Pdms Asl Modeler Accessways 01

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders
Application User Guide

Version 11.6SP1
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Revision History
Date Version Notes

November 11.5 The structure of document has been updated in line with
2003 other documents in the series. Some of the text has been
reworded and up-to-date form illustrations have been
included.
June 2005 11.6SP1 Updates and corrections
Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Revision History-i

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Revision History
Revision History-ii Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide

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Contents
1 Read This First ..............................................................................................1-1

1.1 The scope of this guide .............................................................................................. 1-1
1.1.1 Intended audience............................................................................................. 1-1
1.1.2 Preconditions and assumptions ........................................................................ 1-1
1.1.3 Tutorial exercise................................................................................................ 1-1
1.1.4 Further reading.................................................................................................. 1-2
1.2 Text conventions ........................................................................................................ 1-2
1.3 Terminology................................................................................................................ 1-2
1.4 How this guide is organised ....................................................................................... 1-3
1.5 Further training in the use of PDMS ........................................................................... 1-4
2 Introducing VANTAGE PDMS and the Design Module ..............................2-1
2.1 The strengths and structure of PDMS ........................................................................ 2-1
2.2 The Design module and its structural applications ..................................................... 2-2
3 Getting Started ..............................................................................................3-1
3.1 Basic information........................................................................................................ 3-1
3.1.1 Using the mouse ............................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.2 Using menus ..................................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.3 Using forms ....................................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.4 Using text boxes................................................................................................ 3-3
3.1.5 Using drop-down lists........................................................................................ 3-3
3.1.6 Using option buttons ......................................................................................... 3-4
3.1.7 Using check boxes ............................................................................................ 3-4
3.1.8 Using scrollable lists.......................................................................................... 3-4
3.1.9 Using action buttons.......................................................................................... 3-4
3.1.10 Responding to alert forms ............................................................................ 3-5
3.2 Logging in................................................................................................................... 3-5
3.3 The Design startup display ......................................................................................... 3-7
3.4 On-line help ................................................................................................................ 3-8
3.5 The Design database hierarchy ................................................................................. 3-9
3.6 Starting the Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application (ASL Modeller)............... 3-10
3.7 The Parameter Default Settings ............................................................................... 3-11
3.7.1 The Principles ................................................................................................. 3-11
3.7.2 Changing the Parameter Default Settings....................................................... 3-12
4 Creating Access Platforms and Walkways .................................................4-1
4.1 Creating a Rectangular-Shaped Platform .................................................................. 4-1
4.1.1 Creating a site ................................................................................................... 4-2
4.1.2 Creating a zone below a site............................................................................. 4-4
4.1.3 Defining the Platform Geometry Explicitly......................................................... 4-5
4.1.4 Defining the Platform Geometry Implicitly ......................................................... 4-6
4.2 Creating a Circular-Shaped Platform ......................................................................... 4-9
4.3 Creating a Penetration Through a Platform.............................................................. 4-12
4.3.1 Defining a Floor Penetration Explicitly ............................................................ 4-13
4.3.2 Defining a Floor Penetration Implicitly............................................................. 4-14
Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Contents-i

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Contents
5 Creating Stairs.............................................................................................. 5-1

5.1 Creating a Stair with Specified Dimensions................................................................ 5-2
5.2 Creating a Stair between Specified Floors ................................................................. 5-4
6 Creating Ladders.......................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 Creating a Step Ladder............................................................................................... 6-2
6.2 Creating a Front or Side Exit Ladder .......................................................................... 6-3
7 Creating Posts, Handrails and Kickplates.................................................. 7-1
7.1 Creating Posts and Joints........................................................................................... 7-1
7.1.1 Creating Corner Posts ....................................................................................... 7-3
7.1.2 Creating Intermediate Posts .............................................................................. 7-3
7.1.3 Measuring the Distance Between Posts............................................................ 7-4
7.1.4 Changing the Joint Type for a Post ................................................................... 7-4
7.2 Creating Handrails ...................................................................................................... 7-5
7.2.1 Creating Explicit Handrails ................................................................................ 7-5
7.2.2 Adding End Pads to Handrails .......................................................................... 7-6
7.2.3 Adding Closures to Handrails ............................................................................ 7-6
7.3 Creating kickplates ..................................................................................................... 7-6
8 Positioning and Orientating Items .............................................................. 8-1
8.1 Explicit Positioning...................................................................................................... 8-1
8.1.1 Positioning at Explicit Coordinates .................................................................... 8-1
8.2 Positioning Relative to Current Position ..................................................................... 8-2
8.3 Positioning Relative to Other Design Points ............................................................... 8-4
8.3.1 Moving a Given Distance .................................................................................. 8-4
8.3.2 Moving Through a Given Point .......................................................................... 8-6
8.3.3 Moving Through a Given Clearance.................................................................. 8-6
8.3.4 Moving Towards a Given Point.......................................................................... 8-8
8.4 Redefining the Origin of an Element........................................................................... 8-8
8.5 Positioning Relative to Projected Planes .................................................................... 8-9
8.5.1 Moving Through a Given Distance .................................................................. 8-10
8.5.2 Moving Through a Given Point ........................................................................ 8-11
8.5.3 Moving to a Given Clearance .......................................................................... 8-12
8.6 Positioning Stairs and Ladders Using Reference Points .......................................... 8-13
8.7 Orientating Elements ................................................................................................ 8-14
8.7.1 Redefining the Directions of One or Two Axes................................................ 8-14
8.7.2 Rotating an Element ........................................................................................ 8-15
9 Modifying Accessways, Stairs and Ladders in Detail ............................... 9-1
9.1 Stretching or Trimming a Primitive.............................................................................. 9-2
9.2 Sliding a Primitive to a New Position .......................................................................... 9-6
9.3 Changing the Direction of Stair/Ladder Handrails ...................................................... 9-6
Appendix A: Setting Drawing Representation Levels .......................................A-1
Appendix B: Other Documentation .....................................................................B-1
Index ................................................................................................................ Index i
Contents-ii Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide

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1 Read This First
1.1 The scope of this guide
This document is one of a set of Application User Guides that tell you how
to carry out specific types of design work using PDMS Design.
This particular guide describes how you can use Design’s Accessways,
Stairs and Ladders (ASL Modeller) application to add access details to
your structural steelwork, using on-screen menus and forms.
1.1.1 Intended audience

This guide has been written for engineers who have already used Design’s
Structural application to create the principal parts of the steelwork
structure, as described in the manual Structural Design using PDMS.
Therefore, menu options that are common to both applications will be
mentioned only briefly in this guide.
1.1.2 Preconditions and assumptions

For you to use this guide, the sample PDMS project, Project SAM, must
be correctly installed on your system, and you must have read/write
access to the project databases.
It is assumed that you know:
• where to find PDMS on your computer system
• how to use the Windows operating system installed at your site.
Contact your systems administrator if you need help in either of these
areas.
1.1.3 Tutorial exercise

The tutorial exercise runs through the guide, preceded by and
interspersed with sections and paragraphs giving general information.
The steps of the exercise are numbered sequentially throughout the
guide. The areas of general information are separated from the tutorial
as follows:
The start of the exercise is indicated like this:
Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide 1-1

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Exercise begins:
Each interval in the exercise for inclusion of general information, is

preceded by a line across the page, like this:
Continuation of the exercise after each interval is shown like this:
Exercise continues:
1.1.4 Further reading

You can find a list of relevant AVEVA documentation in Appendix B of
this guide.
1.2 Text conventions
This guide uses the following text conventions:

Serif for the majority of the text.
Bold to highlight important information, and to introduce
special terminology.
Serif italic to denote internal cross references and citations.
Sans-serif to denote keys on your keyboard.
Sans-serif bold for menu names and options, and for the names of
forms.
Typewriter for text within a form, including text that you enter
yourself using the keyboard.
1.3 Terminology
The following terms are used throughout this guide to describe what
action to carry out:
Enter Type text into the specified dialogue box, then press the
Enter (or Return) key to confirm the entry.
1-2 Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide

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Read This First
Click Place the mouse pointer over a specified point, then

quickly press and release the designated mouse button. If
no button is specified, use the left-hand mouse button.
Pick Click on the required item to select it.
1.4 How this guide is organised
This guide is divided into chapters and appendices, as follows:

Chapter 1 introduces this guide and summaries its scope.
Chapter 2 gives a general overview of the structure and strengths of

PDMS and of the Design module.
Chapter 3 initially serves as a reminder of the essential elements of

the graphical user interface and how to start up PDMS
Design. (If you are already familiar with Windows forms
and menus interfaces, you should be able to read through
this part of the chapter rapidly.) The chapter includes an
explanation of the relevant part of the Design database
hierarchy. The method of accessing on-line help is
included.
The chapter continues by describing how to select the ASL

Modeller application and explains the definition and use
of some design parameters whose settings apply to the
creation of accessways, stairs and ladders.
Chapter 4 tells you how to create various configurations of platforms

and walkways (with or without handrails and kickplates).
Chapter 5 tells you how to create stairs, complete with handrails on

one or both sides.
Chapter 6 tells you how to create ladders, with appropriately

positioned exits and safety hoops.
Chapter 7 explains how you can explicitly add posts, handrails

and/or kickplates to existing platforms, stairs or ladders.
Chapter 8 describes the available options for repositioning and

reorientating existing platforms, stairs or ladders.
Chapter 9 tells you how you can modify various features of existing
platforms, stairs or ladders.
Appendix A illustrates the effects of setting different drawing levels.

