ℹ️ Agenda
• Opening: Brief introduction and session guide to today's webinar
• Automating Tendon Profile Creation: Convert Tendon drawings into 3D profiles and apply them in CIVIL NX.
• Construction Stage Analysis in Grasshopper: Manage Balanced Cantilever Method and automate sequencing.
• Parametric Modeling from Drawings: Parametric Modeling from Drawings
• MIDAS GH Plug-in Resources: Explore manuals, tutorials, and best practices for optimization.
• Q&A: Address common challenges and user questions.
Connor KimStrategic Planner, MIDAS IT
Connor, a strategic planner at MIDASIT, holds degrees in Civil Engineering from Kyoto University and the National University of Singapore, as well as a Master's in Structural Engineering from the University of Illinois. He has worked at Pyungwha Engineering Consultants on the Canakkale Bridge in Turkey and as a researcher at Yonsei University.
Q1. How & where can I download GH plug-in?
A. To install the GH plug-in, you’ll first need to have Rhino installed. We recommend using Rhino 7 for the best compatibility.
There are two ways to install the MIDAS GH plug-in:
1. Via food4RhinoVisit food4Rhino, search for “MIDAS GH”, and download the latest version. The plug-in is regularly updated, so you can always access the most recent version.
2. Via Rhino's Package Manager Open Rhino, go to the Package Manager, search for “MIDAS GH”, and click the Install button. The installation will begin automatically. Once installed, open Grasshopper and you’ll see a new MIDAS tab at the top. You’re now ready to start using the plug-in.
Q2. What is the future plan for the GH plug-in?
A. We plan to complete the second phase of development by mid-year, with a strong focus on improving usability and functionality.
Here’s what you can expect:
- New Features: We'll introduce updated features, including new Sections and a User Vehicle function, to cover currently unavailable areas.
- Enhanced RS Function: The RS Function will be optimized to automatically calculate values instead of relying on manual input.
- Improved Calculation Speed: We’re working on boosting the calculation speed to enhance overall efficiency.
- Optimized MIDAS API Workflow: Efforts are underway to streamline the API workflow, addressing time-related issues in data processing.
- Better Graphics and Visualization: We plan to upgrade the graphics and visualization components so that users can easily view how each component works within Rhino. This improvement will address previous difficulties in verifying structural shapes in Grasshopper before sending them to CIVIL NX, enabling real-time shape previews.
Through these updates, our goal is to make the system more intuitive, user-friendly, and efficient.
Q3. When creating a model, the ID numbers are not generated as I want. Why is this happening?
A. MIDAS GH assigns CIVIL NX ID numbers within Grasshopper, and it keeps track of the IDs already used to avoid duplication. These IDs are temporarily stored in what's called a Temp DB.If IDs aren’t generating as expected, it may be because the Temp DB still holds previous data.
To fix this:
1. Right-click on the component that generated the data.
2. Choose “Clear Temp DB” from the menu to remove stored IDs.
3. Then, click “Recalculate Model” to regenerate with fresh, correct ID numbers.
This will reset the ID allocation and resolve the issue.
Q4. I'm getting the error message: "Solution exception: Same Node." What does it mean, and how can I fix it?
A. This error typically occurs due to a tolerance issue during model generation. The tolerance value can be set in the MIDAS Settings, and it follows the unit system defined in Rhino. If two or more elements are located within the specified tolerance, they may be treated as the same node and merged, which causes this error.
To resolve the issue:
1. Open MIDAS Settings and check your tolerance value.
2. Adjust the value based on your model’s precision needs.
3. After updating the tolerance, reactivate the modeling component in Grasshopper to regenerate the data.
This should resolve the “Same Node” error and allow proper data generation.
Q5. I have some additional questions. What’s the best way to contact MIDAS Support?
A. If you have any additional questions, you can submit them through the link below. Our support team will respond as quickly as possible.
• Submit your inquiry here: 🔗 https://www.midasuser.com/en/support/ask/etc