bentley interference manager user guide

Bentley®

Interference Manager™

User Guide

DAA011280-1/0004

2004 Edition

Bentley Interference Manager User Guide April 19, 2004

TrademarksAccuDraw, Bentley, the "B" Bentley logo, Interference Manager, JSpace, MDL, MicroStation, MicroStation/J, MicroStation Schematics, MicroStation SE, PlantSpace, ProjectWise, SELECTserver, SmartLine, and TriForma are registered trademarks; AutoISOGEN, Bentley Navigator, Bentley Publisher, IsoExtractor, Model Streaming, and ProjectWise Integration Server are trademarks; Bentley SELECT, ProjectWise, and SELECT Stream are registered service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or Bentley Software, Inc.

AutoPLANT is a registered trademark of Rebis. Rebis is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bentley Systems, Incorporated.

SupportModeler is a trademark of Pelican Forge Software Corporation.

Intergraph is a registered trademark and PDS is a trademark of Intergraph Corporation.

ISOGEN is a registered trademark of Alias Limited, United Kingdom.

AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Adobe, Acrobat, and the Acrobat logo are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Netscape and Netscape Navigator are registered trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation in the United States and other countries. Netscape’s logos and Netscape product and service names are also trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation, which may be registered in other countries.

Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation.

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RealityWave and the RealityWave logo are registered trademarks and VizStream is a trademark of RealityWave Inc.

Other brands and product names are used for identification purposes and are trademarks of their respective owners.

April 19, 2004 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide i

CopyrightsInformation in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Bentley Systems, Incorporated. The software in this document is furnished under a license agreement or a non-disclosure agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license or non-disclosure agreement. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, for any purpose without the written permission of Bentley Systems, Incorporated. If this manual is being received electronically, you may print one copy for each licensed user, to whom the manual relates, for informational, non-commercial purposes, provided that any copy of this document (or any portion thereof) contains this copyright notice.

Copyright 1991-2004, Bentley Systems, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Including software, file formats, and audiovisual displays; may only be used pursuant to applicable software license agreement; contains confidential and proprietary information of Bentley Systems, Incorporated and/or third parties which is protected by copyright and trade secret law and may not be provided or otherwise made available without proper authorization. Published in the United States of America.

Documentation Copyright 2004.

Unpublished rights reserved under the copyright laws of the United States and international treaties. All rights reserved.

IGDS file formats Copyright 1981-1988 Intergraph Corporation. Used with permission.

Intergraph raster file formats Copyright 1993 Intergraph Corporation. Used with permission.

PIC001 Practice Copyright 2002 Process Industry Practices. Used with permission.

VizStream Platform Copyright 2001-2003 RealityWave Inc. Used with permission.

ISOGEN Copyright 1991-2003 Alias Limited. Used with permission.

ii Bentley Interference Manager User Guide April 19, 2004

About This User Guide

About This User GuideThe Bentley Interference Manager User Guide explains how to extract geometric data from a 3D CAD application, such as MicroStation, set up the data, run interference detection, and review the results. This User Guide also serves as a reference because of the organization of the content. Each chapter begins with an explanation or description of the concepts of a topic and then provides the procedures. The procedures are written from a task-oriented approach, that is, from the way you would use the software to perform tasks on your job.

Who This Book Is ForThis book is for users who need to check for interferences or clashes between components in 3D CAD model files.

How This Book Is Organized

Chapter 1 — IntroductionThis chapter provides an overview of the Interference Manager including its features, navigating the user interface, and the procedure for starting and quitting.

Chapter 2 — Setting Up Interference SetsThis chapter explains the setup process, navigating the Setup module, and working with the Interference Sets that contain the JSM files and their associated parameters used for the interference analysis.

Chapter 3 — Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineThis chapter explains the Detection module including how the Bentley Interference Manager Engine functions and how to customize the standard run.

Chapter 4 — Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaThis chapter explains how to review your interference output (IOF) file in MicroStation.

How to Use This BookIf you are new to using the Bentley Interference Manager, you should begin by reading Chapter 1. If you want to set up an interference detection, you should read Chapter 2. If you want to

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide iii

run an interference analysis, you should read Chapter 3. If you want to review your results, you should read Chapter 4.

Style ConventionsThe following conventions explain the style of the text in this User Guide.

Related Documentation The following related publications provide supporting information.

JSpace Concepts and Technical ReferenceThis Reference provides a comprehensive overview of the JSpace object-oriented environment. It also provides technical information about fundamental aspects of JSpace that are employed in JSpace-based applications.

JSpace Class Editor User GuideThis Guide provides information on using the Class Editor and the technical details about object classes, properties, methods, relationships, and inference rules.

Style Convention Use in Text

ALL CAPITAL LETTERS

Names of acronyms and terms in object-oriented programming, such as classes, properties, and methods

Letter Gothic Messages displayed online and programming code or syntax

Bold Names of files, directories, commands, menus, buttons, and items that you select and text that you type in a field

Italic Terms defined in text and names of books cited as references

Important information that you must know (for example, to avoid losing data)

Information of note that is useful to know

iv Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

About This User Guide

JSpace MicroStation Connection User GuideThis Guide provides information on using the JSpace MicroStation Connection to extract CAD model data and create JSpace object model files.

Online DocumentationAll documentation is provided in PDF (Portable Document Format) files.

PDF Files

PDF files are platform independent. You can browse, search, and print them, regardless of your operating system, by using the Acrobat Reader utility from Adobe Systems, Incorporated.

PDF files are displayed on the Help menu within the software product. The online book titles are indicated by the Acrobat Reader icon.

For more information on using the Acrobat Reader to browse, search, and print PDF files, see the Help menu in the Acrobat Reader program.

Customer SupportFor support, you can call Bentley Systems, Incorporated at:

(800) BENTLEY or (610) 458-5000

For requests to obtain licenses, you can contact Bentley Systems, Incorporated at:

Americas headquarters, Fax (610) 458-1060

European headquarters, Fax +31 23 556 0565

Asia-Pacific headquarters, Fax +61 3 9699 8677

For more information about the Bentley family of software products, you can send an e-mail to:

[email protected]

For support, problems, and questions regarding Bentley software, you can send an e-mail to:

[email protected]

For more information about Bentley Systems, Incorporated, please visit our Internet web site at:

http://www.bentley.com

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide v

vi Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

Table of Contents

About This User Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

1. Introduction

About the Bentley Interference Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Understanding Interference Detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Summarizing the Features of the Interference Manager . . . . . . . 1-2

Using the Interference Manager tool box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Visualizing the Bentley Interference Detection Process . . . . . . . 1-5

Navigating the Interference Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Starting and Quitting the Interference Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

2. Setting Up Interference Sets

Understanding the Setup Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Navigating the Setup Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2Interference Set Manager Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4New Interference Set File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6Open Interference Set File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7Save Interference Set File As Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8Add JSpace Model Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9Set Commodity Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9Set Clearance Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Working with Interference Sets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10Creating Interference Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11Opening Existing Interference Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide vii

Table of Contents

Adding JSM Files to Interference Sets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14Deleting JSM Files from Interference Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16Setting or Modifying Parameters of Interference Sets

using a Graphical Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17Setting or Modifying Parameters of Interference Sets

using a Text Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19

3. Running the Bentley Interference Manager Engine

Understanding the Bentley Interference Manager Engine . . . . . .3-1

Calculating Interferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2Reporting Hard Interferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4Reporting Soft Interferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4Defining Connection Tolerance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4Defining Local Tolerance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4Defining Clearance Tolerance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

Checking with Suppression Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5Understanding Suppression Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6Using the Suppression Rules (SUP) File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6Formatting Suppression Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7Reserving Properties in Suppression Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8Examples of Suppression Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9An Example of a Suppression Rules (SUP) File . . . . . . . . . .3-11

Reporting Interferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11Creating Interference Output (IOF) Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12Creating Interference Report (RPT) Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14Visualizing the Reporting Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15Setting Up the Report Options (ROF) File . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16Reviewing a Customized Interference Report (RPT) File . . . .3-18

Navigating the Detection Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21Bentley Interference Manager Engine Dialog Box . . . . . . . .3-24Select Interference Set File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-27Interference Set Manager Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-27Select Interference Results File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-28Interference Results Manager Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-29Select File To Create Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-31Select dBASE File To Create Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-32Select ASCII File to Create Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33Delete Interferences Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33

viii Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

Table of Contents

Select Suppression Rules File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34Select Report File Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35Select Report Options File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36Select Settings File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36

Using a Text Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37

Running the Bentley Interference Manager Engine . . . . . . . . . . 3-38Using a Graphical Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38Using a Graphical Menu and Saved Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43Using a Command Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44

4. Reviewing Interferences in TriForma

Understanding the Review Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Navigating the Review Module in TriForma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2Interference Reviewer Tool Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3Interference Reviewer Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4Using the File Menu from the Interference Reviewer

Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7Open Interference Results File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8Select Interference Analysis Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9Plot Interferences Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9Select a File in the Output Directory Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . 4-10Name Seed File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11Create Plot Seed File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12Using the Settings Menu from the Interference Reviewer

Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14Select Auto Zoom Windows Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15Review Options Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15Select Report Options File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17Name Seed File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18Filter Interferences Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18Using the Interference Menu from the Interference

Reviewer Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20Show Interference Details Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21Edit Interference Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22

Reviewing Interferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23Displaying Interferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23Customizing the View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26Editing the Reviewer, Status, and Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide ix

Table of Contents

Marking Interferences as Accepted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-34Viewing the Details of Interferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-35Building Default Seed Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-36Plotting Interferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-39

Appendix A — File Extensions

Appendix B — Directory Structure for Interference Manager Files

Appendix C — Configuration Variables

Glossary

Index

x Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

1 IntroductionWelcome to the Bentley Interference Manager, an analytical tool that you can use to detect, review, and manage interferences in 3D CAD models.

This chapter provides an overview of the Interference Manager including its features, navigating the user interface, and the procedure for starting and quitting.

About the Bentley Interference ManagerThe Bentley Interference Manager, or simply the Interference Manager, provides advanced methods for detecting, reviewing, and managing interferences in your 3D CAD models.

An interference is defined as a clash in the physical components of the model.

The Interference Manager is an MDL application called PSIM.MA.

This chapter discusses the following topics:

• Understanding Interference Detection on page 1-1

• Summarizing the Features of the Interference Manager on page 1-2

• Using the Interference Manager tool box on page 1-3

• Visualizing the Bentley Interference Detection Process on page 1-5

• Navigating the Interference Manager on page 1-6

• Starting and Quitting the Interference Manager on page 1-7

Understanding Interference DetectionBefore 3D design, you needed to perform numerous design studies and develop many sketches to determine if something would fit. Later, using 3D modeling technology, you could visually check for interferences. However, by simply checking the model visually, you could miss an interference. Now, you can automate this detection process using an analytical tool such as the Interference Manager.

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide 1-1

1 IntroductionSummarizing the Features of the Interference Manager

Summarizing the Features of the Interference ManagerThe primary features of the Interference Manager include the following:

• Uses data from existing applications

The Interference Manager uses the graphical data and associated attributes to detect interferences in models from different applications, such as the PlantSpace Design Series, MicroStation TriForma, PDS, AutoPlant, and OMNI-Series.

• Resolves clashes independent of design applications

The Interference Manager can access a part of a design file from one application and a corresponding part from another application so that you can combine similar parts from different applications in a single interference analysis.

• Checks across multiple disciplines

The Interference Manager checks files for clashes from multiple disciplines, such as pipes against other pipes, equipment, and structure.

• Minimizes effort for correction of errors

The Interference Manager can perform the analysis interactively or in batch mode on a periodic basis without interrupting the design process.

• Provides flexibility in defining the detection

The Interference Manager creates a reusable configuration that specifies the elements and levels to include in the detection process.

• Optimizes the review process

The Interference Manager focuses on the unacceptable interferences by excluding acceptable interferences and suppressed interferences during the detection process using the following two methods:

— Marking acceptable interferences

— Identifying interferences that satisfy a defined set of rules, known as suppression rules

• Reviews interferences

The Interference Manager can review interferences individually by stepping through the list of detected clashes. If you select an interference from the list, you can zoom in on the components involved and display hard and soft interferences in contrasting colors.

1-2 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

IntroductionUsing the Interference Manager tool box

• Documents interferences

The Interference Manager outputs interferences in one of the following two formats:

— An interference output (IOF) file — Stores pairs of interfering objects and maintains the status information throughout the life of your project. This JSpace object model file is identified by the IOF file extension.

— An interference report (RPT) file — Describes the interferences, their associated attributes, and their locations. This ASCII file has a customizable format and is identified by the RPT file extension.

• Enhances total project coordination

The Interference Manager reduces the need for re-work in the field resulting from design interferences and improves the design quality and construction productivity.

Using the Interference Manager tool boxThe process of performing interference detection and review involves four sequential processes:

• Extracting data from 3D CAD files

The Extraction module uses the JSpace MicroStation Connection to retrieve geometric data and to create JSM files needed for interference detection from design files that are stored in 3D CAD systems, such as MicroStation.

W To avoid accidentally overwriting the delivered JSM files, you may want to make a copy of them before beginning to use the software. By default, the sample JSMs are located at ...\Program Files\Bentley\Workspace\Projects\Examples\TriForma_Imperial\intmgr\out. JSM files are also referred to as JSpace object model files, JSpace models, or JSpace (JSM) files.

For more information about extracting data from 3D CAD files, see the JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide.


1 IntroductionUsing the Interference Manager tool box

• Setting up an Interference Set

The Setup module uses the extracted data and associated parameters to set up Interference Sets in preparation for the analysis.

For more information about creating sets, see the chapter Setting Up Interference Sets on page 2-1.

• Running interference detection

The Detection module uses the Bentley Interference Manager Engine, or simply the Engine, to perform calculations based on the information in the Interference Sets. You can choose to run the Engine either in interactive mode by using a graphical menu or in batch mode by using command line switches. The process produces two forms of output:

—An interference output (IOF) file in a database format that stores pairs of interfering objects

—An interference report (RPT) file in an ASCII format that stores information on interferences

For more information about detecting interferences, see the chapter Running the Bentley Interference Manager Engine on page 3-1.

• Reviewing interferences

The Review module uses MicroStation TriForma or the Bentley Navigator to perform an analysis of the detected interferences, to enter comments, to set the status for each interference, and to save the data. Also, you can select and view all or parts of the Interference Sets, view and export the properties of Interference Sets, and plot and filter interferences.

For more information about analyzing interferences in TriForma, see the chapter Reviewing Interferences in TriForma on page 4-1.

For more information about analyzing interferences in the Navigator, see the Bentley Navigator User Guide.

✍ For more information about extensions, see Appendix A — File Extensions on page A-1. For more information about directory names, see Appendix B — Directory Structure for Interference Manager Files on page B-1.


IntroductionVisualizing the Bentley Interference Detection Process

Visualizing the Bentley Interference Detection ProcessThe following diagram shows the four stages of the Interference Manager process.

