Modeling a Truss Using a Work Plane

The shape of the truss you are modeling is created by adding a truss area to the roof. The program also adds truss volumes. The volumes only contain a shape, not the parts. Model the truss on a work plane to attach the profiles to the truss. If the shape of the roof changes and you update the shape of the truss, the truss parts will be adjusted accordingly. Add profiles and attach the profiles to a truss volume and to each other using geometric constraints and profile joints.

Activate the model window.
Select Constraints > Activate New Work Plane.
Select a truss volume.
Select Confirm.
Rotate the model until the volume is perpendicular. Select Projection > Select From Model, for example, and select the truss volume.
Add the profiles in approximately their correct positions. Please note that the locating point is set on the work plane.

Adding a Profile
The program automatically attaches the bottom chord to the nearest height level. To attach the bottom chord to the bottom of the truss volume, delete the height constraint as follows:
1. Select the bottom chord.
2. Right-click to open the context-sensitive menu.
3. Select 3D Levels.
4. Select an empty option from the Locating height list.
5. Confirm by clicking OK.
Attach the top and bottom chords and the outermost bars to the edges of the truss volume using coincidence constraints. Select the profile (A) and the profile line (B), then select the truss volume (C) and the truss volume line (D).

Adding the Coincident Constraint in a Model
Attach the ends of the upper chords to the truss volume using coincidence constraints. Select the profile (A) and the end line of the profile center line (B), then select the truss volume (C) and the truss volume line (D).
Attach the profiles to each other using profile joints. Use, for example, the following joints:
- Beams, Columns > Connections > Create T Connection - Connect the ends of the bars to bottom and top chords (A).
- Beams, Columns > Connections > Connect Profile End to Side of Another Profile - Connect the end of the bottom chord to the outermost bar (B).
- Beams, Columns > Connections > Create Corner, Exterior - Connect the ends of the top chords using a miter joint (C).
Connections to the Side of a Profile
Connections to the Intersection Points
Add distance constraints. First add a distance constraint that defines the length of the truss.
- This dimension is not added as a driving dimension parameter (the length does not change), so the Drives geometry checkbox should be cleared.
- You can define a dimension as a variable using the Formula button. Type, for example, #L in the Formula field.
- In the example figure, the dimension constraint has been added between the center lines of the outermost bars.
Adding the Distance Constraint in a Model
After that, you can add dimension constraints between parts.
- Select the check box Drives geometry because dimensions function as driving dimensions.
- Always add a dimension constraint according to the center line of a part.
- Assign a value to the dimension or use the length variable defined above. Type, for example, #L/6 in the Formula field.
After finishing the truss, close the work plane. To do this, select Constraints > Close Work Plane.
Dimension constraints are no longer displayed in the model.

Save the finished truss to the library.