Import Model
Description
Data for the Refined Analysis structure type may be imported from an ASCII text file, or from an Autodesk® AutoCAD Exchange (DXF) file, using a dialog opened by clicking on the Import Model icon from the Explorer Panel's Toolbar.
Two types of ASCII text files can be imported:
- Structure Exchange File (SXF) - ASCII file format used for exporting and importing structure data to / from Autodesk Structural Bridge Design.
- AutoCAD Exchange File (DXF) - ASCII file format of a drawing file, used by Autodesk Structural Bridge Design for importing structure data from CAD packages.
Clicking on the Import Model button or menu item displays an 'Import Model' form which passes through several steps.
Clicking on the Cancel button of the 'Import Model' form (at any stage) ends the import, leaving the original data unchanged.
Step 1: File Selection:
This offers the following choices:
- Bridge Structure: this option assigns those members that are in the Z = 0.0 plane to be deck members. Deck members are the only members to which highway or railway loading may be applied.
- General Structure: this option does not assign any member as being a deck member.
Clicking on the Browse button brings up a standard file browser. The 'Files of type' filter can be changed to show all files of extension .sxf or .dxf.
Clicking on the Next button proceeds to the next step.
Step 2: Layer or Model Group Selection:
If a DXF file is being imported then the DXF layer selection form is displayed. Only the entities in those layers that are checked will be imported.
If an SXF file is being imported then a list of all the model groups in the SXF file is presented. Only those groups that are checked will be imported.
Select all checks all the items in the list as selected for import.
De-select all clears selection.
Clicking on the Back button returns to the previous step.
Clicking on the Next button proceeds to the next step.
Step 3: Options:
This following options are presented:
Create one sub model group per layer
- If this option is checked then each layer is converted into one sub model group, named after the layer.
- Otherwise all entities are placed in one sub model group, with default name.
Clear existing data before import
- If this option is checked then the existing data is cleared and the imported data becomes the model.
- Otherwise the imported data is added to the data for the existing model. If an inconsistency (example overlapping members) is detected then import is prevented, a message displayed, and the original data restored unchanged.
Split intersecting beam elements
- If this option is checked then any imported beam element which intersects with another imported beam element, or an existing model beam element, will be split at the intersection point.
One linear drawing unit represents one...
- The appropriate scale should be selected from the drop-down.
Clicking on the Back button returns to the previous step.
Clicking on the Next button proceeds to the next step.
Step 4: Summary:
If a DXF file is being imported the program will scan the selected layers for LINE entities, which it will read in as beam elements, and for 3DFACE and SOLID entities, which it will read in as finite elements. All other entities are ignored.
If the imported data is found to be inconsistent then a message is displayed and import is ended. Otherwise the form displays the number of imported entities and the graphic window displays the imported structure.
Clicking on the View SXF File button displays the text of the SXF file that would be created by exporting the newly imported data. This is marked up with warnings (if appropriate) of possible data inconsistencies at the location of the entity to which they refer.
Clicking on the Back button returns to the previous step.
Clicking on the OK button completes the import of the new data and displays the member details form.
