Where are the custom configuration settings for Ram Elements and the various modules saved? 

Throughout Ram Elements there are numerous locations where the user can customize various settings. These are typically noted with a check box indicating "Current values as default" like the one at the bottom of the Analysis dialog box:

Those settings and others like print settings, recent file lists and more are saved in various config files typically located in a path like this (Windows 7):

C:\Users\User.Name\AppData\Roaming\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements.en\

Where the User.Name is the current user login name.

If you want to restore the program presets you can delete files within this folder (or the whole folder) and then restart Ram Elements. This might be necessary if the current settings are somehow corrupted and causing the program to malfunction (a module might not launch at all, or the window might be stretched to the point where it's unusable, for example).

The following batch file has been created to automate the removal process.

See Also

RAM Elements - View Control FAQ

Ram Connection Display Problem

What is the difference between creating a mat (raft) file and an elevated slab file?

There is really no difference; all files give you the same capabilities. The default files are setup differently because there are usually additional load cases and plans for a mat (lateral load cases, soil bearing plans, etc.). With some work, you could turn any elevated slab file into a mat file and vice versa.

Can I save the data file with results?

This cannot be done with the current version - you need to open the file and recalculate. We expect to add this feature in a future version (but the “save with results” files will be huge).

Can I work from CAD drawings?

Yes. See Chapter 13, “Using a CAD Drawing”.

Is it necessary to start a model with a DWG or DXF file?

No. For straightforward geometry it may be quicker to draw “from scratch”. It can be useful to specify a grid and then use snap to grid to locate columns and walls.

I deleted the imported drawing – can it be brought back?

Yes. It is sometimes a good idea to delete the imported drawing as it affects the extent that Concept displays and prints as well as the file size on disk. Any DWG or DXF file can be re-imported if necessary. If you moved the imported drawing or structure after the first import then the new import will not match. You can move the new drawing if necessary.

Can Concept export to a drawing file to aid in drafting?

Yes, from any plan just go to File > Export Drawing. See “Exporting a plan” on page 155 of Chapter 33 for more.

Can I change the default new file settings?

Yes, a template file contains everything a normal file includes (such as specification settings, plans, etc.) but has no objects. You can create a template from any RAM Concept file by choosing File > Save Template. Concept saves a copy of your file without any objects and with the .cpttmp filename extension. Copy an existing template file by choosing File > New and clicking Copy File... to create a new file based on the template.

Regretfully, custom templates only work with new files, they cannot be applied to existing files nor used with files generated automatically using the Ram Structural System or ISM interfaces. 

Can I set the default file for an RC design?

Yes. You could create a template that is suited to RC design, such as eliminating the Initial Service Load Combination and Initial Service Rule Set, and unchecking the Consider as Post-Tensioned option in the span segment properties. See “About templates” on page 6.

Can RAM Concept Models be saved as an Earlier Version?

RAM Concept models cannot be saved to an earlier version of the program. If you need to send a model to someone using an older version of Concept, you might try installing Structural Synchronizer and export an ISM repository. The repository can be imported into the older version if it is ISM enabled.

ISM Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition v.10.00.01.32

https://store.bentley.com/products/iware/1000STRS--Structural-Synchronizer

Information on ISM:

https://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/w/structural__wiki/integrated-structural-modeling-home

See Also

Unlinking Ram Concept Files from Ram SS

Structural Product TechNotes And FAQs

Question: I have modeled a sample cantilever columncommunities.bentley.com/.../Rayleigh.STDn and applied a seismic joint weight at the tip but after performing the seismic analysis per IBC 2012 code, I am getting the Rayleigh Time period  (T) calculated by Staad as 1.795 sec for seismic load generation whereas on invoking the CALCULATE RAYLIEGH FREQUENCY in the seismic load case, Staad reports different Rayleigh Time period of 1.26 sec.

What is the reason fro this difference?

Answer:

The simple cantilever column has  the seismic weight only defined at the tip with the magnitude of 10 KN. Now, while computing the Rayleigh frequency internally before determining the base shear, the seismic weight of 10 KN is assumed to be acting laterally at the same node.

Staad determines the shape function which resembles the fundamental mode shape and then the Rayleigh frequency and the corresponding Time Period of (T=1.795 sec).

