AC UserGuide 2011 en Metric

This document has been carefully prepared with all the information
needed to properly use this Advance product.

This document contains a brief description of the software functions and
is not a replacement for the training program. This guide includes
information about all the modules, including those that are optional.
In case of any discrepancy between the information given in this guide
and the software, the software is the most up to date source.
The content of this guide can be modified without notice. Any
reproduction or distribution, even in partial, by any means - electronically
or mechanically - of the contents of the present guide and other supplied
documentation is strictly forbidden without GRAITEC's explicit
authorization.
Windows XP and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered

trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.
TM
TM
DXF , DWG , AutoCAD and Autodesk Architectural Desktop are

trademarks or registered trademarks of Autodesk Inc. San Rafael, CA.
All the other marks belong to their owners.
Contents
WELCOME ..............................................................................................................................................................7
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................8
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE ? ......................................................................................................................................9
W HERE TO FIND INFORMATION IN ADVANCE CONCRETE ..........................................................................................10
Accessing the online help ...............................................................................................................................10
Using the context help and online help ..........................................................................................................10
Using Self-training: Advance Learning Program ............................................................................................11
CHAPTER 1 INSTALLING ADVANCE .................................................................................................................13
CONFIGURATION...................................................................................................................................................14
Hardware configuration ..................................................................................................................................14
Software configuration ....................................................................................................................................14
DISTRIBUTION ......................................................................................................................................................14
LICENSE...............................................................................................................................................................14
BEFORE INSTALLING ADVANCE ..............................................................................................................................15
INSTALLING ADVANCE ...........................................................................................................................................15
INSTALLATION OF AUTOCAD OR AUTODESK ARCHITECTURAL DESKTOP ............................................................15
ADVANCE INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................................16
CHAPTER 2 DISCOVERING ADVANCE .............................................................................................................19
SOFTWARE PRINCIPLES ........................................................................................................................................20
MODEL MODE .......................................................................................................................................................21
DRAWINGS MODE .................................................................................................................................................22
DOCUMENTS MODE ...............................................................................................................................................22
ARCHITECT DESIGN DEPARTMENT CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES INTERFACE ........................................................23
From the architect...........................................................................................................................................23
...To the construction company ......................................................................................................................23
Find more about Archi-BE interface............................................................................................................23
TWO DIMENSIONAL FILES.......................................................................................................................................24
THE DRAWING SOFTWARE CALCULATION SOFTWARE INTERFACE ...........................................................................25
THE AUTOMATIC AND ASSISTED REINFORCEMENT ...................................................................................................26
USER INTERFACE..................................................................................................................................................26
AutoCAD environment .................................................................................................................................26
SMARTBAR ...........................................................................................................................................................27
TOOLBARS ...........................................................................................................................................................28
Project Settings toolbar ..................................................................................................................................28
Model toolbar ..................................................................................................................................................29
Levels toolbar .................................................................................................................................................30
Grid toolbar .....................................................................................................................................................30
Structural toolbar ............................................................................................................................................30
Foundations toolbar ........................................................................................................................................31
Openings toolbar ............................................................................................................................................31
Roof and Ramp toolbar ..................................................................................................................................31
Stairs toolbar ..................................................................................................................................................32
Formwork Functions toolbar ...........................................................................................................................32
Reinforcement toolbar ....................................................................................................................................32
Meshes Scraps toolbar ...................................................................................................................................33
Reinforcement Bars toolbar ............................................................................................................................34
Reinforcement Renumbering toolbar .............................................................................................................34
Distributions toolbar ........................................................................................................................................34
Distribution Editor toolbar ...............................................................................................................................35
Reinforcement 3D Viewer toolbar ..................................................................................................................35
Sketch Designer toolbar .................................................................................................................................35
Reinforcement Solutions toolbar ....................................................................................................................36
Lists toolbar ....................................................................................................................................................36
Analysis and Design toolbar ...........................................................................................................................37
Drawings toolbar.............................................................................................................................................37
Symbols and Labels toolbar ...........................................................................................................................38
Dimensions toolbar .........................................................................................................................................38
Views Toolbar ................................................................................................................................................ 38

Reinforcement Symbols toolbar .................................................................................................................... 40
Documents toolbar ........................................................................................................................................ 40
Tools toolbar .................................................................................................................................................. 41
Bar Editor toolbar ........................................................................................................................................... 41
Automatic Drafting toolbar ............................................................................................................................. 41
Graitec Transfer Center toolbar ..................................................................................................................... 42
Import-Export standard files toolbar .............................................................................................................. 42
Help Toolbar .................................................................................................................................................. 42
ADVANCE MENUS ................................................................................................................................................. 43
Main menu ..................................................................................................................................................... 43
Context menus .............................................................................................................................................. 44
Shortcut Access Menu ................................................................................................................................... 44
UTILITIES ............................................................................................................................................................ 45
AutoUCS ........................................................................................................................................................ 45
LAYER MANAGER ................................................................................................................................................. 45
Layer Name manager .................................................................................................................................... 46
Tooltips .......................................................................................................................................................... 46
Material Manager ........................................................................................................................................... 46
Object Geometry Manager ............................................................................................................................ 47
Representation Styles Manager .................................................................................................................... 47
Doors and Windows manager ....................................................................................................................... 48
Bars and Meshes manager ........................................................................................................................... 48
Multicriteria object selection .......................................................................................................................... 49
Displaying objects by type ............................................................................................................................. 49
Automatic Reinforcement Objects ................................................................................................................. 49
Viewer 3D ...................................................................................................................................................... 50
CHAPTER 3 USING ADVANCE ......................................................................................................................... 51
ADVANCE BY EXAMPLES ....................................................................................................................................... 52
Formwork and Implementation ...................................................................................................................... 52
Reinforcement ............................................................................................................................................... 52
FORMWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION ....................................................................................................................... 53
Basic settings ................................................................................................................................................ 53
CONSTRUCT A MODEL .......................................................................................................................................... 54
Step 1: Create continuous walls .................................................................................................................... 54
Step 2: Draw a straight wall and a curved wall.............................................................................................. 55
Step 3: Adjust the walls ................................................................................................................................. 56
Step 4: Creating columns .............................................................................................................................. 57
Step 5: Create the beams and slabs ............................................................................................................. 58
Step 6: Create a door and a window ............................................................................................................. 60
Step 7: Use the AutoUCS tool to position a slab hole ................................................................................... 61
Step 8: Automatically create the second level............................................................................................... 62
Step 9: Generate foundations ....................................................................................................................... 63
Step 10: Use the "roof" function to raise a slab ............................................................................................. 64
Step 11: Creating stairs ................................................................................................................................. 66
CREATE DRAWINGS ............................................................................................................................................. 69
Step 12: Creating a cut .................................................................................................................................. 69
Step 13: Create a plan view .......................................................................................................................... 71
Step 14: Creating an associative dimension ................................................................................................. 72
CREATE A LAYOUT ............................................................................................................................................... 73
Step 15: Create an A4 layout ........................................................................................................................ 73
EXPORT THE MODEL FOR CALCULATIONS .............................................................................................................. 75
Step 16: Export the model to Arche Building structure ................................................................................. 75
REINFORCEMENT................................................................................................................................................. 76
Create reinforcement drawings ..................................................................................................................... 76
Step 1: Create the reinforcement drawing of a wall ...................................................................................... 76
TRANSVERSAL REINFORCEMENT PLACEMENT ........................................................................................................ 79
Step 2: Define and place the transversal reinforcement around a window opening ..................................... 79
LONGITUDINAL REINFORCEMENT PLACEMENT ........................................................................................................ 86
Step 3: Define and distribute the longitudinal reinforcement around the window opening .................................... 86
Step 4: View the reinforcement in 3D ............................................................................................................ 90
PLACE REFERENCE MARKS ON THE DISTRIBUTION BARS ......................................................................................... 92
Step 5: Place reference marks and dimensions on the distribution bars. ......................................................92
PLACE A BAR LIST .................................................................................................................................................95
Step 6: Place the list with bar bending details ................................................................................................95
PLACE THE MESHES ..............................................................................................................................................96
Step 7: Place meshes on the wall sides .........................................................................................................96
PLACE A MESH LIST...............................................................................................................................................98
Step 8: Place the mesh list .............................................................................................................................98
APPENDICES COMMAND LINE ..........................................................................................................................99
ADVANCE COMMANDS .........................................................................................................................................100
Getting help ..................................................................................................................................................100
Managing the projects ..................................................................................................................................100
Modeling a building.......................................................................................................................................101
Modeling a level............................................................................................................................................101
Creating the formwork ..................................................................................................................................101
Creating the reinforcement ...........................................................................................................................102
Creating and managing model drawings ......................................................................................................103
Dimensioning the drawings and views .........................................................................................................104
Adding symbols and annotations .................................................................................................................104
Creating and using the lists ..........................................................................................................................105
Creating layouts............................................................................................................................................105
Using Utilities ................................................................................................................................................105
Using Internet services .................................................................................................................................106
INDEX ..................................................................................................................................................................107
Welcome
In this Chapter
Welcome to GRAITEC Advance,
Perfectly integrated with AutoCAD, Advance accelerates the
creation of reinforced concrete and steel structures with tools
dedicated to modeling and accelerates document creation
required for the construction process: general arrangement
drawings, detailing, manufacturing drawings, lists, BOM's, etc.
GRAITEC Advance includes:
Advance Steel for creating structural steel arrangement

drawings, shop drawings, lists and NC files.
Advance Concrete for creating reinforcement and structural

concrete drawings
Advance Design for the analysis and design of

reinforcement concrete and steel structures and automated
creation of design reports.
Advance is part of the GRAITEC CAD / Analysis and Design
suite and therefore directly connects to other GRAITEC
engineering solutions.
This user guide, dedicated to the Concrete suite, allows you to
get quickly and simply a set of main functionalities and to exploit
the Advance work methodology. For a quick start, refer to the
tutorial in Chapter 3 Using Advance.
All software tools described in this guide and all remarks related
to the product pertain only to the Advance Concrete and for
reading simplification only the generic name Advance is used.
Introduction
How to use this guide ?
Where to find information
Contacting technical support
Log on to GRAITEC Advantages Web site
ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide
Introduction
Advance Concrete is the essential AutoCAD extension for modeling and for automated construction and
reinforcement drawing creation.
With intelligent Advance objects, a three dimensional model is created and stored in a drawing. Once the model
is complete, Advance creates all structural and reinforcement drawings using a large selection of view
production tools, dimensions, locations, symbols and automatic layout functions.
Advance is completely integrated in AutoCAD making it easy and intuitive to learn. Advance uses the latest
AutoCAD ObjectARX technology. This advanced technology provides users with professional objects (e.g.,
beams, columns, and bars) perfectly integrated into AutoCAD on which most standard functions (e.g., copy,
paste, extend, trim, stretch, etc.) can be applied.
The use of the ObjectARX technology allows Advance to provide you professional tools combining the power
of AutoCAD or Autodesk Architectural Desktop design & GRAITEC's experience in the field of structural
modeling. Indeed, Advance is completely compatible with the structural calculation software proposed by
GRAITEC.
The objective of this user guide is to train you in no time and to provide guidelines on installing and using the
software along with suggestions for improving work efficiency and productivity.
This guide also contains information on Advances user interface and a tutorial on the main software features
and concepts.
How to use this guide ?

