ORION 18 TUTORIALS

Orion 18 software is a BIM-Compatible, structural engineering software. Previously owned

by CSC, CSC was taken over by Tekla in 2013. It carries out structural analysis and design of
individual structural members like beams, columns, slabs and walls. It is also used for
composite structures like multi-storey buildings. Orion 18 has a major advantage in that it is
the first of all the Orion softwares to work on both 32 and 64-bit operating system

For this tutorial series, we model a full structure, analyse and design its members, view the
results and print the drawings and quantities sheets out. In so doing, we learn the different
functionalities of the software. Also included in this tutorial series will be images to aid
visualisation of what is being referred to in the text.

This first instalment of this tutorial series is to introduce the structure of the tutorial series. This
tutorial series will be divided into 3 parts:

Part 1: Pre Analysis

In this part, we select the design code, paper size and drawing axes for the structure. Also, we model
structural members like beams, slabs, columns, walls and storeys for the structure.

Part 2: Analysis

In this part, we carry out the structural analysis of the structure, including the forces acting on
the structure and the internal forces. We would be able to visualise its real time effect(s) on
the building and make sense of what the software is presenting.

We will also carry out the Reinforced Concrete (RC) design of the structure.

Part 3: Post Analysis

In this final part of the series, we would print out the structural design reports, drawings,
quantities and schedules and export the model created to Revit Structure and vice versa.

Be aware that full mastery of the software requires Practice! Practice!! Practice!!! Happy
Learning.

We will learn to carry out all these as we design the full structure pictured below by
following this tutorial
If you know that this tutorial has been beneficial to you, you can subscribe to get them in
your email as soon as they are published.

For comments and questions, you can reach us through the contact form below. You can also
subscribe to receive our weekly newsletters so that you never miss a thing.

ORION 18: HOW TO START OFF A

PROJECT

In this tutorial, we are going to prepare our software for the modelling of our structure.
This stage will involve selecting the design code, the sheet size and type, as well as drawing
the axis lines for the placement of structural members.

To do this, we will follow the steps as outlined below.

Step 1

Run the installed CSC Orion 18 software. Close the quick guide, then click on New
Project. At this stage, we give the Project a name (Lets call this one Learning Orion).
Click OK.
Step 2

After giving the Project a name, a Settings Center dialog box appears for you to select a
design code. For the sake of this tutorial, we will choose UK (BS 8110). Be sure that all the
parameters to the right under Current Project Settings are ticked so as to be able to carry
out every activity listed there over the course of the Project. Click Import

Step 3
 After selecting a code, the Sheet Data dialog box appears. In this dialog box, we select our
sheets (use a standard or customized sheet size), pick the origin of the structure and select a
scale.

Under Standard Sheets, select A2 (594 X 420). The sheet size is automatically displayed
in the sheet size dialog box. Click Pick Sheet Origin, then click a point inside the sheet
(indicated in the drawing area by a green rectangle), close to the bottom left corner of the
sheet. Change the Drawing Scale to 1/100.

Click OK to start the new project.

Step 4

Next, we draw our axes lines for positioning our columns. To do that, we Left click, then
Right click, on Axes in the layer toolbar on the left side of the User Interface (UI). Among
the options that appear, Click Orthogonal Axis Generator.

The Orthogonal Axes Generator draws a number of vertical and horizontal axes lines
according to a predetermined pattern, which we will see in step 5.

After clicking Orthogonal Axes Generator, a cross shaped mouse pointer appears. Using
this pointer, click a point near the bottom left of the drawing sheet to pick the lower left
reference point of the Axes Group.

Step 5

In the Orthogonal Axes Generator dialog box that appears, under Dir-1 Axes, change the
Axis Label to [1], the Axis Spacing(s) to [8000,6000], and leave the Axis Extension
Length as [2000]. All dimensions are in mm.
Next, we move to Dir-2 Axes. Under Dir-2 Axes, change the Axis Label to [A], the
Axis Spacing(s) to [5000*8] and leave the Axis Extension Length as [2000]. Click
OK.
ORION 18: HOW TO MODEL COLUMNS
AND WALLS
In this tutorial, we will learn how to model columns and walls in Orion 18. So far in this
tutorial series, we have been able to select a design code, a drawing sheet and draw the axes
lines.
Apart from learning how to model columns and walls, we will learn to specify the size of the
column, as well as place them correctly so that our structural analysis and design is not
erroneous.

Now, we will start with the modelling of structural members, the first one being the column,
by following these easy steps.

Step 1

Click on Column in the members toolbar near the top of the screen. After clicking
column, a Column Properties dialog box appears.

Step 2

In the Column Properties dialog box that appears, fill in the boxes with the width of the
column b1 as 300 and the height as 300 as done in the dialog box shown below.

Step 3

Click Insert Options then click on among the options shown. This option makes the
axes of the columns to be aligned symmetrically and pass through the centre of the column in
both vertically and horizontally. After clicking this option, the boxes e1 and e2 are
automatically filled with the value of 150.
Step 4

Take the mouse pointer close to the intersection point of the two axes at the top left of the
screen. When both axes are highlighted, click on the intersection to place the column. Repeat
the same procedure for all the intersection points in the drawing area so as to create the
columns as shown below with the same numbering and arrangement. Click Close in the
dialog box.

Do not create columns intersections 2/A and 2/I.

Step 5
Next, we model walls. To start, Click on the Wall icon in the menu toolbar. In the box
labelled b, enter 250. Click on Insert Options , then select so that the axis of the
wall passes through the centre. The value, 125, is automatically entered into b2.

Step 6

Move the pointer to the axes intersection, 3/A, at the top above the first column. Click and
drag the mouse down to the intersection, 1/A, below to create the wall. Repeat the same
procedure for the intersection at the top right (3/I) and drag it down to the intersection below
(1/I)

NB: The walls created are shear walls. To represent block wall loads, these are inputed as
wall loads on beams.

ORION 18: HOW TO MODEL BEAMS

You will learn how to model beams in this part of the tutorial series on CSC Orion 18.
In our previous tutorials, we had learnt how to prepare the software for modelling the
structure by choosing sheets and drawing axes. We also modelled columns and walls. Now
we continue with the modelling of beams.
We will model the beams by following the simple steps as outlined below:

Step 1

Click on the Beam icon in the menu toolbar at the top of the screen. A Beam
Properties dialog box appears. In this dialog box, enter 350 in the option labelled as b.
This is the width of the beam.

