as user guide 2011 en metric

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Advance Steel

User's Guide


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This document contains a brief description of the software functions andis not a replacement for the training program. This guide includes infor-mation about all the modules, including those that are optional. For de-tailed information regarding the program's functions, refer to the onlinehelp provided in Advance.

In case of any discrepancy between the information given in this guideand the information given in the software, the software is the most up todate source.

The content of this guide is subject to change without notice. Any repro-

duction or distribution, even in partial, by any means - electronically ormechanically - of the contents of the present guide and other supplieddocumentation is strictly forbidden if made without GRAITEC's explicit au-thorization.

© GRAITEC, Bièvres. All rights reserved.

Windows XP® and Windows Vista® are trademarks or registered trade-marks of the Microsoft Corporation.

DXF™ and AutoCAD® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Auto-Desk Inc. San Rafael, CA.

All the other marks belong to their owners.


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ADVANCE STEEL USER’S GUIDE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME............................................................................................................... 7

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................8 Advance .........................................................................................................................................8 Specialized areas...........................................................................................................................9 Advance and AutoCAD® ...............................................................................................................9 Technology.....................................................................................................................................9 Communication options ...............................................................................................................10 Individual preferences..................................................................................................................10

Chapter 1 Installation ........................................................................................... 11

General ........................................................................................................................................12 System requirements ...................................................................................................................12

Hardware ...........................................................................................................................12 Software.............................................................................................................................12

Distribution...................................................................................................................................12 License.........................................................................................................................................13 Installation....................................................................................................................................13 Activating the software.................................................................................................................16

Starting the activation process ..........................................................................................16 Migrating from a previous version .....................................................................................16 Online activation for new Advance users ..........................................................................17 Offline activation (manual).................................................................................................18 Requesting an evaluation license......................................................................................20

Activating a network license.........................................................................................................22 Server configuration...........................................................................................................22 Activating a server license.................................................................................................23 Using Advance 2009 and Advance 2011 Server License on the same machine..............23 Client in a network .............................................................................................................24 License management ........................................................................................................25

License mobility ...........................................................................................................................25 Moving the license from one computer to another (rehosting)..........................................25 Upgrading from an Ethernet locked license to a 2011 mobile license ..............................28 Borrowing the license from the company’s server.............................................................30 Returning a borrowed license before the expiry date........................................................31

Repair the application license ......................................................................................................32 Online license update........................................................................................................32 Offline license update........................................................................................................32

Converting databases (Merging)..................................................................................................34 Support.........................................................................................................................................36

Support by telephone...................................................................................................................36 Chapter 2 The 3D Model....................................................................................... 37

Elements of the 3D model............................................................................................................38 Beam & Plate.....................................................................................................................38 Processing.........................................................................................................................38 Bolt patterns & welds.........................................................................................................39 Joints..................................................................................................................................40 Structural elements............................................................................................................41 Auxiliary objects.................................................................................................................41 Special parts ......................................................................................................................42

3D Modeling workflow..................................................................................................................43

Chapter 3 Advance interface ............................................................................... 45 Starting the program / working environment................................................................................46 Advance toolbars / menus ...........................................................................................................46 Using Advance.............................................................................................................................49

Other important tools for using Advance ...........................................................................49


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Creating Advance objects ............................................................................................................50 Object properties................................................................................................................50 Layer..................................................................................................................................51

Chapter 4 Creating a 3D Model............................................................................53

Creating a building grid ................................................................................................................54 Creating a beam...........................................................................................................................56

Straight beams...................................................................................................................57 Compound sections ...........................................................................................................58 Curved beams....................................................................................................................58 Poly beams........................................................................................................................59 Folded profile .....................................................................................................................60 Construction systems (Cold rolled profiles) .......................................................................61 Welded beams...................................................................................................................62

Creating plates .............................................................................................................................63 Rectangular plate...............................................................................................................63 Polygon plate .....................................................................................................................64 Splitting / merging - plates .................................................................................................65 Shrinking/enlarging polygon plate......................................................................................66 Folded plate .......................................................................................................................66

Coordinate systems .....................................................................................................................68 Object Coordinate Systems...............................................................................................68 Coordinate systems at curved beams ...............................................................................70 UCS at a bisecting line ......................................................................................................70 Defining a coordinate system ............................................................................................70

Beam processing .........................................................................................................................71 Processing objects.............................................................................................................72 Rule-based beam processing............................................................................................72 Process section..................................................................................................................72 Section contour ..................................................................................................................74

Plate processing...........................................................................................................................75

Plate processing – weld preparation..................................................................................75 Cut plate at UCS................................................................................................................76 Cut plate at plate................................................................................................................76 Plate processing – independent from the UCS .................................................................76 Plate processing – dependent on the UCS .......................................................................77 Corner processing..............................................................................................................78 Polygon plate processing...................................................................................................79

Changing Advance objects ..........................................................................................................79 Changing objects using grips.............................................................................................79 AutoCAD® Manipulating tools ...........................................................................................80 AutoCAD® command properties .......................................................................................80

Advance command properties .....................................................................................................81 Representation Type – Snaps – Grips.........................................................................................81

Bolt and Hole Patterns / Shear Studs ..........................................................................................83 Creating a bolt pattern .......................................................................................................84 Creating a hole pattern ......................................................................................................85 Creating shear studs..........................................................................................................85 Shifting a bolt/hole pattern.................................................................................................86 Splitting a bolt/hole pattern ................................................................................................86 Recalculating a grip length ................................................................................................86 Bolts on gauge lines...........................................................................................................87

Welds ...........................................................................................................................................87 Connections .................................................................................................................................88

Changing connections .......................................................................................................88 Checking connections........................................................................................................88

Working methods I .......................................................................................................................89

Selecting objects................................................................................................................89 Object filter .........................................................................................................................89 Marking / Unmarking objects .............................................................................................90 Searching / Marking objects ..............................................................................................90 Changing representation type............................................................................................91


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Views on the model ...........................................................................................................92 Structural elements ......................................................................................................................92

Portal frames .....................................................................................................................93 Flat frames.........................................................................................................................93 Single-span Bracings.........................................................................................................94 Purlins................................................................................................................................94

