Project database#

If a plan is saved that contains a plan stamp with completed attributes, a project database with the extension .MDB is created. Other SOFiCAD modules, such as reinforcement, access this database. In the following summary you will find information on the handling and use of the SOFiCAD project database.

What’s in it#

Different, project-specific information is stored in the project database. For example, general project information such as client, project number, project name, etc. Furthermore, the information required for different modules is stored there.

What is the advantage?#

When working with the plan stamp you will automatically receive the same project-specific information in all plans, except typing. The project database (file extension .mdb) also gives you access to all plans that have already been created for the project. A separate database connection can be programmed.

How do I create it?#

with construction module:

Via the command “Construction II” - “Plan” - “Insert plan stamp”. The plan stamp is automatically placed in the lower right corner of the plan. If the construction takes place in the paper area, the layout must be active.

with reinforcement solo:

With the command “Reinforcement - Plan settings - Create plan definition” a block with all necessary information is stored in the model area. This block is always stored in the model area, even if you work with layouts.

Where is it stored?#

If the plan stamp is inserted in the first drawing in the project, filled out and the drawing is saved, the location of the project database is asked. This must either be in the same directory as the plan or in a directory above it. A parallel directory is not possible here. Because it can also be located in directories above it, a master directory for the project with an organized directory structure for the individual parts of the project is possible.

The plan directory appears as a suggestion for the position of the project database.

../../_images/mdb.png

The master directory can also be selected here as the storage location for the project database. This means that several subdirectories can be assigned to this project database.

Which modules use which information?#

The project database also stores different information for different modules.

construction#

automatically always the same information in the project

When a plan stamp is inserted into a drawing, the existing project database is automatically used and all relevant information is entered automatically. If information in the project has changed, it can be updated in the drawing by updating it.

Built-in parts

All built-in parts that are defined for the project are saved with a position that is consistent for the entire project. The advantage is that two different built-in parts with the same position are not ordered for the construction site.

Reinforcement#

List mats, drawing mats

All special mats as well as built-in parts are saved on a project basis. This ensures that a special mat type is used uniformly for the project and that no different mats with the same type designation end up on the construction site.

Steel list call

When the steel list is called up, all project and drawing-relevant information is taken from the plan stamp and transferred directly to the steel list for the head. Without a plan stamp or plan definition, you have to enter this information each time you open the steel list.

Total steel list

All steel quantities are automatically saved in the project database when the steel list is called up. This enables the call of an overall steel list. To do this, open the mdb file in the steel list and receive a list of steel quantities and installation parts of the entire current project status sorted according to drawings.

steel construction#

Position management

In the steel construction module, both planning and project-related positioning is possible. In both cases, the profiles assigned to the individual positions are managed in the project database.

Note

Only one project database may exist in the project directory, otherwise there is no guarantee that the correct one will always be accessed!