PDMS Access, Stairs and Ladders User · PDF fileRevision History Revision History-ii Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Version 11.6

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide

Version 11.6

pdms1160/Accessways issue 240304

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Revision History

Date Version Notes November 2003

11.5 The structure of document has been updated in line with other documents in the series. Some of the text has been reworded and up-to-date form illustrations have been included.

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Revision History-i Version 11.6

Revision History

Revision History-ii Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Version 11.6

Contents

1 Read This First..............................................................................................1-1 1.1 The scope of this guide............................................................................................................. 1-1

1.1.1 Intended audience........................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1.2 Preconditions and assumptions....................................................................................... 1-1 1.1.3 Tutorial exercise ............................................................................................................. 1-1 1.1.4 Further reading ............................................................................................................... 1-2

1.2 Text conventions....................................................................................................................... 1-2 1.3 Terminology ............................................................................................................................. 1-2 1.4 How this guide is organised...................................................................................................... 1-3 1.5 Further training in the use of PDMS......................................................................................... 1-4 2 Introducing VANTAGE PDMS and the Design Module ..............................2-1 2.1 The strengths and structure of PDMS....................................................................................... 2-1 2.2 The Design module and its structural applications................................................................... 2-1 3 Getting Started..............................................................................................3-1 3.1 Basic information ..................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1.1 Using the mouse ............................................................................................................. 3-1 3.1.2 Using menus ................................................................................................................... 3-2 3.1.3 Using forms .................................................................................................................... 3-2 3.1.4 Using text boxes ............................................................................................................. 3-3 3.1.5 Using drop-down lists .................................................................................................... 3-3 3.1.6 Using option buttons ...................................................................................................... 3-3 3.1.7 Using check boxes.......................................................................................................... 3-4 3.1.8 Using scrollable lists ...................................................................................................... 3-4 3.1.9 Using action buttons....................................................................................................... 3-4 3.1.10 Responding to alert forms .............................................................................................. 3-5

3.2 Logging in................................................................................................................................. 3-5 3.3 The Design startup display ....................................................................................................... 3-6 3.4 On-line help .............................................................................................................................. 3-8 3.5 The Design database hierarchy................................................................................................. 3-8 3.6 Starting the Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application (ASL Modeller) ............................. 3-9 3.7 The Parameter Default Settings .............................................................................................. 3-10

3.7.1 The Principles............................................................................................................... 3-10 3.7.2 Changing the Parameter Default Settings..................................................................... 3-11

4 Creating Access Platforms and Walkways.................................................4-1 4.1 Creating a Rectangular-Shaped Platform ................................................................................. 4-1

4.1.1 Creating a site................................................................................................................. 4-2 4.1.2 Creating a zone below a site........................................................................................... 4-4 4.1.3 Defining the Platform Geometry Explicitly ................................................................... 4-5 4.1.4 Defining the Platform Geometry Implicitly ................................................................... 4-6

4.2 Creating a Circular-Shaped Platform........................................................................................ 4-9 4.3 Creating a Penetration Through a Platform ............................................................................ 4-13

4.3.1 Defining a Floor Penetration Explicitly ....................................................................... 4-13

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Contents-i Version 11.6

Contents

4.3.2 Defining a Floor Penetration Implicitly ....................................................................... 4-14 5 Creating Stairs ..............................................................................................5-1 5.1 Creating a Stair with Specified Dimensions ............................................................................. 5-2 5.2 Creating a Stair between Specified Floors................................................................................ 5-4 6 Creating Ladders ..........................................................................................6-1 6.1 Creating a Step Ladder ............................................................................................................. 6-2 6.2 Creating a Front or Side Exit Ladder........................................................................................ 6-3 7 Creating Posts, Handrails and Kickplates ..................................................7-1 7.1 Creating Posts and Joints .......................................................................................................... 7-1

7.1.1 Creating Corner Posts..................................................................................................... 7-3 7.1.2 Creating Intermediate Posts............................................................................................ 7-3 7.1.3 Measuring the Distance Between Posts.......................................................................... 7-4 7.1.4 Changing the Joint Type for a Post ................................................................................ 7-4

7.2 Creating Handrails .................................................................................................................... 7-5 7.2.1 Creating Explicit Handrails ............................................................................................ 7-5 7.2.2 Adding End Pads to Handrails ....................................................................................... 7-5 7.2.3 Adding Closures to Handrails ........................................................................................ 7-6

7.3 Creating kickplates ................................................................................................................... 7-6 8 Positioning and Orientating Items ..............................................................8-1 8.1 Explicit Positioning .................................................................................................................. 8-1

8.1.1 Positioning at Explicit Coordinates ................................................................................ 8-1 8.2 Positioning Relative to Current Position .................................................................................. 8-3 8.3 Positioning Relative to Other Design Points ............................................................................ 8-4

8.3.1 Moving a Given Distance............................................................................................... 8-4 8.3.2 Moving Through a Given Point...................................................................................... 8-6 8.3.3 Moving Through a Given Clearance .............................................................................. 8-6 8.3.4 Moving Towards a Given Point ..................................................................................... 8-8

8.4 Redefining the Origin of an Element........................................................................................ 8-8 8.5 Positioning Relative to Projected Planes .................................................................................. 8-9

8.5.1 Moving Through a Given Distance .............................................................................. 8-10 8.5.2 Moving Through a Given Point.................................................................................... 8-11 8.5.3 Moving to a Given Clearance....................................................................................... 8-12

8.6 Positioning Stairs and Ladders Using Reference Points......................................................... 8-13 8.7 Orientating Elements .............................................................................................................. 8-14

8.7.1 Redefining the Directions of One or Two Axes ........................................................... 8-14 8.7.2 Rotating an Element ..................................................................................................... 8-15

9 Modifying Accessways, Stairs and Ladders in Detail................................9-1 9.1 Stretching or Trimming a Primitive.......................................................................................... 9-2 9.2 Sliding a Primitive to a New Position....................................................................................... 9-6 9.3 Changing the Direction of Stair/Ladder Handrails ................................................................... 9-7

Contents-ii Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Version 11.6

Contents

Appendix A: Setting Drawing Representation Levels....................................... A-1

Appendix B: Other Documentation..................................................................... B-1

Index.................................................................................................................Index i

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Contents-iii Version 11.6

1 Read This First

1.1 The scope of this guide

This document is one of a set of Application User Guides that tell you how to carry out specific types of design work using PDMS Design.

This particular guide describes how you can use Design’s Accessways, Stairs and Ladders (ASL Modeller) application to add access details to your structural steelwork, using on-screen menus and forms.

1.1.1 Intended audience

This guide has been written for engineers who have already used Design’s Structural application to create the principal parts of the steelwork structure, as described in the manual Structural Design using PDMS. Therefore, menu options that are common to both applications will be mentioned only briefly in this guide.

1.1.2 Preconditions and assumptions

For you to use this guide, the sample PDMS project, Project SAM, must be correctly installed on your system, and you must have read/write access to the project databases.

It is assumed that you know:

• where to find PDMS on your computer system

• how to use the Windows operating system installed at your site.

Contact your systems administrator if you need help in either of these areas.

1.1.3 Tutorial exercise

The tutorial exercise runs through the guide, preceded by and interspersed with sections and paragraphs giving general information. The steps of the exercise are numbered sequentially throughout the guide. The areas of general information are separated from the tutorial as follows:

The start of the exercise is indicated like this:

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide 1-1 Version 11.6

Read This First

Exercise begins:

Each interval in the exercise for inclusion of general information, is preceded by a line across the page, like this:

Continuation of the exercise after each interval is shown like this:

Exercise continues:

1.1.4 Further reading

You can find a list of relevant AVEVA documentation in Appendix B of this guide.

1.2 Text conventions

This guide uses the following text conventions:

Serif for the majority of the text.

Bold to highlight important information, and to introduce special terminology.

Serif italic to denote internal cross references and citations.

Sans-serif to denote keys on your keyboard.

Sans-serif bold for menu names and options, and for the names of forms.

Typewriter for text within a form, including text that you enter yourself using the keyboard.

1.3 Terminology

The following terms are used throughout this guide to describe what action to carry out:

Enter Type text into the specified dialogue box, then press the Enter (or Return) key to confirm the entry.

1-2 Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Version 11.6

Read This First

Click Place the mouse pointer over a specified point, then quickly press and release the designated mouse button. If no button is specified, use the left-hand mouse button.

Pick Click on the required item to select it.

1.4 How this guide is organised

This guide is divided into chapters and appendices, as follows:

Chapter 1 introduces this guide and summaries its scope.

Chapter 2 gives a general overview of the structure and strengths of PDMS and of the Design module.

Chapter 3 initially serves as a reminder of the essential elements of the graphical user interface and how to start up PDMS Design. (If you are already familiar with Windows forms and menus interfaces, you should be able to read through this part of the chapter rapidly.) The chapter includes an explanation of the relevant part of the Design database hierarchy. The method of accessing on-line help is included.

The chapter continues by describing how to select the ASL Modeller application and explains the definition and use of some design parameters whose settings apply to the creation of accessways, stairs and ladders.

