Framing Tools

Tekla Structures
Not version-specific
Tekla Structures
Environment
Not environment-specific

Framing Tools

Overview

Framing Tools is an extension package that helps you to create and modify: wall panels, panel openings (windows and doors) and connection between wall panels. The Framing Tools extension package contains the following tools: Extra tool UDA, Framing Panel, FramingConnection, FramingDetail, Opening, and PanelToPanelConnection.
To create framed panels using the Howick system please download and install the 2.0 version of the Howick Tools extension package from Tekla Warehouse.
Overall Demo - How to Use the Framing Tools + Howick Export

Demo Videos

1. The General Setup video shows how to:
  • Split panels along a wall
  • Define noggings and bracings placement
  • Rotate a panel to place it as a roof
2. The Bracing Placement video shows how to place the bracings.
3. The Simple Roof Truss video shows how to create a simple roof truss.
4. The Openings in the Panels video shows how to:
  • Place the openings in the panels
  • Copy an opening
  • Modify an opening through the DM feature
5. The Access Opening Properties video shows how to acces the opening properties.
6. The Direct Modification in the Model video shows how to:
  • Modify in the model: panels, studs, openings and walls geometry
  • Change the panel position: Left to Right or Right to Left. This option helps you to flip the starting point of the horizontal members for a correct fabrication and assembling.

Installing Framing Tools

Download and install the Framing Tools installer package from Tekla Warehouse. For more information see Downloading an application from Tekla Warehouse. The Framing Tools set contains the following tools available in the Applications & components catalog: Extra tool UDA, Framing Panel, FramingConnection, FramingDetail, Opening and PaneltoPanelConnection.

Extra tool UDA

Image
Framing_Tools_v2.0_Extra_Tool_UDA_thumb.png

This tool sets extra tool names for some of the light steel roll-forming machine. You can define special tool name for service holes (dimples, bolt holes) and cuts (notches, lip cuts, swages).

User Inputs

  1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
    Image
    Framing_Tools_v2.0_Extra_Tool_UDA_thumb.png
    Extra tool UDA and double-click on it.
  2. After the dialog window opens type the desired tool name in the Tool name box.
  3. In the model select the bolt holes you want the tool name to apply to.
  4. After you select the bolt holes click Modify.

If you want a non standard tool to punch a member at a specific location you simply need to follow these steps:
  1. In the model create a standard bolt hole at a specific location.
  2. Open the
    Image
    Framing_Tools_v2.0_Extra_Tool_UDA_thumb.png
    Extra tool UDA and set the tool name for the bolt hole. The centre point of the bolt hole is important as it is the location written into the export file for the tool along with the tool name.
Note: You will need to know the name the control software uses for the tool so it can be written to the export file. If you do not know the required name you will need to contact your local Howick office for more information.

Framing Panel

Image
Framing_tools_FP_thumb.png

This tool creates fully framed panels into the model by picking the points you want the panels to go through. You can copy the panels and you can set each panel properties.
You can create multiple panels in one go and all the panels will connect to each other.

User Inputs

Framing Panel Creation:

  1. In the Applications & Components catalog search for
    Image
    Framing_tools_FP_thumb.png
    Framing Panel and click on it.
  2. In the model pick the first panel insertion point. As the selected points will be 3D points, the outside face of the panel will be to the right of the definition line.
  3. Hover the mouse on the panel
    Image
    TS_Contextual_toolbar.png
    contextual toolbar and select the desired creation option:
    1. Create an open line of wall layouts
      Image
      Framing_tools_FP_Create_an_open_line_of_wall_layouts.png
    2. Create a closed line of wall layouts
      Image
      Framing_tools_FP_Create_a_closed_line_of_wall_layouts.png
  4. Pick the points you want the panels go through.
  5. After you pick the last panel insertion point, click the middle mouse button to finish the Framing Panel creation.

Framing Panel Settings:

  1. In the model double-click on the panel using
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch button to open the Framing Panel dialog window.
  2. In the Framing Panel dialog window set the desired panel properties.
  3. After you set the Framing Panel properties click Modify and then click OK to close the dialog window.

User Controls

Before creating a panel, the options below are either set for the individual panel or load it from a standard attribute file containing predefined settings. You can create wall panels in one go and all panels will connect to each other.
You can change the settings for more than one wall panel at the same time by following these steps:
  1. Double-click on the
    Image
    Framing_tools_FP_thumb.png
    Framing Panel tool from the Applications & components catalog to open its dialog window.
  2. Select in the model the panels you want to change their properties.
  3. In the Framing Panel dialog window set the desired panel properties.
  4. After you set the Framing Panel properties click Modify and then click OK to close the dialog window.

