Assignment Controller
Description
It is frequently necessary to assign attributes (properties) to an object (entity). Simple examples are assignment of material properties to members or assignment of loads to nodes. In each of these cases a defined attribute (or selection of attributes) is assigned to an object. The same attribute is frequently common to many objects (a set) and the assignment controller allows multiple assignments to be made easily to sets of objects.
If a form contains an assignment controller then every attribute specified in the form is assigned to every one of the set of objects listed in the assignment controller.
Normally the assignment controller contains a list of reference numbers (e.g. Joint Reference Numbers or Member Reference Numbers).
However, in some instances additional information is contained (e.g. the start or end of a beam element is specified by appending s or e to the beam reference number as shown below):
Outline Procedure
Objects may be selected and added to the list of assignments in a number of different ways:
Graphics Window
Objects may be selected directly by clicking on the object in the graphic window. Alternatively groups of objects may be selected and added to the list of assignments using Member Selection in the graphic window.
Direct Selection in Drop-Down Checklist
The selection drop-down checklist contains every object that can be assigned. Checking a box adds its object to the list of assignments and shows it in the graphic window.
Input as Text
Clicking on this icon brings up a panel in which the reference numbers of objects may be entered as integers separated by spaces or commas. A series of reference numbers may be defined by entering 'TO', e.g.:
Copy List
Clicking on this icon copies the presently defined list of assignments to the Windows clipboard.
Paste List
Clicking on this icon pastes the present content of the clipboard into the list of assignments.
Copy to Other Construction Stages
Brings up the 'Copy to Other Construction Stages' form for various assignments including Section Properties, Supports, Beam Releases and Beam Eccentricities.