Advance Steel COM API Reference Guide

Advance Steel
COM API
Reference Guide
ADVANCE STEEL AS COM API REFERENCE GUIDE
Contents
.CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 7
1.1 JOINTS AND COMMANDS............................................................................................................. 8

1.1.1 JOINT summary................................................................................................................ 8
1.1.2 COMMAND summary....................................................................................................... 8
.CHAPTER 2 JOINTS............................................................................................................................. 9
2.1 KEY CONCEPTS........................................................................................................................ 10

2.1.1 Rule................................................................................................................................. 10
2.2 ARCHITECTURE......................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Libraries.......................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Attributes and categories................................................................................................. 11
2.2.3 Roles............................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.4 User interface.................................................................................................................. 11
2.2.5 Query method.................................................................................................................. 11
2.2.6 CreateObjects method..................................................................................................... 11
2.2.7 Attribute transfer.............................................................................................................. 11
2.2.8 InField/OutField methods................................................................................................ 12
2.2.9 GetUserPages method.................................................................................................... 12
2.2.10 Rule versioning............................................................................................................... 12
2.2.11 GetTableName................................................................................................................ 12
2.2.12 Prompts and prompt numbers.........................................................................................12
2.2.13 Database Structure......................................................................................................... 12
2.3 COMMENTS AND TIPS................................................................................................................ 12
.CHAPTER 3 COMMANDS.................................................................................................................. 15
.CHAPTER 4 DEVELOPING A JOINT................................................................................................. 17
4.1 JOINT ANALYSIS........................................................................................................................ 18

4.1.1 Attributes......................................................................................................................... 18
4.1.2 Objects............................................................................................................................ 18
4.2 CODING.................................................................................................................................... 18
4.3 BEAM TRANSFORMATIONS......................................................................................................... 24
.CHAPTER 5 NEW API - OBJECTS - METHODS AND PROPERTIES..................................................27
5.1 GEOMETRY............................................................................................................................... 28
5.1.1 Point3d............................................................................................................................ 28
5.1.2 Point3dArray................................................................................................................... 28
5.1.3 Vector3d.......................................................................................................................... 29
3
5.1.4 Vector3dArray................................................................................................................. 30
5.1.5 Line3d............................................................................................................................. 30
5.1.6 LineSeg3d....................................................................................................................... 30
5.1.7 LineSeg3dArray.............................................................................................................. 31
5.1.8 Curve3d........................................................................................................................... 31
5.1.9 Arc3d............................................................................................................................... 31
5.1.10 Ray3d.............................................................................................................................. 32
5.1.11 Plane............................................................................................................................... 32
5.1.12 Matrix3d.......................................................................................................................... 33
5.1.13 Matrix3dArray.................................................................................................................. 33
5.1.14 AugPolyline3d................................................................................................................. 34
5.1.15 AugPolylinesArray........................................................................................................... 35
5.1.16 AugPolygon3d................................................................................................................. 35
5.1.17 AugPolygonsArray.......................................................................................................... 36
5.1.18 AugPolygonsArrayArray.................................................................................................. 37
5.1.19 CS3d............................................................................................................................... 37
5.1.20 CS3dArray....................................................................................................................... 38
5.1.21 Extents............................................................................................................................ 38
5.1.22 PlaneArray...................................................................................................................... 38
5.1.23 VertexInfo........................................................................................................................ 38
5.1.24 VertexInfoArray............................................................................................................... 39
5.2 PROFILES ACCESS.................................................................................................................... 39
5.2.1 ProfType.......................................................................................................................... 39
5.2.2 ProfSectVal..................................................................................................................... 42
5.2.3 ProfGapCollection........................................................................................................... 42
5.3 UTIL FACET............................................................................................................................... 43
5.3.1 AstModeler...................................................................................................................... 43
5.4 DATABASE ACCESS................................................................................................................... 44
5.4.1 OdbcUtils......................................................................................................................... 44
5.4.2 OdbcTable....................................................................................................................... 44
5.5 STEELAUTOMATION................................................................................................................... 45
5.5.1 AstObject......................................................................................................................... 45
5.5.2 EqualPartObject.............................................................................................................. 46
5.5.3 AstFeatObject................................................................................................................. 47
5.5.4 PlateFeat......................................................................................................................... 47
5.5.5 PlateFeatVertex............................................................................................................... 47
5.5.6 PlateFeatEdge................................................................................................................ 47
5.5.7 PlateFeatContour............................................................................................................ 47
5.5.8 Chamfer.......................................................................................................................... 48
5.5.9 Fillet................................................................................................................................. 49
4
5.5.10 PlateContourNotch.......................................................................................................... 49
5.5.11 PlateWeldingPreparation................................................................................................. 50
5.5.12 PlateWeldingBevel.......................................................................................................... 50
5.5.13 PlateWeldingFillet............................................................................................................ 50
5.5.14 BeamNotch..................................................................................................................... 51
5.5.15 BeamNotchStd................................................................................................................ 51
5.5.16 BeamNotchEx................................................................................................................. 52
5.5.17 BeamContourNotch......................................................................................................... 52
5.5.18 BeamMultiContourNotch................................................................................................. 52
5.5.19 AstFeaturesArray............................................................................................................ 54
5.5.20 BeamShortening............................................................................................................. 54
5.5.21 Beam............................................................................................................................... 55
5.5.22 StraightBeam.................................................................................................................. 61
5.5.23 UnfoldedBeam................................................................................................................ 62
5.5.24 BentBeam....................................................................................................................... 62
5.5.25 PolyBeam........................................................................................................................ 63
5.5.26 Plate................................................................................................................................ 64
5.5.27 PlateFolded..................................................................................................................... 67
5.5.28 PlateFoldRelation............................................................................................................ 68
5.5.29 PlateFoldArray................................................................................................................ 68
5.5.30 PlateFoldRelationArray................................................................................................... 68
5.5.31 Bolt.................................................................................................................................. 68
5.5.32 Structural......................................................................................................................... 69
5.5.33 StructuralSingle............................................................................................................... 70
5.5.34 StructuralMultiple............................................................................................................ 70
5.5.35 StructuralBox................................................................................................................... 70
5.5.36 StructuralSingleSimpleFrame..........................................................................................71
5.5.37 StructuralSingle3GFrameSymm......................................................................................71
5.5.38 StructuralSingleSlopeFrame...........................................................................................71
5.5.39 StructuralMultipleSimpleFrame.......................................................................................71
5.5.40 StructuralMultipleTowerFrame......................................................................................... 71
5.5.41 Weld................................................................................................................................ 71
5.5.42 StudShear....................................................................................................................... 72
5.5.43 Hole................................................................................................................................. 72
5.5.44 SpecialPart...................................................................................................................... 73
5.5.45 PositionMarkCreator....................................................................................................... 74
5.5.46 PositionMarkFactory....................................................................................................... 74
5.5.47 AstCommand.................................................................................................................. 74
5.5.48 BoltHoleDefinition............................................................................................................ 75
5.5.49 AstUI............................................................................................................................... 75
5
5.5.50 RulePage........................................................................................................................ 82
5.5.51 RulePageArray................................................................................................................ 82
5.5.52 PropertySheetData.......................................................................................................... 82
5.5.53 HRLJoint......................................................................................................................... 82
5.5.54 Joint................................................................................................................................. 83
5.5.55 Rule................................................................................................................................. 87
5.5.56 Filer................................................................................................................................. 88
5.5.57 DbCursor......................................................................................................................... 88
5.5.58 Role................................................................................................................................. 89
5.5.59 AstObjectsArr.................................................................................................................. 90
5.5.60 ClassFilter....................................................................................................................... 90
5.5.61 AstColor.......................................................................................................................... 90
5.5.62 ExternalMethod............................................................................................................... 91
5.5.63 JointTransfer................................................................................................................... 91
5.5.64 AstCreator....................................................................................................................... 91
.CHAPTER 6 APPENDIX – COMMON DATA AND TYPES.................................................................93
6.1 PROFILES ACCESS DATA............................................................................................................ 94

6.2 STEELAUTOMATION DATA........................................................................................................... 96
6.3 UTIL FACET DATA.................................................................................................................... 107
6.4 EXAMPLES.............................................................................................................................. 111
6.4.1 Calling a subjoint (written with new API)........................................................................111
.CHAPTER 7 ASTCONTROLS LIBRARY.......................................................................................... 114
7.1 ASTUNITCONTROL.................................................................................................................. 115

7.2 ASTCOMBOTABLECONTROL.................................................................................................... 115
7.3 ASTCHECKBOXCONTROL........................................................................................................ 116
7.4 AstProfileControl................................................................................................................... 116
6
1 Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Joints and Commands
In Advance Steel, there are two methods to create your own modeling customizations, connections
(referred to as joints) or parametric constructions (referred to as commands), using a programming
language which can implement COM.
This document describes the available Advance Steel COM objects and their usable properties and
methods for joint or command implementation.
1.1.1 JOINT summary

A joint is created through an object which implements the IRule interface and uses the IJoint interface
to create Advance Steel elements.
Joint workflow:
Input definition (Query) - create objects (CreateObjects) - display dialog box (GetUserPages)
Through a joint, the created objects depend on the selected input objects, as long as the joint object
exists in the dwg. The created objects or their properties are modifiable at any time using the joint
properties dialog box. Previously created objects can be updated.
The IRule interface Query method is called when a joint should be created. In this method you can
select the input objects for your joint and initialize default parameters.
The IRule interface CreateObjects method must implement the logic of your connection.
The IRule interface GetUserPages is called when the "Advance Steel Joint Properties" command is
invoked.
The IJointInfo interface properties are interrogated to get information about the developer.
You need to add a record in AstorRules.HRLDefinition and AstorRules.RulesDllSigned tables after
developing a joint to be able to execute it in Advance Steel.
The joint can be executed with a command like
"AstM4CrConByVB RuleName" or
"AstM4CommStructAsJointVB box RuleName"
1.1.2 COMMAND summary

A command is created through an object which implements the IExternalMethod interface and uses
the IAstCreator interface to create Advance Steel elements.
The command workflow can be defined by the user.
Objects created through this method no longer depend on the selected objects. They are created as
standalone objects in the dwg, like through AutoCAD LISP API.
A command is unable to update previously created objects. A command can only create new objects.
The IExternalMethod interface Run method must implement the logic of your command.
You need to add a record in AstorRules.HRLDefinition and AstorRules.RulesDllSigned tables after
developing a command to be able to execute it in Advance Steel.
The command can be executed with
"AstM9CommExecuteExternalCode CommandName"
2 Chapter 2
Joints
2.1 Key concepts
2.1.1 Rule
A Rule is a coclass which implements the IRule interface defined by the AstSTEELAUTOMATIONLib
library. The Rule must be implemented in an inprocess server.
2.2 Architecture
Advance Steel creates and modifies joints by using rules. The IRule interface defines several
methods/properties, each being responsible for a certain task.
The Joint provides the link of IRule with the underlying Joint object of Advance Steel. The Joint object
is set by Advance Steel before calling any method of the Rule.
The Query method describes the (input) parameters of the joint. Its implementation should ask for the
user for input with the help of IAstUI and add the necessary entities to InputObjects of the Joint.
Note: If the joint is called with "AstM4CommStructAsJointVB box RuleName" the InputObjects
array contains an element (the structural box) of type IStructuralBox in the beginning of the
Query Method. You can take the box parameter from the InputObjects array and use it or
modify it.
The CreateObjects method describes the steps of the construction. Its implementation should create
Advance Steel objects and add them to the CreatedObjects of the Joint.
Persistency for the Rule parameters is maintained with the use of IAstFiler.
Rules can be written by anybody. The Advance Steel framework is able to execute them at runtime.
Thus, several services are provided - creation, list, modification, explode, deletion of a joint object:
 A joint object is created along with its driven objects. A dialog box appears displaying all the
parameters which apply to that joint category.
 AutoCAD’s list command lists the joint type (and parameters in later versions).
 Editing a joint object leads to the appropriate dialog box.
 Exploding an object means deleting the ‘logical joint unit’ while maintaining the driven objects.
These objects will live explicitly then and will not know anything about the joint anymore.
 Deleting an object means deleting the logical unit and the driven objects as well. This includes
features at driving objects, e.g. beam notches, etc.
2.2.1 Libraries
Advance Steel provides several libraries that are intended to be used when implementing a Rule.
 AstSteelAutomation library – provide access to all Advance Steel dwg objects.
 DSCGeomCom library – Geometry library, useful for geometric calculation (vectors, coordinates,
points, parametric curves)
 DSCProfilesAccesCom library – Provides access to the profiles defined used by Advance Steel.
 DSCUtilFacetCom library - Provides access to the geometric body of an Advance Steel object.
 DSCOdbcCom library - Provides access to data used by Advance Steel and stored in external
databases.
 AstControls library – Provides several controls intended to be used for the GUI of the joints.
Mainly this library has regular controls but uses database prompts (language dependent) instead of
hardcoded prompts. Also this library has a Bitmap control that uses bitmaps stored in AstorBitmaps or
in dlls.
2.2.2 Attributes and categories
2.2.3 Roles
Whenever you need to create an Advance Steel object you should define a new IRole object. Using
Role objects you can customize group of objects to have similar properties. See the Role object.
2.2.4 User interface

The joint with its attributes is controlled by a property sheet dialog box. This means, that this dialog
box will appear during creation and modification. It exposes the joint category, the type, and all the
joint attributes.
Two default pages appear in every property sheet dialog box.
The Type page contains a runtime list of all types of this category. It allows for switching between
types.
The Update page contains a check box indicating whether this joint should be updated automatically
or not (which means that the user will be informed).
The rule designer has to design all other pages. This is done by a implementing the GetUserPages
method of the IRule.
The relationship between joint type and category is represented by a table in the database
AstRules.mdb. The rule designer has to create entries there in order to create this relationship.
Refer to the following chapter for details.
2.2.5 Query method

The Query method implementation should use the provided AstUI object and get user input regarding
necessary parameters or objects. The objects must be added to the Joint.InputObjects. The selected
objects will become “driver objects” for the joint. Modification of the “driver objects” will instigate an
update of the Joint.
Also, if the rule is called using _astm4commstructasJointVB box _RuleName there is always a
structural box inside the InputObjects array at the beginning of the Query method.
2.2.6 CreateObjects method

The CreateObjects method implementation should create Advance Steel objects and add them to
CreatedObjects of the Joint. The objects can be created by using the methods of the Joint object.
Once the objects are created they are automatically added to the drawing. The connection between
them and the Joint object is done after they are added to Joint.CreatedObjects. Although it is possible
to create objects without adding them to Joint.CreatedObjects, it is not advised since, in this case, the
connection is not created and these object are “out of joint”. They will not be erased when updating the
joint and other objects will be created.
2.2.7 Attribute transfer
11
2.2.8 InField/OutField methods

These methods are intended to provide a means for Advance Steel to retrieve/set persistent data.
Advance Steel will call the OutField method every time it is necessary to get the values and/or the
names of the Rule attributes. Similarly Advance Steel will call the InField method every time it is
necessary for the Rule to change its current attribute values. For example calls to these methods will
happen when a dwg containing a joint created with this Rule is opened/saved, when the user changes
the joint parameters in the joint properties dialog box, etc.
2.2.9 GetUserPages method

By implementing this method you are able to specify the GUI of this Rule. This method should return
handles to the created windows. The windows will become property pages for the Rule dialog box.
Also here you should assign the corresponding prompts for the Rule dialog box title and for the
PropertyPages titles.
2.2.10 Rule versioning
2.2.11 GetTableName
Tabular parameter template
2.2.12 Prompts and prompt numbers

All the rules use prompt numbers referring to localized texts.
These texts are created in a database, see Database Structure.
2.2.13 Database Structure

Usually, the following databases are used for joint development.
AstCrtlDb.mdb - used to store the localized texts the joint uses to display in AutoCAD windows or
dialog box pages.
AstorRules.mdb - used to store the joint "definition" records (HRLDefinition and RulesDllSigned tables)
and to store any table the joint uses.
The definition record in HRLDefinition requires the specification of the coclass GUID on the ClassID
column.
2.3 Comments and Tips

This section covers specific topics which may be useful for practical work.
Help system of the joint

Each page of the joint can have a helpIndex. This helpIndex (integer) is mapped through a table from
AstorBase (HelpButtons) using a string formatted as follows:
Rule_RULENAME_XXX1_XXX2
Where RULENAME is the name of the rule in question
 XXX1 is the propertySheet prompt number

 XXX2 is the propertyPage prompt number
12
Helpful stuff
Joint developer should be aware that he is only using interfaces to objects and not objects. Whenever
he is in need to create an AS object he should use the Rule object.
Also, it should be known that Visual Basic is not very helpful with its Set method. Use it, but use it
carefully and keep in mind that you SET interfaces to be equal. You should also know that there can
be two interfaces pointing to the same object. By changing one object using an interface you will also
find out that the object beneath the other interface is changed too. This can happen because of
interfaces pointing to the same AS object. In order to avoid this we have exposed functions for
geometry interfaces that “copy” an object to another one. Use these functions instead of using Visual
Basic Set.
Debugging a joint in Visual Basic 6

A joint is created and kept in a dll. The release version of this dll is kept in
C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Advance Steel 2017\Shared\Joints\Bin\DllName.dll
In order to debug this joint you should perform the following steps:
 Create the dll.
 Register it using regsvr32 DllName
 Open the registry editor using regedit
 Perform a search for the DllName.JointName
 Copy the key where you have found the first occurrence
 Put this key in the HRLDefinition table from AstorRules
 Unregister the dll using regsvr32 –u DllName
Now you can start VB in debug mode. Insert a breakpoint in the Query method
Start Advance Steel and call the joint using
Astm4CrConByVB JointName
Or
Astm4CommStructAsJoint box JointName
Visual Basic should stop execution on the inserted breakpoint.
You can drag variables into the watch window and see object properties.
13
3 Chapter 3
Commands
A command is a coclass which implements the IExternalMethod interface defined by the
AstSTEELAUTOMATIONLib library, into an inprocess server.
The same recommendations and general descriptions as for the joint implementation apply.
The major difference is that unlike the joint, the command is a "once-only" logic type, being unable to
update already created objects.
You must implement the IExternalMethod interface Run method, where you can display some dialog
boxes to define parameters for this command execution and/or change their default values, select dwg
objects if required, and create objects.
4 Chapter 4
Developing a joint
The development process consists of the following.
4.1 Joint analysis

An existing joint must be analyzed. What elements make up the joint? Which elements are
parametrical, which distances are fixed, etc.
4.1.1 Attributes
The first essential question to answer is: What are the attributes of the joint?
It must be possible to calculate / to develop the joint out of these attributes.
The attributes include the elements which
 exist before the joint comes into being,
 deliver data necessary to calculate the joint (e.g., height of a beam) OR
 will get modified by the joint (i.e., by a feature).
Elements connected by a joint which are not attributes of this joint may exist!
Attributes define joint categories. You may find that the joint of interest could get calculated in different ways.
For example, a base plate could get calculated based on the column cross section extents OR based
on the (explicitly given) attributes length and width.
Thus, several categories may get developed.
Keep in mind, that the user will be able to modify the joint by modifying the joint attributes, including the
‘element attributes’. The user will not be able to modify the joint any other way (except by exploding it).
There might be several joint types with the same attributes. These types share a category.
Analyze the joint substructures which appear in other joints. Isolate general design steps which might
be of interest for further joint types.
4.1.2 Objects
Identify the objects to create in a joint. This includes feature objects.
Are there any connections to create?
Which (Advance Steel) attributes of these objects are fixed, which ones are to be calculated, which
ones are free (i.e. can get changed independently on the joint creation rule)?
4.2 Coding
A Rule can be developed in any language that supports COM. The following is a description of how to
create a joint using “Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0”.
 Start Visual Basic and choose as a working project “ActiveX dll”.
 From menu Project choose References and add the following references to the project:
 AstSteelAutomation library
 DSCGeomCom library
 DSCProfilesAccesCom library
 DSCUtilFacetCom library
 DSCOdbcCom library
 AstControls library
Each of these libraries has a well-defined role in the joint development process and will be described
in the following brief descriptions. Also, for more information there will be a context sensitive help
(available on F1) that will describe in detail each function from each library.
These libraries are described as follows:
 AstSteelAutomation handles all the “core” Advance Steel functionalities. It exposes interfaces to
objects that can be created with Advance Steel and also handles joint, GUI and other
functionalities.
 DSCGeomCom handles basic geometry classes. This library can be used without Advance Steel.
It exposes interfaces like point, vector, plane, etc.
 DSCProfilesAccesCom is used to handle ProfType objects (beam profiles, user defined and
general use profiles).
 DSCUtilFacetCom mainly handles the body interface. It provides access to body intersection with
lines and other basic geometry interfaces.
 DSCOdbcCom provides useful and easy access to Advance Steel databases. One can get
prompts, defaults or easily access tables through interfaces provided by this library.
 AstControls is used mainly for GUI development of joints. Several ActiveX objects have been
provided with this library. For example the joint developer can link one static prompt to an
AstCrtlDb.mdb message through a StaticDbTextControl.
 At this stage the project there should be only one class (default named “Class1”). This can be
renamed to fit the joint’s name
 You should write the class object in a way that it implements the IRule interface in order to have
access to basic functionalities of a Rule:
Implements IRule
 There should also be an IJoint object instantiated in the Declaration section of the class:
Public MyJoint as Joint ‘ in the Declaration section

