Practice Workbook

This workbook is designed for use in Live instructor-led training and for OnDemand self-study.
OnDemand videos for this course are available through CONNECT Advisor and on the LEARNserver.
®
Bentley OpenBuildings Designer TM

CONNECT Edition—Structural

BIM QuickStart S101:

Modeling Structural Frames
About this Practice Workbook:

 This PDF file includes bookmarks providing an overview of the document. Click on the bookmark to
quickly jump to any section in the file.

 This workbook shows Imperial units—with International System (metric) units shown in blue italicized
text in brackets—for example:

Length: 14:6 [4500] where the Imperial value for the length is 14’-6” and the SI value is 4500 mm.

 This course uses training examples delivered with the software.

Have a Question? Need Help?

If you have questions while taking this course, search in CONNECT Advisor for related courses and
topics. You can also submit questions to the Building Analysis and Design Forum on Bentley Communities
where peers and Bentley subject matter experts are available to help.

Revision: CE07 en.1 Course Level: Basic

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 Description and Objectives

Course Description
This course is the first in a series of classes that are part of the QuickStart for OpenBuildings Designer: Structural BIM Modeler Accreditation
series.

This hands-on workbook contains exercises for getting started with Bentley’s BIM solution, OpenBuildings Designer. The student will create a
new project WorkSet and a new design model file, a project grid system, and then learn the basic modeling techniques for modeling columns,
beams and bracing.

Learning Objectives
 Set up a new project WorkSet based on a WorkSet template

 Create a Project Column Grid System

 Model Concrete Columns and Beams

 Model Steel Columns and Beams

 Model Vertical Steel Bracing

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 The WorkSpace and WorkSet
Upon starting up OpenBuildings Designer you will find that you need to select a WorkSpace and a WorkSet.

Every file created should belong to a WorkSet. WorkSets are basically a set of files and folders that all belong to the same project. Creating a
new WorkSet creates a set of folders that contain and define the files and standards for that project.

Every WorkSet will belong to a WorkSpace that defines common standards for all the projects in that WorkSpace. In a small organization
there may be a single WorkSpace for all projects or WorkSets. In larger organizations the WorkSpace may define the standards of a particular
building type or client.

For the purpose of the QuickStart for Structural Designers training you will use the delivered example WorkSpace, Building_Examples, and
create a new WorkSet for the training project.

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 Exercise 01: Creating a New WorkSet and a New Model File
In this exercise, you will create a new WorkSet and a new model file in order to start modeling a building project.

1. Start OpenBuildings Designer from the start menu or desktop shortcut

a. Set the WorkSpace to Building_Examples.
b. From the WorkSet pull down, select + Create Workset...
c. Create a Name and Description for the new WorkSet.
d. Select the Template, TrainingTemplate_US [TrainingTemplate_NM].

Note: OpenBuildings Designer has WorkSet templates with

corresponding regional datasets available, e.g., the Dataset_UK
regional dataset for the United Kingdom includes the
BuildingTemplate_UK WorkSet template. Regional datasets can be
included during the initial installation or added later through the
Windows Control Panel > Programs and Features > Change option.

Note: WorkSets can be connected to a CONNECTED Project, a

Bentley cloud service. See the Learning Path CONNECT Workflow
for OpenBuildings Users for more information.

2. Select OK. Note: You may also set the location for the WorkSet folders from the Create WorkSet dialog. For
this training you will use the default location: C:\ProgramData\Bentley\OpenBuildings CONNECT
Edition\Configuration\Workspaces\Building_Examples\WorkSets\[Workset Name].

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 3. Select New File.
a. Ensure the Seed file setting is set to
DesignSeed.dgn.
This is the default seed file for model seeds.
Seeds delivered with OpenBuildings Designer
include:

 DesignSeed.dgn—for 3D models
 DrawingSeed.dgn—for 2D drawing models
 SheetSeed_Arch.dgn—for sheet models (US
dataset), this seed is setup for ANSI Arch E1
paper size (30”x42”)

 SheetSeed_ISO.dgn—for sheet models (NM

dataset), this seed is setup for ISO A1 paper size
(594 mm x 841 mm)

Note: It is standard practice to customize the delivered

seed files in order to set up your own company standard
seed files. We will utilize the drawing and sheet seeds in
the third course in our QuickStart training series.

4. Name the new file S-Framing.dgn.

5. Select the Save button.
The newly created file will open.

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 6. Take a few minutes to review the interface.

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 The Federated Project
Now that you have set up a new project WorkSet
and created a new model file, it is important to
understand how OpenBuildings Designer uses a
federated approach to piece together the building
model. This means you will create several
different DGN files for various models. These
models are considered your working models.

This federated approach is facilitated by the

reference capability of OpenBuildings Designer.

These working models are organized first by

discipline and then by each discipline, as
necessary, for its organization. This efficient
method simplifies the modeling process, giving
multiple team members access to the project. An
added benefit is that repetitive portions of the
building, such as typical architectural floors, need
only be modeled once.

The working models are referenced together in a

DGN file to create the discipline master model.
The discipline master models will ultimately be
referenced together in a DGN file creating the
building master model.

In the third course in our QuickStart training

series, the discipline master model will be used
to create our drawings and construction
document sheets.

This capability of referencing carries over into all

Bentley DGN based applications, for example,
OpenSite, OpenRoads, OpenPlant.
Master models may be created for specific purposes, for example separate clash detection and rendering master models.

