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What’s New in Advance Steel 2023

Table of contents

1. WELCOME TO GRAITEC POWERPACK FOR ADVANCE STEEL 2023 ............................ 3

1.1 Compliancy with Autodesk Advance Steel 2023 ............................................................. 3

2. NOVELTIES – GENERAL ........................................................................................... 3

2.1 New: Convert lines to Grids. ............................................................................................... 4
2.2 New: Multi Gridline and Level Tool .................................................................................... 5
2.3 New: Camera Creator ....................................................................................................... 12

3. NEW: CONNECTION - TRUSS SANDWICH PLATES .................................................... 15

4. NOVELTIES – STAIRS ............................................................................................. 17

4.1 New option: Plate Stringer Width control for flight and landing ................................... 17
4.2 Plate Stringer – Miter Position Control .......................................................................... 20

5. IMPROVEMENTS & UPDATES.................................................................................. 22

5.1 Updated Ribbon arrangement, combined with New Palettes ...................................... 22
5.2 New libraries ..................................................................................................................... 25

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 What’s New in Advance Steel 2023

1. Welcome to GRAITEC PowerPack for Advance Steel 2023

GRAITEC is very pleased to present the latest version of Advance PowerPack for Advance Steel
2023, part of the Graitec Advance Suite.

1.1 Compliancy with Autodesk Advance Steel 2023

The Advance PowerPack for Advance Steel 2023 is compliant with Autodesk Advance Steel 2022 and
2023 versions.

The PowerPack for Advance Steel 2023 can be installed using two setups:

A. Setup PowerPack for Advance Steel 2023

B. GRAITEC Advance Setup - installs the complete version 2023 of Graitec software

Option A will install version 2023 of the PowerPack on Advance Steel 2022 and 2023 if those last two
are installed.

Option B will install version 2023 of the PowerPack only on Advance Steel 2023 if this last one is
installed.

2. Novelties – General

In the new version of PowerPack for Advance Steel, we focused and continued to work on subjects that
will allow for the model organization to aid productivity and drawing creation within Advance Steel.
For this, we bring a series of tools focused on Advance Steel Grids, Model views, and Camera Creation
within the model space.

We combine this with subjects related to Stairs, for better control of the Plate stringers arrangements,
with the control of the plate width and miter split of overall plate profiles.
Please read on to the document as we expand upon these topics.

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 What’s New in Advance Steel 2023

2.1 New: Convert lines to Grids

The Convert lines to Grids tool is allowing you to transform existing lines, parallel or not into Advance
Steel Grids.

The Line to Grid: Example Grid, Model View, and Camera creation.
(Model view and Camera changed to magenta color to highlight)

The command is found within the Powerpack ribbon, under the Create elements panel, it is grouped
with several other commands relative to grids and camera creation.

Selecting the command button will activate the command, which is via the Command line or dynamic
menu options of the core system. The user will follow a series of contextual menu prompts to achieve a
grid formation.

The operation of the tool allows the user to select a 2D AutoCAD line, or multiple lines and then convert
these into a grid structure. The tools allow for grouping of lines and labeling direction, these options
are also combined with the ability to enable model view and camera options within the model views.

Main features & Benefits:

• AutoCAD 2D lines to Gridline element conversion

• User-driven, nonparallel line conversion of bespoke line arrangements
• More flexibility with singular and multiple conversion selection and grouping
• Multiple model views and camera enablement within a singular process

NOTE: The tool will create Advance Steel grids and model views, editable via standard properties
dialogs.

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 What’s New in Advance Steel 2023

2.2 New: Multi Gridline and Level Tool

The Multi Grid Level tool allows the user to quickly create grid lines and levels within the Advance Steel
model space, combining also with options to create model views and cameras within those model
views.

The tool is located on the Powerpack ribbon, under the Create elements panel, grouped with a series
of commands relative to grids and cameras.

Below is a sample image of the Grids, model views, and Camera generated from this macro.

Multi-Grid>Axis labels tab

Grids

Within the macro there are grids created in an orthogonal pattern, on the X & Y axis, with options to
control the overall grid size, the number of axes, spacings between axis, and lock axes positions within
the grid to allow adjustment of unlocked grids and between a series of locked axes. Standard features
such as grid labels, ballooning, and label prefix are available.

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 What’s New in Advance Steel 2023

Example of locked Axes

Below ‘Grids 7 and 10’ is check for ‘Grid lock’, this will allow the movement of Grids 8 & 9, with the
restraint of 7 & 10. Entering a new value in Grid 8 will reduce or increase the value in Grid 9.

