Form: New Model Initialization
Toolbar Button:
The File menu > New Model command is used to start/create a new model. Clicking this command accesses the New Model Initialization form. This form provides options for generating the initial model and for setting model parameters.
Design Code. The Design Code selected from the drop-down list affects not only the design, but also alters certain default settings in the model templates.
Design Preferences. Click the Modify/Show button or the Design menu > Design Preferences command to access the Design Preferences form. The parameters on that form reflect the design code selected and are used in the calculations for the analysis and design process.
Project Information. Click the Modify/Show button or the File menu > Modify/Show Project Information command to access the Project Information form. Use that form to enter or review details about the project, such as client name, project name and number, company information, and model name, description and revision. The information provided here will be used in generating reports and detailing drawings.
Units. Click the Modify/Show button to access the Units form. Units selected from the drop-down list specify the units that will be used when the model file is saved. Although any units may be used at any time while working with the model, e.g., inch units for beam sections and feet units for grid layout, it is important to select an appropriate unit set when starting the model to reduce the possibility of round-off error. Note that a listing of those Items to which units apply and the Units applied to them will display when the mouse cursor is allowed to "hover" over the Modify/Show button. The same listing will display if the mouse cursor hovers over the Units button in the bottom right-hand corner of the SAFE Window. Clicking that button will also display the Units form.
The initial model may be started using a Blank screen, a Grid Only layout, or one of eight built-in SAFE templates. The templates are very convenient tools for the immediate generation of models. Clicking any of the eight buttons brings up a corresponding form that allows parameters to be specified for the selected template. Those parameters include the basic geometry and loads to begin a model. An option to add post-tensioning is available in the Flat Slab template. The models created from templates can be easily modified using the appropriate Edit, Draw, or Assign menu items. Thus, templates provide a convenient shortcut to developing your model.
Blank button. Clicking this button will display an empty work area into which, for example, model data can be imported using one of the File menu > Import commands.
button. Clicking the button accesses the Coordinate System Definition form that identifies the number of grid lines and the spacing of those grid lines. Change the values by clicking in the edit boxes and typing in the new values.
Use the button to access the Grid Labeling Options form to control how grid labels should be generated.
Use the button to access the Coordinate System form to change grid IDs and coordinate locations. For Cartesian grids, users may add general grid lines, including skewed grids, to the grid system under the General Grid Data area.
See also
General Modeling Process and Tips