Chapter 4 tells you how to create various configurations of platforms and walkways (with or without handrails and kickplates).

Chapter 5 tells you how to create stairs, complete with handrails on one or both sides.

Chapter 6 tells you how to create ladders, with appropriately positioned exits and safety hoops.

Chapter 7 explains how you can explicitly add posts, handrails and/or kickplates to existing platforms, stairs or ladders.

Chapter 8 describes the available options for repositioning and reorientating existing platforms, stairs or ladders.

Chapter 9 tells you how you can modify various features of existing platforms, stairs or ladders.


Read This First

Appendix A illustrates the effects of setting different drawing levels.

Appendix B identifies other sources of information that supplement and expand upon the brief details given in this guide.

The guide concludes with an index.

1.5 Further training in the use of PDMS

This guide teaches you to about the key features of using PDMS Design for accessways, stairs and ladders only.

If you wish to learn more about the wide-ranging facilities of PDMS, AVEVA provides a wide range of training courses, covering all levels of expertise and all design disciplines. For details of courses, and to arrange course attendance, contact your nearest AVEVA support office (see the copyright page at the front of this guide for our web address).


2 Introducing VANTAGE PDMS and the Design Module

2.1 The strengths and structure of PDMS

PDMS is a powerful suite of facilities, for the design of Process Plant, the emphasis being on maximising both design consistency and design productivity:

• You can incorporate modifications into your design at any stage without fear of invalidating any of your prior work, because data-consistency checking is an integral part of the product. PDMS automatically manages drawing production, material take-off reports, and so on, by reading all design data directly from a common set of databases, to prevent errors from being introduced by transcribing information between different disciplines.

• The applications let you check all aspects of your design as work progresses. This includes on-line interdisciplinary clash detection, so the chances of errors and inconsistencies reaching the final documented design are reduced to an exceptionally low level.

• The applications are controlled from a graphical user interface. This means that all design, drawing and reporting operations are initiated by selecting choices from menus, and by entering data into on-screen forms. For ease of use, pictorial icons also represent many common actions.

• On-screen help is available to assist you whenever you need help.

PDMS comprises the following functional parts:

• modules

• applications

A module is a subdivision of PDMS that you use to carry out specific types of operation. This guide is concerned with the Design module, which you use for creating the 3D design model.

An application is a supplementary program that provides operations that are specific to a particular discipline. The application you will use for structural design work in this guide is Accessways, Stairs and Ladders (ASL).

2.2 The Design module and its structural applications

The PDMS structural applications offer the following key benefits:


Introducing VANTAGE PDMS and the Design Module

• The applications incorporate a number of geometric design aids, such as 3D positioning grids, design pins and 2D routing planes, to make it easy for you to position structural elements accurately within the design model. In most cases you can specify the points at which design items are to be positioned using the pointer to pick the required points in a 3D model view.

Where possible, the Design applications create and maintain connectivity of the structural network automatically.

• You can carry out multi-disciplinary clash checks at any stage of the design, thus avoiding spatial conflicts within the overall model which could be expensive to rectify at the construction stage. This is particularly important where different features of the design model are under the control of different designers.

• At any stage of your work, you can create reports listing specified data from the current database. You can specify a standard report template, so you can derive lists of commonly-required information very quickly, or you can design a one-off report format to suit special needs. The resultant output, which can include data from any design discipline, sorted in any way you require, can be either displayed on your screen or sent to a file (for storage and/or for printing).


3 Getting Started

The first part of this chapter is a reminder of the user interface and principles that you utilised during previous sessions with Design. The subject matter covered is:

• basic information on how to use the mouse and elements of the windows, menus and forms within the PDMS graphical user interface,

• how to log in to PDMS,

• the availability of on-line help,

• the Design database hierarchy.

The second part of the chapter introduces aspects specific to ASL. The subject matter covered is:

• how to start the ASL Modeller application,

• the parameter default settings.

3.1 Basic information

This section is intended for readers who are unfamiliar with computer practices. It provides information on the use of the mouse and describes the elements that regularly appear in the windows of the graphical user interface.

3.1.1 Using the mouse

You use the mouse to steer the graphics pointer around the screen. The appearance of the pointer changes according to the type of display item that is underneath it.

There are three buttons on the mouse. These perform different tasks depending on the type of window, and the position occupied by the pointer within the window.

The left-hand mouse button has three functions:

• On a graphical view, clicking the left-hand button with the pointer over a design element results in selection of a graphical item or identification of a position in the 3D model.

• In a sequence of menus, dragging with the left-hand button activates the command represented by the highlighted menu option when the button is released.

• On a form, the effect varies according to the selected item.

The middle mouse button or wheel is used primarily to manipulate the graphical view contents.


Getting Started

The right-hand button is used to access pop-up menu options specific to the item under the mouse pointer.

Note: the right-hand mouse button menu will henceforth be referred to as the shortcut menu.

3.1.2 Using menus

Menu options in pull-down or shortcut menus can be in any of three formats:

Standalone options initiate an action immediately.

Options followed by three dots require further input from the user in order to complete the action.

Options followed by a pointer, display a subsidiary menu that offers a further range of options.

Throughout this guide, related selections from menus are abbreviated using the > symbol as a separator. For example:

Select Position>At>Explicit means:

a) Select Position from the bar menu.

b) Select At from the resulting pull-down menu

c) Move the pointer to the right and select Explicit from the resultant submenu.

3.1.3 Using forms

Forms are used both to display information and to let you enter new data. Forms typically comprise an arrangement of buttons of various types, text-boxes, and scrollable lists. Input to a form is usually by use of the mouse and keyboard.

While you have access to a form, you can change a setting, return to the initial values, accept and act on the current data, or cancel the form without applying any changes, according to the nature of the form.

Forms can include any of the following elements, the uses of which are described in the following sections:

• text boxes

• drop-down lists

• option buttons

• check boxes

• scrollable lists

• action buttons.


Getting Started

3.1.4 Using text boxes

Text boxes are the areas where you type in alphanumeric data such as names or dimensions. A text box will usually have a label to tell you what to enter.

A text-box often contains a default entry (such as unset) when first displayed. Some text boxes accept only text or only numeric data, and entries with the wrong type of data are not accepted.

To enter data into a text box:

Click in the box to insert the text-editing pointer (a vertical bar).

Type in the required data, editing any existing entry as necessary. (You may need to delete the existing entry first.)

You can edit the contents of the text box by moving the cursor using the arrow keys or by moving the cursor with the mouse and clicking the left mouse button. You can delete text by using the BACKSPACE key to delete characters to the left-hand of the cursor or DELETE KEY for those to the right-hand.

When you have finished, confirm the entry by pressing the Enter (or Return) key. A yellow background highlights any text box with an unconfirmed setting.

3.1.5 Using drop-down lists

Drop-down lists let you choose one option from a multiple selection. The list will usually have a label to tell you what you are setting and will show the current selection.

They typically have the following appearance:

To change the setting, click on the down arrow or button face to reveal the full list of available options. Then pick the required option.

When the arrow has a bar under it, clicking on the button leads to another form, at which the required option can be selected from a scrollable list.

3.1.6 Using option buttons

Option buttons (radio buttons) are used to select one, and only one, from a group of options. The selection is mutually exclusive, so that selecting one option deselects others in that group automatically.


Option selected

Option not selected

To change the selected option button in a group, click the required button.


Getting Started

3.1.7 Using check boxes

Check boxes are used to switch an option between two states, typically set and unset. Unlike option buttons, they do not interact, so that you can set any combination of check boxes at the same time.


Set

Unset

3.1.8 Using scrollable lists

A scrollable list is displayed as a vertical list of options within the form, with vertical and horizontal scroll bars along its sides. To select an option, click on the line you want. The selected line is highlighted.

Some scrollable lists let you make only a single selection, so that selecting any option deselects all others automatically. Other lists let you make multiple selections, with all selected options highlighted simultaneously. You can deselect a highlighted option in a multiple-choice list, by clicking on it again (repeated clicks toggle a selection).

3.1.9 Using action buttons

Most forms include one or more action buttons. You use these to tell PDMS what to do with the details you have entered in the form.

The common action buttons are:

Tells PDMS to perform the chosen operation using the current form settings, and closes the form.

Cancels the chosen operation, ignoring any changes you have made to the form, and closes the form.

Tells PDMS to perform the chosen operation using the current form settings, and leaves the form displayed for further use.

Cancels any changes you have made to the form, and leaves the form displayed for further use.

Closes the form, keeping the current settings, but without performing the chosen operation.


Getting Started

Some forms contain more specific types of control button, which carry out particular command options. The action is indicated by the name of the button (such as Add or Remove).

3.1.10 Responding to alert forms

Alert forms are used to display information such as error messages, prompts and requests for confirmation of changes. You should respond by carrying out the prompted task, or by clicking on the control buttons on the form (usually an OK or Cancel button).

3.2 Logging in

This is the first step of the tutorial exercise. If you do not know where the PDMS program is stored on your system, you will have to contact your system administrator at this point.

Exercise begins: 1. Start PDMS by double clicking on the PDMS icon.

The following VANTAGE PDMS Login form appears, at which you specify a number of details at the start of your session.