Again, the Rayleigh Time period calculated against the user instructed CALCULATE RAYLEIGHT FREQUENCY is (1/0.78831 = 1.26 sec).

So there is a difference in two scenario. The difference arises because of the fact that in the latter case, the Rayleigh time frequency is calculated from the pseudo static lateral forces distributed from the base shear and the base shear is lesser than the total seismic weight.

Invoke a command PRINT LOAD DATA just after the PERFORM ANLAYSIS command to know the pseudo lateral forces determined by Staad.

After analysis , these lateral force value at the tip of the column is reported as 4.992 KN.

So, let us create another load case (Load case -2) and apply the lateral load same as the pseudo static lateral forces and then invoke CALCULATE RAYLEIGHT FREQUENCY command.

After performing the analysis, the Rayleigh frequency calculated by the program is 0.788 and the corresponding time period of (1/0.788 = 1.26 sec) which is same as the time period reported in the seismic load case.

So, in the nutshell, if we see the basic equation of the Rayleigh frequency calculation, it interprets that higher the applied loading , more the displacement (y) and higher the Rayleigh Time period.

=>T=(1/ω) ∝ √(y)

=> (T₁/T₂)=√(y₂/y₁)

So if the internal calculation of Rayleigh time period by Staad against Load 10 KN for the seismic load generation is 1.795 then the Rayleigh Time period against the load 4.99 KN is √[(4.99/10)x1.795]= 1.26 sec ( considering a linear elastic analysis where displacement is proportional to applied load).

Review Structural i-models on iPad, iPhone, or Android

Download for iOS     Download for Android

Structural Navigator is the ideal app for the mobile review of 3D structural models. Structural Navigator allows designers to view, query, and mark up structural models in 3D from anywhere using a mobile device. The current version is available for iOS and Android devices. The release notes for the latest version can be found here.

With Structural Navigator users can:

• Navigate 3D models using zoom, rotate, pan, walkthrough, and flyover commands
• Color code elements within the model according to specific properties (for example, slab thickness, pipe diameter, etc.)
• Filter models based on members with common member attributes
• Check for clashes between different types of objects
• Add markups with status, due date, responsible party, and additional information
• Interactively query members for all property values

Structural Navigator reads Bentley’s i-model format, to which any ISM repository can be easily converted with a single operation.

The process is simple. Build a data-rich ISM repository using any Bentley ISM-compliant applications desired, convert the ISM repository to i-model, and then review in Structural Navigator. Structural Navigator can read models from STAAD, RAM, SACS, AECOsim, Revit, Tekla, and ProStructures, once they are converted to i-model.

Creating and Viewing an ISM Model on iPad/iPhone 

Step I: Creating an ISM Model

The starting point for all the models that you can view in Structural Navigator is an ISM repository produced from any of your desktop structural products. This video shows how to create an ISM model from just one of the many ISM enabled applications. All ISM enabled applications function in much the same way.

www.youtube.com/watch

Step II: Publishing an i-model

Starting with an ISM model the free Structural Synchronizer desktop application is used to create the i-model which can be saved locally and also published to the Bentley Cloud Services Personal Share space. The i-model can be sent from the desktop to the Apple device any number of ways. Using the Bentley Cloud Services Personal Portal is the simplest way.

Step III: Viewing i-models on iPad

On the iPad/iPhone the i-model can be opened by selecting the file in any of the delivery systems (email, DropBox, etc.) and choosing to open with the Structural Navigator App. Files may also be opened by simply starting the app, and opening the file from the Personal Share.

Problem Description

STAAD.Pro Connect Edition Update 2 crashes when defining beam offsets

.

Steps to Reproduce

Open any STAAD.Pro model.

Try to define a beam offset with the following parameters

Location : START

Direction : Global

Offset : Y =-1.234 (ft)

Immediately after defining the value, click on another cell and the value shows up in the dialog box as 1.239999999 and the software crashes.