Pylons ................................................................................................................................94 Joists..................................................................................................................................95 Half trusses........................................................................................................................95

Joints and connection objects......................................................................................................95 Joints..................................................................................................................................97 Stairs................................................................................................................................116 Connection objects ..........................................................................................................117

Special parts, special sections...................................................................................................118 Special parts ....................................................................................................................118 User sections...................................................................................................................119

Working methods II ....................................................................................................................122 Model Browser.................................................................................................................122 Model views.....................................................................................................................122

Advance – copy / rotate / mirror ......................................................................................123

Chapter 5 Numbering ......................................................................................... 125

Numbering tool...........................................................................................................................126 Starting the numbering...............................................................................................................127 Numbering options.....................................................................................................................128

Checking the results ........................................................................................................128 Numbering with standard parts........................................................................................128 Deleting part marks..........................................................................................................129 Assigning / Changing a prefix..........................................................................................129 Prefix configuration..........................................................................................................129

Creating a main part ..................................................................................................................130

Creating an assembly part .........................................................................................................130 Chapter 6 Checking the model .......................................................................... 131

Checking the model for errors....................................................................................................132 Collisions in the model ...............................................................................................................133

Displaying checking results .............................................................................................133 Displaying checking results again ...................................................................................134 Advance Audit checking ..................................................................................................134 Advance audit checking (database) ................................................................................134 Steel construction checking.............................................................................................135 Defining the center of gravity...........................................................................................135 Updating defaults.............................................................................................................135

Numbering validation .................................................................................................................135

Displaying objects with identical part marks....................................................................136 Selecting objects with different part marks......................................................................136 Marking the main part of assembly..................................................................................136 Marking loose parts .........................................................................................................137 Marking parts without marks............................................................................................137 Checking for duplicate part marks...................................................................................137 Identifying objects with identical part marks ....................................................................137 Differences between two objects.....................................................................................137

Chapter 7 Lists / Bills of materials .................................................................... 139

Creating lists ..............................................................................................................................140 Creating a model extract ............................................................................................................140 Creating a structured BOM........................................................................................................142

Document Management – Structured BOM...............................................................................144

Chapter 8 Creation of general arrangement and shop drawings ................... 145

Drawings ....................................................................................................................................146


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Model - Drawing principles ..............................................................................................146 Drawing styles..................................................................................................................146 Drawing management......................................................................................................146 Processes ........................................................................................................................147 Drawing creation and AutoCAD® objects........................................................................147 Creating drawings............................................................................................................147

Prototype files ..................................................................................................................148 General arrangement drawings .................................................................................................148 Drawing management................................................................................................................150 Document management.............................................................................................................150

Document Manager - drawing details..............................................................................151 Registering/canceling drawing from model......................................................................154 Drawing style management .............................................................................................154 Drawing layout .................................................................................................................154 Creating/changing project information.............................................................................154

Node details ...............................................................................................................................155 Elevations...................................................................................................................................156 Single part drawings...................................................................................................................157 Tie beam ....................................................................................................................................158

Columns.....................................................................................................................................158 Assembly drawings ....................................................................................................................159 Special structural parts...............................................................................................................159

Special structural parts ....................................................................................................160 Alternative drawing styles ..........................................................................................................161 Processes ..................................................................................................................................163

Drawing processes ..........................................................................................................163 Cameras ..........................................................................................................................165 Alternative drawing processes.........................................................................................166

Labeling and dimensioning ........................................................................................................167 Drawing cleanup ........................................................................................................................167

Appendix .............................................................................................................169

HSBasis ...........................................................................................................................171 HSDetailing......................................................................................................................175 HSConnection..................................................................................................................175 HSExtended.....................................................................................................................176 HSCollision ......................................................................................................................176 HSDetailingBasis .............................................................................................................176 HSDetailing......................................................................................................................177 HSIFDSTVBOM...............................................................................................................177 HSIFDSTVNC..................................................................................................................177 HSIFPM (HSExtended)....................................................................................................178 HSSTAAD........................................................................................................................178

Index ....................................................................................................................179


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WELCOME

In this chapter:

GRAITEC has developed a global CAD / Analysis & Design plat-form that allows you to verify and optimize your structures. It ac-celerates the creation of reinforced concrete and steel structureswith tools dedicated to modeling and accelerating document crea-

tion for the construction process: general arrangement drawings,detailing, manufacturing drawings, lists, BOMs, etc. Advance in-cludes:

– The Steel suite for creating structural steel arrangement draw-ings, shop drawings, lists and NC files

– The Concrete suite for creating reinforcement and structuralconcrete drawings

– The Design suite for the analysis and design of reinforcedconcrete and steel structures and automated creation of de-sign reports

Advance is part of the GRAITEC CAD / Analysis and Design suiteand therefore directly connects to other GRAITEC engineering

solutions.

This user guide, dedicated to the Steel suite, is structured into 8chapters describing a steel construction project from start to finish.

All software tools described in this guide and all remarks related tothe product pertain only to the Advance Steel suite and for readingsimplification only the generic name Advance is used.

■ Introduction

■ Specialized areas

■ Advance and AutoCAD®

■ Technology ■ Communication options

■ Individual preferences


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Introduction

This user guide for Advance is an introduction to working with Advance, describing the basic Advance method-ology with detailed description of the most important tools.

The user guide can be used as a learning tool but is also useful as a basic reference for individual topics usingthe index.

Since not all Advance tools are described in detail in this guide, refer to the online Help for more information onall commands and parameters. The general Advance work methodology is explained in this Introduction, in-cluding typical industry applications for Advance, exchanging information and specific user software configura-tion.

The Creating a 3D model chapter explains the use of the most common Advance construction elements (i.e.,beams, plates, connection elements, structural elements such as stairs) and joints. Using simple examples, ageneral overview of the basic tools and methods used to create a model is presented.

The Numbering chapter describes the options provided by Advance to automatically assign model elements

with clear single part and assembly marks.The various methods for Checking the model in Advance will insure a correctly built 3D model and accuratebills of materials. This chapter describes the tools for checking collisions in the model and correctness examina-tions.

