Customer Q&A: VLE Draughting

Q. What is the name of your firm and where is it located?

VLE Draughting (Pty) Ltd. – “VLE” stands for Visual Language of Engineering.

We are located in Pretoria, South Africa.

Q. How many employees does your firm have?

VLE Draughting is still a young company, consisting of two owners, each with a diverse set of knowledge and skills.

Wayne Page (that’s me) is our Senior Detailer, his main responsibility is the actual projects; modeling and detailing from start to finish. He keeps in touch with all stakeholders during the manufacturing and construction process. He controls and communicates any additional information where needed and conducts site visits and meetings.

Benandi Page is currently responsible for managing project progress, office, advertising, marketing, administration tasks and financials. During an increase of projects or tight deadlines, Benandi will assist with the detailing.

Q. What kind of projects does your firm specialise in?

Structural Steelwork ranging from large roof structures, buildings, platforms, towers etc. Here are a few different types of projects we’ve done:

Curved Pipe Truss for the Sokhulumi Community Centre. This was our first project after we have completed our Advance Steel training. Although the project was a challenge, we could already see major benefits working on the Advance Steel software. The entire building consisted of four structural roofs.

 

Building Extension (Mooi Street Structure)

 

Platform (Festive Cold Room – New Mezzanine Floor). Site visits for this project were a big challenge, as the cold room is -22˚ Celsius!

 

Tower (BH Supporting Tower Structure). This was the first project where we collaborated between Advance Steel and Autodesk Revit. The engineer sent us the Revit model and we imported it into Advance Steel. We simply had to create connections and the cat-ladder. We were also responsible for providing the tender and workshop drawings at the end. Autodesk ensured collaboration and interoperability between their software packages time saving, fewer errors and no rework. These were the top 3 benefits of using the BIM (Building Information Modeling) process.

 

Curved Canopy. This was one of our most challenging projects. The canopy had to tie in on existing curved members of a building; there was just no room for error!!

Q. How long have you been using Autodesk Advance Steel?

For about two years, since the beginning of 2015. We started on AutoCAD, later moved over to AutoCAD Structural Detailing, (known as ASD).  Then, early 2015, our software reseller, introduced us to Advance Steel, and we knew this was going to be one powerful software package.

Q. Why did you choose Advance Steel over other 3D modeling options?

There is just no doubt, the 3D modeling process and the production of drawings is much more efficient.  There are more possibilities, (options) overall available within Advance Steel. Advance Steel is customisable; if you are unable to find a connection that works, you can create a custom one, if you need an “out of the ordinary” object, then you are able to create that special part. The main factor that made us choose Autodesk Advance Steel – NO LIMITATIONS – for us!

Q. How long did it take you to get up to speed on the program?

About 2 weeks. We have sufficient experience on AutoCAD, which meant the learning curve for Advance Steel was not that steep. After completion of our training, our focus was on completing a small project, implementing the skills learnt during the course.  As projects evolved in size and complicity, or when we came across certain obstacles, we were determined to find a solution. We did some in-house research and most of the time, phoned our reseller here in South Africa for support.

Find a reseller near you.

Q. How long did it take you to see a return on your investment after making your purchase?

After only 1 month we could see a huge improvement regarding time savings.  Saving so much time per project meant that we were able to take on more projects at the same time and this increased our ROI almost immediately. The trap that people need to look out for is that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.  If you do not get the correct and sufficient training and support, you will not be able to use the software to its fullest capability. After experiencing the Autodesk collaboration and interoperability between their software packages, we saw another increase in our ROI due to less rework, less errors and we saved even more time per project.

Q. What are the key benefits you have found from using Advance Steel?

It is much faster to deliver efficient drawings which leads to saving time and reaching tight deadlines.  Minimising errors, not only in 3D modeling, but also for manufacturing and construction at the end of the day. Collaboration with Revit, Fabtrol, StruMIS and Navisworks, increases our services that we provide, leading to opportunities with bigger clients for bigger projects.

Q. What is your favorite Advance Steel feature?

There cannot be just one … it is everything surrounding 3D modeling.  But, I do have 2 favorites that stand out from the rest:

1. To be able to copy connections, even on members’ properties that are different
2. Copying an entire assembly to a new location without duplicating members

Q. What project(s) are you using the product on now?

We’ve recently been involved in the design and re-creation of various concrete moulds, mostly consisting of plate work.  Our client’s requirements was to use an existing 3D solid, representing the concrete shape, and to design the outer steel work in order to form the mould.  The mould should be able to de-assemble in a curtain way for the concrete to be released. These projects were a new level of challenge for us…  But with Advance Steel’s intelligent plate tools we were able to overcome many obstacles. Due to confidentiality, our client allowed screen shots to be illustrated, but no drawings.

