Some Bentley products require a component called the Bentley IEG License Service to function. The component handles the licensing functions on behalf of programs that rely upon it. This article explains how the licensing works and how it differs from "trust licensing" which is used by other Bentley products.

Products that require it

The following products and versions require the Bentley IEG License Service:

How it works

SELECTserver provides the ability to check out or assign licenses for a specified duration. The licenses remain assigned to a user and computer and cannot be assigned elsewhere until the license is checked in or returned again.

The Bentley IEG License Service utilizes this functionality. It automatically checks out licenses for a product as needed, usually when the product is first started. Licenses are checked out for a duration of two days. This duration ensures that a license is not prematurely returned if a product is running continuously overnight.

Once a license is checked out, the Bentley IEG License Service monitors the program that requested it. When the program closes, the license is automatically checked in again.

How it differs from "trust licensing"

The Bentley IEG License Service follows the concept of "concurrent licenses." If a company has x number of licenses for a product, the Bentley IEG License Service will permit x users to utilize the product simultaneously. An additional user will be denied access until a license becomes available.

This concept differs from the concept of "trust licensing" which merely reports usage data instead of actively restricting users. For the sake of flexibility and fault tolerance, trust licensing products technically allow usage in excess of the total number of licenses purchased, but such use should be discussed with a Bentley sales representative for cost and conditions. Please refer to Understanding, Monitoring, and Managing Usage for more information about trust licensing and usage.

Note : More recent versions ( than what is mentioned in the table ) for most of these products do not use the Bentley IEG License any more and does not check out licenses. These products now use Trust Licensing.

See Also

Viewing and Checking In Licenses Using the Site Administration Page [TN]

[[SELECTsupport TechNotes and FAQs]]

Is there a way to add a node or connect two members that are crossing each other?

Select the two crossing or nearly crossing members. Then use Process - Segment selection to introduce a node at the intersection point.  Be sure to check the box that indicates, "Add intermediate nodes at memebr intersections"

There is a tolerance for this that you can control.

There is a similar option in the automatic meshing under Process - Analysis - Finite Element Model tab.

In cases where you have crossing members that should slip past each other, this option should be turned off.

How can I move all or part of my model?

In Ram Elements the position of all members and shells are derived from the node coordinates. To move a structure, you simply need to move the nodes. Tools are provided to make it easy to add, subtract or even multiply the nodal coordinates by a constant as shown in the video below:

(Please visit the site to view this video)