(extract data)

Bentley Interference Manager Engine

InterferenceReport File(ASCII report)

CAD SystemSTAGES

1. Extracting Data from 3D CAD Files

3. Running the Bentley InterferenceManager Engine

4. ReviewingInterferences

Interference Output File

JSM Files

In MicroStation TriForma In the Bentley Navigator

(specify parameters to create an interference set file)

CAD Files

2. Setting Up Interference Sets

DAT File

IOF


1 IntroductionNavigating the Interference Manager

Navigating the Interference ManagerThe following illustration shows how to navigate in the four modules that open from the Interference Manager tool box.

Extract Object Model

Detect Interferences*

Review Interferences

Set Up Interference Detection*

* Like MicroStation, the Interference Manager supports the concept of a workspace, which enables you to define different product configurations for different projects. If you have defined multiple workspaces (.pcf files), the Select Project dialog box prompts you to select a project.


IntroductionStarting and Quitting the Interference Manager

Starting and Quitting the Interference ManagerThe Interference Manager is installed as a part of MicroStation TriForma, or simply TriForma.

You can customize the way the Interference Manager works by setting the configuration variables. For more information about configuration variables, see Appendix C — Configuration Variables on page C-1.

✍ Be sure that your license is installed properly so that you can access and use the Interference Manager. Most modules of the Interference Manager run with the TriForma license. However, to run the Engine, you must install a separate license for this product.

➤ To start and quit the Interference Manager

1. From the Windows Start menu, choose Programs > TriForma V8 > MicroStation TriForma V8.

The MicroStation Manager dialog box opens.

2. From the User drop-down list box in the Workspace section, select a workspace based on TriForma.


1 IntroductionStarting and Quitting the Interference Manager

3. Optionally, from the Project drop-down list box in the Workspace section, select No Project.

✍ To enable the selection of a JSM file in the JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box later, you must select No Project.

4. Select a design file.

5. Click the OK button.

6. From the TriForma menu bar, choose TriForma > Tools > Drawings and Reports > Reports.

Also, to display the Interference Manager tool box, you can click the Interference Manager tool on the Reports tool frame.

The Interference Manager tool box is displayed in a workspace based on TriForma.

✍ Your display may vary based on the way that you customize your MicroStation Manager workspace.


IntroductionStarting and Quitting the Interference Manager

7. To close the Interference Manager, use the following steps:

• From the TriForma menu bar, choose File > Close

If you choose File > Close with only one file open, the MicroStation Manager dialog box is displayed.

• To close the MicroStation Manager dialog box, click Cancel


2 Setting Up Interference SetsAfter creating JSM files by extracting 3D CAD files, the next stage in the process is to set up the parameters for an interference analysis.

This chapter explains the setup process, navigating the Setup module, and working with the Interference Sets that contain the JSM files and their associated parameters used for the interference analysis.

Understanding the Setup ProcessThe Bentley Interference Manager Engine, or simply the Engine, performs the interference detection by reading an interference set (DAT) file that contains the Interference Set. The terms Interference Set and interference set (DAT) file are often used interchangeably. Technically, the interference set (DAT) file contains the Interference Set.

The Setup module enables you to create an Interference Set that contains:

• The JSpace object model files — These files, which are extracted from CAD system design files, are checked for interferences.

• The parameters — These parameters, which are associated with the JSM files, are used to detect interferences.

After you create an Interference Set, you can save it and modify it to perform another interference detection.

To use the Setup module, you should become familiar with the following processes:

• Navigating the Setup Module on page 2-2

• Working with Interference Sets on page 2-10


2 Setting Up Interference SetsNavigating the Setup Module

Navigating the Setup ModuleThis illustration shows how to navigate the Setup module. The following sections describe the fields and buttons of the dialog boxes.

Continued on the next page.


*


Setting Up Interference SetsNavigating the Setup Module

.

Continued from the previous page:



To use the Setup module, you should have a working knowledge of the following areas:

• Interference Set Manager Dialog Box on page 2-4

• New Interference Set File Dialog Box on page 2-6

• Open Interference Set File Dialog Box on page 2-7

• Save Interference Set File As Dialog Box on page 2-8

• Add JSpace Model Dialog Box on page 2-9

• Set Commodity Dialog Box on page 2-9

• Set Clearance Dialog Box on page 2-10

Interference Set Manager Dialog BoxThe Interference Set Manager dialog box enables you to set the parameters for an interference analysis. You can open the Interference Set Manager dialog box by clicking the Set Up Interference Detection tool in the Interference Manager tool box. The Interference Set Manager dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

File menu

• New... Opens the New Interference Set File dialog box.For more information, see the section New Interference Set File Dialog Box on page 2-6.

• Open... Opens the Open Interference Set File dialog box.For more information, see the section Open Interference Set File Dialog Box on page 2-7.

• Save Saves the interference set (DAT) file whose name is displayed in the title bar of the Interference Set Manager dialog box.

• Save As... Opens the Save Interference Set File As dialog box.For more information, see the section Save Interference Set File As Dialog Box on page 2-8.


Setting Up Interference SetsInterference Set Manager Dialog Box

• Exit Closes the Interference Set Manager dialog box.

Options menu

• Add... Opens the Add JSpace Model dialog box.For more information, see the section Add JSpace Model Dialog Box on page 2-9.

• Delete... Opens a message box asking whether or not you want to delete the selected JSM file.

• Set Commodity... Opens the Set Commodity dialog box.For more information, see the section Set Commodity Dialog Box on page 2-9.

• Set Mode Specifies the status of each JSM file in relationship to other JSM files in the Interference Set, as follows:

• Active• Semi-Active• PassiveFor more information, see the bulleted table row Mode on page 2-6.

• Set Clearance... Opens the Set Clearance dialog box.For more information, see the section Set Clearance Dialog Box on page 2-10.

• Set Self Check Instructs the Engine whether or not to check for interferences within the same JSM file, as follows:

• Yes• NoFor more information, see the bulleted table row Self Check on page 2-6.

Interference Set list box Provides information on the JSM files and their parameters contained in the Interference Set. Using in-place editing, you can edit the information in the columns in this list box.

• Model Name This column provides the name of the JSM file to include in the interference detection.

• Commodity This column provides a descriptive name for the type of objects in the JSM file, such as HVAC, Piping, or Structural.

Setting Effect



New Interference Set File Dialog BoxThe New Interference Set File dialog box enables you to create a new interference set (DAT) file. You can open the New Interference Set File dialog box by choosing File > New from the

• Mode This column, which is controlled by a three-way toggle, provides the status of this JSM file as it relates to other JSM files in the Interference Set, as follows:

• ACTIVE — Checks the objects in this active JSM file against other objects contained in the active, semi-active, and passive JSM files in the Interference Set.

• SEMI-ACTIVE — Checks the objects in this semi-active JSM file against the active and passive JSM files in the Interference Set. However, this semi-active JSM file is not checked against other semi-active files in the Interference Set.

• PASSIVE — Checks the objects in the active or semi-active JSM files against the objects in this passive JSM file in the Interference Set. However, does not check the objects in this passive JSM file against the objects in the active or semi-active JSM files or in other passive JSM files in the Interference Set.

By default, Mode is set to ACTIVE.

• Clearance This column specifies the distance between two or more components.For each of the active files reviewed during interference detection, you can apply clearance tolerances to the surfaces to identify soft interferences, such as for maintenance, vibration, or insulation. For more information about clearance tolerances, see the section Defining Clearance Tolerance on page 3-5.

• Self Check This column, which is controlled by a toggle, instructs the Engine whether or not to check the objects in the active JSM file against objects in the same file for interferences, as follows:

• Yes — Checks the JSM file for internal interferences.• No — Does not check the JSM file for internal interferences.For passive JSM files, Self Check is ignored.By default, Self Check is set to No.

Setting Effect


Setting Up Interference SetsOpen Interference Set File Dialog Box

Interference Set Manager menu bar. The New Interference Set File dialog box opens.

Open Interference Set File Dialog BoxThe Open Interference Set File dialog box enables you to display an existing interference set file identified by the DAT file extension. You can open the Open Interference Set File dialog box by choosing File > Open from the Interference Set Manager menu bar. The Open Interference Set File dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Save In Sets the name of the directory location for the new interference set (DAT) file.

File Name Sets the desired name for the new interference set (DAT) file.

Save as Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as DAT.

Save Creates the desired file and closes the dialog box.

Cancel Closes the dialog box without creating the file.



Save Interference Set File As Dialog BoxThe Save Interference Set File As dialog box enables you to save a new or an existing interference set (DAT) file to a different file name. You can open the Save Interference Set File As dialog box by choosing File > Save As from the Interference Set Manager menu bar. The Save Interference Set File As dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Look In Sets the name of the directory location of the desired interference set (DAT) file.

File Name Sets the name of the desired interference set (DAT) file.

Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as DAT.

Open Opens the selected file and closes the dialog box.

Cancel Closes the dialog box without opening the selected file.

Setting Effect

Save In Sets the name of the directory location where you want to save the interference set (DAT) file.

File Name Sets the desired name for the interference set (DAT) file.

Save as Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as DAT.

Save Saves the selected file and closes the dialog box.

Cancel Closes the dialog box without saving the file.


Setting Up Interference SetsAdd JSpace Model Dialog Box

Add JSpace Model Dialog BoxThe Add JSpace Model dialog box enables you to select one or more JSM files that were created from the data extracted from the CAD design file. You can open the Add JSpace Model dialog box by choosing Options > Add from the Interference Set Manager menu bar. The Add JSpace Model dialog box opens.

✍ For more information about creating JSM files, see the JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide.

Set Commodity Dialog BoxThe Set Commodity dialog box enables you to specify a commodity name for the JSM file. You can open the Set Commodity dialog box by selecting a JSM file in the Interference Set Manager dialog box and then choosing Options > Set Commodity from the menu bar. The Set Commodity dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Look In Sets the name of the directory location of the desired JSM file.

File Name Sets the name of the desired JSM file.

Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as JSM.

Open Adds the selected file and closes the dialog box.

Cancel Closes the dialog box without adding the selected file.


2 Setting Up Interference SetsWorking with Interference Sets

Set Clearance Dialog BoxThe Set Clearance dialog box enables you to set a clearance tolerance for the JSM file. You can open the Set Clearance dialog box by selecting a JSM file in the Interference Set Manager dialog box and then choosing Options > Set Clearance from the menu bar. The Set Clearance dialog box opens.

Working with Interference SetsWorking with Interference Sets involves the following processes:

• Creating Interference Sets on page 2-11

• Opening Existing Interference Sets on page 2-13

• Adding JSM Files to Interference Sets on page 2-14

• Deleting JSM Files from Interference Sets on page 2-16

Setting Effect

Commodity Name Sets a descriptive name for the type of objects in the JSM file.

OK Accepts the change and closes the dialog box.

Cancel Closes the dialog box without making the change.

Setting Effect

Clearance Tolerance Sets a numerical value for the clearance tolerance in model units for the objects in the JSM file. Note: The units for the clearance tolerance must be the same for the active and passive files that you want to compare.

OK Accepts the change and closes the dialog box.

Cancel Closes the dialog box without making the change.


Setting Up Interference SetsCreating Interference Sets

• Setting or Modifying Parameters of Interference Sets using a Graphical Menu on page 2-17

• Setting or Modifying Parameters of Interference Sets using a Text Editor on page 2-19

Creating Interference SetsThe interference set file contains the Interference Set, which records the JSM files and the associated data to be checked for interferences. This ASCII text file is identified by the DAT file extension.

➤ To create an Interference Set

1. In TriForma, open the Interference Manager.

As necessary, see the procedure To start and quit the Interference Manager on page 1-7.

2. In the Interference Manager tool box, click the Set Up Interference Detection tool.

The Interference Set Manager dialog box opens.



3. From the Interference Set Manager menu bar, choose File > New.

The New Interference Set File dialog box opens.

4. To create a new file, use the following steps:

• In the Save In field, select the desired directory

• In the File Name field, type the desired file name identified by the DAT file extension, such as NEW.DAT

• In the Save As Type drop-down list box, select DAT

• Click Save

The Interference Set Manager dialog box opens with the name of the new interference set (DAT) file in the title bar.


Setting Up Interference SetsOpening Existing Interference Sets

5. To close the Interference Set Manager dialog box, choose File > Exit.

If you created or modified the Interference Set, the Interference Manager prompts you to save your changes before exiting.

If you want to return to the Interference Set Manager dialog box, you can click the Cancel button.

If you do not want to save your changes, you can click the No button.

If you click the Yes button, the interference set (DAT) file is saved and the Interference Set Manager dialog box is closed.

Opening Existing Interference SetsIf you want to review or modify an Interference Set, you can open an existing Interference Set.

➤ To open an existing Interference Set



2. In the Interference Manager tool box, click the Set Up Interference Detection tool.



3. From the Interference Set Manager menu bar, choose File > Open.

The Open Interference Set File dialog box opens.

4. Specify the desired interference set (DAT) file and then click Open.

The Interference Set Manager dialog box opens with the name of the selected DAT file in the title bar.

Adding JSM Files to Interference SetsIf you want to check additional JSpace models in your interference analysis, you should add those JSM files to the Interference Set.


Setting Up Interference SetsAdding JSM Files to Interference Sets

➤ To add JSM files to the Interference Set

1. With the Interference Set Manager dialog box displayed from the previous procedure, choose Options > Add from the Interference Set Manager menu bar.

The Add JSpace Model dialog box opens.

✍ For more information about creating JSM files, see the JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide.

2. To add a JSM file, use the following steps:

• In the Look In field, select the desired directory

• In the File Name field, select the desired file name identified by the JSM file extension

• In the Files of Type drop-down list box, select JSM

• Click Open

Also, you can double-click the JSM file.

If you do not want to add this file, you can click the Cancel button.

If you click the Open button, the Interference Set Manager dialog box is displayed with the name of the JSM file in the Interference Set list box.



3. To add additional JSM files, repeat the previous steps.

If you want to select multiple classes, you can use one or both of the following operations:

• To select all classes, you can click a class and then hold down the <Ctrl> key when you click <a>

• To select a range of classes, you can click the first class and then hold down the <Shift> key when you click the last class

• To select individual JSM files, you can hold down the <Ctrl> key as you click each class

The Interference Set Manager dialog box is displayed with the names of the additional JSM files in the Interference Set list box.

4. To save the revised Interference Set, choose File > Save from the Interference Set Manager menu bar.

Deleting JSM Files from Interference SetsIf your interference analysis is checking a JSpace model that you do not want to check, you can remove that JSM file from the Interference Set.


Setting Up Interference SetsSetting or Modifying Parameters of Interference Sets using a Graphical Menu

➤ To delete a JSM file from the Interference Set

1. With the Interference Set Manager dialog box displayed from the previous procedure, select a JSM file in the Interference Set list box that you want to delete.

The Interference Set Manager dialog box is displayed with the selected file highlighted.

2. From the Interference Set Manager menu bar, choose Options > Delete.

A message box opens.

3. To delete the selected JSM file, click Yes.

If you do not want to delete the JSM file, you can click the No button.

If you click the Yes button, the selected JSM file is removed from the Interference Set and is no longer displayed in the Interference Set list box of the Interference Set Manger dialog box.

