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Accessways, Stairs and LaddersApplication User Guide

Version 11.6SP1

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PLEASE NOTE:

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Revision History

Date Version Notes

November2003

11.5 The structure of document has been updated in line withother documents in the series. Some of the text has beenreworded and up-to-date form illustrations have beenincluded.

June 2005 11.6SP1 Updates and corrections

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Revision History-ii Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User GuideVersion 11.6


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Contents

1 Read This First..............................................................................................1-1

1.1 The scope of this guide .............................................................................................. 1-11.1.1Intended audience............................................................................................. 1-11.1.2Preconditions and assumptions ........................................................................ 1-11.1.3Tutorial exercise................................................................................................ 1-11.1.4Further reading.................................................................................................. 1-2

1.2 Text conventions ........................................................................................................ 1-21.3 Terminology................................................................................................................ 1-21.4 How this guide is organised ....................................................................................... 1-31.5 Further training in the use of PDMS ........................................................................... 1-4

2 Introducing VANTAGE PDMS and the Design Module ..............................2-1

2.1 The strengths and structure of PDMS ........................................................................ 2-12.2 The Design module and its structural applications ..................................................... 2-2

3 Getting Started..............................................................................................3-1

3.1 Basic information ........................................................................................................ 3-13.1.1Using the mouse ............................................................................................... 3-13.1.2Using menus ..................................................................................................... 3-23.1.3Using forms ....................................................................................................... 3-23.1.4Using text boxes................................................................................................ 3-33.1.5Using drop-down lists........................................................................................ 3-33.1.6Using option buttons ......................................................................................... 3-43.1.7Using check boxes ............................................................................................ 3-43.1.8Using scrollable lists.......................................................................................... 3-43.1.9Using action buttons.......................................................................................... 3-43.1.10 Responding to alert forms ............................................................................ 3-5

3.2 Logging in................................................................................................................... 3-53.3 The Design startup display ......................................................................................... 3-73.4 On-line help ................................................................................................................ 3-83.5 The Design database hierarchy ................................................................................. 3-93.6 Starting the Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application (ASL Modeller)............... 3-103.7 The Parameter Default Settings ............................................................................... 3-11

3.7.1The Principles ................................................................................................. 3-113.7.2Changing the Parameter Default Settings....................................................... 3-12

4 Creating Access Platforms and Walkways.................................................4-1

4.1 Creating a Rectangular-Shaped Platform .................................................................. 4-14.1.1Creating a site ................................................................................................... 4-24.1.2Creating a zone below a site............................................................................. 4-44.1.3Defining the Platform Geometry Explicitly ......................................................... 4-54.1.4Defining the Platform Geometry Implicitly......................................................... 4-6

4.2 Creating a Circular-Shaped Platform ......................................................................... 4-94.3 Creating a Penetration Through a Platform.............................................................. 4-12

4.3.1Defining a Floor Penetration Explicitly ............................................................ 4-13

4.3.2Defining a Floor Penetration Implicitly............................................................. 4-14

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5 Creating Stairs.............................................................................................. 5-1

5.1 Creating a Stair with Specified Dimensions................................................................5-25.2 Creating a Stair between Specified Floors .................................................................5-4

6 Creating Ladders.......................................................................................... 6-1

6.1 Creating a Step Ladder...............................................................................................6-26.2 Creating a Front or Side Exit Ladder .......................................................................... 6-3

7 Creating Posts, Handrails and Kickplates.................................................. 7-1

7.1 Creating Posts and Joints...........................................................................................7-17.1.1Creating Corner Posts.......................................................................................7-37.1.2Creating Intermediate Posts..............................................................................7-37.1.3Measuring the Distance Between Posts............................................................7-47.1.4Changing the Joint Type for a Post ...................................................................7-4

7.2 Creating Handrails......................................................................................................7-57.2.1Creating Explicit Handrails ................................................................................ 7-57.2.2Adding End Pads to Handrails ..........................................................................7-67.2.3Adding Closures to Handrails............................................................................7-6

7.3 Creating kickplates ..................................................................................................... 7-6

8 Positioning and Orientating Items.............................................................. 8-1

8.1 Explicit Positioning......................................................................................................8-18.1.1Positioning at Explicit Coordinates ....................................................................8-1

8.2 Positioning Relative to Current Position .....................................................................8-28.3 Positioning Relative to Other Design Points ...............................................................8-4

8.3.1Moving a Given Distance ..................................................................................8-48.3.2Moving Through a Given Point..........................................................................8-68.3.3Moving Through a Given Clearance..................................................................8-6

8.3.4Moving Towards a Given Point..........................................................................8-88.4 Redefining the Origin of an Element...........................................................................8-88.5 Positioning Relative to Projected Planes ....................................................................8-9

8.5.1Moving Through a Given Distance ..................................................................8-108.5.2Moving Through a Given Point........................................................................8-118.5.3Moving to a Given Clearance .......................................................................... 8-12

8.6 Positioning Stairs and Ladders Using Reference Points .......................................... 8-138.7 Orientating Elements ................................................................................................ 8-14

8.7.1Redefining the Directions of One or Two Axes................................................8-148.7.2Rotating an Element........................................................................................8-15

9 Modifying Accessways, Stairs and Ladders in Detail ............................... 9-1

9.1 Stretching or Trimming a Primitive..............................................................................9-29.2 Sliding a Primitive to a New Position .......................................................................... 9-69.3 Changing the Direction of Stair/Ladder Handrails ......................................................9-6

Appendix A: Setting Drawing Representation Levels .......................................A-1

Appendix B: Other Documentation.....................................................................B-1

Index ................................................................................................................ Index i

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1 Read This First

1.1 The scope of this guide

This document is one of a set of Application User Guides that tell you howto carry out specific types of design work using PDMS Design.

This particular guide describes how you can use Designs Accessways,Stairs and Ladders (ASL Modeller) application to add access details toyour structural steelwork, using on-screen menus and forms.

1.1.1 Intended audience

This guide has been written for engineers who have already used DesignsStructural application to create the principal parts of the steelworkstructure, as described in the manual Structural Design using PDMS.Therefore, menu options that are common to both applications will bementioned only briefly in this guide.

1.1.2 Preconditions and assumptions

For you to use this guide, the sample PDMS project, Project SAM, mustbe correctly installed on your system, and you must have read/writeaccess to the project databases.

It is assumed that you know:

where to find PDMS on your computer system

how to use the Windows operating system installed at your site.

Contact your systems administrator if you need help in either of these

areas.

1.1.3 Tutorial exercise

The tutorial exercise runs through the guide, preceded by andinterspersed with sections and paragraphs giving general information.The steps of the exercise are numbered sequentially throughout theguide. The areas of general information are separated from the tutorialas follows:

The start of the exercise is indicated like this:

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Exercise begins: Each interval in the exercise for inclusion of general information, ispreceded by a line across the page, like this:

Continuation of the exercise after each interval is shown like this:

Exercise continues:

1.1.4 Further reading

You can find a list of relevant AVEVA documentation in Appendix B ofthis guide.