General tab

Image
Framing_tools_v4.1_FP_GeneralTab

 

Field Description Default
(1)

Panel position on plane - Defines the on plane position of the wall panel.
Options are:
Middle - The reference line is in the middle of the bottom track profile.
Left - The bottom track profile is positioned above the reference line.
Right - The bottom track profile is positioned underneath the reference line.

Left
(2) Panel rotation - Defines the panel rotation around the insertion points line. -
(3) Extra studs distance - Defines the distance between the stud from the edge of the panel to the extra stud inside the panel. This option applies on both left and right sides of the panel. 42.00
(4) Start panel height - Defines the height of the panel at the starting point. 2700.00
(5) End panel height - Defines the height of the panel at the ending point. 2700.00
(6) Horizontal brace - Defines the horizontal braces (noggings) position.
Options are:
None - No nogging.
Middle - Creates a nogging in the middle of the panel height.
Third points - Creates two noggings at equal distances from the top and the bottom edge of the panel.
User - Creates noggings at user-defined distances. List multiple values to create more than one horizontal bracing. Each value will create a nogging relative to the bottom edge of the panel.
Note:
Noggings will split at each panel opening and they will connect to the jambs of the opening.
User
(7) Defines the noggings distances list. Each value will create a nogging relative to the bottom edge of the panel. Enable this box by setting the (6) Horizontal brace list to User option.

800.00

1600.00

(8) Split H braces - Option to split the horizontal braces in the defined studs spacing number.
Options are:
None - Doesn't split any panel noggings.
All - Split all noggings of the panel at every stud. Typing a value in the (10) Vertical offset for split box will create staggered noggings.
Custom - Split the noggings of the spacing numbers defined in the (9) Split at stud spacing no. box.
None
(9) Split at stud spacing no. - Defines the studs spacing list for which you want to apply the (8) Split H braces option. This box is enabled for (8) Split H braces option set to Custom option only. -
(10) Vertical offset for split - Defines the vertical offset of the noggings. -
(11) Horizontal offset - Defines the horizontal offset for all noggings. The offset direction is perpendicular to the plane of the panel. -
(12) Rotate 180 - Defines the stud you want to rotate 180 degrees. To rotate multiple studs use the space character between the input values.
Note:
First stud on the panel is indexed as 1.
-
(13) Back to back stud - Defines the stud you want to replace with two back-to-back studs. To replace multiple studs use the space character between the input values. -
(14) Stud spacing - Defines the distance between studs. To create varying stud distances use the space character between the input values. The last input value is the spacing distance for the last studs of the panel, if any.
For example:
Space-separated input list 800 3*600 2*500 is the same with 800 600 600 600 500 500 input.
Note:
This option depends on the (17) Per panel/ Wall list setting.
600.00
(15) Panel length - Defines the maximum panel length. For an input value smaller than the distance between the start and the end insertion points, the wall will split automatically into separate panels accordingly. List multiple values if you want maximum panel length to vary within multi-panel wall during panels creation. 3500.00
(16)

Skipped panels - Defines the panels you don't want to create within the wall. List multiple numbers to skip multiple panels. This option allows you to have free space for positioning extra elements, for example concrete objects or hot rolled steel structure between framing systems.

-
(17)

Per panel/ Wall - Option to define the type of index number list for studs and braces.

Options are:

- Panel - Applies the index numbering for all studs, braces and studs spacing for each of the panels inside the wall. Use this option to have identical multiple panels within the wall by setting the length of the panel in the (15) Panel length box.

- Wall - Applies the index numbering for all studs, braces and studs spacing for the entire wall.

Panel
(18)

Add Brace A in spacing - Defines the studs spacing list where you want to create a brace for. To create braces on multiple studs spacing use the space character between the input values.

8
(19) Add Brace B in spacing - Defines the studs spacing list where you want to create a brace for. To create braces on multiple studs use the space character between the input values. 4
(20) Brace top offset - Defines the horizontal distance between the top edge of the brace and the braced stud axis. 50.00
(21) Brace bottom offset - Defines the horizontal distance between the bottom edge of the brace and the braced stud axis. 50.00
(22) Panels gap - Defines the gap between the panels within the wall. For different gaps use the space character between the input values. 0.00

Parts tab

Use the Parts tab to defne Prefix, Start No and Name for Panel assembly and general properties for Studs, Top track, Bottom track, Horizontal brace and Bracing.

Insulation tab

Use the Insulation tab to define insulation plates along the panel.

Image
Framing_Tools_v5.0_FP_InsulationTab

 

Field Description Default
(1)

Create Insulation - List to create the insulation contour plates along the panel.
Options are:
No - Creates no insulation panels.
Yes - Creates insulation panels.

No
(2) Thickness - Defines the thickness of the insulation panels. 70.00
(3)

Position - List to define the on plane position of the insulation plates regarding the panel thickness.
Options are:
Middle - The insulation plates are positioned in the middle of the panel thickness.
Left - The insulation plates are positioned to the left side of the panel.
- Right - The insulation plates are positioned to the right side of the panel.

