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MDS User Guide
Revision Sheet
Contents Page
User Guide
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
Overview of the MDS Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
Administrators Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2
MDS Catalogues and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2
Trunnions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1
Hangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1
Create a Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1
Using the Filter Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:4
Select a Creation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:5
End the Creation of a Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:8
Modify a Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:8
Rotate all Hanger Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
Rotate a Hanger Member. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
Additional Modification Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
Create an MDS Hanger using a Manufacturers Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:13
Change MDS Hanger Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:13
Create a Hanger - Witch Hanger interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:14
Create a Hanger - PSDesigner and LICAD Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:20
1 Introduction
The MDS User Guide provides guidance to the design engineer on how to create supports
using the Multi Discipline Supports (MDS) application. It is assumed that the design
engineer has a basic understanding of the application.
9. Complete the process (the Integrity Checker runs automatically at this point).
10. Run the MDS Health Check Utility, which performs a comprehensive check for the
existence of any problems.
2. Select Design > Multi Discipline Supports from the main menu (Figure 2:2.:
Design pull-down menu).
The start-up form re-initialises to become the MDS startup display (Figure 2:3.: MDS
startup display), which includes all functions specific to the MDS application.
The system tests for the existence of the design template database /MDS/
TEMPLATES and the /MDS and /MDF specifications. If neither of these exists, MDS
entry is stopped, an error message is displayed, and you re-enter the DESIGN General
Application. If this occurs, ask your administrator to add the owning databases to your
MDB (Multiple Database).
Figure 2:4. Default Creation Zone form - Zone for Supports tab
The user can create multiple Support Zones. Refer to Create Support Zones for further
information.
When the application is installed, the Default Creation Zone for hangers is unset, the
user can create multiple Hanger Zones. Refer to Create Hanger Zones for further
information.
Figure 2:5. Default Creation Zone form - Zone for Hangers tab
When the Support Zones and Hanger Zones have been created, the user can define
the default zones to be used by the MDS application. Refer to the MDS Administrator
Guide for further information.
1. Navigate to an appropriate SITE element and select Create > Zone from the main
menu. The Create Zone form is displayed:
4. Select the Purpose attribute and modify the value to SUPP. SUPP is the default value
for a support zone stored in the MDS/APPDEFAULTS database, refer to the MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
5. Click the Apply button and close the Attributes form. The user is returned to the Create
Zone form.
6. Click the OK button, the Support Zone element is created in Design Explorer and
displayed in the Default Creation Zone form:
Figure 2:9. Default Creation Zone form with created Support Zone
4. Select the Purpose attribute and modify the value to HANG. HANG is the default value
for a hanger zone stored in the MDS/APPDEFAULTS database, refer to the MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
5. Click the Apply button and close the Attributes form. The user is returned to the Create
Zone form.
6. Click the OK button, the Hanger Zone element is created in Design Explorer and
displayed in the Default Creation Zone form:
Figure 2:13. Default Creation Zone form with created Hanger Zone
Each icon and its assigned action or purpose is listed in the following table:
Specials Springs
Defaults Wizard
Reports
Each icon and its assigned action or purpose is listed in the following table:
Add Supports
The Add Supports functionality allows the user to quickly add MDS support information to
the 3D view without first locating all of the different parts that make up a support in the
Design Explorer.
The tools provided are hierarchy based so, in general, the higher up the design hierarchy
you are positioned when using Add Supports, the more supports are added to the 3D view.
For example, if you are positioned at pipe level and wish to display all of the MDS supports
for the pipe, click the Add Supports icon to display all of the support ATTA, STRU and
HANG elements for all of the pipe branches.
The table below describes the expected behaviour for the currently selected element.
Element Behaviour
BRAN MEM Add STRU and HANG of supports belonging to this branch member
(ATTA).
BRAN Add all STRU and HANG of supports belonging to this branch.
PIPE Add all STRU and HANG of supports belonging to this PIPE.
PIPE-ZONE Add all STRU and HANG of supports belonging to the pipes of this
zone.
PIPE-SITE Add all STRU and HANG of supports belonging to the pipes of this
site.
HANG MEM Add STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports belonging to
this hanger element.
HANG Add STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports belonging to
this hanger.
REST Add STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports belonging to
this REST.
REST-ZONE Add all STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports belonging
to this zone.
REST-SITE Add all STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports belonging
to this site.
FRMW MEM Add STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports belonging to
this frame member.
FRMW Add STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports belonging to
this framework.
STRU Add STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports belonging to
this STRU.
STRU-ZONE Add all STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports belonging
to this zone.
STRU-SITE Add all STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports belonging
to this site.
Remove Supports
The Remove Supports functionality allows the user to quickly remove MDS support
information from the 3D view without first locating all of the different parts that make up a
support in the Design Explorer.
The tools provided are hierarchy based so, in general, the higher up the design hierarchy
you are positioned when using Remove Supports, the more supports are removed from the
3D view.
For example, if you are positioned at pipe level and wish to remove from the display all of
the MDS supports for the pipe, click the Remove Supports icon to remove all of the
support ATTA, STRU and HANG elements for all of the pipe branches.
The table below describes the expected behaviour for the currently selected element.
Element Behaviour
BRAN MEM Remove STRU and HANG of supports belonging to this branch
member (ATTA).
BRAN Remove all STRU and HANG of supports belonging to this branch.
PIPE Remove all STRU and HANG of supports belonging to this PIPE.
PIPE-ZONE Remove all STRU and HANG of supports belonging to the pipes of
this zone.
PIPE-SITE Remove all STRU and HANG of supports belonging to the pipes of
this site.
HANG MEM Remove STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports
belonging to this hanger element.
HANG Remove STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports
belonging to this hanger.
REST Remove STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports
belonging to this REST.
REST-ZONE Remove all STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports
belonging to this zone.
REST-SITE Remove all STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports
belonging to this site.
FRMW MEM Remove STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports
belonging to this frame member.
FRMW Remove STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports
belonging to this framework.
STRU Remove STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports
belonging to this STRU.
STRU-ZONE Remove all STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports
belonging to this zone.
STRU-SITE Remove all STRU, REST and ATTA (with Branch) of supports
belonging to this site.
For example, if you are positioned at pipe level and wish to display all of the reference
supports for the pipe, click the Add Reference Supports icon to display all of the
reference support attas associated with existing supports. The 3D view will also display the
branch that the support attas belong to and any secondary steelwork (if available).
The table below describes the expected behaviour for the currently selected element.
Element Behaviour
BRAN MEM Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the branch
member (ATTA).
BRAN Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from ATTA's of
the branch.
PIPE Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from ATTA's of
this PIPE.
PIPE-ZONE Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from ATTA's of
this zone.
PIPE-SITE Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from ATTA's of
this site.
HANG MEM Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the HANG MEM.
HANG Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the HANG.
REST Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the REST.
REST-ZONE Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA's
of the REST-ZONE.
