'Path Lines' are lines that represent the insertion point of an extruded steel profile.
For a symmetrical column profile, the path line is typically at the center of the profile. However, the path line may be defined at any position using the following settings in the Builder dialog:
- Placement Point
- Rotation
- X Offset
- Y Offset
- Mirrored
For symmetrical I-shaped beams, the path line is often positioned at the top-center of bottom-center of the profile.
When creating a structural model, accurate position and control of the member path-lines is usually of utmost importance. By using the Path Line Snapping feature, you can have precise control of where path-lines are positioned and where they intersect with other member's path-lines.
Toggle Path Line Snapping
This feature can be toggled by clicking the button on the DECAsteel main toolbar:
If the button shows an 'active' state, it means snapping is currently enabled. Click the button again to disable it.
Path Line Snapping is used by the Beam and Bracing build tools. When snapping is enabled and these tools are active, the path line will be displayed when you hover the mouse over a structural member in your model.
In the image below, the Build Beam tool is active. As the mouse is moved over an existing beam, it's Top-Middle Path Line is displayed and the cursor point snaps to the Path Line.
This snapping feature allows the designer to accurately position a new beam that starts precisely at the top-center of another beam.
Use Path Line Snapping in combination with SketchUp inferencing for maximum modeling efficiency! For example, create a temporary guide across the top of the beam to force snapping to occur at the intersection point between the Path Line and the guide.
Or, hold SHIFT to lock inferencing in combination with Path Line Snapping:
The most obvious use of this feature is for snapping to center-lines of columns and hollow sections.
When snapping is enabled, tools will snap to the Path Line and also the End Points of the Path Line.
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