1.2 Text conventions

This guide uses the following text conventions:

Serif for the majority of the text.

Bold to highlight important information, and to introducespecial terminology.

Serif italic to denote internal cross references and citations.

Sans-serif to denote keys on your keyboard.

Sans-serif bold for menu names and options, and for the names offorms.

Typewriter for text within a form, including text that you enteryourself using the keyboard.

1.3 Terminology

The following terms are used throughout this guide to describe whataction to carry out:

Enter Type text into the specified dialogue box, then press theEnter (or Return) key to confirm the entry.

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Appendix B identifies other sources of information that supplementand expand upon the brief details given in this guide.

The guide concludes with an index.

1.5 Further training in the use of PDMS

This guide teaches you to about the key features of using PDMS Designfor accessways, stairs and ladders only.

If you wish to learn more about the wide-ranging facilities of PDMS,AVEVA provides a wide range of training courses, covering all levels ofexpertise and all design disciplines. For details of courses, and to arrangecourse attendance, contact your nearest AVEVA support office (see thecopyright page at the front of this guide for our web address).



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2 Introducing VANTAGE PDMS and theDesign Module

2.1 The strengths and structure of PDMS

PDMS is a powerful suite of facilities, for the design ofProcess Plant, theemphasis being on maximising both design consistency and designproductivity:

You can incorporate modifications into your design at any stagewithout fear of invalidating any of your prior work, because data-consistency checking is an integral part of the product. PDMSautomatically manages drawing production, material take-off reports,and so on, by reading all design data directly from a common set ofdatabases, to prevent errors from being introduced by transcribinginformation between different disciplines.

The applications let you check all aspects of your design as workprogresses. This includes on-line interdisciplinary clash detection, sothe chances of errors and inconsistencies reaching the final

documented design are reduced to an exceptionally low level. The applications are controlled from a graphical user interface. This

means that all design, drawing and reporting operations are initiatedby selecting choices from menus, and by entering data into on-screenforms. For ease of use, pictorial icons also represent many commonactions.

On-screen help is available to assist you whenever you need help.

PDMS comprises the following functional parts:

modules applications

A module is a subdivision of PDMS that you use to carry out specifictypes of operation. This guide is concerned with the Design module, whichyou use for creating the 3D design model.

An application is a supplementary program that provides operations thatare specific to a particular discipline. The application you will use forstructuraldesign work in this guide is Accessways, Stairs and Ladders(ASL).



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2.2 The Design module and its structural applications

The PDMS structuralapplications offer the following key benefits:

The applications incorporate a number of geometric design aids, such

as 3D positioning grids, design pins and 2D routing planes, to make iteasy for you to position structural elements accurately within thedesign model. In most cases you can specify the points at which designitems are to be positioned using the pointer to pick the required pointsin a 3D model view.

Where possible, the Design applications create and maintain connectivityof the structural network automatically.

You can carry out multi-disciplinary clash checks at any stage of thedesign, thus avoiding spatial conflicts within the overall model which

could be expensive to rectify at the construction stage. This isparticularly important where different features of the design modelare under the control of different designers.

At any stage of your work, you can create reports listing specified datafrom the current database. You can specify a standard reporttemplate, so you can derive lists of commonly-required informationvery quickly, or you can design a one-off report format to suit specialneeds. The resultant output, which can include data from any designdiscipline, sorted in any way you require, can be either displayed onyour screen or sent to a file (for storage and/or for printing).



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3 Getting Started

The first part of this chapter is a reminder of the user interface andprinciples that you utilised during previous sessions with Design. Thesubject matter covered is:

basic information on how to use the mouse and elements of thewindows, menus and forms within the PDMS graphical user interface,

how to log in to PDMS,

the availability of on-line help,

the Design database hierarchy.

The second part of the chapter introduces aspects specific to ASL. Thesubject matter covered is:

how to start the ASL Modeller application,

the parameter default settings.

3.1 Basic information

This section is intended for readers who are unfamiliar with computerpractices. It provides information on the use of the mouse and describesthe elements that regularly appear in the windows of the graphical userinterface.

3.1.1 Using the mouse

You use the mouse to steer the graphics pointer around the screen. Theappearance of the pointer changes according to the type of display itemthat is underneath it.

There are three buttons on the mouse. These perform different tasksdepending on the type of window, and the position occupied by the pointerwithin the window.

The left-hand mouse button has three functions:

On a graphical view, clicking the left-hand button with the pointerover a design element results in selection of a graphical item oridentification of a position in the 3D model.

In a sequence of menus, dragging with the left-hand button activatesthe command represented by the highlighted menu option when the

button is released.



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On a form, the effect varies according to the selected item.

The middle mouse button or wheel is used primarily to manipulate thegraphical view contents.

The right-hand button is used to access pop-up menu options specific to

the item under the mouse pointer.Note: the right-hand mouse button menu will henceforth be referred toas the shortcut menu.

3.1.2 Using menus

Menu options in pull-down or shortcut menus can be in any of threeformats:

Standalone options initiate an action immediately.

Options followed by three dots require further inputfrom the user in order to complete the action.

Options followed by a pointer, display a subsidiarymenu that offers a further range of options.

Throughout this guide, related selections from menus are abbreviatedusing the > symbol as a separator. For example:

Select Position>At>Explicitmeans:a) Select Position from the bar menu.

b) Select At from the resulting pull-down menu

c) Move the pointer to the right and select Explicit from the resultantsubmenu.

3.1.3 Using forms

Forms are used both to display information and to let you enter new data.

Forms typically comprise an arrangement ofbuttons of various types,text-boxes, and scrollable lists. Input to a form is usually by use of themouse and keyboard.

While you have access to a form, you can change a setting, return to theinitial values, accept and act on the current data, or cancel the formwithout applying any changes, according to the nature of the form.

Forms can include any of the following elements, the uses of which aredescribed in the following sections:

text boxes

drop-down lists



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check boxes

scrollable lists

action buttons.

3.1.4 Using text boxes

Text boxes are the areas where you type in alphanumeric data such asnames or dimensions. A text box will usually have a label to tell you whatto enter.

A text-box often contains a default entry (such as unset) when firstdisplayed. Some text boxes accept only text or only numeric data, andentries with the wrong type of data are not accepted.

To enter data into a text box:

Click in the box to insert the text-editing pointer (a vertical bar).

Type in the required data, editing any existing entry as necessary. (Youmay need to delete the existing entry first.)

You can edit the contents of the text box by moving the cursor using thearrow keys or by moving the cursor with the mouse and clicking the leftmouse button. You can delete text by using the BACKSPACE key to deletecharacters to the left-hand of the cursor or DELETE KEY for those to the

right-hand.When you have finished, confirm the entry by pressing the Enter (orReturn) key. A yellow background highlights any text box with anunconfirmed setting.

