittings, joints are catalogue items that may be referenced by SJOI or PJOI elements. Joints
may have positive geometry, to represent stiffeners, haunch plates, flange inserts, end plates, etc, or
negative geometry to represent section end cutbacks, rat holes, bolt holes, etc, or a combination of positive
and negative geometry.
The positive and negative geometry definitions are held by the catalogue component and are, generally,
parameterised so that the joint may be applied to any combination of similar shaped owning and attached
sections. The joint is referenced by the Spref attribute of the SJOI or PJOI element.
Selecting SECTIONS > Modify > Joints > Specification prompts the user to ‘Identify end of section joint
is connected to’. Although the SJOI is owned by an SNOD element, which is a member of the owning
section, the user must select the attached section end. AVEVA E3D determines the attached and owning
section generic types via the attached section attributes and present, via the specification, relevant joints
based on these types.
The function of the form is briefly described in the sections that follow.
The Specification button and options list enables the user to select the general type of joint required, e.g.
column connections, tubular connections, end preparations, etc.
The Sub-Type options list enables the user to select the sub-type of joint e.g. a joint with a certain number
of bolt holes or specific stiffener thickness.
The list displays all available joints for the Specification and Sub-Type selected.
The Justification options list shows the Plines defined in the joint. This is commonly only one Pline, the NA.
This Pline exists as a default alignment for the joint as it is aligned with the NA Pline of the attached section.
The Beta Angle textbox is used to specify the rotation of the joint around the attached sections Z axis.
Normally this is 0 for one end of a section and 180 for the opposite end. Which end is which depends in how
the joint was created in the catalogue and how the section was defined.
Having selected the required joint from the list and set any Design Parameter requirements, clicking the
Apply button on the Joint Specification form creates the joint using the parameters of the owning and
attached sections together with any design parameters used.
Joints may be applied to ends of section individually. However, if a number of sections have the same
Owning and Attached generic types and require the same end connections, a previously applied joint may
be copied and applied to these section ends.
Selecting SECTIONS > Modify > Joints > Like Maintain Pline prompts the user to‘Identify end of section
to be copied like’. Selecting an appropriate section end will then prompt the user to ‘Identify end of
section to be modified’. Any number of ends may be selected and pressing the Escape key will end the
selection process.
The Spref attribute for each valid SJOI element in the selected section ends will be set to the same value as
the copied section end and the geometry displayed in the graphical view.
It should be noted that the joint geometry is adjusted to suit the section sizes of each joint. In cases where a
joint is copied from one end of a section to the other, the Beta Angle of the new joint(s) may be orientated
incorrectly by 180 degrees. Adjusting the Beta Angle value will rectify this.
This worked example demonstrates the creation of some simple section fittings and joints based on the
supplied catalogues.
On the Pipe Rack make the horizontal beam on ROW J, between columns J1 and J2 the CE. Zoom into the
centre of the beam where the two RHS bracing members connect.
Select SECTIONS > Create > Fitting > Single to display the Create Fitting form. Select Stiffeners from
the Specification options list, Double Full Depth from the Sub-Type options list and
8mm_Double_Stiffener from the list of available stiffeners. Select NAL from the Justification options list
and click the Position Element button adjacent to the Zdistance textbox.
Set the Positioning Control form to Pline and Snap. Graphically select a Pline on the inner sloping face of
one of the RHS braces. Note that the arrow aid, labelled NAL, moves to the selected position. Click the
Apply button to create a double stiffener aligned with the edge of the RHS brace. Repeat the process to
place double stiffeners aligning with the other three faces of the two RHS braces.
Create a collectionof the FITT elements just created. Copy offset the FITT elements to the equivalent beam
on ROW K between columns K1 and K2.
Create similar stiffeners for the ROW J beam between columns J5 and J7 and copy offset these fittings to
the equivalent beam on ROW K.
Make column J2 the CE. Display the Create Fitting form and select Single Full Depth from the Sub-Type
options list and 8mm_Flange_Stiffener from the list of available stiffeners.
The Justification should still be set at NAL from the previous task.
Create two single full depth stiffeners to align with the horizontal beam between column J2 and J5 at EL (+)
107160 T.O.S.
Note that the stiffener opposite the top flange is not flush with the TOS. This is because the stiffener is
centre justified and, therefore, must be moved down by half the stiffener thickness.
Note the current value and enter a new value that is 5mm less
than the current value.
The top of the stiffener is now flush with the top of the column.
Repeat the procedure to create two single full depth stiffeners on column J5.
In the Create group, click tye Create Fitting button to display the Create Fitting form. Select Lifting Lugs
from the Specification options list, Welded from the Sub-Type options list and 10mm_welded_lifting_lug
(the only option) from the list.
Select TOS from the Justification options list and enter 300 in the Zdistance textbox. Click the Apply
button to create the lifting lug 300mm from the end of the beam.
Set the Positioning Control form to Pline and Distance and enter 300 in the distance textbox. Select the
TOS Pline at the other end of the beam. The arrow aid is positioned 300mm from the selected end of the
beam and the Zdistance textbox updated with the new distance. Click the Apply button to create the new
lifting lug and close the form.
7.3.2 Joints
Select SECTIONS > Modify > Joints > Specification to display the prompt ‘Identify end of section joint
is connected to’.
Pick the end of the beam between the tops of column J2 and J5 nearest the column J2 to display the Joint
Specification form.
Select Column Connections from the Specification options list, Column Web from the Sub-Type options
list and 4M20_web from the list of available joints. Click the Properties… button to display the Modify
Properties form. Enter the following values in the appropriate textboxes:
Thickness of Plt 12
Notch Depth 0
Click the OK button on the Modify Properties form and the Apply button on the Joint Specification form
to create the joint. Close the form.
At the connection of the stair landing beam with the ROW 5 beam at EL(+) 107820 TOS, place an 8mm
Single Partial Depth stiffener to align with the centreline of the stair landing beam. The partial depth
stiffeners should be positioned in the upper part of the UB. Use a value of 150 for the Long length and 90
for the Short length.
Create a similar stiffener for the stair half landing beam at EL.(+) 104880 TOS.
Where the ROW 3 horizontal beams connect with the column webs at EL(+) 107820 TOS create a
4M20_web joint (Specification Column Connections, Sub-Type Column Web) with the following
properties:
Apply this joint to other beam/column web connections at EL(+) 107820 TOS.
Where the horizontal beams on ROWS C to H (inclusive) at EL(+) 107820 TOS connect to the column
flanges apply a 4M20_flange column connection.
On the Equipment Support Structure create a PNOD at the bottom of all the columns. Apply a
20mm_thick_attached_base plate joint to the bottom of the columns.
Save Work.
8 Planar Elements
This chapter considers the way planar elements, i.e. panels and plates, are created in AVEVA E3D.
Consideration is given to the hierarchy requirements for panel elements along with creation and modification
methods. In order to create panels and plates users must select the PLATES tab.
The Position attribute of the PANE holds the position of the panel origin with respect to the WORLD.
The Orientation attribute of the PANE holds the orientation of the panel with respect to the cardinal
axes. The Y (North) direction of a panel is defined as the direction from the first panel vertex to the
second panel vertex.
The Height attribute of the PLOO element holds the thickness of the panel.
The Sjustification attribute of the PLOO element holds the justification, i.e. top, centre or bottom, of
the panel.
The Position attribute of each PAVE element gives the vertex position with respect to the panel origin.
As with creating sections and GENSECs, some initial default settings can be made prior to modelling panel
elements.
A panel specification can be set so that a range of thicknesses or an explicit panel thickness can be used.
As panels are not catalogue items the Specification Reference (SPREF) does not have a Catalogue
Reference (CATREF) and the selected thickness may be overwritten when creating the panel. The
specification may be left unset and the panel thickness specified during panel creation.
8.4.1.1 Settings
Individual panels may be named or a given a description for additional information processing or model data
extraction by entering the required text in the Name or Description textboxes.
Where a panel specification has been selected the default thickness will
appear in the Thickness textbox. The default thickness may be
overridden by entering a new value; however, the following message
will be displayed.
Clicking Yes overrides the thickness value and sets the PANEs Spref
attribute to Unset. Clicking the No button disregards the entered
thickness value and leave the PANEs Spref set to the default value.
If no panel specification has been set, a thickness must be entered in the Thickness textbox. This value is
the distance the panel loop will be extruded through.
A panel may be justified Top, Centre or Bottom. The justification determines which direction the panel loop
will be extruded.
Top The panel loop will be extruded downwards by the panel thickness.
Centre The panel loop will be extruded downwards by half the panel thickness and upwards by half the
panel thickness
Bottom The panel loop will be extruded upwards by the panel thickness.
8.4.1.2 Representation
As panels are not catalogue items, where Drawing Levels and Obstruction values are normally set, they may
be set via the Create Panel form.
Drawing Levels and Obstruction Values are explained in the TM - 1801 AVEVA Everything3D™
Foundations training guide.
Various methods of defining panel vertex positions or fillet arcs, which determine the vertex positions, are
provided via the buttons in the Create Methods area of the form. The buttons are:
Derive points from graphic picks – allows the user to pick a point graphically using the
Positioning Control form.
Derive points from centres & plines – allows the user to construct a point using the intersection
of two Plines with an existing panel.
Trace boundary of another extrusion/panel – allows the user to create vertices which follow the
shape of an existing panel.
Explicitly defined position – allows the user to specify a position by entering explicit co-ordinates.
Point offset from previous – allows the user to specify a distance and direction which define a
point relative to the position of the preceding vertex.
Define arc fillet – allows the user to construct a fillet arc with a specified radius between two
picked tangent lines.
Derived arc passing through three points – allows the user to construct a fillet arc passing
through three picked points.
Fixed radius arc, passing through 2 points – allows the user to construct a fillet arc with a
specified radius, passing through two picked points, which curves towards a picked direction.
The panel will not be displayed in the graphics view until the third
vertex is defined, at which time the message will change to show
that the panel has been created.
Panel vertices should always be created in a clockwise direction, as viewed from above. Anti-clockwise
creation will give the wrong justification and direction.
Vertices should maintain a clockwise numbering sequence, i.e. the loop should not self intersect.
If several smaller panels are required, it is often quicker to create a large panel and split it as required.
If edge cut-outs are required, it is often quicker to create the main panel and modify it for the cut-outs.
Having created a panel, the PLOO geometry may be modified by moving, adding and deleting vertices,
edges and arcs. The vertices may also be expanded or contracted by a specified amount.
A group of vertices may be selected to be copied and inserted in a different part of the loop. Tools are
provided to modify the group, e.g. move the origin or mirroring, before the group is inserted.
The form is divided into several frames which are described in the
following sections.
Control > CE - When the form is displayed, the CE name is displayed beneath the form menu.
