Introduction
StruBIM Steel is a program for carrying out structural steel detailing. This program includes different tools for modelling or importing a BIM model and allows users to accurately define all the elements required for the detailing, such as sections, plates, bolts, welds and anchors. As a result, the application provides manufacturing files in DSTV format.
Workflows supported by the program
As StruBIM Steel is an Open BIM tool and connected to the BIMserver.center platform, it offers different workflow options.
- Modelling steel structures directly in StruBIM Steel
- Importing a steel structure designed in CYPE 3D
- Importing a steel structure designed in CYPECAD
- Importing models of steel structure in IFC format with IFC Uploader
- Importing structures developed in other tools via the StruBIM Uploader
Note:
In addition to the various possibilities mentioned above, StruBIM Steel includes the same tools as CYPE Connect as part of its connection modelling options. This provides another interesting interaction between the two programs, allowing users to save connections created in CYPE Connect to a local user library and then import them into StruBIM Steel, or vice versa.
Working environment
The StruBIM Steel working environment is similar to other CYPE modelling tools and features a system of dockable windows that can be customised to adapt the workspace to the project's needs.
At the top left of the screen, there are two separate tabs: "Model" and "Documents".
The modelling area is located on the right-hand side of the start screen and is where all elements of the project are entered, edited and visualised in 3D
The main toolbar contains different features depending on the "Model" or "Documents" tab. You can create project libraries, enter or edit elements, measure model elements, analyse connections, and also number and manage sheets.
The left-hand side contains the main tools for defining the project views, managing the view of the elements read, the tags and the elements themselves.
Defining the project characteristics
In the main toolbar, in the "Project" group, the following project data can be defined:
Selecting the code used in the connection analysis
As an alternative to the detailing of the connections that can be performed in StruBIM Steel, the program also offers users the possibility to analyse the connections using CYPE Connect, which works together with StruBIM Steel, as long as both programs are included in the license. In this case, the selection of the design codes for the different project materials is carried out from the "Codes" window.
Codes available in the program
Steel:
- ABNT NBR 8800:2008
- AISC 360-16 (LRFD)
- BS 5950-1:2000
- Código Estructural
- EAE 2011
- Eurocode EN 1993
- IS 800:2007
Concrete:
- Eurocode EN 1992
- ACI 318M-19
More information:
You can consult the wide range of codes included in CYPE programs by clicking on this link.
Materials library
StruBIM Steel allows the characteristics of the materials used in the project to be saved via the following libraries:
Types of steel for sections and plates
The steel required for manufacturing the sections and sheets of the project can be saved in the program's library by entering the reference, description, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, coefficient of thermal expansion, unit weight, yield strength and fracture limit. There is also the option of detailing the resistance criteria depending on the thickness of the material.
Types of steel for bolts
The steel required for characterising the bolts in the project can be saved in the program's library by entering the reference, description, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, coefficient of thermal expansion, unit weight, yield strength and fracture limit. There is also the option of detailing the materials of the nuts and washers.
Types of steel for anchors
The steel required for characterising the anchors of the project can be saved in the program's library after entering the reference, description, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, coefficient of thermal expansion, unit weight, yield strength and fracture limit. There is also the option of detailing the materials of the nuts and washers.
Types of concrete
The types of concrete used can also be saved in the program library. To do this, the reference, description, compressive strength, compressive strain in the concrete at maximum stress and the ultimate compressive strain of the concrete must be entered.
StruBIM Steel allows the characteristics of the materials used in the project to be saved via the following libraries:
Elements library
StruBIM Steel allows users to save the characteristics of project elements via the following libraries:
StruBIM Steel permite guardar las características de los elementos del proyecto a través de las siguientes bibliotecas:
Section library
The StruBIM steel sections library allows users to enter rolled, reinforced, cold-formed and tubular steel sections of various types. As well as manually entering sections, StruBIM Steel allows information to be retrieved from an extensive section library, with codes and manufacturers from a wide range of countries.
Note:
If the workflow adopted by the user includes the import process from a BIM model of the structure developed in CYPECAD or CYPE 3D, StruBIM Steel will import the sections and add them to the project library automatically if they are compatible with the program.
