Penetration Configuration Tool

The Penetration Configuration tool has a default configuration file that can be duplicated using the Save As option and saved as a different configuration file. A new configuration file can be created using the New option that allows to select the destination, enter/edit the filename, save/cancel the changes and define the data in the created file. The Penetration Configuration dialog consists of two Tabs: Cut parameters and Join conditions with similar settings.

Accessed from:

Ribbon: Building Design > Collaborate > Penetrations > Penetration Configuration split button > Penetration Configuration
Ribbon: Building Systems Design > Collaborate > Penetrations > Penetration Configuration split button > Penetration Configuration

Tools

Setting	Description
Configuration File Selection	Configuration files can be selected from Default Configuration drop-down list. The configuration files are saved at Organization and Workset destination. Note: Default Configuration file is a Read-Only file.
New	Creates a new configuration file which is saved at either Organization or Workset destination.
Save As	Creates a new configuration file with all the current changes.
Save	Saves all the current changes made in the configuration file. It is disabled for the "Default Configuration" file.
Preview	Displays the preview for each penetrating element with its selected option.

Configuration Settings

It consists of cutting elements such as Rectangular Duct, Round Duct, Oval Duct, Pipe, Column and Beam that are used to penetrate the host elements.

Cut parameters

The Cut parameters consist of the following general settings, Smallest Opening Allowed, Size Openings by and Elevation Reference.

Setting	Description
Smallest Opening Allowed	Sets the minimum size of penetrations.
Elevation Reference	Sets the elevation level for each element. The Elevation Reference consist of the following three options, Floor Above Floor Level Project Note: The From column is disabled in the Cut parameters Tab.
Size Opening by	It consists list of options to define the openings. The parameters are defined in the Cut offset, Added Top offset columns etc., and selecting respective options from Size Opening by adds these parameters to the element size. The following options are listed to define the openings for Rectangular Duct, Round Duct, Oval Duct and Pipe. Element Element + Cut Offset (A) Element + Insulation (D) Element + Insulation (D) + Cut Offset (A) The following options are listed to define the openings for Column and Beam. Element Element + Cut Offset (A) Element + Fire Proofing (D) Element + Fire Proofing (D) + Cut Offset (A) Note: If Element or Element + Insulation (D) is selected, then it disables control for Cut Offset, Added Top Offset and Added Bottom Offset and allows you to only choose the Opening Shape which is based on the geometry of the cutting element. For example, openings can be selected in configuration file, therefore `8"` round element shape creates `8x8` round shape. Note: If Element + Insulation (D) or Element + Insulation (D) + Cut Offset (A) is selected, then consider Insulation for Duct/Pipe and if Element + Fire Proofing (D) or Element + Fire Proofing (D) + Cut Offset (A) Fireproofing for Column/Beam. It should detect the Insulation/Fireproofing thickness on Duct/Pipe or Column/Beam if any and base configuration setting for full-size on Element + Insulation/Fireproofing.

Grid Section

The Grid Section consists of the following columns, From, To, Opening Shape (Rectangular as the default opening shape) except for Round Duct and Pipe, Cut offset (A), Added Top offset (B) and Added Bottom offset (C) that are used to define dimensions and shapes of opening.

Note: For Round and Pipe Opening Shape, the Added Top offset (B) and Added Bottom offset (C) columns are disabled.

Setting	Description
Add row	Adds a new row to the grid for cutting element parameters.
Delete row	Deletes the selected row from the grid.
From	Defines a range of From size, for example, consider a rectangular with two defined sizes and the highest size will reflect as the next From element size value.
To	Defines a range of To size, for example, consider a rectangular with two defined sizes and the highest size will reflect as the next To element size value.
Opening Shape	Selects the opening shape type from the drop-down.
Cut Offset (A)	Defines offset of an element.
Added Top Offset (B)	Defines offset of an element with added top offset.
Added Bottom Offset (B)	Defines offset of an element with added bottom offset.
Apply	Applies all the current changes made to the configuration file.
Close	Closes the Penetration Configuration dialog without saving any changes.

Join conditions

The Join conditions Tab has general settings similar to Cut parameters Tab: Smallest Opening Allowed, Size Openings by and Elevation Reference.

Note: The From and Opening Shape column is disabled in the Join conditions Tab.