(09.25.2012) Bentley–Integrated Structural Workflow from Desktop to Tablet eSeminar Attendee Questions

This eSeminar was originally presented on September 25,2012.

You can view the recording online at our BeConnected site (Click Here!).

The following are the ISM-related questions and corresponding answers from the eSeminar.

1. Q: Are you planning on developing apps for android tablets and phones?
   
   A:  Not in the short term, but the Mobile Navigator may eventually work on other mobile platforms. Bentley’s plan is to develop our apps for multiple platforms iOS, Android, and eventually Windows RT. With that said some of the alternative platforms for our mobile apps will not be available until first half of next year.  In-core uses RAM memory whereas out-of-core uses hard drive space.  In-core is faster, but you might run into memory issues for large models.  Typically, you should use all available CPU cores.  However, at times this is problematic for some systems, so the single core option is available to work around those issues if they are encountered.
      
2. Q: What type of file needed to transfer a TEKLA model into STAAD or RAM Structural System?
   
   A: It is the ISM repository (a .ism.dgn file) that is exported from Tekla and imported elsewhere.
      
3. Q: Can we also load piping from PDMS or SmartPlant?
   
   A: Bentley has had discussions with Aveva and Intergraph and would be pleased to help them create ISM links for their products. We suggest contacting them for further information. Aveva also has a direct link to STAAD.Pro for PDMS, refer to Aveva website for more information on that functionality. Also, Bentley does have a modified CIS/2 integration between STAAD and SP3D for structural entities and through a PCF file for integration with AutoPIPE for piping model. AutoPIPE has the only comprehensive 2-way integration with STAAD.Pro i.e. between pipe stress and structural design for faster, more accurate and safer designs.
     
4. Q: There are 9 warnings? 
   
   A: I assume these were warnings in STAAD.Pro – the model was not that refined to be warning-free. 
     
5. Q: Any chance that RISA is looking at integrating with ISM?
   
   A: Bentley has not been approached by RISA regarding integration, but we would welcome working with RISA to help them create ISM links for their products. Since RISA links with Revit and Revit with ISM, there is at least one viable workflow.
     
6. Q: Does STAAD Foundation incorporate the Australian Code?
    
   A: Yes.
    
7. Q: I assume the notes on the details can be moved around?
    
   A: Yes, in ProStructures the 2D drawings are fully editable and notes can be moved around. If the model is changing and the 2D detail has to be updated, the manual modifications will be retained as long as possible.
    
8. Q: Can we get shear and end reaction in Tekla UDA?
    
   A: Transfer of reaction information is not supported in the current Tekla link, but is available in ISM and may be added to the Tekla link in the future.
   
   
9. Q: Can RAM models have an ISM link?
    
   A: Yes, RAM Structural System, RAM Elements, and RAM Concept are all integrated with ISM.
   
   
10. Q: Is leap bridge or power rebar included?
     
    A: Work is ongoing to expand ISM to include items necessary for bridges. Bentley is in the early phases of developing an ISM for Bridges and we want to incorporate LEAP into that eventually. We expect to have ISM links for our bridge products in 1 to 2 years. There are no plans to integrate with Bentley Rebar at this time.
    
    
11. Q: You showed rebars in the model, can you link bending schedules straight to bar bending machines?
     
    A: Bentley doesn’t link rebar to bending machines directly in ProConcrete, but we can link them to aSa rebar software solutions (http://www.asarebar.com) to support the entire downstream workflow. 
    
    
12. Q: What iPhone, (4+), iPad devices (2, 3) are required?
     
    A: The Synchronizer View application requires iOS 4 or later. 
    
    
13. Q: I was able to create grating in ProSteel, but see it as a solid plate in i-modeler. Is there a way to see grating in i-modeler?
    
     A: We only have limited deck mapping in ISM at this time, so grating is not currently supported, but it could be added in theory. 
    
    
14. Q:  Are Shear Studs and Camber transferred through ISM?
    
     A: Yes, studs and camber are saved properties in of members in ISM.
    
