Defining fixtures

Module(s): Fixtures

You can use the Define Fixture tool to define new fixtures graphically, give them attributes and save them in a folder.

Defining a fixture involves the following steps:

1. Click Define Fixture (How).
   

   Activate Define Fixture in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Bonus Tools Fixtures

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   Fixtures

2. Define the type and the attributes of the fixture.
   The attributes that are presented in the Text... area depend on the license you are using.
   

   Element name

   You can enter a name for the fixture with 32 characters maximum. When you save the fixture, the system proposes this name.
   You can use the Modify Parameters tool to assign or change names later.

   The program does not use the element name to associate a fixture with the fixture catalog. Rather, the name of the catalog entry is used. You can select it by clicking the Catalog... button. However, this requires a special license for Allplan Precast.

   Text

   You can define up to five prompts, which need to be answered when it comes to placing the fixture. If you do not check the box beside a prompt, the program automatically uses the default value for this prompt.

   In addition, you can assign a plan text, which is created after the fixture has been placed. You can position this text as you need. The plan text can also include placeholders (e.g. $P1, $P2 etc.), which are replaced by the relevant answer later.

   You can use the Dim. string index box to specify which dimension line is used to dimension the fixture in associative views and sections (if the Overlapping option is enabled).

   The variables V6 to V9 can be included in lists and schedules.

3. Define the geometry of the fixture.
4. Save the fixture.
   

To define the type and the attributes of a fixture

1. Enter an Element name and specify the Fixture type.
2. If necessary, click Text... and enter prompt text, plan text and the variables V6 to V9 for subsequent analyses using lists and schedules.

   Enter a value in the Dim. string index box if you want to create separate dimension lines for fixtures with identical dimension string indices in associative views and sections. In this case, you need to make sure that the Overlapping option is selected on the Dimension block tab in the Dimension line parameters.

3. Assigning a fixture to an existing fixture in the external fixture catalog (using the Catalog... and Subtype... buttons) requires a special license for Allplan Precast.
4. Click OK to apply your settings.
   

To define the geometry of a fixture

The manner in which a fixture is displayed and defined depends on its type. Click one of the following fixtures for more information:

• Symbol fixtures
• Linear fixtures
• Surface fixtures
• Fixture groups
• Dynamic group fixture
  

To save a fixture / fixture group

To save a fixture

1. In the Fixtures palette, click the Office, Project or Private folder and then the folder where you want to save the fixture. As an alternative, click New group at the bottom of the palette, enter a name for the new folder and click it.

   If you have already saved a fixture, the Fixtures palette opens with the last folder you selected.
   The navigation field at the top indicates the folder you are currently working in. Back takes you up one level in the hierarchy; use Find to find a name in the current folder.

2. Click Save at the bottom of the palette and accept the name of the fixture by pressing ENTER.

To save a fixture group

1. Enter a name for the fixture group in the Element name area.
2. Select all the fixtures you want to combine into a fixture group.
3. Define a reference point for the smart symbol and a reference point for the height.
4. Save the fixture group using the procedure previously described for the individual fixture.