Vpdmds Ub51925 PDF

Multi-Discipline Supports
User Guide
AVEVA Solutions Ltd
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First published September 2007
AVEVA Solutions Ltd, and its subsidiaries
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MDS User Guide
MDS User Guide
Contents Page
User Guide
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
About this User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
Overview of the MDS Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1
Administrators Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2
MDS Catalogues and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2
Using the MDS Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:1

Starting the Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:1
Creating a Multi Discipline Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:4
Create by Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:13
Create by Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:15
Create by Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:16
Changing the Size of the Steelwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:17
Adding a Packing Piece. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:18
Creating and Manipulating Connections to External Steelwork . . . . . . . . . . . 2:19
MDS Structural Associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:20
Automatically Generated MDS Structural Associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:21
Manually Generated MDS Structural Associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:23
AVEVA Associations Manager Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:25
Ending the Creation of a Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:26
Modifying a Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:27
Deleting a Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:30
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Copying a Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:31

Repeating a Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:32
Repeat a Standalone Ancillary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:32
Repeat Support Frame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:33
Modifying an Ancillary Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:34
Modifying Ancillary Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:34
Modifying a Support Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:35
Automatic Steelwork Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:35
Viewing the Application Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:37
Adding a Drawing Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:37
Adding a Support to the Drawlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38
MDS Administration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38
Reloading Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38
Align a Guide to a Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38
Associate a Pad with a Shoe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38
Querying the Size of an Ancillary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:39
Special Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:39
Creating a Special Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:39
Creating a Special Support from a Combination of MDS Standard Frameworks. . . . . . . . 2:42
Creating a Project Special Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:43
Creating a Special SCTN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:46
Including a Section into a Special Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:46
Creating a Stiffener Box in a Special Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:46
Modifying a Stiffener Box Material or Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:47
Moving an HVAC Project Special Joint or SCTN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:47
Modifying a Special Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:48
Adding Snipes to Steelwork Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1

Description of Snipe Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1
Snipe on End of Leg Attached to Stiffener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1
Snipe on Free End of Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:3
Applicable MDS Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:3
Creating Snipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:3
Automatically Created Snipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:3
Manually Created Snipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:4
Trunnions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1
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Hangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1
Creating a Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1
Using the Filter Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:4
Selecting a Creation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:5
Ending the Creation Of A Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:8
Modifying a Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:8
Rotating all Hanger Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
Rotating a Hanger Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
Additional Modification Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
Creating an MDS Hanger using a Manufacturers Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:13
Creating a Hanger - Witch Hanger interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:14
Creating a Hanger - PSDesigner and LICAD Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:20
Branch Reinforcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:1

Creating a Branch Reinforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:1
Preliminary Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:1

Lighting Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1
Creating a Lighting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1
Modifying a Lighting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:4
Welding Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1

Creating a Weld on a Framework or Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1
Positioning Welds on a Framework or Special Pick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:3
Isometric Material List Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:1

Data Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:1
Application Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:1
Create Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:1
Additional Requirements for MDS with DACS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:2
Application Data Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:1

MDS Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13:1
MDS Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:1
Basic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:1
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Extended Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:1

Extra Run-time Filter Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:2
Customised Report Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:2
MDS Health Check Utility (HCU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15:1

Description of HCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15:1
Running the HCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15:2
Example Health Check Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15:3
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Introduction
1 Introduction
1.1 About this User Guide

This document provides guidance to the design engineer on how to create supports using
the Multi Discipline Supports (MDS) application. It is assumed that the design engineer has
a basic understanding of the application.
1.2 Overview of the MDS Application

The MDS application allows you to create supports for piping, cable racks, and HVAC. It is
highly interactive, enabling you to design supports with the minimum of effort. The MDS
application is also highly configurable, allowing the administrator to define project-related
defaults, to control the design of supports, and to determine the range and types of ancillary
components that can be used on a project.
The standard framework supports in the MDS application are designed using structural
sections and are template driven. A default set of structural templates based on British
Standard steelwork sections is supplied with the MDS application. Any relevant national
standard for steelwork sections can be used by configuring the supplied templates. For
further information refer to the Customisation Guide.
If the templates supplied do not suit your project or company requirements, get your MDS
administrator to configure them, or contact AVEVA Solutions to investigate your
requirements or create a special. The requirement to add an extra member to an existing
template configuration is an example of a special. The support would be designed as, or
converted to, a special and then the extra member added to the special structure with the
standard Beams and Columns application.
Ancillaries are elements, such as u-bolts, bolt-on shoes, anchors, or slip-units, which are
attached to pipes. Ancillaries associated with the template are those suitable for, or
available with the standard.
Ancillaries for cable trays and HVAC, sometimes referred to as fixings, are deemed to be the
responsibility of the relevant contractor and are not dealt with in this application.
The creation of every support follows this process:
1. Select a support type from a menu or icons.
2. Enter a name for the support.
3. Create a datum atta (attachment point element) and select an ancillary type.
4. Set distance and/or position for the datum atta.
5. Choose the steelwork from a list of available sizes.
6. Create using the required creation method.
7. Select miscellaneous options.
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Introduction
8. Select the packing if required.

9. Complete the process (the Integrity Checker runs automatically at this point).
10. Run the MDS Health Check Utility, which performs a comprehensive check for the
existence of any problems.
1.3 Administrators Role

The administrator is responsible for the initial setup of the MDS defaults in the DATASETS
stored in the PARAGON database, the default files and the DESIGN template database
associated with the MDS application.
1.4 MDS Catalogues and Specifications

The MDS application is supplied with a catalogue and specifications. The range of bores
and components in the catalogue are fixed.
The /MDS specification contains all ancillary types, and the /MDF specification contains the
SREF attachments for standard frameworks.
The /MDP specification contains the preliminary support type available within the MDS
application.
The /RPAD-MDS-PLATE-MATERIAL specification contains the material used for
reinforcing pad type supports.
Note: The catalogue and associated specifications must NOT be modified.
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Using the MDS Application
2 Using the MDS Application
2.1 Starting the Application

1. Start the DESIGN General Application (default start-up). The DESIGN General
Application start-up form (Figure 2:1.: General Application form) is displayed.
Figure 2:1. General Application form
2. Select Design>Multi Discipline Supports from the main menu (Figure 2:2.: Design
pull-down menu).
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Figure 2:2. Design pull-down menu
The start-up form re-initialises to become the MDS startup display (Figure 2:3.: MDS
startup display), which includes all functions specific to the MDS application.
The system tests for the existence of the design template database /MDS/
TEMPLATES and the /MDS and /MDF specifications. If neither of these exists, MDS
entry is stopped, an error message is displayed, and you re-enter the DESIGN General
Application. If this occurs, ask your administrator to add the owning databases to your
MDB (Multiple Database).
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Figure 2:3. MDS startup display
Simultaneously, the application overlays a form (Figure 2:4.: Default Creation Zone
form) listing all valid zones found in the current MDB. The administrator controls the
selection of which zones are displayed. For more information on how these zones are
selected, refer to the MDS Admin Data form section in the MDS Administrator Guide.
Figure 2:4. Default Creation Zone form
3. Select a zone in which to create your support structures and click OK. Two tool bars
(Figure 2:5.: General Setup and Shortcut Toolbars) are, by default, located under the
main menu bar.
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Icons which control the general setup and display operations are, by default positioned
on the left.
The icons to the right of centre are short cuts to all the available menus in the MDS
application. Place the cursor over each of these icons to display an associated tool tip.
Note: Toolbars conform to standard Windows operation and can be repositioned in a
number of ways. Beware that some icons may be hidden if you re-arrange the
toolbars. The hidden icons on any toolbar can be accessed using the drop-down
arrow at the right-hand end of the toolbar.
Figure 2:5. General Setup and Shortcut Toolbars
Each icon and its assigned action or purpose is listed in the following table:
Multi discipline supports General supports
Cable racking supports HVAC supports
Anchors Fixed hangers
Variable hangers Lighting supports
Guides and stops Slip units
Specials Springs
Trunnions Vessels supports
Branch reinforcements Copy supports
Modify support Delete support
Preliminary support Lock/unlock support
Defaults Wizard
Reports
2.2 Creating a Multi Discipline Support

1. Select the Create pull-down menu (Figure 2:6.: Create menu).
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Figure 2:6. Create menu
2. Click on Multi Discipline Frame. A form similar to the example shown in Figure 2:7.:
Multi-discipline Frameworks selection form is displayed, listing all the available
supports for the MDS application.
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Figure 2:7. Multi-discipline Frameworks selection form
This form shows the framework types listed into groups as below:
L Brackets
Cantilevers/Posts
Pedestals
Frames
Braced Brackets
T Posts
Miscellaneous
These groupings are set by the administrator. Refer to the MDS Structure Defaults form
section in the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
3. Select the type of framework required, for instance a pedestal; this then refreshes the
form with the available pedestals available.
Figure 2:8. Multi Discipline Frameworks selection form
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You can also create support groups using the icon. Group names are identified by
the suffix, [1]. Hangers can be added to the main framework support group and detailed
as one entire MDS support drawing.
Any available support which requires a different description to be displayed, or requires
a different name to the standard name supplied, can be modified using the MDS
Structure Defaults form. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
In the examples shown in Figure 2:7.: Multi-discipline Frameworks selection form, and
Figure 2:8.: Multi Discipline Frameworks selection form the prefix X has been added to
all support default names.
4. Enter a name as follows:
1. Enter the name of the support to be created.
If you enter a legal name in the Name field then click the OK button, the form
becomes active. Notice that in Figure 2:8.: Multi Discipline Frameworks selection
form, no name is specified and so the OK button is inactive.
or
2. Click on the AutoName icon at the top of the form. An automatically generated
name is filled in and the OK button becomes active.
5. Click on the required support type.
Note: Do NOT click on OK at this time.
At any time when the Multi Discipline Frameworks form is displayed, you can click on
the View button to see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
See the example in Figure 2:9.: Engineering Drawing for the Selected Support.
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Figure 2:9. Engineering Drawing for the Selected Support
6. Right-click on the AutoName icon and the button bar shown in Figure 2:10.: Initiate
Selecting a Different Naming File is displayed.
Figure 2:10. Initiate Selecting a Different Naming File
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7. Click on the Select Naming File panel. The MDS AutoNaming File form (Figure
2:11.: AutoNaming File form) is displayed. This allows you to select:
1. a different AutoNaming file for the session,
or
2. a different AutoNaming file set for the zone.
Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
Note: Figure 2:8.: Multi Discipline Frameworks selection form remains displayed.
Figure 2:11. AutoNaming File form
You can also select a zone, which is used to create all the support structures, by
clicking on the Default Creation Zone icon on the Multi Discipline Frameworks form.
8. Select the support type required.
9. Click on the OK button. The type is selected and the form closes. Refer to the MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
- Example: Creating a support type

In this example you will create support type XFT09, using the name FT09
1. Click on the OK button on the Multi Discipline Frameworks form. The XFT09-MDS
Framework form is displayed.
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Figure 2:12. XFT09 - MDS framework form
See Modifying a Support for a descriptive overview of the icon functions.

2. Ensure that the pipes, cable rack or HVAC you need to support are added to the
Drawlist, along with any other elements needed to create the support. This may include
steelwork and panels, depending on the creation mode that is to be used. They must
be added to the graphical view to be identified.
3. Create the datum atta. This is the attachment on the first pipe that is associated with
the support structure. This must be a pipe, not a cable rack or HVAC element.
To create the datum atta select the Create datum support atta button at the top of the
form. You are presented with the cursor so that you can identify a pipe. When you have
done this, the Ancillary Selection form containing a filtered list of all the available
ancillaries at the selected pipe bore, is displayed (Figure 2:13.: Ancillary Selection
form). These may be restricted for each framework type. For more information refer to
the MDS Administrator Guide.
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Figure 2:13. Ancillary Selection form
4. Select the ancillary XAT16 (Bolt on Shoe) from the form. Click on the OK button. The
application now creates the pipe shoe on the selected pipe and positions it at the
previous component or branch start, with a graphical tag of Datum for easy recognition.
The Create datum support atta button is deactivated.
5. Position the shoe on the pipe using:
1. the Distance button, with a distance value placed in the text field next to it,
or:..
2. any of the Through button available options. These include; Through ID Cursor,
Through Back Mark, and so on.
6. Continue to add all the pipes, HVAC and cable racks to the support. These can be
added using the first three icons on the XFT09 form.

The application now positions the new attachments with respect to the datum atta.
The example in Figure 2:14.: Design screen 1 shows two pipes, HVAC and cable rack
elements added to the support.
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
Figure 2:14. Design screen 1
Note: The HVAC and cable rack support attachments have a lollipop representation. This
is because the fixings to the steelwork are regarded as supplied by the HVAC and
cable rack contractor; no allowance is made for the selection of different fixings in the
MDS application. The lollipop representation is removed when the support is
completed, returning to its original drawing level before the support was created.
There are no obstruction properties associated with the lollipop representation and
no clashes are reported.
7. Select the Steelwork Size icon .

