AEC Tech News #187
24 Jan, 2007 By: Kenneth WongConXtech uses custom-developed technology to join structural steel design and manufacturing
In the world of structural steel, connections can make or break a project, both literally and metaphorically. Bob Simmons, a 30-year veteran of the structural concrete industry, developed an innovative system for connecting columns and beams. His patented invention, SMRSF (Simmons Moment Resisting Space Frame), uses standard HSS (hollow-structural section) columns and wide-flange beams with an interlocking connection. The custom-manufactured columns are welded with male-dovetailed inner-collar plates in the factory. The beams are robotically welded with female-dovetailed outer-collar plates on each end. At the construction site, the beams are lowered into place from above between the erected columns. The result is a stable steel structure that workers can assemble quickly. The method is the foundation of ConXtech, a design, manufacturing and construction service provider to the commercial residential housing industry. Another connector -- a less tangible link -- ties the physical steel structure to the digital model as well as the 3D columns and beams to the manufacturing plant. It’s ConXCAD, a highly customized version of the AutoCAD-based ProSteel 3D.Read more>> First Look Review: Autodesk 3ds Max 9 By Ron LaFon Autodesk 3ds Max is a capable and powerful tool for 3D animation, rendering and modeling. Though targeted primarily at digital content creation for film and games, it remains popular for photorealistic rendering of architectural and product designs. An application with as much depth as 3ds Max is well beyond the scope of this review, but a few features in this new release stand out. Read more>> Mark Your Calendar: AEC Events Cadalyst'scomplete list of upcoming industry events is always available on our Web site. Autodesk Civil 3D Styles and Autodesk Vault Workshops Design Master User Conference 2007 New! Hot Tip Harry Newsletter from Cadalyst Cadalyst announces the latest addition to its lineup of e-mail newsletters, designed for AutoCAD power users and beginning programmers alike. Harry's Code Class: Tips for Programmers offers insight and how-to for LISP, VBA and ObjectARX programming for AutoCAD. Best of all, Harry's Code Class is led by Harry himself (a.k.a. Contributing Editor Bill Kramer, author of Cadalyst's popular "Hot Tip Harry" column). Don't miss a single issue — sign up for Harry's Code Class: Tips for Programmers today! Get the Code! Cadalyst 's January Web Exclusives Now Live Online! |
