ProSteel: The Extended Stair Tool


The Extended Stair tool was introduced to ProStructures in SS3 as a way of allowing users to build a parametric staircase using a different set of features. This tool is not to be mixed up with the new 'Standard Stair' tool that was released with the SS6 version of ProStructures.

  Section 1.1 – Using the extended stair tool

The purpose of this document is to introduce you to the Extended Stairs tool, its options and some basic principals involved in using the tool so that after reading this you will have a better understanding of how the tool works and the mechanics involved.

To begin the process of using the Extended Stair tool go to the ‘Connection Center’   and from here navigate to the ‘Structures’ section. Within the ‘Structures’ section you should see the option for ‘Extended Stairs’, double-click on this option using the left mouse button.

The program will then prompt you to select a point for insertion; the point that should be selected refers to the center of the staircase, directly below the nosing point of the bottom stair where this point would line up with the ground.

 

 If a platform is placed at the bottom then the same idea applies but the point will relate to the end of the platform rather than the bottom step.

 Once a point has been selected, the command then prompts you for a direction. Move the move in the direction you would like the staircase to go upwards in from the point selected and then left-click the mouse. Distance does not matter during this last step only direction.

 

At this point a dialog box should appear with the last settings used and each of the areas within this dialog box can be changed to modify the staircase. (Refer to the settings as outlined below.)

  Section 1.2 – Settings Overview

The following section will take a look at and give a brief description of each of the options in the Extended Stairs dialog window areas. This area is an overview for the function of each of the options. In many cases both this documents index number and the dialogs actual name (or reference) is used and may appear as ‘document number(dialog name)’.

Stair tab


 

1. Relates to the amount of staircase runs to be inserted into the staircase element.

2. NS: If there are multiple levels, this allows you to select the level you are currently modifying.

3. R: This field allows you to rotate the entire staircase from its initial direction. An angular value should be entered.

4. Q1: This is the starting elevation of the staircase/lower platform.

5. Q2: This refers to the ending elevation of the staircase/platform.

6. A: The angle of the staircase can be placed here. If set to zero, the angle is calculated from the other dimensions.

7. D: Is the distance between the flights of stairs. A value should be entered here even if the stairs are not 180 degrees to one another.

8. P: This is the going distance of the steps, nose to nose, horizontal.

9. La: Inside distance of the stringers.

10. R1: The angle of the stairs to the previous flight. Note this is grayed out on the first level.

11. Invert: Works with R1 and reverses the rotation of the angle selected.

12. N: Has two boxes, the first is the number of rises. This can be edited and is typically one more than the amount of steps. The second box is not editable but displays the actual measurement of the rise nose to nose vertically.

13. G: Determines the end condition of the stringers for the flight of stairs selected in NS.

14. Fam: If set up ahead of time, Part Family assignments can be selected from here.

15. Cl.: If set up ahead of time, Display Class assignments can be selected from here.

16. C1: Here you can determine the basic shape for the stringer elements used in the staircase. The icon to the right will allow you to select from a list of standard shapes and sizes. Note that changing this value affect the entire staircase.

17. C2: The stringers shapes supporting the platforms can be adjusted from here. The icon to the right will allow you to select from a list of standard shapes and sizes. Note that changing this value affect the entire staircase. This option works with values (A/a, C/c, S1 and S2) located in the ‘Platform bottom’ and Platform top’ sections located near the bottom left of this dialog window.

18. Exclude: This checkbox will enable or disable the C2 stringer shapes for the entire staircase. Left-click once to place or remove the checkmark.

19. M1: This is where the material for the shapes can be selected.

20. M2: This is where the material for the plates (grating) can be selected.

21. E/e: From here you can alter the Horizontal and vertical (oblique in tooltip) offsets of the plates (grating) and steps. The plates can be adjusted from the original placement point horizontally, lengthening or shortening them towards or away from the stairs. The step locations in relation to the stringers move vertically from the ToS of the stringer.