Navigating to another panel and selecting this option makes the new CE the panel being edited by the
form. The new CE name is displayed on the form.
Settings > Confirm - This is a toggle option. When set On the user must click the Create or Modify
button at the bottom of the form to implement each creation or modification, depending which mode is
current. When set Off, each creation or modification is implemented immediately.
Settings > Confirm on delete – This is a toggle option. When set On, the user must confirm each
deletion in order to complete the command. When set Off, deletions are implemented immediately.
Settings > Tag edges - This is a toggle option. When set On, each edge is tagged with the number of
the vertex at its start.
Edges are tagged automatically, regardless of this setting, if the panel has incorrect geometry for any
reason (e.g. zero thickness).
Settings > Free rotate - This is a toggle option. When set On this option allows groups of vertices to be
oriented automatically when they are positioned relative, to say one edge, and are then moved to a
different edge.
Utilities > Remove Redundant - This option deletes redundant vertices in situations where two or
more vertices have the same position.
Select all – allows the user to select all vertices in the loop allowing them to be modified as a group.
Select group to modify – allows the user to select any number of individual vertices so they can be
modified as a group.
Select edge to modify – allows the user to pick an edge to be modified. The adjacent Edge gadget
shows the current edge number (i.e. the number of the vertex at its start).
Select point to modify – allows the user to pick a vertex to be modified. The adjacent Vertex gadget
shows the current vertex number.
Create points – allows the user to create a new vertex, which will be allocated the next number in the
sequence after the current vertex.
8.5.1.3 Vertex/Edge
The Vertex/Edge area of the form contains a Select button and a counter that shows the current vertex or
edge, depending on the current mode. If the Select edge to modify button is clicked, the counter label will
change to Edge and the counter will show the current edge.
The Select vertex/edge button allows the user pick a vertex in the 3D View. The
adjacent Vertex/Edge counter shows the current vertex/edge number, which is
also tagged in the 3D View.
The user can navigate to a specific vertex/edge by typing its number in the
textbox or by using the up/down arrows to step through the list.
These buttons affect only the Group’s behaviour; they do not affect the vertex numbering for the panel
loop. A Group may be the entire loop if the Select all button has been used.
Reverse group definition - reverses the group definition by implicitly re-numbering all of the
group vertices in the opposite sense (i.e. clockwise or anticlockwise). The origin moves to the
other side of the ‘gap’. The sense of the current vertex sequence is shown by the aid arrow in
the 3D View.
Move start forwards - moves the ‘open-side’ of the group, and the origin, one position
‘forwards’; that is, in the sense of the vertex numbering.
Move start backwards - moves the ‘open-side’ of the group, and the origin, one position
backwards; that is, in the opposite sense to the vertex numbering.
Expand group - expands the group area by moving each edge outwards, by the distance
specified in the adjacent Expand/Contract textbox, normal to its own direction.
Contract group - contracts the group area by moving each edge inwards, by the distance
specified in the adjacent Expand/Contract textbox, normal to its own direction.
Expand/Contract applies to all edges in the Group, including those on panel protrusions. Excessive
expansion or contraction of Groups may lead to invalid loop geometry being created.
8.5.1.6 Line
If an edge is modified, the buttons in the Line area of the form become active. These options enable the
user to modify the current edge in the following ways.
Extend start of line - moves the Start vertex along the edge direction to align it through a
picked position. Use the Positioning Control options to pick the required position.
Alternatively, if a line is selected, the Start vertex will be moved along the edge direction until it
intersects the picked line. These operations can change the edge length.
Extend end of line - moves the End vertex along the edge direction to align it through a
picked position. Use the Positioning Control options to pick the required position.
Alternatively, if a line is selected, the End vertex will be moved along the edge direction until it
intersects the picked line. These operations can change the edge length.
Make line parallel - moves the free vertex (lowercase tagging) around the reference vertex to
align the edge with a picked line (another edge, a Pline etc.). This operation maintains the
edge length.
8.5.1.7 Rotate
The options in the Rotate area of the form enable the user to rotate groups of vertices in the following ways.
Rotate anti-clockwise - rotates the edge anticlockwise, through the rotation angle specified in
the Angle textbox, about the reference end (uppercase tagging). This operation maintains the
edge length.
Rotate clockwise - rotates the edge clockwise, through the rotation angle specified in the
Angle textbox about the reference end (uppercase tagging). This operation maintains the
edge length.
8.5.1.8 Modify
The options in the Modify area of the form enable the user to carry out the following operations on the
current Group selection.
Insert selected – enables the user to move a vertex group by inserting it at a different position
in the loop sequence. Use the Vertex selector to navigate to the required point in the
sequence; the group will be inserted after the current vertex.
Mirror – enables the user to move the current vertex, edge or group such that the new
positions are derived by reflecting the original positions about a picked line (an edge, Pline,
etc.).
Delete selection – enables the user to delete a group, edge or vertex from the loop definition.
Define/Modify arc – enables the user to manipulate a fillet arc at the current loop vertex.
When this button is selected the Modify Arc form will be displayed and the Loop Vertex
Editor form will become temporarily inactive.
The sphere diameter may be entered in the Aid Diameter textbox. Alternatively,
the up and down arrows adjacent to the textbox may be used. Using the arrows
will increase or decrease the size of the aid spheres in 5mm increments.
For a vertex the X and Y (East and North) co-ordinates, with respect to the panel origin, are displayed.
There is no Z co-ordinate as the panel loop is a 2D object. The Radius textbox allows the user to specify a
radius to be applied to the loop at that vertex. This value is applied to the Fradius attribute of the vertex and
may be positive or negative value.
For an edge the co-ordinates are given for the start or end of the edge. An aid is displayed in the 3D View
showing which is the start and which is the end. By default the START of the edge, i.e. the vertex with the
lowest number that forms the edge, is shown in uppercase and the end shown in lowercase. This means
that any modifications made to the currently displayed co-ordinates will affect the START only.
The options list in this area of the form becomes active when an edge is selected and enables various
options of how the edge is to behave to be selected.
Selecting the End option displays the END of the edge in uppercase and the start of the edge in lowercase.
Modifications made will apply to the END of the edge only. It should be noted that modifying the length in
either of these cases will move the edge start or end accordingly.
The Aligned option displays both the START and the END of the edge in uppercase. Generally the user will
only be able to modify an orthogonal edge in a direction normal to the edge itself. Care should be taken
when modifying a non-orthogonal edge as unexpected results may occur.
The Modify or Create button at the bottom of the form depend on the mode. In Modify mode clicking the
button will change the current vertex or edge using the values in the X, Y, Radius or Length textboxes. In
Create mode, i.e. when adding a new vertex, clicking the button will create a new vertex with the values
displayed in the X, Y or Radius text-boxes.
In addition to the functionality provided by the Loop Vertex Editor form it is also possible to manipulate the
shape of panel elements using the Model Editor.
When the Shape Editing function is started, a series of aid markers are placed at the vertex points and
edges of the panel element. The Model Editor handles are replaced with 2D Shape Editing handles,
allowing edges and vertex points to be moved in a single direction or in plane.
The options within this menu allow the user to add additional vertex points, position vertex points, and move
the shape editing handles to another location.
For further information relating to Model Editor functionality refer to the TM-1801 AVEVA
Everything3D™ Foundations guide.
Selecting the Insert Point Before… or the Insert Point After… options will create a new vertex point in the
panel loop. The created point will initially be coincident with an existing vertex point. Its location will vary
depending on the aids selected at the time the point is created and the creation option used. It may be
necessary to modify the panels geometry in another manner in order to see the new vertex point.
When creating new vertex points the user needs to be mindful of the order of vertex points in the loop to
maintain the integrity of the panels geometry.
It is not possible to set a radius value for vertex points using the Shape editing functionality.
The Undo function can be used in conjunction with the Shape Editor to rectify any changes made to the
panel geometry that were not intended.
When creating a panel the Origin is placed at the first vertex by default and the X and Y co-ordinates of all
other vertices in the panel relate to this position.
Selecting PLATES > Modify > Panels > Panel Origin and selecting a different vertex when prompted
enables the user to use a different vertex in the PLOO as the panel origin.
If the origin is redefined in this way, the coordinates of all vertices owned by the current panel loop are
recalculated relative to the new origin such that their positions in the model remain unchanged.
The In/Out checkbox enables the user to set the direction relative to the plane used to justify the panel as
shown in the following diagram. In/Out justification is significant when Panel Fittings are considered.
Specified panel vertices or panel edges may be connected to other panels or section profiles. There are a
number of connection mechanisms available, subject to the connection mode used.
Three principle modes for connecting panels exist; Edge to, Edges to, or Drag to Edge. These modes are
considered in the sections that follow.
Edges to surface - connects selected edges of a panel to the surface of another panel.
Drag edge to surface - drags selected edge of a panel to surface of another panel.
Drag edge to edge - drags selected edge of a panel to the edge of another panel.
Drag edge to section - drags selected edge of a panel to selected Pline of a section.
Trim all edges - trims all edges of current panel to suit current connections.
The way the panel geometry is modified depends on the selected option and is depicted graphically on the
buttons.
Connecting a panel to a section creates a Section Linear Joint (SELJ) element owned by the selected
section. The SELJ owns two Section Vertex (SEVE) elements that have Zdistance attributes to fix their
position along the section. Two PAVE elements of the PLOO have logical connections, via their Mvertex
attributes, to the SEVE elements.
Where the panel edge being connected is shorter than the section, the two PAVE elements describing the
edge have their Mvertex attributes set to the name of the SEVE elements.
Where the panel edge is longer than the section, the SEVE elements are set at the extremities of the
section, and two new PAVE elements are created in the PLOO. The positions of the PAVE elements
correspond to the SEVE elements and have their Mvertex attributes set to the name of the SEVE elements.
Connecting a panel to another panel creates a Panel Linear Joint (PALJ) element. The PALJ owns two
PAVE elements whose positions, generally (see below), coincide with the start and end positions of the
connected panel edge.
Two PAVE elements of the Attached panel have logical connections, via their Mvertex attributes, to the
PAVE elements of the Owning panel.
When connecting a panel to the surface of another panel, the PALJ element is owned directly by the PANE
element, even if the storage area for Panel Linear Joints has been set.
This worked example uses the equipment rack created in previous exercises. It demonstrates the creation
and modification of a panel.
Enter the PLATES application by selecting the Plates tab. Clear the Draw List and add back the
/EQUIP_SUPPORT structure. Set the limits to the Draw List and view direction to Iso 3.
Create a SBFR named EL(+)107820_TOS_PLATE owned by FRMW EL(+)107820_TOS. Make the SBFR
the CE and set the Storage Areas by clicking the appropriate buttons in the Settings group. Click the
PLATES > Create > Panels button to display the Create Panel form.
