End cuts are created in the Structural Detailing task. Assembly connection rules decide on the correct web and flange cuts in a bounded case. Free end cuts handle profiles that are unbounded, or those that are bounded to a reference plane. The designer can change the web or flange cut type by changing the EndCutType at the assembly connection level.
End cuts are smart occurrences, so the catalog database points to the two-dimensional symbol for the end cut as well as the Visual Basic rules.
End cut symbols define the shape of the end cut. The inputs to the symbol include the model geometry for the bounded profile and bounding object and parameter data. The output is a 2D curve adjusted to the model geometry and parameter data. By default, the slot symbol files are delivered to the [Reference Data Folder]\CatalogData\Symbols\Web Cuts or [Reference Data Folder]\CatalogData\Symbols\Flange Cuts folder.
Web and flange cut symbols are placed separately. Flange cut geometry is dependent on the web cut geometry. The following figure shows the elevation view with the web cut made to the entire profile.
A - Bounding Part
B - Bounded Part
The following figure shows the plan view with the flange cut made to the flange.
A - Bounding Part
B - Bounded Part
Flange cut symbols are applied separately to the top and bottom flange.
A - Flange cut geometry projected into a solid.
B - Applied to one or both flanges.
C - Boolean operation deletes material from flange to create the flange cut.
Edges
Web and flange cut edges that will be welded must be named. The best practice is to name the symbol edge with the same name as the edge it will be touching.
Points
Points line up the web and flange cuts. Use the following point naming convention:
Points are also used to measure the three-dimensional length of the profile.
A - TopLengthPoint
B - BottomLengthPoint
Layers
Layers control how the end cut is trimmed to the bounding part, and how the dimension between the two lines is applied.
Web Cut Trimming
Dimension Choices
Elements on the CrossSectionPlane layer will be cut parallel to the bounding part. Elements on the Default layer will be cut square. Constrain the symbol elements to be parallel to get the cross section plane adjustment.
A - CrossSectionPlane Layer
B - Default Layer
Dimensions
You control how dimensions are applied by using layers. Dimensions placed on the CrossSectionPlane layer are applied normal to the bounded object. These dimensions must be applied to lines that are constrained to be parallel. Dimensions placed on the Default layer are applied parallel to the bounding object. Dimensions placed on the NoShortPtAdj are not adjusted when they are applied. These dimensions are used in unusual cases when the lines are parallel but should not be adjusted.
A - Dimension along bounding part plane.
B - Bounded profile.
C - Bounding part.
D - Dimension along bounded profile plane.
E - Bounded profile.
F - Bounding part.
Dimensions on the CrossSectionPlane layer use the short point. Dimensions on the Default layer use the long point.
A - Short Point
B - Long Point
The short point adjustment is calculated at the center of the thickness. This adjustment value alters the dimension that is then applied to the symbol.
A - Short Point Adjustment
B - Mounting Angle
C - Short Point
D - Thickness Centerline
E - Long Point
Use the NoShortPtAdj layer when you need the elements to be parallel, but you do not want to use the short point adjustment.
The Visual Basic rules for slots consist of the following components:
Root Selector
WebCutSel.cls defines one question.
A - EndCutType question is pushed from the Assembly Connection rules.
The root selector logic calls a selection subroutine depending on the bounding condition.
Subroutine Logic
Subroutines in the Common.bas file continue the selection process. The delivered rules have no sub-selectors, but logic has been pulled into a common location.
Definition
The WebCutPhysConnDef.cls file creates welds for the W end cut type. Unwelded end cuts are placed with definition files that do not create welds. For example, see the WebCutDef.cls file.
DefCM
This file contains subroutines that are called by the definition files. It constructs the physical connection object. For example, it could call the physical connection rules and choose a weld type such as a butt, tee, or lap. It also constructs the web or flange cut object.
Parameter Rule
This file defines parameter values to be applied to the symbol.
Bulkloading
The end cut reference data is delivered by default to the SRDConstDetailsEndCuts.xls file in the [Product Folder]\StructDetail\Data\BulkloadFiles folder. Each worksheet in this file creates a Smart Class. Each row creates a Smart Item.
A - Symbol Files
B - Selector Rule
C - Definition Rules
D - Parameters
End Cuts in the Catalog