Basic Information
MIDAS GH is developed using the CIVIL NX API. Therefore, its basic structure and terminology follow the API structure of CIVIL NX, which can be referenced at the following link.
https://support.midasuser.com/hc/en-us/articles/33040036888729-Basic-Knowledge
Data Input Type
1. Interger
Integers represent whole numbers and can be inputted through Grasshopper components such as Panel, Integer, Number, and Number Slider.
2. Real
Reals represent decimal numbers and can be inputted through Grasshopper components such as Panel, Number, and Number Slider.
3. String
Strings represent text data and can be inputted through the Grasshopper Panel.
4. Array
Strings are used for data related to Load Case and Factor when creating Functions in the Rs Function. Strings are inputted in Grasshopper Panels, with each data separated by commas.
5. Select
Drop-down lists are used for selecting limited data input options.
6. Object
Creating elements in CIVIL NX requires the following data for each element:
1) Node : Accepts coordinate information. Grasshopper components like Construct Point can be used to generate coordinate information, or coordinates can be directly inputted via Panel.
2) Beam : Accepts Line Objects. Grasshopper components like Line and SLD Line can be used to create Line Objects.
3) Plate : Accepts Polyline Curves. Grasshopper's Face Boundaries component can be used to create Polyline curves. The shape of the Plate in CIVIL NX varies depending on the number of lines in the Polyline.
a. When the Polyline consists of 3 lines: 3 Nodes Type Plate
b. When the Polyline consists of 4 lines: 4 Nodes Type Plate
4) Solid : Accepts Boxes. Grasshopper components like Box Rectangle and Box 2pt can be used to create Boxes.
7. Midas GH Object
Some Midas GH components require connections with other Midas GH components to function properly.
For instance, in the case of the Section component, data can be inputted in various forms depending on the Shape type.
In this relationship between Section and Shape, the Shape component is defined as the Previous Component of the Section.
While the Previous Component itself does not operate in CIVIL NX, it generates the Json Body corresponding to the Section's Shape.
Additionally, the Section Component, acting as the Next Component of the Shape Component, retrieves data information from the Previous Component and generates the completed Json Body.
These Previous and Next Components can be distinguished into multiple hierarchies.
For example, the Composite Section has several levels of components depending on the presence of Stiffeners and the type of Reference Line.
You can determine whether a component requires another Midas GH component by referring to the manual or by right-clicking on the component to see if "Extract parameter" appears.