[CIM] How can the cutting property be modeled for diaphragms and main girders?

Question

 How can the cutting property be modeled for diaphragms and main girders?

Answer

Consider that we have already created a Girder Curve Library, as shown below.

Additionally, we have also created a Diaphragm Curve Library, as shown below.

In the Assembly Unit, the Girder Library is assigned along the Default Constraint Path, and the Diaphragm Library is assigned along a Sub-Constraint Path, as shown below.

After assigning the libraries to these paths, the Assembly Unit would appear as follows.

If you closely observe the Diaphragm, you will notice that it appears as a continuous member, as shown below.

However, in 3D modeling, this is not the correct way to model it, as cutting needs to be provided at the intersection between the girder and the diaphragm.

Now, let’s see how this can be done. Follow the steps below to apply the cutting property.

Steps to Assign Cutting Property to Girder

1. Open the Girder Curve Library.

2. Click on the 'Model' ribbon.

3. Click on the 'Cutting' option.
   

4. In the Cutting Property panel, 'Create Cutting Property' will be selected by default; let it remain as it is.

5. Under the 'Cutting Property Type' option, select 'General' from the drop-down menu.
   

6. Click on the 'Select' tab under the 'Select Tool' option. Since the Girder needs to act as the cutting tool, we must define it accordingly.
   

7. Using the left mouse button, select the girder member.

8. Click the Green Tick Icon in the Cutting Property panel to apply the changes.
   

9. Click the Green Tick Icon at the top to save the changes to the Girder Curve Library and exit to Base Mode.

10. In the dialog box that appears, click 'Yes' to confirm the changes.
    

Assigning the Cutting Property to the Diaphragm

11. Open the Diaphragm Curve Library.

12. Repeat Steps 2–5 from the previous section.

13. The 'Select' tab under the 'Select Target' option will be highlighted by default; let it remain as it is. 
    

14. Using the left mouse click, select the diaphragm member. In this case, we want the diaphragm member to be cut by the girder at the intersection. Therefore, we must define the Diaphragm member as the target.

15. Click the Green Tick Icon in the Cutting Property panel to apply the changes.
    

16. Click the Green Tick Icon at the top to save the changes to the Diaphragm Curve Library and exit to Base Mode.

17. In the dialog box that appears, click 'Yes' to confirm the changes.
    

Verifying the Cutting Property in the Assembly Unit

18. Open the Assembly Unit and select the Diaphragm member.

19. You will observe that the diaphragm has been correctly cut at the intersection with the girder.
    

This completes the process of assigning a cutting property to the girder and diaphragm.