Adjusting Grid 8 to 3500 reduces Grid 9 to 2500.

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Grid Replication & Levels

Within the Macro there is an option to replicate the grid up in the model to the required levels, this is
both the positive and negative levels from the Zero origin plane of the model. The user can enter in the
dialog the number of levels required, then set the required measurement of the level height, and lock
levels to allow movement of a level between two other locked levels.

With the replication of the Grid in the model also comes an Advance Steel Level that can be seen in
the model and the Project Explorer.

Level Symbols are placed in the model space.

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 What’s New in Advance Steel 2023

Projected Grid option with Advance Steel 2023

For the Advance Steel 2023 version, there is the Projected Grid option available to users, in this
version, there is an option within the Multi Grid Level dialog to allow for the Projected Grid function.

The introduction of this option adjusts how the macro functions and interaction with the model,
activation of the projected grid checkbox, will de-active the replicated grids in the model space, the
user will only see the grid at the base level of the model.

The workflow with a projected grid is that to see the projected grid at the required model level, the
user can activate the Model view checkbox within the main dialog, this will turn on the model view and
add that to the project explorer.

With the model view in place, the user can now exit the main macro dialog and then under the Project
explorer, activate the model view for that level ( Light bulb symbol on). With that model view active the
standard function of projected grids is then introduced, in that the grids are projected to the base level
of the model view.

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 What’s New in Advance Steel 2023

The operation and activation of a level are standard Advance Steel, to attach beams to a level.
Selecting the level and then activating with orientating the model to that level work plane and user can
place beams upon that level whilst it is active snapping to the grid.

NOTE: The user may choose not to use projected Grids for Advance Steel 2023, the grid replication
workflow is still valid for the 2023 version.

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 What’s New in Advance Steel 2023

Model Views and Cameras

Within the Axis and Levels tabs, the user will see checkboxes that allow for the activation of the model
view at various grid lines and levels. This is combined with a checkbox option to activate the inbuilt
automatic drawing creation feature of a model view (an Advance Steel camera). Selection of these
allows the user to decide which model views they need for modeling and if they require a drawing
generated at that elevation or level.

NOTE: Camera Symbol display is via Advance Steel Contextual menu activation. (Show Camera)

Model Views are also created within the Project Explorer to compliment the levels.

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Contextual menu

The macro is maintained after closure by the inclusion into the contextual menu of Advance Steel,
allowing the user to return to the macro dialog to change and update parameters.

Main features & Benefits:

• Creating multiple grids at required levels to aid modeling and detailing

• Options for Model view and Camera Activation within dialog selection
• Maintaining a macro dialog for Grids/Model views/Cameras, for user interaction

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2.3 New: Camera Creator

The Camera Creator is designed to allow users to quickly create a series of new cameras within the
model space, it allows the user to remain within the dialog and change the parameters for each camera
placed. This tool is designed to complement the previous Grid tools that allow for use of Cameras
within dedicated model views, this is aimed at allowing the user the ability to place cameras as
bespoke locations to predefined View orientations, with provision for used defined orientation based
upon current model UCS.

The cameras can be placed within the model, at required locations with independent control of their
orientation based upon the WCS and Standard view cube orientations, with a user-defined UCS option,
allowing the placement to the current UCS.

To use the Camera Creator, the user will find the tool on the PowerPack ribbon, under the Create
elements panel, grouped with its counterpart tools for Grids.

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Selecting the tool opens the dialog and allows the user to enter the camera type, select the orientation,
enter text in the description field and control the camera's overall size, combined with Drawing style
selection, should the user wish to override their process-driven options.

The workflow recommended is for the user to:

• Choose the Camera direction from the multiple selection buttons.

• Check the counter option, and set initial start values, these can be letters or numbers.
• Select the Camera Type from the drop-down selection menu, with the option select User Styles,
via the ‘User’ checkbox.
• Description field, enter the required view title of the drawing view being created (use counter
token reference as required).
• Adjust the camera size parameters via the Z-Axis and XY viewport dialogs.
• Drawing Style: Set style if required to override drawing process type. Select objects for the
Camera, if limited elements are required, then make and confirm the selection.
• Scale: Select from the drop-down menu the suitable override scale for the Drawing style.
• Place the Camera button and select position within the model.
• Return to the command dialog to repeat the process, for the next camera.
• Exit dialog when completed camera placement.

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Token Use - Camera Counter

With this version we introduce the use of a token system, to allow the user better control over the
creation of text strings, that are pulling information from the model data. The placement of the camera
is indexed with a counter, that can be transposed into the Description field via a token placement
within the text string.

