Advanced Training

Parameters
Advanced Training - Parameters

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© Copyright 2015 SCIA nv. All rights reserved.

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 Table of contents

Table of contents

Preface ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Beam on two supports ................................................................................................................. 6
Cross-sections............................................................................................................................ 11
General cross-section .................................................................................................................. 11
Type of Cross-sections ................................................................................................................ 14
Catalogue block .......................................................................................................................... 17
Plate on subsoil .......................................................................................................................... 21
Cellular beam .............................................................................................................................. 23
Beam with practical reinforcement........................................................................................... 25
Ground-level ............................................................................................................................... 29
Layers .......................................................................................................................................... 32
Steel hall ...................................................................................................................................... 36
Plate with ribs ............................................................................................................................. 39
Plate with ribs_1.esa .................................................................................................................... 39
Plate with ribs_2.esa .................................................................................................................... 42
Tubular plates ............................................................................................................................. 44
Hollow core slab ......................................................................................................................... 50
XML .............................................................................................................................................. 64
ODA .............................................................................................................................................. 66
Batch optimizer........................................................................................................................... 71
Example 14: User blocks & ProjectTemplates ........................................................................ 77
User blocks................................................................................................................................... 77
Project templates ......................................................................................................................... 80
General parameterizing ............................................................................................................. 82
Type of parameters: ..................................................................................................................... 82
Possible formulae: ........................................................................................................................ 83
Possible operators in SCIA Engineer: .......................................................................................... 84

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Preface

This workshop contains an assortment of examples on parameters.

What is the purpose of this functionality?

Suppose that a SCIA Engineer user handles nearly every day with the same type of
structure.
Only the dimensions, cross-sections, height, number of spans, … differs in the different
projects. For this, the option ‘Parameters’ can be used.
Every type -as mentioned above- can be parameterized.
The parameters are fully editable and when changed they may lead to a very
straightforward modification of the calculated model.
What’s more, a model defined by means of parameters can be saved as a template.
When opened, the user is first asked to fill in the table with all the parameters present in
the model. This may be effectively used for creation of simple "programs" for e.g.
calculation of continuous beam, simple frame, etc.

The user has to create the structure only once. Then he/she has to define the
parameters and save the structure as template. In the future, he/she just fills in the table
with a few parameters and can immediately proceed to calculation and evaluation of
results.
This leads to a huge reduction of the working hours and will be more effective.

Above this, this workshop contains also some extra’s which can help the user to
become more effective in working with SCIA Engineer:
- XML: SCIA Engineer supports exporting and importing to/of this format.
- ODA: One dialog application
- Batch optimizer: The user can give a range of values to a parameter and the
solution is also a range of results.
- User blocks: A project can be saved as a user block. Afterwards, this block can be
imported in another project.
- Project templates: As mentioned before, the user can make a standard project
which can be used for all the other projects.

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Beam on two supports

A beam manufactured of C30/37 according to the EC-EN is supported on two ends.

We will input parameters for the length and the cross-section dimensions.

• Project data: - Construction type: Frame XZ

- Project level advanced

• Input support:

Method

• After activating the functionality parameters, you will see the function

• The parameters get following properties with the values:

- Length L: 10 m
- Width B: 300 mm
- Height H: 500 mm

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• Next, go to:

Here the template tabs are made

Remark: the introduction of the picture will be explained later.

• Subsequently you can use a new function:

Here the values of the various parameters can be adapted.

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• The various parameters has to be attributed now to the cross-section and the length
of the beam.

Length beam: X-coordinate of node K2:

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Width & height profile:

• Changing a parameter:

The value of the length L is adjusted of 10m to 20m.

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If you use ‘Store users- default settings’, you can make various compositions which
you can load afterwards:

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Cross-sections

The same example will be used to explain the type of parameters for cross-sections.
For this ‘Cross-sections.esa’ can be used.
First of all the parameters for graphical cross-sections are explained. Next, the
parameter for the type of cross-section will be shown.

