Product(s):	ProSteel CONNECT Edition
Version(s):	CONNECT Edition (10.XX.00.XX)
Environment:	N/A
Area:	Utilities
Subarea:	Macros
Original Author:	Alistair Lobo, Bentley Product Advantage Group

Overview

While creating a steel structure, you cannot weld the top of steel column directly to the bottom flange of the steel beam. In order to avoid buckling of the steel column and to provide large area for load transfer from beam to column, cover plates or cap plates are provided. In ProSteel, you can create this by using the ‘Cover Plate’ tool.

Method

1) While modeling your steel structure, go to Utilities > Macros > Create Cover Plate.



2) The ‘Create Cover’ dialog box will appear, you just need select a thickness and offset and then choose the column and specify a point to the end where you want the plate created.



If you check ON the ‘Rectangular’ option, the plate will be create in a rectangular shape, as seen in the above picture.

3) Now, if you un-check the ‘Rectangular’ option and then follow the steps mentioned in step2, the cover plate will then be created in the shape of column selected.



4) As you can see, the cover plate has then been created accordingly.



In this manner, one can create Cover or Cap plates easily.