3.1.5 Using drop-down lists

Drop-down lists let you choose one option from a multiple selection. Thelist will usually have a label to tell you what you are setting and willshow the current selection.

They typically have the following appearance:

To change the setting, click on the down arrow or button face to revealthe full list of available options. Then pick the required option.

When the arrow has a bar under it, clicking on the button leads toanother form, at which the required option can be selected from ascrollable list.



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Tells PDMS to perform the chosen operation using thecurrent form settings, and leaves the form displayed forfurther use.

Cancels any changes you have made to the form, and leavesthe form displayed for further use.

Closes the form, keeping the current settings, but withoutperforming the chosen operation.

Some forms contain more specific types ofcontrolbutton, which carry outparticular command options. The action is indicated by the name of thebutton (such as Add or Remove).

3.1.10 Responding to alert forms

Alert forms are used to display information such as error messages,prompts and requests for confirmation of changes. You should respond bycarrying out the prompted task, or by clicking on the control buttons onthe form (usually an OK or Cancel button).

3.2 Logging in

This is the first step of the tutorial exercise. If you do not know where thePDMS program is stored on your system, you will have to contact yoursystem administrator at this point.

Exercise begins: 1. Start PDMS by double clicking on the PDMS icon.The following VANTAGE PDMS Login form appears, at which youspecify a number of details at the start of your session.



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2. Click on the VANTAGE PDMS Login form to make it active.Note: The following entries made at this form are specifically for

the tutorial. Those required for your own project will bedifferent.

3. Enter, or select using the dropdown list button, the name of theProject in which you want to work. For this tutorial, the project isSAM (in upper case).

4. Enter, or select using the dropdown list button, your Username. Forthis tutorial, it is SAMPLE (in upper case).

5. Enter your allocated Password, which is SAMPLE (in upper case).The textbox displays an asterisk for each entered letter.

6. Enter, or select using the dropdown list button, the part of the projectMultipleDatabase (MDB) you want to work in. For this tutorial itis SAMPLE.

7. Using the dropdown list, select the name of the module you wish touse. This is Design.

8. Make sure that you leave the Read Only box unchecked, so that youcan modify the database as you work.

9. You must specify which files (Load from) to load at startup. Theoptions are the application default settings (Macro Files) or acustomised setup saved during an earlier session (Load from

Binary Files). For this tutorial select Macro Files.When you have entered all the necessary details, the form looks likethis:

10. Click on the button.



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3.3 The Design startup display

When PDMS has loaded, your screen looks like this:

As labelled above, the display comprises the following:

Title BarThis shows the current PDMS module, and its sub-application ifapplicable.

Main Menu BarThis is the area you use to make menu selections.

Main Tool BarThis has a number of icon buttons and drop-down lists that offershortcuts to a selection common PDMS operations and standardsettings.

Design ExplorerThis shows your current position in the PDMS databasehierarchy. To move to a different point in the database, you clickon the appropriate item in the list.

Note: for full details of the Design Explorer, see the PDMSDesign online help.



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3D ViewThis is the window in which you display the design modelgraphically as you build it. A shortcut menu (which you accesswith the right-hand mouse button) enables you to control how themodel is represented. This window also has its own tool bar.

Status BarThis displays information about the current status of youroperations.

You can reposition or minimise these windows at any time usingstandard window management facilities.

3.4 On-line help

The standard Help features are available from its submenu, as follows:

Help>On Context

This gives you help on any window currently visible in the display. Whenyou select this option, the pointer changes to a question mark (?). Movethe question mark into the window on which you want help and click theleft-hand mouse button.

Help>Contents

This displays the Help three-pane window with the Contents tab at thefront so that you can find the required topic from the hierarchicalcontents list.

Help>Index

This displays the Help three-pane window with the Index tab at the frontso that you can find all topics relevant to a selected keyword.

Help>About

This displays information about the version of PDMS that you are using.

More Info... lists the version numbers of the libraries being used bythe displayed version of PDMS.

Pressing theF1 key at any time will display the help topic for thecurrently active window (equivalent to Help>On Context for the currentwindow).

Note: For most of the forms in the ASL Modeller Application, on-linehelp is NOT available. In these circumstances, this guide takesthe place of on-line help.



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3.5 The Design database hierarchy

All PDMS data is stored in a hierarchic or tree format (similar to theway in which you use a hierarchy of directories and subdirectories to

access your computer files). In the case of a PDMS Design database, thetopmost data level is called the World (usually represented by thesymbolic name /*), below which are the administrative sublevels Site andZone.The names used to identify database levels below Zone depend on thespecific engineering discipline for which the data is used. In the case of

ASL design data, the lower administrative levels (and their PDMSabbreviations) are Structure (STRU) and Substructure (SUBS).

All data is represented in the database thus:

Each identifiable item of data is known as a PDMS element. Each element has a number of associated pieces of information, which,

together, completely define its properties. These are known as itsattributes.Every element is identified within the database structure by anautomatically allocated reference number and, optionally, by a user-specified name. Additional items of information about an element whichcould be stored as attribute settings include:

Its type

Its physical dimensions and technical specifications

Its physical location and orientation in the design model

Its connectivity.

Some attribute settings must be defined by you when you create anew element, others will be defined automatically by PDMS.

The vertical link between two elements on adjacent levels of the databasehierarchy is defined as an owner-member relationship. The element onthe upper level is the owner of those elements directly linked below it.The lower level elements are members of their owning element. Eachelement can have many members, but it can have only one owner.

When you are modifying a database (for example, when you are creatingnew elements or changing the settings of their attributes), you canconsider yourself to be positioned at a specific point within the hierarchy.The element at this location is called the current element (oftenabbreviated to CE).

You can navigate from any element to any other, thereby changing thecurrent element, by following the owner-member links up and down thehierarchy.



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In many cases, commands which you give for modifying the attributes ofan element will assume that the changes are to be applied to the currentelement unless you specify otherwise, so you must understand thisconcept and always be aware of your current position in the databasehierarchy. The Design Explorer will always show you this information.

3.6 Starting the Accessways, Stairs and LaddersApplication (ASL Modeller)

Exercise continues: 11. Start the ASL application by selecting Design from the top-level barmenu, Structures from the pull-down menu and ASL Modeller fromthe first submenu (Design>Structures>ASL Modeller).

When the application has loaded, you will see the applications barmenu, across the top of the window thus:

12. Before you proceed further, see Appendix A for guidance on theeffects of setting different drawing levels.

The following chapters of this guide explain how to select appropriatecombinations of options from the various menus, and how to fill in anyassociated forms, to enable you to carry out specific design functions foradding accessways, stairs and/or ladders to your structural model.

The menus and forms have been designed so as to make their use asintuitive as possible. This guide does not, therefore, attempt to explaineverycommand option, only those needed to carry out the principaldesign tasks.

