Advance Steel is a Dedicated Steel detailing package, the Software tool is a 3D modelling environment that then translates into a document management system.
The 3D model consists of intelligent structural objects such as Beams, Plates, Bolts and Welds, with these combined together using the Parametric Connection tools that can be propagated within the model via connection copying tools, the model then becomes the hub for the creation of General Arrangements, Shop Assembly and Part drawings to allow for fabrication.
These tools also extend into platework with ability to create complex folded plate details for flat pattern development drawings for shop use. Tools for creating steel frameworks from intelligent macros that allow for adjustments to the overall frame dimensions, section profile selection, this combined with the Parametric connection’s tools for standard connections types, with the ability to create custom connection details for bespoke situations.
The primary system uses a profiles library, that is specific to the country standards enter, this is typical set via the language settings, English has several types listed, they refer to USA, Australia, UK and international. These enable the preferences for each installed countrification.
Graitec offers its own PowerPack for Advance Steel, which has several additional section libraries and connections macros, expanding the ability of Advance Steel into specialist area’s such as Stairs and Railings with dedicated tools for these operations, offering Ball post, Key Clamp, glass infill types, Wall Rail along with tools for Steel Frame generation via the Structural Designer macro.
Autodesk Advance Steel can be purchased on a subscription basis as a standalone product or as part of the Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection depending on your workflow needs.
With all our software solutions we offer a Graitec Advantage Maintenance Contract. This maintenance contract is the solution to perpetuate your investment with the following benefits:
All product updates and upgrades are available during the term of the agreement. These updates can be minor or major versions.
By phone, e-mail or remote access our dedicated team will assist you for all your questions around our solutions simplifying your daily tasks.
Access to a dedicated customer portal with a personal user account. Tutorials, documentaions, downloads are available in this area.
All the tools are designed for fast and efficient modelling, creating a precise BIM model to enable Advance Steel to subsequently generate all project documents (drawings, lists, NC files) from the model.
Advance Steel provides the user with a large library of structural elements and design functions such as:
Advance Steel works in 2D or 3D depending on the user's preference and the type of structure being modeled. Advance Steel supports all basic and widely adopted CAD concepts and functions (snap points, grip points, copy, etc.) promoting rapid adoption.
Advance Steel comes with a comprehensive library of customizable automatic joints (more than 300 joints), which increase the speed and efficiency of modeling connections.
In addition to the default library, Advance Steel also offers the possibility to create specific custom connections using a wide range of tools:
All custom connections, from simple to extremely complex, can be saved, previewed and reused from within the Connection template explorer, and even modified to suit other needs.
The enhanced Connection Vault streamlines workflow with the following features:
Advance Steel assigns automatic part marks to the entire model which can also be based on user defined numbering prefix method, starting number and increment. The powerful model checking tools is Advance Steel for element collisions, tool access (buildability), and consistency of element marks (fabrication, delivery and assembly) ensure accuracy and quality are maintained.
Knowledge Engineering: Advance Steel integrates a new adaptive technology that automates and significantly accelerates joint creation. When creating a joint, Advance Steel analyses its environment and recognizes if a similar situation has occurred in the past. The software then suggests the optimal joint in the desired category while taking into account its structural integrity. (*Only available for certain types of joints and standards.)
New Joint Design Engine
Advance Steel can now automatically design common joints within the user interface. To create a joint the user specifies the forces (kip) and Advance Steel quickly designs the joint. The correct type and quantity of bolts, plate thickness, etc., are automatically inserted in the model and a full design report is created!
Autodesk Advance Steel is the only CAD software for steel structures that easily models sheet metal work. It only takes a couple of clicks to create a complex element, for example, a conical shape from two CAD entities (circle, square, etc.) or between two profiles with different diameters.
The drawings for these shapes are automatically obtained along with their unfolded representation.
Specific joints and macros are provided in Advance Steel for modeling Cold Rolled. GRAITEC are working with cold rolled suppliers to update the ranges and joint settings in Advance Steel to make the process as efficient as possible.
Joints for purlins
These joints can be applied on supporting beams and plates (eg: cap plate on the top of a column) and offer many options, for example, the creation of stays.
The tools for connecting purlins to rafters are grouped in the Purlins & Cold Rolled category of the Connection Vault in Advance Steel.
Draw the beam manually and simply select the CR supplier from the Section drop down list in the Advance Properties box.
Alternatively, icons are provided to directly draw beams.
With the “Model Share” technology, Advance Steel users can work in a real multi-user mode to accelerate projects.
Advance Steel offers unrivalled, flexible and secure multi-user functionality offering:
Once the design is completed, Advance Steel offers a wide range of automated functions to create all the fabrication and general arrangement drawings. A large range of formats (e.g. A4 to A0) and different page layout templates are available. Each detailed drawing is created as an individual DWG file. The details are automatically labeled and dimensioned. Templates are available for a wide range of uses and countries and the drawing layout may be customized with user specific requirements using the Drawing Style Manager.
General Arrangement drawings
Fabrication drawings
The Final Touch
Once the drawings are completed, bills of material (BOM), lists and NC files can be created. The user can select from different predefined or custom formats: content definition, insertion of logos, customizable sorting, etc.
Advance Steel Document Manager is a powerful yet user-friendly centralized time saving tool to check drawings, sort out details and print bills of materials.
Advance Steel automatically creates revision clouds in drawings for modifications compared to the previous status of the drawing. This considerably helps users have better control on changed elements after an automatic update of the drawings with a revision number and removes a high degree of risk.
Advance Steel also offers interoperability with Revit and GRAITEC Advance Design software to support a more connected BIM workflow. These tools allow for Interoperability/collaboration between Revit, Robot Structural Analysis, Plant3D and Graitec Advance Design. Advance Steel also has its own object enabler to allow for viewing of native drawings and models in an Autodesk platform like P3D, AutoCAD and BIM360.
Advance Steel has additional Extension options for Dynamo, MIS solutions supporting formats of KISS, XML, IFC, SFR and Graitec Advance Workshop.
GRAITEC software is 100% compatible with worldwide machinery manufacturers. We work with the following manufacturers to further streamline the design to fabrication process:
Furthermore, with the GRAITEC Advance PowerPack app for Autodesk Advance Steel users can access a set of fabrication commands which provide a link with Advance Workshop, GRAITEC's software for steel fabrication management.
Read more about different functionalities of Advance Steel in the following articles:
Steel fabrication production management software
BIM software for FEM structural analysis
Productivity add-on for Revit® bursting with tools for Architectural, Structural and MEP Designers
Productivity add-on for Advance Steel - practical tools for everyday needs
For specific conditions under which software is licensed please check EULA
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