Workaround

For offsets whose values are integers ( like 1, 2, 3 etc.) and for those having values less than 1 ( like 0.25, 0.875, 0.99 ... ), the usual procedure using the GUI would work. If you need to specify any offsets having values like 1.1, 2.3 etc. use the STAAD.Pro editor for the time being as shown next

MEMBER OFFSET

17 START 0 -1.234 0

17 END 0 -1.234 0

Once the offsets are defined, the file can be processed as usual.

. 

Solution

The problem will be addressed in the STAAD.Pro Connect Edition Update 3. 

The TechNotes, FAQs and Support solutions cover various topics that pertain to the CONNECT Edition of STAAD.pro, version 21.00.00.57 specifically. 

Release News

New Release STAAD.Pro CONNECT Edition (21.00.00.57)

New Release - STAAD.Pro CONNECT Edition Update 1 (21.00.01.12)

Installation and Licensing

[[User ID Missing from the Output Report]]

[[The .std files are not showing up with the STAAD.Pro CE icon]]

General

[[Error Unhandled Exception when trying to open the editor in STAAD.Pro Connect Edition]]

Graphical User Interface 

[[Black Force Diagrams, Fonts or Color Changes]]

[[Run Analysis option is greyed out]]

[[Error when trying to create analytical model from the physical model]]

[[When trying to import an ISM repository into STAAD.Pro, the Run option is grayed out]]

A "Failed to save document" error reported while creating a new model

[[The Parametric Models Fails to Generate Mesh]]

[[Crash when defining beam offsets]]

Analysis and Design

See Also

STAAD.Pro Support Solutions

Download Instructions

Structural Navigator can be downloaded from iTunes here, and from Google Play here.

Special Notices

Bentley i-models published with Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition (ISM 5.0) or earlier will require republishing in Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 1 (ISM 6.0) in order to be viewed in this version of Structural Navigator.

New Features 

In addition to minor error corrections and enhancements, Structural Navigator CONNECT Edition Update 2 has the new features discussed below.

ProjectWise Share workflow

Structural Navigator now supports workflows utilizing ProjectWise Share on Bentley Cloud Services. Previously, the accessibility of i-models was limited to direct download to device via email or from Personal Share.

The latest version of Structural Synchronizer allows direct publishing of i-models to ProjectWise Project. All team members belonging to the same ProjectWise Project using Structural Navigator can now instantly access i-models on their devices to collaborate more effectively, on site or in the office.

[Video Coming shortly]

Other Enhancements:

Improvement to Classification Tree – class names replaced with shortId and instance names.

Improvement to Properties Dialog - class names replaced with shortId and instance names.

UI improvements to Appearance/Isolate and Hide dialog.

Support of latest ISM generated I-models

Bug Fixes:

While using the Measure Distance tool, the Axis distance button returned to its previous state after rotating the model.

Back button (on the Android version) brought app to an unresponsive state.

Crash of application occurred when entering text in Advanced Search Dialog.

Transparency button was unresponsive when the color button was toggled under Visualization.

Objects on Classification Tree were incorrectly selected when the selection spanned multiple tree levels.

Problem

When creating a new ISM Repository from Revit you might get Operation Terminated Prematurely error.

Exception details: There was an error reading from the pipe: The pipe has been ended. (109, 0x6d).

Solution

The installation may be corrupt for the ISM Revit Plugin, or Structural Synchronizer, or Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7 could be missing.
Uninstall ISM Revit Plugin, Structural Synchronizer and check to see that .NET Framework 4.7 is installed.
Reboot your computer and install the ISM Revit Plugin and Structural Synchronizer.
Here are links to the installation files if you need them.

ISM Revit Plugin CONNECT Edition v.10.02.02.26

https://store.bentley.com/en/products/iware/1000ISMRPI--ISM-Revit-plug-in

ISM Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition v.10.02.00.140

https://store.bentley.com/products/iware/1000STRS--Structural-Synchronizer

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=55170

communities.bentley.com/.../Model_5F00_beta180.STD

communities.bentley.com/.../7658.Model.STD

The difference in UC ratios for column sections is happening due to different allowable minor axis bending capacities though all the parameters are same for that two identical columns.

In STAAD.pro bending capacity is calculated depending upon the bending diagram of the structure. Generally, the section modulus of compression side is reported for the calculation of allowable bending capacity.