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 Exercise 02: The Grid Systems Manager
Column grids are associate to the floors/levels set up in the Floor Manager using the Grid Systems manager. In this exercise, you will set up
the column grid for the office building we are modeling. Once a Grid System is created for a project it can be displayed in 3D models and is
used to automatically create properly labeled grid lines on your drawings for floor plans, elevations, sections and details.

There are two utilities in OpenBuildings Designer used for managing and setting floors and levels which define the Z elevations in our building:
the Floor Manager and the Floor Selector. The Floor Manager is used to create and edit the floors and levels of the project. The Floor Selector
is used to set the Z elevation in our models and aids us in modeling at the correct elevation. For our office building the Floor Manager is
already setup for us.

1. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the Grid tool.

The Grid Systems manager dialog box opens. The Grid Systems manager is used to set the shape, size, placement, and appearance of
all elements and components contained in a grid system. The dialog box has two main windows: Grid System Settings and Grid Line
Settings.

2. Under Grid System Settings select Add >

Orthogonal.
3. Left-press on the name field and rename the grid
to Office Grid.

4. Set the Start Floor to BASEMENT FLOOR and the

End Floor to FLOOR ROOF>Eave Level.

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 Our office building grid will have four grid lines in the horizontal direction (U) and six in the vertical direction (V). Two minor lines are
included indicating the center of the building footprint. The horizontal grid lines will have numerical designations and the vertical grid will
have alphabetical designations.

The color, line style and line weight and CAD levels of the grid lines and bubbles—S-GRID-LINE and S-GRID-ANNO—as well as the grid
bubble size and font when the bubbles appear in drawings are assigned from an element template. The WorkSetDefault grid template is
already included in our WorkSet. The element templates for grids are stored in a DGN library file.

Grid systems are viewable in our 3D models and become annotation elements
in our drawings, where they can be manipulated for drawing purposes.

5. In Grid Systems > Grid Line Settings select the Horizontal (U) tab and select
grid line 5. Select the Remove button.

6. For the spacing between the horizontal grids set:

a. Grid 2 Spacing: 30:0 [9000]
b. Grid 3 Spacing: 25:0 [7500]
c. Grid 4 Spacing: 30:0 [9000]
Note: To accept the edits to the spacing simply select in another field in the
dialog box.
How the finished grid will look.
Next we will insert the minor grid between grids 2 and 3.

7. In Grid Systems > Grid Line Settings select the

Horizontal (U) tab, select grid line 2. Select the
Duplicate button.
8. For the spacing between the new minor grid and
other settings, rename and set:
a. Rename the new grid line to 2.5
b. Grid 2.5 Spacing: 12:6 [3750]
c. Grid 3 Spacing: 12:6 [3750]
d. Grid 2.5 Label Override: None
e. Grid 2.5: Minor: Checked On

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 Now we’ll set up the vertical grids

9. In Grid Systems > Grid Line Settings select the Vertical (V) tab and select grid line D. Select the Duplicate button.
10. Rename the new gird line to E.
a. For the spacing of the horizontal grids set
grids B-E to 30:0 [9000].

a. Select grid line E. Select the Duplicate button

and rename the grid to F and the spacing to
30:0 [9000]
Next we’ll insert the minor grid between grids C
and D.

11. In Grid Systems > Grid Line Settings select the

Vertical (V) tab, select grid line C. Select the
Duplicate button.
12. For the spacing between the new minor grid and
other settings, rename and set:

a. Rename the new grid line to C.5

b. Grid C.5 Spacing: 15:0 [4500]
c. Grid D Spacing: 15:0 [4500]
d. Grid C.5 Label Override: None
e. Grid C.5: Minor: Checked On
13. To finish setting up the Building Grid select the OK
button.
Our building column grid is set up and we can now
display he grid in the views.

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 Exercise 03: The Floor Selector—Grid Display Options
The column grids appear in 3D views. Controls for the display of the grids are available in the Floor Selector utility: Set
Active Grids and Grid Model Display Options. In this exercise these options are investigated.

1. In the Floor Selector window click the Set Active Grids option and un-check the (Select All) option. Datapoint (left-click) in a view to apply
the change.

The grid we created turns off in the views.

2. In the Floor Selector utility click the Set Active Grids option and check the (Select All)
option back on. Datapoint (left-click) in a view to apply the change.

3. In the Floor Selector utility click the Grid Model Display option and select Full Grid
(Follow Active Building).
The views now display the grids for every floor. In our case the grid is the same for
all the floors of the office building. Some designs will have different grids for different
levels of the project. This is managed in the Grid Systems manager with the Start
Floor and End Floor settings.
4. In the Floor Selector utility click the Grid Model Display option and select Follow
Active Floor.
The views now display the Ground Floor of the building.

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 5. In the Floor Selector utility select the list of floors and select the Roof Floor.

The views now show the grid for the Roof Floor.

Typically in working models we utilize the Follow Active Floor setting, whereas in master models it may be desirable to display the full
grid. Note the other options for the Grid Model Display are Disable Grid Display and Full Grid (All Buildings).

6. In the Floor Selector utility select the list of floors and select the Ground Floor.
In the next exercises, concrete framing is modeled. A placement option for using the grids will be used for placing the concrete columns
and beams. Note that the column intersection locations are reportable for individual columns including graphical column schedules—
these schedules are covered in the third course in the QuickStart series.