Middle
(4) Offset - Defines the horizontal offset of the insulation plates. The offset direction is perpendicular to the panel plane. 0.00
(5) Prefix - Defines the part prefix of the insulation plates. In
(6) Start No. - Defines the part start number of the insulation plates. 1
(7) Material - Defines the material of the insulation plates.

Insulation

(8) Name - Defines the name of the insulation plates. INSULATION
(9) Class - Defines the class of the insulation plates. 6
(10) Insulation height - List to define the total height of the insulation contour plates.
Options are:
Panel height - Creates insulation plates between the inner web edge of the bottom tracks and the inner web edge of the top tracks.
Custom - Creates custom height insulation panels height.
Panel height
(11) Custom insulation height - Defines the height of the insulation plates. To use this box the user needs to set first the (10) Insulation height list to Custom option. 2500.00
(12) Split at horizontal braces - List to define the creation of the insulation contour plates between the tracks and the noggings.
Options are:
No - Doesn't split the insulation contour plates at noggings.
Yes - Splits the insulation contour plates at  the noggings, if any.
No

Cladding tab

Use the Cladding tab to define and edit cladding boards for both sides of the panel.

Image
Framing_Tools_v5.0_FP_CladdingTab

 

Field Description Default
(1)

Create right board - List to create cladding boards on the right side of the panel.
Options are:
No - Creates no cladding boards on the right side of the panel.
Yes - Creates cladding boards on the right side of the panel.

No
(2) Add cladding row - Button to add a new cladding board. To use this button the user needs to set first the (1) Create right board list to Yes option. -
(3)

Thickness - Defines the thickness of the cladding boards.

3.00
(4) Prefix - Defines the part prefix of the cladding boards. LL
(5) Start No. - Defines the part start number of the cladding boards. 1
(6) Material - Defines the material of the cladding boards. Misc_Undefined
(7) Name - Defines the name of the cladding boards.

LEAD_LINER

(8) Class - Defines the class of the cladding boards. 1
(9) Horizontal Offset - Start - Defines the start horizontal offset of the cladding boards. The offset input value represents the horizontal distance between the starting vertical edge of the panels and the vertical edge of the cladding boards. 0.00
(10) Horizontal Offset - End - Defines the end horizontal offset of the cladding boards. The offset input value represents the horizontal distance between the ending vertical edge of the panels and the vertical edge of the cladding boards. 0.00
(11) Vertical Offset - Top - Defines the top vertical offset of the cladding boards. The offset input value represents the vertical distance between the top edge of the panels and the top edge of the cladding boards. 0.00
(12) Vertical Offset - Bottom - Defines the bottom vertical offset of the cladding boards. The offset input value represents the vertical distance between the bottom edge of the panels and the bottom edge of the cladding boards. 0.00
(13) Create left board - List to create cladding boards on the right side of the panel.
Options are:
No - Creates no cladding boards on the left side of the panel.
Yes - Creates cladding boards on the left side of the panel.
No

Dynamic Cladding Functionalities

Having multiple rows on one of the panel side, the user can delete and modify the position of any cladding boards.

 

  • Delete a cladding board

To delete one of the multiple cladding boards follow the next steps:

  1. Select the cladding row you want to delete.
    Image
    Framing_Tools_v5.0_FP_RowSelectionCladdingTab
  2. To delete the cladding row select the 
    Image
    Framing_Tools_v5.0_FP_DeleteButtonCladdingTab
    Delete button.

 

  • Modify the position of a cladding board

To modify the position in the list for a cladding board follow the next steps:

  1. Hoover or select the cladding row you want to modify its position.
    Image
    Framing_Tools_v5.0_FP_RowSelectionCladdingTab
  2. To move up and down in the list the cladding board select and drag the 
    Image
    Framing_Tools_v5.0_FP_DragButtonCladdingTab
    Drag button.

Service Holes tab

Image
Framing_tools_v4.1_FP_ServiceHolesTab

 

Field Description Default
(1) Vertical Service Holes Locations - Defines the service holes position on the panel studs and bracings. Placement distances are measured from the panel bottom edge to the center of the hole.

300.00

1900.00

(2) Horizontal Service Holes Locations - Defines the service holes position on the panel noggings and bracings. Placement distances are measured from the panel start insertion point to the center of the hole. This option depends on (10) Create Separate Service Holes list. 500.00
(3) Hole type - List to select the service hole type.
Options are:
- Standard - Creates service holes using the bolt hole attribute file selected in the (4) Hole size list.
- User - Creates the service holes using the length and width from the (5) User X Length and (6) User Y length boxes.
User
(4) Hole size - List to select the available bolt hole attribute files. This option is available for (3) Hole type list set to Standard option. -
(5) User X Length - Defines the service hole length for (3) Hole Type list set to User option.

