BIM QuickStart S102-Modeling Slabs and Foundations CE07 en - 1

Practice Workbook
This workbook is designed for use in Live instructor-led training and for OnDemand self-study.
OnDemand videos for this course are available through CONNECT Advisor and on the LEARNserver.
®
Bentley OpenBuildings Designer TM
CONNECT Edition Structural
BIM QuickStart: S102

Modeling Slabs and Foundations
About this Practice Workbook:
 This PDF file includes bookmarks providing an overview of the document. Click on the bookmark to
quickly jump to any section in the file.
 This workbook shows Imperial units—with International System (metric) units shown in blue italicized
text in brackets—for example:
Diameter 1 (D1 Ø): 12 [300], where the Imperial value for the diameter is 12” and the SI value is 300 mm.
 This course uses training examples delivered with the software.
Have a Question? Need Help?
If you have questions while taking this course, search in CONNECT Advisor for related courses and
topics. You can also submit questions to the Building Analysis and Design Forum on Bentley Communities
where peers and Bentley subject matter experts are available to help.
CE U7 en_1 Course Level: Basic
DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted

Description and Objectives
Course Description
This workbook contains exercises to add slabs and a spread footing to a framing model. This course is the second in a series of classes that
are part of the OpenBuildings Designer Quick Start for Structural Designers. If you have not completed previous course, you can use the
completed files available in the backup folder under the workset TrainingTemplate_US (Metric).
Learning Objectives
 Referencing Files
 Model Concrete Slabs
 Model Spread Footings
 Model Structural Walls
 Model Strip Footings
Copyright © 2020 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 2
Exercise 01: Creating a New Model File
You will create a new file in the workset created in the previous course. If you have not followed the previous course, create a new workset
using the TrainingTemplate_US based on Imperial units or TrainingTemplate_NM based on SI units as a template.
1. Start OpenBuildings Designer.

a. Set the WorkSpace to Building_Examples.
b. Set the Workset to the one created in the previous course or the newly created workset.
2. Select New File.
a. Ensure the Seed file setting is set to DesignSeed.dgn.
This is the default seed file for model seeds. Seeds delivered with OpenBuildings Designer include:
 DesignSeed.dgn—for 3D models
 DrawingSeed.dgn—for 2D drawing models
 SheetSeed_Arch.dgn—for sheet models (US
dataset), this seed is setup for ANSI Arch E1 paper
size (30”x42”)
 SheetSeed_ISO.dgn—for sheet models (NM

dataset), this seed is setup for ISO A1 paper size
(594 mm x 841 mm)
Note: It is standard practice to customize the delivered

seed files in order to set up your own company standard
seed files. We will utilize the drawing and sheet seeds in
the third course in our QuickStart training series.
3. Name the new file S-Foundation.dgn.

4. Select the Save button.
The newly created file will open.
Exercise 02: Attaching Reference Models with the Explorer
it is important to understand that OpenBuildings Designer uses a federated approach to the building model. Models are created, as
appropriate, then referenced together to create a discipline model, and that will ultimately be referenced with other discipline models to create
the final building model. We will create the slabs in a separate model, after attaching the framing model as a reference.
1. If Explorer is not open, from the Ribbon Interface, Structural Tab, Common Tools group select the
Explorer tool.
The Explorer dialog opens docked on the left side of the interface.
2. In the Explorer dialog box expand the Links tab.

a. Browse to Project Tree > Supplemental Models:
b. Drag and drop the SS_Framing model into a view.
c. Attachment Method: Interactive
The Reference Attachment Properties for SS_Framing.dgn dialog opens.
The Training Template WorkSets contain the supplemental models examples. These are more
complete models of the project. There are other disciplines models available for referencing and
finished structural models provided as examples.
3. In the Reference Attachment Properties dialog set:
a. Logical Name: Struc Framing
b. Orientation: Coincident
c. Nested Attachments: No Nesting
d. Ignore Attachment When Live Nesting: On
4. Click on the OK button.
The Ignore Attachment When Live Nesting setting prevents these references
from attaching when the active file, in this case S-Foundation.dgn, is referenced
to other files.
Exercise 03: Place by Boundary—Slabs
There are various methods for modeling slabs in OpenBuildings Designer. In this exercise the
ground floor slab is modeled using the boundary method.
The list of snap

