Learn about 3 Advance Steel Checking Tools you Absolutely Need to Master

Advance Steel Checking Tools

Often, when we think of Advance Steel, it is either the modeling process or the drawing creation thatcomes to mind. What is often overlooked is the step in between. Even the best person can miss things when modeling, and it is important to ensure that the parts are completed and done correctly before advancing to the piece marking and drawing creation phase.

To this end is it paramount to know when and how to use the following Advance Steel Checking Tools.

Advance Steel Checking Tool #1: Clash checking

To start, there is the Clash Detection tool which can be used to find overlapping flanges, missing connections, overlaid parts, tool allowances and general clashes. With this tool a user can quickly and easily find in their model areas that need to be addressed due to physical collisions. It will list, mark, and point to the location of the clash, while at the same time outlining the exact contours where the parts meet.

The 2D wireframe mode is recommended as clashes are more clearly marked in this visual style. The clash checking will also work with other solid elements when they are referenced in, making it a versatile tool in certain multi-discipline coordination scenarios.

Watch the Clash detection video here:

Advance Steel Checking Tool #2: Steel Construction Technical Checking

Where this tool excels is in its ability to verify whether or not the Advance Steel connections have been placed correctly by checking things like bolt spacing and edge distances. Users can set and adjust hole size factors that help to determine the correct amount of material needed between bolts and element edges. Minimum and Maximum distances can also be defined if needed.

Additionally, this tool can find connections that are attached to only one element. Typically a connection is used to join two or more elements together but sometimes when placing items like welds, the second element is accidently missed and the weld refers to only a single element. In a case like this, the tool will find it and notify the user. It may also point out holes that are outside the object.

Watch the Steel Construction Technical Checking video here:

Advance Steel Checking Tool #3: Model Checking

With Model Checking, the tool looks at the elements in the model for situations like a cut or feature placed in the same location multiple times. It can also find and notify the user that a shortening has been placed that is larger than the element being shortened. Normally this element would be hidden by the modification but in this case, it can be located by the model checking tool.

Watch the Model Checking video here:

Conclusion

By running these tools and addressing the issues found, a user can feel confident moving forward that their model is free of accidental modeling errors.  Although this will not ensure that everything is correct, physically and based on pre-defined rulesets we will end up with a model that falls within certain standards and is ready to be numbered and prepared for drawing creation.

It should be noted that, although it is important to run these tools when the model is complete and before drawings are prepared, these tools are available at any time throughout the modeling process and there is no need to wait to start using them.

Advance Steel Technical Support

For help with downloading, installing, activating or using Autodesk Advance Steel software, please contact the GRAITEC helpdesk. or take a look at our Advance Steel training classes.

For more Graitec Advance Steel videos, please subcribe to our YouTube channel righ here.