8. Select a template available from the list presented on the form (Figure 2:15.: Set
Steelwork Size form). The template list shows all available templates. For this exercise,
choose the second option, 80x80x10 Angle, Internally Welded.
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Figure 2:15. Set Steelwork Size form
9. Click Dismiss to accept the selection and return to the XFT09 form (Figure 2:12.:
XFT09 - MDS framework form).
There are three different options that you can use to create the steel framework:
Create by Cursor
Create by Clearance
Create by Dimensions
You will now create the framework with all three options and see what differences they
make.
2.2.1 Create by Cursor

On the XFT09 form:
1. Select the Create by Cursor icon . You are presented with the cursor and prompted
from the status form to identify steelwork, boxes or panels.
2. Select the horizontal steelwork member parallel to the pipes on the left.
3. Select the horizontal steelwork member to the right of the pipes.
The application now creates the support using dimensions gained from the positions of the
identified steelwork. The view appears as shown in Figure 2:16.: Design screen 2. When
complete, the application fills in all the dimensions with their correct values. These are
stored against the support when it has finished, enabling future modifications of the
support.
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
Now add a cross member to support the HVAC and cable rack.
4. Select the Add Cross Bar icon . You are presented with the cursor and asked to
identify the support attachment(s) to support with a cross bar.
5. Identify the HVAC and cable rack lollipop.
6. Click the Cancel button on the status form. The application creates the crossbar and
positions it at the correct elevation.
Identify both attachments to which the cross will be attached. This information is used
later in the support Integrity Checker to check the packing distance between the cross
bar and the support attachment. The support Integrity Checker is executed whenever
you press the OK button. The view is then as shown in Figure 2:17.: Design screen 3.
Note: The elements to which the cross-beam is attached must be parallel to the pipe run.
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
2.2.2 Create by Clearance

Using the Create by Cursor method, two separate elements must be identified and these
elements must be parallel to the pipe run. Using the Create by Clearance method, only one
element needs to be identified.
1. Select the Create by Clearance icon . You are presented with the cursor to identify a
steelwork member, box or, panel.
2. Select the horizontal steelwork member that is perpendicular to, and above, the pipes.
The application now creates the support using the dimensions gained from the position
of the identified steelwork member. The clearances are calculated from the default
values, obtained from:
The values stored against each MDS Ancillary standard in the MDS PARAGON
Defaults database. If unset, the clearance values from the MDS Application
Defaults form are used.
The build style of the MDS framework stored against the :MDSBUILDSTYL uda at
each MDS framework template STRU element. That is, the default is INSIDE and
the alternative value is OUTSIDE.
The clearances are used to calculate the positions of the vertical members.
These values and all other default values can be queried by displaying the MDS
Application Defaults form, refer to Automatic Steelwork Orientation. For information on
the other defaults used, refer to the MDS Administrator Guide.
The application fills in all the dimensions with their correct values. The view is then as
shown in Figure 2:18.: Design screen 4.
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
2.2.3 Create by Dimensions

Use this method when the required steelwork is not yet entered into the 3D model, enabling
you to continue working.
1. Enter the following dimensions in the MDS Framework form:
Dimension 1 = 1300mm
Dimension 2 = 350mm
The location of each dimension can be viewed by clicking on the View... button. This
displays a plotfile with the dimensions shown.
2. Select the Create by Dimensions icon .
The application now creates the support using the dimensions entered. The view is
then as shown in Figure 2:19.: Design screen 5.
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
2.3 Changing the Size of the Steelwork

To modify the size of the steelwork:
1. Select the Set Steelwork Size form (Figure 2:15.: Set Steelwork Size form).
2. Select the size required. The application recreates the support using the dimensions
that are entered on the form. Try this by selecting option 4, 152 x 89 Channel Internally
Welded. The view is then as shown in Figure 2:20.: Design screen 5.
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3
2
Datum Pipe 1
Elevation
2.4 Adding a Packing Piece

Packing pieces are used to make up height differences between the cross bar and support
attachments.
1. Select the Add Packer icon from the MDS XFT09 form. You are presented with the
cursor and a status line prompt to identify the support atta to add the packing piece to.
The Packing Piece form (Figure 2:21.: Packing Piece form) is displayed.
2. Fill in the form as required.
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Figure 2:21. Packing Piece form
2.5 Creating and Manipulating Connections to External

Steelwork
After the structural steelwork has been created, it may be necessary to connect it to external
steelwork.
To add a connection to external steelwork:
Select the Create Connections icon . This creates a connection only if the
application knows the identity of the steelwork to connect to.
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If you used the Create by Cursor or Create by Clearance methods the connection to the
external steelwork is made automatically.
Note: It is essential that you have write access to create SNOD/SJOI elements on the
necessary external steelwork.
The SNOD is represented in the graphical view. The MDS application defaults control the
level at which joists can be made to the external steelwork.
Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for more details.
1. Select the Modify Connection icon . You are presented with a form that displays all
the available joints.
2. Select the joint for the joints connected to the external steelwork.
If you have identified the external steelwork to connect to with either Create by Cursor
or Create by Clearance, it is possible that the application will connect to the wrong
Pline. This can happen in the case of the SCTN having floating Plines (X) ((a) in Figure
2:22.: Forced connection to SCTN with floating Plines).
Figure 2:22. Forced connection to SCTN with floating Plines
You can force-connect the joint to a specific Pline ((b) in Figure 2:22.: Forced
connection to SCTN with floating Plines) by selecting the Force Connect icon . You
are prompted to identify the required Pline using the cursor.
To delete a connection:
1. Identify the connection with the cursor.
2. Select the Delete Connections icon.
2.6 MDS Structural Associations

This MDS Structural Associations utility is entirely dependent on the existence of the
standard AVEVA Associations database MASTER/ASSOCDEFN in the current MDB being
used by the MDS design application.
The database MASTER/ASSOCDEFN is required to be included into the current project,
preferably as a FOREIGN database, from the standard AVEVA MAS project, i.e. filename
/%MAS000%/mas7027.
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The standard AVEVA Associations Manager form also interfaces with the MDS Structural
Associations utility.
The MDS Structural Associations are generated either automatically or manually, depending
on the mode of creation/modification of the MDS support.
2.6.1 Automatically Generated MDS Structural Associations

The MDS Structural Associations are created automatically during the creation/modification
of a MDS standard framework support structure, when the creation mode used is Cursor
or Clearance , and the user graphically identifies the main structural element(s)
from which the MDS structure SCTN element(s) will be supported.
The figure below shows a typical MDS support created by Cursor :
Figure 2:23. MDS Support created by cursor
The MDS Structural Associations are automatically generated for the MDS support, shown
in the picture above, in a ASSOWL element created automatically and named to reflect the
SITE name where the MDS supports are being created, i.e. the ASSOWL name will follow
the convention <sitename>-MDS-ASSOWL.
The figure below shows the typical hierarchy of the MDS supports ZONE and their structural
associations ASSOWL:
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Figure 2:24. Typical MDS hierarchy
A similar hierarchy to one shown above would also exist for the automatically generated
associations when creating the MDS Support by Clearance
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2.6.2 Manually Generated MDS Structural Associations

The MDS Structural Associations will not be created automatically during the creation/
modification of a MDS standard framework support structure, when the creation mode used
is by Dimensions .
When a MDS support is created by Dimensions , any existing MDS Structural

Associations (ASSOC elements) for the MDS support will be deleted, but the owning
Association Group, ASSOGP element for the MDS support will remain.
The MDS Structural Associations may now be manually generated by selecting the main
menu bar option Create>MDS SCTN Association, i.e.
It is important to note that a manually generated MDS Structural Association may be created
at any time for an existing MDS framework support, and is independent of any form used for
the creation and/or modification of a MDS framework type support.
After selecting the MDS SCTN Association option a prompt will be displayed in the status
bar, to 'Identify a MDS Support SCTN element to Associate', e.g.
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Figure 2:26. Identify a MDS support SCTN element
The user must first identify a MDS Support SCTN element as prompted and then the user
will be prompted to 'Identify a MAIN Structure element to Associate with the MDS SCTN
element', e.g.
Figure 2:27. Identify a main structural element
When the two vertical MDS SCTNS have been associated with the relevant MAIN structural
elements, the Association Group (ASSOGP) hierarchy for the MDS support will be
populated with the Association (ASSOC) elements etc, as shown in the figure below:
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Figure 2:28. Association Group hierarchy
2.6.3 AVEVA Associations Manager Form

The standard AVEVA Associations Manager form is displayed by selecting the main menu
bar option Utilities>Associations>Associations, i.e.
Figure 2:29. Utilities menu
The standard AVEVA Associations Manager form is shown below:
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Figure 2:30. Association Manager form
The Association Filter - Show option gadget has been changed to 'Current Element' and
the Purpose option gadget has been changed to 'MDS'.
Clicking the Refresh button has populated the Associations grid with the associations for
the current MDS framework support structure.
Clicking the left hand side of an association will automatically populate the other two lower
grids, Restrictions and Associations Detail with the data of the selected Association.
When the cursor is placed over a highlighted association other options are made available
by clicking the right mouse button. The options are self explanatory.
Users should familiarise themselves with the standard AVEVA Associations form, described
in Getting Started with PDMS/OUTFITTING.
Note: The standard AVEVA Associations form is a general utility, which is available for use
by the other discipline design applications in the AVEVA MARINE/PLANT software,
as well the MDS design application.
2.7 Ending the Creation of a Support

When you have finished the support, click on the OK button.
The application then performs a series of integrity checks to ensure that the support is
completed. If any errors are found the OK button is deactivated and the support is not
completed until you have rectified the errors. The checks performed are as follows:
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- Displays a message
If the packing distance is greater than 2mm but not greater than allowable packing
distance.
If the support is a special, a message is issued to you to create the structural steelwork.
If no warning or errors are found.
- Displays a warning message

If the maximum length of steelwork is not to be exceeded. In the design template
database each member can be given a maximum length that it may not exceed.
- Displays an error message

If the Application Default maximum packing distance has been exceeded.
If any of the support attachments overlap the crossbar. A maximum overlap value is set
on the MDS Application Defaults form (see Viewing the Application Defaults).
If any of the dimensions associated with the support ancillaries, for example shoes,
exceed the values defined in the MDS Ancillary Defaults form (refer to MDS
Administrator Guide).
If any reference used within the MDS application, for example bedplate reference, no
longer exists.
2.8 Modifying a Support

You can now modify the support using the various options available on the MDS XFT09
support form (Figure 2:12.: XFT09 - MDS framework form). A description of each option,
along with its associated icon, is shown in the following table. The access to each icon is
dependent on the configuration being used. Icons for unavailable options are greyed out.
Mirror framework mirrors the support, perpendicular to the datum

attachment, repositioning the framework members through the structure
origin.
Align support picks two points with the EDG (Event Driven Graphics)
application. It then calculates the distance between the two points, using the
datum attas leave direction. This allows you to position the support more
accurately.
Modify support section modifies a section belonging to the support with
the standard modify section start/end form. If a section is modified using this
facility, any future regeneration of the support will not include these
modifications and returns to the default configuration.
Add packer adds packing pieces to support attas that are not sitting directly
on the steelwork.
Delete packer deletes packing pieces already added to the support
framework.
Rotate all attas can be used when the support type is used with vertical
pipes. It rotates all the attachments by the angle entered into the text field
next to the icon.
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Rotate atta rotates individual attas. It rotates the attachment by the angle
entered into the text field next to the icon.
Modify datum atta modifies the datum atta from one atta to another.
Bedplate reference associates a support steelwork member with a

bedplate. This information is then added to the subsequent drawing, which
can be created with the MDS Automatic Drawing Production application.
Associate atta associates an attachment with a crossbar. It allows you to
associate an attachment at any time.
View associations shows the support attachments that are associated with
each crossbar. This can be very useful if the support Integrity Checker
identifies a large packing distance between the support attachment and the
associated crossbar. Often the reason for this is that the attachment is
associated with the wrong crossbar.
Modify atta modifies the ancillary type or certain dimensions of the support
attachment.
Delete atta deletes an attachment from the support framework. The datum
attachment cannot be deleted from the support.
Nudge nudges the support with the flow or against the flow, depending on
which icon is pressed, by the distance value entered in the text field next to
the icons.
Spooling creates spools for the steelwork erection procedure. The MDS
ADP drawing displays which spool the steelwork section belongs to in the
material list.
Set materials of the steelwork sections.
Copy like identifies another support of the same standard and copies its
dimensions. The number of associated pipes, cable trays, and HVAC
elements do not have to be the same on each support.
View standard displays the standards associated plot file.
Create connections section to existing main steel.
Modify connection to existing steel.
Force-connect to existing main steel.
Disconnect template sections from existing main steel.
Show/hide framework dimensions graphically displays the dimension of

the support standard.
Centre on support refreshes the graphical view with the support being
created or modified in the centre. The view scale is not modified.
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ADP Drawlist control can be modified from the DESIGN General

Application. The support steelwork and all its associated members are
added by default. You may add extra elements to the Drawlist up to a
maximum of ten. Use this to add steelwork that does not belong to the
support framework.
Specify a location position for ADP dimensions.
Identifies a trimmer requirement (by others).
Ancillary material setting.
Copy ancillary
Nudge ancillary
Add a note to the ancillary to appear on the drawing deliverable.
Flip ancillary
Data allows you to store load data against an ancillary.
Modify atta properties modifies the ancillary type or your editable design
dimensions of the support attachment.
Flip ADP view directions flips the ADP view directions 180 from the
DESIGN General Application, for drawing clarity.
Convert to special converts the existing support to a special support.
Isometric control allows you to control the isometric drawing

representation and material list for individual ancillaries/support framework.
Create weld lets you view, create, modify, or delete welding information.
The icons described below are available on other support standards.