10.00 20.00 10.00 20.00

20.00

10.00

10.00

(6) User Y Length - Defines the service hole width for (3) Hole Type list set to User option.

10.00 20.00 10.00 20.00

20.00

10.00

10.00

(7) Tool Name - Defines the tool name for the service holes. SERVICE_HOLE
(8) Inquire - Button to display the service holes name defined in (1) Vertical Service Holes Locations, (2) Horizontal Service Holes Locations and (9) Create Holes Between Studs. -
(9) Create Holes Between Studs - List to set the creation of holes on the horizontal elements of the panel. Position of the holes is in the midpoint of each stud spacing. This option depends on (10) Create Separate Service Holes list.
Options are:
- No - Creates no hole between studs.
- Yes - Creates holes in the middle of each studs spacing.
No
(10)

Create Separate Service Holes - List to create or not separate holes for tracks, noggings and bracings or for tracks only.
Options are:
- No - Creates holes for tracks, noggings and bracings defined in (2) Horizontal Service Holes Locations and (9) Create Holes Between Studs.
- Yes - Creates separate holes for top and for bottom tracks only, defined in (11) Top Track Service Holes Locations and (12) Bottom Track Service Holes Locations. For noggings and bracings it will create service holes defined in (2) Horizontal Service Holes Locations and (9) Create Holes Between Studs.

No
(11) Top Track Service Holes Locations - Defines service holes position on the top tracks only. This option is available for (10) Create Separate Service Holes list set to Yes option. 500.00
(12) Bottom Track Service Holes Locations - Defines service holes position on the bottom tracks only. This option is available for (10) Create Separate Service Holes list set to Yes option. 500.00
(13) Inquire - Button to display the service holes name defined in (11) Top Track Service Holes Locations and (12) Bottom Track Service Holes Locations. -

Connections tab

Image
Framing_tools_v4.1_FP_ConnectionTab

 

Field Description Default
(1) List to select the type of studs to tracks connection.
Options are:
- Components - creates the selected connection from the Applications & components catalog.
- Offset - creates an offset between the studs and the tracks.
Components
(2)

Defines the vertical offset value between edge studs and back web tracks. This box is available for Offset option selection only.

-
(3) Set the connection between panel elements. You can select from the Applications & components catalog or you can type the connection name. -
(4) Set the connection attribute file. -
(5)

List to select where to set from, the jambs to top tracks connection.
Options are:
- Framing panel - creates connection set in Framing Panel Connections tab.
- Panel opening - creates connection set in Panel Opening Jambs tab.

Framing panel
(6)

List to select the connection of jambs to lintel and jambs to sill.
Options are:
Default - creates the noggings to studs connection set in Framing Panel Connections tab.
- Framing Panel- creates the jambs to lintel and jambs to sill connections set in Framing Panel Connections tab. Use the boxes below the list to define the jambs to lintel and jambs to sill connection.
- Panel Opening - creates the connections set in the Panel Opening Lintel and  Sill tabs.

Default
(7)

List to select where to set from, the jambs to bottom tracks connection.
Options are:
- Framing panel - creates connection set in Framing Panel Connections tab.
- Panel opening - creates connection set in Panel Opening Jambs tab.

Framing panel

Limitation:
To use custom component connection instead plugin connection you need to go through having no connection.
Example:
  1. Having a plugin connection set, clear the connection box content.
  2. Click Modify button.
  3. Browse the custom component connection from the Applications & components catalog and double-click on it.
  4. Click Modify to apply the changes.

Framing Panel - Direct Manipulation

To resize or reshape the panel boundary in the model use the Framing Panel direct modification handles.

To modify in the model the studs spacing, panels length, gap between panels or to add openings use the Framing Panel contextual toolbar.

Framing Panel Direct Modification Handles

  1. Ensure that
    Image
    DM.png
    Direct modification is switched on.
  2. Select the panel using
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch button.
  3. To reshape or resize the panel, drag the point and line handles.

For example:

  • To change the shape of the panel drag the top track point handles (corner points and hinge points): 
Image
Framing_tools_Wall_panel_direct_modification.png

 

  • To change the vertical position of the bottom track drag its line handle.
  • To change the height of the panel drag the top track line handle.
  • To change the length of the panel drag the side studs line handles or the blue line handles.

Framing Panel Contextual Toolbar

  1. Ensure that
    Image
    DM.png
    Direct modification is switched on.
  2. Select the panel using
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch button
  3. Hover the mouse on the 
    Image
    TS_Contextual_toolbar.png
    contextual toolbar and you will see the additional direct modification options of the Framing Panel: ​​​
    Image
    Framing_tools_v4.1_FP_ContextualToolbar
Field Description Default
(1) Modify boundary and openings - Button to enable the adjustment of the geometry for panel and for openings using the points and line handles. Enabled
(2) Modify wall points - Button to enable the adjustsment of the position for start and end insertion points using the point handles, along the panel direction. Disabled
(3)

Modify stud spacing - Button to enable the adjustsment of the studs spacing and to add new studs.