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Appendix B identifies other sources of information that supplement

and expand upon the brief details given in this guide.
The guide concludes with an index.
1.5 Further training in the use of PDMS
This guide teaches you to about the key features of using PDMS Design
for accessways, stairs and ladders only.
If you wish to learn more about the wide-ranging facilities of PDMS,
AVEVA provides a wide range of training courses, covering all levels of
expertise and all design disciplines. For details of courses, and to arrange
course attendance, contact your nearest AVEVA support office (see the
copyright page at the front of this guide for our web address).

2 Introducing VANTAGE PDMS and the
Design Module
2.1 The strengths and structure of PDMS
PDMS is a powerful suite of facilities, for the design of Process Plant, the
emphasis being on maximising both design consistency and design
productivity:
• You can incorporate modifications into your design at any stage
without fear of invalidating any of your prior work, because data-
consistency checking is an integral part of the product. PDMS
automatically manages drawing production, material take-off reports,
and so on, by reading all design data directly from a common set of
databases, to prevent errors from being introduced by transcribing
information between different disciplines.
• The applications let you check all aspects of your design as work
progresses. This includes on-line interdisciplinary clash detection, so
the chances of errors and inconsistencies reaching the final
documented design are reduced to an exceptionally low level.
• The applications are controlled from a graphical user interface. This
means that all design, drawing and reporting operations are initiated
by selecting choices from menus, and by entering data into on-screen
forms. For ease of use, pictorial icons also represent many common
actions.
• On-screen help is available to assist you whenever you need help.
PDMS comprises the following functional parts:
• modules
• applications
A module is a subdivision of PDMS that you use to carry out specific
types of operation. This guide is concerned with the Design module, which
you use for creating the 3D design model.
An application is a supplementary program that provides operations that
are specific to a particular discipline. The application you will use for
structural design work in this guide is Accessways, Stairs and Ladders
(ASL).

Version 11.6SP1
Introducing VANTAGE PDMS and the Design Module
2.2 The Design module and its structural applications
The PDMS structural applications offer the following key benefits:

• The applications incorporate a number of geometric design aids, such
as 3D positioning grids, design pins and 2D routing planes, to make it
easy for you to position structural elements accurately within the
design model. In most cases you can specify the points at which design
items are to be positioned using the pointer to pick the required points
in a 3D model view.
Where possible, the Design applications create and maintain connectivity
of the structural network automatically.
• You can carry out multi-disciplinary clash checks at any stage of the
design, thus avoiding spatial conflicts within the overall model which
could be expensive to rectify at the construction stage. This is
particularly important where different features of the design model
are under the control of different designers.
• At any stage of your work, you can create reports listing specified data
from the current database. You can specify a standard report
template, so you can derive lists of commonly-required information
very quickly, or you can design a one-off report format to suit special
needs. The resultant output, which can include data from any design
discipline, sorted in any way you require, can be either displayed on
your screen or sent to a file (for storage and/or for printing).

3 Getting Started
The first part of this chapter is a reminder of the user interface and
principles that you utilised during previous sessions with Design. The
subject matter covered is:
• basic information on how to use the mouse and elements of the
windows, menus and forms within the PDMS graphical user interface,
• how to log in to PDMS,
• the availability of on-line help,
• the Design database hierarchy.
The second part of the chapter introduces aspects specific to ASL. The
subject matter covered is:
• how to start the ASL Modeller application,
• the parameter default settings.
3.1 Basic information
This section is intended for readers who are unfamiliar with computer
practices. It provides information on the use of the mouse and describes
the elements that regularly appear in the windows of the graphical user
interface.
3.1.1 Using the mouse

You use the mouse to steer the graphics pointer around the screen. The
appearance of the pointer changes according to the type of display item
that is underneath it.
There are three buttons on the mouse. These perform different tasks
depending on the type of window, and the position occupied by the pointer
within the window.
The left-hand mouse button has three functions:
• On a graphical view, clicking the left-hand button with the pointer
over a design element results in selection of a graphical item or
identification of a position in the 3D model.
• In a sequence of menus, dragging with the left-hand button activates
the command represented by the highlighted menu option when the
button is released.

Version 11.6SP1
Getting Started
• On a form, the effect varies according to the selected item.

The middle mouse button or wheel is used primarily to manipulate the
graphical view contents.
The right-hand button is used to access pop-up menu options specific to
the item under the mouse pointer.
Note: the right-hand mouse button menu will henceforth be referred to
as the shortcut menu.
3.1.2 Using menus

Menu options in pull-down or shortcut menus can be in any of three
formats:
Standalone options initiate an action immediately.
Options followed by three dots require further input

from the user in order to complete the action.
Options followed by a pointer, display a subsidiary

menu that offers a further range of options.
Throughout this guide, related selections from menus are abbreviated

using the > symbol as a separator. For example:
Select Position>At>Explicit means:
a) Select Position from the bar menu.
b) Select At from the resulting pull-down menu
c) Move the pointer to the right and select Explicit from the resultant
submenu.
3.1.3 Using forms

Forms are used both to display information and to let you enter new data.
Forms typically comprise an arrangement of buttons of various types,
text-boxes, and scrollable lists. Input to a form is usually by use of the
mouse and keyboard.
While you have access to a form, you can change a setting, return to the
initial values, accept and act on the current data, or cancel the form
without applying any changes, according to the nature of the form.
Forms can include any of the following elements, the uses of which are
described in the following sections:
• text boxes
• drop-down lists

Getting Started
• option buttons
• check boxes
• scrollable lists
• action buttons.
3.1.4 Using text boxes

Text boxes are the areas where you type in alphanumeric data such as
names or dimensions. A text box will usually have a label to tell you what
to enter.
A text-box often contains a default entry (such as unset) when first
displayed. Some text boxes accept only text or only numeric data, and
entries with the wrong type of data are not accepted.
To enter data into a text box:
Click in the box to insert the text-editing pointer (a vertical bar).
Type in the required data, editing any existing entry as necessary. (You
may need to delete the existing entry first.)
You can edit the contents of the text box by moving the cursor using the
arrow keys or by moving the cursor with the mouse and clicking the left
mouse button. You can delete text by using the BACKSPACE key to delete
characters to the left-hand of the cursor or DELETE KEY for those to the
right-hand.
When you have finished, confirm the entry by pressing the Enter (or
Return) key. A yellow background highlights any text box with an
unconfirmed setting.
3.1.5 Using drop-down lists

Drop-down lists let you choose one option from a multiple selection. The
list will usually have a label to tell you what you are setting and will
show the current selection.
They typically have the following appearance:
To change the setting, click on the down arrow or button face to reveal
the full list of available options. Then pick the required option.
When the arrow has a bar under it, clicking on the button leads to
another form, at which the required option can be selected from a
scrollable list.

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Getting Started
3.1.6 Using option buttons

Option buttons (radio buttons) are used to select one, and only one, from a
group of options. The selection is mutually exclusive, so that selecting one
option deselects others in that group automatically.
Option selected
Option not selected
To change the selected option button in a group, click the required button.
3.1.7 Using check boxes

Check boxes are used to switch an option between two states, typically set
and unset. Unlike option buttons, they do not interact, so that you can set
any combination of check boxes at the same time.
Set
Unset
3.1.8 Using scrollable lists

A scrollable list is displayed as a vertical list of options within the form,
with vertical and horizontal scroll bars along its sides. To select an
option, click on the line you want. The selected line is highlighted.
Some scrollable lists let you make only a single selection, so that selecting
any option deselects all others automatically. Other lists let you make
multiple selections, with all selected options highlighted simultaneously.
You can deselect a highlighted option in a multiple-choice list, by clicking
on it again (repeated clicks toggle a selection).
3.1.9 Using action buttons

Most forms include one or more action buttons. You use these to tell
PDMS what to do with the details you have entered in the form.
The common action buttons are:
Tells PDMS to perform the chosen operation using the

current form settings, and closes the form.
Cancels the chosen operation, ignoring any changes you have

made to the form, and closes the form.

Getting Started
Tells PDMS to perform the chosen operation using the

current form settings, and leaves the form displayed for
further use.
Cancels any changes you have made to the form, and leaves
the form displayed for further use.
Closes the form, keeping the current settings, but without

performing the chosen operation.
Some forms contain more specific types of control button, which carry out
particular command options. The action is indicated by the name of the
button (such as Add or Remove).
3.1.10 Responding to alert forms

Alert forms are used to display information such as error messages,
prompts and requests for confirmation of changes. You should respond by
carrying out the prompted task, or by clicking on the control buttons on
the form (usually an OK or Cancel button).
3.2 Logging in
This is the first step of the tutorial exercise. If you do not know where the
PDMS program is stored on your system, you will have to contact your
system administrator at this point.
Exercise begins:
1. Start PDMS by double clicking on the PDMS icon.
The following VANTAGE PDMS Login form appears, at which you
specify a number of details at the start of your session.

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Getting Started
2. Click on the VANTAGE PDMS Login form to make it active.

Note: The following entries made at this form are specifically for
the tutorial. Those required for your own project will be
different.
3. Enter, or select using the dropdown list button, the name of the
Project in which you want to work. For this tutorial, the project is
SAM (in upper case).
4. Enter, or select using the dropdown list button, your Username. For
this tutorial, it is SAMPLE (in upper case).
5. Enter your allocated Password, which is SAMPLE (in upper case).
The textbox displays an asterisk for each entered letter.
6. Enter, or select using the dropdown list button, the part of the project
Multiple Database (MDB) you want to work in. For this tutorial it
is SAMPLE.
7. Using the dropdown list, select the name of the module you wish to
use. This is Design.
8. Make sure that you leave the Read Only box unchecked, so that you
can modify the database as you work.
9. You must specify which files (Load from) to load at startup. The
options are the application default settings (Macro Files) or a
customised setup saved during an earlier session (Load from
Binary Files). For this tutorial select Macro Files.
When you have entered all the necessary details, the form looks like
this:
10. Click on the button.