The automated document creation such as bills of materials from the 3D model is presented in the Lists / Billsof materials chapter.

The Creation of general arrangement and shop drawings chapter provides an overview of the diverse op-tions for automatically creating general arrangement drawings, fabrication, and fitting drawings. It also demon-strates detail drawing cleanup.

Advance

Advance is a leading edge steel construction application integrated into the latest AutoCAD® version under the

Windows operating system.

With intelligent Advance objects, a three dimensional model is created and stored in a drawing (in DWG format).

The Advance Model forms the basis of the 3D construction. It contains and manages objects (e.g., beams,plates, bolts, welds) including their features and relationships to each other. Complex structures are createdusing Advance structural elements (e.g., a portal frame or a stairway) with all the required features, joints, andconnections, within a command.

The Advance model becomes the master reference for other tools.

• Dimensioned and labeled general arrangement and shop drawings are automatically created from the

model information. They are stored in separate DWGs using the user preferences for format, page setupand drawing look and feel (the Advance drawing style). It is also possible to create several details on a sin-gle sheet.

• The general arrangement and shop drawings are created from the information contained in the model andare managed by the Advance Document Manager . The update tool in the Document Manager makes sin-gle click drawing adjustments possible after model changes.

• Structured BOMs (bills of materials) and NC-information are also created from the model and include allmodel information such as part marks and quantities. These documents are also managed by the Docu-ment Manager. Bills of material/structured BOMs and NC-information are listed and previewed in theDocument Manager.


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Through multiple interfaces, the communication with GRAITEC and 3rd

party engineering applications is guaran-teed.

Figure 1: Document creation

Specialized areas

The Advance 3D steel construction software is adapted to both standard and specialized construction. A varietyof cold rolled construction systems for purlins, side rails, accessories and cladding sections are available in Ad-vance (i.e., Albion, Ayrshire, Canam Manac, Canfer, Fisher, HiSpan, Kingspan, Krupp, Metsec, SAB, SADEF,Staba, StructuralSections, Ward, Zeta, etc.). Individual sections and other elements are easily set as either usersections or special elements and stored in tables (libraries) for reuse.

The construction rules previously implemented are applicable for existing construction systems, Advance ele-ments, and other elements.

Advance and AutoCAD®

The latest AutoCAD®

version has been extended (through the ARX-Technology) with specific steel constructionelements such as beams, plates and bolts. Advance elements are individual objects that are used like standard AutoCAD® objects.

Advance is completely integrated into AutoCAD® making it easy and intuitive to learn. Advance benefits fromthe latest AutoCAD® ARX Technology and makes the best use whenever possible of the existing work method-ology including manipulation tools on geometric elements, snaps and grips, etc. Therefore, users are immedi-ately familiar with the basic tools.

AutoCAD® serves both as a graphic engine and an object oriented database for Advance. The complexity ofcommands is reduced as Advance objects are processed within AutoCAD® tools and all information is stored inthe DWG.

Advance’s integration within the AutoCAD® user interface is fully optimized. All Advance tools are grouped bytype in space saving toolbars.

Technology

Advance uses the latest standard industry technologies such as Windows and AutoCAD® for tight integration inthe Microsoft Office environment. Advance information, construction rules and tables (libraries) are stored inMS-Access databases.

The ODBC technology links the model and drawings and provides quick communication for joint macros con-struction rules.

The values entered in the Advance user menus are directly converted to a graphic display on the screen(through the MFC-user interface) so that the effects of a new value are viewed immediately.


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The Facet modeler enables large model manipulation with high speed since the file size can be kept small.

Advance is MDI (Multi Document Interface) capable. This means that several drawings with models and linkeddetail drawings can be opened simultaneously within a single AutoCAD® session. With this functionality, ele-ments are copied from one drawing to another using drag and drop.

Communication options

Advance elements are saved as proxy-graphics with lines or surfaces. Therefore, Advance DWGs can also beviewed in standard AutoCAD®. The saved proxy-graphics can be clicked through a system variable.

From the Advance model, information transfer files are created by PCS (Program system in the steel construc-tion) or PSS (Interface product of the steel construction).

Individual preferences

Advance has default values for immediate creation without extensive configuration. Advance is preconfigured touse common profile sizes, standard plate thicknesses, standard bolt information, etc.

The default values are changed with the Advance Management Tool.

The default intelligent joint settings based on section sizes are set to individual user requirements by saving theinformation in an easy to use library.

Various drawing styles containing rules for dimensions, labeling and presentation of objects, are used for creat-ing drawings from the model. Advance contains a variety of preset drawing styles accessible through a menu forautomatic drawing creation: General Arrangement drawings, Single part shop drawings, assemblies and manymore.

Moreover individual drawing styles can be user defined. The creation and editing of user defined drawing stylesis described in the Drawing Style Manager guide.


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Chapter 1Installation

In this chapter:

■ System requirements

■ Distribution

■ License

■ Installation

■ Activating the software

■ Activating a network license

■ License mobility

■ Repair the application license

■ Converting databases (Merging)

■ Support


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General

Read this user guide carefully. For additional information on individual topics, contact your local dealer orGRAITEC support.

System requirements

To successfully install Advance certain requirements have to be met.

Hardware

PC with Pentium Processor min. 2 GHz

Main memory min. 2 GB (4 GB recommended)

Min. 1 GB free disk space on the hard diskNetwork adapter

DVD Drive

AutoCAD® compatible graphics-card (for more information, seehttp://www.autodesk.com/autocad-graphicscard)

Software

Installed operating system Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista or Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit orversion).

AutoCAD® 2007, ADT 2007, AutoCAD® 2008, AutoCAD® Architecture 2008, AutoCAD® 2009,

AutoCAD® Architecture 2009, AutoCAD® 2010, AutoCAD® Architecture 2010, AutoCAD® 2011 or AutoCAD® Architecture 2011.

Installed TCP/IP Protocol

Distribution

Advance is delivered on DVD.

The license is activated online.

http://www.autodesk.com/autocad-graphicscardhttp://www.autodesk.com/autocad-graphicscard


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License

An activation code and a serial number are required to use Advance commands in AutoCAD®.

