To import a Structural model from SDNF

Select SDNF Import from the backstage.

The SDNF Import dialog appears.

Note: The OK button is disabled at this point. A target SDNF (*.dat) file must be selected to enable the OK button.

On the File tab, click Select under the Steel Detail Neutral File heading.

The Select Steel Detail Neutral File to import dialog appears prompting you to select a *.dat file.

Select desired *.dat file and click Open.

The Select Steel Detail Neutral File to import dialog closes, and returns you to the SDNF Import dialog. The selected *.dat file name appears against Steel Detail Neutral file and the OK button is enabled.

Check Map Section Names.

This enables the Section Mapping File options.

Click Select under the Section Mapping File heading. The Select Section Mapping dialog opens prompting you to select a mapping file.

Browse to a location where you have a mapping file. Select a mapping file, and then click Open.

The section mapping file is selected and the Select Section Mapping dialog closes.

Note: The mapping file is a text file containing section names in two columns. One column lists OpenBuildings Station Designer section definitions and the other column lists corresponding section names recognized by the SDNF translator. OpenBuildings Station Designer delivers mapping files in the active workset Data folder.

Note: OpenBuildings Station Designer delivers several section mapping files. They are located in the workset folders under the Data sub-folder.

Check Create Analytical Model to generate an analytical member for each imported Structural member.

Note: Analytical Features must be activated before selecting this option.

Open the Linear Packet tab.

This tab is used to select OpenBuildings Station Designer part definitions to apply to the imported linear members; beams, columns and braces.

Map family and part names for the Structural linear members that you want to import.

Open the Plate Packet tab.

This tab is used to select OpenBuildings Station Designer part definitions to apply to the imported Structural plates.

Map family and part names for the Structural linear members that you want to import.

Click OK to complete importing the SDNF file.

A status bar gives a running status of all the structural members that OpenBuildings Station Designer is processing during the import operation. After reaching 100%, the Status bar will report that the SDNF import operation was completed successfully.