Bentley AutoPLANT Structural Modeler allows you to quickly generate accurate 3D steel models in an AutoCAD-based environment. Using the extensive toolset, engineers and designers can model virtually any steel arrangement for any type of construction. AutoPLANT Structural Modeler is delivered complete with many shapes and standards so you can begin designing immediately.

Depending on your needs, consider [[AutoPLANT Structural Engineering]] (frame details and part/material lists) or [[AutoPLANT Structural Detailer]] (automatically generates part details for fabrication drawings, as well as NC and PPS/ERP data).

  

Steel Manipulation

Features

Steel Manipulation

AutoPLANT Structural Modeler harnesses the power of ObjectARX to let you to cut, drill, roll, divide, cope, notch, extend, chamfer, bend, or otherwise manipulate any of the steel shapes using standard AutoCAD techniques you are already familiar with.

Insert bent shapes along an arc or by specifying three points. The basic setting remains the same as inserting straight shapes. Immediate visual feedback minimizes the possibility of errors, and automatic drawing facilities ensure that the drawing accurately reflects the design.

Poly Plates

AutoPLANT Structural Modeler can generate plates in any shape and size. The geometry can be specified through dialog boxes, imported from an existing polyline, or by graphically selecting points in the drawing.

Structural Modeler's plates are fully modifiable. They can be edited, cut, drilled, etc. It is also possible to manipulate the contours of the sheets by adjusting the component's AutoCAD "grips."

Structural Objects

The use of structural objects creates otherwise time-consuming constructions virtually at the touch of a button. This makes it possible to do "what if" scenarios on different structure variations. Structural objects include:

• Staircases -- This function makes it possible to generate and edit multi-level stairs easily and rapidly, while showing all relevant parameters, such as length, width, height, type, number of newels and more.
• Handrails -- This object reduces the effort during modeling to just a few mouse clicks. The polyline is the foundation of every handrail, which can not only extend across a plane, but also in 3D space. Thus even the most complex handrails can be created across several planes.
• Frames -- These structural objects make it possible to generate symetrical/asymetrical frames (with or without haunches) just by indicating a few key values.
• Truss -- The truss construction incorporates dimensions which can be specified by indicating values via two points or the dialog. Four different types are available featuring a variety of different vertical and diagonal joint variations.
• Purlin Course -- The structural object purlin course finds its application in the construction of floors, roofs, halls, girts, and stages.
• Ladder -- The ladder object provides tools to place ladders with or without cage and wall mounting, and to parametrically control its integrated parts.

Logical Links

When two members are connected, a logical link is created. These links allow changes to one component to be carried through to the connected member. For example, if the size of a column changes, a beam that is connected to it will have its coped connection automatically updated to reflect the new column size. This minimizes error during revision cycles as well as increases drafting productivity.

Extending the Feature Set

 

AutoPLANT Structural Modeler is primarily intended for adding structural elements and shapes into 3D Piping and Equipment drawings.

To extend the feature set, you should purchase [[AutoPLANT Structural Engineering]], which includes an extended set of parametric joint connections; the ability to generate engineering drawings; and includes 2D, frame, and stick line drawing (among other features).

Finally, the ultimate expansion tool is [[AutoPLANT Structural Detailer]], which includes all the capabilities of Structural Modeler and Structural Engineering, along with the ability to do individual piece part detailing, and the capability of output files to NC (Numerically Controlled) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.

 

Compatibility

AutoPLANT Structural Modeler is compatible with a variety of standards and formats.

ACIS

The compatibility with Mechanical Desktop and other applications based on ACIS is assured. ACIS elements are taken into account during the derivation of the sections and views, and during collision checking.

Xref

There is no limit to how many employees can work on a project simultaneously. XREFs are taken into account when positioning and generating component parts lists.

International Support

Due to the worldwide distribution of AutoPLANT Structural applications, this program is available in several languages: German, English, Dutch, and soon in French and Italian. AutoPLANT Structural also supports both the Metric and Imperial measurement systems.

MDI Capability

Structural Modeler utilizes the new AutoCAD 2000 MDI capability to allow designers to edit several drawings simultaneously, for the first time ever. This MDI functionality (multi-document interface) is inherent throughout the application, meaning that you'll never have to load the program into memory more than once.

Using this feature, a designer can open a model in multiple drawing sessions (windows), and experiment with a variety of detailed settings in order to preview the final effects. Another application would be the ability to simultaneously edit multiple models in different drawings.

Custom Roof/Wall Shapes

Custom roof and wall shapes can be created quickly. Structural Modeler can automatically calculate the required number of roof/wall elements. Users can also perform the final editing and processing required for placement. This automated process optimizes the design and minimizes waste. The result is then indicated in color to illustrate which shapes have been processed.

Custom/Combination Steel Shapes

If your structural project requires the use of custom steel members that are not provided with Structural Modeler, creating them is as simple as drawing a cross-section of the member in AutoCAD. These shapes can then be saved in various catalogs containing an unlimited amount of shapes.

You can also create and save shape combinations by building them from existing and/or user-defined shape primitives. This ability allows you to construct and re-use common shapes in your design.

These custom shapes can also be stored in three different display modes (low, normal, and high). This avoids having to deal with a confusing number of lines when working with a rather complex shape.

Parametric Joints

AutoPLANT Structural Modeler includes the ability to add bracing and base plate connections to steel. This basic set can be augmented by Structural Engineering, which includes a more complete set of parametric joint options.

Drawing Flattener

Many companies require the ability to produce editable 2D drawings derived from 3D models-a common 3D design problem. Drawing Flattener converts plans and sections created using Bentley AutoPLANT Structural Modeler into 2D AutoCAD drawings. The resulting drawings are compact and can be indistinguishable from manually drafted CAD drawings; hidden lines are removed and all annotation and dimensions remain as they were in the original paper-space rendition.

Drawing Flattener can convert multiple drawings and the system provides several configuration options to tailor the output.

Work Frames

All 3D model generation starts with the creation of one or several work frames. These work frames aid 3D orientation because they can display the basic system dimensions as design aid objects, and automatically create the associated UCS (user coordinate system) for the views created by defining the work frame. You can define as many different work frames within one model as desired, which are then distinguished from each other by their respective group names.

Technical Requirements

Processor
Pentium® II 500mHz

Operating System
Windows® 98, 2000 or Windows NT® 4.0 SP6

Software
AutoCAD 2000, 2000i or 2002

Memory
128 MB RAM

Disk Space
650MB (1GB recommended)