4.4.15.5. Crossing connection

Crossing connection

In this category, the centroidal axes of beam and column cross with a certain spatial distance from one another. This enables precise modeling of connections in which components run above one another or offset from one another.

Prerequisites

Before you start creating the crossing connection, make sure that the following points are met:

• Software: AutoCAD Plant 3D and Autodesk Advance Steel are installed.
• SuCri plugin: The current version of the SuCri plugin is properly licensed and ready for use.
• Model: A primary and a secondary beam (beam/column) are present in the model and their axes cross spatially.
• Project settings: The required profile catalogs and material definitions in Advance Steel are loaded.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Starting the SuCri plugin and selecting the connection module

1. Open your model in AutoCAD Plant 3D or Advance Steel.
2. Navigate in the menu bar to the SuCri tab.
3. Click the Connections module to open the selection of connection types.

Expected result: A dialog box with various connection options appears.

Step 2: Selecting the connection type "Crossing"

1. Find the Crossing option in the graphical display or list.
2. Select it and, if necessary, confirm the selection with OK.

Expected result: The software prompts you to select the corresponding components in the model.

Step 3: Defining the primary beam

1. Click on the primary beam in the model area. This is usually the continuous main component, which is mostly located "at the bottom".

Expected result: The beam is highlighted in color and the selection is confirmed in the command line.

Step 4: Defining the secondary beam

1. Now select the secondary beam that crosses the primary beam.

Expected result: This beam is also visually highlighted.

Step 5: Confirming and generating the connection

1. Press the Enter key to complete the selection.
2. Wait briefly while SuCri analyzes the geometry.

Expected result: A preliminary crossing connection with standard components (plates, bolts) is created and the Joint Properties window opens automatically.

Step 6: Adjusting via the properties window (Joint Properties)

Use the various tabs to refine the connection:

• Plates: Adjust the thickness, material and size of the mounting plates.
• Bolts: Configure the type, diameter as well as the number of rows and columns including the edge distances.
• Positioning/Offset: Since the axes cross spatially, here you adjust the vertical or horizontal offset of the secondary beam relative to the primary beam.

Expected result: The connection in the model is dynamically updated and immediately reflects your changes.

Step 7: Checking and finalizing

1. Check the connection visually for collisions by rotating and zooming in the model.
2. Make sure that all structural requirements (number of bolts, welds) are met.
3. Close the properties window and save your model.

Expected result: The crossing connection is fully modeled and ready for drawing derivations.

Important notes

• Axis distance: Pay close attention to the spatial distance of the centroidal axes; this is decisive for the correct placement of the fasteners.
• Dynamics: Use the dynamic preview, every parameter change in the properties window should be checked immediately in the model.
• Shortcuts: Use Enter to confirm, ESC to cancel and F3 for object snap.

Troubleshooting

• Connection is not generated: Check whether the beam profiles are compatible or whether they unintentionally overlap. Restarting the function or adjusting the offsets step by step often solves the problem.
• Collisions with bolts: Open the Joint Properties and reduce the plate thickness or adjust the axis distances of the bolts in the Bolts tab.
• Wrong geometry: Make sure that during the selection you really clicked the primary beam first and then the secondary beam. If in doubt, delete the connection and recreate it.

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