BIM Designers Stairs & Railings allows users to add custom fittings for non-standard railings by using a database specially created for them, RailingSpecialParts.mdb, localized in the following path: C:\Users\USER\AppData\Local\Graitec\Advance BIM Designers\2019.1
The fittings must be created as ACIS solids and saved individually in “.dwg” format in the following location: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Advance Steel 2019\INT\Shared\Support\Symbols
For the special parts included in the "Key clamps" railing type, several parameters must be defined in the following tables:
1. “KeyClamps_Manufacturer” table – containing the producers' names
Figure 1 – Manufacturers table
- 'Manufacturer' refers to the name of the producer, which will also be displayed in the macro;
2. KeyClamps_BaseType table – displaying two possible positions for the base plate: 'Side' and 'Platform';
NOTE: This table should not be modified.
Figure 2 - Base Type table
3. KeyClamps_PartBase table – detailing the special parts used for base connection;
Figure 3 - Part Base table
The parameters that must be defined in the 'Part Base' table are:
- PartName – the run name of the special part;
- Producer – the name of the supplier; it will be displayed in the macro as well;
- FileName – the name of the DWG file where the ACIS body is created;
- Location – the base plate position:
- Platform – in this case, the special parts are centered both on the definition line and on each post;
- Side – in this case, the special parts will be aligned on the definition line, as in the picture displayed below, and the posts will be centered on the special part, taking into account the offset value registered in the table.
Figure 4 – Definition line
Figure 5 – Platform position example
Figure 6 - Side position example
- SideOffset – it is directly related to the previous parameter: in case of a side connection, the user must enter the offset value measured from the definition line to the center of the post;
- BaseType – three types are available in the combo-box: Straight, Corner, Slope;
Figure 7 - Base type options
- BaseShape – three types are available in the combo-box: Rectangular, Circular, Triangular;
- PostShortening – in some cases, the column must be shortened by a value equal to the base plate thickness, in order to avoid a collision.
- BaseDimension1 – it depends on the plate’s type:
- Rectangular plate – represents the length;
- Triangular plate – represents the height;
- Circular plate – no value (0 or empty).
- BaseDimension2 – it depends on the plate’s type:
- Rectangular plate – represents the width;
- Triangular plate – represents the width;
- Circular plate – represents the radius;
- BaseHoleSize – the size of the holes measured in mm;
- BaseConnectorNoX – it depends on the plate’s type:
- Rectangular and Triangular plates - the number of connectors along the X-axis;
- Circular plate - the number of connectors along the desired radius;
- BaseConnectorNoY – it depends on the plate’s type:
- Rectangular and Triangular plates - The number of connectors along the Y-axis;
- Circular plate - no value (0 or empty).
- BaseConnectorDistX – it depends on the plate’s type:
- Rectangular and Triangular plate - the intermediate distance between the connectors along the X-axis;
- Circular plate - no value (0 or empty).
- BaseConnectorDistY – it depends on the plate’s type:
- Rectangular and Triangular plate - the intermediate distance between the connectors along Y-axis;
- Circular plate – connector radius.
- BaseConnectorOffsetX – it depends on the plate’s type:
- Rectangular plate - Offset value for connectors measured along the X-axis;
- Triangular plate - no value (0 or empty);
- Circular plate – no value (0 or empty).
- BaseConnectorOffsetY – This column depends on the plate’s type:
- Rectangular and Triangular plate - Offset value for connectors measured along the Y-axis;
- Circular plate – connector rotation.
Each table column/parameter is represented in the pictures below:
Figure 8 - Base shape options
4. “KeyClamps_Type” table – containing the types of fittings that can be added into the database:
Figure 9 - Clamps type table
NOTE: This table should not be modified.
Figure 10 - Clamp types options
5. “KeyClamps_PartTop” and “KeyClamps_PartMiddle” tables - in these tables, the special parts used for top and middle connections between the rails and the posts are defined;
6. “KeyClamps_HandrailToHandrailConnection” table – containing the fittings for the connection between the handrails (elbows).