See Also

RAM Elements - View Control FAQ

1. How does Staad "direct" a spring to determine if it is in compression or tension?
2. What is the difference between a LOAD COMBINATION and a REPEAT LOAD?
3. In a structure which has wall panels in addition to other things, is it possible to temporarily disable some of the outer panels and analyse just the rest of the structure consisting of interior beams, columns, and slabs?
4. What's the difference between ELASTIC MAT and PLATE MAT for spring support generation?
5. The output from my STAAD run contains the warning message :THIS STRUCTURE IS DISJOINTED
6. Warning message in output file: This structure is disjointed, accompanied by several instability warnings
7. I am using STAAD.Pro 2002. When the STAAD Analysis and Design engine is running, you can't minimize the box that shows the activities in progress - it is always on top. I like to start the "run analysis" then go on to work on something else while it is running. It is not very convenient having the box on top of everything. How can i fix that?
8. My STAAD output file contains the warning message : **WARNING** THE POISSON'S RATIO HAS NOT BEEN SPECIFIED FOR ONE OR MORE MEMBERS
9. Read/write Error in Unit No. 17
10. I need to analyze a frame whose members have been rotated about the local z axis. Is there anyway to model this situation using STAAD? Can you input a point and define the orientation of the local axis of that point? Or is there some other way to model this situation?
11. Is IX the St. Venant's Torsional Constant or is it the Polar Moment of Inertia?
12. How does one get a report indicating whether the applied loads are in equilibrium with the support reactions?
13. How can I check whether the story drift of the floors are within allowable limits?
14. I have a structure with supports marked as elastic foundation. I am getting an error message "Error 0550" when I run the analysis. What could be the cause of this?
15. I want to use the Master/slave command to model a rigid diaphragm in STAAD.Pro 2001. The problem is two columns separated by 40 ft. One column goes from joints 1 to 2 and the second column goes from joints 3 to 4. I wish to have a rigid link between joint 2 and joint 4. The program gives an error of multiple structures. What additional connections do I have to do to tie these joints together?
16. I am going to incorporate into my model, rock anchors which will be installed down the center of the pipe piles. In case you are not familiar with these, they are a thread rod attached to the top of the pile, go down the center and are anchored into the rock and are used to take the uplift forces in the pier. I was planning on using the post tensioning command. Is this correct?
17. When I try to analyse a model which contains the ELASTIC MAT command for generation of soil spring supports, I encounter an error message : Error 0550* support joints are collinear
18. Do you have any thumb rule/ formula for estimating the time required for solving a structure involving plates elements?
19. I have to analyse a structure for temperature load. The temperature difference is 600 deg C. (from 0 deg C to 600 deg C). Which value of alpha I shall use, (i.e. alpha for 0 deg or alpha for 600 deg) for the analysis? Can I use an alpha value for the mean temperature?
20. Can I carryout a machine foundation analysis using STAAD PRO (Embedded Block foundation and Pile foundation)?
21. UNEXPECTED COMMAND IN LOAD DATA CHECK SPELLING AND ORDER OF DATA IN CASE NO. 1
22. What is the procedure used by STAAD.Pro in computing the stiffness matrix of a tapered beam?
23. While using the "Master Slave" command to define a rigid diaphragm in a framed multi-storeyed structure, what criteria should one adopt to determine the "Master node"?
24. I am analyzing a simply supported beam, which is 20 feet long. There is a concentrated force acting at the mid-span point of the beam. In one case, I model it as a single member and apply the load at midspan using the member load option. In another case, I model it as 2 separate members, each 10 ft long, and apply the load at the central node using the JOINT LOAD option. The member cross section is a W12X26 from the American steel table. When I look at the deflection at the 10 ft point, using the PRINT SECTION DISPLACEMENT command for case (a) and the PRINT JOINT DISPLACEMENT command for case (b), the values do not match. Why?
25. Can I design a stringer using STAAD.Pro?
26. In the member end forces output, why are two values being reported for axial forces? Also, why is it that sometimes the numerical values of these two are the same and sometimes they are not?
27. When I try running the analysis on STAAD.pro 2001, I get the error message error message as "Fatal Error: Cannot start analysis Engine". However, when tried with another machine with Win 95/98. The same software is working fine without giving any error.
28. I have a continuous beam, and all members have the same E and same properties. I run it once with one set of member properties. I double the depth of the members and run it a second time. The results of the second run (midspan moment, reactions, etc.) do not match those from the first run. Shouldn't the results stay the same as the EI remains constant for both the beams?
29. During the analysis of a large model, the analysis engine stops with the error message Read/write ERROR in Unit No. 17
30. I want to ignore the stiffness of certain members during analysis but want the loads applied on them to be transferred to the structure. Can I use the INACTIVE MEMBER command for this ?
31. How to add/change/modify sections to the Section Database?
32. ERROR-STAAD BUILT IN MEMORY BLOCK HAS OVERFLOWED
33. When I save my file in STAAD.Pro, all REPEAT commands are changed by STAAD to the expanded format. The same thing happens when I do a File > Save As. I would like to retain my input using the REPEAT commands. Is there any way to do that ?
34. What is a Reference Load Case?
35. Can we specify time-history loads in a Reference Load Case?
36. Some of the STAAD.Pro icons are missing from the toolbar region. How can I get those back ?
37. In the output file, I see the following Note. **NOTE- Tension/Compression converged after  5 iterations, Case= 3 . What does it mean?
38. After installing Staad .Pro, the following error comes  : " The application has failed to start because xmllite.dll not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem. “
39. Analyze multiple STAAD.Pro models in a batch processing

See Also

Product TechNotes and FAQs

Often times users have inquired about ways to:

1. Input Items in Ram Concept in a tabular manner
2. Import ETABS floor files to Ram Concept format.

We have created a converter that caters for these two commonly asked queries. The converter works by exploiting a little used functionality in RAM Concept, the ability to SYNC to a STAAD GCFF text file.

The Converter is an EXCEL VBA Program, it converts inputs to a GCFF file format that allows RAM Concept to read in the elements. Coincidentally ETAB can export to a F2K format which is also a text format that the Converter can handle. The following graphics illustrates this.

This current version of the converter can handle F2K files from ETABS only. First line of the F2k file should read "$ File Exported from ETABS.......".