Bolt library
The StruBIM Steel bolt library allows series of bolts to be stored depending on different geometrical characteristics. Each series can also be characterised by entering a reference, whether or not there is a locknut, whether or not the bolt is pre-stressed, and the number of washers. As well as manual bolt entry, StruBIM Steel has an extensive library of bolts including standards from a wide range of countries.
Library of cast-in anchors
The StruBIM Steel cast-in anchor library allows series of anchors to be registered, considering different geometrical characteristics. As well as manual anchor entry, StruBIM Steel allows data to be retrieved from an anchor library including standards from a wide range of countries.
Electrode library
The StruBIM Steel electrode library allows electrodes to be saved by entering a reference and resistance. As well as manual electrode entry, StruBIM Steel allows data to be retrieved from an electrode library covering different types of electrodes.
Joints library
Joints between structural elements modelled in StruBIM Steel can be saved in a local library and reused in other projects. This library is compatible with CYPE Connect.
Entering elements
In the "Introduction" group of the main toolbar, the main features for entering reference elements, modelling the structure and entering connections can be found. Some of these tools are common to other CYPE programs.
Grid
Grids are reference lines that make the geometrical modelling of the structure easier. They can be used during the modelling phase to draw any element, as they can be snapped, just like any other element in the model. Grids and reference lines are particularly useful for placing the bars of a modular structure, or for projects that are being 100% developed in StruBIM Steel without prior import.
More information:
The reference grid is a tool available in several CYPE programs. To see an example of how to enter a grid, you can watch this CYPE Architecture video.
Modelling of the structure
Entering sections
When entering a section, the different characteristics of the section are configured in the selection panel and will be available depending on the data stored in the previously created or loaded steel section library.
When entering a section, selecting the type, material and profile section and, in some cases, its layout, is necessary. To make modelling easier, the characteristics of the insertion point can also be set, selecting the alignment condition (left, centre, right, among others), and applying rotations and displacements.
Entering plates
Plates can be modelled in two ways:
To enter polygonal plates, simply enter the vertex points that make up the polygon of the plate.
To enter circular plates, simply enter the radius of the plate.
Once the plate's geometry has been defined, the thickness and material of the element need to be established.
Note:
All modelling tools, such as object snaps, DXF/DWG template object snaps, grids, orthogonality, polar tracking, etc., can be used to make plate modelling easier.
Entering bolts
To enter a bolt, the material and geometric characteristics, nuts, locknuts and washers must be selected. It is also possible to define the place of execution, choosing between "On site" and "At workshop".
Entering anchors
To enter anchors, the material and geometric characteristics of the anchor must be selected, as well as the characteristics of the nuts and washers, if any. The place of execution can also be defined, choosing between "On site" and "At workshop".
Entering welds
To enter welds, users must select two or more elements to be welded and then draw a line indicating the position of the fillet weld. In the welding configuration window, the different characteristics of the weld are defined, selecting the geometric properties, type of material, type of surface area and type of graphic representation for each side. The place of execution can also be defined, choosing between "On site" and "At workshop".
Best practice:
If at any stage of the modelling, the objective is to make connections between bars of the structure, it is advisable to use the "Connections" tool. It is recommended that the modelling tools for plates, bolts, anchors and welds be used separately to complement the detailing at specific points of the structure.
Modelling, analysis and graphical information of connections
Both StruBIM Steel and CYPE Connect include a specific tool for modelling connections between structural steel elements. Both programs can access this tool via the "Connections" option.
The modelling and connection analysis panel has three tabs at the top: "Model", "Analysis" and "Sheets".
Modelling connections
Within the "Model" tab, users can enter a list of operations that are used sequentially to define the elements and geometry of the connection.
The entry order and the nomenclature used to identify each operation directly affect the way in which the connections are generated. During the modelling process, the program displays warnings about possible incompatibilities between modelled elements.
More information:
Detailed examples of how each operation works can be found in the CYPE Connect Quickstart guide videos.
