ProtaStructure : Load Building Model Import

Merge Building Models

Merge Building Models

You can find the "Load Building Model" from  BuildingSetout > Merge Building Models


This function can be used to: 
  1. Merge building blocks
  2. import axis system of another model
  3. import foundation columns/walls of another block for creating merged foundations
  4. merging floors of the building created by different users.
The  “Merge Building Models ” dialog will appear with the options below:

The general procedures are listed as below:-

  1. We assume that you have two projects;
    1. Target project A = Main Project that you want other model to import here.  
    2. Source Project B = Project that you want to import to your target project
      Open/Create Target project A  + Import the "Source Project B" >> Merged Project C
    3. Merged Project C = Target Project A + Source Project B. This project will replace the Target Project A and become the new Merged Project C.
  2. Project & Data Folder : Choose the source project model that you want to import by ensuring the the correct “Data Folder” is selected.
  3. Choose an import option from below:
    1. Import Axis System from Other Project
      This option can be used to import the axis system of an existing project to a new project that does not have any pre-defined axis. This option is also useful as all building merging options requires a common axes system between two projects.
    2. Import Only the Foundation Columns
      All columns and walls of a project can be imported to the current model for shared foundation modelling. Imported columns will not be part of the analysis model of the current project and their results be taken from their original project. When undertaking this model import type, please ensure that loads for the model are generated using the Load Cases and Combinations tool.
    3. Import a Completed Project
      This option allows import a different project completely as a building block to a selected location. All imported members will be considered as native members and will be included in the analysis.
    4. Import Storeys from Different Project
      You can import the selected storeys of a project to selected storeys of the current model, provided that the axis system are identical. Please note that axes in both projects must be displayed on plan view, else the project will not be successfully imported.

  1. For best practice, you have to ensure the storeys in your source model are moved to the same final target storeys in the target model before importing the storeys.
  2. If Source Storey(s) field is left empty, all storeys will be imported. 

d) Pick “Load Model” in the dialog and there will be further instruction on the required input. Finally choose “Finish” to import the project.


Merging of Building Foundations via "Import Only the Foundation Columns" option

Load combinations, project template and units system used in each project must be identical.
  1. Select “Merge Building Models” which is located under "Building Setout" tab.

  2. In "Merge Building Model" tab, select a model project. Then, check "Import Only the Foundation Columns" option and click "Load Model".

  3. At the next step, user can choose “Add Block Character to Column Labels” option to add character to the column labels or “Do Not Replace the Column Labels” option.

  4. Before importing the model, user must ensure imported members will not overlap with the existing members in current project. Position of imported members can be adjusted using “Drag Two Points”. Drag a line defining the offset amount and direction in plan view. Imported members will be displayed on plan view in a faded form.


  5. Press the “Finish” button to complete the merging process.

Merging of Building Foundations via "Import Storeys from Different Project" option

Load combinations, project template and units system used in each project must be identical.
  1. Select “Merge Building Models” which is located under "Building Setout" tab.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
  2. In "Merge Building Model" tab, select a model project. Then, check "Import Storeys from Different Project" option and click "Load Model".                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
  3. Under "Source Storey(s)" insert the storey(s) desired to be merged from the loaded model in the manner shown below or following the example description. Then, enter the first target storey and click on "Finish". The storeys will then be added automatically into your model with respect to the columns' axes of intersection. Please ensure that columns from the source storey and target storeys have the same axes of intersection.
Linked Model Manager is further explained in Linked Model Manager with Examples

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