  • Modify the stud spacing by dragging its line handle
  • Add a new stud by dragging the
Image
Framing_tools_AddStudsDM.png

icon to the desired placement position along the panel.
Note:
By setting the Per panel/wall list from General tab to Panel option, you can use the Modify stud spacing DM feature for the first panel length only.

Disabled
(4) Modify panel length and gap - Button to enable the adjustment of the multi-panels maximum length and the gaps between them. Disabled
(5) Add opening with two points - Button to add openings by choosing two horizontal points. Disabled
(6) Add rectangle opening - Button to add openings by choosing two diagonal points. Disabled
(7)

Add opening by picking one point - Button to add openings by picking one point. The picking point is the middle point of the sill top edge.

Disabled
(8) Panel direction - Allows you to swap the handles for all the horizontal panel members.
Options are:
- Left to Right - the noggings and tracks direction is the same as the panel direction.
- Right to Left - the noggings and tracks direction is against the panel direction.
Left to Right

Modify stud spacing button selection:

By selecting in the panel contextual toolbar the Modify stud spacing button you can:

  • modify the stud spacing by selecting in the model the stud line handle:
    1. Select in the contextual toolbar the Modify stud spacing button.
    2. Select in the model the stud line handle.
    3. Drag the stud line handle to the desired position.
      Image
      Framing_tools_v4.1_FP_AdjustStudsSpacingDM
  • modify the stud type and add braces by selecting in the model the stud line handle and then select desired option in the contextual toolbar
Image
Framing_tools_v4.1_FP_StudsContextualToolbar
Field Description Default
(1)

Stud type - Allows you to modify the stud type.
Options are:
- Standard - creates standard stud.
- Back to back - creates back to back stud.

Standard
(2)

Brace type - Allows you to add braces in the previuos spacing of the selected stud line handle.
Options are:
- None - creates no braces.
- Left - add brace B type.
- Right - add brace A type.
- Both - add both brace A and B types.

None

Modify panel length and gap button selection:

By selecting in the panel contextual toolbar the Modify panel length and gap button you can:

  • modify the panel length by selecting in the model the panel line handle:
    1. Select in the contextual toolbar the Modify panel length and gap button.
    2. Select in the model the panel line handle.
    3. Drag the panel line handle to the desired position.
  • add gap between panels by selecting the value next to the panel line handle:
    1. Select in the contextual toolbar the Modify panel length and gap button.
    2. Select in the model the value next to the panel line handle.
    3. Input the desired gap panel and then press Enter.
  • add braces and hide the panel by selecting in the model the panel line handle and then select desired option in the contextual toolbar
Image
Framing_tools_v4.1_FP_PanelContextualToolbar

 

Field Description Default
(1)

Brace type - Allows you to add braces before or after the panel, if any.
Options are:
- None - creates no braces.
- Left - add brace B type in the last spacing of the previuos panel, if any.
- Right - add brace A type in the first spacing of the next panel, if any.
- Both - add brace A type in the last spacing of the previuos panel and brace B type in the first spacing of the next panel, if any.

None
(2) Panel create option - Allows you to skip or not the panel.
Options are:
- Create - creates the panel of the selected panel line handle.
- Skip - hides the panel of the selected panel line handle.
Create

FramingConnection

Image
Framing_tools_v1.6_FC_thumb.png

The FramingConnection tool creates brackets between studs and noggings. Use this tool by loading it in the Connection tab from the Framing panel tool.

User Inputs

FramingConnection on Framing Panel:

  1. In the model open the panel dialog window.
  2. On the Connection tab set the connection between the noggings and studs to FramingConnection.
  3. Load the propper FramingConnection attribute file.

FramingConnection Creation:

  1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
    Image
    Framing_tools_v1.6_FC_thumb.png
    FramingConnection and click on it.
  2. In the model select the first part to connect using
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch.
  3. Select the second part to finish the creation.

FramingConnection Settings:

  1. Double-click on the FramingConnection component using
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch.
  2. FramingConnection dialog window opens and you can set the desired connection properties.
  3. Save the connection attribute and close the dialog window.

Picture tab

Image
Framing_tools_v1.6_FC_PictureTab.png

 

Field Description Default
(1) Buttons to create the connection brackets. Click on the desired button to enable the placement of the bracket. -
(2) Option to select the attribute file for the weld connection between the bracket and the stud. standard
(3) Option to select the attribute file for the weld connection between the bracket and the nogging. standard

FramingDetail

Image
Framing_Tools_v2.0_FramingDetail_thumb.png

The FramingDetail plugin applies the dimple, notch, lip cut and swage tools to a single member.