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 Exercise 04: Modeling Concrete Columns
Our design of this building implements concrete columns and beams for the ground floor and steel for the upper floors, getting the student
familiar with concrete framing tools and steel framing tools. In this exercise, you will learn how to use the Concrete Column tool to model
concrete columns.

1. Ensure the Floor Selector is set to GROUND FLOOR. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the
Concrete Column tool from the column split button.

The Property Panel opens showing the catalog properties for Place Column and the ribbon now displays the Placement: Place tab with
options for our placement of the columns.

2. In the ribbon set:

a. Placement: Middle Center
b. Section Orientation:
 X Offset: 0:0

 Y Offset: 0:0

 Base Offset: -5:0 [-1500.0]

 Interactive: Off  Rotation: 0°

c. Placement Options:
 Place By: Grid  Length: 20:0 [6000]

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 3. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Column Concrete
Rectangular.
This catalog item is delivered with the WorkSet, its default size is 2:0x2:0 for the US
dataset and 600x600 for the NM dataset.

For these properties, ensure these values are set:

a. Section Name: 2:0X2:0 [600x600]

b. Structural Finish: Architectural
c. Structural | Function: Structural
d. ID | Type ID: CONC-COLUMN
e. ID | Item ID [Number]: C1
f. Phase: New Construction
4. Following the prompt in the status bar, in a top
orientation, drag the selection tool from the
upper left to the lower right, effectively selecting
all the column grids. We will de-select the minor
grids as no columns are needed at these
intersections.

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 5. Again, following the prompt, we see we can use the Ctrl key to
add or remove more grids. Hold the Ctrl key down and select the
two minor grids (the ones with no grid bubbles).

The major grid lines

are highlighted as they
are selected, and the
minor grids are not
highlighted as they
were de-selected.

6. Following the prompt left-click in any view

to accept the placement.
The 15’-0” [4500 mm] length rectangular
concrete columns are placed at the
selected grid intersections.

The base of the columns are at the Z

elevation of -5’ [-1500 mm] below the
Ground Floor as we set the base offset.
As demonstrated, utilizing the place by
grid option is a fast way to get the columns
initially placed.

Next, the concrete beams will be modeled.

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 Exercise 05: Modeling Concrete Beams
Our design continues with concrete beams framing for Floor 1. We’ll use the By Grid option for the placement option. We’ll set the
Floor Selector to locate the tops of the beams at the correct Z elevation. We will also utilize the Automatic End Trim option to trim the
face of the beams to the columns.

1. Ensure the Floor Selector is set to FLOOR 1. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the Concrete
Beam tool from the beam split button.

The Property Panel opens showing the catalog properties for Place Beam and the ribbon now displays the Placement: Place tab with
options for our placement of the beams.

2. In the ribbon set:

a. Placement: Top Center
b. Section Orientation:
 X Offset, Y Offset and
Base Offset: 0:0

 Rotation: 0°

 Interactive: Off

c. Placement Options:
 Place By: Grid

d. Trim Options:  Automatic End Trim: On  Trim Options: Trim to any interfering member

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 3. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Beam Concrete 1
This catalog item is delivered with the WorkSet, its default size is 2:0x2:0 for the US
dataset and 600x600 for the NM dataset.

For these properties, ensure these values are set:

a. Section Name: 2:0X2:0 [600x600]

b. Structural Finish: Architectural
c. Structural | Function: Structural
d. ID |Type ID: CONC-BEAM
e. ID | Item ID: B1
f. Phase: New Construction
4. Following the prompt in the status bar, In the top
view drag the cursor from right-to-left between grids
E and F.

Note the segment of grids 1-4 between E and F are selected. We

will de-select the minor grid (the one with no grid bubble).

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 5. Again, following the prompt, we see we can use the Ctrl key to add
or remove more grids. Hold the Ctrl key down and select the minor
grid between E and F (the one with no grid bubbles).

The major grid lines

between grids E and F
are highlighted as they
are selected, and the
minor grid is not
highlighted as it was
de-selected.

6. Left-click to accept the placement, four beams are placed

along grids 1-4 between grids E and F.

7. Repeat the process for each bay, remembering to de-

select the minor grid.

Be aware where the minor grids intersect, they will have

segments of each grid. If any beams were inadvertently
placed on any of the minor grid segments they can be
deleted.

We modeled he beams bay-by-bay as opposed to

selecting all the grids at once. If the grids are selected all
at once (like when modeling columns) they software will
place one beam all the way down a grid line.

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 Exercise 06: Modifying Properties and Adjusting Length
In this exercise the use of the Modify Properties tool is introduced. The concrete beams in the core of the building are changed to different
member sizes. A catalog item is provided in the workset for the new shape. Additionally, the concrete columns in the core are lowered to the
basement floor level using the Fence Stretch tool.

1. With the element selection tool, create a

selection set of the ten beams in the core
of the model. Elements can be added to a
selection set by utilizing the ctrl key on the
keyboard.

Note: The status bar includes a field

showing how many elements are included
in selection sets. When elements are
selected, the ribbon interface displays the
Modification—Modify Selected tab.

View 1 in an isometric
orientation with the ten
core beams selected.
The status bar shows
10 elements are in the
selection set.