If Advance was purchased, you already have the activation code and the serial number; otherwise please con-tact GRAITEC or the reseller.

Without an authorization a temporary license for 5 days may be installed. When the temporary license expires,only the AutoCAD® commands will be available.

If you have any problems contact your reseller or GRAITEC support.

Installation

Requirements for a successful installation:

• In your Windows session you must be logged in as administrator or must have administrator rights.If you are not logged in as administrator or you do not have administrator rights, an error message appearsduring the installation.

• The TCP/IP protocol is usually setup properly by windows. If problems occur, verify the connection to thelicense management software by using the ping command. This command tests the host name and the IPaddress. If the IP address is confirmed and not the host name, there might be a problem with the nameserver. If this is the case verify that the queried host name is in the local HOSTS file or in the DNS data-base. Below is an example of how the ping command is used:

C:\>ping kh.meinnetz.netPING executed for kh.meinnetz.net [ IP 192. ... ] with 32 Bytes of information:Answer from 192. ... : Bytes=32 time


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Proceed with the installation as follows:

1. Close all active WINDOWS applications.

2. Insert the installation DVD into the DVD drive.

The setup program starts automatically and the DVD Browser appears.

If the Setup did not start automatically, the AutoPlay tool on the computer could be switched off. In this case,start the Advance setup program using the Run command.

Figure 2: Run option on the Start menu

– From the Windows menu, select: Start > Run.

– Enter the path and the name of the program to start in theOpen field or click Browse to select the AdvanceSetup.exe program on the DVD.

– Click .

Figure 3: Run dialog box

3. Select the installation language and click Install products.

Figure 4: Starting the installation

4. On the next screen, select Advance Steel and click Next.

Figure 5: Selecting the product


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5. Read the license agreement. Click I accept to agree to the specified terms and click Next to continue.

Figure 6: License agreement

6. On the next screen, select the interface language, the installation and the components to install.

− To select the interface language, click Customize. In the next dialog box, select the interface lan-guage and the local settings for each installed application and click .

− To change the destination path, click . In the next dialog box, enter a path or select a differentfolder in which to install Advance and click .

Note: If a previous version of Advance is already installed, select another installation folder.

Figure 7: Selecting the components to install and the interface language

7. Click Install to start the installation.

The installation starts.

8. Click Finish to complete the installation.

Figure 8: Finishing the installation

You can return to the first page and install another application of the Advance suite.


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Activating the software

Once Advance is installed, you must activate a license to use the software.

The activation process is the same for all GRAITEC Advance application.

All Advance licenses are provided by a license server. When Advance is successfully activated, according to theactivation code and the serial number provided when purchasing the software, you will be able to use it asper license rights purchased and within the terms of the license agreement.

The activation process starts on launching Advance. Follow the steps of the License manager to activate theproduct. Once the license is activated, the License manager is no longer displayed.

The license is activated online, through the Internet connection. If you do not have an Internet connection, theLicense manager provides an option to activate the license offline.

Starting the activation process

The activation process starts on launching Advance. You can activate a license or request an evaluation licensewithout starting AutoCAD® or Architectural Desktop from the Windows Start menu:

Programs > Graitec > Advance Steel 2011 > License Utility

The License manager appears and you must follow the steps of the activation wizard to activate the product.

Figure 9: The “License Utility” dialog box

Migrating from a previous version

If you are upgrading from a previous version, you will receive a new activation code. When activating the li-cense, use the existing serial number and the new activation code.

Important ! If you are using Advance with a USB dongle, you will get the license rights based on the dongle ID.Be aware that you cannot use Advance without a dongle. To use the new license online activation process without a dongle, please contact GRAITEC.


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Online activation for new Advance users

Note: Before starting, make sure you have the serial number and an activation code; otherwise you canrequest an evaluation license or you can use Advance for 5 days.

1. In the first step of the License manager select I want to activate my license and click Next.

Figure 10: License manager window

2. Enter the serial number and the activation code. Click Next.

Figure 11: Selection of the activation method

3. Your computer contacts the activation server at GRAITEC; the license rights are written in the database.

The activation server receives the information and processes it.

− If the activation code and the serial number are registered, then the license rights, according to the li-cense agreement, are transferred from GRAITEC to the customer.

After clicking Finish in the last dialog box, Advance starts automatically.

Figure 12: Authorization information

− If the activation code and the serial number are not registered, the GRAITEC activation server informsyou about the activation code mismatch. If you mistyped one of the codes, click Restart and try again.


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− If you do not have a serial number and activation code (or if the existing ones are not recognized) atemporary license for 5 days can be installed. Click Install a temporary license for 5 days.

Figure 13: Installation of a temporary license

Offline activation (manual)

If the computer on which you want to activate the license is not connected to the Internet or you encounteredproblems during the online activation you can activate Advance using the offline procedure, e-mail based.

The necessary information for the software activation is written in an .xml file created based on the activationcode and serial number and automatically sent to GRAITEC. This file must be sent [email protected].

Important ! The messages are processed by a server machine, therefore any other messages are rejected.Please do not use this address for technical support.

Before starting

Before the first activation of the software, the computer must be initialized for the licensing system. The nec-essary information for the initialization is written in an .xml file created based on the activation code and serialnumber and automatically sent to GRAITEC, at the same address, using the same process as for the activation.

Note: Make sure you have the activation code and the serial number .


2. Enter the serial number and the activation code. Click Next.

3. In the next dialog box select I want to proceed with an offline authorization and click Next.

Figure 14: Offline activation

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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4. Read the message and click Next.

Figure 15: Offline activation

5. Save the created .xml file containing the information required for the activation on the hard drive.

6. An e-mail message with the attached .xml file is automatically prepared. Send the request [email protected].

Figure 16: Email for license request

If the information in the .xml file is correct, an e-mail containing the necessary .xml file will be sent to you.

After receiving the license, start the License manager and perform the following steps:


2. In the next dialog box select I have an xml file....

3. To specify the .xml file, enter a path or click and browse to the file location and click Next.

Figure 17: Selection of the .xml file



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4. After confirming in the last dialog box, Advance starts automatically.