The contents of some forms change interactively to match your choice ofoptions, so that the selections presented to you and the input datarequested from you are always directly relevant to the current situation.Because of this, some design functions are easier to use in practice thanthey are to describe in theory. You will learn to use the applications mostrapidly if you experiment with the various menu and form optionsyourself (remembering to quit withoutsaving your changes if you practiseon a real database).



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3.7 The Parameter Default Settings

3.7.1 The Principles

Each time you create a new accessway, stair or ladder in the ASLapplication, you must specify the settings of a number of dimensional andgeneral design parameters relevant to that type of item. For example, fora corner platform with handrails, the parameters which must be specifiedinclude the following (see Figure 3.1):

The length, width and orientation of the platform

The sides along which the handrails are required

The thickness of the floorplate

The depth of the kickplate

The method of construction and mounting for the handrail.

Some of these parameters, such as the length and width, are specific toeach individual item and must be defined separately each time a newplatform is created. The definition is made either explicitly, by typingvalues into text boxes, or implicitly, by using the cursor to pick existingdesign elements relative to which the new item is to be positioned.

Other parameters, such as floorplate thickness, handrail designdefinitions, kickplate depth etc., which are likely to be common to all such

structures, have their initial settings derived from the current defaultsfile. You can change the current default settings at any time, so that theytake effect for all subsequent design work, or you can override one ormore individual settings by editing the entries in the corresponding textboxes as you create each ASL item.



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Kickplate depth

Length

Width

Handrail locations

Handrail post type

(e.g. jointed, floor mou nte d)

Floorplate thickness

Direction

Figure 3.1 Some parameters for a corner platform

3.7.2 Changing the Parameter Default Settings

To change any of the default settings, select Settings>Defaults from themenu. You will see the ASL Defaults form, showing the current settings,thus:



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The form shows the current setting for each parameter and the name ofthe defaults file from which the settings have been obtained.

When you first enter the ASL application, the defaults file is definedwithin the initialisation file PDMSUI/DES/ADMIN/SETUP; the file istypically defined as %PDMSDFLTS%/DES-ACCESS.

To change any of the parameter default settings, edit the correspondingentries in the ASL Defaults form. Note that three of the settings aredefined by using drop-down list, rather than by editing values in textboxes. These are:



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Handrail Joints defining the geometry of the joints (ball, cone ortee)

Post Type defining how and where handrail posts are to beattached

Steelwork Type defining the type of primary/secondarysteelwork (Nodal or Nozzle) to which the ASLitems are to be added. This option should be setto Nodal.Note: The Nozzle option is only provided for

use with data generated by an oldPDMS steelwork application calledNozzle Steelwork, which is no longersupplied or supported.

You can save the modified settings, or load a new set of defaults from anexisting file, by using the File menu options on the ASL Defaults form inthe usual way. This is a convenient way for you to build up a library ofstandard ASL design configurations for use on different types ofsteelwork structures, or to meet different company standards.

Once satisfactory sets of default values have been established, it shouldnot be necessary to change these in normal use, because they will usuallyrepresent project-wide or company-wide standards.



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4 Creating Access Platforms and Walkways

This chapter explains how to create any of the following types of platform:

Floorplate a basic rectangular plate with no handrailsor kickplates (although you can add posts,rails and/or kickplates independently, asexplained in Chapter 7).

Rectangular platform a rectangular platform with handrails andoptional kickplates (initially to defaultspecifications) on all four sides.

Corner platform a rectangular platform with handrails andoptional kickplates (initially to defaultspecifications) on two adjacent sides.

Return access a rectangular platform with handrails andoptional kickplates (initially to defaultspecifications) on three sides.

Walkway a rectangular platform with handrails andoptional kickplates (initially to defaultspecifications) on two opposite sides.

Circular platform although nominally circular, such aplatform may actually be round, hexagonalor octagonal, with handrails and optionalkickplates (initially to default specifications)all round its periphery.

This chapter also explains how to insert a penetration into the floorplateof any platform to allow another design element, such as a pipe, to passthrough it.

Note: You should create platforms at Structure or Substructure level.

4.1 Creating a Rectangular-Shaped Platform

The procedure for creating any of the rectangular-shaped platforms ismuch the same, since only the layout of the handrails and kickplatesdiffers between the different types; for example:



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0

Rectangular platform

Corner p latform

Return access platform

sho ws o r ig in a nd direc t io n

(R.H. lay ou t)

The only data that is not taken from the defaults file is that which definesthe position and dimensions of the platform. You may specify such data in

either of two ways: Explicitly, by entering the length/width dimensions, orientation and

origin coordinates.

Implicitly, by using the cursor to pick four design steelwork elementsupon which the platform is to be placed and which will define itsboundaries.

Exercise continues: 4.1.1 Creating a site

You will create your hierarchy from the top down, starting with a site.

Exercise continues: 13. Make sure that you are at World level in the Design Explorer, thenselect Create>Site to display the Create Site form:



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14. Type ASL.SITE in the Name text box, and press the Enter key toconfirm the name. The system automatically adds a / prefix to thisname so that it conforms with the internal PDMS file namingconventions:

/ASL.SITE.

The Purpose setting is optional, and is used for selecting particularcategories of element for use in compiling reports etc. Identify yourSite as one that holds civils modelling data by selecting STLTTertiary Steelwork.

Your settings now look like this:

15. Click OK to create the Site element. Your first element appears in theDesign Explorer as the current element:



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4.1.2 Creating a zone below a site

Exercise continues: 16. Select Create>Zone.You will let the system name the Zone. On theCreate Zone form:Set the Name option to Autoname

Set thePurpose to STL Steelwork.



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Creating Access Platforms and Walkways17. Click OK to create the Zone element. Again, the new element

appears in the Design Explorer as the current element, and ithas been automatically named ASL.SITE/STRUC01.

4.1.3 Defining the Platform Geometry Explicitly

18. Begin to create a Platform by first selectingCreate>Platform>type>Define, where typeis Corner,

Rectangular, Return Access, Walkway or Floorplate.

You will see an element creation form similar to this (the preciseformat depends on the type of platform specified):

19. Give the new platform a Name, if required.20. Check that the default settings for Floorplate Thickness,

Kickplate Depth and Posts are suitable. Change them ifnecessary.

21. Enter the coordinates of the new platforms origin (the centre of therectangle) in the Position text boxes, checking that the Wrt entryrefers to the correct reference axis system.



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22. Enter the platforms dimensions, as required, in the Length andWidth text boxes.

23. The default orientation for a newly created platform is with its lengthpointing North and with the plane of the platform horizontal (these

directions are notderived from the defaults file). If you wish to rotatethe platform about a vertical axis through its origin, edit the entry inthe Direction text box.

For a Return Access platform, the specified direction defines thedirection of the open end.

24. OK the form to create the platform, complete with appropriatehandrails and kickplates.

25. If you have created a corner or return access platform, you will seethe prompt Mirror? This gives you the opportunity to change your

mind about the handrail layout by moving the rails to the oppositesides. Select Yes or No as required.