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 2. From the Ribbon Interface > Modification—Modify Selected tab > Modify Group select the Modify Properties tool.

The Property Panel opens—now showing Modify Instance Data for the selected
elements.

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 3. In the Modify Instance Data panel select the *Example | Beam Concrete 2 catalog
item. The Change Type dialog box is presented showing the old values of the
elements’ properties and the new values.

4. Select OK in the Change Type dialog box.

The beams are changed to the new properties, including the member size. We will adjust the placement
point of the members.

5. With the members still selected, from the Ribbon Interface > Modification—Modify Selected tab > Modify
Group select the Modify Properties tool.

6. In the Modify Instance Data panel set:

a. Section Orientation:
 Placement Point: Top, Right

7. Datapoint (left-click) in the view to accept the change.

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 8. Using the same method, modify the placement point of the two interior beams on grid lines D and E and the three interior beams on grid
line 2 to Top, Left.

The ten interior beams

are now 1:0x2:0
[300x600], with an Item
ID of B2. The placement
point has also been
adjusted.

9. Set the Floor Selector to BASEMENT FLOOR.

The column grid moves to the basement level—which is -15 feet [-4500 mm].

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 10. With the Element Selection tool create a selection set of the eight interior columns.
11. Right-press and select Displayset Set.
The views will isolate the elements in each view.

Note: In order to utilize the Displayset tool the Displayset View Attribute needs to be
on.

12. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Common Tools Group select the Stretch
tool.

13. In a front orientation, following the prompt, define a fence block with two points encompassing the bottoms of the columns.

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 14. Following the prompt snap to the bottom of one of the columns to define the first point of the stretch operation.
15. Move the cursor down and press Enter to lock the AccuDraw
axis.

16. Snap to the column grid line.

17. Datapoint (left-click) to accept the fence stretch operation.
18. Reset (right-click) to end the fence stretch command.
19. Right-press and select Displayset Clear to clear the isolate
operation we performed earlier.

The bottom of the columns have been adjusted to be at the

basement floor level.

Next we will add steel columns and beams for the upper floor
frame.

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 Exercise 07: Modeling Steel Columns
Our design continues with steel columns framing for the upper floors. We’ll use the By Grid option for the placement option. We’ll set
the Floor Selector to locate the bottom of the columns at the correct Z elevation.

1. Ensure the Floor Selector is set to FLOOR 1. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the Steel
Column tool from the column split button.

The Property Panel opens showing the catalog properties for Place Column and the ribbon now displays the Placement: Place tab with
options for our placement of the columns.

2. In the ribbon set:

a. Placement: Middle
Center
b. Section Orientation:
 X Offset, Y Offset and
Base Offset: 0:0

 Interactive: Off

 Rotation: 90°

c. Placement Options:
 Place By: Grid  Length: 27:8 [8200] d. Automatic Coping: Off

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 3.In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Main Column Steel
This catalog item is delivered with the WorkSet, it’s default size is a W12x35 for the US
dataset and UC356x406x634 for the NM dataset.

For these properties, ensure these values are set:

a. Section Name: W12X35 [UC356x368x202]

a. Structural Finish: Painted
b. Structural | Function: Structural
c. ID | Type ID: STEEL-COLUMN
d. ID | Item ID: C2
e. Phase: New Construction
4. As we did with the concrete columns, following
the prompt in the status bar, in a top orientation,
drag the selection tool from the upper left to the
lower right, effectively selecting all the column
grids. We will de-select the minor grids as no
columns are needed at these intersections.

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 5. Again, following the prompt, we see we can use the Ctrl key to
add or remove more grids. Hold the Ctrl key down and select
the two minor grids (the ones with no grid bubbles).

The major grid lines

are highlighted as they
are selected, and the
minor grids are not
highlighted as they
were de-selected.

6. Following the prompt left-click in any view to accept the placement.

The 27’-8” [8300 mm] length steel columns are placed at the selected grid intersections.

The base of the columns are at the Z elevation of Floor 1. As demonstrated utilizing the Place by Grid option is a fast way to get the
columns initially placed.

Next the steel beams will be modeled.

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 Exercise 08: Modeling Steel Beams
Continuing with our steel framing, in this exercise, you will learn how to use the Steel Beam tool to model steel beams in OpenBuildings
Designer. We’ll use the By Grid option for the placement option. We’ll set the Floor Selector to locate the tops of the beams at the correct Z
elevation. We will also utilize the Automatic Coping option to trim the face of the beams to the columns.

1. Ensure the Floor Selector is set to FLOOR 2 > Top of Steel-2. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group
select the Steel Beam tool from the beam split button.

The Property Panel opens showing the catalog properties for Place Column and the ribbon now displays the Placement: Place tab with
options for our placement of the columns.

2. In the ribbon set:

a. Placement: Top Center d. Placement Options:  Inside Corner: Round

b. Section Orientation:  Place By: Grid  Flange Clearance: 0:1 [25]

 X Offset, Y Offset and Base e. Coping Options:  Web Clearance: 0:03/4 [20]
Offset: 0:0
 Automatic Coping: On  Radius Corner: 0:0 1/2 [12]
 Interactive: Off
 Coping Options: Cope to any
c. Rotation: 0° interfering member

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 3. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Main Steel Beam
This catalog item is delivered with the WorkSet, its default size is a W12x35 for the US
dataset and UC356x406x634 for the NM dataset.