General cross-section
• If the user decides to work with a graphical cross-section, the method of
parameterizing is different from that of standard cross-sections.
• First of all parameters has to be created for the height en width of the cross-section.

• Next, the polygon can be introduced and after this, the parameters can be attributed
to the Y and Z coordinates:

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The difference with the parameters of a profile from a library is that here the parameters
can be made in the cross-section editor itself.

• Above this, if the user wants to adapt these parameters, two parameters has to be
created in ‘Tools > Parameters’.
Here, we can create the same parameters H1 and B1:

Note:
____________________________________________________________________
It’s very important that you give a good description to your parameters. On that way, it
simplifies afterwards the input and the adaptation of the parameters.
____________________________________________________________________

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• These values can now be attributed to the properties of the profile:

• To change these values, we can make a new tab in the ‘Parameters template
settings’ and this will appear now in the ‘Template dialogue’:

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Type of Cross-sections

In SCIA Engineer it’s also possible to parameterize libraries. Examples here are:
Materials, cross-sections, reinforcement, subsoils,…
In this topic, we will explain it for the type of cross-sections.
The other library types can be handled with the same principle.

Again, this will be explained by means of example ‘Cross-sections.esa’.

• Three cross-sections are inserted in the project:

CS1: RECT(400;400)
CS2: Graphical cross-section
CS3: CIRC (400)

• We define a ‘master’ cross-section. This cross-section is fictive and will be the

parameter. For this, we copy arbitrarily CS1 and we call it ‘Master’.
• For this master cross-section, the option ‘Selector Switch’ has to be checked and an
Alternative profile can be choosen now:
• Creation of the parameter:

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Without this option ‘selector switch’, we cannot use the parameter for the cross-section
type.
• Go to ‘Tools > Parameters’ and the following parameter can be created:

Type: Library
Library: Cross-sections
Value: Here the fictive ‘master’ cross-section can be input.
Alternative: One of the 3 alternatives can be choosen. This alternative will be the
default profile.
Select Alternatives: The 3 alternatives can be inserted here

• Attribute this parameter to the cross-section type of the beam. Pay attention: The
master profile becomes the parameter. But the content of this master will change
after choosing another alternative:

• After creating a new tab in ‘Tools > Parameters Template settings’, it appeared in the
dialogue box of the ‘Template Dialogue’. And again, this box can be used to change
the cross-section type:

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And this results into:

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Catalogue block

In this example a catalogue block will be inserted. After the introduction of it, it will be
parametrized.

• Project data: - Construction type: Frame XYZ

- Project level : advanced

• Go to ‘Structure > Advanced input > Catalogue blocks’.

The first block in the menu ‘Frame 2D’ is choosen. We keep the standard
configuration:

• Input support:

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Method:

• First of all, the parameters will be created. Go to ‘Tools > Parameters’:

• The following properties are parameterized with a begin value of:

1. Span L: 10 m
2. Height H1: 5 m
3. Height H2: 1,5 m
4. Htot: H1 + H2
5. Middle: L/2
-6
6. Rigidity support: 5*10

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• When closing this window, the following question appears:

Click ‘Yes’ if formulae were used so they can be checked.

• Now the parameters are attributed to the various geometry-properties.

• Subsequently a line grid can be made:

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• The line grid can also obtain a parameter to adjust the view. This is possible
through a binary parameter with a Boolean value (yes/no).

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Plate on subsoil

• Project data: - Construction type: General XYZ

- Project level advanced

• Input support:

• Input subregion:

• Load cases:
- LC1: Selfweight
- LC2: Permanent plane load q [kN/m^2]
- LC3: Free surface load on projected area: q [kN/m^2]

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Method

• The following parameters are applied:

- Length L: 7 m
- Width B: 3 m
- Permanent plane load: 5 kN/m^2
- Free plane load : 2 kN/m^2
- Thickness plate d: 200 mm
- Thickness subregion d1: 400 mm

• Adjusting the value of the free plane load:

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Cellular beam

• Project data: - Construction type: General XYZ

- Project level advanced

• Input opening through: ‘Structure > 1D member > Modificator > Opening’.

