invar-dcl.md — Invariant Properties Dialog

File: invar.dcl
Version: v3.60
Category: Dialog Definitions
Size: 5.4 KB (164 lines)

Note

Fixed/Invariant Project Properties

Manage project-wide fixed properties including units, standards, company information, and global settings that remain constant across all panels.

Functional Purpose

Invariant Properties - Defines project-level constants and standards that apply to all panels ensuring consistency and standardization across the entire project.

Key Functions:

  1. Unit system (imperial/metric)

  2. Code standards (ACI, PCI, local codes)

  3. Company information (name, address, license)

  4. Default materials (concrete, rebar grades)

  5. Global tolerances (project-wide standards)

  6. Drawing standards (layers, scales, fonts)

Typical Workflow

1. User starts new project
2. User opens invar-dcl (Setup ? Project Properties)
3. User sets invariant properties:
   • Units: Imperial (feet-inches)
   • Code: ACI 318-19, PCI MNL-117
   • Company: ABC Precast Inc.
   • Default concrete: 5000 PSI
   • Default rebar: Grade 60
   • Tolerances: PCI standard
4. User clicks OK
5. Properties saved to project
6. All panels inherit these settings automatically
7. Changes require administrator password (prevent accidental modification)

Control Semantics

Unit System

Measurement Units:

  • inv_units - Unit system:

    • Imperial (feet, inches, PSI, PCF)

    • Metric (meters, mm, MPa, kg/m³)

  • inv_precision - Display precision:

    • 1/16” (fine)

    • 1/8” (standard)

    • 1/4” (coarse)

Code Standards

Design Codes:

  • inv_concrete - Concrete code:

    • ACI 318-19 (most current)

    • ACI 318-14

    • Custom/local code

  • inv_precast - Precast standard:

    • PCI MNL-117 (standard)

    • Company standard

  • inv_weld - Welding code:

    • AWS D1.1 (structural)

    • AWS D1.4 (rebar welding)

Company Information

Firm Data:

  • inv_company - Company name

  • inv_address - Address

  • inv_phone - Phone/fax

  • inv_license - Professional license numbers

  • inv_logo - Logo file (for title blocks)

Material Defaults

Standard Materials:

  • inv_concrete_default - Default concrete:

    • 5000 PSI normal weight (typical)

    • Users can override per panel

  • inv_rebar_default - Default rebar:

    • Grade 60 (fy = 60 ksi)

    • Grade 75 (higher strength)

  • inv_plate_default - Default steel plates:

    • ASTM A36 (standard)

    • ASTM A572 Grade 50

Global Settings

Project Standards:

  • inv_tolerance - Tolerance standard:

    • PCI MNL-117 (±1/4” typical)

    • Tight (±1/8”)

    • Custom

  • inv_cover - Default concrete cover:

    • 3/4” interior

    • 2” exterior

    • Per code requirements

  • inv_fire_rating - Fire rating requirement:

    • 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, 4-hour

    • Affects cover, thickness

Invariant vs Variable

Invariant (Project-Wide)

Set once, apply everywhere:

? Units (imperial/metric)
? Code standards (ACI 318-19)
? Company information
? Default tolerances
? Default materials

Reason: Project consistency
All panels use same standards

Variable (Per Panel)

Can change per panel:

? Panel dimensions
? Reinforcement layout
? Opening sizes
? Finish specifications
? Connection details

Reason: Panel-specific requirements
Each panel unique

Administrator Protection

Prevent Accidental Changes:

Project halfway through (50 panels designed)
User accidentally opens invar-dcl
Changes units: Imperial ? Metric
? DISASTER! All dimensions wrong!

Protection:
Dialog requires password to modify
Only project administrator has password
Warning: "Changing units affects all panels!"
Confirmation: "Are you SURE? Type YES to confirm"

Prevents costly mistakes

Code Compliance

Standard References

Embedded Code Requirements:

ACI 318-19 selected:
- Minimum rebar spacing: 1" clear
- Development length formulas: ACI 25.4
- Splice length: ACI 25.5
- Cover requirements: ACI 20.5
- Load factors: ACI 5.3

System applies code requirements automatically
Engineers don't need to look up every rule
Built-in compliance

Integration

Applied To:

  • All panels (automatic inheritance)

  • Material database

  • Drawing generation

  • Engineering calculations

Effects:

  • Dimension display (feet-inches vs mm)

  • Code checks (per selected standard)

  • Title blocks (company info)

  • Default values (new panels)

Migration/Conversion

Unit Conversion

Project started in Imperial, convert to Metric:

1. Backup project (critical!)
2. Open invar-dcl with admin password
3. Change units: Imperial ? Metric
4. System converts ALL data:
   • 12'-0" ? 3658 mm
   • 5000 PSI ? 34.5 MPa
   • 145 PCF ? 2323 kg/m³
5. Verify conversions (check sample panels)
6. Regenerate all drawings

Risky! Only do if absolutely required!
Better: Start new project in correct units

Best Practices

Project Setup:

  • ? Set invariants BEFORE designing panels

  • ? Verify code versions (use most current)

  • ? Complete company info (professional drawings)

  • ? Establish admin password (protect settings)

During Project:

  • ? DON’T change invariants mid-project

  • ? DON’T convert units (risky!)

  • ? Review invariants if issues arise

Project Templates:

  • ? Create template projects with invariants set

  • ? Different templates for different project types

  • ? Save time, ensure consistency

Documentation Metadata

Enhancement Status: ? COMPREHENSIVE - ENHANCED [42/42 v3.60 COMPLETE! ??]

End of Document