Please note that all future data members of the joint need to be declared globally in the Declaration
section of the class
 Now change the declaration section/combo into IRule.
 On the left side combo of the main window there should be available all the function names
needed to implement a joint. Please select each of them to create a function body accordingly.
They are as follows:

 Query
 CreateObjects
 GetUserPages
 GetExportData
 GetTableName
 InField
 OutField
 Joint [Property Get]
 Joint [Property Let]
19
Query is the function that is passed only once when the joint is run the first time. Its role is to ask the
user for input objects and set defaults.
In this function it is mandatory to create, use and return an InputObjects array, as follows:
Dim inputObjects As IAstObjectsArr ‘ Declare the inputObjects
Set inputObjects = curJoint.CreateObjectsArray ‘ create it using the joint object.
inputObjects.Add inputBeam
‘ add all the objects selected by the user (input objects)
curJoint.inputObjects = inputObjects
‘ set the inputObjects property of the joint object to fit the array created.
CreateObjects contains the joint functionality. It uses the global variables declared in the declaration
section and does the main work.
In this function it also mandatory to create, use and return a CreatedObjects array, as follows:
Dim crObjs As AstObjectsArr ‘ Declare the Created objects
Set crObjs = curJoint.CreateObjectsArray ‘ create it using the joint object.
crObjs.Add createdBeam ‘ add all the objects created inside the joint
curJoint.CreatedObjects = crObjs
‘ return the created array through the CreatedObjects property of the joint.
Please create objects in this method at first call of this method, do not insert tests that will allow
objects creation only at a second execution of this method (e.g. do not create the joint objects only
after the GetUserPages method is executed).
In some cases (like "AstM4TransferCons") you will not have a second chance to create objects...
(Because the dialog box will not be displayed).
The normal behavior when creating a new joint is to create objects in the "CreateObjects()" method
and show the property pages. Remember - when you show property pages you should not force the
update of the joint.
For the correct functionality of a joint when a problem has appeared and the box should be red, the
joint should implement the CreateObjects method as follows:
In Visual C++:
STDMETHODIMP ....::CreateObjects()
{
if(!m_pCurJoint)
return E_FAIL;
HRESULT hr = E_FAIL;
HRESULT ruleCreateObjectsMethodStatus = S_OK;
IAstObjectsArrPtr spCreatedObjects;
hr = m_pCurJoint->CreateObjectsArray(&spCreatedObjects);
try
{
......... creation stuff ...........................
}
catch(_com_error &e)
{
hr = e.Error();
ruleCreateObjectsMethodStatus = hr;
20
}
catch(...)
{
hr = E_FAIL;
ruleCreateObjectsMethodStatus = hr;
}
VARIANT_BOOL finishedCorrectly = VARIANT_TRUE;

if (SUCCEEDED(ruleCreateObjectsMethodStatus))
finishedCorrectly = VARIANT_TRUE;
else
finishedCorrectly = VARIANT_FALSE;
hr = m_pCurJoint->put_CreationStatus(finishedCorrectly);
hr = m_pCurJoint->put_CreatedObjects(spCreatedObjects);
return ruleCreateObjectsMethodStatus;
}
In Visual Basic:
Public Sub CreateObjects()

Dim bJointStatus As Boolean = True
Dim JointCreatedObjects As AstObjectsArr = m_ThisJoint.CreateObjectsArray()
Try
'creation stuff
Catch ex As Exception
bJointStatus = False 'something wrong happened
End Try
m_ThisJoint.CreationStatus = bJointStatus
m_ThisJoint.CreatedObjects = JointCreatedObjects
End Sub
GetUserPages provides the link between the ActiveX class object created and forms created for the GUI.
You should keep the form objects inside the created Joint class as follows:
The joint developer is responsible for creating GUI forms for the joint. Each Visual Basic form
represents one property sheet in the Joint Properties tab. After the forms are ready the joint developer
should do the following:
In the section declaration of the joint class declare members of type Forms. For example
Private frameStiffner As New FrStiffner
Where frameStiffner is the name of the object and FrStiffner is the name of the form.
Declare an object for each created form.
21
In the declaration section of each form declare a global variable (global for the current form) of type
class1 (name of the ActiveX class).
Public curRule as Class1 ‘ in the Declaration section
This variable should provide the link between the form and the ActiveX class object.
In the GetUserPages function write the following instruction for each form:
Dim pag1 As RulePage

‘ Please note that RulePage is an interface implemented by AstSteelAutomation library
Set pag1 = curJoint.CreateRulePage()
‘ Call for the creation of the page. Please note the use of the curJoint variable of type
‘ IJoint.
pag1.Title = 200 ' Set the page prompt
Set frameStiffner.curRule = Me ‘ where frameStiffner is globally defined in the declarations section

‘ of this class
‘ Now create the link between the curRule of the Form and this ActiveX object
Set frm.curRule = Me
Load frm ‘ Load the form
pag1.hWnd = frm.hWnd
‘Call for an interface function that sets the form to be one of the property pages of the joint
Similar to the above code the joint developer can create several pages for a joint.
In the end there should be a call for:
pagesRet.Clear ‘ Clear the IRulePageArray
‘ The joint developer should be aware that the output parameter of the GetUserPages is a
RulePageArray object. It is assumed above that the name of this object is pagesRet.
pagesRet.Add pag1 ‘ Add one by one the property pages
pagesRet.Add pag2
pagesRet.Add pag3
pagesRet.Add pag4
The parameter structure pPropSheetData As AstSTEELAUTOMATIONLib.IPropertySheetData should
contain the main prompt of the sheets, the bitmap index for the first property page and the property
pages size option.
pPropSheetData.SheetPrompt = 71005 ' sheet prompt
pPropSheetData.ResizeOption = kBig ' (available kBig and kStandard)
pPropSheetData.FirstPageBitmapIndex = 23002 ' first page bitmap index
22
The next two functions set and get the joint and they should contain:
Joint [Property Get]
Set IRule_Joint = curJoint ‘ where curJoint is the name of the Joint declared globally
Joint [Property Let]
Set curJoint = RHS ‘ where curJoint is the name of the Joint declared globally and RHS is the input
parameter of this function.
InField should contain persistent data reading from the dwg.

In the InField function there should be calls to pFiler.readItem like:
PosVal = pFiler.readItem("Position")
Please note that the “Position” string is important and should be exactly the same in the reverse
operation, Outfield:
pFiler.writeItem PosVal, "Position"
GetTableName – this function should return the name of the table used by the rule to run.
IRule_GetTableName = "RULE_AngleBracing"
The joint must also implement the IJointInfo interface (contains information about the developer). If
this interface is not implemented the joint will fail.
This interface defines the next properties:

o Name [Property Get]
o Email [Property Get]
o CompName [Property Get]
o ASVersion [Property Get]
o VersionNumber [Property Get]
o ApplicationName [Property Get]
o LogoIconId [Property Get]
Example:
STDMETHODIMP ...::get_ Email (BSTR* bstrEmail)
{
if( bstrEmail )
*bstrEmail=(CString("My Email").AllocSysString());
else return S_FALSE;
return S_OK;
}
23
4.3 Beam Transformations

This section describes the beam transformations needed to get a beam from its profile local - 2D
coordinate system to WCS. These transformations apply mainly to straight beams. Although the
general principle is the same for all beams, it is obvious that the CS orientations and some
transformation will be a little different in case of curved beams, poly beams and so on.
We start with an AstProfType (IProfType).
 This is defined in the xOy plane, around the origin.
 The origin is the future location of the kSysSys reference axis.
In order to get a beam from a ProfType we do the following basic transformations:

 Get the profile in the yOz plane
 Extrude along –kXAxis (for straight beams, for curved, poly beams the extrusion is a little more
complicated)
 Transform the created beam in WCS.
More detailed:
 Start with a 2D xOy profile contour obtained directly from the ProfType
 Transform with “GetMatSys2Phys2d”. Doing this, we set the profile refAxis as requested by the
user (from the properties dialog box, or programmatically), apply the rod rotation (this is not the
one which the user can set from the dialog box, that one is reflected directly in the getSysCSStart
transformation) and transform with a translation matrix based on the rod offsets (BeamOffsetX
and BeamOffsetY). Note that the offsets are represented by a 2D vector, and are applied to the
profile contour which is still in 2D space
 Transform by “getMatSysAsXY2Sys”. This matrix transforms the contour from the xOy plane
with z normal into the yOz plane with x normal – this is the moment when the beam extrusion is
performed.
 Transform by “getSysCSStart” which moves the beam to its final WCS position.
Additional notes:
 Naming convention: before the “getSysCS” transformation we say the beam is in its local CS,
afterwards we say the beam is in WCS.
 All methods retrieving beams CS will return CS having the following property: the x-axis of each
CS is oriented from the end towards the start of the beam (regardless of offsets, rotations, mirror,
etc.).
 The “GetMatProf2WCS”, “GetMatProf2WCSMidCS”, “GetMatProf2WCSEndCS” methods will
return the transformations which will transform the 2D contour obtained from ProfType from xOy, in
a 3D position overlapping the physical beam body at start, mid, and end respectively. These
transformations include all the steps described above at point.
 The “getSysCSStart”, “getSysCSMid”, “getSysCSEnd” methods will return CS along the beam
system line (this is the transformation corresponding to the last step).
 The “getPhysCSStart”, “getPhysCSStartMid”, “getPhysCSStartEnd” methods will return the
transformations which will transform a 2D contour (obtained from ProfType) from the yOz position,
in a 3D position overlapping the physical beam body at start, mid, and end respectively. As you
can see these transformations are not part of the normal beam evolution process, but they may be
useful in a number of situations and they exist also for historical reasons.
 The “GetCurrentSys2Phys3dOffset” returns the transformation in WCS between getSysCSStart
and getPhysCSStart. This is the recommended way of getting this “offset”, because it takes
correctly into account all factors (ref axes, rotations, offsets, and mirror).
 The first two steps above can be obtained also by only one transformation: GetMatProfToLocal.
So GetMatProf2Local = getMatSysAsXY2Sys * GetMatSys2Phys2d.
24
Mirroring:
 Mirroring only affects the last step of the beams evolution.
 When a beam is mirrored the results of the “getCS” methods (sys or phys or prof2WCS) will be
left-handed CS. The basic rule is that any CS of the mirrored beam could be calculated by just
mirroring the corresponding CS of the original un-mirrored beam.
 Given this, never make the assumption that CS.x.crossproduct(CS.y) == CS.z, where CS is any of
the beam CS obtained with the above explained methods.
25
5 Chapter 5
New API - Objects - methods and properties
5.1 Geometry
These are the basic geometric objects. In any joint that will be developed you will have to use at least
a few of these objects (Point3d, Vector3d, Plane, etc.). Below you will find a description for all of the
objects and the methods and properties which they have, along with some code samples that show
their usage.
5.1.1 Point3d
Point3d – methods and properties

X (property) Gets or sets the x coordinate of the point.
Y (property) Gets or sets the y coordinate of the point.
Z (property) Gets or sets the z coordinate of the point.
DistanceTo( Point3d toPoint ) Returns the distance from this point to the
specified point.
Subtract ( Point3d subPoint ) Returns a vector, oriented from subPoint to this
point: p1.Subtract(p2) – the vector is oriented from
p2 to p1
Create ( double dX, double dY, double dZ ) Creates the point with specified coordinates.
Add ( Vector3d vectorToAdd ) Adds the specified vector to this point.
TransformBy ( Matrix3d matr ) Applies the transformation specified by the matrix to
this point.
Project ( Plane projPlane, Vector3d projDir ) Projects the point on the specified plane, along the
direction given by the vector.
orthoProject ( Plane projPlane ) Orthogonal projection of the point on the specified
plane.
getPointOnAxis ( Vector3d axisDir, Point3d Projects the point on the specified axis (by point
axisPoint ) and vector) and returns the resulted point.
setFrom ( Point3d asPoint ) Copies the coordinates of asPoint into this point.
setFromVector ( Vector3d asVector ) Similar to setFrom(). Instead of taking the
coordinates from a point, it creates a point from x, y,
z directions of the vector.
IsEqualTo ( Point3d ptIn, double dPrecision ) Checks with the specified precision if a specified
point is the same as the current point. Returns
True or False.
5.1.2 Point3dArray
Point3dArray – methods and properties

Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the point at the specified index in the
array.
Count ( ) (property – get) Returns the number of elements in the array.
Add ( Point3d pointToAdd ) Appends a new point in the array.
Clear ( ) Deletes all elements from the array.
5.1.3 Vector3d
Vector3d – methods and properties

X (property) Gets or sets the x dimension of the vector.
Y (property) Gets or sets the y dimension of the vector.
Z (property) Gets or sets the z dimension of the vector.
Length ( ) (property – get) Returns the length of the vector.
DotProduct ( Vector3d withVector ) Returns the result of the scalar product of this
vector and the specified vector.
Add ( Vector3d vectToAdd ) Returns the vector after adding the specified
vector to this vector.
Subtract ( Vector3d toSubtract ) Returns the vector after subtracting the specified
vector from this vector.
IsParallelWith ( Vector3d withVect ) Returns True or False depending on whether the
vector is parallel with the specified vector.
IsCodirectionalWith (Vector3d withVect ) Returns True or False depending on whether the
vector is pointing in the same direction as the
specified vector.
PerpVector ( ) Returns a vector perpendicular to this vector.
GetAngle ( Vector3d withVect ) Returns the angle between the vectors (in
radians).
Create ( double dX, double dY, double dZ ) Creates a vector with the specified coordinates.
TransformBy ( Matrix3d matr ) Applies the transformation specified by the matrix
to this vector.
CrossProduct ( Vector3d withVect ) Returns a vector – the result of the cross product
of this vector and the specified vector. Useful
when creating a CS.
Multiply ( double value ) Multiplies the vector with the specified value – the
vector has a new length (and a new orientation if
the value is negative).
Normalize ( ) Normalizes the vector (length = 1). Does not
change in any way the orientation.
Project ( Plane onPlane ) Projects the vector on the specified plane.
RotateBy ( Vector3d aroundVect, double angle ) Rotates the vector around the specified vector
with the specified angle (in radians).
RotateX ( double angle ) Rotates the vector around the X-axis with the
specified angle value (in radians).
RotateY ( double angle ) Rotates the vector around the Y-axis with the
RotateZ ( double angle ) Rotates the vector around the Z-axis with the
setFrom ( Vector3d fromVector ) Creates a copy of the fromVector object into this
vector.
setFromPoint ( Point3d fromPoint ) Similar to setFrom(), but copies in this vector’s
dimensions the point coordinates.
29
IsPerpendicularTo ( Vector3d toVector ) Returns true if this vector is perpendicular to the

specified vector, otherwise it returns false.
IsEqualTo ( Vector3d v, double dPrecision ) Checks with the specified precision if a specified
vector is the same as the current vector. Returns
True or False.
ProjectByDir ( Plane onPlane, Vector3d v ) Projects the vector on the specified plane with the
specified vector and returns a vector.
5.1.4 Vector3dArray
Vector3dArray – methods and properties

Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the vector at the specified index in the
array.
Add ( Vector3d pVal) Appends a new vector in the array.
5.1.5 Line3d
Line3d – methods and properties

Origin (property – get) Returns the origin point of this line.
Direction (property – get) Returns the direction vector of this line.
CreateFromVectorAndPoint ( Point3d Creates a line with the specified origin and
originPoint, Vector3d directionVector ) direction.
CreateFromPoints ( Point3d firstPoint, Point3d Creates a line from the specified points.
secondPoint )
SetFrom (Line3d targetLine) Creates a copy of the targetLine object into this
line.
5.1.6 LineSeg3d
LineSeg3d – methods and properties
StartPoint (property) Gets or sets the segment start point.
EndPoint (property) Gets or sets the segment end point.
Length (property – get) Returns the segment length.
Direction (property – get) Returns the segment direction (as Vector3d).
CreateFromPoints ( Point3d firstPoint, Point3d Creates a line segment from the specified points.
secondPoint )
SetFrom (LineSeg3d targetLineSeg) Creates a copy of the targetLineSeg object into
this line segment.
30
5.1.7 LineSeg3dArray
LineSeg3dArray – methods and properties

Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the segment at the specified index in the
array.
Add ( LineSeg3d segToAdd ) Appends a new segment in the array.
5.1.8 Curve3d
Curve3d – methods and properties

to this curve.
IntersectCurve ( Curve3d withCurve ) Returns an array of points (Point3dArray) – the
intersection points of the curve with the specified
curve.
GetPerpIntersections (Point3d basePt, Returns an array of points – the intersection
Boolean bAllowCurveExtension) points between the curve and the perpendicular
line(s) on the curve starting from the input point.
The Boolean parameter specifies if intersection
point(s) on curve’s extension must be returned.
GetTanIntersections (Point3d basePt, Boolean Returns an array of points – the intersection
bAllowCurveExtension) points between the curve and the tangent line(s)
to the curve starting from the input point. The
Boolean parameter specifies if intersection
point(s) on curve’s extension must be returned.
SetFrom (Curve3d targetCurve) Creates a copy of the targetCurve object into this
curve.
5.1.9 Arc3d
Arc3d – methods and properties

Center (property – get) Returns the arc center point.
Radius (property – get) Returns the arc radius.
Normal (property – get) Returns the arc normal vector.
Angle (property – get) Returns the arc angle (in radians).
Length (property – get) Returns the arc length.
StartPoint (property – get) Returns the arc start point.
EndPoint (property – get) Returns the arc end point.
StartVector (property – get) Returns the arc start vector.
EndVector (property – get) Returns the arc end vector.
ClosestPointTo (Point3d ptIn) (property – get) Returns the closest point on arc to the specified
point ptIn.
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Type (property – get) Returns the arc type.