Rotate frame rotates the framework about the datum attachment.
Flip field weld is used when a support type can be built with the field weld
at either end of the framework steelwork member. It will place the field weld
at the other end of the steel and depict it with a textural aid.
Identify steel for calculation of trunnion lengths.
Set trunnion material
Flip atta flips an attachment within the line; this can be used to flip non-
symmetrical attachments.
Reconnect reconnects a hanger to another beam.
Trim SCTN trims or extends identified section ends to a surface.
To modify a support:
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1. Select Modify>Support from the main menu. The Modify Support form (Figure 2:31.:
Modify Support form) is displayed.
Figure 2:31. Modify Support form
2. Identify the support you require to modify in one of these ways:

Type a name into the Support Name text field.
Press the CE button to modify the current element if it is a support.
Click the Identify By Cursor button.
When the support has been identified you can use the Centre on Support icon to
view the support in the centre of the graphical view.
3. Click the Apply button. The same form as used to generate the support is displayed
with all the dimensions correctly filled in. Modification follows the same principles as
support creation.
To cancel the support:
1. Select the Cancel button while in modification mode.
2. At the prompt confirm this request. The support is regenerated in its original form.
2.9 Deleting a Support

Note: Attempts to delete a support attachment while in modification mode stops the
process.
To delete a support:
1. Select Delete>Support from the main menu, or use the appropriate icon from the tool
bar. The Delete Support form (Figure 2:32.: Delete Support form) is displayed.
Note: The buttons on this form are highlighted in red to distinguish it from the Modify
Support form.
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Figure 2:32. Delete Support form
2. Identify the support you want to delete. The support can be deleted in one these ways:
When the support has been identified, you can use the Centre on Support icon to view
the support in the centre of the graphical view.
3. Click the Apply button.
2.10 Copying a Support

To copy a support:
1. Select Create>Support...>Copy from the main menu or use the Copy icon. The Copy
Support form (Figure 2:33.: Copy Support form) is displayed.
Figure 2:33. Copy Support form
2. Identify the support you require to copy in one of these ways:

When the support has been identified, you can use the Centre on Support icon to view
the support in the centre of the graphical view.
3. Enter a name for the copied support.
Note: Every copied support must be renamed.
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4. Enter the number of copies required.

5. Enter the distance to copy the support.
6. Click Apply and then click Yes at the Retain the Copy prompt to accept.
2.11 Repeating a Support

MDS allows you to repeat a support from one line (pipe) to another. This is possible for
standalone ancillaries and support frames only; the repeat function is not available for
trunnions and hangers. (note this differs from the Copying a Support function). Two repeat
functions are available: one is used for repeating a standalone ancillary, the other for
repeating a support frame.
2.11.1 Repeat a Standalone Ancillary

To repeat a standalone ancillary:
1. Select Create>Repeat MDS Ancillary Support from the main menu.
A prompt is displayed at the bottom of the main window: Identify MDS Ancillary to
Repeat.
2. Click on the ancillary that you want to repeat. Any atta that has been created by the
MDS application can be selected, even if it is a member of a support frame, except
HVAC and cable rack supports. After selection the atta is validated, and if it does not
match the conditions above, you are prompted to select another atta until you pick one
that does meet with conditions.
After the atta has been validated, a prompt is displayed at the bottom of the main
window: Identify tube of pipe to Add Ancillary.
3. Click on the piece of tube of any pipe where you want to create a copy of the source
atta. When the atta is created, MDS performs the checks that are made when creating
an ancillary, to ensure that it is suitable for the selected tube (material, insulation,
temperature and elevation).
If the selected tube cannot accept the new atta, an error message is displayed and the
atta is deleted. Otherwise, the following form is displayed where a name can be given
to the new atta:
Figure 2:34. Modify Support Name form
4. Type a name in to the Change to Support Name text field, or click on the MDS
Autoname button to generate the name automatically. If you click on the Cancel
button, the name displayed in the Existing Support Name field (ProvisionalName<n>
is assigned by default.
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5. Click on the OK button to apply the name change.

6. The repeat function works in a loop: each time a new atta is created you are asked to
identify another tube for which an atta is required.
To exit the procedure, press the Esc key on the keyboard.
2.11.2 Repeat Support Frame

To repeat a support frame:
1. Select Create>Repeat MDS Framework Support from the main menu.
A prompt is displayed at the bottom of the main window: Identify MDS Support Frame
to Repeat.
2. Click on the support frame that is to be repeated. Any member of a frame that has been
created by the MDS application can be selected (atta, section, joints, etc). After
selection the support frame is validated, and if it is not suitable (see Limitations below,
you are prompted to select another support frame until you pick one that does meet the
conditions.
Note that frames for HVAC and cable racks can be selected.
After the support frame has been validated, a prompt is displayed at the bottom of the
main window: Identify tube of pipe to Add Datum Atta of the Support Frame.
3. Click on the piece of tube (or HVAC/tray section) where you want to create a copy of
the source frame. Only the datum atta and SREF atta are copied; any other attas and
additional crossbars are not copied.
When the new frame is created, MDS performs the checks that are made when
creating a support, to ensure it is suitable for the selected tube/HVAC/tray section
(bore, steelwork size, orientation).
If the selected tube, etc cannot accept the new support frame, an error message is
displayed and the frame is deleted. Otherwise, the Modify Support Name form is
displayed so that you can give a name to the new frame. This is the same form that is
displayed when repeating a standalone ancillary.
4. Type a name for the new frame, or use the MDS Autoname button, then click on OK.
Click on Cancel to use the default name.
5. The repeat function works in a loop: each time a new frame is created you are asked to
identify another tube/HVAC/tray section for which a support frame is required.
To exit the procedure, press the Esc key on the keyboard.
Limitations
If the frame FT22 (bedplate) is selected the procedure is terminated, and the standard
form for copying of supports is displayed instead. (see Copying a Support).
The above repeat functions cannot be used for some frames, as they require special
treatment. They are:
FT30 FT55A
FT44 FT55B
FT45 FT55C
FT46 FT55D
FT47 VT01 to VT06
FT54A VT20 to VT24
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FT54B
FT54C
FT54D
2.12 Modifying an Ancillary Type

To modify an ancillary type:
1. Select the Modify Atta icon on the MDS Framework form. The Modify Atta
Properties form shown in Figure 2:35.: Modify Atta Properties form is displayed.
Figure 2:35. Modify Atta Properties form
The Modify Atta Properties form allows all editable design dimensions of the support
attachment to be modified.
2. Select the Modify Ancillary Type icon .
3. At the prompt, select the new ancillary type.
The ancillary type depends on the size of the pipe identified and any restriction of ancillary
type that may be created. The type can only be selected if the new type is available at the
branch bore size.
2.13 Modifying Ancillary Dimensions

Note: Not all ancillaries can be modified.
To modify ancillary dimensions:

1. Select the Modify Atta icon on the MDS Framework form. The Modify Atta
Properties form shown in Figure 2:35.: Modify Atta Properties form is displayed. Forms
are context sensitive, and are displayed with the modifiable options only.
2. Type new values in the numeric fields.
Note: New values must not exceed the minimum or maximum values defined in the MDS
Ancillary Defaults form refer to MDS Administrator Guide). An error is issued if the
values entered exceed these limits.
3. If required, click on the Set Parameters to Default icon (DEF).
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Note: The MDS application allows the creation of ancillary standards with their own
geometry. This is an administrator function and is described in the MDS
Administrator Guide.
2.14 Modifying a Support Name

To modify a support name:
1. Select Modify>Support Name from the main menu. The Modify Support Name form
(Figure 2:36.: Modify Support Name form) is displayed.
Figure 2:36. Modify Support Name form
2. Identify the support you require to modify in one of these ways:

Type a name into the Existing Support Name text field.
3. Enter the new support name into the Change to Support Name text field.
4. Click on the Apply button.
2.15 Automatic Steelwork Orientation

MDS can automatically orientate the support structure steel members of a framework type
support, dependant on the orientation of identified stiffeners. This function is available when
you create a framework using the Create by Cursor method within the framework creation
process. A typical example of a support frame (FT08) is shown in Figure 2:37.: Example of
Steelwork Orientation.
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Figure 2:37. Example of Steelwork Orientation
The correct orientation is achieved by utilising appropriate templates. Each standard

template has four alternatives as depicted above. The names of the alternative templates
are followed by a suffix, which is a configuration code based on the orientation of the
stiffeners as depicted. Only templates that are built up from angle profiles have oriented
alternatives.
The MDS Template Catalogue has left and right hand versions of a template. The left hand
version is used when the orientation of the stiffeners is found to be pointing in the same
direction as port, and the right hand version is used for starboard.
To use this feature proceed as follows:
1. On the MDS Framework form. click on the Create by Cursor icon . A prompt is
displayed at the bottom of the main window asking you to identify the first stiffener, then
the second stiffener.
2. Identify the stiffeners by clicking on them. MDS then checks that their gtype is angle. If
so, the orientation of the stiffener is stored as a number in user-defined attribute (uda)
:MdsTmplOri at STRU level. The system then checks for the existence of an oriented
template with this number; if found, this is used instead of the standard template.
Note: Subsequent modifications of the support by the clearance/dimensions method will
always try to select the oriented template first.
All settings (number of bars, min/max bore, etc) are always obtained from the
standard template, except the value stored in uda :MDSBuildStyl, that is copied
from the alternative.
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Limitations
Currently, only DIN frames have oriented alternatives, stored in database MDS/DESITMPL-
DIN-ORI of project MDS. These are as follows:
FT03 FT23
FT04 FT31
FT05 FT32
FT06 FT35
FT08 FT36
FT09 FT37
FT18 FT40
FT19 FT42
2.16 Viewing the Application Defaults

The MDS designer can modify some of the defaults using the MDS Application Defaults
form. Refer to the User Modified Defaults section in the MDS Administrator Guide.
2.17 Adding a Drawing Note

To add a note to the drawing:
1. Click the Notes icon on the MDS Framework form. The Notes form (Figure 2:38.:
Notes form) is displayed.
Figure 2:38. Notes form
2. Select the support to which the Note needs to be added.

3. Type the text in the Note text pane. By default, the Note is attached to the origin of the
selected element on the MDS ABA drawing.
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4. Use the Modify Note Position button to attach the Note via EDG (Event Driven
Graphics) to another position on the selected element.
2.18 Adding a Support to the Drawlist

To add all the members of a support to the drawlist:
Select Utilities>Add support(s) from the main menu and then click on one of the following
sub-menu options.
Explicit: enter the support name into the displayed form.
All Below CE: select CE to add all members below the current element in the
hierarchy.
All: add all supports within the current multiple database.
2.19 MDS Administration Options

The MDS administration options have been added to assist you. An explanation of each
option and how it can be used is given below.
2.19.1 Reloading Defaults

To load the latest defaults:
1. Select Settings>MDS Defaults>Reload from the main menu. See Figure 2:39.:
Confirmation form for an example. Click Yes to reload the defaults.
Figure 2:39. Confirmation form
2.20 Align a Guide to a Support

A guide associated with a support is also modified if the support is modified. Use this option
to realign the guide with its associated support where the guide has not been modified for
some reason.
To align a guide to a support:
Select Modify>Align Guide to Support from the main menu.
2.21 Associate a Pad with a Shoe

If a pipe shoe has a reinforcing pad it must be associated with the shoe. This allows the
shoe to recognise the pad thickness. If for some reason the pad and shoe are not
associated, use the Modify>Associate Pad with Shoe menu selection.
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2.22 Querying the Size of an Ancillary

To query the size of an ancillary:
Select Query>Properties from the main menu. The sizes, descriptions and other relevant
details are displayed using the data set supplied with the application. An example of a shoe
is shown in Figure 2:40.: Design Property Information form.
Figure 2:40. Design Property Information form
2.23 Special Supports
2.23.1 Creating a Special Support

When a project requires a support that does not conform to any of the supplied
configurations, it can be created as a Special Support. It can be assigned a support name
and a special support number. This special support number can be unique to one support,
or it may be used on several supports. This is controlled via the MDS Admin Data form. For
details, refer to the MDS Administrator Guide.
A prefix is used to identify a special support and is also controlled by the same default file.
The special support type can be:
Multi Discipline
Cable racking
HVAC
To create a special support:
1. Select the Special Support icon from the tool bar, or select Create>Special... from the
main menu. The Special Support form (Figure 2:41.: Special Support form) is
displayed.
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Figure 2:41. Special Support form
2. Enter a Name, or click the AutoName icon to use the auto-name facility
3. Enter a Number, this functionality is not normally required, and is usually deactivated
4. Select the Type.
If the default setting is for a unique support number, then the special support number is
checked to ensure that it is unique.
5. Click the OK icon. The Special MDS Framework form (Figure 2:42.: Special MDS
Framework form) form is displayed.
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Figure 2:42. Special MDS Framework form
6. Select all the elements to be supported.