REST-SITE Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA's
of the REST-SITE.
FRMW MEM Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the FRMW MEM.
FRMW Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the FRMW.
Element Behaviour
STRU Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the STRU.
STRU-ZONE Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA's
of the STRU-ZONE.
STRU-SITE Add all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA's
of the STRU-SITE.
the reference supports for the pipe, click the Remove Reference Supports icon to
remove all of the reference support attas associated with existing supports. The 3D view will
also remove from the display the branch that the support attas belong to and any secondary
steelwork (if available).
The table below describes the expected behaviour for the currently selected element.
Element Behaviour
BRAN MEM Remove all referenced ATTA's and corresponding secondary Steel
of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the branch member (ATTA).
BRAN Remove all referenced ATTA's and corresponding secondary Steel
of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from ATTA's of the branch.
PIPE Remove all referenced ATTA's and corresponding secondary Steel
of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from ATTA's of this PIPE.
PIPE-ZONE Remove all referenced ATTA's and corresponding secondary Steel
of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from ATTA's of this zone.
PIPE-SITE Remove all referenced ATTA's and corresponding secondary Steel
of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from ATTA's of this site.
HANG MEM Remove all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the HANG MEM.
HANG Remove all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the HANG.
Element Behaviour
REST Remove all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the REST.
REST-ZONE Remove all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA's
of the REST-ZONE.
REST-SITE Remove all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA's
of the REST-SITE.
FRMW MEM Remove all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the FRMW MEM.
FRMW Remove all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the FRMW.
STRU Remove all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA of
the STRU.
STRU-ZONE Remove all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA's
of the STRU-ZONE.
STRU-SITE Remove all referenced ATTA's (with Branch) and corresponding
secondary Steel of the referenced ATTA's (if any) from the ATTA's
of the STRU-SITE.
2. Click on Multi Discipline Frame. A form similar to the example shown in Figure
2:17.: Multi-discipline Frameworks selection form is displayed, listing all the available
supports for the MDS application.
This form shows the framework types listed into groups as below:
L Brackets
Cantilevers/Posts
Pedestals
Frames
Braced Brackets
T Posts
Miscellaneous
These groupings are set by the administrator. Refer to the MDS Structure Defaults form
section in the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
3. Select the type of framework required, for instance a pedestal; this then refreshes the
form with the available pedestals available.
You can also create support groups using the icon. Group names are identified by
the suffix, [1]. Hangers can be added to the main framework support group and detailed
as one entire MDS support drawing.
Any available support which requires a different description to be displayed, or requires
a different name to the standard name supplied, can be modified using the MDS
Structure Defaults form. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
The icon allows you to create a Multi Discipline Framework from an existing
Preliminary Support. Refer to Convert an Existing Preliminary Support into an MDS
Support for further information.
In the examples shown in Figure 2:17.: Multi-discipline Frameworks selection form, and
Figure 2:18.: Multi Discipline Frameworks selection form the prefix X has been added
to all support default names.
4. Enter a name as follows:
1. Enter the name of the support to be created.
If you enter a legal name in the Name field then click the OK button, the form
becomes active. Notice that in Figure 2:18.: Multi Discipline Frameworks selection
form, no name is specified and so the OK button is inactive.
or
2. Click on the AutoName icon at the top of the form. An automatically generated
name is filled in and the OK button becomes active.
5. Click on the required support type.
Note: Do NOT click on OK at this time.
At any time when the Multi Discipline Frameworks form is displayed, you can click on
the View button to see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
See the example in Figure 2:19.: Engineering Drawing for the Selected Support.
6. Right-click on the AutoName icon and the button bar shown in Figure 2:20.: Initiate
Selecting a Different Naming File is displayed.
7. Click on the Select Naming File panel. The MDS AutoNaming File form (Figure
2:21.: AutoNaming File form) is displayed. This allows you to select:
1. a different AutoNaming file for the session,
or
2. a different AutoNaming file set for the zone.
Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
Note: Figure 2:18.: Multi Discipline Frameworks selection form remains displayed.
You can also select a zone, which is used to create all the support structures, by
clicking on the Default Creation Zone icon on the Multi Discipline Frameworks form.
8. Select the support type required.
9. Click on the OK button. The type is selected and the form closes. Refer to the MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
To support cable rack or HVAC using the datum atta Create HVAC or Create Rack
from the Create pull-down menu, or the equivalent icon in the MDS toolbar must be
used. Where cable rack was created by the Cabling System application (and so is
made up of cable tray (CTRAY) elements), a cable tray support element (CTSUPP) is
automatically used in place of a support attachment element (ATTA).
To create the datum atta select the Create datum support atta button at the top of the
form. You are presented with the cursor so that you can identify a pipe. When you have
done this, the Ancillary Selection form containing a filtered list of all the available
ancillaries at the selected pipe bore, is displayed (Figure 2:23.: Ancillary Selection
form). These may be restricted for each framework type. For more information refer to
the MDS Administrator Guide.
4. Select the ancillary XAT16 (Bolt on Shoe) from the form. Click on the OK button. The
application now creates the pipe shoe on the selected pipe and positions it at the
previous component or branch start, with a graphical tag of Datum for easy recognition.
The Create datum support atta button is deactivated.
5. Position the shoe on the pipe using:
1. the Distance button, with a distance value placed in the text field next to it,
or:..
2. any of the Through button available options. These include; Through ID Cursor,
Through Back Mark, and so on.
6. Continue to add all the pipes, HVAC and cable racks to the support. These can be
3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
Note: The HVAC and cable rack support attachments have a lollipop representation. This
is because the fixings to the steelwork are regarded as supplied by the HVAC and
cable rack contractor; no allowance is made for the selection of different fixings in the
MDS application. The lollipop representation is removed when the support is
completed, returning to its original drawing level before the support was created.
There are no obstruction properties associated with the lollipop representation and
no clashes are reported.
9. Click Dismiss to accept the selection and return to the XFT09 form (Figure 2:22.:
XFT09 - MDS framework form).
There are three different options that you can use to create the steel framework:
Create by Cursor
Create by Clearance
Create by Dimensions
You will now create the framework with all three options and see what differences they
make.
3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
Now add a cross member to support the HVAC and cable rack.
4. Select the Add Cross Bar icon . You are presented with the cursor and asked to
identify the support attachment(s) to support with a cross bar.
5. Identify the HVAC and cable rack lollipop.
6. Click the Cancel button on the status form. The application creates the crossbar and
positions it at the correct elevation.
Identify both attachments to which the cross will be attached. This information is used
later in the support Integrity Checker to check the packing distance between the cross
bar and the support attachment. The support Integrity Checker is executed whenever
you press the OK button. The view is then as shown in Figure 2:27.: Design screen 3.
Note: The elements to which the cross-beam is attached must be parallel to the pipe run.
3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
2. Type a value into the Length or Width text fields to modify the compensating plate
dimensions.
