Mesh shape

Module(s): Mesh Reinforcement

You can use the Mesh Shape tool to define the mesh's bending shape. The parameters are defined in the palette.
You can enter the bending shape using the options for entering points or you can make the bending shape expand to adapt to the outline of an existing formwork.

To assign mesh parameters and enter bending shapes

1. Click Mesh Shape (How).
   

   Activate Mesh Shape in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Engineering Mesh Reinforcement

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

   Mesh Reinforcement

   • Configuration: Engineering Mesh Entry and Placement flyout
2. Select one of the bending shapes in the list box at the top in the Mesh Shape palette.
   Click to open a dialog box that displays all the bending shapes graphically in groups.
3. Define the general mark properties, which are the same for all bending shapes, and bending shape-specific parameters.
   Most geometric parameters are also displayed in the graphics area, where you can define them by clicking. The parameter area updates immediately to reflect your entries.
4. Select the Abc option in the input options if you want to label the mesh shape immediately by pressing ESC after creating the bending shape.
5. Enter the geometry of the bending shape. The following options are available:
   • Clear the Expand to adapt to edges check box in the input options and create the bending shape by defining the outline. When you select the freeform shape, you can match the edges.
   • Select the Expand to adapt to edges check box in the input options and let the bending shape expand. If the Connect to continuous lines only setting is active, only lines of line type 1 are taken into account. For example, you can use other lines to display construction joints, which allows you to ignore them when you place bending shapes in expanding mode.
     You can use Mirror bending shape in the input options to mirror the bending shape before you place it.

     Note: For the freeform shape, the bending shape does not expand in its entirety but you can place the individual segments of the bending shape so that they expand to adapt to edges that are not connected. This way, you can quickly and easily create bending shapes at corners of stairs without having to use track tracing.

6. If you are working in Reinforce with 3D model mode and you have not yet created any views, you must select the view so as to assign the basic spatial orientation and create a view.
   If views already exist, click one (the Old button is active in the input options) and continue working in it. However, you can also create a new view (the New button is active in the input options) and create a new reinforcement cage with this view.
7. Define the exact dimensions of bend and crank for the freeform bending shape, if necessary. You can still adjust all the parameters except for the segment type. In particular, check segment lengths that were copied automatically.
   Any changes you make are immediately displayed in the preview.
8. If the length of the bending shape exceeds the respective mesh size, define the parameters for polygon splitting on the additional Split polygon tab.
9. Press ESC and place the label, if necessary, or select another tool on the shortcut menu.

   You can create an additional Mesh Shape or label the mesh shape you just created or place it immediately. Pressing ESC to finish creating the bending shape automatically takes you to the tools for labeling and placing the mesh shape.
   

Note: You can use Match to match the parameters of a different mesh shape. You can use Save as a favorite to save the settings and Load favorite to read the settings back into the palette, where you can modify them. Click Favorite QuickSelect to select from the five favorites you have used most recently. Click Settings to modify the settings of the reinforcement options.

Please note that you cannot retrieve a favorite while you are entering points to define the mesh shape.