Introduction to Structural Detailing Reference Data - Intergraph Smart 3D - Reference Data

Intergraph Smart 3D Structural Detailing Reference Data

Language
English
Product
Intergraph Smart 3D
Subproduct
Structural Detailing
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Reference Data
Smart 3D Version
12 (2018)

Each organization requires customized reference data such as rules, catalog items, and symbols to meet their exact needs. Customized rules control how and when the catalog items and symbols are used in the model.

Before working with Structural Detailing reference data, you must be familiar with how the software handles reference data in general. If you have not already done so, read and understand the following important concepts and procedures described in the Reference Data Guide and 2D Symbols Reference Data Guide.

  • Reference data types

  • Using Excel workbooks to configure reference data

  • Using the bulkload modes

  • Creating rules using Visual Basic and C#

  • Creating 3D symbols using Visual Basic, C#, and Part Definition Wizard

  • Creating 2D symbols using the 2D Symbols utility

This reference data guide describes the example Structural Detailing reference data delivered with the software:

  • Visual Basic and C# source code is delivered for the rules.

  • Visual Basic and C# source code and 2D symbol files are delivered for the symbols.

  • Microsoft Excel workbooks are delivered for bulkloading items into the catalog.

  • An application programming interface (API) is provided in the software for common objects, methods, and properties used in Structural Detailing rules. For more information, see the Structural Detailing Programming Reference.

Rules

Structural Detailing rules contain symbol files that define design details for items that you place in your design. They also contain Visual Basic and C# projects that control the design detail placement. This data is organized by the catalog database and the catalog schema database.

You will want to customize the sample rule set delivered with the software, so that you can embed your organizations knowledge into the software. A customized rule set that meets your organizations specific needs results in:

  • Faster design cycles

  • Improved consistency

  • More accurate design data and output

Rules provide an intelligent default answer to design questions so that you do not have to modify every detail in the model. Selection rules reduce the skill level required of designers. Connection-based triggering reduces the time and resources required to complete the job. Using a rule set that matches your organization's needs and practices results in reduced human error and re-work and improves the quality of your deliverable product.

The Structural Detailing task uses rules when two connected objects are detailed. When you bound one object to another, the software creates a logical connection. That logical connection is used to determine which rules should run.

When you detail the parts, the software creates an assembly connection as a child of that logical connection.

The software then uses that assembly connection to evaluate how the objects are related. It decides which additional rules to run. Because of this, most features are children of an assembly connection.

The more work that is done automatically by the rules, the less work the designer has to do.