Step 2

Click on Insert Options , then select . This option is chosen (as we also showed
similarly in previous tutorials) is chosen so that the axis line of the beam passes through the
centre of the beam. The value, 175, is automatically entered into the box for b2.

Step 3

Enter h-Bot as 300. The value h-Bot is the thickness, as measured from the top of the slab
to the bottom of the beam. The value h-Top is only used if a part of the beam is to project
above the top of the slab. For the case of this tutorial, h-Top is zero (0). The dialog box,
when completely filled, is as shown below.
Click on the intersection 1/A, and without releasing the mouse, drag to 1/B. Repeat the
procedure to model beams between 1/B and 1/C, 1/C and 1/D until you get to 1/I.

Alternatively,

Click on 3/A, then drag the mouse (without releasing) to 3/I. Both procedures described give
the same result.

NB: Hold ctrl on the keyboard when drawing modelling to ensure whatever that is being
modelled (column, beam, wall, etc) is in a completely vertical or horizontal direction.

Step 4

Next, we model a set of vertically running beams. In this new set, Enter b as 500, b2 as
250 and h-Bot as 300, then model the beams running vertically between 3/B and 1/B, 3/C
and 1/C until 3/H and 1/H.
ORION 18: HOW TO MODEL SLABS
In this tutorial, we will learn how to model slabs. We will learn how to load the slabs, as well as learn
the different ways in which slabs are modelled in Orion 18.

Now, Let us outline the steps involved.

Step 1

Click on the slab icon in the menu toolbar. Under the General, shown by default in the Slab
Properties dialog box, Enter 250 as the value for h, which is the slab thickness. We will leave the
concrete cover as 20mm.
Step 2

Next, we will model the structural load on the slab model. Click on the Loads at the top of the
dialog box. Enter a Dead Load of 0.5 and an Imposed load (Imp Load) of 4.0. Loads are in KN/m2.
Checking the aspect ratio (Ly/Lx) of our slab (14/5), we see that the slab is a 1-way spanning slab.
Because of this, we click on 'Type' and select the 1-way slab option, which is the last one after type
'13'. This option is 'Type 0' as shown below. Other options available are from 1-13 are for 2-way
spanning slabs.

Step 3

We will place the slab in the structural model. Move the mouse pointer towards the region bounded
by axis (1, 3, A, B). When the region is highlighted, click in the area to create the slab. Repeat the
procedure for all the regions until (1, 3, H, I). The arrangement is as shown below.
Slabs can also be created in other ways. These include:

Axis Region: If one uses axis region, a slab will be created where three or more axis intersect
each other in a closed loop.
Beam region: is used to inset slabs for an area that is surrounded by beams. This was the
method used for creating the slabs above.
Pick Axis: For this method, particular axis which are to form the boundaries of the slab can
be selected independently. The difference between this and the axis region selection is that
the axis region selection selects the axis lines closest to each other, while the pick axis allows
you to select any axis at all.
Pick points: for this method, you select the particular axis intersections within which the slab
will be formed.

All these options are available when you click in the 'slab properties' dialog box.

In our next lesson, we talk about how we can create new storeys. See you then.

Correction
The slab was previously modelled as a 2-way when it was a 1-way spanning slab. This has been
corrected.
ORION 18: HOW TO MODEL AND
DESIGN A CANTILEVERED SLAB

Step 1

To model a cantilevered slab, Click the 'Slab' icon in the menu toolbar on the top of the
screen. From the 'Slab Properties' dialog box, Click 'Type'.

Step 2

'Type 12' and 'Type 13' are the slab types for a cantilever. Type 12' is used for the type
where the long side is supported while 'Type 13' is used where the short is supported. For this
tutorial, select 'Type 12' as our supporting side is the longer side.
Step 3

Next, type the length of the intended slab in the 'L-Cant' box. After selecting a slab type,
click point 1, then without releasing the mouse, drag to point 2 as indicated above to model
the slab. The design process for cantilever slab is the same as that for normal slab as
seen here, with the exception of the ends of the slab strip. For the case above, we will use
'Bob' and 'Cantilever' for 'At Start' and 'At End' respectively under the 'Slab Strip
Properties' dialog box.
ORION 18: HOW TO CREATE AND
GENERATE NEW STOREYS.

Here we will model higher level storeys for the structure.

Modelling new stories in Orion 18 is done by creating duplicates of the first floor modelled, before,
then storeys are generated so that changes can be made to them separately.

In this tutorial, we will go through the steps for creating the storeys, and then generating them to be
editable independently.

Step 1

Left Click, then Right Click on Storeys in the structure tree view on the left side of the screen. Click
Insert Storey.
Step 2: In the Add Storey dialog box that appears, Enter 4 as the Total No. of Storeys. This
number includes the storey that has already been created. Click 'OK'

NB: Orion 18 with standard license only will only create buildings with up to 5 storeys.

Step 3

Next, we will learn how to generate storeys. Generating storeys in Orion is used is used in
unbundling storeys so that they can be worked on separately. If the storeys are not generated, only
the first storey can be modelled and worked on, and any change made on it affects all other storeys.
For example, changing a column size on the first floor without first generating the storeys results in a
change of all columns in that position on the higher floors.

For those following our series, we will not need to generate the storeys now, though it is good you
get an idea of what is involved. For others, you can easily go through it and learn how to generate
storeys.

Now we will left click, then right click on Storeys, then click on Generate Storeys.
Step 4

In the Generate Storeys dialog box that appears, Click St01 under Source Storey. Hold ctrl on
the keyboard then click on St02, St03 and St04 under Target Storey. Click OK, then Close. All
the storeys can now be edited independently.

ORION 18: HOW TO ANALYSE A

BUILDING
We are going to carry out the structural design for our completely modelled Orion 18. This is
the first post for the second part (Analysis) of this tutorial series.

Before now we had chosen sheets, drawing sheet size and drawn the axis. We also modelled
columns, walls, beams and slabs. Going further, we modelled storeys and generated them to
be editable independently.

In this lesson, we will specify the properties of the materials to be used for design (steel
grade, concrete grade and bar size) and set loading combinations for the structure.