4. To save the revised Interference Set, choose File > Save from the Interference Set Manager menu bar.

Setting or Modifying Parameters of Interference Sets using a Graphical Menu

If you want to change the manner in which the interference detection is performed, you can set or modify the parameters of the Interference Set using either a graphical menu or a text editor.



For information about modifying the Interference Set using a text editor, see the section To modify the parameters of the Interference Set using a text editor on page 2-20.

➤ To set or modify parameters of the Interference Set using a graphical menu

1. With the Interference Set Manager dialog box displayed from the previous procedure, select a JSM file in the Interference Set list box.

The Interference Set Manager dialog box is displayed with the name of the selected JSM file highlighted in the Interference Set list box.

✍ If you want to alphabetize your Interference Set information in ascending or descending order, you can click the desired column heading name.

2. In the Commodity column, type a descriptive name for the objects in the JSM file, such as HVAC, Piping, or Structural.

For more information on commodities, see the section Set Commodity Dialog Box on page 2-9.

3. In the Mode column, which is controlled by a three-way toggle, select the desired type, such as:

• X ACTIVE

• / SEMI-ACTIVE

• — PASSIVE

For more information on modes, see the bulleted table row Mode on page 2-6.

4. In the Clearance column, type a value to specify the clearance tolerance for soft interferences.

For more information on clearances, see the section Set Clearance Dialog Box on page 2-10.


Setting Up Interference SetsSetting or Modifying Parameters of Interference Sets using a Text Editor

5. In the Self Check column, which is controlled by a toggle, select the desired type, such as:

• If checked, Yes

• If cleared, No

For more information about Self Check, see the bulleted table row Self Check on page 2-6.

The Interference Set Manager dialog box is displayed with modified parameters.

6. As desired, modify the other parameters of the Interference Set.

7. To save the revised interference set (DAT) file, choose File > Save from the Interference Set Manager menu bar.

8. To close the Interference Set Manager dialog box, choose File > Exit.

Setting or Modifying Parameters of Interference Sets using a Text Editor

Instead of modifying the parameters of the Interference Set using a graphical menu, you can use a text editor to change the manner in which the interference detection is performed.

For information on modifying the Interference Set using a graphical menu, see the section Setting or Modifying Parameters of Interference Sets using a Graphical Menu on page 2-17.



➤ To modify the parameters of the Interference Set using a text editor

1. Using a text editor, such as Notepad, open an interference set (DAT) file, such as ...\Program Files\Bentley\Workspace\Projects\Examples\TriForma_Imperial\intmgr\out\triforma_imperial.dat.

Each JSM file is displayed on a separate line with a vertical bar (|) separating the fields. For example,

filename|commodity|mode|clearance|self check

2. To modify the parameters, type over the current values.

3. To save the revised interference set (DAT) file, choose File > Save.

4. To close the interference set (DAT) file and exit the text editor, choose File > Exit.

Where Means

filename The name of the JSM file.Note: For files that are not in the same directory as the DAT file, you should specify the full directory path.

commodity A text description of the types of objects in the file, such as HVAC, Piping, or Structural.Note: This field can contain a maximum of 80 characters.

mode The value that indicates the type of file, as follows:

• ACTIVE• SEMI-ACTIVE• PASSIVE

clearance The value that specifies the allowable distance between two or more model components and that is used to calculate soft interferences.

self check The value that controls whether or not to check for interferences within a JSM file, as follows:

• Yes — Checks• No — Does not check


3 Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineThe Bentley Interference Manager Engine is a JSpace-based application that uses the JSM files and their associated parameters to detect interferences.

This chapter explains the Detection module including how the Engine functions and how to customize the standard run.

Understanding the Bentley Interference Manager EngineThe Bentley Interference Manager Engine, or simply the Engine, detects interferences using the JSM files that you created with the MicroStation Connection tool in the Extraction module and the parameters that you specified in the Setup module. The Engine can run independently of any CAD or design application system. Also, it can run locally on your workstation or on a network on a separate workstation.

Using the Engine, the Detection module performs interference detection at the level of the individual surfaces for each object. Therefore, the accuracy of the geometric representations of the elements within your files determines the accuracy of the interference detection.

Running interference detection involves the following sequential processes:

• Calculating interferences

After identifying a potential interference between two objects, the Engine performs the following processes:

— Applies the specified tolerances

— Analyzes each pair of objects at the geometric surface level to determine if the two objects interfere

For more information about calculating interferences, see the section Calculating Interferences on page 3-2.

• Applying suppression rules

The Engine applies suppression rules to identify interferences that it should not report.

For more information about suppression rules, see the section Checking with Suppression Rules on page 3-5.


3 Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineCalculating Interferences

• Reporting interferences

• Generating an interference output (IOF) file

The Engine copies the pair of interfering objects that satisfy all of the specified criteria to a results file, known as the interference output file identified by the IOF file extension.

For more information about interference output files, see the section Reporting Interferences on page 3-11 and the section Creating Interference Output (IOF) Files on page 3-12.

• Generating an interference report (RPT) file

The Engine creates an interference report file to describe each of the interferences detected during the interference check. This ASCII text file is identified by the RPT file extension.

For more information about interference report files, see the section Reporting Interferences on page 3-11 and the section Creating Interference Report (RPT) Files on page 3-14.

Also, to use the Detection module, you need to understand the following processes:

• Navigating the Detection Module on page 3-21

• Using a Text Editor on page 3-37

• Running the Bentley Interference Manager Engine on page 3-38

Calculating InterferencesDuring interference detection, the Engine compares the graphic elements of one object, such as its polygons and lines, with the graphic elements of other objects in the same model and in other models. From the calculations, the Engine mathematically evaluates each surface to determine if the surfaces or edges of one object intersect those of another object. The Engine assigns a unique number to each pair of interfering objects and indicates the type of interference, such as:

• Hard — See Reporting Hard Interferences on page 3-4

• Soft — See Reporting Soft Interferences on page 3-4


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineCalculating Interferences

Also, the Engine compares these calculations to the tolerances that you specify in the Interference Set. The three types of tolerances are:

• Connection Tolerances — See Defining Connection Tolerance on page 3-4

• Local Tolerances — See Defining Local Tolerance on page 3-4

• Clearance Tolerances — See Defining Clearance Tolerance on page 3-5

The following diagram shows examples of the three types of tolerances.


3 Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineCalculating Interferences

Reporting Hard InterferencesA hard interference is a physical clash between elements. If the graphic elements from two different objects intersect, then the Engine reports a hard interference.

Reporting Soft InterferencesA soft interference is a violation of a clearance tolerance applied to the physical element. If any part of a graphic element from one object lies within a specified distance of another object, but does not intersect any of the graphic elements of that object, then the Engine reports a soft interference. For example, a soft interference is reported if the clearance for the maintenance of a mechanical pump is intersected.

Defining Connection ToleranceYou can define an allowable distance in model units, known as a connection tolerance, to eliminate interferences between objects that only touch. As shown in the previous diagram, when the Engine first checks a pipe and an elbow, it detects that the two objects touch each other and reports a hard interference. However, after applying the connection tolerance, the Engine shrinks one of these objects by the amount of the specified connection tolerance. Then, when the Engine rechecks the two objects, it detects that the two objects do not touch and reports no interference.

✍ The connection tolerance must not exceed a maximum value of 0.125 inches or 3 mm. The units must be consistent with those that you use for the model files and the clearance tolerances.

Defining Local ToleranceYou can specify a local tolerance value for each object to represent the physical attributes of the object that are not explicitly represented by its geometry, such as insulation. As shown in the previous diagram, if any part of the graphic elements of one object or its local tolerance lies within the local tolerance of another object, then the Engine reports a hard interference.

To specify a local tolerance at the model object level, you can define the configuration variable IFM_TOLEXPRES. This configuration variable defines a JSpace expression that evaluates


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineDefining Clearance Tolerance

to the tolerance value. This expression is evaluated against every object. The result of the expression must be in model units.

Defining Clearance ToleranceYou can identify a clearance tolerance as a specified distance around an object. As shown in the previous diagram, depending on the clearance tolerances of one or both of the objects, the Engine reports a soft interference or no interference at all.

If two objects each have a specified clearance tolerance and you select the Combine Object Clearances setting in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box, the Engine combines the two tolerances, runs interference detection, and reports a soft interference. However, if you do not select this setting, the Engine uses the larger of the two clearance tolerance values and reports no interference.

The clearance tolerance is added to the local tolerance defined at the object level.

Checking with Suppression RulesYou can use suppression rules to specify interferences that the Engine should not report. For example, when a pipe flange is bolted to an equipment nozzle, an interference should not be reported even though the two objects physically touch. The same is true for a beam connected to a column or for a pipe connected to a pipe support.

Because these suppression rules reside in an ASCII text file and are external to the application, you can change the way that the Engine processes interferences without modifying the software.

When the Engine detects an interference, it performs the following processes:

• Non-reporting of the interference if the interference exists in the interference output (IOF) file and the interference has previously been accepted in the Review module

• Reporting of the interference if suppression rules are not defined or if no suppression rule applies to a particular interference


3 Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineChecking with Suppression Rules

To use Suppression Rules, you should become familiar with the following topics:

• Understanding Suppression Rules on page 3-6

• Using the Suppression Rules (SUP) File on page 3-6

• Formatting Suppression Rules on page 3-7

• Reserving Properties in Suppression Rules on page 3-8

• Examples of Suppression Rules on page 3-9

• An Example of a Suppression Rules (SUP) File on page 3-11

Understanding Suppression RulesIf you find that the first run of interference detection produces a high number of interferences, the Engine may have included interferences that you do not want to consider. You can create suppression rules that specify certain conditions that are not to be considered as interferences. Then, using these suppression rules, the Engine can skip these interferences to give you a more realistic and useful result. For example, if two objects are allowed to touch, you do not want the Engine to report an interference.

Using the Suppression Rules (SUP) FileThe suppression rules (SUP) file contains the suppression rules. The suppression rules are a collection of IF-THEN JSpace expressions that refer to properties associated with the interfering objects. Using the information contained in the suppression rules (SUP) file, the Engine can examine the pair of interfering objects and decide whether or not to report the interference. The suppression rules file is an ASCII text file identified by the SUP file extension.

✍ To write useful suppression rules, you should use the specific properties and the values of the JSpace object classes that are used for your model data.

For more information about JSpace expressions, see the JSpace Concepts and Technical Reference document.

For more information about class properties, see the JSpace Class Editor User Guide.


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineFormatting Suppression Rules

Formatting Suppression RulesA suppression rule states that if certain conditions are met, then corresponding actions are taken. The IF-THEN format of a suppression rule expression is:

IF <condition> THEN <action>

ENDIF

The <condition> and <action> clauses are described in more detail in subsequent sections. Additional syntax for writing suppression rules includes:

• Rules are not case sensitive. However, character string constants, which are enclosed in double-quotation marks, are case sensitive and are treated as literal strings.

• Parentheses ( ) can be used to force a specific order of evaluation in complex rule expressions.

• The pound sign (#) is a comment delimiter. The Engine ignores anything on a line following the pound sign.

• The ENDIF reserved word specifies the end of the rule.

Logical Operators

The valid logical operators are:

Comparison Operators

The valid comparison operators are:

Logical Operator Means

AND If both sides are TRUE, the expression is true.

OR If either side is TRUE, the expression is true.

Comparison Operator Means

== Is equal to

> Is greater than

>= Is greater than or equal to

< Is less than

<= Is less than or equal to

!= Is not equal to



Comparative Expressions

The comparative expression of a suppression rule is formed using two arithmetic or two character expressions separated by a comparison operator. The value of a comparative expression is either:

• TRUE

• FALSE

Condition Expression

A condition expression of a suppression rule is formed using one or more comparative expressions and a logical operator, such that:

• If it evaluates to a non-zero value, it is TRUE.

• If it evaluates to a zero value, it is FALSE.

Examples of JSpace Expressions

• A simple comparative expression:

RADIUS <= 5

• A condition expression with two comparative expressions:

(RADIUS <= 5) AND ($Int_Commodity == "PIPING")

Action Clause

The action clause of a suppression rule is an expression that assigns a value of TRUE or FALSE to the $SUPPRESS property, such that:

• If TRUE, suppresses the interference.

• If FALSE or not assigned, does not suppress the interference.

Reserving Properties in Suppression RulesThe suppression rules can refer to predefined reserved properties. The reserved properties relate to the interfering objects whose values are updated to reflect each interference before the


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineExamples of Suppression Rules

suppression rules are evaluated. The following table describes these reserved properties:

Temporary Relationship

In addition to these reserved properties, the Engine forms a temporary relationship $INT_OBJECT between each pair of interfering objects so that the properties of the two can be referenced in the rules.

Examples of Suppression RulesThe following two examples show suppression rules that refer to the properties of both objects and to the decision of whether or not to report an interference.

Example 1

IF $Int_Commodity == \$Int_Object\$Int_Commodity

AND

IN_ARRAY(connect_points,\$Int_Object\connect_points,0.001)

THEN $Suppress = TRUE

ENDIF

This rule suppresses the interferences if the interfering objects belong to the same commodity and are connected through

Reserved Property Description

$INT_TYPE A String identifying the type of interference as HARD or SOFT.

$INT_MODEL A String containing the name of the JSM file that contains the interfering object.

$INT_COMMODITY A String containing the name of the commodity of the interfering object.

$INT_CLEARANCE A double-precision decimal number defining the clearance tolerance that the Engine applies when the interference detection is run.

$INT_CONNECTION A decimal number defining the connection tolerance that the Engine applies when the interference detection is run.

$INT_POINT A decimal X, Y, Z triplet identifying the model coordinates of the point of interference between two objects.

$SUPPRESS A logical value of TRUE or FALSE indicating whether or not to report the interference.



connect_points. In this example, a tolerance of 0.001 is used to account for the small alignment problems in the model.

The JSpace built-in function IN_ARRAY( ) determines whether or not any connection points associated with one object are equal to any connection points associated with the other object.

Example 2

IF name == “EQUIPMENT”

AND \$Int_Object\name == “CONCRETE”

AND MINZ(range) - MAXZ(\$Int_Object\range) <= 0

THEN $Suppress = TRUE

ENDIF

This rule suppresses the interferences between EQUIPMENT objects that rest on, or are supported by, CONCRETE objects.

The standard JSpace built-in functions MINZ( ) and MAXZ( ) compare the minimum and maximum range values of the two objects.


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineAn Example of a Suppression Rules (SUP) File

An Example of a Suppression Rules (SUP) FileThe following example shows the typical layout of a suppression rules (SUP) file containing several rules.

Reporting InterferencesEach interference that is found and not suppressed is reported. If an object interferes with more than one other object, then a separate interference is reported for each object with which it interferes.

The Engine produces the following two reports:

• The Interference Output (IOF) File

• The Interference Report (RPT) File


3 Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineReporting Interferences

To report interferences, you should understand the following topics:

• Creating Interference Output (IOF) Files on page 3-12

• Creating Interference Report (RPT) Files on page 3-14

• Visualizing the Reporting Process on page 3-15

• Setting Up the Report Options (ROF) File on page 3-16

• Reviewing a Customized Interference Report (RPT) File on page 3-18

Creating Interference Output (IOF) FilesThe Engine creates and can re-use an interference output file that contains copies of the pairs of interfering objects. JSpace object model files can usually be identified by the JSM file extension. However, for the purposes of interference detection and management, this JSM file is identified by the IOF file extension.