If the software is activated for the first time, the received .xml file is used only to initialize the licensing sys-tem. Once the computer is initialized for the licensing system, the following dialog box appears:

Figure 18: Confirmation of the initialization process

Click Next to continue the offline activation process. Another .xml file will be saved and exchanged with theGRAITEC License Server, using the same procedure as described above.

Requesting an evaluation license

If you do not have an activation code and the serial number you can request an evaluation license.

If after 30 days of running the evaluation version you have not registered and provided a valid activation codeand serial number, you will not be able to run Advance.

1. In the first step of the License manager select I want to run a 30 days evaluation and click Next.

Figure 19: Selecting the evaluation license

2. An information window appears. Click Next after reading the messages.

Figure 20: Authorization information


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3. Enter all the required information for the license request and click Next.

Figure 21: Authorization required information

4. Advance provides the option to send the information by e-mail or by fax. Select your preference and clickNext.

Figure 22: Selection of method for sending the request

5. If the method for sending the license request was by e-mail, an e-mail message is automatically prepared.Send the request to [email protected]

Figure 23: Email for license request

GRAITEC will use the provided information to create the authorization code for the evaluation license.

Within 24 hours an e-mail containing the authorization code and the serial number will be sent to you.

After confirming in the last dialog box, Advance starts automatically.



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Activating a network license

A network license allows running Advance on several workstations using a server to allocate the licenses.

If you have more than one license in a network environment, activate the server license on the server using asmall program – ServerLicenseUtility. When activating the product, on all other client workstations you willhave to specify the name of the server.

Important ! Be aware that before changing the server hardware configuration or formatting the server, you must returnthe license to the Graitec License Server. Otherwise you will not be able to activate the server license again.

Server configuration

For licensing, specify if the computer is a server or client using a small program called License Server. To installthis program, proceed as follows:

1. Browse to the Tools\License server folder on the installation DVD.

2. Select the Setup.exe file.

3. Select the preferred language.

4. Read the message and click Next to continue.

Figure 24: Welcome dialog box

5. In the next dialog box, click Install to start the installation.

6. Read the message and click Finish to complete the installation.

Figure 25: Installation complete

The license server software is installed and the Graitec License Server service activated.

Important ! The 2009 version uses the same version of License Server as Advance Steel 2011.


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Activating a server license

To activate a server license, proceed as follows:

1. From the Windows Start menu, select: Programs > Graitec > License Server > License utility.

Figure 26: Accessing the License Utility

2. Select Activate server license option and click Next to continue.

Figure 27: Activating a server license

3. In the next dialog box enter the activation code and the serial number provided when purchasing Advance.Click Next.

Figure 28: License information

Using Advance 2009 and Advance 2011 Server License on the same machine

If you have both Advance 2009 and a newer Advance Server Licenses (2010 or 2011) and you want to keepboth on the same machine, proceed as follows:

1. Copy the Advance 2009 license server file on the server machine.

2. Uninstall Graitec License Server 2009 from the Control panel.

3. Install the License Server Utility for Advance 2010 or 2011. See Server configuration.

4. Activate the 2010 or 2011 server license using the License Utility. See Activating a server license.


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5. Start LMTools: from the Windows menu, select Start > Programs > Graitec > License Server >LMTools.

6. In the LMTools dialog box, on the Config services tab, the Path to license file field displays the path to the2010 (or 2011) license file. Click Browse to set the path to the 2009 license file location or overwrite the2011 license with the 2009 license file.

7. Click Save Service.

8. On the Start/Stop/Reread tab, click Stop Server , and then click Start Server . Thus the 2009 licenseserver is activated.

Client in a network

1. If you have more than one license and the current installation is for a client workstation, select I want toconnect to My company license server . Click Next.

Figure 29: Connecting to the license server

2. In the next installation step, provide the name of the machine on which the license manager is installed inthe Server option.

After entering the server name and the port number (7621), click the Next button so the installation pro-

gram searches for the specified computer. This search might take some time.

Figure 30: The server name

3. After the server is found, click Finish to complete the client configuration.

Figure 21: Finishing the installation

If the server is not found, an error message will appear.


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License management

The LMTools application is installed with the license server software. This application verifies whether the li-cense server is active.

1. On the Start menu, select the License Server icon in the Graitec group.

2. In the “LMTools” dialog box, enter the complete path to the license file using Browse on the Ser-vice/License File tab. This file is in the directory where the license server was installed.

Figure 32: LMTools dialog box – Service/License tab

3. Select the Server Diagnostics tab and click Perform Diagnostics.

4. Close the application.

License mobility

Often, in practice, there are situations when Advance is used on computers that are not permanently connectedto the GRAITEC license server. For example:

• On a laptop

• On different computers that are not connected to the company license server

• The software is used both at work and at home

Therefore, GRAITEC provides a License utility - a tool that allows rehosting or borrowing a license, dependingon the situation.

License rehosting is used to transfer a license (standalone or server license) from one computer to another.

Within a network, a license can be borrowed from the company’s server, for temporary use on a laptop or an-other computer out of the company’s network.

Moving the license from one computer to another (rehosting)

To use Advance on another computer, the license must be transferred to the other computer using the LicenseUtility. The License Utility allows returning the license to the GRAITEC activation server and then activating it onthe destination computer.

Both, online and offline transfers are possible.


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Online license return

Before starting, close the active Advance sessions.

1. From the Windows Start menu, select: Programs > Graitec > Advance Steel 2011 > License utility.

2. In the License Utility dialog box, select Return application license. Click Next.

Figure 33: Selecting the Return application license option

3. In the next dialog box, select the application for which to remove the license. Click Next.

Figure 34: Selecting the application for which to remove the license

4. The next dialog box displays the confirmation message. Click Finish to complete the process.

Figure 35: Finishing returning the license

The license can be activated on another computer by following the steps described in the Activating the soft-ware chapter.

Note: The server license can be transferred using the same procedure. This is necessary when changingthe license server, reformatting the server or reinstalling WINDOWS (the license depends on the op-erating system installation).