22. Platform Bottom: This is a checkbox that can be enabled or disabled. If enabled a platform is paced at the bottom of the staircase for the selected level. Enabling the platform bottom will move the current staircase (NS) and ones above it from its current position.

23. A/a: There are two boxes here, the first box determines the overall length of the platform. Changing or modifying this value will also change the staircase location. The second box will only have an effect if the ‘Exclude’ check box beside ‘C2’ is not checked. If it is not checked then the second box determines the length of the original stringer size, ‘C1’ that will remain under the platform. The remainder of the length will use the ‘C2’ shape.

24. S1: If you’ve enabled the platform bottom and adjusted the support members so that two different members are being used (See step 22 and 23) then you can also decide from this dropdown box which side(s) is affected by these settings. Your options are ‘No’ for neither side, ‘Left’, ‘Right’ and ‘Both’.

25. As Polyplate: If checked, the start plate will be placed as a polyplate rather than being placed as a shape (flat bar).

26. C/c: There are two boxes here, the first box determines the overall length of the top platform. Changing or modifying this value will also change the location of the staircases above this one. The second box will only have an effect if the ‘Exclude’ check box beside ‘C2’ is not checked. If it is not checked then the second box determines the length of the original stringer size, ‘C1’ that will remain under the top platform. The remainder of the length will use the ‘C2’ shape.

27. S2: If you have adjusted the support members so that two different members are being used (See step 26) then you can also decide from this dropdown box which side(s) is affected by these settings. Your options are ‘No’ for neither side, ‘Left’, ‘Right’ or ‘Both’. It will also affect the handrails on the topmost platform and allow you to decide which way the staircase should be exited from. It does not affect the intermediate platform handrails, for that see 61(L).

28. Start Plate: Only if the ‘Platform bottom’ (22) is unchecked will this option, and section, be available. When checked it will place a plate at the bottom of the stringer foot that can be adjusted using the options 29 to 34.

29. L1: This is the Length of the start plate.

30. L2: This is the Width of the start plate.

31. S: This is the thickness of the start plate.

32. X: This will shift the plate from its insertion point either inwards or outwards depending on the value entered.

33. Y: This will shift the plate from its insertion point either forwards or backwards depending on the value entered.

34. Z: This will shift the plate from its insertion point either upwards or downwards depending on the value entered. Note that the stringer will try to move with the plate when using this option.

 

Handrail shapes tab


 

35. Insert Handrails: If this checkbox is selected then handrails will be placed onto the staircase. How the handrails come in and what they look like is determined by the settings below. Note that platforms may not have handrails appear at the end if no closing shape has been enabled. See the platform tab for this and option 105(Insert Handrail).

36. M: Displays the defined shape for the main post. Note that the image to the right will change to show which piece is being defined as you go through each of the shapes.

37. E: Displays the defined shape for the main post extension.

38. C: Displays the defined shape for the top handrail.

39. C1: Displays the defined shape for the terminating vertical shape.

40. V: Displays the defined shape for the filling rods.

41. O: Displays the defined shape for the top rail. This goes near the top of the post and is typically the termination point for the top of the filling rods.

42. O1: Displays the defined shape for the bottom rail. This goes near the bottom of the post and is typically above the kick plate and the termination point for the bottom of the filling rods.

43. B: Displays the defined shape for the kick plate.

44. ICON: All of these icons work in conjunction with the shape specified on their left (M, E, C, C1, V, O, O1, B). When you click on the icon a small dialog window will appear that allows you to choose any shape available in ProSteel for the corresponding member.

45. Rotation: All of the rotation icons work in conjunction with the shape specified on their left (M, E, C, C1, V, O, O1, B). The desired rotation of the selected shape can be defined here.

46. Mirror: Here you can mirror the shape specified on their left (M, E, C, C1, V, O, O1, B) if needed.

47. Cut: This will cut the shapes defined to the left so that they will be flush against any intersecting members. An example of this would be the filling rods (V) if enabled would be cut flush with the top rail (C).

