Practice Workbook
This workbook is designed for use in Live instructor-led training and for OnDemand self-study. The explanations
and demonstrations are provided by the instructor in the classroom, or in the OnDemand eLectures of this course
available on the Bentley LEARNserver (learn.bentley.com).
This practice workbook is formatted for on-screen viewing using a PDF reader. It is also available as a PDF
document in the dataset for this course.
ProStructures – ProSteel Modeling:
Workframe and Shape Insertion
This workbook contains information on how to create a new workframe for these exercises. It also covers
important settings that should be in place and how to insert shapes into the model.
TRNC01934-1/0001
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Description and Objectives
Course Description
This workbook contains information on how to create and place a workframe. It also covers some of the basic settings that should be in place before
beginning a new model. With these settings in place we then look at shape insertion of both columns and beams.
Section 01
Create a Workframe
Review Settings for Accuracy
Shape Insertion
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Section 01: Create a Workframe
Exercise Description
Though not a requirement, the workframe is a useful tool that will provide lines on which elements can be added and views that are automatically
generated that can be used to generate the plan and elevation drawings.
Placing a Workframe
1. To begin the exercises we will start by loading the TRN-Steel.dgn file that was provided with the DATASET.
2. From the ProStructures Tasks area, click the Workframe (W-3) button.
3. You will be prompted to choose a location in your workspace for this workframe. Right-click.
4. You will now be prompted for the direction along which the front of the workframe should travel. Come along the X-Axis and left click.
5. The Workframe dialog box should now appear. Apply these settings to the following tabs:
Layout Tab
a. Workframe Layout: Rectangular
b. Dimensions and Divisions: Length: 30:0, 20:0, 25:0
Width: 20:0, 20:0, 20:0, 25:0, 25:0
Height: 12:0, 12:0, 20:0
c. Height is Absolute: Should be unchecked
d. Axis Descriptions: Should be checked
e. Roof and Ridge Options: All set to 0
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Views Tab
a. Created Views: All options should be checked except for update connected
shapes and user defined x & y axes which should be left unchecked.
b. Clipping Plane Distances: Front: 1:6
Back: 1:6
c. Group Name: Training
Text X Tab
a. Layout: Settings should be Alphabetical, Circular and the Connection line
should be checked.
b. Position: Descending: unchecked
Back: unchecked
c. Values: Start Value: A
Size: 0:0 1/4
Distance: 0:1 1/2
Main Axis: <leave blank>
Ignore Last Axis: unchecked
Avoid O and I: checked
Ignore 1st Axis: unchecked
d. Options: 2 Lines and Dynamic are both unchecked.
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Text Y Tab
a. Layout: Settings should be Numerical, Circular and the Connection line
should be checked.
b. Position: Descending: unchecked
Left: checked
c. Values: Start Value: 1
Size: 0:0 1/4
Distance: 0:1 1/2
Main Axis: <leave blank>
Ignore Last Axis: unchecked
Avoid O and I: checked
Ignore 1st Axis: unchecked
d. Options: 2 Lines and Dynamic are both unchecked.
Options
a. Options: All boxes should be unchecked except:
3D Pattern
Inner
Roof
Locked Level
b. Text Style: Bentley
c. Line Type: (Center)
d. Text Scale: 48
e. Colours: Line: 1
Connection: 1
Bubble: 1
Label: 1
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Section 01: Review Settings for Accuracy
Exercise Description
Prior to beginning our model it is important to verify that the proper settings are in place. Incorrect settings could lead to issues that would be time
consuming to resolve later on.
Units
1. From the MicroStation Menu bar at the top of the screen
left click on Settings > Design File.
2. From the Design File Settings dialog box that appears
select the area marked Working Units.
3. Verify the Master Units being used are Imperial Feet and
Inches and that the Accuracy is set to 1/16 of an inch.
4. Also check your Advanced Settings – Resolution is in line with what is
normally used for your models, in this case 254 per Distance Inch.
Shape Catalogs
1. From the ProSteel Tasks area press on Shapes (Q-1)
2. From the bottom of the ProSteel Shapes dialog box left click on the
Display Shape Catalog button.
3. From the Shape Catalog dialog box that appears, uncheck everything in
the List of Available Shapes window except the AISC US IMPERIAL
13TH EDITION and the CISC Canada which should remain checked.
4. Left click on the double arrow pointing left to clear the Current
Shape Classes window.
5. Left click on the double arrow pointing right to repopulate the Current Shape Classes with only the available shapes.
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Verify Classes and Descriptions
1. Close the Shapes Catalog dialog box but keep the ProSteel Shapes dialog box open.
2. Verify that the proper Display Class, Area Class and Description files are loaded. They should match what is presented in the image
below.
3. If these do not match what you have loaded then use your template tool to load the proper templates for display class and area class.
The description will need to be changed externally using the pro_st3d.fdf file provided in the DATASET.
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Section 01: Shapes Insertion
Exercise Description
In this exercise we will begin by inserting some columns and beams. Though there are a variety of ways to do this, we will look at a couple of tools
that were designed to insert multiple columns or beams at the same time.