Within the interference output (IOF) file, each pair of interfering objects is grouped together as members of a unique INTERFERENCE group object. All interferences that are found during one run of the Engine are related as members of an INTERFERENCE_SET group object. Each successive run of the Engine that uses the same interference output (IOF) file creates a


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineCreating Interference Output (IOF) Files

new INTERFERENCE_SET group object. The following diagram explains this process.

Using the Interference Output (IOF) File

The interference output (IOF) file is used primarily for interactive display, review, and status updating of interferences using the Review module.

If you specify the same interference output (IOF) file each time you run the Engine against your model data, the interference output (IOF) file acts as a database of interferences by statusing and reporting on them throughout the life of your project. For example, if you perform another run of the Engine using the same interference output (IOF) file and an interference that was previously statused as Accepted is found again, it is not re-written to the interference output (IOF) file and is not included in the report file.

For more information about analyzing interferences, see the chapter Reviewing Interferences in TriForma on page 4-1.

Relationships of Interference Objects in the IOF



Creating Interference Report (RPT) FilesThe Engine writes a report that documents the details of all interferences found in a run of the Engine. The interference report file is a customizable ASCII text file identified by the RPT file extension.

For a sample interference report file, see the section Reviewing a Customized Interference Report (RPT) File on page 3-18.

Data Reported

The interference report (RPT) file provides the following details for each detected interference:

• A unique number

• The names of the input JSM files containing the interfering objects

• The type of the interference as hard or soft

• The coordinates of the interference point in space

• The date that the interference was first detected

• The date that the interference was last updated

• The current status of the interference

Status Information

The Engine records the status information in the property called STATUS of the INTERFERENCE group object. When the Engine detects a new interference, it adds this STATUS property to the interference output (IOF) file. The STATUS is set to one of four values, such as:

• Detected

When the Engine first finds an interference, it sets the status to Detected.

• Reviewed

Using the Review module, you can set the status of the interference to Reviewed.

• Accepted

Using the Review module, you can set the status of the interference to Accepted.

• Suppressed

If the Engine uses the suppression rules to suppress an existing interference, the Engine sets the status of the interference to Suppressed.


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineVisualizing the Reporting Process

The Engine does not write to the interference report (RPT) file any interferences with a status of Accepted or Suppressed. If a suppressed interference is re-detected because of changes in the suppression rules, then that interference is reported and the status is reset to Detected.

Also, the interference report (RPT) file provides some standard information about the objects involved in the interferences, such as the name of the JSM file containing the interfering element and the name of the commodity.

Visualizing the Reporting ProcessThe following diagram shows a decision tree that controls the interference reporting mechanism.

Description of the Process

When the Engine detects an interference, it performs the following sequential operations:

• Checks the interference output (IOF) file to see if the detected interference exists there



• Applies the suppression rules if the interference is not in the interference output (IOF) file

• Uses of the following steps if the interference is in the interference output (IOF) file:

— Checks the interference status

— Applies the suppression rules if the existing interference is not Accepted

• Applies suppression rules even if the existing interference has a Suppressed status because the suppression rules (SUP) file may have changed since the original analysis

Setting Up the Report Options (ROF) FileAlthough the Engine automatically generates the interference report (RPT) file, you can customize the interference report file to display additional information about the interfering objects. Using the report options (ROF) file, you can define the property names and their value expressions for each type of object to be reported. This optional report options file is an ASCII text file identified by the ROF file extension.

The general format for a report options (ROF) file is as follows:

class_name[1]field_countfield_name[1] field_expression[1]field_name[2]field_expression[2]..field_name[field_count]field_expression[field_count]class_name[2]field_count..class_name[n]field_count

Where Means

class_name The name of the object class to be reported

field_count The number of fields for this object class to be reported


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineSetting Up the Report Options (ROF) File

Sample Report Options (ROF) File

The default report options file, triforma_imperial.rof, has customized reports defined for the delivered MicroStation TriForma and PlantSpace Design Series. A copy of this file is

field_name The descriptive name of the output property

field_expression An expression containing JSpace object properties used to compute the value of the output field for the object

Report Options File (REPORT.ROF)

PHYSICAL_GROUP Name of the 1st object class

1 Number of fields to report

Name Field #1 name

NAME Field #1 value expression

PIPE_GROUP Name of the 2nd object class

3 Number of fields to report

Pipe No. Field #1 name

"P" + PIPE_NUM Field #1 value expression

Installed Field #2 name

DATE_INSTALLED Field #2 value expression

Purchase Order Field #3 name

\PURCHASED_BY\PO_NUM Field #3 value expression

Where Means



located at ...\Workspace\Projects\Examples\TriForma_Imperial\intmgr\setting.

Reviewing a Customized Interference Report (RPT) FileThe following sample interference report (RPT) file was produced from the sample report options file (REPORT.ROF) described in the previous section. The components in the JT_PIPE.JSM model are created from the PIPE_GROUP object class. The components in the JT_ELEC.JSM model are created from the PHYSICAL_GROUP object class. The additional information that comes from setting up options in REPORT.ROF is displayed in bold letters.


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineReviewing a Customized Interference Report (RPT) File

Customized Interference Report File----------------------------------------------------- PSID - Interference Report Version 4.0 04-15-02-----------------------------------------------------File: C:\project\demo.rptDate: Thu Apr 27 14:08:45 2002Analysis results Total number of interferences ... 2 Total process time (hh:mm:ss) ... 0:0:22 Interference output file .. . C:\project\testdemo.io Error log file ............ ..... C:\project\demo.log Graphic review file ..... ....... C:\project\demo.ascInput data: Connection tolerance ......... 0.001000 Report options file .......... report.cfg Suppression rule file ........ new.sup Rule file last modified ...... Tue Apr 11 17:23:48 2002Active files: Clearance: 0.166667 Self check: no File: C:\project\jt_pipe.jsm Clearance: 0.000000 Self check: no File: C:\project\jt_elec.jsmPassive files: Clearance: 0.000000 Self check: no File: C:\project\jt_equip.jsm Clearance: 0.000000 Self check: no File: C:\project\jt_struc.jsm-----------------------------------------------------Interference 1: Object #1: Filename ... C:\project\jt_elec.jsm Commodity .. Electrical Name .....T12042 Object #2: Filename ... C:\project\jt_pipe.jsm Commodity .. Piping_Feedwater PIPE_NUM .....P00125 INSTALLED ..... Thu Jan 27 11:50:39 2002 PURCHASE_ORDER .....R735 Interference Number: 4 Date Detected: Thu Apr 27 13:55:39 2002 Last Update: Thu Apr 27 14:08:53 2002 Point: -21259.552653, -21410.515188, -21358.320207 Type: Hard Status: Detected (Not Reviewed)-----------------------------------------------------Interference 2: Object #1: Filename ... C:\project\jt_elec.jsm Commodity .. Electrical Name .....T12048 Object #2:



Filename ... C:\project\jt_pipe.jsm Commodity .. Piping_Feedwater PIPE_NUM .....P00156 INSTALLED ..... Wed Jan 19 13:50:19 2002 PURCHASE_ORDER .....R805 Interference Number: 6 Date Detected: Thu Apr 27 13:55:39 2002 Last Update: Thu Apr 27 14:08:54 2002 Point: -21274.552653, -21410.515188, -21358.320207 Type: Hard Status: Detected (Not Reviewed)--------------------------------------------------


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineNavigating the Detection Module

Navigating the Detection ModuleThis illustration shows how to navigate the Detection module that contains the Bentley Interference Manager Engine, or simply the Engine. The following sections describe the fields and buttons of the dialog boxes.

From within TriForma

From the TriForma V8 program group


*

*



3 Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineNavigating the Detection Module

.


Continued from the previous page:

See Navigating the Setup Module on page 2-2


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineNavigating the Detection Module

Continued from the previous pages:



To use the Detection module, you should have a working knowledge of the following:

• Bentley Interference Manager Engine Dialog Box on page 3-24

• Select Interference Set File Dialog Box on page 3-27

• Interference Set Manager Dialog Box on page 3-27

• Select Interference Results File Dialog Box on page 3-28

• Interference Results Manager Dialog Box on page 3-29

• Select File To Create Dialog Box on page 3-31

• Select dBASE File To Create Dialog Box on page 3-32

• Select ASCII File to Create Dialog Box on page 3-33

• Delete Interferences Dialog Box on page 3-33

• Select Suppression Rules File Dialog Box on page 3-34

• Select Report File Dialog Box on page 3-35

• Select Report Options File Dialog Box on page 3-36

• Select Settings File Dialog Box on page 3-36

Bentley Interference Manager Engine Dialog BoxThe Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box enables you to set up and run the Engine. You can open the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box by clicking the Detect


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineBentley Interference Manager Engine Dialog Box

Interferences tool in the Interference Manager tool box. The Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Settings

• Interference Set File

Sets the name of the interference set (DAT) file containing the JSM file names and their associated parameters that the Engine uses.For more information, see the chapter Setting Up Interference Sets on page 2-1.

•

(Browse button)

Opens the Select Interference Set File dialog box.For more information, see the section Select Interference Set File Dialog Box on page 3-27.

• Edit... Opens the Interference Set Manager dialog box.For more information, see the section Interference Set Manager Dialog Box on page 3-27 and the section Interference Set Manager Dialog Box on page 2-4.

• Interference Results File

Sets the name of the interference output (IOF) file containing the pairs of interfering objects.For more information, see the section Reviewing Interferences in TriForma on page 4-1.

•

(Browse button)

Opens the Select Interference Results File dialog box.For more information, see the section Select Interference Results File Dialog Box on page 3-28.



• Manage... Opens the Interference Results Manager dialog box.For more information, see the section Interference Results Manager Dialog Box on page 3-29.

• Suppression Rules File

Sets the name of the suppression rules (SUP) file containing the suppression rules used to eliminate the reporting of unwanted interferences.For more information, see the section Checking with Suppression Rules on page 3-5.

•

(Browse button)

Opens the Select Suppression Rules File dialog box.For more information, see the section Select Suppression Rules File Dialog Box on page 3-34.

• View... Opens the suppression rules (SUP) file in the default text editor, such as Notepad.

• Report File Sets the name of the interference report (RPT) file that is written.

•

(Browse button)

Opens the Select Report File dialog box.For more information, see the section Select Report File Dialog Box on page 3-35.

• View... Opens the interference report (RPT) file in the default text editor, such as Notepad.

• Report Options File

Sets the name of the report options (ROF) file containing the customized options used to display information in the interference report (RPT) file.

•

(Browse button)

Opens the Select Report Options File dialog box.For more information, see the section Select Report Options File Dialog Box on page 3-36.

• View... Opens the report options (ROF) file in the default text editor, such as Notepad.

• Connection Tolerance

Sets the allowable distance in model units used to eliminate interferences between components that only touch. The maximum value is 0.125 inches or 3 mm.

• Enable File Caching

Controls whether or not to load only two files at the same time to check one against the other for interferences, as follows:

• If selected, loads only two files.• If cleared, loads all files.Enabling file caching reduces memory requirements during processing, but may increase the processing time.

• Combine Object Clearances

Controls whether or not to combine the clearance tolerances of both objects being checked for interferences, as follows:• If selected, combines the clearance tolerances of both objects.• If cleared, uses the larger clearance tolerance of the two objects.For more information about clearance tolerances, see the section Defining Connection Tolerance on page 3-4.

Load Settings... Opens the Select Settings File dialog box. For more information, see the section Select Settings File Dialog Box on page 3-36.

Setting Effect


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineSelect Interference Set File Dialog Box

Select Interference Set File Dialog BoxThe Select Interference Set File dialog box enables you to select an interference set (DAT) file. You can open the Select Interference Set File dialog box by clicking the browse button to the right of the Interference Set File field in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box. The Select Interference Set File dialog box opens.

Interference Set Manager Dialog BoxThe Interference Set Manager dialog box enables you to modify the Interference Sets. You can open the Interference Set Manager dialog box by clicking the Edit button to the right of the

Save Settings... Opens the Select Settings File dialog box. For more information, see the section Select Settings File Dialog Box on page 3-36.

Process Starts an interference detection run.

Exit Closes the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box.

Messages Displays informational messages during processing.

Status Indicates the current stage in the process.

Setting Effect

Look In Sets the name of the directory location of the desired interference set (DAT) file.

File Name Sets the name of the desired interference set (DAT) file.

Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as DAT.

Open Selects the desired file and closes the dialog box.

Cancel Closes the dialog box without selecting the file.

Setting Effect



Interference Set File field in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box. The Interference Set Manager dialog box opens.

For more information about the menus and fields, see the section Interference Set Manager Dialog Box on page 2-4.

Select Interference Results File Dialog BoxThe Select Interference Results File dialog box enables you to select an interference output (IOF) file. You can open the Select Interference Results File dialog box by clicking the browse button to the right of the Interference Results File field in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box. The Select Interference Results File dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Look In Sets the name of the directory location of the desired interference output (IOF) file.

File Name Sets the name of the desired interference output (IOF) file.

Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as IOF.


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineInterference Results Manager Dialog Box

Interference Results Manager Dialog BoxThe Interference Results Manager dialog box enables you to report, delete, and export the results of the interference analysis. You can open the Interference Results Manager dialog box by clicking the Manage button to the right of the Interference Results File field in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box. The Interference Results Manager dialog box opens.



Setting Effect

Options menu

• Report... Opens the Select File to Create dialog box.For more information, see the section Select File To Create Dialog Box on page 3-31.

• Export to dBASE IV...

Opens the Select dBASE File to Create dialog box.For more information, see the section Select dBASE File To Create Dialog Box on page 3-32.

• Export to ASCII Opens the Select ASCII File to Create dialog box.For more information, see the section Select ASCII File to Create Dialog Box on page 3-33.

• Delete Analysis... Opens the Delete Interferences dialog box.For more information, see the section Delete Interferences Dialog Box on page 3-33.

• Delete Interference...

Opens a message box asking you to confirm whether or not you want to delete the selected items.

Interference Analysis Run

• Analysis ID This column provides the unique number assigned to the run.

Setting Effect



• Date This column provides the date of the run.

• Total This column provides the total number of interferences reported in the run.

• Detected This column provides the number of detected interferences reported in the run.For more information, see the bulleted paragraph Detected on page 3-14.

• Reviewed This column provides the number of reviewed interferences reported in the run.For more information, see the bulleted paragraph Reviewed on page 3-14.

• Accepted This column provides the number of accepted interferences reported in the run.For more information, see the bulleted paragraph Accepted on page 3-14.

• Suppressed This column provides the number of suppressed interferences reported in the run.For more information, see the bulleted paragraph Suppressed on page 3-14.

• Hard This column provides the number of hard interferences reported in the run.For more information, see the section Reporting Hard Interferences on page 3-4.

