Defining a new catalogue block

The process for the definition (or we can say insertion) of a new catalogue block into a SCIA Engineer project consists of a few steps.

The procedure for the definition of a catalogue block

  1. Call function Catalogue block. There are several way to do so:

    1. Use tree menu function Library > Catalogue block.

    2. Activate menu function Libraries > Catalogue block.

    3. Open service Structure in the menu tree and then call function Catalogue block.

  2. The function opens the Catalogue block manager. If no catalogue block has been defined yet in the project, the program automatically opens New catalogue block dialogue (see point 4 of the procedure.

  3. Select function New in the Catalogue block manager dialogue.

  4. From the New catalogue block dialogue select the required type of catalogue block (standard structure).

  5. Fill in the catalogue block parameters (name, dimensions, cross-section type, etc.).

  6. Review the catalogue block parameters.

  7. Close the Catalogue block manager.

  8. Insert the catalogue block into the modelling space. This step may be repeated as many times as required. This insertion phase is a standard "insert new entity" action and can be closed accordingly.

Note 1: Step 2 may be preceded by one more intermediate step. If no cross-section has been defined when the Catalogue block manager is being opened, the dialogue for the definition of a new cross-section is opened first. After at least one cross-section is defined, dialogue and Cross-section manager are closed, then the Catalogue block manager is finally opened.

Note 2: Step 8 is available ONLY IF the Catalogue block function was called from within service Structure. Otherwise, the catalogue blocks defined in steps 1 to 7 are added into the project and saved with it when the project is saved, but they are not included into the model.

Note 3: When a catalogue block has been defined and is being inserted into the modelling space, the mouse cursor is attached to one of the block nodes. If required, the user may change this node and define a new insertion point of the catalogue block. To do so, button [Change the insertion point] (image\Icon_Cat_Block_Ins_Point.gif) that is located at the end of the toolbar above the command line must be pressed. The catalogue block is then temporarily placed "somewhere" into the modelling space and the user may select the new insertion point (using any SNAP options that may be convenient for this). Once the new insertion point is selected, the mouse cursor is attached to it and the user may finish the insertion of the catalogue block.