An example platform (with Length and Width set to 1000, 1000respectively, and YES selected for Mirror) is shown below:

4.1.4 Defining the Platform Geometry Implicitly

26. At this point we need to add some steelwork sections to the display,so select STABILIZER/STEEL/EQUIPRACK from the Design Explorerandadd EQUIPRACK to the display by selecting it and selecting3D View>Addfrom the shortcut menu. See below:



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27. Note that the default type of steel should be set to Nodal. If it is not,you will not be able to pick the elements upon which you wish toinstall the platform and the application will fail.

28. Select Create>Platform>type>On ID Sections, where typeis Corner,Rectangular, Return Access, Walkway or Floorplate.

You will see an element creation form similar to this (the preciseformat depends on the type of platform specified):



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29. Give the new platform a Name, if required.30. Check that the default settings for Floorplate Thickness,

Kickplate Depth and Posts are suitable. Change them ifnecessary.

31. Set the Extent option gadget to show how the platforms boundariesare to be related to the datum lines of the sections which will be usedto define them. The choices are:

Centreline Edge

32. Click the Apply button.33. You be prompted to Identify section (SCTN) (Most Northerly).

Using the pointer, pick the section (i.e. beam) which is to define thenorth edge of the new platform. (Hint: You may find it useful to havethe axes displayed so that you pick the correct direction; use theModel>Axes option from the main menu if necessary.)

When prompted further, pick the sections which are to define thesouth, east and west edges of the platform, in that order.

The platform will be created, complete with appropriate handrailsand kickplates.

34. If you have created a corner or return access platform, you will seethe prompt Do you want to mirror the ... Platform? Thisgives you the opportunity to change your mind about the handraillayout by moving the rails to the opposite sides. Select Yes or No asrequired.

An example platform (with NO selected for Do you want to mirrorthe ... ?) is shown below:



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4.2 Creating a Circular-Shaped Platform

You can create a circular platform with any of three basic configurations;

round, hexagonal (six sides) or octagonal (eight sides).Round platforms may form complete circles, or they may comprisesegments of any specified angle. Six-sided and eight-sided platforms maybe created only in their entirety (although they are made up of six andeight separate floorplates, respectively, any of which may be deleted laterif necessary).

Each type of platform can have a circular penetration through its centreand, for round platforms only, this penetration may be protected by asecond (inner) handrail. The latter is particularly relevant when you use,say, a 90o segment of a round platform to form a curved walkway.

Some possible configurations are as follows:



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Round platform

Octagonal platform(Eight Sides)

Hexagonal platform

(Six Sides)

with optional inside rail

90o round 180o round 360o roundwithout inside rail

Exercise continues: To create any of the above platform types, reselect PLATFORMS as thecurrent element, remove EQUIPRACK from the display (by selecting it andselecting Remove From Draw List from the shortcut menu) and proceed asfollows:

35. Select Create>Platform>Circular>type, where typeis Round, Six Sidesor Eight Sides.

You will see an element creation form similar to the following (theprecise format depends on the type of platform specified; the roundplatform version shown here is the most complex of the three):



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36. Give the new platform a Name, if required.37. Check that the default settings for Floorplate Thickness andKickplate Depth are suitable. Change them if necessary.

38. Enter the coordinates of the new platforms origin (the centre of thecircumscribing circle) in the Position text boxes, checking that theWrt entry refers to the correct reference axis system.

39. For a six-sided or eight-sided platform, enter the platformsdimensions in the Radius to outside of floor and Radius toinside of floor text boxes (setting the latter to zero if you do not

want a central penetration in the floorplate).For a round platform, enter the platforms dimensions in the Radiusto outside of floor and Floor width text boxes (entering thesame value for each if you do not want a central penetration in thefloorplate).

40. For a round platform, enter the Angle subtended by the segment (thedefault setting of 0 gives a full 360o platform) and the Direction ofthe starting edge (remembering that the angle is measuredanticlockwise), thus:



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Direction

Floorwidth

Radius tooutside offloor

Angle Origin

41. For a round platform, set the Inside rail option button to specifywhether or not you want a rail round the inner penetration (if any).42. OK the form to create the platform, complete with appropriatehandrails and kickplates.

An example Round platform is shown below:

4.3 Creating a Penetration Through a Platform

You can insert a circular or square penetration through the floorplate ofany platform in either of two ways:



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Creating Access Platforms and Walkways Explicitly, by specifying the position and dimensions of the

penetration. You could use this method, for example, to allow astairway or ladder to give access within a platform rather thanrouting it externally to give access through a gap in the surroundinghandrail.

Implicitly, by picking an existing piping element which penetrates thefloorplate. The position of the floor penetration is determined fromthat of the picked element and the dimensions of the penetration arederived so as to give a specified clearance around the picked element.

You would use this method to create a penetration for a pipe to passthrough the platform floor, thus:

Pipe

Squarepenetrationin floorplat e

Exercise continues: 4.3.1 Defining a Floor Penetration Explicitly

Note: at this point you must have an ASL platform on display.43. Select Create>Floor Penetration>shape>Explicit, where shapeis Circular

or Square.

You will see a floor penetration creation form like one of the

following:



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44. Enter the North/South and East/West coordinates for the centre ofthe penetration. (The Up/Down coordinate will be derived from theposition of the floorplate through which the penetration is to pass.)

45. Enter the Diameter for a circular penetration or the Length/Widthfor a square penetration.

46. Set the Floor type option button to show the shape of the platform(Rectangular or Circular) into which the penetration will beinserted. (This information is needed to ensure that the penetrationcreation calculations are correctly executed.)

47. Click Apply.48. You will be prompted to Identify floorplate. Using the

cursor, pick the floorplate into which the penetration is to be inserted.

4.3.2 Defining a Floor Penetration Implicitly

Note: Before you can use this method, your design must include a pipe (orpiping component) which passes through a platform and both the

pipe and the platform mustbe shown in the 3D view.

Exercise continues: 49. Select Create>Floor Penetration>shape>ID cursor, where shapeis

Circular or Square.

You will see a floor penetration creation form similar to this:



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50. Enter the minimum Clearance distance required between the pipeor piping component and the sides of the penetration.

51. Set the Floor type option button to show the shape of the platform(Rectangular or Circular) into which the penetration will be

inserted. (This information is needed to ensure that the penetrationcreation calculations are correctly executed.)

52. Click Apply.53. You will be prompted to Identify floorplate. Using the

cursor, pick the floorplate into which the penetration is to be inserted.

54. You will be prompted to Identify penetrating Item. Usingthe cursor, pick the pipe or piping component around which thepenetration is to be created.