3. Select the appropriate material from the Matref drop-down menu.
4. Select the Display Dimensions checkbox to display the compensating plate
dimensions in the 3D view. Deselect the checkbox to remove the compensating plate
dimensions from the 3D view.
5. If the Default button is clicked the compensating plate is returned to the default
settings. If the Reset button is clicked the compensating plate is reset to the state prior
to modifying.
6. Click Dismiss to close the Compensation form.
3. Click Yes to confirm the removal of the compensating plate from the framework
support.
Example:
This example demonstrates how to create a reference support.
1. The framework support is created and a datum support attachment defined.
2. Select the Add Reference Atta icon . When prompted to Identify standalone
support (Atta) to add, make a suitable selection. The ancillary is added to the
framework.
3. Click Yes to confirm the removal of the reference support from the framework support.
The referenced support is not deleted, only the association to the framework support is
removed.
2. Click Yes to confirm the removal of all reference supports from the framework support.
The referenced supports are not deleted, only the association to the framework support
is removed.
3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
Select the Create Connections icon . This creates a connection only if the
application knows the identity of the steelwork to connect to.
If you used the Create by Cursor or Create by Clearance methods the connection to the
external steelwork is made automatically.
Note: It is essential that you have write access to create SNOD/SJOI elements on the
necessary external steelwork.
The SNOD is represented in the graphical view. The MDS application defaults control the
level at which joists can be made to the external steelwork.
Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for more details.
1. Select the Modify Connection icon . You are presented with a form that displays all
the available joints.
2. Select the joint for the joints connected to the external steelwork.
If you have identified the external steelwork to connect to with either Create by Cursor
or Create by Clearance, it is possible that the application will connect to the wrong
Pline. This can happen in the case of the SCTN having floating Plines (X) ((a) in Figure
2:39.: Forced connection to SCTN with floating Plines).
You can force-connect the joint to a specific Pline ((b) in Figure 2:39.: Forced
connection to SCTN with floating Plines) by selecting the Force Connect icon . You
are prompted to identify the required Pline using the cursor.
To delete a connection:
1. Identify the connection with the cursor.
2. Select the Delete Connections icon.
The standard AVEVA Associations Manager form also interfaces with the MDS Structural
Associations utility.
The MDS Structural Associations are generated either automatically or manually, depending
on the mode of creation/modification of the MDS support.
or Clearance , and the user graphically identifies the main structural element(s)
from which the MDS structure SCTN element(s) will be supported.
The MDS Structural Associations are automatically generated for the MDS support, shown
in the picture above, in a ASSOWL element created automatically and named to reflect the
SITE name where the MDS supports are being created, i.e. the ASSOWL name will follow
the convention <sitename>-MDS-ASSOWL.
The figure below shows the typical hierarchy of the MDS supports ZONE and their structural
associations ASSOWL:
A similar hierarchy to one shown above would also exist for the automatically generated
It is important to note that a manually generated MDS Structural Association may be created
at any time for an existing MDS framework support, and is independent of any form used for
the creation and/or modification of a MDS framework type support.
After selecting the MDS SCTN Association option a prompt will be displayed in the status
bar, to 'Identify a MDS Support SCTN element to Associate', e.g.
The user must first identify a MDS Support SCTN element as prompted and then the user
will be prompted to 'Identify a MAIN Structure element to Associate with the MDS SCTN
element', e.g.
When the two vertical MDS SCTNS have been associated with the relevant MAIN structural
elements, the Association Group (ASSOGP) hierarchy for the MDS support will be
populated with the Association (ASSOC) elements etc, as shown in the figure below:
The Association Filter - Show option gadget has been changed to 'Current Element' and
the Purpose option gadget has been changed to 'MDS'.
Clicking the Refresh button has populated the Associations grid with the associations for
the current MDS framework support structure.
Clicking the left hand side of an association will automatically populate the other two lower
grids, Restrictions and Associations Detail with the data of the selected Association.
When the cursor is placed over a highlighted association other options are made available
by clicking the right mouse button. The options are self explanatory.
Users should familiarise themselves with the standard AVEVA Associations form, described
in Getting Started with Plant/Marine.
Note: The standard AVEVA Associations form is a general utility, which is available for use
by the other discipline design applications in the AVEVA Marine/Plant software, as
well the MDS design application.
Displays a message
If the packing distance is greater than 2mm but not greater than allowable packing
distance.
If the support is a special, a message is issued to you to create the structural steelwork.
If no warning or errors are found.
Add pipe adds a pipe to a framework support. You must identify the tube of
the pipe to add by graphical pick.
Functionality is available for the user to define a unique support name for
the added pipe. If the functionality is not available, refer to MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
Add HVAC adds a duct of HVAC to a framework support. You must identify
the duct of HVAC to add by graphical pick.
Functionality is available for the user to define a unique support name for
the added HVAC duct. If the functionality is not available, refer to MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
Add rack adds a cable rack to a framework support. You must identify the
rack to add by graphical pick.
Functionality is available for the user to define a unique support name for
the added cable rack. If the functionality is not available, refer to MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
Add cross bar adds a cross bar to a framework support. You must identify
by graphical pick one or more support attachments you wish to support with
additional cross bars.
Copy like identifies another support of the same standard and copies its
dimensions. The number of associated pipes, cable trays, and HVAC
elements do not have to be the same on each support.
Copy ancillary
Nudge ancillary
Modify atta modifies the ancillary type or your editable design dimensions
of the support attachment.
Flip ADP view directions flips the ADP view directions 180 from the
DESIGN General Application, for drawing clarity.
Convert to special converts the existing support to a special support.
Repeat atta copies a support attachment onto another pipe. You must first
identify the attachment to be repeated, then the pipe(s) to repeat the
attachment on by graphical pick
The icons described below are available on other support standards.
Flip field weld is used when a support type can be built with the field weld
at either end of the framework steelwork member. It will place the field weld
at the other end of the steel and depict it with a textural aid.
Identify steel for calculation of trunnion lengths.
Flip atta flips an attachment within the line; this can be used to flip non-
symmetrical attachments.
Reconnect reconnects a hanger to another beam.
To modify a support:
1. Select Modify > Support from the main menu. The Modify Support form (Figure 2:48.:
Modify Support form) is displayed.
To delete a support:
1. Select Delete > Support from the main menu, or use the appropriate icon from the tool
bar. The Delete Support form (Figure 2:49.: Delete Support form) is displayed.
Note: The buttons on this form are highlighted in red to distinguish it from the Modify
Support form.
2. Identify the support you want to delete. The support can be deleted in one these ways:
Type a name into the Support Name text field.
Press the CE button to modify the current element if it is a support.
Click the Identify By Cursor button.
When the support has been identified, you can use the Centre on Support icon to view
the support in the centre of the graphical view.
3. If the support is associated with reference supports the Delete Reference Supports
check box becomes active. Select the Delete Reference Supports check box to
delete all reference supports associated with the currently selected support. Deselect
the Delete Reference Supports check box to delete the selected support only.
