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Using the user blocks

The application of user blocks can be divided into three independent steps. The steps must be carried out in the given order and all of them must be made.

Creating the user block

A user block can be created as a standard project. There are no explicit restrictions to it. Usually, the user will be working on his/her project and either at the end or some time during the design phase s/he decides to make a user block of the current state of the project.

Then the only thing that must be done is save the project to the disk. It may be useful, however not compulsory, to use function Save As and give the project such a name that gives a hint about the structure in the project.

Storing the user block to the library

In order to be usable as a user block, the project must be stored in the User block library folder (see Program settings > Directory settings). This may be achieved in two ways.

The user specifies the proper path in the Save As dialogue (see paragraph above) and saves the project directly to the User block library folder.
The user saves the project to his/her common project folder and then copies the file to the User block library folder. The file may be copied in any file-management tool (e.g. Windows Explorer, Total Commander, My Computer dialogue, etc.)

Tip: The user blocks may be stored not only in the given User block library folder, but they may be arranged in a tree of subfolders. The subfolders may then group user blocks that have something in common. This arrangement may lead to easier and clearer application of user blocks, especially if a long time passes from the time they were created and stored.

Inserting the user block into another project

The procedure for insertion of a user block into a project

Open service Structure:
1. either by means of tree menu function Structure,
2. or by means of menu function Tree > Structure,
3. or by means of icon Structure on toolbar Project.
Select and activate function User blocks.
A User block wizard opens on the screen. Its left hand side window shows the organisation of the User block library folder, i.e. it shows any possible subfolders. The right hand side window then displays all available user blocks saved in the appropriate folder or subfolder.
Select the required folder.
Select the required User block.
Click [OK] in order to insert the block to the current project.
Select the required options for the import (see below).
Position the user block to the desired place and click the left mouse button to put the block there.
If required, repeat the previous step as many times as required or necessary.

Note: It the User block is a parameterised project, the program asks the user to provide all necessary parameters in order to complete the definition of the user block.

Import user block parameters

Import type	Only structure Only structural members (1D members, slabs, shells, etc.) will be imported. Structure with all other data Both the structure and all other defined data such as supports, loads, load cases, connections, etc. will be imported. Structure with selective other data The structure will be imported together with user-selected model and other data. Only other data Only the model and other additional data will be imported. No structural member will be added to the current project.
Model	(available only for option Structure with selective other data) If ON, the model data (e.g. supports) will be imported.
Loads	(available only for option Structure with selective other data) If ON, the loads will be imported.
Connections	(available only for option Structure with selective other data) If ON, the connections will be imported.
Import structure into	New layers The structure will be imported into new layers. The number of newly created layers corresponds to the number of layers in the user block. Identical layers by name (when exist) The import procedure tries to place the structural members from the user block into identical layers in the current project – if such layers exist. In necessary, new layers are created. Current layer The whole user block is imported into the current (active) layer of the current project.
Load cases	Add block library item New load cases are added in the Load case manager. The number of added load cases is equal to the number of load cases stored in the imported user block. Collect block library item by name The import procedure compares the names of load cases in the imported user block and in the current project and when possible, it puts the imported loads into the existing load cases.
Cross-sections	Analogous to the load cases above.
Load groups	Analogous to the load cases above.
Others	Analogous to the load cases above.

Note: The number and type of the parameters in the import user block dialogue may vary depending on the contents of the current project and imported block.

Limitations of the import

Different national code in the imported user block and current project

The national code of the imported user block is changed to the national code of the current project.

Each used material of the user block is shown to the user. User has to assign one material from the current project. The assignment rule can be remembered and used for next user blocks (then it is applied automatically without asking). No materials from the user block are added to the new project.

Parameters

After the modification of the user block, all parameters are disconnected from the block items and they are not copied into current project.

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