Enter 20 in the Thickness textbox and select Bottom from the Justification options list. Leave the
Representation settings at their defaults.
Make sure the Pline Rule is set to Normal and click the Derive
points from graphic picks button in the Create Methods frame.
Set the Positioning Control form to Pline and Intersect. Zoom into
the top of column C3 and select the outer top of steel (LTOS or
RTOS) Plines of the two connecting beams (not the cantilever beam).
Note that the message on the form now reads: 1 Vertices defined
(no Panel created).
Pan the view to the top of column H3 and again select the outer top of
steel (LTOS or RTOS) Plines of the two connecting beams.
Note that the message on the form now reads: 2 Vertices defined
(no Panel created).
Pan the view to the top of column H5 and again select the outer top of
steel (LTOS or RTOS) Plines of the two connecting beams (not the
stair landing beam).
Note that the message on the form now reads: 3 Vertices defined
(Panel created).
Finish the panel by panning to the top of column C5 and selecting the outside TOS Plines on the two
connecting beams (not the cantilever beam). Click the OK button on the Panel Creation form to create the
panel.
The panel requires modification to create cut-outs in the panel edge around the columns. This is achieved
by introducing new vertices into the loop.
Make sure the panel is the CE and select PLATES> Modify > Panels > Panel Boundary fr display the
Loop Vertex Editor form. Note that an axis aid, showing the axes with respect to the panel, is placed at
Vertex 1, the panel origin. First new vertices will be added to the PLOO to make a cut-out around the top of
column C3. Zoom into the top of column C3.
Change the Positioning Control form settings to Pline and Snap and press the F8 key to change the 3D
View to wire-line. Make sure the Vertex counter is on 1 and the co-ordinates are X 0 and Y 0. The first new
vertex is to be positioned between vertex 1 and vertex 2 and will have the same X co-ordinate as vertex 1.
Click the Create points button and note that the Modify button at the bottom of the form has changed to the
Create button, i.e. the form is now in Create mode. Click the X checkbox to lock the co-ordinate and pick the
Pline on the north-west corner of column C3. A New vertex label is displayed at the new vertex position.
Click the Create button on the form to create a new vertex 2.
Rewind the vertex counter to vertex 8, i.e. the last vertex in the loop. Unlock the X co-ordinate and lock the
Y co-ordinate. Pick the Pline on the south-east corner of column C3. A New vertex label is displayed at the
new vertex position. Click the Create button on the form to create a new vertex 9.
Vertex 1 needs to be moved to a new location. Click the Select point to modify button in the Mode
Selection area of the form and select vertex 1. The Create button has changed to the Modify button, i.e.
the form is now in Modify mode. Unlock the Y co-ordiante and select the Pline on the north-east corner of
column C3. A New position text displays the new position for vertex 1. Click the Modify button to move
vertex 1 to its new location.
Similar cut-outs need to be made around column E3. Set the vertex counter to 2, lock the X co-ordinate and
click the Create points button. Pick the Pline on the south-west corner of column E3 and click the Create
button to create the new vertex 3. Unlock the X co-ordinate and lock the Y co-ordinate. Press the F8 key
and pick the Pline on the south-east corner of column E3. Click the Create button to create new vertex 4.
Unlock the Y co-ordinate and lock the X co-ordinate. Pick the Pline on the north-east corner of column E3
and click the Create button to create new vertex 5. Unlock the X co-ordinate then lock the Y co-ordinate.
Pick the outside TOS Pline on the beam between column E3 and F3 and click the Create button to create
the new vertex 6.
Column F3, F5 and E5 require similar cut-outs to column E3. This may be achieved by creating a group of
the vertices that form the cut-out around column E3 and moving it to the correct location before inserting it
into the loop.
Rewind the vertex counter to 2. Click the Select group to modify button in the Mode Selection area of the
form to display the prompt ‘Pick points <escape> to select’ in the prompt area.
When selecting vertex groups it is good practise to use an orthogonal view e.g. Plan North.
Graphically pick four points, in a clockwise direction around the cut-out at the top of column E3 and press
the Esc key. The group will be defined by four spheres, one at each of the four vertices that form the cut-out
with a larger sphere at the first vertex on the group, i.e. the group origin.
Unlock the X co-ordinate and lock the Y co-ordinate. Pick the south-east pline of column F5. The group is
now located correctly at column F5, however, the order of the vertices in the group must be reversed to fit
the clockwise numbering sequence and the group must be mirrored to form a cut-out and not an outstand.
Click the Reverse group definition button in the Definition area of the form. Note the group origin has
been placed on the north side of the group. Click the Mirror button in the Modify area of the form to display
the ‘Pick line to mirror about’ prompt and graphically pick the edge of the panel. The group is mirrored to
form the correct sequence of vertices for a cut-out. Set the vertex counter to the vertex before the group
origin (i.e. 15) then click the Insert selected button.
Ensure the Positioning Control form settings are set to Pline and Snap. Unlock the Y co-ordinate and lock
the X co-ordinate. Pick the Pline on the north-east corner of column E5 to move the group. Set the vertex
counter to 19 and click the Insert selected button to create the cut-out around the top of column E5.
Click the Select All button in the Mode Selection area of the form. Enter 10 in the textbox in the
Expand/Contract area of the form and click the Contract group button. Note that the vertex indicators
move to their new positions. Click the Modify button to contract the whole loop by 10mm.
Save Work.
Create a centre justified gusset plate between column C3 and the cantilever stub beam south of ROW C at
EL.(+) 107820 T.O.S., using the following dimensions:
Click the PLATES > Connect > Connect button to display the Panel Connection form.
Click the Edge to Section button on the form to display the prompt ‘Identify edge of panel to be
connected’ in the secondary prompt area. Graphically pick near the top edge of the panel. The prompt
changes to ‘Identify pline on section to be connected to’. Pick the BOS Pline on the beam and click the
Yes button on the displayed confirmation message. Press the Esc key to complete the connection process.
Make the beam the panel is connected to the CE and note the SELJ element and the two SEVE elements
created by the connection. Query the attributes of each SEVE element and note the Zdistance and Posline
values. Make the gusset plate the CE and query the attributes of PAVE 1 and PAVE 2, noting that the
Mvertex attributes contain the name of one of the SEVE elements of the SELJ.
Modify the Specification Reference of the cantilever stub beam to 152x89UB16kg/m. The line of the SELJ
(Section Linear Joint) is visible on the underside of the beam. Click the PLATES > Connect > Trim button
and select the gusset plate when prompted and press the Esc key to end the selection process and update
the connection.
Reset the Specification Reference of the beam back to 203x133UB25kg/m and update the connection
again.
Save Work.
On the Equipment Support structure create a 20mm thick deck plate at EL(+) 104880 TOS, including the
stair half landing, in an SBFR.
Create cut-outs around the columns then contract the entire panel loop by 10mm.
Save Work.
Negative extrusions are negative geometry created to represent a hole or a cut-out in the body of the panel
away from the edges.
A panel fitting is a predefined catalogue item consisting of positive and/or negative geometries. Panel fittings
are referenced in Model by PFIT elements. Panel fittings are similar to section fittings, described earlier in
this training guide, but are owned directly by PANE elements.
A negative extrusion (NXTR element) is an extruded 2D polygonal shape that creates a cut-out in the
owning panel. NXTRs are owned by PANE elements and have a similar hierarchy structure to them:
The planar area of the negative extrusion is defined by a LOOP element. The Loop element is defined by a
set of vertices (VERT elements). The elements of the negative extrusion contain attributes that combine to
create the cut-out in the owning panel.
The Position attribute of the NXTR holds the position of the negative extrusion origin with respect to the
PANE.
The Orientation attribute of the NXTR holds the orientation of the panel with respect to the PANE. The
Height attribute of the NXTR holds the thickness of the extrusion.
The Position attribute of each VERT element gives the vertex position with respect to the extrusion origin.
As negative extrusions are owned by PANE elements the panel that will contain the NXTR must be the CE.
Individual extrusions may be named by entering a name in the textbox, however it is not usual to do so.
9.2.2 Representation
As negative extrusions are not catalogue items, where Drawing Levels and Obstruction values are
normally set, they may be set via the Create Negative Extrusion form.
Drawing Levels and Obstruction Values are explained in the TM-1801 AVEVA Everything3D™
Foundations training guide.
9.2.3 Settings
The Settings area of the form enables the user to select a surface of the panel, i.e. top or bottom, on which
the LOOP will be created and to specify the depth of the negative extrusion.
Clicking the Surface button prompts the user to Pick a surface to be used as a datum. Clicking on a
surface of the panel automatically sets the orientation for the negative extrusion, e.g. if the panel is bottom
justified and the top surface is selected, the LOOP will be created on the top of the panel and extruded
downwards.
Entering a value in the Hole depth textbox will set the depth of the negative extrusion. If the panel is to be
penetrated completely, enter a hole depth slightly greater than the thickness of the panel. This will avoid any
co-planar conflicts with the graphics display.
Entering a Hole depth value less than the panel thickness will create a partial depth hole.
The Create Methods frame is similar to the fraem on the Create Panel form, except that there are fewer
options. All of the buttons function in exactly the same way as described for Panel creation.
The same rules apply to creating a negative extrusion as to creating a panel, i.e.
Negative extrusions are modified by selecting PLATES > Modify > Panels > Boundary to display the Loop
Vertex Editor form.
The form functions in exactly the same way for Negative Extrusions as described for Panels.
This worked example demonstrates the creation and modification of a negative extrusion in a panel, using
the Equipment Support Structure.
On the 3D VIEW tab, in the Settings group, click the Graphics button to display the Graphics Settings
form. Select the Representation tab, then un-check the Holes Drawn checkbox.
Make the panel at EL(+) 107820 TOS the CE and select PLATES > Create > Panels > Negative Extrusion
to display the Create Negative Extrusion form.
Click the Surface button in the Settings area of the form and pick the top surface of the panel. As the panel
is 20mm thick enter 22 in the Hole depth textbox.
Click the Explicitly Defined Position button in the Create Methods frame to display the Define Vertex
form, note that the default co-ordinates are set to 0, 0, 0 WRT World. Enter CE in the WRT textbox and note
the co-ordinates now show the panel origin position. Enter 0 for all three co-ordinates and note that a Vertex
position label is now displayed at the panel origin.
Enter co-ordinates of East 500, North 500 and Down 0. Note that the Vertex position label has moved to
the co-ordinates specified. Click the Apply button on the form and note that a new label, Origin, is displayed
at the co-ordinates. Dismiss the Define Vertex form.
Click the Point offset from previous button to display the Define Vertex form. Enter N in the Direction
textbox and 300 in the Distance textbox. Click the Apply button on the form and note that the Last Vertex
label is displayed at the new co-ordinates and the New Vertex label is displayed at the direction and
distance specified.