User Inputs

FramingDetail Creation:

  1. In the Applications & Components catalog search for
    Image
    Framing_Tools_v2.0_FramingDetail_thumb.png
    FramingDetail and click on it.
  2. In the model select the part.
  3. Pick the position on the part to finish the FramingDetail creation.

FramingDetail Settings:

  1. In the model double-click on the FramingDetail component using
    Image
    SelectObjectsInComponents.png
    Select objects in components switch button.
  2. The FramingDetail dialog window opens.
  3. In the FramingDetail dialog window set the detail properties.
  4. To apply the FramingDetail settings click Modify.

Parameters tab

Image
Framing_Tools_v2.0_FDParametersTab.png
 

 

Field Description Default
(1) Add Dimples - Allows you to add or remove dimples to the part.
Options are:
- yes - Creates the dimples.
- No - Creates no dimples.
yes
(2) Add Notch - Allows you to create the notch to the part.
Options are:
- yes - Creates the notch.
- No - Creates no notch.
yes
(3) Add Lipcut - Allows you to add or remove the lip cut to the part.
Options are:
- yes - Creates the lip cut.
- No - Creates no lip cut.
yes
(4) Add Swage - Allows you to add or remove the swage to the part.
Options are:
- yes - Creates the swage.
- No - Creates no swage.
yes

ToolSizes tab

Image
Framing_Tools_v2.0_FDToolSizesTab.png

 

Field Description Default
(1) Notch size - Defines the notch size. 46
(2) LipCut Size - Defines the lip cut size. -
(3) Swage Size - Defines the swage size. 46
(4) Dimple Size - Defines the dimple size. 10
(5) Dimple Backmark - Defines the distance from the back of the member’s web to the dimple. -

Panel Opening

Image
Framing_tools_PO_thumb.png

This tool allows you to define any number of window/ door openings within a wall panel. All the studs, tracks, horizontal braces and connections will automatically update to accommodate the opening.
For door openings the tool will place local punches to the bottom track and to the door jambs, to aid removal of track below door onsite.

User Inputs

Panel Opening Creation:

  1. Ensure that
    Image
    DM.png
    Direct modification switch is enabled.
  2. In the model use the
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch to select the panel to which you want to add the openings.
  3. Hover the mouse on the panel
    Image
    TS_Contextual_toolbar.png
    contextual toolbar to open the panel floating toolbar and select one of the three options to create the desired opening:
    Image
    Framing_tools_v4.1_PO_Creation
    1. Click on the Add opening with two points button:
      Image
      Framing_tools_PO_AddOpeningWithTwoPoints.png
      Field Description Default
      (1) Opening dimensions input alternative - Allows you to define the opening vertical position and the opening height. Click Opening dimensions input alternative button to cycle through the five different opening input options:
      Image
      Framing_tools_OpeningDimensions1.png

       

      Image
      Framing_tools_OpeningDimensions2.png

       

      Image
      Framing_tools_OpeningDimensions3.png

       

      Image
      Framing_tools_OpeningDimensions4.png

       

      Image
      Framing_tools_OpeningDimensions5.png
      -
      (2) Opening bottom edge height - Defines the vertical distance from the bottom edge of the panel to the top edge of the sill. 900.00
      (3) Opening height - Defines the vertical distance from the bottom edge of the panel to the top edge of the sill. 1200.00
    2. Click on the Add rectangle opening button:
      Image
      Framing_tools_PO_AddRectangleOpening.png
    3. Click on the Add opening by picking one point button:
      Image
      Framing_tools_v4.1_PO_AddOpeningByPickingOnePoint
  4. Pick the insertion points of the opening within the panel.
    Image
    Framing_tools_PO_CreationPickPoints.png
  5. Right-click and select Interrupt to finish the opening creation.

Panel Opening Settings:

  1. Ensure that the
    Image
    DM.png
    Direct modification switch is enabled.
  2. In the model select the panel that contains the opening using
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch to select the panel that contains the opening.
  3. Select the opening.
  4. Right-click and select Properties to open the Opening dialog window.
  5. In the Opening dialog window set the desired opening properties.
  6. After you set the desired Opening properties click Modify and then click OK to close the dialog window.