7. Position the support in the same way as for the Multi Discipline Support example.
Note: The only difference is that no steelwork sections are automatically created.
8. Click on the OK button.

A minimal check is performed by the support Integrity Checker. A message is displayed in
the support Integrity Check form informing you that you can now use the steelwork
application to create the steelwork members required to complete the support framework.
A structure element is created so that you can create the steelwork within it using the same
name as the support name. The MDS Automatic Drawing Production application produces a
drawing similar to any of the standard support types.
For an overview of the options icon functions refer to the table in Modifying a Support. The
other seven icons are explained in Creating a Project Special Support to Moving an HVAC
Project Special Joint or SCTN.
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2.23.2 Creating a Special Support from a Combination of MDS Standard

Frameworks
The Special Support form can also be used to create a special support from a combination
of existing MDS Standard Frameworks.
To create a special support from a combination of standards:
1. Select the From Existing MDS supports option in the Create field on the Special
Support form (Figure 2:43.: Special Support form).
Figure 2:43. Special Support form
2. Click on OK. The Create a Special Support form (Figure 2:44.: Create a Special
support form) is displayed.
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Figure 2:44. Create a Special support form
3. Identify each existing support in turn and add it to the list of supports to be combined.
The first support identified is used as the master support. The datum atta of this
support is used as the datum atta for the resulting special support.
4. If you require a different support to be used as the master, select the support from the
list and click the Use Selected Support as Master button.
5. Click on the OK button.
The list of supports is taken and the databases are configured so that the individual supports
are created as one support under the new name.
2.23.3 Creating a Project Special Support

A project special can be copied into an existing special framework. This speeds up the
process of creating a special support with a complicated configuration and can be used
repeatedly on a project.
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Project specials are pre-defined in a site called /MDS/SPECIALS. This has three zones
containing the respective special types:
/MDS/SPECIALS/PIPE
/MDS/SPECIALS/HVAC
/MDS/SPECIALS/TRAY
- Project specials for piping - /MDS/SPECIALS/PIPE zone

This zone contains all the available project specials for piping.
1. Select the Support Atta Only option in the Create field on the Special Support form
(Figure 2:43.: Special Support form). The Special MDS Framework form (Figure 2:42.:
Special MDS Framework form) form is displayed.
2. Select the Copy Project Special icon. A list of the available templates is displayed
(Figure 2:45.: Select Project Special template form).
Figure 2:45. Select Project Special template form
3. Select the type of standard the steelwork configuration. This is copied to the datum
support. An example of the selected support configuration is shown in Figure 2:46.:
Example of a Project Special support configuration.
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Figure 2:46. Example of a Project Special support configuration
When the application copies the steelwork, no resizing is performed. You must complete the
special support according to your requirements.
- Project specials for HVAC - /MDS/SPECIALS/HVAC zone

This zone contains all the available project specials for HVAC ducts.
1. Select the Support Attas Only option in the Create field on the Special Support form
2. Select the Copy Project Special icon . A list of the available templates is displayed.
This list is similar to that for piping (Figure 2:45.: Select Project Special template form).
3. Select the type of standard for the steelwork. The configuration is copied to the datum
support.
The project specials for HVAC are based on a 500mm by 500mm duct and the
framework is modified to suit the size of duct identified.
4. Modify the interface points with other steelwork.
Note: The automatic support modification to suit the supported HVAC duct size on creation/
selection is only available for the HVAC project special templates.
For more information on the configuration of these HVAC projects special frameworks, refer
to the MDS document, Customisation Guide.
- Project specials for tray - Zone /MDS/SPECIALS/TRAY

This zone contains all the available project specials for cable trays.
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1. Select the Support Attas Only option in the Create field on the Special Support form
2. Select the Copy Project Special icon . A list of the available templates is displayed.
This list is similar to that for piping (Figure 2:45.: Select Project Special template form).
3. Select the type of standard the steelwork configuration. This is copied to the datum
support.
When the application copies the steelwork no resizing is performed. You must complete the
special support according to your requirements.
2.23.4 Creating a Special SCTN

The Copy Section icon allows you to copy any SCTN member from the current special
support.
Note: This is not restricted to the Copy Project Special option.
To create a special SCTN:

1. Click on the icon and the Identify Section to Copy prompt is displayed.
2. Select a SCTN member of the current special support.
A message appears to indicate that the identified section has been copied and moved
up 300mm. The section name becomes support name-Vnn.
You can copy as many SCTNs as required and if necessary use the standard Beams and
Columns application to complete the design of the special support.
2.23.5 Including a Section into a Special Support

The Include Special Section icon allows you to include any SCTN member that is not
part of the current special support into the current special support.
To include the SCTN member:
Click on the icon and the Include Section into Special prompt is displayed.
The SCTN on the selection of a SCTN member is included in to the current support with its
original name.
You can include as many SCTNs as required. If necessary use the standard for Beams and
Columns application to complete the design of the special support.
2.23.6 Creating a Stiffener Box in a Special Support

The Create Stiffener Box icon allows you to copy a Stiffener Box into the current special
support.
To create a stiffener box, click on the icon.
This creates a substructure in the current special support named /supportname/SUBSnn
with a BOX beneath in the hierarchy. It has a default size of XLEN 100, YLEN 100, and
ZLEN 100.
You can create as many stiffener boxes as required. If necessary use the standard
positioning menu to position the stiffener boxes to complete the design of the special
support.
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2.23.7 Modifying a Stiffener Box Material or Size

The Modify Stiffener Box icon allows you to modify a stiffener box material/size that is
part of the current special support.
To modify a stiffener box:
1. Click on the icon.
2. Select a stiffener box member. A list of all stiffeners is displayed (Figure 2:47.: Set
Stiffener Material/Size form).
3. Select each existing stiffener in turn in the Stiffeners list.
Figure 2:47. Set Stiffener Material/Size form
4. Modify the Xlen, Ylen, and Zlen dimension attributes.

5. Select all the stiffener elements using the Select All Stiffeners check box or
individually select them from the Materials list.
6. Select a material from which the stiffener is to be made. Click on the appropriate entry
in the Properties Database.
7. If necessary, use the standard positioning menu to position the stiffener boxes to
complete the design of the special support.
2.23.8 Moving an HVAC Project Special Joint or SCTN

The Move a Project Special Joint/SCTN icon allows you to extend certain SCTN ends
depending upon the MDS template special configuration.
1. Click on the icon and the Identify Section/Joint to Move prompt is displayed.
2. Select a section and the Identify Element to Move prompt is displayed.
3. Select the item to move. The section end extends to the element selected.
Note: You are not allowed to select SCTNs that are part of the current special support.
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2.23.9 Modifying a Special Section
The Modify Section icon allows you to extend any special section SCTN end, rotate
special sections using Bangle, flip special sections, and modify the special section
justification of the current special support.
1. Click on the icon and the prompt Identify Steelwork Member to Modify the position of
the start or end is displayed.
2. Select a section and the Modify Special Section form (Figure 2:48.: Modify Special
Section form) is displayed.
Figure 2:48. Modify Special Section form
3. Move each of the existing MDS sections in turn using the Move icons, for example
moves the current section north and moves the current section down. The CE
button allows you to change to other sections that are part of the special supports.
You can also extend or shorten the current section start/end by a distance you input in
the Extend text field. Use the icons to extend/shorten by the value
you entered.
Note: The value you enter is treated as an absolute and therefore no positive or negative
sign is required.
You can control the overall percentage movement and extension/shortening of the
section using the Increment text fields.
The Default percentage field is set to 100%. If you select Medium percentage
increment at 5%, the selected section is moved or extended/shortened by 5% of the
Extend text field value. All of the Increment fields except the Default can be modified.
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4. You can control the overall rotation angle using the Bangle text field. The default value
is 90 and the maximum allowed is 180.
5. Use these icons at the bottom of the form to perform further modifications:
Modify a SCTN on the current support.
Reverses the start and end of the section.
Modify the current section justification.
Modify SCTN size.
Re-align support member.
Align nodes.
Add pad.
Delete pad.
TBA Add snipe to SCTN (ANGLE gtype only)
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Adding Snipes to Steelwork Members
3 Adding Snipes to Steelwork Members
3.1 Description of Snipe Utility

MDS provides the ability to create and modify snipes on support structural members. A
snipe is where a support structural member is cut at an angle, such that a corner is
removed. For example, Figure 3:1.: Snipes added to FT08 framework shows snipes added
to an FT08 framework type.
Figure 3:1. Snipes added to FT08 framework
This feature currently only works with angular sections, i.e. steelwork profiles of type SCTN
and gtype ANG. Two cases are catered for:
Snipe on end of leg attached to stiffener
Snipe on free end of section.
3.1.1 Snipe on End of Leg Attached to Stiffener

When the section is attached to a stiffener the following calculations are used, where
SL = Snipe length on the leg of the framework
FL = Length of leg section
M1 = Control gap for back-to-back (default = 10 mm)
M2 = Length in the opposite direction of M1 on flange of stiffener
M3 = Distance between flange top outside edge of stiffener and leg point
connected with the flange top of stiffener (default = 25 mm)
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When L > M1 + FL + M2 and M2 >= 25mm, When L > M1 + FL + M2 and M2 < 25mm
Snip is not provided on support leg as below. Snip is to be provided on support leg as below
When L =< M1 + FL and M2 (=M1 + FL - L) =< 0 (zero) mm

Snip is to be provided on support leg as below
Figure 3:2. Snipe on end of leg attached to stiffener
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3.1.2 Snipe on Free End of Section

When the section is not attached to a stiffener the following calculation is used:
Figure 3:3. Snipe on free end of section
3.2 Applicable MDS Templates

The snipes described in Snipe on Free End of Section have been added to angle sections of
all templates in databases MDS/DESITMPL-DIN and MDS/DESITMPL-DIN-ORI. The list of
modified templates is as follows:
FT03 FT11 FT34A
FT04 FT18 FT34B
FT05 FT19 FT36
FT06 FT21 FT37
FT07 FT29 FT38
FT08 FT31 FT39
FT09 FT32 FT40
FT10 FT33 FT42
3.3 Creating Snipes

Snipes can either be created automatically when an MDS framework is created or modified,
or they can be created manually using the Snipes utility.
3.3.1 Automatically Created Snipes

If the support leg is attached to a stiffener and their configuration conforms to Figure 3:2.:
Snipe on end of leg attached to stiffener, snipes are automatically created when an MDS
framework is created or modified (using the MDS Framework form).
The snipe size is automatically calculated as follows:
When the calculated size is less than the minimum allowable, the snipe is not created.
The minimum snipe is set at 10mm and cannot be changed.
If the calculated size is greater than the maximum, then the maximum size is used
instead. The maximum size depends on the angle section size and is calculated as the
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difference between the size of the angle leg where the snipe is intended/created and
the thickness of the angle leg.
If the support leg is already connected by a joint to the stiffener, then the snipe is not
created, whereas the connection by joint is not allowed by the application if the snipe
already exists.
Snipes created in this way can be modified or deleted by the Snipes utility (described
below).
3.3.2 Manually Created Snipes

To create/modify snipes manually, proceed as follows:
1. Select Modify>Add Snipes to Angle... from the main menu. The following form is
displayed:
Figure 3:4. Snipes form
2. Identify the section which is to have a snipe added in one of the following ways:
Type a name into the Modify Section text field.
Click the CE button to modify the current element, if it is an angle section.
3. Use the Select Angle Leg option buttons to select the required leg of the angle
section.
4. Make the required selection using the Select Sniped End option buttons.
If the Identify by Cursor icon is activated, then the sniped end of the angle section
can be picked directly from the 3D graphical view. If the Auto function is enabled, the
snipe is created immediately after picking, to speed up the process.
5. Enter values into the Snipe Length and Snipe Height fields. If the Lock/Unlock icon
is activated, the two values are locked together, and changing one changes the
other.
The values are checked when entered. If a value is less than the minimum (fixed at
10mm) then it is reset to the minimum. If it is greater than the maximum, it is reset to
the maximum size. The maximum size depends on the angle section size and is
calculated using the difference between the size of the angle leg where the snipe is
intended/created and the thickness of the angle leg.
6. Click the Create button to confirm creation of the snipe.
7. Repeat the above steps to create further snipes. Click Dismiss to terminate snipe
creation.
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8. If a snipe already exists at the selected end, its size can be changed by entering new
values for the snipe length and height, then clicking Modify.
9. Click Delete to remove an existing snipe.
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Trunnions
4 Trunnions
A trunnion is designed to a standard. A standard trunnion can have associated ancillaries,

which are themselves standards. For instance, a trunnion standard XTT06-Base ELL and
Pipe Support Variable NPS 2-36, requires a reinforcing pad where it is welded to the pipe.
This pad is added to the design as a standard general ancillary XAT05-Reinforcing Plate cut
from pipe.
- Special notes: regarding reinforcing plates for trunnions

