Creating a custom truss symbolCreating a custom truss symbol|
Command |
Path |
|
Convert to Truss |
Braceworks |
The Convert to Truss command is available for Vectorworks Spotlight software but is not present in the Spotlight workspace. It can be added to the Spotlight workspace (see Customizing workspaces) and subsequently used to convert trusses.
Vectorworks Spotlight ships with a comprehensive set of truss symbols, but you can create a truss from your own symbol as well. Various parameters are required for truss symbols to be valid. Once the parameters have been set for the symbol, it is saved as a truss resource, so the parameters only need to be set one time.
Cross section information is required for valid Braceworks calculations; if there is no identified cross section, calculations will not be complete. When a cross section has been selected on one of the tabs in the Truss Properties dialog box, it applies to all of the tabs.
To convert a symbol to a valid truss:
1. Follow the steps in Creating symbol definitions to create a hybrid symbol that serves as the basis of the truss.
2. Select an instance of the symbol.
3. Select the command.
If you are inserting a truss symbol that does not have all the required parameters for structural analysis, the Truss Properties dialog box opens.
4. Set the parameters for a valid straight, corner, hinge, or circular (curved) truss, as described in Setting custom truss parameters.
5. An alert opens. Click Yes to convert current instances of the symbol to trusses and create a truss resource. Click No to cancel the operation.
A truss resource is created in the current file based on the original symbol and its specified data, and it can be selected from the Resource Manager or Resource Selector on the Tool bar for future placement in the drawing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~