4. Click the Apply button.
3. Click on the piece of tube of any pipe where you want to create a copy of the source
atta. When the atta is created, MDS performs the checks that are made when creating
an ancillary, to ensure that it is suitable for the selected tube (material, insulation,
temperature and elevation).
If the selected tube cannot accept the new atta, an error message is displayed and the
atta is deleted. Otherwise, the following form is displayed where a name can be given
to the new atta:
4. Type a name in to the Change to Support Name text field, or click on the MDS
Autoname button to generate the name automatically. If you click on the Cancel
button, the name displayed in the Existing Support Name field (ProvisionalName<n>
is assigned by default.
5. Click on the OK button to apply the name change.
6. The repeat function works in a loop: each time a new atta is created you are asked to
identify another tube for which an atta is required.
To exit the procedure, press the Esc key on the keyboard.
If the selected tube, etc cannot accept the new support frame, an error message is
displayed and the frame is deleted. Otherwise, the Modify Support Name form is
displayed so that you can give a name to the new frame. This is the same form that is
displayed when repeating a standalone ancillary.
4. Type a name for the new frame, or use the MDS Autoname button, then click on OK.
Click on Cancel to use the default name.
5. The repeat function works in a loop: each time a new frame is created you are asked to
identify another tube/HVAC/tray section for which a support frame is required.
To exit the procedure, press the Esc key on the keyboard.
Limitations
If the frame FT22 (bedplate) is selected the procedure is terminated, and the standard
form for copying of supports is displayed instead. (see Copy a Support).
The above repeat functions cannot be used for some frames, as they require special
treatment. They are:
FT30 FT55A
FT44 FT55B
FT45 FT55C
FT46 FT55D
FT54B
FT54C
FT54D
The Modify Atta Properties form allows all editable design dimensions of the support
attachment to be modified.
2. Select the Modify Ancillary Type icon .
3. At the prompt, select the new ancillary type.
The ancillary type depends on the size of the pipe identified and any restriction of ancillary
type that may be created. The type can only be selected if the new type is available at the
branch bore size.
Limitations
Currently, only DIN frames have oriented alternatives, stored in database MDS/DESITMPL-
DIN-ORI of project MDS. These are as follows:
FT03 FT23
FT04 FT31
FT05 FT32
FT06 FT35
FT08 FT36
FT09 FT37
FT18 FT40
FT19 FT42
4. Use the Modify Note Position button to attach the Note via EDG (Event Driven
Graphics) to another position on the selected element.
2. Enter a Name, or click the AutoName icon to use the auto-name facility
3. Enter a Number, this functionality is not normally required, and is usually deactivated
4. Select the Type.
If the default setting is for a unique support number, then the special support number is
checked to ensure that it is unique.
The icon allows you to create a Special Support from an existing Preliminary
Support. Refer to Convert an Existing Preliminary Support into an MDS Support for
further information.
5. Click the OK icon. The Special MDS Framework form (Figure 2:59.: Special MDS
Framework form) form is displayed.
2. Click OK. The Create a Special Support form (Figure 2:61.: Create a Special support
form) is displayed.
3. Identify each existing support in turn and add it to the list of supports to be combined.
The first support identified is used as the master support. The datum atta of this
support is used as the datum atta for the resulting special support.
4. If you require a different support to be used as the master, select the support from the
list and click the Use Selected Support as Master button.
5. Click on the OK button.
The list of supports is taken and the databases are configured so that the individual supports
are created as one support under the new name.
Project specials are pre-defined in a site called /MDS/SPECIALS. This has three zones
containing the respective special types:
/MDS/SPECIALS/PIPE
/MDS/SPECIALS/HVAC
/MDS/SPECIALS/TRAY
2. Select the Copy Project Special icon. A list of the available templates is displayed
(Figure 2:62.: Select Project Special template form).
3. Select the type of standard the steelwork configuration. This is copied to the datum
support. An example of the selected support configuration is shown in Figure 2:63.:
Example of a Project Special support configuration.
When the application copies the steelwork, no resizing is performed. You must complete the
special support according to your requirements.
2. Select the Copy Project Special icon . A list of the available templates is displayed.
This list is similar to that for piping (Figure 2:62.: Select Project Special template form).
3. Select the type of standard for the steelwork. The configuration is copied to the datum
support.
The project specials for HVAC are based on a 500mm by 500mm duct and the
framework is modified to suit the size of duct identified.
4. Modify the interface points with other steelwork.
Note: The automatic support modification to suit the supported HVAC duct size on creation/
selection is only available for the HVAC project special templates.
For more information on the configuration of these HVAC projects special frameworks, refer
to the MDS document, Customisation Guide.
1. Select the Support Attas Only option in the Create field on the Special Support form
(Figure 2:60.: Special Support form). The Special MDS Framework form (Figure 2:59.:
Special MDS Framework form) form is displayed.
2. Select the Copy Project Special icon . A list of the available templates is displayed.
This list is similar to that for piping (Figure 2:62.: Select Project Special template form).
3. Select the type of standard the steelwork configuration. This is copied to the datum
support.
When the application copies the steelwork no resizing is performed. You must complete the
special support according to your requirements.
The Modify Section icon allows you to extend any special section SCTN end, rotate
special sections using Bangle, flip special sections, and modify the special section
justification of the current special support.
1. Click on the icon and the prompt Identify Steelwork Member to Modify the position of
the start or end is displayed.
2. Select a section and the Modify Special Section form (Figure 2:65.: Modify Special
Section form) is displayed.
3. Move each of the existing MDS sections in turn using the Move icons, for example
moves the current section north and moves the current section down. The CE
button allows you to change to other sections that are part of the special supports.
You can also extend or shorten the current section start/end by a distance you input in
the Extend text field. Use the icons to extend/shorten by the value
you entered.
Note: The value you enter is treated as an absolute and therefore no positive or negative
sign is required.
You can control the overall percentage movement and extension/shortening of the
section using the Increment text fields.
The Default percentage field is set to 100%. If you select Medium percentage
increment at 5%, the selected section is moved or extended/shortened by 5% of the
Extend text field value. All of the Increment fields except the Default can be modified.
4. You can control the overall rotation angle using the Bangle text field. The default value
is 90 and the maximum allowed is 180.
5. Use these icons at the bottom of the form to perform further modifications:
Align nodes.
Add pad.
Delete pad.
This feature currently only works with angular sections, i.e. steelwork profiles of type SCTN
and gtype ANG. Two cases are catered for:
Snipe on end of leg attached to stiffener
Snipe on free end of section.
M3 = Distance between flange top outside edge of stiffener and leg point
connected with the flange top of stiffener (default = 25 mm)
When L > M1 + FL + M2 and M2 >= 25mm, When L > M1 + FL + M2 and M2 < 25mm
Snip is not provided on support leg as below. Snip is to be provided on support leg as below
2. Identify the section which is to have a snipe added in one of the following ways:
Type a name into the Modify Section text field.
