AUTOPLANT XM

3D-STRUCTURAL
TRAINING
TUTORIAL

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 Course Outline
____________MODULE NAME PAGES______
Module 1 - Starting Structural 3D (S3D) 4-8
Step 1 – Initiating S3D
Step 2 – Main S3D Toolbars
Step 3 – Structural S3D Options

Module 2 - Work Frames and Setting Views 9 - 13

Step 1 – Establishing an Equipment Footprint and Start Point
Step 2 – Creating a Workframe
Step 3 – Changing the Workframe Complexity
Step 4 – Activating Grid Bubbles
Step 5 – Re-Naming Workframe Views

Module 3 - Shape Libraries, Placing Elements 14 - 21

Step 1 – Placing Columns
Step 2 – Grip Editing
Step 3 – Modeling Beams
Step 4 – Copying Members
Step 5 – Modeling Piles

Module 4 – Views, Manipulating & Editing Shapes 22 - 33

Step 1 – Structural Viewtools

Step 2 – Modifying Shape Elements
Step 3 – Modify Sizes of Members
Step 4 – Adding a Cantilever
Step 5 – Copying Beams Vertically
Step 6 – Extend/Trim Beams
Step 7 – Using the Cope/Notch for Cutting Back Beams
Step 8 – Extend/trim at Line

Module 5 – Bracing 34 - 48
Step 1 – Placing Horizontal bracing
Step 2 – Place Temporary Construction Circles
Step 3 – Placing Horizontal Bracing
Step 4 – Cutting Back the Horizontal Bracing
Step 5 – Setting up the Model for Vertical Bracing
Step 6 – K-Bracing (Vertical) – Static Bracing
Step 7 – Cross Bracing – Dynamic Bracing
Step 8 – Bracing the Opening

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____________MODULE NAME PAGES______
Module 6 – Plates 49 - 56
Step 1 – Establishing Outline to Model Grating
Step 2 – Modeling the Grating
Step 3 – Creating the Hole/Cutout in the Grating
Step 4 – Base Plates
Step 5 – Creating A Base Plate Without a Block

Module 7 – Foundations 57 - 69

Step 1 – Modeling A Circular Pile Cap

Step 2 – Modeling A Square Pile Cap
Step 3 – Modeling Pile Cap Plates
Step 4 – Modeling A Hexagon Foundation
Step 5 – Drilling A Hole
Step 6 – Obtaining The Properties
Step 7 – Special Parts List

Module 8 – Stairs, Ladders & Handrails 70 - 85

Step 1 – Modeling Handrail

Step 2 – Modeling Stairs
Step 3 – Changing APS Properties of Handrails
Step 4 – Modeling Ladders

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Module 1 – Starting Structural 3D (S3D)

Step 1 – Initiating S3D

A. Once you launch Structural 3D (S3D), you should get the following options. Set up these options as indicated.
This will only appear if the project image has not been originally set up as per the required units. See Figure 1.

Metric/Imperial options:

Figure 1

Step 2 – Main S3D Toolbars

A. The program will enter a Drawing1.dwg, ‘Close’ this one and through File > New, create a new file using
“Open with no Template - Metric” option. Once you are in this Drawing File, if the S3D toolbars are not
appearing, you will want to hit the specified icon within the AutoPLANT Plant Design main Toolbar. See
Figure 2.

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 Figure 2
Structural 3D

B. An alternative way of bringing up the toolbars is by going to the following selection:

AutoPLANT 3D > Structural.

The Following S3D toolbars should appear: See Figure 3.

Figure 3

Structural Stiffener

Structural Collision Detection

C. To initiate the AutoPLANT S3D license, choose a S3D command such as the Structural Shape .

Step 3 - Structural 3D Options

A. Right Mouse button click within the drawing and go to the following: See Figure 4

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 Figure 4

B. The ‘Options’ & ‘Grips’ should be set as shown: See Figure 5.

Figure 5

C. Next the ‘Shapes’ and ‘Shape Label’ should be set to the following: See Figure 6.

These should
always be ‘ON’

Figure 6

D. Under the ‘Shapes’ ‘Sketch display’, set as shown:

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E. In the ‘Straight Plates’, set as shown: See Figure 7.

Figure 7

F. Under the ‘Bolts’ and ‘Workframe’ there are no changes.

G. Under the ‘Values’ remember the Clip Plane Distance setting: See Figure 8

Figure 8

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H. Under the ‘Loglinks’ there is no changes.
I. Under the ‘Display’ toggle the following: See Figure 9. This is important for 2D drawing and view ports.

Figure 9

J. Finally under the ‘Colours 1 & Colours 2’ , there are no changes.

K. You also might want to set up 2 Viewports so one side can be your Isometric view and the other can be any
other view you might want or need. This is under View > Viewports > 2 Viewports and then at the Command
window prompt, type in V for vertical.
L. Once you have the Options set-up, save the Drawing1.dwg as:
‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M1.dwg’

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Module 2 - Work Frames and Setting Views

Step 1 – Establishing an Equipment Footprint and Start Point

Using AutoCAD draw a 4000 Dia. circle at the following coordinates: E 50300000, N 50500000, EL. 101000
This will represent the footprint of an equipment piece.

A. Select the AutoCAD Circle command.

B. In the command line, type in: 50300000,50500000,101000 and hit ‘Enter’.
C. When it prompts you to Specify Radius of Circle, type in: 2000 and hit ‘Enter’.

D. Using the AutoCAD line command , snap to the center of the circle for the first point and for the
second point, in the command line type in: @-3350, -4000, 0

We now have a point established which will be the bottom the Southwestern platform column of the
workframe.

Step 2 - Creating a Workframe

A. Choose the Workframe command.
B. In the command window it will read:
Specify origin of Workframe or Enter for UCS origin:
At this time you should pick the point at the end of the line you established at the end of Step 1 - D.
C. The command window will then read:
Specify X-axis of Workframe or Enter for UCS X-axis:
Agree with this by hitting the ‘Enter’.
Figure 10 will then appear. Input the following settings as below and then hit the ‘OK’ button .

Figure 10

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Your input will create a workframe for a structure (See Figure 11)
- Two Bays of 17.0m, with a 6.7m Span and 5.0m in height.

You can also delete the AutoCAD line that was drawn to establish the bottom Southwestern point of the
workframe.
The Clipping Plane Distances are set to 500mm – Front and 500mm – Back so that all the elements of the future
structure modeled within this range will be included in the Views and processed through the ‘2D Detail Center’
of the program to become the views on the pertinent 2d drawings.

The 3D Pattern is ON so that all intermediate grids inside the 3D workframe are displayed on the model.

The Roof Views were checked OFF and all values in the ‘Roof Layout’ field are set to ‘0’ so that no sloped roof
would appear on the top. All other Views that are toggled will be created and listed in the AUTOPLANT
Structural Select View window, which will be discussed at a later time.

Figure 11

Now lets make the workframe more complex by using the pull down list under ‘Axis Distance’ and setting new
dimensions.

Step 3 - Changing the Workframe Complexity

A. Grip-Edit your Workframe by selecting somewhere along the bottom of the workframe where there appears
to be a yellow outline with the left-mouse button (The Pick Button). You will see the Workframe appear
dashed with grips at the corners. Once you see this, hit the right-mouse button (The Return Button) and select
the heading ‘APS Properties’.
B. Check OFF both the Length and Height under the ‘Dimensions and Divisions’ area. Input the length: 8000
in the field. Toggle the right side within the Length field and choose the next selection down from the top,
which should be 0.
C. Input the length: 6000 in the field. Once again, select the next available 0 or the third down from the top
along the right side and input the length of 6000. You should now have the 3 amounts within that field if you
toggle the arrow on the right (8000, 6000, 6000).
D. Complete the same exercise in the Height field using the following numbers: 4000, 2000, 2000.
See Figure 12.

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 Figure 12

The resulting 3D Workframe should look like Figure 13.

Figure 13
Please, read the Modeling Procedures Chapter 2, 2.1

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Step 4 - Activating Grid Bubbles
A. To activate Grid Bubbles input the following as in Figure 14.

Figure 14

The Grid Bubbles you observe along the right side and below the Workframe help the designer to keep track of
the gird-line numbers in the model.

In most cases they cannot be used for 2D drawings because of certain limitations. Notably, the numbers cannot
exceed 127 and you cannot combine letters with numbers within one bubble.

Please, read ‘3D Modeling Procedures’, Chapter 2, 2.2

B. Once you have filled in the fields according to Figure 24, hit the ‘OK’ button.

Step 5 - Re-Naming Workframe Views

You need to rename every ‘Flat Workframe’ (Magenta rectangle) presuming that the new name would be the
view title in the 2D drawing.

A. Grip-Edit one ‘Magenta’ frame at a time. With the Pick mouse button, select a flat frame, right mouse
button click and go down to ‘APS Properties’.
B. Go to the ‘Data’ tab and retype the name:

- Sections – SECTION AT PSAAA-BB (AAA – first 3 digits of coordinate, BB - grid bubble number)

- Elevations – ELEVATION AT GRIDLINE ‘A’ or ‘B’

- Plans – PLAN AT EL. XXXXXX (XXXXXX- 6 Digit Elevation - ID the corner of the frame)

If you have trouble selecting a flat frame because of the Pick button selects a face, which you don’t necessarily
want, try using the cycling method.

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Holding the ‘CTRL’ button down, make a selection of a flat frame. If the frame that you select is not the one
you want, hit the left button again and another flat frame will turn to a dashed shape. Once you have established
the right face, release the ‘CTRL’ button, do a right mouse button click and select the ’APS Properties’.