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Method

• The following parameters are attributed to the member:

- Height profile h: 300 mm

- Width profile b: 200 mm
- Thickness web d: 12 mm
- Thickness flange d1: 20 mm
- fillet d2: 12 mm
- Length member L: 6 m
- Diameter bore hole D: 150 mm
- Position first bore hole x: 0,15
- Number of bore holes a: 6

• Next, these items are attributed to the structure.

• Subsequently the template settings and template dialog is made.

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Beam with practical reinforcement

It’s also possible to parameterize the reinforcement. This will be shown in following example.

• Project data:
- Construction type: Frame XZ
- Project level advanced

• Input through:

• Load cases:
- LC1: Selfweight
- LC2: Variable load: q [kN/m]

• Input practical reinforcement:

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Method

• Input of the following parameters with begin value:

- Height profile H: 400 mm

- Width profile B: 400 mm
- Span L1: 3m
- Span L2: 3m
- Total span Ltot: L1 + L2
- Variable line load Q: 15 kN/m
- Reinforcement diameter above db: 12 mm
- Reinforcement diameter below do: 16 mm
- Reinforcement diameter stirrups dstirrup: 8 mm
Remark: the reinforcement diameters can only be parameterized when using the practical
reinforcement.
- Stirrup distance a: 0,3 m

• Group parameters through:

In the dialogue box of the parameter template settings, pictures can be attributed from the
gallery:

You get the best resolution if you choose the following properties during saving:
- .wmf
- 550 x 550

• Check through Template dialogue

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• Afterwards, the entire project can be saved as a template.

This by doing the following: save in the directory ‘Esa xx > Templates’

• The project can now be opened as a template and adjusted:

• After opening this template, a dialog box with the entered parameters appears. If
desired, particular properties can be adjusted here.

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Ground-level

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• Project data:
- Construction type: General XYZ
- Project level advanced

• Functionalities :
- Subsoil
- Soil loads
- Parameters

• Input support through:

• Input geological profile and subsoil through:

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• Load cases: - Selfweight

- Water pressure
- Soil pressure

Method

• Parameter:
- Height bore hole profile h: -1 m, restriction between 0 m and -4 m

• Test of input data through:

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Layers

In this example the number of spans will be varied. This can be done by means of a
truc. The basic principle is: every beam belongs to a layer.
Above this a layer has two properties: Activity and Structural type (also Drawing model).
The principle is as follows:
A layer that is not active will not be displayed on the screen.
A layer that has the structural type will not be calculated.

This means that if you put a beam into a layer that is both non-active as in the structural
model, it will not be visible and above this, it will not be calculated.

On that way we can make parameters for the properties of the layers.

• Project data:
- Construction type: Frame XZ
- Project level advanced

• Functionalities - Parameters

• Input support through:

Method

• The number of members is varied. This is done by means of Parameterizing the

activity and the type of model (analysis/structural)

• Input parameters:

1. Number of members N: 3
Remark:
The maximal number of beams is the number of beams that had been introduced in
the project.

2. Activity of the layers : Boolean

- L1: formula N>=1
- L2: formula N>=2
- L3: formula N>=3

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3. Model type of the layers: Boolean

- C1: formula not (L1)
- C2: formula not (L2)
- C3: formula not (L3)

Example:

N=2:
L1 and L2: true, L3 is false
C1 and C2: false, C3 is true
This means that Layer 1 and 2 are visible and not in the structural model.
Layer 3 will not be displayed and will be in the drawing model (not in the analysis
model).

• Grouping the parameters through: Tools > Parameters template settings

• Subsequently a parameter is attributed to the various layers:

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• Variation number of member through the template dialogue

• Use the activity toggle

•

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This gives as result:

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Steel hall

In this example, the number of spans will be parameterized. The same principle with the
layers as in the previous example will be used.

