Structural Detailing

[Mallon]

Hi there

 

when i started as an engineer 3 years ago mainly worked on 3d software.

 

I always used autocad as a reference software and for simple sketches .

 

Last 6 months or so ive been using autocad a lot more.

 

I am trying to become more efficent as i am a bit slow. I am using two hands one with the keyboard one with the mouse.

 

I wondered if anyone has a libary of dynamic blocks or lips routines that might help with structural detailing.

 

Or has anyone got any tips for increased efficency.

 

I am quite enjoying autocad and learning how deep the program is

[ReMark]

AutoCAD comes with some structural dynamic blocks (both imperial and metric) already included on the Tool Palettes. Have you used any of them?

 

I believe if you go over to the AUGI website they have a section dedicated just to dynamic blocks. Take a look. Maybe you'll find some that will be useful to you.

 

May I ask why are you sticking with plain AutoCAD and not using one of the vertical products more suitable to what you are doing? Example: http://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad-structural-detailing/features

 

Are you using any lisp programs like Al's Steel Mill or Wisey's Steel Shapes?

 

Would you consider using an AutoCAD add-on product like Advance Steel? It features BIM, generates bills-of-materials, and can produce NC files. Find out more here: http://www.graitec.com/us/as.asp

Edited October 10, 2013 by ReMark

[Mallon]

Hi Remark yes we already have all the the structural blocks. just looking for other blocks that may speed up detailing ie standard holes for different members and anything else that may be of use.

 

Well we only detail simple stuff on autocad. We mainly use solid edge to create a GA then subcontract the detail design to a steelwork design company. We dont do that inhouse any more.

[ReMark]

At the moment I have no other sources for blocks, such as you are looking for, that I can recommend. Should I come across any I'll post links to them in this thread.

[Mallon]

What programs do you use out of interest. and what do you mean when you say a more vertical program.

[ReMark]

We use Al's Steel Mill for shapes and draw our own connection details. Everything is done in plain AutoCAD. We are a small specialty chemical company not a steel detailing company so our need for anything more robust is nil.

 

I provided you with a link to an AutoCAD vertical product. Did you check it out? Vertical products are those that are built on top of plain AutoCAD providing additional functionality for specific industries or purposes. AutoCAD Electrical would be another example of a vertical product among many others. You can learn more about these products at the AutoDesk website.

[Dadgad]

Welcome to CADTutor!

 

You should definitely check out Lee Mac's website, as he has a huge library of wonderful

time saving lisps which he very generously makes available for free on his site.

 

http://www.lee-mac.com/programs.html#general

 

A few of my personal favorites, or at least the ones which are included in my

startup suite are Layer Director, Associative Centerlines, Blockname & Circle Break.

 

Thanks Lee!

 

Take some time and browse through the descriptions.

Lots of them include nice video snips displaying how they work.

[mdbdesign]

Mallon, please contact me on my private e-mail

(this e-mail will be removed n next 15 minutes)

removed

 

Thank you.

[tzframpton]

Al's Steel Mill LISP program is still cream of the crop in my opinion for vanilla AutoCAD structural add-ons. A google search should get you straight to it.