48. Insert: If this checkbox is selected then the final post of the handrail on the platform end will use the terminating vertical shape (C1) shape instead of the main post (M) shape. Also the terminating vertical shape (C1) shape will extend down along the outside end of the platform stringer.

49. V-Dropdown: This dropdown box works with the vertical filling rods (V) and determines how they are placed; not at all, vertically, horizontally, inside, centered outside and crossing, all combinations are available here.

50. O-Dropdown: This dropdown box works with the top rail (O) and determines how it is placed; not at all, vertically, horizontally, inside, centered, outside, and crossing, all combinations are available here.

51. O1-Dropdown: This dropdown box works with the bottom rail (O1) and determines how it is placed; not at all, vertically, horizontally, inside, centered, outside and crossing, all combinations are available here.

52. B-Dropdown: This dropdown box works with the kick plate (B) and determines how it is placed; not at all, vertically, horizontally, inside, centered, outside and crossing, all combinations are available here.

***Note that 50 through 52 have a ‘Dm’ and ‘Lg’ setting that becomes enabled when crossing is selected. Because of the angular orientation of the crossing option, you will be able to define a slotted hole using these values for intersecting members. Each of the other settings will cut at the intersection of the members in question.

*** Note that the image to the right will change to show which piece is being defined as you go through each of the shapes.

 

 

Handrail parameter

53. G: This is the overall height from the top of the platform or step.

54. Ext 1: Spacing placed between the handrail and top of the post. This space will be filled in with the shape that is defined by 37(E).

55. Ext 2: If the 59(Off-M) value is great enough that it will push the handrail out so that it does not land on the stringer, then this value will determine how far the bottom of the posts can be extended downwards.

56. X: When creating a manual angle cut at the top of the posts, this will determine the height of the angular cut from the top of the post down. When combined with 60(Y) or 63(Z) this creates and angular cut along the edges.

57. D: Maximum distance from post to post at insertion points. The program will equally space the posts as close to this value as possible.

58. Off: When a space using 54(Ext 1) is used a cap plate will be placed at the top of the post. This value will trim back the cap plate along the edges by the value specified so that it is not flush with the outer edges of the post.

59. Off-M: This will push the entire handrail outwards by the value specified. If the value is large enough that the posts no longer rest on the stringer then the value used in 55(Ext 2) will extend the posts downwards by that value.

60. Y: When creating a manual angle cut at the top of the posts, this will determine the distance from the inside edge towards the center. When combined with 56(X) this creates and angular cut along the inside edge.

61. L: This option controls the distance of the handrail posts from the end of the platform on intermediate platforms. It does not affect the topmost platform handrail, for that see 27(S2).

62. Sp: When a space using 54(Ext 1) is used a cap plate will be placed at the top of the post. This value will determine the thickness of the cap plate that is placed.

63. Z: When creating a manual angle cut at the top of the posts, this will determine the distance from the outside edge towards the center. When combined with 56(X) this creates and angular cut along the outside edge.

64. F: This option is where you would enter your preferred center to center spacing of the filling rods 40(V). This may change if 65(Max) is checked.

65. Max: If checked the filling rods defined in 40(V) and spaced in 64(F) will be equally spaced all the way across, as close to the value set in 64(F) as possible without going over. If it is not checked then all the filling rods will be spaced at the exact distance specified in 64(F) and any remaining distance will be divided equally at either end before the posts.

66. Group with cheek: Creates a single group with the handrail and cheek shapes(Stringers).

67. W: Here you can offset the handrail inside (negative value) or outside (positive value) by the amount entered in this field.

68. Center posts on step: All the posts placed above steps will be adjusted so that they remain equally spaced but also centered over a step. Note: This may move the starting post up along the stringer.

69. A: This is the distance from the bottom of the handrail to the center of the top rail which supports the filling rods. Used for defining the height of the top rail.

70. B: This is the distance from the top of the stringer to the center of the bottom rail which supports the filling rods. Used for defining the height of the bottom rail.

