Problem Description

I've created a new PAZ cell that I've defined as a Structural element within the DataGroup Catalog Editor and have placed using the 'Place User Defined Type' tool.  Is it possible to include this cell in the Structural Report Spreadsheet?

Steps to Resolve

In order to be included in the Structural Report Spreadsheet, an element must be a "true" Structural member such as Beam, Column, Slab, etc.. User Defined objects, even with Structural DataGroup data applied, do not fall into that category and will not have the required Structural and/or Structural Data tabs in the Building Element Info tool.

A few potential alternatives include:

1. Include the desired Structural DataGroup properties in your custom User Defined catalog item, as a new definition file if needed, and fill in their values during or after placement so that those properties can be reported using a DataGroup Explorer schedule instead. 

https://communities.bentley.com/products/building/building_analysis___design/w/building_analysis_and_design__wiki/32557.how-to-convert-cad-elements-to-bim-objects-with-aecosim-building-designer

https://communities.bentley.com/products/building/building_analysis___design/w/building_analysis_and_design__wiki/14757.datagroup-catalog-type-xml-files-and-workspace-schemas

2. A more advanced option is to create Variables within PC Studio to calculate Area and/or Volume and then use those Variables within Datagroup Explorer:

• Create Variables that calculate Area and/or Volume within PC Studio.  This example shows a simple rectangular shape, but you can of course expand the equations to include more irregular shapes.

• When publishing the file to a PAZ, uncheck the Purge Variables option so that the variables created above are retained.

• After creating custom DataGroup properties to display the Area and Volume PC Studio variables, and adding your custom object to the applicable User Defined Catalog Type within AECOsim Building Designer, be sure to map the Variables to their applicable DataGroup properties.

• The Variable > DataGroup property values should display in Datagroup Explorer.

3. If your object is a simple extrusion, you could use the "Place Profile" tool with a custom 2D shape, and again add the applicable DataGroup properties whose values can be populated during or after placement.

See Also

https://communities.bentley.com/products/building/building_analysis___design/w/building_analysis_and_design__wiki/21027.creating-custom-schedule-report