1. A plate is cut from an elbow of the same size and is itemized as extra material on the
isometric drawing.
2. To get the best graphical representation of the plate and trunnion in DESIGN, set Holes
On and Arctol = 1.
It is also possible to create just a trunnion branch (Create>Trunnion). This is a piece of
tube (a new branch is created in the model), that can also have ancillaries associated with it
(for example a u-bolt).
To create a standard trunnion:
1. Select the Trunnion icon from the tool bar or select Create>Trunnion... from the main
menu. The form shown in Figure 4:1.: Trunnions form is displayed.
Figure 4:1. Trunnions form
2. Enter the name of the support to be created. You can also use the auto-naming feature
by clicking on the AutoName icon .
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Trunnions
At any time when the Trunnions form is displayed, you can click on the View button to
see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
4. Click on OK to display the trunnion creation form.
Refer to the MDS Trunnion Defaults form in the MDS Administrator Guide for further
information.
- Example:
In this example you will create support type XTT04 using the name PS14721.
The form shown in Figure 4:2.: Trunnion Creation form is displayed.
Figure 4:2. Trunnion Creation form
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Trunnions
1. Select the component the trunnion is being added to using the icons at the top of the
form:
Elbow
Tube (straight piece of pipe)
Eccentric reducer
Tee
2. Use the cursor to identify a respective branch member applicable to the icon chosen (in
this case identify ELBO to create a base support).
3. At the prompt, identify the steelwork or panel you want to support from. The Select
Trunnion Material form shown in Figure 4:3.: Select Trunnion Material form is
displayed.
Figure 4:3. Select Trunnion Material form
4. Select the piping specification of the trunnion material from a list of the available piping
specifications in the current MDB. The default pipe specification of the parent pipe (the
main branch) is highlighted by default.
If a trunnion is added to a reducer/elbow and no connection point is found, the current
pipe specification is interrogated to find the appropriate reducer/elbow and the
specification reference to the new reducer is reset.
If a trunnion is added to a tee, the tee changes to a cross and scans the current pipe
specification for a suitable cross. This is required because a tee has one only
connection reference.
If a trunnion is deleted, any element reselected is replaced with the original
specification reference.
5. Click OK and the form shown in Figure 4:4.: Trunnion Creation form (after selection of
BRAN member) is displayed, with Length and Trunnion Bore being active.
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Trunnions
Figure 4:4. Trunnion Creation form (after selection of BRAN member)
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Hangers
5 Hangers
The standard MDS application for hangers allows you to create fixed and variable pipe
hangers. The application is interactive and configurable, and simplifies:
Definition of project related defaults.
Control of hanger design.
Determination of range, types, and configuration of hanger components that can be
used on the project.
Hangers are designed using the hanger components catalogue of a given supplier and are
template-driven.
Note: The standard hanger templates are stored in a SITE named /MDS/HANGERS. To
use the standard hanger templates the default option property for the MDSHANGIF
keyword must be set to Standard MDS on the PARAGON defaults database, (refer
to the MDS Admin Data form in the Administrator Guide).
The application is supplied with hanger templates from three different hanger component
suppliers. The project administrator can configure and customize those templates to adopt
any companys hanger configurations or any other hanger components catalogue. For
further information refer to the MDS Hanger Data form in the MDS Administrator Guide.
5.1 Creating a Hanger

There are two ways to access the hanger forms:
1. Click on the Fixed Hanger icon or Variable Hanger icon from the tool bar,
or
2. Select the appropriate hanger from the Create drop-down menu (Figure 5:1.: Create
menu).
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Hangers
3. Choose Fixed Hanger to display the form shown in Figure 5:2.: Fixed Hanger
configurations form. This shows all the available hanger configurations that can be
created.
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Hangers
Figure 5:2. Fixed Hanger configurations form
The available types can contain three prefix characters:

T (Top)
M (Middle)
B (Bottom)
- Example:
A T1 M2 B4 hanger means that the hanger has a T1 type top connection, M2 type middle
connection, and a B4 type pipe connection.
These types of connection can represent the components from different supplier catalogues
or different company standards.
1. Enter the name of the hanger to be created. You can also select the AutoName icon
to name the support. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
2. Click on OK. The form becomes active.
3. Select a hanger type from the list.
4. Click on OK.
5. Identify the pipe to support and the steelwork beam (if relevant to the selected hanger
type) to connect the hanger to.
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Hangers
Since the list of hanger types contains all the hangers available, regardless of the pipe
size, the pipe insulation, and the type of the steelwork connection, you may find that the
hanger type selected is not suitable for the pipe to support or is not suitable for an
insulated pipe. Avoid this situation by using the filters at the bottom of the form (see
Figure 5:2.: Fixed Hanger configurations form). This is described in Using the Filter
Buttons.
5.1.1 Using the Filter Buttons

The filter buttons (Figure 5:2.: Fixed Hanger configurations form) filter the list of available
hanger types by the following filtering criteria:
Hanger category
Pipe size
Pipe insulation (YES/NO)
Top beam type
There are ten filtering categories represented by the following ten buttons:
Single hangers connected to the Single hanger connected to civils.

bottom of a single beam.
Single hangers connected to the Two hangers connected to civils.
top of a double-channel beam.
Two hangers connected to either Dynamic hanger connected to civils.
one or two beams.
Two hangers connected to either Angulating spring support to civils.
one or two double channel
beams.
Dynamic hanger connected to Bottom of pipe supports.
the bottom of a single beam.
Angulating spring supports to ANY Show all hanger types for the
the bottom of a single beam. selected pipe.
By default the ALL filter is activated and the form displays all available hanger categories.
To filter the list, click on one of the filter buttons. The application then prompts you to take
further action depending on the filter selected.
View: enables you to display the standard data sheets for the selected hanger.
View Config: displays a 3D view of the selected hanger configuration to enable early model
appreciation of the configuration selected.
- Example:
1. Click on the filter (single-hanger connected to a beam). The application prompts
you to identify the item you want to support.
2. Identify the item in the graphical view.
Note: At any stage, you can press the Esc key to escape the application prompt.
The tube size and the insulation thickness of the identified pipe are displayed in the
selection area just below the filter buttons. This area shows the current selection data.
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Hangers
The list displays the available hanger configurations for the selected category (single-
hanger connected to a beam), pipe bore size, and insulation thickness.
The application prompts you to identify the steelwork beam you want to connect the
hanger to. The identified beam type is appended to the selection data in the form
selection area.
In the case of double-hangers, or hangers connected to a double-channel beam, the
application prompts you to identify the required additional beams.
The form displays a filtered list containing only the hanger configurations that meet the
selection criteria (Figure 5:3.: Filtered Hanger configurations form).
Figure 5:3. Filtered Hanger configurations form
3. Enter the hanger name in the Name input field. You can also use the auto-naming
feature by clicking the AutoName icon .
4. Click OK.
5.2 Selecting a Creation Mode

The Hangers form (Figure 5:4.: Hanger Creation options) offers three modes to create
hangers.
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Hangers
Figure 5:4. Hanger Creation options
The options are:
- Create and Modify (default mode)

1. Enter the hanger name in the Name input field. The application displays the hanger
form (Figure 5:5.: Hanger form).
2. Modify, accept, or cancel the hanger.
If you require another hanger, re-display the Hangers form.
- Create Once
This mode creates multiple hangers of the same configuration, or of different configurations,
using a minimum of keystrokes.
1. Identify the pipe and the beam(s) required.
2. Click OK. The application creates the hanger and activates the ALL button of the
hanger configurations form:
3. Enter the name of the next hanger (if any).
4. Click on a filter button.
5. Identify the tube and the beam(s) and create the next hanger. The hanger can be
cancelled or modified only by first accepting it and subsequently deleting it or modifying
it. Refer to Modifying a hanger' (see Modifying a Hanger).
- Multi Create
This mode quickly creates multiple hangers of the same configuration.
Click OK. The application creates the hanger and prompts you to select a new pipe and
beam(s) for the next hanger. The hangers are named automatically using the naming
convention set by the MDS administrator.
- Example:
In this example you will create a hanger configuration of type T1 M2 B6. You will use the
name HANG1.
1. Confirm that the current create mode is Create and Modify.
2. Click OK. The form shown in Figure 5:5.: Hanger form is displayed.
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Hangers
Figure 5:5. Hanger form
The application creates the hanger using the data entered in the hanger configuration form.
If the selected beam intersects with the pipe, then the hanger is positioned at the
intersection point. In this case the Distance and Through buttons become deactivated as
the hanger cannot be moved while it is connected to the beam.
You can still move the hanger using the Reconnect To Another Beam icon .
If the beam selected is parallel to the pipe, the hanger is positioned as close as possible to
the start of the identified beam.
The application tries to locate the position by moving the hanger along the beam until the
hanger can be connected vertically.
If the application cannot find a valid connection point on the beam, then an error message is
issued and you are allowed to select another beam.
If a valid connection point is found, then the application creates the hanger. In this case the
Distance and Through buttons become activated, allowing you to modify the position of the
hanger. Moving the hanger with these buttons also moves the steelwork connection point(s)
and associated fitting(s) accordingly.
When creating the hanger, the application does the following:
Creates an atta in the identified tube.
The atta name is the same as the hanger name. If the hanger configuration is such that
the hanger is connected directly to the pipe, then the hanger is connected to this atta.
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Hangers
If the hanger configuration is such that the hanger is connected to the pipe through a
trunnion, a welded lug, or any other standard pipe support, then the hanger is
connected to the atta of the standard support. The Stex attribute of the hanger atta is
set to: Connected to <standard_support_name>. In this case the cref attribute of the
hanger atta remains not set.
Creates the fitting(s) as a member(s) of the steelwork section(s). In the case of a
double-channel beam, the fitting is created in only one of the steelwork sections. The
name of the fitting is the name of the hanger appended by /FITT/H and by the fitting
sequence number (for instance: /HANG1/FITT/H1).
Creates the hanger and connects it to the atta and to the fitting.
5.3 Ending the Creation Of A Hanger

To end the creation of a hanger:
1. Click OK to accept the new hanger.
or
2. Click Cancel to cancel the new hanger.
You can also use any of the additional icons of the form to perform additional actions such
as changing the hanger configuration, rotating the hanger components, or displaying the
hanger dimensions.
5.4 Modifying a Hanger

After you have created a hanger, you can modify it either just before or after you accept it.
In the later case, re-display the hanger form:
1. Select Modify>Support from the main menu. The Modify Support form (Figure 5:6.:
Modify Support form) is displayed.
2. Use one of these options to select the hanger:

In all cases, the name of the hanger is displayed in the Support Name text field.
3. Click Apply. The hanger form, which is now shown, displays all relevant manipulation
icons. For an overview of the icons refer to the table in Modifying a Support.
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Hangers
5.4.1 Rotating all Hanger Members

All hanger members that can be rotated, rotate about the world z-axis by the given angle. If
the hanger has a configuration with more than one hanger, the application prompts you to
identify the hanger to rotate.
To rotate all hanger members:
1. Click on the icon. The application displays the Rotate All Hanger Members form
(Figure 5:7.: Rotate All Hanger Members form).
Figure 5:7. Rotate All Hanger Members form
2. Enter the angle in degrees by which you want to rotate the hanger.
3. Click Apply.
5.4.2 Rotating a Hanger Member

The hanger member rotates about the world z-axis by the given angle. Some components
cannot be rotated, in which case the application issues a message to that effect.
Other components can only be rotated together with adjacent components, determined by
the application itself. In this case all affected components are rotated.
To rotate a hanger member:
1. Click on the icon on the hanger form. The application displays the Rotate One
Hanger Member form (Figure 5:8.: Rotate One Hanger Member form).
Figure 5:8. Rotate One Hanger Member form
2. Enter the angle in degrees by which you want to rotate the hanger member.
3. Click Apply.
5.4.3 Additional Modification Options

To make additional modifications click on the icon on the Hanger form (Figure 5:5.:
Hanger form. The Modify Hanger form (Figure 5:9.: Modify Hanger form) is displayed.
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Hangers
Figure 5:9. Modify Hanger form
Note: Some of the buttons shown in Figure 5:9.: Modify Hanger form are deactivated
because they are not applicable to the current hanger configuration. The action of all
buttons is described later in the section.
- Changing rod lengths

The hanger type associated with the hanger form shown in Figure 5:9.: Modify Hanger form
is a fixed single hanger with a turnbuckle and two rods.
You can:
Change the rod lengths.
Make the rod lengths equal.
Change the hangers configuration (still leaving it as a fixed hanger).
Transform the fixed hanger to a variable hanger.
Each of these options is discussed in detail. As you proceed, additional buttons become
activated and are explained.
To change the rod length:
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Hangers
Enter the required length in the appropriate input field. The rod length is modified
accordingly.
Each rod has a minimum and maximum allowed length. These values depend on the limits
set by the MDS Administrator. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for more information.
Changing the length of one rod automatically updates the length of the other rod, such that
the total hanger height does not change.
To make the rods lengths equal:
Click on the icon.
- Modifying the hanger configuration

You can change the hanger configuration with the following restrictions:
The new and existing configurations must have the same basic connection types. A
configuration in which the hanger is connected to the pipe using a pipe clamp can have
its configuration changed to a similar configuration with a different type of pipe clamp.
However this configuration cannot be changed to a hanger with a connection to a pipe
lug or an elbow trunnion. The converse situations are also true.
If the type of connection to the steelwork of the new configuration is different from that
of the existing configuration, the application prompts you to identify the steelwork
section(s) accordingly.
To modify the hanger configuration:
1. Click on the icon. The fixed hanger configurations form opens with the appropriate
filter is activated. In this case it is the first filter ( ).
2. Select a new configuration from the displayed filtered list, or click on another filter
button and select another type of configuration.
3. For the purpose of this particular explanation, select the T3 M2 B6 configuration from
the filtered list.
The activated filter is not being changed. The application therefore tries to replace the
current hanger configuration with the new configuration based on the current pipe and
beam connections.
If the new configuration has a different beam connection (for instance a double channel
connection two beam connection for a double hanger), then the application prompts
you to identify the beam(s) for the new connection type.
4. Click on the T3 M2 B6 hanger configuration.
5. Click OK. The fixed hanger configurations form closes and the hanger form is re-
displayed.
Note: The title of the form changes to reflect the new configuration.
6. Click on the icon. The Modify Hanger form is displayed.

