Bentley Substation Help

To Create a Variable Object (VAR)

A variable object has a fixed cross-section form, but will be stretched in one dimension (its length will be variable). Also, a sag algorithm can be used to simulate real-world characteristics for various types of conductors. Examples of variable objects would include drainage pipes, conduits, cable trenches, cables, rigid bus, etc.

  1. Open the Symbol Creation Wizard.
  2. In Step 1: Select Existing Symbol select an appropriate Symbol Creation Seed File (IMPERIAL_FT_3D.DGN or IEC_3D) from the list.
  3. Select a symbol creation method from the available options.
    • New Symbol (From Scratch)
    • New Symbol (Import Symbol Graphics)
    • New Symbol (Based on Another Symbol)
    • Modify Existing Symbol

    This example will use the New Symbol (From Scratch) method.

    Note: By selecting the New Symbol (From Scratch) option, Step 2: Import Symbol Graphics will be unavailable.
  4. Click Next Notice how the remaining steps have been renumbered. Also, note that the active design model is now set to DrawingTmp0.dgn [3D - V8 DGN] - Bentley Substation.
  5. Step 2: Specify Symbol Type lets you set the Preferred Orientation to Horizontal, leave the Cross Reference Properties / Cross Reference Prefix: field blank, and set the Symbol Type to All Others.
  6. Click Next.
    Note: For 3D symbols, Step 3: Import Connection Points is not needed.
  7. Use the 3D modeling tools to create your 3D model.
    1. For a basic conductor or cable, insert a solid cylinder exactly 1 unit long (i.e. one Foot or one Meter). The diameter will typically match the nominal OD of the conductor being modeled.
    2. Next, use the Place line tool to insert a "center line" exactly 1 unit long, on Level = TDS_VARSYMBOL_BASELINE.
    3. Finally, use the Hook Point Manager to insert (2) 2-node hook points at each end of the "center line", with the long legs of each 2-node hook point pointing to the center of the line.
  8. Click Next.
  9. Step 4: Specify Device ID is used to specify a tag mnemonic for the Device ID. The size and location of the Device ID text will be different for each symbol. In most cases, the Device tag will not need to be visible in the 3D Layout. Enable the checkbox named Suppress Display of ID, key in an appropriate Tag Mnemonic, and then click Place to insert.
  10. Click Next.
    Note: For 3D symbols, Step 5: Place Connection Points is not needed.
  11. Click Next.
  12. Step 6: Specify Attributes is used to specify one or more attributes as required. The size and location of the text will be different for each symbol. In most cases, the attributes will not be visible in the 3D Layout; use the Hidden option.
  13. Click Next.
  14. Specify an appropriate Insertion Point. The location of the insertion point should be at the left end of the "center line" (Top View).
  15. Specify an appropriate name and description for the symbol and click Finish.
    Note: In order to use Variable (VAR) object symbols in a 3D Layout via Insert Cable/Bus Object, you must create a corresponding parts database record which points to the symbol (Symbol_3D_Layout) and has the Part_Type equal to VAR.
Parent topic: Create Symbol