• Project data:
- Construction type: Frame XYZ
- Project level advanced

• Functionalities - Parameters

• Input support through: Support > nodal support.

• Input catalogue block with parameters H1, H2 and L

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Method

• The number of frames is varied, ranging from 1 up to and including 7, through the
binary parameters for the model type and the activity.

• Applying the following parameters:

o Height H1: 5 m
o Height H2: 1,5 m
o Total Height Htot: H1 + H2
o Length L: 10 m
o Number of frames NS: 7
o Frame distance S: 5 m
o Frame distance 1 t/m 5 (S1/5): S*1 ... S*5
o Total frame distance S6: S*(NS-1)
o Activity layers B1 t/m B7: NS >=1 .. NS>=7
o Construction model layers A1 t/m A7: not (B1) … not (B7)

At which the following parameter types are used:

o Height, length and frame distance : length

o Number of frames: integer
o Activity and type of model layers: boolean

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• Now the parameters can be attributed to the properties of the model:

- Layers

- Geometry properties of the catalogue block

- Coordinate Y of the nodes of the model: parameter frame distance

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Plate with ribs

Two types of parameterized plate with ribs are shown here. The previous principle of
the properties of the layers is used here.

Plate with ribs_1.esa

• In the first case the number of ribs is dependent on the width of the plate. The offset
of the ribs and the distance between several ribs remains the same in each case.

• To obtain this, we divide the plate into several parts. The number of the parts is equal
to the maximal number of ribs.

• In this case we the maximal number of ribs is 6.

So, a parameter N with type ‘integer’ is made with standard value 6.

• Other parameters are:

A1...A6: Boolean
Formula: N>=1…6

C1…C6: Boolean
Formula: not(A1…A6)

• Afterwards, these parameters can be attributed to the properties of the 6 created

layers:

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The plate with the connected rib can now be input in the respective layer.
In the ‘view parameters for all’ , the colour can be set on ‘colour by layer’.
This is practical to verify if each rib is in the correct layer:

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• After creating a group in the ‘parameters template settings’, the number of ribs can be
adapted in the Template dialogue:

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Plate with ribs_2.esa

In this case, the offset between the outer ribs and the end of the plate remain constant.
The distance between the inner ribs is always regular.

This is shown in the understanding example.

Originally, a plate with 5 ribs is created. Afterwards, the ribs are input in layers and the
x-coordinates are parameterized.

• First of al the parameter for the number of ribs is created:

This can be an integer value between the range of 2 to 5.

• The offset coordinates of the outer ribs are:

- x for the first ribs
- B- x for the last rib, with B the parameter for the width of the plate

• The 3 inner ribs get the following coordinates:

- x2 = x+((B-2x)/(N-1))
- x3 = x2+((B-2x)/(N-1))
- x4 = x3+((B-2x)/(N-1))

• As in the previous examples, parameters A1..A5 and C1..C5 are created for the
properties of the layers
• To finish this, the ribs are attributed to the correct layers.

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• When changing the number N in the template dialogue, we get the following results:

• N=2

• N=3

• N=4

• N=5

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Tubular plates

• Project data:
- Construction type: General XYZ
- Project level advanced

• Functionalities – Parameters
• Input channels as ribs: Plate rib

Method
• The principle is as follows:
The plate is divided into different subplates. The reason for this is if the plate will
shorten, also a rib will disappear. By making different little plates, this can be solved.
• Making the parameters that determine the geometry properties of the plate and rib:
- width profile b: 1480 mm
- height profile h: 1100 mm
- height upper flange h1: 250 mm
- height lower flange h2: 160 mm
- thickness web t: 140 mm
- thickness plate d: =h1
- length partial panel: =b
- angle of fillet plate alpha: 30°
- total length plate Ltot: 12 m

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• These parameters are attributed to the channel

• Input of 1 plate (as an element of the whole plate)

• Input of the plate rib with effective width b

• Use of dummy members, e.g. circular profile with diameter 5mm so the rib and
member can be connected by a common node.
Without these dummy beams, the ribs will not follow the plate after changing the
dimensions of the plate.