71. C: This is the distance from the top of the stringer to the center of the kick plate. Used for defining the height of the kick plate.

72. Parallel checkboxes: With parallel checked, the distance between members is determined at the same oblique angle as the members are travelling in. If unchecked then the distance between members is determined vertically regardless of the angle. Each parallel option relates to the offset A,B or C(69-71) beside it.

 

 

Panels

73. Insert Panels: When ‘Insert Panels’ is checked off everything of the handrails, except for the handrail and posts, are disabled and panels defined on this tab are used in place of the other elements.

74. A: This value specifies the distance from the bottom of the handrail to the top of the panel. The distance can be parallel or vertical distance, see 77(Parallel). If 83(C) is checked then this will apply to the frame instead of the panel.

75. B: This value specifies the distance from the top of the stringer to the bottom of the panel. The distance can be parallel or vertical distance, see 78(Parallel). If 83(C) is checked then this will apply to the frame instead of the panel.

76. C: This value specifies the distance from the inside of the post to the side of the panel. This value is applied to both sides simultaneously. If 83(C) is checked then this will apply to the frame instead of the panel.

77. Parallel: With parallel checked, the distance between members is determined at the same oblique angle as the members are travelling in. If unchecked then the distance between members is determined vertically regardless of the angle. This option relates directly to the handrail and panel distance as discussed in 74(A).

78. Parallel: With parallel checked, the distance between members is determined at the same oblique angle as the members are travelling in. If unchecked then the distance between members is determined vertically regardless of the angle. This option relates directly to the stringer and panel distance as discussed in 75(B).

79. Grid: Each of the panels can be shown either as a solid element or as a grid(grating). If the checkmark is placed then the grid(grating) will appear and if unchecked then it will show as a solid panel.

80. S: The panel thickness can be set here to whatever value you enter.

81. D: A label can be set here for the name displayed by the panels inside of the In-Drawing Partlists and External B.O.Ms. The label names available can be added or adjusted from the same external file as standard plate, ‘Pro_St3d.pdc’. Note: Remember to always make a backup first and restart ProStructures/ProSteel after the changes have been made so they take effect.

82. M: A material type for the panels can be selected from this dropdown box. If needed the available material can be added or adjusted by editing the ‘ProStructureMaterial.mdb’ file. Note: Remeber to always make a backup first and restart ProStructures/ProSteel after the changes have been made so they take effect.

83. Insert Frame: With this box checked a frame will be placed around the panel. The values A,B and C(74-76) will then apply to the outside of the frame rather than the outside of the panel.

84. P: The currently selected frame shape is displayed here.

85. Icon: Left-clicking on this icon will bring up a small dialog box that will allow you to select any available shape to be used for the frame surrounding the panel.

86. Dropdown: This dropdown will allow you to select the rotation of the selected frame shape. It can be set to 0, 90, 180 or 270. The outer edge of the frame remains in the same location.

87. Mirror: In some cases the shaped may need to be mirrored in order to achieve the proper placement, placing a checkmark in this box will mirror the selected frame shape.

88. D: This option will place a ‘parallel’ offset between the panel and the inside of the frame at the top and bottom. The panel is resized inwards, the frame remains the same size.

89. E: This option will place a ‘parallel’ offset between the panel and the inside of the frame at the sides. The panel is resized inwards, the frame remains the same size.

90. Horizontal: Panels are attached by supports on both sides when this box is checked.

91. Vertical: Panels are attached by supports on both top and bottom sides when this box is checked.

92. Weld/Bolt: If checked the connection between the frame and the supporting members will be made using two plates bolted together. If unchecked a single member is used.

93. L: This controls the width of the plate(s) used to attach the frame to the supporting members.

94. H: This controls the thickness of the plate(s) used to attach the frame to the supporting members.

95. M: If bolted this is the distance between the edge of the frame or supporting member and the edge of the plate. One plate will be attached to the frame and offset from the supporting member while the other plate is attached to the supporting member and offset from the frame. The bolt hole in each plate will line up for bolting.