This guide includes:
The steps involved in installing the software and obtaining a license (Chapter 1: Installing Advance)
A description of Advances user interface and functions (Chapter 2: Discovering Advance)
A tutorial on using Advance (Chapter 3: Using Advance)
Spend some time for reading this guide and it will help you to take your first steps with Advance.
All Advance commands are listed in the Appendix.
An index is available at the end of the guide.
For mode information, contact your dealer or visit GRAITECs website (www.graitec.com).
Where to find information in Advance Concrete

Accessing the online help
Advance has an online help system that offers step-by-step instructions for every function. This system contains
important information about the software concepts and functionality.
To access the online help during a work session, you can use:
Help toolbar: Click

Advance Menu: Select Help > Online help
Command line: Type grtchelp
Figure 1: Advance online help
Using the context help and online help

Advance has context help that provides information on dialog box controls. that can be used anytime you work
on your project.
For assistance, click the [?] on the title bar and then click the control in the dialog box. An explanation tooltip is
displayed.
Detailed information on dialog box controls is obtained by clicking Help or by pressing <F1>.
Figure 2: Accessing help for a dialog box
10
Using Self-training: Advance Learning Program

The Advance Learning Program is an interactive self-training system that is installed with Advance. Since
Advance works with AutoCAD and Autodesk Architectural Desktop basic tools, the Advance Learning
Program involves training of the methodologies used in these systems. The Advance Learning Program
contains step-by-step instructions for creating drawings and understanding Advances functions.
The advantage of using the Advance Learning Program is that the training is self-paced and focuses on
specific subjects.
To access the Advance Learning Program:
Help toolbar: Click

Advance Menu: Select Help > Advance Learning Program
Command line: Type grtcselftraining
Figure 3: Learning Program
11
Chapter 1
Installing Advance
In this Chapter
Software configuration
Installing Advance
Configuration
To successfully install Advance certain requirements have to be met.
Hardware configuration
PC with a Processor min. 2 GHz (or equivalent)
Main memory min. 2 GB (4 GB recommended)
Min. 1 GB free disk space on the hard disk
Network adapter
DVD Drive
AutoCAD compatible graphics-card (for more information, see
http://www.autodesk.com/autocad-graphicscard)
Software configuration
Installed operating system Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista or Windows 7 (32-bit or 64bit version) \
Installed TCP/IP Protocol
AutoCAD 2007, ADT 2007, AutoCAD 2008, AutoCAD Architecture 2008, AutoCAD 2009,
AutoCAD Architecture 2009, AutoCAD 2010, AutoCAD Architecture 2010, AutoCAD 2011
or AutoCAD Architecture 2011
A MAPI compliant Microsoft mail system (Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express, etc.)
used for sending requests for technical support through Advance Concrete.
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher. This software is required for using the internet functions
or the Online help.
TCP/IP Protocol
Internet connection for license activation
Distribution
Advance is delivered on DVD.
The license is activated online.
License
An activation code and a serial number are required to use Advance commands in AutoCAD.
If Advance was purchased, you already have the activation code and the serial number; otherwise please contact GRAITEC or the reseller.
Without an authorization a temporary license for 5 days may be installed. When the temporary license expires,
only the AutoCAD commands will be available.
If you have any problems contact your reseller or GRAITEC support.
14
Before installing Advance

Administrator rights are required to install Advance.
Installing Advance
AutoCAD or Autodesk Architectural Desktop must first be installed on the system prior to installing Advance.
Installation of AutoCAD or Autodesk Architectural Desktop

Follow the detailed instructions provided in the AutoCAD or Autodesk Architectural Desktop documentation.
15
Advance installation
Proceed with the installation as follows:
1.
Close all active WINDOWS applications.
2.
Insert the installation DVD into the DVD drive.
The setup program starts automatically and the following dialog box appears.
1.
Close all active WINDOWS applications.
2.
Insert the installation DVD into the DVD drive.
The setup program starts automatically and the DVD Browser appears.
If the Setup did not start automatically, the AutoPlay tool on the computer could be switched off. In this case,
start the Advance setup program using the Run command.
From the Windows menu, select: Start > Run.
Enter the path and the name of the program to start in the
Open field or click Browse to select the AdvanceSetup.exe
program on the DVD.
Click <OK>.
Figure 4: Run option on the Start menu
Figure 5: Run dialog box
3.
Select the installation language and click Install products.
Figure 6: Starting the installation
4.
On the next screen, select Advance Concrete and click Next.
Figure 7: Selecting the product
16
5.
Read the license agreement. Click I accept to agree to the specified terms and click Next to continue.
Figure 8: License agreement
6.
On the next screen, select the interface language and the installation path.
To select the interface language, click Customize. In the next dialog box, select the interface
language and the local settings for each installed application and click <OK>.
To change the destination path, click
. In the next dialog box, enter a path or select a different
folder in which to install Advance and click <OK>.
Note:
If a previous version of Advance is already installed, select another installation folder.
Figure 9: Selecting the components to install and the interface language
7.
Click Install to start the installation.
The installation starts.

8.
Click Finish to complete the installation.
Figure 10: Finishing the installation
You can return to the first page and install another application of the Advance suite
17
Chapter 2
Discovering Advance
In this Chapter
Software principles
Architect design department construction

companies interface
The drawing software calculation software

interface
User interface
Utilities
Software principles
The workflow consists of three design steps or modes: Model, Drawings, and Documents.
Layouts are created from drawings, which are in turn created from the model. A 3D model is created using the
Advance intelligent objects. The model is the basis for the automated general arrangement drawings creation:
Cuts or global and local sections
Elevations
Top views or bottom-up reflected views
Isometric views
Reinforcement drawings and views
All the created drawings remain linked with the model. If there are any modifications to the model the drawings
are automatically updated.
The generated views and user created drawings are used in the creation of the general arrangement drawings.
The three modes, Model, Drawings, and Documents, are accessible from the Pilot.
Figure 11: Project workflow
The Pilot is the starting point in the application. All different stages of the project creation are managed with the
Pilot: model conception, general arrangement drawing creation, and layout creation.
Click each of the three modes on the Pilot. You can pass easily from one mode to another without any difficulty
and without impact in the models or the drawings, in a similar way as an explorer:
Figure 12: The three mode of the Pilot: Model, Drawings and Documents
20
Model mode
Figure 13: Model mode
The building structures, the civil engineering structures or precast concrete structures are drawn in the MODEL
mode. This is the first step in building creation.
For buildings structures, you draw the structural elements in the plan view, the third dimension is generated
automatically by the plan view by taken into account the height set in the level properties in the Pilot (right click
on Level).
For the civil engineering structures drawings you can use the Advance objects modeling functions or the 3D
AutoCAD modeler in the same time.
For the drawings of precast concrete pieces made in three dimensions one can use the 3D AutoCAD modeler
functions.
In MODEL mode, draw the structures using the functions from the Advance Model toolbar. Using tools from
this toolbar you can draw all structural components (walls, columns, beams, slabs, openings) All functions
necessary for the level by level modeling are available here: access to libraries, materials, conversion tools
The drawing and the modeling of the structures are made with higher productivity due to a specific professional
behavior. The Advance objects are also manipulated with AutoCAD classical functions (Extend, Trim,
Copy,) so you can use directly your CAD experience.
In MODEL mode, you can also send the structures to the calculation software Arche Structure and Effel
Structure.
In the next mode, DRAWINGS mode, the general arrangement drawings calculated from the model can be
updated directly while modifying the model structural components.
21
Drawings mode
Figure 14: Drawings mode
The details and views that have been defined in the Model mode are calculated and created in the Drawings
mode. The folders listed in the Pilot, in Drawings mode, contain the created drawings.
The drawings can be created in two ways:
using Advance functions (ex: cuts, elevations,) starting from the model in Model mode
manually using the function Create a new drawing. It's important to find a drawing specifically created by
the user in DRAWINGS for automatic management and thereafter to be able to compose a global general
arrangement drawing more easily.
Every drawing is an individual item, however several drawings can be grouped together using drag and drop of
a drawing onto another drawing.
A model is modified when the properties of a structural element on a drawing are changed (e.g., modifying a cut
changes the model). Clicking on a structural element edge displays its properties.
In addition, if the model is modified in the Model mode, a blue icon marks the views and drawings affected by
this modification. Since there is an immediate warning, all drawing or conception mistakes are avoided. Right
clicking on a drawing and selecting Activate and update updates the general arrangement drawing.
To complete the drawings, add dimensions, texts and annotations. This additional information is not erased
during an update. The information is automatically updated if it was created with Advance functions.
The Reinforcement module is used in the Drawings mode to create reinforcement drawings.
The Advance Reinforcement toolbar contains all the necessary tools to create reinforcement drawings.
Reinforcement can be added to any created drawing or view. The Create a reinforcement drawing starting
from structural elements function automatically puts formwork edges on the selected structural elements and
draws the reinforcement elements.
Documents mode
Figure 15: Documents mode
In DOCUMENTS mode, you composes the layouts using the previously created drawings. To create a layout,
it's enough to click in the pilot on DOCUMENTS mode, then right click on Layout .
Constructing a layout is simply done by dragging and dropping the drawings created in Drawings mode onto the
layout. The properties are available on the properties bar, Smartbar. Thus, all drawings created by the user or
all views graphically calculated by Advance and completed, finished by the user, can be placed on layouts.
All the modifications made by Advance or by the user on the drawings and views in the Drawings mode, are
automatically updated in the layout without any manual intervention. The layout definition properties, content
and history are viewed by right clicking on a layout in the Pilot.
22
Architect design department construction companies interface

From the architect...
With the AutoCAD entity conversion tool, architect drawings are converted to Advance models. The
conversion of basic 2D entities into structural elements accelerates the modeling step.
This functionality is accessed by clicking Convert an AutoCAD entity on the Model toolbar.
Advance can easily convert elements from an architectural model into structural elements using the Autodesk
Architectural Desktop platform. The architectural drawings are used to get the construction drawings and the
3D model.
...To the construction company

Exporting a standard 2D DWG file from a general arrangement drawing or an Advance layout provides a
contractor with a general arrangement drawing in a digital format.
To export a DWG file, right click a drawing or layout and select Export to DWG.
In DOCUMENTS mode, proceed in the same way to export a complete paper plan.
The DWG files created by this method only contain AutoCAD classic entities without any Advance information.
Find more about Archi-BE interface

Advance offers you the possibility to start from an architectural drawing file in order to draw the structure quickly.
It is possible to recover the information in two different ways, depending on the type of the architectural drawing.
Figure 16: Requalification of 2D entities in structural objects
23
Two dimensional files

Advance offers specialized tools for converting 2D entities into structural objects.
The procedure is as follows:
1.
After starting Advance, load a file.
2.
Simplify the drawing by deactivating the architect's layers (facilities, partition walls, dimensions, etc.) and
keeping only the supporting elements.
3.
Select the two lines representing the outer and inner wall faces.
4.
Click Convert an AutoCAD icon.
5.
On the dialog box, select two lines into a Wall.
6.
Click OK to convert the 2D entities into structural objects.
7.
Several two by two lines can be selected to create several walls at once.
8.
If a line corresponds to the object central axis it can be converted into an object.
Figure 17: "Convert selected elements" dialog box
24
The drawing software calculation software interface