For information about possible values of
eArcType, see the appendix.
AugPolyline (property – get) Returns the arc’s augmented polyline.
CreateFromPoints ( Point3d start, Point3d Creates the arc from the specified points.
middle, Point3d end )
ChangeRadius ( double newRadius ) Sets the new arc radius.
IsPointOnArc (Point3d ptIn, double dPrecision) Checks with the specified precision if a specified
point is on the arc. Returns True or False.
GetParamOf (Point3d ptIn, double dPrecision) Calculates and returns, with the specified
precision, the double value parameter of the arc
associated to the specified point.
GetPointAt (double dParam) Calculates and returns, the point on the arc
associated to the given parameter.
GetTangentVector (Point3d ptIn) Returns a vector tangential to the arc at the
specified point.
SetFrom (Arc3d otherArc) Creates a copy of the otherArc object into this arc.
5.1.10 Ray3d
Ray3d – methods and properties
5.1.11 Plane
Plane – methods and properties

DefinitionValues ( double& a, double& b, Returns the definition values in the parameters.
double& c, double& d )
GeometricDefinition(Point3d& ptOrig, Returns the geometric definition of the plane
Vector3d& vecX, Vector3d& vecY) (property - (origin and Ox, Oy vectors) in the parameters.
get)
Normal (property – get) Returns the plane’s normal vector.
ClosestPointTo(Point3d ptIn) (property – get) Returns the closest point on this plane to the
input point ptIn.
DistanceTo(Point3d ptIn) (property – get) Returns the distance from this plane to the input
point.
Intersect ( Plane withPlane ) Returns a line (Line3d) representing the
intersection line between the two planes.
PointOnPlane() (property – get) Returns the origin of this plane
PointIsOnPlane ( Point3d point ) Tests if the point is on this plane. Returns True or
False.
CreateFromPointAndNormal ( Point3d point, Creates the plane from a point and a vector.
Vector3d normal )
CreateFromPoints ( Point3d point1, Point3d Creates the plane from the specified points.
32
point2, Point3d point3 )

Translate ( double offset ) Translates the plane along the normal vector with
the specified value.
intersectWithLine(Line3d inLine, Point3d& Calculates the intersection point of this plane with
ptIntersection) a line. Returns True or False depending on
whether the objects intersect.
intersectWithArc(Arc3d inArc, long& Calculates the number of intersection points and
nNumberOfIntersectionPoints, Point3d& ptInt1, the intersection points themselves between this
Point3d& ptInt2) plane and an arc. Returns True or False
depending on whether the objects intersect.
intersectWithPlanes(Plane pl1, Plane pl2, Calculates the intersection point between this
Point3d& ptIntersection) plane and pl1 and pl2. Returns True or False
depending on whether the objects intersect.
LineIsOnPlane(Line3d inLine, double dPrec) Determines if the input line is contained on this
plane taking into account the input checking
precision. Returns True or False.
IsParallelTo(Plane plOther, double dPrec) Determines with the specified precision if this
plane is parallel to the input plane. Returns True
or False.
IsCoplanarWith(Plane plOther, double dPrec) Determines with the specified precision if this
plane is coplanar with the input plane. Returns
True or False.
SetFrom (Plane targetPlane) Copies the targetPlane to the plane.
5.1.12 Matrix3d
Matrix3d – methods and properties

Inverse (property – get) Returns the inverse matrix.
Multiply ( Matrix3d withMatrix ) Multiplies this matrix with the specified matrix.
SetToTranslation ( Vector3d transVector ) Create translation matrix
SetToRotation ( Vector3d refAxis, double angle Create rotation matrix
[, Point3d refPoint ] )
GetAt ( int lineNumber, int columnNumber ) Returns the element (data type – double) in the
matrix at the specified position.
Invert ( ) Invert matrix
SetFrom (Matrix3d targetMatrix) Copies the targetMatrix to the matrix.
5.1.13 Matrix3dArray
Matrix3dArray – methods and properties

Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the matrix at the specified index in the
array.
Add ( Matrix3d pVal ) Appends a new matrix in the array.
33
5.1.14 AugPolyline3d
AugPolyline3d – methods and properties
Vertices (property) Gets or sets the vertices of the polyline as an array of
points (Point3dArray).
Validity (property) Gets or sets the polyline validity.
For information about possible values of ePolyValidity,
see the appendix.
VertexInfos (property – get) Gets the polyline’s array of vertex information.
Normal (property) Gets or sets the polyline’s normal.
VertexAt (long nIndex) (property) Gets or sets the vertex at the specified index.
VertexInfoAt (long nIndex) (property) Gets or sets the vertex information at the specified index.
ApproxVertices (property – get) Gets the approximate vertices of the polyline.
Perimeter (property – get) Gets the polyline’s perimeter.
ClosestPointTo(Point3d ptIn) (property – get) Returns the closest point on this polyline to the input
point ptIn.
TransformBy ( Matrix3d matr ) Applies the transformation specified by the matrix to
this polyline.
Project ( Plane targetPlane, Vector3d projDir ) Projects the polyline on the specified plane along the
specified projection direction.
orthoProject ( Plane targetPlane ) Orthogonal projection on the specified plane.
AppendVertex ( Point3d pointToAdd ) Adds the specified point to the polyline vertices.
CreateFromVertices (Point3dArray Creates a polyline described by its vertices and
vertexArr, VertexInfoArray vertexInfoArr) vertex information. After creation the Reinitialize()
method should be called, in order to ensure a valid
polyline.
AppendNewVertex (Point3d newVertex, Appends a new vertex to the polyline. If
VertexInfo newVertexInfo, Boolean bCheckValidy is set to True, then it also reinitializes
bCheckValidity) the polyline.
Expand (double dGap) Expands the polyline with the specified gap.
Reinitialize () Computes the polyline’s validity and normal and
eliminates bad vertices (which determine collinear or
parallel edges) and bad edges (zero-length lines or
arcs).
Reverse () Reverses the order of vertices and vertex information
in the polyline and reinitializes the polyline.
CreatePolygon () Creates and returns a polygon created from this
polyline.
DistanceTo (Point3d ptTo) Returns the closest distance from the specified
point to this polyline.
SetNewDeviation (double dNewDev) Sets a new precision for working with the vertex
information of this polyline.
Clear ( ) Removes all vertices from the polyline.
SetFrom (AugPolyline3d targetPoly) Copies the targetPoly to this polyline.
AppendVertices (Point3dArray newVertices) Appends an array of vertices to the polyline’s contour.
34
5.1.15 AugPolylinesArray
AugPolylinesArray – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the polyline at the specified index in the
array.
Add ( AugPolyline3d pVal) Appends a new polyline in the array.
5.1.16 AugPolygon3d
AugPolygon3d – methods and properties
Vertices (property) Gets or sets the vertices of the polygon as an
array of points (Point3dArray).
VertexInfos (property – get) Gets the polygon’s array of vertex information.
ApproxVertices (property – get) Gets the approximate vertices of the polygon.
Validity (property – get) Gets the validity of the polygon.
ePolyValidity, see the appendix.
Area (property – get) Gets the polygon’s area.
SignedArea (property – get) Gets the polygon’s signed area (a vector whose
direction and length represent the polygon’s
normal and the polygon’s area).
Perimeter (property – get) Gets the polygon’s perimeter.
Normal (property – get) Gets the polygon’s normal vector.
Extents (property – get) Gets the geometrical extents of the polygon.
to this polygon.
Project ( Plane targetPlane, Vector3d projDir ) Projects the polygon on the specified plane along
the given projection direction.
orthoProject ( Plane targetPlane ) Orthogonal projection on the specified plane.
AppendVertex ( Point3d pointToAdd ) Adds the specified point to the polygon vertices.
Clear ( ) Removes all vertices from the polygon.
CreateFromVertices (Point3dArray vertexArr, Creates a polygon described by its vertices and
VertexInfoArray vertexInfoArr) vertex information.
Reinitialize (Boolean bChangeVertexAllowed) Computes the polygon’s validity and normal. If
bChangeVertexAllowed is set to True, it also
eliminates bad vertices (which determine collinear
or parallel edges) and bad edges (zero-length
lines or arcs).
AppendNewVertex (Point3d newVertex, Appends a new vertex to the polygon. If
VertexInfo newVertexInfo, Boolean bCheckValidy is set to True, then it also
bCheckValidity) reinitializes the polygon.
AddPolygon (AugPolygon3d polyToAdd) Adds this polygon with polyToAdd polygon.
AddPolygons (AugPolygonsArray polysTo Adds this polygon with polysToAdd polygons.
35
Expand (double dGap) Expands the polygon with the specified gap.
IsConcave() Determines whether the polygon is concave.
Returns True or False.
SeparateByPolyline (AugPolyline3d polyline, Splits the polygon into more polygons by the
double dGap) given polyline with the specified gap. Returns an
array of the polygons resulting after the split.
SeparateByPolylines (AugPolylinesArray Splits the polygon into more polygons by the
polylines, double dGap) given polylines with the specified gap. Returns an
array of the polygons resulting after the split.
intersectWithOtherPolygon (AugPolygon3d Returns an array of 3D points representing the
otherPoly) intersections between this polygon and the
otherPoly polygon.
IsPointInside (Point3d ptToCheck, Boolean Checks if the specified point is inside this polygon
bCountIfOnContour, double dPrecision) with the given precision. If bCountIfOnContour is
set to True, then points on the polygon’s contour
are considered to be inside it. Returns True or
False.
IsPolygonInside (AugPolygon3d polyToCheck, Checks if polyToCheck is inside this polygon,
double dPrecision) with the specified precision. Returns True or
False.
SetNewDeviation (double dNewDev) Sets a new precision for working with the vertex
information of this polygon.
SetFrom (AugPolygon3d otherPoly) Copies otherPoly to this polygon.
AppendVertices (Point3dArray newVertices) Appends an array of vertices to the polygon’s
contour.
Subtract (AugPolygon3d polyToSubtract, Subtracts the specified polygon from this polygon
double dGap) using the given gap. Returns an array containing
the resulting polygons after splitting.
GetGravityCenter (Double area) Returns the center of gravity point for the area.
GetMomentsOfInertia () Returns the moments of inertia and the center of
gravity point for the polygon.
Intersect (AugPolygon3d otherPoly) Returns a polygon representing the intersections
between this polygon and the otherPoly polygon.
Reverse ( ) Reverses the polygon such that the normal is in
the opposite direction.
5.1.17 AugPolygonsArray
AugPolygonsArray – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the AugPolygon3d at the specified index
in the array.
Add ( AugPolygon3d polygonToAdd ) Appends a new AugPolygon3d in the array.
36
5.1.18 AugPolygonsArrayArray
AugPolygonsArrayArray – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the AugPolygon3dArray at the specified
index in the array.
Add ( AugPolygon3d polygonToAdd ) Appends a new AugPolygon3dArray in the array.
5.1.19 CS3d
CS3d – methods and properties

Origin (property) Gets or sets the CS origin (as a Point3d).
XAxis (property) Gets or sets the CS X axis (as a Vector3d).
YAxis (property) Gets or sets the CS Y axis (as a Vector3d).
ZAxis (property) Gets or sets the CS Z axis (as a Vector3d).
Matrix3d (property) Gets or sets the CS definition matrix (as a
Matrix3d object).
ThisToWCS ( ) Returns direct transformation matrix
WCSToThis ( ) Returns reverse transformation matrix
RotateCSAroundX ( double angleVal ) Rotates the CS around the X-axis with the
RotateCSAroundY ( double angleVal ) Rotates the CS around the Y-axis with the
RotateCSAroundZ ( double angleVal ) Rotates the CS around the Z-axis with the
TranslateCS ( Vector3d translationVect ) Translates the CS origin with the specified vector.
The vector is interpreted as being in this CS, not
in WCS. For example: To translate this CS along
its own X-axis the vector (1,0,0) multiplied by the
desired value should be passed to this method.
ChangeCS2XY ( ) Transforms the CS: the X-axis becomes the new
Y-axis, the Y-axis becomes the new Z-axis, and
the Z-axis becomes the new X-axis.
to this CS.
SetToAlignCS ( CS3d toCS ) Returns the Matrix3d that transforms objects from
this coordinate system to the “toCS” coordinate
system (the matrix can be used in an
object.TransformBy(matrix) method call).
SetFrom (CS3d targetCS) Copies targetCS to this CS.
37
5.1.20 CS3dArray
CS3dArray – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the coordinate system at the specified
index in the array.
Add ( CS3d pVal ) Appends a new coordinate system in the array.
5.1.21 Extents
Extents – methods and properties
MinPoint (property – get) Returns the minimum point.
MaxPoint (property – get) Returns the maximum point.
ExtendByPoint ( Point3d inPoint ) Enlarges the extents by the given point.
ExtendByPoints ( Point3dArray inPoints ) Enlarges the extents by the given points.
Contains ( Point3d inPoint ) Returns True if the extents contain the given
point, otherwise it returns False.
IsInsideOrIntersecting (Extents extOther) Returns True if extOther is inside or intersecting
the extents, otherwise it returns False.
SetFrom (Extents targetExt) Copies targetExt to this Extents.
5.1.22 PlaneArray
PlaneArray – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the plane at the specified index in the
array.
Add ( Plane pVal) Appends a new plane in the array.
5.1.23 VertexInfo
VertexInfo – methods and properties
Radius (property – get) Returns the vertex information’s radius.
Center (property – get) Returns the vertex information’s center.
Normal (property – get) Returns the vertex information’s normal direction
vector.
Type (property – get) Returns the vertex information’s type.
eVertexInfoType, see the appendix.
ErrorAbsoulte (property) Gets or sets the approximation to use for working
with the vertex information.
TransformBy (Matrix3d mat) Transforms the vertex information by the given
matrix.
38
Project (Plane plane, Vector3d direction) Projects the vertex information in the input plane,
using the input direction.
Expand (double dGap) Expands the vertex information with the given
gap.
getApproxVertices (Point3d ptStart, Point3d Returns an array of points representing
ptEnd, long nSamplesPerFullCircle) approximate vertices between the specified start
and end point. The arc is sampled using the
specified number of samples (per full circle).
CreateFromCenterAndNormal (double Creates the vertex information described by the
dRadius, Point3d ptCenter, Vector3d vNormal) specified radius, center and normal.
CreateFromStartEndPointsAndNormal Creates the vertex information described by the
(Point3d ptStart, Point3d ptEnd, Vector3d specified start point, end point, normal, bulge
vNormal, double dBulge, double dEps) value and approximation.
IsEqualTo (VertexInfo other) Determines if this vertex information and the
“other” vertex information are equal. Returns
True or False.
SetFrom (VertexInfo targetNfo) Copies targetNfo to this vertex information.
5.1.24 VertexInfoArray
VertexInfoArray – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the vertex information at the specified
index in the array.
Add ( VertexInfo pVal ) Appends a new VertexInformation in the array.
5.1.25 GeomUtils
GeonUtils – methods and properties
CalculateBalancePoint (AstObjectsArr pArr) Calculate the center of gravity for a set of given
objects.
5.2 Profiles access

 The following objects are used to get information from profiles. The most common type of data that
you might want to read from on object (e.g. beam) can be accessed with the following object
types.
 You can read, for example, the height of a beam profile (actually, the height of the profile cross-
section), the cross-section width, flange thickness, etc.
5.2.1 ProfType
ProfType – methods and properties
39
getOuterAugPolygon ( Boolean exactSection, Returns the profile outer contour as an

double deviation, Boolean AugPolygon3d object.
useFilletsOnConcavVertices, Boolean
useFilletsOnConvexVertices )
getInnerAugPolygons ( Boolean Returns the profile inner contours as an
exactSection, double deviation, Boolean AugPolygonsArray object.
useFilletsOnConcavVertices, Boolean
useFilletsOnConvexVertices )
createProfType ( string className, string Creates a profile type with specified class type and
sectionName ) section name.
className = value from the database
AstorProfiles.ProfileMasterTable, column
TypeNameText. (class internal name)
sectionName = from the database AstorProfiles
definition table for className, value of column
SectionName (section internal name)
getSectionClass ( string& className, The parameters are filled as follows:

string& RTLName, string& typeName )
className = value from the database
SubtypeName (section shape)
RTLName = value from the database
AstorProfiles.ProfileMasterTable, column RunName
(class runname)
typeName = value from the database AstorProfiles.
ProfileMasterTable, column TypeNameText. (class
internal name)
getRunname ( ) Returns the section runname, i.e. from the

definition table for profile class type, value of
column StandardName (the value in the beams
dialog for section – section runname).
getSectionName ( ) Returns from the definition table for section class,

value of column SectionName (section internal
name).
getKey ( ) Returns a string – the complete string identifying

the profile name internally. The string has the
following format:
class_internal_name#@§@#section_internal_name
example:
for the profile with class runname “US MC
Channels (Imperial)” and section runname
“MC6X12” you will get:
“AISC MC Channels#@§@#MC150X17.9”
40
getGeometricalData ( eProfCommonData Returns a double data type representing the value

data ) of the parameter specified by eProfCommonData
parameter.
eProfCommonData, see the appendix.
getRefAxes ( ) Returns the defined axes, as an array of integers.
getRefOffset ( eProfRefAxis refAxis ) Returns a vector.
eProfRefAxis, see the appendix.
getVirtualPoints ( ) Returns an array of points.
getFittingLines ( ) Returns an array of points.
getFace ( Point3d& origin, Vector3d& outside, Returns a face point and face normal vector
Point3d facePoint ) oriented outside of the beam nearest to the
specified point.
Returns an integer.
getNextOuterFlangePoint ( Point3d& origin, Returns the extents vertex nearest to the input
Point3d facePoint ) point.
Returns an integer.
getGapSection ( ProfGapCollection& gaps, Returns an approximated section (array of points)
Point3d facePoint, Point3dArray& cont ) and a ProfGapCollection object.
Returns an integer.
getGapExactSection ( ProfGapCollection& Returns the exact section (array of points) and a
gaps, Point3d facePoint, Point3dArray& cont ) ProfGapCollection object.
Returns an integer.
getGeomExtents ( ) Returns the bounding box of the section, as an
Extents object.
getCircumference ( ) Returns the profile circumference (double).
getDraftLines ( ) Returns an array of points.
getStructuralData ( string& profName ) Returns the profile name as a ProfSectVal object.
getDSTVValues ( ) Returns an IAstProfTypeDSTVValues object.
getNumberOfStiffeners ( eProfStiffenerType Returns the number of possible stiffeners.
type )
eProfStiffenerType, see the appendix.
getStiffenerRefPoint (eProfStiffenerType Returns the reference point for the n-th possible
type, int n ) stiffener.
getStiffenerContour ( eProfStiffenerType Returns a points array with the contour of the n-th
type, eProfStiffenerGen gen, int n, possible stiffener.
Point3dArray& retPoints [, double width ] )
eProfStiffenerType and eProfStiffenerGen, see
the appendix.
41
getVertexData ( eProfStiffenerType stype, int Returns the vertex feature parameter of the v-th
n, int v, eProfVertexType& vtype, double& vertex of the contour of the n-th possible stiffener.
val1, double& val2 )
Returns an integer.
eProfVertexType, see the appendix.
getAdjacentStiffener ( int n ) Returns the number of the adjacent stiffener for the
n-th stiffener.
definedAsDSTV ( ) Returns an integer.
getGravityUsedForWeight ( ) Returns the gravity.
setMirroredInX ( int mirroredInX ) Sets the profile to be mirrored
existsInDatabase ( ) Returns an integer indicating whether the ProfType
exists in the database (AstorProfiles).
getRadius ( int contourIndex, double& radius ) Returns the radius of the contour specified by the
contourIndex.
resetCache ( ) Clears profile cache
isUnwindable ( ) Returns an integer indicating whether the profile is
unwindable.
getUnwind ( ) Returns an integer.
getDimensionPoint ( int bExact, Returns an array with the dimension points and an
Point3dArray& dimensionPoints ) integer.
getSnaps ( eProfSnapType snapType, Returns an array with the s.
Point3dArray& points )
getMat2NCCoordSys ( ) Returns a Matrix3d object representing the
transformation matrix from the local beam’s
coordinate system to the NC coordinate system.
getOuterAugPolygons (Boolean Returns an AugPolygonsArray object
bExactSection, Boolean representing the outer contours of a profile
bUseFilletsOnConcavVertices, Boolean
bUseFilletsOnConvexVertices, double
dfDeviation)
getCompInnerAugPolygons (Boolean Returns an AugPolygonsArrayArray object
bExactSection, Boolean representing the outer contours of a compound
bUseFilletsOnConcavVertices, Boolean profile. Every item in the main array contains the
bUseFilletsOnConvexVertices, double item inner contours of its corresponding profile in
dfDeviation) the compound profile.
getKDistance ( ) Returns a double representing the k-distance from
the profile database table; for the moment this is
supported only for I and U profiles; if the profile
does not support k-distance or if the value is less
than 0.001, it returns -1.
5.2.2 ProfSectVal
ProfSectVal – methods and properties
A (property) Gets or sets the section area.
Iz (property) Gets or sets the z moment of inertia .
Iy (property) Gets or sets the y moment of inertia
42
Izy (property) Gets or sets the centrifugal moment

Sz (property) Gets or sets the moment.
Sy (property) Gets or sets the data per length.
U (property) Gets or sets the lateral surface = area per length
[mm]
m_iz (property) Gets or sets iz
m_iy (property) Gets or sets iy
ez (property) Gets or sets ez
ey (property) Gets or sets ey
G (property) Gets or sets the weight per length [g/mm]
5.2.3 ProfGapCollection
ProfGapCollection – methods and properties
createGapGeneral ( double general ) Creates a gap.
createGapFull ( double general, double face, Creates a gap.
double fl_Out, double fl_In, double web )
createGapGeneralFace ( double general, Creates a gap.
double face )
limitTo ( double fl_In, double web ) Returns an integer.
getGap ( eProfGapMode mode ) Returns a double.
getMode ( ) Returns an eProfGapMode data type.
eProfGapMode, see the appendix.
5.3 Util facet
5.3.1 AstModeler
This object can be obtained from a beam or a plate and represents the body of the base object.
AstModeler – methods and properties

Volume (property - get) Gets the body’s volume (double).
GeomExtens (property - get) Gets the body’s extents (Extents object).
IsNull (property - get) Gets the null state of the body (Boolean values).
Slice (Plane inPlane) Slices the body with the given plane.
TransformBy (Matrix3d TransformMatrix) Transforms the body by the given matrix.
ConvexHull () Transforms the body into a convex hull.
Triangulate2Dxf (string strDxfFile) Exports the body into the specified DXFfile.
Useful for debug purposes.
43
Copy () Makes a copy of the body. Returns an

AstModeler object, representing the copy.
Contains (Point3d inPoint) Checks whether the specified point is inside the
body. Returns True or False.
DetectOuterContoursOnPlane (Plane inPlane) Detects the outer contours of the body contained
in the specified plane.
Returns an AugPolygonsArray object.
DetectInnerContoursOnPlane (Plane inPlane) Detects the inner contours of the body contained
in the specified plane.
Returns an AugPolygonsArray object.
intersectWithLine ( Line3d line ) Returns an array of points, representing the
intersection points between the line and this
object (body of a beam or a plate).
intersectWithPlane ( Plane plane ) Returns an array of line segments
(LineSeg3dArray) representing the intersection
points between the plane and this object (body of
a beam or a plate).
intersectWithArc ( Arc3d arc, double eps ) Returns an array of points representing the
intersection points between the arc and this object
(body of a beam or a plate).
intersectWithAxis(Point3d pt, Vector3d v, Returns a point representing the intersection
Boolean found) point between the vector/point combination and
this object (body of a beam or a plate).
intersectWithAstModeler(AstModeler modeler) Returns true or false depending if the two
AstModelers intersect.
5.4 Database access

The next object types allow you the read information from the Advance Steel databases.
5.4.1 OdbcUtils
OdbcUtils – methods and properties
GetUPSString ( long key ) Returns a string read from the ErrorMessages
table, at key (UPS / PRP / key) in the AstCrtlDb
database.
GetGUIString ( long key ) Returns a string read from the ErrorMessages
table, at key (GUI / PRP / key) in AstCrtlDb in the
database.
GetDefaultInt ( int defaultClass, string Returns the default’s value (int) in the
defaultName ) AstorSettings database.
GetDefaultDouble ( int defaultClass, string Returns the default’s value (double) in the
GetDefaultString ( int defaultClass, string Returns the default’s value (string) in the
44
5.4.2 OdbcTable
OdbcTable – methods and properties
SetCurrent ( string tableName ) Sets the table name in which searches will be
performed.
SetCurrentKey ( VARIANT key ) Sets the table key.
GetCurrentKey ( ) Returns the table key.
AddSearchCriteria ( long columnNumber, Adds a search criterion using the column number
VARIANT columnValue ) and column value.
Multiple search criteria can be defined for a table.
Search ( ) Returns the key of the first record found that
matches all search criteria that were defined for
this table.
After the search finishes, all criteria defined for the
table are deleted.
Sets the current record to the one with the found
key.
GetAt ( long columnNumber ) Returns the value found in the current record in
the specified column.
SetAt ( long columnNumber, VARIANT value ) Set the value in the specified column for the
current record.
AppendNewRecord ( ) Creates a new record and returns the key of the
newly created record.
5.5 SteelAutomation
The following objects are part of the Advance Steel Kernel and cannot be instantiated by any
programming language through direct calls, like New (in VB) or CreateInstance (in C++).
As a consequence:
 they are either created by Advance Steel Kernel for joint developers and passed in as “already
created objects”
some samples for this are IRulePageArray, IFiler, IPropertySheetData
 they are created by the joint developer using calls to the IJoint interface
for instance, if you need to create a beam or a plate you should call
 ObjectOfTypeJoint.CreateBeam or
 ObjectOfTypeJoint.CreatePlate
The following contains all objects available in this library.
5.5.1 AstObject
AstObject – methods and properties
Id (property) Gets or sets the object ID.
45
Type (property – get) Gets the object class type, as an eClassType data
type.
eClassType, see the appendix.
RoleObject (property) Gets or sets the object’s role, as a Role object.
Color(property) Gets or sets the object’s color.
GroupIdentifier (property – get) Gets the object’s group identifier.