Q. Do you have any advice for someone getting started using Advance Steel?

Take the time to get the correct training and make sure you have support available.  Practice your skills as soon as possible, start with a small project.  If you have some spare time, play around in Advance Steel to find different ways to achieve your goals.  Watch YouTube videos, this is of great help. Get connected with Advance Steel forums.

Q. Is your firm using any other Autodesk products?

We are using Navisworks Freedom to export and view models, mainly for client meeting purposes.  We also encourage our clients to download Navisworks Freedom – this way they get a chance to see how powerful Autodesk products are.

Thank you for sharing your experience, VLE Draughting! For more Advance Steel customer success stories, check out these recent blog posts:

• Customer Q&A: Garden railings come to life with Autodesk Advance Steel
• Coastal Library ‘Rides the BIM Wave’ with Revit and Advance Steel workflows
• Unbelievable Speed: Fabricator slashes time with Autodesk Advance Steel detailing software

If you’d like to share your Advance Steel customer success story or a recent structural design, detailing, or fabrication project that used another Autodesk product on BIM and Beam, please contact us and tell us about your project. You can also tweet a photo directly to our account @AdvanceSteel or use the hashtag #AdvanceSteel.

The post Customer Q&A: VLE Draughting appeared first on BIM and Beam.

from my Autodesk source Bim & Beam: BIM and Beam at http://blogs.autodesk.com/bim-and-beam/2017/05/10/advance-steel-customer-success-vle-draughting/
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Spirally Reinforced Concrete Columns in Revit

The longitudinal reinforcement bars in columns can be tied together with separate smaller diameter transverse bars along the column height or they can be spirally-reinforced.

Spirally-reinforced columns they are ones in which the longitudinal bars are arranged in a circle surrounded by a closely spaced continuous spiral.

Advantages to using spirally reinforced columns

There are two main advantages to using Spirally-Reinforced columns over tied ones.

Improved safety for your structure – Several important structures collapsed due to stirrups opening when subjected to seismic actions. This risk is minimized in the case of using spiral stirrups, since it consists of only one wire as transversal reinforcement, throughout the entire length of the element.

Assembly on site – The circular section concrete columns with spiral transversal reinforcement are easier to produce, require a shorter time to assemble, and when subjected to lateral loads the failure by stirrup opening is not an option.

Creating spirally reinforced columns in Revit

Now you may wonder if it is possible to model Spirally-Reinforced columns in Revit and how to do it.
The answer is YES you can do it and the process of adding such rebars is very similar to adding regular stirrups but is a bit tricky.
In the next series of steps let me show you how to create spirally-reinforced round columns in Revit:

1. In the Rebar Shape Browser you can fine the spiral shape. In the UK template it is the Rebar Shape 77. You might be surprised that selecting this shape and trying to add it to your concrete column does not work because the software does not allow you to add this particular shape like you can do with others.

2.  Instead of adding this spiral shape, first you need to create a circular shape first (e.g shape 75) then change it into the spiral one (shape 77) through rebar properties.

3.  Unlike other rebar families, spiral rebar is multi-planar and cannot be edited at the family level. However, you can edit individual instances. For example you can easily adjust the height of spiral rebar using the triangle shape controls at the top and base of the rebar spiral. Simply drag the arrows accordingly to lengthen or shorten the spiral. These controls do not stretch the spiral. They add the proportionate number of coils required to maintain the specified height of the spiral rebar.

4.  The following instance properties are unique to spiral rebar in the Instance Properties palette.

Base Finishing Turns -Specifies a number of complete coils to close the spiral base.
Top Finishing Turns – Specifies a number of complete coils to close the spiral top.
Height – Specifies the total height of the spiral rebar.
Pitch – Specifies the distance between rebar coils in the spiral.