2. Click on the VANTAGE PDMS Login form to make it active.

Note: The following entries made at this form are specifically for the tutorial. Those required for your own project will be different.

3. Enter, or select using the dropdown list button, the name of the Project in which you want to work. For this tutorial, the project is SAM (in upper case).

4. Enter, or select using the dropdown list button, your Username. For this tutorial, it is SAMPLE (in upper case).


Getting Started

5. Enter your allocated Password, which is SAMPLE (in upper case). The textbox displays an asterisk for each entered letter.

6. Enter, or select using the dropdown list button, the part of the project Multiple Database (MDB) you want to work in. For this tutorial it is SAMPLE.

7. Using the dropdown list, select the name of the module you wish to use. This is Design.

8. Make sure that you leave the Read Only box unchecked, so that you can modify the database as you work.

9. You must specify which files (Load from) to load at startup. The options are the application default settings (Macro Files) or a customised setup saved during an earlier session (Load from Binary Files). For this tutorial select Macro Files.

When you have entered all the necessary details, the form looks like this:

10. Click on the button.

3.3 The Design startup display

When PDMS has loaded, your screen looks like this:


Getting Started

As labelled above, the display comprises the following:

Title Bar This shows the current PDMS module, and its sub-application if applicable.

Main Menu Bar This is the area you use to make menu selections.

Main Tool Bar This has a number of icon buttons and drop-down lists that offer shortcuts to a selection common PDMS operations and standard settings.

Design Explorer This shows your current position in the PDMS database hierarchy. To move to a different point in the database, you click on the appropriate item in the list.

Note: for full details of the Design Explorer, see the PDMS Design online help.

3D View This is the window in which you display the design model graphically as you build it. A shortcut menu (which you access with the right-hand mouse button) enables you to control how the model is represented. This window also has its own tool bar.


Getting Started

Status Bar This displays information about the current status of your operations.

You can reposition or minimise these windows at any time using standard window management facilities.

3.4 On-line help

The standard Help features are available from its submenu, as follows:

Help>On Context

This gives you help on any window currently visible in the display. When you select this option, the pointer changes to a question mark (?). Move the question mark into the window on which you want help and click the left-hand mouse button.

Help>Contents

This displays the Help three-pane window with the Contents tab at the front so that you can find the required topic from the hierarchical contents list.

Help>Index

This displays the Help three-pane window with the Index tab at the front so that you can find all topics relevant to a selected keyword.

Help>About

This displays information about the version of PDMS that you are using.

More Info... lists the version numbers of the libraries being used by the displayed version of PDMS.

Pressing the F1 key at any time will display the help topic for the currently active window (equivalent to Help>On Context for the current window).

Note: For most of the forms in the ASL Modeller Application, on-line help is NOT available. In these circumstances, this guide takes the place of on-line help.

3.5 The Design database hierarchy

All PDMS data is stored in a hierarchic or ‘tree’ format (similar to the way in which you use a hierarchy of directories and subdirectories to access your computer files). In the case of a PDMS Design database, the topmost data level is called the World (usually represented by the symbolic name /*), below which are the administrative sublevels Site and Zone.

The names used to identify database levels below Zone depend on the specific engineering discipline for which the data is used. In the case of ASL design data, the


Getting Started

lower administrative levels (and their PDMS abbreviations) are Structure (STRU) and Substructure (SUBS).

All data is represented in the database thus:

• Each identifiable item of data is known as a PDMS element.

• Each element has a number of associated pieces of information, which, together, completely define its properties. These are known as its attributes.

Every element is identified within the database structure by an automatically allocated reference number and, optionally, by a user-specified name. Additional items of information about an element which could be stored as attribute settings include:

• Its type

• Its physical dimensions and technical specifications

• Its physical location and orientation in the design model

• Its connectivity.

Some attribute settings must be defined by you when you create a new element, others will be defined automatically by PDMS.

The vertical link between two elements on adjacent levels of the database hierarchy is defined as an owner-member relationship. The element on the upper level is the owner of those elements directly linked below it. The lower level elements are members of their owning element. Each element can have many members, but it can have only one owner.

When you are modifying a database (for example, when you are creating new elements or changing the settings of their attributes), you can consider yourself to be positioned at a specific point within the hierarchy. The element at this location is called the current element (often abbreviated to CE).

You can navigate from any element to any other, thereby changing the current element, by following the owner-member links up and down the hierarchy.

In many cases, commands which you give for modifying the attributes of an element will assume that the changes are to be applied to the current element unless you specify otherwise, so you must understand this concept and always be aware of your current position in the database hierarchy. The Design Explorer will always show you this information.

3.6 Starting the Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application (ASL Modeller)

Exercise continues:


Getting Started

11. Start the ASL application by selecting Design from the top-level bar menu, Structures from the pull-down menu and ASL Modeller… from the first submenu (Design>Structures>ASL Modeller).

When the application has loaded, you will see the application’s bar menu, across the top of the window thus:

12. Before you proceed further, see Appendix A for guidance on the effects of setting different drawing levels.

The following chapters of this guide explain how to select appropriate combinations of options from the various menus, and how to fill in any associated forms, to enable you to carry out specific design functions for adding accessways, stairs and/or ladders to your structural model.

The menus and forms have been designed so as to make their use as intuitive as possible. This guide does not, therefore, attempt to explain every command option, only those needed to carry out the principal design tasks.

The contents of some forms change interactively to match your choice of options, so that the selections presented to you and the input data requested from you are always directly relevant to the current situation. Because of this, some design functions are easier to use in practice than they are to describe in theory. You will learn to use the applications most rapidly if you experiment with the various menu and form options yourself (remembering to quit without saving your changes if you practise on a ‘real’ database).

3.7 The Parameter Default Settings

3.7.1 The Principles

Each time you create a new accessway, stair or ladder in the ASL application, you must specify the settings of a number of dimensional and general design parameters relevant to that type of item. For example, for a corner platform with handrails, the parameters which must be specified include the following (see Figure 3.1):

• The length, width and orientation of the platform

• The sides along which the handrails are required

• The thickness of the floorplate

• The depth of the kickplate


Getting Started

• The method of construction and mounting for the handrail.

Some of these parameters, such as the length and width, are specific to each individual item and must be defined separately each time a new platform is created. The definition is made either explicitly, by typing values into text boxes, or implicitly, by using the cursor to pick existing design elements relative to which the new item is to be positioned.

Other parameters, such as floorplate thickness, handrail design definitions, kickplate depth etc., which are likely to be common to all such structures, have their initial settings derived from the current defaults file. You can change the current default settings at any time, so that they take effect for all subsequent design work, or you can override one or more individual settings by editing the entries in the corresponding text boxes as you create each ASL item.

Kickplate de pth

Le n gth

Width

Han drail locations

Han drail post type(e .g . jo in te d, floor m ou n te d)

Floorplate thickn ess

D ire ction

Figure 3.1 Some parameters for a corner platform

3.7.2 Changing the Parameter Default Settings

To change any of the default settings, select Settings>Defaults… from the menu. You will see the ASL Defaults form, showing the current settings, thus:


Getting Started

The form shows the current setting for each parameter and the name of the defaults file from which the settings have been obtained.

When you first enter the ASL application, the defaults file is defined within the initialisation file PDMSUI/DES/ADMIN/SETUP; the file is typically defined as %PDMSDFLTS%/DES-ACCESS.

To change any of the parameter default settings, edit the corresponding entries in the ASL Defaults form. Note that three of the settings are defined by using drop-down list, rather than by editing values in text boxes. These are:

Handrail Joints defining the geometry of the joints (ball, cone or tee)


Getting Started

Post Type defining how and where handrail posts are to be attached

Steelwork Type defining the type of primary/secondary steelwork (Nodal or Nozzle) to which the ASL items are to be added. This option should be set to Nodal. Note: The Nozzle option is only provided for use with data generated by an old PDMS steelwork application called Nozzle Steelwork, which is no longer supplied or supported.

You can save the modified settings, or load a new set of defaults from an existing file, by using the File menu options on the ASL Defaults form in the usual way. This is a convenient way for you to build up a library of standard ASL design configurations for use on different types of steelwork structures, or to meet different company standards.

Once satisfactory sets of default values have been established, it should not be necessary to change these in normal use, because they will usually represent project-wide or company-wide standards.


4 Creating Access Platforms and Walkways

This chapter explains how to create any of the following types of platform:

Floorplate a basic rectangular plate with no handrails or kickplates (although you can add posts, rails and/or kickplates independently, as explained in Chapter 7).

Rectangular platform a rectangular platform with handrails and optional kickplates (initially to default specifications) on all four sides.

Corner platform a rectangular platform with handrails and optional kickplates (initially to default specifications) on two adjacent sides.

Return access a rectangular platform with handrails and optional kickplates (initially to default specifications) on three sides.

Walkway a rectangular platform with handrails and optional kickplates (initially to default specifications) on two opposite sides.

Circular platform although nominally circular, such a platform may actually be round, hexagonal or octagonal, with handrails and optional kickplates (initially to default specifications) all round its periphery.