• Soft This column provides the number of soft interferences reported in the run.For more information, see the section Reporting Soft Interferences on page 3-4.

• Set File This column provides the name of the interference set (DAT) file used in the analysis.For more information, see the bulleted table row Interference Set File on page 3-25 and the chapter Setting Up Interference Sets on page 2-1.

• Connection Tolerance

This column provides the value for the connection tolerance used in the analysis.For more information, see the section Defining Connection Tolerance on page 3-4.

• Rules File This column provides the name of the suppression rules (SUP) file used in the analysis.For more information, see the bulleted table row Suppression Rules File on page 3-26 and the section Checking with Suppression Rules on page 3-5.

Interferences for Analysis Run

• Number This column provides a unique identification number for the interference.

• Type This column provides the type of interference, as follows:

• Hard• SoftFor more information, see the section Reporting Hard Interferences on page 3-4 and the section Reporting Soft Interferences on page 3-4.

• Status This column provides the status of the interference, as follows:

• Detected• Reviewed• Accepted• SuppressedFor more information, see the section Status Information on page 3-14.

• Point This column provides the coordinates of the point of interference.

Setting Effect


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineSelect File To Create Dialog Box

Select File To Create Dialog BoxThe Select File To Create dialog box enables you to create a new file interference analysis report. You can open the Select File To Create dialog box by choosing Options > Report from the Interference Results Manager menu bar. The Select File To Create dialog box opens.

• Object 1 Commodity

This column provides the name of the commodity for Object 1.For more information, see the bulleted table row Set Commodity... on page 2-5 and the section Set Commodity Dialog Box on page 2-9.

• Object 2 Commodity

This column provides the name of the commodity for Object 2.For more information, see the bulleted table row Set Commodity... on page 2-5 and the section Set Commodity Dialog Box on page 2-9.

• Object 1 File This column provides the name of the interference set (DAT) file containing Object 1.For more information, see the chapter Setting Up Interference Sets on page 2-1.

• Object 2 File This column provides the name of the interference set (DAT) file containing Object 2.For more information, see the chapter Setting Up Interference Sets on page 2-1.

• Date First Detected This column provides the date that the interference was first detected.

• Date Last Detected This column provides the date that the interference was last detected.

• Reviewer This column provides the name of the reviewer.For more information, see the section Editing the Reviewer, Status, and Comments on page 4-32.

• Comment This column provides the comment.For more information, see the section Editing the Reviewer, Status, and Comments on page 4-32.

Setting Effect



Select dBASE File To Create Dialog BoxThe Select dBASE File To Create dialog box enables you to export the interference output (IOF) file to a new dBASE (DBF) file. You can export all the interferences in the interference output (IOF) file or only the interferences currently selected. You can open the Select dBASE File To Create dialog box by choosing Options > Export to dBASE IV from the Interference Results Manager menu bar. The Select dBASE File To Create dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Save In Sets the name of the desired directory location for the new interference report (RPT) file.

File Name Sets the desired name for the new interference report (RPT) file.

Save as Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as RPT.

Open Creates the desired file and closes the dialog box.


Setting Effect

Save In Sets the name of the desired directory location for the new dBASE (DBF) file.

File Name Sets the desired name for the new dBASE (DBF) file.

Save as Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as DBF.




Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineSelect ASCII File to Create Dialog Box

Select ASCII File to Create Dialog BoxThe Select ASCII File To Create dialog box enables you to export the interference output (IOF) file to a new ASCII (TXT) file. You can export all interferences in the interference output (IOF) file or only the interferences currently selected. You can open the Select ASCII File To Create dialog box by choosing Options > Export to ASCII from the Interference Results Manager menu bar. The Select ASCII File To Create dialog box opens.

Delete Interferences Dialog BoxThe Delete Interferences dialog box enables you to remove interferences from the interferences results (IOF) file. You can open the Delete Interferences dialog box by choosing Options >

Setting Effect

Save In Provides the name of the desired directory location for the new ASCII (TXT) file.

File Name Provides the desired name for the new ASCII (TXT) file.

Save as Type Provides the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as TXT.





Delete Analysis from the Interference Results Manager menu bar. The Delete Interferences dialog box opens.

Select Suppression Rules File Dialog BoxThe Select Suppression Rules File dialog box enables you to select a suppression rules (SUP) file. You can open the Select Suppression Rules File dialog box by clicking the browse button to the right of the Suppression Rules File field in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box. The Select Suppression Rules File dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Delete Interferences of the Following Status

Identifies interferences of the selected status, such as:

• Detected• Reviewed• Accepted• SuppressedFor more information, see the section Status Information on page 3-14.

Interferences Deleted Displays the status of the deletion process.

Delete Removes selected interferences from the interferences results (IOF) file.


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineSelect Report File Dialog Box

Select Report File Dialog BoxThe Select Report File dialog box enables you to select a file in which to save the report of the interferences. You can open the Select Report File dialog box by clicking the browse button to the right of the Report File field in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box. The Select Report File dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Look In Sets the name of the directory location of the desired suppression rules (SUP) file.

File Name Sets the name of the desired suppression rules (SUP) file.

Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as SUP.



Setting Effect

Save In Sets the name of the directory location of the desired interference report (RPT) file.

File Name Sets the name of the desired interference report (RPT) file.

Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as RPT.





Select Report Options File Dialog BoxThe Select Report Options File dialog box enables you to select a report options (ROF) file. You can open the Select Report Options File dialog box by clicking the browse button to the right of the Report Options File field in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box. The Select Report Options File dialog box opens.

Select Settings File Dialog BoxThe Select Settings File dialog box enables you to save and re-use settings. You can open the Select Settings File dialog box by clicking the Load Settings button or the Save Settings button in the

Setting Effect

Look In Sets the name of the directory location of the desired report options (ROF) file.

File Name Sets the name of the desired report options (ROF) file.

Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as ROF.




Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineUsing a Text Editor

Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box. The Select Settings File dialog box opens.

Using a Text EditorYou can open a standard text editor to view the contents of the files used in an interference analysis, such as:

• Interference Set (DAT) file

• Suppression Rules (SUP) file

• Interference Report (RPT) file

• Report Options (ROF) file

Before you run the Engine, you can specify the text editor that you want to use by defining the JS_TEXT_EDITOR configuration variable. By default, JS_TEXT_EDITOR is set to Notepad.

Setting Effect

Look In Sets the name of the directory location of the desired settings file.

File Name Sets the name of the settings (IMP) file used in a previous run of interference detection or the name of the settings (IMP) file of the current run of interference detection.

Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as IMP.




3 Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineRunning the Bentley Interference Manager Engine

Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineThe Engine enables you to check for interferences. You can run the Engine in one of three ways:

• Using a Graphical Menu on page 3-38

• Using a Graphical Menu and Saved Settings on page 3-43

• Using a Command Line on page 3-44

Using a Graphical MenuYou can open the Bentley Interference Manager Engine from the TriForma V8 program group or from within TriForma.

➤ To run the Engine using a menu



2. In the Interference Manager tool box, click the Detect Interferences tool.

If TriForma is not open, you can also click the Interference Manager Engine icon in the TriForma V8 program group.

The Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box opens.


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineUsing a Graphical Menu

3. In the Interference Set File field, type the name of an interference set (DAT) file.

If you want to locate a interference set (DAT) file electronically, you can click the browse button.

The name of the interference set (DAT) file is displayed along with the names of the default interference output (IOF) file and interference report (RPT) file.

4. To locate a desired interference output (IOF) file other than the default one, click the browse button to the right of the Interference Results File field.

5. To locate a desired interference report (RPT) file other than the default one, click the browse button to the right of the Report File field.

6. To use suppression rules, type the name of a suppression rules (SUP) file in the Suppression Rules File field.

If you want to locate a suppression rules (SUP) file electronically, you can click the browse button to the right of the Suppression Rules File field.

7. To specify a format configuration for the report, type the name of a report options (ROF) file in the Report Options File field.

If you want to locate a report options (ROF) file electronically, you can click the browse button to the right of the Report Options File field.

8. At the Connection Tolerance field, type a number in the units of the model file.

For more information about connection tolerances, see the bulleted table row Connection Tolerance on page 3-26 and the section Defining Connection Tolerance on page 3-4.

9. If desired, select one or both of the following check boxes:

• Enable File Caching

For more information about file caching, see the bulleted table row Enable File Caching on page 3-26.

• Combine Object Clearances

For more information about object clearances, see the bulleted table row Combine Object Clearances on page 3-26 and the section Defining Clearance Tolerance on page 3-5.



10. To save the settings to re-use them for another run of interference detection, use the following steps:

• Click Save Settings

The Select Settings File dialog box opens.


• In the File Name field, type the desired file name, such as NEW.IMP

• In the File of Type drop-down list box, select IMP

• Click Open

If you do not want to save the settings, you can click the Cancel button.

If you click the Open button, the settings are saved for future use.


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineUsing a Graphical Menu

11. Click Process.

The Messages list box displays the results of each stage of the processing. The status line below the list box indicates the stages in the process through to completion.



12. To view the report, click View to the right of Report File field in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box.

The following sample report file is displayed in Notepad, the default text editor.

13. After you have finished reviewing it, choose File > Exit from the Notepad menu bar to close this file.

14. To exit the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box, click Exit.


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineUsing a Graphical Menu and Saved Settings

Using a Graphical Menu and Saved SettingsYou can run the Bentley Interference Manager Engine from a graphical menu using previously defined settings.

➤ To run the Engine using a menu and saved settings


For more information, see the procedure To start and quit the Interference Manager on page 1-7.

2. In the Interference Manager tool box, click the Detect Interference tool.

If TriForma is not open, you can click the Interference Manager Engine icon in the TriForma V8 program group.

3. In the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box, click Load Settings.

The Select Settings File dialog box opens.

4. To select a saved settings (IMP) file, use the following steps:


• In the File Name field, specify the desired settings (IMP) file, such as NEW.IMP

• In the Files of Type drop-down list box, select IMP

• Click Open

If you do not want to open the file, you can click the Cancel button.

If you click the Open button, the settings are loaded for the next run.



5. As desired, modify the other settings in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box.

6. Click Process.

7. To exit the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box, click the Exit button.

Using a Command LineIf you prefer to work from a command line, you can perform the same operations as those in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box by entering command line parameters. This procedure is useful for batch processing.

Command Line Format

At the DOS command prompt, or within a DOS batch file, you can type the name of the executable application for the Engine followed by the command line parameters. The format is:

intmgr [parameters...]

✍ You may need to specify the full directory path to the intmgr.exe executable file, or you can place it into your PATH environment variable.

Description of Parameters

The following table describes the parameters that you can specify on the command line to run the Engine:

Parameter Effect

-sInterference set file

Sets the name of the interference set (DAT) file that lists the JSM files and their parameters to be used in the interference check. You can create and edit the interference set (DAT) file by using the Interference Set Manager dialog box.For more information, see the chapter Setting Up Interference Sets on page 2-1.This parameter is required.Example: intmgr -s my_set.dat

-oInterference results file

Sets the name of the interference output (IOF) file to be used. This binary JSM file groups each pair of interfering elements together into an INTERFERENCE group object. If the specified interference output (IOF) file does not exist, the Engine creates a new interference output (IOF) file with the given name.This parameter is optional. Note: If you do not specify the name of an interference output (IOF) file, the Engine creates a temporary file named PSID.IOF, which is not saved at the end of the interference check. Example: intmgr -s my_set.dat -o proj1.iof


Running the Bentley Interference Manager EngineUsing a Command Line

-pOutput file prefix

Sets the name for the interference report (RPT) file. The RPT file extension is added automatically. This name is also used as the name of a log (LOG) file that records any errors encountered during the run of the Engine.This parameter is optional. Note: If you do not specify an interference report (RPT) file name, the Engine creates an interference report (RPT) file with the same name as your interference set (DAT) file.Example: intmgr -s my_set.dat -o proj1.iof -p proj1

-cConnectiontolerance

Sets the connection tolerance that the Engine uses during the interference check. Specifying a connection tolerance eliminates interferences between components that only touch.This parameter is optional. Note: The connection tolerance should not exceed a maximum value of 0.125 inches or 3 mm. The units must be consistent with those used for the clearance tolerances and for the model files.Example: intmgr -s my_set.dat -o proj1.iof -c .05

-xSuppression rules file

Sets the name for the suppression rules (SUP) file that the Engine uses to determine whether or not it should suppress detected interferences.This parameter is optional.Example: intmgr -s my_set.dat -o proj1.iof -x my_rules.sup

-aReport options file

Sets the name for the report options (ROF) file that contains information for configuring the ASCII interference report (RPT) file that the Engine creates.This parameter is optional.Example: intmgr -s my_set.dat -o proj1.iof -a my_rpt.rof

-dFull interference report

Specifies that the Engine should produce a report of all interferences in the interference output (IOF) file. The name of the interference report (RPT) file has the same name as the interference output (IOF) file.This parameter is optional and has no arguments.Note: If you want to produce a full report, you should specify the -o parameter before the -d parameter.Example: intmgr -o proj1 -d and intmgr -o project.iof -d -a my_rpt.cfg

-fcEnable file caching

Enables file caching to reduce memory requirements for interference detection and to make it possible to check large sets of model files with limited memory.This parameter is optional and has no arguments.Example: intmgr -s my_set.dat -fc

-tCombine object clearances

Combines the clearance tolerances of both objects being checked for interferences.This parameter is optional and has no arguments.Example: intmgr -s my_set.dat -t

Parameter Effect



-iCombine all parameters

Enables you to combine other parameters by defining the name of an ASCII input file that contains a list of parameters and their values. If you combine parameters, you can define values and then call these values by entering the -i parameter followed by the name of the input file.This parameter is optional.Example: intmgr -i my_params.inp

-eEcho

Displays or echoes progress messages in the Interference Manager Engine dialog box as the Engine runs. The Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box automatically closes when the process is complete.This parameter is optional and has no arguments.Example: intmgr -s my_set.dat -o proj1.iof -e

Parameter Effect


4 Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaAfter the Bentley Interference Manager Engine finishes its analysis, you can review the results.

This chapter explains how to review your interference output (IOF) file in TriForma.

Understanding the Review ProcessThe Review module enables you to review the output of the interference detection that is stored in the interference output file identified by the IOF file extension.

The review process provides review capabilities, such as displaying the interferences, adding comments, marking the interferences as Accepted, viewing a summary of the analysis, and creating and building a seed file to plot the interferences.

This chapter discusses the following two topics:

Navigating the Review Module in TriForma on page 4-2

Reviewing Interferences on page 4-23


4 Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaNavigating the Review Module in TriForma

Navigating the Review Module in TriFormaThe following illustration shows how to navigate the Review module. The following sections describe the fields and buttons of the dialog boxes.