Getting Started
3.3 The Design startup display
When PDMS has loaded, your screen looks like this:
As labelled above, the display comprises the following:
Title Bar
This shows the current PDMS module, and its sub-application if
applicable.
Main Menu Bar

This is the area you use to make menu selections.
Main Tool Bar

This has a number of icon buttons and drop-down lists that offer
shortcuts to a selection common PDMS operations and standard
settings.
Design Explorer
This shows your current position in the PDMS database
hierarchy. To move to a different point in the database, you click
on the appropriate item in the list.
Note: for full details of the Design Explorer, see the PDMS
Design online help.

Version 11.6SP1
Getting Started
3D View
This is the window in which you display the design model
graphically as you build it. A shortcut menu (which you access
with the right-hand mouse button) enables you to control how the
model is represented. This window also has its own tool bar.
Status Bar
This displays information about the current status of your
operations.
You can reposition or minimise these windows at any time using

standard window management facilities.
3.4 On-line help
The standard Help features are available from its submenu, as follows:
Help>On Context
This gives you help on any window currently visible in the display. When
you select this option, the pointer changes to a question mark (?). Move
the question mark into the window on which you want help and click the
left-hand mouse button.
Help>Contents
This displays the Help three-pane window with the Contents tab at the
front so that you can find the required topic from the hierarchical
contents list.
Help>Index
This displays the Help three-pane window with the Index tab at the front
so that you can find all topics relevant to a selected keyword.
Help>About
This displays information about the version of PDMS that you are using.
More Info... lists the version numbers of the libraries being used by
the displayed version of PDMS.
Pressing the F1 key at any time will display the help topic for the
currently active window (equivalent to Help>On Context for the current
window).
Note: For most of the forms in the ASL Modeller Application, on-line
help is NOT available. In these circumstances, this guide takes
the place of on-line help.

Getting Started
3.5 The Design database hierarchy
All PDMS data is stored in a hierarchic or ‘tree’ format (similar to the

way in which you use a hierarchy of directories and subdirectories to
access your computer files). In the case of a PDMS Design database, the
topmost data level is called the World (usually represented by the
symbolic name /*), below which are the administrative sublevels Site and
Zone.
The names used to identify database levels below Zone depend on the
specific engineering discipline for which the data is used. In the case of
ASL design data, the lower administrative levels (and their PDMS
abbreviations) are Structure (STRU) and Substructure (SUBS).
All data is represented in the database thus:
• Each identifiable item of data is known as a PDMS element.
• Each element has a number of associated pieces of information, which,
together, completely define its properties. These are known as its
attributes.
Every element is identified within the database structure by an
automatically allocated reference number and, optionally, by a user-
specified name. Additional items of information about an element which
could be stored as attribute settings include:
• Its type
• Its physical dimensions and technical specifications
• Its physical location and orientation in the design model
• Its connectivity.
Some attribute settings must be defined by you when you create a
new element, others will be defined automatically by PDMS.
The vertical link between two elements on adjacent levels of the database
hierarchy is defined as an owner-member relationship. The element on
the upper level is the owner of those elements directly linked below it.
The lower level elements are members of their owning element. Each
element can have many members, but it can have only one owner.
When you are modifying a database (for example, when you are creating
new elements or changing the settings of their attributes), you can
consider yourself to be positioned at a specific point within the hierarchy.
The element at this location is called the current element (often
abbreviated to CE).
You can navigate from any element to any other, thereby changing the
current element, by following the owner-member links up and down the
hierarchy.

Version 11.6SP1
Getting Started
In many cases, commands which you give for modifying the attributes of
an element will assume that the changes are to be applied to the current
element unless you specify otherwise, so you must understand this
concept and always be aware of your current position in the database
hierarchy. The Design Explorer will always show you this information.
3.6 Starting the Accessways, Stairs and Ladders

Application (ASL Modeller)
Exercise continues:
11. Start the ASL application by selecting Design from the top-level bar
menu, Structures from the pull-down menu and ASL Modeller… from
the first submenu (Design>Structures>ASL Modeller).
When the application has loaded, you will see the application’s bar
menu, across the top of the window thus:
12. Before you proceed further, see Appendix A for guidance on the
effects of setting different drawing levels.
The following chapters of this guide explain how to select appropriate

combinations of options from the various menus, and how to fill in any
associated forms, to enable you to carry out specific design functions for
adding accessways, stairs and/or ladders to your structural model.
The menus and forms have been designed so as to make their use as
intuitive as possible. This guide does not, therefore, attempt to explain
every command option, only those needed to carry out the principal
design tasks.
The contents of some forms change interactively to match your choice of
options, so that the selections presented to you and the input data
requested from you are always directly relevant to the current situation.
Because of this, some design functions are easier to use in practice than
they are to describe in theory. You will learn to use the applications most
rapidly if you experiment with the various menu and form options
yourself (remembering to quit without saving your changes if you practise
on a ‘real’ database).

Getting Started
3.7 The Parameter Default Settings
3.7.1 The Principles

Each time you create a new accessway, stair or ladder in the ASL
application, you must specify the settings of a number of dimensional and
general design parameters relevant to that type of item. For example, for
a corner platform with handrails, the parameters which must be specified
include the following (see Figure 3.1):
• The length, width and orientation of the platform
• The sides along which the handrails are required
• The thickness of the floorplate
• The depth of the kickplate
• The method of construction and mounting for the handrail.
Some of these parameters, such as the length and width, are specific to
each individual item and must be defined separately each time a new
platform is created. The definition is made either explicitly, by typing
values into text boxes, or implicitly, by using the cursor to pick existing
design elements relative to which the new item is to be positioned.
Other parameters, such as floorplate thickness, handrail design
definitions, kickplate depth etc., which are likely to be common to all such
structures, have their initial settings derived from the current defaults
file. You can change the current default settings at any time, so that they
take effect for all subsequent design work, or you can override one or
more individual settings by editing the entries in the corresponding text
boxes as you create each ASL item.

Version 11.6SP1
Getting Started
D ire c tion
Wid th
Ha n d rail lo c a tio n s
Ha n d rail p o s t ty pe
(e .g . jo in te d, flo or m ou n te d)
Le n g th
Kic k p la te de p th
Flo o rp la te th ic k n e s s
Figure 3.1 Some parameters for a corner platform
3.7.2 Changing the Parameter Default Settings

To change any of the default settings, select Settings>Defaults… from the
menu. You will see the ASL Defaults form, showing the current settings,
thus:

Getting Started
The form shows the current setting for each parameter and the name of
the defaults file from which the settings have been obtained.
When you first enter the ASL application, the defaults file is defined
within the initialisation file PDMSUI/DES/ADMIN/SETUP; the file is
typically defined as %PDMSDFLTS%/DES-ACCESS.
To change any of the parameter default settings, edit the corresponding
entries in the ASL Defaults form. Note that three of the settings are
defined by using drop-down list, rather than by editing values in text
boxes. These are:

Version 11.6SP1
Getting Started
Handrail Joints defining the geometry of the joints (ball, cone or

tee)
Post Type defining how and where handrail posts are to be
attached
Steelwork Type defining the type of primary/secondary

steelwork (Nodal or Nozzle) to which the ASL
items are to be added. This option should be set
to Nodal.
Note: The Nozzle option is only provided for
use with data generated by an old
PDMS steelwork application called
Nozzle Steelwork, which is no longer
supplied or supported.
You can save the modified settings, or load a new set of defaults from an
existing file, by using the File menu options on the ASL Defaults form in
the usual way. This is a convenient way for you to build up a library of
standard ASL design configurations for use on different types of
steelwork structures, or to meet different company standards.
Once satisfactory sets of default values have been established, it should
not be necessary to change these in normal use, because they will usually
represent project-wide or company-wide standards.

4 Creating Access Platforms and Walkways
This chapter explains how to create any of the following types of platform:
Floorplate a basic rectangular plate with no handrails
or kickplates (although you can add posts,
rails and/or kickplates independently, as
explained in Chapter 7).
Rectangular platform a rectangular platform with handrails and
optional kickplates (initially to default
specifications) on all four sides.
Corner platform a rectangular platform with handrails and
specifications) on two adjacent sides.
Return access a rectangular platform with handrails and
specifications) on three sides.
Walkway a rectangular platform with handrails and
specifications) on two opposite sides.
Circular platform although nominally circular, such a
platform may actually be round, hexagonal
or octagonal, with handrails and optional
kickplates (initially to default specifications)
all round its periphery.
This chapter also explains how to insert a penetration into the floorplate
of any platform to allow another design element, such as a pipe, to pass
through it.
Note: You should create platforms at Structure or Substructure level.
4.1 Creating a Rectangular-Shaped Platform
The procedure for creating any of the rectangular-shaped platforms is

much the same, since only the layout of the handrails and kickplates
differs between the different types; for example:

Version 11.6SP1
Creating Access Platforms and Walkways
R e c tan gu lar p la tform
Corn e r p latfo rm
(R .H. l ayou t)
s h ow s or ig in
R e tu rn ac c e s s p l atform an d d ir e c t io n
The only data that is not taken from the defaults file is that which defines
the position and dimensions of the platform. You may specify such data in
either of two ways:
• Explicitly, by entering the length/width dimensions, orientation and
origin coordinates.
• Implicitly, by using the cursor to pick four design steelwork elements
upon which the platform is to be placed and which will define its
boundaries.
Exercise continues:
4.1.1 Creating a site

You will create your hierarchy from the top down, starting with a site.
Exercise continues:
13. Make sure that you are at World level in the Design Explorer, then
select Create>Site to display the Create Site form:

14. Type ASL.SITE in the Name text box, and press the Enter key to
confirm the name. The system automatically adds a / prefix to this
name so that it conforms with the internal PDMS file naming
conventions:
/ASL.SITE.
The Purpose setting is optional, and is used for selecting particular
categories of element for use in compiling reports etc. Identify your
Site as one that holds civils modelling data by selecting STLT
Tertiary Steelwork.
Your settings now look like this:
15. Click OK to create the Site element. Your first element appears in the
Design Explorer as the current element:

Version 11.6SP1
4.1.2 Creating a zone below a site
Exercise continues:
16. Select Create>Zone. You will let the system name the Zone. On the
Create Zone form: Set the Name option to Autoname
• Set the Purpose to STL Steelwork.