Now lets begin:

Step 1

Click Run, then Building Analysis in the menu bar at the top of the screen. The Pre-
Analysis tab is opened by default in the Building Analysis dialog box.

Step 2

Click on Loading Combinations. For this tutorial, we need only the first loading
combination on the list (G + QoF) which has the coefficients of 1.4 (for dead load, G) and 1.6
(for live load, Q). For this reason, we have to delete the rest of the loading combinations. We
will do this by selecting those loading conditions, one after the other and click Delete until
only G + QoF remains as shown below. Click OK
Step 3
Next, we will specify the material properties to be used for the design in the Pre-Analysis tab and
make the changes as specified below:

i. Change all concrete grades to C28/35 for all structural members.

ii. Change all steel grades to Grade 460 (Type 2) except links and slabs

To make the above changes quickly, Tick Apply to all members after opening the first dialog
box for concrete grade or steel grade. For links and slabs, choose Grade 250 (Plain)

Click Dia next to each of the following structural members and make the following
changes:
Choose T16, T20, T25, T32 and T40 for column bar diameters.
Choose only T12 for wall diameter, longitudinal web steel and horizontal web
steel.
Choose T16, T20, T25, T32 and T40 for beam bar diameters.
For slabs, select only R12.
Select T16, T20, T25, T32 and T40 for foundations.
Select R8 and R10 only for links.
Change unit weight of concrete to 24.
Click OK
Step 4

Now we will carry out the Structural Analysis. But before that, we will ensure that the
building model has no errors. To do this, Click Building Model Check to check for
modelling errors. Click Cancel.

Before the building analysis, make sure that Building Analysis and Show Axial Load
Comparison Warnings are selected. Then click Start to carry out the building analysis.
Click OK at the end of the analysis.

ORION 18: HOW TO NAVIGATE THE

ANALYSIS MODEL AND RESULTS
DISPLAY AREA.
The Analysis Model and Results display area is where we demonstrate the analysis results and its
effects on the 3D structure. This aids in visualisation of the effects of loading on the free body
diagram (FBD) of the structural model.

In this tutorial, we will check for the effects such as sway, torsion and displacement on the structure.
We will also learn to adjust the views of the structure and display the effects of our loading
combination on the structural model, use the filter button to improve clarity and also display Frame
element Results diagrams like shear force and bending moments.

Step 1

Firstly, we open the Analysis Model and Results display area. To do this, Click Run, then Building
Analysis. In the Building Analysis dialog box that appears, Click Post-Analysis, then Model and
Analysis Results Display.

Step 2

Next, we learn to check for the effects of sway, torsion and displacement as well as get the different
views.

To check for the effects, Click on Animation under Results at the top of the screen and
observe the effects when the building moves.
To get different views of the resulting model, click on the 3D View icon under the General tab
in the menu bar.

Use combinations of the blue boxes and the yellow arrows to get the different views of the
building. E.g. combining the highlighted box and arrow gives the following view.
Other combinations can also be tried out to see different views.

Step 3

Now, we will display the effects of our loading on the structure. To do so, click on the Loading
Combination we chose. It can be seen at the bottom of the area titled Loading on the right side of
the screen. Different individual loads can also be clicked on to see their effects on the structure. The
displacements on the 3D Free Body Diagram (as well as other effects) change as different loads are
selected.
Step 4

We will now learn how to use the filter button. This functionality will help us get a better view of a
particular element(s) by hiding others in the structure.

For example, let us view only the columns on the first storey. To do this, Click Filter in the General
tab and make the selections as shown below in the Filters dialog box.
Step 5

Next, we will see how we can display the different Frame Element Results Diagrams. To do this, Click
the Results tab at the top of the screen. Click Diagrams, then select which results diagram to be
displayed [N (Axial Load), V2 (shear forces on local axis 2), V3 (shear forces on local axis 3), T
(Torsion), M2 (Moment on local axis 2) or M3 (Moment on local axis 3)]

NB

1. To find out Local Axis 1, 2, 3, see the diagrams in the Analysis Report Tutorial

2. V2 and M3 are the equivalents for shear force and bending moments derived from typical
manual structural analysis.

3. For columns, N, M2 and M3 are axial load, Moment about the X-axis and Moment about the Y-
axis respectively.

You can also try out the other features to view how they work. When in doubt, you can revert back
to the original setting and pose the question to me in the comments section.

ORION 18: HOW TO CREATE

ANALYSIS REPORT
In this tutorial, we will learn to print structural reports when we have finished our structural analysis
in Orion 18.

For the sake of this tutorial, we will print the report for the columns on the first floor, though the
same procedure is applicable for other types of structural reports like frames, beams, etc.

Step 1

Click Run, then Building Analysis from the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click Post-Analysis,
then Analysis Results Report.
Step 2

In the Analysis Results dialog box that appears, Select Storeys from the List type dropdown.
Choose Storey 1. Click the + sign next to Storey 1 and select Columns.
Step 3

Click the arrow . This lists all the columns first floor columns on the right side of the screen
under the Structural Members box. Click Next then select Structural Members.

Step 4

Click Next, then select the results you want shown in the report (For this tutorial, N-i, M1-i, M2-i)
and select the load combination (K1-G+Q*F) for the report to be printed.
NB: Those options on the right column with Y are individual load cases while those with K are load
combinations.

N-i, M1-i, M2-i represent the column axial load, moment in Dir-1 Axis and moment in Dir-2 Axis
respectively for the top of the column

These diagrams below, created by CSC (now owned by Tekla), will help illustrate the forces referred
to by the terminologies on the left column of the diagram above.
The terminologies on the diagram are as follows:

N: Axial load
V2: Shear force in the direction 2 from the diagram above. (Equivalent to V1 in the second Analysis
Results pictured above)

V3: Shear force in the direction 3 from the diagram above. (Equivalent to V2 in the second Analysis
Results pictured above)

T: Torsion

M2: Moment in the direction 2 from the diagram above. (Equivalent to M1 in the second Analysis
Results pictured above)

M3: Moment in the direction 3 from the diagram above. (Equivalent to M2 in the second Analysis
Results pictured above)

i and j represent the start and end joints as indicated in the diagrams above.

Step 5

After selecting the internal forces and load cases to be reported, Click Next again. Select Sort by
Loading and tick the box for Skip Line between Elements. These are editing options for arranging
the structural reports.