Click the CE button to modify the current element, if it is an angle section.
3. Use the Select Angle Leg option buttons to select the required leg of the angle
section.
4. Make the required selection using the Select Sniped End option buttons.
If the Identify by Cursor icon is activated, then the sniped end of the angle section
can be picked directly from the 3D graphical view. If the Auto function is enabled, the
snipe is created immediately after picking, to speed up the process.
5. Enter values into the Snipe Length and Snipe Height fields. If the Lock/Unlock icon
is activated, the two values are locked together, and changing one changes the
other.
The values are checked when entered. If a value is less than the minimum (fixed at
10mm) then it is reset to the minimum. If it is greater than the maximum, it is reset to
the maximum size. The maximum size depends on the angle section size and is
calculated using the difference between the size of the angle leg where the snipe is
intended/created and the thickness of the angle leg.
6. Click the Create button to confirm creation of the snipe.
7. Repeat the above steps to create further snipes. Click Dismiss to terminate snipe
creation.
8. If a snipe already exists at the selected end, its size can be changed by entering new
values for the snipe length and height, then clicking Modify.
9. Click Delete to remove an existing snipe.
4 Trunnions
2. Enter the name of the support to be created. You can also use the auto-naming feature
by clicking on the AutoName icon .
3. Select the support type required.
At any time when the Trunnions form is displayed, you can click on the View button to
see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
The icon allows you to create a Trunnion from an existing Preliminary Support.
Refer to Convert an Existing Preliminary Support into an MDS Support for further
information.
4. Click on OK to display the trunnion creation form.
Refer to the MDS Trunnion Defaults form in the MDS Administrator Guide for further
information.
Example:
In this example you will create support type XTT04 using the name PS14721.
The form shown in Figure 4:2.: Trunnion Creation form is displayed.
1. Select the component the trunnion is being added to using the icons at the top of the
form:
Elbow
Tube (straight piece of pipe)
Eccentric reducer
Tee
2. Use the cursor to identify a respective branch member applicable to the icon chosen (in
this case identify ELBO to create a base support).
3. At the prompt, identify the steelwork or panel you want to support from. The Select
Trunnion Material form shown in Figure 4:3.: Select Trunnion Material form is
displayed.
4. Select the piping specification of the trunnion material from a list of the available piping
specifications in the current MDB. The default pipe specification of the parent pipe (the
main branch) is highlighted by default.
If a trunnion is added to a reducer/elbow and no connection point is found, the current
pipe specification is interrogated to find the appropriate reducer/elbow and the
specification reference to the new reducer is reset.
If a trunnion is added to a tee, the tee changes to a cross and scans the current pipe
specification for a suitable cross. This is required because a tee has one only
connection reference.
If a trunnion is deleted, any element reselected is replaced with the original
specification reference.
5. Click OK and the form shown in Figure 4:4.: Trunnion Creation form (after selection of
BRAN member) is displayed, with Length and Trunnion Bore being active.
5 Hangers
The standard MDS application for hangers allows you to create fixed and variable pipe
hangers. The application is interactive and configurable, and simplifies:
Definition of project related defaults.
Control of hanger design.
Determination of range, types, and configuration of hanger components that can be
used on the project.
Hangers are designed using the hanger components catalogue of a given supplier and are
template-driven.
Note: The standard hanger templates are stored in a SITE named /MDS/HANGERS. To
use the standard hanger templates the default option property for the MDSHANGIF
keyword must be set to Standard MDS on the PARAGON defaults database, (refer
to the MDS Admin Data form in the Administrator Guide).
The application is supplied with hanger templates from three different hanger component
suppliers. The project administrator can configure and customize those templates to adopt
any companys hanger configurations or any other hanger components catalogue. For
further information refer to the MDS Hanger Data form in the MDS Administrator Guide.
3. Choose Fixed Hanger to display the form shown in Figure 5:2.: Fixed Hanger
configurations form. This shows all the available hanger configurations that can be
created.
Example:
A T1 M2 B4 hanger means that the hanger has a T1 type top connection, M2 type middle
connection, and a B4 type pipe connection.
These types of connection can represent the components from different supplier catalogues
or different company standards.
1. Enter the name of the hanger to be created. You can also select the AutoName icon
to name the support. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
The icon allows you to create a Hanger from an existing Preliminary Support.
Refer to Convert an Existing Preliminary Support into an MDS Support for further
information.
2. Click on OK. The form becomes active.
3. Select a hanger type from the list.
4. Click on OK.
5. Identify the pipe to support and the steelwork beam (if relevant to the selected hanger
type) to connect the hanger to.
Since the list of hanger types contains all the hangers available, regardless of the pipe
size, the pipe insulation, and the type of the steelwork connection, you may find that the
hanger type selected is not suitable for the pipe to support or is not suitable for an
insulated pipe. Avoid this situation by using the filters at the bottom of the form (see
Figure 5:2.: Fixed Hanger configurations form). This is described in Using the Filter
Buttons.
By default the ALL filter is activated and the form displays all available hanger categories.
To filter the list, click on one of the filter buttons. The application then prompts you to take
further action depending on the filter selected.
View: enables you to display the standard data sheets for the selected hanger.
View Config: displays a 3D view of the selected hanger configuration to enable early model
appreciation of the configuration selected.
Example:
1. Click on the filter (single-hanger connected to a beam). The application prompts
you to identify the item you want to support.
2. Identify the item in the graphical view.
Note: At any stage, you can press the Esc key to escape the application prompt.
The tube size and the insulation thickness of the identified pipe are displayed in the
selection area just below the filter buttons. This area shows the current selection data.
The list displays the available hanger configurations for the selected category (single-
hanger connected to a beam), pipe bore size, and insulation thickness.
The application prompts you to identify the steelwork beam you want to connect the
hanger to. The identified beam type is appended to the selection data in the form
selection area.
3. Enter the hanger name in the Name input field. You can also use the auto-naming
feature by clicking the AutoName icon .
4. Click OK.
Create Once
This mode creates multiple hangers of the same configuration, or of different configurations,
using a minimum of keystrokes.
1. Identify the pipe and the beam(s) required.
2. Click OK. The application creates the hanger and activates the ALL button of the
hanger configurations form:
3. Enter the name of the next hanger (if any).
4. Click on a filter button.
5. Identify the tube and the beam(s) and create the next hanger. The hanger can be
cancelled or modified only by first accepting it and subsequently deleting it or modifying
it. Refer to Modifying a hanger' (see Modify a Hanger).
Multi Create
This mode quickly creates multiple hangers of the same configuration.
Click OK. The application creates the hanger and prompts you to select a new pipe and
beam(s) for the next hanger. The hangers are named automatically using the naming
convention set by the MDS administrator.
Example:
In this example you will create a hanger configuration of type T1 M2 B6. You will use the
name HANG1.
1. Confirm that the current create mode is Create and Modify.
2. Click OK. The form shown in Figure 5:5.: Hanger form is displayed.
The application creates the hanger using the data entered in the hanger configuration form.