17. Click OK to create the Zone element. Again, the new element
appears in the Design Explorer as the current element, and it
has been automatically named ASL.SITE/STRUC01.
4.1.3 Defining the Platform Geometry Explicitly

18. Begin to create a Platform by first selecting
Create>Platform>type>Define, where type is Corner,
Rectangular, Return Access, Walkway or Floorplate.
You will see an element creation form similar to this (the precise
format depends on the type of platform specified):
19. Give the new platform a Name, if required.

20. Check that the default settings for Floorplate Thickness,
Kickplate Depth and Posts are suitable. Change them if
necessary.
21. Enter the coordinates of the new platform’s origin (the centre of the
rectangle) in the Position text boxes, checking that the Wrt entry
refers to the correct reference axis system.

Version 11.6SP1
22. Enter the platform’s dimensions, as required, in the Length and

Width text boxes.
23. The default orientation for a newly created platform is with its length
pointing North and with the plane of the platform horizontal (these
directions are not derived from the defaults file). If you wish to rotate
the platform about a vertical axis through its origin, edit the entry in
the Direction text box.
For a Return Access platform, the specified direction defines the
direction of the open end.
24. OK the form to create the platform, complete with appropriate
handrails and kickplates.
25. If you have created a corner or return access platform, you will see
the prompt Mirror? This gives you the opportunity to change your
mind about the handrail layout by moving the rails to the opposite
sides. Select Yes or No as required.
An example platform (with Length and Width set to 1000, 1000
respectively, and YES selected for Mirror) is shown below:
4.1.4 Defining the Platform Geometry Implicitly

26. At this point we need to add some steelwork sections to the display,
so select STABILIZER/STEEL/EQUIPRACK from the Design Explorer and
add EQUIPRACK to the display by selecting it and selecting
3D View>Add from the shortcut menu. See below:

27. Note that the default type of steel should be set to Nodal. If it is not,
you will not be able to pick the elements upon which you wish to
install the platform and the application will fail.
28. Select Create>Platform>type>On ID Sections, where type is Corner,
Rectangular, Return Access, Walkway or Floorplate.
You will see an element creation form similar to this (the precise
format depends on the type of platform specified):

Version 11.6SP1

30. Check that the default settings for Floorplate Thickness,
Kickplate Depth and Posts are suitable. Change them if
necessary.
31. Set the Extent option gadget to show how the platform’s boundaries
are to be related to the datum lines of the sections which will be used
to define them. The choices are:
Centreline Edge
32. Click the Apply button.

33. You be prompted to Identify section (SCTN) (Most Northerly).
Using the pointer, pick the section (i.e. beam) which is to define the
north edge of the new platform. (Hint: You may find it useful to have
the axes displayed so that you pick the correct direction; use the
Model>Axes option from the main menu if necessary.)
When prompted further, pick the sections which are to define the
south, east and west edges of the platform, in that order.
The platform will be created, complete with appropriate handrails
and kickplates.
34. If you have created a corner or return access platform, you will see
the prompt Do you want to mirror the ... Platform? This
gives you the opportunity to change your mind about the handrail
layout by moving the rails to the opposite sides. Select Yes or No as
required.
An example platform (with NO selected for Do you want to mirror
the ... ?) is shown below:

4.2 Creating a Circular-Shaped Platform
You can create a ‘circular’ platform with any of three basic configurations;
round, hexagonal (six sides) or octagonal (eight sides).
Round platforms may form complete circles, or they may comprise
segments of any specified angle. Six-sided and eight-sided platforms may
be created only in their entirety (although they are made up of six and
eight separate floorplates, respectively, any of which may be deleted later
if necessary).
Each type of platform can have a circular penetration through its centre
and, for round platforms only, this penetration may be protected by a
second (inner) handrail. The latter is particularly relevant when you use,
say, a 90o segment of a round platform to form a curved walkway.
Some possible configurations are as follows:

Version 11.6SP1
Round platform
with optional inside rail
Hexagonal platform
(Six Sides)
Octagonal platform
(Eight Sides)
90o round 180o round 360o round

without inside rail
Exercise continues:
To create any of the above platform types, reselect PLATFORMS as the
current element, remove EQUIPRACK from the display (by selecting it and
selecting Remove From Draw List from the shortcut menu) and proceed as
follows:
35. Select Create>Platform>Circular>type, where type is Round, Six Sides
or Eight Sides.
You will see an element creation form similar to the following (the
precise format depends on the type of platform specified; the round
platform version shown here is the most complex of the three):


37. Check that the default settings for Floorplate Thickness and
Kickplate Depth are suitable. Change them if necessary.
38. Enter the coordinates of the new platform’s origin (the centre of the
circumscribing circle) in the Position text boxes, checking that the
Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axis system.
39. For a six-sided or eight-sided platform, enter the platform’s
dimensions in the Radius to outside of floor and Radius to
inside of floor text boxes (setting the latter to zero if you do not
want a central penetration in the floorplate).
For a round platform, enter the platform’s dimensions in the Radius
to outside of floor and Floor width text boxes (entering the
same value for each if you do not want a central penetration in the
floorplate).
40. For a round platform, enter the Angle subtended by the segment (the
default setting of 0 gives a full 360o platform) and the Direction of
the starting edge (remembering that the angle is measured
anticlockwise), thus:

Version 11.6SP1
Dir ect ion
Or igin
An gle
Ra diu s t o
ou t side of
floor
F loor
widt h
41. For a round platform, set the Inside rail option button to specify
whether or not you want a rail round the inner penetration (if any).
42. OK the form to create the platform, complete with appropriate
handrails and kickplates.
An example Round platform is shown below:
4.3 Creating a Penetration Through a Platform
You can insert a circular or square penetration through the floorplate of

any platform in either of two ways:

• Explicitly, by specifying the position and dimensions of the

penetration. You could use this method, for example, to allow a
stairway or ladder to give access within a platform rather than
routing it externally to give access through a gap in the surrounding
handrail.
• Implicitly, by picking an existing piping element which penetrates the
floorplate. The position of the floor penetration is determined from
that of the picked element and the dimensions of the penetration are
derived so as to give a specified clearance around the picked element.
You would use this method to create a penetration for a pipe to pass
through the platform floor, thus:
P ipe
Squ a r e
pen et r a t ion
in floor pla te
Exercise continues:
4.3.1 Defining a Floor Penetration Explicitly

Note: at this point you must have an ASL platform on display.
43. Select Create>Floor Penetration>shape>Explicit, where shape is Circular
or Square.
You will see a floor penetration creation form like one of the
following:

Version 11.6SP1
44. Enter the North/South and East/West coordinates for the centre of
the penetration. (The Up/Down coordinate will be derived from the
position of the floorplate through which the penetration is to pass.)
45. Enter the Diameter for a circular penetration or the Length/Width
for a square penetration.
46. Set the Floor type option button to show the shape of the platform
(Rectangular or Circular) into which the penetration will be
inserted. (This information is needed to ensure that the penetration
creation calculations are correctly executed.)
47. Click Apply.
48. You will be prompted to ‘Identify floorplate’. Using the
cursor, pick the floorplate into which the penetration is to be inserted.
4.3.2 Defining a Floor Penetration Implicitly

Note: Before you can use this method, your design must include a pipe (or
piping component) which passes through a platform and both the
pipe and the platform must be shown in the 3D view.
Exercise continues:
49. Select Create>Floor Penetration>shape>ID cursor, where shape is
Circular or Square.
You will see a floor penetration creation form similar to this:

50. Enter the minimum Clearance distance required between the pipe
or piping component and the sides of the penetration.
51. Set the Floor type option button to show the shape of the platform
(Rectangular or Circular) into which the penetration will be
inserted. (This information is needed to ensure that the penetration
creation calculations are correctly executed.)
52. Click Apply.
cursor, pick the floorplate into which the penetration is to be inserted.
54. You will be prompted to ‘Identify penetrating Item’. Using
the cursor, pick the pipe or piping component around which the
penetration is to be created.

Version 11.6SP1

5 Creating Stairs
This chapter explains how to create flights of stairs, complete with side
rails on one or both sides, between the floor and a platform (a bottom
flight) or between two platforms (a top flight). The difference between the
two configurations is the shape of the bottom end of the side rails, thus:
Rails have Rails angled to connect

terminating loops to platform handrails
Bottom Flight Top Flight
Note: You should create stairs at Structure or Substructure level.