The main toolbar in this group allows the following operations to be carried out:
 | Reference plan | Reference plans are used to make cuts in sections and plates, to make extension or reduction adjustments to these plans, or as a reference when adding plates. |
 | Bar | This tool allows additional bars to be added to the connection in order to create drops, support elements, reinforcement for corbels, etc. |
 | Plate | This tool allows rectangular and polygonal plates to be generated. Polygonal plates can be defined from coordinates (tables can be copied and pasted directly from spreadsheets). |
 | Adjust bar | This operation allows a bar to be lengthened or shortened by fitting it to another bar, a reference plane or a plate. It also allows welds to be generated after this fitting. |
 | Trim section | This operation makes it possible to create a trim on the selected section according to the "x" and "y" magnitudes entered. The type of trim can also be defined: straight, with a chord radius or with drill. |
 | End plate | This operation allows one section to be joined to another by means of an end plate. Welds can be entered from the section to the plate and bolts can be entered between the plate and the section. |
 | Trim plate | This operation allows a plate to be trimmed from another element. The trim can be carried out from the face of a bar, from a previously defined reference plan or from another plate. |
 | Bolts | This operation is used to enter bolts into the connection. Two elements to be bolted must be selected. If more than two are selected, the end elements of the connection must be indicated. |
 | Weld | This operation is used to enter welds between two elements. Both "Fillet" and "Lap" welds can be created. |
 | Opening | This operation allows openings to be created in sections or plates. The openings can be circular or polygonal. |
 | Concrete | This operation allows concrete elements to be entered into the connection. Where necessary, anchors will be applied on top of them. |
 | Anchor | This operation is used after a plate has been entered and allows anchors to be added to the plate. Anchors are entered in the same way as the bolts. |
 | Stiffeners | This operation is used to enter the stiffeners via a wizard where their material, geometry, position and welds are defined. |
 | Timber | This operation is used to insert fasteners used in timber bars. It allows users to enter dowels, bolts and screws for timber. This feature is only available in CYPE Connect. |
As well as the operations already mentioned, the program offers other additional tools to make the modelling of the connection easier:
Reference: can be automatic or user-defined. The automatic reference is made up with the prefix defined in the sheet generation options. This feature is only available in StruBIM Steel.
Modelling options: allows users to edit the representation lengths and the analysis of the sections. For sections with curved segments, the program can analyse an optimal number of sides when discretising these segments or they can be chosen manually.
View options: allow the view of the elements to be configured so that they are displayed opaque or transparent, with or without reference axes, with or without labels and with or without the volume of the envelope.
Measure: allows measurements to be taken by selecting the elements of the connection.
Connections library
The connections library allows connections to be saved and applied to other nodes in the same job or other jobs. This library is common to CYPE Connect Steel and StruBIM Steel. The “Import”, “Export” and “Connections library” options can be accessed from the connection editing panel.
The connections exported to the connections library also save the sheets that have been defined, so that the work involved in producing the detailing sheet of the connection can be used for similar connections when applying a connection available in the library.
Analysis and code checking of connections
Once the connection has been modelled, the analysis and checking can be carried out. The "Analysis" tab has the following options for this purpose:
Generate from the BIM model
This option will be available when the job has been created from a BIM model with forces. The load cases and loads of the sections involved in the connection can be generated.
To do this, the load combinations to be read can be filtered. Not all load combinations have significant values, so it may be advisable to filter the number of combinations to be imported. By default, a filter is shown for each of the 6 forces. The combinations in which the force exceeds the maximum value by a certain percentage, both positive and negative, will be read for each force. Furthermore, a minimum value can be set to determine whether the combinations should be read.
With this option, loads can also be imported for the rotational stiffness analysis. In addition to the loads, the elastic lengths of the bars of the structural model are also imported; these lengths are necessary for the correct classification of the connection. There are five options for importing load cases according to forces:
- Maximum moments, with simultaneous forces
Imports the load cases with the largest moments "My" or "Mz", with a positive or negative sign, in addition to the other simultaneous forces. - Maximum moments, without the other forces
Only imports the "My" and "Mz" values from load cases with maximum moments. - Maximum moments by plane, with simultaneous forces
Imports load cases with maximum moments and their simultaneous forces per plane i.e. creates load cases with forces per plane (XY and XZ). - All
Imports all load cases. - None
No load cases are imported.