Inserting Columns
1. In this exercise we will place three different areas of columns which we will refer to as Short, Medium and Long. There will also be an area that
we look at called Extended Columns. If we were to look at these areas marked in plan view, they would look like this:
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2. From your MicroStation View Window, rotate your view so that you are looking at the workframe from the top.
3. If you closed the ProSteel Shapes dialog box then from the ProSteel Tasks area press on Shapes (Q-1)
4. We will do the Short Columns first. To do this select the following options from the ProSteel Shapes dialog box:
a. Shape Class: AISC_I_W
b. Shape Size: W12x53
c. Material: ASTM A992 Gr. 50
d. Display Class: Small Columns
e. Area Class: Low Roof Area
f. Description: Column New Primary
g. Insert Point: Center
5. Select the Insert Columns tool near the bottom.
6. From the Options dialog box that appears, left click and set the first line, Start Height to 0:0 and the End Height to 12:0.
7. With the heights set select the Insert by Polygon button at the bottom and trace an enclosed area around the points related to the SHORT
columns as shown in step 1. End your selection by returning to the point you started at. The selection should surround grid line points 1A; 1B;
1C; 1D; 1E; 1F; 2E and 2F.
8. Save the changes to these elements by left clicking on the Accept Current Shape button to prevent further changes.
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1. We will do the Medium Columns next. To do this select the following options from the ProSteel Shapes dialog box:
a. Shape Class: AISC_I_W
b. Shape Size: W12x53
c. Material: ASTM A992 Gr. 50
d. Display Class: Medium Columns
e. Area Class: Mid Roof Area
f. Description: Column New Primary
g. Insert Point: Center
2. Select the Insert Columns tool near the bottom.
3. From the Options dialog box that appears, left click and set the first line, Start Height to 0:0 and the End Height to 24:0.
4. With the heights set select the Insert Inside Rectangle button at the bottom and create an enclosed area around the points related to the
MEDIUM columns as shown in the plan view above. End your selection and then right click to end. The selection should surround grid line
points 3E, 3F, 4E and 4F.
5. Save the changes to these elements by left clicking on the Accept Current Shape button to prevent further changes.
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1. We will do the Tall Columns now. To do this select the following options from the ProSteel Shapes dialog box:
a. Shape Class: AISC_I_W
b. Shape Size: W14x109
c. Material: ASTM A992 Gr. 50
d. Display Class: Long Columns
e. Area Class: High Roof Area
f. Description: Column New Primary
g. Insert Point: Center
2. Select the Insert Columns tool near the bottom.
3. From the Options dialog box that appears, left click and set the first line, Start Height to 0:0 and the End Height to 44:0.
4. With the heights set select the Insert Inside Rectangle button at the bottom and create an enclosed area around the points related to the
LONG columns as shown in the plan view above. End your selection and then right click to end. The selection should surround grid line points
2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D.
5. Rotate the columns 90 degrees by left clicking on the Rotate Shape by +90 button.
6. Save the changes to these elements by left clicking on the Accept Current Shape button to prevent further changes.
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Inserting Beams
In this exercise we will place three different areas of beams which we will refer to as 3rd Level, 2nd Level and 1st Level. We will also look at Modifying
Inserted Beams.
3rd Level Beams
1. We will start by looking at a completed 3rd level area, marked and in plan view:
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2. From the ProStructures Tasks area, left click on Select View (E-3).
3. From the Select View dialog box that appears, left click on Training_TOP to highlight it and then left click on the Set Current View
button at the bottom left. This will set your view and your ACS to that level in the proper orientation.
4. If you closed the ProSteel Shapes dialog box then from the ProSteel Tasks area press on Shapes (Q-1)
5. Select the following options from the ProSteel Shapes dialog box:
a. Shape Class: AISC_I_W
b. Shape Size: W12x19
c. Material: ASTM A992 Gr. 50
d. Display Class: 3rd Level Beams
e. Area Class: High Roof Area
f. Description: Beam New Primary
g. Insert Point: Top Center
6. Select the Insert Beams tool near the bottom.
7. Left click and drag to create an enclosed area around the points related to the 3rd level beams as shown in the plan view above. End
your selection and then right click to end. The selection should surround grid line points 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D.
8. Right click and the ProSteel Shapes dialog box should return. Save the changes to these elements by left clicking on the Accept
Current Shape button to prevent further changes. The 3rd level beams should now be placed.
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2nd Level Beams
1. The 2nd level has two sizes of beams and two Area Classes, high roof and mid roof. We will do each of the areas separately. Now let’s
take a look at a completed 2nd level, marked and in plan view:
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2. From the ProStructures Tasks area, left click on Select View (E-3).
3. From the Select View dialog box that appears, left click on Training_Z_24:0 to highlight it and then left click on the Set Current
View button at the bottom left. This will set your view and your ACS to that level in the proper orientation.