See Using the File Menu from the Interference Reviewer Dialog Box on page 4-7

See Using the Interference Menu from the Interference Reviewer Dialog Box on page 4-20

See Using the Settings Menu from the Interference Reviewer Dialog Box on page 4-14


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaInterference Reviewer Tool Box

To use the Interference Reviewer dialog box, you should have a working knowledge of the following areas:

• Interference Reviewer Tool Box on page 4-3

• Interference Reviewer Dialog Box on page 4-4

• Using the File Menu from the Interference Reviewer Dialog Box on page 4-7

• Using the Settings Menu from the Interference Reviewer Dialog Box on page 4-14

• Using the Interference Menu from the Interference Reviewer Dialog Box on page 4-20

Interference Reviewer Tool BoxThe Interference Reviewer tool box enables you to view drawings of interferences, show details, edit interferences, and mark interferences as Accepted. You can simultaneously open the Interference Reviewer tool box and the Interference Reviewer dialog box by clicking the Review Interferences tool in the Interference Manager tool box. The Interference Reviewer tool box opens.

Tool Name Effect

Draw Selected Draws the selected interference in all open windows with the options that are set in the Review Options dialog box.

Draw Previous Draws the interference previous to the current interference in the Interference Reviewer dialog box in all open windows with the options that are set in the Review Options dialog box.

Draw Next Draws the interference that follows the current interference in the Interference Reviewer dialog box in all open windows with the options that are set in the Review Options dialog box.

Draw All Draws all interferences in all open windows with the options that are set in the Review Options dialog box.



Interference Reviewer Dialog BoxThe Interference Reviewer dialog box lists the interferences that were detected during the most recent run of the interference analysis. Also, in the Interference Reviewer dialog box, you can select interferences from previous runs of interference analysis. You can simultaneously open the Interference Reviewer dialog box and the Interference Reviewer tool box by clicking the

Hilite Selected Draws the selected interference in the current highlight color in all open windows with the options that are set in the Review Options dialog box.

Show Details Opens the Show Interference Details dialog box.For more information, see the section Show Interference Details Dialog Box on page 4-21.

Edit Interference Opens the Edit Interference dialog box.For more information, see the section Edit Interference Dialog Box on page 4-22.

Accept Interferences Opens a message box asking whether or not you want to set the status of the selected interferences to Accepted.For more information, see the section Marking Interferences as Accepted on page 4-34.

Tool Name Effect


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaInterference Reviewer Dialog Box

Review Interferences tool in the Interference Manager tool box. The Interference Reviewer dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

File menu

• Open... Opens the Open Interference Results File dialog box.For more information, see the section Open Interference Results File Dialog Box on page 4-8.

• Save Saves the current interference output (IOF) file with your updates.

• Close... Opens a message box asking whether or not you want to close the open Interference Results File.

• Select Analysis... Opens the Select Interference Analysis dialog box.For more information, see the section Select Interference Analysis Dialog Box on page 4-9.

• Plot Interferences... Opens the Plot Interferences dialog box.For more information, see the section Plot Interferences Dialog Box on page 4-9.

• Create Plot Seed File...

Opens the Name Seed File dialog box.For more information, see the section Name Seed File Dialog Box on page 4-11.

• Exit... Opens a message box asking whether or not you want to close the Interference Reviewer dialog box. If you made changes to the interference output (IOF) file, the Interference Manager prompts you to save the changes.

Settings menu

• Auto Zoom... Opens the Select Auto Zoom Windows dialog box.For more information, see the section Select Auto Zoom Windows Dialog Box on page 4-15.

• Review Options... Opens the Review Options dialog box.For more information, see the section Review Options Dialog Box on page 4-15.



• Filter Interferences...

Opens the Filter Interferences dialog box.For more information, see the section Filter Interferences Dialog Box on page 4-18.

• Save Settings Saves the modifications in the settings to the user preference file.

Interference menu

• Show Details... Opens the Show Interference Details dialog box.For more information, see the section Show Interference Details Dialog Box on page 4-21.

• Edit... Opens the Edit Interference dialog box.For more information, see the section Edit Interference Dialog Box on page 4-22.

• Accept... Opens a message box asking whether or not you want to set the status of the selected interference to Accepted.For more information, see the section Marking Interferences as Accepted on page 4-34.

File Provides the name and directory location for the interference output (IOF) file.

Analysis Provides the ID number, set name, and date of the interference analysis whose interferences are listed in the Interferences list box.

Interferences This list box identifies the interferences detected during the selected analysis.

• ID This column provides a unique identification number for each interference.

• Type This column provides the type of interference, as follows:

• Hard• Soft

• Status This column provides the status of the interference, as follows:

• Detected• Reviewed• Accepted• Suppressed

• Reviewer This column provides the name of the reviewer.

• Comment This column provides the comment of the reviewer.

Interference ID Provides the unique number that identifies the selected interference from the current run of interference detection.

Total Interferences Provides the total number of interferences found during the current run of interference detection.

Setting Effect


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaUsing the File Menu from the Interference Reviewer Dialog Box

Using the File Menu from the Interference Reviewer Dialog Box



To use the File menu of the Interference Reviewer dialog box, you should become familiar with the following topics:

• Open Interference Results File Dialog Box on page 4-8

• Select Interference Analysis Dialog Box on page 4-9

• Plot Interferences Dialog Box on page 4-9

• Select a File in the Output Directory Dialog Box on page 4-10

• Name Seed File Dialog Box on page 4-11

• Create Plot Seed File Dialog Box on page 4-12

Open Interference Results File Dialog BoxThe Open Interference Results File dialog box enables you to locate an interference output (IOF) file. You can open the Open Interference Results File dialog box by choosing File > Open from the Interference Reviewer menu bar. The Open Interference Results File dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Files Sets the name of the desired interference output (IOF) file.

Directories Sets the name of the directory location of the desired interference output (IOF) file.

List Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as IOF.

Drives Sets the name of the drive selected from the drop-down list box.

OK Opens the selected file and closes the dialog box.


Help Opens Help for MicroStation V8.


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaSelect Interference Analysis Dialog Box

Select Interference Analysis Dialog BoxThe Select Interference Analysis dialog box enables you to select different interference analysis runs that are contained in the interference output (IOF) file. By default, the Interference Reviewer dialog box displays the interferences from the most recent run of the interference analysis. You can open the Select Interference Analysis dialog box by choosing File > Select Analysis from the Interference Reviewer menu bar. The Select Interference Analysis dialog box opens.

Plot Interferences Dialog BoxThe Plot Interferences dialog box enables you to set up and plot interferences. You can open the Plot Interferences dialog box by

Setting Effect

Analyses

• ID Provides the unique number assigned to an Interference Set that resulted from an interference detection run.

• Set Name Provides the name of the interference set (DAT) file.

• Date Provides the date and time of the interference detection run.

OK Accepts your selection and closes the dialog box.




choosing File > Plot Interferences from the Interference Reviewer menu bar. The Plot Interferences dialog box opens.

Select a File in the Output Directory Dialog BoxThe Select a File in the Output Directory dialog box enables you to select a file. You can open the Select a File in the Output Directory dialog box by clicking the Browse button in the Plot

Setting Effect

Interferences to Plot

• Selected Plots the selected interferences.

• All Plots all interferences.

View Ports to Render in Hidden Line

• View Port 1 Displays from View Port 1 the visible lines of an element (polygon display with hidden lines removed).



Plot File Output Directory

• <open field> Sets the name of the desired directory location for the plot files.

• Browse Opens the Select a File in the Output Directory dialog box.For more information, see the section Select a File in the Output Directory Dialog Box on page 4-10.

Plot Creates the plots.


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaName Seed File Dialog Box

File Output Directory section of the Plot Interferences dialog box. The Select a File in the Output Directory dialog box opens.

Name Seed File Dialog BoxThe Name Seed File dialog box enables you to name a new seed file. You can open the Name Seed File dialog box by choosing

Setting Effect

Files Sets the name for the desired file.

Directories Sets the name for the directory location of the desired file.

List Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box.


OK Select the desired file and closes the dialog box.





File > Create Plot Seed File from the Interference Reviewer menu bar. The Name Seed File dialog box opens.

Create Plot Seed File Dialog BoxThe Create Plot Seed File dialog box enables you to create a plot seed file that defines the layout of information for plotting. You can open the Create Plot Seed File dialog box by selecting a new

Setting Effect

Files Sets the desired name for the seed file that you want to create.

Directories Sets the name for the directory location for the desired seed file.

List Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as JSD.The JSD file extension is typically used to indicate that a JSM file is a seed file.


OK Opens the Create Plot Seed File dialog box and closes this dialog box.

Cancel Closes this dialog box without opening the Create Plot Seed File dialog box.



Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaCreate Plot Seed File Dialog Box

name for the seed file in the Name Seed File dialog box. The Create Plot Seed File dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Item Location Tools

• Interference Details

Places an area in the plot for interference details.This field is required.

• File Details Places an area in the plot for file details.This field is required.

• Object 1 Details Places an area in the plot for the details of Object 1.

• Object 2 Details Places an area in the plot for the details of Object 2.

• View Ports Places view ports in the plot.This field is required.

View Port Rotation

• View Port 1 Controls the orientation of the plot for View Port 1, as follows:

• Top• Bottom• Front• Back• Left• Right• Iso

• View Port 2 Controls the orientation of the plot for View Port 2, like View Port 1.

• View Port 3 Controls the orientation of the plot for View Port 3, like View Port 1.

Done Accepts the settings and builds the seed file.

Cancel Closes the dialog box without accepting the changes.



Using the Settings Menu from the Interference Reviewer Dialog Box


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaSelect Auto Zoom Windows Dialog Box

To use the Settings menu of the Interference Reviewer dialog box, you should become familiar with the following topics:

• Select Auto Zoom Windows Dialog Box on page 4-15

• Review Options Dialog Box on page 4-15

• Select Report Options File Dialog Box on page 4-17

• Name Seed File Dialog Box on page 4-18

• Filter Interferences Dialog Box on page 4-18

Select Auto Zoom Windows Dialog BoxThe Select Auto Zoom Windows dialog box enables you to select the windows in which you want to zoom in on the interfering objects. You can open the Select Auto Zoom Windows dialog box by choosing Settings > Auto Zoom from the Interference Reviewer menu bar. The Select Auto Zoom Windows dialog box opens.

Review Options Dialog BoxThe Review Options dialog box enables you to specify the manner in which you want to review the interferences. You can open the Review Options dialog box by choosing Settings >

Setting Effect

Windows (1 to 8) Identifies the windows displaying the interference to which the view automatically zooms.



Review Options from the Interference Reviewer menu bar. The Review Options dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Display Symbology

• Color Sets the color selected from the color palette to display hard interferences and soft interferences for Object 1 and Object 2.

• Weight Sets the thickness of the line for hard and soft interferences. Each number range from 0 to 15 represents the same relative weight selection as in MicroStation ranging from a very thin line to a very thick line, such as:

By default, Weight is set to the active line weight.


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaSelect Report Options File Dialog Box

Select Report Options File Dialog BoxThe Select Report Options File dialog box enables you to select a report options (ROF) file. You can open the Select Report Options File dialog box by clicking the browse button to the right in the Report Options File section of the Review Options dialog box.

For more information, see the section Select Report Options File Dialog Box on page 3-36.

• Line Style Sets the style of the line for hard and soft interferences, such as dashed or solid. Each number ranging from 0 to 7 represents the same line style selection as in MicroStation, such as solid or dashed line.

By default, Line Style is set to the active line style.

Object Origin At

• Global Origin Sets the origin so that the interfering objects display relative to the global origin defined in the design file.

• Design Cube Center

Sets the origin so that the interfering objects display relative to the origin of the design cube.By default, Object Origin is set to Design Cube Center.

Report Options File

• <field> Sets the name of the report options (ROF) file.

• Browse Opens the Select Report Options File dialog box. For more information, see the sections Select Report Options File Dialog Box on page 4-17 and Select Report Options File Dialog Box on page 3-36.

Plot Seed File

• <field> Sets the name of the plot seed file.

• Browse Opens the Name Seed File dialog box.For more information, see the section Name Seed File Dialog Box on page 4-11.

Apply Accepts your changes and closes the dialog box.

Cancel Closes the dialog box without accepting your changes.

Setting Effect



Name Seed File Dialog BoxThe Name Seed File dialog box enables you to name a new seed file. You can open the Name Seed File dialog box by clicking the browse button to the right in the Plot Seed File section of the Review Options dialog box.

For more information, see the section Name Seed File Dialog Box on page 4-11.

Filter Interferences Dialog BoxThe Filter Interferences dialog box enables you to limit the current interference list to the interferences satisfying the specified criteria. You can open the Filter Interferences dialog box by choosing Settings > Filter Interferences from the Interference Reviewer menu bar. The Filter Interferences dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Filter By

• Type Controls the types of interferences included in the analysis. If selected, the current interference list includes interferences of the selected types, as follows:

• Hard• SoftFor more information, see the sections Reporting Hard Interferences on page 3-4 and Reporting Soft Interferences on page 3-4.

• Status Controls the statuses of the interferences included in the analysis. If selected, the current interference list includes interferences of the selected statuses, as follows:

• Detected = Interferences found during interference detection• Reviewed = Interferences viewed• Accepted = Interferences allowed• Suppressed = Interferences unreported using links or the suppression rules

(SUP) fileFor more information, see the section Status Information on page 3-14.


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaFilter Interferences Dialog Box

• Date Controls the dates of the interferences included in the analysis. If selected, the current interference list includes interferences relative to the selected date, as follows:

• > = greater than• >= = greater than or equal to• == = equal to• <= = less than or equal to• < = less than

• Expression Controls the interferences included in the analysis based on a JSpace expression. If selected, the current interference list includes interferences that satisfy the specified expression.For more information on JSpace expressions, see the JSpace Concepts and Technical Reference document.

Apply Applies the selected filters to the list of interferences.

Setting Effect



Using the Interference Menu from the Interference Reviewer Dialog Box


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaShow Interference Details Dialog Box

To use the Interference menu of the Interference Reviewer dialog box, you should become familiar with the following topics:

• Show Interference Details Dialog Box on page 4-21

• Edit Interference Dialog Box on page 4-22

Show Interference Details Dialog BoxThe Show Interference Details dialog box enables you to review a summary of the selected interference. The information that is contained in the Show Interference Details dialog box is controlled by the report options (ROF) file. You can open the Show Interference Details dialog box by selecting an interference in the Interference Reviewer dialog box and then choosing Interference > Show Details from the menu bar. Also, you can open the Show Interference Details dialog box by selecting an interference in the Interference Reviewer dialog box and then clicking the Show Details tool on the Interference Reviewer tool box. The Show Interference Details dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Field Provides the name of the property of the selected interference.

Value Provides the value of the property of the selected interference.

Close Closes the dialog box.



Edit Interference Dialog BoxThe Edit Interference dialog box enables you to add or modify the name of the reviewer, the status, and the comment for a selected interference. You can open the Edit Interference dialog box by selecting an interference in the Interference Reviewer dialog box and then choosing Interference > Edit from the menu bar. Also, you can open the Edit Interference dialog box by selecting an interference in the Interference Reviewer dialog box and then clicking the Edit Interference tool on the Interference Reviewer tool box. The Edit Interference dialog box opens.

Setting Effect

Interference ID Provides the unique number of the interference selected in the Interference Reviewer dialog box.

Reviewer Sets the name of the user editing the interference.