96. Dm(1): The diameter of the bolt hole is specified here. This is not applicable if the welding method 92(Weld/Bolt) is used for support parts.

97. Dm(2): The tolerence of the bolt hole is specified here. This is not applicable if the welding method 92(Weld/Bolt) is used for support parts.

98. Ty: The bolt type can be selected from this dropdown box. To add or modify this list see ProStructures/ProSteel help for bolt styles.

99. Cut: This option cuts the ends of the support plates so that they are flush with the supporting members.

100. F: This setting determines the distance from the bottom and top edge of the panel or frame, along the sides, to the center of the attachment plates. Adjusting these values will adjust where the plates are placed.

101. G: This setting determines the distance from the bottom and top edge of the panel or frame, along the sides, to the center of the attachment plates. Adjusting these values will adjust where the plates are placed.

 

Platform

102. Insert Shape: With this checked, a closing shape for the platform will appear. It will only appear on intermediate platforms between staircase levels. Note: If a handrail was enabled then this needs to be enabled for the handrail to appear along the end of the platform.

103. Type: There are three types to choose from here:

    1. External: This option places the selected shape at the end of the platforms support stringers along the outside from one side all the way across to the other. This method does not shorten the platform but rather adds the width of the selected member to the platforms size.
    2. Internal: This option places the selected shape inside the platforms support stringers. However each staircase will get its own and no shape will be added in the center between the staircases.
    3. Internal: This option places the selected shape inside the platforms support stringers. With this option each staircase will get its own shape and a shape will be added in the center as well.

104. Shape: This field displays the selected shape being used.

105. Insert Handrail: Handrails will only appear along the end of the platform if 102(Insert Shape) is checked and this option is also checked. Unchecked will give you the shape at the end of the platform but without the handrails appearing. Note that this will not place handrails if handrails were not already enabled on the staircase, see 35(Insert Handrails).

106. X: This will shift the closing shape downwards closing shape.

107. Icon: This icon works in conjunction with the shape specified on its left. When you click on the icon a small dialog window will appear that allows you to choose any shape available in ProSteel as the closing shape.

108. Dopdown: This dropdown will allow you to select the rotation of the selected frame shape. It can be set to 0, 90, 180 or 270. The outer edge of the platform remains in the same location. If set to external in 103(Type) then the shape will add its width to that of the platform as it is placed along the outside.

109. Mirror: In some cases the shape may need to be mirrored in order to achieve the proper placement, placing a checkmark in this box will mirror the selected frame shape.

110. Z: This will shift the handrail posts towards the center, the distance is measured from the outside edge of the stringer to the outside edge of the handrail.

       
 Steps


111.  Insert Steps: Steps will only be placed if this option has been checked and values below have been defined properly.

112. Type: Even if the Insert Steps Option is checked, 111(Insert steps), if type is set to ‘NO’ then no steps will not appear. The remaining two options are to create steps using ‘Shapes’ or using ‘Block’(cell).

113. Bolt: The bolt type to be used when bolting steps to the stringer can be defined here.

114. Path: The path option only becomes available when the ‘Block’ type is selected from Type(112), at this point you can see which directory is currently selected in this field.

115. Icon: The path option only becomes available when the ‘Block’ type is selected from Type(112), at this point you can left-click on this icon to bring up a dialog window that allows you to select the directory in which you keep your stair blocks(cells). One selected, the Path 114(Path) will display the directory you have selected.

116. Block: If the Path, 114(Path), option is set to point to a directory that contains ‘blocks’(cells) then they will appear in this dropdown and you can select one. Once selected it will be placed into the staircase.

117. P1: This is only available is the Type(112) option is set to ‘Shape’. This field displays the currently selected shape used as the main element in the step.

118. P2: This is only available is the Type(112) option is set to ‘Shape’. This field displays the currently selected shape used as the support element in the step.