Please access the converter and instructional video via the link below (Download the entirety of the folder in the provided link as a zip file locally to your computer.).

https://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/structural_analysis___design/m/structural_analysis_and_design_gallery/272599

Troubleshoot/Common Solutions:

Q1: Getting "Compile Error: User-defined type not defined"

A:  Due to the different OS and Excel version that may be running this tool, some VBA references may be misaligned. Ensure that, your VBA Spreadsheet has the right   References on your machine. Try the below:

In Excel, Go to Developer Tab; if Developer Tab is not visible, enable it by going to: File--> Options-->Customize Ribbon; Ensure Developer Tab is Checked; Click Ok.

Under Developer Tab--> Click Visual Basic

Visual Basic Editor--> Tools --> References; Ensure "Microsoft XML, v5.0" or  "Microsoft XML, v6.0" is checked. Toggle between these till the error disappears.

Save your modified spreadsheet.

Q2: Getting "Error 5"

A: Two most common causes for the above error have to do with SAFE F2k File, and some minor modification when exporting from ETABS/SAFE is required.

1.Ensure that the force units used in ETABS/SAFE Export to generate the F2k file are either kip/kn/m/N/lb, note that it does NOT support the force unit: "tonf".

2.Ensure that property and load case names in ETABS/SAFE have NO spaces, E.g 

Load Case: "Red. LL_ABOVE" needs to be changed to "Red.LL_ABOVE" and

Slab Property: "S - 300 - C50" needs to be changed to  "S-300-C50".

Likewise for any other properties, such as beams, columns, concrete properties etc.. make sure there are NO spaces nor special characters.

    Complete the above 2 suggestions and export SAFE F2k file again, try to import into the spreadsheet the updated F2k file and "Error 5" should be resolved.

Problem Description

A problem has come to light that may cause wind loads on lattice towers with large ancillaries to be calculated incorrectly when Mstower is configured for wind loading to BS 8100 or AS 3995. The problem could affect any job with a large ancillary whose reference point is inside the tower faces, e.g. platforms, cabins, radomes, etc., largely inside the tower. Ancillaries above the tower are not affected.
Mstower V6.20.02.04 (referred to below as build #16), is the first version containing a fix for the problem. It may be downloaded from the Bentley Software Fulfillment Center website.

Explanation

The way Mstower calculates wind resistance of lattice towers with ancillaries is described in the manual:

BS 8100

MStower uses the general method of BS 8100 for computing the wind resistance of towers. This method allows for towers with faces that are asymmetrical, either structurally or due to their complement of ancillaries. It also allows the resistance to be computed for any wind incidence angle. When using the general method, the resistance of the single frame comprised in each face is computed, along with shielding factors and Kth. The resistance of the complete tower is built up from these values. Methods of computing drag coefficients of panels made of flat and circular sections (both sub-critical and super-critical) are also given. BS 8100 also uses a simpler method for symmetrical towers, whereby the resistance for the complete tower can be determined from drag factors for the overall tower.

If a panel contains ancillaries, the projected area of the ancillary is used when computing panel solidity ratios and single panel drag coefficients. The wind forces on the ancillary are then computed using the drag coefficients from the ancillary library and a statically equivalent set of node loads is applied to the nodes to which the ancillary is attached.

AS 3995

When AS 3995 is specified MStower uses the general method as described above but with single frame drag coefficients that give overall drag coefficients equal to those in Table 2.2.8.2 of AS 3995. This allows the program to maintain the ability to deal with towers that are asymmetrical or composed of mixed section shapes. It also allows wind forces to be computed for angles of incidence other than face and corner. For a tower carrying large dishes, the critical wind may occur at some other angle, which may vary from member to member.

Mstower allocates large ancillaries to one or more faces depending on the coordinates of the reference point. If the reference point is located more than 95% of the distance (measured horizontally at the ancillary level) from the tower axis to any face the large ancillary is allocated to that face.

When configured for wind loading to BS 8100 or AS 3995, Mstower has always used the method of BS 8100 Part 1 Sec. 4.4 “General method for towers containing ancillaries or unsymmetrical towers” to compute the combined resistance of tower and ancillaries. This method involves adding ancillary resistance to the resistance of the equivalent bare tower. Panel solidity ratios are computed using the projected areas of the structural components and large ancillaries assigned to the face(s), and these are used to compute the resistance of the equivalent bare tower.

Linear and face ancillaries are handled by Mstower in much the same way as large ancillaries. Linear ancillaries allocated to a face will affect the panel solidity ratio while those not allocated to a face will not. Face ancillaries are always associated with a face so the corresponding panel solidity ratios will be affected.