C. Under the ‘Data’ tab in the ‘Name’ field type in the appropriate frame name. See Figure 15.

Figure 15

Save your exercise as “YOURNAME”-TRAINS3D-M2.dwg

End of Module 2

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Module 3 - Shape Libraries, Placing Elements
For ‘Standard Shape Libraries’, please read the Procedures Chapter 3, 3.2 and Chapter 6, 6.1

Save “YOURNAME”-TRAINS3D-M2.dwg as “YOURNAME”-TRAINS3D-M3.dwg

In Figure 16 below you see W200x36 beam selected from CISC_W Standard library with Position (Cardinal Point)
– Top-Middle (Red Circle)

Figure 16
There are two main methods of placement:

- ‘Line’ - select a line on the 3D WorkFrame or a construction line

or by:

- ‘2 Points’ - specify two points in the model

For all steel elements the Material must always stay on “STL CSAG40.21-350W”.

Step 1 - Placing Columns

We will place 4 - W310x60 Columns at the South Bay of this Platform at Grids A-98, A-99, B-98 & B-99. All four
columns should have Position (‘Cardinal Point’) as Center and Rotated so that the strong axis is oriented East-West.

A. Select the AUTOPLANT Structural Shape Selection icon

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B. Under ‘Shape Type’ choose Standard, under ‘Shape Class’ choose CISC_W and under ‘Shape Size’ choose
W310x60. Also, toggle the 90^ so the column is place as with the strong axis is oriented East-West
C. Because of this being a Column, pick the center of the section in the viewing window as the method of
placement.
D. Select the button (See Figure 17) and then choose the vertical line of the 3D -Workframe At Grid A-98
(SW corner). Make sure you follow the prompts in the command window.
E. Once you choose the vertical line, hit the ‘Enter’ on the keyboard to accept the placement. If before you hit the
‘Enter’ button, you keep clicking the left-hand mouse button, the member will rotate around the z-axis until
you hit the ‘Enter’. This applies to all placements of section commands.

Figure 17

Before we continue, lets explain the other methods of placing a rotated member or rotating a member once it has
been placed.

The first way was to toggle the 90^ in the Shape Selection window as in Figure 18.

Figure 18

The second method was previously mention with when you place the member, before hitting the ‘Enter’, keep
clicking the left-mouse button and the member will rotate around the strong axis. Follow the command window:
Command prompt: Pick the desired Point<Line>:
Click left-mouse button to rotate Shape in position or enter to accept:

The third method is to Change Rotation in the APS Properties after the element has been modeled. See Figure 19.

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 Figure 19

Lets continue on with placing the other columns

F. For the Column at Grid B-98 (SE corner), select the ‘2-Point’ Method (See Figure 20).

Figure 20

Before continuing, turn on the ORTHO and OSNAP snaps along the bottom of the AutoCAD window.
(See Figure 21)

Figure 21

G. Using an AutoCAD snap, for example , hold the crosshairs over the bottom corner of the 3D Workframe
and it will automatically select the bottom of the frame. This is will be the start point of the 2 Point method.
Accept this point with a left-mouse button click.
H. Again choose the snap mode, move the crosshairs of the cursor to the top of that same 3D Workframe line and
accept the snap at the top with a left-mouse button click. Hit the ’Enter’ on the keyboard to accept the
placement as is.
I. For the placement of the final 2 columns at grids A-99 & B-99, input the amount of 8000 in the ‘Length’
window. See Figure 22
J. Once again choose the ‘2-Point’ method. Using an AutoCAD snap hold the crosshairs over the bottom corner
of the 3D Workframe at A-99 and it will automatically select the bottom of the frame. Accept this point with a
left-mouse button click.
K. Again choose the snap mode, move the crosshairs of the cursor to the midpoint of that same 3D Workframe line
and accept the snap at the middle with a left-mouse button click. Again hit the ‘Enter’ to accept placement.

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 Figure 22

After you have placed the last two columns, change the length back to 0 so that you don’t accidentally place
future members with this length.

Step 2 - Grip Editing Members

A. Select the NW column at grid A-99.
B. Hit the right-mouse button (Grip Edit) and go down to the ‘APS properties’.
C. Under the ‘Shape Type’ tab, go to the ‘Shape Size’ window and choose the size W310x79. The column will
change automatically when you hit the ‘OK’ button. See Figure 23
D. Change the column size at grid B-99 to a W310x79 as well.

Figure 23

Step 3 - Modeling Beams

Turn OFF the layers: PS_OBJECT and PS_FRAME under the AutoCAD Layers Pulldown

Turn off the layers by clicking the light bulb beside the layer.

We will now model four W250x49 beams connecting the tops of the columns.

A. Select the AUTOPLANT Structural Shape Selection icon .

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B. Change the Insertion (Cardinal) point should from ‘Center’ to ‘Top-Middle’. (See Figure 24)

Figure 24

C. Choose the W250x49 beam. Select the 2-Point method and turn the AutoCAD OSNAP off.
D. Select the PS-Shapepoints from the Structural OSNAP toolbar (See Figure 25) to snap on the top and
midpoint of the SW column at grid A-98.

Figure 25

E. Accept the snap with an ‘Enter’ on the keyboard for the first point of a Beam.
F. Choose the PS-Shapepoints again and snap to the Top/Mid of the SE column at grid B-98.
G. Complete the cycle by modeling all four beams along the tops of the columns. Be careful when you already
have a beam coming to the corner from which you are starting. Make sure you pick the column’s end. Browse
a bit down along the column. (See Figure 26)

PS_Shapepoints correct location

Figure 26
You cursor position on the column This beam which was
away from the modeled beam modeled first (shown for clarity)

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By now your screen should look like Figure 27.

Figure 27

Generally, the absence of sparse (stick) lines makes the modeling process quite different than that in FrameWorks+
(PDS) or MultiSteel (Rebis).

While placing new elements, it’s better to have AutoCAD OSNAP OFF to avoid snapping on the corners (vertexes)
of the shapes, which has been already modeled. PS_Shapepoints and Reference Points as well other PS_points are
going to be the one of the major techniques for placing new elements into the model. 3D Workframes are very
useful for modeling the main beams and columns of the structure. Secondary beams, posts and horizontal bracing
often require creating the network of construction lines.

Step 4 - Copying Members

We will now copy the beam spanning from grid A-98 to A-99 at intervals of 1350, 2000 & 2000 to the east.

A. Select the AutoCAD copy command .

B. With the left-mouse button select the beam from A-98 to A-99.
C. Hit an ‘Enter’ on the keyboard to accept the selection.
D. In the command window, it will ask you to:
Specify base point or [Displacement] <Displacement >:
This point can be anywhere in space with a left mouse button click.
E. When it asks you to:
Specify second point or <use first point as displacement>:
Type in: @1350,0,0
F. Now select the member you just copied and repeat the same procedure with an offset of 2000.
G. Repeat step F again, with the new member that was copied.
H. Repeat this same set of procedures for copying the beam that runs from A-98 to B-98 to the north this time with
spacing of 2000, 2000 and 2000. Type in: @0,2000,0 in the command line when copying the beam.

After you have completed this, the top of the platform should look like Figure 28.

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 Figure 28

Step 5 - Modeling Piles

Steel cap plates, concrete pile caps and pile bells are not shapes and are going to be discussed in later training
modules. We are going to add pile caps later on.

Please, read Chapter 6 of the Procedures.

In a real project piles are modeled in the separate model; here they are included in the steel model for training
purposes only.

Let’s Model piles under each column:

- Under the grid A-98 (SW) and grid B-98 (SE) columns we will place steel piles at each column.

- Under grid A-99 (NW) and Grid B-99 (NE) columns we will place concrete piles without bells.

A. Select the AUTOPLANT Structural Shape Selection icon .

B. From the ‘Shape Class’ window select the JMe-ASTM-Pipe library.
C. From the ‘Shape Size’ window select the DN250 STD.
D. Choose the Center placement position in the right window. See Figure 29.

Figure 29

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E. Select the 2 Point method of placement.
F. Select the PS-Shapepoint snap and specify the bottom of the column at grid A-98 (SW).
G. When it asks you to: Specify Shape end point:
Type in: @0,0,-7000
H. Repeat this same command for the other 3 piles but use the following ‘Shape Class’ libraries and ‘Shape
Sizes’.

- Grid B-98 (SE) ‘Shape Type’ – CISC_HP‘Shape Size’ – HP310x94

For the next two piles, you will have to go to the ‘User Shapes’ library in the top left hand corner and then select the
following:

- Grid A-99 (NW) ‘Shape Type’ – jme_pileshafts ‘Shape Size’ – Shaft900

- Grid B-99 (NE) ‘Shape Type’ – jme_pileshafts ‘Shape Size’ – Shaft600

You can see the properties of each concrete pile by identifying the pile with a left mouse button and then right click
and go down to ‘APS Properties’. Under the Data tab, you see that the Material is ‘Reinforced Concrete’.

The layer should be also changed to PS_PIL-3D with different color. If this layer does not exist, refer to Module 6
– Step 4 on how to create a layer.

Your structure should now look like Figure 30.

Figure 30

Save your exercise as ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M3.dwg

Remember to set the Length back to 0 so that you avoid future possible conflicts when placing other sections.

End of Module 3.

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Module 4 - Views, Manipulating & Editing Shapes
Save ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M3.dwg as ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M4.dwg

Step 1 – Structural Viewtools

These tools may be used instead or in addition to the conventional AutoCAD Views tools.