119. Icons: Both of these icons will open a dialog box allowing you to select a shape available in ProSteel. The shape selected will then be used for its corresponding purpose and the type displayed in the field to the left.

120. Dropdowns: This dropdown will allow you to select the orientation of the selected step shape and each dropdown corresponds to the shape selected in the fields to its left. It can be set to 0, 90, 180 or 270.

121. Mirror: In some cases the shape may need to be mirrored in order to achieve the proper placement, placing a checkmark in this box will mirror the selected step shape as select to the left of this check box.

122. Insert Holes: If you wish to connect the steps using bolts then this option must be checked. If it is not checked then the holes and bolts will be removed.

123. Dm\P: When bolts are used to support the stairs, the diameter of the holes created is determined by this setting.

124. D\Z: When bolts are used to support the stairs, the distance between the hole centers are determined by this setting.

125. P: The ‘Play’ (oversize, tolerance) can be specified here.

126. Z: If the bolt hole should be a slotted hole then the distance from inside of the radius at each end should be specified. Basically the length of the straight portion of the slot not including the rounded ends.

127. X: Rather than having the bolt holes evenly spaced with the shape they are drilled into, they can be offset by placing a value in this field.

128. Y: The bolt holes can be moved up or down by placing a value into this field. A positive value will move the holes up and a negative value will move then down.

129. Platform: This option is used to add support shapes for landings.

130. Stair: Checking this you can add support step onto the steps.

131. S1: Horizontal offset of the support step. A value can be added here moving the support shape inwards from its initial insertion point.

132. S2: Vertical offset of the support step. A value can be added here moving the support shape down from its initial insertion point.

133. T: This dropdown offers three options: 

    1. NO – Will place no grating 
    2. Grating A – Will place grating only for their individual staircase elements and the space between the staircases on the landings will not have grating.
    3. Grating B – Will place the grating across the entire length of the landing with no space left open.

134. Grid: The grid checkbox when checked places grating onto the platforms, if it is unchecked a solid plate is placed instead.

135. F1: Whether grating or plate is defined, either can be resized. A positive number will reduce the size of the grating/plate on the platforms from front to back evenly.

136. S: This value determines the thickness of the grating/plate used on the platforms.

137. F2: Whether grating or plate is defined, either can be resized. A positive number will reduce the size of the grating/plate on the platforms from side to side evenly.

138. A: When placing steps a plate is drawn at the end of each step. This value will determine the plate Width. A Width of 0 will be automatically adjusted according to the size of the step selected.

139. D: This will allow you to horizontally shift the steps end plate horizontally by the amount entered.

140. B: When placing steps a plate is drawn at the end of each step. This value will determine the plate Height.

141. E: This will allow you to horizontally shift the steps end plate vertically by the amount entered.

142. C: When placing steps a plate is drawn at the end of each step. This value will determine the plate Thickness.

 

Frame

143. Insert Columns: A basic framework for the stairs can be created from here. To do so you must first enable the options by placing a checkmark here.

144. Icon: When clicking on this icon, the program will prompt you to locate an origin point. Column placements will be taken as measured from this point.

145. X: This will determine the X coordinate of the frames origin point in the drawing. This field can either be entered manually or automatically by using the placement tool, see 144(Icon).

146. Y: This will determine the Y coordinate of the frames origin point in the drawing. This field can either be entered manually or automatically by using the placement tool, see 144(Icon).

147. Shape: This field displays the currently selected shape used for the column element in the frame.

148. Icon: This icon works in conjunction with the shape specified on its left. When you click on the icon a small dialog window will appear that allows you to choose any shape available in ProSteel as the closing shape.

149. Dropdown: This dropdown will allow you to select the rotation of the selected frame shape. It can be set to 0, 90, 180 or 270.

150. Mirror: In some cases the shape may need to be mirrored in order to achieve the proper placement, placing a checkmark in this box will mirror the selected frame shape shown to the left of this check box.

