# Steel v8 MDL Help

# Version V8.1.2.15 - Sept 2003

## Description

Steel v8 is a revision of the popular shareware Steel99 MDL application by ProCADDj and Steel97 by Bentley Systems. This version is specifically designed for MicroStation v8. It places a steel section by reading a data file based on the included steel tables. The user has the option of placing a steel hatch pattern or color fill on the section member at the time of placement. The user may define independent color, weight, and level for the section outline and hatching.

This version now includes a new improved Steel v8 ToolBox and Tool Settings Dialog.
The Steel99 MDL Version 7.1.4 for MicroStationJ 7.1 is also included with the application.

Steel v8 places each steel section as a group cell using the section name as the cell name. Since v8 uses long cell names, this is an improvement over the older Steel99 version.

Steel v8 includes 14 Steel table data files, including AISC-9th Ed, Metric-AISC, uk, and many International tables.

Steel v8 automatically remembers the last selected settings and recalls them for the user's next session.

Once the steel v8.ma file is copied to a directory defined by the Environment Variable $(MS_MDL), the application is executed by keying in MDL LOAD Steel v8.

## Usage

1. Installing Steel v8.ma
The following files can all be placed in a directory defined by the $(MS_MDL) variable.
steelv8.ma
help\
steelv8-help.html
tables\
AISC9.stbl
cisc.stf
corusCUSTOM.stf
German.stf
japan.stf
korean.stf
mAISC.stf
pacific.stf
Polish.stf
Russion.stf
uk.stf
us.stf
usAISC21.stf
usLRFDv3.stf
A suggestion is to use an APPL config file to define:
MS_MDL > $(_USTN_SITE)mdlapps / $(_PLATFORMNAME) / steelv8 /
and place the above files in this directory
The steel section data files (.stbl and .stf files) can be put in
a different directories, if desired.
Or a suggestion is to use an APPL or PCF config file to define:
STEEL_TBL = $(_USTN_SITE)mdlapps / $(_PLATFORMNAME) / steelv8 / tables /
and place the above desired table files in this directory
2. Starting Steel v8.ma
In the MicroStation 'Keyin' dialog box type 'mdl load steel v8'.
After the application is loaded, a 'Steel' tool box will be displayed. The tool box contains two icon: 'Place Steel Section', and 'Steel Section Parameters'. Clicking on the place steel icon will start placing a steel section. The steel section is chosen in the Tool Settings dialog. Additional placement parameters are in the Steel Section Parameters dialog, accessible using the Steel Section Parameters Icon.
3. Section data tables
When the application starts up, it reads one or more steel section data tables from ASCII file(s). These files contain the section dimensions. Version 8 of the steel application supports two different steel table formats. One format is that of the "steel97" application that has previously been available, and the other is the steel table format from the Structural for Triforma application. The latter format have been updated more recently and are believed to be more reliable, however there is no warranty, express or implied regarding the accuracy of the steel table information in either format.
A number of steel section files have been included - AISC9.stbl, which was compiled for the steel99 application (previously called 'steel.tbl'), and now modified to the steel97 format; and 13 steel files in the Structural for Triforma format (cisc.stf, corusCUSTOM.stf, German.stf, japan.stf, korean.stf, mAISC.stf, pacific.stf, Polish.stf, Russion.stf, uk.stf, us.stf, usAISC21.stf, usLRFDv3.stf). We recommend that you select the steel tables that are applicable to your work and delete the rest. Alternatively, they can be moved to different directories and the $(STEEL_TBL) configuration variable set up to find the appropriate tables for a particular project.
The format of steel97 application ASCII data format contains the section name,
section type, and dimensions.
------- Example --------------------------------------------------
S12x35 2 12.000000 0.428000 5.078000 0.544000 1.187500
S12x31.8 2 12.000000 0.350000 5.000000 0.544000 1.187500
S10x35 2 10.000000 0.594000 4.944000 0.491000 1.125000
S10x25.4 2 10.000000 0.311000 4.661000 0.491000 1.125000
L8x8x1 7 8.000000 1.000000 8.000000 1.625000
L8x8x0.875 7 8.000000 0.875000 8.000000 1.500000
L8x8x0.75 7 8.000000 0.750000 8.000000 1.375000
------------------------------------------------------------------
The section types are:
Type ID Shape type
-----------------------------------------
1 W-Shape
2 S-Shape
3 HP-Shape
4 M-Shape
5 C-Std. Channels
6 MC-Misc. Channels
7 L-Angles
8 WT-Tees
9 MT-Tees
10 ST-Tees
11 HSS-Tubing
12 Std. Pipe
13 X-Strong Pipe
14 XX-Strong Pipe
Files in this format must have the extension ".stbl".
The Triforma format differs in some particulars. See the beginning of the file usLRFDv3.stf for documentation. These files must have the extension ".stf". Note that the steel application cannot process steel sections with types 6,7,8,13,14,15,16, and 17 in .stf files - their definitions are simply ignored.
The Triforma format follows the new AISC guidelines and does not include fillets for many of the shapes, since these vary widely during manufacturing. The program supports nonzero radius values, but in many cases the radius is set to zero. More of the .stf format steel section files will be available from Bentley in the future.
The application finds the steel tables using the following algorithm.
a. If there is a configuration variable "STEEL_TBL", the application looks
in that directory for all files with extensions ".stbl" and ".stf" and attempts to read them.
b. If no configuration variable "STEEL_TBL" exists, the application looks in the directory that
is pointed to by the MS_DATA configuration variable and attempts to read all files with
extensions ".stbl" and ".stf".
c. Looks in the directory pointed to by the "TFDIR_DATA" directory, if there is one,
for files with ".stf" extension.
d. The application always looks for all files with extension ".stbl" and ".stf" in
the directory that the application is loaded from.
4. Placing sections
- Click on the "Place Steel Section" icon.
- Select the appropriate steel section table from the option button.
- Select the appropriate steel section type from the option button.
- Select the desired section by name in the combo box.
- Choose whether to fill or hatch the steel section, or none.
- All sections are automatically placed as cells, using the same name as the section.
- Cell origins are determined by the active justification at placement time.
- Choose colors, levels, etc., by using the Steel Section Parameters dialog, if desired.