For doubly symmetric members, it is not a matter of concern. But for singly symmetric member like channel section, the minor axis bending capacity is very much guided by this parameter. For channel section, depending on the compression side the section modulus changes.

Section modulus, Z = Moment of inertia (I) / Distance between CG and extreme compressed fiber (y).

As the value of y will be different for 'cy' & 'ey' (See attached figure), the value of Z will also be different which in turn provide different capacities for the same section depending upon the compression side while bending.

As compression side is more susceptible to buckling, this methodology has been adopted and STAAD works as per that methodology. But to be in safer side it has been suggested by some of our users to take the minimum value of Z for conservative capacity calculation. It will be implemented in later release.

For a work around, you can use 180 beta angle for the columns to get same bending pattern and UC ratio.

Please find enclosed files to find the difference.

NOTE: This problem will not be encountered for AISC 360-16 as it has already been changed as per the prohibition of code.

Question:

During the analysis of a structure suspended from a pivot, Staad reports an instability warning message.

Answer : 

When a structure is suspended from a single point defined as a pinned support, it can swing about that point like a pendulum since a pinned support cannot resist the moments MX , MY or MZ. This is a rigid body motion. Rigid body motions are not handled during static analysis and are reported as an instability condition.

One may assign a weak spring to stabilize the structure rotationally at that support as shown below.

************************************************************************

SUPPORTS

93 FIXED BUT KMX 0.05 KMY 0.05 KMZ 0.05

************************************************************************* 

This should avert the instability condition. Although a moment would be developed at support, its magnitude will be negligible.

Alternatively, additional supports defined at the lower levels that prevent translation along FX and FZ may also be specified as a remedy to this problem.

Note that only the initial position for geometry and loading are considered during this type of linear static analysis. If the structure does rotate as a rigid body at the site, that condition is not being analyzed with the above arrangement.

In the practical scenario, the structure will try to attain a position where the vertical load acts along a vertical line passing through the support so that there will be no eccentricity. That is, the support and C.G coordinates lie on the same vertical line .

Consider the example shown below.

The complete arrangement is being suspended from a single top support. Due to eccentricity of the center
of gravity with respect to the support, the initial loading condition induces an initial rigid body rotation.

If one wishes to avoid using stabilizing rotational springs, the structure has to be analyzed in the equilibrium position.

For this, the eccentricity needs to be determined (the horizontal distance of CG from the X and Z coordinates of the point of suspension). The center of gravity of loading can be found in the output file with the help of the PRINT CG command .

From this data, Θ be computed . Next, rotate the structure by that angle “Θ” , so that the load is aligned with a line passing through the support coordinate. Thus, you are now analyzing the arrangement at the equilibrium position.

Problem

Loads on beams from one-way deck are not calculated as expected when the deck changes along the length of the beam or between beams, (i.e. mid-bay).

Explanation

In Ram Structural System, loads from deck self-weight are calculated for each tributary area of framing or bay. The program performs this routine assuming that the deck within that bay is of constant type and orientation. Changes in the orientation or deck type in the middle of the bay effectively go unnoticed in this routine.

What the program does internally is to look at each beam-segment and at the mid-length of the segment it projects a vector towards adjacent framing and gets the deck properties at that mid-segment location. These are illustrated with orange arrows in the figure below.

This can affect the loads from the deck self-weight, where the deck weight changes, and the distribution of the loads, where the orientation changes. 

Avoidance

Always model beams (of any material)or walls along the lines where the deck type changes. 

This rule does not apply to surface loads which can change anywhere. Nor does it apply to 2-way decks which are free-form and changes can occur anywhere (beam are not even required). 

For more information about how changes in deck can effect composite beam design, refer to the Ram Steel Beam manual, starting in section 10.7 Composite Beam Design.

See Also

RAMSS Common Framing Table Errors

[[Missing or incorrect loads on perimeter beams]]

I am performing concrete design for a beam per the ACI code and I encounter an error message : "LOCATION FOR DESIGN FOR SHEAR AT START OF MEMBER 2 IS BEYOND THE MIDPOINT OF MEMBER. DESIGN FOR SHEAR AND TORSION NOT PERFORMED." How can I get around this situation?