The Defect

There is a bug in all versions of Mstower up to V6.20.01.15 (build #15). The effect of the bug is to underestimate the resistance of lattice towers with large internal ancillaries. This occurs because the wind resistance of large ancillary items used to calculate equivalent bare tower resistance contains a contribution from large internal ancillaries that may not be warranted. This bug has been fixed in version V6.20.02.04 (build #16). This version shows the notation “not on face” for any large ancillary inside the 95% threshold.

Large Internal Ancillaries

Large internal ancillaries include platforms, cabins, radomes, or similar that are input to Mstower as large ancillaries. These are not allocated to any face when the reference point is inside the 95% threshold line. If you want to ensure that a large internal ancillary is to be treated as an ordinary large ancillary it may be necessary to replace it with multiple large ancillaries, one for each side. With a platform extending outside the tower faces, for example, as a single ancillary its reference point would be inside the 95% threshold and its resistance would not affect the calculation of the equivalent bare tower resistance. As three or four separate large ancillaries each of the sides would have a reference point outside the 95% threshold and would affect the calculation of the equivalent bare tower resistance.

To model large internal ancillaries that do not affect the panel solidity ratio it may be reasonable to use a SHADE factor less than 1. This is never done for a large ancillary on the tower face but it should be acceptable for a large internal ancillary that is shielded to some extent by the tower itself.

The SEP Keyword

There is a keyword SEP that may be added to any large ancillary line in the .TWR file, which forces the large ancillary resistance to be computed separately. When the SEP keyword is present for a large ancillary its resistance will not contribute to the resistance of large ancillaries used to calculate the equivalent bare tower resistance. For a tower without linear or face ancillaries, using the SEP keyword for all large ancillaries will produce the result obtained using BS 8100 Part 1 Sec. 4.3 “Method for symmetrical towers with limited ancillaries”.

Solution

Install release 6.20.02.04 or later.

The Different Analysis Types in RAM Structural System

Throughout the RAM Structural System there are distinct types of analysis performed in each module. The results of the different analysis types may differ slightly because of the different assumptions within each method. Here is a breakdown of the different analysis types.

• No end fixity, except for beam cantilevers (all simple span members are pinned ended).
• No braces
• No lateral loads
• No deformation of the supports
• No loads applied to 2-way decks
• Walls will transfer gravity loads straight down to supporting members, but the loads are not distributed or spread out in any way.

• Gravity members are not considered in the stiffness matrix (Gravity member reactions on frame members are treated as external loads.Gravity columns and walls supporting 2-way decks, are considered in the stiffness matrix to support the gravity loads).
• No skip loading, except for the separation of negative (upward) live loads from downward (positive) forces.
   

• No overall 3-D effects
• No braces
• No lateral loads

See Also

RAM SS Two way decks

This contains STAAD.Pro wikis related to "Analysis" topics.

1. Direct Analysis related questions
2. Pushover Analysis related questions
3. Miscellaneous Analysis Solutions
4. Pushover Analysis Solutions
5. Seismic Analysis Solutions
6. STAAD Advanced Analysis
7.  STAAD.Pro Buckling Analysis
8. STAAD.Pro Dynamic Analysis
9. STAAD.Pro Eigen Solution FAQ's
10. STAAD.Pro Instability and Zero Stiffness FAQ's
11. STAAD.Pro PDELTA Analysis FAQ's
12. STAAD.Pro Response Spectrum FAQ's
13. STAAD.Pro Steady State Module
14. STAAD.Pro Time History Analysis FAQ's

1. I have modeled a floor grid in STAADPRO. How do I calculate the natural frequency of the floor?
2. The mass participation factors table only gives results for the first six modes (even if there are more than six modes). Is it possible to get it to display more than six factors?
3. How can I get the Mode Shapes to be displayed on the screen? Also, how can I export the mode shape drawings to MS Word?
4. How do I use the CUT OFF MODE command?

See Also

STAAD.Pro Dynamic Analysis

Seismic Analysis Solutions

This page contains STAAD.Pro dynamic analysis solutions

1. Checking local deflection of a member for a Response Spectrum Load case
2. Finding out dynamic structural responses for few specific Modes - MODE SELECT
3. NOTE: MASS MODEL FORMED WILL BE USED IN SEISMIC/RESPONSE/TIME HISTORY LOADING
4. Calculating Modes & Frequencies
5. Calculation of Accidental and Dynamic Eccentricity

CALCULATING MODES AND FREQUENCIES

In STAAD, there are 2 methods for obtaining the frequencies of a structure.

