| Applies To | |||
| Product(s): | AutoPIPE | ||
| Version(s): | All | ||
| Area: | Library | ||
| Original Author: | Bentley Technical Support Group |
Dec 2014, AutoPIPE V8i 09.06.01.10
Problem:
How to add a new material to existing library, AutoPIPE V8i v.9.0 and higher?
Solution:
+++Warning+++
Remember, being a custom library file, Bentley cannot be held responsible for the inaccuracy of the new library content. It is your responsibility to verify the following information:
a. Verification of data in the SRC file
b. Verification of data in the Press / Temp. dialog
c. Verification of relevant data in the Pipe Properties or any dialog referenced by the updated library
There are 2 methods of updating these AutoPIPE *.SRC material library files:
1. AutoPIPE's Library editor - a little utility that makes it easy for the users to review and change library data without making the mistakes that are frequently made while using the 2nd method - "Any word editor" option below.
2. Any word editor - Any text editing program can edit *.SRC files because they are just plain text. The editor should be able to display the file's current column and row positions, though. Users are cautioned that the SRC file's formatting determines everything. The file may become unusable due to a single extra space, the use of tabs, column misalignment, etc. It's possible to retrieve incorrect data from the library, which would lead to inaccurate analysis results overall. Users are advised to be extremely careful of each character added or removed from the file if they choose to use this option. Application suggestions: UltraEdit by IDM computer solution, Notepad, or similar.
Because *.SRC files are just plain text, they may be edited with any text editing software. However, the editor ought to be able to see the file's present column and row positions. Users are advised that everything is based on the formatting of the SRC file. A single extra space, the usage of tabs, column misalignment, etc., could render the file useless. It is conceivable to obtain faulty data from the library, which would result in unconservative analysis results. If users' choose to use this option, use extreme caution with each character added to or removed from the file. Application suggestions include Notepad, UltraEdit by IDM, and similar.
Notes:
a. Open the *.SRC in an editor application, notice that these files have material data organized into separate tables. Typically most of the material modifications will be made in one or both of these tables:
MATLS - this table contains generic descriptions of materials (for example CS = low carbon steel) and their general properties such as expansion rate, poisson's ratio, density, hot modulus, etc..
SPECS - this table contains materials by specification (for example A106-B) along with allowable stresses vs temperature values, Yield strength, Ultimate strength, etc.. Each material listed in this table is linked to a material on the MATLS table.
Examples:
i. Open B313-20.SRC, locate A106-B in the SPEC table, find CS, thus A106-B is linked to CS material information in the MATL table.
ii. Open B313-20.SRC, location A312-TP304L in the SPEC table, find AU-TYPE 304, thus A312-TP304L is linked to AU-TYPE 304 material information in the MATL table.
b. SRC files location: AutoPIPE V8i v9.1 and higher already have SRC files copied to the following hard drive folders during installation:
i. C:\ProgramData\Bentley\AutoPIPE xxx\Libraries.... (all modifications should be performed using files from this folder)
ii. C:\Bentley\AutoPIPE xxx\ Libraries\.... (Do not modify these SRC files and save to this folder, only copy and use as a reference)
iii. C:\ Program Files (x86) \ Bentley \ AutoPIPE xxx\ Libraries
iv. Please file a new case if a specific SRC file for AutoPIPE is not available in one of the locations above. The case should; a. mention this WIKI, b. include 8 digit version number of AutoPIPE (Help> About), and c. which piping code the material is to be added too.
c. Newly compiled LIB file folder location -
After compiling a new material library into a *.LIB file, move a copy of this file into the following folder so it becomes an option on the General Model Options dialog, Material Library dropdown:
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\AutoPIPE xxx
***Saving the *.LIB file to any other location will NOT be read by AutoPIPE.
| Option #1: Use AutoPIPE's Library editor |
AutoPIPE 12.05 and higher has a new tool called Library editor. Use this tool when adding / modifying a material library file.
Learn to use the Library editor with 30 min on demand video here.
| Option #2: Use Any Editor |
Download the following file, "Add new material to AutoPIPE 9.0 and higher.zip" The file contains multiple documents, select the document based on the piping code where the new material library will be used. These documents contain complete instructions on how to add a new material using any text editor.
***Attention*** - IMPORTANT Notes:
1. When adding new materials to the AutoPIPE SRC files, the Material or Spec names can only use Alpha, numeric, and "-" characters(example: Steel-1). If any other characters (i.e. ., _, *, /) are used, AutoPIPE will compile the library but will not display it in the program.
2. A good approach is to always copy an original file and rename it; example My_B313.lib (file-name must be 8 characters or less).
Example:
B311-86.SRC (Good filename - No spaces, No non-asci characters are used, 8 charters or less - this file would be compiled and used by the program.)
B311-86/ -Copy.SRC (Bad filename - filename >8 charters, Space in filename, NON-ASCI character used - program will not compile this file, may crash or display warning)
By renaming the library file it is being flagging as a customized file. It is also a benefit to have separate library files when re-installing or upgrading to a higher version of AutoPIPE - in some cases the existing / default files will be overwritten - by keeping separate files they can be copied back into a new / revised installation.
3. All Values entered into most of the material files must use English units. AutoPIPE makes the conversion to metric units based on the units file. There are a few material files that only support data in metric units. Keep an eye on the units for the given material library.
4. Add one material at a time; verify the compiled library in AutoPIPE before adding more entries. Another words, get the format and process down before mass producing.
5. Trouble shooting notes for SRC files - click here
Compiling an SRC file into an AutoPIPE Lib file:
Details of this procedure can be found in the document referenced above.
Note:
1. Compile files in any folder that contains the AutoPIPE build.exe application, however AutoPIPE will never be able to select it unless the files have been moved / copied into the folder mentioned below or model's folder. If the files are copied to the installation folder reset user profile as mentioned here.
2. User must have Read and Write permission to the folder where the files are compiled and stored.
Copy / move new compiled LIB file to following folder:
AutoPIPE v.10.01.xx.xx and higher:
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\AutoPIPE xxx - (folder name may be slightly different, search for folder containing other AutoPIPE LIB files)
AutoPIPE v.09.06.xx.xx and lower:
C:\Bentley\AutoPIPE V8i SELECTseries\Libraries
See Also
Trouble shooting - Creating / Modifying an AutoPIPE Material Library
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