AutoPIPE - Q. What are AutoPIPE *.PST files?

Overview

PST files are a legacy feature in Bentley AutoPIPE that allow users to export analysis results in a comma-delimited text format. This functionality was available in AutoPIPE version 23 and earlier and has since been deprecated in later versions.

What is a PST File?

A PST file is a comma-delimited text file generated by AutoPIPE after performing an analysis and creating a quick output report. It contains key analysis results and can be opened in any text editor or imported into spreadsheet applications for further processing.

Example:

How to Generate a PST File (AutoPIPE v23 and Lower)

To enable PST file generation:

1. Modify AutoPIPE version 23 or lower INI File
  - Locate the AutoPIPE.INI configuration file in installation folder.
  - Open AutoPIPE.INI in a text editor.
  - Search the INI file for Language=0, and update to 1.

1. - Save file to same folder location.
2. Restart AutoPIPE
  - After modifying the INI file, restart the application for changes to take effect.
3. Run Analysis and Generate Quick Report
  - Open your model.
  - Perform the desired analysis.
  - Generate a quick output report with one or more sub reports.
  - Press OK button to generate the normal output report
4. Locate the PST File

- - In the same folder as your model, a new file with the extension *.PST will appear.
  - This file can be opened in any text editor and is formatted as a comma-delimited file.

Important Notes

- PST file functionality is only available in AutoPIPE v23 and earlier.
- Starting with AutoPIPE v24, this feature has been deprecated and replaced with more advanced options for exporting results.

Alternatives in AutoPIPE v24 and Higher

AutoPIPE now offers improved methods for extracting and managing analysis data:

- Direct Export to Database or Excel
  Use built-in features to export results directly into structured formats for easier reporting and integration
  - Excel Reports (Result > Report Manager > Excel Reports), see example below that maintains PST order with more data than the original

- - Result Grid (Result > Interactive > Result Grid), format the data and copy information directly to excel (option limited to Results only, no configuration values)
  - Input and Results Database(*.db) (File > Import/Export > Export > Input database and Results Database(*.db)), option requires further manipulation to configure desired report to match PST file.
- AutoPIPE Data API - click here
  Leverage the Data API to programmatically extract model and analysis information for custom workflows and automation.

Summary

PST files were a useful way to export analysis results in older versions of AutoPIPE. While this feature is no longer available in AutoPIPE v24 and above, users now have access to more powerful tools for data extraction and reporting. For any enhancements or reinstatement of PST functionality, please engage with the IDEA portal here.

Example PST file

Results report sub-sections

- Analysis Summary (partial)
  - Static settings
  - CODE COMPLIANCE COMBINATIONS
  - NON-CODE COMBINATIONS
  - Code Compliance settings
- Displacement Report
- Support Report
- Restraint Reactions
- Forces & Moments
- General Stress
- Code Compliance