Model and Export Structural Geometry Directly to S3D
CloudCAD allows you to create structural geometry directly within CAD and export it to Structural 3D (S3D). By assigning structural data to points, lines and hatch regions, CloudCAD understands how each element should be interpreted during export. This guide covers the complete workflow, from assigning structural properties through to reviewing and exporting your model.
Structural Geometry Types
CloudCAD uses different geometry types to represent different structural element during export:
| Geometry Type | Structural Objects |
|---|---|
| Points | Columns or Supports |
| Lines | Beams |
| Hatch Regions | Plates |
Export Workflow
Before exporting to S3D, structural geometry follows a simple four-step workflow:
Worked Example
The following example demonstrates the complete workflow for creating a multi-level structural model in CloudCAD and exporting it directly to S3D
Starting with simple drafting geometry, we will create multiple levels using the Master and Child Canvas system, assign structural data, review the generated model and export it for structural analysis.
Step 1 – Create Ground Floor Column Locations
Begin by creating four points on Canvas 1.
These points represent the column locations for the structure.
At this stage no structural data has been assigned. The points simply define where columns will eventually be projected from the above canvas.
Step 2 – Create the First Floor Canvas
To create the first floor level, duplicate Canvas 1.
Duplicating the canvas copies the existing geometry, ensuring the column locations remain aligned between levels.
When prompted, choose Keep Independent rather than creating a canvas group.
The duplicated canvas can now contain different geometry from the original canvas. This is important because grouped canvases share structural geometry, making them unsuitable when each level requires a different structural layout.
At this stage:
- Canvas 1 contains the ground floor column locations.
- Canvas 2 contains matching column locations at the first floor level.
- Both canvases remain independent and can be modified separately.
This sets up the next step where you draw the beam and plate geometry on Canvas 2.
Step 3 – Create the Floor Framing Layout
On Canvas 2:
- Draw perimeter beam lines connecting the column locations
- Create a hatch region representing the floor slab
Step 4 – Create a Master and Child Canvas Group
Duplicate Canvas 2 to create a third canvas.
When prompted, choose Group Canvas.
Canvas 2 will become the Master Canvas and Canvas 3 will become a Child Canvas.
The Child Canvas automatically inherits the structural geometry and structural data assigned to the Master Canvas. Any structural changes made to the Master Canvas can be propagated to all linked Child Canvases, making this workflow ideal for repeated floor layouts in multi-storey structures.
In this example, the same beam and plate layout will be used on both elevated levels, allowing the structure to be modelled once and reused across multiple floors.
Step 5 – Assign Structural Data to Master
With Geometry complete, structural properties can be applied
- Press command A to select all geometry on the Master Canvas.
- Right-click and select Assign Sections to Points.
- Apply the default structural section.
- Right-click and select Assign Sections to Lines.
- Apply the default structural section.
- Select the hatch region.
- Right-click and select Assign Plate Properties.
- Set the material to Concrete.
- Enter a plate thickness of 300 mm.
Because Canvas 3 is linked as a Child Canvas, all structural geometry and assigned properties are automatically inherited from the Master Canvas. This allows repeated floor layouts to be managed from a single location while maintaining consistent structural data across multiple levels.
Step 6 – Assign Supports
Return to Canvas 1 and assign supports to the column locations.
- Select all column points
- Right-click
- Select Assign Support Fixity
- Choose Fixed
Columns exported from the upper levels will project down to these support locations.
Step 7 – Review Structural Data
Before exporting, review the generated structural model.
- Open the Structural Exporter
- Navigate to the Elevations tab
- Select Examine Structural Data
Step 8 – Export to S3D
Once the model has been reviewed:
- Open the Structural Exporter
- Review export settings
- Select the required Normal Axis
- Click Export to S3D
CloudCAD will generate:
- Ground floor supports
- Vertical columns connecting levels
- Repeated floor framing
- Slab elements