• The Rayleigh method using the CALCULATE RAYLEIGH FREQUENCY command

• The elaborate method which involves extracting eigenvalues from a matrix based on the structure stiffness and lumped masses in the model.

BASIC PRINCIPLE

The Rayleigh method in STAAD is a one-iteration approximate method from which a single frequency is obtained. It uses the displaced shape of the model to obtain the frequency. Needless to say, it is extremely important that the displaced shape that the calculation is based on, resemble one of the vibration modes. If one is interested in the fundamental mode, the loading on the model should cause it to displace in a manner which resembles the fundamental mode. For example, the fundamental mode of vibration of a tall building would be a cantilever style mode, where the building sways from side to side with the base remaining stationary. The type of loading which creates a displaced shape which resembles this mode is a lateral force such as a wind force. Hence, if one were to use the Rayleigh method, the loads which should be applied are lateral loads, not vertical loads. For the Eigen solution method, the user is required to specify all the masses in the model along with the directions they are capable of vibrating in. If this data is correctly provided, the program extracts as many modes as the user requests (default value is 6) in ascending order of strain energy. The mode shapes can be viewed graphically to verify that they make sense.

Eigenvalue extraction method

This method is based on extracting eigen values and eigenvectors using the stiffness and mass matrices of the structure. If the stiffness and mass data are specified correctly, this is a far more reliable method than the Rayleigh method. In modal analysis we solve:

To obtain the natural frequency  using the RAYLEIGH METHOD, you have to specify the command CALCULATE RAYLEIGH FREQUENCY in the load case in which the load data which produce a mode-shape type deflected shape are specified.

To use the Eigen value method, specify the command MODAL CALCULATION REQUESTED in the load case in which the load data for the mass matrix are specified. For an example which illustrates this method, please go to Help-Contents-Application Examples-British Examples-Example 28.

Also, the Rayleigh cases should not have the MODAL CALC or dynamics in the same case.  Remember to leave these Rayleigh cases out of the Load List for design.

Click HERE to go to the ISM home page.

What is Integrated Structural Modeling?

Does any single piece of software you currently use meet every need of yours for modeling, analysis, design, drawing, detailing and BIM interoperation? The answer is likely a resounding no, and frankly any software that could claim to do all that would be incredibly complicated to use. If your company is anything like the average structural organization, you will use three or more different structural software packages, along with spreadsheets and other in-house solutions to get your job done efficiently, with each product you use being specialized for specific tasks in your workflow.

The challenge then is getting all these specialized products to interoperate so that the inefficiencies in your process, such as data reentry, manually adapting to changes, tracking files, engineer-drafter redline loops, BIM integration, addressing changes, etc. can be avoided. To meet this challenge Bentley has produced, for the first time in the structural engineering domain, an open platform technology to facilitate and address the major challenges of structural interoperability. We call this process Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM).

(Please visit the site to view this video)

How ISM Works

The process of Integrated Structural Modeling is facilitated through a few important technology pieces. At the core is a free component called Structural Synchronizer, available for download HERE, and more generally called ISM. The Synchronizer resides on each user’s desktop and provides the following key capabilities in one application:

• API for applications to access
• Change Management
• Visualization
• Data interrogation
• Store and retrieve consensus data in/from a file.

Each Application that links to ISM must develop and deploy a Product-ISM Link. This key component may be embedded in the application executable or provided as an independent component. Typically these links will be delivered along with the specific product.

Each link will enable four workflows from each application:

• Create ISM repository - create a New ISM file from the application model
• New from ISM repository - create a New Applciation model from an ISM file
• Update ISM repository - update an exisiting ISM file with changes from application model
• Update from ISM repository - update an exisiting application model from an ISM file

There are several product-ISM links already available on the market and NOT just for Bentley products. Links to Revit and Tekla are currently available and more non-Bentley products will be available in the future. From Bentley RAM Elements, RAM Concept, STAAD.pro, STAAD(X), STAAD Foundation Advanced, ProStructures, AECOsim Building Designer and RAM Structural System are all ISM enabled.

Integrated Structural Modeling Features

Visualization

Shipped with ISM is a free state-of-the-art structural viewer to share and distribute to all project participants. The ISM Viewer allows you substantial control for visualization and data interrogation of the ISM database. Here is a short list of capabilities included in the viewer:

• Walk and Fly-Through
• Intelligent data Interrogation of objects
• iModel creation
• Query interface to isolate and find objects
• Multiple layer control to turn off and on large groups of data
• 3D Viewing controls/PDF print capabilities.

