Tools
Contents
- Redesigned Input Wizard
- Parametric model module improvements
- Enhanced Colour schema functionality
- Pick/Copy Identifier
- Position numbering improvement
Redesigned Input Wizard
The FEM-Design Input Wizard allows users to store and access parameterized type models for analysis and design processes within the 3D Structure module. By selecting a type model and configuring its parameters, the desired model can be seamlessly integrated into the active project.
Expanded library and improved search
The updated Input Wizard, featuring enhanced functionality and a redesigned user interface, now includes an expanded library of built-in type models provided by StruSoft. This library has been enriched with new members, such as 2D frames, trusses and shell structures. Additionally, the Input Wizard serves as the central repository for custom model files/templates created with the Parametric model module.
To enhance usability, a powerful search function has been introduced, allowing us to quickly locate desired models by typing part of their name.
Simplified parameter customization
Once a type model is selected, a dedicated window opens for parameter configuration. Here, we can define the size-related parameters, while instantly visualizing the resulting geometry in a preview workspace. Parameters can also be sorted by name, type, or value.
Dynamic preview for enhanced usability
The parameter setting interface also includes a model window, allowing users to view and interact with their model in real time. Features such as scrolling for detailed zooming, setting custom or selecting predefined viewpoints, and adjusting display settings on the fly provide a highly interactive experience.
Easy integration into projects
When parameter values are finalized, the model can be seamlessly inserted into the active project by defining its position and orientation.
After the auto generation of the model geometry based on the content of the selected template, users retain full control to modify specific attributes — such as materials, cross-sections, or other component characteristics — using FEM-Design’s familiar tools. Additional elements can also be added to the base geometry, enabling complete customization for project-specific needs.
Parametric model module improvements
The Parametric model module is a FEM-Design add-on designed for the straightforward graphical creation and editing of parameterised structural templates. These parametric models can be inserted into FEM-Design 3D Structure projects (via the Input Wizard) by specifying parameter values as well as insertion position and orientation. Such models can serve as reusable and expandable design components or even as 2D plane or 3D analytical models complete with loads and supports, ready for calculation.
The Parametric model module of FEM-Design 24 introduces several new features, including functional automation and advanced configuration options, enabling users to quickly and easily create parameterised models enriched with detailed properties.
Automations
Creating parametric models often involves transforming pre-designed analytical structures into parameterised templates. These structures may originate from models designed (even based on imported IFC models or CAD drawings) and saved in FEM-Design 3D Structure, later imported into the Parametric model module, or built directly within the module itself. Previously, the parametrization process could be time-consuming due to repetitive, manual steps. With its latest release, Parametric model dramatically speeds up this process by incorporating recognition and creation automations.
One-click automatic parametrization
This feature enables immediate parametrization of a structure (including supports and loads) or a selected part of it in the global coordinate system. Upon activation, the system performs multiple operations in sequence, which can also be executed individually (detailed in the following chapters). The result contains auxiliary objects (such as base rays/planes and locks) in addition to length parameters defined in the X, Y, and Z directions of the global coordinate system.
Note: The feature works only on selected structural and load objects, which must be on active layers.
With the available options of Auto parametrization, we can influence the naming of the generated parameters:
- Same parameter for same distance: When enabled, identical lengths in the same direction are represented by a single parameter, ideal for repetitive configurations like evenly spaced columns in a hall or roof structure. When disabled, each detected length generates a unique parameter.
- Prefix: Allows users to specify a prefix for the automatically generated parameter names.
- Direction-dependent prefix: When enabled, the names of the new length parameters reflect the axis direction in the global coordinate system. When disabled, parameters are named based on the provided Prefix and are assigned unique serial numbers.
Generated parameters can be renamed, merged, modified, or deleted later using the Constraint and Parameter commands.
Automatic Base object creation
With new automation features, users can now place orthogonal base objects (aligned with the directions of the global coordinate system) at the endpoints of selected objects. These base objects serve as references for locking analytical model objects in subsequent steps.
- Automatic generation of Base rays at endpoints of line and surface objects
Example: Creation of base rays parallel with global coordinate axes (e.g., in the X-Z work plane) for selected bar elements.
- Automatic generation of Base planes at endpoints of line and surface objects
Example: Creation of base planes parallel with global coordinate axes for selected shell elements.
Additionally, base objects can be generated along the edges, lines, or regions of selected objects using dedicated tools for precise placement. In this case, the directions align with the selected line or region orientations, meaning they can differ from the global coordinate system directions.
Automatic object locking to Base objects
Selected structural or load objects and Base objects can now be quickly linked to each other in a single step, by using the new Multiple tool of the Lock command. Locks symbolize the common endpoints of the selected objects and Base rays/planes. Parameters will later be assigned to these Base objects (using the Constraint function), which will control the dimensional changes of the linked objects (bars, shells, supports, and loads).
Note: Since locking is selection-based, the layers of both the structural or load objects and the Base objects we want to connect must be active.