Enter E and 500 respectively in the Direction and Distance textboxes and click the Apply button again to
create the third vertex. The extrusion is defined and the extrusion shape appears as black lines on the
surface of the panel.
Enter S and 300 respectively in the Direction and Distance textboxes and click the Apply button again to
create the fourth vertex. Dismiss the Define vertex form.
Check the Display modification form checkbox on the Create Negative Extrusion form and then click the
OK button. The Create Negative Extrusion form is dismissed and the Loop Vertex Editor form displayed.
Save Work.
Panels are often used to model floor and wall elements. These elements may require access points through
them. AVEVA E3D allows users to model access hatches, doors, windows, and other catalogue elements as
panel fittings.
With a suitable panel set as the current element, selecting PLATES > Create > Fittings > Single displays
the Create Panel Fitting form. The main features of this form are detailed in the sections that follow.
The Specification options list enables the user to select the type of fitting required, e.g. standard access,
standard doors, standard windows, etc.
The Generic Type options list enables the user to select the generic type of fitting described in the
specification.
The Sub-Type options list enables the user to select the sub-type of fitting e.g. a particular style of standard
access.
The scrollable list displays all available fittings for the Specification, Generic Type and Sub-Type selected.
The Justification options list enables the user to specify the positioning of the fitting within the thickness of
the panel and the direction of the fitting with respect to the panel.
The origin of the fitting, as defined in the catalogue, can be positioned on the Top, Centre or Bottom of the
panel. Inwards and outwards relates to the plane direction used to justify the panel. If the selected direction
is incorrect it may easily be modified to ensure the fitting is correctly orientated.
The Beta Angle textbox is used to specify the rotation of the fitting around its Z axis.
The Position box displays the current position of the fitting origin. By default the position is set to the origin
of the owning panel and is displayed WRT /*.
Clicking the Pick Position button displays the the Pick Fitting
Position form and the Positioning Control form.
The form shows the default fitting origin position, i.e. the panel origin,
wrt the WORLD. The position may be specified wrt the owning panel by
entering CE in the WRT textbox.
A text aid shows the position of the fitting as the co-ordinates are
adjusted.
The standard catalogue provides simple examples of panel fittings that are used for demonstration and
training purposes. It is important for companies to develop their own catalogues for all panel fitting
requirements.
This worked example demonstrates how to create and modify a panel fitting.
Make the panel at EL(+)107820 TOS the CE. Select PLATES > Create > Fittings > Single to display the
Create Panel Fitting form. Select Standard Access from the Specification options list, Access Cover
from the Generic Type options list and Standard Manhole Access from the Sub-type options list.
Click the Pick Position button to display the Pick Fitting Position form and enter CE in the WRT textbox.
Enter 0, 0, 0 in the co-ordinate textboxes and the Through Position text aid is displayed at the panel origin.
Enter co-ordinates of East 2000, North 750 and Up 0 and note that the label has moved to the new co-
ordinates. Click the OK button on the Pick Fitting Position form and note that the Position co-ordinates
have changed on the Create Panel Fitting form. Click the Apply button on the Create Panel Fitting form to
create the fitting and then close the form.
Make the panel fitting the CE and click the PLATES > Modify > Fitting button to display the Modify Panel
Fitting form. Enter 90 in the Beta Angle textbox and click the Apply button. The access cover fitting is
rotated by 90°.
Try each of the Justification options and note the changes to the position and orientation of the fitting.
Save Work.
Create a 1000mm diameter negative extrusion in the centre of the panel at EL(+)104880 TOS between
grids C and E.
Save Work.
10 Volume Modelling
Volume Models are sometimes used to represent civil items such as concrete base slabs, plinths, site roads,
or dedicated space for access and egress.
Volume models are essentially, equipment items that are not EQUI elements. They may be used to model
any item in AVEVA E3D that is to be constructed from primitives, but is not required to appear as an EQUI
element in the Model Explorer.
VOLM elements have some of the attributes of an EQUI and may own primitives directly,
with the exception of Nozzles.
VOLM elements may own one or more optional Sub-Volume Models (SVOLM) elements
which may own any primitive except Nozzles. The SVOLM elements are used to break
down Volume Models into sub-parts. They are similar to SUBE elements, sharing a number
of the same attributes.
With a ZONE as the CE, select HOME > Create > Volume Model >
Volume to display the Volume Model form.
VOLM elements may be named and the Position option lists and
textboxes enable its origin to be set with respect to any element.
With a VOLM as the CE, selecting Volume Model > Sub-Volume from the
Create group displays the Sub Volume Model form. This form is similar
to the Create Sub-equipment form.
SVOLM elements may be named and the Position option lists and
textboxes enable its origin to be set with respect to any element.
The Positioning Control form is activated when the Volume Model form
opens allowing other model geometry to be used to position the Sub-
Volume model.
Primitives may be owned directly by a VOLM element or by a SVOLM element. All primitives, except NOZZ
elements may be owned by the elements.
Primitives must be created using the Equipment module. To access the Equipment discip[line select
EQUIPMENT from the option list in the Quick Access Toolbar. A range of Primitives can be created and
modified by selecting the Primitives button from the Create or Modify groups as required.
See the TM-1811 AVEVA Everything3D™Equipment Modelling training guide for further details.
This worked example creates some civil engineering items, specifically the concrete base slab, in Area 01. It
is common in AVEVA E3D to represent concrete civil engineering works with EQUI elements. However, for
this example the slab is a UDET based on a VOLM. The plinths and bases will be UDETs based on a
SVOLM, owned by the slab.
Exit AVEVA E3D and login again as a Civils Designer using the details provided by the Trainer, for
example:
Username: A.CIVILMAN
Password: A
MDB: A-CIVIL
Module: Model
Delete the element :SLAB BASE_SLAB. This base slab and associated plinths will be re-created in the
examples and exercises that follow. The details of the slab are shown in the General Arrangement drawing
overleaf.
Click the 3D VIEW > Aids > User Grid Systems button to display the User
Grid Systems form.
Ensure AREA_01_GRID is selected on the form then click the Gridline IDs
radio button followed by the Display button.
Set the view direction to Iso 3 and click the Set View Limits to Grid
button.
Close the form. Select the Equipment discipline from the Quick Access Toolbar and navigate to /ZONE-
CIVIL-AREA01.
Click the HOME > Windows > Command Window button to display the Command Window and enter
NEW :SLAB /BASE_SLAB. The User Defined Element Type :SLAB has been previously defined in
Lexicon. Query the attributes and note that the ActType is :SLAB and the Type is VOLM.
On the Positioning Control form, set the Pick Type to Aid and the
Pick Method to Snap.
The Explicit Position form should now show the origin of the slab
at W 322000 N 289000 U 100000.
The slab profile could be made of several BOX primitives; however, it may also be made from an extrusion.
Click the EQUIPMENT > Create > Primitive button to display the Create Primitive form.
Extrusions are similar to panel elements. 2D shapes are created using vertex points that define a loop.
The loop is then extruded through a distance.
Click the Apply button to create vertex 1 and close the form..
A text aid showing the Origin of the extrusion is displayed in the 3D View.
Click the Apply button to create vertex 2. Do not dismiss the form.
A text aid showing the Last Vertex is displayed in the vertex 2 position. Note that on the Create Extrusion
form the text 2 Vertices defined (No extrusion created) is displayed. As with panel elements, a minimum
of three points are required to describe a shape; therefore the extrusion is not displayed until after the
creation of the third vertex.
Using the Define vertex form, continue creating the remaining vertices using the data from the following
table, remembering to click the Apply button on the Define vertex each time new data is entered. The
number of vertices created is displayed on the Create Extrusion form.
Vertex
Direction Distance
No.
3 E 17400
4 D 600
5 E 1600
6 U 1200
7 W 450
8 D 900
9 W 900
10 U 900
11 W 16950
12 D 400
13 W 450
14 U 400
After creating vertex 14, close the Define vertex form. Click the OK button on the Create Extrusion form.
This exercise creates further civil engineering elements for the Stabiliser Plant Area 01, specifically
equipment bases and column plinths.
To see where equipment bases are required, add the Site SITE-EQUIPMENT-AREA01 from the Model
Explorer.
The Plinths and Bases will be created using UDET’s that have been created for this purpose. Both the
:PLINTH and the :BASE UDET are based on a SVOLM element and will be owned by the slab created in
the worked example.
Each plinth should be named using its grid reference, i.e. PLINTH_C3, PLINTH_C5, etc. A plinth will be
modelled using a single BOX primitive 400mm square on plan and 400mm high (i.e. the top of each plinth is
at EL.(+) 100400). Plinths for the Equipment Structure are located at the intersection of gridline IDs C3, C5,
E3, E5, E6, F3, F5, H3, and H5.
Seven equipment bases are required; one for Stabilizer Column C1101, two for the Reboiler E1301 and one
each for the Pumps P1501A, P1501B, P1502A and P1502B.
The base for C1101 is to be created as a UDET :BASE. The base will be 2200mm square in plan and be
305mm high, i.e. the top of the base is at EL. (+) 100305. The base should be centred on the centreline of
the Stabilizer Column and consist of a single BOX primitive.
The bases for E1301 is to be created as a UDETs :BASE. Each base is 750mm long in the East/West
direction, 500mm long in the North/South direction and is 845mm high, i.e. the top of the base is at EL. (+)
100845. The bases should be centred on the equipment saddles and consist of a single BOX primitive.
The bases for P1501A and P1501B are to be created as UDETs :BASE. Each base will be 1440mm long x
560mm wide x 305mm high, i.e. the top of the bases is at EL. (+) 100305. The bases should be centred on
the pump baseplates and consist of a single BOX primitive.
The bases for P1502A and P1502B are to be created as UDETs :BASE. Each base will be 1730mm long x
840mm wide x 305mm high, i.e. the top of the bases is at EL. (+) 100305. The bases should be centred on
the pump baseplates and consist of a single BOX primitive.
The finished civil works for the Area 01 should look like this:
11 Material Assignment
The structural elements in a model may be assigned a material reference so that mass properties, i.e.
weight and Centre of Gravity, may be calculated and reported.
Structural materials are stored in the Properties database as Solid (SOLI) elements. The
SOLI element has Name and Description attributes that are used in the assignment of
materials for structural elements.
The SOLI owns a Table of Density (TDEN) element that owns a Spot Density (SDEN)
element. The SDEN element has a Density attribute that holds the material’s density in
kg/m³.
Materials are generally defined by the Administrator and may be Project specific,
depending on the structural material naming required for a project. For example, steel
grade ASTM A36 may be defined as Type 1 steel on certain projects with the definition
being held in the Project Specification.
Materials are assigned to structural elements via the Material Reference (Matref) attribute for the following
elements:
Framework (FRMW)
Subframe (SBFR)
Section (SCTN)
Panel (PANE)
Collection – this option makes the current collection the starting point for the material assignment. If no
collection exists an error message is displayed.