Version 11.6SP1
Creating Stairs
The following parameters are relevant to stairs:
Left-hand rail
Right-hand rail
Direction
Width between
stringers
Height
Stringer thickness
Origin
(midway between Stringer depth
stringers)
Angle
Length
Of these, Angle, Stringer depth, Stringer thickness and Width between

stringers are defined within the defaults file.
You can specify the overall dimensions of a stair in one of three ways:
• By Height and Angle (Length being implicit) - see Section 5.1
• By Height and Length (Angle being implicit) - see Section 5.1
• For top flights only, by identifying the p-points on finished floor levels
(FFL) at the bottom and top of the stair - see Section 5.2
Exercise continues:
5.1 Creating a Stair with Specified Dimensions
55. Select the required combination of menu options from the following,
depending on your chosen configuration and method of specifying
dimensions:
Create>Stair>top flight>Height & Angle
Create>Stair>bottom flight>Height & Angle
Create>Stair>top flight>Height & Length
Create>Stair>bottom flight>Height & Length

Creating Stairs
You will see a Stair Creation form similar to this (the precise format
depends on the chosen menu selection):
56. Give the new stairs a Name, if required.

57. Check that the default settings for Stringer Depth, Stringer
Thickness, Width Between Stringers, Landing Floor
Thickness, Posts and (for Height & Angle specifications only)
Angle are suitable. Change them if necessary.
58. Enter the coordinates for the origin of the stairs (that is, the mid-
point of the lower front extremity) in the Position text boxes,
checking that the Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axis
system.
59. Set the Direction (as viewed when facing up the stairs).
60. Enter the Height and, for Height & Length specifications only, the
Length. Note that the specified length refers to the horizontal
projection, not the actual length of the stringers.
61. OK the form to create the stairs, complete with appropriate handrails.
An example Top Flight stair is shown below:

Version 11.6SP1
Creating Stairs
5.2 Creating a Stair between Specified Floors
This option allows you to create a top flight stair configuration by picking
p-points on two existing floorplates between which the stairs are to run.
All positioning and dimensioning data for the new stairs is derived
implicitly from the points on the finished floor levels (FFLs) which you
pick.
Exercise continues:
Before you begin, ensure that both platforms that will be used to define
the stairs are shown in the 3D view.
62. Select Create>Stair>Top Flight>FFL to FFL.
63. Give the new stairs a Name, if required.
64. Check that the default settings for Stringer Depth, Stringer
Thickness, Width Between Stringers, Landing Floor
Thickness and Posts are suitable. Change them if necessary.
65. Click OK.

Creating Stairs
66. You will be prompted to ‘Identify P-Point on first

floorplate’. Using the cursor, pick a p-point on the platform which
will determine the bottom of the stair.
Hint: The easiest way to do this is to position the cursor anywhere on
the required floorplate and hold down the left-hand mouse button as
you move the cursor. The p-points will be shown as blobs and the
cursor shape will change from . to when it is over a p-point.
67. When you have successfully picked a p-point on the first floorplate,
you will be prompted to ‘Identify P-Point on second
floorplate’. Using the same technique as in Step 5, pick a p-point
on the platform which will determine the top of the stair.
The stair will be created, complete with appropriate handrails,
between the finished floor levels at the p-point locations.
Note: The maximum size of any stair is limited to 16 flights (or
treads) or to a height of 2.3 m. If your new stair would exceed
either of these limits, you will see a message telling you that
an intermediate platform is required. If so, create such a
platform (as explained in Chapter 4) and then create two
stairs linked via the platform.

Version 11.6SP1
Creating Stairs

6 Creating Ladders
This chapter explains how to create any of the following types of ladder:
A step ladder an inclined ladder with flat treads. A step
ladder has handrails on both sides, and top
posts where it accesses the upper platform.
A front exit ladder a vertical ladder with round treads. A front
exit ladder has safety hoops, and top posts
and rails where it accesses the upper
platform.
A side exit ladder a vertical ladder with round treads. A side
exit ladder can have single or double exits,
and has safety hoops between its access
points.
These configurations are illustrated in Figure 6.1, which shows the origin
and direction that you will use to position and orientate each type. The
figure also shows the intended access direction(s) from each type of
ladder.

Version 11.6SP1
Creating Ladders
Key:
Origin and
direction of
ladder
Access
direction(s)
Step ladder
Double side exit ladder
Front exit ladder Single side exit ladder
Figure 6.1 The available ladder configurations
Exercise continues:
6.1 Creating a Step Ladder
68. Select Create>Ladder>Step.

You will see a step ladder creation form like this:

Creating Ladders
69. Give the new step ladder a Name, if required.

70. Enter the coordinates for the origin of the ladder (that is, the mid-
system.
71. Set the Direction (as viewed when facing up the ladder).
72. Enter the Height to top of platform and select the required
angle from the permissible range using the option button.
73. OK the form to create the step ladder, complete with appropriate
handrails.
6.2 Creating a Front or Side Exit Ladder
74. Select the required combination of menu options from the following,
depending on your chosen configuration:
Create>Ladder>Front Exit
Create>Ladder>Side Exit>Single
Create>Ladder>Side Exit>Double
You will see a ladder creation form similar to this (the precise format
depends on the chosen menu selection):

Version 11.6SP1
Creating Ladders
75. Give the new ladder a Name, if required.

76. Check that the default setting for Clearance is suitable. This setting
defines the stand-off distance between the ladder and any potential
obstructions behind it. Change it if necessary.
77. Enter the coordinates for the origin of the ladder (that is, the mid-
system.
78. Set the Direction (as viewed when facing up the ladder).
79. Enter the Height or, for a double exit ladder, the Height to top
platform and the Height to first platform.
80. OK the form to create the ladder, complete with appropriate safety
hoops and, for a front exit ladder, a top rail.

7 Creating Posts, Handrails and Kickplates
Although the platforms, stairs and ladders described in Chapters 4, 5 and

6 can be created complete with appropriate posts, handrails and
kickplates, there will be times when you need to add these specifically to
existing accessways. You are most likely to do this when you want to
modify an existing handrail round a platform in order to allow access for
a new stair or ladder (some types of which already incorporate short
sections of handrail). This chapter tells you how to create such individual
components.
7.1 Creating Posts and Joints
Posts may have either of two basic configurations:

• Corner posts consist of a pair of vertical cylinders with incorporated
joints, linked by horizontal ‘elbows’ of handrail.
• Intermediate posts (referred to in the menus simply as Posts) consist
of a single vertical cylinder with incorporated joints.
In both cases, the joints may have any of the following shapes:
• Ball
• Cone
• Tee
The appearance of each option is illustrated in Figure 7.1.

Version 11.6SP1
Creating Posts, Handrails and Kickplates
Handrail
A post
A corner post
Ball joints Cone joints Tee joints
Figure 7.1 Post and joint types
The method of fixture and precise location of any post that is created, are
determined by the following settings in the defaults file:
Handrail Post Inset from Corners - governs positions of base plates for
corner posts relative to the corners of the platform.
Handrail Inset from Edge - governs position of base plates for
intermediate posts relative to the edges of the platform.
Handrail Elbow Radius - determines radius of handrail segments
between the uprights of corner post pairs.
Post type - determines where and how the post’s base is attached to the
platform. The options are:
Jointed Floor Mounted (as illustrated in Figure 7.1)

Jointed Edge Mounted
Jointed Kickplate Mounted
Welded Floor Mounted
Welded Edge Mounted
Welded Kickplate Mounted
Outside Post Insertion Depth

Maximum Post Pitch - specifies the maximum permitted distance

between adjacent posts, and thus determines the number of intermediate
posts created for a given length of handrail.
The type of joint which will be included when you create a new post is
determined by the Handrail Joints setting in the defaults file. You can,
however, change the joint type on any individual post after the post has
been created.
7.1.1 Creating Corner Posts

You can create corner posts in any of the following locations:
• At one specified corner of an existing floorplate
• At all four corners of an existing floorplate
• At the intersection of two existing handrails
To do so, select the appropriate option from the Create>Corner Posts>
menu and then follow the instructions when prompted to pick the item(s)
which are to be used to locate the new posts.
If you wish to use Create>Corner Posts>At Explicit Corner, your current
element must be the floorplate upon which the corner post is to be
mounted. You will then be asked to specify the corner (N/W, N/E, S/E or
S/W; based on the default orientation) at which the post is to be added.
If you use Create>Corner Posts>On Floorplate, you will be prompted use
the cursor to pick an existing floorplate. Corner post pairs will be added
at all four corners of the plate.
If you use Create>Corner Posts>At Intersection of Rails, you will be
prompted to pick two top handrails. If the rails do not intersect, an error
will result.
7.1.2 Creating Intermediate Posts

You can create either a single post at a specified point or a row of posts
between two specified points.
Creating a Single Post
You can specify the position for a single post in either of two ways:
• As an explicit point
• As the location of a p-point of an existing floorplate
If you use Create>Post>At Explicit, you will see a form on which you can
enter the coordinates of the point at which the base of the post is to be
positioned.
If you use Create>Post>At P-Point, you will be prompted to pick a p-point
on a floorplate. The easiest way to do this is to position the cursor

Version 11.6SP1
anywhere on the required floorplate and hold down the left-hand mouse
button as you move the cursor. The p-points will be shown as blobs and
the cursor shape will change from . to when it is over a p-point.
Creating a Row of Posts
You can create a row of posts between the following pairs of points:
• The ends of two existing handrails
• Two existing posts (which may be corner posts or intermediate posts)
• One end of an existing handrail and an existing post (which may be a
corner post or an intermediate post)
In all cases, the posts will be equispaced and the number of posts will be
calculated automatically from the distance between the points and the
maximum permitted post pitch (as set in the current defaults file).
You will be asked whether or not the new row of posts is to have
handrails.
If you use Create>Post>Between Handrail Ends, you will be prompted to
pick p–points on the top elbows of two handrails.
If you use Create>Post>Between Posts, you will be prompted to pick two
posts. Pick the cylinders forming the main uprights in each case.
If you use Create>Post>Between End and Post, you will be prompted first to
pick a p-point on the top elbow of a handrail and then to pick a post.
7.1.3 Measuring the Distance Between Posts

The maximum permitted distance between adjacent posts is defined by
the Maximum Post Pitch setting in the defaults file. This distance is
checked automatically when you create rows of posts (either implicitly,
when creating platforms, or explicitly, as explained in Section 7.1.2), and
is used to calculate the number of posts needed for a given length of
handrail.
When you are creating individual posts, you may want to check that the
positions at which you put them do not contravene the maximum pitch
allowed. To measure the distance between any two existing posts (which
need not form part of the same handrail run), select Utilities>Check Post
Pitch and, when prompted, use the cursor to pick the two posts.
7.1.4 Changing the Joint Type for a Post

When you create a new post, with or without handrails, the post includes
two joints whose type is determined by the Handrail Joints setting in
the current defaults file. The orientation of the joints assumes that the
handrails (actual or potential) are to run parallel to the nearest side of
the platform.

