What’s New

ProStructures

Supports MicroStation CONNECT Edition Update 7

About Technology Preview Features

To know more on how to optionally install technology preview features, refer to the "ProStructures Product Installer" section below.

Some features delivered with ProStructures CONNECT Edition are specifically identified as “Technology Preview” features.

Technology Preview features are:

• currently unsupported,
• may not be functionally complete,
• not suitable for use/deployment in production.

However, these features are provided to users as a courtesy and the primary goal is for the feature to gain wider exposure with the goal of full support in the future.

Customers may find these features useful in a non-production environment. Users are welcome to provide feedback and functionality suggestions for a Technology Preview feature before it becomes fully supported. Bentley Systems intends to fully support Technology Preview features in a future release, at which time the features will no longer be identified as Technology Preview features.

Technology Preview features display the following message in the Message Center every time one of these features is used:

Take advantage of this Technology Preview, a non-public software service and/or application for evaluation purposes only. Please use the Technology Preview in your normal business environment as needed to form an opinion concerning the performance of the Technology Preview. Bentley personnel would welcome your valued feedback concerning the performance of the Technology Preview as you evaluate the capabilities. Please be aware that at some point, you may receive notice from Bentley that such use must cease or this Technology Preview will become unavailable to you. As we receive feedback, this Technology Preview may also be enhanced, updated or also discontinued without notice. As a Technology Preview, it is provided to you "as-is" without the benefit of any Bentley warranty, indemnity or support obligation. Thank you!  For more information about ProStructures Technology Preview Features, please refer to the ProStructures Readme file, or the ProStructures Help documentation.

The following commands are Technology Preview Features in the ProStructures CONNECT Edition x64 release:

• Drawing Production tab, 2d Rebar group:  Modify Rebar,
• Drawing Production tab, 2d Rebar group:  Quick Edit,
• Drawing Production tab, 2d Rebar group:  Rebar Attributes.
• Associative Extraction
• Associative Intersections

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Power Platform Changes

• 64-bit support.
• Bentley Cloud Services - Helps you produce better designs by facilitating collaboration, interoperability, standardization, and skills development. It also provides greater insight and control over project design, deliverables and the people working on them. Each CONNECTED Users and CONNECTED Projects is provisioned with a CONNECTION Center on the Bentley Cloud Services site. This portal provides users access to each of the following services and more.

• Improved Help System Learning options - You can learn at your own pace through On Demand options. You can watch video lectures, download hands-on workshops, watch the SIG recordings. You can also have live interactions, attend a virtual classroom or SIG, you can go to a physical event like a user group, get Account Specific Training, get live training through our Channel Partners or attend any of the Bentley events globally. We have given our users many, many ways to learn.

• Item Types - An item type is a user defined set of properties used to describe an object or element. Item types can be assigned to rebar, concrete, steel, any graphical element. Once assigned to features in the model, they can be reviewed, reported on and displayed as annotation or in a table and exported to i-models (see this Item Types - Introduction Bentley Communities article for more information).
• Annotation with field types with Favorites - When using the Place Note tool, annotations fields can be added that include intelligent fields which link to various properties in the model and business properties in the design model. They can be saved as favorites for easy placement and gets updated whenever a property data change occurs.
• Constraints - With constraints you can embed your design intent into the model by adding persistent relationships between elements. There are three distinct categories of constraints, 2D, dimensional and 3D.
• Parametric cells - You can now include variables, constraints, item types and variances when driven by variables and placed as parametric cells. This provides users the flexibility to include in parametric cells formulas, inter-object relationship and user defined data.
• Functional Components and variables - You can now create smart parametric models that can be driven by variables and placed as parametric cells. These are cells with built-in rules governing size and geometric relationships.
• Acute3D - Captures reality by turning photos into 3D models automatically with ContextCapture. Produces meshed surface models from a series of digital photographs of existing structures or as built projects. By geo-referencing a model, it allows the model to be correctly located in a similar geo-referenced design file.
• Display rules - Is a powerful new feature in which an engineering model's display can be overridden based on many criteria. Display rules can access file, model, references and other properties. Display rules do not change the symbology of the model it is strictly for display time, however the result can be printed to PDF and other formats. However, Display Rule results can be exported to PDF's or printed.
• Reports and Tables - The report tool extracts graphical or business information from file or design objects based on a number of criteria. Reports can be exported to a variety of formats or the content of the report can be placed graphically with the new a table feature.
• Sheet Indexing - Is a centralized list of drawings available in a WorkSet, they can be organized by folder, discipline, contractor etc., it supports comprehensive sheet numbering rules like prefix/suffix, start number, and increment number. Additionally, other project specific properties can be associated with each sheet, and can be placed as a table.
• Visualization - CONNECT Edition brings several new features for visualization such as, the animation producer now supports 3D constrained geometry, the texture replicator produces more realistic textures and several new procedural textures have been added.
• Georeferencing - Is the process of relating a design to a real world location, the primary reason is the interoperability with GIS, easy of visualization in Google Earth and integrating with GPS on mobile devices.