 

For other tips and tricks related to using Revit to detail concrete rebar, visit these posts on BIM and Beam:

• Learn What’s New in Revit 2018 for Concrete Detailing
• Precast Column with Corbels in Revit
• Stepped Reinforced Concrete Foundations in Revit
• Rebar Shape Images in Revit
• How to deal with Rebar Detailing Visibility in Revit

@tomekf

The post Spirally Reinforced Concrete Columns in Revit appeared first on BIM and Beam.

from my Autodesk source Bim & Beam: BIM and Beam at http://blogs.autodesk.com/bim-and-beam/2017/05/08/spirally-reinforced-round-concrete-columns-revit/
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15 DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOADS ON BUILDING (IN SHORT)

TYPES OF LOADS External loads on a structure may be classified in several different ways. In one classification, they may be considered as static or dynamic. Static loads are forces that are applied slowly and then remain nearly constant. One example is the weight, or dead load, of a floor or roof system. Dynamic loads […]

The post 15 DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOADS ON BUILDING (IN SHORT) appeared first on CivilBlog.Org.

from CivilBlog.Org http://civilblog.org/2017/05/05/15-different-types-loads-building-short/
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The FAB Forum and Autodesk University Las Vegas CFP is open – Here are the details

While you might still be planning your summer vacation, here at Autodesk we’ve started planning for a fall trip to fabulous Las Vegas to try our hand at poker. Just kidding! We’re already gearing up for the 4^th annual MEP and Structural Fabricators Forum 2017. Occurring one day before Autodesk University, this is only conference in North America dedicated exclusively to mechanical and structural contractors, and this year it promises to be better than ever.

We’re inviting you to share your expertise and respond to our call for proposals (CFP). Whether you’re a seasoned Fab Forum or AU speaker, or you’re thinking about submitting a proposal for the first time, here’s what you can expect this year.

The MEP and Structural Fabricators Forum 2016 keynote in Las Vegas, Nevada.

When is this year’s Fabricators Forum?

The Fab Forum is held every year the day before Autodesk University Las Vegas begins. This year the date is November 13, 2017.

What kinds of proposals are you looking for?

• Classes that highlight design to fabrication to field workflows. Attendees want to hear how you’ve implemented, adopted and used Autodesk fabrication solutions. What successes have you had? Describe real world scenarios and workflows with Autodesk products.
• Business Industry Talks (60 minutes in length): A lecture style class for C-level, project managers and decision makers that is focused on industry movements and business benefits of technology.
• Technical Instructional Demos (60 minutes in length): A technical, lecture style class where you will share your experience and expertise in one or more of the Fabrication products, or products that integrate with the Fabrication products.
• Technical Hands-On Labs (60 minutes in length): A technical lab class where attendees will follow you step-by-step on the class computers.

We’re looking for instructors to give hands-on technical labs at the MEP and Structural Fabricators Forum 2017 just like this one on Advance Steel from last year’s event.

How do I submit?

Submit your proposal directly via the Call for Proposals link. The link has lots of great information on preparing your submission.

Please note, to ensure your submission gets categorized properly, check off MEP & Structural Fabricators Conference when asked if you want to submit to any other conference in the CFP form.

You are more than welcome to submit more than one presentation and to the full Autodesk University conference as well as the MEP and Structural Fabricators Forum 2017. The CFP is open for classes for the Fab Forum and the full AU conference, and the more presentations we have to choose from the better!

NEW—request a class or recommend a speaker

Not ready to lead a Fab Forum or AU class? No problem. Tell us what—or who—would help make you better or more efficient in your work. What do you want to learn? Do you know of thought leaders, practitioners, or power users whose unique insights and expertise would enrich the Fab Forum or AU curriculum? Help us help you. This year you can request a class or recommend an industry leader. Check out the AU website for details. We’re all ears.

NEW—vote to help us select this year’s classes

This year you get to help us select classes for the Fab Forum and AU. Review anonymous class proposals on our website as they are submitted, and get a sense for what the community is proposing. This might even inspire you to submit your own proposal or suggest a speaker. When the CFP window closes on May 17^th we’ll ask you to vote for those can’t-miss classes. We can’t wait to hear what you want to learn this year so check the link above after May 17^th!

It’s time to get to work. The Call for Proposals is open!

The post The FAB Forum and Autodesk University Las Vegas CFP is open – Here are the details appeared first on BIM and Beam.

from my Autodesk source Bim & Beam: BIM and Beam at http://blogs.autodesk.com/bim-and-beam/2017/04/26/fabricators-forum-2017-cfp/
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Learn How Sensing Test Improving Reliability

Sensequake is making cities safer and smarter by bringing real sensing data to structural engineering practices. Using their solutions you can improve reliability of your finite element models, directly assess structural integrity and monitor health of all type of structures.

Sensequake technologies can predict a structure’s potential level of destruction in a future earthquake.