For these properties, ensure these values are set:

a. Section Name: W12x35 [UC305x305x137]

a. Structural Finish: Painted
b. Structural | Function: Structural
c. ID | Type ID: STEEL-BEAM
d. ID | Type ID: B3
e. Phase: New Construction
4. Following the prompt in the status bar, In the top
view drag the cursor from right-to-left between grids
E and F.

Note the segments of grids 1-4 between E and F are selected.

We will de-select the minor grid (the one with no grid bubble).

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 5. Again, following the prompt, we see we can use the Ctrl key to add
or remove more grids. Hold the Ctrl key down and select the minor
grid between E and F (the one with no grid bubbles).

6. Following the prompt left-click in any view to accept the placement.

The steel beams are placed at the selected grid intersections.

The top middle of the beams are placed at the Z elevation of Floor 2 > Top of Steel-2. As demonstrated utilizing the Place by Grid option
is a fast way to get the beams placed.

7. Repeat the process for each bay, remembering to de-select the minor grid. Be aware where the minor grids intersect, they will have
segments of each grid. If any beams were inadvertently placed on any of the minor grid segments they can be deleted.

The beams are modeled bay-by-bay, as opposed to selecting all the grids at once. If all the grids are selected (like when modeling
columns) they software will place one beam all the way down a grid line.

8. In the Floor Selector set the floor to FLOOR ROOF > Top of Steel-Roof and repeat the process for the steel beams.

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 Exercise 09: Attaching Reference Models with the Explorer
In In this exercise the architectural master model is attached as a reference. The Explorer dialog is used to use the
drag-and-drop method to attach the model.

1. From the Ribbon Interface, Structural Tab, Common Tools group

select the Explorer tool.

The Explorer dialog opens docked on the left side of the interface.

2. In the Explorer dialog box expand the Links tab.

a. Browse to Project Tree > Building Models >Supplemental Models
b. Drag and drop the AA_Discipline Master model into a view.
c. Attachment Method: Interactive
The Reference Attachment Properties for AA_Discipline Master.dgn
dialog opens.

The Training Template WorkSets contain the supplemental models.

These are more complete models of the project.

We have the other disciplines available for referencing and to see

finished examples of the structural models.

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 3. In the Reference Attachment Properties dialog set:
a. Logical Name: Arch Master
b. Orientation: Coincident
c. Nested Attachments: Live Nesting
d. Nesting Depth: 5
e. Ignore Attachment When Live Nesting: On
4. Click on the OK button.
The discipline master reference the working files, so when we attach the
references we use Live Nesting.

The Ignore Attachment When Live Nesting setting prevents these

references from attaching when the active file, in this case S_Framing.dgn,
is referenced to other files.

As we review the architectural model, note that framing needs to be added

to the main entrance.

With our federated approach implemented with the referencing capabilities

we coordinate with the other disciplines as needed.

Some levels in the architectural reference that are not pertinent to the
exercise can be turned off.

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 5. From the Ribbon Interface, Structural Tab, Common Tools group select the Level Display tool.
6. In the Level Display dialog box select the AA_Discipline Master.dgn reference. .

7. In the list of levels select the Used column as needed to sort the list by the level used
status.
8. Select the levels Default, G-ANNO-NPLT, A-CLNG-SUSP and A-CLNG level to turn
them off.

9. In the Level Display dialog box select the Apply to Open Views tool.
Note: If desired, dock the Level Display dialog box to the right of the interface and unpin it
so it collapses over to the right side of the interface for quick access.

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 Exercise 10: Placement by Length—Columns
In the previous exercises, we used the column grid we created to model our framing using the provided example catalog items.To
demonstrate some alternate methods we will add some additional framing at the main entrance . The AccuDraw ‘O-Set Origin’ keyboard
shortcut will be used to offset the placement of the concrete columns.

1. Ensure the Floor Selector is set to GROUND FLOOR. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the
Concrete Column tool from the column split button.

2. In the ribbon set:

a. Placement: Middle Center
b. Section Orientation:
 X Offset and Y Offset: 0:0

 Base Offset: -5:0 [1500]

 Interactive: Off

 Rotation: 0°

c. Placement Options:
 Place By: Length at End 1

 Length: 20:0 [6100]

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 3. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Column Concrete Rectangular
2.
We’ll adjust some of the default values for these columns, they will be a smaller size and
a different Item ID.

4. In the Place Column Property Panel expand the Section Name field
5. Select the Parametric tab and set:
a. Class: Rectangle
b. Width: 1:2 [350]
c. Depth: 1:2 [350]
6. Press ‘Enter’ to accept the new Section Name settings.
7. In the Place Column Property Panel set:
a. ID | Type ID: CONC-COLUMN
b. ID | Item ID: C3
c. ID | Name (Alternate): 14x14 [350x350]
d. Phase: New Construction

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 8. In a top orientation view, zoom into the area of the column grids B-1 (near the main entrance).

9.Snap to the column at

location B-1, and before
accepting that placement with
a left-click, press the F11
function key and then press ‘O’
on the keyboard. This invokes
the AccuDraw ‘Set Origin’
command.

10.Move the cursor towards the

main entrance and press
‘Enter’—the AccuDraw
shortcut to ‘lock’ the axis.
11.Key in the distance of 4:0
[1220] locates our new C3
column that distance from the
B-1 grid location.