Automatic Constraint creation
Previously, constraints could only be created by manually selecting pairs of locked base objects one at a time. With the new Multiple tool of the Constraint command, we can now assign constraints across the entire model in a single step. These constraints are defined by the locked object nodes and the directions of the base objects. Constraints can either be:
- Parametric constraints: These represent modifiable distances (Parameters) that can be adjusted during the transformation of the parametric model into a 3D Structure model (via the Input Wizard). Their initial value is automatically set based on the actual distance at the time of creation.
- Fixed constraints: These define and store distances with fixed values, which remain constant and unchangeable when the model is transformed into a 3D structure model.
Key features:
- Automatic parameter creation with a single selection
- Automatic distance locking with a single selection
During the parametric modelling process, the type of constraints can be easily switched between Fixed and Parametric using the Convert tool.
Note: A fixed constraint can still be modified within a Parametric model project (using the Properties tool). However, in a 3D Structure project, only Parametric constraints can be modified (using the Input Wizard).
Automatic positioning of Base Objects and Constraints
To enhance clarity and overview within a parametric model, FEM-Design 24 introduces a new option (Settings > Project > Parametrization) that automatically adjusts the positioning of base objects and aligns constraint names/values to the structure whenever any of them are modified.
Quick Parameter Modification
Parametric constraints within a project can be managed and reviewed in a structured table format using the Parameter command dialog.
Key features:
- Easily modify default values and names: we can edit the default values and names of individual parameters. Changes can be immediately previewed and stored in the model space by clicking the new Apply button. When saving a template (.prm file) for the Input Wizard, the model geometry will reflect the default parameter values. Final adjustments to parameter values can be made in the Input Wizard to match the desired model dimensions.
- Sort and organize parameters: Parameters can be sorted within the table by Name, Type, or Value. If new parameters are added, they will be placed in the appropriate position according to the current sorting order when Apply is clicked. The applied sorting order remains active until the project is closed. By default, parameters are listed alphabetically by Name to simplify locating specific entries.
Note: Deleting Base objects, Locks, Grids, or Constraints does not automatically remove their associated Parameters. This flexibility allows parameters to be defined at any stage of parametric model creation. Parameters can be deleted directly within the Parameter dialog.
Template sharing
New template sharing features streamline the process of storing and distributing parametric models, ensuring they are accessible for the 3D Structure module and shareable with colleagues or across devices.
Saving templates for 3D Structure
The Input Wizard in the 3D Structure module retrieves parametric models from a designated folder. To eliminate the need to manually locate this folder during every save, a new command – Save for Input Wizard – allows direct saving to the required directory, simplifying the workflow.
Note: A template appears in the Input Wizard preview exactly as it was configured at the time of saving. This includes the settings (such as viewpoint, zoom level, active layers, and display modes) and the visible object content of the saved view.
Company-wide templates
For companies with standardized project requirements and documentation processes, a unified approach is often essential. To support this, project settings and type libraries – including materials, cross-sections, panels, loads, joints, rigidities, end releases, and more – can be saved as Company settings.
A major enhancement allows saved parametric models (.prm files) to be included as external files in the shared data package, ensuring that all team members or computers can access and utilize these models consistently.
Enhanced Colour schema functionality
One of the key visual tools in FEM-Design is the Colour schema function, which allows users to differentiate model objects by specific properties or criteria. This feature provides immediate visual feedback in the modelling space, offering a quick way to verify key object attributes while enhancing the clarity and comprehensibility of documentation visuals.
FEM-Design 24 expands this functionality with significant updates:
- New object types: We can now colour-code various supports, connections, and modelling tools (highlighted in blue in the illustration) based on their key attributes.
- New criteria: Bar elements (Beam, Column, Truss) can now be coloured by their End release type. Additionally, newly colourable objects can be classified by criteria such as Identifier, Construction stage, Rigidity type or End release type.
The next animation demonstrates an example of colouring a 3D bar system by the end release type of its members. Since bars can have different release types at each end, their concatenated values are displayed as unique, separate colour categories (e.g., “Hinged - Fixed”). The “Custom” category represents end releases that are not saved as types. This visual distinction can assist in identifying objects not yet assigned to a type, facilitating any necessary modifications during the design process.
Pick/Copy Identifier
Identifiers for analytical objects are highly valuable for distinguishing, grouping, filtering, visualising, documenting, and listing objects efficiently. FEM-Design 24 introduces enhanced functionality to transfer these identifiers seamlessly between objects, offering significant flexibility in object management:
- Pick properties allows that when creating a new object, we can adopt the properties (including Identifier) of an existing object.
Example: Drawing a new beam while inheriting the Identifier of an existing beam.
- Copy properties transfers properties, including Identifiers, between existing objects.
Example: Assigning the Identifier of one truss member to another similar member.
After transferring Identifiers, the Numbering tool can be used to append unique position numbers, ensuring that all identifiers remain unique within the project.
Position numbering improvement
Position numbering facilitates the creation of unique identifiers by complementing custom Identifier names with distinct Position numbers.
The manually controlled, selection-based numbering process is designed to efficiently address the following needs:
- For objects with the same Identifier name, generate unique Position numbers.
- For objects with different Identifier names, allow the assignment of the same Position number.
The Numbering tool of FEM-Design 24 supports both scenarios through the newly introduced on/off option called Increase automatically, offering flexible control over Position number generation.