If the selected beam intersects with the pipe, then the hanger is positioned at the
intersection point. In this case the Distance and Through buttons become deactivated as
the hanger cannot be moved while it is connected to the beam.
You can still move the hanger using the Reconnect To Another Beam icon .
If the beam selected is parallel to the pipe, the hanger is positioned as close as possible to
the start of the identified beam.
The application tries to locate the position by moving the hanger along the beam until the
hanger can be connected vertically.
If the application cannot find a valid connection point on the beam, then an error message is
issued and you are allowed to select another beam.
If a valid connection point is found, then the application creates the hanger. In this case the
Distance and Through buttons become activated, allowing you to modify the position of the
hanger. Moving the hanger with these buttons also moves the steelwork connection point(s)
and associated fitting(s) accordingly.
When creating the hanger, the application does the following:
Creates an atta in the identified tube.
The atta name is the same as the hanger name. If the hanger configuration is such that
the hanger is connected directly to the pipe, then the hanger is connected to this atta.
If the hanger configuration is such that the hanger is connected to the pipe through a
trunnion, a welded lug, or any other standard pipe support, then the hanger is
connected to the atta of the standard support. The Stex attribute of the hanger atta is
set to: Connected to <standard_support_name>. In this case the cref attribute of the
hanger atta remains not set.
Creates the fitting(s) as a member(s) of the steelwork section(s). In the case of a
double-channel beam, the fitting is created in only one of the steelwork sections. The
name of the fitting is the name of the hanger appended by /FITT/H and by the fitting
sequence number (for instance: /HANG1/FITT/H1).
Creates the hanger and connects it to the atta and to the fitting.
2. Enter the angle in degrees by which you want to rotate the hanger.
3. Click Apply.
2. Enter the angle in degrees by which you want to rotate the hanger member.
3. Click Apply.
Note: Some of the buttons shown in Figure 5:9.: Modify Hanger form are deactivated
because they are not applicable to the current hanger configuration. The action of all
buttons is described later in the section.
5. Click on the new icon. A selection form opens, listing spring sizes that are available for
this specific spring type (see Figure 5:10.: Spring Sizes selection form).
Centre on hanger
Click on the icon. The graphical view of the support being created or modified is
refreshed. The view scale is not modified.
If necessary, the application moves the hanger to a new position, in order to satisfy the new
connection point. The old fitting is deleted and a new fitting is created below the new
steelwork section.
If necessary, and if the hanger contains rods, they are adjusted to maintain the correct
hanger height.
If the new connection is not valid (for instance, the hanger is not vertical because the rods
are too long or too short), an error message is displayed and the application restores the
original hanger state.
Adding a note
Click on the icon. You can now add a note to be displayed on the hanger drawing.
2. Select the hanger interface you want to use from the Hanger interface in Use drop-
down list.
3. Click Dismiss to close the MDS Application Defaults form.
2. Enter the name of the hanger to be created, or select the Autoname icon to name
the support.
3. Click on the Filter Type icon for the type of hanger support which is required to be
created. Filtering is described in Using the Filter Buttons. In this example select the first
7. Click the OK button. A dotted line is drawn in the graphical view between the pipe and
the steelwork, and the MDS main hanger elements are created in the database. The
form below is also displayed:
10. Click on the V icon to design a variable support; the following form is displayed:
11. Enter the required Operating/Hot Load value and the positive and negative
Movement required for the Axial (X), Vertical (V) and Lateral (Z) directions.
12. Select the OK button; the following form is displayed:
13. Click the Typical Assemblies button to display the types of variable hangers available
for selection:
14. Select the required assembly and click the OK button. This initialise the hanger design
and allows you to manually set the intermediate hanger elevation using the form shown
below:
15. Click the OK button. The hanger design is displayed in the main Witch Hanger form, as
shown below:
16. Select the Save icon to save the completed hanger design, exit the Witch Hanger
application and return to the MDS application. The hanger data is translated and
created into MDS hanger components, as shown in the 3D view.
Note: On exiting Witch Hanger and returning to MDS, an automatic SAVEWORK command
is issued to make sure that the Witch Hanger and MDS databases are in alignment.
6 Branch Reinforcements
2. Enter a name of the support to be created. You can also use the auto-naming feature
by clicking on the icon. If a legal name is entered, the OK button on the form
becomes active. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
3. Select the standard support type required.
At any time when the Branch Reinforcement form is displayed, you can click on the
View button to see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
Example:
This example demonstrates how to create a support type XBR01.
1. Click the Create datum support atta button at the top of the form.
Notice that the positioning fields are deactivated. The branch reinforcement is
positioned through a series of prompted identification picks.
For this branch reinforcement standard, a header tube is required. In this case it is one
of the following:
Tee
Olet
Reducer
2. Select a header tube.
3. At the prompt, identify a second branch tube. This forms the vertical leg of the tube.
4. Click OK when you have finished the support
The application then performs a series of Integrity Checks to ensure the support is
completed.
7 Preliminary Supports
2. Enter a name for the support to be created. You can also use the auto-naming feature
by clicking on the icon. If a legal name is entered, the OK button on the form
becomes active. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
3. Select the support type required.
At any time when the Preliminary Supports form is displayed, you can click on the View
button to see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
4. Click OK. The Preliminary Support creation form (Figure 7:2.: Preliminary Support
creation form) is displayed.
This form contains all of the available 18 preliminary supports. Support names and
descriptions can be modified in the MDS Ancillary Defaults form. Refer to the MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
Example:
This example demonstrates how to create a support type ANCHOR.
1. Select the Create datum support atta button at the top of the form.
2. When prompted to Identify tube of pipe, make a suitable selection.
3. Position the preliminary support atta in the pipe. Do this in one of these ways:
Use the Distance button with a distance value in the text field
Use any of the available options available with the Through button
4. Click OK when you have finished the support.
A graphical X identifies the preliminary support position.
Variable Hanger
Guide
Stop
Slip Unit
Special Support
Spring Support
Trunnion
Vessel
Branch Reinforcement.
Example:
This example demonstrates how to create an XAT01 support shoe from a preliminary
support that is configured with an ANCHOR (AN) function support type. Refer to the MDS
Ancillary Defaults form in the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
1. Select Create > General... from the main menu. The Ancillaries - General form (Figure
7:3.: Ancillaries - General form) is displayed.
2. Select the From existing preliminary support icon . When prompted to Identify
preliminary support, make a suitable selection. The name of the selected preliminary
support is populated in the Name field of the Ancillaries - General form.
3. Select the support type required, in this example XAT01 - Pipe shoe for N.B. 3/4 to
20.
4. Click OK, the MDS application detects that the support function of the chosen Ancillary
type differs from that of the preliminary support function. This is because the
preliminary support function is designated to be AN and the XAT01 support shoe
support function is designated to be AT. The following Confirm message (Figure 7:4.:
Ancillary Type Confirm message) is displayed.