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5 Creating Stairs

This chapter explains how to create flights of stairs, complete with siderails on one or both sides, between the floor and a platform (a bottomflight) or between two platforms (a top flight). The difference between thetwo configurations is the shape of the bottom end of the side rails, thus:

Bottom Flight Top Flight

Rails haveterminating loops

Rails angled to connectto platform handrails

Note: You should create stairs at Structure or Substructure level.



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Creating StairsYou will see a Stair Creation form similar to this (the precise formatdepends on the chosen menu selection):

56. Give the new stairs a Name, if required.57. Check that the default settings for Stringer Depth, Stringer

Thickness, Width Between Stringers, Landing FloorThickness, Posts and (for Height & Angle specifications only)Angle are suitable. Change them if necessary.

58. Enter the coordinates for the origin of the stairs (that is, the mid-point of the lower front extremity) in the Position text boxes,checking that the Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axissystem.

59. Set the Direction (as viewed when facing up the stairs).60. Enter the Height and, for Height & Length specifications only, the

Length. Note that the specified length refers to the horizontalprojection, notthe actual length of the stringers.

61. OK the form to create the stairs, complete with appropriate handrails.An example Top Flight stair is shown below:



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Creating Stairs

5.2 Creating a Stair between Specified Floors

This option allows you to create a top flight stair configuration by pickingp-points on two existing floorplates between which the stairs are to run.All positioning and dimensioning data for the new stairs is derivedimplicitly from the points on the finished floor levels (FFLs) which youpick.

Exercise continues: Before you begin, ensure that both platforms that will be used to definethe stairs are shown in the 3D view.

62. Select Create>Stair>Top Flight>FFL to FFL.63. Give the new stairs a Name, if required.64. Check that the default settings for Stringer Depth, Stringer

Thickness, Width Between Stringers, Landing FloorThickness and Posts are suitable. Change them if necessary.

65. Click OK.



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Creating Stairs66. You will be prompted to Identify P-Point on first

floorplate. Using the cursor, pick a p-point on the platform whichwill determine the bottom of the stair.Hint: The easiest way to do this is to position the cursor anywhere onthe required floorplate and hold down the left-hand mouse button asyou move the cursor. The p-points will be shown as blobs and thecursor shape will change from . to when it is over a p-point.

67. When you have successfully picked a p-point on the first floorplate,you will be prompted to Identify P-Point on secondfloorplate. Using the same technique as in Step 5, pick a p-pointon the platform which will determine the top of the stair.

The stair will be created, complete with appropriate handrails,between the finished floor levels at the p-point locations.

Note: The maximum size of any stair is limited to 16 flights (ortreads) or to a height of 2.3 m. If your new stair would exceedeither of these limits, you will see a message telling you thatan intermediate platform is required. If so, create such aplatform (as explained in Chapter 4) and then create twostairs linked via the platform.



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Creating Stairs



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6 Creating Ladders

This chapter explains how to create any of the following types of ladder:

A step ladder an inclined ladder with flat treads. A stepladder has handrails on both sides, and topposts where it accesses the upper platform.

A front exit ladder a vertical ladder with round treads. A frontexit ladder has safety hoops, and top postsand rails where it accesses the upperplatform.

A side exit ladder a vertical ladder with round treads. A sideexit ladder can have single or double exits,and has safety hoops between its accesspoints.

These configurations are illustrated in Figure 6.1, which shows the originand direction that you will use to position and orientate each type. Thefigure also shows the intended access direction(s) from each type ofladder.



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Creating Ladders

Step ladder

Front exit ladder Single side exit ladder

Double side exit ladder

Accessdirection(s)

Origin anddirection of

ladder

Key:

Figure 6.1 The available ladder configurationsExercise continues: 6.1 Creating a Step Ladder

68. Select Create>Ladder>Step.You will see a step ladder creation form like this:



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Creating Ladders

69. Give the new step ladder a Name, if required.70. Enter the coordinates for the origin of the ladder (that is, the mid-

point of the lower front extremity) in the Position text boxes,checking that the Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axissystem.

71. Set the Direction (as viewed when facing up the ladder).72. Enter the Height to top of platform and select the required

angle from the permissible range using the option button.

73. OK the form to create the step ladder, complete with appropriatehandrails.

6.2 Creating a Front or Side Exit Ladder

74. Select the required combination of menu options from the following,depending on your chosen configuration:

Create>Ladder>Front ExitCreate>Ladder>Side Exit>SingleCreate>Ladder>Side Exit>Double

You will see a ladder creation form similar to this (the precise formatdepends on the chosen menu selection):



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Creating Ladders

75. Give the new ladder a Name, if required.76. Check that the default setting for Clearance is suitable. This setting

defines the stand-off distance between the ladder and any potentialobstructions behind it. Change it if necessary.

77. Enter the coordinates for the origin of the ladder (that is, the mid-point of the lower front extremity) in the Position text boxes,checking that the Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axissystem.

78. Set the Direction (as viewed when facing up the ladder).79. Enter the Height or, for a double exit ladder, the Height to top

platform and the Height to first platform.

80. OK the form to create the ladder, complete with appropriate safetyhoops and, for a front exit ladder, a top rail.



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7 Creating Posts, Handrails and Kickplates

Although the platforms, stairs and ladders described in Chapters 4, 5 and6 can be created complete with appropriate posts, handrails andkickplates, there will be times when you need to add these specifically toexisting accessways. You are most likely to do this when you want tomodify an existing handrail round a platform in order to allow access fora new stair or ladder (some types of which already incorporate shortsections of handrail). This chapter tells you how to create such individualcomponents.

7.1 Creating Posts and Joints

Posts may have either of two basic configurations:

Cornerposts consist of a pair of vertical cylinders with incorporatedjoints, linked by horizontal elbows of handrail.

Intermediateposts (referred to in the menus simply as Posts) consistof a single vertical cylinder with incorporated joints.

In both cases, the joints may have any of the following shapes:

Ball

Cone

Tee

The appearance of each option is illustrated in Figure 7.1.



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Creating Posts, Handrails and Kickplates

A corner post

A post

Handrail

Ball joints Cone joints Tee joints

Figure 7.1 Post and joint typesThe method of fixture and precise location of any post that is created, aredetermined by the following settings in the defaults file:

Handrail Post Inset from Corners - governs positions of base plates forcorner posts relative to the corners of the platform.

Handrail Inset from Edge - governs position of base plates forintermediate posts relative to the edges of the platform.

Handrail Elbow Radius - determines radius of handrail segmentsbetween the uprights of corner post pairs.

Post type - determines where and how the posts base is attached to theplatform. The options are:

Jointed Floor Mounted (as illustrated in Figure 7.1)Jointed Edge MountedJointed Kickplate MountedWelded Floor MountedWelded Edge MountedWelded Kickplate Mounted

Outside Post Insertion Depth



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anywhere on the required floorplate and hold down the left-hand mousebutton as you move the cursor. The p-points will be shown as blobs andthe cursor shape will change from . to when it is over a p-point.Creating a Row of Posts

You can create a row of posts between the following pairs of points: The ends of two existing handrails

Two existing posts (which may be corner posts or intermediate posts)

One end of an existing handrail and an existing post (which may be acorner post or an intermediate post)

In all cases, the posts will be equispaced and the number of posts will becalculated automatically from the distance between the points and themaximum permitted post pitch (as set in the current defaults file).

