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.
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.