Using the Airplane view tools is quite self –explanatory; knowing that X is East and Y –North, you can visualize
the orientation of the model on each of the views below. Notice the orientation of the UCS in each view.

Isometric Overview 1 – Isometric Overview 2 –

Isometric Overview 3 – Isometric Overview 4 –

Isometric Overview 5 –

To study the next View tool, turn ON the layers: PS_OBJECT and PS_FRAME.
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A. Select ‘Select View’.

Your list of Views should look like the one below: See Figure 31.

Figure 31

B. Select every view from the list and pick button. You’ll notice that you‘re resetting not only
the View and but also UCS.

Every View is also ‘Clipped’. The clipping planes had been set in the fourth Module 500mm away from the gridline
(each side).

C. Select . The current view stays the same; and the UCS travels to the plane of the grid you’ve selected.

D. The third view command is an overall top view . If you select this, the active view automatically changes to
a fitted top view with the USC displaying as per the top view.

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Step 2 - Modifying shape elements
A. Turn OFF the layers PS_FRAME and PS_OBJECT layers under the ‘Object Properties’ toolbar.

B. Select the ‘Select View’ tool.

C. Set the view to Plan with or from the list in Figure 41, choose PLAN AT 109000 view.
You can also ‘Set UCS’ in the view. See Figure 32.

Figure 32

D. Select Modify1 or Modify2 (they are identical)

The fly outs from Modify1 or Modify2 represents the functions of the dialog box that are identified in Figure 33.

Figure 33
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Let’s start with Division. (See Figure 34)

Figure 34

The numbers along the left side and top represent the number of that beam. When this section refers to #1 or #2 or
whatever, it will refer to that beam.

The stars are the PS-Shapepoints used to specify the dividing lines perpendicular to the beams being divided. The
X’s are the sections of beams that will be removed.

E. At the “Common” tab, there is a section called Divide/Connect in the middle. Choose the Divide button .
F. After choosing Divide, the command window will ask you to Select the Shapes to be Divided: You can select
individually or with a crossing widow. Lets assume you use a crossing window and select beam #4, #5 and #6.
After you have selected these, hit the Enter on the keyboard.
G. The command window will now ask you to Specify dividing Point <Point>, Line. For this you should pick
your PS-Shapepoints snap and choose main beam #3.

If you identify Beam #4, #5 or #6, you will notice that they are now broken into 2 sections each; one section above
beam #3 and one section below beam #3.

H. Perform this same exercise on the bottom section of beams #4, #5 and #6 and use the PS-Shapepoint of beam #1
as the dividing line.
I. Finally, divide beam #2 into 3 sections using the PS-Shapepoints of beams #4 and #6 as the dividing line.
J. Once all the dividing has been completed, erase the two beams with the X’s in Figure 44 above the footprint of
the equipment.

The resulting plan should look like Figure 35:

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 Figure 35

The white marks represent the divided secondary beams (for clarity)

Step 3 – Modify Sizes of Members

The sizes of the members will now be changed as per Figure 36.

A. With a left mouse button, select a member.

B. Once you see the grips points appear on that member, right mouse button click and go down to the ‘APS
Properties’.
C. Under the View tab, under the section ‘Shape Class’ select the appropriate class and subsequently under the
‘Shape Size’ window, select the corresponding size to what Figure 46 indicates.
D. You can also do multiple changes of several members at the same time by identify other members that will be
the same size and then go down to the ‘APS Properties’ and make the changes.
E. When it comes to changes the members to Channels, also change ‘Position’ (Cardinal Point) of every C200x17
channel from Top-Middle to Top-Left. This can be changed under the Position tab as indicated in Figure 37.

Figure 36
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 Figure 37

Step 4 – Adding a Cantilever

For this exercise we will add a 1200mm cantilever.

A. Turn your Ortho lock ‘On’, if it is not already turned on.

B. Identify Beam #3 as in Figure 44 with a left mouse button click.

C. Grab the left grip point.
D. In the command window, type in: @-1200,0,0 and hit the ‘Enter’ on keyboard.
E. Continue extending Beam #2 and #1 (Figure 44) the same amount of 1200mm.
F. We now want to copy the W200x36 that is on the left side of the equipment footprint over the amount of
2550mm.
G. Select the AutoCAD copy command.
H. Identify the member and then hit an ‘Enter’
I. In the command window, type in: @-2550,0,0 and hit an ‘Enter’.
J. We now want to Divide the 3 beams that were extended by the left hand (Grid A-98 to A-99) W310x45 beam.
To accomplish this, refer back to Step 2 of this Module.

The top view of your structure should now look like Figure 38.
#4 #6

#5

#3

#2

#1

Figure 38

K. You will now square off the corners as per Figure 39.
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 Figure 39
L. Make sure your OSNAP is turned on.
M. Grip stretch the top and bottom W250x49 beams towards the outer edge of the W200x36 beam. (Figure 39)
N. Once you grab the grip point to stretch, if you run your crosshairs along the outer edge of the W200x36, a
yellow triangle should appear around the midpoint of that W200x36 or a yellow square near the top outer edge
of that same beam.

Step 5 – Copying Beams Vertically

Copy the W250x49 beams on the north (Grid A-98 to B-98) and south (Grid A-99 to B-99) edges.

A. Working in the Isometric view utilizing Step 4 of Module 3, copy the two beams specified up 2000mm. Your
keyin in the command window will be: @0,0,2000.
B. Turn on the PS_FRAME layer and now utilize the copy command again with the use of the 3D–Workframe as
construction lines to copy the original two specified beams 4000mm down.
C. Extend the 4 columns, one at a time, at grid A-98, A-99, B-98, B-99 to the top of steel (TOS EL 111000) of
the 2 beams that were copied 2000mm up.
D. Use the grip-stretch column shape to the Reference Point of the upper beam. If you hold the ALT key down
and choose the PS_Shapepoints snap, a star will appear in the area of what the intersection (Reference Point)
of the top of steel of the beam and center of column would be.

Step 6 – Extend/Trim Beams

Working in the plan view, we want to cut back all the beams which frame to the columns. For this use the
Extend/Trim At Object (See Figure 33).

A. Pick the Modify1 icon. or type in the command window: ps_modify

B. In the Extend/Trim window, select button.
C. In the command window the following will appear:
Cut Shape at Distance=0.000000
Select shape to cut or ESC for more Shapes to cut:
D. Hit the ESC button on the keyboard and select the 4 beams (3 in an East-West and 1 in North-South) that are
connected to the column at grid B-98. You can also use a crossing window to select all of the beams. (See
Figure 40)
E. Once you have selected the 4 beams, hit an ‘Enter’ on the keyboard.
F. The command window will now ask you to Select shape on which to cut:
G. At this point you should now select the grid B-98 column with a left mouse button click. Make sure that you
don’t select the W-shape pile beneath the column.

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Beams to cut Column on which to cut

This is the Pile beneath

The beams are shown cut back already for clarity Figure 40

Before proceeding with the next step save your model as ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M4-A.dwg and then return
back to ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M4.dwg.

‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M4-A.dwg will be used for Step 8. - Alternative with straight cuts.

Step 7 – Using the Cope/Notch for Cutting back Beams

This will be used to cope cut back secondary beams form the main beams.

A. Select the Modify1 icon or type in: ps_modify in the command window.
B. Select the Cope button in the Cope/Notch window. See figure 41. The command prompt will be as follows:
Select second Shape to Cope:

Figure 41

C. Select the North portion of Beam #6 (See Figure 34) above the Main beam #3 with the left mouse button. The
command prompt will then be: Select shape on which to cut:
D. Then select the main beam #3 itself with the left mouse button. This beam is that of which you are coping the
first beam in to. After you select the 2nd beam a dialog box will appear. See Figure 42
E. Toggle and input the information as shown in Figure 42. Make sure the ‘Radius’ is set to 0.0000.
F. If you only have one shape to cope, you can hit the ‘OK’ button in the dialog box.
G. If you have several secondary beams to cope into the same main beam, hit the ‘Clone’ button.
H. You will then be prompted in the command window to:
Select all Shapes to Cope:,Shift+Esc for Filter
Select objects:
I. At this point select the northern portion of beams #4 and #5 with the left mouse button one at a time. You can
also use a crossing window to accomplish the same thing.

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J. Once you have selected these, hit the ‘Enter’ button on the keyboard.
K. The command window will then ask you to Select shape on which to cut:
L. You can then select the main beam #3 again.
M. Once you have selected this, the dialog box will appear again. See Figure 42
N. Hit the ‘OK’ button and the beams selected will have been coped to the main beam. See Figure 43
O. Once this is complete, go throughout the platform and cope all secondary beams framed to the main beams.

Figure 42

These two beams are going the first beam - Figure 43

to be coped as ‘Clone’ already Coped

Save ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M4.dwg

The advantage of Cope method is that it creates Logical Links between secondary beams and the main beam. Thus,
when the main beam has to be resized, all the secondary steel framed to it, gets re-coped automatically.

The disadvantage is that every cope increases the model size in the range from 1 to 3KB so a model of 500 beams
may become substantially bigger because of copes.

Open ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M4-A.dwg

30
Step 8 – Extend/Trim At Line
To cut back secondary beams from the main beams select the ‘Extend/Trim At Line’ command.

A. Select the AutoCAD line command .

B. Draw a construction line from the northern edge of the flange of the main beam #3 as in Figure 44. Make sure
both the ORTHO and OSNAP snaps are on.