Loadcases
This option can be used for defining the load cases to be considered in the connection analysis. These load cases can be generated from the BIM model or configured manually by the user. The following parameters are defined for each load case:
- Number of load steps.
- Allowable tolerance to consider the convergence has been reached.
- Maximum number of iterations in each load step.
- Maximum number of reattempts.
Loads
This tool opens the "Loads" dialogue box, where the loads acting on each section for each load case are defined. Tables can be copied and pasted directly from a spreadsheet. One of the sections must be the load-bearing section.
In addition to the loads, the position of the force application point can be defined for each section. This distance will also be read in the BIM model, provided that the structure has been analysed considering the finite dimension of the nodes.
Furthermore, users can also select the bars from which the rotational stiffness of the connection is to be analysed. In the central part of this window, two tabs appear to define the load tables per load case. The "Rotational stiffness" tab requires a list of loads, the lengths of the elastic bar in the structural model (used to establish the limit stiffnesses of rigid or pinned connections) and the kb factor.
Design options
Here, users can define the following:
- The maximum discretisation size of elements.
- The length to calculate the average weld stresses.
- The multi-process analysis method of the OpenSees© analysis engine.
More information:
More information on analysis considerations can be found in the CYPE Connect calculation report.
Stress / Strain
Clicking on the "Stress / Strain" button starts the stress analysis and checks. The first time the analysis is run, the implemented version of OpenSees© will be installed automatically.
Rotational stiffness
Clicking on the "Rotational stiffness" button will start the force analysis and checks. This analysis option allows users to obtain the resistant moment, the initial stiffness, the secant stiffness and the classification of the connection (rigid, semi-rigid or pinned) of the steel sections.
The results are displayed on the right-hand side of the "Analysis" tab. In the drop-down menu at the top, you can select the type of results to be displayed, "Stress/Strain" or "Rotational stiffness". When choosing "Rotational stiffness", the program displays two tables and the "Moment - Rotation" graph.
To obtain the "Moment - Rotation" graph, the program runs an iterative process analysing the rotation in different load steps. The resistant moment is obtained when any element of the connection (plates, sections, welds or bolts) does not comply, i.e. when its demand capacity ratio is greater than 100%.
The first table shows all bars analysed with the secant stiffness and the classification of the connection in each plan. The second table displays the analysed load cases for the selected bar. Each load case indicates the acting moment, the resisting moment, the secant stiffness and the initial stiffness.
The graph shows the curves for "Moment - Rotation", "Acting moment of the selected load case", "Resistant moment", "Ultimate stiffness for rigid connections (Sj,1)" and "Ultimate stiffness for pinned connections (Sj,2)".
Classifying the connection
To classify the connection as rigid, semi-rigid or pinned, the limit stiffnesses of rigid and pinned connections must first be established. Depending on the selected steel codes, the initial stiffness or the secant stiffness will be compared with these limits.
Buckling
Clicking on the "Buckling" button will start the analysis. The local buckling of a connection component occurs due to compression forces and mostly depends on the stiffness of the component and the distribution of the applied loads. The buckling analysis helps to detect unstable connection design configurations under the load of a particular load case.
There are several ways to evaluate the buckling phenomenon using Finite Elements. The one implemented in the connection analysis is the "Linear buckling analysis" which allows users to obtain the critical load factors of the different local buckling modes of the connection for a given load case.
Once the analysis is completed, we obtain the critical load factors for each of the buckling modes as well as their deformed shape. The smaller the first critical load factor, the closer we are to an unstable connection configuration.
Graphical information of connections
In the "Sheets" tab, there are several tools that allow detailed sheets of the connections to be obtained from the data previously entered in the modelling phase.
More information:
The CYPE Connect system for generating steel structure connection drawings is the same as the one in Open BIM Layout. More details on how this system works can be found in the Open BIM Layout Quickstart guide videos.
