Convert Model

Used to parametrically convert substation objects in OpenBridge Modeler for analysis and design in STAAD.Pro via Structural Synchronizer.

Accessed from:

Ribbon: Steel > Home > Steel Connections > Substation Gallery

... [Substation Structural Objects] > Convert Model

Tip: This tool should be handled with high degree of attention as some automatic changes on substation objects are performed both when Convert to Analytical Model and Convert to Physical Model are used.

Setting	Description
Convert to Physical Model	When on, the model is converted to a physical model. Disables Tolerance, Shape Class and Shape Size options. Changes Performed with Convert to Physical Model: Splices are reverted to their original locations. Additional dummy shapes are removed. All gaps associated with trusses are reverted to their original state. Before the converting process begins, the following message warns you to avoid unintentionally model conversion.
Convert to Analytical Model	When on, the model is converted to an analytical model. Changes Performed with Convert to Analytical Model: Splices on frame legs are aligned with horizontal bracing. Segmented horizontal braces are merged into one shape. Additional "dummy" shapes are added to the tops of frames with the exception of Single Frame to ensure connectivity. Additional "dummy" shapes are added to the ends of trusses to create connecting points with frames. All gaps associated to trusses are eliminated. When transferring substation trusses to STAAD.Pro via ISM, chord splitting at braces is only added to the ISM repository. Truss chords in the OpenBridge Modeler model are not divided. Before the converting process begins, the following message warns you to avoid unintentionally model conversion.
Tolerance	Sets a gap between members which is used to detect the proximity of trusses to frames to establish connectivity at a given location.
Shape Class	Selects a shape class to be used to create the additional "dummy" shapes on top of substation frames and at the end of trusses.
Shape Size	Selects a shape size to be used to create the additional "dummy" shapes on top of substation frames and at the end of trusses.
Convert Model Processing	Displays the status of the model conversion. Lists total number of trusses and completed trusses.
OK	Closes the dialog and save your changes.
Cancel	Closes the dialog without saving changes.
Help	Opens online help.
Template	Saves and retrieve (Using Templates) settings to be used on other projects.
Show /Hide Preview	Opens or closes, respectively, a flyout panel to display an illustration based on the tool.

Key-in: PROSTEEL CREATE CONVERTMODEL

Results

	Single Frame	Symmetric A Frame	Vertical A Frame	Trestle	Truss
Physical Model
Analytical Model

Automatic changes are performed only on Single Frames, Symmetric A Frames, Vertical Frames, Trestles and Trusses.

Restriction: Until the model is updated from the ISM repository and the Convert Model is performed converting to physical model, it is recommended you should refrain from editing Substation objects in the model. Otherwise those objects will no longer be synchronized with ISM / STAAD.

When the model is analytical model state and you attempt to edit the connections (via right click > Chnage Connection), OpenBridge Modeler alerts you with:

Connections on trusses and frames should be created only after importing an analytical model for the final time from ISM and converting the model to a physical model.