The same structural model must be able to be used for several applications: the structure created in Advance in
MODEL mode is used to create all the execution drawings and it's exploited also to get the engineer's
calculations using the suitable calculation programs.
Activate the toolbar Advance Analyse by right clicking on a Advance functionalities toolbar.
Figure 18: Analysis and Design toolbar
Export the Model to Arche Building structure

Draw your project in Advance, then click Export to Arche Building Structure. Coupled with Arche, your
structure is exported directly in the Structure software. Arche Structure gets the calculations of load distribution
according to the traditional method.
Export the Model to Effel Structure

In the same idea, for the more deeper calculations (seismic calculation, wind bracing,), click on the icon
Export to Effel Structure to study the structure using the finite elements calculation method.
Export the Model to Effel Structure

Advance models can be also exported in the Effel Advanced, Graitec new analysis software.
Advance Arche Structure models synchronization

You can entirely synchronize Arche and Advance models using the synchronization and real time information
tool. This tool allows reinforcing the collaboration between the engineer and the designer. For example, if the
engineer changes the position or the dimension of a structural element, the designer is warned and he can
accept or reject this modification. A specific detailed interface allows viewing and sorting the changes appeared
in the structure.
Figure 19: Synchronization dialog box
Export the Advance structural elements to Arche Reinforcement Modules

With Arche Reinforcement Modules, you can query an individual structural element. Select an Advance
element and export it directly to the reinforcement module in order to get preliminary dimensioning of the
concrete element and also the reinforcement.
25
The automatic and assisted reinforcement

Due to Advance's reinforcement module, directly connected to Arche modules, you can create reinforcement
drawings for each structural element (walls, columns,) with a single click !
Select an element, right-click and select Create a reinforcement plan . The reinforcement drawing of this
element is instantly displayed. This reinforcement plan is created using the calculation facility of Arche. It's now
possible to modify or to adapt the result by importing again the reinforcement plan in Advance and adding
reinforcements, reference marks, dimensions or other types of notations. Then a reinforcement list can be
generated to take in account the modifications.
User interface
AutoCAD environment
A familiar environment is maintained since Advance is fully integrated into AutoCAD. Customizable Advance
Concrete toolbars are added to the list of available AutoCAD toolbars.
The Advance main menu provides quick access to all program functions.
1:
Advance pilot
2:
Fast access menu
3:
Smartbar
4:
Advance main menu
5:
Advance toolbars
6:
Command line
Figure 20: Advance - User Interface
26
Smartbar
Each object (model elements, dimensions, symbols...) has a properties bar, called Smartbar, for modifying the
object's essential attributes.
Figure 21: Smartbar for slab elements
The smartbar is automatically activated in two instances:

When an object creation command starts, the smartbar of that object appears. During the
creation process, one or several object attributes can be modified.
When one or several objects of the same type are selected, one or several attributes can be
modified. The modifications are confirmed by pressing Enter.
Click
27
to access the elements detailed properties.
Toolbars
Project Settings toolbar
The Project Settings toolbar contains all the commands to access the libraries.
This
Function
Units
Access the Layer name Manager
Define the Preferences
Access the Material library
Access the Geometry library
Access the Door and Window library
Access the Piles library
Access the Representation style library
Access the Bars library
Access the lap table
Access the hook table
Access rebar rounding rules
Access to the shape library
Default values for steel grade and concrete covers
Vie Access the Mesh library

Access to the bar supports library
Bar supports design rules
Weight review
Load a project
Save the project
28
Model toolbar
The Model toolbar contains all the necessary tools for modeling a structure.
This Function
Display or hide the Pilot
Create a new level above building
Access the Layer Name Manager
Access the Grid toolbar
Access the Structural toolbar
Access the Foundations toolbar
Access the Openings toolbar
Access the Roofs and Ramps toolbar
Bind elements to the roof or to the ramp
Combine roofs or ramps
Access the Stairs toolbar
Copy or move elements between levels
Convert AutoCAD entities into modeling elements
Convert an element into an ACIS solid entity
Access the Formwork functions toolbar
Access the Drawings toolbar
Automatically generate a BOM
Material quantities management
Load Advance Steel
29
Levels toolbar
The Levels toolbar contains tools for creating levels and copying existing elements to new levels.
Button Function
Create a new level above
Create a new level below
Display next level
Display previous level
Copy current level elements into the upper level
Copy current level elements into the lower level
Grid toolbar
The Grid toolbar contains all the necessary tools for creating and managing grids.
This
Function
Create a grid
Renumber the grid axis
Structural toolbar
The Structural toolbar contains the necessary tools for creating the model.
This
Function
Create a slab
Create a beam
Create a column
Create a wall
30
Foundations toolbar
The Foundations toolbar contains tools for building foundations.

This
Function
Create an isolated footing
Create a bedding isolated footing
Create a continuous footing
Create a bedding continuous footing
Create a drill depth area
Create a pile
Automatically generate footings under columns and walls
Openings toolbar
The Openings toolbar contains tools for creating all types of wall and slab openings.
This
Function
Create a window
Create a door
Create a standard opening in a wall
Create a standard opening in a slab
Create a polygonal opening in a slab
Create a beam openings line
Create a lintel
Create a window sill
Roof and Ramp toolbar
The Roofs and ramps toolbar contains the tools for creating ramps and roofs.
This Function
Create a roof
Create a ramp
31
Stairs toolbar
The Stairs toolbar contains the necessary tools for stair creation and the links to the precast stairs
manufacturers websites.
This Function
Create a stair
Link to the PBM website (precast stairs)
Link to the SB website (precast stairs)
Formwork Functions toolbar
The Formwork Functions toolbar contains all the tools for adjusting Advance elements.
This
Function
Adjusting an element
Split a slab
Break an element
Create stepped footing
Edit a brick shelf
Bind 3D ACIS solids to structural
Unbind 3D ACIS solids to structural
Convert 3D ACIS solids to structural
Reinforcement toolbar
The Reinforcement toolbar contains the necessary tools for reinforcement.

This Function
Create a reinforcement drawing starting from structural
elements
Create a new drawing
Assign an element to a structure
Create a new bar shape
Create a point bar
Access the Reinforcement Bars toolbar
Create a polygonal bar
32
This Function
Break a bar
Create a separator
Create a simple mesh
Access the Meshes Scraps toolbar
Create a simple mesh outline
Create a mesh row
Trim one or several meshes
Create a bent mesh
Create a mesh cut
Access the Distribution toolbar
Access to the Edit distribution toolbar
Access the Reinforcement symbols toolbar
Create a distribution dimension
Create a bar or mesh bending detail
Access the Automatic drafting toolbar
View the bar library
View the mesh library
Access the Reinforcement renumbering toolbar
Access the Lists toolbar
Meshes Scraps toolbar
The Meshes Scraps toolbar contains tools for creating new meshes starting from scraps.
This Function
Create a mesh starting from scraps
Automatically optimize mesh rests
33
Reinforcement Bars toolbar
The Reinforcement Bars toolbar contains tools for creating all bar types in the views and drawings.
This Function
Create a straight bar
Create a rectangular frame
Create a circular bar
Create a stirrup bar
Create a pin bar
Create a U bar
Create an L bar
Reinforcement Renumbering toolbar
The Reinforcement Renumbering toolbar contains tools for renumbering bars and meshes and displaying and
hiding the distribution definition.
This Function
Position renumbering of the mesh bars
Display the bar definition
Hide the bar definition
Distributions toolbar
The Distribution toolbar contains tools for placing bars or meshes.

This Function
Create a linear distribution of the selected bar
Create a linear variable distribution of the selected bar
Create a quantitative distribution of the selected bar
Create a cut distribution of the selected bar
Create a free distribution of the selected bar
Create a one by one distribution of the selected bar
Create a section distribution
Create a bar field distribution
Create a distribution of a selected bent mesh
34
Distribution Editor toolbar
The Distribution Editor contains the tools for editing the distributions.
This Function
Trim the distribution bars
Edit a distribution
Apply a multiplication factor to the distribution
Display the hidden element (definition or distribution bar)
Reinforcement 3D Viewer toolbar
The Reinforcement 3D Viewer toolbar contains all tools for viewing the 3D reinforcement cages.
This Function
Create a reinforcement view
Create a new reinforcement elevation
Create a new reinforcement cut
Delete a reinforcement view
Select and define the view
Start the 3D viewer
Clash check
Sketch Designer toolbar
The Sketch Designer toolbar contains all the necessary tools for creating a dynamic reinforcement solution.
This Function
Create a sketch point by translation
Create a sketch point at the edge intersection
Create a sketch point at the edge-plane
intersection
Create a sketch point on a line
Define an angle
Define a distance
Define a factor
Define a vector
35
This Function
Define a line
Define a plan
Restore all sketch points
Open color legend
Reinforcement Solutions toolbar
The Reinforcement Solutions toolbar contains tools for defining, applying and saving a reinforcement solution.
This
Function
Apply the solution
Update solutions references
Solution multiplication factor
Solution visibility properties
Compose dynamic reinforcement solution
Define a solution
Save the solution
Close the solution
Lists toolbar
The Lists toolbar contains tools for creating and editing the lists.
This
Function
Create a list
Update a list
Add elements to a list
Delete elements from a list
Split into pages
Export a list to Excel
36
Analysis and Design toolbar
The Analysis and Design toolbar contains tools for exporting a model to the structure and load distribution
calculation software.
This Function
Export to Arche Building Structure
Export to Effel Structure
Export to Advance Design
Synchronize data with an Arche Structure file
Create a reinforcement drawing in Arche starting from structural elements
Import the Arche reinforcement drawing in object mode
Do a call/return with Arche reinforcement module corresponding to the
selected element
Do a call/ return with KP1 module
Import a drawing (DXF file)
Drawings toolbar
The Drawings toolbar contains all the required tools for creating drawings and views.
This Function
Create a cut or a section
Create an elevation
Create an isometric
Create a top / bottom view
Create a reinforcement drawing
Activate and update a drawing
Create a plan view
37
Symbols and Labels toolbar
The Symbols and Annotations toolbar contains tools for creating and managing symbols and annotations.
This Function
Create a symbol
Create multiple symbols
Add a symbol to the Symbol library
Access the Symbol library
Create a label
Create multiple labels
Add a new label to the library
View the label library
Dimensions toolbar
The Dimensions toolbar contains all the required tools for creating dimensions.
This
Function
Create a coordinates dimension
Create a level dimension
Create an arc dimension
Create an intersection dimension
Create an associative dimension
Create a dimension by points
Views Toolbar
The Views toolbar contains the necessary tools for dimensioning and annotating views. It is a mixed toolbar,
containing native AutoCAD dimensioning tools and Advance specific tools.
This Function
Activate and update a drawing
Copy drafting (AutoCAD Function)
38
This Function
Access the Layer Name Manager
Create a linear dimension (AutoCAD Function)
Create an aligned dimension (AutoCAD Function)
Create a radius dimension (AutoCAD Function)
Create a diameter dimension (AutoCAD Function)
Create an angular dimension (AutoCAD Function)
Create a quick dimension (AutoCAD Function)
Create a dimension series (AutoCAD Function)
Create a dimension style (AutoCAD Function)
Create a symbol
Display the Symbol library
Create an annotation
Create multiple annotations
Add annotation to the Annotation library
Access the Annotation library
Insert dynamic block
39
Reinforcement Symbols toolbar
The Reinforcement Symbols toolbar contains tools for creating and managing symbols.
This Function
Create a bar or mesh symbol
Create a symbol on the distributions entities
Create a bar rake symbol
Add a new symbol to the Symbol library
Change the symbol target
Align the symbols
Documents toolbar
The Documents toolbar contains the tools for layouts management.

