Using the ShapeBook dialog starts by selecting the data mode. Pick Imperial or Metric as needed. This changes the data table that is used in the AISC database. Changing the mode clears both the History and Material Takeoff lists. ShapeBook will ask if you are sure.
There are five tabs on the ShapeBook Dialog. The first two tabs are Detailing Dimensions and Properties. They contain all of the dimensions and design properties for the selected shape. The names of the dimensions pertinent to each shape type are shown in bold font on the Detailing Dimensions and Properties tabs. Tooltips define each dimension or property value. Hovering your mouse cursor over the name of any property will display a tooltip providing the AISC definition for that property.
The radio buttons on the left side of the ShapeBook dialog are used to set the Shape Type. Clicking on a radio button loads the Shape Selection List with all of the shapes of that type in the AISC database. Use the Shape Selection List to find and select the shape size needed. The selected shape size will be added to the History List so you can quickly select it from there the next time you need it.
There are four material types added to ShapeBook that are not in the AISC database. They are PL for Plate, FB for flat bar, RB for round bar, and SB for square bar. Selecting the PL, FB, SB, RB radio button displays PL, FB, SB, and RB in the Shape Selection List. Clicking on PL, FB, SB, or RB in the Shape Selection List brings up a dialog to enter the material size. PL, FB, SB, and RB sizes are not added to the History List.
The History and Material takeoff lists are saved and restored automatically when ShapeBook is closed and opened. When a shape is selected, the values of the dimensions and properties can be copied and pasted into other applications as needed. The selected shape size is also ready to be used to add material to the Material Takeoff Tab or to be used by 2D3DSteel to draw or model the shape in AutoCAD.
The Material Takeoff Tab is a simple tool that can be used for figuring pricing for steel detailing, steel fabrication, sand-blasting, and painting. This tab is used to create material lists for calculating weights, surface area, price per weight, and price per surface. The material lists can be edited, saved, loaded, and printed as required. The list dialog will vertically expand and contract dynamically as you resize the ShapeBook dialog allowing you to make the best use of your screen real estate while working on a list.
The Search Shapes Tab is used to select shape sizes from the database that fit a certain set of criteria. Three search keys are available that can be set to property value minimums and maximums to find the perfect shape to fit your needs.
Help is available via email at support@southforktech.com