Defining fixtures

Module(s): Fixtures
Tool(s): Fixtures for precast elements

You can use the Define Fixture tool to define new fixtures graphically, give them attributes and save them in a folder.

Defining a fixture involves the following steps:

1. Click Define Fixture (How) in the Fixtures module
   Or:
   Click Fixtures (How) in the Precast Slab or Precast Wall module and select Define Fixture on the context toolbar.
   

   Activate Fixtures in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Precast Factories Precast Floor/Precast Wall/Structural Precast Units

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   Precast Floor

   Precast Wall

   Structural Precast Units

   

   Activate Define Fixture in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Bonus Tools Fixtures

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   Fixtures

2. Define the type and the attributes of the fixture.
   The attributes that are presented in the Text... area depend on the license you are using.
   

   Element name

   You can enter a name for the fixture with 32 characters maximum. When you save the fixture, the system proposes this name.
   You can use the Modify Parameters tool to assign or change names later.

   The program does not use the element name to associate a fixture with the fixture catalog. Rather, the name of the catalog entry is used. You can select it by clicking the Catalog... button.

   Text

   You can define up to five prompts, which need to be answered when it comes to placing the fixture. If you do not check the box beside a prompt, the program automatically uses the default value for this prompt.

   In addition, you can assign a plan text, which is created after the fixture has been placed. You can position this text as you need. The plan text can also include placeholders (e.g. $P1, $P2 etc.), which are replaced by the relevant answers later.

   You can use the Dim. string index box to specify which dimension line is used to dimension the fixture in associative views and sections (if the Overlapping option is enabled). In addition, this value is taken into account for single panel schemas and element plans.

   The variables V6 to V9 can be included in lists and schedules.

3. Define the geometry of the fixture.
4. Save the fixture.
   

To define the type and the attributes of a fixture

1. Enter an Element name and specify the Fixture type.
2. If necessary, click Text... and enter prompt text, plan text and the variables V6 to V9 for subsequent analyses using lists and schedules.

   Enter a value in the Dim. string index box if you want to create separate dimension lines for fixtures with identical dimension string indices in associative views and sections. In this case, you need to make sure that the Overlapping option is selected on the Dimension block tab in the Dimension line parameters.

   Note: You can enter a value in the Dim. string index box to specify which dimension line is used to dimension the fixture in question in single panel schemas and element plans. This setting only applies to the modules of the precast family. The value you enter here is not the absolute value - it’s the sequence you define!
   If, for example, there are only fixtures with the dimension string indices 4 and 7, the dimensions of these fixtures are still added to the first and second dimension strings.

3. If necessary, click Catalog... and select an existing fixture in the external fixture catalog.
   The name of the selected catalog entry is saved as the Catalog reference object attribute and can be displayed using the shortcut menu of the fixture. When creating lists, schedules and label styles, this attribute is available for selection in the Fixtures category of the dialog box for selecting attributes.
4. If necessary, click Subtype and select an entry. This assignment is required if you want to include fixtures placed manually in the calculations of Unitechnik data. For example, the Connecting elements subtype, transfers two points that are calculated automatically by the program to the Unitechnik data.
   For more information on the individual subtypes, please contact your sales engineer or our Precast Teamline in Salzburg, Austria.
5. Click OK to apply the settings.
   

To define the geometry of a fixture

The manner in which a fixture is displayed and defined depends on its type. Click one of the following fixtures for more information:

• Symbol fixtures
• Linear fixtures
• Surface fixtures
• Fixture groups
• Dynamic group fixture
  

To save a fixture or fixture group

To save a fixture

1. In the Fixtures palette, click the Office, Project or Private folder and then the folder where you want to save the fixture. As an alternative, click New group at the bottom of the palette, enter a name for the new folder and click it.

   If you have already saved a fixture, the Fixtures palette opens with the last folder you selected.
   The navigation field at the top indicates the folder you are currently working in. Back takes you up one level in the hierarchy; use Find to find a name in the current folder.

2. Click Save at the bottom of the palette and accept the name of the fixture by pressing ENTER.

To save a fixture group

1. Enter a name for the fixture group in the Element name area.
2. Select all the fixtures you want to combine into a fixture group.
3. Define a reference point for the smart symbol and a reference point for the height.
4. Save the fixture group using the procedure previously described for the individual fixture.