JointTransfer (property) Gets or sets the object’s JointTransfer
GetConnectedObjects ( ) Returns an array of the connected objects of the
object (as AstObjectArr)
All the parts in the structure, except the main part
are contained in the returned array (not only the
directly attached ones).
IsKindOf (eClassType type) Determines if the current object represents typeof
type class object. Returns True or False
5.5.2 EqualPartObject
EqualPartObject – methods and properties
DrawingNumber (property) Gets or sets the drawing number (as string).
Role (property) Gets or sets the role name.
IsMainPart (property) Gets or sets if the object is a main part (True or
false).
IsAttachedPart (property – get) Gets if the object is an attached part (True or
false).
MainPartPrefix (property) Gets or sets the main part prefix (String).
SinglePartPrefix (property) Gets or sets the single part prefix (String)
MainPartNumber (property) Gets or sets the main part number (String)
SinglePartNumber (property) Gets or sets the single part number (String)
Standalone (property) True or false.
Material (property) Gets or sets the object's material (String)
Coating (property) Gets or sets the object's coating (String)
Denotation (property) Gets or sets the object's denotation (String)
Assembly (property) Gets or sets the object's assembly (String)
Note (property) Gets or sets the object's note (String)
ItemNumber (property) Gets or sets the object's item number (String)
SinglePartDetailStyle (property) Gets or sets the object's single part detail style
(Integer)
MainPartDetailStyle (property) Gets or sets the object's main part detail style
(Integer)
Name (property) Gets or sets the object's name (String)
46
MaterialDescription (property – get) Gets the material description

CoatingDescription (property – get) Gets the coating description
UnwindStartFactor (property) Gets or sets the unwind start factor
ExplicitQuantity (property) Gets or sets the explicit quantity
SetLayer ( string newLayer) Sets the object’s layer
UserAttribute (int nId) Gets the user attribute at provided index
UserAttribute (int nId, BSTR sectionName) Sets the user attribute at provided index
5.5.3 AstFeatObject
AstFeatObject – methods and properties
UseGap (property) Gets or sets the “use of additional gap” property –
whether to use or not a gap when subtracting
features from objects bodies.
GapAddition (property – get) Gets the gap addition used for features modeling.
5.5.4 PlateFeat
PlateFeat – methods and properties
Plate (property – get) Gets the owner plate of the feature.
getAstModeler (eBodyContext context) Returns an AstModeler object representing the
feature’s body in the given body context.
eBodyContext, see the appendix.
5.5.5 PlateFeatVertex
PlateFeatVertex – methods and properties
VertexIndex (property) Gets or sets the feature’s vertex index on the
owner plate’s contour.
getContextPolygon () Returns an AugPolygon3d object representing
the feature’s contour polygon.
5.5.6 PlateFeatEdge
EdgeIndex (property) Gets or sets the feature’s edge index on the
owner plate’s contour.
getContextPolygon () Returns an AugPolygon3d object representing
the feature’s contour polygon.
5.5.7 PlateFeatContour
Length (property – get) Gets the length of the feature (double).
47
Offset (property) Gets or sets the feature’s offset (Vector3d – a 2D

vector actually – z component always equal to 0).
Width (property – get) Gets the feature’s width (double).
Gap (property) Gets or sets the feature’s gap (double).
Radius (property – get) Gets the feature’s radius (double).
LengthIncrement (property) Gets or sets the feature’s length increment
(double).
RadiusIncrement (property) Gets or sets the feature’s radius increment
(double).
ContourType (property) Gets or sets the contour type (eContourTypes).
eContourTypes, see the appendix.
CS (property) Gets or sets the feature’s coordinate system
(CS3d).
NumVertexInfo (property – get) Returns the number of vertices of the feature’s
contour (long).
VertexInfoAt (int nIndex) (property) Gets or sets the vertex information on the
feature’s contour at the specified index (double).
setLength (double length, Boolean Sets the length of the feature, considering the
bIgnoreRaster) bIgnoreRaster setting.
setWidth (double width, Boolean bIgnoreRaster) Sets the width of the feature, considering the
bIgnoreRaster setting.
setRadius (double radius, Boolean Sets the radius of the feature, considering the
getContourPolygon (int nTop) Gets the feature’s contour polygon at the top or
bottom of the plate. Returns a Point3dArray
object.
setContourPolygon (Point3dArray contour) Sets the feature’s contour.
setContourVertex (int indexGrip, Point3d Sets a specified vertex on the feature’s contour.
newVertex)
transformBy (Matrix3d matrix) Transforms the feature by the given matrix.
getNumberOfEcs () Returns the number of coordinate systems of the
feature.
getEcs (int nNumber) Returns a Matrix3d object representing the
coordinate system at the specified index.
5.5.8 Chamfer
Chamfer – methods and properties
Length (property – get) Gets the chamfer’s length (double).
Width (property – get) Gets the chamfer’s width (double).
LengthIncrement (property) Gets or sets the chamfer’s length increment
(double).
setLength (double length, Boolean Sets the chamfer’s length, considering the
48
setWidth (double width, Boolean bIgnoreRaster) Sets the chamfer’s width, considering the
bIgnoreRaster setting.
getBaseContourPolygon (double zpos) Gets the chamfer’s contour polygon at the
specified z position. Returns a Point3dArray
object.
setBaseContourVertex (int indexGrip, Point3d Sets the specified vertex on the chamfer’s
newVertex) polygon contour.
5.5.9 Fillet
Fillet – methods and properties
Radius (property – get) Gets the fillet’s radius (double).
RadiusIncrement (property) Gets or sets the fillet’s radius increment (double).
FilletType (property) Gets or sets the fillet’s type (eFilletTypes).
eFilletTypes, see the appendix.
setRadius (double radius, Boolean Sets the fillet’s radius, considering the
getBaseContourPolygon (double zpos) Gets the chamfer’s contour polygon at the
specified z position. Returns a Point3dArray
object.
setBaseContourVertex (int indexGrip, Point3d Sets the specified vertex on the chamfer’s
newVertex) polygon contour.
5.5.10 PlateContourNotch
PlateContourNotch – methods and properties
ContourType (property) Gets or sets the contour notch’s contour type
(eContourTypes).
Normal (property – get) Gets the normal at the contour notch’s plane
(Vector3d).
ContourPolygon (property – get) Gets the contour notch’s contour polygon.
Gap (property) Gets or sets the contour notch’s gap (double).
Length (property) Gets or sets the contour notch’s length (double).
Width (property) Gets or sets the contour notch’s width (double).
Offset (property) Gets or sets the contour notch’s width (Vector3d
– a 2D vector actually – z component always 0
equal).
LengthIncrement (property) Gets or sets the contour notch’s length increment
(double).
Radius (property) Gets or sets the contour notch’s radius (double).
RadiusIncrement (property) Gets or sets the contour notch’s radius increment
(double).
49
CS (property) Gets or sets the contour notch’s coordinate

system (CS3d).
NumVertexInfo (property – get) Gets the number of vertices on the contour
notch’s contour polygon.
VertexInfoAt (int nIndex) (property) Gets or sets the vertex information on the contour
notch’s contour polygon at the specified index
(double).
setContourAndCS (AugPolygon3d contour, Sets the contour and the coordinate system of the
CS3d cs) contour notch.
MoveVertex (int nIndex, Vector3d offset) Moves the contour notch’s contour vertex at the
specified index with the specified offset.
MoveEdge (int nIndex, Vector3d offset) Moves the contour notch’s contour edge at the
getNumberOfEcs ( ) Returns the number of coordinate systems of the
contour notch.
getEcs (int nNumber) Returns a CS3d object representing the
transformBy (Matrix3d matrix) Transforms the contour notch by the specified
matrix.
5.5.11 PlateWeldingPreparation
PlateWeldingPreparation – methods and properties
XDist (property) Gets or sets the X size of the welding preparation
(double).
YDist (property – get) Gets the Y size of the welding preparation
(double).
PlateSide (property) Gets or sets the side of plate on which the
welding preparation lies (integer).
setYDist (double yDist, Boolean bAllowOverlap) Sets the Y size of the welding preparation
allowing for overlapping with other existing
preparations on the same edge.
getLocalCS () Returns a CS3d object representing the local
coordinate system of the welding preparation.
isOnPlate () Returns True or False, depending on whether the
welding preparation is placed on a plate edge or
on another feature.
5.5.12 PlateWeldingBevel
PlateWeldingBevel – methods and properties
Same as PlateWeldingPreparation
5.5.13 PlateWeldingFillet
PlateWeldingFillet – methods and properties
Radius (property – get) Gets the radius of the fillet welding preparation
(double).
50
FilletType (property) Gets or sets the fillet welding preparation type

(eFilletTypes).
setRadius (double radius, Boolean Sets the radius of the welding preparation fillet,
bAllowOverlap) allowing for overlapping with other existing
preparations on the same edge.
5.5.14 BeamNotch
BeamNotch – methods and properties
Beam (property – get) Gest the owner beam of the notch (Beam object).
RefLength (property) Gets or sets the length of the notch (double).
RefDepth (property) Gets or sets the depth of the notch (double).
End (property) Gets or sets the end of the beam where the notch
lies (eBeamEnd).
eBeamEnd, see the appendix.
Side (property) Gets or sets the side of the beam where the notch
lies (eBeamSide).
eBeamSide, see the appendix.
CS (property) Gets or sets the coordinate system of the notch
(CS3d).
CornerType (property – get) Gets the notch corner type (eNotchCornerType).
eNotchCornerType, see the appendix.
CornerRadius (property – get) Gets the notch corner radius (double)
LengthDefiningPlane (property – get) Gets the plane which defines the notch’s length.
DepthDefiningPlane (property – get) Gets the plane which defines the notch’s depth.
GetVertices ( ) Returns a Point3dArray representing the
vertices of the notch’s contour.
notch’s body in the given body context.
notch.
SetCorner (eNocthCornerType type, double Sets the notch corner.
dRadius)
eNotchCornerType, see the appendix.
51
5.5.15 BeamNotchStd
BeamNotchStd – methods and properties
Same as BeamNotch
5.5.16 BeamNotchEx
BeamNotchEx – methods and properties
XRotation (property) Gets or sets the X rotation of the notch
(eNotchXRotation).
eNotchXRotation, see the appendix.
XAngle (property) Gets or sets the notch’s X angle (double).
ZAngle (property) Gets or sets the notch’s Z angle (double).
AxisAngle (property) Gets or sets the notch’s axis angle (double).
5.5.17 BeamContourNotch
BeamContourNotch – methods and properties
Beam (property – get) Gets the owner beam of the notch (Beam object).
Gap (property) Gets or sets the contour notch’s gap.
End (property) Gets the end of the beam where the contour
notch lies (eBeamEnd).
MoveVertex (int nNumber, Vector3d offset) Moves the specified vertex with the specified
offset.
contour notch’s body in the given body context.
contour notch.
TransformBy (Matrix3d matrix) Transforms the contour notch by the specified
matrix.
5.5.18 BeamMultiContourNotch
BeamNotch – methods and properties
52
Beam (property – get) Gets the owner beam of the multi-contour notch
(Beam object).
ContourType (property) Gets or sets the type of the multi-contour notch
(eContourTypes).
eContourTypes, see the appendix.
Normal (property – get) Gets the normal at the multi-contour notch’s plane
(Vector3d).
ContourPolygon (property – get) Gets the contour polygon of the multi-contour
notch’s plane (AugPolygon3d).
Gap (property) Gets or sets the gap of the multi-contour notch
(double).
Length (property) Gets or sets the length of the multi-contour notch
(double).
Width (property) Gets or sets the width of the multi-contour notch
(double).
Offset (property) Gets or sets the offset of the multi-contour notch
(Vector3d – a 2D vector actually – z component
always 0 equal).
LengthIncrement (property) Gets or sets the length increment of the multi-
contour notch(double).
Radius (property) Gets or sets the radius of the multi-contour
notch(double).
RadiusIncrement (property) Gets or sets the radius increment of the multi-
contour notch (double).
End (property) Gets the end of the beam where the multi-contour
notch lies (eBeamEnd).
CS (property) Gets or sets the coordinate system of the notch
(CS3d).
NumVertexInfo (property – get) Gets the number of vertices on the multi-contour
notch’s contour polygon.
VertexInfoAt (int nIndex) (property) Gets or sets the vertex information on the multi-
contour notch’s contour at the specified index
(double).
setContourAndCS (AugPolygon3d contour, Sets the contour and the coordinate system of the
CS3d cs) multi-contour notch.
MoveVertex (int nIndex, Vector3d offset) Moves the contour notch’s contour vertex at the
MoveEdge (int nIndex, Vector3d offset) Moves the contour notch’s contour edge at the
53

notch’s body in the given body context.
shortening.
TransformBy (Matrix3d matrix) Transforms the multi-contour notch by the
specified matrix.
5.5.19 AstFeaturesArray
AstFeaturesArray – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the AstFeatObject at the specified index
in the array.
Add ( AstFeatObject feature ) Appends a new AstFeatObject in the array.
5.5.20 BeamShortening
BeamShortening – methods and properties
BeamEnd (property) Gets or sets the beam end where the shortening
is created (eBeamEnd).
RefLength (property) Same as InsLength.
InsLength (property) Gets or sets the distance from the shortening
plane to the beam end (double).
AngleY (property) Gets or sets rotation angle Y (rotation angle of the
cutting plane around the main axes) (double).
Y is the angle between the beam x-axis and the
projection of the cutting plane normal vector onto
the beam’s xz plane.
AngleZ (property) Gets or sets rotation angle Z (rotation angle of the
cutting plane around the main axes) (double).
Z is the angle between the beam x-axis and the
projection of the cutting plane normal vector onto
the beam’s xy plane.
Beam (property – get) Gets the owner beam of the shortening (Beam
object).
Normal (property – get) Gets the normal at the shortening plane.
(Vector3d).
CS (property – get) Gets the coordinate system of the shortening
(CS3d).
54
MoveAlongSystemAxis (Vector3d offset, Moves the shortening along the beam’s system
double lengthIncrement) line, with the specified offset and length
increment.
MoveAlongNormal (Vector3d offset, double Moves the shortening along its normal, with the
lengthIncrement) specified offset and length increment.
shortening.
5.5.21 Beam
Beam – methods and properties
Length (property – get) Gets the beam length.
StartPoint (property) Gets or sets the beam start point (Point3d).
EndPoint (property) Gets or sets the beam end point (Point3d).
StartLengthOffset (property – get) Gets the beam length offset from the start of the
system line to the physical start of the beam.
EndLengthOffset (property – get) Gets the beam length offset from the end of the
system line to the physical end of the beam.
Weight (property – get) Gets the weight of the beam.
BalancePoint (property – get) Gets the balance point of the beam body
(Point3d).
SinglePartUsedForNumbering (property) Gets or sets whether the beam is considered as a
single part for numbering.
MainPartUsedForNumbering (property) Gets or sets whether the beam is considered as a
main part for numbering.
SinglePartUsedForBOM (property) Gets or sets whether the beam is considered as a
single part for the BOM.
MainPartUsedForBOM (property) Gets or sets whether the beam is considered as a
main part for the BOM.
NumberOfRods (property - get) Gets the number of rods of the beam
SideTag ( Point3d point) (property) Gets or sets the side tag of the beam at the
specified point.
eBeamTag, see the appendix.
TaggedSide (eBeamTag tag) (property - get) Gets the end of the beam at the specified side tag
eBeamEnd and eBeamTag, see the appendix.
TaggedUpDown ( eBeamTag tag) (property - Gets the side of the beam with the given tag.
get)
eBeamTag and eBeamSide, see the appendix.
55
EndAt ( Point3d point) (property - get) Gets the end of the beam closest to the given
point.
SideAt ( Point3d point) Gets the side of the beam closest to the given
point.
RefDistFrom (eBeamSide sideOfBeam) Gets the distance from the current reference axis
(property - get) to the specified side of the beam. It will return a
double value.
PaintArea (property - get) Gets the paint area of the beam’s profile.
SystemlineLength ( property - get) Gets the length of the system line of the beam
StartInnerAugmentedPolygons (eBodyContext Gets the augmented inner contour polygons of
ctx, Boolean bUseFilletsOnConcaveVertices, the beam.
Boolean bUseFilletsOnConvexVertices) (property
The contours lie in WCS.
- get )
The ctx parameter determines the body context in
which the contours should be analyzed.
bUseFilletsOnConcaveVertices and
bUseFilletsOnConvexVertices determine
whether to use fillets on vertices of the contours.
The contour is returned as an array of
AugPolygon3d objects.
StartOuterAugmentedPolygons Gets the augmented outer contour polygons of
(eBodyContext ctx, Boolean the beam.
bUseFilletsOnConcaveVertices, Boolean
The contours lie in WCS.
bUseFilletsOnConvexVertices) (property - get )
The ctx parameter determines the body context in
which the contours should be analyzed.
bUseFilletsOnConcaveVertices and
bUseFilletsOnConvexVertices determine
whether to use fillets on vertices of the contours.
The contour is returned as an array of
AugPolygon3d objects.
NumberOfInnerContours ( property - get) Gets the number of inner contours of the beam.
InnerContourAt (int nNumber) (property - get) Gets the specified inner contour of the beam as
an AugPolygon3d object.
CrossSectionMirrored (property) Gets or sets the mirror state of the cross section
of the beam.
CS (property - get) Gets the beam’s coordinate system at the start of
the system line as a CS3d object.
56
Angle ( property) Gets or sets the beam rotation around its main X-
axis (in radians).
PhysicalCSStart ( property – get) Gets the coordinate system at the physical start of
the beam as a CS3d object.
PhysicalCSEnd ( property – get) Gets the coordinate system at the physical end of
the beam as a CS3d object.
PhysicalCSMid ( property – get) Gets the coordinate system at the physical middle
of the beam as a CS3d object.
PhysicalCSAt (eBeamEnd endOfBeam) Gets the coordinate system at the specified
(property – get) physical end of the beam as a CS3d object.
PhysicalCSAtTag ( eBeamTag tag) (property – Gets the coordinate system at the specified
get) physical tag of the beam as a CS3d object.
eBeamTag, see the appendix.
RefAxis ( property) Gets or sets the reference axis of the beam.
RefOffset (eProfRefAxis refAxis) (property - get) Gets the offset of the beam’s reference axis. The
Vector3d object returned is a 2D vector actually,
so will always have the z component set to 0.
BeamOffsetX (property) Gets or sets the beam’s X offset.
BeamOffsetY (property) Gets or sets the beam’s Y offset.
getSysCSStart ( ) Returns the CS at the start of the system line of
the beam.
The origin is the start point of the system line, the
axes are orthogonal to the system line.
Shortenings do not affect the result.
getSysCSEnd ( ) Returns the CS at the end of the system line of
the beam.
The origin is the end point of the system line, the
getSysCSMid ( ) Returns the CS at the middle of the system line
of the beam.
The origin is the middle point of the system line,
the axes are orthogonal to the system line.
getCSAtPoint ( Point3d atPoint ) Returns the coordinate system at the given point
(on the insert line).
getClosestPointToSystemline ( Point3d Returns a point on the system line of the beam,
pickPoint ) closest to the pickPoint.
57
getStartAxis ( ) Returns a LineSeg3d object.

