Section Properties

[Anonymous]

I am using a trial version of Robot.  I have been using Robot Millennium on my old computer.  I have an extruded aluminum section and need to generate the section properties.  I have a DXF cad file, which I imported, but then the screen doesn't show the section.  I did go back on the old computer and it worked great.  Using a portable USB I was able to open the solution on the new Robot, then the program froze.

[Artur.Kosakowski]

Hi @Anonymous

If it opens on your old computer you can calculate section properties and save it in the user database. Then you can copy the user database from this computer to another machines.

My  assumption is that there may be too many segments used for (exact) arches approximation and you may consider reducing this number - could you attach this dxf file?

[Anonymous]

AutodeskHelp wants me to reply to my own post.

[Anonymous]

I have attached the file.  I used the default settings.

[Anonymous]

I went back to my Robot demo and imported the DXF file, the image never appeared on the screen.  I did a zoom all and nothing.  I ran the geometric properties analysis and got all zeros.  

[Rafal.Gaweda]

Hi @Anonymous

These dxfs are corrupted.

They can not be opened neither in Autocad, nor Revit, nor Robot, nor Navisworks

[Anonymous]

Funny, the RISA guys opened it and Robot Millennium opened it.  But I can't open the DXF file I created with Autocad 16 Lite.  I deleted the DXF file, then opened the original DWG file and saved it again as a DXF file and I can't  go back and open it.  Is the problem with my Autocad or Robot or both?  I am attaching the original dwg file for you to turn into a DXF file, then see if you can get ROBOT to determine the geometric properties.

[Rafal.Gaweda]

Hi @Anonymous

Start Robot, any structure type, set structure dimension unit = in, open dwg as bars, save dxf, open this saved dxf in Section Definition module.

Dxf attached.

[Rafal.Gaweda]

Hi @Anonymous

....

or use attached dwg \ dxf , cleaned by us in Autocad (purge, audit, then purge selecting Regapps).

[Muhammed.OPERA]

Hi @Anonymous

I reviewed your .dwg file.

I have noticed that the file units is unitless.

if you changed your AutoCAD file units into inches then Save as > .dxf file.

Then make sure that in RSA that your section properties > inches in Job preferences.

you will see that it will work.

[Anonymous]

My default units are set to inches already, so I assume I am okay.  How do I open a dwg as bars?  Under File it has New Project or Open Project.

[Anonymous]

Thanks.  My default units are in inches.  Where do I go to set geometric properties to inches.  I am still not having success.

[Muhammed.OPERA]

Mr. @Anonymous

In your AutoCAD (.dwg) file, type "Units" command and choose "Inches" instead of "Unitless".

Then select save as from the application button or "Control + Shift + S" and select ".dxf" in file type, and select a place to save your .dxf file.

Then in RSA from "Tools menu" select "Job preferences"

In "Units and Formats" section select "Dimensions"

in the two parts of "Section dimensions" and "Section properties" select "Inches" < that's the unit.

In "Forces" select the units you want for forces and moments and stresses.

Then you can select "Save current parameters as default" just if you want to keep them the next time you use the program.

Then "Ok.

Then select "New" > "Section definition".

From "File" menu select "Import dxf file"

It will work now.

[Anonymous]

I went to Job Preferences and under Units and Formats there was no Dimensions. I could go no further.

[Anonymous]

I was able to use your dxf file, but I have been unable to create a viable dxf file using our autocad 16.  Everything look great except when I went to print out the results, the graphic image of the section was missing.

[Rafal.Gaweda]

Hi @Anonymous

Disable your antivirus for a while, then check.

Try also on Robot 2018.

[Rafal.Gaweda]

Hi @Anonymous

BTW what Robot version do you use? Really Robot Millennium ?

[Anonymous]

We've been using the old Robot Millennium, but now are considering buying the latest and greatest version of Robot.  I downloaded the free 30 day trial version and ran a frame analysis and was happy.  Then I tried to do the geometric calculation and can't make it work.  I can do it on Millennium, but I can't do it on the new Robot.  I can comments that my dxf file is corrupt, or is unitless, or now I need to turn of antivirus program.  Well I don't have to do any of those things with Millennium, it works flawlessly.  Now I am considering RISA, I haven't used RISA since 1994.

[Rafal.Gaweda]

Then I tried to do the geometric calculation and can't make it work.  I can do it on Millennium, but I can't do it on the new Robot. 

????

I can comments that my dxf file is corrupt, or is unitless, or

As you may see, some other users confirmed the same. But you have at least two ways to fix dwg file.

now I need to turn of antivirus program. 

This was my suggestion because I did not know which Robot version you were using.
The issue described by you with lack of picture in section builder calculation note was corrected in Robot 2015 or 2016.
So using 2018 should be OK.

[Anonymous]

Excuse my grammar and spelling mistakes, I have emergency deadlines and was rushed in my response.