Introduction to Advance Steel

Getting Started

Exploring the User Interface

Info Center

Tool Palettes

Viewing the Model

This exercise comprises of three parts and provides practical examples of working with the interface to open, view and save several models.

Starting a New Project

Start a New Project

Project Information

Creating the Building Grid

Levels

Placing Construction Elements

Automatic Steel Connections

In this exercise we will explore the topics covered earlier in more detail. We will first start a new project in a folder created a with the same name as the model (.dwg) file using a template file containing default settings such as the current coordinate system, the orientation, object snap settings and layer assignment.

Project Documentation

Perform a Model Clash Check

Number the Model Elements

General Arrangement & Shop Drawings

Create Bill Of Materials (BOMs)

Instance and Type parameters

In this exercise we will explore the topics outlined in the previous section in greater detail. First, we will use the checking tools to check for hard clashes, tool clearances and errors such as bolt edge distances. We will then number the model and create general arrangement and shop drawings. Finally, we will create the bill of materials.

Stairs and Handrailing

Create Model Views

Create a Straight Stairs Between Selected Points

Create Handrailing Between Selected Points

Insert a Spiral Staircase in the 3D Model

Insert a Vertical Caged Ladder

Create Rectangular Grating

This exercise looks at the creation of stairs and handrailing. After specifying the model views, we will first create a straight stairs using two points, then define the handrailing. Next, we will insert a spiral staircase in the 3D model, then create a vertical caged ladder. Finally, we will create some different types of grating.

Create a Portal Frame Building

The Portal Frame

The Frame Connections

Vertical Bracing

Roof Bracing

Purlins and Sheeting Rails

Cladding

In this exercise, we will create a portal frame then apply the connections. We will copy the frame to create the bays, then add the bracing, purlins, sheeting rails and cladding panels.

Trusses and Hip Roofs

Roof Trusses

Placing a Truss

Define the Truss

Hipped Roofs

Purlins

In this exercise we will insert a truss in the 3D model using the Truss generator macro, then create the hip rafters and finally, insert and connect the cold rolled purlins.

Mezzanine Floor, Stair and Handrails

Mezzanine Floor

Primary Members

Place a Stair

Secondary Steelwork

Flooring

Handrailing

In this exercise we introduce the Mezzanine Floor – Insert macro to create the cold rolled mezzanine floor steelwork.

• NC File Creation

Create NC-DSTV and DXF Files

Generate Cold Rolled CNC - CAM Data

Management Information Systems (MIS)

File Exchange Formats

In this exercise we will number the model prior to creating NC and DXF files for hot and cold rolled steelwork. We will then modify the Management Tools to change the output name to include the project number and also place the reference on a component as a hard stamp.

Custom Connections

Create a User Connection

Insert a User Connection

Modify a User Connection

In the exercise we will create a custom connection using objects from the Connection Vault, then apply the connection to another situation before modifying it. Next, we will define a connection using manually created objects such as bolts, plates, clip angles, welds etc.

Drawing Customisation

Drawing Styles

The Drawing Style Manager

Drawing Prototypes

The Title Block

Management Tools

In this exercise we will create custom general arrangement, assembly, and single part drawing styles in our project. We will define the custom drawing prototype to be used and update the title block with a company logo, then use the Management Tools to modify the properties of the drawing’s elements.

Interoperability with Revit and MI

Element Transfer between Advance Steel and Revit

Structural Columns and Framings Transfer

Steel Fabrication Element Transfer

Structural Connection Transfer and Synchronisation

Analysis Results Transfer from Revit to Advance Steel

Level Import and Export

Grid Transfer and Synchronisation

The GTC Mapping Database

In this exercise we will import a series of SMLX files to Advance Steel which were created in Revit using the Advance Steel Extension for Revit add on. We will then apply connections, export the updated model, and synchronise it with the Revit model.