5. Click Yes to confirm the conversion of the preliminary support to an XAT01 support
shoe.
6. The XAT01 - General Ancillary form (Figure 7:4.: Ancillary Type Confirm message) is
displayed, the user can modify the XAT01 support shoe. Refer to Modify a Support for
further information.
7. Click OK to confirm the modification of the XAT01 support shoe or Cancel to discard
any changes and close the XAT01 - General Ancillary form.
Note: Dependant on the type of support to be converted from a preliminary support, you
may be required to select an additional component to complete the conversion
process. For example, when converting a preliminary support to a slip unit, you are
8 Lighting Supports
The MDS application allows you to create support frameworks for electrical light fittings,
without the necessity to identify and create an atta within a pipe, HVAC element or cable
tray. A light fitting is identified by a type and purpose and the application will display a list of
available supports for that light fitting. (The functionality is similar to that of project specials,
where you can select from a series of predefined support configurations).
Refer to the MDS Lighting Support Default form in the MDS Administrator Guide for further
information.
2. Enter the name of the support to be created into the Name text field. Alternatively, click
on the AutoName icon ; an automatically generated name is filled in. All other
gadgets are unavailable until a name is specified.
3. Once the name is specified, the Create button becomes active. Click on the button to
create the new support with the given name. You are then prompted to pick the light
fitting that is to be supported. (The Identify Lighting button will only become active if
the create process is interrupted by pressing the keyboard ESC key).
The Height text box is automatically filled in during the create process, and also
modified automatically when clicking the Connect Support to Ceiling /Wall Icon
and identifying the element from which to support the light fitting. Alternatively, you may
manually enter a height value in the text box. The application checks the value to
ensure that it is within the alternative height range. To use the Height value to modify
the support, click the Dimension icon to redesign the support.
4. Use the cursor to identify the light fitting in the graphical view. When this is done, the
available choice of support templates for the selected light fitting is displayed, as shown
in Figure 8:2.: Template Selection form.
5. If the template list is large, enter suitable characters and logical operators into the Filter
text field to filter the list. A * character means all templates will be listed.
6. Select a template by clicking on it, then click the Dismiss button. The selection is
accepted, the form is removed and the lighting support creation form is switched to
modify mode, as shown in Figure 8:3.: Modify Lighting Support form.
The definition of the lighting support is completed by clicking on the appropriate icons. Only
the icons applicable to lighting supports are active (i.e. not greyed out). These are listed
below:
Rotate support.
Create welds.
7. Click OK to confirm the changes made. If Cancel is clicked the support is deleted, after
confirmation.
9 Welding Application
Select the Create Weld icon from the MDS Framework or Special Framework form.
The Framework Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld Selection form) is
displayed.
All Welds created or modified are stored in a TMPL at the STRU level of the support in your
database. They are displayed together with all relevant welding information in the weld list,
such as shown below.
Section: The name of the section with which the Weld is associated.
Weld name: The name of the weld as stored in the TMPL in your database.
Symbol Name: The name of the symbol as used in DRAFT on the MDS
drawing.
Description: Text to describe the weld type.
Weld Size: The size of the weld that is output on the MDS drawing.
1. Click on New Weld. The Select Standard Weld form (Figure 9:2.: Select Standard Weld
form) is displayed.
Standard welds provide a method of selecting the weld symbol for use in DRAFT on the
MDS drawing.
2. Select the Weld.
3. Click Apply.
Nothing happens in the database at this point. Information is passed from the Select
Standard Weld form into the Framework Weld Selection form.
4. Click on Save on the Framework Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld
Selection form). The selection is written to the database.
There are two methods of positioning welds using weld position buttons on the Framework
Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld Selection form). They are:
Single Position
Start & End
To position a weld:
1. Select either Single Position or Start & End radio button.
2. Select Pick on the Framework Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld
Selection form). In either case, the Set Weld Position form is displayed. Welds can be
made on either a single Pline or on Pline Intersections.
Single Pline
For single position welds, the Set Weld Position form is as shown in Figure 9:3.: Set Weld
Position form (single Pline).
Pline Intersections
On the Set Weld Position form (see Figure 9:3.: Set Weld Position form (single Pline)):
1. Select the Pline Intersections radio button. The available intersecting sections are
populated in the list and the Set Weld Position form appears as shown in Figure 9:4.:
Set Weld Position form (Pline Intersections).
2. Click on the upper Identify Pline button and select the first (owning) Pline that requires
the weld.
3. Click on Identify SCTN button and select the section containing the intersecting Pline.
4. Click on the lower Identify Pline button and select the intersecting Pline.
You can exclude selected items from the Isometric Material List. For example:
Individual ancillaries (including the DATUM atta)
Ancillaries on other branches belonging to the support
The support frame itself
To access the Isometric Material List Control facility:
1. Click on the Isometric Control icon from any of the support forms. The Isometric
Material List Control form (Figure 10:1.: Isometric Material List Control form) is
displayed.
3. Optionally, you can exclude ancillaries or the support frame and either draw them
dotted and dimensioned, or draw them dotted and non-dimensioned.
The teams owning the database mechanisms handle the method of controlling data access.
In addition, the following access control features allow you to specify in additional detail
what operations a user can carry out on elements in the database. This is known as Data
Access Control (DAC).
Note: To use DAC it must be switched on for the project, otherwise only the teams owning
database controls will apply.
With DAC switched on, all general users are prevented from carrying out any operation on
any part of the database unless they have specifically been given the necessary access
rights. DAC uses the following new administration database elements:
Role defines the type of operations a user can carry out. For example, creating,
modifying and deleting elements. Roles are defined as a collection of permissible
operations (Perops).
Scope defines the part of the database in which a user can work.
Access Control Rights (ACRs) are a combination of a role and a scope. Users can,
and usually will, have several ACRs, allowing them to carry out specified operations on
specified parts of the database.
If you can do neither of these, then the Create, Modify, Force Connect and Delete icons are
deactivated.
If you can create a support, you are allowed to modify or delete the same components that
have been created and to modify or delete additional components (for instance: elbow,
reducer, bend).
Create
Modify
Reducers CREF.
The MDS application is supplied with a series of support data sheets. These are used as the
default set of support configurations. The PARAGON defaults database supplied with the
application reflect the dimensions and properties specified in these data sheets.
The dimensions and properties can be changed from their default values for specific office
or project environments. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for more information.
Note: The support data sheets MUST NOT be considered to be the master office or project
support standard. The office or project must still use their own support standards and
configure the PARAGON defaults database to suit their own requirements. These are
described in the MDS Administrator Guide.
13 MDS Wizard
The MDS Wizard helps you to quickly identify pipes, structural sections, and equipment.
1. Select Utilities > MDS Wizard from the main menu or click on the Wizard icon on
the main tool bar. The MDS Wizard form (Figure 13:1.: MDS Wizard form) is displayed.