Gets the start point plus tangential vector
directed inside the beam.
getEndAxis ( ) Returns a LineSeg3d object.
Gets the end point plus tangential vector directed
inside the beam.
beam.
getEcs ( short n) Returns a CS3d object representing the specified
coordinate system of the beam.
numFeatures ( ) Returns the total amount of features on the
current beam.
getFeatures ( ) Returns the beam’s features collection as an
AstFeaturesArray.
ChangeReferenceSystem ( double Changes the reference system of the beam.
rotationAngle )
getProfType ( ) Returns a ProfType object.
getMatSysAsXY2Sys ( ) Returns a Matrix3d object (see Beam
Transformations).
addBeamMultiContourNotch ( Role notchRole, Creates a notch at the specified beam end with
eBeamEnd beamEnd, AugPolygon3d the given role and polygon that define it.
notchPoints )
Returns and creates a
BeamMultiContourNotch object.
addBeamMultiContourNotchClip ( Role Creates a notch at the specified beam end with
notchRole, eBeamEnd beamEnd, the given role and polygon that define it.
AugPolygon3d notchPoints, Point3d pt0,
The notch has z clipping with the clipping heights
Point3d pt1 )
defined by pt0 and pt1.
addBeamCircularContourNotch ( Role Creates a circular notch at the specified beam
notchRole, eBeamEnd beamEnd, Vector3d end with the given role, direction, origin and
notchDirection, Point3d notchOrigin, double radius.
notchDimension )
58
addBeamCircularContourNotchClip ( Role Creates a circular notch at the specified beam

notchRole, eBeamEnd beamEnd, Vector3d end with the given role, direction, origin and
notchDimension, Point3d pt0, Point3d pt1)
addBeamShortening ( eBeamEnd beamEnd, Shortens the beam with the specified plane at the
Plane shorteningPlane ) given beam end.
Returns and creates a BeamShortening object.
addBeamContourNotch (Role Creates a contour notch at the specified beam
contourNotchRole, eBeamEnd endOfBeam, end with the given role. The notch is described by
Point3dArray contourPts, Vector3d vNormal) the contour points and the normal at the contour’s
plane.
Returns and creates a BeamContourNotch
object.
addBeamNotchStd (Role notchRole, Creates a standard notch at the specified beam
eBeamEnd endOfBeam, eBeamSide end, on the specified beam side, with the
sideOfBeam, double notchLength, double specified role. The notch is described by length
notchDepth) and depth.
Returns and creates a BeamNotchStd object.
eBeamEnd and eBeamSide, see the appendix.
addBeamNotchEx (Role notchRole, eBeamEnd Creates an extended notch at the specified beam
endOfBeam, eBeamSide sideOfBeam, double end, on the specified beam side, with the
notchLength, double notchDepth) specified role. The notch is described by length
and depth.
Returns and creates a BeamNotchStd object.
eBeamEnd and eBeamSide, see the appendix.
getAstModeler ( eBodyContext bodyContext ) Gets a beam body with a given body context.
Returns and creates an AstModeler object.
CreateHolePattern ( Role role, eHoleType Creates a hole pattern with the given attributes.
holeType, ePatternArranger arranger, double
Returns and creates a Hole object.
diameter, eBeamEnd beamEnd, CS3d holeCS )
eHoleType, ePatternArranger and eBeamEnd
see the appendix.
59
SetUpDownTag ( Point3d point, eBeamTag tag) Sets a tag at the side of the beam (upper or lower
side) nearest to the given point. The other side
will get the opposite tag.
eHoleType see the appendix.
getSysCSAt (eBeamEnd endOfBeam) Returns the CS at the specified end of the
system line of the beam. It will return a CS3d
object.
The origin is the end point of the system line, the
eBeamEnd see the appendix.
isShorteningOnBeam (Point3d point, Vector3d Checks if a shortening is on the beam, with the
vNormal, double offset) given offset.
The shortening plane is described by a point and
a normal.
TransformBy (Matrix3d matrix) Transforms the beam with the given matrix.
getRefAxisWCS (eProfRefAxis refAxis, Returns a point and a vector which define a line in
Point3d& ptWCS, Vector3d& vDir) WCS along the required reference axis of this
beam’s profile.
getCutOuterCS (Boolean bOuter, Beam pBeam, Gets one or two CS describing the cutting outer
CS3d& cs1, CS3d& cs2, eBeamEnd& end1, contour systems against the specified beam and
eBeamEnd& end2, Boolean bOnMinAngleSide) the appropriate beam end(s) of this beam.
The origin and Z-axis of each CS define the
cutting plane. The origins are ordered
parametrically on the cut beam. If only one CS is
found, the second is set to NULL.
If bOuter is true, the function calculates the outer
CS, otherwise it calculates the upper CS.
The last parameter specifies whether the CS must
be on the minimum angle side or on the other
side of the beam.
getCutMiterCS (int nType, Beam pBeam, Gets one or two CS describing the miter cuts
CS3d& cs1, CS3d& cs2, eBeamEnd& end1, against the specified beam and the appropriate
eBeamEnd& end2) beam end(s) of this beam.
The origin and Z-axis of each CS define the
cutting plane. The origins are ordered
parametrically on the cut beam. If only one CS is
found, the second is set to NULL.
GetCurrentSys2Phys3dOffset (Vector3d& Please see Beam Transformations.
offset)
GetMatSys2Phys2d (Matrix3d& mat) Please see Beam Transformations.
GetMatProf2Local (Matrix3d& mat) Please see Beam Transformations.
60
GetMatProf2WCS (Matrix3d& mat) Please see Beam Transformations.

GetMatProf2WCSEndCS (Matrix3d& mat) Please see Beam Transformations.
GetMatProf2WCSMidCS (Matrix3d& mat) Please see Beam Transformations.
ChangeProfile (sectionType, sectionName) Change the section of a beam.
GetProfile (BSTR className, Gets beam section info.
BSTR sectionName)
61
Please see the following on how the “holeCS” for “CreateHolePattern” should be set in order to
correctly drill a hole through a random profile:
The idea is that the origin of the hole should be on the face of the profile from which the hole should
start, and the zAxis of the CS should point outside of the profile. In the above picture for example, if we
decide to drill the hole in the other direction we could move the CS origin on the lower face which is
currently affected by the hole, and we should also reverse the normal.
5.5.22 StraightBeam
StraightBeam – methods and properties
CenterPoint (property - get) Gets the center point of the straight beam as a
Point3d object.
GetOuterCS ( StraightBeam toBeam, Gets a CS describing a cutting outer contour
eBeamEnd& thisBeamEnd ) system against the specified beam and the
appropriate beam end of this beam.
Returns a CS3d object from which the origin and
Z-axis define the cutting plane.
GetMiterCS ( StraightBeam toBeam, Gets a CS describing a miter cut against the
eBeamEnd& thisBeamEnd ) specified beam and the appropriate beam end of
this beam.
Returns a CS3d object from which the origin and
Z-axis define the cutting plane.
62
BeamRefAxis ( eProfRefAxis axisId, Vector3d Gets a beam reference axis.

retVect )
Returns a point at the start of the beam. This
returned point and vector define the axis.
SetBeamRefAxis ( eProfRefAxis axisId ) Changes the system line of the beam to the
specified axis.
GetParentStraightCompound ( ) Returns as a CompoundBeamStraight object
the parent compound beam for this straight beam.
GetSplitBeams () Returns an AstObjectsArr array containing the
pieces of a split beam as separate beams. The
pieces are returned in order from start to end.
5.5.23 UnfoldedBeam
UnfoldedBeam – methods and properties
PolylineSection (property) Gets or sets the polyline that describes the
unfolded beam section (AugPolyline3d object).
Thickness (property) Gets or sets the unfolded beam thickness.
Portioning (property) Gets or sets the unfolded beam portioning
(double value inside the interval [ 0 , 1 ] ).
NumberOfVertices (property – get) Gets the number of vertices of the polyline of the
unfolded beam’s cross section.
VertexAt (int nIndex) (property) Gets or sets the specified vertex on the polyline of
the unfolded beam’s cross section.
GetRadius ( int vertexIndex ) Returns the radius at the specified vertex of the
polyline that describes the unfolded beam section.
SetRadius ( int vertexIndex, double radius ) Sets the radius at the specified vertex of the
polyline that describes the unfolded beam section.
GetIsClosed ( ) Gets the close/open state of the unfolded beam.
Returns True if the unfolded beam is closed and
False if open.
5.5.24 BentBeam
BentBeam – methods and properties
ParamAtPoint ( Point3d point) (property – get) Gets the parameter value of the specified point.
CSAtParam (double param) (property – get) Returns the coordinate system on the curved
beam’s system line at the given parameter.
Returns a CS3d object.
CSAtPoint ( Point3d point) (property – get) Returns the coordinate system on the curved
beam’s system line at the given point.
63
ECSAtPoint (Point3d point) (property – get) Returns the coordinate system on the curved
beam at the specified point.
Tangent ( Point3d point) (property – get) Gets the tangent at the given point
Returns a Line3d object.
CurveOffset (Vector3d offsetInCSStart) This method is obsolete. GetCurveOffset()
(property – get) should be called instead.
Deviation (property) Gets or sets the deviation of the curved beam’s
curve.
OffsetCurveRadius (property) Gets or sets the radius of the system line with the
curve’s offset
ArcNormal (property - get) Gets the system line’s arc normal.
ArcCenter (property - get) Gets the system line’s arc center.
SystemlineArc3d (Boolean bInWCS) (property - Gets the system line’s arc.
get)
PhysicalArc3d (eBodyContext ctx) (property - Gets the system line’s physical arc in the given
get) body context.
SetSystemLine ( Point3d startPoint, Point3d Sets the curved beam’s system line. The system
anyPointOnCurve, Point3d endPoint) line is described by the three input points.
GetClosestPointToSystemLine ( Point3d point) Gets the closest point to the input parameter
point on the curved beam’s system line.
Returns a Point3d object.
GetPhysicallyMinMaxPoints (eBodyContext Gets the curved beam’s physical extents in the
ctx, Point3d& physStartPoint, Point3d& given body context.
physEndPoint)
GetCurveOffset () Gets the curve’s offset in the curved beam’s
plane.
ChangeReferenceSystem (double angle) Gets or sets the beam rotation around its main X-
axis (angle is in degrees).
5.5.25 PolyBeam
PolyBeam – methods and properties
getPolyline (Boolean bInWCS) Returns the defining polyline
5.5.26 Plate
Plate – methods and properties
Width (property) Gets or sets the plate’s width.
Length (property) Gets or sets the plate’s length.
64
Thickness (property) Gets or sets the plate’s thickness.

Area (property – get) Gets the plate’s area.
Weight (property – get) Gets the plate’s weight.
Circumference (property – get) Gets the plate’s circumference of the base
contour.
BalancePoint (property – get) Gets the plate’s balance point of the body
(Point3d object).
Offset (property) Gets or set the plate's offset.
LengthIncrement (property) Gets or sets the plate's length increment
RadIncrement (property)
Portioning (property) Gets or sets the plate’s portioning – double value
in the interval [ 0 , 1 ].
TopZDirection (property) This indicates the top side of the plate. It differs
from plate normal only in some cases of mirrored
plates.
LowerZPos (property – get) Depends on justification and plate thickness
UpperZPos (property – get) Depends on justification and plate thickness
CenterPoint (property – get) Gets the plate's center point.
getDefinitionPlaneCS ( ) Returns a CS3d object representing the definition
plane coordinate system.
getCS ( ) Returns a CS3d object representing the logical
coordinate system; depends on the base contour.
getUpperAndLowerPlane ( Plane& upperPlane, Returns in the two parameters the upper and
Plane& lowerPlane ) lower planes of the plate.
moveBaseContourEdgeTo ( int indexGrip, Move plate edge
Point3d vertexNew )
setBaseContourVertex ( int indexGrip, Point3d Move plate vertex
vertexNew )
addChamfer ( double valA, double valB, int Returns and creates a Chamfer object.
vertexIndex )
The plate corner is identified by the vertexIndex.
addFillet ( double radiusVal, eFilletTypes Returns and creates a Fillet object.
fillet_type, int vertexIndex )
The plate corner is identified by the vertexIndex.
65
transformBy ( Matrix3d transformationMatrix ) The plates position and / or orientation is modified

with the specified transformation matrix (plate can
be rotated, translated, etc.).
plate.
getEcs ( short nr) Returns a Matrix3d object representing the
specified coordinate system of the plate.
getSysCSAt ( short vertex) Returns a CS3d object representing the
corresponding coordinate system on the plate
vertex of the base contour. The origin of this
coordinate system lies on the plate’s plane.
shrinkBy ( double gap ) Shrinks the plate with the specified gap.
isPntInSys ( Point3d testPoint ) Returns True if the specified point is within the
plate.
addPlateContourNotch ( Role notchRole, int Returns and creates a PlateContourNotch
vertexIndex, AugPolygon3d notchPoints ) object.
addPlateContourNotchClip ( Role notchRole, Returns and creates a PlateContourNotch
int vertexIndex, AugPolygon3d notchPoints, object.
Point3d pt0, Point3d pt1 )
addPlateCircularContourNotch ( Role Creates a circular contour notch at the given plate
notchRole, int vertexIndex, Vector3d vertex with the specified role, origin, direction and
notchDimension )
Returns and creates a PlateContourNotch
object.
addPlateCircularContourNotchClip ( Role Creates a circular contour notch at the given plate
notchRole, int vertexIndex, Vector3d vertex with the specified role, origin, direction and
notchDimension, Point3d pt0, Point3d pt1 )
Returns and creates a PlateContourNotch
object.
addPlateRectangleContourFeat (Role Creates a rectangular contour feature with the
rectContourFeatRole, Vector3d xVector, Point3d specified role. The feature is described by its x
ptCenterWCS, double length, double width) direction, center point (in WCS), length and width.
Returns and creates a PlateFeatContour object.
addPlateCircleContourFeat (Role Creates a circular contour feature with the
circleContourFeatRole, Vector3d xVector, specified role. The feature is described by its x
Point3d ptCenterWCS, double radius) direction, center point (in WCS) and radius.
addPlatePolygonContourFeat (Role Creates a polygonal contour feature with the
polygonContourFeatRole, Point3dArray specified role. The feature is described by its
ptsContourWCS) contour points (in WCS).
66
addPlateWeldingBevel (Role weldingBevelRole, Creates a welding bevel preparation on the

int edgeIndex, double xDist, double yDist, int specified edge and side of the plate, with the
plateSide) specified role. The welding bevel preparation is
described by its x and y lengths.
Returns and creates a PlateWeldingBevel
object.
addPlateWeldingFillet (Role weldingFilletRole, Creates a welding fillet preparation on the
int edgeIndex, double radius, eFilletTypes specified edge and side of the plate, with the
filletType, int plateSide) specified role. The welding fillet preparation is
described by its radius and type.
Returns and creates a PlateWeldingFillet
object.
CreateHolePattern ( Role role, eHoleType Creates a hole pattern with the given attributes.
holeType, ePatternArranger arranger, double
Returns and creates a Hole object.
diameter, CS3d holeCS )
eHoleType and ePatternArranger see the
appendix.
getAstModeler ( eBodyContext bodyContext ) Gets a plate body with a given body context.
Returns and creates an AstModeler object.
AddBendingLine ( double angle, double radius, Inserts a new Bending line creating an unfolded
double elongation, double plane, int edge ) plate.
CutAtCS ( eValueType YAbsOrRelative, double Returns a PlateWeldingBevel object.
YValue, CS3d csToCutAt, Boolean bAllowExtend )
Cuts the plate by the given CS (actually by xOy
plane of the CS) and creates a welding
preparation (bevel) depending on the plane
inclination relative to the plate and the YValue
options.
YAbsOrRelative - use Y value as absolute or
relative
YValue - Y depth the new bevel should have
bAllowExtend –extend the plate when cutting CS
is outside the plate
getFeatures( ) Returns the plate’s features collection as an
AstFeaturesArray.
5.5.27 PlateFolded
PlateFolded – methods and properties
IsUnwindable (property – get) Checks if this folded plate is unwindable or not.
67
getAstModelerUnfolded (eBodyContext ctx) Gets the unfolded body of this folded plate.
SetThickness (double dfThickness) Sets the folded plate’s thickness.
GetMainFold () Gets the ID of the main fold of this folded plate
(long).
SetMainFold (long nNewMainFoldId) Sets a new main fold for the folded plate. The new
main fold is specified by its ID.
GetFold (Point3d ptClosest) Get the ID of the closest folded plate’s fold to the
given point (long) .
GetAllFolds () Gets an array containing all folded plate’s folds
IDs.
AddFeatureTo (long nFoldId, AstFeatObject Adds the given feature on the specified plate fold.
pFeatToAdd)
GetFoldAstModeler (long nFoldId, Gets the body of the specified fold.
eBodyContext ctx)
GetDriverFold (long nFoldId) Gets the ID of the specified fold’s driver fold .
GetAllDrivenFolds (long nFoldId) Gets the IDs of all folds driven by the specified
fold.
GetNeighbourFolds (long nFoldId) Gets the IDs of the specified fold’s neighbor folds.
GetDriverRelation (long nFoldId) Gets the relation which drives the specified fold.
GetDrivenRelations (long nFoldId) Gets relations driven directly by the specified fold.
GetRelations (long nFoldId) Gets all relations which drive/are driven directly
by the specified fold.
GetAllDrivenRelations (long nFoldId) Gets recursively all relations driven by the
specified fold and by its descendants (driven
folds).
GetAllRelations () Gets all folded plate’s relations.
Connect (PlateFolded otherPlate, Point3d Connects this fold with the specified plate. The
ptOnThisPlate, Point3d ptOnOtherPlate, long connection is done at the closest edge of the
nFoldOnThisId, long nFoldOnOtherId, Role plates to the given points. Returns True or False
resultingRelationRole, PlateFoldRelation& depending if the connection was done
relation) successfully. If the connection was done
successfully the relation parameter will contain
the newly created relation. The relation will have
the specified role.
68
ExtendBy (PlateFold pFold, long nMethod, long This method adds the specified fold along with all
idFoldToConnectTo, Point3d ptOnFoldedPlate, its children to the folded plate. The nMethod
Point3d ptOnFold, string resultingRelationRole, parameter indicates whether the position of the
long& nFoldId, PlateFoldRelation& pRelation, fold is changed in the process; if the value is 0 the
selected edge on pFold (via ptOnFold) is alligned
with the selected edge on the folded plate (via
ptOnFoldedPlate) Otherwise, the plates are
connected along their clossest edges witch are
moved until they touch, if necessary. Returns
True if the connection succeded or False
otherwise. If the connection was done
successfully the relation parameter will contain
the newly created relation. The relation will have
the specified role.
5.5.28 PlateFoldRelation
PlateFoldRelation – methods and properties
FoldedPlate (property – get) Gets the folded plate which owns this relation
DriverFold (property – get) Gets the ID of this relation’s driver fold.
DrivenFold (property – get) Gets the ID of this relation’s driven fold.
Angle (property) Gets or sets the angle of this relation.
Justification (property) Gets or sets the justification of this relation.
Radius (property) Gets or sets the radius of this relation.
CS (property – get) Gets the coordinate system of this relation.
EdgeLength (property – get) Gets the relation’s connection length.
ParentAlignMatrix (property – get) Returns matrix witch aligns child fold to parent
fold
Center (property – get) Gets the center point of this relation.
getBendingInformation (Point3d& ptBend, Returns the bending information of this relation.
Vector3d& vBend, double& dAngle, double&
dRadius)
getAstModeler (eBodyContext ctx) Gets the relation’s body.
5.5.29 PlateFoldArray
PlateFoldArray – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the PlateFold at the specified index in
the array.
Add ( PlateFold pVal ) Appends a new PlateFold in the array.
69
5.5.30 PlateFoldRelationArray
PlateFoldRelationArray – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the PlateFoldRelation at the specified
index in the array.
Add (PlateFoldRelation pVal ) Appends a new PlateFoldRelation in the array.
5.5.31 Bolt
Bolt – methods and properties
ScrewLength (property) Gets or sets the bolt length.
ScrewDiameter (property) Gets or sets the bolt diameter.
BindingLength (property) Gets or sets the bolt’s binding length.
BindingLengthAddition (property) Gets or sets the bolt binding length addition.
FinishCalculationAtGap (property) Gets or sets the bolt’s finish calculation at gap.
HoleTolerance (property – get) Gets the bolt hole tolerance.
Norm (property) Gets or sets the bolt standard.
Material (property) Gets or sets the bolt material.
BoltSet (property) Gets or sets the bolt set.
Assembly (property – get) Gets the bolt assembly.
Annotation (property – get) Gets the bolt annotation.
Name (property – get) Gets the bolt name.
Coating (property) Gets or sets the bolt coating.
MidPoints (property - get) Gets the middle points of a bolt pattern.
CS (property) Gets or sets the bolt pattern’s coordinate system.
Normal (property - get) Gets the normal of the bolt pattern.
BoltNormal (property - get) Gets the normal of a bolt pattern’s bolts.
Inverted (property) Gets or sets the inverted property of a bolt
pattern’s bolts (bolts are inverted if the pattern
and bolt normal are opposed).
NumberOfScrews (property - get) Gets the number of bolts in a bolt pattern.
SetHoleTolerance ( double val, Boolean Sets the hole tolerance.
forwardToAllHoles )
Connect ( AstObjectsArr objectsToConnect, Connects all the objects in the array with this bolt.
eAssembleLocation location )
The holes are now created in the connected
objects.
eAssembleLocation, see the appendix.
70
ChangeHole ( AstObject objectWithHole, Changes the parameters of the hole created by