1. Ensure that the default snap mode is set to Keypoint and that the Enable ProStructure modes accessed
snaps toggle is turned on. from the status bar.
The PS Toggles tool bar. The first Holding the shift key
toggle is Enable Structural Snaps down and selecting a
snap mode from the
Note: Snap modes can be set in the status bar or in the Drawing Aids tab of the ribbon list makes it the
interface. The ProStructure Snaps setting is set in PS Toggles toolbar—by default this is default snap mode.
docked at the bottom of the interface. In order to take advantage of the ProStructure
structural snap the default snap mode must be set to Keypoint.
The Structural Snaps
2. In the Floor Selector utility select the list of floors and select the Ground Floor. toggle opens and
closes the PS
Toggles tool bar.
The views now show the grid for the Ground Floor and the ACS Plane Lock and ACS Plane Snap Lock are turned on automatically.
3. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the Slab tool.
The Property Panel opens showing the catalog properties for Place Slab and the ribbon now displays the Placement: Place tab with
options for our placement of the slabs.
4. In the ribbon set:

a. Placement Options:
 Place By: Boundary
 Place From: Bottom
 Base Offset: -0:6 [-150]
b. Overhang: 1:0 [300]

c. Side Angle: Vertical
5. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Slab Concrete.
This catalog item is delivered with the WorkSet, its default size is 6” for the US dataset
and 150 mm for the NM dataset.
For these properties, ensure these values are set:
a. Slab Type: Slab on Grade

b. Thickness: 0:6 [150]
c. Reinforcement Angle: 0°
d. Structural | Function: Structural
e. ID | Type ID: CONC-SLAB
f. ID | Item ID [Number]: S1
g. Phase: New Construction
6. Following the prompt, enter the first point of the slab boundary by snapping to the bottom
of column A-1.
7. Following the prompt, enter the next points to define the other boundary vertexes by
snapping to the bottom of the columns at the main entrance, B-1, and out to the smaller
concrete columns and then to C-1.
8. Continue placing vertexes at columns F-1, F-4 and A-4.

9. Following the prompt, reset (right-click) to finish placing the slab.
Exercise 04: Place by Structural Members—Slabs
In this exercise the Structural Members method is used to model a slab by selecting structural members of the
attached framing reference to define the slab edge.

 Place By: Structural
Members
 Place From: Top
 Base Offset: 0:4 [100]
b. Overhang: 1:0 [300]

3. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Slab Composite.
This catalog item is delivered with the WorkSet, its default size is 6” for the US dataset and
150 mm for the NM dataset.
a. Slab Type: Raised Floor

4. Following the prompt, in a view that is in an isometric orientation, select the first supporting
member—the beam at the Floor 2 level along grid A between grids 3 and 4.
Note: To utilize this method select the supporting members in a clockwise direction.
5. Following the prompt, select the second supporting member—the beam at the Floor 2
level along grid F between grids 3 and 4.
6. Following the prompt, select the next supporting member—the beam at the Floor 2 level
along grid F between grids 1 and 2.
7. Following the prompt, select the next supporting member—the beam at the Floor 2 level along grid A between grids 1 and 2.
Select the four steel

beams at the Floor 2
level in a clockwise
direction to define
the slab support.
members. Reset
(right-click) to place
the slab.
8. Repeat the process to place the for the slab at the Floor Roof level.
Exercise 05—Slabs at Floor 1 Level (Optional)
In this exercise a clip volume is applied to the model, using the model extents and slabs are placed by boundary. In our model the framing for
the core portion of the building has different sized members and require slightly different slab boundaries. The first thing we’ll do is apply a clip
volume and adjust it so we are displaying only the Floor 1 level.
The clip method we’ll use will place a generic cube in the model that we can then adjust as needed to clip the model. It is good practice to set
the Family and Part to a ‘null’ setting (with no Family and Part set) and set the attributes (level, color, line style, weight, transparency) to
settings that aren’t used by model components, e.g., level = default, color = red, weight = 4, transparency = 100 when placing ‘construction’
type elements. To do this you can open the Attributes toolbar from the Common Tools group.
We’ll set our settings first for the clip volume, create a clip volume, then model the slabs. Note there are many different ways to apply clip
volumes, this is to introduce you to this particular work flow that you may find useful in your modeling.
1. In the Family/Part toolbar set the Family to the ‘null’ (blank) setting.
At the top of the Family list is a ‘null’ (or blank) setting. We are
setting this to insure a ‘construction’ element (like a clip volume
element) does not have a Family and Part assigned to it.
Once selected the Family and Part will be blank. As soon as