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Offline return

If the computer, from which the license is to be removed, is not connected to the Internet, Advance can be deac-tivated using the offline e-mail based procedure. The necessary information is saved in an .xml file and auto-matically sent to GRAITEC at [email protected]. After receiving the confirmation message, the

license can be activated on another computer.Before starting, close the active Advance sessions.

1. From the Windows Start menu, select: Programs > Graitec > Advance Steel 2011 > License Utility.

2. In the License Utility dialog box, select Return application license and click Next.

Figure 36: Selecting the Return application license option

3. In the next dialog box, select I want to proceed with an offline return and click Next.

Figure 37: Selecting the offline return

4. Read the message in the next dialog box and click Next.

Figure 38: Offline return

5. Save the created .xml file containing the information required for deactivation on the hard drive.

6. An e-mail message with the attached .xml file is automatically prepared. Send the request [email protected].

After receiving the confirmation message the license can be activated on another computer. Advance cannot beused on the source computer. For details, read the Activating the software chapter – Offline activation.

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Upgrading from an Ethernet locked license to a 2011 mobile license

The licenses linked to Ethernet cards delivered to customers under maintenance can be replaced with 2011mobile licenses (hardware free). The process consists of two steps:

• Deactivation of the 2009 Ethernet locked license. The information necessary for the deactivation is saved inan .xml file and automatically sent to GRAITEC server at [email protected].

• Return the 2011 license to the GRAITEC server using the procedure described in the Moving the licensefrom one computer to another chapter.

Within 24 hours the request will be processed and a new hardware-free license will be delivered.

Once received the mobile license can be activated on any computer while the 2009 license will still be linked tothe specific hardware. To install the new license, follow the procedure described in the Activating the software chapter.

Notes: Activating the 2011 license also activates the 2009 license, so that both versions can be used on thecomputer.

Advance 2009 can be used only on the computer for which the license was locked. Moving (or returning)the 2011 license to another computer deactivates the 2009 license.

Advance 2009 and Advance 2011 cannot be used on two different computers.

Important ! The deactivation procedure does no apply if you are using Advance with a USB dongle. To use thenew license online activation process without a dongle, please contact GRAITEC.

Deactivating the Ethernet locked license

Warning ! Contact GRAITEC or the reseller before deactivating the current user license. Until receiving the newlicense, Advance cannot be used if the license is deactivated.

1. From the Windows Start menu, select: Programs > Graitec > Advance Steel 2011 > License Utility.

2. In the License Utility dialog box, select Request upgrade from 2009 to a 2011 mobile license and clickNext.

Figure 39: Upgrade to 2011 mobile license



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3. In the next dialog box, enter the contact information and select the product for which to deactivate thehardware locked license. Click Next.

Figure 40: License deactivation information

4. The next dialog box, displays the deactivation code.

It is recommended to save the deactivation code (e.g., in a text file). Click Finish.

Figure 41: Deactivation code

5. An e-mail message with the attached .xml file is automatically prepared. Send the message [email protected].

Figure 42: Email for license deactivation

If the information in the message and in the .xml file is correct, the 2009 Ethernet locked license is deactivated. Advance 2009 cannot be used on that computer.

The existing hardware locked license for Advance 2011 must be returned to the GRAITEC server.

Once received the mobile license can be activated on any computer.



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Borrowing the license from the company’s server

If the software must be used out of the office (for example, on a laptop) the license should be borrowed from thecompany’s license server.

Borrowing a license means transferring a license from the company’s server license to another computer (orlaptop), for offline use, for a defined period of time. It can be used also outside of the company’s network. Thenumber of licenses on the company’s server is reduced, as Advance can be used offline.

Before starting, make sure to have the activation code and the serial number for the network license.

Warning ! When borrowing the license, the computer (laptop) must be connected to the server.


2. In the License Utility dialog box, select Borrow the license from my company’s server .

Figure 43: Selecting the option

3. In the next dialog box, enter the company’s license server name, the license information (Serial Numberand Activation Code). Also, select the return date (within 15 days) and click Next.

Figure 44: License information

After the return date, the license will automatically be assigned back to the server. Also, it can be returnedearlier using the License Utility.

Note: The license can be borrowed for a maximum of 15 days.


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Figure 45: Finishing

The license was transferred to the laptop and the number of licenses on the server is reduced.

Returning a borrowed license before the expiry date


2. In the first step of the License Utility, select Return a borrowed license.

Figure 46: Returning the borrowed license

3. In the next dialog box, enter the necessary information. Click Next.

Figure 47: The server information


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4. Click Finish to complete the process.

Figure 48: Finishing returning the license to the server

The license is available on the server again and Advance can be used on another computer within the com-pany’s network.

Repair the application licenseIn case a computer upgrade is preventing Advance from launching, the license should be updated or repaired.

If the computer is not connected to the Internet, use the offline e-mail based procedure.

Online license update

1. In the first dialog box of the License Utility select Repair application license and click Next.

Figure 49: Repairing the license


Offline license update1. In the first dialog box of the License Utility select Repair application license and click Next.

2. In the next dialog box of the License Utility select I want to proceed with offline authorization and click Next.

Figure 50: Selecting the offline procedure


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3. Read the message in the next dialog box and click Next.

Figure 51: Offline procedure

4. Save the created .xml file containing the information required for repairing the license on the hard drive.

5. The file is automatically sent to GRAITEC at [email protected].

If the information in the .xml file is correct, an e-mail containing the necessary .xml file will be sent. After receiv-ing the repaired license, start the License Utility and perform the following steps:

1. In the first dialog box of the License Utility select I have a xml file ... and click Next.

2. To specify the .xml file, enter a path or click and browse to the file location and click Next.

Figure 52: Selection of the .xml file


Figure 53: Finishing license update



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Converting databases (Merging)

Old databases can be converted to new databases using the Management Tool. This might be required on a

new revision of Advance Steel or if users want to exchange information.

Note: Only the database from a previous version can be converted.

A column with author information is a prerequisite for converting databases.

Note: The tables (libraries) cannot be converted if the structure of the tables (libraries) was changed.

Save the databases before converting them.

Start the Management Tool.

Click “Convert database” . The “Convert database” window opens.