Pick – this option enables elements to be picked form the 3D view to apply the material reference to.
The list on the Set Material form displays all of the material in the Properties database that may be
assigned to the structural elements. The names in the list are the Description attribute of the SOLI
elements and the displayed density is the value from the Density attribute of the SDEN element owned by
SOLI element. Selecting an entry in the list highlights the material.
The Cascade Material to all offspring checkbox, if checked, assigns the selected material to all valid
elements below the selected CE, in the current list or elements picked from the 3D view.
For the CE and Collection options, clicking the Apply button after selecting a material highlights the valid
elements to which the material will be applied and displays a confirmation message.
For the Pick option, clicking the Apply button enables elements to be picked form the 3D view. The picking
process is terminated by pressing the Esc key. The picked elements are then highlighted and a confirmation
message displayed.
Clicking the Yes button sets the Matref attribute for the valid elements
to the Name of the SOLI element.
If a structural model contains many members that have the same material reference, it is often more
expedient to assign all elements with the predominant material and then modify the few (specific) elements.
If material is assigned to a FRMW or SBFR before any elements are created below them, the valid created
elements will inherit the same material reference as their owner.
Positive geometry in catalogue fittings and joints may be assigned a different material to the owning section
or panel by applying a different Matref to a FITT, SJOI or PFIT. However, all positive geometry in the
catalogue fitting or joint will have the same material reference.
If individual components of a fitting or joint require different material references they must be created as
template fittings and joints which contain individual sections and panels that may be individually assigned
materials.
If a FITT, SJOI or PFIT do not have a Matref set then any mass property calculations will assume that these
elements have the same material reference as their owner.
Exit AVEVA E3D and re-enter as a Structural Designer using the details provided by the Trainer, for
example:
Username: A.STEELMAN
Password: A
MDB: A-STRUCTURAL
Module: Model
Navigate to STRU EQUIP_SUPPORT below SITE SITE-STRUCTURAL-AREA01 to make it the CE and add
it to the 3D view. Make the view direction Iso 3 and click the Zoom to Draw List tile in the 3D View.
Right click the FRMW ROW_3_BRACING in Model Explorer and select Attributes… from the pop-up menu
to display the Attributes form. The FRMWs Matref attribute is set to Nulref, indicating that no material has
been assigned to the FRMW. Repeat this process with some of the SCTNs in the FRMW and check some of
the other FRMWs, SCTNs and PANEs.
Make STRU EQUIP_SUPPORT the CE and click the SECTIONS > Tools > Material button to display the
Set Material form.
Select the material S275JR Steel from the list, check the Cascade Material to all offspring checkbox and
click the Apply button to highlight the complete Equipment Support Structure and display the confirmation
message.
Click the Yes button on the confirmation message. Do not dismiss the Set Material form. Select various
members of the STRU EQUIP_SUPPORT and check the Matref setting. All of them will return /GR275.
A number of material definitions have been updated in AVEVA E3D. However, to maintain compatibility
with other AVEVA products old Matref descriptions have been maintained. Hence there may be a
difference between the description selected and the Matref description returned.
Make a collection named COLS and add the nine columns of the Equipment Support structure to it. Close
the Collections form.
On the Set Material form select Collection from the options list at the top of the form and note that the
name COLS is displayed next to the options list.
Select material S355J0 Steel from the list and click the Apply button on the Set Material form. Note that the
nine columns have been highlighted. Click the Yes button on the confirmation message.
Navigate to column D3 and check that the Matref attribute is /GR355I. Navigate to SNOD 7 of column E3
and check the Matref of each of the three SJOI elements owned by the SNOD. Note that each one is set to
/GR355I and, therefore, the ‘end plates’ on the beam to column joints will be assigned this material.
On the Set Material form select Pick from the options list at the top of the form, select material GR275 from
the list and click the Apply button to display the prompt ‘Identify element’ in the secondary prompt area.
Pick the panel on the top level of the Equipment Support Structure and press the Esc key.
Select material TREAD GRADE from the list and click the Apply button on the Set Material form to display
the ‘Identify element’ prompt again. This time pick the both the upper and lower panels of the Equipment
Support Structure and press the Esc key. Note that both panels are highlighted. Click the Yes button on
the confirmation message.
Save Work.
For the PIPERACK structure assign the material S275JR to all horizontal beams and bracing members and
material S355J0 to all columns.
Save Work.
12 Hole Management
12.1 Overview
On a typical AVEVA project it is necessary for designers to create holes in panel elements, i.e. deck plates,
grating, walls, floors, etc. This can have a significant impact on design integrity and cost. Within AVEVA E3D
the Hole Management utility can be used to assist designers in managing the processes of hole creation and
modification.
AVEVA E3D controls and manages holes using the Hole Management utility which facilitates:
Communication of hole data between disciplines including the Request and Approval processes.
Ensuring holes are only created by users with appropriate write access permissions.
Performing validation checks on managed holes and providing feedback to users on the hole status.
Generally in AVEVA Plant projects discipline Designers do not have write access to items created by other
disciplines, i.e. a Piping Designer does not have write access to Structural elements and Structural
Designers do not have write access to Piping elements, etc.
In the Hole Management utility penetration holes are specified and requested by the penetrating discipline,
normally piping, HVAC or equipment designers. Approval of hole requests is provided by the team that owns
the penetrated element, normally structural Designers. For cases where a penetration is required, say, for a
steel section through a deck/floor plate, the hole would be specified, requested and approved by the
structural discipline.
The specification of a penetration hole by the relevant discipline in the appropriate Design application
creates a ‘virtual hole’ in the panel element, consisting of a FRMW and two FIXING elements. Each fixing
element has a Specification Reference (Spref) attribute that points to the hole definition in the catalogue. An
Association (ASSOC) element that references all of the hole elements is also created.
Once the ‘virtual hole’ has been created the penetrating discipline enters the Hole Management application
and requests the hole. The owner of the panel, normally the Structural discipline, then reviews and approves
(or rejects) the hole request using the mechanism provided by the Hole Management application.
The act of approving the request creates the ‘actual’ hole as a PFIT owned by the PANE element. The Hole
Management application checks and validates the hole using the association restrictions and stores data on
the hole history and status. Only valid holes may be approved. For a structural penetration the Structural
Designer may be both the requester and approver. Specific company procedures, controlled by Data Access
Control (DAC), may be required if the Originator and Reviewer need to be different personnel.
Once the penetration hole has been specified and the ‘virtual’ hole created, the Hole Management
application provides a series of tasks for the Originator (Penetrating discipline) and Reviewer (Structural
discipline). These tasks are:
Redundant Reject
Delete Entry
There are three main workflow scenarios for the request/approval cycle that are detailed in the following
sections.
In this workflow the Originator creates the ‘virtual’ hole and then either requests it or deletes the entry.
Once requested, the Originator may cancel the request and delete the entry prior to it being reviewed.
If requested and not cancelled or deleted, the Reviewer checks the hole details and, if acceptable, approves
it, thereby creating the ‘actual’ hole.
If the Reviewer rejects the hole, the Originator may re-request the hole without modification, modify the
‘virtual’ hole and then re-request it, cancel the request or delete the entry.
In this workflow the ‘actual’ hole has been created. The Originator decides that the hole is now redundant
and sets its status to Redundant.
Before the Originator can delete the entry the Reviewer must agree that the hole is redundant.
In this workflow the ‘actual’ hole has been created. The Reviewer, possibly due to changed conditions,
decides to reject the hole. The Originator has the option to:
Modify the hole and re-request it, whereby it will go through the normal review and approval cycle.
Cancel the request, in which case the ‘virtual’ hole details remain
Delete the entry, in which case the entire hole is deleted and the ‘virtual’ hole and association deleted.
The ‘actual’ hole is deleted and the panel restored to its original state.
In addition to penetration holes, the Hole Management application enables creation of non-penetration holes
in structural panels. These holes fall into two general categories:
Holes in structural elements to allow access, e.g. access through a panel to a valve stem.
Holes that are created by panel fittings, e.g. a hatch, door, window, etc.
For non-penetration managed holes that are not created by a fitting, with the exception of a User Defined
hole type, the ‘virtual’ hole is created as a single FIXING in a new FRMW. This fixing has a Specification
Reference (Spref) attribute that points to the hole definition in the catalogue. An Association (ASSOC)
element that references all of the hole elements is also created. Approving the hole creates an PFIT owned
by the PANE.
User Defined hole shapes are created using a template and negative extrusion in a similar way as described
below for Fitting holes.
For non-penetration holes that are created by a panel fitting, the ‘virtual’ hole is created as a single FIXING
in a new FRMW. The fixing owns a Template (TMPL) element that owns a negative extrusion (NXTR) whose
vertices describe the required hole shape. The fitting is created as a FIXING element owned by the PANE
whose Spref attribute points into the catalogue to the selected fitting. An Association (ASSOC) element that
references all of the hole elements is also created. Approving the hole creates an NXTR owned by the
PANE that is a copy of the ‘virtual’ hole NXTR.
Non-penetration managed holes, of either type, may be associated with any other element in Model. The
holes have the same request/approval process as penetration holes, however, as they are created solely by
the structural discipline the Structural Designer may be both the requester and approver.
The Hole Management application, as with other applications that use associations, is passive, i.e. the user
is not alerted if a hole association is broken or invalidated. The user must enter the Hole Management
application and actively verify if the association is still valid.
The use of the application will vary from company to company. In some it may be down to the individual
designers to request and approve holes, whilst in others it may be the discipline lead designer or a
designated user who performs the tasks.
Although the creation and requesting of a non-structural penetration hole is generally performed by non-
structural personnel, e.g. Piping Designers, Equipment Designers, HVAC Designers, etc., for the purposes
of this worked example, i.e. to show the complete workflow, these types of holes will be created and
requested as well as approved.
Hole Management workflow depends on the various discipline elements being in different databases with no
write access from other disciplines, e.g. Structural Designers do not have write access to Piping components
and vice-versa; this would normally require the user to be logged in as a specific discipline Designer.
For the purposes of this worked example the Switch User tab in the Training Setup form will be used.
The first penetration to be considered is a pipe passing through a panel. The penetration will be created by
the piping discipline. As such, the user details for a piping user need to be entered. The trainer will provide
the required login details, typically they will be of the form:
Username: A.Piper
Password: A
Enter the login details in the New User Name and New User Password textboxes in the Switch User tab.
Click the Switch button and click the Yes button on the resulting save work confirmation message. Close
the Training Setup form.
Select the PIPING discipline from the options list in the Quick Access Toolbar and navigate to the PIPING
tab. Empty the Drawlist then navigate to SITE-STRUCTURAL-AREA02 and add ZONE
WORKSHOP_BUILDING to the 3D View.