2. Select an Add Type option to determine the type to be searched for and added to the
graphical view. The following mutually exclusive toggle types are available:
Pipes
Steelwork
Equipment
3. Click on the Cursor icon and identify an element to use as the datum of a volume.
This is called the Reach Box. A graphical representation is added, identifying the
volume to be used.
4. Enter a value in the Reach field. Modify this value to make the Reach Box smaller or
larger.
5. Click on the Drawlist icon . The application searches within the reach distance from
the element and adds all the selected types found to the Drawlist.
14 MDS Reports
Settings for each column heading in a given report can be defined. If any of the
following fields are modified, then the OK button becomes active.
The options are:
Sort Precedence:
Set Effect
0 No sorting required.
1 to n Sort highest priority to lowest priority.
Set Effect
Checked Sort ascending.
Unchecked Sort descending.
Set Effect
0 No subtotalling.
1 or n Provides a subtotal of the referenced column number if any
value in that column changes.
Sort Values:
Set Effect
ON Values are always output.
OFF Values are never output unless a subtotal for this column is
output.
SUB Values are output if a subtotal for any column is output.
FIRST Values are output for the first occurrence of a group of
common values in a sorted column.
Total Column:
Set Effect
Checked Total for the selected column is output at the bottom of the
report.
Unchecked Total for that column is not output at the bottom of the report.
2. The list of supports is initially blank. To load supports for checking, select All or CE and
Below from the Add pull-down menu.
The CE and Below option loads all supports below the current element (CE), or if at an
element which is part of a support, e.g. SCTN of a structural support or ROD of a
hanger, then that single support is loaded. Groups are counted as one support, and the
group name is displayed in the list (e.g. PS05555, where the group may consist of
/PS0555[1], /PS0555[2] etc. The whole group is loaded if one support, or part of one
support is loaded.
Frameworks with multiple crossbars are counted as one support.
Any supports which are not valid and so cannot be loaded into the list for checking (but
are still, in some part or way, MDS supports) are recorded in a temporary load list file,
e.g. MDS-HEALTH-CHECK-LOADREPORTONLY-21Mar2007-093214-dat (or csv as
appropriate). Unnamed supports are also included in the file.
The load errors file is stored in the %pdmswk% directory and can be viewed by
selecting Load Errors Only from the View Report menu.
3. The Remove option allows you to either remove All entries in the Supports list, or to
remove selected entries from the list.
4. Click on an Output Format option button to select the required format for the health
check report. The options are as follows:
If the screen option is selected, the report is output to the command window.
If text file is selected, the output is written to a text file (e.g. MDS-HEALTH-CHECK-
REPORT-21Mar2007-0931214.dat) in the directory specified in the Directory field.
This directory defaults to %projcodeinfo%, where projcode is the Project Code (e.g.
TWD). If %projcodeinfo% does not exist, then %pdmswk% is used as the default
and is displayed in the field. If an invalid directory name is entered, an error alert is
displayed and the file is not written. If the field is left blank, the default directory is
used (%projcodeinfo% if it exists, otherwise %pdmswk%), following an error alert.
The appearance of the text file output is the same as the screen output.
If CSV file is selected, the same directory rules apply as for a text file, but a csv
(comma separated variables) file is created. The file naming convention is the same
as for a text file, except that a .csv extension is used. The csv output represents
data under column headings, and can be viewed in a spreadsheet application (e.g.
Excel).
5. Once the supports have been loaded and the output format selected, click on the
Apply button to start the health check. Once the check is complete, the report is output
for screen or file, as described above. In addition to the file described in step 3, a
temporary file of the report is also saved in the %pdmswk% directory.
6. View the report by selecting Load Errors Only or Complete Health Check from the
View Report menu.
7. Click the Dismiss button to exit the Health Check Utility.
Example output
************************************************************
MDS Health Check Utility Report
Date: 27-Sep-2006
Time: 09:34:09
User: SYSTEM
Project: TWD
User Name: michael.board
User Login: michael.board
Host: UKCHED3054
Process ID: Xa30-UKCHED3054
************************************************************
Load Errors
Number of load errors = 0
************************************************************
Support Name /PS05767
Support Type FRAME
** Warning ** - Section longer than template default
Section Name = /PS05767-V1
Actual Length = 2088.45
Maximum Template Length = 1575.00
** Warning ** - Section longer than template default
Section Name = /PS05767-V2
Actual Length = 2088.45
Maximum Template Length = 1575.00
** Warning ** - Section longer than template default
Section Name = /PS05767-BAR-1
Actual Length = 1641.59
Maximum Template Length = 1360.00
** Warning ** - Section longer than template default
Section Name = /PS05767-BAR-2
Actual Length = 1641.59
Maximum Template Length = 1360.00
Number of errors with support = 0
Number of warnings with support = 4
************************************************************
Support Name /PS05791
Support Type GROUP
Number of errors with support = 0
Number of warnings with support = 0
************************************************************
Support Name /PS05791[1]
Support Type FRAME
Number of errors with support = 0
Number of warnings with support = 0
************************************************************
Index
A hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1
lighting support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1
Add Packer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:32 project special support . . . . . . . . . . 2:58
Administration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:53 special SCTN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:61
Administrators Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2 special support . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:54, 2:57
Align guide to support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:53 support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:14
Ancillary Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:21 trunnion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1
Application defaults
modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:52
Associate pad with shoe . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:53
D
Automatic Steelwork Orientation . . . . . . 2:50 Data Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:1
Autonaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:18 Data sheets
MDS application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:1
B Datum atta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:20
Default Creation Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:19
Branch reinforcement Default Creation Zone form . . . . . . . . . . 2:3
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:1 Deleting a support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:45
Distance button . . . . . . .2:21, 5:7, 5:16, 7:2
C Drawing Note
adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:52
CE button . . . . . . .2:45, 2:46, 2:50, 5:8, 8:4 Drawlist
Compensating Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:27 adding a support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:53
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:28
deleting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:28
modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:28 E
Connections to external steelwork . . . . 2:33 Error message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:41
Copying a support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:45
Create by Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:25
Create by Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:23
H
Create by Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:26 Hanger
Create Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:33 changing from fixed to variable . . . 5:11
Create datum support atta button 2:21, 6:2, 7:2 changing rod lengths . . . . . . . . . . . 5:10
Create Hanger Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:6 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1
Create Support Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:4 modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:8
Creating modifying the configuration . . . . . . 5:11
copying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:45
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:14
deleting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:45
modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:41
repeating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:46
T
Through button . . . . . . . 2:21, 5:7, 5:16, 7:2
Toolbar icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:8, 2:9
Trunnion
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1
Trunnion creation form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:2
V
View button
branch reinforcement creation . . . . . 6:1
framework creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:17
hanger creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:4
preliminary support creation . . . . . . . 7:1
trunnion creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:2
View Config button
hangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:4
W
Warning message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:41
Weld
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1
positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:3
Witch Hanger interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:14
Wizard
MDS application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13:1