Figure 54: Convert database window – MDB database source

Select the database (*.mdb) by entering the filename in the "Merge what" field. For example, search for the da-tabase AstorBase.mdb.

In the “Convert database” window, click Options. In the “Options” dialog box select the preferred settings.

Figure 55: Options dialog box

Display tables (libraries)

This option defines what is displayed when the tables (libraries) have been analyzed (i.e., different tables (librar-ies), identical tables (libraries), in the current release and/or the previous release (to be converted)).

Use defaults

This option determines whether the defaults of the previous release (to be converted) or those of the new re-lease are used.


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Use preferred sizes (for objects in library)

This option determines whether the preferred sizes of the previous release (to be converted) or those of the newrelease are used.

Click Continue after selecting the database. The tables (libraries) in the databases are compared. The “Com-parison result” window then appears.

Figure 56: Comparison result window

The new Advance Steel databases are listed under “Groups” tree. For example, open the list under “Base” anda window (Figure 57) with the following content appears.

Figure 57: Comparison result window – List under "Base"

The icons in front of the table names indicate the comparison result:

Table is identical

Table can be automatically converted

Table cannot be converted because the table structure has been modified.Tables (libraries) available only in current release.

Only tables (libraries) with status set to “Automatic” can be converted.

Tables (libraries) with a specific status are selected by a right click in either side of the window. From the con-text menu, select or unselect criteria (i.e., different, identical or in current / previous version).

Figure 58: Context menu


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If Filter is selected, another window will appear where tables (libraries) to be displayed are selected.

Figure 59: Filter dialog box

The code letters in the right window or in the “Filter” dialog box are defined as follows:

I Table is in the source database but not in the destination database

C Source database contains columns that are not available in the destination database

E The source and destination databases have different columns with identical values in the fields

A The entries in the source and destination database are identical but have different authors

S Table contains fields with links

X Tables (libraries) have different structures

If all the tables (libraries) that can be automatically converted are not to be converted in the new database, un-select conversion (Converting – Off ).

To convert only some information records from a selected table, click the manual conversion option in the rightpanel of the window.

Figure 60: Conversion options

The status is changed from “Automatic” to:

Converting – Off

Converting Manually

After selecting the conversion method for all convertible tables (libraries), click Convert and the process willbegin. Every element to be converted manually will require validation.

Figure 61: Change entry

When the conversion is done all windows of the Convert database tool must be closed.

Support

GRAITEC has hotline and e-mail support for Advance.

Support by telephone

Ask your dealer or closest GRAITEC office for the appropriate telephone number.


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Chapter 2The 3D Model

In this chapter:

■ Elements of the 3D model

■ 3D Modeling workflow


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Elements of the 3D model

The Advance 3D model is built from elements such as beams, plates, structural elements, bolts, welds, fea-tures, and joints. Once the model is finished, checked and numbered, all output like structured BOM, NC data,general arrangement and detail drawings can be completed.

3D-Modeling Numbering Drawings

BOMs / NC-Information

Beam & Plate

The 3D model is built mainly from Advance basic objects:

• Beams created as section classes, simple sections, compound sections, or curved sections

• Plates as rectangular plates or as polygon plates with any contour

Beams and plates are created directly in the model and are displayed, by default, in the ‘wireframe’ mode.

Figure 62: Advance Beam and Plate (standard representation)

Figure 63: Compound section and curved beam shown in the AutoCAD® 'Hidden' representation

Processing

The basic objects (i.e., beams and plates) have available processing features. The most important processingtypes are:

• Beam processing: trimming, coping, miter cuts, rectangular and circular contour cuts, or any type of con-tour.

• Plate processing: corner finishes, chamfers, outer plate contours and inner contours, etc.


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Processing of existing basic objects (e.g., beam trimming and coping) is displayed as green processing con-tours within the object. The processing objects cannot exist alone and are part of a basic element (i.e., beam orplate). The object processing are edited as individual objects.

Figure 64: Contour processing – cope and corner section

The variety of processing options in Advance allows for almost any beam and plate contour.

Figure 65: Plate processing

If a basic element is deleted all processing objects will also be deleted.

Bolt patterns & welds

The basic objects (i.e., beams and plates) can be connected with:

• Bolt patterns (or holes only)

• Welds

These objects establish a connection between objects (e.g., beams and plates). This information is stored onthe objects (i.e., beam or plate) including any bolt pattern (with its definition) or welds (with its relevant proper-ties). Any individual element in the connection “knows” what holes, bolts, or welds it contains or with which ele-

ment it is connected. A bolt pattern can describe one or several bolts, which are automatically created in any plane together with theappropriate holes.

Figure 66: Bolt Pattern, Weld Point


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Changes in the bolt pattern automatically update the holes.

The tools for creating bolt patterns are used for bolts in addition to:

• Holes, slotted holes, countersunk holes, blind holes, threaded holes and punch marks

• Shear studs

The above are all created with their respective properties or definitions.

It is also possible to create the various hole types as part of a bolt object and a separate hole object.

Weld points are displayed as crosses in the model.

Joints

Another option for connecting the basic elements is the use of Advance joints. Joints are complex elements thatconsist of basic elements and dependent elements that are controlled by a construction rule.

All individual elements in the joint, including their properties and processing objects, are held together and rep-resented as a gray box (connection object).

All connection objects and definitions are included in the gray box.

Example: Haunch connection

A portal column and a rafter are connected with an intelligent rule-based joint. For example, this is ahaunch connection, including plates, stiffeners, and bolts.

Figure 67: Connection object (gray box)

The following joints are included in Advance:

• Connections for North America: end plates, clip angle connections, base plate, flat bracings

• Frame corners

• Gable wall connections and pin-ended column connections

• Ridge connections and splices

• Platform connections, end plates, web connections, and shear plates

• Gusset plates and diagonal bracing

• Base plates and stiffeners

• Tube connections

• Turnbuckle bracing

• Pylon construction connections

And on the alternative UK Joints toolbar, the following additional flyouts are available:

• UK Hot Rolled Joints

• UK Cold Rolled Joints


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The rules and structure of joints are stored in MS-Access tables (libraries). Adjustment of these rules to userrequirements (or creation of new rules) is possible with knowledge of Advance’s macro programming language.