This chapter also explains how to insert a penetration into the floorplate of any platform to allow another design element, such as a pipe, to pass through it.

Note: You should create platforms at Structure or Substructure level.

4.1 Creating a Rectangular-Shaped Platform

The procedure for creating any of the rectangular-shaped platforms is much the same, since only the layout of the handrails and kickplates differs between the different types; for example:


Creating Access Platforms and Walkways

0

Re c tangular p la tform

Corne r p latfo rm

Re turn ac c e ss p l atforms how s or ig in and d irec t io n

(R.H. l ayou t)

The only data that is not taken from the defaults file is that which defines the position and dimensions of the platform. You may specify such data in either of two ways:

• Explicitly, by entering the length/width dimensions, orientation and origin coordinates.

• Implicitly, by using the cursor to pick four design steelwork elements upon which the platform is to be placed and which will define its boundaries.

Exercise continues:

4.1.1 Creating a site

You will create your hierarchy from the top down, starting with a site.

Exercise continues: 13. Make sure that you are at World level in the Design Explorer, then select

Create>Site to display the Create Site form:



14. Type ASL.SITE in the Name text box, and press the Enter key to confirm the name. The system automatically adds a / prefix to this name so that it conforms with the internal PDMS file naming conventions: /ASL.SITE.

The Purpose setting is optional, and is used for selecting particular categories of element for use in compiling reports etc. Identify your Site as one that holds civils modelling data by selecting STLT Tertiary Steelwork.

Your settings now look like this:

15. Click OK to create the Site element. Your first element appears in the Design Explorer as the current element:



4.1.2 Creating a zone below a site

Exercise continues: 16. Select Create>Zone. You will let the system name the Zone. On the Create Zone form: Set the Name option to Autoname

• Set the Purpose to STL Steelwork.



17. Click OK to create the Zone element. Again, the new element appears in the Design Explorer as the current element, and it has been automatically named ASL.SITE/STRUC01.

4.1.3 Defining the Platform Geometry Explicitly

18. Begin to create a Platform by first selecting Create>Platform>type>Define, where type is Corner, Rectangular, Return Access, Walkway or Floorplate.

You will see an element creation form similar to this (the precise format depends on the type of platform specified):

19. Give the new platform a Name, if required.

20. Check that the default settings for Floorplate Thickness, Kickplate Depth and Posts are suitable. Change them if necessary.

21. Enter the coordinates of the new platform’s origin (the centre of the rectangle) in the Position text boxes, checking that the Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axis system.



22. Enter the platform’s dimensions, as required, in the Length and Width text boxes.

23. The default orientation for a newly created platform is with its length pointing North and with the plane of the platform horizontal (these directions are not derived from the defaults file). If you wish to rotate the platform about a vertical axis through its origin, edit the entry in the Direction text box.

For a Return Access platform, the specified direction defines the direction of the open end.

24. OK the form to create the platform, complete with appropriate handrails and kickplates.

25. If you have created a corner or return access platform, you will see the prompt Mirror? This gives you the opportunity to change your mind about the handrail layout by moving the rails to the opposite sides. Select Yes or No as required.

An example platform (with Length and Width set to 1000, 1000 respectively, and YES selected for Mirror) is shown below:

4.1.4 Defining the Platform Geometry Implicitly

26. At this point we need to add some steelwork sections to the display, so select STABILIZER/STEEL/EQUIPRACK from the Design Explorer and add EQUIPRACK to the display by selecting it and selecting 3D View>Add from the shortcut menu. See below:



27. Note that the default type of steel should be set to Nodal. If it is not, you will not be able to pick the elements upon which you wish to install the platform and the application will fail.

28. Select Create>Platform>type>On ID Sections, where type is Corner, Rectangular, Return Access, Walkway or Floorplate.

You will see an element creation form similar to this (the precise format depends on the type of platform specified):




30. Check that the default settings for Floorplate Thickness, Kickplate Depth and Posts are suitable. Change them if necessary.

31. Set the Extent option gadget to show how the platform’s boundaries are to be related to the datum lines of the sections which will be used to define them. The choices are:

Centreline Edge

32. Click the Apply button.

33. You be prompted to Identify section (SCTN) (Most Northerly).

Using the pointer, pick the section (i.e. beam) which is to define the north edge of the new platform. (Hint: You may find it useful to have the axes displayed so that you pick the correct direction; use the Model>Axes option from the main menu if necessary.)

When prompted further, pick the sections which are to define the south, east and west edges of the platform, in that order.

The platform will be created, complete with appropriate handrails and kickplates.

34. If you have created a corner or return access platform, you will see the prompt Do you want to mirror the ... Platform? This gives you the opportunity to change your mind about the handrail layout by moving the rails to the opposite sides. Select Yes or No as required.

An example platform (with NO selected for Do you want to mirror the ... ?) is shown below:



4.2 Creating a Circular-Shaped Platform

You can create a ‘circular’ platform with any of three basic configurations; round, hexagonal (six sides) or octagonal (eight sides).

Round platforms may form complete circles, or they may comprise segments of any specified angle. Six-sided and eight-sided platforms may be created only in their entirety (although they are made up of six and eight separate floorplates, respectively, any of which may be deleted later if necessary).

Each type of platform can have a circular penetration through its centre and, for round platforms only, this penetration may be protected by a second (inner) handrail. The latter is particularly relevant when you use, say, a 90o segment of a round platform to form a curved walkway.

Some possible configurations are as follows:



Round platform

Octagonal platform(Eight Sides)

Hexagonal platform(Six Sides)

with optional inside rail

90o round 180o round 360o roundwithout inside rail

Exercise continues: To create any of the above platform types, reselect PLATFORMS as the current element, remove EQUIPRACK from the display (by selecting it and selecting Remove From Draw List from the shortcut menu) and proceed as follows:

35. Select Create>Platform>Circular>type, where type is Round, Six Sides or Eight Sides.

You will see an element creation form similar to the following (the precise format depends on the type of platform specified; the round platform version shown here is the most complex of the three):




37. Check that the default settings for Floorplate Thickness and Kickplate Depth are suitable. Change them if necessary.

38. Enter the coordinates of the new platform’s origin (the centre of the circumscribing circle) in the Position text boxes, checking that the Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axis system.

39. For a six-sided or eight-sided platform, enter the platform’s dimensions in the Radius to outside of floor and Radius to inside of floor text boxes (setting the latter to zero if you do not want a central penetration in the floorplate).

For a round platform, enter the platform’s dimensions in the Radius to outside of floor and Floor width text boxes (entering the same value for each if you do not want a central penetration in the floorplate).

40. For a round platform, enter the Angle subtended by the segment (the default setting of 0 gives a full 360o platform) and the Direction of the starting edge (remembering that the angle is measured anticlockwise), thus:



Direct ion

Floorwidth

Radius toou tside offloor

Angle Origin

41. For a round platform, set the Inside rail option button to specify whether or not you want a rail round the inner penetration (if any).

42. OK the form to create the platform, complete with appropriate handrails and kickplates.

An example Round platform is shown below:



4.3 Creating a Penetration Through a Platform

You can insert a circular or square penetration through the floorplate of any platform in either of two ways:

• Explicitly, by specifying the position and dimensions of the penetration. You could use this method, for example, to allow a stairway or ladder to give access within a platform rather than routing it externally to give access through a gap in the surrounding handrail.

• Implicitly, by picking an existing piping element which penetrates the floorplate. The position of the floor penetration is determined from that of the picked element and the dimensions of the penetration are derived so as to give a specified clearance around the picked element. You would use this method to create a penetration for a pipe to pass through the platform floor, thus:

Pipe

Squarepenet ra t ionin floorpla te

Exercise continues:

4.3.1 Defining a Floor Penetration Explicitly

Note: at this point you must have an ASL platform on display.

43. Select Create>Floor Penetration>shape>Explicit, where shape is Circular or Square.

You will see a floor penetration creation form like one of the following:



44. Enter the North/South and East/West coordinates for the centre of the penetration. (The Up/Down coordinate will be derived from the position of the floorplate through which the penetration is to pass.)

45. Enter the Diameter for a circular penetration or the Length/Width for a square penetration.

46. Set the Floor type option button to show the shape of the platform (Rectangular or Circular) into which the penetration will be inserted. (This information is needed to ensure that the penetration creation calculations are correctly executed.)

47. Click Apply.

48. You will be prompted to ‘Identify floorplate’. Using the cursor, pick the floorplate into which the penetration is to be inserted.

4.3.2 Defining a Floor Penetration Implicitly

Note: Before you can use this method, your design must include a pipe (or piping component) which passes through a platform and both the pipe and the platform must be shown in the 3D view.

Exercise continues: 49. Select Create>Floor Penetration>shape>ID cursor, where shape is Circular

or Square.

You will see a floor penetration creation form similar to this:



50. Enter the minimum Clearance distance required between the pipe or piping component and the sides of the penetration.

51. Set the Floor type option button to show the shape of the platform (Rectangular or Circular) into which the penetration will be inserted. (This information is needed to ensure that the penetration creation calculations are correctly executed.)

52. Click Apply.

53. You will be prompted to ‘Identify floorplate’. Using the cursor, pick the floorplate into which the penetration is to be inserted.