Click the Pick Penetrating Items button on the form and select
pipe 0350-FIRE-52/B1. The pipe name is displayed in the grid
below the button.
The Hole type frame contains a Class options lists that enables
the user to select the class of hole, i.e. Standard Types, Piping
penetration piece tables and Pipe Duct.
Note that the Diameter value has increased from 115mm to 165mm, i.e.
the pipe OD + 2 x the clearance.
The ‘virtual’ hole fixing is displayed at the specified diameter (the outer of
the two fixing extrusions shown).
The Set to Minimum button resets the hole shape parameters to the minimum value(s) required to create a
valid hole. In this example clicking the button would set the Diameter back to 115mm.
The number and description of parameters in the Hole shape parameters area of the form varies
depending on the Hole type selected.
The Positioning frame enables an offset in the X and Y directions for the penetration hole to be specified by
entering appropriate values in the X Offset and Y Offset textboxes. This enables the penetrating item to be
eccentric to the penetration hole, which may be required in some circumstances.
The Rotation gadget enables the hole shape be rotated to align the hole in a different direction. This is only
relevant on non-circular hole shapes. The rotation value may be set by using the up or down arrow or by
entering a value in the textbox.
The Single or Merged hole penetrations frame at the top of the form enables individual single holes or a
merged hole to be specified for multiple penetrating items by selecting the appropriate radio button. As there
is only one penetrating item in this example the options are disabled.
Click the OK button on the Hole Management – Definition form to create the FRMW and two ‘virtual’ hole
FIXING elements, one for the clearance diameter and one for the penetration hole, in the STRU whose
Purpose attribute is set to HOLE; STRU VH-Stru in the SITE HM-Virtual-Holes for this example.
The top level fixing is auto-numbered using the format HM-VH-nnnn, where nnnn is a four digit sequential
number starting at 0001. The secondary level fixing is auto-numbered using the format HM-VH-nnnn-SUB-
nn, where HM-VH-nnnn is the name of the top level fixing and nn is a two digit sequential number starting
at 01.
The association is created in the ASSOGP whose Purpose attribute is set to HOLE and is automatically
named using the format HM-ASSOC-nnnn, where nnnn is a four digit sequential number starting at 0001.
Select PIPING > Penetrate > Holes > Hole Manager to display the Hole Association Manager form.
This form is used to display the Hole Associations in the model and utilises Hole Association Filters.
List of Elements – applies the filters to the elements in the Elements to manage list at the bottom
right of the form.
The Reset link label clears the list and adds the current element to it.
The Refresh link label starts the filtered search for all managed holes that reference any item in the list.
All Managed Holes – applies the filters to all the managed holes in the project.
Discipline – enables the user to select only holes belonging to a specific discipline.
Status – enables the user to select only holes with a specific approval status.
Claimed – enables the user to select holes with a specific claim status.
Valid – enables the user to select only holes that have passed/failed the validation test.
Note that having any other option other than Not Checked may significantly slow down the list
generation, as the validation tests will be run for every hole that passed the previous three filter options.
The Invalid checkbox, if checked, will include all hole associations that have any bad references or invalid
data. The checkbox is enabled if the List of elements or All Managed Holes radio buttons are selected.
The Apply filter link label refreshes the Hole Associations list according to the element(s) and filter(s)
selected.
Click the Apply filter link label. This displays all the hole associations that reference the panel (this example
contains only one).
The associations(s) are displayed in a grid gadget that gives information about the association including its
status and validity. The standard grid gadget sorting and grouping functionality may be used on the data.
Validate – this option validates the hole association by checking the four restrictions. Details of the
restrictions are given later in this worked example. If all restrictions are satisfied the Valid column entry
for the association is changed to Passed. If one or more of the restrictions are not satisfied then the
Valid column entry is changed to Failed.
Add to 3D View – this option adds the association elements, i.e. the panel, branch and ‘virtual’ hole
fixings, to the 3D View.
Remove from 3D View – this option removes the association elements from the 3D View.
Focus on Hole – this option ‘zooms’ in to the selected hole. This is very useful in a complex model with
many penetration holes.
Save/Unclaim - this option enables the user to save the data and release the claim(s) to the selected
holes.
Export list to Excel – this option displays the Save Hole Association List As file browser form where
a location and filename for the exported grid may be specified. Clicking the Save button on the browser
creates an .xls file with the specified name.
Print list – this option displays a Print Preview form that enables the association list to be viewed and
printed.
Right click on the single entry in the grid and select Focus on Hole from the pop-up menu. Note the 3D
View has zoomed into the penetration hole. Right click on the entry in the grid again and select Validate
from the pop-up menu. The Valid column entry will change to Passed.
Make sure the hole is highlighted (if there was more than one hole any number may be selected) and click
the Manage Selected Holes link label to display the Hole Management form:
The selected hole(s) are displayed in a grid gadget with different information to that of the Hole Association
Manager form.
Note that the Status column entry is blank, indicating that this hole has not been previously managed.
Selecting the Show Tags checkbox at the top of the form places a
text aid graphic in the 3D view at the hole association being
considered.
Right clicking in the column headers or any of the fields displays a pop-up menu.
The pop-up menu has same options to the Hole Association Management form
pop-up menu described earlier, except that the Navigate To option does not
have a sub-menu and navigates to the Association (ASSOC) element.
The Hole Management form contains fold-up panels for Selected hole data, Hole validation results and
Hole History. Open the Selected Hole Data fold-up panel to display the data for the hole:
Each element involved in the penetration hole is listed, including the two ‘virtual’ hole fixings. One
element, in this case the branch, i.e. the penetrating item, is the Primary Member.
Close the Selected Hole Data fold-up panel and open the Hole validation results fold-up panel.
The grid shows the results of the validation tests using the four association restrictions; the result for each
one being either PASS or FAIL.
Check existence of all associated elements – this test checks that all of the elements involved in the
association exist. It is possible that the panel, branch or other elements may have been deleted after
the penetration hole was created.
Check all associated elements intersect the Hole Owner – this test checks that the associated
elements actually pass through the owning panel. It is possible that the panel or the branch may have
been moved since the penetration hole was created.
Check all ATTAs/FITTs and FIXINGs are coincident – this test checks that all of the Attachments
(ATTAs) used for pipe and HVAC branches, and Fittings (FITTs) for structural sections, are coincident
with the ‘virtual’ hole fixings.
Check FIXINGs are within the owning FIXING – this option checks that the clearance fixing is within
the penetration hole fixing.
If one or more of the test fail, then the whole association fails and the hole cannot be requested.
Additional information may be obtained on the validation tests by hovering the cursor over a line in the Hole
validation results list, thereby displaying a tooltip with further information.
Close the Hole validation results fold-up panel and open the Hole History fold-up panel. There are no
entries in the panel as no tasks have been actioned for the hole. Close the Hole History panel.
The Hole Comment textbox enables a comment to be added to the latest action by entering an appropriate
comment and clicking the Save button. Only the latest action comment is kept as no provision is made to
store them.
Click the Request link label and click the Yes button on the
displayed confirmation message.
Open the Hole History fold-up panel and note that an entry has been made detailing the change in status of
the hole.
Note that the Originator tasks are now inactive. Return to the Hole Association Manager form then
dismiss the form.
Open the Hole Association Manager form, select the displayed hole and click the Manage Selected
Holes link label.
With the graphical view of the penetration hole visible, click the
Approve link label and click the Yes button on the displayed
confirmation message.
Note that the ‘virtual’ hole fixings have disappeared and the ‘actual’
hole has been created in the panel.
The ‘virtual’ hole fixings have not been deleted but removed
from the Drawlist. There are retained in event of the hole being
modified.
Open the Hole History fold-up panel and note the new Status column entry.
Click the Return to Hole Associations link label at the bottom of the Hole Management form to return to
the Hole Association Manager form. Close the Hole Association Manager form.
Select PIPING > Penetrate > Pipe > Create Penetration to display the Create Penetration form.
Leave the Radius at the default of 25 and set the Rotation to 45.
Select PIPING > Penetrate > Holes > Hole Manager to display the Hole Association Manager form.
With the penetrated panel as the CE, click the Apply filter link label to update Hole Associations grid.
Right click on the new hole in the grid and select Validate from the pop-up menu.
Click the Manage Selected Holes link label to display the Hole Management form. Click the Request link
label under the Originator Tasks and click the Yes button on the warning message.
Click the Return to Hole Associations link label at the bottom of the Hole Management form to return to
the Hole Association Manager form. Close the Hole Association Manager form.
Open the Training Setup form and navigate to the Switch User tab. Enter login details for the Structural
user and click the Switch User button. Accept the savework confirmation message then dismiss the
Training Setup form.
Open the Hole Association Manager form, select the displayed hole and click the Manage Selected Holes
link label.
In the Hole Comment textbox enter Hole must be circular and click the Save button.
Click the Reject link label under the Reviewer Tasks and click the Yes button on the confirmation message.
The hole has been rejected by the Reviewer, however, the comment indicates that if the hole is circular then
it will be approved. Therefore, the Originator must decide if the square hole is definitely required or a
circular hole will be OK. For the purpose of this worked example the latter will be used. Click the Return to
Hole Associations link label. Dismiss the Hole Association Manager form.
Open the Training Setup form and navigate to the Switch User tab. Enter login details for the Piping user
and click the Switch User button. Accept the savework confirmation message then dismiss the Training
Setup form.
Open the Hole Association Manager form, select the rejected hole and right click in the grid. From the
pop-up menu Modify Definition. The Hole Management – Definition form will be displayed.
Select Circular Hole – Type D from the Type options list. Note that the entry of 130 has been retained from
the previous use of this hole type and click the Set to Minimum button to make the entry 165 in the
Diameter textbox. Click the OK button on the Hole Management – Definition form.
With the penetrated panel as the CE, click the Apply filter link label to update Hole Associations grid.
Right click on the rejected hole and select Validate from the pop-up menu.
Click the Manage Selected Holes link label to display the Hole Management form. Click the Request link
label and the Yes button on the confirmation message. Click the Return to Hole Associations link label.
Dismiss the Hole Association Manager form.
Open the Training Setup form and navigate to the Switch User tab. Enter login details for the Structural
user and click the Switch User button. Accept the savework confirmation message then dismiss the
Training Setup form.
Open the Hole Association Manager form, select the requested hole and click the Manage Selected
Holes link label.
Click the Approve link label under the Reviewer Tasks to create the ‘actual’ hole. Open the Hole History
fold-up panel and note the entries.
Click the Return to Hole Associations to display the Hole Association Manager form.
Click the Reject link label under the Reviewer Tasks and then click the Yes button on the confirmation
message. The hole status has now changed to Rejected.Click the Return to Hole Associations link label.
Dismiss the Hole Association Manager form.