• Connect nodes/edges to members!

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• Input other plates through “more copies”:

• An angle alpha of 30° is entered as parameter. With this, the x- and y-coordinates of
the vertices of the partial plates can be entered:

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Example:

Partial plate 6:

- x-coordinate x6: = b*6

- y-coordinate y6a: tg (alpha) * x6
- y-coordinate y6b: tg(alpha)*x6+ Ltot

This way, an inclined plate is obtained.

• Adjusting the number of partial plates/ribs:

- Parameter for the number of parts: N (< = 10)

- Parameter L1..10: They determine the activity of the various layers
Vb. L6: boolean with formula N>=6
- Parameter C1..10: they determine the type of model of the various layers
Vb. C6: boolean with formula not(L6)

• Making the different parameter template and adjusting the number of parts to e.g. 6
through the template dialog:

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Analysis model:

Structural model

• Input support:
- parameter R: point stiffness 450 MN/m

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Hollow core slab

A practical use of parameters is in the case of hollow core slabs.
In this example several functionalities are applied:
- prestress
- building stages
- TDA
- Parameters

• Project data:
- Construction type: Frame XZ
- Project level advanced

• Functionalities
– Parameters
– Concrete: fire resistance
– Prestress:
Advanced
Hollow core slab
• Model: Construction stages
• Span: 6.2 m
• Material type: concrete C25/30

• The hollow core slab is entered by means of a dwg

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Method

1. Entering a cross-section

The outline and the opening are selected alternately, after which they can be imported
through 'import selection'.

2. Inserting the prestressed tendons

Subsequently the prestressed tendons are entered:

Go to the concrete menu > Prestress – strand pattern:
2 regions are now made for the bore hole pattern.

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The initial stress of the prestressed tendons is 1250 Mpa.

3. Inserting the supports

- point load on node, at begin and end node of the member
- point load on member: on0,07 and 6,13 m
- point load on member: on 0,8 and 5,4 m

4. Making the load cases

- Selfweight member
- Prestress 1250 Mpa
- Stage 2: empty (permanent)
- Stage 3: empty (permanent)
- Stage 4: line load on member 0,6 kN/m (permanent)

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- Stage 5: line load on member 1,2 kN/m (permanent)

- Stage 6: line load on member 1,2 kN/m (variable – long term)
- Stage 7: empty (permanent)

5. Inserting the construction stages

Stage 1
Prestress and selfweight of the member

Load cases: presstress + selfweight

Time: day 1
Relative humidity: 100%

Stage 2

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Transport

Load cases: empty

Time: day 1,1
Relative humidity: 100%

Stage 3
Storage

Load cases: empty 2

Time: day 1,2
Relative humidity: 70%

Stage 4
In situ, placing the plate

Load cases: q wall 0,6 kN/m

Time: day 28
Relative humidity: 70%

Stage 5

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Casting of the coating

Load cases: 1.2 kN/m

Time: day 50
Relative humidity: 70%

Stage 6
Service

Load cases: long termVar 1.2 kN/m will be used as long term load. Here it is
important to pay attention to the duration of the load case, sc 'long'.

Time: day 100

Relative humidity: 70%

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Stage 7
After 50 years

Loads
Load cases: empty3
Time: day 18000
Relative humidity: 70%

6. Inserting the parameters

- Length hollow core slab:

Type: length
Evaluation: value: 5,25 m

- Height hollow core slab:

Type: cross-section length
Evaluation: value: 150 mm

- Location support on member:

Type: length

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Evaluation: formula: resp. Length member – 0,07 and length member – 0,8

- Parameters general cross-section:

Type: cross-section length
Evaluation: value
(examples: width to first opening, width opening, width between the openings,...)