Scenes and views. To prepare the sheets, views of the connection model (elevation, floor plan, profile, 3D view, etc.) can be entered at the desired scale. The program allows both predefined views and user-created views to be entered.
Dimensions and tags. The program provides traditional drawing elements as well as dimensioning tools. Line, text or dimension styles can be manually defined and saved for use in future connection sheets.
To tag the elements, the tagging tool incorporates the most common types of tags for connection sheets. However, to speed up the process, an automatic tagging tool has been designed, which automatically generates the tag of the selected element with content and shape predefined by CYPE Connect. When dimensioning the connection elements, once the dimension has been entered, the position of the text can be modified.
Sheet composition. Once the connections have been detailed, the composition process can begin, in which it is possible to create one or more sheets with the contents of the detailing of the connections. The "Link" tool allows a reference of the content of one sheet to be inserted into another, although the "Sheet composition" option generates a mosaic with the selected sheets.
Linking with the connection model
The content of the sheets is linked to the model of the connection, i.e. the scenes and views that have been defined, as well as the element tags that have been entered, will be automatically updated if changes are made to the model of the connection. If the connection is exported to the "Connection library", the sheets will also be exported and can be reused in future projects.
Accessories
A tool is included in StruBIM Steel for entering elements at the intermediate points of sections. This tool can be accessed via the "Accessory" option.
The dialogue box for working with accessories is similar to the CYPE Connect connection editor. The purpose of this tool is to allow users to enter holes, openings, reinforcements, lifting lugs, etc. with the advantages offered by the connection editor. The accessories, like the connections, can also be grouped and saved in a library.
The symbol representing the accessories is a green pyramid, as opposed to the purple pyramid used for the connections.
This feature is only available on StruBIM Steel.
Options for grouping and creating nodes
A group of nodes will be assigned the same connection. The connection assigned to a group of nodes will read from the BIM project the bar forces of all the nodes in that group. The combination filter obtained from "Generate from BIM model" is carried out by adding up the combinations of all the nodes.
The options available to generate these groups are as follows:
- Group
Allows matching nodes to be grouped together. When a node is selected, all those that match are highlighted in yellow. - Ungroup
Allows previously grouped nodes to be ungrouped. - Generate
Generates nodes and automatically groups matching nodes.
Editing tools
Within the "Model" tab, in the "Edit" group of the main toolbar, the main tools for editing the model can be found. Some of these tools are common to other CYPE programs.
 | Edit | Selects a model element and edits its parametric properties. |
 | Delete | Deletes a previously entered element. |
 | Move a group of elements | Moves a group of elements. |
 | Move | Moves a single element. |
 | Rotate | Rotates a group of elements. |
 | Rotate about an axis | Rotates a group of elements around an axis defined by two points. |
 | Symmetry (move) | Moves a selection of elements with symmetry with respect to a vertical plane defined by two points. |
 | Symmetry (copy) | Copies a selection of elements with symmetry with respect to a vertical plane defined by two points. |
 | Copy | Creates a copy of an element. |
 | Assign tags | Assigns the tags of a given element to another element. |
 | Divide | Divides a bar into two parts at a given point. |
 | Join | Joins two bars. |
 | Assign section | Assigns the cross-sectional properties of a particular bar to another bar. |
 | Assign material | Allows the material type to be assigned to a selection of sections. |
 | Assign insertion point | Allows users to assign the levelling point, rotation angle and Y and Z displacements in local axes to a selection of sections. |
 | Invert the direction of the X axis | Inverts the X axis direction of a selection of sections. |
 | Align section with the plane | Allows a selection of sections to be aligned with a plane. |
Warnings
The program analyses the structure for clashes between two or more modelled elements. Using the "Show/hide warnings" option, warnings can be activated to indicate where these clashes occur, and which elements are involved.
Measuring tools
Within the "Model" tab, in the "Dimensions" group of the main toolbar, you will find the tools for making measurements in the work area.