The rod lengths are deactivated and cannot be changed because the T3 M2 B6
configuration has a fixed length welded eye rod. The bottom rod length cannot be
changed either because to do so would change the total height of the hanger.
- Changing the hanger type from Fixed to Variable

To change the hanger type from Fixed to Variable:
1. Click on the icon. The hangers configuration form is displayed. The form lists only
variable hanger configurations. The active filter is the single-hanger filter ( ) because
this is a single-hanger and the application assumes that in most cases you will modify
the configuration within the same hanger category. You can change the category by
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Hangers
clicking on a different filter icon. For the purposes of this explanation, the default filtered
list is used.
2. Select the T10 M2 B6 configuration.
3. Click on OK. The hanger configurations form closes and the hanger form opens. The
hanger configuration changes and now contains a variable spring and a turnbuckle.
4. Click on the Modify icon . The Modify Hanger form is displayed and a new icon
has been activated.
5. Click on the new icon. A selection form opens, listing spring sizes that are available for
this specific spring type (see Figure 5:10.: Spring Sizes selection form).
Figure 5:10. Spring Sizes selection form
6. Select the line for spring size 20.

7. Click OK.
The current spring is replaced with the new spring size. The rod lengths are updated
automatically to allow appropriate space for the new spring size.
Optionally, you can now experiment with the other icons available in the hanger form.
For instance, try to rotate the spring and notice that the application also rotates the
beam-welding lug attached to it and the pin.
- Viewing and hiding standard sheets

1. Click on the icon. The standard sheets for hangers are displayed.
2. Click on the same icon again. The standard sheets for hangers are hidden.
- Viewing and hiding hanger dimensions

1. Click on the icon. The hanger dimensions are displayed.
2. Click the same icon again. The hanger dimensions are hidden.
- ADP Drawlist control

You can modify the ADP Drawlist in the DESIGN module.
The hanger steelwork and all its associated members are added by default. You can add up
to ten extra elements to associate additional steelwork that does not belong to the hanger.
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- Centre on hanger
Click on the icon. The graphical view of the support being created or modified is
refreshed. The view scale is not modified.
- Re-connecting a hanger to a new steelwork beam
Click on the icon. The hanger is connected to a new steelwork beam.

If necessary, the application moves the hanger to a new position, in order to satisfy the new
connection point. The old fitting is deleted and a new fitting is created below the new
steelwork section.
If necessary, and if the hanger contains rods, they are adjusted to maintain the correct
hanger height.
If the new connection is not valid (for instance, the hanger is not vertical because the rods
are too long or too short), an error message is displayed and the application restores the
original hanger state.
- Adding a note
Click on the icon. You can now add a note to be displayed on the hanger drawing.
- Quick reference notes about modifying hangers

For a steelwork section that is parallel to the pipe, use the Distance or Through
buttons. This is not considered as a reconnection action since the fitting only moves to
the new position. It is not replaced with a new fitting.
For double-hangers, there is one connection for each hanger. The application prompts
twice for the two beams. If only one connection needs to be modified, then for the
connection that you do not want to modify, identify the first beam again. The hanger is
re-connected to the same beam.
For hangers that are connected to a double-channel beam, the application prompt
twice to identify each of the channels. A check is made that the two identified channel
sections form a valid double-channel beam (that is: the same top level, facing each
other back to back).
5.5 Creating an MDS Hanger using a Manufacturers

Interface
There are three MDS Hanger manufacturer interfaces available for use with the MDS
application.
1. The MDS Witch Hanger interface, which uses the Carpenter & Paterson Ltd. Witch
Hanger design software.
2. The MDS PSDesigner hanger interface, which uses the Pipe Supports Ltd.
PSDesigner hanger design software.
3. The MDS LICAD hanger interface, which uses the Lisega LICAD hanger design
software.
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Hangers
5.5.1 Creating a Hanger - Witch Hanger interface

1. Select the Fixed Hanger icon or the Variable Hanger icon from the main tool
bar. Either may be selected to create any of the support types. The following form is
displayed:
Figure 5:11. Witch Hanger Interface form
2. Enter the name of the hanger to be created, or select the Autoname icon to name
the support.
3. Click on the Filter Type icon for the type of hanger support which is required to be
created. Filtering is described in Using the Filter Buttons. In this example select the first
Filter Icon (single-hanger connected to a beam). The application prompts you to

identify the item you want to support.
4. Identify the item in the graphical view.
5. On successfully identifying the item the application then prompts you to identify the
steelwork you want to connect the hanger to.
6. Identify the steelwork in the graphical view. The identified steelwork is entered into the
Selection Data area in the form, as shown below:
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Hangers
Figure 5:12. Hangers using Witch Hanger Interface
7. Click the OK button. A dotted line is drawn in the graphical view between the pipe and
the steelwork, and the MDS main hanger elements are created in the database. The
form below is also displayed:
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Hangers
Figure 5:13. Witch Hanger form
8. The hanger now needs to be positioned, by either entering a precise distance

measurement and clicking the Distance button, or selecting the Through button and
choosing one of the available options.
9. Click the OK button. You are automatically taken into the Witch Hanger design software
and the following form is displayed:
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Figure 5:14. Witch Hanger Design form
10. Click on the V icon to design a variable support; the following form is displayed:
Figure 5:15. Witch Hanger Variable Support Input Screen
11. Enter the required Operating/Hot Load value and the positive and negative
Movement required for the Axial (X), Vertical (V) and Lateral (Z) directions.
12. Select the OK button; the following form is displayed:
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Hangers
Figure 5:16. Support Selection Method form
13. Click the Typical Assemblies button to display the types of variable hangers available
for selection:
Figure 5:17. Typical Assemblies form
14. Select the required assembly and click the OK button. This initialise the hanger design
and allows you to manually set the intermediate hanger elevation using the form shown
below:
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Hangers
Figure 5:18. Enter Elevations form
15. Click the OK button. The hanger design is displayed in the main Witch Hanger form, as
shown below:
Figure 5:19. Witch Hanger Design form - completed design
16. Select the Save icon to save the completed hanger design, exit the Witch Hanger
application and return to the MDS application. The hanger data is translated and
created into MDS hanger components, as shown in the 3D view.
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Figure 5:20. Completed design shown in 3D graphical view
Note: On exiting Witch Hanger and returning to MDS, an automatic SAVEWORK command
is issued to make sure that the Witch Hanger and MDS databases are in alignment.
5.5.2 Creating a Hanger - PSDesigner and LICAD Interfaces

The PSDesigner (Pipe Supports Ltd) and LICAD (Lisega) hanger design interfaces work in a
similar way to the Witch Hanger interface. Each interface has its own functionality, but the
end results are identical, i.e. an MDS Hanger is created in the MDS database. Therefore,
only the main hanger design forms for the other two manufacturers interfaces are shown:
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Hangers
Figure 5:21. Main PSDesigner Interface form
Figure 5:22. Main LICAD Interface form
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Hangers
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MDS User Guide
Branch Reinforcements
6 Branch Reinforcements
6.1 Creating a Branch Reinforcement

To create a standard branch reinforcement:
1. Select the Branch Reinforcements icon from the tool bar, or select Create>Branch
Reinforcements from the main menu. The Ancillaries Branch Reinforcements form
(Figure 6:1.: Branch Reinforcements form) is displayed.
Figure 6:1. Branch Reinforcements form
2. Enter a name of the support to be created. You can also use the auto-naming feature
by clicking on the icon. If a legal name is entered, the OK button on the form
becomes active. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
3. Select the standard support type required.
At any time when the Branch Reinforcement form is displayed, you can click on the
View button to see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
4. Click OK. The support type form (Figure 6:2.: Example of a support type) is displayed.
- Example:
This example demonstrates how to create a support type XBR01.
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Branch Reinforcements
Figure 6:2. Example of a support type
1. Click the Create datum support atta button at the top of the form.
Notice that the positioning fields are deactivated. The branch reinforcement is
positioned through a series of prompted identification picks.
For this branch reinforcement standard, a header tube is required. In this case it is one
of the following:
Tee
Olet
Reducer
2. Select a header tube.
3. At the prompt, identify a second branch tube. This forms the vertical leg of the tube.
4. Click OK when you have finished the support
The application then performs a series of Integrity Checks to ensure the support is
completed.
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Preliminary Supports
7 Preliminary Supports
To create a standard preliminary support:

1. Select the Preliminary Support icon from the tool bar, or select Create>Preliminary
Support... from the main menu. The MDS Preliminary Supports form (Figure 7:1.:
Preliminary Supports form) is displayed.
Figure 7:1. Preliminary Supports form
2. Enter a name for the support to be created. You can also use the auto-naming feature
by clicking on the icon. If a legal name is entered, the OK button on the form
becomes active. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for further information.
At any time when the Preliminary Supports form is displayed, you can click on the View
button to see the engineering drawing corresponding to the selected support.
4. Click OK. The Preliminary Support creation form (Figure 7:2.: Preliminary Support
creation form) is displayed.
This form contains all of the available 18 preliminary supports. Support names and
descriptions can be modified in the MDS Ancillary Defaults form. Refer to the MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
- Example:
This example demonstrates how to create a support type ANCHOR.
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Preliminary Supports
Figure 7:2. Preliminary Support creation form
1. Select the Create datum support atta button at the top of the form.
2. When prompted to Identify tube of pipe, make a suitable selection.
3. Position the preliminary support atta in the pipe. Do this in one of these ways:
Use the Distance button with a distance value in the text field
Use any of the available options available with the Through button
4. Click OK when you have finished the support.
A graphical X identifies the preliminary support position.
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Lighting Supports
8 Lighting Supports
The MDS application allows you to create support frameworks for electrical light fittings,
without the necessity to identify and create an atta within a pipe, HVAC element or cable
tray. A light fitting is identified by a type and purpose and the application will display a list of
available supports for that light fitting. (The functionality is similar to that of project specials,
where you can select from a series of predefined support configurations).
Refer to the MDS Lighting Support Default form in the MDS Administrator Guide for further
information.
8.1 Creating a Lighting Support

To create a lighting support:
1. Select Create>Lighting Support... from the main menu. The form shown in Figure
8:1.: Create Lighting Support form is displayed.
Figure 8:1. Create Lighting Support form
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Lighting Supports
2. Enter the name of the support to be created into the Name text field. Alternatively, click
on the AutoName icon ; an automatically generated name is filled in. All other
gadgets are unavailable until a name is specified.
3. Once the name is specified, the Create button becomes active. Click on the button to
create the new support with the given name. You are then prompted to pick the light
fitting that is to be supported. (The Identify Lighting button will only become active if
the create process is interrupted by pressing the keyboard ESC key).
The Height text box is automatically filled in during the create process, and also
modified automatically when clicking the Connect Support to Ceiling /Wall Icon
and identifying the element from which to support the light fitting. Alternatively, you may
manually enter a height value in the text box. The application checks the value to
ensure that it is within the alternative height range. To use the Height value to modify
the support, click the Dimension icon to redesign the support.
4. Use the cursor to identify the light fitting in the graphical view. When this is done, the
available choice of support templates for the selected light fitting is displayed, as shown
in Figure 8:2.: Template Selection form.
Figure 8:2. Template Selection form
5. If the template list is large, enter suitable characters and logical operators into the Filter
text field to filter the list. A * character means all templates will be listed.
6. Select a template by clicking on it, then click the Dismiss button. The selection is
accepted, the form is removed and the lighting support creation form is switched to
modify mode, as shown in Figure 8:3.: Modify Lighting Support form.
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Lighting Supports
Figure 8:3. Modify Lighting Support form
The definition of the lighting support is completed by clicking on the appropriate icons. Only
the icons applicable to lighting supports are active (i.e. not greyed out). These are listed
below:
Copy a section from another support.
Display a list of available templates for re-selection.
Connect support to the surface of civil or steel structure (it also

changes the height/length).
Include a section from another support.
Apply the value of length/height on support.
Minor support (flip in case of wall mounted support).
Rotate support.
Modify explicitly picked section of support.
Set section material.
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Lighting Supports
Toggle displaying of dimension in graphical window.
Centre of graphical view is through support.
Modify ADP drawlist associated with support.
Specify ADP location.
Add note to support members.
Create welds.
7. Click OK to confirm the changes made. If Cancel is clicked the support is deleted, after
confirmation.
8.2 Modifying a Lighting Support