- Initial stress:
Type: stress
Evaluation: 1200 Mpa

- Anchorage length:
Type: length
Value: 1m

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- Line loads:
Type: line load
Value:
- wall: -0,5 kN/m
- casting coating: -1,75 kN/m
- long term var: -1,75 kN/m

- Time of prestressing

Type: time (history)

Value: 1 day

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- T2 up to and including T7:

Type: time (history)

Value: 1,1; 1,2; 28; 50; 100; 18000

- Relative humidity

Type: relative humidity:

Value: 70 and 100%

- Cross-section type

Type: library

Method: make a ‘master’ cross-section (copy of the original cross-section) and use the
option ‘possible alternative’.

Subsequently it can be used with parameters as follows:

- Strand pattern

Type: library

Method: idem as the cross-section type. Make various strand patterns and copy a type as
a master case.

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Analogous possibilities for the type of library are: materials, stressing beds, bore hole
patterns, …

Other possibilities to parameterize:

Moment of casting, Moment of releasing the casting

7. Making openings in de hollow core slab

Two openings are made, of which a number of values are parameterized, sc:

- delta x:
Type: length
Value: 1m

- Width, length and depth opening:

Type: cross-section length
Value: 500 and 150 mm

- x_offset:
Type: cross-section length
Formula: -width/2

- x_hole:
Type: length
Value: 2,1 m

- n_hole:
Type: integer
Value: 2

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8. Using the template dialog

Subsequently these parameters can be divided and the template dialog can be used:

9. Different number of spans

Now the number of spans can be adjusted by means of copying the hollow core slab
and to divide it into layers. For example: 3 elements.

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Subsequently the following parameters can be used:

- N: number of spans
Type: integer
Value: 3

- Activities of the various layers:

Type: boolean
Evaluation: formula
A1: N>=1
A2: N>=2
A3: N>=3

- Construction type of the various layers:

Type: boolean
Evaluation: formula
C1: not(A1)
C2: not(A2)
C3: not(A3)

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XML

SCIA Engineer allows for the exchange of data with third-party applications through the
popular and powerful XML format. Moreover, XML format can be used to develop tailor-
made applications that use SCIA Engineer as a "hidden" engine working on the
background and performing calculations of company-specific problems.

The XML file editor is very similar to the Document of SCIA Engineer. The principle is
that the user defines tables describing individual entities of the SCIA Engineer projects
and there order. This table-form can be easily previewed (it is in fact identical to the
standard SCIA Engineer document). When ready, the final XML file contents can be
transformed into the real XML format through the export function.

• Take example 8 again: steel frame.esa

Through

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• Export to XML:

• Adjusting the parameter L: 10 20

Remark:
For this purpose, it’s necessary that the XML-document is opened in a text-file, for
example: notepad.

• Regenerate the project through ‘File > Update > XML file'. You will see that the
structure has been changed now.

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ODA

Oda is the abbreviation of ‘One dialog application’. It’s also called the SCIA engineer
Template.

It can be used for following type of projects:

In this workshop the options ‘Parametric project’ and ‘Batch optimizer’ will be used.
The Batch optimizer will be explained in the next example.

The main principle of ODA is as follows:

- In SCIA Engineer a project is made, eventually with parameters and with document,
and saved as a template.
- After this, SCIA Engineer has to be closed. It’s not possible to open the same project
in ODA and in SCIA Engineer at the same time.
- Now, ODA can be opened and the user has to choose the type of project.
- In the most used case ‘parametric project’, the user can change the value of the
parameters and the result is a document with all the added tables.
- This is shown in the following model.

