Building parametric library for steel beams

Hi All,

I'm trying to build a parametric steel beam cell library in order to improve productivity.

My first profile works perfectly when it comes to 2D. I can switch between all the variations - No problem.

When it comes to make the cross section of the beams into 3D I'm running into problems. I have no problems in extruding the 2D profile into a 3D beam in the cell library but when using the 3D extruded beam from the cell library in my design file, I can't modify the length. It seems that 3D is some kind of static when it is inserted as a cell, though I can switch between the different variations but the length is static. 

I can see the Length variable in the Properties dialog, but I can't change the value even though the input field isn't grayed out.

I have been trawling through similar questions in this forum but haven't found anything that could solve this issue

My best guess is that I'm missing something. The question is then - What is it that I'm missing ?

Thanks in advance

Ole Bro

Parents
  • can you share the cell library for review?

    I can see the Length variable in the Properties dialog, but I can't change the value even though the input field isn't grayed out.

    In the meantime you might want tot check the Scope of the variable in the cell library, see:

    https://docs.bentley.com/LiveContent/web/MicroStation%20Help-v19/en/VariableManager.html

  • Hi David,

    Here is a link to the file for you ot review:

    https://ekj-my.sharepoint.com/:u:/g/personal/bro_ekj_dk/EcWylRrZYm1GlPKufN9pZP8BFUsm8lYXz8LAj9MNye6Ajw?e=juXWn4

    It's only available for a few days, so please download it asap.

    I will look into the scope of the length variable.

    Br.

    Ole Bro


    ORD Connect:10.08.01.033

    MS Connect: 10.14.02.01

    Projectwise: 10.00.03.49

  • Thank you Florian for your input.

    I have done some further testing and I'm beginning to think that what I want isn't possible. I have watched a couple of Bentley demo videos and none of them are showing the ability to readjust length of a cell.

    I have talked with a colleague of mine and he told me that it's possible in Acad so I think the functionality to insert and change a cell length also must be available in Microstation.

    I will continue my testing and hopefully find a solution. Fixed beam length sure isn't.


    ORD Connect:10.08.01.033

    MS Connect: 10.14.02.01

    Projectwise: 10.00.03.49

  • Both AutoCAD and MicroStation are missing functionality from one to the other. They both have some great tools, and they both are missing certain (different) capabilities.

    MaryB

    Power GeoPak 08.11.09.918
    Power InRoads 08.11.09.918
    OpenRoads Designer 2021 R2

        

  • I have talked with a colleague of mine and he told me that it's possible in Acad so I think the functionality to insert and change a cell length also must be available in Microstation.

    That may be defective logic. Microstation may offer a solution, but it may be different than how Autocad does it. See Mary's comment.

    Connect r17 10.17.2.61 self-employed-Unpaid Beta tester for Bentley

  • I

    am not sure if I get it right what you are trying to achieve. But does it work in a simple file for you, like shown in the GIF / Video? 
    (Not sure if the Video works, that is why I created a GIF, hope you can see everything relatively good.) 

    Same Process as WMV-Video (often this does not work here).

    -------------------------------------------

    Currently using:

    OpenPlant Modeler - Version: 10.09.00.74

    [MicroStation - Version: 10.14.02.01]

  • Florian, Thank you for showing me that it can work. It is exactly what I want to achieve, but I haven't been able to do it.

    One thing I have wondered about is if there is any settings in Microstation that I haven't since I can't do what you are showing?

    Anyway, I'm grateful that you have shown that I'm on the right path and that the Parametric cell works exactly as I have anticipated. Now I need to dig in to find out why it doesn't work as you have shown in my Microstation.

    [UPDATE] I have succeeded in modifying the parametric cell. The problem was my test file. It was in someway "dirty" and remembered the Cell library Florian pointed out contained an error.

    When I opened a new design file and tested the Parametric Cell library, it worked flawlessly. 

    Thank you Y'all for input.


    ORD Connect:10.08.01.033

    MS Connect: 10.14.02.01

    Projectwise: 10.00.03.49

Reply
  • Florian, Thank you for showing me that it can work. It is exactly what I want to achieve, but I haven't been able to do it.

    One thing I have wondered about is if there is any settings in Microstation that I haven't since I can't do what you are showing?

    Anyway, I'm grateful that you have shown that I'm on the right path and that the Parametric cell works exactly as I have anticipated. Now I need to dig in to find out why it doesn't work as you have shown in my Microstation.

    [UPDATE] I have succeeded in modifying the parametric cell. The problem was my test file. It was in someway "dirty" and remembered the Cell library Florian pointed out contained an error.

    When I opened a new design file and tested the Parametric Cell library, it worked flawlessly. 

    Thank you Y'all for input.


    ORD Connect:10.08.01.033

    MS Connect: 10.14.02.01

    Projectwise: 10.00.03.49

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