Plans & Elevations

Description	PLANS & ELEVATIONS is a component of SteelLOGIC that works within AutoCAD to ease the process of creating structural steel framing plans. It was created by a structural engineer with over 35 years experience in the business of detailing structural steel. It is equally at home for use in making framing or erection plans by structural steel detailers and in the offices of structural engineers.
Scaling	The system operates in the full size mode, however all scaling functions and factors are handled automatically so that the user need not spend time with conversion calculations. Details with various scales can be created in the same drawing. Upon start-up, the program asks for the overall dimensions of the building and the sheet size. It then presents the user with the maximum scale that can be used.
Dimensions	All CDC programs use a unique system for the insertion of dimensions which only requires the use of digits without foot marks, dashes or other separators. All fractions are created as true fractions with the numerator above the denominator
Grid Lines	Grid lines are inserted by answering a series of questions, including the dimension from the preceding grid and the length of the grid line. The grid, including the mark, the dimension to the preceding grid and a running dimension are automatically inserted. Grids can be inserted from top to bottom, left to right or reverse. Offset grids (where the grid bubbles would interfere with each other) can be inserted automatically.
Drawing Flexibility	Actual plotted column sizes are selected from the screen menu. Wide flange, pipe, tube, angle and channel shapes can be repeatedly inserted, in any orientation, just by pointing near the intersection of two grid lines. The description of the column and the actual dimensions can be selected from the screen and inserted at any text size or style in any direction by use of the screen pointer. Line thicknesses for indicating beams can be created with poly lines or by controlling pen thickness. Several beam text sizes can be preset. Beam designations can be inserted automatically as each beam is drawn. Beam lines are set back from the supporting member by the program. Elevations of all structural members can be drawn to any scale in any position. This makes the creation of girt walls, including openings, frames and bracing very simple.
Automation	Beam and column sizes can be repeatedly inserted as fast as the user can point to the member. In addition, memos such as studs, grade of steel, or special symbols can be attached to the beam description and inserted along with the beam size. Floor and roof frames can be created and inserted by answering questions without the necessity for drawing any lines. The system will automatically save details on the fly for reinsertion later. Moment connection symbols are available from the toolbar menu along with a variety of notes and brackets for indicating elevations. Symbols for indicating joists are located on the toolbar menu along with the ability to automatically repeat them at any distance. Many utilities are available from the toolbar menu, including the automatic creation and saving of viewports and panning distances. One of the most useful features is the ability to obtain exact dimensions, bevels and angles of complex frames without any calculations. This eliminates all calculations for curved, skewed, sloping and other complex frames or members.
Enlarged Details	In addition, a full function calculator (in feet and inches) is available along with trigonometric solutions. A true scaled, or exaggerated profile, of any rolled shape can be inserted for the creation of enlarged details at any scale.
Summary	In short, if you are using AutoCAD out of the box for creating structural framing plans, then this program is for you and you don`t have to be an AutoCAD expert to use it.
Features	Framing Plans and Anchor Bolt Setting Plans. Column grid lines with marks and dimensions are automatically created. Running dimensions to grid lines. Sections and details can be created to any scale. Column grid lines with marks and dimensions are automatically created. Sections and details can be created to any scale. Member sizes are selected from the database without typing their designation. Member sizes and memos at each member can be continuously added to the plan, in any position by pointing to the member. Thickness of lines, for members, can be controlled by pen width or by the use of polylines. Roof frames are automatically drawn, to any configuration to fit any span. A variety of moment connection symbols is available by selection. Members can be drawn to exact scale (depth or flange) for enlarged details or to clarify position or direction or for use in a layout. Handrail, in elevation or plan, horizontal or sloping, can be drawn by entering the endpoints and the maximum allowable post spacing. Automatic viewports and birds eye viewing are built into the system, without the need for separate display list processors. Standard structural welding symbols.