Product(s):	ProSteel
	Version(s):	CONNECT Edition
	Environment:	N/A
	Area:	Steel Placement
	Subarea:	Shapes
	Original Author:	Mihir Patil, Bentley Product Advantage Group

Overview

There are possibilities when users may find missing of standard shapes in the ProSteel Shape catalog. In that case, we can add that missing shape and its geometrical values in the shape data file i.e. .mdb file.

So, in this wiki we are going to see the steps for adding a standard shape in the .mdb file.

Method

1. First, you need to collect all the geometrical data for the shape which you are going to add (From Steel Table)

2. The shape database files are located at the following path.
    C:\Program Files\Bentley\ProStructures CONNECT Edition\ProStructures\Default\appl\Shapes
    Here, you will find the shape mdb files for all WorkSpaces.

3. First, to make changes in any mdb file, you need to create a copy of it. Creating a copy will conserve the original mdb file.

4. Now, open the copied mdb file in MS Access. (one should have Microsoft Access on their machine)

5. After opening the file, double click on the required shape class from shape index in which you want to add the new shape. All the shape data in that shape class will appear on the right side.

6. In this table, you need to fill all the basic and geometrical data of shape in the respective column.

7. Each column has definite value which will be assigned to the shape. The definition and description of each column is given in the document which can be accessed from the link given below.



Link: Description of the Database fields for Shapes

8. As per the description of columns I have added values of the shape in the respective columns. Here, I have added a new shape (W 840X576) in this mdb. (refer the image below)

9. After adding all the values in mdb file, save the file. Replace the updated mdb file with the original one and save the original mdb file with the other name such as for e.g., Canada_Org.mdb.

10. Now, launch the application and you will observe that newly added shape will appear in respective shape catalog.

In this way, by using these simple steps one can manually add a standard shape in the mdb file.