In addition to the joints provided in the standard Advance package, interactive (also called manual) joints canbe created, stored and reused.

Structural elements

Structural elements are an intelligent group of basic elements and dependent elements classified as follows:symmetrical goal post frames and portal frames, single-span bracings, purlin positions, various stairs, pylons, joists, and half trusses.

These elements are created as a group of several basic elements with relationships to each other. Elementsand their relationships are held together and stored with a structural frame. The structural frame is displayed inthe model as a white continuous line (Figure 68).

Example: Portal frame

A portal frame consists of four sections: two grouped columns and two grouped rafters connected usinga structural element macro.

Figure 68: Portal Frame

All changes to one element affect the entire group. If a rafter section is changed then the second rafter sectionwill also be changed. The column sections of the frame behave in the same way. A change in the total height orthe column height affects the entire structural element.

Auxiliary objects

Auxiliary objects are:

• Grid axes or

• Level symbols

These objects do not belong directly to the frame but support the construction process. Nevertheless, they areimportant elements.


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Example: Building grid

A building grid that corresponds to the dimensions of the construction forms the basis of 3D Modelingand helps with orientation in three-dimensional space.

Figure 69: Building grid with portal frame

Special parts

Objects that are not Advance standard objects can be created as special parts. When Advance creates draw-ings and bills of material with special parts they are handled like standard objects. If these objects (specialparts) are to appear in the bill of material, they must be provided with Advance properties. Advance informationthat can be attached is:

• Weight

• Material

• Coating

• Name

• Commodity

• Lot/Phase

• Part mark (single part and assembly)

• Model Role

• Other


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3D Modeling workflow

Create a building grid

Create beams, plates, structural elements

Edit beams / plates (processes)

Add Advance elements with joints / interactive connections

Add other interconnecting members

Controls / checks for collisions and measurements


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Chapter 3Advance interface

In this chapter:

■ Starting the program / working envi-

ronment■ Advance toolbars / menus

■ Using Advance

■ Creating Advance objects


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Starting the program / working environment

Start AutoCAD® / Advance by double clicking on the Advance Steel Icon on the desktop.

Figure 70: Advance Steel icon on the desktop

AutoCAD® and Advance start and the user interface appears.

The ASTemplate.dwt template drawing is automatically loaded when starting AutoCAD® / Advance. It containsimportant defaults like the current coordinate system, the orientation, object snap settings, layer assignment andcolor definitions so that modeling can immediately begin.

Advance starts in a three-dimensional isometric view. The User Coordinate System (UCS) is active and set to

the World Coordinate System (WCS). All coordinate entries refer to the UCS.

• Save a project with an appropriate name in an AutoCAD® DWG format. Use File in the upper left corner ofthe screen. Each project should be saved in its own folder for easier file management.

Among other features, template drawings and files for certain drawing formats are delivered with Advance.

Advance toolbars / menus

All Advance tools are grouped by type and are available on toolbars positioned in a space saving manner in the AutoCAD® environment.

To keep the interface clear and make each command easy to find, only two Advance toolbars, Standard andAdvance Steel, appear when AutoCAD® / Advance is started.

The toolbars contain commands and sub-toolbars in the form of flyouts. Flyouts open by clicking them and con-tain other Advance command buttons.

The Advance Steel toolbar icons call the Advance main toolbars that contain logically grouped Advance tools,objects, and elements. When accessed these main toolbars replace each other (with exception of the Designassistance toolbar) so that the model workspace remains uncluttered with plenty of space.

Figure 71: Advance Steel – toolbar

If, for example, the Advance Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar (first button from the left) isopened through the Advance Steel toolbar, it remains on the display until another main toolbar (e.g., Joints toolbar, second button from the left) is opened. The newly opened toolbar (e.g., Joints toolbar) replaces theGrid, section, plate, structural element toolbar and remains open until another toolbar is called.

Figure 72: Advance Standard – toolbar

The Standard toolbar includes tools for building, displaying, changing, and marking Advance elements, the Advance Document Manager, drawing layout, and other help tools. It also contains frequently used AutoCAD®tools for use with Advance.


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Figure 73: Arrangement of the Advance toolbars

Figure 74: Advance Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar

The Grid, section, plate, structural element toolbar contains commands for grids, structural elements, beams,beam processing, plates, plate processing, construction systems, bolts, holes, shear studs, welds, and for thedisplay and modification of connections.

Figure 75: Advance Joints toolbar

The Joints toolbar contains all joints, arranged by individual element type, and the corresponding commandsfor handling these joints and connection objects.


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The toolbars reviewed up until now are essential for creating a three-dimensional model. The Design assis-tance toolbar can also be used.

Figure 76: Advance Stairs & Railings toolbar

The Stairs & Railings toolbar contains commands for creating stairs, railings, ladders, and specific joints (i.e.,stair footing, end plate with cope, shear plate, platform splice, angle connection, railing anchorage, and boltedend plate).

Figure 77: Design assistance toolbar

The Design assistance toolbar contains important checking tools (i.e., collisions in the model and checkingdatabases), which are required during construction and are also available on other toolbars. Special Advance

commands to copy, rotate and mirror connections are included. This toolbar accelerates the construction workby having frequently used commands in one place.

Figure 78: Advance Listing & checking toolbar

The Listing & checking toolbar includes commands for structured BOM, collision test, save with proxy-graphics, Advance Audit checking, steel construction technical checking, special parts, and update defaults.This toolbar does not have commands for the construction environment. It is used for managing / checking themodel and for communication with other programs.

Figure 79: Advance Numbering, drawing toolbar

The Numbering, drawing toolbar contains all commands pertaining to numbering, drawing creation, automaticdrawing creation with processes, and the Document Manager. The predefined drawing styles are different foreach installation.

Figure 80: Advance User sections toolbar

The User sections toolbar includes all required commands for creating custom sections (can be added directlyin tables (libraries)).

Figure 81: Advance Bonus toolbar

The Bonus toolbar c

as user guide 2011 en metric

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