StrucLink provides an impressive solution to the problem of out-of-sync CAD and Analytical models. StrucLink, available as a free add-on tool, provides seamless interoperability between Bentley's STAAD.Pro and ProStructure software.
Using StrucLink, the user may export ProStructure (previously ProSteel) model data into STAAD.Pro, perform analysis and design in STAAD.Pro, and bring the final results back into ProStructure. The data exchange can originate either from STAAD.Pro or ProStructure. Unlimited number of such round-tripping is possible.
The StrucLink solution has two distinct modules - one works on the ProStructure side and the other on the STAAD.Pro side. Both modules work on a set of common data exchange and mapping files. While importing model data from the Exchange File into a pre-existing STAAD.Pro model, an entity-by-entity comparison is performed and the STAAD.Pro model is updated accordingly. While exporting model data from STAAD.Pro into an existing Exchange File, the changes to the previous model data are marked. When this Exchange File is imported into an existing ProStructure model, these changes (addition, deletion etc.) can be previewed before performing the actual import operation. Similar steps are followed when data is exported from ProStructure to STAAD.Pro. As a result, the integrity between the CAD and Analytical models is retained even after multiple round-tripping.
StrucLink automatically adjusts the placement of members in CAD environment to maintain top-of-steel line, even when the depth of the section changes as a result of design. For new models being exported from ProStructure to STAAD.Pro, StrucLink uses "Effective Analysis Line" in ProStructure. This line represents the analytical neutral axis for a member in CAD model. The issue of breaking up physical members into multiple analytical members in STAAD.Pro is also handled by StrucLink.
In addition to the Exchange File, two mapping databases are also used in StrucLink. The Shape database is used to map ProStructure Steel sections to STAAD.Pro sections and vice-versa. The Material database is used to map the material names between ProStructure and STAAD.Pro. Thus the problem of unmatched nomenclature is avoided.
StrucLink can also work in asynchronous style. For example, the engineering team in U.S. can create the analytical model and send the exchange database to the CAD team in China. The Chinese CAD team can then sync the CAD model and export all latest changes in the CAD model for the U.S. engineering team.
The StrucLink solution can handle exchange of a large variety of shapes, including double-sections, tapered shapes, and other parametric shapes. More features are continuously added to address specific needs of the metal building industry.