Simple Structure

Used to parametrically create a simple structure (frame).

Though simple structures are most commonly used in electrical substations, this tool can also be used for many other purposes.

Accessed from:
  • Ribbon: Steel > Home > Steel Connections > Substation Gallery
  • ... [Substation Structural Objects] > Simple Structure

Column tab

Used to specify geometry, section sizes, and orientation of simple structure columns.

Setting Description
X/Y Num Sets the number of columns in the X and Y directions, respectively. Denoted with 1 and 2 in the diagram.
X/Y Space Sets the spacing from center to center of columns in the x and y directions, respectively. Denoted with 3 and 4 in the diagram.
Height Sets the height of the columns (base to center of long beams). Denoted with 5 in the diagram.
ShapeClass Selects the class of shapes from the drop-down list.
ShapeSize Selects the column shape from the drop-down list, populated from the selected ShapeClass.
IsParallelXAxis When on, the long side of the column shapes is parallel to the axis of the structure. The option has the effect of rotating the main structure's columns.
Add Shape Size Opens the Add Shape Size dialog, which is used to define a new pipe shape.
  • Diameter - Sets the new pipe shape diameter.
  • Thickness - Sets the new pipe shape wall thickness.
  • Shape Size - Displays the corresponding custom pipe database entry closest to the Diameter and Thickness parameters you define.
  • Material - Selects the material for the new pipe shape.
  • OK - Closes the dialog and saves your changes.
  • Cancel - Closes the dialog without saving your changes.
  • Help - Opens online help.
RotateAngle Used to enter the rotation angle, measured from active coordinate system, to rotate the structure by.
Rotate Click to rotate the structure.
Rotate by Point Used to rotate by selecting a point. When activated, the pointer is dynamically attached the end of a line. The other end of the line is attached to origin of the structure. A single data point establishes the direction of the line. The structure is rotated to align to the line.

Beam tab

Used to specify shapes and spacing of the longitudinal and transverse beams in the simple structure.

Setting Description
Beams table Lists all the transverse beams in the structure. Used to specify the Elevation, ShapeClass, ShapeSize, number of splits (i.e., splices), and location of splices for each level of the brace.

Table columns:

  • Level - Lists the number of horizontal bracing levels in the trestle.
  • ShapeClass - Selects the shape class to use for the main brace members at each level.
  • ShapeSize - Selects the shape size to use for the main brace members at each level.
  • Offset - Sets an offset, measured from the column line, to the first bracing level member. Denoted with 6 in the diagram.
  • Space - Sets the spacing of the bracing level members. Denoted with 7 in the diagram.
  • Amount - Sets the number of bracing members in the level.
  • XAxis - When on, the level bracing members are aligned with the X axis of the structure.
  • StartOverhang - Sets the length of the bracing members overhang at their start point. Denoted with 8 in the diagram.
  • EndOverhang - Sets the length of the bracing members overhang at their end point. Denoted with 9 in the diagram. Denoted with 9 in the diagram.
  • Rotate - Rotates the bracing level member shapes.
Add Adds a new row.
Delete Remove2 the currently selected row.
Add Shape Size Opens the Add Shape Size dialog, which is used to define a new pipe shape.
  • Diameter - Sets the new pipe shape diameter.
  • Thickness - Sets the new pipe shape wall thickness.
  • Shape Size - Displays the corresponding custom pipe database entry closest to the Diameter and Thickness parameters you define.
  • Material - Selects the material for the new pipe shape.
  • OK - Closes the dialog and saves your changes.
  • Cancel - Closes the dialog without saving your changes.
  • Help - Opens online help.

Group tab

Used to create a new OpenBridge Modeler group with the Substation Gallery objects.

Setting Description
Create Group Select this option to select additional shapes. Separate Substation Gallery objects are created.
WorkFrame
  • Create View - When on, work frame views are created.
  • Prefix - Used to enter a prefix for the work frame views.
  • Front/Rear Clip Distance - Sets the clipping distance for the work frame views.

Assignment tab

Used to assign elements in the connection to a material, display class, area class, part family, level, etc.

Dialog Controls

Setting Description
OK Closes the dialog and save your changes.
Cancel Closes the dialog without saving changes.
Help Opens online help.
Template Saves and retrieve settings to be used on other projects.
Clone Shifts focus to the geometry, allowing cloning the current structural object (stair, frame, truss, etc.) properties to match one or more objects selected in the view.
Show /Hide Preview Opens or closes, respectively, a flyout panel to display an illustration based on the tool.
Key-in: PROSTEEL CREATE SIMPLESTRUCTURE