When exporting a file to a DGN, one can easily click a button to transpose the model from Y up to Z up. It would be very handy if this could be done in the AutoPIPE model itself. Then one could simply click a button to change a file from Y up to Z up. This would be helpful for working with STAAD, which is built to primarily handle Y up. Yet, we use Z up in our OpenPlant and AutoPIPE. Perhaps there is a way to do this, but I have had to manually convert the model previously.
Is the issue for AutoPIPE to manage the loading directions on this change. I note that @Guest service request is for STAAD to add a Z up option, but for now they do not have this, so changing the loads on export to STAAD isn't something we need to do. Do you have a list of loads that you have seen are not converted other that thermal anchor movements. Would providing the X Y flip like we do for DGN export also help here.
This is a problem integrating with most CAD applications from pipe stress and is an issue for more than just us. Currently this is for geometry import and export but we will consider adding loads to the switch. Alternatively the rotate may provide what you are after.
The second proposal you are recommending isn't a feasible solution if you need to iteratively develop a design solution in multiple Bentley tools. The only reason one needs to convert Up orientation is to align with different Bentley tools. I have opened a SR that further describes this issue and workflow SrvReqNo:[7001529157], SrvReqNo:[7001551687].
We provide switching from Y to Z as a setting in General Model Options, does this satisfy your need. You can switch back and forth using this. The other point Michael makes may be an issue if you have added loads and displacements to the model before switching. So I would recommend switching before you do this.
Great idea. The current working method for changing an AutoPIPE model from Y up to Z up involves re-doing many model inputs such as all of the anchor thermal movements.