Crossing window to select the beams to cut

Figure 44 The construction line

to cut from

C. Select the Modify1 command or at the command prompt type in: ps_modify.
D. In the ‘Extend/Trim’ window choose the At Line button. See Figure 45

Figure 45

E. The command prompt will read:

Cut Shape at line Distance=0.000000
Select desired Object at the Cutting edge or <ESC> for more Objects:,Shift+Esc for Filter
Hit the ‘ESC’ button on the keyboard.
F. Now select the portion of Beam #4 (North of the Main Beam #3) or with a crossing window, select the North
portion of all 3 secondary beams # 4, #5, and #6.
G. After the selection, hit the ‘Enter’ button.
H. The command prompt will then read:
Pick the wanted Cut Line (+Alt to Fit to) (Point,pLane),<Line>

Snap to the far side of the construction line that was previously drawn and accept this with a left mouse
button.
I. The command prompt will then read:
Specify side to be cut:
From the construction line move your cursor toward the center of the main beam and left-click. This means that
you are cutting the secondary beams from that point toward the center of the platform. If you moved your
cursor the opposite way (to the North), the beam would be cut from the outside of the flange towards the North
end of the structure.
J. Repeat this operation to cut back all the secondary beams of the platform.

31
 The result of this method is a straight vertical cut. However, it does not produce Logical Links. Therefore,
you’d have to re-cut the secondary beams if and when the main beam has to be resized.

After you finish cutting the platform beams the plan should look like Figure 46.

Figure 46

Regardless of how the beams were cut with one or another method, the work points for modeling horizontal bracing,
meaning the Top-Center of the secondary beam and the Top-Center of the main beam, still remain as the Reference
Points (PS-Shapepoint + ALT Hold)

However, you won’t be able to find these Reference Points at the locations where the secondary beams had been
divided. (Step 2) Therefore, it is advisable not to use Divide on the beams where you anticipate horizontal bracing.

Use the ‘Isometric Overview1’ to get an isometric view and then in the command window, type HI for
‘hidden line’ (try to avoid using ‘Shade’ or ‘Render’ especially for the large models).

By now, the overall view of your model should be like Figure 47 in a hidden line-rendering mode.

32
 Figure 47

To get the view back to it’s original state, in the command window type in ‘Regen’.

Save your Drawing.

End of Module 4.

33
Module 5 - Bracing
Save ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M4-A.dwg as ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M5.dwg

Please, read the Procedures, Chapter 3.5 - Horizontal bracing - Singular elements

Step 1 – Placing Horizontal Bracing

A. Select the ‘Select View’ icon .
B. Set one view as PLAN AT 109000.

The horizontal bracing we are going to model has a pattern as shown below in Figure 48:

Figure 48

As was explained in the previous Module 4, some of beam-ends have Reference Point and others don’t (the beam
ends resulting from Divide command)

Step 2 – Place Temporary Construction Circles

A. Let’s start by placing little ‘targets’ (circles 300mm DIA.) on the beam-ends where it is possible to obtain the
Reference Point.

B. Select the AutoCAD Circle command. . Refer to Figure 49 to see where you will place the smaller 300mm
Dia circles
C. Hold down the ‘ALT’ key and pick the PS_Shapepoint snap icon . Once you cross over the intersection of
the position placement of the members (Refer to Position tab under APS Properties), A star will appear and hit
your left mouse button.
D. The command window will ask you to Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]:Type in 300.
E. Continue placing the small circles as per Figure 49.

F. After placing the small circles select the AutoCAD line command and using the center of circle snap ,
draw an orthogonal line towards where the large circles are indicated on Figure 49. Make sure that the
ORTHO lock is turned on. You will eventually use these intersecting lines as the center points for the larger
34
 500mm diameter circles. Also, make sure these lines are all on an EL. 109000, which should be the same as the
smaller 300mm circles. Refer to Figure 50 for the lines, which should be drawn.

Figure 49
Construction
lines

Use Alt (HOLD) >

PS_Shapepoint snap
Figure 50

G. Using the Intersecting snap , draw a 500mm diameter circle at the intersections of these lines as per
indicated in Figure 50. Again, check to make sure these circles are at EL109000. All of these circles will serve
as Work Points for modeling the Horizontal Bracing.

Technically, this is not the only way to construct the Work Points; it is demonstrated here because, apparently, it is
the easiest and visually obvious way (not necessarily the fastest).

35
H. Once you have established the larger 500mm dia. circles, delete the AutoCAD construction lines that were
placed previously to this.

I. Using an AutoCAD move command .

J. Select the 9 circles and then hit an ‘Enter’.
K. When the command prompt ask’s you to identify a base point or displacement, click anywhere in space with the
left mouse button and then type in @0,0,-100. This will move the circles down 100 mm.

Step 3 – Placing Horizontal Bracing

A. Select the AutoPLANT Structural Shape Selection icon .

B. See Figure 51 for the Sizes, which should be placed, as the Horizontal Bracing in the appropriate locations.
The numbers beside the circles will also be referred to as we move along.

WT100x13.5

#1
#2

#3 #4

#7

#9
#5

L102x102x6.5 #6 #8
2L102x76x7
Figure 51

C. Let’s place the WT100x13 bracing first; Under the Standard Section Library in the AutoPLANT Structural
Shape Selection, select the ‘Shape Type’ of Standard, ‘Shape Class’ of CISC_WT. Under ‘Shape Size’
pick the WT100x13.5. In the Position window, pick the Top-Center of the WT. ‘Turn’ should be ‘0’.

D. Select the placement by ‘2 Point’ method .

E. Using the Center of Circle snap , choose the center of the circle #1 as the first point. Select the Center of
Circle snap again for the second point, which is circle #2. Hit the ‘Enter’ on the keyboard to accept placement.
Remember if you hit the left mouse button after your second point of placement, the member will rotate.
F. Without leaving the command, you can choose a new start point for the same size member. Once again, select
the Center of Circle snap and identify circle #2 as the start point and then circle #4 as the end point.
G. Continue following the same procedure to place the 3rd and last WT100x13.5 Horizontal Brace between circles
#4 and #5.

H. Now lets place the L102x102x6.5 angle. Go back to the AutoPLANT Structural Shape Selection .
I. Under the ‘Shape Class’, choose CISC_L and under ‘Shape Size’ choose the L102x102x6.5. ‘Turn’ should
be ‘180’. And then in the Position window in the upper right, choose the Top-Center placement.
J. Choose placement by ‘2 Point’ and using the Center of Circle snap, place the angle from circle #2 to #3 and
subsequently #3 to #5. Use the same method as was previously outlined.

36
K. For the final 4 Horizontal Braces, change the ‘Shape Type’ from Standard to Combined Shape. Under
‘Shape Class’ choose JME_2UNEQ and 2L102x76x7 in the ‘Shape Size’. Set ‘Turn’ to 0 and select the
Top-Center of the double angle as placement in the position window.
L. Once again use the 2 point placement and follow the same previous procedure in placing the Bracing from
circle #5 to #6 and then subsequently #6 to #7, #7 to #8 and finally #8 to #9.

Step 4 – Cutting back the Horizontal Bracing

A. Select the Modify1 icon .

B. Under the ‘Shapes’ tab, choose . See Figure 52.

Figure 52

C. The command window will read: Select Shape at end to be shortened: At this point with a left mouse button,
pick the end of the first brace you had place near circle #1.
D. The command window will then read: Specify modification length: A 250mm distance is one of the most
common so at this prompt, type in: 250
You will add another cutback later on where the angle of the brace is sharper than usual.
E. From this point you can continue selecting the ends of the Bracing with the left mouse button near the circle’s
#2 through #9 and it will cut back the bracing the same 250mm. Be careful not to select near the same end
twice of that element or it will cut it back an additional 250mm

The resulting bracing should look like Figure 53.

Figure 53
37
It is always good to check bracing by setting the view perpendicular to the plane of bracing;
In case of horizontal bracing it would be front or side view: See Figure 54 to do this you can just set one of the 3D
AutoCAD view to ‘Front’ to see the bracing.

Figure 54

If you see that one or two bracing elements mistakenly modeled slanted, delete them in the same side or Front view
and then remodel in Plan view (you cannot change the orientation of a modeled element in ‘3D Structural’).
This time it should be easier because you can use the Reference Points of the adjacent bracing as the Work Points
for the brace, which you are going to remodel.

Step 5 – Setting up Model for Bracing

We are going to model WT125x19.5 K-Bracing (Vertical Bracing) in the locations as indicate below with the
AutoCAD lines in Figure 55.

Figure 55

A. Set one viewport to the SE isometric view (Blue Airplane – Overview 1).
B. Set the other viewport and the UCS to the plane of the bracing you are going to model. To do this, select the
Object View Centered from the Structural Viewtools toolbar. See Figure 56

Figure 56
C. Select the PS_Shapepoints and select the bottom of the grid A-98 (SW) column. A 3-Dimension shape
will appear at that point similar to that in Figure 57.

Figure 57
38
D. As you move towards one of the cone shape figures, you will notice that a mirrored image of that cone will
appear opposite of that cone. This mirrored image opposite indicates the direction perpendicular to the plane in
which you choose to view the structure. In this case being that we want to look from the South looking North,
move the cursor towards the cyan cone (Arrow). Once you see the mirrored image, click your left mouse
button. See Figure 58.

Figure 58

Once you hit the left mouse button, the view will update with that particular face. If you get the view, rotated the
wrong way, immediately press ‘Enter’ twice to get the right orientation. The view will now be the right way with
the UCS at the location requested (bottom of column). See Figure 59.