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Benefits of ProStructures CONNECT Edition

The CONNECT Edition is a web and cloud service platform which is provisioned using the Microsoft Azure Cloud that enables desktop, server and field applications to better collaborate and provide users a better connected experience.

ProStructures Product Installer

The new ProStructures CONNECT Edition installer downloads the latest versions of ProStructures installed components for you, and provides these options:

• Select the Datasets you want to install from the list on the Dataset page.

• Select companion product(s) to install from the list on the Companion Application(s) page.

• Select Technology Preview feature(s) you want to install from the list on the Features page.

ProStructures Desktop Shortcuts

Four shortcuts are created when the product installation is complete. Unless High Security is required, you will start the product with the blue "ProStructures CONNECT Edition" shortcut.

Launching the product using the grey ""ProStructures MicroStation CONNECT Edition"" shortcut, starts native/pure MicroStation bypassing all ProStructures content and functionality. This is better known as running the product in MicroStation Mode. without the need to acquire an additional separate license

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Workspaces and Worksets

Many regional datasets are provided with the product and organized in workspaces such as China or USA_Canada_Imperial. Workspaces are similar to localization in previous versions of ProStructures. The organization of dataset files and folders both in the product and worksets are controlled by a set of dedicated variables, providing users the flexibility to customize their working environment.

For quick access to the set of dedicated variables, a new ProStructures/Rebar category is added to the configuration variable list.

Tip: To learn more about workspaces and worksets, refer to the help documentation and watch "Welcome and Backstage" video in the "VIEW EXAMPLES" area of the Welcome to ProStructures CONNECT page.

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CONNECT Advisor

CONNECT Advisor is now an integral part of ProStructures CONNECT.

Tip: To Learn more about CONNECT Advisor click ? (help) on the CONNECT Advisor menu bar

ProjectWise Managed Configuration

ProjectWise managed configuration is supported by ProStructures CONNECT both for ProSteel and ProConcrete.

Managed configuration in ProjectWise allows you to store your workspace data in ProjectWise along with the configuration information necessary for ProStructures to access their workspace data.

A document is provided on how to setup managed configuration Go to docs.Bentley.com, and select Structural Detailing > Publication: ProStructures CONNECT Edition Setup Guide - ProjectWiseManaged Configuration.

Note: ProStructures CONNECT Edition support the following ProjectWise versions:

ProjectWise CONNECT Edition Update 3 (10.00.03.49 & 10.00.03.26)

ProjectWise CONNECT Edition Update 2 (10.00.02.267)

iModel Publishing for Mobile Applications

You can now publish i-model (*.imodel) for mobile applications such as Navigator Mobile.

API

Two complete .Net projects in VB.NET and C# are provided with open code and documentation;

Corbel Distribution

Stiffener Distribution

These examples help you learn how to create your own tools/applications using the API.

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CONNECT User Interface

ProStructures CONNECT comes with a completely redesigned user interface consistent with all Bentley CONNECT products. The new interface has a welcome page, a work page and separate workflows for Steel, Concrete, Modeling, Drawing and Visualization.

Tip: To learn more about the new interface watch "Welcome and Backstage" and "The Ribbon Bar Interface" videos in the "VIEW EXAMPLES" area of the product "Welcome to ProStructures CONNECT" page.

Steel Workflow

A dedicated Steel workflow is now provided, where all available ProSteel functionality is grouped and organized on the ribbon bar in tabs, groups and buttons.

Concrete Workflow

A dedicated Concrete workflow is now provided, where all available ProConcrete functionality is grouped and organized on the ribbon bar in tabs, groups and buttons.

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Popup Menus

In ProStructures CONNECT popup menus are a fast way to access commonly use tools and functions. Two sets of Popups are provided. One for accessing platform native functions and the other for ProStructures specific functions.

Pressing the spacebar on the keyboard brings up the platform native functions in 3D or 2D models.

Pressing the slash (< / >) on the keyboard opens the ProSteel or ProConcrete functions based on the active workflow in both 3D and 2D models.