12.An accept (left-click) places

the column.
13.Move the cursor to the right
and press ‘Enter’ then snap to
the column at location C-1,
then accept (left-click) to
locate the second C3 column
for the main entrance framing.

We can turn off the display of the architectural reference and finish our framing for the main entrance.

14. From the Ribbon Interface, Structural Tab, Common Tools group select the Reference tool.

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 15. In the Reference dialog turn off the display of the architectural reference.

16. Ensure the ACS Plane Snap Lock is turned off.

17. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the Steel Column tool from the column split button.

18. In the ribbon set:

a. Placement: Middle Center
b. Section Orientation:
 X Offset and Y Offset:
0:0
 Base Offset: 0:0

 Interactive: Off

 Rotation: 90°

c. Placement Options:
 Place By: Length at End 1  Length: 28:6 [8680]

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 19. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Main Steel Columns 2
We’ll adjust some of the default values for these columns, they will be a smaller size and
a different Item ID.

20. In the Place Column Property Panel expand the Section Name field
21. Select the Library tab and set:
a. Type: Column
b. Class: AISC_I_W [BS UC]
c. Size: W10X15 [UC152X152X23]
22. In the Place Column Property Panel set:
a. ID | Type ID: STEEL-COLUMN
b. ID | Item ID: C4
c. Phase: New Construction
23. Snap to the top of the previously placed C3 concrete columns. accepting (left-click) at
each location to place the steel C4 columns.

The W10x15 [UC152x152x23]

sections, with an Item ID of
C4 placed on the 14x14 [C3
concrete columns.

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 Exercise 11: Placement by Two Points—Beams
Continuing the framing for the main entrance of the building we’ll add beams.

1. Ensure that the default snap mode is set to Keypoint and that the ProStructure Snaps The list of snap
toggle is turned on. modes accessed
from the status bar.
Holding the shift key
down and selecting a
Note: Snap modes can be set in the status bar or in the Drawing Aids tab of the ribbon snap mode from the
interface. The ProStructure Snaps setting is set in PS Toggles toolbar—by default this is list makes it the
docked at the bottom of the interface. In order to take advantage of the ProStructure default snap mode.
structural snap the default snap mode must be set to Keypoint.

2. Ensure the Floor Selector is set to FLOOR 1. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > The Structural Snaps
Structural Elements Group select the Concrete Beam tool from the beam split button. toggle opens and
closes the PS
Toggles tool bar.

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 3. In the ribbon set:
a. Placement: Top Center
b. Section Orientation:
 X Offset and Y Offset: 0:0

 Base Offset: 0:0 [0]

 Interactive: Off

 Rotation: 0°

c. Placement Options:
 Place By: Two Points

d. Trim Options:
 Automatic End Trim: On

 Trim Options: Trim to any interfering member

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 4. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Beam Concrete 3.
5. In the Place Beam Property Panel ensure these properties are set:
a. Section Name: 1:2X1:2 [300X300]
b. Structural Type: Beam
c. Structural Finish: Architectural
d. Structural | Function: Structural
e. Structural Material: Concrete
f. ID | Type ID: CONC-BEAM
g. ID | Item ID: B4
h. ID | Description: Example Concrete Beam
i. Phase: New Construction
6. In an isometric orientation view, zoom into the main entrance.
7. Snap to the top of the concrete column at B-1.
8. Datapoint (left-click) to accept the point.
9. Snap to the newly placed 1:2x1:2 column and datapoint (left-click) to accept the end point.
10. Repeat the process to place the *Example | Beam Concrete 3 at column grid C-1.
To finish the entrance framing, steel beams are added at the Top of Steel-2 and Top of
Steel-Roof Z elevations at gird lines B and C.

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 11. Ensure the Floor Selector is set to FLOOR 2 > Top of Steel-2.
12. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the Steel Beam tool from the beam split button.

13. In the ribbon

set:

a. Placement: Top Center d. Placement Options:  Inside Corner: Round

b. Section Orientation:  Place By: Two Points  Flange Clearance: 0:1 [25]
 X Offset, Y Offset and Base e. Coping Options:  Web Clearance: 0:03/4 [20]
Offset: 0:0
 Automatic Coping: On  Radius Corner: 0:0 1/2 [12]
 Interactive: Off
 Coping
Options: Cope to member
c. Rotation: 0° connected by AccuSnap

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 14. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Main Steel Beam 2.
We’ll adjust some of the default values for these columns, they will be a smaller size and a
different Item ID.

15. In the Place Column Property Panel expand the Section Name field
16. Select the Library tab and set:
a. Type: Beam
b. Class: AISC_I_W [BS UC]
c. Size: W10X15 [UC152X152X23]
17. In the Place Column Property Panel set:
a. ID | Type ID: STEEL-COLUMN
b. ID | Item ID: B5
c. Phase: New Construction
18. In an isometric orientation view, zoom into the main entrance.
19. Snap to the column at B-1.
20. Datapoint (left-click) to accept the point.
21. Snap to the newly placed W10x15 [UC152x152x23] column and datapoint (left-click) to
accept the end point.

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 22. Finish the steel framing for the main entrance per this screen capture:

23.Snap to the columns to add

two more beams at the FLOOR
2 > Top of Steel 2 elevation.

