Use a CAD file as background layer in Physical Modeler
Create the ability to use a .dwg or .dxf file as a background when using Staad Physical Modeler. Have clickable nodes in background. Have the ability to place that background at different elevations.
I see. Thanks for adding that clarification. There was a discussion on providing some form of DXF import in the physical modeller grid system, but that would have made it significantly more complex and a more simple system was understandably preferred.
I think however a parallel service that would allow the lines defined in a DXF model to be imported to a new non-structural object layer does seem a useful addition to the program. That could be located with any USC to position and orientate it so that it might work as a floor grid. We would need carefully about the data that would be extracted from the DXF, line type, shape, text etc, and to think about snapping points. Clearly, that should include the end points of lines, however, we would need to think about intersection points of lines and intersection points of lines and beams and whether that would be outside the scope. It might make more sense to define any points that need to be snapped on be defined in the DXF. But overall, I agree a solid idea.
Are you referring to the analytical modeler or the physical modeler? I meant the physical modeler (sorry thought I specified that). I assume you mean analytical modeler as I can't seem to find the menu you are referring to. However, in the event that you do mean the physical modeler, would you mind updating this Wiki:
This capability already exists in STAAD.Pro. If you open the Grid tool from the Geometry Menu (either the beam or plate grids), then in the dialog click Import, there you can pull in a DXF file which will extract the lines as grid lines which can be used for snapping to.
I see. Thanks for adding that clarification. There was a discussion on providing some form of DXF import in the physical modeller grid system, but that would have made it significantly more complex and a more simple system was understandably preferred.
I think however a parallel service that would allow the lines defined in a DXF model to be imported to a new non-structural object layer does seem a useful addition to the program. That could be located with any USC to position and orientate it so that it might work as a floor grid. We would need carefully about the data that would be extracted from the DXF, line type, shape, text etc, and to think about snapping points. Clearly, that should include the end points of lines, however, we would need to think about intersection points of lines and intersection points of lines and beams and whether that would be outside the scope. It might make more sense to define any points that need to be snapped on be defined in the DXF. But overall, I agree a solid idea.
This is great news! Maybe...
Are you referring to the analytical modeler or the physical modeler? I meant the physical modeler (sorry thought I specified that). I assume you mean analytical modeler as I can't seem to find the menu you are referring to. However, in the event that you do mean the physical modeler, would you mind updating this Wiki:
https://communities.bentley.com/products/ram-staad/w/structural_analysis_and_design__wiki/45291/importing-grids-as-dxf-files-into-the-staad-pro-physical-modeler
This capability already exists in STAAD.Pro. If you open the Grid tool from the Geometry Menu (either the beam or plate grids), then in the dialog click Import, there you can pull in a DXF file which will extract the lines as grid lines which can be used for snapping to.