The options available for measuring are the following:
- Length
Allows the distance between points inserted in the work area to be measured. Several segments can be entered and the application will calculate the sum of the lengths of each one. - Area
Allows the area of a polygon defined by points inserted in the work area to be measured. Several polygons can be entered and the application will calculate the sum of the areas of each one. - Angle
Allows the angle formed by three points inserted in the work area to be measured. Several angles can be defined and the application will calculate the sum of them. - Count
Allows the number of selected 3D model objects to be counted.
"Analysis" group in the main toolbar
Connections modelled in StruBIM Steel or imported from the CYPE Connect compatible library can also be analysed according to the previously selected code criteria (see more information in the "Modelling, analysis and graphical information of connections" section) as well as being modelled with all the necessary fabrication information. For this to be possible, the license used must contain CYPE Connect and the OpenSees module as well as StruBIM Steel.
If these conditions are met, via the tools in the "Analysis" group of the main toolbar, users can carry out the following:
Analyse all the connections
The program will start an analysis of all the modelled connections of the structure and will issue a final report with the analysis results.
Analyse the selected connections
After selecting one or more connections, the program will start the analysis process of the selected connections. This process is ideal for quickly checking connections that have been modified.
More information:
Further information on CYPE Connect and OpenSees©, and the modules required to carry out the analysis of the connections, can be found on the CYPE Connect page.
Numbering parts and assemblies
In the “Documents” tab, in the “Numbering” group of the main toolbar, the main tools for the automatic and manual numbering of parts and assemblies can be found.
 | Parts | Numbers all parts of the model. |
 | Part selection | Numbers all selected parts via a selection window. |
 | Assemblies | Number all assemblies in the model. |
 | Assembly selection | Numbers all selected assemblies via a selection window. |
 | Assign | Creates assemblies manually. |
 | Ungroup | Ungroups sets that have been manually grouped. |
 | Edit | Edits the numbering of an assembly or part. |
 | Assign main part | Assigns a main part to an assembly. |
Detailing sheets
Within the "Documents" tab, in the "Sheets" group of the main toolbar, the features required to generate the graphical information of the structure can be found. Using these tools, it is possible to create sheets of elements and parts (sections and plates), assembly sheets, connection sheets and sheets with the general views of the model. From the “Sheets” menu, you can access the “Generation options”, “Parts”, “Assemblies”, “Joints”, “Model views”, “Composition” and “List” tools.
These tools are included in the StruBIM Steel module "Structural steel detailing drawings" and their use requires the user license to have the corresponding code for this module.
Generation options
The generation options are arranged in a dialogue box with four tabs: "Parts", "Assemblies", "Joints" and "Model views". They all have common and specific options.
Sheet format (included in all four tabs)
Allows the format of the new sheets to be selected. In "Type", "Empty" can be selected together with the sheet format or "Based on template" together with the selection of a previously created template and its corresponding layer. The template has a sheet format associated with it.
Organisation (included in the four tabs)
Allows the group of sheets to be selected in which the newly created sheets will be generated.
Tables ("Parts" and "Assemblies" tabs)
Allows the text formatting of the predefined tables in the tabs to be selected.
Drawing options (included in all four tabs)
In this section, the option for displaying the chord radius of the sections can be found. This option is deactivated by default.
Tags of the “Assemblies” and “Model views” tabs
Allows the information that will appear on the automatic tags in the main part of the assembly to be selected.
Number (“Joints” tab)
Allows a prefix to be defined for numbering the joints.
Tags in the “Joints” tab
Allows the information that will appear on the automatic tags of sections and plates to be selected.
All generation option settings can be saved in the user library. User libraries can be managed via the options buttons on the right-hand side of the “Generation options” dialogue box.
Parts
This tool provides access to the drawing and editing panel of the sheets of the parts of the selected element. In the sheets of the parts, only one element (section or plate) is shown and its geometry is graphically documented. In these sheets, the predefined table of uses of the part in assemblies can be entered.
Assemblies
This tool provides access to the drawing and editing panel of the assembly sheets of the selected element. The assembly sheets show all the elements (sections, plates, welds, bolts or anchors) that are part of the assembly being assembled in the workshop. In these sheets, the predefined table of the parts of the assembly can be entered.