54. You will be prompted to ‘Identify penetrating Item’. Using the cursor, pick the pipe or piping component around which the penetration is to be created.




5 Creating Stairs

This chapter explains how to create flights of stairs, complete with side rails on one or both sides, between the floor and a platform (a bottom flight) or between two platforms (a top flight). The difference between the two configurations is the shape of the bottom end of the side rails, thus:

Bottom Flight Top Flight

Rails have terminating loops

Rails angled to connectto platform handrails

Note: You should create stairs at Structure or Substructure level.


Creating Stairs

The following parameters are relevant to stairs:

Angle

Stringer depth

Stringer thickness

Width betweenstringers

Length

Height

Left-hand rail

Right-hand rail

Direction

Origin(midway between stringers)

Of these, Angle, Stringer depth, Stringer thickness and Width between stringers are defined within the defaults file.

You can specify the overall dimensions of a stair in one of three ways:

• By Height and Angle (Length being implicit) - see Section 5.1

• By Height and Length (Angle being implicit) - see Section 5.1

• For top flights only, by identifying the p-points on finished floor levels (FFL) at the bottom and top of the stair - see Section 5.2

Exercise continues:

5.1 Creating a Stair with Specified Dimensions

55. Select the required combination of menu options from the following, depending on your chosen configuration and method of specifying dimensions: Create>Stair>top flight>Height & Angle Create>Stair>bottom flight>Height & Angle Create>Stair>top flight>Height & Length Create>Stair>bottom flight>Height & Length


Creating Stairs

You will see a Stair Creation form similar to this (the precise format depends on the chosen menu selection):

56. Give the new stairs a Name, if required.

57. Check that the default settings for Stringer Depth, Stringer Thickness, Width Between Stringers, Landing Floor Thickness, Posts and (for Height & Angle specifications only) Angle are suitable. Change them if necessary.

58. Enter the coordinates for the origin of the stairs (that is, the mid-point of the lower front extremity) in the Position text boxes, checking that the Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axis system.

59. Set the Direction (as viewed when facing up the stairs).

60. Enter the Height and, for Height & Length specifications only, the Length. Note that the specified length refers to the horizontal projection, not the actual length of the stringers.

61. OK the form to create the stairs, complete with appropriate handrails.

An example Top Flight stair is shown below:


Creating Stairs

5.2 Creating a Stair between Specified Floors

This option allows you to create a top flight stair configuration by picking p-points on two existing floorplates between which the stairs are to run. All positioning and dimensioning data for the new stairs is derived implicitly from the points on the finished floor levels (FFLs) which you pick.

Exercise continues: Before you begin, ensure that both platforms that will be used to define the stairs are shown in the 3D view.

62. Select Create>Stair>Top Flight>FFL to FFL.

63. Give the new stairs a Name, if required.

64. Check that the default settings for Stringer Depth, Stringer Thickness, Width Between Stringers, Landing Floor Thickness and Posts are suitable. Change them if necessary.

65. Click OK.

66. You will be prompted to ‘Identify P-Point on first floorplate’. Using the cursor, pick a p-point on the platform which will determine the bottom of the stair. Hint: The easiest way to do this is to position the cursor anywhere on the required floorplate and hold down the left-hand mouse button as you move the


Creating Stairs

cursor. The p-points will be shown as blobs and the cursor shape will change from . to when it is over a p-point.

67. When you have successfully picked a p-point on the first floorplate, you will be prompted to ‘Identify P-Point on second floorplate’. Using the same technique as in Step 5, pick a p-point on the platform which will determine the top of the stair.

The stair will be created, complete with appropriate handrails, between the finished floor levels at the p-point locations.

Note: The maximum size of any stair is limited to 16 flights (or treads) or to a height of 2.3 m. If your new stair would exceed either of these limits, you will see a message telling you that an intermediate platform is required. If so, create such a platform (as explained in Chapter 4) and then create two stairs linked via the platform.


6 Creating Ladders

This chapter explains how to create any of the following types of ladder:

A step ladder an inclined ladder with flat treads. A step ladder has handrails on both sides, and top posts where it accesses the upper platform.

A front exit ladder a vertical ladder with round treads. A front exit ladder has safety hoops, and top posts and rails where it accesses the upper platform.

A side exit ladder a vertical ladder with round treads. A side exit ladder can have single or double exits, and has safety hoops between its access points.

These configurations are illustrated in Figure 6.1, which shows the origin and direction that you will use to position and orientate each type. The figure also shows the intended access direction(s) from each type of ladder.


Creating Ladders

Step ladder

Front exit ladder Single side exit ladder

Double side exit ladder

Accessdirection(s)

Origin anddirection ofladder

Key:

Figure 6.1 The available ladder configurations

Exercise continues:

6.1 Creating a Step Ladder

68. Select Create>Ladder>Step.

You will see a step ladder creation form like this:


Creating Ladders

69. Give the new step ladder a Name, if required.

70. Enter the coordinates for the origin of the ladder (that is, the mid-point of the lower front extremity) in the Position text boxes, checking that the Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axis system.

71. Set the Direction (as viewed when facing up the ladder).

72. Enter the Height to top of platform and select the required angle from the permissible range using the option button.

73. OK the form to create the step ladder, complete with appropriate handrails.

6.2 Creating a Front or Side Exit Ladder

74. Select the required combination of menu options from the following, depending on your chosen configuration: Create>Ladder>Front Exit Create>Ladder>Side Exit>Single Create>Ladder>Side Exit>Double You will see a ladder creation form similar to this (the precise format depends on the chosen menu selection):


Creating Ladders

75. Give the new ladder a Name, if required.

76. Check that the default setting for Clearance is suitable. This setting defines the stand-off distance between the ladder and any potential obstructions behind it. Change it if necessary.

77. Enter the coordinates for the origin of the ladder (that is, the mid-point of the lower front extremity) in the Position text boxes, checking that the Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axis system.

78. Set the Direction (as viewed when facing up the ladder).

79. Enter the Height or, for a double exit ladder, the Height to top platform and the Height to first platform.

80. OK the form to create the ladder, complete with appropriate safety hoops and, for a front exit ladder, a top rail.


7 Creating Posts, Handrails and Kickplates

Although the platforms, stairs and ladders described in Chapters 4, 5 and 6 can be created complete with appropriate posts, handrails and kickplates, there will be times when you need to add these specifically to existing accessways. You are most likely to do this when you want to modify an existing handrail round a platform in order to allow access for a new stair or ladder (some types of which already incorporate short sections of handrail). This chapter tells you how to create such individual components.

7.1 Creating Posts and Joints

Posts may have either of two basic configurations:

• Corner posts consist of a pair of vertical cylinders with incorporated joints, linked by horizontal ‘elbows’ of handrail.

• Intermediate posts (referred to in the menus simply as Posts) consist of a single vertical cylinder with incorporated joints.

In both cases, the joints may have any of the following shapes:

• Ball

• Cone

• Tee

The appearance of each option is illustrated in Figure 7.1.


Creating Posts, Handrails and Kickplates

A corner post

A post

Handrail

Ball joints Cone joints Tee joints

Figure 7.1 Post and joint types

The method of fixture and precise location of any post that is created, are determined by the following settings in the defaults file:

Handrail Post Inset from Corners - governs positions of base plates for corner posts relative to the corners of the platform.

Handrail Inset from Edge - governs position of base plates for intermediate posts relative to the edges of the platform.

Handrail Elbow Radius - determines radius of handrail segments between the uprights of corner post pairs.

Post type - determines where and how the post’s base is attached to the platform. The options are:

Jointed Floor Mounted (as illustrated in Figure 7.1) Jointed Edge Mounted Jointed Kickplate Mounted Welded Floor Mounted Welded Edge Mounted Welded Kickplate Mounted

Outside Post Insertion Depth



Maximum Post Pitch - specifies the maximum permitted distance between adjacent posts, and thus determines the number of intermediate posts created for a given length of handrail.

The type of joint which will be included when you create a new post is determined by the Handrail Joints setting in the defaults file. You can, however, change the joint type on any individual post after the post has been created.

7.1.1 Creating Corner Posts

You can create corner posts in any of the following locations:

• At one specified corner of an existing floorplate

• At all four corners of an existing floorplate

• At the intersection of two existing handrails

To do so, select the appropriate option from the Create>Corner Posts> menu and then follow the instructions when prompted to pick the item(s) which are to be used to locate the new posts.

If you wish to use Create>Corner Posts>At Explicit Corner, your current element must be the floorplate upon which the corner post is to be mounted. You will then be asked to specify the corner (N/W, N/E, S/E or S/W; based on the default orientation) at which the post is to be added.

If you use Create>Corner Posts>On Floorplate, you will be prompted use the cursor to pick an existing floorplate. Corner post pairs will be added at all four corners of the plate.

If you use Create>Corner Posts>At Intersection of Rails, you will be prompted to pick two top handrails. If the rails do not intersect, an error will result.

7.1.2 Creating Intermediate Posts

You can create either a single post at a specified point or a row of posts between two specified points.