151. Columns: This dropdown is used to select the column which is currently being edited when multiple columns have been added. Change the selection here to work on a different column in the frame.

152. Plus\Minus: These buttons allow you to add a column to the frame or remove the currently selected column from the frame. Added columns will be selectable from the dropdown menu 151(Columns).

153. Reference: Reference for the location of the active column.

154. X: This is the offset from the origin point, selected in 144-146(Icon, X and Y). Your x offset is measured from your selected origin point along the x-axis to the point where you would like your column to be placed.

155. Y: This is the offset from the origin point, selected in 144-146(Icon, X and Y). Your y offset is measured from your selected origin point along the y-axis to the point where you would like your column to be placed.

156. Q0: This defines the starting elevation of the column.

157. Q1: This defines the ending elevation of the column.

158. Insert Beam: If you wish to insert beams into the frame this option must be checked.

159. Shape: This field displays the currently selected shape used for the beam element in the frame.

160. Icon: This icon works in conjunction with the shape specified on its left. When you click on the icon a small dialog window will appear that allows you to choose any shape available in ProSteel as the closing shape.

161. Dropdown: This dropdown will allow you to select the rotation of the selected frame shape. It can be set to 0, 90, 180 or 270.

162. Mirror: In some cases the shape may need to be mirrored in order to achieve the proper placement, placing a checkmark in this box will mirror the selected frame shape shown to the left of this check box.

163. Beam: This dropdown is used to select the beam which is currently being edited when multiple beams have been added. Change the selection here to work on a different beam in the frame.

164. Plus\Minus: These buttons allow you to add a beam to the frame or remove the currently selected beam from the frame. Added beams will be selectable from the dropdown menu 163(Beam).

165. Start Ref: This is the start reference of your beam, determined by which column the start of the beam intersects.

166. End Ref: This is the end reference of your beam, determined by which column the end of the beam intersects.

167. Q: The value here refers to the elevation of the beam you are inserting. It is measured from the point of origin you defined 144(Icon) to the Top of Steel of the beam being inserted.

168. Length: When active this field allows you to modify the length of the beam that you are currently work on. This option is only available if a start reference is given 165(Start Ref) and no end reference 166(End Ref).

169. Rotation: This dropdown will allow you to select the rotation of the selected frame shape. It can be set to 0, 90, 180 or 270. This option is only available if a start reference is given 165(Start Ref) and no end reference 166(End Ref).

170. Center: This will center the beam along its length at the top of the column indicated by the start reference, 165(Start Ref). This option is only available if a start reference is given 165(Start Ref) and no end reference 166(End Ref).

 

Section 1.3 – Special Notes (included in notes above)

 

  1. R1: (10) This is grayed out on the first level.
  2. C1: (16) Changing this value affects the entire staircase.
  3. C2: (17) Changing this value affect the entire staircase.
  4. Z: (34) The stringer will try to move with the plate when using this option.
  5. Insert Handrails: (35) Platforms may not have handrails appear at the end if no closing shape has been enabled. See the platform tab for this and option 105(Insert Handrail).
  6. M; E; C; C1; V; O; O1; B: (36-43) The image to the right will change to show which piece is being defined as you go through each of the shapes.
  7. O; O1; and B Dropdowns: (50-52) These have a ‘Dm’ and ‘Lg’ setting that becomes enabled when crossing is selected. Because of the angular orientation of the crossing option, you will be able to define a slotted hole using these values for intersecting members. Each of the other settings will cut at the intersection of the members in question.
  8. Center Post on Step: (68) This option may move the starting post up along the stringer.
  9. D; M: (81-82) When modifying external files, remember to always make a backup first and restart ProStructures/ProSteel after the changes have been made so they take effect.
  10. Insert Shape: (102) If a handrail was used then this needs to be enabled for the handrail to appear along the end of the platform.
  11. Insert Handrail: (105) This will not place handrails if handrails were not already enabled on the staircase, see 35(Insert Handrails).