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• Project data:
Construction type: General XYZ
Project level advanced
Material: concrete C20/25

• Functionalities – Parameters

• Load cases:
- Selfweight
- Variable line load: 1 kN/m

• Combinations: UGT and BGT

• Document input:
- Nodes
- Load cases
- Combinations
- Internal forces: My
- Deformations: uz

• Parameters:
- Diameter cross-section: 200 mm
- Thickness cross-section: 5mm

Method

• Save this project, e.g. Oda.Esa, in the folder ‘Templates’ and close (if this is not
performed, a conflict will arise when opening ODA).
• then open the program SCIA ODA:

• The following dialog box appears:

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Choose the option ‘Parametric project’.

• The following dialogue box appears:

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• Now the various steps can be re-run and possibly adjusted:

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• Finally the following document is obtained in ODA after an automatic calculation:

Note:
______________________________________________________________________
So, it’s not possible to adapt the geometry on the graphical screen like we do in SCIA
Engineer.
In ODA, only the inserted parameters can be adapted.
It’s also not possible to add new tables in the document. ODA uses the document from
the template.

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Batch optimizer
The batch optimizer is a special function of ODA. First of all a parametric project is
made in SCIA Engineer.

Then an input and output file has to be made in XML. Subsequently they can be read in
ODA.
A begin and end value of the parameter can be filled in and an iteration step to be
performed. The results are the values of the desired output parameter.

Example:

A beam on two supports is created in SCIA Engineer. The line load is parameterized.
In ODA the moment My will be asked for a certain range of this parameter.

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• Project data: - Construction type: Frame XYZ

- Project level advanced

• Input support:

Method

• The line load is parameterized with a begin value of –5 kN/m

• Subsequently go to ‘Tools > XML IO document’ and export an input and output file:

Input file:

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Output file:

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• This project can now be opened in ODA. For this, you choose the option ‘Batch
optimizer’.

• Subsequently a dialog box appears in which the Esa project and both XML files have
to be collected:

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• If an optimisation was used in the Esa project, it can be taken into account here by
selecting the option ‘optimisation calculation’.

You can ask for the results for a number of values of the parameter. Here the parameter ‘line
load on member’ can be used. A begin value of -5 and an end value of -10 can be taken with
an iteration step 1.

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The values of the output XML file that have to be evaluated, can be marked. The values
for My_max and My_min are checked.

Possibly constant values and formulae can be inserted. They will be taken into account
in the result table.

Finally you can go to the results, where a calculation is performed for the various line
loads. This is performed in various iteration steps, which are executed independently
from each other.

The result is as follows:

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Example 14: User blocks & ProjectTemplates

User blocks
SCIA Engineer enables the user to make a library of his/her projects that are used over
and over again. These projects may be at any time included into a newly created project
or appended to an earlier created and currently edited project.
The projects in this user-created library are called User blocks and the library is called
User block library.

We take example 8 again: Steel frame.esa

Save as user block:

‘File > Save as ‘ and then save in the file userblocks.

You can find it in:

• Make a new project, e.g. in general XYZ

• Open the Structure menu :

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The following dialog boxes appear:

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• Insert another user block

- with NS = 3
- frame distance = 8 and NS = 4
- length L = 15 and NS = 3

• Here you can get the following example:

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Project templates

In practice it may quite often happen that some elements are used in every project. For
example, material types, cross-sections, predefined loads, and even parts of a structure may
be the same in various projects. Therefore, it would be efficient, if the user could store the
repetitious elements aside and load them quickly into every new project.

In SCIA Engineer this may be achieved via templates. Generally speaking, a template is an
ordinary project that holds required information and is saved in a special way.

Let’s take example 8 again: Steel frame.esa

• Save as template: ‘File > Save as' in the folder:

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• Close example 8 and open a new project. Go to the tab ‘User templates’.

• When opening this template, also here a dialog box appears with possible
parameters that can be adjusted:

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General parameterizing

If you doubt if a certain property can be parameterized or not, it is advisable to create as

many types of parameters as possible that can possibly be the required parameter.

Type of parameters:

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Possible formulae:

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Possible operators in SCIA Engineer:

Example of a formula:

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