This
Function
Update layout
Print layouts
Access the Lists toolbar
40
Tools toolbar
The Tools toolbar contains the necessary tools for selecting and displaying elements.
This
Function
Activate the AutoUCS tool
Isolate the selected elements
Hide the selected elements
Display elements by type
Select elements using multiple criteria
Select elements by type
Re-label elements
Launch the Simple Identification tool
Launch the Multiple Identification tool
Insert dynamic block
Bar Editor toolbar
The Bar Editor toolbar contains the necessary tools for breaking and editing bars.
This Function
Break a bar
Edit a bar
Automatic Drafting toolbar
The Automatic Drafting toolbars contains tools for creating automatically symbols, dimensions and bending
details on the desired element.
This Function
Automatic drafting Symbols and dimensions
Automatic drafting Bending details
41
Graitec Transfer Center toolbar
The Graitec Transfer Center toolbar contains tools for exporting, importing and synchronizing drawings with
Advance.
This Function
Export to GTC
Import to GTC
Synchronize with GTC
Import-Export standard files toolbar
The Import-Export standard files toolbar contains tools for importing/exporting to IFC.
This Function
Export to IFC
Import from IFC
Help Toolbar
The Help toolbar contains the help tools and online help for Advance.
This Function
Start the online help
Launch Self-training: Advance Learning Program
Access the GRAITEC website Welcome page
Request technical support
Access GRAITEC Advantages
Contact a GRAITEC dealer
GRAITEC Advantages - flash info
42
Advance menus
Main menu
All the commands and dialog boxes are accessed using the Advance Concrete drop-down menu.
Using the Advance menu

After having selected the drop-down menu, select a command by clicking on its name. For example:
An arrow following a command name indicates that
a submenu is available.
A command followed by (...) indicates that a dialog
box is displayed with additional options.
Figure 22: Advance Main menu
The different submenus of the main menu

Button
Function
Pilot
Project
Access project management commands
Model
Access structure object creation commands
Reinforcement
Access reinforcement drawings creation commands
Drawings
Access drawings and views creation commands
Visual elements
Access visual elements creation commands
Documents
Access document creation commands
Tools
Access Advance utilities
Help
Access online help and other documentation sources
Note:
You can access the menus and commands by pressing <ALT> key and the menu shortcut key. For example, to
open Advance menu, press <ALT + A>.
When the mouse cursor hovers over an icon or a menu item, the status bar displays a short description.
43
Context menus
Context menus are available by right clicking an item. The menu and the displayed menu options depend on the
cursor position and other conditions, like the selection of an object or a node in the Pilot.
Object context menus

When a context menu is displayed for an object or a homogeneous group of objects, Advance commands are
directly integrated into the AutoCAD context menu.
Pilot context menus

Many context menus are displayed when a Pilot element is right clicked. These menus provide quick access to
various creation and parameter definition commands.
Right click an element in the tree on the Pilot (e.g., Project ) to display its context menu. The context menu
concerning selected element appears. This is an example of this contextual menu type:
Figure 23: Example of a Pilot element context menu
Shortcut Access Menu

A button in the upper Pilot area provides a menu for quick access to display control and selection commands.
Figure 24: Pilot short access menu
Button
Function
Display according to type
Display control by element type
Multicriteria selection
Select elements by multiple criteria
Select by type
Select elements by type
44
Utilities
There are key tools that are vital for the proper use of Advance modules. The online help is a good source for
information on activating and using these tools.
AutoUCS
AutoUCS is an efficient and easy to use tool when working with relative coordinates in the creation and
modification of structural elements. It can also be used as a measuring tool!
Figure 25: Using the AutoUCS tool
Layer manager
The layers in the project are organized according to a structured diagram that can be modified.
Each level or drawing has linked layers. This default organization of layers is modified using the layers
manager. On level or drawing activation, the linked layers are automatically displayed.
Figure 26: Layer manager
45
Layer Name manager

The layers and the layers names are automatically defined using Advance. The standards to define the layers
with their names are created by users in accordance to their company rules. National or international preset
standards are also delivered with Advance for management of layers in drawings.
Figure 27: Layer Name manager
Tooltips
The structure elements' characteristics (number, material, dimension, etc.) are displayed in a tooltip when the
mouse is moved over the object.
Figure 28: Tooltip example
Material Manager
Advance includes a Material library for concrete, steel and timber structures. Materials may be added to this
library and technical characteristics for each material in the library can be modified.
Figure 29: Management of the model material
46
Object Geometry Manager

All types of geometries can be drawn in Advance.
Each Advance project includes the following categories:
Volumes (applicable for isolated footings, defined by an attach point, an angle and a volume)
Sections (applicable for beams, columns and continuous footings, obtained by extruding the
section along the element's main axis)
Thicknesses (applicable for walls and slabs, obtained by extrusion of their contour depending on
the thickness).
Different objects can share these stored geometries.
For example, all beams with 20x50 rectangular sections, in a project reference a single section. This
mechanism considerably reduces the amount of memory space used by Advance.
Figure 30: Object Geometry Manager
Representation Styles Manager

In Advance, every object type can have a representation style. A representation style is a set of parameters
that define the representation for objects of the same type. Object appearance (hatching, line thickness, etc.) is
easily controlled using the representation styles.
Representation styles are stored in a manager. For example, the columns lines' color is changed by modifying
the representation style. There is no need to select all columns as they are automatically updated.
Figure 31: Representation styles manager

47
Doors and Windows manager

Instead of directly inputting the doors and windows sizes, a door or a window type may be selected directly from
the Door and Window libraries included in Advance.
The existing libraries can be modified or supplemented. New libraries can also be created.
Figure 32: Doors and Windows Manager dialog box
Bars and Meshes manager

Advance includes a Bar and a Mesh library for reinforcement. This library can be supplemented and
characteristics for each bar and mesh modified.
Figure 33: Bars library
48
Multicriteria object selection

This is a powerful tool for sorting and selecting structural elements that enables the user to select the exact
objects to modify.
Example: Beams number 101 to 107, having a 20x30 section and made by C25 from level 1 are selected.
Figure 34: Multicriteria selection dialog box
Displaying objects by type

Only objects of a specified type (column, wall, etc.) in the structure are displayed.
Figure 35: Displaying objects by type
Automatic Reinforcement Objects

For certain structural objects a reinforcement type is automatically assigned during object creation. These
reinforcement styles are entirely customizable.
Figure 36: Automatic Reinforcement Wizards
49
Viewer 3D
In Advance, although all reinforcement element are drawn in 2D, they can be materialized in 3D with the 3D
viewer.
Using the information from the 2D drawings in the views, the viewer easily recreates the reinforcement cages. It
works on bars, meshes and bent meshes. The 3D reinforcement cage can be stored as a drawing and printed.
Figure 37: 3D Viewer
50
Chapter 3
Using Advance
In this Chapter
Basic settings
Construct a model
Create drawings
Create a layout
Export the model for calculations
Create reinforcement drawings
Advance by examples
Formwork and Implementation
This example illustrates how to:
Quickly draw a simple building with foundation and two levels
Automatically create a section
Place an associative dimension
Create an A4 layout.
This example has 16 steps and takes about 30 minutes.
Reinforcement
In this exercise, the building model will be used to create a wall reinforcement drawing.
This example has 8 steps.
52
Formwork and Implementation

Basic settings
Start Advance. Configure the Project properties as described below.
Instructions
Explanations
In the Pilot, right-click Project and select Properties from

the context menu.
Enter Project Exercise for the project name.

Click OK to validate.
In the Pilot, right-click Project and select Project

Settings from the context menu. The Project Settings
toolbar appears.
On the Project Settings toolbar, click the Units icon.
Click lengths Type and select Centimeter. All the values
entered on the smartbar and all the length values for
structural objects are in centimeters.
Click Apply.
Warning
In this project, the input values for the drawing length (drawing units) are in meters.
53
Construct a model
Step 1: Create continuous walls
The first step consists of drawing foundation walls.
Instructions
Explanations
On the Model toolbar, Structural flyout, click

Create a wall in the current level.
Activate Ortho mode by pressing F8.
Press F8.
Click on the graphic area to define a starting

point and input these values:
Move the mouse cursor in the X direction, enter 2 on the

command line and press Enter.
Move the mouse cursor in the Y direction, enter 2 and
press Enter
Place the mouse cursor in X direction and input 5 and
press Enter
Move the mouse cursor in the Y direction, enter 3 and
press Enter
Move the mouse cursor in the -X direction and enter 7 and
press Enter
Move the mouse cursor in the -Y direction, enter 5 and
press Enter
Press Esc to end.
54
Step 2: Draw a straight wall and a curved wall

This step explains how to draw a sloped wall and a circular wall:
Instructions
Explanations
On the Model toolbar, Structural flyout, click on the Create a

wall in the current level icon.
Activate object snap with the F3 key and select Endpoint and
Midpoint for the Object Snap modes.
To draw a sloped wall, click the middle of the two lower right
walls.
To draw a circular wall:
Click Create a wall in the current level.
55
Press F3.
Instructions
Explanations
On the Tools toolbar, click Activate AutoUCS.