BoltHoleDefinition newParametersForHole ) this bolt in the specified connected element.
The parameters must be filled before calling this
method in the newParametersForHole parameter.
The function must be called ONLY AFTER THE
Connect method was called (the bolt must first
create its holes, so that they can be changed).
5.5.32 Structural
Structural – methods and properties
Normal (property – get) Gets the normal of the structural element.
GetNumberedCS ( int index ) Returns a CS3d object – the specified coordinate
system of the structural element.
GetNumberedVertex ( int index ) Returns a Point3d object – the specified vertex of
the structural element.
TransformBy (Matrix3d mat) Transforms the structural element with the given
matrix.
5.5.33 StructuralSingle
StructuralSingle – methods and properties
Width (property) Gets or sets the width of the box.
5.5.34 StructuralMultiple
StructuralMultiple – methods and properties
NumberOfFileds (property) Gets or sets the number of fields of the structural
element.
Height (property) Gets or sets the height of the structural element.
TotalHeight (property) Gets or sets the total height of the structural
element.
Width (int nField) (property – get) Gets the width of the structural element’s
specified field.
TotalWidth (property) Gets or sets the total width of the specified field.
SetSplittingWidth (double dWidth) Sets the splitting width of the structural element.
GetAxisVertex (int nField) Returns a Point3d object representing the
specified field’s vertex.
GetAxisDirection (int nField) Returns a Vector3d object representing the
direction of the specified field’s axis.
GetAxisLength (int nField) Returns the specified field’s length.
MoveAxis (int nField, Vector3d offsetWCS) Offsets the specified field’s axis with the input
offset.
PostAppendField (double dFieldWidth) Appends a new field to the structural element as
its last field. dFieldWidth represents the new
field’s width.
71
PreAppendField (double dFieldWidth) Appends a new field to the structural element as

its first field. dFieldWidth represents the new
field’s width.
DeleteField (int nField) Removes the specified field from the structural
element.
5.5.35 StructuralBox
StructuralBox – methods and properties
Depth (property) Gets or sets the depth of the box.
Height (property) Gets or sets the height of the box.
Visible (property) Gets or sets the visibility of the box.
Origin (property) Gets or sets the origin (Point3d) of the box.
5.5.36 StructuralSingleSimpleFrame
StructuralSingleSimpleFrame – methods and properties
Height (eStructHeight heightOfInterest) Gets or sets the specified height.
(property)
eStructHeight, see the appendix.
MainHeight (property) Gets or sets the main height.
AdditionalWidth (property) Gets or sets the additional width.
5.5.37 StructuralSingle3GFrameSymm
StructuralSingle3GFrameSymm – methods and properties
RHeight (property) Gets or sets the roof height.
Angle (property) Gets or sets the frame’s angle.
5.5.38 StructuralSingleSlopeFrame
StructuralSingleSlopeFrame – methods and properties
5.5.39 StructuralMultipleSimpleFrame
StructuralMultipleSimpleFrame – methods and properties
5.5.40 StructuralMultipleTowerFrame
StructuralMultipleTowerFrame – methods and properties
72
AddTopHeight (int nField, double dTopHeight) Adds the specified height to the specified field’s
top height.
AddBottomHeight (int nField, double Adds the specified height to the specified field’s
dBottomHeight) bottom height.
5.5.41 Weld
Weld – methods and properties
CenterPoint (property – get) Returns a Point3d object representing the center
point.
Thickness (property) Gets or sets the weld thickness.
Connect ( AstObjectsArr objectsToConnect, Connects all the objects in the array with this
eAssembleLocation location ) weld.
eAssembleLocation, see the appendix.
ChangeSeamType ( eWeldSeam whichSeam, Changes the seam definition for a created weld.
eWeldType seamType, eWeldSurface surface,
eWeldSeamExecType seamExecuting, double
eWeldSeam, eWeldSurface,
thickness, double distanceFromUpper )
eWeldSeamExecType, see the appendix.
ChangeWeldInfos ( double singleSeamLength, Changes other weld information.
int isClosed, string additionalInfo )
ChangeUpperWeldThickness ( double Changes the upper weld thickness.
thickness )
ChangeLowerWeldThickness ( double Changes the lower weld thickness.
thickness )
Pitch (property) Gets or sets the weld pitch.
MainWeldText (String MainWeldText) Gets or sets the weld MainWeldText.
DoubleWeldText (String DoubleWeldText) Gets or sets the weld DoubleWeldText.
RootOpening (property) Gets or sets the weld RootOpening.
EffectiveThroat (property) Gets or sets the weld Effective Throat.
PreparationDepth (property) Gets or sets the weld PreparationDepth.
Prefix (String prefix) Gets or sets the weld prefix.
5.5.42 StudShear
StudShear – methods and properties
Standard (property) Gets or sets the stud standard.
Material (property) Gets or sets the stud material.
ny (property) Gets or sets the number of studs in the Y
direction.
nx (property) Gets or sets the number of studs in the X
direction.
dy (property) Gets or sets the distance between studs in the Y
direction.
73
dx (property) Gets or sets the distance between studs in the X

direction.
Diameter (property) Gets or sets the stud diameter.
ConnectorLength (property) Gets or sets the stud length.
5.5.43 Hole
Hole – methods and properties
GetCircularArrangerInfo ( double& radius, Returns the circular arranger radius and the
long& numberOfHoles ) number of holes of this pattern.
SetCircularArrangerInfo ( double radius, long Sets the circular arranger radius and the number
numberOfHoles ) of holes of this pattern.
GetRectangularArrangerInfo ( double& dx, Returns the distances between holes of the
double& dy, long& nx, long& ny ) pattern (on the x and y axes of the pattern
creation CS) and the number of holes in both
directions.
SetRectangularArrangerInfo ( double dx, Sets the distances between holes of the pattern
double dy, long nx, long ny ) (on the x and y axes of the pattern creation CS)
and the number of holes in both directions.
GetBoundedArrangerInfo ( double& length, Returns the following data:
double& width, double& dx, double& dy, long&
Bounding rectangle length and width;
nx, long& ny, double& wx, double& wy )
Distances between holes on x and y;
Number of holes on x and y;
Edge distances on x and y.
SetBoundedArrangerInfo ( double length, Sets the following data to the hole pattern:
double width, double dx, double dy, long nx,
Bounding rectangle length and width ( the
long ny, double wx, double wy )
parameter values are ignored and recalculated
from the other parameters if the arranger type is
kBoundedArrangerLowerLeft );
Distances between holes on x and y ( the
parameter values are ignored and recalculated
from the other parameters if the arranger type is
kBoundedArrangerAll );
Number of holes on x and y;
Edge distances on x and y.
SetHoleSlotDirection ( eAxisDirection Sets the direction of the hole slot – on x or on y.
axisDirection )
eAxisDirection, see the appendix.
SetHoleSlotLength ( double length ) Sets the hole’s slot length.
SetExtendedParameter ( double sunkDepth, Sets the extended hole pattern information, that
double headDiameter, double alpha_e, means the parameters for hole types.
eHoleTapping tapping )
eHoleTapping, see the appendix.
74
5.5.44 SpecialPart
SpecialPart – methods and properties
Weight (property) Gets or sets the special part weight.
CenterPoint (property – get) Gets the special part’s center point
CS (property) Gets or sets the special part’s coordinate system
BlockName (property – get) Gets the special part’s block name.
Length (property – get) Gets the special part’s length.
Width (property – get) Gets the special part’s width.
Depth (property – get) Gets the special part’s depth.
Scale (property) Gets or sets the special part’s scale.
PaintArea (property – get) Gets the special part’s paint area.
SetBlockByFile (string filename, double Sets the special part block and scale using the
scaleFactor, Boolean bOverrideIfExists) input parameters filename (block’s filename) and
scaleFactor. The block’s file is overridden if it
already exists depending on the
bOverrideIfExists setting.
5.5.45 PositionMarkCreator
PositionMarkCreator – methods and properties
MarkProcessType (property – get) Returns an ePosMarkType data.
ePosMarkType, see the appendix.
IsUniqueInTheModel ( eNumbering where, Returns True or False.
string number )
eNumbering, see the appendix.
GetAsInternalFormat ( long number ) Returns a string – internal format.
IsInternalNumber ( string number ) Returns True or False.
GetStartAtForSingleParts ( eClassType Returns a long data value.
objectClassType )
GetStartAtForMainParts ( eClassType Returns a long data value.
objectClassType )
75
GetDeltaForSingleParts ( eClassType Returns a long data value.

objectClassType )
GetDeltaForMainParts ( eClassType Returns a long data value.
objectClassType )
UpdateStartAtForSingleParts ( eClassType For information about possible values of
objectClassType, long startAt ) eClassType, see the appendix.
UpdateStartAtForMainParts ( eClassType For information about possible values of
objectClassType, long startAt ) eClassType, see the appendix.
UpdateDeltaForSingleParts ( eClassType For information about possible values of
objectClassType, long delta ) eClassType, see the appendix.
UpdateDeltaForMainParts ( eClassType For information about possible values of
objectClassType, long delta ) eClassType, see the appendix.
getNumberWithTokens (string methodNumber) Used in numbering scripts to get the number with
tokens from an input method number.
Property PositionMarkCreator.UseTemplateType
must be set first to either kSinglePart or
kMainPart.
Template () Returns the template used when creating a new
number.
Property PositionMarkCreator.UseTemplateType
must be set first to either kSinglePart or
kMainPart.
5.5.46 PositionMarkFactory
PositionMarkFactory – methods and properties
getNumber ( EqualPartObject equalPartObject, Returns as a string the number that will be
PositionMarkCreator positionMarkCreator ) associated to the specified object in the specified
numbering context.
updateNumber ( EqualPartObject Updates the number associated to the object.
equalPartObject, PositionMarkCreator
positionMarkCreator )
5.5.47 AstCommand
AstCommand – methods and properties
doIt ( VARIANT reserved ) Execute the command.
5.5.48 BoltHoleDefinition
BoltHoleDefinition – methods and properties
HoleType (property) Gets or sets the hole type as an eHoleType data.
eHoleType, see the appendix.
HoleTolerance (property) Gets or sets the hole tolerance.
76
HoleDirection (property) Gets or sets the hole direction as an

eAxisDirection data.
eAxisDirection, see the appendix.
HoleSlotLength (property) Gets or sets the hole slot length.
HoleOffset (property) Gets or sets the hole offset.
HoleSunkDepth (property) Gets or sets the hole sunk depth.
HoleHeadDiameter (property) Gets or sets the hole head diameter.
HoleAlpha_e (property) Gets or sets the hole alpha_e parameter.
HoleTapping (property) Gets or sets the hole tapping as an eHoleTapping
data.
eHoleTapping, see the appendix.
5.5.49 AstUI
The following notes should be taken into account when working with AstUserInteraction methods:
a) Working with keywords input
The methods AcquirePoint( ), AcquireDistance( ), AcquireDouble( ), AcquireInteger( ),
AcquireUserOption( ), AcquireSingleObject( ), AcquireSingleObjectWithPoint( ),
AcquireBeamWithEnd( ) allow keywords user input. In order to enable the usage of keywords the
following steps must be accomplished:
 An array of accepted keywords must be constructed. The elements in the array must be of long
and represent GUI-PRP numbers. Note: Visual Basic developers must declare explicitly the
bounds of the array. (Ex.: Dim kwdsArr(1 To 3) As Long).
 Before calling the AcquireXXX() method, the SetKeywords() method must be called, passing it
the keywords array.
 All AcquireXXX() methods mentioned above have an “out” parameter eUIErrorCodes&
outErrCode which returns an error code representing the user input. This parameter must be
inspected after the call to AcquireXXX(). If the parameter has the “kKwd” value, it means the user
has entered a valid keyword.
 To find out the keyword entered, the GetSelectedKeyword( ) must be called. This method will
return the index of the selected keyword in the keywords array. Note that after each call to an
AcquireXXX() the keywords array is cleared.
77
The following is a very simple Visual Basic sample, illustrating the usage of keywords:
Private Sub IRule_Query(ByVal pAstUI As AstSTEELAUTOMATIONLib.IAstUI)
‘…
‘Aquire a point or a keyword
Dim inputPoint As New Point3d
Dim keys(1 To 2) As Long
Dim rubberStPnt As New Point3d
Dim errCode As eUIErrorCodes
rubberStPnt.Create 0, 0, 0
‘First keyword – GUI-PRP-10000
keys(1) = 10000
‘Second keyword – GUI-PRP-10001
keys(2) = 10001
pAstUI.SetKeywords keys
inputPoint = pAstUI.AcquirePoint(True, rubberStPnt, True, True, 5000, errCode)
Dim selIndex As Integer

Dim selectedKword
‘Test the user input and get the selected keyword
If errCode = kKwd Then
selIndex = pAstUI.GetSelectedKeyword
selectedKword = keys(selIndex)
Else
‘….
End If
‘….
End Sub
b) Working with object filters

The methods AcquireSingleObject( ), AcquireMultipleObjects( ) and AcquireSingleObjectWithPoint( )
work with class filters for specifying the valid entities for the selection. For a correct usage of these
methods the following steps must be performed:
 A class filter must be obtained from AstUI by calling the GetClassFilter method of AstUI interface.
 The class filter must be empty for safe usage. Therefore, the ClearClassFilter method must be
the very next method called after getting the class filter.
 The class filter must be filled with the desired classes which should be accepted as valid by the
object selection methods. This can be done by calling the AppendAcceptedClass method of the
ClassFilter interface, passing it an eClassType value. For information about possible values of
 The object selection method should be called. Any object selected whose class is not appended in
the class filter, will be rejected.
78
The following is a simple Visual Basic sample illustrating the selection of one beam:
Private Sub IRule_Query(ByVal pAstUI As AstSTEELAUTOMATIONLib.IAstUI)
‘…
Dim inputBeam As StraightBeam
Dim clsFilter As ClassFilter
Dim errCode As UIErrorCodes
'Get a class filter object from AstUI

Set clsFilter = pAstUI.GetClassFilter
'Clear the class filter
pAstUI.ClearClassFilter
'Append the beam straight class as an accepted class for this filter
clsFilter.AppendAcceptedClass kBeamStraightClass
'Call the aquire method

Set inputBeam = pAstUI.AcquireSingleObject(83008, errCode)
'Inspect the error code returned

If errCode = kNormal Then
'The selection was OK - the user selected a beam.
‘…
End If
‘…
End Sub
79
AstUI – methods and properties

AcquirePoint (Boolean inWithRubberBand, Pauses for user input of a point, and returns the
Point3d rubberStartPoint, Boolean value of the selected point. Arguments:
inRubberStartPtInWCS, Boolean
- inWithRubberBand – specifies whether a
inResPointInWCS, int nPrompt, eUIErrorCodes&
helper rubber-band should be displayed for
outErrCode)
selecting the point;
- rubberStartPoint – the rubber-band start point
(the rubber-band will be drawn between this point
and the current crosshair position);
- inRubberStartPtInWCS – if set to True then the
rubberStartPoint is considered to be in WCS,
otherwise it is in UCS;
- inResPointInWCS – if set to True then the
result point will be in WCS, otherwise it is in UCS;
- nPrompt – string displayed by AcquirePoint,
before it pauses;
- outErrorCode – error code about the user
selection. It will be set to kNormal if the method
succeeds, kError if it fails or kCancel if the user
cancels the request. A prior call to SetKeywords
method can also enable keywords user input and
the kKwd and kNoResult error codes.
AcquireDistance ( int nPrompt, Pauses for user input of a linear distance and
eUIErrorCodes& outErrCode) returns the distance as a double value.
The nPrompt represents a string that
AcquireDistance displays before it pauses.
The user can specify the distance by entering a
number in the current units format. The user can
set the distance also by specifying two locations
on the graphics screen. CAD draws a rubber-
band line from the first point to the current
crosshair position to help the user visualize the
distance.
The outErrorCode represents an error code
about the user selection. It will be set to kNormal
if the method succeeds, kError if it fails or
kCancel if the user cancels the request. A prior
call to SetKeywords method can also enable
keywords user input and the kKwd and
kNoResult error codes.
AcquireDouble (int nPrompt, eUIErrorCodes& Pauses for user input of a double value and
outErrCode) returns the value entered.
AcquireDouble displays before it pauses.
80
AcquireInteger (int nPrompt, eUIErrorCodes& Pauses for user input of an integer value and
outErrCode) returns the value entered.
AcquireInteger displays before it pauses.
AcquireUserOption (int nPrompt, Pauses for user input of a keyword and returns
eUIErrorCodes& outErrCode) the selected keyword as a string value.
AcquireUserOption displays before it pauses.
The maximum length of the result string is 131
characters. Any characters beyond 131 are
discarded.
The user can enter the keyword from the
keyboard. The list of keywords that
AcquireUserOption() will accept is set by a prior
call to SetKeywords(). If the user enters a string
not specified in the call to SetKeywords(),CAD
displays an error message and tries again (and
redisplays prompt, if one was specified). If the
user types only [Return], AcquireUserOption()
returns an empty string.

keywords user input and the kNoResult error
code (if the user enters a null response or
arbitrary input).
The AcquireUserOption() function does not set
outErrorCode to kKwd. The kKwd value is used
only as a status (or error) code for other user-
input (AcquireXXX()) functions.
AcquireYesOrNo (int nPrompt, eUIErrorCodes& Pauses for a (Yes/No) input from the user and
outErrCode) returns True if the user entered Yes and False if
the user entered No (particular case of Acquire
UserOption method).
AcquireYesOrNo displays before it pauses.
The outErrCode parameter will return either
kUICancel if the user cancels the request, or
kUINormal otherwise.
81
AcquireSingleObject (int nPrompt, Prompts the user to select an entity and returns
eUIErrorCodes& outErrCode) the selected entity as an AstObject object. The
accepted entities types must be set using the
class filtering mechanism described above prior to
calling this method.
AcquireSingleObject displays before it pauses.
keywords user input and the kKwd error code.
AcquireMultipleObjects (int nPrompt, Prompts the user to select multiple entities and
eUIErrorCodes& outErrCode) returns the selected entities as an AstObjectArr
object. The accepted entities types must be set
using the class filtering mechanism described
above prior to calling this method.
AcquireSingleObject displays before it pauses.
or kNoResult, according to the user selection
AcquireSingleObjectWithPoint (int nPrompt, Prompts the user to select an entity and returns
eUIErrorCodes& outErrCode, Point3d& the selected entity as an AstObject object. The
pickPoint) accepted entities types must be set using the
class filtering mechanism described above prior to
calling this method.
AcquireSingleObjectWithPoint displays before
it pauses.
The pickPoint parameter will contain the point
picked when the entity is selected.
82
AcquireBeamWithEnd (int nPrompt, Prompts the user to select a beam at the desired
eUIErrorCodes& outErrCode, eBeamEnd& end and returns the selected beam as an
BeamEnd) AstObject object.
AcquireBeamWithEnd displays before it pauses.
The BeamEnd out parameter will contain the
closest end of beam to the point picked when the
beam was selected.
PrintMessage(int nPrompt) Prints a message in the CAD command window.
The nPrompt argument specifies the message to
display.
SetKeywords (SAFEARRAY(long) Initializes the keywords list to be used by the next
inKeywordsArr) call of one of the following user input functions:
AcquirePoint( ), AcquireDistance( ),
AcquireDouble( ), AcquireInteger( ),
AcquireUserOption( ), AcquireSingleObject( ),
AcquireSingleObjectWithPoint( ),
AcquireBeamWithEnd( ).
The input parameters represent an array of
prompts, each one of them representing one valid
keyword.
For more details, please see the above comments
in the Working with keywords input section.
GetSelectedKeyword ( ) Returns the index of the selected keyword in the
keywords array. For more details, please see the
above comments, in the Working with keywords
input section.
GetClassFilter ( ); Returns a ClassFilter object for filtering objects.
Class filters are used for object selection methods
such as AcquireSingleObject( ),
AcquireMultipleObjects( ) and
AcquireSingleObjectWithPoint( ). For more
details, please see the above comments, in the
Working with object filters section.
ClearClassFilter ( ) Empties the class filter, rejecting all accepted
classes.
83
5.5.50 RulePage
RulePage – methods and properties
hWnd (property) Gets or sets the page window handle as long.
title (property) Gets or sets the page title – prompt number.
5.5.51 RulePageArray
RulePageArray – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the RulePage at the specified index in
the array.
Add ( RulePage page ) Appends a new RulePage in the array.
Clear ( ) Empty the array.
5.5.52 PropertySheetData
PropertySheetData – methods and properties
FirstPageBitmapIndex (property) Gets or sets the bitmap index of the bitmap to
display on the “Properties” page of the joint.
SheetPrompt (property) Gets or sets the global sheet prompt of the joint.
ResizeOption (property) Gets or sets the page dimensions as an
eGUIDimension data.
eGUIDimension, see the appendix.
5.5.53 HRLJoint
HRLJoint – methods and properties
CreatedObjects (property – get) Returns as an AstObjectsArr the objects created
by the HRL joint.
All these objects must be added to the created
objects of the new API joint, along with the HRL
joint.
AddInputParamInt ( int param ) Adds an int parameter for the HRL joint start.
AddInputParamDouble ( double param ) Adds a double parameter for the HRL joint start.
AddInputParamString ( string param ) Adds a string parameter for the HRL joint start.
AddInputParamPoint ( Point3d param ) Adds a Point3d parameter for the HRL joint start.
AddInputParamVector ( Vector3d param ) Adds a Vector3d parameter for the HRL joint start.
AddInputObject ( EqualPartObject inputObj, int Adds an object parameter for the HRL joint start.
nGroupId )
RunPlayPart ( ) Run the HRL joint.
84
5.5.54 Joint
Joint – methods and properties
InputObjects (property) Gets or sets the joint input objects as an
AstObjectArr object.
CreatedObjects (property) Gets or sets the joint created objects as an
AstObjectArr object.
Updateable (property) Gets or sets if this joint is automatically updated.
Units (property – get) Returns an IAstUnitsManager object.
CreationStatus (property) Gets or sets the joint creation status. Setting it to
FALSE will result in a joint “red box” situation. The
objects created by the joint until the error
occurred will be deleted and the old objects will
be available.
UpdateDrivenConstruction ( ) Updates the joint.
CreateSubrule ( string subRuleName ) Creates and returns a Rule object.
SaveData ( Rule rule ) Saves data to joint.
LoadData ( Rule rule ) Loads data from joint.
CreateStraightBeam ( string className, string Creates a straight beam and returns a
sectionName, Role beamRole, Point3d StraightBeam object.
startPoint, Point3d endPoint, CS3d inputCS )
The beam’s className and sectionName are the
internal names for the section.
className = value from
sectionName = from the definition table for
className, value of column SectionName
(section internal name)
CreateBentBeam ( string className, string Creates a curved beam and returns a BentBeam
sectionName, Role beamRole, Point3d object.
startPoint, Point3d endPoint, Point3d
anyArcPoint, double angle )
CreateUnfoldedBeam ( AugPolyline3d Creates an unfolded beam and returns an
polylineSect, Role beamRole, Point3d startPoint, UnfoldedBeam object.
Point3d endPoint, CS3d inputCS )
The beam’s cross-section is defined by the
polyline, and the system line of the beam passes
through the first point of the polyline.
85
CreateUnfoldedBeamWCS (AugPolyline3d Creates an unfolded beam and returns an

