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Issue Date: August 2004

StruCad 10.2 Road Shows - a great success

1 August 2004

StruCad, the world's leading 3D structural steel detailing system has come a long way since it was first launched in South Africa some 10 years ago. Version 10.2, recently presented to South African audiences drew oohs and aahs, as the power of the parametrics, macros and the auto camber routines were put to action. Within a matter of half an hour, a complex structure, with a trussed roof system was modelled, detailed, quantity lists drawn, estimates done and materials list produced. The outputs included a full set of general arrangement and working drawings, (that required no editing, all ready to issue for fabrication!) The newly released full sized nesting of templates was also demonstrated.
Version 10.2 offers significant enhancements and additions to its 2D and 3D CAD interfaces, better visualisation tools and enhanced drawing output. Included in this latest release are new facilities for greater control over the rendering and display of joints and members enabling even more effective detailing and checking; a new command giving greater control in the modelling of curved members and in the quality of the curve drawing generated; an enhanced drawing explorer making viewing and checking drawings easier and many more additions and enhancements saving time and ensuring maximum accuracy.
The new Edit | DWG Browser allows users to view, mark-up and print AutoCAD drawings from within StruCad. The browser allows the following types of AutoCAD files:
* DWG - The standard format for saving vector graphics from within AutoCAD.
* DXF - The ASCII or binary 'exchange' format.
* DWF - A highly compressed format used on the Internet.
* RML - The redline XML format used for storing mark-up information.
StruCad will be the ideal tool for the fast tracking challenges of the Football World Cup development. Stadia are the first developments that come to mind. StruCad has been used to detail over 30 000 tons of steelwork for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Structures detailed included the Pampeloponisiako Stadium, the Dressage Arena Roof, the Badminton Arena, Rowing Facilities, the Softball Playground, and other smaller arenas such as beach volley, basketball and fencing (see graphics).
Stadium for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens
Stadium for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens
In addition, the task of detailing the many stations and parking garages for the Gautrain project could be greatly streamlined by using a product such as StruCad, which has proven itself on the extension of the rail network for the Olympics. All the new train stations were detailed amounting to some 3000 tons and a further, 1500 tons of detailing was done on the renovation of existing metro lines.
StruCad offers a seamless workflow from drawing to shop detailing, all the way through to CNC programming. Parametric modelling allows connections, stairs and many other items to be detailed effortlessly. The output includes fully detailed general arrangements, fabrication shop drawings, material and bolt lists, and erection drawings. In addition the client or any third party may view the model and architects, consultants and designers may check and red line the model using freeware.
Over the years, StruCad has contributed significantly to increase the overall productivity of the southern African steel fabrication industry. From Cape Town to Qatar, multistorey, mining and industrial structures, process plants and sports stadia have been successfully detailed. With the release of Version 10.2 and the introduction of StruMIS, the Fabrication Management Information System, productivity can only improve!
The recent opening of an AceCad office in Johannesburg, in collaboration with Allyson Lawless, respected specialist in structural software, is a further step in AceCad's global growth strategy and recognition of the priority and importance AceCad attaches to the South African market. AceCad has operations in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and South Africa and a worldwide network of distributors and representatives serving over 70 countries. International requirements are accounted for in the development of all new software enabling AceCad to provide significant competitive advantage to its global client-base.
For more information contact Allyson Lawless, 011 476 4100, acecad@worldonline.co.za


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