Detail Modeling
The SidePlate® XML file used in conjunction with our Tekla or SDS/2 Custom Component is a useful tool to quickly and accurately create a 3D-representation of the SidePlate Connection for detailing and estimating.
To download the XML file for a specific project, use the project number to request the e-data on the My Projects page.
Tekla
The SidePlate Custom Component, combined with a project-specific XML file that can be downloaded from the My Projects page, allows detailers to import all SidePlate connections into their Tekla model in minutes — suitable for both model-based estimating and final project detailing. Review the Release Notes when you download the install file for a list of current features and version limitations.
To download the Custom Component for your detailing software Click Here.
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| SidePlate Column & Beam Schedules1 contain pre-designed connections for each specific project | No need for connection engineer for the SidePlate lateral connections |
| Automatically import connections and design parameters from SidePlate Column & Beam Schedules1 into your modeling software | Shortened SidePlate learning curve, reduced detailing time & fewer errors |
| Each connection can be modified via connections user interface | Empowers detailer to make custom modifications |
1SidePlate Connection Schedules contain the design parameters for the typical configurations of the SidePlate connections. Often, additional modifications to the typical SidePlate connections are required at some joint locations and these modifications must still be performed manually per the requirements of the contract documents. Most of these joints are identified with a M (miscellaneous ID).
Custom Component Tutorials
SDS/2
The SidePlate Custom Component, combined with a project-specific XML file that can be downloaded from the My Projects page, allows detailers to import all SidePlate connections into their SDS/2 model in minutes — suitable for both model-based estimating and final project detailing. Review the Release Notes when you download the install file for a list of current features and version limitations.
To download the Custom Component for your detailing software Click Here.
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| SidePlate Column & Beam Schedules1 contain pre-designed connections for each specific project | No need for connection engineer for the SidePlate lateral connections |
| Automatically import connections and design parameters from SidePlate Column & Beam Schedules1 into your modeling software | Shortened SidePlate learning curve, reduced detailing time & fewer errors |
| Each connection can be modified via connections user interface | Empowers detailer to make custom modifications |
1SidePlate Connection Schedules contain the design parameters for the typical configurations of the SidePlate connections. Often, additional modifications to the typical SidePlate connections are required at some joint locations and these modifications must still be performed manually per the requirements of the contract documents. Most of these joints are identified with a M (miscellaneous ID).
Custom Component Tutorials
XML FAQ
Who should I contact for tech support or product improvement suggestions?
Submit an inquiry using the blue "Questions, Concerns, Ideas" button in our website header, and a SidePlate expert will reply as soon as possible.
What is the Custom Component XML file and what does it contain?
This file contains scheduled information for SidePlate connections designed specifically for your project (some exceptions may apply). When used in combination with your SidePlate Tekla or SDS/2 component, you can automatically populate your SidePlate connection fields with this scheduled information.
Why provide this XML file?
This file is meant to aid you in your project by accomplishing the following:
- The file contains each supported SidePlate connection for your project: if there is a discrepancy between the number of connections we provide and the number of connections you are needing for your project, this dependency can be identified and resolved early.
- Reduced detailing time: since the scheduled information is included in the file, there is no need to manually enter all of the connection properties.
- Increased accuracy: the scheduled information also tells which SidePlate connection ID has been placed at your beam/column intersection; so as long as the correct connection ID has been placed at the correct location you can have confidence that the other fields are accurate.
How do I use this XML file?
In order to use this file, you must first download and install one of our custom components from this website (i.e. Tekla or SDS/2).
When you receive the installation file, you will also receive links to install instructions and release notes about the specific version you requested.
What is included in this XML file?
The release notes for each version of the custom component file contains information about what is included in each custom component.