Figure 59

E. Using PS_Shapepoints , draw an AutoCAD line from the bottom of the column at Grid A-98 to the
midpoint of the beam (at the beam centroid). Repeat the same procedure from the bottom of the column
at grid B-98 to the midpoint of the beam. These lines will serve as the construction (system) lines to
model the bracing.

39
Now the bracing panel should look like Figure 60:

Figure 60
Step 6 - K-Bracing (Vertical) – Static Bracing
A. Select the ‘Bracing static’ icon as shown in Figure 61

Figure 61

B. Select the settings as shown in Figure 62:

Figure 62

40
C. Select the ‘Creates a complete Bracing’ button . The command window will prompt you to:
Pick System Line of Brace Member <Line>, Point:
At this point select the first construction line that was placed. Keep in mind when you are picking these with the
left mouse button, nothing highlights or actually is identified in anyway that you have made the right selection.
D. The command prompt will then read:
Pick Border Line of Brace Member or Return for End <Line>, Back, Point:
Select the outside of the flange toward the inside of the structure. See Figure 63.

Outer
Edge

Figure 63

E. The command prompt will again read:

Pick Border Line of Brace Member or Return for End <Line>, Back, Point:
This time select the bottom edge of the beam flange. See Figure 64.

Lower
Edge

Figure 64

F. After selecting the bottom edge, hit and ‘Enter’ on the keyboard. After hitting the ‘Enter’, another box will
come up like Figure 65. Accept this with . If this figure does not show up after you hit the ‘Enter’ and you
are returned to the main AutoPLANT Structural Bracing window, it means that you might have missed
identifying one of the flanges along the line. If this happens, then restart from the beginning.

Figure 65

41
G. The next command prompt will read:
Pick Border Line for Gusset Plate or Return for End <Line>,Back,Point:
Hit the ‘Enter’ on the keyboard to accept placement of the lower gusset plate.
H. Again the command prompt will read the same:
Pick Border Line for Gusset Plate or Return for End <Line>,Back,Point:
Once again, hit the ‘Enter’ on the keyboard to accept placement of the upper gusset plate. After the second
‘Enter’ the AutoPLANT Structural Bracing (Figure 66) will appear.
I. Continue with the same process to place the second vertical brace.
J. You can now delete the 2 original construction lines that were placed.

Now the bracing panel should look like Figure 66:

Figure 66

K. Set one viewport to the SE isometric view (Blue Airplane – Overview 1) and repeat Steps 5 in order to set-up
the model the K-Bracing on the north side of the platform. After the Bracing has been placed on the North
Side, we will change the section to double-angle bracing. The only difference in the settings of the
‘AutoPLANT Structural Static Bracing’ dialog box this time are going to be the following. See Figure 67.

Figure 67

42
L. We now want to change the bracing on the north side to 2L102x76x7. Select one of the bracing members on the
north side and go to ‘APS Properties’. See Figure 68.
M. Under the Shape Type tab and change the ‘Shape Type’ to Combined Shape.
N. Change the ‘Shape Class’ to JME_2UNEQ.
O. Finally, change the ‘Shape Size’ to 2L102x76x7.

Figure 68

The only advantage of Static Bracing over singular elements is that it cuts the braces back and creates gusset plates
automatically.

Similarly, if you model Knee Bracing; it would be just more work with defining the bracing work points (the ends
of the system line).

Step 7 - Cross Bracing – Dynamic Bracing

We are going to model WT155x26 cross bracing on the East side and 2L127x89x13 on the West side of this
platform. See Figure 69.

Before you begin, please read the Procedures Chapter 4, 4.2 on Dynamic Bracing

A. Set one viewport for the SE Isometric view.

B. Turn On PS_Object layer.

C. We want to repeat Step 5 – Setting up the Model for Bracing but this time you will originally set your view
and UCS at the bracing panel for the East side and draw the construction lines and then the West side. Keep in
mind the work points of bracing when you are drawing the construction lines. Use the Bottom/Center of column
for the lower end (Grid B-98) and Centroid of the beam and center of column (Grid B-99) for the upper end of
the bracing. (Procedure 4.2 for explanation) See Figure 80. Use the PS_Shapepoints to draw these lines. This
line will serve as the construction (system) line to model the bracing. You will only need to draw one line on
each face. (West and East Sides)

43
 Figure 69

Figure 70

D. Start Dynamic Bracing

E. The command prompt will read:

Pick System Line of Brace Member <Line>,Point:
Select the construction (System) line that was placed.
F. The command prompt will read:
Select first main element to connect Brace:
Select the south column edge of flange.
G. Immediately after picking the edge of the column, the command window will read after the previous line: Select
second main member to which Brace connects at opposite end:
Select the beam bottom edge of flange. An AutoPLANT Structural Bracing window will pop up. See Figure
71. Select settings as shown below:

44
 Figure 71

H. Go to the next tab ‘Shape Bracing’ and input the setting as shown in Figure 72.

Figure 72

I. Hit the button and the cross bracing will now appear.
J. Now select the two diagonal bracing members that are broken to accommodate the full length diagonal
member, one at a time, with the left mouse button and then with the right mouse button go down to the ‘APS
Properties’.
K. Under the View tab resize the WT155x26 to 2L127x89x13. Change the ‘Shape Type’ to Combined Shape,
‘Shape Class’ to JME_2UNEQ, and the ‘Shape Size’ to the above specified. See figure 73.

Figure 73
45
L. Under the ‘Position’ tab (See Figure 74) change their Position (Cardinal Point) from Center to Top-Middle and
rotate them 180 Deg by hitting the +90 button twice.
M. Follow the same procedure to change the size of the 3rd full-length diagonal member but do not change the
position for the 3rd full diagonal member. Leave it as Center position. Refer to Figure 75.

Figure 74

N. After this is complete, delete the construction line used to place the bracing.

The dynamic bracing is a Structural Object, so the change you’ve made in Step J is going to be superceded if and
when you change the location or the properties of the object. By now the bracing looks like Figure 75.

Figure 75
O. Repeat Step 7 for the west side of the structure.

Step 8 – Bracing the Opening

A. Now let’s add C200x17 channels on the corners of the opening. See Figure 76. Lets Place a line from the
PS_Shapepoint of the intersection of the South main beam and the west beam. Select the line command and
while holding down the Alt button, select the PS_Shapepoint . You see a star appear which would be at
the top of steel of the intersection of these two beams.

46
B. With a left mouse button accept this as the first of two points. Then in the command window keyin:
@1200,0,0. This will draw a line 1200mm to the east.
C. Follow the same procedure and draw a line 1200mm to the North.
D. You can now draw a diagonal line by snapping to the endpoint of one of these lines for the first point and going
to the endpoint of the second line for the second point. This line will be used to place the C200x17 channel.

E. Once this line is established, go into the AutoPLANT Structural Shape Selection Library and under the
Standard library, choose CISC_C for a ‘Shape Class’ and a C200x17 for the ‘Shape Size’. Make sure set
Turn to 0.
F. Choose placement by ‘Line’ and then with a left mouse button, select the diagonal line you placed.
G. Hit an ‘Enter’ on the keyboard.

H. You can now mirror copy this member by selecting the AutoCAD mirror command . After selecting the
icon, select the member and hit an ‘Enter’ to accept.
I. The command prompt will then read:
Specify first point of mirror line:
Select the midpoint of either the main beam along the bottom or the other beam along the left hand side.
J. It will then prompt you to
Specify second point of mirror line:
If the midpoint was that of the bottom beam, move your cursor towards the middle and hit a second left mouse
button.
K. The command prompt will then read:
Delete source objects [Yes/No]
Type in N for No and hit an Enter. This is so that you are going to actually mirror copy the member and not just
mirror it. Delete all construction line that may have been used for this operation.

Your top view should now look like Figure 76

Figure 76

The overall SE view of the model should be like Figure 77.

47
 Figure 77

Save your model as ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M5.dwg

End of Module 5.

48
Module 6 - Plates
Save ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M5.dwg as ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M6.dwg

Read Chapter 5 of the Procedures

We are going to model 32mm grating on top of the platform

Step 1 - Establishing Outline to Model Grating

A. Using your knowledge from Module 5 – Step 4, use the Object View Centered icon and set a viewport
for the Plan at El. 109000.
B. Draw two lines from the corners of a column, offset 10mm and trim as shown below in Figures 78 & 79.

Figure 78 Figure 79

C. Repeat this step for every column.

D. Draw lines at the outer edges of the perimeter beams (also trace the opening).

Note that Z-coordinate is locked at 109000. Therefore, the lines are at TOS Elevation, although you had OSNAPS
on the vertexes of the column shape.

E. Turn OFF the Shape’s layer.

F. Join the corners, similar to that of Figure 79. Then join the all the lines to form two closed shapes; the inside

hole and the outer perimeter of what will be the grating. To join the lines, use the polyline command .

Under the Modify II Toolbar.

G. Follow the command window prompts: First you will identify all the lines of the shape until all the lines are
highlighted and then hit an ‘Enter’.
H. The command window will read:
Convert Lines and Arcs to polylines? [Yes/No] <yes>
Type in: Y for Yes and ‘Enter’.
I. Next the command window will read:
Enter an option [Open/Close/join/Width/Fit/Spline/Decurve/Ltype gen/exit} <exit>
Type in J for Join and ‘Enter’.
J. Next:
Enter fuzz distance or [Jointype] <0>
Hit an ‘Enter’.
K. Finally the window will read:
Enter an option [Open/Close/join/Width/Fit/Spline/Decurve/Ltype gen/exit} <exit>

49
 Hit an ‘Enter’ again to accept the exit.
L. Perform the same polyline procedure to create the shape that will be used as the hole inside the platform. See
Figure 80.