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ProSteel

NC DSTV Enhancements

Added square bar shape class support to NC-DSTV reports

Improvements for welded shape reporting

• Symmetrical welded I shape is reported as I profile instead SO
• Saw length for Welded I shape is reported

Log file improvements

• Log files are created with unique file name
• List of processed and unprocessed parts
• Reason to unprocessed parts
• ProjectWise support
• Option to open the log file automatically after processing is complete

• Amended shape inner contour direction as per NC DSTV
• Enhancements to User Shapes reporting
  • Create PR cell for Special profiles even if Force external contour for all shapes is off.
• Improvements for external contour reporting
  • Precision adjustment to the length value reported in AK Block for B, C, M, L profiles
  • Correction to NC Output for Radial Notch on parts
  • Back Face(h) direction change for AK block
  • Report edge prep on mirrored plates
  • Cuts on plates are reported as edge preparation
• Drills/holes
  • Amendments to countersunk and stepped holes reporting
  • Validation added for superimposed punch and drill holes
• Correction to reporting countersunk & stepped holes on "H" face
• UI modification
  • Moved the Add edge Preparation check box to the Shapes category and removed the Plates category from Customize data tab.
  • Model units from NC-DSTV UI is removed
  • Changes to the Customize tab
  • Option added to write inclined holes to NC file
• Text stenciling data placement/coordinate enhancement
• Industry oriented approach for reporting H face and L shape hole direction for
• Header data improvement for Welded profiles
• Addressing defects into scribing information
  • Report KO & PU block at back face (H) for I profile
  • Direction correction to KO & PU block for Back(H) & Top(O) faces
• Calculated header data improvements

• Improvements in pipe as unfolded plates

Position/Weld Flag Enhancements

Once EED (extended entity data) functionality is setup on the system, you can incorporate parts and group EED data to a PositionFlag definition.

• Click User-defined data

• Select any number of EED data from the available list for both parts and groups

• Notice assign EED data is now part of the PositionFlag definition, hence the EED data will be displayed in the flag whenever this style is used
• You can now place position and weld flags manually in drawing and sheet models.
• Position flags can be distributed on drawing models.

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Drawing Production/DetailCenter Enhancements

• Improved sorting options for the DetailCenter - Number priority sorts by numbers regardless of their place in the detail name. Prefix priority sorts alphabetically based on prefixes and still maintaining Number priority.

• Scaled dimension styles are no longer retained/added to the 3D model, eliminating clutter.
• Now DetailCenter Preview(s) are displayed in one of 8 views specified in the settings tab. This change provides users the ability to preview any number of times without switching design models, hence eliminating the need for re-scanning objects by the DetailCenter.

Note: Two separate default view settings are provided for previews and manual detail creation, they are initially set to view 8 and 7

• You can now preview DetailBlocks from other models without exiting the active model, so long as the detail block was created and exists.
• New replace 2D DetailBlock functionality is added to the DetailCenter:
  • You can replace the DetailStyle assigned to DetailBlock(s) by selecting one from the available list of DetailStyles, the 2D block is automatically updated with the rules in the new DetailStyle and the result can be seen dynamically in the preview window.

• You can also apply additional 2D sections to DetailBlock(s) in the preview, the 2D block is automatically updated and the result can be seen dynamically in the preview window.
• Improved dimensioning features:
  • Arc dimensioning

• • Assignment rules

• • Element best side, based on local part references

• • Local dimensions based on connected parts

    
  • Local dimensions based on connected parts with local zone reference
    

  • Local dimension reference structure, feature global and local zones

• • Local dimensions based on connected parts contact face/edge reference

• • System point dimension improved intersection point recognition
    

• • Benefits from improved dimensioning features
    

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Pipe Flange Connection Enhancements

Pipe flange connection can be created at the intersection of skewed shapes, with options to have the flange plates perpendicular to the first or second shape or at the miter angle between both.

ProConcrete

Face Based Rebar Modeling

Associative Intersection - the tool creates an associative intersecting edge between two associative faces of rebar solids.

The following are rebar tools supported by associative faces and intersections:

• Single Rebar
• Single RebarSet
• Irregular Dispatch
• Single Bar Distribution

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3D Constraints and Variables

User defined variables and constraints can be created and used with concrete solids and rebar elements. Variables and constraints can control relationships between solid objects, such as ensuring the bottom face of a concrete column will be coincident with the top face of a concrete footing. Another use of variables and constraints would be to define a sloping face retaining wall with footing.

Parametric cells

You can create parametric cells by combining Variables, Constraints, Variations, and Face-based Rebar Modeling. Parametric cells can be saved and stored in a library of concrete "parts/objects" that are reinforced and parametric to be reuse.

Annotations with favorites

• Annotation tool places text annotation with leader lines in your drawings
• Annotation can contain intelligent fields which link to various properties in the 3d model.
• Uses standard dimension and text styles to maintain standards

Reporting and tables

Reports extract properties and formats them on to a report, which can be places in a MicroStation drawing as a Table. Beam, such as Column, Footing schedules placed on drawings.

Polycut rebarset now accessible from the ribbon bar instead of keyin.

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Re-factored and Improved Drawing Production

• Rewritten to fully support "Dynamic View" technology
• 2D rebar graphics in drawings are actually an alternative view of the 3D model rebar, hence drawings maintain fidelity with the 3D mode
• Baseline behavior for all rebar: 3D rebar centerline.
• The baseline result can then be changed: Fullsize, Fullsize and Filled.
• Support for references in drawing production

Deprecated ProStructures Tools/Functions