Step 6

Click Create Report for the structural report to be printed in a WordPad.

You can also try the same procedure for other structural elements as well as frames that make up
the building.
ORION 18: HOW TO DESIGN BEAM
In this lesson, we will learn how to carry out the structural design of beams in CSC Orion18.

In this beam design, we will learn how to carry out the design in batch mode (designing all the
beams at the same time by the software), as well as interactively (designing one beam at a time). We
will also learn to produce the load, shear force diagram, bending moment diagram and print out the
design report.

Step 1

Click Run, then Beam Section Design and Detailing. Among the options, select Storey Beams. A
BEAM SECTION DESIGN AND DETAILING dialog box appears.

Step 2

In that dialog box, Click Beam Design (Batch Mode). From the Beam Reinforcement Design dialog
box that appears, Select Check Steel (Dont select new steel when previous bars are insufficient).
This option ensures that the bar size we selected when we were analysing the building is not
changed by the software during structural design and possibly producing an unpractical design. Click
Calculate.

Step 3

After carrying out our beam design, we noticed that some beams failed (marked X). For example,
the beam on axis B. Double click on that beam to carry out interactive beam design.

The aim during the interactive design is to ensure that there are no more red coloured digits in the
Reinforcement Data dialog box. Click on each reinforcement, then make changes as shown in the
image below.
 Repeat the procedure on other failed beams.

Step 4

Now, we will show the design envelope for the beam. To do so, Click on Diagrams, in the
Reinforcement Data Axis H dialog box. The moment diagram appears. To view the load and shear
diagrams, select them from the bottom of the Design Envelope Shear Force and Bending
Moment Diagrams dialog box.
 Step 5

To create the design reports, Click Design Report, then click OK in the BEAM SECTION DESIGN
AND DETAILING dialog box.
ORION 18: HOW TO DESIGN COLUMN
This tutorial will deal with how to design columns and walls in Orion 18.
In this tutorial, we learn both to design columns in batch as well as interactively (when the
columns or walls fail). We will also learn how to deal with the different failures that occur
during the column design, view the interaction diagram of the column and print out our
design reports.
And for those who have followed us from the beginning of the series, we also get to use our
generate functionality in the structure.

Now, lets begin

Step 1

Before the actual designing starts, we will make a few adjustments to the settings to be used
for the design. Click on Settings, then Column Design Settings on the menu bar at the
top of the screen. Click on the Steel Bars tab, then on Longitudinal Bars. Input the
settings as shown below.

Step 2

Click Run, then Column Section Design. In the dialog box that appears, click Column
Design (Batch Mode) to begin batch design.

Step 3

From the Batch Design, we can see that some columns have failed. Now, we will proceed to
design them interactively using 1C4 as an example. This same procedure can also be used
for others.
Double click 1C4. Click on Interactive Design. The Column Reinforcement Design
dialog box appears as shown below.

Here, we can see that the ratio of steel provided to cross sectional area of concrete (steel limit
ratio) exceeds what is stipulated in the code (Ast/Ac = 0.6). Therefore, we will increase the
size of the column so that the ratio falls back below 0.6.

Step 4

To increase the cross sectional area.

1. Close the Reinforcement Design dialog box. Left click, then right click on the
column (1C4) in the structure tree view on the left side of the screen. Select
Properties
2. Change b1 and b2 to 350. In the boxes, e1 and e2, fill 175 so that the column
the column centre aligns with its axis line in both directions. Click Update
3. Carry out the building analysis again for the whole building, then column design as
we did earlier. We can see that the column design passed this time

BUT
If you check, you will see that the size of columns 2C4 3C4 and 4C4 also have their
cross sections changed to 350. To change it back to 300 (without affecting the redesigned
column)
a. Generate the storeys as we showed in the earlier tutorial
 b. Left click, then right click on the column (2C4) in the structure tree view on the left
side of the screen. Select Properties and change its b1 and b2 to 300. Repeat the
procedure for 3C4 and 4C4.
NB There are two main ways by which the columns fail.
i. Failure due to required steel being greater than code recommendation (Ast/Ac >
0.06): This is the type we dealt with above.
ii. Failure due to shear (Links): This occurs when Fail is indicated under the Links
column. If this happens, it will be because shear was not designed for by the software.
Do this interactively by double clicking on the column, Click on Shear Design, then
click on Calculate.
Step 5

To view the interaction diagram for the column, Click on Column Analysis in the
Column Reinforcement Design dialog box still open.

To print the design report, Click Design Report in the dialog box shown below.
ORION 18: HOW TO DESIGN SLAB
USING SLAB STRIP METHOD
In this tutorial, we will learn how to design slabs in Orion 18.

By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to easily carry out code based design of slabs and to print
out the results.

Step 1

Before we start the structural design of the slab, let us establish the settings to be used. Click
Settings, then select Slab Design Settings from among the options. Click the Steel Bars tab and
change Bar spacing (under Min to 75) and (under Max to 300).

Step 2

Next, Click on the slab strip icon in the members toolbar. The Slab Strip Properties dialog box
appears.
Step 3

In the Slab strip Properties dialog box, set the Type to Analytical and select Bob and
for At Start and At End respectively. This option ensures that both the top and bottom steel
as well as the support steel is designed for the slab. It also ensures that the support steel at the edge
is bent into the beam/wall.

Hold ctrl on the keyboard, then beginning from outside the first slab on the left (3/A, 3/B, 1/A, 1/B),
click and drag horizontally across the slab. The ctrl button is to ensure that the slab strip is
completely vertical or horizontal. The bar detailing for the main bars (including the support) appears,
as well as the length of each bar type.

To design for the secondary bars, begin from outside the same slab, Click and drag vertically across
the slab from top to bottom. The bar detailing for the distribution bars appear as was done for the
main bars.

Repeat this procedure for all the slabs.

ALTERNATIVELY,
Draw a horizontal slab strip starting from left of the first slab to the right of the last slab to
automatically carry out the main bar detailing of all the slabs, Distribution detailing will still need to
be carried out individually though.

Step 4

To print the slab design reports, Click Run then Slab Analysis and Design in the menu bar. A Slab
Analysis and Design dialog box appears. In this box, tick All Storeys, then click Design. Use the
settings as shown in the image below..
A preview of the report is shown which can then be printed out in different formats.

