How are templates for element properties created?

 Print

In Advance Design 2012, the user has the option to define templates for linear elements properties, as well as for planar elements properties. By using this functionality, the time allocated for modeling can be reduced.

For example, we consider the steel structure from Figure 1. The structure is already designed and we intend to retain the properties for different types of elements (columns, beams, bracings, purlins) in order to reuse them in another project.

Figure 1. 3D view of the structure

The template creation for linear or planar elements properties can be made from the properties window by using the "Save properties" button (Figure 2). The template will be saved in ".xml" file format.

Note: If the selected elements have different properties, then this option will not be accessible.

Figure 2. Save properties for linear and planar elements

In a new project, the saved templates can be loaded from the properties window by using the "Load a properties file" option (Figure 3).

Note: The template with the element properties can be applied also when the user selects more elements from the same type but with different properties (Figure 4).

Figure 3. Load a properties file

Figure 4. Load a properties file when multiple linear elements are selected