STAAD performs concrete design for shear and torsion at locations defined by

(d + SFACE) from the start of the member

and

(d+EFACE) from the end of the member

respectively. The basis for this assumption can be found in Section 11.1.3.1 of ACI 318-99.

If these locations are beyond the mid-point of the member, that triggers the error message you encountered. In case you are not familiar with the parameters SFACE and EFACE, you will see in Chapter 3 of the Technical Reference Manual in Table 3.1 that these are values which the user may specify to convey to STAAD how far the face of the member is from the nodal point of the member. The default value for SFACE and EFACE is 0.0. "d" is the effective depth of the member.

So, this is what you can do. You can set the values for SFACE and EFACE to be negative quantities equal in magnitude to "d". That will result in (d+SFACE) and (d+EFACE) becoming zero, which means that the design will be performed at the nodal points of the member, thereby avoiding the situation of the design point being beyond the mid-point of the member.

So, in your input file, under the START CONCRETE DESIGN command, specify these parameters along the following lines:

START CONCRETE DESIGN
CODE ACI
SFACE -d MEMB 110
EFACE -d MEMB 110
DESIGN BEAM 110
END CONCRETE DESIGN

where "d" is the effective depth of the member.

Please enter the numerical value for the effective depth. For example if the total depth of the beam is 36 inches and you have a 3 inches clear cover then approx. effective depth would be 36 - 3 -1/2 = 32.5 inches. Hence you should enter

SFACE -32.5 MEMB 110
EFACE -32.5 MEMB 110

Release Date: Coming Soon March 30, 2018

Release Name: Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 2

Release Version: 10.02.01.147

Download Instructions

Structural Synchronizer can be downloaded at the link here, or from Bentley Cloud Services. After signing into the CONNECTION Center, select Software Downloads under My Support. Once on the Software Fulfillment page, the installer can be located by performing a search on “Structural Synchronizer”.

New Features

This release of Structural Synchronizer includes the enhancements described below.

Mobile Publishing

General modification of on screen elements, for a more straight forward Mobile Publishing experience.

• The option to Publish to Personal Share has been removed 
• New show/hide password button in password field.

Bug Fixes

This release of Structural Synchronizer includes the enhancements described below.

• Update ISM operations on Revit models in some instances with congested reinforcement would crash. This is resolved by installing the latest version of ISM Revit Plugin and Structural Synchronizer (722007).
• Creation of ISM Repository in Ram Structural System for some large models appeared to stall (275774).
• Cloud Services button remain enabled after CONNECTION Client is terminated (805074).

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).

www.youtube.com/watch

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.

Feature Additions and Subtractions

ISM 3.0 (Structural Synchronizer V8i SELECTseries 4) can model transfer coordinate and display various types of plates called Feature additions.

These include:

• Base plates
• Gusset plates
• Web Stiffener plates

It can also punch openings through members such as a beam web opening called Feature subtractions.

New Materials

ISM 3.0 can transfer, coordinate and visualize members (or surfaces) of:

• Aluminum
• Masonry
• Timber
• Other materials

Reactions

ISM 3.0 can coordinate 2 kinds of reactions:

• Member end reactions for structural framing plans (GA Drawings)
• Base reactions for foundation design (e.g. with STAAD Foundation Advanced)

ISM Shell Extensions

Rigt-clicking on ISM files in the Windows Explorere gives a much better user experience now.

Connection Tags

ISM 3.0 can store basic information about a connection and share that information between design applications and detailing applications through Connection Tags.

Best Practices Documents

Modeling and Node Generation Best Practices

STAAD.Pro Loads and ISM 

ISM Revit Plug-in

ISM Import into Tekla Structures

ISM ProStructures to STAAD.Pro

ISM - AECOsim Building Designer to STAAD.Pro

ISM Change Management - Accepting Some Revised Properties but Rejecting Others

ISM Capabilities and Limitations Matrix

Installation

How can I find the ISM installer?