Change Management

A powerful change management tool is provided to manage the changes to data that is coming into and going out of ISM through the project lifespan. This exchange management tool allows the user to easily identify those elements that have been added, deleted or changed since the previous update to or from ISM from the particular product you are working in. Presented with these differences the user has full control to accept or reject those elements which they want to have updated in ISM or in the application they are currently looking to update from ISM. Presented in this screenshot is the exchange management view with the major functional components identified.

The change management window is comprised of several different parts but most significantly the added, changed and deleted objects are displayed and color coded in the Objects Table

The Items listed in the Objects Table are controlled by the Objects Table Filters toolbar

These buttons control what objects are displayed in the object table by allowing the user to filter based on type of member (linear, surface etc), the state of the object (whether newly added, deleted or modified) or the state you have assigned the object (that is, whether you have accepted or rejected the revisions). Similar property table options are available to filter properties of objects that may have changed between two models.

The visual impact of the changes can also be previewed by setting the state of the object (accept or reject changes) and clicking the preview button. Many other controls similar to those in the viewer are also available to allow data interrogation and to isolate and easily find specific members or groups of members. Data in any project is always changing and ISM was specifically built to handle the dynamic nature of the data rather than working with a static snapshot at a particular point in the project timeline.

Revision History

Integrated Structural Modeling provides the user the opportunity to tag each update to the ISM file with Major/Minor setting, Date stamp and User Credentials and Description. At any time within the project lifespan each specific change can be identified and interrogated to show exactly what was added, deleted or changed in that session. A rollback capability is also included with ISM to allow the user to return the ISM model to any of the previous states.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that users update to the most recent version of ISM, available HERE.

Reinforcement

ISM can now transfer, coordinate and visualize steel reinforcement in concrete structures. All of the typical reinforcement in columns, beams, footings, slabs, mats/rafts and walls can be modeled in ISM.

Reinforcement can use standard detailing parameters (for example, per ACI 318 or AS 3600) or can have custom bends and hooks defined. Bars can be epoxy coated, galvanized or plain. Post-tensioning is not included in this release.

Steel Joists

ISM can now transfer, coordinate and visualize steel joists. All of the Steel Joist Institute (SJI) standard joists (“8K1”, etc.) are supported, as well as SJI joist-girders and parametric steel joists.

Steel Deck and Composite Deck

ISM can now transfer, coordinate and visualize steel deck. Steel deck can be defined by manufacturers name (“ASC”/“2W-36”), defined parametrically, or even given custom shapes. Steel deck with concrete fill can also be modeled.

The following manufacturers are currently supported:

• ASC Profiles (formerly ASC Pacific and BHP Steel Building Products)
• Verco Manufacturing Company

More  Sections and Cold-Formed Sections

ISM can now transfer, coordinate and visualize steel deck. Steel deck can be defined by manufacturers name (“ASC”/“2W-36”), defined parametrically, or even given custom shapes. Steel deck with concrete fill can also be modeled.

Shear Studs

ISM can now transfer and coordinate shear studs on steel beams.

Nodes and Boundary Conditions

New analytical information has been added to ISM 2.0. Nodes and boundary conditions can now be transferred, coordinated and visualized. It is not intended that ISM track all of the nodes in an application’s analysis model. Applications only set the “key nodes” in ISM. “Key nodes” are those that define the intent of how members are connected, but do not include nodes that are only used to subdivide a member into more refined elements.

Nodes in ISM can have boundary conditions applied. Boundary conditions can restrain six degrees of freedom, and can be fixed, spring or one-way (compression-only or tension-only).

Curved Beams

 Beams and slab edges can now be curved. Only circular curves are supported, and slabs must still be planar.

Grid Systems

 Orthogonal and Radial Grid Systems are now supported.

Download the Latest Version of Integrated Structural Modeling

See the release notes located HERE for what's new in this version of ISM.

What is Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM)?

Bentley’s Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM) allows structural engineers and designers to share structural engineering project information among modeling, analysis, design, drafting, and detailing software applications.

More details on the philosophy behind ISM and how the process works can be found HERE. The adjacent chart shows how structural engineering and BIM software brands interoperate with one another using ISM.

Using ISM in Engineering Workflows

ISM facilitates interoperability across engineering teams and design disciplines, allowing designers to choose the products best suited for a particular project. With ISM-based workflows engineers can exchange data, synchronize revisions, track progress, compare alternatives, and publish deliverables. Below are some common workflows for which ISM is employed.