General tab

Image
Framing_Tools_v4.1_PO_GeneralTab

 

Field Description Default
(1) Studs - Allows you to create the Framing Panel studs above and/or below the opening.
Options are:
- Both - Creates the studs above and below the opening.
- Above - Creates the studs above the opening only.
- Below - Creates the studs below the opening only.
Both
(2) Top track opening - Allows you to cut or to create notches to the top track.
Options are:
- Standard - Creates no cut and no notches to the top track.
- Split - Cuts the top track between the opening jambs.
- Add Notches - Creates notches to the top track.
Note:
The Split and Add Notches options are available when the opening top edge touches the panel top edge.
Standard
(3) Door bottom track - Allows you to cut or to create notches to the bottom track.
Options are:
- Standard - Creates no cut and no notches to the bottom track.
- Split - Cuts the bottom track between the opening jambs.
- Add Notches - Creates notches to the bottom track.
Note:
The Split and Add Notches options are available when the opening bottom edge touches the panel bottom edge.
Standard
(4) Box to define the height of the opening. 1200.00
(5) Box to define the vertical distance from the panel bottom edge to the top sill edge. 900.00
(6) Box to define the width of the opening. 900.00

Lintel tab

Image
Framing_Tools_v4.1_PO_LintelTab

 

Field Description Default
(1) Lintel type - Defines the lintel type.
Options are:
Standard - Creates (L1) lintel single profile.
Medium - Creates two (L1) lintel profiles one above the other.
Heavy Duty - Creates a lintel composed of two (L1) profiles and another (L2) profile between the two (L1) profiles.
Standard
(2) Defines the general properties for (L1) lintel profile. CC100-1.6-15-41.3
P
1
Steel_Undefined
LINTEL
2
(3)

Defines the jamb to (L1) and jamb (L2) lintel profiles connections.
Note:
This functionality applies for Panel Opening option selection in the jambs to lintel connection and jambs to sill connections lists from Connection tab of the Framing Panel UI.

-
(4) Defines the connection attribute for jamb to (L1) lintel profiles and jamb to (L2) lintel profiles. -
(5)

Defines the general properties for (L2) lintel profile.
Note:
These properties are available by setting the (1) Lintel type list to Heavy Duty option only.

IPE180
P
1
Steel_Undefined
LINTEL
4
(6) Rotation for (L2) lintel profile - Defines the rotation for (L2) lintel profile.
Options are:
- Front
- Top
- Back
- Below
Note:
This option is available for Heavy Duty option selection in the (1) Lintel type list.
Top

Sill tab

Image
Framing_Tools_v4.1_PO_SillTab

 

Field Description Default
(1) Sill type - Defines the sill type.
Options are:
Standard - Creates a single sill profile.
Medium - Creates two identical sill profiles one above the other.
Standard
(2) Defines the general properties for sill profile. CC100-1.6-15-41.3
P
1
Steel_Undefined
SILL
2
(3)

Defines the jamb to sill connection.
Note:
This functionality applies for Panel Opening option selection in the jambs to lintel connection and jambs to sill connection lists from Connection tab of the Framing Panel UI.

-
(4) Defines the connection attribute for jamb to sill profiles. -

Jambs tab

Image
Framing_Tools_v4.1_PO_JambsTab

 

Field Description Default
(1) Jamb type - Defines the jambs type.
Options are:
Standard - Creates one jamb profile on each side of the opening.
Double - Creates two jamb profiles on each side of the opening.
Triple - Creates three jamb profiles on each side of the opening.
Quadruple - Creates four jamb profiles on each side of the opening.
Standard
(2) Defines the general properties for (1) jamb profiles. CC100-1.6-15-41.3
P
1
Steel_Undefined
JAMBS
5
(3)

Defines the jambs to top track connections.
Note:
This functionality applies for Panel Opening option selection in the jambs to top track list from Connection tab of the Framing Panel UI.

-
(4) Defines the connection attribute for jambs to top track profiles. -
(5) Defines the jambs to bottom track connections.
Note:
This functionality applies for Panel Opening option selection in the jambs to bottom track list from Connection tab of the Framing Panel UI.
-
(6) Defines the connection attribute for jambs to bottom track profiles. -
(7) Defines the general properties for (2) jamb profiles. CC100-1.6-15-41.3
P
1
Steel_Undefined
JAMBS
5
(8) Rotation for (2) jamb profile - Defines the rotation for the (2) jamb profiles.
Options are:
- Front
- Top
- Back
- Below
Note:
This option is available for Double option selection in the (1) Jamb type list.
Front
(9) Defines the general properties for (3) jamb profiles. CC100-1.6-15-41.3
P
1
Steel_Undefined
JAMBS
5
(10) Rotation for (3) jamb profile - Defines the rotation for the (3) jamb profiles.
Options are:
- Front
- Top
- Back
- Below
Note:
This option is available for Triple option selection in the (1) Jamb type list.
Front
(11) Defines the general properties for (4) jamb profiles. CC100-1.6-15-41.3
P
1
Steel_Undefined
JAMBS
5
(12) Rotation for (4) jamb profile - Defines the rotation for the (4) jamb profiles.
Options are:
- Front
- Top
- Back
- Below
Note:
This option is available for Quadruple option selection in the (1) Jamb type list.
Front

Cripple tab

Image
Framing_Tools_v4.1_PO_CrippleTab

 

Field Description Default
(1) Defines the general properties for cripple studs profiles. CC100-1.6-15-41.3
P
1
Steel_Undefined
CRIPPLE
6
(2)

Distances between cripple studs above - Defines the distance between cripple studs above the opening. To create varying cripple stud distances use the space character between the input values. No input will create no cripple stud.

