This eSeminar was originally presented on Nov. 8th, 2012.
You can view the recording online at our BeConnected site (Click Here!).
The following are the product-related questions and corresponding answers from the eSeminar.
- Q: Is ProConcrete being used in structure bridge design today?
A: To date, Bentley is aware of a handful of users applying ProConcrete to bridge design and documentation. With the announcement that Bentley Rebar will be merged within ProConcrete, Bentley expects more and more bridge users to adopt ProConcrete.
- Q: What is the tab ProRebar, it is not listed on standard ProStructure installation, is it?
A: The ProRebar tab which was seen in the eSeminar is an add-on by aSa which performs rebar take-offs for downstream use of the data such as bar tag printing, shop optimization, shipping information, etc.
- Q: Will you be adding floor or wall slopes to concrete model and reinforce?
A: One of the images in the presentation discussed the new feature of sloping walls or floors.
- Q: Can ProConcrete also be integrated with Bentley Structural?
A: Yes, in a few ways. First, since both ProConcrete and Bentley Structural (and AECOSim Building Designer Structural) work with DGN files, you can reference Bentley Structural models directly to ProConcrete. To be able to reinforce Bentley Structural elements (concrete shapes) using the parametric rebar tools within ProConcrete, you must transfer the elements through ISM.
- Q: Are there concrete design capabilities?
A: Bar sizes, spacing, etc. are not calculated in ProConcrete, but rather input by the user. Other Bentley products do perform structural design, such as RAM Concept, RAM Structural System, STAAD Foundation Advanced. These products’ models can be coordinated with ProConcrete’s model through ISM.
- Q: If a wall or slab is created using just an AutoCAD shape (i.e. box or cylinder), can the rebar be added to that?
A: Yes, to do so, use the ProConcrete command “Convert 3D Element to ProConcrete Element.” This command will add the necessary information to allow ProConcrete to include in BOM and drawings.
- Q: Can users input AutoCAD two-dimensional drawings?
A: Yes. Although ProConcrete is a 3D BIM solution, some users will find it productive to reference AutoCAD 2D drawings in the 3D model.
- Q: Could ProConcrete and other Bentley products work in AutoCAD?
A: Yes, the same license allows users to run ProConcrete in either MicroStation or AutoCAD.
- Q: Which Bentley bridge software programs work with ProConcrete?
A: Currently there is no direct connection between Bentley’s bridge design software and ProConcrete. However, PowerBridge Modeler, which is currently under development, will be closely integrated with ProConcrete. PowerBridge Modeler will be the primary model generation and reporting engine for LEAP and RM Bridge products.
- Q: Has ProConcrete been used for a precast application?
A: To date, ProConcrete has focused on cast-in-place concrete, however it does have many features which apply to the precast industry.
- Q: Please address the functionality of ProConcrete with regard to presenting the modeled rebar in the form of Rebar Placing Drawings, for purposes of Engineering Approval and field-documents for placing rebar. Ideally, the process of detailing/modeling rebar will include most tasks necessary in producing usable drawings.
A: Once the 3D model is created, 2D placing drawings may be created using the DetailCenter command within ProStructures. The 2D output is automatically linked to the 3D model, and any changes made to the 3D model may be reflected in the drawings. The 2D output includes not only the graphics for the concrete and rebar shapes, but also includes automated dimensioning and labeling. Further drafting tasks may be completed using AutoCAD or MicroStation.
- Q: When will the AutoCAD-based version of ProConcrete be released?
A: ProConcrete for Autocad is currently available, with an upgraded version scheduled for release in the next few months.
- Q: Would like to know more about ISM. Taking ProConcrete can it import to AECOsim designer or ProSteel, or regular MicroStation?
A: ISM (Integrated Structural Modeling) allows ProConcrete to export editable objects in AECOsim Building Designer. Typical workflows go in the other direction (design to detailing), but both workflows are supported. “Update” workflows are supported also, allowing you to manage changes. ProConcrete files may also be referenced to AECOsim or MicroStation files using the reference file capability in MicroStation.
- Q: Is the designer responsible for all errors when sharing the data or is the detailer tasked with review?
A: ProConcrete is a 3d BIM concrete solution intending to increase productivity for the entire concrete workflow. ProConcrete does not change the responsibility for errors and omissions, however because of its 3d nature ProConcrete may assist in identifying design errors and omissions.
- Q: Is there any automation of reinforcement generation from structural design results (RAM, STAAD, etc.) per design codes with minimal user input? For example, if the user specifies preferred bar sizes, can ProConcrete determine the placement, spacing, curtailment, laps, etc.?
A: Rebar sizes, number, and spacing may be imported into ProConcrete via ISM. This capability is currently being developed and will be included in the next commercial release. Once the rebar information is imported to ProConcrete, final detailing may be completed.
- Q: Does ProConcrete software run analysis for reinforced concrete structures?
A: No, ProConcrete is a 3D BIM solution for concrete and it does not perform structural analysis.
- Q: Is ProConcrete compatible with BS codes?
A: ProConcrete is delivered with ACI, British, Australian, New Zealand, and Swedish standards; additional standards (bar bends, bar diameters) can be easily added.
- Q: Can ProConcrete generate BMD and SFD?
A: No, ProConcrete does not. However, other Bentley products do produce Bending Moment Diagram and Shear-Force Diagrams.
- Q: What is the name of the program that does two dimensional detailing?
A: You might be thinking of either aSa’s 2D CAD program, or possibly Bentley Rebar.
- Q: Bentley Rebar just for 2D?
A: No, although Bentley Rebar supports a 2D workflow, it can be used to generate 3D models.
- Q: Is there a Lap tool? Does it work with a stagger? Can this product handle staggered splices?
A: Yes, ProConcrete has a parametric lap splice command, including offset lap splices.
- Q: Can I access the ProConcrete eSeminar recording and its Q&A from earlier in 2012?
A: Yes, the June 5th resources are accessible via its Be Communities Structural Drafting and Detailing Wiki post.
- Q: How do I get the continuing education credits? How can I get a certificate of attendance of CEU's?
A: Bentley Learning Units (BLU), Bentley Institute’s equivalent to Professional Development Hours (PDH), are granted for the live and recorded eSeminar. Within 2-4 weeks of watching the presentation, Learning Units are added to your transcript. To access your transcript, go to www.bentley.com/mylearninghistory. On the "My Learning History" page, there is a detailed how-to guide related to Learning Units and transcripts, in addition to the link to the user’s online transcript. In most states, users can submit their Bentley transcripts for consideration for continuing education credit toward their registration renewals.
- Q: How do I view this eSeminar again or share it with a colleague?
A: This event along with the live Q&A were recorded and it is available online at our BeConnected site.