To produce a PDF or Excel format of the result, click PDF or TDF at the top of the screen.

ORION 18: HOW TO DESIGN

FOUNDATION

In this tutorial, we will be learning how to model and design foundations in Orion 18. With Orion 18,
both the modelling and design of the foundation occur at the same time. This is because the
software considers the load from the column above, then sizes the column and places
reinforcement. We will also learn to display the calculation carried out for the design and print the
design report.

Step 1

Double click the Storey:St00 in the structure tree view on the left of the screen. In Orion,
Storey:St00 is the storey for foundations.

Step 2
While still in Storey:St00, Hold ctrl on the keyboard and select all the columns, one after the
other. After highlighting them, right click, then select Insert Pad Base

Step 3

In the Pad Base Options dialog box that appears, tick Create Square Footings only, then Click OK.
The columns are created one after the other for all the columns.

Step 4

To see the calculation for any footing, left click, then right click on the footing, then select
Properties among the options. Displayed in the Pad Base Properties Project: Learning Orion
dialog box, under Footing Data are the parameters used for the design sand the design results.
Click Calculate to see the dialog box shown below. To exit the view, click OK

Step 5
To print the design report, Click Print in the Pad Base Properties Project: Learning Orion dialog
box. Select Print only Critical Combination among the options. The report shows in the Report
Print Preview and can be printed or saved in PDF. To save in PDF, click PDF among the tabs at the
top of the screen. For excel, click TDF.
ORION 18: HOW TO CREATE
REINFORCEMENT DETAIL DRAWINGS

Now, we will learn how to print structural detail drawings in Orion 18. This is the first tutorial in our
Post-Analysis part of this tutorial series.

Drawings in Orion 18 are created as AutoCAD drawings, therefore, to print drawings, you have to
ensure that AutoCAD is installed in the system being used.
In this tutorial, we will learn how to print detailing drawings of the structural members (Columns,
beams and walls). For this tutorial, we will print column drawings, though the same procedure is also
applicable to beams and slabs.

Step 1

Left click, then right click on Column in the structure tree view on the left side of the screen. Click
on Column Section Design

Step 2

In the Column Reinforcement Design dialog box that appears, Click on the Detail Drawing tab in
the top row of the dialog box. In this view, Click Create Sheets. A SHEET LAYOUT MODULE
appears. In this module, set the sheet size to the one you want. Do this by clicking on Sheet: A2
(59.4 x 42.0) and change it to the print sheet selected at the beginning (A2 (59.4 X 42.0)). Click OK
in the SHEET SIZES dialog box.

Step 3

To place the drawings in sheets, Click on the name of the column (in this case 1C1), and without
releasing the mouse, drag it into the drawing area. The outline of the column appears in the sheet as
shown below. Click Save, then Close at the bottom left of the SHEET LAYOUT MODULE dialog
box.
Step 4

In the Column Reinforcement Design dialog box, click Detail Drawings. Select the sheet number,
then click OK. The software opens the AutoCAD software with the detailing drawing inside.

Step 5

To draw all the detailing drawings for all the columns automatically, Click on Automatic Details (All
Columns) among the options at the top of the Column Reinforcement Design dialog box. In the
Detailing Drawing Arrangement dialog box that appears, tick the box for Storey - 1 and Display
Every Sheet Prepared. The AutoCAD software automatically prints out all the detail drawings.

ORION 18: HOW TO PRINT

STRUCTURAL DESIGN REPORTS
This is our second tutorial in the Post-Analysis part of our tutorial series.

In this tutorial, we will go through the simple steps to learn how to print out structural design
reports for columns, walls and beams.

To see how you can print a structural analysis report, you can check our post on it here.

Step 1
In the Members toolbar at the top of the screen, Click Run, then Column Section Design. A
Column Reinforcement Design Project: LearningOrion dialog box appears. This creates the report
for walls as well.

NB: Orion considers column and walls together in everything (analysis, design, reports, etc)

Step 2
In the dialog box that appears, Click Design near the top of the screen, then click on Design
Report.

Step 3
In the Column Reinforcement Design dialog box that appears, Tick the boxes for Print Loadings
and Interaction Diagrams and Display All Combinations in the Interaction Diagram. Change the
Font to MS Sans Serif and the Text Size to 12. Click OK. You can also use any other font or text
size you prefer. A Report Print Preview appears. Click PDF to create a copy of the report in PDF.
Step 4
For beams, the same procedure applies but you select Beam Section Design and Detailing under
Run.
ORION 18: HOW TO GENERATE
MATERIAL QUANTITIES REPORT
In this tutorial, we will go ahead and generate materials quantities tables for the structure. Here, we
will generate the report for concrete quantities for the whole structure. The procedure, though, is
applicable for generating quantities for formwork, slab steel bars, column/wall steel bars and beam
steel bars. We will also save the report in Notepad, PDF or Excel Format.

Step 1

Click on "Quantity Extraction Tables" in the member's toolbar at the top of the screen.
A "Quantities Extraction Tables" dialog box appears.

Step 2

Select the type of quantities report you want to generate. For this tutorial, we will select the
"Concrete Quantities Extraction Tables". Tick the box next to this option. Click "Create Report". A
"Quantity Tables" dialog box appears. Click "Report" to see the "Report Print Preview".
Step 3

Save the report in Notepad (Click 'TXT'), PDF (Click 'PDF') or Excel Format (Click 'TDF').

Step 4

Repeat the same procedure to print reports for Formwork quantity, Slab Steel or any of the other
reports listed in the "Quantities Extraction Tables" dialog box.
ORION 18: HOW TO EXPORT
STRUCTURAL MODELS FROM ORION
TO REVIT
Orion, Top Stories

In this tutorial, we will learn how to export an Orion model that has been designed into Revit
Structure. This is especially useful for the BIM workflow as it enables the engineer to easily update
structural design changes into the main BIM model located in Revit.

Before we start, make sure you have installed the Orion-Revit Integrator for that version of Revit. For
this tutorial, we will use the 2015 Integrator. You can download this Integrator from the Tekla
website here.

Step 1
In the menu bar at the top of the screen, Click 'File', then from among the options, select
'Model/File Export', then Choose 'Export to Revit Structure'. In the 'Create Revit Transfer File'
dialog box that appears, Save the file with its name and in the CXL file format.