You will be asked whether or not the new row of posts is to havehandrails.

If you use Create>Post>Between Handrail Ends, you will be prompted topick ppoints on the top elbows of two handrails.

If you use Create>Post>Between Posts, you will be prompted to pick twoposts. Pick the cylinders forming the main uprights in each case.

If you use Create>Post>Between End and Post, you will be prompted first topick a p-point on the top elbow of a handrail and then to pick a post.

7.1.3 Measuring the Distance Between Posts

The maximum permitted distance between adjacent posts is defined bythe Maximum Post Pitch setting in the defaults file. This distance ischecked automatically when you create rows of posts (either implicitly,when creating platforms, or explicitly, as explained in Section 7.1.2), andis used to calculate the number of posts needed for a given length ofhandrail.

When you are creating individual posts, you may want to check that the

positions at which you put them do not contravene the maximum pitchallowed. To measure the distance between any two existing posts (whichneed not form part of the same handrail run), select Utilities>Check PostPitch and, when prompted, use the cursor to pick the two posts.

7.1.4 Changing the Joint Type for a Post

When you create a new post, with or without handrails, the post includestwo joints whose type is determined by the Handrail Joints setting inthe current defaults file. The orientation of the joints assumes that the

handrails (actual or potential) are to run parallel to the nearest side ofthe platform.



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Creating Posts, Handrails and KickplatesTo change the type and/or orientation of the joints on an existing post,first select and delete the existing joints and then select Create>PostJoints>type, where typeis Ball, Cone or Tee.

You will be prompted to Identify posts upright. Using the

cursor, pick the post (now just a vertical cylinder) whose joints you arechanging.

You will then be asked, Rotate joint? Choose No to retain thedefault joint orientation or Yes to rotate the new joints by 90o.

7.2 Creating Handrails

A handrail may incorporate the following component parts:

Top railEnd pad

Closure

End padBottom rail

Post base

Joint

When you create a handrail, both the top and bottom rails are created as

a pair of equal-length cylinders. You can, however, modify each railindependently. (The methods of modifying such items are explained inChapters 8 and 9.)

7.2.1 Creating Explicit Handrails

To create a handrail explicitly, to run between two existing posts, selectCreate>Handrail>Only. You will be prompted to Identify design p-point. Using the cursor, pick the p-point at the top of the first post. The

prompt will be repeated; pick the p-point at the top of the second post.The complete handrail (both top and bottom rails) will be added to thedesign.

Most handrails will probably terminate within a post joint; either at acorner post or a single post. You may, however, wish to terminate therails more neatly, especially if they extend beyond a post into free spaceor abut against other steelwork. Two types of termination are available:

End Pads - a circular plate on the end of each rail

Closures - a loop linking the top and bottom rails together (an example

of this was shown on a bottom flight of stairs in Chapter 5)



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7.2.2 Adding End Pads to Handrails

To add an end pad to an existing handrail, select Create>Handrail>EndPad. You will be prompted to Identify handrail required. Usingthe cursor, pick the individual rail (which may be either a top or bottom

rail) to which the end pad is to be attached.

You will then be prompted to Identify handrail p-point. Pickthe p-point at the end of the rail where you want to add the end pad. (Ifyou pick a point which is not at the end of a rail, you will generate anerror.)

7.2.3 Adding Closures to Handrails

To add a closing loop between the top and bottom rails of an existing

handrail, select Create>Handrail>Closure. You will see a form on which youmust enter the Length of the closure and its Direction, thus:

Length

Direction

You will then be prompted to Identify handrail top p-point.Using the cursor, pick the p-point on the top rail at the end at which youwish to add the closure. The complete closure will then be created.

7.3 Creating kickplates

When you create any type of platform, a kickplate is added automatically(if originally specified) to all sides which have handrails. Kickplates arealso added round the central hole (if any) on circular platforms and round

floor penetrations. The height of the kickplate is derived from theKickplate Depth setting in the defaults file; you will be asked toconfirm (or modify) this height each time you create another kickplate.

To add a length of kickplate explicitly to an existing platform, selectCreate>Kickplate>option, where optiongives you the following choices:

Along Floorplate Edge - Adds kickplate along one side of the floorplateonly. You will be prompted to pick first the floorplate and then theedge along which the kickplate is required.

Along Edge with Cut Out - Adds kickplate along one side of the

floorplate only, with a cut-out between two specified handrail posts.You would use this where a stairway or ladder gives access onto the



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Creating Posts, Handrails and Kickplatesplatform. You will be prompted to pick first the floorplate, then theedge along which the kickplate is required, then the two postsbetween which the cut-out is wanted.

All Around Floorplate - Adds kickplate on all sides of the floorplate.

You will be prompted to pick the floorplate.Between Posts - Adds kickplate between two specified posts only (ineffect, the inverse of the cut-out option). You will be prompted to pickthe floorplate and then the two posts.



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Positioning and Orientating Items

82. Enter the required coordinates for the elements origin.For more detail on the use of these forms, see the Explicit Positionform help topic in the Design online help:

8.2 Positioning Relative to Current Position

This option allows you to reposition an element relative to its currentposition; that is, to move it by specified distances in specified directions.



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Exercise continues: 83. Select Position>Relatively (BY).You will see forms like these:

84. Enter the distance by which you wish to move the origin in eachdirection.

Use the CE option on the drop-down list box at top left toposition the element relative to its current position.

Use Pick to select a member of the current element to move.

List will move the current element relative to a List.

The Positioning Control form controls the use ofevent-driven graphicsfor positioning. For more information, see the Positioning Control formhelp topic in the Design online help:



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8.3 Positioning Relative to Other Design Points

These options allow you to position an element relative to other elements.The available options are:

Distance Moves the item by a given distance in a given direction

Through Moves the item in a given direction through a givenpoint

Clearance Moves the item in a given direction to a point with agiven clearance from another item

Towards Moves the item a given distance towards a given point

Exercise continues: 8.3.1 Moving a Given Distance

85. Select Position>Move>Distance.You will see a form like this:



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86. Set the distance and direction for the move.87. Select how you wish to define the position of the moved element

relative to the reference point, using the first option button:

Only Positions the item the given distance and direction fromthe previous item.

Infront Can be used for any direction in a plan view; that is,Behind N, S, E and W, and any angles in between. Used as if

you are looking in the direction specified.

Onto Used with any direction in an elevation view; thatUnder is, U and D, and any angles in between.

From Used with directions N, S, E and W. Used to positionitem the given distance from the given point.

To Used with directions N, S, E and W. Used to positionitem the given distance from its present position in thegiven direction.