To change the type and/or orientation of the joints on an existing post,

first select and delete the existing joints and then select Create>Post
Joints>type, where type is Ball, Cone or Tee.
You will be prompted to ‘Identify posts upright’. Using the
cursor, pick the post (now just a vertical cylinder) whose joints you are
changing.
You will then be asked, ‘Rotate joint?’ Choose No to retain the
default joint orientation or Yes to rotate the new joints by 90o.
7.2 Creating Handrails
A handrail may incorporate the following component parts:
Top rail
End pad
Closure
End pad
Bottom rail
Joint
Post base
When you create a handrail, both the top and bottom rails are created as
a pair of equal-length cylinders. You can, however, modify each rail
independently. (The methods of modifying such items are explained in
Chapters 8 and 9.)
7.2.1 Creating Explicit Handrails

To create a handrail explicitly, to run between two existing posts, select
Create>Handrail>Only. You will be prompted to ‘Identify design p-
point’. Using the cursor, pick the p-point at the top of the first post. The
prompt will be repeated; pick the p-point at the top of the second post.
The complete handrail (both top and bottom rails) will be added to the
design.
Most handrails will probably terminate within a post joint; either at a
corner post or a single post. You may, however, wish to terminate the
rails more neatly, especially if they extend beyond a post into free space
or abut against other steelwork. Two types of termination are available:
• End Pads - a circular plate on the end of each rail
• Closures - a loop linking the top and bottom rails together (an example
of this was shown on a bottom flight of stairs in Chapter 5)

Version 11.6SP1
7.2.2 Adding End Pads to Handrails

To add an end pad to an existing handrail, select Create>Handrail>End
Pad. You will be prompted to ‘Identify handrail required’. Using
the cursor, pick the individual rail (which may be either a top or bottom
rail) to which the end pad is to be attached.
You will then be prompted to ‘Identify handrail p-point’. Pick
the p-point at the end of the rail where you want to add the end pad. (If
you pick a point which is not at the end of a rail, you will generate an
error.)
7.2.3 Adding Closures to Handrails

To add a closing loop between the top and bottom rails of an existing
handrail, select Create>Handrail>Closure. You will see a form on which you
must enter the Length of the closure and its Direction, thus:
Direction
Length
You will then be prompted to ‘Identify handrail top p-point’.

Using the cursor, pick the p-point on the top rail at the end at which you
wish to add the closure. The complete closure will then be created.
7.3 Creating kickplates
When you create any type of platform, a kickplate is added automatically

(if originally specified) to all sides which have handrails. Kickplates are
also added round the central hole (if any) on circular platforms and round
floor penetrations. The height of the kickplate is derived from the
Kickplate Depth setting in the defaults file; you will be asked to
confirm (or modify) this height each time you create another kickplate.
To add a length of kickplate explicitly to an existing platform, select
Create>Kickplate>option, where option gives you the following choices:
Along Floorplate Edge - Adds kickplate along one side of the floorplate
only. You will be prompted to pick first the floorplate and then the
edge along which the kickplate is required.
Along Edge with Cut Out - Adds kickplate along one side of the
floorplate only, with a cut-out between two specified handrail posts.
You would use this where a stairway or ladder gives access onto the

platform. You will be prompted to pick first the floorplate, then the
edge along which the kickplate is required, then the two posts
between which the cut-out is wanted.
All Around Floorplate - Adds kickplate on all sides of the floorplate.
You will be prompted to pick the floorplate.
Between Posts - Adds kickplate between two specified posts only (in
effect, the inverse of the cut-out option). You will be prompted to pick
the floorplate and then the two posts.

Version 11.6SP1

8 Positioning and Orientating Items
When you create a new platform, stairway or ladder, it is created in the

hierarchy as a complete Structure. All component parts of the new item
(floorplates, posts, joints, rails, stair treads, ladder rungs etc.) are made
up from appropriately shaped primitives that are members of the
Structure (or of subsidiary Substructures).
This chapter tells you how to reposition and/or reorientate complete
Structures or Substructures. (Chapter 9 explains how you can modify the
detail of a Structure by changing the positions and/or dimensions of
individual primitives.)
8.1 Explicit Positioning
You can position an element explicitly at a given position in the following

ways:
• By entering specific coordinates for the element’s origin
• By using the cursor to identify the point at which the element is to be
positioned
• By specifying another element or a design pin which is already at the
required position
Exercise continues:
8.1.1 Positioning at Explicit Coordinates

81. Select Position>Explicitly (AT).
You will see forms like these:

Version 11.6SP1
Positioning and Orientating Items
82. Enter the required coordinates for the element’s origin.

For more detail on the use of these forms, see the Explicit Position
form help topic in the Design online help:
8.2 Positioning Relative to Current Position
This option allows you to reposition an element relative to its current

position; that is, to move it by specified distances in specified directions.

Exercise continues:
83. Select Position>Relatively (BY).
You will see forms like these:
84. Enter the distance by which you wish to move the origin in each
direction.
Use the CE option on the drop-down list box at top left to
position the element relative to its current position.
Use Pick to select a member of the current element to move.
List will move the current element relative to a List.
The Positioning Control form controls the use of event-driven graphics
for positioning. For more information, see the Positioning Control form
help topic in the Design online help:

Version 11.6SP1
8.3 Positioning Relative to Other Design Points
These options allow you to position an element relative to other elements.

The available options are:
Distance Moves the item by a given distance in a given direction
Through Moves the item in a given direction through a given
point
Clearance Moves the item in a given direction to a point with a
given clearance from another item
Towards Moves the item a given distance towards a given point
Exercise continues:
8.3.1 Moving a Given Distance

85. Select Position>Move>Distance.
You will see a form like this:

86. Set the distance and direction for the move.

87. Select how you wish to define the position of the moved element
relative to the reference point, using the first option button:
Only Positions the item the given distance and direction from
the previous item.
Infront Can be used for any direction in a plan view; that is,
Behind N, S, E and W, and any angles in between. Used as if
you are looking in the direction specified.
Onto Used with any direction in an elevation view; that
Under is, U and D, and any angles in between.
From Used with directions N, S, E and W. Used to position
item the given distance from the given point.
To Used with directions N, S, E and W. Used to position
item the given distance from its present position in the
given direction.
88. Select how you wish to identify the reference point using the second
option button:
Cursor A cursor-identified 3D position
ID Cursor The origin of a cursor-identified item
ID P-point A cursor-identified p-point
Coordinate ... A given coordinate
Name ... The origin of a named element
Pin ... The position of a construction pin
89. If you have chosen one of the cursor options, pick the corresponding
item when prompted to do so (in a plan or elevation view).
90. If you have chosen Coordinate, Name or Pin, enter the required
details on the resulting form.

Version 11.6SP1
8.3.2 Moving Through a Given Point

91. Select Position>Move>Through.
92. Set the direction for the move. Note that the current direction of the
component is displayed in the Direction box.
93. Select how you wish to define the Through point from the following
options:
8.3.3 Moving Through a Given Clearance

96. Select Position>Move>Clearance.

The OBST setting shows that it is the obstruction box of the current
element, rather than its detailed geometry, which is used to calculate
clearances.
97. Set the direction for the move. Note that the current direction of the
component is displayed in the Direction box.
98. Set the required clearance distance.
relative to the reference point, using the first option button:
Behind N, S, E and W, and any angles in between.
Used as if you are looking in the direction specified.
given direction.
100. Select how you wish to identify the reference point using the second
option button:
Pin ... The position of a construction pin.

