Specifying the block parameters

The specification of catalogue block parameters can be done in a dialogue for editing of a particular catalogue block. This dialogue is opened automatically once the user selects and confirms the required type in the New catalogue block type dialogue. In addition, the editing dialogue can be opened any time later via the [Edit] button of the Catalogue block manager.

The editing dialogue consists of three main parts:

Graphical window	It displays the particular catalogue block. For some types it includes dimension lines, labels, etc.
Property table	It comprises all the parameters the catalogue block and provides for their insertion and editing .
Legend drawing	It shows the meaning of individual parameters on a drawing of a sample catalogue block structure.
Control buttons	They close the editing dialogue in the required way.

Graphical window

The graphical window displays the catalogue block. For some of the types also dimension lines and labels are available. The drawing immediately reflects any modifications of geometry parameters made in the property table.

Property table

The property table contains all the parameters that are necessary for full definition of the selected catalogue block structure. The parameters can be both input or edited in this table.

The parameters can be divided into three groups: name, geometry parameters, and specification of cross-section or cross-sections. The number of cross-sections that must be specifies depends on the type of the catalogue block. E.g. curves require just one cross-section, and e.g. 3D frames need three ones.

If the graphical window displays also dimension lines, then there exists a special interconnection between the property table and graphical window. The principles, main features and advantages of this interconnection are described in detail in book Cross-sections, chapter Specifying sectional parameters and properties.

Control buttons

Button [OK]

This button closes the dialogue and accepts all the inputs and changes made in it.

If a new catalogue block has been defined in the editing dialogue it is inserted into the project.

If an existing catalogue block has been modified here, the changes are taken into account and saved into the project.

Button [Cancel]

This button closes the dialogue and all the inputs and changes made in it are abandoned.

If a new catalogue block has been defined in the editing dialogue it is NOT inserted into the project.

If an existing catalogue block has been modified here, the changes are not taken into account.