Joints
This tool provides access to the drawing and editing panel of the joint sheets of the selected element.
Model views
This tool provides access to the drawing and editing panel of the model sheets, where the different views of the structure will be drawn.
Composition
From the “Composition” level, sheets can be created from other sheets, i.e. sheets made up of a composition of drawings from different elements.
The “Link” tool allows a reference to the content of one sheet to be inserted into another, while the “Sheet composition” tool generates a mosaic with the selected sheets.
List
In the “List of sheets” dialogue box, a list of all the sheets in the structure is displayed. From the list, the content of each sheet can be accessed by clicking on “Edit”. The list allows the content to be filtered by category, content type and completion status. The columns “Finished”, “Comments 1”, “Comments 2” and “Comments 3” allow users to add notes or comments to each sheet, as well as to mark them as finished when they consider it so.
Managing the visibility of project elements
The visibility of the different elements needed to model the project can be carried out via four panels on the right-hand side of the program's main interface:
- Views
- Elements read
- Tags
- Own elements
Managing views
Like the other CYPE 3D modelling programs, StruBIM Steel allows different views to be created to make the navigation and modelling process of the structure easier. The following types of views can be created:
- Floor
- Reflected ceiling
- Elevation
- Section
- Generic
- 3D view
More information:
The system for managing views is a common feature in several CYPE tools. Examples of how to create and enter views can be seen in this CYPE Architecture video.
Managing elements read
The various models that make up an Open BIM project developed on the BIMserver.center platform can also be imported into StruBIM Steel so that they can be viewed and used as a reference for modelling the structure itself.
Visibility management options allow the following:
- Activating or deactivating elements;
- Changing the visualisation mode of the elements by selecting between "Normal View", "Transparent View" or "Wired View";
- Locking elements so that they cannot be snapped or selected.
Managing the visibility of these models can be carried out in two ways:
- With the "Models" filter, which is applied to the different imported models: architectural model, terrain model, concrete structure, etc.
- With the "Categories" filter, which is applied to the different categories found in the imported models, following the classification of the IFC scheme.
Managing tags
Tags can be created to group the different parts of the model. For each tag created the following can be carried out:
- Defining a reference;
- Defining a colour for 3D representation;
- Activating or deactivating the transparent view;
- Activating or deactivating the visibility;
- Activating or deactivating snapping.
Managing own elements
The visibility and snapping of elements modelled in StruBIM Steel can be controlled from the "Own Elements" menu in the left-hand sidebar of the application.
Results output
Manufacturing models (DSTV, STEP)
Models in DSTV and STEP format can be exported in two ways: via the export settings of the BIMserver.center platform, and via the options available in the top left corner of the program's main window.
The export options in STEP format can be carried out by including both the complete structure (Structure) and the individual parts (Parts).
The STEP format (ISO 10303) allows the exchange of data between design and manufacturing systems (CAD, CAM, CAE). The DSTV file format is an industry standard defined by the German steel construction association Deutsche Stahlbau-Verband.
Sheets in DWG, DXF or PDF format
Sheets generated in StruBIM Steel via the options contained in the “Structural steel detailing drawings” module can be exported in DWG, DXF or PDF format.
Export detailing of the steel structure in IFC EM.11 (Exchange Model 11)
EM.11 is an MVD (Model View Definition) specification of the IFC format containing information for automated steel fabrication. StruBIM Steel exports using this format for sections, plates, welds, bolts and screws.
The export to IFC EM. 11 works as a StruBIM Steel module. In order to be used, this module must be included in the StruBIM Steel software license.
Project reports
The following reports can be exported from models developed in StruBIM Steel:
- Codes
- Code check, summary
- Checks
Quantities reports
Within the "Documents" tab, in the "Quantities" group of the main toolbar, you will find the necessary features to generate quantities reports of the elements of the structure.
The options available for generating quantities reports are the following:
- Complete
This option generates a quantities report for the whole structure. - By assemblies
This option generates a quantities report for a selection of assemblies. - By parts
This option generates a quantities report for a selection of parts.