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

Synchronizer Won't Install due to Prerequisites

ISM Toolbar Buttons Grayed out

Where do I find out to Create an ISM Silent Install

Solutions

Boundary Is Not Valid Error

Cannot Find Suitable Level

Disable ProjectWise Integration with ISM

Error-Could not start a Responsive Engine

How to remove incorrectly mapped section properties while importing ISM repository into STAAD.Pro

ProStructures ISM Section and Material Mapping

ISM - IFC Import Details

ISM 8.11.09.130 crashes on startup

ISM Clean Install

ISM Import or Export Unhandled Exception Occurred 

ISM Import to RAM Elements Beams Not Segmented

ISM Log Files

ISM Nodes into RAM Structural System

ISM Rotate RAM Model

ISM Section mapping and STAAD.pro

Not a Valid ISM DGN Repository Exception

RAM Manager Crashes when using ISM - New From Repository

Ram SS - ISM Missing Rebar or Deleting All Objects on Update

Tekla Structures v.20 ISM Mixed Mode Assembly Error

Not Able to Import/Export with ISM in STAAD.Pro

Unable to create host MainForm error in STAAD.Pro

Error Previous IsmStructuralPropertyCatalog initialization failed

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

Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition and the updated Structural Navigator mobile app were released in October 2015. A subsequent update to the CONNECT Edition was released April 2016. Bentley CONNECT / Cloud Services is now Live … To learn how CONNECT will benefit you and your projects … click here

Improved Property Grids Interface

Sort or filter the Objects Grid or the Properties Grid. Group objects by Type or Label. Search object properties for any string.

Compressed property groups for faster browsing.

In Synchronizer Update 1, the properties grid was further enhanced to show itemized custom properties.

Enhanced ISM Grid Lines

Support for elliptical geometry, B-Spline geometry and custom grids for greater compatibility with grids in AECOsim Building Designer.

Publish next generation i-models

Create both i.dgn and next generation i-model files for use in Bentley Navigator CONNECT edition or the updated Structural Navigator mobile app. Publish files locally or to CONNECT Portal Personal Share and include additional information in attachments such as pdf, doc, jpg, png, etc.

This common imodel format can also be used by many other Bentley applications.

IFC import and export improvements

IFC grids now supported.

Additional IFC profile definitions supported in import and export workflows.

Support for ISM API 5.0

The latest ISM API with backward compatibility to version 3.0.

See Also

Bentley CONNECT Overview

[[Integrated Structural Modeling Home]]

Release Date: December 13, 2017

Release Name: Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 2

Release Version: 10.02.00.140

Download Instructions

Structural Synchronizer can be downloaded at the link here, or from Bentley Cloud Services. After signing into the CONNECTION Center, select Software Downloads under My Support. Once on the Software Fulfillment page, the installer can be located by performing a search on “Structural Synchronizer”.

Special Release Notices

Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 2 installs both the Structural Synchronizer application and the Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM) framework. As with Structural Synchronizer 10.01.00.32, this release of Structural Synchronizer creates ISM 6.0 format repositories. There will be no upgrade required to ISM repositories published with Structural Synchronizer 10.01 after installing Structural Synchronizer 10.02. Repositories created with earlier versions of Structural Synchronizer will be upgraded to the ISM 6.0 when making changes to the repository contents.

New Features

This release of Structural Synchronizer includes the enhancements described below.

Single Unified Interface for ISM

Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 2 is now a single unified application that contains the ISM Viewer, Revision Manager, IFC Import, and portions of ISM Editor all in one interface. Each of these capabilities used to exist as standalone applications that needed to be launched separately. These no longer exist in this version of the product and Structural Synchronizer is the single application name that will show as installed and that is referenced in product documentation. A video overview of the new interface is available below.

www.youtube.com/watch

Modernization of User Interface

This release features a new ribbon-based command menu which makes working with Structural Synchronizer significantly easier. Structural Synchronizer also now has Open File and Close File commands so that different files can be reviewed in the same session without having to close and reopen Structural Synchronizer.

Greater Control over Revisions

Past versions of Structural Synchronizer did not provide the user any control over what showed as revised when updating an ISM repository with changes made in an analysis application, or vice-versa. As a result, the user would often be returned a long list of revisions to sort through, many of which were small or inconsequential. This version of Structural Synchronizer allows any object property to be completely ignored, or considered only if the difference from the previous revision exceeds a specified numerical tolerance, when updating files in ISM workflows. Further, a specific configuration of these settings may be saved and reopened for use at a later time.