VIDEO: RAM interop with Revit(click HEREfor information on the ISM Revit Plugin)

VIDEO: Round Trip Interop between RAM Concept and Revit

VIDEO: SACS interop with STAAD.Pro

VIDEO: ProStructures interop with STAAD.Pro and STAAD Foundation Advanced

VIDEO: Reading an ISM file into Tekla (click HERE for information on the ISM Tekla Plugin)

TECH TALK: Managing Revisions to Structural Engineering Models Using ISM

How Our Industry is Using ISM

Click HERE to learn how WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff used ISM to interoperate between RAM and Revit in designing the 62-story Bishopsgate in London's financial district.

Latest News

The ISM 6.0 family of products was released January 2017 and is the most recent version of the ISM technology. This release consists of the following products and apps:

• Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 1 (known more generally as ISM 6.0, now with support for piping systems)
• Structural Navigator CONNECT Edition Update 1(the mobile review app now with support for Android)
• ISM Revit Plugin CONNECT Edition (now with support for Revit 2017)

Tekla users are encouraged to obtain the latest Tekla ISM plugin from the Trimble Solutions - Tekla Warehouse. Phase 2 of the link is compatible with Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition and Tekla Structures 2016.

ISM Enabled Application Timeline

The following products are ISM-enabled:

• AECOsim Building Designer
• Microstran
• ProStructures (includes ProConcrete and ProSteel)
• RAM Concept
• RAM Elements
• RAM Structural System
• Revit Structure
• SACS
• STAAD.Pro
• Tekla Structures

Download the Latest Version of the ISM Revit Plugin

See the release notes located HERE for the features in this version.

What is the ISM Revit Plugin?

Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM) is an interoperability workflow allowing design change management, revision history, and visualization of shared structural information among different specialized applications on the desktop. You can enable Revit Architecture and Revit Structure models to participate in ISM workflows. This enables you to confidently share data from Revit with ISM-enabled structural design and analysis applications such as RAM Structural System, RAM Concept, STAAD.Pro, ProStructures and AECOsim Building Designer using Bentley’s Revit Plugin.

Engineering Workflows using Revit and ISM

VIDEO: Round Trip Interop Between Revit and RAM Concept (click HERE to view full playlist)

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VIDEO: Creating Spread Footing Schedules in Revit Using an ISM model

Note: This video shows a preview of the rebar interop feature currently under development.

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TECH TALK: Managing Revisions to Structural Engineering Models Using ISM

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Related Products

ISM and Structural Synchronizer (required for ISM Revit Plugin)

RAM Concept (structural engineering of structural slabs)

RAM StructuralSystem (structural engineering of multi-story buildings)

Structural Navigator (mobile review of ISM models)

This wiki is intended to provide a quick start for transferring RAM Concept models into Revit for reinforcing documentation.

Required Products

The exchange of reinforcing from RAM Concept into Revit is enabled by ISM Revit Plugin CONNECT Edition Update 1, which is currently under development. This wiki will be finalized once the release is available. For the best results with this workflow, we recommend the following versions of the required products:

• RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 2
• Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 1
• Revit 2016 or 2017
• ISM Revit Plugin CONNECT Edition Update 1 (currently under development)

Slab Design in RAM Concept

Open a RAM Concept model and run the Run Calc All process. Go to the reinforcement plan. Select all the reinforcing objects and set them to User (as opposed to Program). This step is necessary because RAM Concept includes only reinforcement set to User in the ISM workflow.

After doing this all reinforcement in the model should be colored orange.

Note: Only one type of reinforcing object (Concentrated, Area, Transverse, etc.) can be edited simultaneously. To narrow the selection to one type of reinforcing after selecting all reinforcing, right click and select "Selection Filter".

Save the RAM Concept model. Go to File -> Sync ISM -> Create Repository.

Assign a name and elevation to the floor and then proceed with the export to ISM.

Note: When creating a new ISM repository from RAM Concept (as opposed to updating an existing ISM repository), it is usually easiest to leave “Open Structural Synchronizer” unchecked as there is rarely any need to review the model in ISM. However, if the model contains a large number of objects that are not needed in the workflow (such as loads), significant time can be saved by opening Structural Synchronizer and rejecting these specific objects so that they are not transferred to the repository.

Once the export is complete, verify that the ISM model (*.ism.dgn) exists in the folder to which is was written.

Import of Model into Revit

Launch Revit Structure and select the template to use in the startup dialog.