The implemented reports include the following tables:
- Assembly quantities
- Assembly and part quantities
- Sections quantities
- Summary by type of section
- Plate quantities
- Bolt quantities
- Weld quantities
- Anchor quantities
GLTF file compatible with BIMserver.center
When exporting the project to the BIMserver.center platform, a 3D model is automatically exported in GLTF format for integrating the model of the structure into the Open BIM project, allowing the model to be displayed:
- on the online platform;
- in the BIMserver.center application for IOS and Android;
- in virtual reality and augmented reality;
- in other CYPE programs.
Integration into the BIMserver.center platform
Many of CYPE's programs are connected to the BIMserver.center platform and allow collaborative work to be carried out via the exchange of files in formats based on open standards.
In order to work on BIMserver.center, users can register on the platform free of charge and create a profile. Together with the installation and running of each program connected to the platform, users will install and run BIMserver.center Sync, which is in charge of keeping the files of the projects developed collaboratively in BIMserver.center up to date.
More information:
For further details related to using CYPE software via the BIMserver.center platform, please click on this link.
Options available in StruBIM Steel
When exporting the project to the BIMserver.center platform, a 3D model is automatically exported in GLTF format for integrating the model of the structure into the Open BIM project, allowing the model to be viewed:
Importing and updating BIM models
The "Update" button can be used to update the information contained in the models previously imported into the project or to import new models if desired.
The import of models is carried out according to the defined configuration, and users can choose how new, modified and deleted elements of the BIM model are shared.
Exporting the BIM model to share it with other users
Using the "Share" button, the information contained in the model developed with StruBIM Steel can be exported to BIMserver.center.
During the export process, users can define information related to the identification of the files to be exported, the location of the local copies that are automatically generated and the types of files that are generated.
Licenses, program versions and supported modules
StruBIM Steel has two different versions and several modules that can be combined to increase the tool's performance.
Program versions
Professional version
The Professional version of StruBIM Steel includes all essential StruBIM Steel tools and can be used together with the various modules it supports. It was released in version 2023.d.
“Free Launch Edition” version
StruBIM Steel Free Launch Edition is a cost-free, open-use version, with no expiry date or limits, which was available for download until the 2023.c version of CYPE software. As we committed ourselves to its professional use, and to ensure that it would not disappear when the professional version of the software was released, all the features of the launch version became free features of the professional version. All projects that were being carried out with the release version can be resumed in the professional version.
Modules supported by the program
SPD module: Structural steel detailing drawings
The “Structural steel detailing drawings” module is supported by StruBIM Steel and allows StruBIM Steel to generate the graphic documents of the steel structure.
E11 module: Export detailing of the steel structure (IFC EM.11)
The "Export detailing of the steel structure (IFC EM.11)" module is supported by StruBIM Steel and allows structural detailing drawings to be exported in IFC EM.11 format. As well as the E11 code, licenses containing the latest version of CYPE software and CIS, TKL or TCM codes can also use the module with no limits.
CCS module: CYPE Connect Steel – Steel connections · Compatibility with CYPE Connect
StruBIM Steel is supported by CYPE Connect, and the CYPE Connect design and code-checking tools can be used as an integrated part of StruBIM Steel. The license must include the CCS and OSP codes for this to be possible.
OSP module: OpenSees©. Professional version.
The OpenSees© analysis engine is included in CYPE Connect and is used when analysing connections between structural steel bars. In order to use CYPE Connect seamlessly with StruBIM Steel, both CCS and OSP codes are required.
SBA module: CYPE Connect Anchors - Concrete anchors
Analysing anchors via CYPE Connect can be carried out using the SBA module. This module is compatible with both StruBIM Steel and CYPE Connect and requires the CCS and OSP codes in order to be used, in addition to its own code.
APL module: Buckling analysis (local stability)
The "Buckling Analysis (local stability)" module is used to study the local stability of connections in steel structures. It is compatible with both StruBIM Steel and CYPE Connect. Users must have both CCS and OSP codes, as well as their own APL code, to be able to use it.