Mobile Publishing

Structural Synchronizer now allows ISM repositories to be published to the ProjectWise Projects space on Bentley Cloud Services. This allows any other product that reads iModels from ProjectWise Projects to open the file directly for review and coordination. This includes Bentley Navigator and Bentley Navigator Mobile, with which issue resolution workflows can be used.

CONNECT Integration

To support mobile publishing workflows, Structural Synchronizer is now integrated with Bentley Cloud Services. Users will now see commands for signing on to Bentley Cloud Services, associating the ISM repository with a CONNECT Project, and publishing the ISM repository to ProjectWise Projects, which allows the model to be viewed by any other team member with rights to the project. Using Structural Synchronizer in conjunction with Bentley Cloud Services requires the user to sign on to CONNECTION Client, which is installed with and launches with Structural Synchronizer.

CONNECT Advisor

This release of Structural Synchronizer includes CONNECT Advisor. CONNECT Advisor is a desktop application for interacting with different types of technical content on Bentley software, thereby eliminating the need to search various sources individually. Users can search for articles, whitepapers, videos, Bentley Learn courses, release notes, and more all in one location. CONNECT Advisor is configured to launch when Structural Synchronizer starts by default. This can be changed with the User Settings in the main CONNECT Advisor application window.

Notification of New Releases

Notifications will now be delivered when a new version of Structural Synchronizer is available for download. These notifications are delivered through CONNECTION Client. By default, CONNECTION Client is launched when Structural Synchronizer is opened. Simply sign in to CONNECTION Client to ensure you receive notifications of new Structural Synchronizer and other product releases.

File Format Compatibility

As with Structural Synchronizer 10.01, this release of Structural Synchronizer creates ISM 6.0 format repositories. There will be no upgrade required to ISM repositories published with Structural Synchronizer 10.01 after installing Structural Synchronizer 10.02. Repositories created with earlier versions of Structural Synchronizer will be upgraded to the ISM 6.0 when making changes to the repository contents.

Application Programming Interface (API) Compatibility

This version of Structural Synchronizer supports the new ISM API version 7.0 as well as earlier versions of the API back to version 3.0.

ISM API version 3.0 was not supported in the previous version of Structural Synchronizer. Support was added in this release to allow older versions of ISM-enabled applications that did not work with the previous release of Structural Synchronizer to be forward compatible with this release.

New Installation Experience

A new on-demand installer technology is incorporated into this version which reduces the initial installer download size to approximately 2 MB. The installer automatically downloads the required files during the installation process. The installer also supports creating deployment images for software deployment across multiple workstations.

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

Curved Surfaces

Curved surfaces are common in Revit® and other applications. Functionality for curved walls or surfaces following arc or elliptical paths –including rectangular openings– has been added to the ISM 4.0 API, Structural Synchronizer V8i (SELECTseries 5) and ISM Revit plugin V8i (SELECTseries 5).

Curved members following elliptical paths have also been added (members could only follow circular arc paths previously). 

Substructures

Some applications need to synchronize with a portion of a large ISM repository or to synchronize multiple model files within a single repository. Substructures have been added to the ISM 4.0 API to provide a hierarchy and filtering tools so that applications can synchronize with a portion of a model without altering the rest of the repository.

Substructures are supported in the ISM Revit plugin by utilizing the current Revit selection set.

Substructures will also be supported in the next versions of ProStructures and AECOsim Building Designer. Applications which do not explicitly support substructures synchronize with the entire repository.

IFC Import and Expanded Export

IFC models are widely exported from applications not yet ISM enabled. Structural Synchronizer can now import Structural IFC models that can then by synchronized with other linked applications. 

The IFC import action can be started from the Windows Start menu - All Programs - Bentley Engineering - Structural Synchronizer V8i - Import IFC

ProjectWise Integration

Many ProjectWise users need the ability to synchronize ISM repositories that are saved to ProjectWise locations. Methods have been added in the ISM API to expose ProjectWise directories for all linked applications to use. Users with ProjectWise Explorer installed will automatically have the option to read and write files to secure locations or to cancel and save files normally to the local hard drive or network. This includes actions to Create Repository, Update Repository, Update from Repository, Export IFC, and Publish i-Model to name a few. Users without ProjectWise Explorer are unaffected by the change.