If AutoCAD refuses to join any line, it means that this line is drawn slanted or non-coplanar.

Figure 80

M. Once you have created the polyline-closed shape, move this shape to layer 0.

Step 2 - Modeling the Grating

A. Keeping the same view and UCS start Plate command. See Figure 81.

Figure 81

B. Set the options as below in Figure 82-1 and Figure 82-2. Select the correct material: ‘32mm Serrated Grating’

Figure 82-1

50
 Figure 82-2

C. Press the ‘Insert a Plate by a selected polygon, circle or arc’ .

D. Select the poly-line drawn at the perimeter of the platform. This will create a 32mm thick piece of grating.

Step 3 – Creating the Hole/Cutout in the Grating

A. Select the Modify1 icon .
B. Under the ‘Common’ tab, ‘PolyCuts’ section, choose the Polyline button. See Figure 83.

Figure 83

C. Select the modeled poly-plate of the grating and then, the inner poly-line (hexagon). This will create a hole in
the Grating.
D. If the PS_SHAPE layer is turned, turn it back on by hitting the lightbulb.

E. In the command window, type in Hide, the platform should look like Figure 84.

51
 Figure 84
Keep the poly-lines on a temporary layer; they will be used for modeling the handrails in a later module.

Step 4 – Base Plates

Base plates are inserted as blocks, which will be exploded. These can be placed from two different libraries:
Jme_BasePlates – for Metric or Jim_BasePlate – for Imperial libraries.
The result is a Poly-plate with a few centerlines to depict the anchor bolts location.
A. In the command window, type in the word insert. See Figure 85.

Figure 85
B. Toggle the Specify On-screen.
C. Hit the Browse button and go to the directory indicated in the Path: C:\Program Files\Bentley\Plant
XM\StrucutalR16\ S3D_Blocks\3D_BasePlates_4AB
D. Under this directory, select the JMe_BP_W310x200_4AB.dwg plate
E. Hit the ‘OK’ button.
F. The command window will read:
Specify insertion point or [Scale/X/Y/Z/Rotate/PScale/PX/PY/PZ/PRotate]:
Select the PS-Shapepoints and select the bottom of the column for the insertion point.
See Figure 86.
G. The command window will read:

52
 Specify rotation angle <0>. Depending on the rotation of the column and with Reference to the Jacobs
Standards (A1-US-36316A). The Base Plate in this case should be placed with the long side parallel to the web
of the column. Therefore in this case, if you move your cursor towards the South, the base plate will be placed
accordingly.

The BasePlate being inserted

The column End PS_ShapePoint Figure 86

H. You now want to copy the SW Base Plate to SE column using the PS-Shapepoints of the columns as Base Point
and Second Point.
I. Once the SW Base Plate is placed in the correct position, it should then be exploded so that we can trim back
the column to the top of the base plate. In the command window, type in X for Explode.
J. Select the Base Plate and then hit an ‘Enter’ to accept. Everything is now a separate item within this plate.

K. We now want to trim back the SW column to the top of the plate. Select the Modify1 icon .

L. From the ‘Extend/Trim’ section, select the ‘At Object’ button . See Figure 87

Figure 87

M. First pick the column and then pick the base plate with the left mouse button. You will notice the column is
now cut back to the top of the plate.
N. Trim the SE column at the Base Plate following steps I to M again.
O. For the NW column we will insert a Jme_BP_W310x250_4AB Base Plate. Once again, type insert in the
command window and find the specified base plate. See Figure 85.
P. Place the base plate at the bottom of the column using the PS-Shapepoint and then rotate 90 around the center of
the column so instead of moving your cursor around, just type in 90 when it ask you to specify the angle.
Q. Explode the block, and trim the column at the Base Plate.

53
R. For the NE column we are going to model the Base Plate (instead of inserting a block). First of all we are
going to create a layer for piles (if this doesn’t already exist). We will call it PS_PILE. Go to the Layer
Properties Manager . The following window will appear. See Figure 88.

Figure 88

S. Hit the New Layer button and a layer will be created. In the ‘Name’ Field, type in: PS_PILE. If you
double click on the color, a palette will appear. In the Color field, type in: 130, which is a Cyan color. Make
sure the ‘Linetype’ field reads continuous. Hit the ‘OK’ button and the layer is now created.
T. Lets move the 4 piles to this new layer. With a left mouse button select the 4 piles and then go to your layer
selection and choose the layer that was just created and pick that layer.

U. After you change the piles to that layer, turn off the layer by turning off the light bulb.

Step 5 – Creating A Base Plate Without a Block

A. We want to move USC to the center of the NE column. In the Isometric Overview 1 window zoom in to
the bottom of the grid B-99 (NE) column.
B. In the command window, type in: UCS
The window will then read:
Enter an option [New/Move/orthoGraphic/Prev/Restore/Save/Del/Apply/?/World]
Type in M for Move. Using the PS-Shapepoint, select the bottom of the column.
C. Draw two construction lines; one in the x-axis and one in the y-axis from the 0,0,0 or bottom of column.
D. Offset the X-line 250mm each side and Y-line 225mm each side. See Figure 89.

54
 Figure 89

E. In the plan view use the Chamfer command to join the 4 corners to form a rectangle, and chamfer the lines as
shown below. See Figure 90

Figure 90

F. Delete the two construction lines starting at 0,0,0.

G. Follow Module 4 - Step 1 and create a polyline shape of these 4 lines.
H. Keeping the same UCS, start Plates command and select the following settings. See Figure 91

55
 Figure 91

I. Click and select the poly-line.

The resulting Base Plate should look like the one below. Figure 92

Figure 92

I. Select the Modify1 icon and Trim at Object to trim the column and then delete the construction poly-line.
J. Click the ‘Blue airplane to reset UCS to WCS and set the program default overall isometric view. Type in
UCS, hit an ‘Enter’ and then type in W for World and then ‘Enter’ again.

The method described above could be used to model any plate with any orientation in the 3D space of the model.
Note that the underside surface of the plate to be modeled should always lay in the XY plane of the current UCS.

Save your model as ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M6.dwg

End of Module 6.

56
Module 7 - Foundations
Save YOURNAME-TRAINS3D-M6.dwg as YOURNAME-TRAINS3D-M7.dwg

Step 1 – Modeling a Circular Pile Cap

We are going to model on the grid A-99 (NW) pile a circular Pile Cap 1100mm DIA, 1500mm long with 25mm
grout.

A. Move the UCS to the U/S of the grid A-99 (NW) column.
To do this in the command window type in : ‘UCS’ The Current UCS name will be: *WORLD* when the
command window prompts you to :
Enter an option [New/Move/orthoGraphic/Prev/Restore/Save/Del/Apply/?/World] <World>:
Type in M for Move. It will then read:
Specify new origin point or [Zdepth]<0,0,0>:
Hold the ALT button down and pick the PS-Shapepoint and run your cursor along the column. You will
notice the star like figure at the bottom of the column. Accept this point with a left mouse button click. The
UCS symbol will now appear at the bottom of the column.

B. Turn off the following layers: STL-3D-01, PS_SHAPE, PS_OBJECT, PS_FRAME and SYM-02. Turn on
the PS_PILE layer.

C. Move the grid A-99 (NW) pile down 1325mm. To do this select the move command , then select the pile
with a left mouse button and hit an ‘Enter’. Pick a point in space for when asks to:
Specify base point or displacement:
When it requires you to:
Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:
Type in: @0,0,-1325
D. Using the U/S of the base plate, draw a 1100mm DIA. circle. Select the circle command:
CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 0,0,0
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <1100.0000>: D
Specify diameter of circle <2200.0000>: 1100

E. Set CON-3D-01 with color 252 as the current layer. If the layer does not exist, create it.
F. Start Plates command.

G. Set up the following window as per Figure 93.

57
1500 represents
the depth of the
pile cap and –25
represents the
amount, which
is offset from
where the UCS
was placed.

Figure 93

H. After you click , select the 1100mm Dia. circle that was previously placed. The resulting Pile Cap should
look like Figure 94.

Figure 94
I. Delete the construction circle.
J. Now, let’s model the 25mm thk. grout in two simple steps:

Choose the ‘Cone’ command from the ‘Structural Edit’ toolbar.

K. The command window will read: Pick Start Point:
Being that the UCS should still be at the center-top of the pile cap, type in: 0,0,0

58
L. The command window will then read: Pick EndPoint:
At this point you can type in: 0,0,-25
M. The command window will state: Enter Start Radius: type in 525, which is the top radius or the grout.
N. Finally, you are asked to: Enter End Radius: type in 550. This represents the lower radius or bottom of grout.
Refer to Figure 95 for what the grout should now look like.

Figure 95
O. Change the layer of the modeled grout to GRO-3D-01 (color 254). If the layer does not exist, create it.
P. Change the ‘Material’ to ‘Cementitious Grout’ by identifying the grout with the left mouse button and then
going to ‘APS Properties’ with a right mouse button. See Figure 96.

Figure 96

Step 2 – Modeling a Square Pile Cap

A. It is time to move USC to the grid B-99 (NE) pile; please repeat Step 1A of the previous sequence but this time
select the lowest Reference Point of the NE column. See Figure 97.