Open the Training Setup form and navigate to the Switch User tab. Enter login details for the Piping user
and click the Switch User button. Accept the savework confirmation message then dismiss the Training
Setup form.
Open the Hole Association Manager form, select the rejected hole then click the Manage Selected Holes
link label.
The Originator now has the option to modify the hole definition, as described above, Cancel Request or
Delete Entry, which have the following affects:
Cancelling the request removes the ‘actual’ hole and resets the Hole History Status to blank, i.e. it
has been reset to its original status after the ‘virtual’ hole was created but before it was requested. The
‘virtual’ hole fixings and hole management associations are retained so that the hole may be modified
and re-requested later.
Deleting the entry deletes the ‘actual’ hole, the ‘virtual’ hole fixings and the hole management
associations, restoring the panel to its original state before the penetration was created. All references
to the ‘virtual’ hole are deleted.
For this worked example the request will be cancelled and then the entry deleted.
Click the Cancel Request link label under the Originator Tasks
to display the cancel confirmation message.
Open the Hole History fold-up panel and note that the hole status is blank, i.e. Note also that the ‘virtual’
hole fixings are still present.
Click the Delete Entry link label under the Originator Tasks to
display the remove confirmation message.
Note that all references to the hole have been deleted from the Hole Management form and the ‘virtual’
hole fixings have also been deleted, restoring the panel to its original state before the penetration was
created.
Click the Return to Hole Associations link label. Dismiss the Hole
Association Manager form.
Before the Originator can delete the entry the Reviewer has to agree it is redundant.
Open the Training Setup form and navigate to the Switch User tab. Enter login details for the Structural
user and click the Switch button. Accept the savework confirmation message then dismiss the Training
Setup form.
Open the Hole Association Manager form, select the redundant hole then click the Manage Selected
Holes link label.
Click the Agree Redundant link label under the Originator Tasks
to display the redundant confirmation message.
Open the Hole History fold-up panel and note that the hole status
has been set to Withdrawn.
Click the Return to Hole Associations link label. Dismiss the Hole Association Manager form.
Open the Training Setup form and navigate to the Switch User tab. Enter login details for the Piping user
and click the Switch User button. Accept the savework confirmation message then dismiss the Training
Setup form.
Open the Hole Association Manager form, select the withdrawn hole then click the Manage Selected
Holes link label. The only Originator task now available is Delete Entry. Click this link label to delete the
hole entry and restore the panel at the penetration.
Close the Hole Management form. Open the Training Setup form and navigate to the Switch User tab.
Enter login details for the Structural user and click the Switch User button. Accept the savework
confirmation message then dismiss the Training Setup form.
The previous worked example created a non-structural (piping) penetration hole and demonstrated the
Originator and Reviewer tasks. In this example penetration holes for structural profiles penetrating panels,
including merged penetrations, are created and modified.
As mentioned previously, as both elements normally belong to the structural discipline the user has write
access to both elements and, therefore, may be the Originator and Reviewer. If company procedures require
the Originator and Reviewer are different personnel then DAC would need to be established to control the
workflow.
Click the Pick Penetrated Items button and select the ceiling
panel.
Clearance:25
Width: 400
Height: 400
Radius: 25
Navigate to the first level fixing for the penetration (the ‘virtual’
hole) and query its attributes, noting that the Spref attribute
has been set to /HM-HOLE/TYPE-HR.
The column in the southwest corner of building B01 will be used to demonstrate merged penetrations.
Make this column the CE then, using the Common > Copy Element > Copy with Offset function, create 2
additional columns. One column needs to be created 700mm to the East and the other column need to be
created 700mm to the North. The completed columns should look similar to this Iso 1 view:
Navigate to the ‘virtual’ hole fixing and note that it owns a template (TMPL) element that owns an extrusion
(EXTR) that defines the shape of the hole.
When the hole is approved a negative extrusion (NXTR) is created in the panel whose shape is copied from
the EXTR. The ‘virtual’ hole EXTR is not deleted in case the hole is subsequently rejected and the shape
needs to be modified.
Note that the ‘virtual’ hole fixing owns three other fixings, one for each of the clearances around the
penetrating items.
Before requesting the hole, the penetration may be modified, if required. For the worked example the profile
shape of the penetration will be changed and enlarged.
Make the ‘virtual’ hole fixing the CE and select SECTIONS > Penetrate > Holes > Modify Hole to display
the Hole Management – Definition form.
With the form in modify point mode, advance the vertex counter
to Vertex 5 then lock the X co-ordinate. Change the mode to
Create Points.
Click the Select All button to select all loop vertices. Enter 25 in
the Expand/Contract textbox and click the Expand group
button followed by the Modify button. This expands the loop by
25mm all round.
Close the Loop Vertex Editor form. Click the OK button on the
Hole Management – Definition form.
The ‘virtual’ hole should now look similar to this Iso 1 view.
Two hole associations, named HM-ASSOC-0009 and HM-ASSOC-0010, with a Discipline of STRU are
displayed. Select both associations, right click in the grid and select Validate from the pop-up menu. Both
associations will pass.
Click the Manage Selected Holes link label to display the Hole Management form. Select HM-ASSOC-
0009 from the grid and click the Request link label under Originator Tasks followed by the Approve link
label under Reviewer Tasks, clicking the Yes button on the Status change confirmation messages.
Select HM-ASSOC-0010 from the grid and repeat the Request and Approval tasks. Click the Return to
Hole Associations link label to re-display the Hole Association Manager form and close the form.
Sometimes access is required through structural panels, i.e. walls, cladding, decks, floors, etc, in order to
maintain and operate items of plant. To facilitate this process the Hole Management utility allows the
creation and management of Non- Penetration Managed Holes.
Non-penetration managed may be created by any valid discipline and go through the same Request and
Approval workflow as described for penetration holes.
Free Holes – these are standard hole shapes, some of which include sleeves or kicker plates. A User
defined shape is also available.
Fitting Holes – these are managed holes created by a catalogue fitting, e.g. a window, door, hatch,
access cover, etc.
The Hole Type list shows the available holes. The first six
entries are the same hole types available for penetration
holes.
The Hole Management – Free Hole Definition form has two tabs:
Hole Definition – to define the shape, size, position and rotation of the hole.
Associated elements – to define the element(s) the hole is to be associated with, e.g. a piece of
equipment.
Clicking the Pick Association Elements link label prompts the user
to ‘Pick associated item’. Any item(s) may be picked to associate
the hole with, however, this would normally be a piece of equipment,
a valve, an actuator, etc.
Having specified all of the requirements for the hole, clicking the OK button on the Hole Management –
Free Hole Definition form creates the ‘virtual’ hole.
The hole must be requested and approved using the procedure previously described. The Project
Administrator should give consideration to the unique situation that may occur where the team responsible
for originating the hole is also responsible for approving the hole. Company or Project specific procedures
may be required to ensure the hole creation process is correctly managed.
Selecting PLATES > Penetrate > Create Fitting Hole displays the Create Hole Fittings form which gives
access to catalogue panel fittings that, when inserted, create a ‘virtual’ hole in the panel.
Fitting Definition – to define the fitting and its position, rotation and justification.
Associated elements – to define the element(s) the hole is to be associated with, e.g. a piece of
equipment.
The fitting may also be rotated using the Rotation gadget. The Panel side options list in the Adjust fitting
orientation frame enables the fitting to be placed on the Front Face or Back Face of the panel. These
options are not active until a panel has been picked.
The Hole Fittings form Associated elements tab looks like, and is functionally the same as, the Free Hole
Definition form Associated elements tab described previously.
This worked example creates two free holes, with and without a sleeve, and a fitting hole in a panel. Make
sure the STRUCTURES discipline is current.
Width 2800
Height 4000
Radius 50
Note that the hole has moved in the Y axis and the Y
Offset value has been updated on the form.
Click the Apply button on the form to create the ‘virtual’ hole. Navigate to the virtual hole fixing and query
the attributes. Note that the Spref has been set to /HM-HOLE/TYPE-HR and that the Design Parameters
contain the entered values.
Create a new free definition hole in the north east corner of building
B01. This time select a Rectangular Hole – Type HR with Sleeve
from the hole type list. Enter the following values in the Hole shape
parameters textboxes:
Width: 1500
Height: 1500
Radius: 25
Sleeve Thickness: 10
Ensure the rotation is set to 0°. Click the OK button on the form to
create the ‘virtual’ hole. It should look similar to the Iso 3 view
shown.
Navigate to the ‘virtual’ hole fixing and query the Spref. Note that it
is set to /HM-HOLE/SL/TYPE-HR, i.e. a different catalogue
component to the first free hole created.
Select PLATES > Penetrate > Holes > Hole Manager to display the Hole Association Manager form.
Make the panel the CE and click the Apply filter link label to update the Hole Associations list.
The Hole Associations list on the form should display three new hole associations, HM-VH-0003, HM-VH-
0004 and HM-VH-0005 with a Discipline entry of GEN, GEN and FITT respectively.
Select the three associations by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on each one in turn. All three
associations will be highlighted. Right click in the grid and select Validate from the pop-up menu. All three
holes will pass.
Click the Manage Selected Holes link label to display the Hole Management form.
Select HM-ASSOC-0003 then click the Request link label under the Originator Tasks. Click the Approve
link label under the Reviewer Tasks and click the Yes button on the two status change confirmation
messages.
Repeat the process for the remaining two holes. Click the Return to Hole Associations link label and close
the form.
Save Work.
This exercise creates various types of penetration holes and non-penetration managed holes. It uses both
the Originator and Reviewer Tasks to then manage the holes.
Clear the Drawlist and add back the Zone AREA02_WORKSHOP_BUILDING and SITE SITE-HVAC-
AREA02. Create a penetration for the HVAC element protruding through the southern wall.
Using the HVAC Designer application and the Plates structural utility, create a number of penetrations
through floors and ceilings for other HVAC items in building B01.
This appendix gives the Plines and Parameters for each Generic type (Gtype) shape used to construct
the AVEVA Standard Profile Catalogues.
Clicking a colour button then dismissing the form will set the Aid line colour.
List… - this option displays the Aid Constructors form which details all constructs created by type.
Save… - this option displays the Save Construction Graphics file browser form that enables the user
to save all of the constructs to a specified pathname and filename.
Load… - this displays the Load Construction Graphics file browser form that enables the user to
restore the constructs from a saved pathname and filename.
Close - Selecting the Close option closes the 3D Aid Constructs form.
Repeat - If this option is set ON, indicated by a checkmark adjacent to the menu label, the user can
continue to create the same type of construct until the Esc key is pressed. If the option is OFF the
construct creation is discrete. The option is toggled ON and OFF by alternate selections.
The Apply to radio buttons enable the user to apply this value to New
working points or those already Defined.
All Create form menu options have sub-menus that enable the user to
select various construction methods.
