| Product(s): | ProConcrete |
| Version(s): | CONNECT Edition |
| Environment: | N/A |
| Area: | Parametric modeling |
| Subarea: | Variables |
| Original Author | Sandip Kar, Bentley Product Advantage Group |
Overview
Variables are named values defined within a model, which can be used to drive the model's geometry parametrically by associating variables with dimensional constraints and element properties. When the value of the variable changes, the value propagates to associated dimensions or element properties, causing the geometry to update.
1. By attaching an Item Type from within the Variables dialog. The properties of the Item Type become available for use as variables. Item Types can be defined in the Item Types dialog.
2. By defining local variables. Local variables are defined directly within the Variables dialog and are specific to a single model, rather than being part of a general-purpose Item Type. They are useful for defining temporary or construction variables which drive geometry but are not necessarily considered integral properties of the object being modeled.
This document will explain how to associate geometry of solid using Local variables and also will show dynamic behavior of the solid with the change of variables.
Method
To explain this, we will start with an Example as shown below
This is a simple example with Slab and Pier on it. This can be achieved via ProConcrete tools easily. But here we will show how to achieve this using variables and can be dynamically changed according to the changed values.
Please follow the below steps
1. In this example we have two solids, slab and Pier. To construct the slab we need 3 variables, Length, Width and Height. And for Pier we need radius of circular Pier and the height of the same.
2. To do this open the Variables Dialog box. You can open Via
Concrete > Home > Face Based Rebar > Variables or
Drawing > Constraints > Dimensional > Variables
Modeling > Constraints > Dimensional > Variables
3. Click on this tool and Variables Dialog will open up.
Here you can create all necessary variables as mentioned the pictures shown above.
4. After creating all the variables place a Solid Slab going via Modeling > Solids > Primitives > Slab. While placing Slab it will ask for length, Width and Height. In the Properties Dialog box you will get option to put the values. Here instead of putting the values, click on Variables Symbol at right of the dimension. When you click there, you will find all the variables you created. Choose one from them which you want to assign for Length, Width and Height respectively.
5. Now in the same way, you can place the Pier also. Activate the Variables from the variable list for Pier Radius and height and according to value predefined, it will create the Pier and our en result will be like below.
6. Now you can see that Pier start from the top of the slab. So to make both dynamic, we need to set like this way so that with the change of Slab Height, Pier also move upward by that value.
7. To achieve this we will use Constraints. We have several constraints to meet our requirement. Below are some of the constraints. You can get it via Modeling > Constraints
8. In this case we will use Constraint "Coincident" to make both Slab and Pier to be attached on the connected face, so that with the change of Slab Height, the Pier reacts accordingly.
When you click on this tool, it will ask to Select First Solid and then select face of that solid. Then it will ask to select coincident solid and select the face of that solid and at last Accept and the linkage of Concident will be built between both the Slab and Pier.
And then if you change the value of Slab Height, the Pier will also shift according to that dimension.
In this way using Variables and Constaraints you can build dynamic structure which can be modified at any point of time very easily.