59
 Figure 97

B. Turn OFF STL-3D-01 layer and move the grid B-99 (NE) pile 1325mm down.
C. Draw two construction lines along X and Y-axis and offset them 550 each side. Select the AutoCAD line

command . When the command window reads Specify first point: type in 0,0,0, which is where you had
moved the UCS.
D. Make sure the ORTHO lock is on and place the second point for the line along either the x or y-axis. Repeat
this line placement for the opposite axis from what the first line was placed.
E. Using the copy command, copy both the lines with an offset 550 in each direction. See Figure 98.

Figure 98
F. Using the AutoCAD chamfer command, chamfer the offset lines to get a 1100x1100 square shape. Delete
the two lines starting from 0,0,0.
G. Use Edit Polyline to join the sides of the square into a Poly-line. (Refer to Module 6 – Step 1) See Figure
99.

Figure 99

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 H. Set layer CON-3D-01 as current and start the Plates command.

I. Set up the following selections within the Structural Plates/Polyplates window. See Figure 100.

1500 represents
the depth of the
pile cap and –25
represents the
amount, which
is offset from
where the UCS
was placed.

Figure 100

J. After you click , select the square polyline that you had created. The resulting Pile Cap should look like
Figure 101.

Figure 101

K. Change the current layer to GRO-3D-01.

L. To model grout on the top of the square pile cap, use ‘Extrude’ under the AutoCAD Solids.

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M. When the command window reads:
Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4
Select objects: Select the construction square – polyline and hit an ‘Enter’
N. It will then read:
Specify height of extrusion or [Path]: type in 25, which represents the thickness.
O. Finally, the window will read:
Specify angle of taper for extrusion <0>: type in 45, which represents the angel of the grout.
See Figure 102.

Figure 102
P. Move the modeled grout by selecting the grout and then the AutoCAD move command . Identify a point in
space when it asks to Specify base point or displacement. For the second point type in: @0,0,-25. The Grout
should now look like Figure 103.

Figure 103

Step 3 – Modeling Pile Cap Plates

Let’s model the pile cap plates on the SW and SE piles

A. Turn STL-3D-01 layer ON and move the UCS to the U/S of the grid A-98 (SW) column. To do this type in:
UCS in the command window. Type in M for Move. Select the PS_Shapepoint and hold down the ALT
button. With a left mouse button, choose the Reference point of the grid A-98 (SW ) column which would be
the intersection of the column and middle of the baseplate.

B. Trace the underside of the Base Plate with a poly-line . Once you snap to the last point, which is also where
you had started, type in C in the command window to close the shape.
C. Turn PLT-3D-01 layer OFF and offset the poly-line 25mm outward by choosing the command .
When the command window reads: Specify offset distance or [Through] <0>: Type in 25 for the distance of the
offset. It will then ask you to select the object to offset in which you would choose the polyline. The command
window will then read: Specify point on side to offset: Select anywhere outside of the original square. See
Figure 104.

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 Figure 114

D. Turn PLT-3D-01 layer ON make it current. Start the Poly-plate command and input the setting as per Figure
115.

Figure 115

E. After hitting the ‘Insert’, select the polyline that was offset the 25mm. The plate should now look like Figure
106.

Figure 106

F. Delete the construction poly-lines and move the pile 30mm down.
G. Using the column Reference Points, copy the Pile Cap Plate from grid A-98 (SW) to the grid B-98 (SE) column
and move the grid B-98 (SE) pile 30mm down.

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Step 4 – Modeling A Hexagon Foundation
Let’s model a hexagon 300mm high foundation under the circle, which represents equipment.

A. Move the UCS to the center if the circle. Type in UCS in the command window, then type in M for move and

finally snap to center of circle using the snap.

B. Now select the place ‘Polygon’ command .

C. The command window will read: Command: Enter number of sides <4>: Type in 6
D. It will ask you to: Specify center of polygon or [Edge]: Type in 0,0,0 being that you have moved the UCS to the
center of the circle which is now at 0,0,0.
E. The window will then read: Enter an option [Inscribed in circle/Circumscribed about circle] <I>: Type in C
for circumscribed about the circle.
F. Finally, the command window will read: Specify radius of circle: For this if you refer to the very first thing we
started with in Module 2, the radius of the circle is 2000. See Figure 107.

Figure 107

G. Change the current layer to CON-3D-01 and start the Plates command . Change the settings as per Figure
108.

Figure 108

The foundation should now look like Figure 109.

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 Figure 109

H. Change the current layer to GRO-3D-01. To model grout; use ‘Solid-extrude’ command under AutoCAD
Solids.

I. The command window will read: Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4
Select objects: Select the hexagon and hit ‘Enter’. Specify height of extrusion or [Path]:Type in 30 for a 30mm
grout height. Finally: Specify angle of taper for extrusion <0>: Type in 45 for an angle of 45^ for the grout.
K. Using the AutoCAD move command move the grout 30mm down. Remember in the command window type in
@0,0,-30 after selecting the item to move.

Step 5 – Drilling a Hole

Drill a 200mm DIA hole in at the center of the hexagon

A. Turn the OSNAP on. Make sure the center snap is on by doing a right mouse button click while the cursor is
over the OSNAP selection. Go to the ‘Settings’ and toggle the Center. See Figure 110.

Figure 110

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B. Start the ‘Drill’ command under the Structural Edit toolbar.

The following window should appear: See Figure 111. Fill in the settings as per this figure.

Figure 111

C. Once you select the button, identify the hexagon shape concrete (Not the grout) with a left mouse button.
D. The command window will read: Pick insertion point of single hole: Browse around on the circle and once you
see the symbol snap to the center, hit the left mouse button.
E. The command window will again read: Pick next insertion point for single hole or press ESC to create the
holes: At this point, hit the right mouse button to cancel the command. You will see a 200mm dia. hole drilled
though the foundation.

You cannot drill the grout the same way; build a cylinder and use Solid > Subtract command.

F. From the Solids toolbar, choose the Cylinder command or type in cylinder.

The command window will read: Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4
Specify center point for base of cylinder or [Elliptical] <0,0,0>: Being that the UCS is at the top/center of the
circle which is 0,0,0, hit an ‘Enter’ for the insertion point to be at this coordinate. The window will read:
Specify radius for base of cylinder or [Diameter]: Type in 100 for the radius.
Finally it will ask to: Specify height of cylinder or [Center of other end]: Type in –30 for the thickness in a
downward direction and hit ‘Enter’.
G. We now want to subtract that amount of volume in which the cylinder occupies from the grout in order that the
hole runs straight through both the foundation and the grout.
H. Select the ‘Subtract’ from the ‘Solids Editing’ toolbar or type in subtract.

The command window will read: Select solids and regions to subtract from..
Select objects: Select the Grout and hit ‘Enter’
The window will then read: Select solids and regions to subtract..
Select objects: Select the cylinder and hit an ‘Enter’. The hole will now be penetrated through the grout.

66
Delete the construction circle and type in HIDE in the command window to view a rendered hidden line foundation
as in Figure 112.

Figure 112
There are two entities modeled by straight AutoCAD, which will not be processed for MTO. Those are Grouts on
the square pile cap and on the hexagon. We need to assign ‘Special Parts’ to incorporate these two grouts into MTO.

Step 6 – Obtaining the Properties

A. Under the Inquiry toolbar, select the ‘Region/Mass Properties’ icon.

B. The command window will read: Select objects: Select the Grout on the hexagon and hit an ‘Enter’. The
following window will appear. See Figure 113.

Figure 113

You can save this file to the specified directory if a print out is required. Hit an ‘Enter’ within the window and
follow the prompts to save the file to your home directory. Call the file Hexagon.mpr.

C. Repeat the Volume inquiry for the grout of the grid B-99 (NE) pile cap. Once again a window such as Figure
114 will appear: Save this file as Square.mpr under your home directory.

67
 Figure 114

Step 7 – Special Parts List

A. Select the ‘Create Partlist Element…’ item from the Structural menu.

B. Select the grout on the hexagon shaped foundation.

C. The Special Part Properties window will appear. Fill the information for this Grout as per Figure 115.

The Weight should be calculated as 0.409m3 x 2080kg/m3 = 850.72kg. Remember the 0.409m3 amount came via
the previous step when the mass and volume were calculated.

68
 Figure 115

D. Repeat the ‘Create Partlist Element…’ assignment for the grout of the grid B-99 (NE) pile cap. Fill in the
information as per Figure 116.

The Weight should be calculated as 0.029m3 x 2080kg/m3 = 60.32kg.

Figure 116

E. Click to return to WCS and full isometric view.

Save your model as ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M7.dwg

End of Module 7.

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Module 8 - Handrails, Stairs and Ladders
Save ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M7.dwg as ‘YOURNAME’-TRAINS3D-M8.dwg

Step 1 – Modeling Handrail

A. Turn on the layer of the poly-line at the perimeter of the platform. The layer of this should be on layer 0. Turn
off all other layers.
B. Draw lines to trim as it is shown below in Figure 117.

Figure 117

C. Select the ‘Trim’ command from the AutoCAD ‘Modify’ toolbar.

D. Select the cutting lines with one crossing window as it is shown in figure 117.
E. One-by-one, select the segments of the poly-line that are required to be deleted. See Figure 118. Each time you
identify that segment with the left mouse button, the segment will disappear.

Figure 118

F. Delete the construction lines that were used to trim the polyline.

70
G. Change the layer to STL-3D-01 but temporarily turn the layer off, and start the ‘Handrail’ command under
‘Structural Objects’.

I. The Command window will read: Select polyline: select one of the poly-lines on the platform and the following
window will appear as in Figure 119. Hit the Template button and another window will appear. See Figure
120.