Click the upper corner of the wall to place AutoUCS origin.
On the command line, enter the values: 1,0.
Press Enter.
>>Target point or X, Y coordinates: 1,0

On the command line type CE (Center) and press Enter.
Click the middle of the left vertical wall.
Click the vertical wall to end the circular wall as shown in the
figure.
The drawing should look similar to the upper drawing.
Step 3: Adjust the walls

This step illustrates how to trim the walls.
Instructions
Explanations
On the AutoCAD Modify toolbar, select the Trim

command.
Click on the 3 parts of the wall to be removed.
1
3
Note: The AutoCAD Chamfer

command works on
Advance entities and could have been used instead of the
Trim command. You could have used it here.
2
56
Step 4: Creating columns

This step explains how to position columns.
Instructions
Explanations
On the Model toolbar, Structural flyout, select Create a

column in the current level.
On the Smartbar enter C20 to draw a column with a squareshaped section and 20 cm sides.
Press Enter.
Select the central snap point from the drop-down list on the
column properties smartbar.
To position the first column inside the angle formed with the
sloped wall, press the CTRL key and right-click. Select
Apparent Intersect, from the context menu.
Click the first wall and then on the second wall of the angle.
On the command line, enter 0 for the column direction and
press Enter.
First alignment wall:
Second alignment wall:
57
Instructions
Explanations
The first column is now positioned. To create a copy 2 m in the

Y axis direction, use the AutoCAD standard copy function.
For this, use AutoCAD standard copy function.
Click Copy.
Select the column and press Enter. Select the column again
as the base point.
Enter @0,-2 on the command line to copy the column 2 m
away.
Using the same process, copy the second column 5 m in the

X direction.
Step 5: Create the beams and slabs

This step demonstrates how to draw beams and position slabs.
Instructions
Description
On the Model toolbar, Structural flyout, select the Create a

beam in the current level icon.
58
Instructions
Description
Draw the three beams by connecting the wall reference axes

and the center of the columns as shown in the figure.
On the Model toolbar, Structural flyout, select Create a

slab in the current level.
Enter D (Detection) on the command line and press Enter.
D then press Enter
Click on the three areas (as shown in the figure) to create the
slabs. The slabs are automatically created by boundary
detection.
Press Esc to finish.
1
3
59
Step 6: Create a door and a window

The purpose of this step is to create a door and a window opening.
Instructions
Explanations
On the Model toolbar, Openings flyout, click Create a door.
Click the right side wall.
In the Smartbar, select the door type: LD 90x218 C7 J1.

Click the middle of the wall to place the door.
Next, click inside the building to define the door opening
direction.
On the Model toolbar, Openings flyout, click Create a

window.
On the Smartbar, select the window type LD 130x135 C90.
Click the upper wall and place the window in the middle.
60
Step 7: Use the AutoUCS tool to position a slab hole

The purpose of this step is to create an opening in a slab.
Instructions
Explanations
On the Model toolbar, Openings flyout select Create a

slab opening.
Click the biggest slab. The opening symbol appears.
On the Tools toolbar, click Activate AutoUCS.

Click the upper left corner of the slab to place the AutoUCS
origin.
On the command line, enter: 1,1.
Press Enter to validate.
>>Target point or X, Y coordinates: 1, 1

Enter 0 for the rotation angle and then press Enter.
61
Step 8: Automatically create the second level

Instructions
Explanations
On the Level toolbar, click Copy the elements of

the current level to the superior level.
Press Enter to validate.
Double-click Building in the Pilot.
The two levels of the 3D building are displayed.
On the AutoCAD Visual Styles toolbar, click

Realistic Visual Styles to view the building.
On the AutoCAD Visual Styles toolbar, click 2D

Wireframe to return to wireframe mode.
62
Step 9: Generate foundations

The purpose of this step is to automatically generate the foundation walls and footings for the supporting
elements.
Instructions
On the Model toolbar, Foundation flyout, select Generate
automatic slabs.
Select the Automatic determinations of footings option.

Click OK.
The foundations are automatically placed under the first

level of the building.
63
Explanations
Step 10: Use the "roof" function to raise a slab

The purpose of this step is to create a roof element starting from an AutoCAD line and using this element to
define a raised surface.
Instructions
Explanations
In the Pilot, double-click Level 2(+600 cm).
Before creating the roof, break the beam.

On the Model toolbar, Formwork Functions flyout
select trim an element.
Click the beam.
Click the break point and press Enter to finish.
Click the AutoCAD function Z Axis Rotate UCS to

rotate the UCS around the z-axis.
In the plan view, draw an AutoCAD line as shown in
the figure.
This line represents the roof profile.
64
Instructions
Explanations
On the Model toolbar, Roof and ramp flyout, select

Create a roof in the current level.
Click on the previously drawing line.
Click the lower left corner of the first column and then
the lower right corner of the second column to define
the roof's axis.
The roof is placed.
On the Model toolbar, Roof and ramp flyout, select

Bind the roof or ramp elements.
On the command line, type B for Bind and press
Enter.
Click the elements to bind and press Enter.
The selected elements adjust to the surface defined by

the roof.
Preview the building in 3D.
65
B then press Enter
Step 11: Creating stairs

This step explains how to position stairs.
Instructions
Explanations
Copy the column at 1.5m in the -y axis direction.
In the Pilot, double-click Level 1(+300.0 cm).
66
Instructions
Copy the lower left column 1.5 m in the Y axis
direction.
On the Model toolbar, Stairs flyout select Create a

stair.
In the properties dialog box, set the step number to 16.
Add an upper platform width of 72 cm.

Indentation height and width: 20 cm
Set these values on all the properties tabs. Navigate

the tabs using the Previous and Next buttons.
Add a lower platform.

Click the Bottom anchor tab.
Enter the values for the parameters of the bottom
anchor:
Height: 12 cm
Width: 28 cm
Tilt width and height: 0 cm
Set these values on all the properties tabs. Navigate
the tabs using the Previous and Next buttons.
Click OK.
67
Explanations
Instructions
Explanations
Place the stairs by clicking the two points defining the

width.
Press Enter to end.
Select the stairs.
Access the properties dialog box by clicking

Properties on the Smartbar.
Define an upper level value of 0 relative to the lower
level.
68
Create drawings
The modeling part of the example is completed. The next part consists of the steps to create and fill the
drawings.
Step 12: Creating a cut

This step learns you how to draw an elevation section of the building using the model.
Instructions
Select Plan view.
On the Model toolbar, Drawings flyout select Create
a cut section.
Verify that Ortho mode is activated.
Draw the cutting plane. To define it, draw a vertical
line across the building and press Enter.
Move the mouse to define the cut depth. Include the

entire left part of the building as shown in the figure.
69
Explanations
Next, calculate the cut:

Instructions
Explanations
In the Pilot, click Drawings to enter the Drawings

mode.
In the Pilot, Section A-A appears. A red mark
indicates that the view is not updated.
Double-click Section A-A to calculate the section.
The cut is finished and you get a result as in the upper picture.
70
Step 13: Create a plan view

This step illustrates how to create a plan view starting at the first level.
Instructions
In the Pilot, click Model to enter the Model mode.
Double-click Building to activate it.
Right click and select Create, then select Plan view.
Select Level 1 and click OK.
The plan view is created.
71
Explanations
Step 14: Creating an associative dimension

This step explains how to complete the drawing by adding an associative dimension on the plan view.
Instructions
Explanations
In the Pilot, double-click Floor plan - Level

1(+300 cm).
The plan view of the first level is displayed.
On the Views toolbar, which automatically

appears in Drawings mode, select Create
associative dimension.
Click the upper wall.
Press Enter.
Click on the drawing to position the dimension.
The drawing should look similar to the upper drawing. The cut and the plan view are filled and must be set up to
create a layout.
72
Create a layout
Step 15: Create an A4 layout
Instructions
In the Pilot, click Documents.
In the Pilot, right click the Layout folder and select
Create layout from the context menu.
The layout properties dialog box appears.
To add a title block or to modify the formatting, click

Modify.
Next, modify the drawing orientation:

1. Click Modify the format and the printer.
2. Click Modify the format and the printer.
3. Check Portrait and click OK.
4. Click OK.
Add a title block:

1. Select Title Blocks.
2. Click <>.
3. In the Title block dialog box click Add.

4. Browse and select a title block from the Advance folder
tree. For example: Support \ Sample \
Document \
TitleBlock advance A4.dwg
5. In the Scale column enter 0.30.
6. Click OK.
Click <Yes> to validate.
73
Explanations
Instructions
Explanations
In the Pilot, click Drawings.

Select Floor plan Level 1 (+300 cm). Press and
hold down the left mouse button. Move the mouse and
drag the view onto the layout. Release the mouse
button and place the view on the layout.
Repeat the same procedure for the Section A-A.
The A4 layout should look like the figure.
Print the layout.

If a plotter is installed, bigger formats can be used.
74
Export the model for calculations

Step 16: Export the model to Arche Building structure
Now that all building levels are created, the structure load distribution is calculated. This calculation could have
been done on step 12, after the modeling was completed. This calculation is performed in the Arche Building
Structure application, using the model drawn in Advance.
Follow these instructions in order to export the structure to Arche Structure Building.
If Arche Building Structure is not installed a video demonstration appears.
Instructions
Explanations
In the Pilot, click Model.

Right-click the Model toolbar and select the Advance Analysis and
Design toolbar.
The Advance Analysis and Design toolbar appears.

On the Analysis and Design toolbar, click Export Arche Building
Structure.
This operation starts Arche Building Structure and the exported model is ready to be calculated.
Congratulations! You finished the lesson. You know now Advance Construction Drawings Module and
Execution basics. You can start drawing one of your own projects !
75
Reinforcement
Create reinforcement drawings
Step 1: Create the reinforcement drawing of a wall
The first step consists in automatically creating the wall views and drawing the reinforcement and meshes.
Use the file created in the Advance Construction Drawings Module and Implementation exercise. Open the file.
Instructions
Explanations
In the Pilot, double-click Level 2(+600.0 cm).
On the Model toolbar, Reinforcement flyout, select

Create a reinforcement drawing.
Click the horizontal upper wall.

Press Enter.
76
Instructions
In the Creation of a reinforcement drawing dialog
box, select 3 views, then "cut left, top view and
elevation face".
Click Next.
Select total for Cut depth and click Next.
In the Visible objects dialog box, the edge styles for

the visible objects can be defined. Click Next.
In the Hidden objects dialog box, the edge styles

for the hidden objects can be set. Click Next.
Click Next.
77
Explanations
Instructions
Explanations
In the Drawing dialog box, the reinforcement

representation styles can be set. Verify that Display
reinforcement is checked and click Next.
The Visual elements dialog box enables the display

of symbols, axes and symbol's scale. Click Next.
In the Title dialog box, title parameters can be set.

Click Finish.
The reinforcement views are automatically created

using the selected criteria.
This drawing is listed in the Drawings mode in the

pilot.
78
Transversal reinforcement placement

Step 2: Define and place the transversal reinforcement around a window opening
The second step explains how to place a transversal reinforcement around a window opening using the tools for
bar definition and distribution.
Instructions
Display the Advance Reinforcement toolbar by right
clicking on the Advance Views toolbar and selecting
Advance Reinforcement.
Right click on the Advance Views toolbar and select
Advance Reinforcement.
Place the toolbar on the screen.
Zoom in on the window lintel cut.
On the Reinforcement toolbar, Reinforcement bars

flyout click Create a rectangular frame.
Place the frame by clicking two points of the lintel

diagonal.
Click a third point to position the hook of the rectangular
frame.
The frame is created.
79
Explanations
Instructions
Explanations
Zoom in on the window sill cut.

flyout click Create an U bar.
Place a U bar by clicking two points of the U base.
Input the U direction in the wall and the desired U length

value. Enter 0.40 m.
The U bar is defined.
Zoom in on the window top view.

flyout select Create an U bar.
Place a U bar on the left side of the window.
Place a U bar by clicking two points of the U base.
80
Instructions
Input the U direction in the wall and the desired U length
value. Enter 0.40 m.
The U bar is defined.
Three bars have been defined and must be placed.
Next, you will distribute these bars.
Start by placing the frame.

Zoom in on the frame definition.
On the Reinforcement toolbar, Distributions flyout,

select Create a linear distribution.
Click the frame.