To modify a lighting support:
1. Click on the Modify Support icon on the toolbar or select Modify>Support from
the main menu. The Modify Support form is displayed.
2. Identify the support to be modified in one of the following ways:

Click the CE button to modify the current element, if it is a lighting support.
Click the Identify by Cursor button then click on the support in the graphical view
When the support has been identified, you can use the Centre on Support icon to
view the support in the centre of the graphical view.
3. Click the Apply button. The Modify Lighting Support form is displayed. This is the same
form that is used during creation of a new support, see Figure 8:3.: Modify Lighting
Support form.
4. Use the icons on the forms to perform the required modifications.
5. Click OK to confirm the changes made. If the Cancel button is clicked the support is
reset to the state prior to modifying.
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Welding Application
9 Welding Application
The Weld application provides welds for:

Ancillaries (for example u-bolts and clips)
Sections
Joints
Welds for ancillaries and joints are created in the MDS catalogue project by the project
administrator. Most of the framework welds for sections and joints are also created in this
way. However, some welds are not part of the template and must be created by you during
support creation.
The creation/modification/deletion of welds is explained in the following sections.
9.1 Creating a Weld on a Framework or Special

To create a weld:
Select the Create Weld icon from the MDS Framework or Special Framework form.
The Framework Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld Selection form) is
displayed.
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Welding Application
Figure 9:1. Framework Weld Selection form
All Welds created or modified are stored in a TMPL at the STRU level of the support in your
database. They are displayed together with all relevant welding information in the weld list,
such as shown below.
Section: The name of the section with which the Weld is associated.
Weld name: The name of the weld as stored in the TMPL in your database.
Symbol Name: The name of the symbol as used in DRAFT on the MDS
drawing.
Description: Text to describe the weld type.
Weld Size: The size of the weld that is output on the MDS drawing.
1. Click on New Weld. The Select Standard Weld form (Figure 9:2.: Select Standard Weld
form) is displayed.
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Welding Application
Figure 9:2. Select Standard Weld form
Standard welds provide a method of selecting the weld symbol for use in DRAFT on the
MDS drawing.
2. Select the Weld.
3. Click Apply.
Nothing happens in the database at this point. Information is passed from the Select
Standard Weld form into the Framework Weld Selection form.
4. Click on Save on the Framework Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld
Selection form). The selection is written to the database.
9.2 Positioning Welds on a Framework or Special Pick

Note: A weld must be positioned before saving.
There are two methods of positioning welds using weld position buttons on the Framework
Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld Selection form). They are:
Single Position
Start & End
To position a weld:
1. Select either Single Position or Start & End radio button.
2. Select Pick on the Framework Weld Selection form (Figure 9:1.: Framework Weld
Selection form). In either case, the Set Weld Position form is displayed. Welds can be
made on either a single Pline or on Pline Intersections.
- Single Pline
For single position welds, the Set Weld Position form is as shown in Figure 9:3.: Set Weld
Position form (single Pline).
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Welding Application
Figure 9:3. Set Weld Position form (single Pline)
On the Set Weld Position form:

1. Select the Single Pline radio button.
2. Click the Identify Pline button.
3. From the drop-down menu, select the Pline that requires the weld.
The selected Pline, and start or end (as appropriate), appear in the Weld Definition text
field.
In this particular case, RTOS is the name of the selected Pline and START is the position of
the selected section.
If you want to define a weld at an intersection, go to Pline Intersections below.
- Pline Intersections
On the Set Weld Position form (see Figure 9:3.: Set Weld Position form (single Pline)):
1. Select the Pline Intersections radio button. The available intersecting sections are
populated in the list and the Set Weld Position form appears as shown in Figure 9:4.:
Set Weld Position form (Pline Intersections).
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Welding Application
Figure 9:4. Set Weld Position form (Pline Intersections)
2. Click on the upper Identify Pline button and select the first (owning) Pline that requires
the weld.
3. Click on Identify SCTN button and select the section containing the intersecting Pline.
4. Click on the lower Identify Pline button and select the intersecting Pline.
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Isometric Material List Control
10 Isometric Material List Control
You can exclude selected items from the Isometric Material List. For example:
Individual ancillaries (including the DATUM atta)
Ancillaries on other branches belonging to the support
The support frame itself
To access the Isometric Material List Control facility:
1. Click on the Isometric Control icon from any of the support forms. The Isometric
Material List Control form (Figure 10:1.: Isometric Material List Control form) is
displayed.
Figure 10:1. Isometric Material List Control form
2. Set the Ancillaries to On or Off as required.

Note: You can also exclude the support frame from a piping branch Isometric Material List
by setting the SREF ancillary to Off.
3. Optionally, you can exclude ancillaries or the support frame and either draw them
dotted and dimensioned, or draw them dotted and non-dimensioned.
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Isometric Material List Control
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Data Access Control
11 Data Access Control
The teams owning the database mechanisms handle the method of controlling data access.
In addition, the following access control features allow you to specify in additional detail
what operations a user can carry out on elements in the database. This is known as Data
Access Control (DAC).
Note: To use DAC it must be switched on for the project, otherwise only the teams owning
database controls will apply.
With DAC switched on, all general users are prevented from carrying out any operation on
any part of the database unless they have specifically been given the necessary access
rights. DAC uses the following new administration database elements:
Role defines the type of operations a user can carry out. For example, creating,
modifying and deleting elements. Roles are defined as a collection of permissible
operations (Perops).
Scope defines the part of the database in which a user can work.
Access Control Rights (ACRs) are a combination of a role and a scope. Users can,
and usually will, have several ACRs, allowing them to carry out specified operations on
specified parts of the database.
11.1 Application Entry

When you enter the application you are presented with a list of zones where you can create
structure elements. If no such zones can be found the application does not start and an
error message is displayed.
11.2 Create Mode

When you select a pipe to create an ancillary, the application first checks if it can claim the
branch. If it cannot claim the branch, then an error message is displayed. A check is made
at branch level because another user can modify the branch while it is being supported. This
can compromise the integrity of the model because you may move the branch leg that is
being supported.
If you can claim the element, then a further check is made to see if you have sufficient
access rights to create an atta. If you do not have sufficient access rights, then an error
message is displayed.
In create mode you may decide to create the connections to structural steel. A check is
made to determine whether or not you can:
Claim the steelwork
Create SNOD elements
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Data Access Control
If you can do neither of these, then the Create, Modify, Force Connect and Delete icons are
deactivated.
If you can create a support, you are allowed to modify or delete the same components that
have been created and to modify or delete additional components (for instance: elbow,
reducer, bend).
11.3 Additional Requirements for MDS with DACS

In the creation of dummy branches and trunnions you may be required to create and set
attributes of other piping components. These are:
Create
Branches For the creation of dummy legs/trunnions.
Tees For the creation of dummy legs/trunnions to straight pipe.
Cross For the creation of dummy legs/trunnions to straight pipe.
Modify
Elbow ARR, LEA, CREF, ORI.
Reducers CREF.
Tees All attributes for tees.
Cross All attributes for crosses.
11:2 12.0
MDS User Guide
Application Data Sheets
12 Application Data Sheets
The MDS application is supplied with a series of support data sheets. These are used as the
default set of support configurations. The PARAGON defaults database supplied with the
application reflect the dimensions and properties specified in these data sheets.
The dimensions and properties can be changed from their default values for specific office
or project environments. Refer to the MDS Administrator Guide for more information.
Note: The support data sheets MUST NOT be considered to be the master office or project
support standard. The office or project must still use their own support standards and
configure the PARAGON defaults database to suit their own requirements. These are
described in the MDS Administrator Guide.
12:1 12.0
MDS User Guide
Application Data Sheets
12:2 12.0
MDS User Guide
MDS Wizard
13 MDS Wizard
The MDS Wizard helps you to quickly identify pipes, structural sections, and equipment.
1. Select Utilities>MDS Wizard from the main menu or click on the Wizard icon on
the main tool bar. The MDS Wizard form (Figure 13:1.: MDS Wizard form) is displayed.
Figure 13:1. MDS Wizard form
2. Select an Add Type option to determine the type to be searched for and added to the
graphical view. The following mutually exclusive toggle types are available:
Pipes
Steelwork
Equipment
3. Click on the Cursor icon and identify an element to use as the datum of a volume.
This is called the Reach Box. A graphical representation is added, identifying the
volume to be used.
4. Enter a value in the Reach field. Modify this value to make the Reach Box smaller or
larger.
5. Click on the Drawlist icon . The application searches within the reach distance from
the element and adds all the selected types found to the Drawlist.
13:1 12.0
MDS User Guide
MDS Wizard
13:2 12.0
MDS User Guide
MDS Reports
14 MDS Reports
14.1 Basic Report

To create a basic Report:
1. Click on the Report icon from the tool bar or select Utilities>MDS Reports... from
the main menu. The MDS Reports Menu form (Figure 14:1.: MDS Reports Menu form)
is displayed.
Figure 14:1. MDS Reports Menu form
2. Select an applicable report.

3. Click on the Apply button. A default report on the whole of the current MDB is created.
4. At the prompt confirm acceptance. The report is displayed.
5. Optionally, click on the CE button. A report is created for the currently selected element
in the members list.
6. Optionally, click on the text or csv buttons in the Output Format box. This changes the
output mode format of the report accordingly and writes the report to a file in the
%MDSREPORTS% environment path.
14.2 Extended Report

Extended reports can contain:
14:1 12.0
MDS User Guide
MDS Reports
Extra run time filter expressions

Customised report headings
Sorting, totalling, and sub-totalling
14.2.1 Extra Run-time Filter Expressions

Extra run time filters are used to make the report more selective.
Type a valid filter definition as an expression in the Filter text field.
14.2.2 Customised Report Headings

To create customised report headings:
1. Select Report>User Defined from the menu on the top of the MDS Reports form. The
MDS Report Headings form (Figure 14:2.: MDS Report Headings form) is displayed.
2. Click either the On or Off buttons in the Headings field in the MDS Reports Menu
(Figure 14:1.: MDS Reports Menu form) to activate or suppress report headings. When
set to Off, the default report headings are restored.
Figure 14:2. MDS Report Headings form
3. Select alternative headings by activating the appropriate checkboxes. If headings are

changed, then the report must be saved before closing.
14:2 12.0
MDS User Guide
MDS Reports
4. Select Control>Save as Default Report.