Copy - The sub-menu options enable the user to Copy Offset, Copy Rotate and Copy Mirror functions
with any aid construct type.
Circle - The sub-menu options enable the user to create circle constructs in different ways.
Line - The sub-menu options enable the user to create line constructs in different ways.
Work Point - The sub-menu options enable the user to create working point constructs.
Plane - The sub-menu options enable the user to create plane constructs.
Grids - The sub-menu options enable the user to create different types of grid construct.
The Modify menu options enable the user to modify the size, shape, position
and orientation of constructs once they are created.
Cut - this option enables the user to Cut (delete) one selected aid.
Paste - this option activates the Positioning Control form and prompts
the user to select a position to paste the aid from the clipboard.
Delete picked aid item – this option allows the user to delete an aid.
Reposition picked aid item – after picking the aid the Positioning Control form is displayed
allowing the user to reposition the aid origin using the form’s options.
Redefine radius of picked circle – after selecting a circle aid the Positioning Control form is
displayed allowing the user to graphically change the circle radius. Note that the circle origin does
not change.
Extend end of picked line – after selecting a line aid the Positioning Control form is displayed
allowing the user to specify a position through which the line will be extended (or trimmed) using the
options available on that form. Note that the direction of the line does not change.
Definition… - this option allows the user to modify an aid definition via a form. After selecting this
option from the menu the user is prompted to select an aid to be modified using the cursor. Once the
aid is selected an appropriate form is displayed depending on the type of aid that has been selected.
The form contains all the data that defines that particular aid type and it can be modified by entering
new values.
Position - this option prompts the user to select an aid to re-position. After selection, the Positioning
Control form is activated and the aid origin can be graphically re-positioned using the options available
on that form.
Other data that defines the aid, e.g. radius, orientation, length, etc, is not modified. This option is the
same as Reposition picked aid item on the Modify toolbar.
Radius - this option prompts the user to select a Circle aid. After selection, the Positioning Control
form is displayed and the radius can be changed by graphically picking a point using the options
available on that form.
Other data that defines the circle, e.g. position, orientation, etc, is not modified. This option is the same
as Re-define radius of picked circle on the Modify menu.
Extend - this option prompts the user to select a Line aid. After selection, the Positioning Control
form is displayed and the length of the line may be changed by graphically selecting a point through
which the end of the line, nearest the selected point, will pass through.
The orientation of the line is not modified. This option is the same as Extend end of picked line on the
Modify menu.
Project on to Plane - this option is greyed out if there is no active Working Plane. If a Working Plane
is active this option enables the user to project the aid onto the Working Plane and orientates the aid
to the plane.
Pick - This option enables the user to pick a single construct to delete.
All Constructs - This option deletes all constructs. Confirmation is required from the user prior to the
command being executed.
Circle Constructs
Selecting Create > Circle > Toolbar… from the 3D Aid Constructs
form menu displays the Circles form.
Tool tips that describe the construction method can be accessed by hovering over the appropriate button on
the toolbar. The toolbar contains 17 construction options.
Through 3 points Derived from a picked item
Define explicitly
Line Constructs
Line constructs can be accessed by selecting Create > Line from the 3D Aid
Constructs form menu. A sub-menu with the different line creation methods will
be displayed.
Selecting Create > Line > Toolbar… from the 3D Aid Constructs form menu
displays the Lines form.
The toolbar options mirror the construction options available in the sub – menu. In addition, it allows users to
select a number of creation options without the need to repeatedly open the sub-menu.
The construction methods work in conjunction with the Positioning Control form enabling the user to select
model elements, displayed graphics, other 3D aid constructs, etc. in creating a Line. Clicking any of the
Line construction method buttons displays relevant prompts in the Prompt Area of the 3D View.
Tool tips that describe the construction method can be accessed by hovering over the appropriate button on
the toolbar. The Lines Toolbar contains seven construction options.
Define explicitly
Work Point constructs can be accessed by selecting Create > Work Point from
the 3D Aid Constructs form menu. A sub-menu with the different work point
creation methods will be displayed.
Selecting Create > Work Point > Toolbar… from the 3D Aid Constructs form
menu displays the Points form:
The buttons on the Points form correspond to the sub-menu creation options. The two methods of creating
line constructs are:
Derive position
Define explicitly
The Derive position button works in conjunction with the Positioning Control form enabling the user to
select model elements, displayed graphics, and other 3D aid constructs in positioning a Working Point.
The Define explicitly button displays the Modify Work Point form and the Positioning Control form
which enables the user to position the Working Point using explicit co-ordinates or graphical picks.
Plane Constructs
Selecting Create > Plane from the 3D Aid Constructs form menu displays a sub-
menu with the different work point creation methods.
Selecting Create > Plane > Toolbar… from the 3D Aid Constructs form menu
displays the Plane form:
The buttons on the Points form correspond to the sub-menu creation options.
The two methods of creating line constructs are:
Through 3 points
Define explicitly
The Through 3 points button works in conjunction with the Positioning Control form enabling the user to
select model elements, displayed graphics, and other 3D Aid constructs in defining a Plane construct.
The Define explicitly button displays the Modify Plane form and the Positioning Control form which
enables the user to size, position, and orientate the Plane.
Selecting Copy > Offset… displays the Aid Copy Offset form.
The Graphic Aids area of the form enables the user to select the
Aid(s) to be copied. Clicking the Pick button displays a prompt
and enables the aid(s) to be selected with the cursor. Pressing
the Esc key ends the selection process. The number of aids
selected is displayed after the Selected: text. The Clear button,
when active, clears the selection.
The Apply button is greyed out until the selection has been
completed.
Having selected the aids, the Copy Settings area of the form
enables the user to select whether to Copy or Move the selection
using the Option options list and specify the number of copies
required.
The Offset Settings area of the form enables the user to select
the Type of offset required and then specify the appropriate
Cardinal offsets using the East/West, North/South and Up/Down
option lists, or specify a Distance and Direction for the offset.
Selecting Copy > Rotate… displays the Aid Copy Rotate form. The
Graphic Aid and Settings area of the form are the same as those
described for the Copy Offset… form, except that the Rotation Angle (in
degrees) must also be specified.
The Rotation Axes area of the form enables the user to select or specify
the Position and Direction of the rotation axis. The area contains two
buttons to assist the user:
Pick rotation line - clicking this button enables the user to select a
3D Aid whose position will be the origin of the rotation axis. The
Direction will also be set to the aids direction.
If the Pick Position of Rotation button is used, or the rotation axis origin is
specified manually, the direction of the rotation axis may be specified in the
Direction text box.
Using the Pick rotation line button sets the Direction to the direction of the selected 3D aid.
Irrespective of the method used to specify the Position and Direction of the rotation axis, the values may
be edited manually at any time.
If multiple copies have been specified then each aid is rotated the specified angle from the previous copy.
Selecting Copy > Mirror… displays the Aid Copy Mirror form. The Graphic
Aid and Settings areframes are the same as those described for the Copy
Offset… form, except that multiple copies cannot be specified.
The Mirror Plane frame enables the user to select or specify the Position
and Direction of the mirror plane. The area contains two buttons to assist
the user:
Pick mirror plane - clicking this button enables you to select a 3D Aid
with an origin position defined at the mirror plane.
If the Pick position of mirror plane button is used, or the rotation axis origin is specified manually, the
direction of the mirror plane, i.e. the direction of the vector normal to the plane, may be specified in the
Direction text box. Using the Pick mirror plane button sets the Direction to the direction of the selected 3D
aid.
Irrespective of the method used to specify the Position and Direction of the mirror plane, the values may
be edited manually at any time. A vector aid and representation of the plane are displayed using the
specified settings.
In this worked example 3D Aid Constructs are created, copied and modified in order to create two panels
with complex shapes representing a stiffened padeye plate.
Select 3D View > Graphical Aids > Constructs… to display the 3D Aid Constructs form. From the form
menu select Create > Grids > Toolbar… to display the Grids form.
Click on the Linear Grid button to display the Reference Linear Grid and the Positioning Control form. In
the Spacing area of the Reference Linear Grid form enter 50 for the X value and 50 for the Y value. Enter
a value of 20 for the Number of visible lines, click the Preview button on the form and zoom in to the
displayed graphics. Change the view direction to Iso 3.
In the Orientation area of the form enter the following values in sequence, noting the changes in axis and aid
direction:C
Click the Preview button again. The grid should now look like this in an Iso 3 view.
There are two possible arcs that can be drawn with the specified
radius between these two points. A prompt is displayed asking
the user to select a Polar Control point, i.e. a point that will
define where the arc will pass through. Pick an intersection of
the right hand vertical grid line with any of the horizontal grid
lines between the first and second points selected. An arc will be
drawn as shown in the left hand picture below.
Select Create > Line > Toolbar… from the 3D Aid Constructs form menu to display the Lines form.
Click the Between two points button. Create three lines to form the shape shown in the left hand picture
below. Click on the Point to circle tangent button on the Lines form and create a line as shown in the right
hand picture below.
Select Modify > Position from the 3D Aid Constructs form and pick the grid. Make sure the Positioning
Control form is set to Aid/Snap and click on the top of the vertical Line aid. The grid origin will reposition to
the selected point.
Select Modify > Definition… from the 3D Aid Constructs form, then pick the grid again to display the
Modify Grid form.
In the Orientation area of the form enter the following values in sequence:
Create a Circle and Lines to form a shape similar to the picture below utilising Create > Copy >
Offset/Mirror and Modify > Definition… where appropriate.
Delete the grid and the larger circle using Delete > Pick from the 3D Aid Constructs form menu. The aids
should now look like this.
Using the STRUCTURES discipline create panel elements to model the Padeye Plate. Make sure that the
Positioning Control form is set to Aid/Snap.
Using the vertical aids that were constructed first, create a 25mm thick, centre justified panel. Use the
Derive points from graphic picks option in the Create Panel form to create the first three vertices as
shown.
Using the Fixed radius arc, passing through 2 points button on the Create Panel form, create the curved
part of the panel. Enter a value of 250 in the Radius form and select the two points and the Polar Control
point as shown.
For point 5 select near the upper end of the sloping line. For point 6 (Polar Control point) change the
Positioning Control form settings to Aid/Cursor.
Use the Derive points from graphic picks button, change the Positioning Control form settings to
Aid/Snap and select the last vertex position.
Using the 3D aid lines, create a 20mm thick, bottom justified panel with the pick sequence shown below.
Create the first four points using the Derive from graphical picks option. Use the Intersection and Snap
settings along with the Aid setting on the positioning toolbar.
After creating vertex 4, change the vertex creation method to Derived arc passing through three points
option. Remember to change the positioning toolbar to Aid and Cursor when selecting pick position 6.
Delete the 3D aid constructs. The completed panels should look like this.