The Sideview tool automatically appears as two arrows.
This tool sets the distribution bar direction.
Select the horizontal arrow to place this side of the
rectangular frame on the wall elevation.
81
Explanations
Instructions
Explanations
Zoom in on the window lintel on the wall elevation.
Click the lower left corner of the lintel, and then the
lower right corner.
Next, click the lintel to specify the distribution bar

direction.
A fake bar (the original definition bar copy) is displayed

as "hooked" to the distribution.
The fake bar is oriented by moving the mouse on one
side and the other of the distribution line.
Select the bar pose direction by clicking a point on the
desired direction.
The rectangular frame is placed.
Create a distribution with the U bar on the window sill.

Zoom in on the U bar definition on the sill.
82
Instructions
click Create a linear distribution.
Click the U bar.

Select the horizontal arrow to place this side of the bar
on the wall elevation.
Zoom in on the window sill on the wall elevation.
Click the upper right corner of the sill, and then the
upper left corner.
Next, click the sill to specify the distribution direction.
83
Explanations
Instructions
Explanations

desired direction.
The U bars are placed on the window sill.
Distribute the U bar on the window side.
Zoom in on the U bar definition on the top view.

click Create a linear distribution.
Click the U bar.

Select the vertical arrow to place this side of the bar on
the wall elevation.
Zoom in on the window left side on the wall elevation.
84
Instructions
Click the upper left corner of the window, and then the
lower right corner.
Next, click the sill to specify the distribution direction.

desired direction.
The U bars are placed on the window side.
85
Explanations
Longitudinal reinforcement placement

Step 3: Define and distribute the longitudinal reinforcement around the window opening
The third step explains how to place the longitudinal reinforcement around a window opening using bar
definition and distribution tools.
Instructions
Explanations
First, the lower bar of the window lintel will be

defined.
Zoom in on the window lintel on the wall elevation
Click Create straight bar.

On the Smartbar, select anchor for bar extremities
1 and 2.
On the command line, type li (line) and press
Enter.
Click on the first bar point or [Contour Line]:li
Click the lower lintel edge.
Click inside the lintel to place the lower bar.

The bar is defined.
86
Instructions
Repeat the process to place a bar in the window
sill.
Place a bar of this type on the side of the window.
The operation now consists in the distribution of

these three bars.
Zoom in on the elevation on the lower bar of the
window lintel.

click Create a free distribution.
Click the lower bar.
87
Explanations
Instructions
Explanations
After having clicked on the lower bar, a point bar is

hooked on the cross center of the mouse cursor.
Create a distribution of two point bars around the
rectangular frame from the lintel section (see the
figure).
Note: To facilitate the placement of these two point
bars, activate the snap point "center" on the
AutoCAD snap object.
Click Create a free distribution on the

Distributions toolbar.
Click the horizontal bar of the sill on the elevation.
Repeat the process to create the distribution of the
two point bars inside the U bar of the window sill
(as shown in the figure).
To place the last bar, click Create a free

distribution on the Distributions flyout toolbar.
Click the vertical bar on the left side of the window
on the elevation.
Repeat the same process to create the placement
of the two point bars inside the U bar on the left
side of the window (see the figure).
Now that the bars are placed, using symmetry,
bars are placed on the other side of the window.
Zoom in so that the elevation and the top view are
visible on the screen.
Click Mirror (the AutoCAD standard function).
88
Instructions
Select the bars to copy. Select the U bar and the
two point bars on the top view then on the
elevation. Click the vertical bar on the left side of
the window. Next, click and on the U bar
distribution bars on the left side of the window.
Press Enter.
Click the middle of the lower window edge to set

the first point of the symmetry axis. Next, click the
middle of the upper window edge to set the second
symmetry point.
Press Enter.
A copy of the bars appears on the other side of the
window.
89
Explanations
Step 4: View the reinforcement in 3D

In this step you will learn to view the reinforcement elements in a 3D view.
Instructions
Explanations
Display the Advance Reinforcement 3D Viewer toolbar.

Right-click the Advance Reinforcement toolbar and select
Advance Reinforcement 3D Viewer.
The first step consists in selecting the 2D drawings in the
views.
Click Select and define the view.
Include the left view within a selection window and press
Enter.
On the definition window: the left side view is selected.

Click Next.
Include the top view within a selection window and press

Enter.
On the definition window: the upper view is selected.

Click Next.
90
Instructions
Explanations
Finally, select the elevation and press Enter.
On the definition window: the elevation is selected.

Click Finish.
Click Start 3D viewer.

Preview the reinforcement in 3D view.
Also, you can view only the distribution of a bar. Click Start 3D
viewer.
Click on the bar to view (for example the frame).
Press Enter.
91
Press Enter
Place reference marks on the distribution bars

Step 5: Place reference marks and dimensions on the distribution bars.
The fifth step explains how to place reference marks and dimensions on distribution bars.
Instructions
Explanations
The first step consists of placing the bar reference marks on

the wall cut.
Zoom in on the lintel section.
On the Reinforcement symbols toolbar, click Create a bar

symbol.
Click the rectangular frame and place the reference mark
nearby.
Click Create a bar symbol.

Click one of the two point bars and place the reference
marks.
92
Instructions
Repeat the process to place the reference marks for the sill
reinforcement.
Note: To place annotations on the other side of the cut use
the Mirror function on the command line:
Select one element or [Multiple]:
Point or [Scale/Rotation/Align/Mirror/Finish]:m
The symbols are aligned using the Align symbols function.
Draw an alignment line.
93
Explanations
Instructions
Explanations
Click the symbols to align and the alignment line and press
Enter.
The symbols are aligned. Delete the alignment line.
The second step consists of placing dimensions on the

distribution bars.
Zoom in on the window lintel elevation.
Click Create a distribution dimension.
Click the rectangular frame distribution. Place the dimension
line. Click the position for the reference mark.
Repeat the process to place the dimensions for the four

reinforcement distribution bars of the window.
Note: To place annotations on the other side of the cut use
the Mirror function on the command line:
Select one element or [Multiple]:
Point or [Scale/Rotation/Align/Mirror/Finish]:m
Complete the views with reference marks as shown in the
figure.
94
Place a bar list

Step 6: Place the list with bar bending details
The sixth step explains how to automatically create a list with bar bending details.
Instructions
Explanations
On the List toolbar, click Create a list.

On the command line, type B (Bars) to create a bar list.
Press Enter to select all the bars.
Enter
Include within a selection window the bars to list.

Press Enter. The list is hooked to the mouse cursor.
Don't place the list yet. On the Smartbar, select a scale

of 0.5.
Place the list on the reinforcement drawing.
95
Place the meshes

Step 7: Place meshes on the wall sides
The seventh step explains how to use the mesh library and how to place meshes on the wall sides.
Instructions
Explanations
Zoom in on the wall elevation.
Click Create a mesh outline.

On the command line, type D (automatic Detection) to
create the mesh outline by automatic detection.
Click inside the wall.
Now you have to cut the meshes for the window opening.
Type Y (Yes) on the command line and press Enter.
On the command line, type again D (automatic

Detection) to define an opening in the mesh outline.
96
Instructions
Click inside the window opening.
On the smartbar, enter 2 for the number of layers and

a concrete cover of de 0 and 3 cm.
Select the insertion point of the first mesh panel.
The meshes are automatically placed on the wall, and

the window opening is taken into account.
97
Explanations
Place a mesh list

Step 8: Place the mesh list
The eighth and final step explains how to automatically create a meshes list.
Instructions
Explanations
On the List toolbar, click Create a list.

On the Smartbar, select the Mesh details list.
On the command line, type F (fabrics) to create a

mesh list.
F and press Enter.
Then press Enter to select the meshes on the

screen.
Enter
Click the meshes to list.

Press Enter. The list is hooked to the mouse cursor.
Don't place the list yet. On the Smartbar, select a

scale of 0.5.
Place the mesh list next to the reinforcement
drawing.
End of example.
98
Appendices
Command line
In this Chapter
Advance commands
Advance commands
Almost all actions in Advance are made through commands. These commands identify the actions to perform,
and Advance responds by displaying them on the command line. The command line provides information about
the status of an action or suggests different options to end the command successfully.
Advance offers several methods for running the commands: menus, toolbars, context menus and online
commands.
Commands are executed by typing its full name on the command line.
Below is the categorized command list.
Getting help
Command
Function
grtcabout
Display the Advance About screen
grtchelp
Display the Advance online help
grtcselftraining
Launch the Self-training: Advance Learning Program
Managing the projects

Command
Function
grtcdefault
Modify the elements default values
grtcexportddc
Export the model to Arche Structure Building and launch Arche Structure
Building
grtcexportost
Export the model to the Arche Building Structure program
grtcexportstc
Export the model to Effel Structure and launch Effel Structure
grtcexportstca
Export the model to Advance Design
grtcexportstr
Export the model to Effel Structure software
grtcimportadt
Import an ADT file
grtcarchedxf
Import a reinforcement drawing from Arche Reinforcement
grtcimportost
Import a file from Arche Building Structure
grtclayer
Access the Layer Manager
grtcstandardlayer
Access the Layer name Manager
grtcgeometrie
Modify the geometry characteristics stored in libraries
grtmaterial
Modify the material characteristics
grtcopening
Access the Openings library
grtcpilecatalog
Access the piles library
grtcbarcat
Modify the bar characteristics in the library
grtcmeshcat
Modify the mesh characteristics stored in libraries
grtcpproperties
Modify the project properties
grtcpriority
Display objects priority
grtcpreference
Modify the general preferences
grtcrepresentation
Define the representation styles
grtcunits
Modify the display units
grtcrebarstyle
Define the reinforcement styles
grtcsavetree
Save the current tree
100
Modeling a building
Command
Function
grtcbfound
Automatically create footings adapted for every support of the lower level
grtcbproperties
Modify the building properties
grtcbvis
Display the entire building
grtcbnew
Create a new building
grtcbactiv
Activate a building
Modeling a level
Command
Function
grtclactive
Activate a level <-> Make current level
Grtclcopytop
Copy the elements in the active level into the upper level
grtclcopybottom
Copy the elements in the current level into the lower level
grtcldel
Delete the current level
grtclnew
grtcsnew
grtclnext
Display the next level
grtclprev
Display the previous level
grtclproperties
Modify the current level properties
grtclsel
Select the current level elements
grtclvis
Display one or several levels
Creating the formwork

Command
Function
grtcponsel
Display the selected element properties
grtcbeam
Create a beam in the current level
grtcsill
Create a sill in the current level
grtccolumn
Create a column in the current level
grtcdoor
Create a door in the current level
grtcelconv
Convert AutoCAD entities (line, polyline, arc) into elements (beam,

column...)
grtcelcopy
Copy or move elements
grtcelproperties
Modify the selected element(s) properties
grtcelsolid
Convert the selected elements into ACIS solids
grtcstructuraltrim
Adjusting an element
grtcconverttostructural
Convert ACIS solids into structural
grtcunbindacisfromstructural
Unbind ACIS solids from structural
grtcbindacistostructural
Bind ACIS solids to structural
grtcJoinFootingC
Create stepped footing
grtcslabsplit
Split a slab
grtcstructuraltrim
Trim an element
grtcbrickshelf
Edit a brick shelf
grtcbreakelement
Break an element
grtcfootingc
Create a continuous footing in the current level
101
Command
Function
grtcfootingi
Create an isolated footing in the current level
grtcbeddingi
Create a bedding isolated footing in the current level
grtcfootingc
Create a bedding continuous footing in the current level
grtcpile
Create a pile in the current level
grtcpileproperties
grtcpile
Modify the pile properties

