Tip No.11: Bracing symbol (vertical brace) in plan views

In this tip we will be looking at the bracing symbol that can be displayed in the layout of 2D plans using some specific rules. The symbol is controlled with its respective “parametric line” in the 3D model. The symbol can be activated in the 2D plans only if the bracing was placed in the 3D model using the Dynamic Brace command.

The Bracing 2D symbol can have two different looks. A simple parallel line (as seen bellow the beam), or diagonal crossing lines (as seen above the beam).

These lines styles, location, length, etc are controlled from within the DetailStyle. In the DetailStyle’s “2D Display>Views” page, the “Advanced view depth” feature becomes important as do the “Symbol dimensions” options to the right hand side. These two settings control what will be seen and how it will be seen.

Advanced view depth:
This tool enables the recognition of the bracing element (parametric lines) beyond a normal cut plane (view depth). If the MIDPOINT (point where both bracings cross each other) is located within this area, the symbol will be activated.

Symbol dimensions:
A)     Symbol Size: Not used (this tool is for another type of symbol)

B)     Extents: Offset distance from grid line to outermost part of the symbol

C)     Length/Gap: Overall length of the symbol (cross) or in straight symbol use negative value for gap
         between both sides and positive value for each side’s length.
         Zero (0) value would mean real length

D)     Offset horizontal: distance between beginning of symbol and edge of column it connects to.

E)      Offset vertical: Distance from grid line to innermost edge of symbol.

Once these settings are ready to be used, the actual creation of the symbol in the 2D drawings has to be triggered via the Object display rules. We need to create a new Display Group, which could be called “Bracings” for example. We then need to add the Bracing connection element to the rule.

From there, we need to set the rules to use the symbol in the “2D display settings” by selecting “US Stick” in the “Display” pull-down, which then gives you three (3) options to select from right underneath:

No additional options, Stick symbols A & Stick symbols B. In the image bellow symbol A is the top (crossed symbol) and symbol B is the bottom (straight line symbol).

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