Step 2
Run the Revit software and open a new project. Click on 'CSC Integration' in the menu bar. Then
Click 'CSC Integrator' among the options.
Step 3
In the 'Introduction' dialog box that appears, Click 'Next'. From the options that appear, select 'First
Time' from under 'Import From Orion'. Click '...' to open the location of the CXL file. Select the file
and click 'Open'. Tick the boxes for Grids, Levels, Slabs, Beams, Columns, and Walls.

NB: 'Ignore Position' is used for subsequent updates of the model in Revit when you want the object
to be updated irrespective of its current position in the Revit model.

Step 4
Next, we map the files from Orion to their equivalent in Revit. Click '...' next to 'Structural Column
Types' 'Structural Framing Types' and 'Materials'. For the first two (2), select 'Family' from the
mapping files in the Revit Library. For 'Materials', select 'Symbol'. Click 'Finish' to import the model
into Revit.

ORION 18: 4 THINGS TO CHECK FOR

BEFORE REFERENCING A DRAWING
FILE FROM ORION
Featured, Orion
Have you finished your beautifully drawn out plan and want to send it to your Orion model
for structural calculations? Here are a few things to note of so that the drawing file doesn't
slow down your work or report errors.

1. Before converting to DXF in the CAD software, make sure that you delete all
unnecessary entities. Only LINE, ARC, POLYLINE, LWPOLYLINE AND TEXT are
imported into Orion. Anything else should be deleted before conversion from DWG to DXF.

2. If there are parts of the CAD file that are Block objects, explode them in AutoCAD
before trying to import. For this procedure, know that dimensions are also regarded as blocks
and should be exploded to lines and texts.

3. Where a software program like Autodesk ADT is used, which create its own special
objects, use AECExplode, which initially generate blocks, then use EXPLODE to break
down these blocks before creating the DXF file.

4. If axis and column lines are part of the drawing being imported, take note of these, in
addition to everything above:
a. The CAD files must have the same unit as the graphic editor (the Orion software.)
b. Axes must be drawn using Line entities in the CAD software
c. Columns must be drawn using Polyline entities.
d. Wall and column members must be grouped in a single layer.
ORION 18: HOW TO IMPORT
AUTOCAD DRAWINGS INTO ORION
Featured, Orion, Top Stories

If you already have a building drawing from AutoCAD but want to continue your design in Orion 18,
here is how you will go about it.

Step 1
Convert the drawing from the original DWG format in AutoCAD to DXF file format. To do that, Open
the drawing in AutoCAD, then click 'File' and select 'Save As'. In the 'Save Drawing As' dialog box
that appears, Choose 'AutoCAD 2013 DXF (.dxf)' (or any other .dxf format) from the 'Files of Type'
list. For this tutorial, I'm going to import an old drawing plan I named 'Drawing1' into Orion. Click
'Save'.

Step 2
Open the Orion 18 software, Click 'External Reference Drawing' in the member's toolbar at the top
of the screen.

In the 'Reference Drawing Settings' dialog box that appears, tick the 'Display Reference Drawing '
box, then click 'Load'. From the 'Load DXF file' dialog box, select the saved 'Drawing1', then click
'Open' to import the file into Orion. Wait, then select the unit of import as 'mm' when the dialog box
for units appears and click 'OK'. The drawing appears as below.

Step 3
As we can see, the drawing is not well positioned in the drawing area. Next, we move it to be well
positioned within the drawing area. To do so, Click 'Move' in the 'Reference Drawing Settings' dialog
box that is still open, hover on the drawing then click a point on the drawing when the red 'X'
appears (here I click the top left corner of the drawing) and drag it to position the drawing better.
Step 4
The drawing is now better positioned but still too big. To reduce its size to fit into the drawing area,
we type scale factor of '0.65' into the box above 'Scale', then click 'Scale'. The drawing is now fitting
better into the drawing area.
Step 5
Now we will import our columns and axis into the drawing area.

Click 'Import Members' in the 'Reference Drawing Settings' dialog box. Tick the boxes for 'Import
Axes' and 'Import Columns'. Select the layers for the axes and column. Click 'OK'.

NB: For axes and columns to be imported;

1. They must be made of straight lines and closed polylines respectively in the AutoCAD drawing.
2. They need separate 'column' and 'axes' layers in the DXF file. For axes, it may be 2 layers ('Dir-1'
and 'Dir-2' for the layers having the horizontal and vertical axes respectively.) If all the axes are on
only one layer, this layer should be set as Dir-1 and Dir-2 set as 'None'. Using 'Group by Axis
Directions' option ignores this command and groups the axes solely by their angles.

If the model check doesn't have any error, close it to view the axes and columns in the drawing area
as seen below, with the axes and columns.
ORION 18: HOW TO ADD LOAD TO A
SINGLE COLUMN

In this tutorial, we will learn how to add loads to a single column. Load types include vertical point
loads, lateral Uniformly Distributed Loads (UDL) and lateral point load.

We will use column 1C6 on the LearningOrion tutorial for this tutorial.
 Step 1
1. To add a vertical nodal load at the top, Click, then right click on Column 1C6 on the ground floor.
From among the options that appear, Select Add Column/Wall Nodal Load. In the dialog box that
appears, select Apply to Selected Columns and Walls.

Step 2
2. In the Nodal Load dialog box that appears, We input 3KN in the box where G and Fz intersect to
apply a 3KN point load at the top of the column. Click 'OK'.

Step 3
3. To add a load along the span of a column UDL, Click, then right click the column. From among the
options, Click Add Column/Wall Span Load.

Step 4
4. Click Add at the bottom left of the 'Column: 1C6 (Storey: 1) Span Load' dialog box to create a new
load. For the load case, we call it 'AA'. Or any other name you like. y is the distance from the top
from which the lateral loading starts. In this case, we want our lateral load to start from the very top
so we input y as 0. h is the span for the load, so we input h as 3.5 (height of column) since we
want it to span the whole height of the column. w1-Top is the DL value at the top of the column in
the 1-direction (x-axis) and we use 2KN. We use the same value for w1-Bottom. For w2-Top and
w2-Bottom, We use 3KN. Click OK.

NB: 1. To impose lateral point loads, set h, w1-Bottom and w2-Bottom to 0.