    
15. Q: Will STAAD.Pro be replaced by STAAD(X)?
    
     A: STAAD.Pro is such a large application that serves so many different clients in so many different ways. So Bentley is structuring the development of STAAD(X) such that we will provide periodic releases that address the needs of specific clients. For example, we just released version V8i SS2 of STAAD(X) for engineers working in the Australian plant industry. Towards the end of 2012, we will be producing another version adding more high end analysis functionality for engineers working in seismic zones where more advanced analysis and models are needed, which goes beyond the functionality currently being delivered in STAAD.Pro. This means that over the next few years with width and breadth of functionality in STAAD(X) will increase to meet and extend that delivered by STAAD.Pro. Only once all the functionality delivered by STAAD.Pro has been captured, Bentley will consider if STAAD.Pro can be retired. However, in the meantime, STAAD.Pro and STAAD(X) will both be available serving our clients for their specific needs.  
    
    
16. Q:  What about Design Data SDS/2?
     
    A:  Bentley has had discussions with Design Data and would be pleased to help them create ISM links for their products. We suggest contacting Design Data for further information.
    
    
17. Q: Is there a plan to integrate actual connections into the ISM model that can then be passed to Revit? 
     
    A:  ISM now supports connection TAGS and plates, and eventually Bentley hopes to provide full connection definitions, but that is in the distant future.
    
    
18. Q:  Are Canadian codes, Steel and Concrete, NBCC, included?
     
    A: Yes, SFA includes Canadian concrete code for foundation design and NBCC for load combination generation.
    
    
19. Q: Will Mobile ISM models eventually be able to hold information such as reactions, stresses, deflections, etc. once the file is on the iPad? Especially for models created using RAM Elements & RAM Structural System?
     
    A: The mobile app development to this point has been optimized for performance, but as the device performance improves, Bentley could add more information to the MISM file.
    
    
20. Q:  Is each connection design documented? 
    
    A:  When using RAM Connection to design the connections, each design is fully documented. Note in this presentation, a standard connection detail was simply applied to the end of the beam in ProStructures. In relation to complete 2D documentation in regards to fabrication, including the creation of NC files, the software does document this.
    
    
21. Q:  Do you have any apps for augmented Reality?
     
    A: Not at this time, but Bentley has done some research demos on the subject.
     
22. Q: Can I export an ism repository from Tekla Structures?  
     
    A: Yes, import and export functions will be supported in the Tekla link.
     
23. Q: what about interoperability of buildup beam and column?  
    
     A: ISM can handle most any kind of built up section, including tapered sections. Not all ISM enabled products can handle all kinds of sections though. Please refer to the individual products for their own capabilities.
     
24. Q:Centerline... when the steel is imported from STAAD to CAD, is it still from top of steel or can it be on centerline?nbsp; 
     
    A: Bentley is always working to improve the Physical to Analytical conversion between ISM and the analysis and design applications like STAAD.Pro. If the STAAD model is not using offset framing, then some adjustment of the beam elevations in the CAD software would be required. Also, note that STAAD(X) has member location options where a beam location point can be defined.
      
25. Q: When will curved forms such as concrete shafts be read into ISM?
     
    A: Bentley has plans to incorporate curved walls, surfaces, and other complex geometry next year.  
    
    
26. Q: How do we get the continuing education credits? How can I get a certificate of attendance of CEU's?
     
    A:   Bentley Learning Units (BLU), Bentley Institute’s equivalent to Professional Development Hours (PDH), are granted for the live and recorded eSeminar. Within 2-4 weeks of watching the presentation, Learning Units are added to your transcript. To access your transcript, go to www.bentley.com/mylearninghistory. On the "My Learning History" page, there is a detailed how-to guide related to Learning Units and transcripts, in addition to the link to the user’s online transcript. In most states, users can submit their Bentley transcripts for consideration for continuing education credit toward their registration renewals. 
    
    
27. Q: How do I view this eSeminar again or share it with a colleague? 
     
    A: This event along with the live Q&A were recorded and it is available online at our BeConnected site.