24.Set the Floor Selector to

FLOOR ROOF > Top of Steel-
Roof.
25.Snap to the columns to add
the three beams to finish the
main entrance framing.

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 Exercise 12: The Shape Catalogs
OpenBuildings Designer Update 7 and forward features the next generation of structural elements by utilizing Bentley ProStructures
application shape catalogs. These elements are more detailed for a more robust design. The ProStructures shape catalogs are incorporated
into OpenBuildings Designer structural placement tools.

Models created in earlier versions can continue to be modeled with earlier structural elements. Alternatively, an upgrade utility is provided to
upgrade earlier version models to these next generation elements.

In this exercise we will we will use the Steel Column tool to take a look at the shape catalogs.

1. Ensure the Floor Selector is set to FLOOR ROOF > Top of Steel-Roof. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements
Group select the Steel Column tool from the column split button.

The Property Panel opens showing the catalog properties for Place Column and the ribbon now displays the Placement: Place tab with
options for our placement of the columns.

2. In the ribbon set:

a. Placement: Middle
Center
b. Section
Orientation:

 X Offset, Y
Offset and Base Offset: 0:0  Interactive: Off c. Placement Options:  Length: 24:0 [7287.5]

 Rotation: 90°  Place By: Length at

end 1

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 3. For the US dataset, in the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to Main
Column, for the NM dataset, in the Property Panel set the Catalog Item
to Column for the US dataset.

These catalog items are delivered with the regional datasets in the
WorkSpaces, different datasets will have different shape catalogs
available. Which shape catalogs are available is defined via a
configuration variable.

4. In the Place Column Property Panel expand the Section Name by

clicking the down arrow next to the value field.

The section name library menu expands. We can access various shape
libraries from here.

5. In the Library menu expand the Standard list.

6. From the Standard list expand AISC_I_W for the US dataset and BS_UC
for the NM dataset.

7. From the list select W12x16 or UC152x152x51 respectively.

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 8. Place a column at the column grid location B-
1, B-2, B-3 and B-4.
Note: These columns are part of the roof
framing which will be finished in another
exercise.

Now we will look at some more functions of

the shape catalog library tab.

9. In the Property Panel expand the Section

Name by clicking the down arrow next to the
value field.

10. Expand the filter list—by default this is set to

Show All (the asterisk icon)—and select the
I-beam icon.
11. The window will filter to only show the I-beam
standard shapes. The images shown here
are for the US dataset.
The window also features a Recent list that
will show shapes used during the
OpenBuildings Designer session for fast
access, and controls for expanding and
collapsing the list: Collapse All, Expand Types
and Expand Selected Shape Class.

Which shape classes are shown in this menu

can be controlled by selecting the Shape
Catalog button.

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 12. Select the Shape Catalog button.
The Shape Catalog dialog box opens.

The first image on this page shows the US

regional dataset, we see there are two catalogs
available: Custom_Imperial and AISC US
Imperial 13th.
With the controls on this dialog box we can add,
remove and append the shape classes that are
presented to us in the section name library
menu.

The second image on this page shows the NM

regional dataset, we see there are six catalogs
available: Custom_Metric, FRA, Australian, BSI
British, BSI British (from SPC) and Swedish.
Other tools on the Shape Catalog dialog box
include: OK (saves the changes and closes the
dialog), Cancel (closes the dialog without saving
changes), Help and Templates (see the help for
more information on using the templates).

Which Available Countries shown here are set

by the PS_SHAPESDATABASES configuration
variable for each regional dataset.

13. Select the Cancel button to close the Shapes

Catalog dialog.

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 14. Using the same procedure place columns with these lengths at grid lines C, D, E and F.
 Grid C: 19:0 [5787.5]

 Grid D: 14:0 [4287.5]

 Grid E: 9:0 [2787.5]

 Grid F: 4:0 [1287.5]

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 Exercise 13: Modeling Steel Braces
In this exercise, you will learn how to use the Vertical Steel Brace tool to model steel braces in OpenBuildings Designer.
K-bracing will be added to the model between grid lines A-2, A-3 and F-2, F-3.

1. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the Steel K-Bracing tool from the bracing drop down list.

2. In the ribbon set:

a. Placement: Top Center
b. Placement Options:
 Apply WP Offset:
On—1/2 Depth of
Beam
c. Coping Options:
 Automatic Coping: On

 Coping Options: Cope Normal to Member Line

 Mode: Absolute Clearance

 Planar Cut Clearance: 0:9

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 3. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to Single Angle
4. In the Place Steel K-Bracing expand the Section Name field
a. Select the Filter Button and select tab and select the angle button
b. Expand the list and select the L5x5x1/2 [EA120x120x15 or similar] section.
5. In the Place Steel K-Bracing set:
a. Structural Finish: Painted
b. ID | Type ID: STEEL-BRACING
c. ID | Item ID: BR1
d. Phase: New Construction
6. In an isometric orientation view zoom into the steel framing at column grids A-2—A-3.

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 7. Following the prompt select the steel column at grid location A-2. .

8. Following the prompt select the second column at grid location A-3.

9. Following the prompt select the beam at floor 2 between grid locations A-2 and A-3.

Two L5x5x1/2 EA120x120x15 or similar] for the bracing are placed from the bottoms of the columns selected to the working point offset—
1/2 depth of the beam—of the beam selected. To model the k-bracing for floor 3 we will utilize the additional placement option Prompt for
Bottom Beam.

