Vision 1 Architects

Formula's in Property Sets

2005-07-01T19:59:00.000+09:30

I have found that users of ADT that have never programed generally have probelms using formula's in property sets. They can be very simple and yet so powerful. They allow you to make decisions on the fly and show alternative information based on comparing properties.

To use an example is always the best way. If you are new to ADT of customisation, try to create the properties in this example and then try to pull it apart. You will learn much more by destroying something that works and then trying to put it back together.

Here we are going to put a property set to lines that represent bracing walls. Yes you can use simple elements - they don't always have to be AEC objects. Make a propety set called bracing and make them attach to lines. Now its time to create the properties with the data that we can schedule. Remember we are going to use formulas - here is why . . . . .

When we do bracing walls there are a couple of types
1. Calculated - the total strength is based on racking\m X length
2. Actual - These have a value based on standard tested results i.e columns

To have these appear in the same schedule we need to be able to distinguish between them BUT still put them in the same schedules. To do this we create a property that shows if it is calculated or actual. From here other properties will be changed dependant upon this tag and this is the formula part. Here are the properties

The important part here is the formula for STRENGTH it reads

If [panel] Then RESULT = [Length] *[racking] Else RESULT = [racking]

Try drawing a line and them manually attaching the property set to it. When you do you can then change the properties to reflect the type of bracing wall - is a panel wall. If it is NO it then takes the value of the racking without multiplying the length to get the strength. This is the IF statement in the strength column and the calculation is appropriate.

Try scheduling it see what happens. Here's some homework - make another tag and make it read for the type of bracing wall in text - Panel or column ????

I know this is a simple example but not everyone wants to start at the top. I think some of the advanced users forget this. We are not hear to show how big our ego's are by using big formula's or comple example . . . . my aim is to palnt the seen in your mind. It's up to you to make it grow and water the seed . ..

Scheduling AND Xrefing

2005-06-22T18:15:00.000+09:30

I came across an oddity with scheduling in a view and then dragging the view to sheet. The Schedules were blank. All the headers where there but no data - I was perplexed - did I need the schedule or property definitions in the sheet - NO.

Here's the scenario - The view had a construct floor plan in it, we then had some lines drawn over the construct to represent bracing walls which are then tagged with a property set to describe the ID,Type,Racking, Length and Strength. This data is then scheduled together to get the total strength of all bracing. The schedules work fine, they where set to automatically update and to pick only lines on a layer filter. In the view looks fine THEN .. . ...

Drag the view into the sheet and BANG - no data. After changing a few things I worked out that the layer filter MUST account for the new layer name when Xref. For example, if you explicitly have a layer name for the filter such as brace , when the drawing is xrefed in it will have the name xrefbrace and this is where the problem lies. The filter needs ato be at least *brace to pick up the lines in the sheet

Without that, ADT in the sheet must not be able to work out the data. It then made me realise that ADT must actually recalulate the schedule when the sheet is open when set to automatically update.

Another oddity to add to the list of ADT

ADT 2006

2005-05-05T21:31:00.000+09:30

Welcome to my intial post. It is my intention to put a real life twist and tutorial on the use of ADT 2006. I'm not affliated with anyone but have been using Autocad\ADT since 1987 - yes Autocad version 2.16

In my time I have been a big customiser of the out-of-box system. As a result I have learnt many TRICKS and effiencies in the system. They may not be technically correct BUT . . . What is the purpose of this software - TO MAKE MONEY. Not be technically correct of spend hours pefecting the best soultion but convey your design ideas into a digital format to give to others. The faster the better.

We are based in Australia and have found very little FREE content to help Australian content. It is my intention to put together some form of FREE on-line collabarative content to help Australian architect. . . input from other Autralian architects and designers is more than welcome.