Create a drill depth area in the current level
grtclintel
Create a lintel in the current level
grtcpolyopening
Create a polygonal opening in the current level
grtcbeamreservationline
Create a beam openings line in the current level
grtcslab
Create a slab in the current level
grtcstdopening
Create an opening or a depression in the current level
grtcwall
Create a wall in the current level
grtcwindow
Create a window in the current level
grtcroof
Create a roof or a sloped shape
grtcroofproperties
Modify selected roof properties
grtcbindstructurals
Bind the elements to the roof
grtcslope
Create a slope in the current level
grtcstairs
Create a stair in the current level
grtcprecaststairpbm
Link to the PBM website (precast stairs)
grtcprecaststairb
Link to the SB website (precast stairs)
grtcrenumbergrid
Renumber the grid axes
grtcgrid
Create a grid
Creating the reinforcement

Command
Function
grtcshapebar
Create a new bar shape
grtcpointbar
Create a point bar
grtcstraightbar
Create a straight bar
grtcetrier
Create a stirrup bar
grtcrectbar
Create a rectangular frame
grtccerce
Create a circular bar
grtcpinbar
Create a pin bar
grtcubar
Create a U bar
grtclbar
Create an L bar
grtcpolbar
Create a polygonal bar
grtcbreakbar
Break a bar
grtceditbar
Edit a bar
grtcrepartfree
Create a free distribution
grtcrepartlinear
Create a free linear distribution
grtcrepartvarlinear
Create a free linear variable distribution
grtcrepartquantity
Create a quantitative distribution
grtcrepartcut
Create a cut distribution
grtcrepartone
Create a one by one distribution
102
Command
Function
grtcbarhide
Hide the distribution bars
grtcrebarshow
Display the hidden bar (the definition bar of the distribution)
grtcreparttrim
Trim the distribution bars
grtcreparteditsymbol
Modify the beginning and ending symbol for a distribution bar
grtcmesh
Create a simple mesh
grtcrepartmesh
Create a mesh outline
grtcrepartmeshupdate
Update the outline
grtcrepartmeshaddhole
Add an opening / cavity to the outline
grtcrepartmeshdelhole
Delete an opening / cavity from the outline
grtcposbar
Renumber the bars and meshes
grtcmeshtrim
Cut the mesh relative to a line
grtcrebarproprietes
Access the bar properties
grtcmeshproperties
Access the mesh properties
grtcrepartproperties
Access the distribution properties
grtcrepartmeshproperties
Access the outline properties
grtcmeshcut
Create a mesh cut
grtcmeshcutproperties
Access the mesh cut properties
grtcmeshcutregen
Regenerate the symbols
grtcmeshesrows
Create a mesh row
grtcmeshrest
Create a mesh starting from scraps
grtcmeshscrapsoptimize
Automatically optimize the mesh scraps
grtcrepartmodifymesh
Change starting panel
grtcrepartnombre
Apply a multiplication factor
grtcrepartedit
Edit a distribution
grtcrepartdisplayallbars
Display all bars
grtcrepartselbars
Select the displayed bars
grtcrepartsection
Create a section distribution
grtcdefineview
Select and define the view
grtcrebar3Dviewer
Start the 3D viewer
grtcrebarnewelevation
Create a new reinforcement elevation
grtcrebarnewsection
Create a new reinforcement cut
grtcrebarnewneisometry
Create a new isometric reinforcement
grtcrebardeleteview
Delete a reinforcement view
grtcRebarClashCheck
Clash check
grtcrebar3Dviewer
Start the 3D viewer
Creating and managing model drawings

Command
Function
grtcplanview
Create a plan view
grtciso
Create a 3D view
grtcsection
Create a cut or a section
grtcelev
Create an elevation
grtcdnew
103
Command
Function
grtcdrebar
Create a new reinforcement drawing
grtcdactive
Activate a drawing or a view
grtcdexport
Export a dwg of a drawing or a view
grtcddelete
Delete a drawing or a view
grtcdonlayout
Place a drawing or a view on the layout
grtcdproperties
Access the view or drawing properties
grtcdupdate
Activate and update a drawing or a view
grtcdgroup
Group several drawings on the same layout
grtcdungroup
Ungroup drawings
Dimensioning the drawings and views

Command
Function
grtcdimlevel
grtcadim
Rearrange dimensions
grtcdimarc
grtcdimassoc
grtcdimcoord
grtcdimrepart
grtcdiminter
grtcdimintercalc
Recalculate an intersection dimension
grtcdimlevel
grtcdimproperties
Access dimension properties
grtcgdim
Group dimensions
grtcmdim
Add or delete the dimension points
grtcdimrepart
grtcdimension
grtcdimproperties
Access dimension properties
grtcelcopy
Copy the visual elements to the next level
Adding symbols and annotations

Command
Function
grtcnannot
Add an annotation to the library
grtcannotcat
Access the Annotations library
grtcannot
Create an annotation
grtcmannot
Create multiple annotations
grtcmksymbol
grtcmsymbol
grtcsymbol
Create a symbol
grtcsymbolcat
grtcimult
Activate Simple Identification tool
grtcisingle
Activate Multiple Identification tool
grtcsymproperties
Access the properties of annotations and symbols
grtcsymbolalign
Align bar symbols
104
Command
Function
grtcnannot
Add an annotation to the library
grtcannotcat
Access the Annotations library
grtcrebarsymbol
Create a bar or mesh symbol
grtcrebarrakesymbol
Create a rake symbol
grtcsymboltarget
Change the symbol target
Creating and using the lists

Command
Function
grtclheader
Create the list header
grtclbody
Create the list body
grtclfooter
Create the list footer
grtclfooterpart
Define the entities grouped in the footer
grtclvariable
Create a list attribute
grtcsubheader
Create the list sub-header
grtcsobfooter
Create the list sub-footer
grtclistexportexcel
Export the list to Microsoft Excel
grtclistpagesplit
Split the list to pages
grtclist
Add the list on the layout
grtclistupdate
Update the list of materials
grtclistadd
Add an element to the list
grtclistdel
Delete an element from the list
grtclistproperties
Access the list properties
Creating layouts
Command
Function
grtcplupdate
Activate a layout
grtcplrefresh
Refresh a layout
grtcpldelete
Delete a layout
grtcplnew
Create a layout
grtcplproperties
Access the properties of a layout
grtcplupdate
Activate and update a layout
Using Utilities
Command
Function
grtcdispsel
Display the selected elements only
grtcdisptype
Display the elements by type
grtcselcriteria
Select elements using multiple criteria
grtcseltype
Select the elements by type
grtcucs
Activate the dynamic positioning tool
grtclabelelement
Re-label the elements
grtcconvertadv
Convert a file from Architectural Desktop
105
Using Internet services

Command
Function
grtccontact
Contact an Advance dealer
grtcsupport
Request technical support
grtcweb
Access the GRAITEC web site
106
Index
A
Access the Annotation library ............................................................................................................................... 39
Access the Layer Name Manager ........................................................................................................................ 39
Access the Lists toolbar ........................................................................................................................................ 40
Access the Reinforcement symbols toolbar ......................................................................................................... 33
Access the Symbol library .............................................................................................................................. 38, 40
ACIS solid ............................................................................................................................................................. 29
Activate and update a drawing ....................................................................................................................... 37, 38
Activate the AutoUCS tool .................................................................................................................................... 41
Add a new label to the library ............................................................................................................................... 38
Add a new symbol to the Symbol library .............................................................................................................. 40
Add a symbol to the Symbol library ................................................................................................................ 38, 39
Add annotation to the Annotation library .............................................................................................................. 39
Add elements to a list ........................................................................................................................................... 36
Adjusting an element ............................................................................................................................................ 32
Advance Learning Program .................................................................................................................................. 42
Align the symbols .................................................................................................................................................. 40
Analysis and Design toolbar ................................................................................................................................. 37
Apply a multiplication factor to the distribution ..................................................................................................... 35
Apply the solution ................................................................................................................................................. 36
Automatic drafting toolbar ..................................................................................................................................... 33
Automatic Reinforcement Objects ........................................................................................................................ 49
Automatically generate footings............................................................................................................................ 31
AutoUCS ............................................................................................................................................................... 45
B
Bar Editor toolbar .................................................................................................................................................. 41
Bind elements ....................................................................................................................................................... 29
Break a bar ..................................................................................................................................................... 33, 41
Break an element .................................................................................................................................................. 32
C
Change the symbol target ..................................................................................................................................... 40
Circular wall .................................................................................................................................................... 55, 56
Close the solution ................................................................................................................................................. 36
Combine................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Configuration logicielle .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Convert AutoCAD entities .................................................................................................................................. 29
Copy drafting (AutoCAD Function) .................................................................................................................... 38
Create a bar field distribution ................................................................................................................................ 34
Create a bar or mesh symbol ............................................................................................................................... 40
Create a bar rake symbol ..................................................................................................................................... 40
Create a beam ...................................................................................................................................................... 30
Create a beam openings line ................................................................................................................................ 31
Create a bedding continuous footing .................................................................................................................... 31
Create a bedding isolated footing ......................................................................................................................... 31
Create a bent mesh .............................................................................................................................................. 33
Create a circular bar ............................................................................................................................................. 34
Create a column.................................................................................................................................................... 30
Create a continuous footing .................................................................................................................................. 31
Create a coordinates dimension ..................................................................................................................... 38, 39
Create a cut .......................................................................................................................................................... 37
Create a cut distribution ........................................................................................................................................ 34
Create a diameter dimension ................................................................................................................................ 39
108
Create a dimension by points ..........................................................................................................................38, 39