4. If you closed the ProSteel Shapes dialog box then from the ProSteel Tasks area press on Shapes (Q-1)
5. Select the following options from the ProSteel Shapes dialog box:
a. Shape Class: AISC_I_W
b. Shape Size: W14x30
c. Material: ASTM A992 Gr. 50
d. Display Class: 2nd Level Beams
e. Area Class: High Roof Area
f. Description: Beam New Primary
g. Insert Point: Top Center
6. Select the Insert Beams tool near the bottom.
7. Left click and drag to create an enclosed area around the points related to the High Roof Areas 2nd level beams as shown in the plan
view above. End your selection and then right click to end. The selection should surround grid line points 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C,
3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D.
8. Right click and the ProSteel Shapes dialog box should return. Save the changes to these elements by left clicking on the Accept
Current Shape button to prevent further changes. This places only our 2nd level beams related to the high roof area.
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9. Now let’s place our 2nd level beams related to the mid roof area. Select the following options from the ProSteel Shapes dialog box:
a. Shape Class: AISC_I_W
b. Shape Size: W12x35
c. Material: ASTM A992 Gr. 50
d. Display Class: 2nd Level Beams
e. Area Class: Mid Roof Area
f. Description: Beam New Primary
g. Insert Point: Top Center
10. Select the Insert Beams tool near the bottom.
11. Left click and drag to create an enclosed area around the points related to the Mid Roof Areas 2nd level beams as shown here. Do NOT
right click yet.
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12. Once the beams are in place, left click again and draw a rectangle around each of the remaining two locations as shown here. You will
need to do this separately for each remaining beam.
13. Only once both remaining beams have been placed do you right click to end. These selections should surround grid line points 3E, 3F,
4E and 4F for the first selection and 3D – 3E and 4D – 4E for the last two single beam selections.
14. The ProSteel Shapes dialog box should have returned. Save the changes to these elements by left clicking on the Accept Current
Shape button to prevent further changes.
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1st Level Beams
The 1st Level area of beams has several sizes of beams and three Area Classes, high roof, mid roof and low roof. For this exercise, we
will place everything at the same time and then change the properties of the shapes as needed.
1. From the ProStructures Tasks area, left click on Select View (E-3).
2. From the Select View dialog box that appears, left click on Training_Z_12:0 to highlight it and then left click on the Set Current View
button at the bottom left. This will set your view and your ACS to that level in the proper orientation.
3. I also recommend hiding the columns during this exercise so that they are not accidently chosen and changed when we changed the beams.
To do this, open the Display Class (R-1) tool from the ProStructures Tasks area. Select the entry 1st Level Beams so it is highlighted
and left click on the Hide All Except button. Close the ProSteel Display Classes dialog box.
4. If you closed the ProSteel Shapes dialog box then from the ProSteel Tasks area press on Shapes (Q-1)
5. Select the following options from the ProSteel Shapes dialog box:
a. Shape Class: AISC_I_W
b. Shape Size: W16x36
c. Material: ASTM A992 Gr. 50
d. Display Class: 1st Level Beams
e. Area Class: High Roof Area
f. Description: Beam New Primary
g. Insert Point: Top Center
6. Select the Insert Beams tool near the bottom.
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7. Left click and drag to create an enclosed area around the entire workframe. End your selection and then right click to end. The selection
should surround all grid line points.
8. Right click and the ProSteel Shapes dialog box should return. Save the changes to these elements by left clicking on the Accept
Current Shape button to prevent further changes. This will place the same shape and information for all of our 1st level beams. We now
need to make changes where needed. Close the ProSteel Shapes dialog box.
Modifying Inserted Beams
1. Let’s start by hiding the beams that we will not be changing, this includes all the beams that should be in the High Roof area. To do this,
select the beams in this area and left click on the Hide (T-2) button in the ProStructures Tasks area.
Note: You can window around these members from top left to bottom right to select these elements quickly or hold the CTRL key to select
them individually.
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2. Now let’s change the beams in the Mid Roof area as shown in the image below. To do this you start by selecting them the same way you
selected the members in the previous step.
3. Once the beams have been selected, right click and from the dialog that appears, choose PS Properties.
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4. From the Shape Properties dialog that appears, go to the Shape Type section and change the Shape Class to AISC_I_W and the Shape
Size to W14x34.
5. Now in the same Shape Properties dialog box, go to Assignment and change Area Class to Mid Roof Area. Then left click the check mark
to accept and exit.
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6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 for the remaining shape types as shown below. You can also hide completed shapes by using the suggested method in
Step 1 if you like.
Change the PS Properties for these beams to:
Change the PS Properties for these beams to:
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7. Your end result should give you something that will appear like the image shown. Once all the beams have been modified, you can show
your model again by using the Regenerate (T-1) tool for the items you’ve hidden. Your end result should give you something that will be
like this without the labels or marked areas. You can verify them by checking the properties if you would like.
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8. You can now also turn your Display Classes (R-1) back on by selecting the display class that is already on and then pressing on the
Display All Except button.
9. Left click on the Isometric (E-1) button to see your model as an isometric.
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