Product(s):	OpenBuildings Designer
	Version(s):	CONNECT Edition
	Environment:	N/A
	Area:	Structural Design
	Subarea:	Railing

Problem

When using the Place Railing tool the preview window is not populated with a graphic display of that railing, and I am also getting the error "Unable to create Railing. Please load section file" in the Message Center.

 

Solution

The issue stems from the Structural Shape XML files defined by the configuration variable STRUCTURAL_SHAPES.  Since Railing Tool uses Structural shapes, they are integral to the operation of the tool.  Redefining the STRUCTURAL_SHAPES variable to point to the shape XML file(s) required by the Railing Tool resolves both the preview display and the error message. 

For OpenBuildings Designer Update 7 and subsequent versions, verify that the configuration variable PS_SHAPESDATABASES is directed towards the MDB file(s) and ensure that the shapes are properly loaded in the Shape Catalog.