Version 11.6SP1
8.3.4 Moving Towards a Given Point

103. Select Position>Move>Towards.
104. Set the required distance for the move.

105. Select how you wish to define the Towards point from the following
options:
8.4 Redefining the Origin of an Element
All positioning options described so far have been based on the principle
that the currently defined origin of a Structure or Substructure is moved
to a new position within the design. An alternative way of repositioning
an element is to redefine the position of the origin relative to the

geometry of the Structure or Substructure. In this case, the origin

remains at the same co-ordinates relative to the system axes, but the
element moves relative to its original origin. The difference is illustrated
in the following diagram:
or igin a l
elem en t
or igin redefined a t
corn er of elem en t
or igin a l elem en t or igin (a n d elem en t )
wit h or igin a t m oved r ela t ive t o
it s cen t re syst em a xes
Exercise continues:
To redefine an origin in this way, proceed as follows:
108. Select Modify>Origin>Structure (or Substructure)>option, where option
gives you the following choices:
ID P-Point Defines the origin as the position of an existing p-point
within the Structure.
Explicit Allows you to move the origin by specified distances in
specified directions relative to its current position
within the Structure.
109. If you selected ID P-Point, use the pointer to pick the required p-point
when prompted.
110. If you selected Explicit, enter the required distance(s) on the resulting
form.
8.5 Positioning Relative to Projected Planes
Note: If you are not familiar with the concepts of specifying positions
as the intersections of projected axes and planes through other
items, you should refer to the Design Reference Manual.
These options allow you to position an element relative to a projected
plane through a specified position. The available options are:
Distance Moves the item by a given distance in a given direction
Through Moves the item in a given direction to a plane through a
given point
Clearance Moves the item in a given direction to a point with a
given clearance from a plane through another item
Exercise continues:

Version 11.6SP1
8.5.1 Moving Through a Given Distance

111. Select Position>Plane Move>Distance.
112. Set the direction for the move (Direction), the direction of the plane
(Through), and distance for the move (Distance). Note that the
current direction of the component is displayed in the Direction
box.
relative to the reference plane, using the first option button:
Only Positions the item the given distance and direction from
the previous item.
given direction.
114. Select how you wish to identify the reference point which will
determine the plane using the second option button:


8.5.2 Moving Through a Given Point

117. Select Position>Plane Move>Through.
118. Set the direction for the move (Direction) and direction of the plane
(Through). Note that the current direction of the component is
displayed in the Direction box.
119. Select how you wish to identify the reference point which will
determine the plane:

Version 11.6SP1
8.5.3 Moving to a Given Clearance

122. Select Position>Plane Move>Clearance.
123. Set the direction of the move (Direction), the direction of the plane
(Through), and the required clearance distance from the plane
(Clearance).
relative to the reference plane, using the first option button:
given direction.
125. Select how you wish to identify the reference point that will
determine the plane, using the second option button:


Pin ... The position of a construction pin.
8.6 Positioning Stairs and Ladders Using Reference

Points
When you create a new stair or ladder, it is possible that you will not
position it exactly where you want it at the first attempt. Unless you
calculate the required origin (at the bottom) and dimensions very
carefully, it is likely that the handrails at the top of the stair/ladder will
not be correctly aligned with the handrails on the platform to which it
gives access.
To provide a quick way of positioning stairs and ladders correctly, Design
calculates a Reference Point at the top of such items that you can position
at any p-point on the adjoining platform. This ensures that, even though
the p-point may not be at the required location for the stair/ladder, the
alignment of handrail components is ensured. It is then a simple matter
to move the stair/ladder parallel to the side of the platform (using, for
example, the Position>Relatively (By)… option described in Section 8.2)
until it is in the required position.
Exercise continues:
To use the above technique, proceed as follows:
128. Ensure that your current element is the stair/ladder whose position is
to be adjusted and then select Position>Reference Point.
cursor, pick the floorplate to which the top of the stair/ladder is to
give access.
130. You will then be prompted to ‘Identify P-Point to position
structure’. Pick any p-point on the side of the platform against
which the stair/ladder is situated.
131. Unless you happen to want the stair/ladder exactly at the p-point
position (only likely if this is at the centre of one side rather that at a

Version 11.6SP1
corner), use the Position> Relatively (By)… option to move the

stair/ladder along the side of the platform by the required distance.
8.7 Orientating Elements
By default, the orientation of a Structure or Substructure is:
X is East,
Y is North and
Z is Up.
You can redefine this local axis system in one of two ways:
• If you specify the direction of one axis only, the other axes will try to
retain their default directions where possible. For example, if you
specify X is North, then the Y direction (which was North) will also
change but the Z direction remains Up. Thus, although you only
specify a new direction for one axis, the directions of at least two axes
will be changed.
• If you specify the directions of two axes, then you define the
orientation of the element completely.
You can also re-orientate an element by rotating it through a specified
angle about a specified axis.
Exercise continues:
8.7.1 Redefining the Directions of One or Two Axes

132. Select Orientate>Axes.
133. Select the axes that you wish to define, and enter the required
orientations.

For more information on the use of this form, see the Orientate Form
help topic in the Design online help.
8.7.2 Rotating an Element

134. Select Orientate>Rotate.
You will see a form like this, which lets you rotate an element
through a specified angle about a specified axis:
For more information on the use of this form, see the Rotate Form
help topic in the Design online help.

Version 11.6SP1

9 Modifying Accessways, Stairs and Ladders
in Detail
When you create a new platform, stairway or ladder, it is created in the

hierarchy as a complete Structure. All component parts of the new item
(floorplates, posts, joints, rails, stair treads, ladder rungs etc.) are made
up from appropriately shaped primitives which are members of the
Structure (or of subsidiary Substructures). As an example, Figure 9.1
shows, in wireline view, the primitives which make up a typical stairway.
Chapter 8 explained how to reposition and/or reorientate complete
Structures or Substructures. This chapter tells you how you can modify
the detail of a Structure by changing the positions and/or dimensions of
individual primitives.
The techniques covered here include the following:
• Stretching (increasing) or trimming (decreasing) one or more
dimensions of a primitive by specified amounts or such that its ends
are at specified locations.
• Sliding a primitive (moving it along one of its axes) such that one end
is at a specified location.
• Changing the direction of the handrail joints on stairs and ladders
such that they align with platform handrails.

Version 11.6SP1
Modifying Accessways, Stairs and Ladders in Detail
circular toruses
forming top
dishes forming handrail joints
ball joints
(2 dishes per joint)
cylinders forming
cylinders forming post uprights
handrail sections
box forming
post mounting
plate
circular toruses
forming part of boxes forming
handrail closure stair treads
Stair (STRU) hierarchy:

polyhedron forming
stair stringer SUBS1 2 stringers
SUBS2 11 treads
SUBS3 L.H. rails and posts
SUBS4 R.H. rails and posts
SUBS5 Obstruction box
Figure 9.1 Primitives making up a stairway with handrails
9.1 Stretching or Trimming a Primitive
You can stretch or trim one or more dimensions of a primitive so that its
ends are defined relative to ‘target’ locations.
Exercise continues:
135. Ensure that your current element is the primitive whose dimensions
you want to modify. Select Modify>Stretch/Trim> option, where option
gives you the following choices:
All Sides... - Changes all dimensions of the current primitive by a
specified distance. On the resulting form, enter a positive value to
increase the dimensions or a negative value to decrease the
dimensions. Remember, when using this option on, say, a floorplate
(BOX), that the height (i.e. the plate thickness) will be changed as
well as its length and width.
ID P-Point - Changes one dimension of the current primitive such that
a specified p-point moves by a given distance. On the resulting form,
enter a positive value to increase the dimension corresponding to the

p-point or a negative value to decrease this dimension. You will be

prompted to ‘Identify P-Point to Stretch/Trim’. Using the
cursor, pick the p-point to be moved (which must belong to the
current element).
cu r r en t pr im it ive
Tr im Or igin a l St r et ch
(-va lu e) posit ion (+va lu e)
of p-poin t
To P-Point - Brings a selected p-point on the primitive to coincide with

a target p-point on another design element which you will pick using
the cursor.
cur r ent pr im it ive

Or igina l
posit ion p-point on
of p-point second
pr im it ive
To Pline - Brings a selected p-point on the primitive to coincide with a

target p-line on another structural design element which you will pick
using the cursor.
Clearance to P-Point - Brings a selected p-point on the primitive to a
specific distance from a target p-point which you will pick using the
cursor. You can specify a positive or negative clearance, depending on
which side of the target p-point the clearance distance is required.
cu r r en t pr im it ive
Or igin a l
posit ion clea r a n ce t o
of p-poin t p-poin t on
secon d pr im a t ive
Clearance to Pline - Brings a selected p-point on the primitive to a

specific distance from a target p-line which you will pick using the
cursor. You can specify a positive or negative clearance, depending on
which side of the target p-line the clearance distance is required.
136. When prompted, use the cursor to pick the p-point on the current
primitive that you will use to define its new length.
target item to be used to define the new position of the p-point.
As a simple example of the stretch/trim concept, we will consider here the

adjustment of a length of handrail (remembering that a complete
handrail contains two separate cylinder primitives).
The situation shown in Figure 9.2 is typical of those occasions when you
might use the Stretch/Trim facility. A platform has been created,
complete with handrails, and a step ladder has then been added to give
access to the platform. The problem here is that a post and part of the

Version 11.6SP1
platform handrail block the exit from the ladder, as shown in the
enlarged view.
Post 1
Post 3 Post 4
Existing platform
with handrail
Post 2
New ladder added
Redundant post Unwanted

Post 3 sections
of handrail
Post 4
Figure 9.2 A case study in design modification
Exercise continues:
A procedure for correcting this problem is as follows (it assumes that both
a 3D View similar to Figure 9.2 and the Members List are visible on
screen):
138. Pick any primitive which forms part of the redundant post. In the
Members List, move up to the owning Structure (i.e. the complete
post/joint assembly). Use the Delete>CE option to delete the complete
post. The result is shown in Figure 9.3a.
139. Pick the upper handrail (which is a single cylinder running from the
top of Post 1 to Post 2). Select Modify>Stretch/Trim>To P-Point. When
prompted, pick that p-point on the current cylinder which is at Post 2

and then pick, as the trimming reference, the p-point at the top of
Post 3 (the top of Post 3’s vertical cylinder).
Hint: The easiest way to pick a specific p-point is to position the
cursor anywhere on the required primitive and hold down the left-
hand mouse button as you move the cursor. The p-points will be
shown as blobs and the cursor shape will change from . to when
it is over a p-point. Zoom in closer to the view if you cannot see
enough detail.
The upper handrail length will be trimmed so that it now runs from
Post 1 to Post 3, as shown in Figure 9.3b.
140. Repeat the previous Step to trim the lower handrail back to Post 3, as
shown in Figure 9.3c.
141. Use the Create>Handrail>Only option (as explained in Section 7.2) to
fill in the missing length of handrail between Post 2 and Post 4. (This
option will add both the upper and lower rails in a single operation.)
The result is shown in Figure 9.3d.
(a) Redundant post deleted (b) Upper rail trimmed
(c) Both rails trimmed (d) New rails added
Figure 9.3 The modification stages
Note: At each step you will have the opportunity to ‘undo’ the change
after you have seen its effect in the 3D View.