-
(3)

Distances between cripple studs below - Defines the distance between cripple studs below the opening. To create varying cripple stud distances use the space character between the input values. No input will create no cripple stud.

-
(4)

Extra cripple studs above -  List to create extra cripple studs above the opening, next to the first jamb.
Options are:
- Yes - Creates extra cripple studs above the opening.
- No - Creates no extra cripple stud above the opening.

No
(5) Extra cripple studs below -  List to create extra cripple studs below the opening, next to the first jamb.
Options are:
- Yes - Creates extra cripple studs below the opening.
- No - Creates no extra cripple stud below the opening.
No

Panel Opening  - Direct manipulation

Panel Opening Direct Modification Handles:

  1. Ensure that
    Image
    DM.png
    Direct modification switch is enabled.
  2. In the model select the panel that contains the opening using
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch.
  3. Select the opening.
  4. To reposition drag the opening. To resize the opening, select a construction line of the opening and then drag the line handles. The tool provides a graphical representation showing the changes to the physical location of the opening.
    For example:
    - You can drag the opening to change its position within the panel:
     
    Image
    Framing_tools_PO_direct_modification.png

    - You can drag the line handles to change the opening size:
    Image
    Framing_tools_PO_direct_modification2.png

Panel Opening Contextual Toolbar:

  1. Ensure that
    Image
    DM.png
    Direct modification switch is enabled.
  2. In the model select the panel that contains the opening using
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch.
  3. Select the opening.
  4. Hover the mouse on the
    Image
    TS_Contextual_toolbar.png
    contextual toolbar to open the floating toolbar and you will see the contextual toolbar options:

     

    Image
    Framing_tools_v4.1_PO_ContextualToolbar

     

     

    Field Description Default
    (1) Add opening with two points - Button to add openings by choosing two horizontal points. Disabled
    (2) Add rectangle opening - Button to add openings by choosing two diagonal points. Disabled
    (3) Add opening by picking one point - Button to add openings by picking one point. The picking point is the middle point of the sill top edge. Disabled
    (4) Brace type - Creates braces in the spacing next to the opening.
    Options are:
    - None - Creates no brace to the opening.
    - Left - Creates brace B type in the spacing before the opening.
    - Right - Creates brace A type in the spacing after the opening.
    - Both - Creates one brace B type in the spacing before the opening and one brace A type in the spacing after the opening.
    None
    (5)

    Opening sill type - Defines the type of the sill.
    Options are:
    - Standard - Creates a single sill profile.
    - Medium - Creates two identical sill profiles one above the other.

    Standard
    (6)

    Opening lintel type - Defines the type of the lintel.
    Options are:
    - Standard - Creates a single lintel profile.
    - Medium - Creates two identical lintel profiles one above the other.
    - Heavy Duty - Creates a lintel composed of two identical profiles and another profile between them.

    Standard
    (7)

    Opening jamb type - Defines the type of the jambs.
    Options are:
    - Standard - Creates one jamb profile on each side of the opening.
    - Double - Creates two jamb profiles on each side of the opening.
    - Triple- Creates three jamb profiles on each side of the opening.
    - Quadruple - Creates four jamb profiles on each side of the opening.

    Standard
  5. To modify the opening properties select in the contextual toolbar the desired options.

 Note:

The Panel Opening tool will automatically recognise the opening type and will display its properties:

Image
Framing_tools_PO_additional_direct_modification.png

PaneltoPanelConnection

Image
Framing_tools_PPC_thumb.png
 

This tool connects one wall panel to another. All the studs, tracks, horizontal braces and connections inside the panel will automatically update to accommodate the opening if valid.

User Inputs

PaneltoPanelConnection Creation:

Image
Framing_tools_PPC_ConnectedPanels.png
 
  1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
    Image
    Framing_tools_PPC_thumb.png
    PaneltoPanelConnection and click on it.
  2. In the model select the first panel to connect using
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch.
  3. Select the second panel to connect to and the connection is done.

PaneltoPanelConnection Settings:

  1. In the model double-click on the
    Image
    Framing_tools_PPC_ConnectionIcon.png
    PaneltoPanelConnection using
    Image
    SelectComponents.png
    Select components switch.
  2. PaneltoPanelConnection dialog window opens and you can set the desired connection properties.

Parameters tab

Field Description Default
(1) Connection Type - Defines the wall panel connection types.
Options are:
- Standard - Connects the first selected panel to the second selected panel:
 
Image
Framing_tools_PPC_ConnectionStandard.png

- Reversed - Connects the second selected panel to the first selected panel:
Image
Framing_tools_PPC_ConnectionReversed.png
Standard
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