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 10. In the Ribbon interface >Placement: Place tab set:
a. Placement Options:
 Prompt for Bottom Beam: On

11. Following the prompt select the column A-2 then A-3 then select the
beam at floor 3 between grid locations A-2 and A-3.

12. Following the prompt select the beam at floor 2 between grid locations A-2 and
A-3.

Two L5x5x1/2 EA120x120x15 or similar] for the bracing are placed from the
bottoms of the columns selected to the working point offset—1/2 depth of the
beam—of the top beam selected. The bottom of the angles are located by
turning on the Prompt for Bottom Beam option and selecting the beam at floor 2.

13. Repeat the process to add bracing at column grid F between column grids 2
and 3.

These exercises introduced us to many functions of OpenBuildings Designer

structural tools, including using the next generation of structural elements introduced
in Update 7. We see different methods for placing concrete and steel: by grid, two
points, length at end 1.

Additionally we were introduced to the Grid Manager system and utilizing the Floor
Selector, using AccuSnap structural snaps and AccuDraw for precise modeling.

In the next course the roof framing is finished and foundation and slab element modeling is introduced.

The following challenge exercise is for modeling the roof beams, utilizing the architectural reference to determine the slope of the beams.

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 Exercise 14: Challenge Exercise—Modeling Angled Roof Beams
The roof of our example building slopes in two directions, in this exercise we model the steel beams that will match the slope of the
architectural roof, we will utilize AccuDraw to define the slope. Additional; roof framing is also modeled.

1. Set the Floor Selector to FLOOR ROOF > Top of Steel-Roof. Model four 4’ [1287.5]
*Example | Roof Steel Columns catalog items along grid line A (the same procedure we
used in exercise 12).

2. In the References dialog turn on the display of the architectural master model. In the
Level Display dialog, turn off the display of all the architecture levels except the A-ROOF
level.

3. Maximize and fit a view in the front orientation. Ensure the ACS Plane Lock is on and the
ACS Plane Snap Lock is off.

To only see along specific grid lines i our views we’ll take advantage of the clip volume
capability.

4. From the Ribbon Interface > View tab > Clip Group select the Clip Volume tool.

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 5. In the Create Clip Volume Tool Settings dialog box set:
a. Section Clip Tools
b. Fitted Section Parallel to the Front Plane
c. Display Clip Element: On
d. Drawing Seed: _Ex_Struc - Elevation_Full Sheet
6. Click in View 1
A fitted section that is parallel to the front plane is added to View 1.

Note: Using the drawing seed will ‘promote’ the view to use building dynamic view settings, e.g., drawing display styles, structural rules.
Once the clip volume is deleted you can ‘demote’ the view back to ‘normal’—go to View Attributes and select Demote from the Building
section.

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 7. In a top view orientation select the clip volume boundary and use the clip volume edit handles adjust the cut plane and back plane to
display the column grid line 1.

8. Rotate the clipped view to a front orientation.

9. From the Ribbon Interface > Structural tab > Structural Elements Group select the Steel Beam tool from the beam split button.

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 10. In the
ribbon
set:

a. Placement: Top Center c. Rotation: 0°  Coping Options: Cope to member

connected by AccuSnap
b. Section Orientation: d. Placement Options:
 Inside Corner: Round
 X Offset, Y Offset: 0:0  Place By: Two Points
 Flange Clearance: 0:1 [25]
 Base Offset: -0:2 [50] e. Coping Options:
 Web Clearance: 0:03/4 [20]
 Interactive: Off  Automatic Coping: On
 Radius Corner: 0:0 1/2 [12]

11. In the Property Panel set the Catalog Item to *Example | Roof Steel Beam.
This catalog item is delivered with the WorkSet, it’s default size is a W10x12 for the US
dataset and UC203x203x86 for the NM dataset.

For these properties, ensure these values are set:

f. Section Name: W10X12 [UC203X203X86]

a. Structural Finish: Painted
b. Structural | Function: Structural
c. ID | Type ID: STEEL-BEAM
d. ID | Type ID: B5
e. Phase: New Construction

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 12. Following the prompt and going from right-to-left in our front view, enter the first point for placement at the top of the roof column at grid F-
1.
13. Continue to snap to the top of the roof columns to finish placing the beams along grid lines E-1, D-1, C-1 and B-1.

14. Next we will place the beam from grid line A-1 to B-1, snap to the top of the roof column at grid A-1.
We do not have a top of column to snap to for the end point of this beam, we want to match the angle of the architectural roof. So, we can
use AccuDraw’s RE shortcut to define the angle.

15. With the focus in AccuDraw—press F11 if the focus is not in AccuDraw—type RE. The command is temporarily suspended. Following the
prompt select the architectural roof element to match the angle.

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 16. Press Enter to lock the AccuDraw axis, Use the AccuDraw N shortcut to change the snap mode to nearest for the next snap point. Snap
to the column at grid line B-1. Accept the point for the end of the beam.

17. To finish the angled roof beams, adjust the clip volume to
see the numerical column grid lines and repeat the
process to model the roof beams for grid lines 2, 3 and
4.

18. Finish the roof framing, using the techniques learned,

adding the horizontal members along column grid lines
A-F. remember to offset the members -2” [-50 mm].

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