Main features & Benefits:

• Creating multiple Camera in a single operation to aid drawing creation

• Camera numbering reference with Counter options
• Description field tokens for drawing view titles
• Camera parameter control with macro dialog

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3. New: Connection- Truss Sandwich plates

For this version Graitec has introduced a new connection type, designed to work in conjunction with
Truss structures that are of an I Beam type, the connection forms a series of sandwich plates, with
options for shims packs.

The connection created these elements based on the selection of a primary beam (Cord) and then
associated Vertical and up to 2 Diagonal members, with the option to control blot grouping and
member cutbacks.

The command is located on the Connections palette under the Bracings tab, listed at the bottom of the
available commands.

The dialog consists of several main tabs for plates, bolts, and shims, with a library option.

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There are sub-options within the connection to control the beam cutbacks and to allow for central
notching of the sandwich plate(s); also, direct control over if corner cuts are required within the dialog.

Main features & Benefits:

• Easier generation of complex Truss node connections

• Symmetrical and non-systemically arrangements
• User control over bolt patterns and notching

Primary workflow

The user selects the command from the palette, they will then be prompted to follow the following
member selection process:

• Select the main cord member

o This is typically the base member of the Truss or sloping/level top member.

• Select the Vertical Member

o This is typically the what the user would consider the main attaching strut to the cord
(note it may not be vertical in its modeled location)

• Select the First diagonal member

o This is typically a lacing element that is at an incline to the Strut and the cord.

• Select the Second Diagonal member (optional)

o This is typically a lacing element that is at an incline to the Strut and the cord, on the
opposing side of the Strut.

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 What’s New in Advance Steel 2023

4. Novelties – Stairs
4.1 New option: Plate Stringer Width control for flight and landing

A new feature of the 2023 release of Straight Stair tools is the ability to control the Stringer Width for
plate type arrangements, this is by realignment of the User interaction with the controls and
parameters.

Relative to Stringer, Flight stringer plate width control

In previous versions, the plate width of the Stringer was based upon the top and bottom depth inputs,
and the width was derived from those values, in this new release the total width value can now be
controlled by the user when activating the Align on drop-down menu, the menu allows the user to
choose which alignment edge, then adjusting the dialog activation fields accordingly. Options for Top,
Bottom and Top&Bottom.

For example, the Top will then activate the Top depth (dp1) field, with user-driven entry, in conjunction
with the Plate total Width Field being active as well. The user can set the top offset and then see the
calculated figure in the plate total width and if they wish to adjust to a more common size, this can be
done by the entry into the Total plate width dialog cell.

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NOTE 1: Choosing the Top & bottom, the total plate width is greyed, as this is the setting that is
governed by both edge parameters.
NOTE 2: Choosing the bottom will then determine plate width from the bottom edge, with the plate
total width active.

Relative Landing, Landing Stringer – Plate Width Control

The operation and control of the Landing Stringer element have also been updated to align with the
Flight Settings, with more control over the total width for that section of the stringer. There is a drop-
down menu update that allows for similar options to the fight, overTop/Bottom/Top & bottom,
allowing for control of the offset above and below the landing element.

This is combined with a checkbox option (Override Landing plate width) to allow user control over the
landing plate width, should it need to be different from the Flight element.
With this activation of the Total plate width field for landing Stringers, this is automatically transferred
initially from the flight stringer element.
This checkbox activation then enables the Plate total width field, which the user can then enter the
required width.

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With these parameters and options to designate the alignment the user can set each element of the
overall plate stringer to be set out as they require, they can use different combinations between the
elements, if required, for example, top on the flight and bottom on the landing.

Below is an example of this where the flight stringer is set to Top, and the landing stringer is set to
Bottom.

This allows for different parameter fields to be active for the user giving them control as required.

NOTE: Options for Identical stringers can also be enabled, to allow the transfer from inner to outer,
etc.

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 What’s New in Advance Steel 2023

Main features & Benefits:

• Control and configuration in stringer arrangement

• Using both these new features allows the user full control over the plate Stringer type profile
widths
• Enabling the user to match the requirements from the design for minimum Stringer width
definitions

These options are available under the Stringer Tab -> Outer/Inner -> Positioning tab.

4.2 Plate Stringer – Miter Position Control

Within the dialogs of the Stair tools from Graitec, is a new feature Tab to control the miter between
Flight and Landing Stringer elements. This new feature is found under the main Stringer Tab, under the
side panel tabs, and titled Miter cut.

The Miter cut option allows the user to have full control over the various change in directions points of
the stair to landing transition, this is possible using the combination of the inner and outer stringers
tabs, or the identical checkbox option, then with the new Miter tab use of the Graitec Tree dialog to
control the locations for the flights.