2. As we have said before, Orion treats columns and walls the same way.
 ORION 18: HOW TO ADD LOAD TO A
SINGLE BEAM

In this tutorial, we will learn how to input point loads and UDL for a beam in CSC Orion 18.

Step 1
Open the LearningOrion tutorial. To add loads to beams, Click, then right click on beam 1B10. Select
Edit Member Loads from among the options.

Step 2

Click New Load on the left side of the BEAM: 1B10 Loading Dialog' dialog box. Select to use a UDL
load. For our UDL load, Insert a 'Dead Load - G' value of 3KN/m. Lets name it A1 in the Enter Load
Label box. Click OK to create the new load.

Step 3

Next, we input a point load. Click New Load. Select . To place it at the center, we input Reference
X as 2.5m (center of our beam). We use an Imposed Load Q: of 10KN. Click OK. Click OK again
in the Beam: 1B10 Dialog dialog box to save it.
ORION 18: HOW TO ADD LOAD TO A
SINGLE SLAB
Orion, Top Stories

For this tutorial, we will learn to impose a line and Area Load for a slab.

Step 1
Click in the members toolbar at the top of the screen.

Step 2
Click . Click the upward arrow next to "Load Case 1: Dead Load" box to display and select "Load
Case 2: Live Load". To ensure a UDL line load, we will make w1 and w2 to be the same in the 'Slab
Load Properties' dialog box. If we make w2 bigger, the loading will be trapezoidal, increasing from
point 'w1', the first point selected, up to the other end of the loading. We insert UDL length of
5000mm (length of beam.) Insert w1 as 3KN/M (w2 automatically takes the same value, though this
can be changed for varying distributed load, VDL.) Click the centerline of the adjacent beam to
create the line load (location of w1) to create the load.
Step 3

To insert an area load into 'Slab: 1S4', Click in the "Load Slab Properties" dialog box that
appears after step 1. Enter 'b1' and 'b2' as 5,000mm and 14,000mm, the horizontal and vertical sides
of the slab. Click the intersection of the beam centerlines at the bottom left side of the slab to insert
the area load. Click 'OK' in the 'Slab Load Properties' dialog box.

ORION 18: HOW TO MODEL CURVED

BEAMS
In this tutorial, we will learn how to model a curved beam between two points

Step 1
Open the 'LearningOrion' tutorial we have used for this series up to this point. In this tutorial, we
will create a curved beam between Point (1, A) and (3, A).

Step 2
Click the beam sign in the menu toolbar at the top of the screen. After the 'Beam Properties'
dialog box appears, Hold the 'Shift' button on the keyboard, then click on Point (1, A), and without
releasing the mouse, click on point (3, A).
Step 3
A 'Beam Insertion and Offset Options' dialog box appears. Among the options under 'Curved Beam
Insertion', Choose 'Chord Offset(h)' and use 2000mm (this is the distance of the center of the curve
from the chord as shown in the diagram in the dialog box.) Make sure that 'Tangent Segments
(External)' is selected, and under it, use '12' as 'Number of Segments'. The more the number of
segments, the smoother the curve of the beam. Click 'OK' to display the curved beam as shown
below.

NB: For a curve in the other direction, use a 'Chord Offset' of -2000mm.

ORION 18: HOW TO MODEL AND

DESIGN STRIP FOUNDATIONS
In our previous tutorial on foundations, we dealt with the design of pad foundations underneath
columns. Over the course of our next three tutorials, beginning with this, we will do so for other
types of foundations which are strip, pile cap and raft foundations respectively.

To achieve this in our tutorial, we will apportion some of the previously designed pad
foundations into the other types listed above as shown in the diagram below.
Step 1:

Double click Storey: St00 in the Structure tree view on the left side of the screen to get the whole
view of all our previously designed foundations.

Since we have already designed for pads, next, we design for strip foundations. Firstly, we will delete
the pad foundations in the area marked out for the strip foundation. In Orion 18, beams are required
to design strip foundations. Since we originally dont have beams in our foundations, we will
create beams for the strip foundations

NB:

Building Analysis of the building has to be done before we can proceed with the design of
foundation.In the case of our tutorial, we have already done that previously. For the beams, we will
create it using the properties as shown in the dialog box below. The depth of the beams created 'h'
will be the depth of the strip foundation.
Step 2:

While holding ctrl, select all the beams, then right click and select Insert Strip Footing. A STRIP
FOOTING Project: LearningOrion dialog box appears. Tick the Design Envelope box at the top of
the dialog box. Click Calculate to design the strip foundation based on the parameters in the dialog
box.

Step 3:

In the Strip Footings Results Footing 3 dialog box that appears, you can check the values for axial
load, moment as well as Shear, span moments and support moments used for the design. Click on
the Diagrams tab to see the loading, shear force and bending moment diagrams for the foundation
as shown below. The results can also be printed using the buttons at the top right hand side of the
dialog box. Click OK to return to the design area.
 Loading, Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams for the strip foundation

Step 4:

Next, we will design the foundation. To do that, we select Run --Beam Section Design and
Detailing -- Create/Update Footing Beam Records in the main menu. Click Yes in the dialog box
that appears. This updates the values of the footing analysis so that it can be used for Foundation
beam Design.

Next, we select Run Beam Section Design and Detailing Foundation Beams to design the
strip foundation as a Foundation beam. The rest of the design is then carried out as was done
for Storey beams in our earlier tutorial.
ORION 18: HOW TO DESIGN PILE
FOUNDATIONS
Featured, Orion

Areas which we will design as pile, strip and raft foundations

For this tutorial, we will be modelling and designing pile cap and foundation on Orion 18.
You can also check out our previous installment on modelling and designing strip
foundations here, or our first foundation design where we modelled pad foundations here.
Let's go.

Step 1
Open the Foundation Storey, St:00. Next click, then right click on column 1C16 for the
foundation. Select Insert Pile Cap.