Creating a Single Post You can specify the position for a single post in either of two ways:

• As an explicit point

• As the location of a p-point of an existing floorplate

If you use Create>Post>At Explicit, you will see a form on which you can enter the coordinates of the point at which the base of the post is to be positioned.

If you use Create>Post>At P-Point, you will be prompted to pick a p-point on a floorplate. The easiest way to do this is to position the cursor anywhere on the required floorplate and hold down the left-hand mouse button as you move the



cursor. The p-points will be shown as blobs and the cursor shape will change from . to when it is over a p-point.

Creating a Row of Posts You can create a row of posts between the following pairs of points:

• The ends of two existing handrails

• Two existing posts (which may be corner posts or intermediate posts)

• One end of an existing handrail and an existing post (which may be a corner post or an intermediate post)

In all cases, the posts will be equispaced and the number of posts will be calculated automatically from the distance between the points and the maximum permitted post pitch (as set in the current defaults file).

You will be asked whether or not the new row of posts is to have handrails.

If you use Create>Post>Between Handrail Ends, you will be prompted to pick p–points on the top elbows of two handrails.

If you use Create>Post>Between Posts, you will be prompted to pick two posts. Pick the cylinders forming the main uprights in each case.

If you use Create>Post>Between End and Post, you will be prompted first to pick a p-point on the top elbow of a handrail and then to pick a post.

7.1.3 Measuring the Distance Between Posts

The maximum permitted distance between adjacent posts is defined by the Maximum Post Pitch setting in the defaults file. This distance is checked automatically when you create rows of posts (either implicitly, when creating platforms, or explicitly, as explained in Section 7.1.2), and is used to calculate the number of posts needed for a given length of handrail.

When you are creating individual posts, you may want to check that the positions at which you put them do not contravene the maximum pitch allowed. To measure the distance between any two existing posts (which need not form part of the same handrail run), select Utilities>Check Post Pitch and, when prompted, use the cursor to pick the two posts.

7.1.4 Changing the Joint Type for a Post

When you create a new post, with or without handrails, the post includes two joints whose type is determined by the Handrail Joints setting in the current defaults file. The orientation of the joints assumes that the handrails (actual or potential) are to run parallel to the nearest side of the platform.

To change the type and/or orientation of the joints on an existing post, first select and delete the existing joints and then select Create>Post Joints>type, where type is Ball, Cone or Tee.



You will be prompted to ‘Identify posts upright’. Using the cursor, pick the post (now just a vertical cylinder) whose joints you are changing.

You will then be asked, ‘Rotate joint?’ Choose No to retain the default joint orientation or Yes to rotate the new joints by 90o.

7.2 Creating Handrails

A handrail may incorporate the following component parts:

Top railEnd pad

Closure

End padBottom rail

Post base

Joint

When you create a handrail, both the top and bottom rails are created as a pair of equal-length cylinders. You can, however, modify each rail independently. (The methods of modifying such items are explained in Chapters 8 and 9.)

7.2.1 Creating Explicit Handrails

To create a handrail explicitly, to run between two existing posts, select Create>Handrail>Only. You will be prompted to ‘Identify design p-point’. Using the cursor, pick the p-point at the top of the first post. The prompt will be repeated; pick the p-point at the top of the second post. The complete handrail (both top and bottom rails) will be added to the design.

Most handrails will probably terminate within a post joint; either at a corner post or a single post. You may, however, wish to terminate the rails more neatly, especially if they extend beyond a post into free space or abut against other steelwork. Two types of termination are available:

• End Pads - a circular plate on the end of each rail

• Closures - a loop linking the top and bottom rails together (an example of this was shown on a bottom flight of stairs in Chapter 5)

7.2.2 Adding End Pads to Handrails

To add an end pad to an existing handrail, select Create>Handrail>End Pad. You will be prompted to ‘Identify handrail required’. Using the cursor, pick



the individual rail (which may be either a top or bottom rail) to which the end pad is to be attached.

You will then be prompted to ‘Identify handrail p-point’. Pick the p-point at the end of the rail where you want to add the end pad. (If you pick a point which is not at the end of a rail, you will generate an error.)

7.2.3 Adding Closures to Handrails

To add a closing loop between the top and bottom rails of an existing handrail, select Create>Handrail>Closure. You will see a form on which you must enter the Length of the closure and its Direction, thus:

Length

Direction

You will then be prompted to ‘Identify handrail top p-point’. Using the cursor, pick the p-point on the top rail at the end at which you wish to add the closure. The complete closure will then be created.

7.3 Creating kickplates

When you create any type of platform, a kickplate is added automatically (if originally specified) to all sides which have handrails. Kickplates are also added round the central hole (if any) on circular platforms and round floor penetrations. The height of the kickplate is derived from the Kickplate Depth setting in the defaults file; you will be asked to confirm (or modify) this height each time you create another kickplate.

To add a length of kickplate explicitly to an existing platform, select Create>Kickplate>option, where option gives you the following choices:

Along Floorplate Edge - Adds kickplate along one side of the floorplate only. You will be prompted to pick first the floorplate and then the edge along which the kickplate is required.

Along Edge with Cut Out - Adds kickplate along one side of the floorplate only, with a cut-out between two specified handrail posts. You would use this where a stairway or ladder gives access onto the platform. You will be prompted to pick first the floorplate, then the edge along which the kickplate is required, then the two posts between which the cut-out is wanted.

All Around Floorplate - Adds kickplate on all sides of the floorplate. You will be prompted to pick the floorplate.



Between Posts - Adds kickplate between two specified posts only (in effect, the inverse of the cut-out option). You will be prompted to pick the floorplate and then the two posts.




8 Positioning and Orientating Items

When you create a new platform, stairway or ladder, it is created in the hierarchy as a complete Structure. All component parts of the new item (floorplates, posts, joints, rails, stair treads, ladder rungs etc.) are made up from appropriately shaped primitives that are members of the Structure (or of subsidiary Substructures).

This chapter tells you how to reposition and/or reorientate complete Structures or Substructures. (Chapter 9 explains how you can modify the detail of a Structure by changing the positions and/or dimensions of individual primitives.)

8.1 Explicit Positioning

You can position an element explicitly at a given position in the following ways:

• By entering specific coordinates for the element’s origin

• By using the cursor to identify the point at which the element is to be positioned

• By specifying another element or a design pin which is already at the required position

Exercise continues:

8.1.1 Positioning at Explicit Coordinates

81. Select Position>Explicitly (AT).

You will see forms like these:


Positioning and Orientating Items

82. Enter the required coordinates for the element’s origin.

For more detail on the use of these forms, see the Explicit Position form help topic in the Design online help:



8.2 Positioning Relative to Current Position

This option allows you to reposition an element relative to its current position; that is, to move it by specified distances in specified directions.

Exercise continues: 83. Select Position>Relatively (BY).

You will see forms like these:

84. Enter the distance by which you wish to move the origin in each direction.

Use the CE option on the drop-down list box at top left to position the element relative to its current position.

Use Pick to select a member of the current element to move.

List will move the current element relative to a List.

The Positioning Control form controls the use of event-driven graphics for positioning. For more information, see the Positioning Control form help topic in the Design online help:



8.3 Positioning Relative to Other Design Points

These options allow you to position an element relative to other elements. The available options are:

Distance Moves the item by a given distance in a given direction

Through Moves the item in a given direction through a given point

Clearance Moves the item in a given direction to a point with a given clearance from another item

Towards Moves the item a given distance towards a given point

Exercise continues:

8.3.1 Moving a Given Distance

85. Select Position>Move>Distance.

You will see a form like this:



86. Set the distance and direction for the move.

87. Select how you wish to define the position of the moved element relative to the reference point, using the first option button:

Only Positions the item the given distance and direction from the previous item.

Infront Can be used for any direction in a plan view; that is, Behind N, S, E and W, and any angles in between. Used as if you are

looking in the direction specified.

Onto Used with any direction in an elevation view; that Under is, U and D, and any angles in between.

From Used with directions N, S, E and W. Used to position item the given distance from the given point.

To Used with directions N, S, E and W. Used to position item the given distance from its present position in the given direction.

88. Select how you wish to identify the reference point using the second option button:

Cursor A cursor-identified 3D position ID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified item ID P-point A cursor-identified p-point Coordinate ... A given coordinate Name ... The origin of a named element Pin ... The position of a construction pin

89. If you have chosen one of the cursor options, pick the corresponding item when prompted to do so (in a plan or elevation view).

90. If you have chosen Coordinate, Name or Pin, enter the required details on the resulting form.



8.3.2 Moving Through a Given Point

91. Select Position>Move>Through.


92. Set the direction for the move. Note that the current direction of the component is displayed in the Direction box.

93. Select how you wish to define the Through point from the following options:




8.3.3 Moving Through a Given Clearance

96. Select Position>Move>Clearance.




The OBST setting shows that it is the obstruction box of the current element, rather than its detailed geometry, which is used to calculate clearances.

97. Set the direction for the move. Note that the current direction of the component is displayed in the Direction box.

98. Set the required clearance distance.

99. Select how you wish to define the position of the moved element relative to the reference point, using the first option button:

Infront Can be used for any direction in a plan view; that is, Behind N, S, E and W, and any angles in between. Used as if you are looking in the direction specified.




