Extended Stairs - Panels tab

Used to include a panel in the handrail and set its parameters.
Setting Description
Insert Panels When checked, adds panels to the handrails between the posts with the settings selected in this tab. When unchecked, everything of the handrails, except for the handrail and posts, are disabled and panels defined on this tab are used in place of the other elements.
Distance
  • A ? Sets the distance between the bottom of the handrail/top rail to the top of the panel.
    The distance can be parallel or vertical distance, as set by Parallel.
    • Parallel ? When checked, keeps the respective distance parallel along the panels. The distance between members is determined at the same oblique angle as the members are travelling in.

      When unchecked, the distance between members is determined vertically regardless of the angle.

      This option relates directly to the handrail and panel distance (A).
  • B ? Sets the distance between the bottom of the panel to the top of the walkway (stringer).
    The distance can be parallel or vertical distance, as set by Parallel.
    • Parallel ? When checked, keeps the respective distance parallel along the panels. The distance between members is determined at the same oblique angle as the members are travelling in.

      When unchecked, the distance between members is determined vertically regardless of the angle.

      This option relates directly to the stringer and panel distance (B).
  • C ? Sets the horizontal distance between the edge of the panel to the closest post.

    This value specifies the distance from the inside of the post to the side of the panel. This value is applied to both sides simultaneously.

  • Grid ? Each of the panels can be shown either as a solid element or as a grid(grating).

    When checked, makes the panel grated and grid(grating) will appear. When unchecked, it will show as a solid panel.

  • S ? Sets the panel thickness.
  • D ? Sets label from panel shape selected from the drop-down list. The name displayed by the panels inside of the In-Drawing Partlists and External B.O.Ms. The label names available can be added or adjusted from the same external file as standard plate, 'Pro_St3d.pdc'.
  • M ? Sets the a material for the panel selected from the drop-down list.

    If needed the available material can be added or adjusted by editing the 'ProStructureMaterial.mdb' file.

Setting Description
Insert frame When checked, adds a frame around the panel between the posts of the handrail. The frame is placed around the panel as per settings selected in this section. The values A, B and C will then apply to the outside of the frame rather than the outside of the panel.
  • P ? Displays the currently specified shape for the frame of the panel.
    • (Select Shape tool) ? Opens the Shape Selection dialog, used to select a catalog shape from a list of standard shapes and sizes for the frame surrounding the panel.
    • Rotation (Drop-down) ? Allows selecting the rotation of the selected frame shape. Select a rotation angle (at 90? increments) from the drop-down list. The outer edge of the frame remains in the same location.
    • Mirror ? When checked, mirrors the selected frame shape orientation along its longitudinal axis. Useful in some cases where the shapes needs to be mirrored in order to achieve the proper placement.

  • D ? Sets the distance from the top of the panel frame to the top of the panel. This option places a 'parallel' offset between the panel and the inside of the frame at the top and bottom. The panel is resized inwards, the frame remains the same size.
  • E ? Sets the horizontal distance from the outer edge of the panel frame to the edge of the panel. This option places a 'parallel' offset between the panel and the inside of the frame at the sides. The panel is resized inwards, the frame remains the same size.
Support
  • Horizontal ? When checked, adds horizontal supports to the panel frame with the settings selected in this section. Panels are attached by supports on both sides.
  • Vertical ? When checked, adds vertical supports to the panel frame with the settings selected in this section. Panels are attached by supports on both top and bottom sides.
  • Weld/Bolt ? When checked, adds bolted supports. The connection between the frame and the supporting members will be made using two plates bolted together. When unchecked, a single member is used.
  • L ? Sets the width of the panel supports. This value controls the width of the plate(s) used to attach the frame to the supporting members.
  • H ? Sets the thickness of the panel supports. This value controls the thickness of the plate(s) used to attach the frame to the supporting members.
  • M ? Sets the offset measured from the insides of the bases of the panel supports to the ends of the connecting panel supports. If bolted this is the distance between the edge of the frame or supporting member and the edge of the plate. One plate will be attached to the frame and offset from the supporting member while the other plate is attached to the supporting member and offset from the frame. The bolt hole in each plate will line up for bolting.
  • Dm ? Sets the diameter of the hole in the panel supports, and the diameter of the play hole.
    • Dm(1) ? The diameter of the bolt hole.
    • Dm(2) ? The tolerance of the bolt hole.
  • Ty ? Sets the bolt type from the drop-down list. To add or modify this list. refer to the Bolt Styles topic in this help.
  • Cut ? When checked, cuts holes in the panel support plates. The support plates are cut so that they are flush with the supporting members.
  • F ? Sets the horizontal distance from the center of a vertical support to the edge of the panel. This is the distance from the bottom and top edge of the panel or frame, along the sides, to the center of the attachment plates.
  • G ? Sets the vertical distance from the center of a horizontal support to the edge of the panel. This is the distance from the bottom and top edge of the panel or frame, along the sides, to the center of the attachment plates. Adjusting these values will adjust where the plates are placed.