Figure 119

Figure 120

J. Load the ‘PC-m-handrail’ template and click in the ‘AutoPLANT Structural Handrail’ dialog box.
K. Turn on the layer STL-3D-01. You will now see the first handrail that you placed.
L. Repeat the Handrail command with every poly-line on the platform.

You may need to zoom and change view to select some poly-lines. If you still cannot pick a polyline, try to redraw it
and use ‘Last’ under ‘Select the desired Polyline:’ or turn the layer off and on again as you see fit in order to
identify the polyline. Once you have identified all the polylines including the one around the center of the piece of
equipment, turn both the STL-3D-01 and the PS_SHAPE layers on.

When you finish, the platform should look like Figure 121.

71
 Figure 121

M. Delete the construction polylines and all the elements (except the kick-plate) of the octagonal handrail in the
middle of the platform.
N. Change a view to ‘Front’ or ‘Side’ and select all the elements of the handrails using crossing window. See
Figure 122.

Figure 122

O. Change the ‘APS Properties’ of the handrails as shown below in Figure 123. The material should be selected
as Handrail.

Figure 123
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O. Set current layer as HRL-3D-01 (color – yellow). If the layer does not exist, create it.
P. Select the handrail elements again and change their layer to the current layer. Then isolate the current layer.
(Turn all other layers OFF) and check if the handrails look complete. See Figure 124.

Figure 124

Q. Also check the isometric view with a hidden rendering. See Figure 125.

Figure 125

R. Also check one of the side views. See Figure 126.

Figure 126

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Step 2 – Modeling Stairs
The next part of this module will be modeling a stair at the NW corner of the platform.

A. Draw a little construction line at the location shown below in Figure 127. Draw a line starting from the
mid-point (#1) at the top of steel at the North end of the north-south W200x36 and select the ‘Snap with

Perpendicular’ at the outer edge of the east-west W250x49 for the second point of the line (#2).
B. Copy offset this line 457.5mm east. (It is the half-width of the stair).

#2
#1
#3

Figure 127

C. Draw a 1500mm DIA circle at the north end of the offset line (close to #3). Select the circle command
and using the endpoint snap, pick the previous mentioned point as the center point. When prompted for the
radius, type in 750.
D. Using the AutoCAD copy command, copy this circle from this point a delta amount of 0,14747, -7888. After
identifying the circle and picking a base point, for the second point, key in @0,14747, -7888. This is going to
be the length and height of the Stair.

E. Use to set a SW view and start the ‘Stair’ command under ‘Structural Objects’.

F. The command window will read: Specify start point of Stairs: For this pick the center of the last copied circle.
The circle that is North of the structure.
G. Next the window will read: Specify Stair direction: Pick the south quadrant of the same circle.
H. Ignore the messages that follow. A window will then appear as in Figure 128. Fill in the information as per
indicated below and then hit the ‘Template’ button. See Figure 129.

Figure 128
74
 Figure 129

I. Load the template PC-m-stair. See Figure 130.

Figure 130

J. Change the Length, Height, Upper Landing as shown in Figure 131. Also make sure other numbers are the same
as shown.

Figure 131
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K. Go to ‘Platforms’ tab and change No. of platforms to 2, then press ‘Tab’ key. This will add 2 platforms. See
Figure 132.

Figure 132

L. Select Platform No. 1 from the list. Change Length, Height, Lower Landing Length and Upper Landing Length
as in Figure 133.

Figure 133

M. Select Platform No. 2 from the list. Change Length, Height, Lower Landing Length and Upper Landing Length
as in Figure 134.

Figure 134

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N. Go to ‘Handrail’ tab and make sure that the handrail template loaded is PC-m-handrail. See Figure 135.

Figure 135

O. Return to the ‘Dimension’ tab and make sure that ‘Upper insert point’ of turned OFF. If you look from the
right side of the structure looking west, the model should look like Figure 136.

Figure 136

In an isometric view, zoom in at the upper landing and confirm that the stair matches the corner of the platform.
Only after you are sure that the stair location is perfect, you can start changing the properties and geometry of the
individual elements. At this moment, you may erase the Structural Objects of the stair and the construction circles
and lines.

P. Select the landings, one at a time, and change the following in the APS properties. Turn OFF the ‘Grid’. See
Figure 137.

Figure 137

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Q. Change material to ‘Cementitious Grout’. See Figure 138.

Figure 138

Also make sure the landings are on ‘PS_PLATE’ layer. Repeat the same changes for the platform grating but name
it as ‘PLATFORM GRATING’. Change the layer of the platform to layer ‘PS_GRATE’.

Step 3 – Changing APS Properties of Handrails

To do the following three steps, stay at the Side View and always use crossing window to make sure that both sides
of the stair are selected for changing properties.

A. Select the handrails of the landings and change APS properties as shown in Figure 139. The material should be
selected as Handrail.

Figure 139

B. Repeat this step for the inclined handrails but this time the name should be ‘STAIR HANDRAIL’.
C. Select all the handrails on the stair, including those on the landings. Go to the AutoCAD Properties and
change the layer to HRL-3D-01 (color yellow).
D. Select the stringers of the stair, including the channels of the landings and change its ‘APS Properties’ as
shown in Figure 140.

78
 Figure 140

E. To change the properties of the stair treads, switch to the Plan View and turn OFF the layers PS_GRATE,
PS_PLATE and HRL-3D-01.
F. Select all the treads of the stair using one crossing windows (picture is rotated 90). See Figure 141.

Figure 141

G. Change the ‘APS Properties’ of the treads as shown in Figure 142.

Figure 142

H. Create a new layer STR-3D-01 with color 63. Select the treads and the stringers and change the layer to
STR-3D-01.
I. After you’ve changed the stair elements layers, check the colors of the stair elements on the side and the plan
views. See Figure 143.

79
 Figure 143

NOTE:
The Step 3 - A through I are done to differentiate the main steel and various miscellaneous steel in MTO. The
program does not allow you to preset these properties (material and layer) when a Structural object is being
modeled. After the Object is situated in the model precisely, you should always select its elements and change
materials through the APS properties. This procedure is also necessary for ladders.

Step 4 – Modeling Ladders

The ladder is going to be modeled at the SW corner of the platform.
Read Chapter 4, 4.5 of the Procedures

A. Turn all the layers ON and use plan view zoom into the SW corner of the platform. Draw a construction line at
TOS (use the Reference Point of W250x49 beam) and then offset it to the south 450mm as shown in Figure
144.

Figure 144

80
B. The east end of the offset line represents the top of the ladder. See Figure 145.

Figure 145

C. Copy the offset line, 8000mm down and offset that resulting line 200mm on each side. See Figure 146. The
east ends of the offset lines the base points for the ladder stringers.

Figure 146

D. Start ‘Ladder’ command under ‘Structural Objects’.

E. Follow the prompts in the command window in the sequence indicated in both Figure 147 & 148. The
command window will read:
Specify left insertion point of Ladder: Pick point 1
Specify right insert point of ladder: Pick point 2
Pick top point (+ ALT Key) for Length of Ladder or any other point. Pick point 3

81
 Figure 147 Figure 148

F. The ‘AutoPLANT Structural Ladder’ dialog box will then appear as in Figure 149. Hit the ‘Template’
button. See Figure 150.

Figure 149 Figure 150

G. Load the PC-m-ladder template and ‘OK’ the ‘Ladder’ dialog box.
H. Turn ON the PS_OBJECT layer, grip-select the object lines of the ladder and go to its APS Properties. See
Figure 151. Change the height to 10070 mm.

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 Figure 151

The program did not allow incorporating the cutout of the ladder cage for the side access. See Figure 152.

Figure 152

I. Before trimming the individual elements of the ladder cage always make sure that the position of the ladder is
correct. Delete the Object (yellow lines) of the ladder.
J. Trim the top hoop using ‘At Line’ command under the ‘Modify1’ toolbar. Use the top construction line as the
trimming edge:

The command window will read: Cut Shape at line Distance=0.000000

Select desired Object at the Cutting edge or <ESC> for more Objects:,Shift+ESC for Filter Select the top hoop in
the isometric view (pick the north side of the hoop) See Figure 153A. The window will then read: Pick the wanted
Cut Line (+Alt to Fit to) (Point,pLane),<Line:>Select the construction line at the plan view. See Figure 153B.
Finally, the window will read:
Cut Shape at line Distance=0.000000
83
Select desired Object at the Cutting edge or <ESC> for more Objects:,Shift+ESC for Filter Hit an ‘Enter’.

Figure 153A Figure 153B

K. Grip and stretch the vertical bars on the north side using the ends of the construction line as the Second point.
See Figure 154A & 154B.
‘Hot Grip’

Figure 154A Figure 154B

Because AutoCAD STRETCH cannot change the member’s orientation but only shortens/lengthens the shape, we
can use the construction line or any other point located at the TOS of the platform.

L. Shorten the rails and the kick-plate of the handrail which blocks the access to the post (next to the corner) and
delete the post which is on the way.
M. After trimming the top hoop and shortening the vertical bars of the cage, the ladder could be copied to another
location where a left-step ladder is designed. However, you cannot use the dynamic object to control the ladder
overall geometry because if you do so the side-access would be lost.
N. Create a new layer LAD-3D-01 and assign color 33. Select all the elements of the ladder and change their layer
to LAD-3D-01. For the same selection set change the ‘APS Properties’ Material to Ladders. See Figure 155.

Figure 155
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O. The resulting ladder should look like the one in Figure 156A and 156B.

Figure 156A Figure 156B

Save your model as YOURNAME-TRAINS3D-M8.dwg

End of Module 8.

85