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An example of this is that in a multiple flight stair, the change of the flight to the landing can influence
how the plate stringer is created, as one segment or multiple segments.
With the Miter Cut checkbox unchecked the cut between the elements is removed and the stringer is a
combination of both flight and landing elements in one Segment. The user can use the tree dialogs to
browse to a particular location within the flight/landing combinations.

Using the checkbox option with it checked then the stringer element is separated into two separate
segments.

The miter is created as bisecting miter cut when the two segments are of equal width value, which is
controlled within the Stinger. Landing width control options are also introduced within the 2023
version. Also, if the Stringer values are not equal, the miter is created as a bisecting cut between those
elements, maintaining an equal cut value for each segment.

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NOTE: The plate stringers are created as poly plate elements within Advance Steel.

Main features & Benefits:

• Control and configuration of stringer segmentation

• Easier control over preparation for steel fabrication
• Control of stringer overall sizes to suit standard sheet sizes for profile nesting

5. Improvements & Updates

5.1 Updated Ribbon arrangement, combined with New Palettes

For the 2023 version the Powerpack Ribbon has been updated to accommodate new features of the
version, this required some reorganization of the ribbon layout and the introduction of some New
Palettes in the form of Vaults.

There are some Graitec branding updates to several icons within the ribbon, these are only visual
adjustments, and functionality remains as in previous versions.

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Create Elements panel

Within this panel:

• Cold rolled suppliers have been combined into a drop-down menu.

• Glass framing tools have been condensed into a series of drop-down menus.
• Introduction of the New Features commands for:
o Line to Grid
o Multi Grid Level
o Camera Creator

Ribbon>Create Elements> Cold rolled suppliers

Ribbon>Create Elements>Glass framing tools

Ribbon>Create Elements>Line to Grid, Multi Grid Level, Camera Creator

Create Macros Panel

Within this Panel:

• The separate command buttons for the Structure Designer have been combined into a
Structures Vault, that initiates an Advance Steel palette for those series of commands, the
commands are arranged within a series of tabs.

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Ribbon>Create Macros>Structures Vault

Structures Vault>Default Structure Tab Structures Vault>Custom Structures Tab

Structures Vault>Single Storey Tab Structures Vault>Multi Storey Tab

NOTE: The operation of the commands is the same as in previous versions.

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5.2 New libraries

With every version of the PowerPack for Advance Steel, the library content becomes richer and richer
with new profiles from different producers.

For the 2023 version we have added the following:

New Bolt types for the UK

In response to frequent requests for more bolts in the system, we have defined a range of additional
bolts that are often wanted. I have defined all these according to ISO standards.

The bolts included are:

• Dome Nuts:
o DIN1587 - M4-M24
• Blind rivets:
o ISO15977 (7 dia's)
• Button Head Screws:
o ISO 7380 - M5-M16, grades 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, A2 & A4 Standard (NaW) and Dome Nut
• Button Head Screws Setless:
o as above but no nut and washer - user can choose the length.
• Countersunk Screws:
o ISO10642 - M5-M20, grades 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, A2 & A4 Standard (NaW) and Dome Nut
• Countersunk Screws setless:
o as above but no nut and washer - user can choose the length.
• Socket Head Cap Screws ISO 4762
o M5-M64, grades 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, A2 & A4 Standard (NaW)
• Socket Head Cap Screws setless:
o as above but no nut and washer - user can choose the length.
• Studding:
o Plain threaded bar with nut and washer on both ends.
▪ M5-M64 grade 8.8 up to 500 long.
• Plain Washers:
o ISO 7091 Plain Washers
▪ update to part names for BOMs.
o ISO 7089 plain washers
▪ 7091 CE marking requirement, for bolt grade 8.8 or 10.9, and 7089 washers are
required for the other bolt grades.

NOTE: These new bolts can be found within the Management tools bolt editor, also the user can add
them to their preferred sizes if so require.

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NEW: Steadmans Ltd (SIG) - Mezzanine floor profiles and connections

For this release, there is an Update to the Steadmans Mezzanine floor System. Their Range of floor
cleats has been updated in line with the latest specification (March 2022). These changes reflect in
the profiles and connection details:

• Mezzanine floor cleats, Insert, and Oversail updates

• Changes in the hole/bolt centers

Link to Steadmans Mezzanine Systems: Steadmans Mezzanine Floor brochure issue.pdf

Images courtesy of A. Steadmans & Sons

Localization

Spain – Portugal: Localisation for language translation of the Graitec commands and GUI.

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