Structural Modeler V8i includes a set of tools that automate the production of basic drawings from RAM Structural System models. The tools are used to generate framing plans, framing elevations and steel column schedules from RAM models. Drawings are initially created when a RAM model is imported and then are updated automatically to reflect changes in the RAM model during subsequent imports.
The new release of Structural Modeler V8i Select Series 1 (08.11.07) adds many new features to support the automated creation of drawings from RAM Structural System models. These features have been added to the existing support for framing plans and framing elevations:
The drawings (and steel column schedules) are based on the Structural Modeler Rules Manager so that structural members may be customized through user-defined resymbolization rules. There are a large number of settings available through Drawing Settings to control the symbology, text and styles of the drawing annotation. Drawings may be created as models in the master design file or as external drawing files. Links in Project Explorer folders are added automatically for all drawings for ease of organization and navigation.
Steel column Schedules are automatically created during the import of a RAM model. Gravity and lateral columns may be included in the report either individually or grouped by column configuration. Location marks based on the grid systems are included along with column marks.
Settings allow control of many properties such as line work, titles, table cells and user-defined cells for column splices and base plates.
The column schedule is automatically subdivided horizontally and vertically, as needed, to fit the target plot sheet. In this way column schedules that are too large (tall or wide) for a given sheet size may be partitioned into a series of schedules.
Column grid models are created from the RAM grid systems for use as a modeling and visualization aid. The grid models may be attached as reference files to the master model.
A MicroStation model is created in the master design file for each set of grid systems associated with a story. Each model contains the grid system annotation associated with the story. The grid systems are created at the story elevation so that when they are referenced the grid will be aligned with the story. Column grid system models are added to Project Explorer as links for convenient access. The links can be dragged and dropped onto the master model to create a reference attachment..
The Drawing Center provides basic organization of drawings by type. Drawings may be updated and scale changes applied. The Drawing Center dialog box is resizable and it may be docked into the task pane.
The Drawing Center allows the status of the active project drawings (Framing Plans, Framing Elevations, Steel Column Schedule, and Column Grid Systems) to be reviewed. Drawings may be sorted by properties such as drawing type. Drawings may be opened by double-clicking on a drawing in the list box.
A Home button on the tool bar makes it easy to navigate back from the drawing to the master model.
Elevation Callouts are automatically placed in framing plans to link to framing elevation drawings.
The MicroStation "intelligent" elevation callout detailing symbols are used to automatically link framing plans and framing elevations. When framing plans are created, an elevation callout symbol is placed at the location of each framing elevations. Using MicroStation Drawing Titles, the links are automatically established when the framing elevation is added to a drawing sheet. The link allows easy navigation from the framing plan to the corresponding framing elevation.