structural elements are modeled the Family and Part will be set
by the Material value of the element being modeled.
2. Open the Attributes toolbar from the Common Tools Group.
Dock it in the interface to your preference (under the ribbon
for example).
3. In the Attributes toolbar set:

a. Level: Default
b. Color: Red (3)
c. Line Style: Solid (0)
d. Weight: 4
e. Transparency: 100
Note: To see the transparency setting right-click on the tooolbar and select ‘Active Element Transparency’.
4. In a view with an isometric orientation, from the View Controls menu select the Clip Volume tool. In the tool settings set:
a. Method: Apply Fitted Clip Volume
b. Display Clip Element: On
5. Following the prompt select the view by applying a left-click anywhere in the view.
A volume element appears in the view based on the extents of the model including the reference file attachment.
6. Select the corner handles of the volume and adjust it to encapsulate the concrete framing at the Floor 1 level. Utilize AccuDraw’s
shortcuts to rotate the compass as needed (T for top, F for front, S for side and/or E to cycle through the compass rotations).
The volume element is selected,

the corner handles can be used
to adjust the volume. Note the
transparency of the volume. If
the volume doesn’t appear as
transparent, check your View
Attributes settings (first icon on
yoru View toolbar)-
Transparency should be
switched on.
7. Select the Clip Volume tool again and

set:
a. Method: Apply Clip Volume By Element

b. Display Clip Element: On
8. Select the volume element created in the
previous steps.
The model is clipped accordingly.
9. In the Floor Selector utility select the list of floors and select Floor 1.
The views now show the grid for the Ground Floor and the ACS Plane Lock and ACS Plane Snap Lock are turned on automatically.

 Place By: Boundary
 Place From: Top
 Base Offset: 0:0
b. Overhang: -1:0 [-300]

12. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Slab Composite.
a. Slab Type: Raised Floor

13. Using the structural snap, snap to the columns at grid intersections A-4, B-4, B-3 and A-3.
14. Reset (right-click) place the slab.
A slab is placed in the bay defined by the four columns, by setting the offset to -1:0 we
ensure the slab is modeled to the edge of the beams.
15. Continue placing slabs at all the outside bays of the model.
16. Rotate the view to a top orientation.

17. In the PS Snaps toolbar turn off the structural snap.
18. Set the Overhang option to 0:0.
19. Snap to the corners of the bay, including the concrete columns to model the three interior bays of the building.
The center bay of the

building before the
slab is placed.
Ensure you snap to all

the keypoints needed
(there are 12 for this
slab) including the
concrete column
corners.
20. Delete the volume element defining the clip boundary.
Exercise 06: Modeling Slab Penetrations
In this exercise, penetrations are added to the slabs utilizing the place object tool. We’ll add penetrations to allow for the vertical circulation in
the building core. The architectural model reference attachment is used to help locate the penetrations
1. Reference the architectural file AA_Floor Office 1.dgn. It can be found under the Supplement\Designs\ folder in the workset folder.
a. Nested Attachments: On Nesting Depth: 5
b. Locate: Off
c. Ignore Attachment: On
2. In the Floor Selector utility select the list of floors and select the Floor 2.
The views now show the grid for Floor 2 and the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap Locks are turned on automatically.
3. In the Floor Selector utility turn on the Isolate Active Floor toggle.
4. Maximize a top oriented view, with a wireframe display style and zoom into the lower left corner.
5. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the Opening tool.
The Property Panel opens showing the catalog properties for Place User Defined - Penetration and the ribbon now displays the
Placement: Place tab with options side and base offsets for our placement of the penetration.
6. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to Slab Penetration | Rectangular [Floor
Penetration | Rectangular].
a. Rel./Active ACS: Enabled