New Platform

Structural Synchronizer V8i (SELECTseries 5) is now built on Design Sync with a reduced installer, which also allows ISM synchronization technology to be used more broadly. Furthermore, the new interface makes some controls like level filtering and measuring easier to use and.

Compatibility Warnings

ISM 4.0 should not be used in conjunction with

• SACS V8i SELECT series 3 (v05.06.01.07)
• AECOsim Building Designer V8i (08.11.09.593)
• STAAD(X) V8i (08.02.02.75)

Future releases of these products will be compatible.

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

Version and Download Information

Release Date: January 24, 2017

Versions:

• Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM) 6.0
• Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 1 (10.01.00.32)
• Structural Navigator CONNECT Edition Update 1 (06.01.01.05)

Download Instructions:

Structural Synchronizer can be downloaded from Bentley’s i-ware site here.

Structural Synchronizer can also be downloaded from Bentley Cloud Services. After signing into the CONNECTION Center, select Software Downloads under My Support. Once on the Software Fulfillment page, the Structural Synchronizer installer can be located by performing a search on “Structural Synchronizer”. 

Special Notices:

Installing Structural Synchronizer installs both the Structural Synchronizer application itself, used in interoperability workflows, and the ISM framework, used for programming. Once Structural Synchronizer is installed, the ISM options within all ISM-enabled applications will be available for use, as shown below.

This version of Structural Synchronizer publishes i-models to a newer format, DgnDb 0601, that cannot be read by Structural Navigator CONNECT Edition. Users must update to Structural Navigator CONNECT Edition Update 1 to open i-models published with this version of Structural Synchronizer.

RAM Elements CONNECT Edition (version 14.00) is compatible with ISM 6.0. RAM Elements V8i (version 13.XX) are compatible only with ISM 5.0 or earlier.

ProStructures users who utilize ISM should avoid upgrading to ISM 6.0, as Power ProStructures is compatible only with ISM 5.0 or earlier. Users with ProStructures for AutoCAD should avoid upgrading to ISM 5.0 or 6.0 as ProStructures for AutoCAD is compatible only with ISM 4.0 or earlier. 

New Features

The following enhancements were added in ISM 6.0 and Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 1.

Piping Systems

This release incorporates piping systems into the ISM framework. Piping, bends, flanges, valves, pipe supports, pipelines, and piping reactions can now be written to and read from an ISM model with the ISM 6.0 API. Likewise, Structural Synchronizer now supports visualization and revision management for piping. The ability to now combine piping systems with structural elements in one ISM repository provides a robust framework for plant design workflows.

The ISM SDK documentation has been updated with piping interfaces new in 6.0. Coding samples are also now available that demonstrate how to build a structure using the ISM API. For more information on the ISM SDK, please contact Josh Taylor at Josh.Taylor@bentley.com.

New Sample Models

New sample repositories are delivered with the installation of Structural Synchronizer. These sample repositories are located in the following folder:

\Documents\ISM\Samples

The repository AutoPIPE Tutorial 1.ism.dgn was published from AutoPIPE using the tech preview interoperability with ISM. Basic Flat Slab (US).ism.dgn was published from RAM Concept. The repositories Building - Steel Over Concrete (Euro).ism.dgn and Concrete Moment Frame (ACI-318).ism.dgn were published from RAM Structural System. The beam, column, and wall reinforcing were designed in RAM Concrete.

Error Corrections

This release of ISM contains the following error corrections.

Transparency for Surface Member Modifiers Not Set Correctly

ISM published Surface Member Modifiers in such a way such that smart transparency did not work once the ISM repository was published to i-model and opened in Structural Navigator. As a result, regions of a slab that used Surface Member Modifiers, such as drop panels or thickened slabs, were not able to be viewed transparently in Structural Navigator and any reinforcing within these regions of the slab was not visible.

IFC Export Log File

When saving the log file in an ISM repository conversion to IFC using Structural Synchronizer, the user was given no control over where to store the log file. The last log file was simply overwritten.

See Also

Bentley CONNECT Overview

[[Integrated Structural Modeling Home]]