## Notes

The application is loaded with the Key-in: MDL LOAD STEELV8

## Compatibility

The application was originally created for:
MicroStation V5 (1993)

It has since been updated to work with:
MicroStation SE
MicroStation J7.1
MicroStation v8.1

## Origin

The original application was written by:
Bill Steinbock
John Kincaid
Brent Anderson
and Bentley Systems, Inc.

The application was last revised by:
Myron E. Bollman, P.E.
ProCADDj
Granger, IN 46530
e-mail: info@procaddj.com
website: www.procaddj.com

## Shareware

The Steelv8 MDL is Shareware (a distribution method, not a type of software).

Shareware allows you to try before you buy.

This is a complete working version. There are no annoying reminder screens about what it costs, and there are no disabled features. Because overhead is low, the cost is also low. If after evaluating Steel99 and Steel v8, and you find them to be valuable production tools, please return to this web page and forward the suggested amount to ProCADDj via the PayPal link below.

Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you aren't satisfied with the product, you don't pay for it.

its fast, free and secure! Thank You !

Suggested payment is based on your company's usage, as follows:
Single User ............. $20
2 to 24 Users ........... $12 each
25 to 99 Users .......... $6 each
100+ Users .............. $4 each

## Revision History

### Jan 1999:

1. This Version (5.7.2) REPLACES all previous versions (i.e. Steel.ma, Steel2.ma, Steel98.ma)
2. Graphic Group Numbers are now corrected, hatching is correctly grouped to the section shape. This is true if the section is placed with the group cell toggle off, and also true if it is on. If the cell is later dropped, the hatching will still be grouped to the complex shape. Graphic group lock must of course be on.
3. Hatching is now included in the group cell definition, so it will manipulate along with the cell section. It is Not required to use the graphic group lock in this case.
4. Hatching is now dynamically displayed along with the section, providing the Hatch toggle is on.
5. Additional changes were made to better handle the section and hatching symbology.

### Mar 1999:

1. This Version (5.7.3) fixes errors from the previous version to allow the user to use active level, color, and weight settings for the steel section and hatching, if the Settings toggles are off.

### Apr 1999:

1. This Version (5.7.4) fixes problems with hatching angles.

### May 1999:

1. This Version (5.7.5) alerts user of errors when attempting to write the "stlprefs.rsc" preferences file.
2. System Administrator please note: the "stlprefs.rsc file is written to the MS_DATA directory, if this is protected, or is a shared network directory an error may occur. It is suggested that MS_DATA be set to a local or user specific network directory.

### Oct 1999:

1. This Version (5.7.6) fixes the known bug with frozen hatching when the hatch toggle is dynamically set off.
2. Changed interface dialog to allow recall of last selected shape and designated size.
3. Modified "steel99.cfg" file to include the new $(STL_RSC) variable. SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR please note: the "stlprefs.rsc file is now written to the STL_RSC directory, if this is protected, or is a shared network directory an error may occur. It is suggested that STL_RSC be set to a local or user specific network directory.
4. Fixed known and unknown errors in the "Steel.tbl" table file. These errors are numerous and are inherited from the original version of this software, therefore it is recommended that all previous versions of this file be eliminated and replaced with this lasted version.

### March 2000:

1. Upgraded interface to a new "look and feel". Added ToolBox Icons and Tool Settings in lieu of modal dialogbox.
2. Added new "Fill" shape as an additional hatching option.
3. Kept "99" name to maintain past compatibility.

### January 2002:

1. Minor revisions to Steel99, added International table and re-issued as version 7.1.0
2. Source code released to Barry Bentley of Bentley Systems, Inc. for MicroStation v8 update
3. Bentley merged steel99 code with steel97 code, along with v8 updates, and compiled for v8
4. Included 14 Steel Table files (.stbl and .stf), including "steel99.stbl"
5. Latest user selections (sectionInfo) are now stored in the current "userpref" rsc
6. Bentley posted updated "steel" MDL version 08.00.01.01 for MicroStation v8

### August 2002:

1. Bentley posted revised "steel" MDL version 08.00.01.03 for MicroStation v8

### May 2003:

1. ProCADD issued new shareware "steel v8" MDL version 08.01.00.07
2. Changed Toolbox and Tool Settings icons back to steel99 style interface
3. Added justification combo-box and active angle spin-box to tool settings
4. Revised method for selecting and storing current justification
5. Changed layout of parameters dialog box
6. Corrected cell origin to default to current justification
7. Eliminated 'create cell' toggle. Sections are now automatically "orphan cells"
8. Renamed "steel99.stbl" to "AISC9.stbl", based on 9th Edition
9. Revised TS designation to HSS for all Hollow Structural Shapes
10. Made some similar revisions to Steel99, and re-issued as version 7.1.4

### Jul 2003:

1. Fixed cell range problem

### Sept 2003:

1. Added ByLevel Weight and Color capability

Disclaimer
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS-IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER OR NOT ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGE, AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.

Updated: 03-Sep-2003
by ProCADD
All Rights Reserved