Step 2
In the PILE CAP DESIGN Project: LearningOrion dialog box, under the General
tab, we will specify our pile cap dimensions. Untick the box next to Calculate
Automatically. Set Lx and Ly to be equal to 2000mm. Click Calculate. A fourth tab
titled Results is created and opened displaying the forces encountered by the pile cap. The
value of Lx and Ly has been changed to 2200mm as part of the design process. This
change may be upwards or downwards depending on the load used for designing the pile. The
settings are as displayed below.
 Pile Cap Design dialog box

NB:
Orion does not carry out pile cap depth check, reinforcement design, shear or moment checks
for pile caps. It only analyses the loading and selects pile cap size, pile size and number of
piles. Click OK to display the pile cap

Step 3

For other columns among the group for our pile cap design, we will design them together.
Hold, ctrl on the keyboard, then select the rest of the columns visible in the area for pile
foundations. Right click and select Insert Pile Cap. In this case, the dialog box does not
appear. Click OK on the Pile Base Options dialog box that appears to create the other
pile caps.
ORION 18: HOW TO MODEL, ANALYSE
AND DESIGN RAFT FOUNDATIONS

In this tutorial, we will learn how to model analyse and design raft foundations.

Step 1

As with all our previous tutorials on foundations here, here and here, open the 'St:00' storey.
With the storey open, delete all the pad foundations there. In the region slated for raft
foundations in our 'LearningOrion' tutorial, Create a slab of 600mm depth using the Axis
Region slab insertion method (because there are no beams in the foundation.)

Step 2

Next, we model 1m cantilever slabs around the edges of the created slab. We do this by
selecting the slab icon in the members toolbar. Among the slab types, select '12', then
click on one end of the axis line along the edge of the beam. Without releasing the mouse,
click on the second end to create the cantilever slab. Do this around the four edges of the first
slab we created.

Step 3

To carry out reinforcement design, introduce an FE slab strip. For this, click 'Slab Strip'
in the members toolbar, then under 'Type', select 'FE Strip'. Click the left side of the
slab (outside the slab), and without releasing the mouse, draw the strip across the slab. This
will be used at the end of our analysis stage.

Step 4
The analysis and design for raft foundation is based on Finite Element (FE.) Click 'Run' in
the menu toolbar, then 'FE Raft Foundation Analysis'. Under 'Floor Mesh and Analysis' in
the dialog box that appears, click 'Raft Foundation Mesh And Analysis'. In the
'Mat Foundation Analysis' view, click 'Generate Model'. The mesh for the slab is
generated. Close this view to automatically begin the analysis.

Step 5

Click 'Analysis Post-Processing' to view the contour diagrams for different areas of the raft
foundation. To design reinforcement, click, then right click on the slab strip created earlier,
select 'Properties' and click 'Update'.

ORION 18: HOW TO DESIGN A

STAIRCASE

The Orion 18 software has design for staircase. This, though, will have to be checked
manually as it is a rough estimation, which may serve for most cases. However, Orion does
not model does not model staircases.

To carry out this design,

Step 1

Go to the menu toolbar. There, Click 'Run', then 'Stair Design'. Before you even start, the
software gives this warning

The current design code gives no fixed guidance on stair design. An empirical design method
is used which may be helpful for estimating purposes. Final reinforcement design should be
checked in detail

Step 2
Next, we select the type of staircase we want to design. For this design, we will select the
'Simple Supported Stair with Landings Supported From Long Edge', seen at the top left
corner of the 'Stair Design' dialog box.

Step 3

We input data for the staircase design as seen in the dialog box below, then click 'Calculate'

The design reinforcement detailing for the designed slab are as shown below
ORION 18: HOW TO CONTROL AND
MANAGE LAYERS

Layer management in CSC Orion 18 is actually quite simple as most of the layers are created
by default for the different building components (beams, slabs, etc,) unlike Autocad where
they have to be created individually.

To make the objects on a layer appear or disappear on the structural model, click on the
'Layers' toolbar located as shown the image below.

For example, if we click the 'Ribbed Slab Layer Group' option in the toolbar, the waffle
slab seen in the structural model above will disappear. See the new model below:

The toolbar, however, only controls the visibility of layers in the structural model.

However, to get a more detailed control of the layers, Go to 'Settings' - 'Layer and Color
Settings' - 'Layer and Color Settings' in the menu toolbar at the top of the screen. The
dialog box below appears.
Here, we can change the 'Color', 'Line Type', 'Text Font' and text height ('h-Text') for every
feature (centre line, text, etc) in every building component (beam, column, etc.)

As an example, we will change the colour of the beam text. To do this, click under the 'Color'
column next to the 'BEAM TEXT' layer description. Click the dropdown, then choose a
different color and click 'OK'. The color of the text on beams changes immediately.

These kinds of changes can be made for different parts of different building components. You
can also try out different combinations if you want certain features to appear more or less
prominent in the building model

The 'Colors and Hatching' tab in the dialog box shown above is used to control the colors
and patterns in regions of the model such as slab regions, walls, etc.

Use the 'Pick Color' button to choose a color for a region or click the 'Cancel' button to make
it colorless.

ORION 18: HOW TO MODEL, ANALYSE

AND DESIGN A WAFFLE SLAB
For this tutorial, we are going to modify part of the model created in the 'LearningOrion'
tutorial we have been using. We will remove slab '1S2' on the first suspended floor and
replace it with a waffle slab. Let's start by revisiting our model.

Split view of the 'LearningOrion' tutorial model

Step 1
We go to 'Storey:St01', and select slab '1S2', then delete it.

NB: To easily select slabs, click on the dimension tag titled '1S2' as seen below for the main
reinforcement bars.

Step 2

Next, click on the 'Ribbed Slab' sign in the menu toolbar near the top of the screen.

In the 'Ribbed Slab Properties' dialog box that appears, Go to 'Type'. click the dropdown
and select 'Grillage'.

The meaning of the different parameters 'bw', 'h', 'h-Slab' and 's-Block' are as shown below
'h' is the total height of the waffle beams

'h-Slab' is the height of the slab

'bw' is the width of the waffle

's-Block' is the distance between the waffles

Step 3

Click in the area where slab '1S2' so as to create the slab as shown below

Step 4
Next, we analyse the waffle slab. To do that, we run slab strips perpendicular to the ribs.
Click 'Run', then 'Ribbed Slab Analysis' in the menu toolbar. Check the box for 'All
Storeys' in the 'Ribbed Slab Analysis' dialog box, then click 'Design'.

Step 5

Now we design the waffle slab. To do so, Click 'Run' - 'Beam Section Design and Detailing'
- 'Rib' to open the 'Rib Section Design and Detailing' dialog box and complete the design as
was done for beam design

*Waffle slab image courtesy of IMCP