Learn more about this software and the workflow:

www.sensequake.com

The post Learn How Sensing Test Improving Reliability appeared first on BIM and Beam.

from my Autodesk source Bim & Beam: BIM and Beam at http://blogs.autodesk.com/bim-and-beam/2017/04/21/learn-how-sensing-test-improving-reliability/
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Learn What’s New in Revit 2018 for Steel Design

Revit 2018 includes a several major updates for steel design and detailing including over 130 new parametric steel connections. The Steel Connections for Revit 2018 add-in has heavily extended its connections categories and now has 24 tube connections, 23 bracing connections, 12 column-beam connections, and two new categories– Miscellaneous, Purlins & Cold rolled.  With these additional connections the user can model different situations found in railings, purlin to rafter, purlin to column, bracing to beam or bracing to column.

These connections will help improve workflows between engineers and detailers by allowing them to exchange steel connection information to produce more accurate estimating and detailing, and reduce errors in fabrication.

Other new features

To improve the steel connections workflow users can now create steel connections between columns, beams and bracings using custom steel profiles.

Placing structural connections between steel framing members is dependent on a number of parameters of the elements in the connections. The Structural Section Geometry group of parameters in the Type Properties dialog lists these dependent parameters. In customized framing elements, the geometry parameters for connections may not exist and then they must be generated.

For such an element Revit analyzes the family and attempts to identify its section shape. The recognition methodology examines the family geometry and tries to match its section to common steel section shapes. Once it’s been matched, Revit generates the necessary structural section from the defined family geometry. This information is then used to create the connection according to the section sizes.

Furthermore, the information is used to run the code check for custom, parametric user-defined profiles.

The way the user can specify the primary element and the order of secondary elements within steel connections has been improved. When the user selects a connection, the generic connection symbol displays the primary element as a filled circle. The secondary elements are displayed as numbered circles. These numbers specify further order in the connection. The numbers can be easily picked and assigned to another element which updates the connection instantly.

This feature gives users greater control over modeling of steel connections in Revit.

Learn more on steel design in Revit:

• Learn what’s new in Revit 2017.1 for Structural Engineers
• Structural Steel Connections in Revit 2017 and Advance Steel 2017
• Structural Connectivity in Revit 2017

 

The post Learn What’s New in Revit 2018 for Steel Design appeared first on BIM and Beam.

from my Autodesk source Bim & Beam: BIM and Beam at http://blogs.autodesk.com/bim-and-beam/2017/04/13/learn-whats-new-revit-2018-steel-design/
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Learn What’s New in Revit 2018 for Concrete Detailing

Building on Autodesk’s strategy to make Revit a robust model authoring tool for designing and concrete detailing, the Revit 2018 release includes a number of new features that increase modeling versatility, accuracy, and productivity for engineers and detailers. We’re excited to share these feature with you—take a look!

In Revit 2018 you can place rebar in concrete elements with complex geometry such as curved piers and decks. To place reinforcements for these objects in a section view you can simply sketch a rebar shape along the cover. Moreover, rebar constraints can be set, thus allowing the rebar to react to the host changes. All the functionalities used for detailing (such as tags and schedules) can also be used.

To fit rebar for complex shapes, you can use rebar sets that vary along inclined faces. To enhance productivity and detailing intent, varying rebar sets can now distribute along curved surfaces, including free form objects.

Documentation is easy with multi-rebar annotations, customizable numbering settings, and accurate schedules that display varying lengths.

These two new features increase 3D rebar modeling versatility and help you define the accurate reinforcement for non-standard concrete element shapes.

To improve the reinforcement workflow, the graphical rebar constraint management is now available in 3D views. It means that now you can graphically make changes of rebar constraints, using in canvas tools in 3D views for enhanced and accurate rebar placement.

You can edit rebar constraints that snap to host faces. The user interface highlights each rebar segment that can be constrained, along with available targets.

Now you can also see a checkbox representing the reference (face or cover) and the value which will be set in accordance with the option set by the check box.

The snap constraint maintains its relationship when you place, move, drag, or copy rebar.

This functionality increases productivity and provides faster model definition completeness helping to keep designs coordinated and accurate.

And last but not least, you can now reinforce imported concrete elements from SAT files or InfraWorks. This improves the design to detailing workflow especially for Infrastructure.

Learn more on concrete detailing in Revit:

• Attention to detail – Revit for rebar detailing
• Precast Column with Corbels in Revit
• Rebar Shape Images in Revit
• Rebar Constraints Management in Revit
• Reinforcement Connectors in Revit
• Variable Rebar Distribution in Revit

 

The post Learn What’s New in Revit 2018 for Concrete Detailing appeared first on BIM and Beam.

from my Autodesk source Bim & Beam: BIM and Beam at http://blogs.autodesk.com/bim-and-beam/2017/04/13/learn-whats-new-revit-2018-concrete-detailing/
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