Overview

CloudCAD allows drafting geometry to be converted into a structural model and exported directly into Structural 3D (S3D).

Exporting to Structural 3D begins with assigning structural data.

Structural data tells CloudCAD how your geometry should be interpreted when creating a structural model. Points can become columns, lines can become beams, hatch regions can become slabs or walls, and supports can be assigned to structural nodes.

Once structural data has been assigned, the model can be reviewed and exported directly into Structural 3D.

The typical workflow is:

1. Create drafting geometry.
2. Assign structural data.
3. Review assigned structural data.
4. Export to S3D.
5. Continue analysis and design in Structural 3D.

Structural Geometry Types

CloudCAD uses different geometry types to represent different structural elements:

INSERT TABLE HERE 
GEO type I Structural element 

Point – columns

Lines – beams 

hatch regions – plates, slabs walls 

Supports can also be assigned to points to define how the structure is restrained.

Once structural data has been assigned, CloudCAD can automatically generate structural members during export and create a Structural 3D model ready for analysis and design.

INSERT WORKFLOW DIAGRAM HERE

Geometry > Structural data > review > Export to S3D

Assigning Structural Data

Structural mode is enabled by default, meaning all newly created geometry is assigned structural data and properties by default

Structural Mode can controlled:

• via the structural toggle in the bottom right of the screen (screenshot)
• Via the default shortcut S3

If structural mode is disabled geometry will be behaves are drafting only and objects will be excluded during export.

Assigning supports:

Supports define how a structure is restrained and can only be applied to points on your model.

To assign supports

1. highlight desired supports
2. rightclick
3. select assign support fixity
4. Choose support type from either pinned or fixed
5. if other is chosen enter custom fixity codes

INSERT SS HERE

For example

• Fixed support = FFFFFF
• Other – RFFRRR = Roller support

once assigned these can be taken to S3D

 

Assigning sections to Points (Columns) 

Points are used to define column locations.

To assign structural data to points

1. highlight required points
2. Rightclick
3. select assign sections to points
4. enable structural data
5. Apply a section

Points assigned structural sections will be exported as columns.

Columns are generated projecting belo the selected canvas. Allowing for columns to connect within levels within multistory models.

SCREENSHOT HERE

Assigning Sections to Lines

Lines are used to represent beams.

To assign structural data to lines:

1. Select the required lines.
2. Right-click.
3. Select Assign Sections to Lines.
4. Enable Structural Behaviour.
5. Apply a section.

Lines assigned structural sections will be exported as beam members in Structural 3D.

INSERT LINE SECTION SCREENSHOT HERE

Assigning Plate Properties

Hatch regions are referred to as plates because they represent surface-based structural elements such as slabs and walls.

To assign plate properties:

1. Select the required hatch regions.
2. Right-click.
3. Select Assign Plate Properties.
4. Enable Structural Behaviour.
5. Select a material.
6. Enter a plate thickness.

Plate properties can also be modified at any time by double-clicking an existing hatch region.

INSERT PLATE PROPERTY SCREENSHOT HERE

Reviewing Structural Data

before exporting to S3D it’s recommended to review all assigned structural data.
To do this:

1. Open the structural exporter by selecting the S3D button in the bottom right corner
2. Navigate to the elevations tab
3. select the magnifying glass icon labelled examine structural data

CloudCAD will display all assigned structural information in tables displaying:

• supports
• columns
• beams
• plates

Reviewing structural data before exporting is the quickest way to identify issues and ensure model is ready to be exported.

Exporting to S3D

WORKED EXAMPLE