b. Sense Distance: 1:0 [310]
7. Following the prompt, snap to the interior corner of the stair well CMU walls in the
referenced architectural model.
Note: We are using the architectural model to coordinate the location of the penetration,
even though we snapped to the referenced walls the penetration will use the slab as its
host.
8. Following the prompt, using AccuDraw ensure the direction of the penetration is correct. Accept (left-click) the direction.
9. Reset (right-click) end the tool.

We’ll use the edit handles off the penetration to adjust the width and length.
10. Element select the ‘X’ opening indicator. Round handles will display on the upper-right and lower-left corners of the penetration.
Note: Heads-up dimensions will also display for the width An isometric view
and length and can be used to modify the dimensions of with an illustration
the penetration.
display style shows
11. Drag the upper-right handle to the upper-right corner of the slab
the stairwell. penetrations.
12. Drag the lower-left handle to the lower-left corner of the

stairwell.
13. Repeat the process for the two elevator (lift) shafts and
the other stairwell.
Exercise 07: Modeling Spread Footings
In this exercise we will add spread footings to the model. We’ll use the Concrete Column tool, changing the catalog item in the Property Panel
to Foundation | Concrete Pier. Then we’ll set the Family and Part to Foundation::Spread Footings. So, in this respect we utilize the
placement tool for our placement options and datagroup properties, and utilize the Family and Parts to designate the spread footings.
1. Ensure the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap Locks are off. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select
the Concrete Column tool from the column split button.
The Property Panel opens showing the catalog properties for Place Column and the ribbon now displays the Placement: Place tab with
options for our placement of the columns.

a. Placement: Middle Center
b. Section Orientation:
 X Offset: 0:0
 Y Offset: 0:0
 Interactive: Off
 Rotation: 0°
c. Placement Options:  Place By: Length at end 2  Length: 1:6 [450]
3. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Type to Foundation |
Concrete Pier.
4. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example |
Spread Footing 1
This catalog item is delivered with the WorkSet, its default size
is 6:0x6:0 for the US dataset and 1820x1820 for the NM
dataset.
a. Section Name: 6:0X6:0 [1820x1820]

b. Structural | Function: Structural
c. Structural | Material: Concrete
d. Part Definition: Foundations::Spread Footings
e. ID | Type ID: SPREAD FOOTING
f. ID | Item ID [ID | Number]: F1
5. Snap to the column at grid location A-1.
6. Continue placing the F1 spread footing at the locations highlighted in this image:
7. Set the Floor Selector to Basement Floor.
The column grid moves to the basement level—which is -15 feet [-4500 mm] from the ground floor finished floor elevation.
8. Following the same procedure, in the ribbon set

 Place By: Length at end 2
 Length: 2:0 [600]
b. In the Property Panel set:

 Catalog Type: Foundation | Concrete Pier
 Catalog Item: *Example | Spread Footing 2
c. Section Name: 8:0x8:0 [2400x2400]

e. Structural | Material: Concrete
f. Part Definition: Foundations::Spread Footings
g. ID | Type ID: SPREAD FOOTING
h. ID | Item ID: F2
i. Phase: New Construction
9. Snap to the column locations highlighted in the image:
We will add two more spread footings at the main
entrance. We will place it and then move it to pick up
the main columns and entrance columns.
10. Ensure the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap Locks are off.
11. Following the same procedure, in the ribbon set
 Place By: Length at end 2
 Length: 1:6 [450]
b. In the Property Panel set:

 Catalog Type: Foundation | Concrete Pier
 Catalog Item: *Example | Spread Footing 3
c. Section Name: 6:0x9:0 [1820x2740]

e. Structural | Material: Concrete
f. Part Definition: Foundations::Spread Footings
g. ID | Type ID: SPREAD FOOTING
h. ID | Item ID: F3
12. Place an F3 footing at the bottom of the columns at grid locations B-1 and B-2.
13. With the Element Selection tool select the two F3 spread footings.
14. Right-press on the mouse and select Move from the menu.
15. Select a point and move the cursor towards the front of the building.
16. Press Enter to lock the AccuDraw axis and type in 1:6 [450] to move the F3
footings.
The footings are modeled for our building.
Exercise 08: Modeling Strip Footings and Walls (Optional)
In this exercise strip footings and structural walls are modeled for the basement of the building. We’ll use the Basement Floor level in the Floor
Selector to set our Z elevation utilizing the ACS Locks to place the top of the strip footings and the bottom of the walls at the proper Z elevation.
The strip footings are placed with the concrete beam tool
To assist in modeling the wall, coordinating with the architectural models, we’ll take advantage of several view manipulations: clip volume,
display style, orientation.
1. Reference the architectural file AA_Floor Lobby.dgn. It can be found under the Supplement\Designs\ folder in the workset folder.
a. Nested Attachments: On Nesting Depth: 5
b. Locate: Off
c. Ignore Attachment: On.
2. In the Level Display dialog turn off the S-BEAM and S-LABL-SECT levels in the S_Framing.dgn reference and the A-AREA level in the
AA_Floor Lobby.dgn reference. And turn off the S-SLAB and S-SLAB-CONC levels in the active file
3. n the Floor Selector utility select the list of floors and select the Basement Floor.
4. Apply a Clip Volume to a view in an isometric orientation—use the method described in Exercise 05.
5. Rotate the clipped view to a top orientation and in the View Attributes apply the *Example: Full Color Hidden Line display style.
6. To model the strip footings, from the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Buildings Elements Group select the Concrete Beam tool.
a. Placement: Top Center
b. Section Orientation
 X Offset: -0:4 [-100]
 Y Offset: 0:0
c. Placement Options:
Place By: Two Points
 Interactive: Off
d. Trim Options:
 Rotation: 0°
 Automatic End Trim: On
 Trim Options: Trim to any interfering member
8. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to Beam [Rectangular Beam].
9. For these properties, ensure these values are set:
a. Section Name: 3:0X2:0 [900X600]
 Click in the field to access the structural shapes library, it will be on the Parametric
tab.
Note: We can model any rectangular

or circular shapes sizes utilizing the
parametric tab here.
 Class: Rectangle
 Width: 3:0 [900]
 Depth: 2:0 [600]
b. Part Definition: Foundation:Footings

c. ID | Type ID: Concrete
d. ID | Item ID [Number]: SF1
e. Phase: New Construction
10. Following the prompt, hover over the edge of the spread footing at grid intersection B-3 with the cursor and the structural snap will snap
to the placement point on the spread footing.
11. Following the prompt, snap to the upper-left corner of the spread footing at grid intersection C-3.
Since we are using

The new strip the structural snap
footing being mode we can hover
placed between over the edge of the
the two spread spread footings and
footings. the placement point
snaps to the center of
The first point of the spread footing
the form is the (the placement point
center of the of the spread footing).
spread footing at
B-3.
The second
point is at the
midpoint of We set the Automatic
column C-3. End Trim option set to
Trim to any
interfering member
the strip footing will
trim to the edge of the
spread footing.
12. Continue placing the strip footings as indicated in red in the diagram. Note to change the Side Offset to 0:0 and the Placement to Center
Justify for the four strip footings supporting the elevator (lift) walls. Use the middle snap point of the CMU walls and modify the strip
footing edge as needed after placement.
Set the Side Offset

to 0 and the
Placement to
Center Justify for
the elevator (lift)
walls strip footings.
Snap to the
midpoint of the
bevel of the
architectural walls
to place these strip
footings.
13. For the strip footings under the service elevator (lift) we can clean up the corners by
selecting the strip footing and adjusting the end points with the grips available when
selected.
Next we will place structural walls using a CMU wall.
14. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Buildings Elements Group select the
Wall tool.
The Property Panel opens showing the catalog properties for Place Wall and the
ribbon now displays the Placement: Place tab with options for our placement of the
walls.
a. Placement:
 Place By: Line
 Justification: Left Justify
b. Offsets
 Side Offset: 0:0
c. Placement Options:
 Offset Tilt: Off
 Close Wall: Off
 Auto Connect: Off
 Flip Wall: Off
16. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to the single wall *Example | CMU_2HR
This catalog item is delivered with the WorkSet.
17. For these properties, ensure these values are set:

a. Width: 0:7 5/8 [190]
b. Height: 15:0 [4570]
c. Top Options: Fixed Height
d. Type: Wall
e. Structural | Function: Structural
f. Part Definition: Foundations::FoundationWalls
g. ID | Type ID: CMU
h. ID | Item ID [Number]: W1
18. Following the prompt, snap to the midpoint of the of the concrete column at grid intersection B-3 (this is the upper-left corner of the core of
the building).
19. Following the prompt, snap to the midpoint of the of the concrete column at grid intersection C-3.
The new wall

being placed
between the two
columns.
The first point of

the wall is the
midpoint of the
column at B-3.
The second
point is at the
midpoint of the
column at C-3.
20. Continue placing the walls as indicated in red in the diagram.
Using our placement tools: slabs, penetrations, beams—for our strip footings, columns—for our spread footings, walls; our modeling aids
(including Floor Selector, ACS Locks, AccuDraw, AccuSnap, clip volumes) and coordinating with other disciplines (architectural reference
attachments) and our framing model (structural reference attachment), the initial design of the slabs and foundation components are modeled
for our project.

BIM QuickStart S102-Modeling Slabs and Foundations CE07 en - 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

BIM QuickStart S102-Modeling Slabs and Foundations CE07 en - 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Practice Workbook

CONNECT Edition Structural

BIM QuickStart: S102

 This course uses training examples delivered with the software.

Have a Question? Need Help?

CE U7 en_1 Course Level: Basic

DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted

 Model Concrete Slabs

 Model Spread Footings

 Model Structural Walls

 Model Strip Footings

1. Start OpenBuildings Designer.

 SheetSeed_ISO.dgn—for sheet models (NM

Note: It is standard practice to customize the delivered

3. Name the new file S-Foundation.dgn.

2. In the Explorer dialog box expand the Links tab.

The list of snap

4. In the ribbon set:

 Place From: Bottom

 Base Offset: -0:6 [-150]

b. Overhang: 1:0 [300]

For these properties, ensure these values are set:

a. Slab Type: Slab on Grade

8. Continue placing vertexes at columns F-1, F-4 and A-4.

2. In the ribbon set:

 Base Offset: 0:4 [100]

b. Overhang: 1:0 [300]

For these properties, ensure these values are set:

a. Slab Type: Raised Floor

Select the four steel

Once selected the Family and Part will be blank. As soon as

3. In the Attributes toolbar set:

The volume element is selected,

7. Select the Clip Volume tool again and

a. Method: Apply Clip Volume By Element

11. In the ribbon set:

 Place From: Top

 Base Offset: 0:0

b. Overhang: -1:0 [-300]

a. Slab Type: Raised Floor

16. Rotate the view to a top orientation.

The center bay of the

Ensure you snap to all

20. Delete the volume element defining the clip boundary.

a. Rel./Active ACS: Enabled

9. Reset (right-click) end the tool.

12. Drag the lower-left handle to the lower-left corner of the

2. In the ribbon set:

 Base Offset: 0:0

c. Placement Options:  Place By: Length at end 2  Length: 1:6 [450]

a. Section Name: 6:0X6:0 [1820x1820]

8. Following the same procedure, in the ribbon set

 Length: 2:0 [600]

b. In the Property Panel set:

 Catalog Item: *Example | Spread Footing 2

c. Section Name: 8:0x8:0 [2400x2400]

 Length: 1:6 [450]

b. In the Property Panel set:

 Catalog Item: *Example | Spread Footing 3

c. Section Name: 6:0x9:0 [1820x2740]

 Trim Options: Trim to any interfering member

Note: We can model any rectangular

 Width: 3:0 [900]