Status Controls the status of the interference, as follows:• Detected = Interference found during interference detection• Reviewed = Interference viewed• Accepted = Interference allowed• Suppressed = Interference suppressed using the suppression rules (SUP) fileBy default, Status is set to Detected.

Comment Sets optional comments about the interference.

OK Accepts your changes and closes the dialog box.

Cancel Closes the dialog box without accepting your changes.


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaReviewing Interferences

Reviewing InterferencesReviewing interferences involves the following processes:

• Displaying Interferences on page 4-23

• Customizing the View on page 4-26

• Editing the Reviewer, Status, and Comments on page 4-32

• Marking Interferences as Accepted on page 4-34

• Viewing the Details of Interferences on page 4-35

• Building Default Seed Files on page 4-36

• Plotting Interferences on page 4-39

Displaying InterferencesYou can display the hard and soft interferences that the Engine detected.

➤ To display interferences




4 Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaReviewing Interferences

2. In the Interference Manager tool box, click the Review Interferences tool.

Interference Reviewer tool box and Interference Reviewer dialog box are displayed.

3. From the Interference Reviewer menu bar, choose File > Open.

The Open Interference Results File dialog box opens.

Interference Reviewer Tool Box

Interference Reviewer Dialog Box


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaDisplaying Interferences

4. To specify an interference output (IOF) file, use the following steps:

• In the Files field, type the desired file name identified by the IOF file extension, such as TRIFORMA_IMPERIAL.IOF

• In the Directories text box, select the desired directory

• In the List Files of Type drop-down list box, select IOF

• In the Drives drop-down list box, select the desired drive

• Click OK

If you do not want to open the file, you can click the Cancel button.

If you click the OK button, the Interference Reviewer dialog box is displayed with all the interferences from the most recent run of interference analysis for the selected file.

5. To display the currently selected interference, perform one of the following operations:

• Using the Interference Reviewer tool box with an interference already selected, such as the first interference, click the Draw Selected tool

• In the Interferences list box of the Interference Reviewer dialog box, select an interference



6. To display the next interference, perform one of the following operations:

• Using the Interference Reviewer tool box, click the Draw Next tool

• In the Interference Reviewer dialog box, select the next interference in the Interferences list box

7. To display the previous interference, perform one of the following operations:

• Using the Interference Reviewer tool box, click the Draw Previous tool

• In the Interference Reviewer dialog box, select the previous interference in the Interferences list box

8. To display a particular interference, use the following steps:

• In the Interference ID field of the Interference Reviewer dialog box, type the ID number of the desired interference

• Press the <Enter> key

9. To display the selected interference in the current highlight color, click the Hilite Selected tool in the Interference Reviewer tool box.

10. To display all interferences in all windows, click the Display All tool in the Interference Reviewer tool box.

Customizing the ViewCustomizing your view of interferences involves the following processes:

• Setting Automatic Zooming on page 4-26

• Selecting Review Options on page 4-27

• Specifying Filters on page 4-30

• Saving settings — this process is combined with each of the previous processes.

Setting Automatic Zooming

You can set automatic zooming on up to eight windows for a selected interference.


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaCustomizing the View

➤ To set automatic zooming

1. Continuing from the previous procedure, choose Settings > Auto Zoom from the Interference Reviewer menu bar.

The Select Auto Zoom Windows dialog box opens.

2. Select the windows in which you want to automatically zoom to the selected object, as follows:

• If selected, Auto Zoom is enabled.

• If cleared, Auto Zoom is disabled.

3. Close the Select Auto Zoom Windows dialog box.

4. To view the results, click the interference in the Interferences list box of the Interference Reviewer dialog box.

Also, using the Interference Reviewer tool box with an interference already selected, you can click the Draw Selected tool.

5. To save these settings in the interference output (IOF) file, choose Settings > Save Settings from the Interference Reviewer menu bar.

Selecting Review Options

You can set the review options to modify the displayed color, line weight, and line style of the interfering elements. Also, you can select your object origin, report options (ROF) file, and plot seed file.

➤ To set the review options

1. Continue with the interferences listed in the Interference Reviewer dialog box.

As necessary, see the procedure To display interferences on page 4-23.



2. From the Interference Reviewer menu bar, choose Settings > Review Options.

The Review Options dialog box opens.

3. To display the interfering elements in a particular color, use the following steps:

• In the Display Symbology section of the Review Options dialog box, select Color

If Color is selected, a color palette for Object 1 and for Object 2 is enabled.

• To display the color palette, click the color block

You can set different colors for the hard and soft interferences of a pair of objects that are interfering.

• For either a hard or soft interference, or for both, select the desired color from the color palette for Object 1



• In the same manner, select the desired colors for Object 2

• To view the results, click an interference in the Interferences list box of the Interference Reviewer dialog box

4. To set the line weight of the interfering elements, use the following steps:

• In the Display Symbology section of the Review Options dialog box, select Weight

If Weight is selected, the Hard and Soft fields are enabled.

• For either a hard or soft interference, or for both, type a number between 0 and 15 in the text box

For more information about line weight, see the bulleted table row Weight on page 4-16.


5. To set the line style of the interfering elements, use the following steps:

• In the Display Symbology section of the Review Options dialog box, select Line Style

If Line Style is selected, the Hard and Soft fields are enabled.

• For either a hard or soft interference, or for both, type a number between 0 and 7 in the text box

For more information about line style, see the bulleted table row Line Style on page 4-17.


6. To set the object origin in the Object Origin At section, select one of the following:

• Global Origin

• Design Cube Center

For more information about object units, see the bulleted table rows Global Origin on page 4-17 and Design Cube Center on page 4-17.



7. In the Report Options File section, type the name of the desired report options (ROF) file.

If you want to locate an report options (ROF) file electronically, you can click the browse button.

8. In the Plot Seed File section, type the name of the desired plot seed (JSD) file.

If you want to locate a plot seed (JSD) file electronically, you can click the browse button.

9. To accept the selected options and close the Review Options dialog box, click Apply.

If you do not want to apply the options, you can click the Cancel button.

10. To save these settings in the current user-preference file, choose Settings > Save Settings from the Interference Reviewer menu bar.

Specifying Filters

You can specify filters to reduce the number of interferences displayed in the interference list.

➤ To filter the interferences



2. From the Interference Reviewer menu bar, choose Settings > Filter Interferences.

The Filter Interferences dialog box opens.



3. To include interferences of a specific type, use the following steps:

• Select Type

If Type is selected, the Hard and Soft check boxes are enabled.

• Select one or both of the following interference types:

— Hard

— Soft

For more information on types of interferences, see the sections Reporting Hard Interferences on page 3-4 and Reporting Soft Interferences on page 3-4.

4. To include interferences of a specific status, use the following steps:

• Select Status

If Status is selected, the four check boxes are enabled.

• Select one or more of the following interference status categories:

— Detected

— Reviewed

— Accepted

— Suppressed

For more information on statuses, see the bulleted table row Status on page 4-18.

5. To include interferences of a specific date when the interference was detected, use the following steps:

• Select Date

If Date is selected, the operators and the field are enabled.

• Select one or more of the following comparison operators:

— > = greater than

— >= = greater than or equal to

— == = equal to

— <= = less than or equal to

— < = less than

• In the Date field, type a date

For more information on the dates of the interferences, see the bulleted table row Date on page 4-19.



6. To include interferences satisfying a JSpace expression, use the following steps:

• Select Expression

If Expression is selected, the field is enabled.

• In the Expression field, type a JSpace expression

For more information on JSpace expressions, see the JSpace Concepts and Technical Reference document.

7. Click Apply.

If you do not want to apply the changes, you can close the Filter Interferences dialog box.

If you click the Apply button, the Interference Manager updates the interferences displayed in the Interferences list box of the Interference Reviewer dialog box.

8. To save these settings in the user preference file, choose Settings > Save Settings from the Interference Reviewer menu bar.

Editing the Reviewer, Status, and CommentsYou can edit the name of the reviewer, the status of the interference, and the comments to an interference.

➤ To edit the reviewer, status, and comments



2. In the Interferences list box of the Interference Reviewer dialog box, select an interference.


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaEditing the Reviewer, Status, and Comments

3. From the Interference Reviewer menu bar, choose Interference > Edit.

Also, you can click the Edit Interference tool from the Interference Reviewer tool box.

The Edit Interference dialog box opens.

4. In the Reviewer field, type your name.

5. To change the status of the interference in the Status drop-down list box, select one of the following options:

• Reviewed

If you change the status to Reviewed, the Interference Manager will report the interference in future analyses.

• Accepted

If you change the status to Accepted, the Interference Manager will not report the interference.

6. In the Comment list box, type a comment.

The Edit Interference dialog box is displayed with the additional information.



7. Click OK.

If you do not want to accept the changes that you made, you can click the Cancel button.

If you click OK, the changes are reflected in the Interferences list box of the Interference Reviewer dialog box.

Marking Interferences as AcceptedAfter you review the interference, you may find that some of the interferences are acceptable. If you do not want the acceptable interferences to appear in future analysis runs, you can set the status to Accepted.

➤ To mark an interference as Accepted




3. From the Interference Reviewer menu bar, choose Interference > Accept.

Also, you can click the Accept Interferences tool in the Interference Reviewer tool box.

The message box asks whether or not you want to change the status of the selected interference to Accepted.

4. To mark the interference as Accepted, click Yes.

If you do not want to mark the interference as Accepted, you can click the No button.

If you click the Yes button, the interference is marked as Accepted.


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaViewing the Details of Interferences

Viewing the Details of InterferencesYou can view the comments and status, as well as the properties, of a single interference.

➤ To view the details of an interference




3. From the Interference Reviewer menu bar, choose Interference > Show Details.

Also, you can click the Show Details tool in the Interference Reviewer tool box.

The Show Interference Details dialog box opens.

4. After you view the details, click Close.



Building Default Seed FilesAlthough the Review module provides a default seed file with a standard page layout that you can use for plotting interferences, you can build your own seed file.

After you create a seed file, you can use it as the default seed file for your work site.

Building a default seed file involves the following processes:

• Naming the plot seed file

• Selecting a plot drive

• Selecting the desired settings

➤ To build a seed file



2. From the Interference Reviewer menu bar, choose File > Create Plot Seed File.

The Name Seed File dialog box opens.


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaBuilding Default Seed Files

3. To name a Seed File, use the following steps:

• In the Files field, type the desired file name identified by the JSD file extension, such as NEW.JSD

• In the Directories text box, select the desired directory

• In the List Files of Type drop-down list box, select JSD

• In the Drives drop-down list box, select the desired drive

• Click OK

If you do not want to create the seed file, you can click the Cancel button.

If you click the OK button, the file is created.

The Create Plot Seed File dialog box opens. A blank design file is displayed in the background.

4. To select an orientation for the view ports in the View Port Rotation section, use the following steps:

• For View Port 1, select an orientation from the drop-down list box.





5. In the Item Location Tools section, use the following steps:

• Click each button that represents an item that you want to include, such as:

— Interference Details

— File Details

— Object 1 Details

— Object 2 Details

— View Ports

• Place the mouse pointer on the blank design file

• Drag the cursor to the size that you want

A sample placement of the items represented by the buttons is displayed in the following diagram.

6. Click Done.

If you do not want to create the seed file, you can click the Cancel button.

If you click the Done button, the seed file is saved in the Select Seed File dialog box.

View Ports and View Port Rotation

File Details

Interference Details

Object 1 Details

Object 2 Details

LETTER


Reviewing Interferences in TriFormaPlotting Interferences

Plotting InterferencesAfter you select the seed file, the output method, and the report configuration, you can plot the interferences.

➤ To plot an interference



2. From Interference Reviewer menu bar, choose File > Plot Interferences.

The Plot Interferences dialog box opens.

3. In the Interferences to Plot section, select one of the following options:

• Selected — Plots interferences selected in the Interferences list box in the Interference Reviewer dialog box

• All — Plots all interferences listed in the Interferences list box in the Interference Reviewer dialog box

4. As desired, in the View Ports to Render in Hidden Line section, select one or more of the following:

• View Port 1

• View Port 2

• View Port 3

You can click any view ports of the plot to display those parts of the elements that are visible (called polygon display) and to remove the lines that are hidden behind objects.

5. To select a destination for the plot file, type a directory location in the Plot File Output Directory field.

If you want to locate another directory electronically, you can click the Browse button.



✍ All interferences that are plotted to a file are placed in the plot file output directory.

6. Click Plot.

The design file is visibly created, as shown in the example.


Appendix A — File Extensions

IntroductionThis appendix explains the file formats identified by the file extensions that are contained in the Interference Manager. After you become familiar with the file extensions, you can easily identify the different file formats.

Description of File ExtensionsThe following table lists the file extensions in alphabetical order.

File Extension Effect

.dat Identifies an interference set (DAT) file that the Bentley Interference Manager Engine uses to detect interferences.

.dbf Identifies a dBASE IV export (DBF) file.

.dgn Identifies a MicroStation design (DGN) file.

.dwg Identifies an AutoCAD drawing (DWG) file in binary format.

.dxf Identifies a drawing (DXF) file that is in the AutoCAD drawing exchange format used to export a drawing file to other applications.

.imp Identifies a settings (IMP) file for the Bentley Interference Manager Engine, which contains the connection tolerance setting and the paths to the files used to run the Bentley Interference Manager Engine, such as the DAT file, IOF file, RPT file, ROF file, and SUP file. You can save these settings and re-use them again to run interference detection by selecting the Save Settings button in the Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box.

.iof Identifies an interference output (IOF) file, which is one of the two output files from the Bentley Interference Manager Engine. The IOF file is a JSM file and is used in the Review module of the Interference Manager in TriForma.

.jsd Identifies an interference plot seed (JSD) file in TriForma.

.jsm Identifies a JSpace object model file. The Extraction module of the Bentley Interference Manager converts 3D CAD files to JSM files.

.lib Identifies a JSpace class library file.

.ma Identifies a MicroStation application (MA) file, such as the Extract, Set Up, Detection, and Review applications.

.plt Identifies a plotter (PLT) file in MicroStation.

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide A-1

Appendix A — File ExtensionsDescription of File Extensions

.rof Identifies a report options (ROF) file, which is an optional ASCII file that you can define to have the Bentley Interference Manager Engine customize the interference report (RPT) file. Usually, this file has the same name as the interference report (RPT) file.

.rpt Identifies an interference report (RPT) file, which is one of the two output files generated by the Bentley Interference Manager Engine.

.sup Identifies a suppression rules file.

.txt Identifies an ASCII export (TXT) file in MicroStation.

File Extension Effect

A-2 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

Appendix B — Directory Structure for Interference Manager Files

IntroductionThe installation of the Bentley Interference Manager creates a structure of directories and subdirectories.

Description of DirectoriesThe following table lists the directories in alphabetical order.

Directories Effect

…Documentation\TriForma\InterferenceMgr Identifies the directory containing documentation in PDF format for the Interference Manager.

…Program\triforma\mdlapps Identifies the directory containing the MDL applications and related files.