88. Select how you wish to identify the reference point using the secondoption button:Cursor A cursor-identified 3D positionID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified itemID P-point A cursor-identified p-pointCoordinate ... A given coordinateName ... The origin of a named elementPin ... The position of a construction pin

89. If you have chosen one of the cursor options, pick the correspondingitem when prompted to do so (in a plan or elevation view).

90. If you have chosen Coordinate, Name or Pin, enter the requireddetails on the resulting form.



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8.3.2 Moving Through a Given Point

91. Select Position>Move>Through.You will see a form like this:

92. Set the direction for the move. Note that the current direction of thecomponent is displayed in the Direction box.

93. Select how you wish to define the Through point from the followingoptions:

Cursor A cursor-identified 3D positionID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified item

ID P-point A cursor-identified p-pointCoordinate ... A given coordinateName ... The origin of a named elementPin ... The position of a construction pin



8.3.3 Moving Through a Given Clearance

96. Select Position>Move>Clearance.You will see a form like this:



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The OBST setting shows that it is the obstruction box of the currentelement, rather than its detailed geometry, which is used to calculateclearances.

97. Set the direction for the move. Note that the current direction of thecomponent is displayed in the Direction box.

98. Set the required clearance distance.99. Select how you wish to define the position of the moved element

relative to the reference point, using the first option button:

Infront Can be used for any direction in a plan view; that is,Behind N, S, E and W, and any angles in between.Used as if you are looking in the direction specified.



To Used with directions N, S, E and W. Used to position

item the given distance from its present position in thegiven direction.

100. Select how you wish to identify the reference point using the secondoption button:

Cursor A cursor-identified 3D positionID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified itemID P-point A cursor-identified p-pointCoordinate ... A given coordinateName ... The origin of a named element

Pin ... The position of a construction pin.



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8.3.4 Moving Towards a Given Point

103. Select Position>Move>Towards.You will see a form like this:

104. Set the required distance for the move.105. Select how you wish to define the Towards point from the following

options:

Cursor A cursor-identified 3D positionID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified itemID P-point A cursor-identified p-pointName ... The origin of a named elementPin ... The position of a construction pin



8.4 Redefining the Origin of an Element

All positioning options described so far have been based on the principlethat the currently defined origin of a Structure or Substructure is moved

to a new position within the design. An alternative way of repositioningan element is to redefine the position of the origin relative to the



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Positioning and Orientating Itemsgeometry of the Structure or Substructure. In this case, the originremains at the same co-ordinates relative to the system axes, but theelement moves relative to its original origin. The difference is illustratedin the following diagram:

original element

with origin atorigin (andelement )movedrelativeto

system axes

original

element

origin redefined at

corner ofelement

it scentre

Exercise continues: To redefine an origin in this way, proceed as follows:

108. Select Modify>Origin>Structure (or Substructure)>option, where optiongives you the following choices:ID P-Point Defines the origin as the position of an existing p-point

within the Structure.

Explicit Allows you to move the origin by specified distances inspecified directions relative to its current positionwithin the Structure.

109. If you selected ID P-Point, use the pointer to pick the required p-pointwhen prompted.

110. If you selected Explicit, enter the required distance(s) on the resultingform.

8.5 Positioning Relative to Projected Planes

Note: If you are not familiar with the concepts of specifying positionsas the intersections of projected axes and planes through otheritems, you should refer to the Design Reference Manual.

These options allow you to position an element relative to a projectedplane through a specified position. The available options are:

Distance Moves the item by a given distance in a given direction

Through Moves the item in a given direction to a plane through agiven point

Clearance Moves the item in a given direction to a point with agiven clearance from a plane through another item

Exercise continues:



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8.5.1 Moving Through a Given Distance

111. Select Position>Plane Move>Distance.You will see a form like this:

112. Set the direction for the move (Direction), the direction of the plane(Through), and distance for the move (Distance). Note that the

current direction of the component is displayed in the Directionbox.

113. Select how you wish to define the position of the moved elementrelative to the reference plane, using the first option button:

Only Positions the item the given distance and direction fromthe previous item.






114. Select how you wish to identify the reference point which willdetermine the plane using the second option button:



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Positioning and Orientating ItemsCursor A cursor-identified 3D positionID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified itemID P-point A cursor-identified p-pointCoordinate ... A given coordinateName ... The origin of a named elementPin ... The position of a construction pin



8.5.2 Moving Through a Given Point

117. Select Position>Plane Move>Through.You will see a form like this:

118. Set the direction for the move (Direction) and direction of the plane(Through). Note that the current direction of the component isdisplayed in the Direction box.

119. Select how you wish to identify the reference point which willdetermine the plane:

Cursor A cursor-identified 3D positionID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified itemID P-point A cursor-identified p-pointCoordinate ... A given coordinateName ... The origin of a named elementPin ... The position of a construction pin




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8.5.3 Moving to a Given Clearance

122. Select Position>Plane Move>Clearance.You will see a form like this:

123. Set the direction of the move (Direction), the direction of the plane(Through), and the required clearance distance from the plane(Clearance).

124. Select how you wish to define the position of the moved elementrelative to the reference plane, using the first option button:






125. Select how you wish to identify the reference point that willdetermine the plane, using the second option button:



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Positioning and Orientating ItemsCursor A cursor-identified 3D positionID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified itemID P-point A cursor-identified p-pointCoordinate ... A given coordinateName ... The origin of a named elementPin ... The position of a construction pin.



8.6 Positioning Stairs and Ladders Using ReferencePoints

When you create a new stair or ladder, it is possible that you will notposition it exactly where you want it at the first attempt. Unless youcalculate the required origin (at the bottom) and dimensions verycarefully, it is likely that the handrails at the top of the stair/ladder willnot be correctly aligned with the handrails on the platform to which itgives access.

To provide a quick way of positioning stairs and ladders correctly, Design

calculates a Reference Point at the top of such items that you can positionat any p-point on the adjoining platform. This ensures that, even thoughthe p-point may not be at the required location for the stair/ladder, thealignment of handrail components is ensured. It is then a simple matterto move the stair/ladder parallel to the side of the platform (using, forexample, the Position>Relatively (By) option described in Section 8.2)until it is in the required position.

Exercise continues: To use the above technique, proceed as follows:

128. Ensure that your current element is the stair/ladder whose position isto be adjusted and then select Position>Reference Point.

129. You will be prompted to Identify floorplate. Using thecursor, pick the floorplate to which the top of the stair/ladder is togive access.

130. You will then be prompted to Identify P-Point to positionstructure. Pick any p-point on the side of the platform againstwhich the stair/ladder is situated.

131. Unless you happen to want the stair/ladder exactly at the p-pointposition (only likely if this is at the centre of one side rather that at a



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corner), use the Position> Relatively (By) option to move thestair/ladder along the side of the platform by the required distance.

8.7 Orientating Elements

By default, the orientation of a Stru

access ways

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