5. The saved report is automatically shown in the output report names selection list
(Figure 14:1.: MDS Reports Menu form) when the form is dismissed. The modified
report is optionally available to other users.
6. Select Control>Reload Default Reports.
- Sorting, totalling and sub-totalling

Sorting, totalling, and sub-totalling report options can be:
Predefined by the administrator
Overridden by the designer
To configure Sorting, totalling and sub-totalling:
1. Click on the Sorting and Totalling button in the MDS Reports Menu form (Figure
14:1.: MDS Reports Menu form). The MDS Sorting and Totalling form (Figure 14:3.:
MDS Sorting and Totalling form) is displayed.
Figure 14:3. MDS Sorting and Totalling form
Settings for each column heading in a given report can be defined. If any of the
following fields are modified, then the OK button becomes active.
The options are:
Sort Precedence:
Set Effect
0 No sorting required.
1 to n Sort highest priority to lowest priority.
Sort Ascending (applicable only when sort priority is active):
Set Effect
Checked Sort ascending.
Unchecked Sort descending.
14:3 12.0
MDS User Guide
MDS Reports
Subtotal On Column (applicable only when sort priority is active):
Set Effect
0 No subtotalling.
1 or n Provides a subtotal of the referenced column number if any
value in that column changes.
Sort Values:
Set Effect
ON Values are always output.
OFF Values are never output unless a subtotal for this column is
output.
SUB Values are output if a subtotal for any column is output.
FIRST Values are output for the first occurrence of a group of
common values in a sorted column.
Total Column:
Set Effect
Checked Total for the selected column is output at the bottom of the
report.
Unchecked Total for that column is not output at the bottom of the report.
2. Click on OK. The form content is checked for validity:

If no inconsistencies are found, then the criteria of the form are accepted.
If inconsistencies are found, then a detailed report is generated and a prompt to correct
the errors is issued.
14:4 12.0
MDS User Guide
MDS Health Check Utility (HCU)
15 MDS Health Check Utility (HCU)
15.1 Description of HCU

MDS creates supports across four disciplines: structural, piping, electrical and HVAC, and it
is possible one of the disciplines could inadvertently corrupt the multi-discipline support in
some way. This utility checks for the existence of any problems.
Separate checks are performed for ancillaries, structural supports, hangers, trunnions and
groups. Ancillaries which are part of structural supports (e.g. /DATUM) are checked as part
of the structural supports, using the ancillary checking method.
After the HCU has completed the checks, a report is created which can be displayed on the
screen, or it can be in the form of a text file or a comma separated variables formatted file.
The checks that are carried out are listed below:
Ancillaries
The ancillary is still valid for the pipes.
Bore
Material
Insulation thickness
Temperature
Elevation
The ancillary has valid
Specification references (SPREF)
Guide references
Description values for standard supports
Any other reference
Check for unknown references
Supports
Check support type exists in available types
Check SREF and DATUM exist
Check specification references (SPREF)
Ancillary check DATUM atta
Check for support structure existence
Structures have members
Check for valid group members
Check frameworks have members
Check for unnamed elements
Check any other references
15:1 12.0
MDS User Guide
Check for valid description values for standard supports

Run MDS Integrity Checker
Check for unknown references
Hangers
Check ATTA exists
Data consistency check on RESTRAINT
Check for valid group members
Check component names valid
Check for valid SPREF of atta
Trunnions
Data consistency check on trunnion BRAN
Check for correct name of trunnion BRAN
Check for correct configuration for an MDS trunnion (correct straight pipe, elbow,
reducer or tee is used)
Check for correct main line specification
Note: All existing checks that are performed by the MDS Integrity Checker, which is
executed on completion of a support (Ending the Creation of a Support), are included
in the supports check section.
15.2 Running the HCU

1. The utility is accessed from the MDS main menu. Select the Utilities pull-down menu
and select MDS Support Health Check. The following form is displayed.
Figure 15:1. Health Check Utility form
2. The list of supports is initially blank. To load supports for checking, select All or CE and
Below from the Add pull-down menu.
15:2 12.0
MDS User Guide
The CE and Below option loads all supports below the current element (CE), or if at an
element which is part of a support, e.g. SCTN of a structural support or ROD of a
hanger, then that single support is loaded. Groups are counted as one support, and the
group name is displayed in the list (e.g. PS05555, where the group may consist of
/PS0555[1], /PS0555[2] etc. The whole group is loaded if one support, or part of one
support is loaded.
Frameworks with multiple crossbars are counted as one support.
Any supports which are not valid and so cannot be loaded into the list for checking (but
are still, in some part or way, MDS supports) are recorded in a temporary load list file,
e.g. MDS-HEALTH-CHECK-LOADREPORTONLY-21Mar2007-093214-dat (or csv as
appropriate). Unnamed supports are also included in the file.
The load errors file is stored in the %pdmswk% directory and can be viewed by
selecting Load Errors Only from the View Report menu.
3. The Remove option allows you to either remove All entries in the Supports list, or to
remove selected entries from the list.
4. Click on an Output Format option button to select the required format for the health
check report. The options are as follows:
If the screen option is selected, the report is output to the command window.
If text file is selected, the output is written to a text file (e.g. MDS-HEALTH-CHECK-
REPORT-21Mar2007-0931214.dat) in the directory specified in the Directory field.
This directory defaults to %projcodeinfo%, where projcode is the Project Code (e.g.
TWD). If %projcodeinfo% does not exist, then %pdmswk% is used as the default
and is displayed in the field. If an invalid directory name is entered, an error alert is
displayed and the file is not written. If the field is left blank, the default directory is
used (%projcodeinfo% if it exists, otherwise %pdmswk%), following an error alert.
The appearance of the text file output is the same as the screen output.
If CSV file is selected, the same directory rules apply as for a text file, but a csv
(comma separated variables) file is created. The file naming convention is the same
as for a text file, except that a .csv extension is used. The csv output represents
data under column headings, and can be viewed in a spreadsheet application (e.g.
Excel).
5. Once the supports have been loaded and the output format selected, click on the
Apply button to start the health check. Once the check is complete, the report is output
for screen or file, as described above. In addition to the file described in step 3, a
temporary file of the report is also saved in the %pdmswk% directory.
6. View the report by selecting Load Errors Only or Complete Health Check from the
View Report menu.
7. Click the Dismiss button to exit the Health Check Utility.
15.3 Example Health Check Report

An example of a typical screen/text file output is shown below. The report concludes with a
list of the numbers of errors/warnings found and the number of supports checked.
Example output
************************************************************
MDS Health Check Utility Report
Date: 27-Sep-2006
Time: 09:34:09
User: SYSTEM
15:3 12.0
MDS User Guide
Project: TWD
User Name: michael.board
User Login: michael.board
Host: UKCHED3054
Process ID: Xa30-UKCHED3054
************************************************************
Load Errors
Number of load errors = 0
************************************************************
Support Name /PS05767
Support Type FRAME
** Warning ** - Section longer than template default
Section Name = /PS05767-V1
Actual Length = 2088.45
Maximum Template Length = 1575.00
Section Name = /PS05767-BAR-1
Number of errors with support = 0
Number of warnings with support = 4
************************************************************
Support Type GROUP
************************************************************
Support Name /PS05791[1]
Support Type FRAME
************************************************************
15:4 12.0
MDS User Guide
Support Name /PS05791[2]

Support Type HANGER
** Error ** - D600 Leave rod diameter not same as rod diameter of LSROD
Element name and dbref HNUT 0 =16388/48243
** Error ** - D420 Bad arrive rod diameter
Element name and dbref HROD 0 =16388/48244
** Error ** - D600 Leave rod diameter not same as rod diameter of LSROD
Element name and dbref HROD 0 =16388/48244
** Error ** - D420 Bad arrive rod diameter
** Error ** - D410 BAD ARRIVE GEOMETRY
Tolerance Angle is : 0.572958E-01 Actual angle is : 180.000
************************************************************
Support Type FRAME
************************************************************
Support Type FRAME
** Error ** - Invalid DTXR
15:5 12.0
MDS User Guide
Ancillary Name = /PS06193/DATUM

** Error ** - DTXS is blank
** Error ** - DTXT is blank
************************************************************
Support Type FRAME
************************************************************
Support Type FRAME
************************************************************
Support Type FRAME
************************************************************
Report Summary
Number of supports checked = 9
Number of supports with errors = 2
Total number of errors = 8
Number of supports with warnings = 3
Total number of warnings = 9
************************************************************
End of report
************************************************************
15:6 12.0
MDS User Guide
Index
A trunnion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1
Add Packer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:18

Administration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38
D
Administrators Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2 Data Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:1
Align guide to support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38 Data sheets
Ancillary Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:10 MDS application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:1
Application defaults Datum atta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:10
modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:37 Default Creation Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:9
Associate pad with shoe . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38 Default Creation Zone form . . . . . . . . . . 2:3
Automatic Steelwork Orientation . . . . . . 2:35 Deleting a support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:30
Autonaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:8 Distance button . . . . . . .2:11, 5:7, 5:16, 7:2
Drawing Note
B adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:37
Drawlist
Branch reinforcement adding a support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:1
E
C
Error message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:27
CE button . . . . . . . . . . . 2:31, 2:35, 5:8, 8:4
Connections to external steelwork . . . . 2:19
Copying a support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:31
H
Create by Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:15 Hanger
Create by Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:13 changing from fixed to variable . . . 5:11
Create by Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:16 changing rod lengths . . . . . . . . . . . 5:10
Create Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:19 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1
Create datum support atta button 2:10, 6:2, 7:2 modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:8
Creating modifying the configuration . . . . . . 5:11
hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1 reconnecting to new steelwork . . . 5:13
lighting support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1 rotating all members . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
project special support . . . . . . . . . . 2:43 rotating one member . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:9
special SCTN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:46 Hanger configurations . . . . . . . . . . . 5:2, 5:4
special support . . . . . . . . . . . 2:39, 2:42 Hanger creation mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:5
support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:4 Hanger types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:3
Index page 1 12.0

MDS User Guide
Health check utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15:1 R

Reloading Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38
I Repeat a standalone ancillary . . . . . . . 2:32
Icons Repeat support frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:33
tool bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:4 limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:33
Identify By Cursor button 2:30, 2:31, 2:35, 5:8, Repeating a support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:32
8:4 Report
Integrity checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:26, 2:41 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:1
Isometric Material List Control . . . . . . . 10:1 extended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:1
L S
LICAD Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:20 Snipe utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1
Lighting Support Snipes
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1 adding to steelwork members . . . . . 3:1
Modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:4 applicable MDS templates . . . . . . . . 3:3
creating automatically . . . . . . . . . . . 3:3
creating manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:4
M
Special MDS Framework form . . . . . . . 2:40
Manufacturers Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:13 Special section
MDS Catalogues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2 modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:48
MDS Framework form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:9 moving an HVAC project special joint/SCTN
MDS Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2 2:47
MDS startup display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:2 Special support
Modifying creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:39, 2:42
ancillary dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:34 creating a special SCTN . . . . . . . . 2:46
ancillary type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:34 creating a stiffener box . . . . . . . . . 2:46
hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:8 including a section . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:46
lighting support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:4 modifying stiffener box . . . . . . . . . . 2:47
special section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:48 Starting the Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:1
stiffener box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:47 Steelwork size
support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:27 selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:12
support name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:35 Support
adding to drawlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:38
O copying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:31
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:4
Overview of the MDS Application . . . . . . 1:1 deleting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:30
modifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:27
P repeating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:32
Packing piece T
adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:18
Project special support Through button . . . . . . . .2:11, 5:7, 5:16, 7:2
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:43 Tool bar icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:4
Project specials Tool bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:3
for cable tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:45 Trunnion
for HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:45 creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1
for piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:44 Trunnion creation form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:2
PSDesigner Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:20
V
Q
View button
Query ancillary properties . . . . . . . . . . . 2:39 branch reinforcement creation . . . . . 6:1
Index page 2 12.0

MDS User Guide
framework creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:7

hanger creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:4
preliminary support creation . . . . . . . 7:1
trunnion creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:2
View Config button
hangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:4
W
Warning message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:27
Weld
creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1
positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:3
Witch Hanger interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:14
Wizard
MDS application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13:1
Index page 3 12.0

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Multi-Discipline Supports

First published September 2007

AVEVA Solutions Ltd, and its subsidiaries

MDS User Guide

Using the MDS Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:1

Copying a Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:31

Adding Snipes to Steelwork Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1

Branch Reinforcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:1

Preliminary Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:1

Welding Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1

Isometric Material List Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:1

Application Data Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:1

Extended Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:1

MDS Health Check Utility (HCU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15:1

1.1 About this User Guide

1.2 Overview of the MDS Application

8. Select the packing if required.

1.3 Administrators Role

1.4 MDS Catalogues and Specifications

Note: The catalogue and associated specifications must NOT be modified.

2 Using the MDS Application

2.1 Starting the Application

Figure 2:1. General Application form

Figure 2:2. Design pull-down menu

Figure 2:3. MDS startup display

Figure 2:4. Default Creation Zone form

Figure 2:5. General Setup and Shortcut Toolbars

Multi discipline supports General supports

Cable racking supports HVAC supports

Anchors Fixed hangers

Variable hangers Lighting supports

Guides and stops Slip units

Trunnions Vessels supports

Branch reinforcements Copy supports

Modify support Delete support

Preliminary support Lock/unlock support

2.2 Creating a Multi Discipline Support

Figure 2:6. Create menu

Figure 2:7. Multi-discipline Frameworks selection form

Figure 2:8. Multi Discipline Frameworks selection form

Figure 2:9. Engineering Drawing for the Selected Support

Figure 2:10. Initiate Selecting a Different Naming File

Figure 2:11. AutoNaming File form

- Example: Creating a support type

Figure 2:12. XFT09 - MDS framework form

See Modifying a Support for a descriptive overview of the icon functions.

Figure 2:13. Ancillary Selection form

added using the first three icons on the XFT09 form.

Figure 2:14. Design screen 1

7. Select the Steelwork Size icon .

Figure 2:15. Set Steelwork Size form

2.2.1 Create by Cursor

Figure 2:16. Design screen 2

Figure 2:17. Design screen 3

2.2.2 Create by Clearance

Figure 2:18. Design screen 4

2.2.3 Create by Dimensions

Figure 2:19. Design screen 5

2.3 Changing the Size of the Steelwork

Figure 2:20. Design screen 5

2.4 Adding a Packing Piece

Figure 2:21. Packing Piece form

2.5 Creating and Manipulating Connections to External