Version 11.6SP1
9.2 Sliding a Primitive to a New Position
To modify the position of a primitive without changing its dimensions,

use the slide facility.
Exercise continues:
142. Ensure that your current element is the primitive that you want to
move. Select Modify>Slide>option, where option gives you the
following choices:
To P-Point - Moves the primitive in the direction of a selected p-point
on the primitive to align with a target p-point on another design
element which you will pick using the cursor.
Or igina l F ina l Or igina l

posit ion of posit ion of posit ion p-point on
pr im it ive pr im it ive of p-point second
pr im it ive
To Pline - Moves the primitive in the direction of a selected p-point on

the primitive to align with a target p-line on another design element
which you will pick using the cursor.
143. When prompted, use the cursor to pick the p-point on the current
primitive which you will use to define its direction of movement and
its new position.
144. Pick the corresponding target p-point to be used to define the new
position of the primitive’s p-point.
Note: The axes through the two p-points need not be collinear. If not,
the primitive will move until the two p-points are aligned, thus:
Or igin a l F in a l Or igin a l
posit ion of posit ion of posit ion
pr im it ive pr im it ive of p-poin t
p-point on
secon d
pr im it ive
9.3 Changing the Direction of Stair/Ladder Handrails
By default, the short stubs of rail at the top and (in some cases) bottom of
stairs and ladders are directed to the left and right by the inclusion of
circular toruses as connecting joints. This assumes that the stair/ladder
rails will be connected to platform handrails which are perpendicular to
the direction of the stair/ladder.

If you wish to connect the stair/ladder rails to handrails which run in the
same direction as the stair/ladder, you can change each of these joints
from a torus to a cylinder, as illustrated in the following diagram:
Circular torus
handrail joint
Cylinder
handrail joint
Exercise continues:
145. To make this change, select Modify>Stair Top Joint>Torus to Cylinder.
When prompted, pick the torus that is to be changed.
146. To reverse the change, select Modify>Stair Top Joint>Cylinder to Torus.
When prompted, pick the cylinder that is to be changed.

Version 11.6SP1

A Setting Drawing Representation
Levels
All Structures and Substructures created by the Accessways, Stairs and
Ladders application incorporate appropriate obstruction volumes, with
suitable drawing levels set for each aspect of the design model. The
drawing levels are set at the Representation form, which is accessed via
Settings>Graphics>Representation. All illustrations produced for this guide
were created using the settings shown here:
The following illustrations show the effect of changing the Structure

drawing level for some typical ASL items.
Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide A-1

Version 11.6SP1
Appendix A
Level 2 or 3
(basic shape)
Level 4 or 5
(soft volume,
inc. headroom)
Level 6 or 7
(fully detailed)
Figure A.1 Drawing levels for a corner platform
A-2 Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide

Appendix A
Level 2 or 3
(basic shape)
Level 4 or 5
(soft volume,
inc. headroom)
Level 6 or 7
(fully detailed)
Figure A.2 Drawing levels for a circular (round) platform with a central
hole and inner rail

Version 11.6SP1
Appendix A
Level 2 or 3
(basic shape)
Level 4 or 5
(soft volume,
inc. headroom)
Level 6 or 7
(fully detailed)
Figure A.3 Drawing levels for a bottom flight of stairs

Appendix A
Level 2 or 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 or 7

(basic shape) (soft volumes, inc. headroom) (fully detailed)
Figure A.4 Drawing levels for a double side-exit ladder

Version 11.6SP1
Appendix A

B Other Documentation
This guide serves purely as an introduction to those parts of PDMS most
relevant to the accessways, stairs and ladders application of structural
design. Therefore, it describes only the main concepts needed to get you
started.
Documents that can provide you with further information are listed
below.
B.1 PDMS introductory guides
There is a set of introductory guides like this one, which introduce a

subset of principal PDMS facilities to new users. The complete set is:
Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Design Using VANTAGE PDMS
HVAC Design Using VANTAGE PDMS
Industrial Building Design Using VANTAGE PDMS
Pipework Design Design Using VANTAGE PDMS
Structural Design Design Using VANTAGE PDMS
Support Design Design Using VANTAGE PDMS
Introduction to PDMS Design Templates
Drawing Production Using PDMS
Introduces the range of facilities available in the Draft module.
Reporting from PDMS
Introduces the database reporting utility available from within
most PDMS applications, including the use of expressions to
select relevant data.
PDMS Design Graphical Model Manipulation Guide
Introduces the Design Model Editor, which enables you to reposition
selected Plant Items using the mouse pointer.
B.2 PDMS reference manuals
The full PDMS documentation set includes a number of reference

manuals that give detailed explanations of all the technical concepts
involved. These manuals also describe the underlying command syntax
Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide B-1

Version 11.6SP1
Appendix B
which can be used to control PDMS directly (should you wish to bypass
the forms and menus interface).
Reference manuals particularly relevant to structural design work
include:
Design Reference Manual Covers concepts and commands for all
design disciplines.
ISODRAFT Reference Manual Explains how to create customised
piping isometric plots.
DRAFT Reference Manual Explains the PDMS 2D drafting
facilities.
PARAGON Reference Manual Explains how to set up a PDMS
Catalogue.
SPECON Reference Manual Explains how to create tabulated
specifications.
B.3 General guides
The following guides are intended for use only by experienced PDMS
users who want to write their own applications:
Plant Design Software Customisation Guide
Explains how to write your own application macros using PML
(AVEVA’s Programmable Macro Language) and how to design your
own forms and menus interface.
Plant Design Software Customisation Reference Manual
Supplements the Customisation Guide.
Includes a list of PML 2 Objects, Members and Methods. For
Forms and Menus objects, the command syntax relating to the
objects is included.
B-2 Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide

Index
3D view, 3-8
Alert Forms, 3-5
Application
definition, 2-1
Attribute
definition, 3-10
Buttons, 3-5
Check boxes, 3-4
Current element
definition, 3-10
Database hierarchy, 3-9
Design Explorer, 3-8
Drop-down lists, 3-3
Element
definition, 3-10
F1 Key, 3-9
Forms, 3-2
Framework (FRMW)
definition, 3-9
Graphical view, 3-8
Help, 3-8
Logging In, 3-5
Member
definition, 3-10
Menu bar, 3-8
Menus, 3-2
Module
definition, 2-1
Mouse, 3-1
On-line help, 3-8
Option buttons, 3-4
Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Index-i

Version 11.6SP1
Appendix B
Owner
definition, 3-10
PDMS, 2-1
Radio buttons, 3-4
Representation, 3-11
Scrollable lists, 3-4
Site
definition, 3-9
Status bar, 3-8
Structure (STRU)
definition, 3-9
Subframework (SBFR)
definition, 3-9
Text boxes, 3-3
Title bar, 3-8
Tool bar, 3-8
Tutorial Exercise
Conventions, 1-1
Start, 3-5
View
3D/graphical, 3-8
World
definition, 3-9
Zone
definition, 3-9
Index-ii Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide


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Accessways, Stairs and Ladders

Application User Guide

© Copyright 1991 through 2005 AVEVA Solutions Limited

Date Version Notes

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Revision History-i

Revision History-ii Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide

1 Read This First ..............................................................................................1-1

Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide Contents-i

5 Creating Stairs.............................................................................................. 5-1

Appendix B: Other Documentation .....................................................................B-1

Index ................................................................................................................ Index i

Contents-ii Accessways, Stairs and Ladders Application User Guide

1.1 The scope of this guide

1.1.1 Intended audience

1.1.2 Preconditions and assumptions

1.1.3 Tutorial exercise

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Each interval in the exercise for inclusion of general information, is

Continuation of the exercise after each interval is shown like this:

1.1.4 Further reading

1.2 Text conventions

This guide uses the following text conventions:

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Click Place the mouse pointer over a specified point, then

Pick Click on the required item to select it.

1.4 How this guide is organised

This guide is divided into chapters and appendices, as follows:

Chapter 2 gives a general overview of the structure and strengths of

Chapter 3 initially serves as a reminder of the essential elements of

The chapter continues by describing how to select the ASL

Chapter 4 tells you how to create various configurations of platforms

Chapter 5 tells you how to create stairs, complete with handrails on

Chapter 6 tells you how to create ladders, with appropriately

Chapter 7 explains how you can explicitly add posts, handrails

Chapter 8 describes the available options for repositioning and

Appendix A illustrates the effects of setting different drawing levels.

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Appendix B identifies other sources of information that supplement

The guide concludes with an index.

1.5 Further training in the use of PDMS

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2.1 The strengths and structure of PDMS

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2.2 The Design module and its structural applications

The PDMS structural applications offer the following key benefits:

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3.1 Basic information

3.1.1 Using the mouse

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• On a form, the effect varies according to the selected item.

3.1.2 Using menus

Standalone options initiate an action immediately.

Options followed by three dots require further input

Options followed by a pointer, display a subsidiary

Throughout this guide, related selections from menus are abbreviated

3.1.3 Using forms

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3.1.4 Using text boxes

3.1.5 Using drop-down lists

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3.1.6 Using option buttons

Option not selected

3.1.7 Using check boxes

3.1.8 Using scrollable lists