Create a dimension series .....................................................................................................................................39
Create a dimension style .......................................................................................................................................39
Create a distribution dimension .......................................................................................................................33, 38
Create a door .........................................................................................................................................................31
Create a drill depth area ........................................................................................................................................31
Create a free distribution .......................................................................................................................................34
Create a grid ..........................................................................................................................................................30
Create a label ........................................................................................................................................................38
Create a level dimension .................................................................................................................................38, 39
Create a linear dimension ......................................................................................................................................39
Create a linear distribution .....................................................................................................................................34
Create a linear variable distribution .......................................................................................................................34
Create a lintel .........................................................................................................................................................31
Create a list ............................................................................................................................................................36
Create a mesh cut .................................................................................................................................................33
Create a mesh row ................................................................................................................................................33
Create a new bar shape ........................................................................................................................................32
Create a new drawing ......................................................................................................................................32, 37
Create a new level ...........................................................................................................................................29, 30
Create a new reinforcement cut ............................................................................................................................35
Create a new reinforcement elevation ...................................................................................................................35
Create a one by one distribution ............................................................................................................................34
Create a pile ..........................................................................................................................................................31
Create a pin bar .....................................................................................................................................................34
Create a plan view .................................................................................................................................................37
Create a point bar ..................................................................................................................................................32
Create a polygonal bar ..........................................................................................................................................32
Create a polygonal opening ...................................................................................................................................31
Create a quantitative distribution ...........................................................................................................................34
Create a quick dimension ......................................................................................................................................39
Create a radius dimension .....................................................................................................................................39
Create a ramp ........................................................................................................................................................31
Create a rectangular frame ....................................................................................................................................34
Create a reinforcement drawing ......................................................................................................................32, 37
Create a reinforcement view ..................................................................................................................................35
Create a roof ..........................................................................................................................................................31
Create a section distribution ..................................................................................................................................34
Create a separator .................................................................................................................................................33
Create a simple mesh ............................................................................................................................................33
Create a simple mesh outline ................................................................................................................................33
Create a slab .........................................................................................................................................................30
Create a stair .........................................................................................................................................................32
Create a standard opening ....................................................................................................................................31
Create a stirrup bar ................................................................................................................................................34
Create a straight bar ..............................................................................................................................................34
Create a symbol ...............................................................................................................................................38, 39
Create a U bar .......................................................................................................................................................34
Create a wall ....................................................................................................................................................30, 55
Create a window ....................................................................................................................................................31
Create a window sill ...............................................................................................................................................31
Create an aligned dimension .................................................................................................................................39
Create an angular dimension ................................................................................................................................39
Create an annotation .............................................................................................................................................39
Create an arc dimension..................................................................................................................................38, 39
Create an associative dimension .....................................................................................................................38, 39
Create an elevation ................................................................................................................................................37
Create an intersection dimension ....................................................................................................................38, 39
Create an isolated footing ......................................................................................................................................31
Create an isometric................................................................................................................................................37
Create an L bar ......................................................................................................................................................34
Create multiple annotations ...................................................................................................................................39
109
Create multiple labels ........................................................................................................................................... 38

Create multiple symbols ................................................................................................................................. 38, 39
Create stepped footing ......................................................................................................................................... 32
D
Define a solution ................................................................................................................................................... 36
Delete a reinforcement view ................................................................................................................................. 35
Delete elements from a list ................................................................................................................................... 36
Dimensions toolbar ............................................................................................................................................... 38
Display elements by type ...................................................................................................................................... 41
Display next level .................................................................................................................................................. 30
Display previous level ........................................................................................................................................... 30
Display the bar definition ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Display the hidden element .................................................................................................................................. 35
Display the Symbol library .................................................................................................................................... 39
Displaying objects by type .................................................................................................................................... 49
Distribution Editor toolbar ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Distribution toolbar ................................................................................................................................................ 33
Distributions toolbar .............................................................................................................................................. 34
Documents ...................................................................................................................................................... 22, 43
Documents toolbar ................................................................................................................................................ 40
Doors and Windows manager .............................................................................................................................. 48
Drawings ............................................................................................................................................................... 43
Drawings toolbar ............................................................................................................................................. 29, 37
E
Edit a bar ............................................................................................................................................................... 41
Edit a brick shelf.................................................................................................................................................... 32
Edit a distribution .................................................................................................................................................. 35
Edit distribution toolbar ......................................................................................................................................... 33
Export a list to Excel ............................................................................................................................................. 36
Export to Advance Design .................................................................................................................................... 37
Export to Arche Building Structure........................................................................................................................ 37
Export to Effel Structure ........................................................................................................................................ 37
Export to GTC ....................................................................................................................................................... 42
Export to IFC ......................................................................................................................................................... 42
F
Formwork Functions toolbar ................................................................................................................................. 32
Foundations toolbar ........................................................................................................................................ 29, 31
G
Graitec Transfer Center toolbar ............................................................................................................................ 42
Grid toolbar ..................................................................................................................................................... 29, 30
H
Help ....................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Help Toolbar ......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Hide the bar definition ........................................................................................................................................... 34
Hide the selected elements .................................................................................................................................. 41
110
I
Import a drawing ....................................................................................................................................................37
Import from IFC ......................................................................................................................................................42
Import to GTC ........................................................................................................................................................42
Import-Export standard files toolbar ......................................................................................................................42
Insert dynamic block ........................................................................................................................................39, 41
Isolate the selected elements ................................................................................................................................41
L
Lancer la visualisation 3D ......................................................................................................................................35
Launch the Multiple Identification tool ...................................................................................................................41
Launch the Simple Identification tool .....................................................................................................................41
Layer Name Manager ............................................................................................................................................29
Levels toolbar ........................................................................................................................................................30
Lists toolbar .....................................................................................................................................................33, 36
M
Material Manager ...................................................................................................................................................46
Material quantities management ...........................................................................................................................29
Meshes Scraps toolbar ..........................................................................................................................................33
Model .....................................................................................................................................................................43
Move elements ......................................................................................................................................................29
Multicriteria object selection...................................................................................................................................49
O
Object Geometry Manager ....................................................................................................................................47
Object snap ............................................................................................................................................................55
Openings toolbar .............................................................................................................................................29, 31
P
Pilot ................................................................. 20, 21, 22, 29, 38, 43, 44, 53, 62, 64, 66, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76
Print layouts ...........................................................................................................................................................40
Project ....................................................................................................................................................................43
R
Reinforcement .......................................................................................................................................................43
Reinforcement 3D Viewer toolbar ..........................................................................................................................35
Reinforcement Bars toolbar .............................................................................................................................32, 34
Reinforcement renumbering toolbar ......................................................................................................................33
Reinforcement Renumbering toolbar .....................................................................................................................34
Reinforcement Solutions toolbar ...........................................................................................................................36
Reinforcement Symbols toolbar ............................................................................................................................40
Reinforcement toolbar ...........................................................................................................................................32
Re-label elements ..................................................................................................................................................41
Roofs and Ramps toolbar ......................................................................................................................................29
S
Save the solution ...................................................................................................................................................36
Select and define the view .....................................................................................................................................35
Select elements by type.........................................................................................................................................41
Select elements using multiple criteria ..................................................................................................................41
111
Shortcut Access Menu .......................................................................................................................................... 44

Sketch Designer toolbar ....................................................................................................................................... 35
Smartbar ......................................................................................................................................................... 27, 57
Solution multiplication factor ................................................................................................................................. 36
Solution visibility properties .................................................................................................................................. 36
Split a slab ............................................................................................................................................................ 32
Split into pages ..................................................................................................................................................... 36
Stairs toolbar ................................................................................................................................................... 29, 32
Start the 3D viewer ............................................................................................................................................... 35
Start the online help .............................................................................................................................................. 42
Structural toolbar .................................................................................................................................................. 29
Synchronize data with an Arche Structure file ...................................................................................................... 37
Syncronize with GTC ............................................................................................................................................ 42
T
Tools ..................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Tools toolbar ......................................................................................................................................................... 41
Tooltips ................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Trim one or several meshes ................................................................................................................................. 33
Trim the distribution bars ...................................................................................................................................... 35
U
Update a list .......................................................................................................................................................... 36
Update layout ........................................................................................................................................................ 40
Update solutions references ................................................................................................................................. 36
V
View the label library ............................................................................................................................................. 38
Views Toolbar ....................................................................................................................................................... 38
Visual elements..................................................................................................................................................... 43
112
Canada
GRAITEC Inc.
183, St. Charles St. W.
Suite 300
Longueuil (Qubec) Canada
J4H1C8
Tel.
(450) 674-0657
Fax
(450) 674-0665
Hotline (450) 674-0657
Toll free 1-800-724-5678
Web
http://www.graitec.com/En/
Email
info.canada@graitec.com
France
GRAITEC France Sarl
17 Burospace
91573 Bivres Cedex
Tel.
33 (0)1 69 85 56 22
Fax
33 (0)1 69 85 33 70
Web
http://www.graitec.com/Fr/
Email
info.france@graitec.com
Germany, Switzerland, Austria

GRAITEC GmbH
Centroallee 263a
D-46047 Oberhausen Germany
Tel.
+49-(0) 208 / 62188-0
Fax
+49-(0) 208 / 62188-29
Web
http://www.graitec.com/Ge/
Email
info.germany@graitec.com
Czech Republic and Slovakia

AB Studio spol. s r.o.
Jeremenkova 90a 140 00 PRAHA 4
Tel.
+420/244 016 055
Fax
+420/244 016 088
Hotline
+420/244 016 050
Web
http://www.abstudio.cz/
Email
abstudio@abstudio.cz
United Kingdom
GRAITEC UK Ltd.
The Old Forge
Suth Road
Weybridge
Surrey KT13 9DZ
Tel.
+44 (0)1932 858516
Fax
+44 (0)1932 859099
Email
sales@graitec.co.uk
Russia
GRAITEC CJSC
Dmitrovskoe shosse, 60A
Moscow 127474
Tel.
+7(495) 225-13-65
Fax.
+7(495) 225-13-65
Email info.russia@graitec.com
Romania
GRAITEC Roumanie SRL
Str. Samuil Vulcan, Nr. 10 Sector 5
Bucureti, Romania
Tel.
+40 (21) 410 0119
Fax
+40 (21) 410 0124
Mobile
0729 002 107
Web
http://www.graitec.com/Ro/
Email
sales@graitec.ro
01-1110-0409-1216

AC UserGuide 2011 en Metric

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This document has been carefully prepared with all the information

needed to properly use this Advance product.

Windows XP and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered

DXF , DWG , AutoCAD and Autodesk Architectural Desktop are

Views Toolbar ................................................................................................................................................ 38

Advance Steel for creating structural steel arrangement

Advance Concrete for creating reinforcement and structural

Advance Design for the analysis and design of

How to use this guide ?

Where to find information

Contacting technical support

Log on to GRAITEC Advantages Web site

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

How to use this guide ?

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

Where to find information in Advance Concrete

Help toolbar: Click

Figure 1: Advance online help

Using the context help and online help

Figure 2: Accessing help for a dialog box

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

Using Self-training: Advance Learning Program

Help toolbar: Click

Figure 3: Learning Program

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

Before installing Advance

Installation of AutoCAD or Autodesk Architectural Desktop

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

Close all active WINDOWS applications.

Insert the installation DVD into the DVD drive.

Close all active WINDOWS applications.

Insert the installation DVD into the DVD drive.

From the Windows menu, select: Start > Run.

Figure 4: Run option on the Start menu

Figure 5: Run dialog box

Select the installation language and click Install products.

Figure 6: Starting the installation

On the next screen, select Advance Concrete and click Next.

Figure 7: Selecting the product

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

Figure 8: License agreement

If a previous version of Advance is already installed, select another installation folder.

Figure 9: Selecting the components to install and the interface language

Click Install to start the installation.

The installation starts.

Click Finish to complete the installation.

Figure 10: Finishing the installation

Architect design department construction

The drawing software calculation software

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

Figure 11: Project workflow

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

Figure 13: Model mode

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

Figure 14: Drawings mode

Figure 15: Documents mode

ADVANCE CONCRETE Users Guide

Architect design department construction companies interface

...To the construction company

Find more about Archi-BE interface

Figure 16: Requalification of 2D entities in structural objects