polyLine, CS3d polyLineCS, Role pRole, Point3d UnfoldedBeam object.
pt0, Point3d pt1, CS3d InputCS)
The beam’s cross-section is defined by the
polyline together with its coordinate system, and
the system line of the beam is defined by pt0 and
pt1 points.
CreatePlatePoly ( Role plateRole, Creates a plate with the shape of the
AugPolygon3d baseContour, double thickness ) AugPolygon3d and Returns a Plate object.
CreatePlateRectangular(Role pRole, double Creates and returns a rectangular Plate object
dLength, double dWidth, double dThickness, with the specified length, width and thickness in
CS3d cs) the specified coordinate system. The center of the
plate will be in the origin of the given coordinate
system.
CreateWeld ( Role weldRole, eWeldType Creates and returns a Weld object.
weldType, double thickness, Point3d location,
CS3d inputCS )
CreateBoltInfinitRectSlope ( Role boltRole, Returns an AstObjectsArr object.
string material, string norm, Vector3d
Creates one or more bolt patterns depending on
slopeVect, double wx_dim, double wy_dim,
the slope vector.
double dx_dim, double dy_dim, double nx_dim,
double ny_dim, double diameter, CS3d inputCS The slope vector could be thought of as the axis
) of a beam which is to be connected by an end
plate, which in turn uses bolts.
Ideally, the slope vector equals z(CS). If the slope
vector will equal z(bolt), no deflection is
necessary.
Typically here, there is a slope, i.e. an x or y
component in terms of the bolt system.
Infinite rectangular patterns are created.
CreateBoltInfinitMid ( Role boltRole, string Creates a bolt pattern of type infinite, centered.
material, string norm, double dx_dim, double
The center of the bolt pattern is at the origin of the
dy_dim, double nx_dim, double ny_dim, double
specified CS.
diameter, CS3d inputCS )
dx_dim: distance between bolts in the X direction
dy_dim: distance between bolts in the Y direction
nx_dim: number of bolts in the X direction
ny_dim: number of bolts in the Y direction
Returns a Bolt object.
CreateGeomUtils () Creates an instance of IGeomUtils.

Save () Save all joint parameters into the filer.
Load Load joint parameters from the input filer.
86
CreateBoltInfinitRect ( Role boltRole, string Creates a bolt pattern of type infinite, rectangular.
material, string norm, double wx_dim, double The center of the bolt pattern is at the origin of the
wy_dim, double dx_dim, double dy_dim, double specified CS.
nx_dim, double ny_dim, double diameter, CS3d
wx_dim: edge distance in the X direction
inputCS )
wy_dim: edge distance in the Y direction
CreateBoltFinitRect ( Role boltRole, string Creates a bolt pattern of type finite, rectangular.
material, string norm, double wx_dim, double
The center of the bolt pattern is at the origin of the
wy_dim, double dx_dim, double dy_dim, double
specified CS.
nx_dim, double ny_dim, double diameter, CS3d
inputCS ) wx_dim: edge distance in the X direction
wy_dim: edge distance in the Y direction
CreateCircularBoltPattern(Role boltRole, string Creates a circular bolt pattern.

material, string norm, double radius, int
numberOfBolts, double diameter, CS3d inputCS)
CreateObjectsArray ( ) Creates and returns an AstObjectsArr object.
Advance Steel objects can be appended in the
array.
CreateRole ( string roleName ) Creates and returns a Role object with the
specified name.
CreateJointTransfer (string name) Creates and returns a JointTransfer object with
the specified name.
Use a JointTransfer object when you want the
Model role to be editable in a created object's
properties dialog box.
87
CreateBlock ( AstObjectsArr fromObjects, Creates a block from the elements in the array.
string path, string blockName, Boolean These objects can be deleted after the block is
deleteSourceObjects, Point3d blockOrigin ) created, depending on the value of
deleteSourceObjects. You must NOT add these
elements to the array of created objects of the
joint if they will be deleted when creating the
block.
The created block can now be inserted as a
special part using the CreateSpecialPart method.
Returns the real name (as a string) with what the
block was created in the drawing. This name must
be passed as a parameter to the
CreateSpecialPart method.
The origin of the block will be set in the
blockOrigin point.
CreateSpecialPart ( Role spRole, double scale, Creates and returns a SpecialPart object.
string realBlockName, CS3d inputCS )
For the insertion point, the inputCS origin must be
correctly specified.
CreateStudShearConnector ( Role role, CS3d Creates and returns a StudShear object.
inputCS, ePatternArranger arrangerType,
The center of the stud shear pattern is at the
AstObject connectedObj )
origin of the specified CS.
CreateBoltHoleParameter ( ) Creates and returns a BoltHoleDefinition object.

This object can be used to change the holes
created by a bolt.
CreateHRLSubJoint ( string HRLsubruleName ) Creates and returns a HRLJoint object. You can
now fill the info needed in this object and call its
RunPlayPart method.
GetUCS ( ) Returns the current UCS.
CreateStructuralBox ( CS3d inputCS, double Creates and returns a StructuralBox object.
boxDepth, double boxWidth, double boxHeight )
The parameters for creation must be:
boxDepth – dimension on inputCS Z axis
boxWidth – dimension on inputCS X axis
boxHeight – dimension on inputCS Y axis
CreateFiler ( ) Creates and returns a Filer object. You must use
this object if you want to call as a subjoint another
joint written with the new API.
In order to call a new API joint as a subjoint,
check the examples in the appendix.
GetHostApplication ( ) Returns an Object representing the running
instance of the host application.
CreateAstColor (eAstColorMethod Creates and returns an AstColor object. The
colorMethod) given parameter for the creation must be the color
method for the new color.
eAstColorMethod, see the appendix.
88
CreatePolyBeam ( string sectClass, string Creates and returns a PolyBeam object.

Name, Role pRole, AugPolyline3d line,
Vector3d vecRefOrientation, Vector3d zVec)
line – defines the new polybeam’s polyline
zVec – defines the Z direction of the polyline.
CreatePolyPlateFolded (Role pRole, Created and returns a polygonal Folded Plate
AugPolygon3d poly, double thickness) object.
CreateRectangularPlateFolded (Role pRole, Creates and returns a rectangular Folded Plate
double dLength, double dWidth, double object with the specified length, width and
dThickness, CS3d cs) thickness and in the specified coordinate system.
The center of the folded plate will be in the origin
of the coordinate system.
DisplayMessage ( long GUIPromptNumber, Display a message in a message box or in the
bool DisplayBox ) CAD command window.
CreateStructuralSingle3GFrameSymm (CS3d Creates and returns a structural single 3G
pCS, double dHeight, double dWidth, double symmetrical frame with the specified height, width
dRHeight) and roof height, in the specified coordinate
system.
CreateStructuralSingleSlopeFrame (CS3d Creates and returns a structural single slope
pCS, double dHeight, double dWidth) frame with the specified height and width, in the
specified coordinate system.
CreateStructuralMultipleSimpleFrame (CS3d Creates and returns a structural multiple simple
pCS, double dHeight, double dWidth, int frames with the specified number of fields, height
nFields) and width, in the specified coordinate system.
CreateStructuralMultipleTowerFrame (CS3d Creates and returns a structural multiple tower
pCS, double dBottomHeight, double dTopHeight, frames with the specified number of fields, top
double dWidth, int nFields) height, bottom height and width, in the specified
coordinate system.
5.5.55 Rule
The following methods and properties must be implemented in a new API joint. See the Architecture
chapter.
Rule – methods and properties

Joint (property) Gets or sets the joint object of this rule.
Query ( AstUI ui ) Prompts user for input with the help of AstUI and
adds the necessary entities to InputObjects of the
Joint.
InField ( Filer filer ) Reads data from the Joint through the Filer.
OutField ( Filer filer ) Saves data to the Joint through the Filer.
89
GetTableName ( ) Returns the name of the tabular parameters table

from the database.
CreateObjects ( ) This is where joints perform objects creation
steps.
GetUserPages ( RulePageArray pagesRet, Gets user pages of rule.
PropertySheetData pPropSheetData )
FreeUserPages ( ) Releases user pages.
GetExportData ( RuleExportFiler pExportFiler ) Data to be exported (obsolete).
ConvertFromHRL ( ConvertFiler filer, String This method must be written if the new joint was
OldHRLRuleName ) designed to replace and old HRL joint and the
developer intends to convert the old joint to the
new one.
The received filer is an incremental filer (just like
the AcDbDwgFiler of ACAD). Using this filer, all
parameters of the old rule are accessible. Also,
the conversion filer provides the rule version.
The method must return true if the conversion
was successful.
GetFeatureName ( string& FeatureName ) Returns True or False depending on license
feature usage for this rule.
The FeatureName parameter must be filled with
the license feature name, identical to the feature
name in the license file (if a feature is used for the
rule).
InvalidFeature ( int reserved ) Automatically called in the case of invalid feature
for the rule (if a feature is used).
Write your own code for such an event or simply
let this function do nothing.
5.5.56 Filer
Filer – methods and properties
readVersion ( ) Returns the current rule version.
writeVersion ( long version ) Sets the current rule version.
readItem ( string name ) Returns the data from the Filer with the specified
name.
writeItem ( VARIANT value, string name ) Writes the data to the Filer with the specified
name
GetItems () Returns all joint parameters map.
5.5.57 FilerItem
Filer – methods and properties
ItemKey ( ) Returns the joint parameter key.
ItemValue ( ) Returns the joint parameter value.
90
5.5.58 DbCursor
DbCursor – methods and properties
Key (property) Gets or sets the external database key.
AppendDataToTable ( ) Appends data into a new record.
IsSavingToTable ( Rule rule, bool& Sets bWillSaveToTable parameter to true if the filer
bWillSaveToTable ) will be used to store a record in the tabular
parameters table after the OutField method will be
finished (the context is: on sheet “Table”, the user
pushed the “Import” button).
Returns the value of the key at which the import will
be made (only values of type LONG will be returned).
5.5.59 Role
This object will be passed after it is created to almost all of the methods that create Advance Steel
objects. The role has mainly two “visible” applications: identify objects with identical geometry and
properties and set which of the properties created objects can be set by the user outside of the joint.
To define a complete role means to assign to the role a name, the class type of the objects it will be
applied to and to define which of the object’s properties will be editable outside the joint.
After setting the object class type, you have to specify which will be the editable attributes. In Visual
C++ syntax, this is what you have to do:
IRolePtr role; // role object

CString roleName("Test"); // role name
m_pCurJoint->CreateRole(roleName.AllocSysString(), &role); // create the role object
role->put_ClassType(kBeamStraightClass); // this role will be used when creating a straight beam
//set here all the properties which can be modified outside the joint
role->put_Attribute(kBeamMaterial, 1); //means the beam material can be set outside the joint
role->put_Attribute(kBeamCoating, 1); //other editable properties of object with this role…
In Visual Basic syntax:
'Role Object
Dim NewRole As Role
Dim RoleName As String = "Test"
NewRole = m_Joint.CreateRole(RoleName)
NewRole.ClassType = kBeamStraightClass 'this role will be used when creating a straight beam
'set here all the properties which can be modified outside the joint
NewRole.Attribute(kBeamMaterial) = 1
NewRole.Attribute(kBeamCoating) = 1
91
If a role attribute should not be modified outside the joint (this is the default state of attributes – read-
only), you could use:
role->put_Attribute(kBeamMaterial, 0); //means the beam material cannot be set outside the joint
NewRole.Attribute(kBeamMaterial) = 0 'means the beam material cannot be set outside the joint
Role – methods and properties

Name (property) Gets or sets the Role name.
ClassType (property) Gets or sets the Role class type as an
eClassType.
Attribute ( eAttributeCodes attr ) (property) Gets or sets the status of the Role’s specified
attribute.
eAttributeCodes, see the appendix.
5.5.60 AstObjectsArr
AstObjectsArr – methods and properties
Item ( VARIANT index ) (property – get) Returns the AstObject at the specified index in
the array.
Add ( AstObject object ) Appends a new AstObject in the array.
5.5.61 ClassFilter
ClassFilter – methods and properties
Count ( ) (property – get) Returns the number of accepted classes in the
class filter.
ElementAt (int Index) (property – get) Returns the class type at the specified index in
the class filter as an eClassType value.
AppendAcceptedClass ( eClassType Val) Appends the specified class type to the class
filter, as an accepted class.
Clear ( ) Empties the class filter, rejecting all classes in it.
5.5.62 AstColor
AstColor – methods and properties
ColorMethod ( ) (property) Gets or sets the color method for the color as an
eAstColorMethod value.
eAstColorMethod, see the appendix.
92
ColorIndex ( ) (property) Gets or sets the color index of an ACI color.

0 and 256 values have special meaning: 0
specifies ByBlock color and 256 specifies
ByLayer color.
Red ( ) (property) Gets or sets the Red value of a RGB color.
Green ( ) (property) Gets or sets the Green value of a RGB color.
Blue ( ) (property) Gets or sets the Blue value of a RGB color.
getRGBColor (int& red, int& green, int& blue) Gets the values of red, green and blue of a RGB
color.
setRGBColor (int red, int green, int blue) Sets the values of red, green and blue for a RGB
color.
isByACI ( ) Returns True for an ACI color and False
otherwise.
isByRGB ( ) Returns True for a RGB color and False
otherwise.
5.5.63 ExternalMethod
ExternalMethod – methods and properties
Run ( ) Implement here the command logic.
GetFeatureName ( string& FeatureName ) Must return True or False depending on license
feature usage for this command.
The FeatureName parameter must be filled with
the license feature name, identical to the feature
name in the license file (if a feature is used for the
command).
InvalidFeature ( int reserved ) Automatically called in the case of invalid feature
for the command (if a feature is used).
Write your own code for such an event or simply
let this function do nothing.
5.5.64 JointTransfer
JointTransfer – methods and properties
Id (property) Gets or sets the name (ID).
ClassType (property) Gets or sets the Role class type as an
eClassType.
Attribute ( eAttributeCodes attr ) (property) Gets or sets the status of the Role’s specified
attribute.
eAttributeCodes, see the appendix.
93
5.5.65 AstCreator
Very similar with the Joint interface in regards to its purpose.
All object creation methods are available, and are similar with the Joint methods.
AstCreator – methods and properties

CreateGeomUtils () Creates an instance of IGeomUtils.
94
6 Chapter 6
Appendix – Common data and types
6.1 Profiles Access data
eProfCommonData
kHeight 1 Section height
kWidth 2 Section width
kWeb 3 Web thickness
kFlange 4 Flange thickness
kRadiusWeb 5 Inner radius web/flange
kRadiusFlange 6 Outer radius flange
kFlangeWx1 7 Marker line along the section X-
axis, distance from the physical
center to the right
kFlangeWx2 8 Second marker line along the
section X-axis, distance from the
physical center to the right
kFlangeWy1 9 Marker line along the section Y-
center to the upper side
kFlangeWy2 10 Second marker line along the
section Y-axis, distance from the
physical center to the upper side
kFlangeWy3 11 Third marker line along the
section Y-axis, distance from the
physical center to the upper side
kEx 12 Eccentricity against the section X-
center to the left
kEy 13 Eccentricity against the section Y-
center to the lower side
kExWeb 14
eProfRefAxis
kUpperLeft 0
kUpperSys 1
kUpperRight 2
kMidLeft 3
kSysSys 4
kMidRight 5
kLowerLeft 6
kLowerSys 7
kLowerRight 8
kUpperWeb 101
kSysWeb 104
kLowerWeb 107
eProfStiffenerType
kFull 1 Full stiffener
kHalf 2 Half stiffener
eProfStiffenerGen
kGeneric 0
kGenDefault 1
kExplicit 2
eProfVertexType
kPVTNone 0
kRadius 1 concave
kFillet 2 convex
kChamfer 3
eProfSnapType
kPSTFlangeMiddle 0
eProfGapMode
kGapNone 0
kGapGeneral 1
kGapFlangeOut 2
kGapWeb 3
kGapFlangeIn 4
kGapFace 10
kGapEqual 11
kGapEqualButFace 12
kGapEqualButFaceAside 13
kGapUnequal 21
kGapUnequalAndFace 22
97
6.2 SteelAutomation data
eWeldType
kFlangeButtWelding 1 Flange butt-welding joint
kIWeld 2 I weld
kVWeld 3 V weld
kHVWeld 4 HV weld
kYWeld 5 Y weld
kHYWeld 6 HY weld
kUWeld 7 U weld
kHUWeld 8 HU weld
kTWeld 9 Fillet weld
kPerforationWeld 10 Perforation weld
kSpotWeld 11 Spot weld
kLineWeld 12 Line weld
kSquareEdgeWeld 13 Square edge weld
kHalfSquareEdgeWeld 14 Half-square edge weld
kFrontFlushWeld 15 Front flush weld
kProfileWeld 16 Profile weld
kSlantWeld 17 Slant weld
kSeamWeld 18 Seam weld
kResufaceWeld 19 Resurface weld
kCounterWeld 20 Counter weld
kFlangeButtWeldingJointWithCounterWeld 1001 Flange butt-welding joint with
counter weld
kDIWeld 1002 Combi welding D-I
kVWeldWithCounterWeld 1003 Combi welding V-Weld with
counter weld
kXWeld 1004 Combi welding X
kKWeld 1005 Combi welding K
kDYWeld 1006 Combi welding D-Y
kKWebWeld 1007 Combi welding K-web weld
kDUWeld 1008 Combi welding D-U
kDHUWeld 1009 Combi welding D-HU
kVUWeld 1010 Combi welding V-U
kDoubleFilletWeld 1011 Combi welding double fillet weld
98
eWeldSeam
kUpperSeam 0 Upper weld seam
kLowerSeam 1 Lower weld seam
eWeldSurface
kUndefined 0
kFlat 1
kConcav 2
kConvex 3
eWeldSeamExecType
kUndefinedType 0
kRootElaborated 1
kSeamSmoothed 2
kSeamTransitionsWrought 3
kAddendumUsed 4
kPadUsed 5
ePatternArranger
kCircularArranger 1 Circular, the CS origin is the
midpoint of the arranger.
kRectangularArranger 2 Rectangular, the CS origin is the
midpoint for the arranger
kBoundedArrangerAll 3 Bounded, the CS origin is the
midpoint of the arranger
kBoundedArrangerLowerLeft 4 Bounded, the CS origin is the
lower left point of the arranger
eGUIDimension
kStandard 0 Standard dialog pages dimension
kBig 1 25% increased size
eAssembleLocation
kOnSite 0
kInShop 1
eBeamEnd
kBeamStart 1
kBeamEnd 2
99
eBeamSide
kUpperSide 1
kLowerSide 2
eHoleTapping
kHoleTappingLeft 0
kHoleTappingRight 1
eNumbering
kSingle 0
kMain 1
kBoth 2
ePosMarkType
kPosMarkUndefined 0
kSinglePart 1
kMainPart 2
eClassType
kUnknownClass 0 Generic
kBeamClass 200 Beam
kBeamStraightClass 203 Straight Beam
kBeamShorteningClass 206 Beam Shortening
kBeamNotchStdClass 210 Standard Beam Notch
kBeamContourNotchClass 212 Beam Contour Notch
kBeamMultiContourNotch 213 Beam Multi-Contour Notch
kBeamBentClass 214 Curved Beam
kBeamUnfoldedClass 215 Unfolded Beam
kBeamCompoundClass 216 Compound Beam
kBeamStraightCompoundClass 217 Compound Straight Beam
kBeamPolyClass 218 Poly Beam
kBeamNotchExClass 219 Extended Beam Notch
kPlateClass 300 Plate
kPlateFeatVertChamfer 303 Plate Chamfer
kPlateFeatVertFillet 304 Plate Fillet
100
kPlateFeatContour 305 Plate Contour Feature