100. Select how you wish to identify the reference point using the second option button:

Cursor A cursor-identified 3D position ID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified item ID P-point A cursor-identified p-point Coordinate ... A given coordinate Name ... The origin of a named element Pin ... The position of a construction pin.





8.3.4 Moving Towards a Given Point

103. Select Position>Move>Towards.


104. Set the required distance for the move.

105. Select how you wish to define the Towards point from the following options:

Cursor A cursor-identified 3D position ID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified item ID P-point A cursor-identified p-point Name ... The origin of a named element Pin ... The position of a construction pin



8.4 Redefining the Origin of an Element

All positioning options described so far have been based on the principle that the currently defined origin of a Structure or Substructure is moved to a new position within the design. An alternative way of repositioning an element is to redefine the position of the origin relative to the geometry of the Structure or Substructure. In this case, the origin remains at the same co-ordinates relative to the system axes, but



the element moves relative to its original origin. The difference is illustrated in the following diagram:

or igina l elementwith or igin a t

or igin (and element )moved rela t ive tosystem axes

or igina lelemen t

or igin redefined a tcorner of element

it s cent re

Exercise continues: To redefine an origin in this way, proceed as follows:

108. Select Modify>Origin>Structure (or Substructure)>option, where option gives you the following choices:

ID P-Point Defines the origin as the position of an existing p-point within the Structure.

Explicit Allows you to move the origin by specified distances in specified directions relative to its current position within the Structure.

109. If you selected ID P-Point, use the pointer to pick the required p-point when prompted.

110. If you selected Explicit, enter the required distance(s) on the resulting form.

8.5 Positioning Relative to Projected Planes

Note: If you are not familiar with the concepts of specifying positions as the intersections of projected axes and planes through other items, you should refer to the Design Reference Manual.

These options allow you to position an element relative to a projected plane through a specified position. The available options are:

Distance Moves the item by a given distance in a given direction

Through Moves the item in a given direction to a plane through a given point

Clearance Moves the item in a given direction to a point with a given clearance from a plane through another item

Exercise continues:


malcolm.barlow

Dragging does not work for ASL elements, so it should not be described here


8.5.1 Moving Through a Given Distance

111. Select Position>Plane Move>Distance.


112. Set the direction for the move (Direction), the direction of the plane (Through), and distance for the move (Distance). Note that the current direction of the component is displayed in the Direction box.

113. Select how you wish to define the position of the moved element relative to the reference plane, using the first option button:

Only Positions the item the given distance and direction from the previous item.






114. Select how you wish to identify the reference point which will determine the plane using the second option button:

Cursor A cursor-identified 3D position ID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified item



ID P-point A cursor-identified p-point Coordinate ... A given coordinate Name ... The origin of a named element Pin ... The position of a construction pin



8.5.2 Moving Through a Given Point

117. Select Position>Plane Move>Through.


118. Set the direction for the move (Direction) and direction of the plane (Through). Note that the current direction of the component is displayed in the Direction box.

119. Select how you wish to identify the reference point which will determine the plane:






8.5.3 Moving to a Given Clearance

122. Select Position>Plane Move>Clearance.


123. Set the direction of the move (Direction), the direction of the plane (Through), and the required clearance distance from the plane (Clearance).

124. Select how you wish to define the position of the moved element relative to the reference plane, using the first option button:






125. Select how you wish to identify the reference point that will determine the plane, using the second option button:

Cursor A cursor-identified 3D position ID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified item



ID P-point A cursor-identified p-point Coordinate ... A given coordinate Name ... The origin of a named element Pin ... The position of a construction pin.



8.6 Positioning Stairs and Ladders Using Reference Points

When you create a new stair or ladder, it is possible that you will not position it exactly where you want it at the first attempt. Unless you calculate the required origin (at the bottom) and dimensions very carefully, it is likely that the handrails at the top of the stair/ladder will not be correctly aligned with the handrails on the platform to which it gives access.

To provide a quick way of positioning stairs and ladders correctly, Design calculates a Reference Point at the top of such items that you can position at any p-point on the adjoining platform. This ensures that, even though the p-point may not be at the required location for the stair/ladder, the alignment of handrail components is ensured. It is then a simple matter to move the stair/ladder parallel to the side of the platform (using, for example, the Position>Relatively (By)… option described in Section 8.2) until it is in the required position.

Exercise continues: To use the above technique, proceed as follows:

128. Ensure that your current element is the stair/ladder whose position is to be adjusted and then select Position>Reference Point.

129. You will be prompted to ‘Identify floorplate’. Using the cursor, pick the floorplate to which the top of the stair/ladder is to give access.

130. You will then be prompted to ‘Identify P-Point to position structure’. Pick any p-point on the side of the platform against which the stair/ladder is situated.

131. Unless you happen to want the stair/ladder exactly at the p-point position (only likely if this is at the centre of one side rather that at a corner), use the Position> Relatively (By)… option to move the stair/ladder along the side of the platform by the required distance.



8.7 Orientating Elements

By default, the orientation of a Structure or Substructure is:

X is East, Y is North and Z is Up.

You can redefine this local axis system in one of two ways:

• If you specify the direction of one axis only, the other axes will try to retain their default directions where possible. For example, if you specify X is North, then the Y direction (which was North) will also change but the Z direction remains Up. Thus, although you only specify a new direction for one axis, the directions of at least two axes will be changed.

• If you specify the directions of two axes, then you define the orientation of the element completely.

You can also re-orientate an element by rotating it through a specified angle about a specified axis.

Exercise continues:

8.7.1 Redefining the Directions of One or Two Axes

132. Select Orientate>Axes.


133. Select the axes that you wish to define, and enter the required orientations.

For more information on the use of this form, see the Orientate Form help topic in the Design online help.



8.7.2 Rotating an Element

134. Select Orientate>Rotate.

You will see a form like this, which lets you rotate an element through a specified angle about a specified axis:

For more information on the use of this form, see the Rotate Form help topic in the Design online help.



.


9 Modifying Accessways, Stairs and Ladders in Detail

When you create a new platform, stairway or ladder, it is created in the hierarchy as a complete Structure. All component parts of the new item (floorplates, posts, joints, rails, stair treads, ladder rungs etc.) are made up from appropriately shaped primitives which are members of the Structure (or of subsidiary Substructures). As an example, Figure 9.1 shows, in wireline view, the primitives which make up a typical stairway.

Chapter 8 explained how to reposition and/or reorientate complete Structures or Substructures. This chapter tells you how you can modify the detail of a Structure by changing the positions and/or dimensions of individual primitives.

The techniques covered here include the following:

• Stretching (increasing) or trimming (decreasing) one or more dimensions of a primitive by specified amounts or such that its ends are at specified locations.

• Sliding a primitive (moving it along one of its axes) such that one end is at a specified location.

• Changing the direction of the handrail joints on stairs and ladders such that they align with platform handrails.

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PD Version 11.6

9-1

Modifying Accessways, Stairs and Ladders in Detail

circular torusesforming tophandrail joints

boxes formingstair treads

cylinders forminghandrail sections

circular torusesforming part ofhandrail closure

cylinders formingpost uprights

dishes formingball joints(2 dishes per joint)

box formingpost mountingplate

polyhedron formingstair stringer

Stair (STRU) hierarchy:SUBS1 2 stringersSUBS2SUBS3

11 treads

SUBS4L.H. rails and postsR.H. rails and posts

SUBS5 Obstruction box

Figure 9.1 Primitives making up a stairway with handrails

9.1 Stretching or Trimming a Primitive

You can stretch or trim one or more dimensions of a primitive so that its ends are defined relative to ‘target’ locations.

Exercise continues: 135. Ensure that your current element is the primitive whose dimensions you want to

modify. Select Modify>Stretch/Trim> option, where option gives you the following choices:

All Sides... - Changes all dimensions of the current primitive by a specified distance. On the resulting form, enter a positive value to increase the dimensions or a negative value to decrease the dimensions. Remember, when using this option on, say, a floorplate (BOX), that the height (i.e. the plate thickness) will be changed as well as its length and width.



ID P-Point - Changes one dimension of the current primitive such that a specified p-point moves by a given distance. On the resulting form, enter a positive value to increase the dimension corresponding to the p-point or a negative value to decrease this dimension. You will be prompted to ‘Identify P-Point to Stretch/Trim’. Using the cursor, pick the p-point to be moved (which must belong to the current element).

(-value) (+value)Tr im St ret chOr igina l

posit ionof p-point

cur rent pr imit ive

To P-Point - Brings a selected p-point on the primitive to coincide with a target p-point on another design element which you will pick using the cursor.

Origina lposit ionof p-point


p-point onsecondpr imit ive

To Pline - Brings a selected p-point on the primitive to coincide with a target p-line on another structural design element which you will pick using the cursor.

Clearance to P-Point - Brings a selected p-point on the primitive to a specific distance from a target p-point which you will pick using the cursor. You can specify a positive or negative clearance, depending on which side of the target p-point the clearance distance is required.

