Making multiple copies via menu function

SCIA Engineer allows the user to make a multiple copy of the original entity. For this operation, the user has to adjust a set of copy parameters. The parameters are grouped in a dialogue that opens automatically once the Multicopy function is activated.

Number of copies	Specifies the number of copies that will be made.
Connect selected nodes with new beams	Defines whether the individual copies will be interconnected by means of newly inserted 1D members. If so, the user must specify the nodes (i.e. insert them into the selection for the copy operation) where the interconnection will be realised.
Distance vector	By default the distance vector is defined by means of two reference points specified by the user. (The vector along which the selected entities move in order to create the copy is defined by two reference points. The first reference point is the Start point and defines the origin of the copy vector. The second reference point is called the End point and defines the end point of the copy vector. Please note that the first reference point does not have to be located on the entity being copied, it can be defined anywhere within the modelling space.) However, it is possible to enter the vector numerically in the Multicopy table.
Rotation	By default, the copied members are just shifted along the specified vector (see above). It is however possible to rotate the copied members during their "move".
How to define the distance	The distance input either in the table or by means of two reference points can specify: either the distance between two adjacent copies, or the distance between the original and the last copy. If only one copy is being made, the meaning of the two options becomes identical.
How to define the rotation	The rotation angle input in the table can specify: either the angle between two adjacent copies, or the angle between the original and the last copy. If only one copy is being made, the meaning of the two options becomes identical.
Rotation around	The rotation may be defined around UCS axes or around the distance vector. It is obvious that the latter enables the user to input just one angle – around the distance vector.

It is clear from the list of parameters that this variant of copy function provides for advanced definition of copying vector (i.e. the vector that define the direction and distance for the copy operation).

The procedure to make a multiple copy of a 1D member

1. Start function Multicopy:

   1. either: use button [Multicopy] () on toolbar Geometrical manipulations

   2. or: open menu function Manipulations > Multicopy

2. Select 1D member(s) that should be copied.

3. Press key [Esc] to end the selection phase.

4. Set the parameters for the copy operation (see above for their meaning).

5. Define the direction and distance for the copy operation. That is, define first and second point of a vector that defines both the direction and distance. (NOTE: This point is automatically skipped if the distance vector has been input numerically in the table – point 4).

6. Once you define the second point, the action of copying is performed.

7. The function is closed.

The alternative procedure for the multicopy operation

As in the case of other manipulation functions, it is once again possible to swap the first two steps of the procedure.

1. First, you make the selection of entities that you want to copy.

2. Second, you call the Multicopy function.

Then you follow the procedure given above starting from the step 4.

At the end, the selection that has been made prior to calling the copy function remains unchanged.

The picture below shows a possible application of Multicopy function. A spiral staircase can be "generated" just in one multicopy step.