kPlateContourNotch 306 Plate Contour Notch
kPlateWeldingPreparation 307 Plate Welding Preparation
kPlateWeldingBevel 308 Plate Welding Bevel
kPlateWeldingFillet 309 Plate Welding Fillet
kPlateFoldRelationClass 313 Plate Fold Relation
kPlateFoldedClass 314 Folded Plate
kBoltPattern 400 Bolt Pattern
kScrewBoltPattern 401 Screw Bolt Pattern
kCircleScrewBoltPattern 402 Circle Screw Bolt Pattern
kCountableScrewBoltPattern 403 Countable Screw Bolt Pattern
kFinitrectScrewBoltPattern 404 Finite Rect Screw Bolt Pattern
kInfinitrectScrewBoltPattern 405 Infinite Rect Screw Bolt Pattern
kInfinitmidScrewBoltPattern 406 Infinite Mid Screw Bolt Pattern
kWeldPattern 800 Weld Pattern
kAstWeldLevel1 801 Use this class for weld’s model
roles.
kHoleFeat 1000 Hole
kHoleBeam 1001 Beam hole
kHolePlate 1002 Plate hole
kSpecialPartWithBlock 1100 Special Part
kUserDefinedCS 1204 User Defined CS
kUserDefinedPoint 1205 User Defined Point
eFilletTypes
kFillet_Convex 0
kFillet_Concav 1
kFillet_Undefined 2
eBeamTag
kThisSide 0
kOtherSide 1
eBeamReprType
kOffMode 0
kBeamMode 1
kFeatMode 2
kRodMode 3
101
kSymbolMode 4
eRuleExportDataType
kGUIPrompt 0 GUI/PRP message
kUPSPrompt 1 UPS/PRP message
kBitmap 2 bitmaps
kTable 3 Tables (excluding tabular
parameters tables)
kSubRule 4 Subrules (written with new API)
eHoleType Possible parameter

kHole 1 Diameter
kSlottedHole 2 Diameter, slot length, slot direction
kCounterSunk 3 Diameter , sunk depth, alpha_e
kBlindHole 4 Diameter, head diameter, depth
kThreadHole 5 Diameter, sunk depth, alpha_e, tapping
kSunkBolt 6 Diameter, sunk depth, head diameter,
alpha_e
kPunchMark 7 Diameter
eAxisDirection
kXDirection 1
kYDirection 2
eAttributeCodes
kBeamDenotation
kBeamMaterial
kBeamCoating
kBeamSinglePartNumber
kBeamMainPartNumber
kBeamSinglePartPrefix
kBeamMainPartPrefix
kBeamReferenceAxis
kBeamReferenceAxis_Y
kBeamReferenceAxis_Z
kBeamAngle
kBeamSection
kBeamOffset_Y
kBeamOffset_Z
102
kBeamRole
kBeamSystemlineRadius
kBeamAssembly
kBeamNote
kBeamItemNumber
kBeamSinglePartDetailStyle
kBeamMainPartDetailStyle
kBeamDeviation
kBeamMirroredCrossSection
kBeamSPUsedForCollisionCheck
kBeamSPUsedForNumbering
kBeamSPDisplayRestriction
kBeamSPExplicitQuantity
kBeamMPUsedForCollisionCheck
kBeamMPUsedForNumbering
kBeamMPDisplayRestriction
kBeamMPExplicitQuantity
kBeamUnfoldedThickness
kBeamUnfoldedPortioning
kBeamUnfoldedCrossSection
kPlateThickness
kPlatePortioning
kPlateLength
kPlateWidth
kPlateRadius
kPlateLengthIncrement
kPlateRadiusIncrement
kPlateDenotation
kPlateMaterial
kPlateCoating
kPlateSinglePartNumber
kPlateMainPartNumber
kPlateSinglePartPrefix
kPlateMainPartPrefix
kPlateTopInPositive_Z_Direction
kPlateRole
kPlateAssembly
103
kPlateNote
kPlateItemNumber
kPlateSinglePartDetailStyle
kPlateMainPartDetailStyle
kPlateType
kPlateOffset
kPlateSPUsedForCollisionCheck
kPlateSPUsedForNumbering
kPlateSPDisplayRestriction
kPlateSPExplicitQuantity
kPlateMPUsedForCollisionCheck
kPlateMPUsedForNumbering
kPlateMPDisplayRestriction
kPlateMPExplicitQuantity
kContourNotchLength
kContourNotchWidth
kContourNotchRadius
kContourNotchLengthIncrement
kContourNotchRadiusIncrement
kContourNotchGap
kContourNotchOffset
kContourNotch_Z_Clipping
kFeatContourLength
kFeatContourWidth
kFeatContourRadius
kFeatContourLengthIncrement
kFeatContourRadiusIncrement
kFeatContourGap
kFeatContourOffset
kChamferLength
kChamferWidth
kChamferLengthIncrement
kFilletRadius
kFilletRadiusIncrement
104
kFilletFilletType
kCircularBoltPatternNumberOfScrews
kCircularBoltPatternRadius
kNonRadialScrewBoltPatternNumberOfScrews_X_Direction
kNonRadialScrewBoltPatternNumberOfScrews_Y_Direction
kNonRadialScrewBoltPatternInnerScrewDistance_X_Direction
kNonRadialScrewBoltPatternInnerScrewDistance_Y_Direction
kNonRadialScrewBoltPatternOuterScrewDistance_X_Direction
kNonRadialScrewBoltPatternOuterScrewDistance_Y_Direction
kNonRadialScrewBoltPatternTotalLength_X_Direction
kNonRadialScrewBoltPatternTotalWidth_Y_Direction
kBoltPatternCommonDiameter
kBoltPatternCommonHoles
kBoltPatternCommonLength
kBoltPatternCommonGripLength
kBoltPatternCommonGripLengthAddition
kBoltPatternCommonHoleTolerance
kBoltPatternCommonStandard
kBoltPatternCommonGarnitur
kBoltPatternCommonAssembleLocation
kBoltPatternCommonMaterial
kBoltPatternCommonCoating
kBoltPatternCommonRole
kBoltPatternCommonDenotation
kBoltPatternCommonNote
kBoltPatternCommonAssembly
kBoltPatternCommonItemNumber
kBoltPatternCommonIgnoreMaxGap
kBoltPatternCommonInvertAble
kBoltPatternCommonSPUsedForCollisionCheck
kBeamShorteningReferenceLength
kBeamShorteningAngle_Y
kBeamShorteningAngle_Z
105
kBeamContourNotchLength
kBeamContourNotchWidth
kBeamContourNotchRadius
kBeamContourNotchLengthIncrement
kBeamContourNotchRadiusIncrement
kBeamContourNotchGap
kBeamContourNotchOffset
kBeamContourNotch_Z_Clipping
kWeldPatternAdditionalText
kWeldPatternThickness
kWeldPatternLowerDistance
kWeldPatternSeamType
kWeldPatternSeamExecuting
kWeldPatternSeamShape
kWeldPatternAssembleLocation
kWeldPatternSeamLength
kWeldPatternIsClosed
kSpecialPartMaterial
kSpecialPartCoating
kSpecialPartSinglePartNumber
kSpecialPartMainPartNumber
kSpecialPartSinglePartPrefix
kSpecialPartMainPartPrefix
kSpecialPartDenotation
kSpecialPartAssembly
kSpecialPartNote
kSpecialPartItemNumber
kSpecialPartRole
kSpecialPartWeight
kSpecialPartBlockName
kSpecialPartScale
kSpecialPartSPUsedForCollisionCheck
kSpecialPartSPUsedForNumbering
kSpecialPartSPDisplayRestriction
kSpecialPartSPExplicitQuantity
kSpecialPartMPUsedForCollisionCheck
106
kSpecialPartMPUsedForNumbering
kSpecialPartMPDisplayRestriction
kSpecialPartMPExplicitQuantity
kHolePatternDiameter
kHolePatternType
kHolePatternSlotDirection
kHolePatternSlotLength
kHolePatternSunkDepth
kHolePatternHeadDiameter
kHolePatternAlpha_E
kHolePatternTapping
kHolePatternArrangementRadius
kHolePatternArrangementNumberOfElements
kHolePatternArrangement_D_X
kHolePatternArrangement_D_Y
kHolePatternArrangement_N_X
kHolePatternArrangement_N_Y
kHolePatternArrangement_W_X
kHolePatternArrangement_W_Y
kHolePatternArrangementLength
kHolePatternArrangementWidth
kConnectorPatternStandard
kConnectorPatternMaterial
kConnectorPatternCoating
kConnectorPatternArrangementRadius
kConnectorPatternArrangementNumberOfElements
kConnectorPatternArrangement_D_X
kConnectorPatternArrangement_D_Y
kConnectorPatternArrangement_N_X
kConnectorPatternArrangement_N_Y
kConnectorPatternArrangement_W_X
kConnectorPatternArrangement_W_Y
kConnectorPatternArrangementLength
kConnectorPatternArrangementWidth
107
kConnectorElementLength
kConnectorElementDiameter
eValueType
kRelative 0 Relative value of Y
kAbsolute 1 Absolute value of Y
eUIErrorCodes
kNormal 0 Request succeeded
kError 1 Error
kCancel 2 User canceled request – Ctrl-C
kRejected 3 CAD rejected request – invalid
kKwd 4 Keyword returned
kInputTruncated 5 Input did not fit in the buffer
kNoResult 6 No Result
eContourTypes
kRectangle 0 Rectangular contour
kCircle 1 Circle
kPoly 2 Polygonal contour
kContourUndefined 3 Undefined contour
eNotchCornerType
kStraight 0 Straight notch corner
kRound 1 Round notch corner
kBoringOut 2 Boring out notch corner
eAstColorMethod
kAstColorByACI 0 Color defined by CAD Color Index
kAstColorByRGB 1 Color defined by Red, Green and
Blue value
eArcType
kFullCircle 0 Complete circle
kSimpleArc 1 Simple arc
kBadArc 2 Bad arc
eVertexInfoType
108
kNoProcessing -1 Simple vertex – no arc information

kArcInfo 0 Arc information
ePolyValidity
kVUnknown 0 Unknown validity
kVOk 1 Valid
kVSelfIntersecting 2 Self-intersecting
kVLessVertices 3 Too less vertices
eNotchXRotation
kXRotAroundNotch 0 Rotation around an axis which is
parallel to the beam’s axis and
intersects the notch’s axis.
kXRotAroundBeam 1 Rotation around beam’s axis
eStructHeight
kSTop 0 Top
kSFromTop 1 From Top
kSFromBottom 2 From Bottom
kSBetween 3 Between
6.3 Util Facet data
eType
kAModeler 0
kAcis 1
kBodyUnknown 2
109
eBodyContext - for more information about these values please see next pages
kBodyNormal 0 Used in a getAstModeler call, will
return a body with features
kBodyDetailed 1
kBodyHull 2
kBodyUnNotched 3 Use if you intend to make
intersections of the body with
lines, arcs, etc.
Returns a body without features.
kBodyNotchedHullBox 4
kBodySymbol 5
kBodyCollision 6
kBodyDetailing 7
kbodyExactDetailing 8
kBodyOverviewDetailing 9
kBodyOverviewDetailingExact 10
kBodyGTENormal 11
kBodyGTEDetailed 12
kBodyNC 13
kBodyTubeEndDev 14
110
The following table illustrates the COM-API body contexts parameters:
Context Hull With Detailed Welding Collision Exact Symbol Exact Profile Deviation Facets Default Name Note
Features Feature Preps. Section Number
kBodyNormal No Yes No No No No No No 1.0 16 -
kBodyDetailing No Yes No No No No No No 1.0 16 - same as

kBodyNormal
kBodyGTEDetailed No Yes No No No No No No 1.0 16 - obsolete
kBodyDetailed No Yes Yes No No Yes No No 1.0 16 -

kBodyHull Yes Yes No No No No No No 1.0 16 -
kBodyNotchedHullBox Yes Yes No No No No No No 1.0 16 - same as

kBodyHull
kBodyUnNotched No No No No No No No No 1.0 16 -
kBodySymbol No No No No No No Yes No 1.0 16 -

kBodyCollision No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes 0.5 16 -
kbodyExactDetailing No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes 0.5 16 -

kBodyOverviewDetailing No Yes No No No No No Yes 1.0 4 MinFacetsForCircleApproximations
kBodyOverviewDetailingExact No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes 3.0 4 MinFacetsForCircleApproximations

kBodyGTENormal No Yes No Yes No No No No 1.0 16 -
kBodyNC No Yes No Yes No Yes No No 0.5 16 -

kBodyTubeEndDev No Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes 0.5 16 -
kBodyUnNotchedHullBox Yes No No No No No No No 1.0 16 -
111
The following table illustrates the parameters meaning:
Parameter Meaning Note

Hull Get beam body using a square which represents the Applies only to
extents of the beam’s section beams.
With Features Applies notches, shortenings (not holes) to a body.
Detailed Feature Creates holes in the body (just holes – no other features)
Welding preparations Subtracts welding preparations from plate body Applies only to
plates.
Collision Gets a more precise body for bolts
Exact Gets beam body using the exact section Applies only to
beams.
Symbol Gets beam body which has ~1/3 of the beam total length – Applies only to
for simplified display beams
Exact profile section Gets the beam using filleted section if the section has fillets Applies only to
beams
Deviation The maximum accepted distance between a point from a
segment approximating an arc and the arc itself
Facets number Minimum number of segments used for approximating a full
circle
Default name Name of a default used for overwriting the “Facets number”
value
112
6.4 Examples
Below you will find some examples and HOW TOs which might give you some hints about stuff you
would like to do with your rule.
6.4.1 Calling a subjoint (written with new

API)
This is a code sample written in Visual C++ about how to call a subjoint.
IFilerPtr pFiler; //will be used to transfer params to the subjoints

hr = m_pCurJoint->CreateFiler(&pFiler);
…
//set subjoint input objects
IAstObjectsArrPtr subJointInputParam, subJointCreatedObjects;
hr = m_pCurJoint->CreateObjectsArray(&subJointInputParam);
//you might need for your subjoint an array to store the joint input objects
//add to this array all the objects which are required
…
IRulePtr subRule;
hr = m_pCurJoint->CreateSubrule(subjointName, &subRule);
IJointPtr subJoint;
hr = subRule->get_Joint(&subJoint);
//now set the subjoint input parameters
hr = subJoint->put_InputObjects(subJointInputParam);
…
/* you could write a function which will “fill” the created IFilerPtr object with all the required parameters
for the subjoint (you have to fill the filer object with proper data because the subjoint will not execute its
Query method, so all data has to be initialized by calling the subrule’s InField method).
You have to insert data into the filer object in the same way as it is inserted in the subrule’s OutField
method. */
hr = setFilerInfo(pFiler); //set filer data
hr = subRule->InField(pFiler);
…
//call the subjoint creation
hr = subRule->CreateObjects();
hr = subJoint->SaveData(subRule);
…
//add the subjoint to the created objects of the main joint (the parent joint)
hr = spCreatedObjects->Add(subJoint);
113
//get the subjoint created objects and add them to this joint (the parent joint)
hr = subJoint->get_CreatedObjects(&subJointCreatedObjects);
VARIANT count;
hr = subJointCreatedObjects->get_Count(&count);
for (int jj = 0; jj < count.intVal; jj++)
{
IAstObjectPtr curElem;
hr = subJointCreatedObjects->get_Item(CComVariant(jj), &curElem);
hr = spCreatedObjects->Add(curElem);
}
114
7 Chapter 7
AstControls library
7.1 AstUnitControl
For this control, the following methods and properties are available and only these methods and
properties should be used in setting/getting information to/from the control:
.DoubleValue – control value (use ONLY for double type controls)
.IntegerValue – control value (use ONLY for integer type controls)
.Text – control value (use ONLY for string type controls)
.EditType
.Enabled
.LabelDbKey – UPS prompt number
.LabelLength
.Visible
For numeric controls, you must use the DoubleValue / IntegerValue property, not the Text property, to
get or set the current value of the control.
7.2 AstComboTableControl
.comboCaption (displayed runname)
.comboIndex (order of runname in list, starting from 0 – not the key of the table record)
.longKey (key of record for current runname – use ONLY when table has an integer key)
.stringKey (key of record for current runname – use ONLY when table has a string key)
.Enabled
.LabelKey (UPS prompt number)
.LabelLength
.Sort
.tableName (linked table name)
.Visible
7.3 AstCheckBoxControl
.captionKey (UPS prompt number)
.Value
.Enabled
7.4 AstProfileControl
.AppendAcceptedClass (class name) – value from AstorProfiles.ProfileMasterTable, column
TypeNameText
.AppendAcceptedClassGroup (class group) – value from AstorProfiles.ProfileMasterTable, column
SubtypeName
.Appearance
.CaptionClass – UPS prompt number
.CaptionShowHideAllSections – UPS prompt number
.CaptionTyp – UPS prompt number
.CheckBoxOnLeft
.CurrentClass
.CurrentSection
.CurrentCrossSection
.CurrentProfileName
.DropHeight
.DropWidth
.Enabled
.LabelLength
.RemoveAcceptedClass
.ShowHideAllSections
.SummaryDroppedDown
.SummaryRepresentation
.UseFilterClass
.Visib
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Advance Steel

1.1 JOINTS AND COMMANDS............................................................................................................. 8

2.1 KEY CONCEPTS........................................................................................................................ 10

.CHAPTER 4 DEVELOPING A JOINT................................................................................................. 17

4.1 JOINT ANALYSIS........................................................................................................................ 18

6.1 PROFILES ACCESS DATA............................................................................................................ 94

7.1 ASTUNITCONTROL.................................................................................................................. 115

1.1.1 JOINT summary

1.1.2 COMMAND summary

2.2.2 Attributes and categories

2.2.4 User interface

2.2.5 Query method

2.2.6 CreateObjects method

2.2.7 Attribute transfer

2.2.8 InField/OutField methods

2.2.9 GetUserPages method

2.2.10 Rule versioning

2.2.12 Prompts and prompt numbers

2.2.13 Database Structure

2.3 Comments and Tips

Help system of the joint

 XXX1 is the propertySheet prompt number

Debugging a joint in Visual Basic 6

4.1 Joint analysis

Public MyJoint as Joint ‘ in the Declaration section

They are as follows:

VARIANT_BOOL finishedCorrectly = VARIANT_TRUE;

Public Sub CreateObjects()

Dim pag1 As RulePage

Set frameStiffner.curRule = Me ‘ where frameStiffner is globally defined in the declarations section

InField should contain persistent data reading from the dwg.

This interface defines the next properties:

4.3 Beam Transformations

In order to get a beam from a ProfType we do the following basic transformations:

Point3d – methods and properties

Point3dArray – methods and properties

Vector3d – methods and properties

IsPerpendicularTo ( Vector3d toVector ) Returns true if this vector is perpendicular to the

Vector3dArray – methods and properties

Line3d – methods and properties

LineSeg3dArray – methods and properties

Curve3d – methods and properties

Arc3d – methods and properties

Type (property – get) Returns the arc type.

Ray3d – methods and properties

Plane – methods and properties

point2, Point3d point3 )

Matrix3d – methods and properties

Matrix3dArray – methods and properties

CS3d – methods and properties

5.2 Profiles access

getOuterAugPolygon ( Boolean exactSection, Returns the profile outer contour as an

getSectionClass ( string& className, The parameters are filled as follows:

getRunname ( ) Returns the section runname, i.e. from the

getSectionName ( ) Returns from the definition table for section class,

getKey ( ) Returns a string – the complete string identifying

getGeometricalData ( eProfCommonData Returns a double data type representing the value

Izy (property) Gets or sets the centrifugal moment