Or igina lposit ionof p-point


cleara nce top-point on

second pr im at ive

Clearance to Pline - Brings a selected p-point on the primitive to a specific distance from a target p-line which you will pick using the cursor. You can specify a positive or negative clearance, depending on which side of the target p-line the clearance distance is required.

136. When prompted, use the cursor to pick the p-point on the current primitive that you will use to define its new length.

137. If you have chosen one of the cursor options, pick the corresponding target item to be used to define the new position of the p-point.

As a simple example of the stretch/trim concept, we will consider here the adjustment of a length of handrail (remembering that a complete handrail contains two separate cylinder primitives).

The situation shown in Figure 9.2 is typical of those occasions when you might use the Stretch/Trim facility. A platform has been created, complete with handrails, and



a step ladder has then been added to give access to the platform. The problem here is that a post and part of the platform handrail block the exit from the ladder, as shown in the enlarged view.

Existing platformwith handrail

New ladder added

Redundant post Unwantedsectionsof handrail

Post 1

Post 2

Post 3 Post 4

Post 4

Post 3

Figure 9.2 A case study in design modification

Exercise continues: A procedure for correcting this problem is as follows (it assumes that both a 3D View similar to Figure 9.2 and the Members List are visible on screen):

138. Pick any primitive which forms part of the redundant post. In the Members List, move up to the owning Structure (i.e. the complete post/joint assembly). Use the Delete>CE option to delete the complete post. The result is shown in Figure 9.3a.



139. Pick the upper handrail (which is a single cylinder running from the top of Post 1 to Post 2). Select Modify>Stretch/Trim>To P-Point. When prompted, pick that p-point on the current cylinder which is at Post 2 and then pick, as the trimming reference, the p-point at the top of Post 3 (the top of Post 3’s vertical cylinder).

Hint: The easiest way to pick a specific p-point is to position the cursor anywhere on the required primitive and hold down the left-hand mouse button as you move the cursor. The p-points will be shown as blobs and the cursor shape will change from . to when it is over a p-point. Zoom in closer to the view if you cannot see enough detail.

The upper handrail length will be trimmed so that it now runs from Post 1 to Post 3, as shown in Figure 9.3b.

140. Repeat the previous Step to trim the lower handrail back to Post 3, as shown in Figure 9.3c.

141. Use the Create>Handrail>Only option (as explained in Section 7.2) to fill in the missing length of handrail between Post 2 and Post 4. (This option will add both the upper and lower rails in a single operation.) The result is shown in Figure 9.3d.

(a) Redundant post deleted (b) Upper rail trimmed

(c) Both rails trimmed (d) New rails added

Figure 9.3 The modification stages



Note: At each step you will have the opportunity to ‘undo’ the change after you have seen its effect in the 3D View.

9.2 Sliding a Primitive to a New Position

To modify the position of a primitive without changing its dimensions, use the slide facility.

Exercise continues:

142. Ensure that your current element is the primitive that you want to move. Select Modify>Slide>option, where option gives you the following choices:

To P-Point - Moves the primitive in the direction of a selected p-point on the primitive to align with a target p-point on another design element which you will pick using the cursor.

Origina lposit ionof p-point


Or igina lposit ion ofpr imit ive

Fina lposit ion ofpr imit ive

To Pline - Moves the primitive in the direction of a selected p-point on the primitive to align with a target p-line on another design element which you will pick using the cursor.

143. When prompted, use the cursor to pick the p-point on the current primitive which you will use to define its direction of movement and its new position.

144. Pick the corresponding target p-point to be used to define the new position of the primitive’s p-point.

Note: The axes through the two p-points need not be collinear. If not, the primitive will move until the two p-points are aligned, thus:

Or igina lposit ionof p-point


Or igina lposit ion ofpr imit ive

F ina lposit ion ofpr imit ive



9.3 Changing the Direction of Stair/Ladder Handrails

By default, the short stubs of rail at the top and (in some cases) bottom of stairs and ladders are directed to the left and right by the inclusion of circular toruses as connecting joints. This assumes that the stair/ladder rails will be connected to platform handrails which are perpendicular to the direction of the stair/ladder.

If you wish to connect the stair/ladder rails to handrails which run in the same direction as the stair/ladder, you can change each of these joints from a torus to a cylinder, as illustrated in the following diagram:

Circular torushandrail joint

Cylinderhandrail joint

Exercise continues: 145. To make this change, select Modify>Stair Top Joint>Torus to Cylinder.

When prompted, pick the torus that is to be changed.

146. To reverse the change, select Modify>Stair Top Joint>Cylinder to Torus. When prompted, pick the cylinder that is to be changed.


A Setting Drawing Representation Levels

All Structures and Substructures created by the Accessways, Stairs and Ladders application incorporate appropriate obstruction volumes, with suitable drawing levels set for each aspect of the design model. The drawing levels are set at the Representation form, which is accessed via Settings>Graphics>Representation. All illustrations produced for this guide were created using the settings shown here:

The following illustrations show the effect of changing the Structure drawing level for some typical ASL items.

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide A-1 Version 11.6

Appendix A

Level 6 or 7

Level 4 or 5

Level 2 or 3(basic shape)

(soft volume,inc. headroom)

(fully detailed)

Figure A.1 Drawing levels for a corner platform

A-2 Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Version 11.6

Appendix A

Level 6 or 7

Level 4 or 5



(fully detailed)

Figure A.2 Drawing levels for a circular (round) platform with a central hole and inner rail


Appendix A

Level 6 or 7

Level 4 or 5



(fully detailed)

Figure A.3 Drawing levels for a bottom flight of stairs


Appendix A

Level 6 or 7Level 5Level 4Level 2 or 3(fully detailed)(basic shape) (soft volumes, inc. headroom)

Figure A.4 Drawing levels for a double side-exit ladder


Appendix A


B Other Documentation

This guide serves purely as an introduction to those parts of PDMS most relevant to the accessways, stairs and ladders application of structural design. Therefore, it describes only the main concepts needed to get you started.

Documents that can provide you with further information are listed below.

B.1 PDMS introductory guides

There is a set of introductory guides like this one, which introduce a subset of principal PDMS facilities to new users. The complete set is:

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Design Using VANTAGE PDMS

HVAC Design Using VANTAGE PDMS

Industrial Building Design Using VANTAGE PDMS

Pipework Design Design Using VANTAGE PDMS

Structural Design Design Using VANTAGE PDMS

Support Design Design Using VANTAGE PDMS

Introduction to PDMS Design Templates

Drawing Production Using PDMS Introduces the range of facilities available in the Draft module.

Reporting from PDMS Introduces the database reporting utility available from within most PDMS applications, including the use of expressions to select relevant data.

PDMS Design Graphical Model Manipulation Guide

Introduces the Design Model Editor, which enables you to reposition selected Plant Items using the mouse pointer.

B.2 PDMS reference manuals

The full PDMS documentation set includes a number of reference manuals that give detailed explanations of all the technical concepts involved. These manuals also describe the underlying command syntax which can be used to control PDMS directly (should you wish to bypass the forms and menus interface).

Reference manuals particularly relevant to structural design work include:

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide B-1 Version 11.6

Appendix B

Design Reference Manual Covers concepts and commands for all design disciplines.

ISODRAFT Reference Manual Explains how to create customised piping isometric plots.

DRAFT Reference Manual Explains the PDMS 2D drafting facilities.

PARAGON Reference Manual Explains how to set up a PDMS Catalogue.

SPECON Reference Manual Explains how to create tabulated specifications.

B.3 General guides

The following guides are intended for use only by experienced PDMS users who want to write their own applications:

Plant Design Software Customisation Guide Explains how to write your own application macros using PML (AVEVA’s Programmable Macro Language) and how to design your own forms and menus interface.

Plant Design Software Customisation Reference Manual Supplements the Customisation Guide. Includes a list of PML 2 Objects, Members and Methods. For Forms and Menus objects, the command syntax relating to the objects is included.

B-2 Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Version 11.6

Index

3D view, 3-8

Alert Forms, 3-5

Application

definition, 2-1

Attribute

definition, 3-10

Buttons, 3-5

Check boxes, 3-4

Current element

definition, 3-10

Database hierarchy, 3-9

Design Explorer, 3-8

Drop-down lists, 3-3

Element

definition, 3-10

F1 Key, 3-9

Forms, 3-2

Framework (FRMW)

definition, 3-9

Graphical view, 3-8

Help, 3-8

Logging In, 3-5

Member

definition, 3-10

Menu bar, 3-8

Menus, 3-2

Module

definition, 2-1

Mouse, 3-1

On-line help, 3-8

Option buttons, 3-4

Owner

definition, 3-10

PDMS, 2-1

Radio buttons, 3-4

Representation, 3-11

Scrollable lists, 3-4

Site

definition, 3-9

Status bar, 3-8

Structure (STRU)

definition, 3-9

Subframework (SBFR)

definition, 3-9

Text boxes, 3-3

Title bar, 3-8

Tool bar, 3-8

Tutorial Exercise

Conventions, 1-1

Start, 3-5

View

3D/graphical, 3-8

World

definition, 3-9

Zone

definition, 3-9

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Index-i Version 11.6