Go to the Bentley tab in the Revit Structure main menu and select New from Repository.

Note: If the Bentley tab is not visible in the Revit main menu, verify that both Structural Synchronizer and the ISM Revit Plugin have been installed.

 
Set the path to the ISM repository that was created in the previous step. Uncheck the option Open Structural Synchronizer as there is no need to view the model in Structural Synchronizer prior to reading into Revit.

 Select Next to advance to the Load Case mappings. Select Match All so that the program maps the ISM loadings automatically to Revit loadings.

Select Next to advance to the Material mappings. Select Match All so that the program maps the ISM materials automatically to Revit materials.

Select Next to advance to the Section mappings. Select Match All so that the program maps the ISM sections automatically to Revit sections.

Click Next and allow the import process to complete.

To verify that reinforcing bars have been imported into Revit, select the 3D Wireframe view:

Now that we have 3D reinforcement in Revit, our next step is to produce 2D views from this information.

Set up Views in Revit for Documentation

Note that upon completion of the import process, plan views of each story were created automatically. This is located under the Structural Plans group in the Project Browser. Create a copy of the structural plan view.

Under Annotate --> Select Tag All:

Highlight the two items relating to Structural Path Reinforcement:

This will place annotations for all Path Reinforcement in the floor, including the rebar symbol and callouts.

Refine the output as necessary:

Below is a closeup view of the annotation and path symbol that was added. These annotations can be customized as needed.

Support Solutions

RAM | STAAD Support Solutions including links for Release Notes, documented Defects and Enhancements and more.

RAM | STAAD Support Solutions

Structural Analysis and Design products

See Also

• Structural Integration and the Structural Dashboard
• Structural Detailing products
• Bridge Analysis products
• Pipe Stress Analysis products

Resources

• Structural Support Solutions
• Bentley Structural Team Blog
• Structural Analysis Product Forums

Description

The installer for the ISM applications is called "Structural Synchronizer" and must be installed to utilize any ISM link from any application. It can be downloaded from the Software Downloads, also known as the Fulfillment Center, like any other product. A valid sign-in with the Product Download role is required.

First open the CONNECTION Center, also known as the Personal portal https://connect.bentley.com 

Then click on the Software Downloads tile

Type part or all of the word "Synchronizer" in the search field and select "Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition x64".

Once found, expand the All Downloads list and select the appropriate version:

Click the Green Down arrow and follow the instructions to complete the download and install the product.

Starting with V8i SELECT series 5 (version 8.11.11.46) Structural Synchronizer was available in a 32 or 64 bit variety and the version installed must match the computer operating system. Starting with the CONNECT Edition, only a 64 bit version is available. 

Note, use the American English spelling here, "z" rather than "s" in Synchronizer.

For non-SELECT customers, the Synchronizer may also be downloaded from the iware downloads.

The Fulfillment center can also be used to download the ISM Revit Plugin, or other ISM Enabled applications from Bentley Systems. 

See Also

Can't Install the 32-bit Version on a 64-bit Operating System

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Vist the STAAD.Pro product Page for additional information on this product.

STAAD.Pro is CONNECTED. Why CONNECT?

STAAD.Pro is ISM Enabled.

LEARN

View STAAD.Pro learning paths on Bentley's LEARNserver.

Download

You can download the latest version of STAAD.Pro from Bentley's Software Downloads.

STAAD.Pro is available under a Structural Enterprise License. Learn more.

Support

Visit [[STAAD.Pro Support Solutions]]

Related

[[STAAD Foundation Advanced]], [[STAAD(X)]], [[Microstran]], [[RAM Elements]]

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• [[RAM Connection]] is also integrated grated with RAM Elements with an appropriate license. Steel connections can be designed without leaving the RAM Elements interface.
• Full 3D finite element analysis capabilities are also in RAM Elements.  

Vist the RAM Elements product Page for additional information on this product.

RAM Elements is CONNECTED. Why CONNECT?

RAM Elements is ISM Enabled.

LEARN

View RAM Elements learning paths on Bentley's LEARNserver.

Video

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Download

You can download the latest version of RAM Elements from Bentley's Fulfillment Center.

RAM Elements is available under a Structural Enterprise License. Learn more.

Support

Visit [[RAM Elements Support Solutions]]

Case Study

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Related

[[RAM Structural System]], [[RAM Connection]], [[STAAD(X)]], [[STAAD.Pro]], [[Microstran]], [[Multiframe]], [[Structural Synchronizer]]