…Workspace\Projects\Examples\TriForma_Imperial\models\ and …Workspace\Projects\Examples\TriForma_Imperial\intmgr\out

Identifies the directories containing the sample files to be used with the Interference Manager.

…Workspace\Projects\Examples\TriForma_Imperial\intmgr\out

Identifies the default output directory for the plot output.

…Workspace\Projects\Examples\TriForma_Imperial\intmgr\seed

Identifies the directory containing the plot seed file.

…Workspace\triforma\tf_imperial\setting and …Workspace\Projects\Examples\TriForma_Imperial\intmgr\setting

Identifies the directories containing the suppression rules (SUP) file and the reportoptions (ROF).

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide B-1

B-2 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

Appendix C — Configuration Variables

IntroductionThis appendix explains the configuration variables that you can set to change the way the Bentley Interference Manager works. These variables enable maximum configuration and are defined in the System dialog box in the Control Panel.

Setting Variables in the Engine ModuleThe JS_TEXT_EDITOR is the configuration variable that is set for the Bentley Interference Manager Engine module.

Setting Variables in the Interference Manager ModuleThe following configuration variables are set for the Bentley Interference Manager module.

Variable Effect

JS_TEXT_EDITOR Sets the file name to the desired text editor. Then the Bentley Interference Manager Engine uses this text editor to display the interference set (DAT) file and the interference report (RPT) file.

Variable Effect

IFM_DEFREPORT Sets the name of the default report options file for the project. The definition should contain the complete path to the file.

IFM_DEFSUPPRESS Sets the name of the default suppression rules (SUP) file for the project. The definition should contain the complete path to the file.

IFM_DEFCONNTOL Sets the value for the default connection tolerance for the project. The connection tolerance must be a small value of 1 mm or 1/16". The connection tolerance is defined in JSM model units.

September 11, 2002 DRAFT Bentley Interference Manager User Guide C-1

Appendix C — Configuration VariablesSetting Variables in the Interference Manager Module

IFM_IGNORE_PROPERTIES Controls the list of properties in a PHYSICAL_GROUP object that are ignored during an equality test, as follows:

• Set to a list of properties separated by semicolons (;)• Set to the value IGNORE_ALL — Uses only graphic objects and

uses no properties in the equality test.

IFM_OUT Sets the name of the directory for the output files for the Interference Manager. This directory includes plots, DBF reports, and ASCII reports.

IFM_DEFSEED Sets the name of the default plot seed file from the Interference Manager. The definition should contain the complete path to the file.

IFM_TEXT_HEIGHT_SCALE Sets the value of the scale factor to be applied to the height of the text elements added to the plot file.

IFM_TEXT_WIDTH_SCALE Sets the value of the scale factor to be applied to the width of the text elements added to the plot file.

IFM_TEXT_COLOR Sets the color number to be applied to the text elements added to the plot file.

IFM_TEXT_WEIGHT Sets the weight to be applied to the text elements added to the plot file.

IFM_TEXT_STYLE Sets the style to be applied to the text elements added to the plot file.

IFM_TEXT_FONT Sets the number of the font to be used in the interference plot file. By default, the font number is 3.

IFM_GUI_CLS_INTERFERENCE_SET Sets the name of the GUI_REPORT_DEFINITION derived from a JSpace class that is used to display a list of interference sets. If this is not defined, the GUI_RPT_DEF_INTERFERENCE_SETS class is used.

IFM_GUI_CLS_INTERFERENCES Sets the name of the GUI_REPORT_DEFINITION derived from a JSpace class that is used to display a list of interferences. If this is not defined, the GUI_RPT_DEF_INTERFERENCES class is used.

Variable Effect

C-2 DRAFT Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

Glossary

A

Active file The JSM file that is checked against other active files, semi-active files, and passive files for interferences by the Bentley Interference Manager. See also Semi-active file and Passive file.

Assertion A character or arithmetic expression that assigns a value to a property or method. Assertions typically appear in the conclusion section of a rule and can be combined by using the semicolon (;) operator.

B

Bentley Interference Manager Engine

The program in the Bentley Interference Manager that detects and reports interferences. The Bentley Interference Manager Engine is application independent.

C

Clearance tolerance The distance between components that do not intersect with other components, but that lie within a specified allowable distance of each other.

Connection tolerance

The distance you set to eliminate interferences between components that only touch. After applying a connection tolerance, the Engine shrinks one of these components so that the two components do not touch.

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide GL-1

Glossary

H

Hard interference A physical clash between objects. If the graphic elements from two different objects intersect, then the Engine reports a hard interference.

I

Interference A clash in the physical components of a model. See also hard interference and soft interference.

Interference output (IOF) file

A JSpace object model file written by the Bentley Interference Manager Engine that stores pairs of interfering objects and maintains the status information throughout the life of your project. This JSM file is identified by the IOF file extension.

Interference report (RPT) file

A report generated by the Bentley Interference Manager that documents the results of interference detection including the interferences, their associated attributes, and their locations. This ASCII file has a customizable format and is identified by the RPT file extension.

Interference set The JSM files and their associated parameters that are checked for interferences.

Interference set (DAT) file

An ASCII text file that contains the Interference Set and is identified by the DAT file extension.

J

JSpace (JSM) file A JSpace object model file that is extracted from CAD system design files using the JSpace MicroStation Connection. This file is identified by the JSM file extension and is also referred to as a JSpace model or simply a JSM file.

GL-2 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

Glossary

L

Local tolerance The distance between physical attributes of the object that are not explicitly represented by its geometry, such as insulation. If any part of the graphic element from one object or its local tolerance lies within the local tolerance of another object, then the Engine reports a hard interference.

P

Passive file A JSM file that active and semi-active files are checked against in the Bentley Interference Manager. However, the passive file is not checked against the active or semi-active files or other passive files. See also Active file and Semi-active file.

R

Report options (ROF) file

A file that defines the property names and their value expressions for each type of object to be reported. Also, this optional ASCII text file is customizable and is identified by the ROF file extension.

Rule See Suppression rules.

S

Semi-active file A JSM file that is checked against active and passive files in the Bentley Interference Manager. However, a semi-active file is not checked against other semi-active files. See also Semi-active file and Passive file.

Soft interference A violation of the clearance tolerance that is applied to a physical element. If any part of a graphic element from one object lies within a specified distance of another object, but does not intersect with any of the graphic elements of that object, then the Engine reports a soft interference.

Suppression rules A collection of IF-THEN-ELSE rule expressions that refer to properties associated with interfering objects. Suppression rules identify interferences that should not be reported in interference detection.

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide GL-3

Glossary

Suppression Rules (SUP) File

A file that contains the suppression rules. This ASCII text file is external to the application and is identified by the SUP file extension.

T

Tolerance The distance between objects. See Clearance tolerance, Connection tolerance, and Local tolerance.

GL-4 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

Index

AAccept Interferences tool 4-4Accepted interference status 3-14Action clauses 3-8Active files

definition of GL-1setting mode 2-6

Add JSpace Model dialog box 2-9Assertion, definition of GL-1

BBentley Interference Manager

detection module 1-4, 3-1extraction module 1-3features of 1-2navigating 1-6review module 1-4, 4-1setup module 1-4, 2-1starting and quitting 1-7

Bentley Interference Manager Enginedefinition of GL-1applying suppression rules 3-1, 3-5as detection module 1-4, 3-1calculating interferences 3-1, 3-2creating interference output (IOF) files 3-2creating interference report (RPT) files 3-2reading interference set (DAT) files 2-1running 3-1

from a command line 3-44from a menu 3-38from a menu with saved settings 3-43

understanding 3-1Bentley Interference Manager Engine dialog box

3-24

CCAD files, extracting JSMs from 1-3Clauses, action clauses 3-8

Clearance tolerancesdefinition of GL-1specifying 2-6using 3-5

Commodities 2-5Comparative expressions 3-8Comparison operators 3-7Condition expressions 3-8Configuration variables

IFM_TOLEXPRES 3-4JS_TEXT_EDITOR 3-37setting 1-7, C-1

Connection tolerancesdefinition of GL-1using 3-4

Create Plot Seed File dialog box 4-12

DDAT files. See Interference set (DAT) filesDelete Interferences dialog box 3-33Design files, extracting 2-1Detect Interferences tool 1-4, 1-6, 3-24Detected interference status 3-14Detection module

navigating in 3-21understanding 1-4, 3-1

Dialog boxesAdd JSpace Model 2-9Bentley Interference Manager Engine 3-24Create Plot Seed File 4-12Delete Interferences 3-33Edit Interference 4-22Filter Interferences 4-18Interference Results Manager 3-29Interference Reviewer 4-4Interference Set Manager 2-4, 3-27Name Seed File 4-11, 4-18New Interference Set File 2-6Open Interference Results File 4-8

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide IN-1

IndexE

Open Interference Set File 2-7Plot Interferences 4-9Review Options 4-15Save Interference Set As 2-8Select a File in the Output Directory 4-10Select ASCII File To Create 3-33Select Auto Zoom Windows 4-15Select dBASE File To Create 3-32Select File To Create 3-31Select Interference Analysis 4-9Select Interference Results File 3-28Select Interference Set File 3-27Select Project 1-6, 2-2, 3-21Select Report File 3-35Select Report Options 3-36Select Report Options File 4-17Select Settings File 3-36Select Suppression Rules File 3-34Show Interference Details 4-21

Directory structure B-1Draw All tool 4-3Draw Next tool 4-3Draw Previous tool 4-3Draw Selected tool 4-3

EEdit Interference dialog box 4-22Edit Interference tool 4-4Expressions

comparative expressions 3-8condition expressions 3-8

Extract Object Model tool 1-3, 1-6Extraction module, understanding 1-3

FFile extensions A-1Files

active 2-6passive 2-6semi-active 2-6

Filter Interferences dialog box 4-18

HHard interferences

definition of GL-2reporting 3-4

Hilite Selected tool 4-4

IIFM_TOLEXPRES configuration variable 3-4Interference detection

modules 1-3reviewing interferences 1-4running 1-4understanding 1-1visual presentation 1-5, 3-15

Interference Manager tool box 1-3Interference Manager, See Bentley Interference

ManagerInterference output (IOF) files

definition of 1-3, GL-2creating 1-4, 3-2, 3-12

Interference report (RPT) filesdefinition of 1-3, GL-2creating 1-4, 3-2, 3-14reviewing 3-18viewing with a text editor 3-37

Interference report options (ROF) filesdefault triforma_imperial.rof 3-17sample 3-17

Interference Results Manager dialog box 3-29Interference Reviewer dialog box

opening 4-4navigating the File menu 4-7navigating the Interference menu 4-20navigating the Settings menu 4-14

Interference Reviewer tool box 4-3Interference set (DAT) files

definition of GL-2contains Interference Set 2-1definition of 2-11viewing with a text editor 3-37

Interference Set Manager dialog box 2-4, 3-27

IN-2 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

IndexJ

Interference setsdefinition of GL-2creating 1-4, 2-1, 2-11deleting JSM files 2-16setting parameters using a graphical menu

2-17setting parameters using a text editor 2-19working with 2-10

Interferencesdefinition of GL-2, 1-1displaying 4-23editing reviewer, status, and comments 4-32marking as Accepted 4-34plotting 4-39reporting 3-11reporting status as

accepted 3-14detected 3-14reviewed 3-14suppressed 3-14

reporting type ashard interferences 3-4soft interferences 3-4

setting filters 4-30setting review options 4-27viewing the details 4-35zooming to 4-26

IOF files. See Interference output (IOF) files

JJS_TEXT_EDITOR configuration variable 3-37JSM files

delivered samples 1-3JSpace (JSM) files

definition of GL-2Also called JSpace object model files, JSpace

models, or JSM filesJSpace expressions, examples of 3-8JSpace MicroStation Connection, as extraction

module 1-3JSpace object model files, Also called JSpace

models, JSpace (JSM) files, or JSM files 1-3

LLicenses 1-7Local tolerances

definition of GL-3using 3-4

Logical operators 3-7

MModes 2-6

NName Seed File dialog box 4-11, 4-18New Interference Set File dialog box 2-6

OOpen Interference Results File dialog box 4-8Open Interference Set File dialog box 2-7Operators

comparison operators 3-7logical operators 3-7

PParameters, used in Bentley Interference

Manager Engine-a (report options file) 3-45-c (connection tolerance) 3-45-d (full interference report) 3-45-e (echo) 3-46-fc (enable file caching) 3-45-i (combine all parameters) 3-46-o (interference results file) 3-44-p (output file prefix) 3-45-s (interference set file) 3-44-t (combine object clearances) 3-45-x (suppression rule file) 3-45

Passive filesdefinition of GL-3setting mode 2-6

Plot Interferences dialog box 4-9

September 11, 2002 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide IN-3

IndexR

RReport options (ROF) files

definition of GL-3viewing with a text editor 3-37

Reserved propertiesin suppression rules 3-8

Rulesdefinition of GL-3

Review Interferences tool 1-4, 1-6, 4-3, 4-5Review module

navigating 4-2understanding 1-4, 4-1

Review Options dialog box 4-15Reviewed interference status 3-14RPT files. See Interference report (RPT) files

SSave Interference Set As dialog box 2-8Seed files

building 4-36sample 4-38

Select a File in the Output Directory dialog box 4-10

Select ASCII File To Create dialog box 3-33Select Auto Zoom Windows dialog box 4-15Select dBASE File To Create dialog box 3-32Select File To Create dialog box 3-31Select Interference Analysis dialog box 4-9Select Interference Results File dialog box 3-28Select Interference Set File dialog box 3-27Select Project dialog box 1-6, 2-2, 3-21Select Report File dialog box 3-35Select Report Options dialog box 3-36Select Report Options File dialog box 4-17Select Settings File dialog box 3-36Select Suppression Rules File dialog box 3-34Self-checks 2-6Semi-active files

definition of GL-3setting mode 2-6

Set Up Interference Detection tool 1-4, 1-6, 2-4Setup module

navigating in 2-2understanding 1-4, 2-1

Show Details tool 4-4

Show Interference Details dialog box 4-21Soft interferences

definition of GL-3reporting 3-4

SUP files. See Suppression rules (SUP) filesSuppressed interference status 3-14Suppression rules

definition of GL-3applying 3-1, 3-5examples 3-9formatting 3-7reserved properties 3-8

Suppression rules (SUP) filesdefinition of GL-4using 3-6viewing with a text editor 3-37

TTolerances

definition of GL-4clearance tolerances 2-6, 3-5connection tolerances 3-4local tolerances 3-4

Tool boxesInterference Manager 1-3, 1-6

Detect Interferences tool 1-4, 1-6, 3-24Extract Object Model tool 1-3, 1-6Review Interferences tool 1-4, 1-6, 4-3,

4-5Set Up Interference Detection tool 1-4,

1-6, 2-4Interference Reviewer 4-3

Accept Interferences tool 4-4Draw All tool 4-3Draw Next tool 4-3Draw Previous tool 4-3Draw Selected tool 4-3Edit Interference tool 4-4Hilite Selected tool 4-4Show Details tool 4-4

IN-4 Bentley Interference Manager User Guide September 11, 2002

bentley interference manager user guide

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