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ZeroFrame features

Everything ZeroFrame includes, from the first survey point to the last bolt.

97 features in 11 groups

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Survey and terrain

The ground, measured and modeled.

  • Survey pointsBring in points with their codes, and the linework draws itself.
  • Scans of the siteTurn a scan of the real ground into a usable surface.
  • Terrain surfacesGround built from points, contours and breaklines.
  • Contours and slopesContours, slope arrows and elevation bands drawn for you.
  • Surface editingAdd, remove and smooth points, and set breaklines and boundaries.
  • WatershedsSee where water gathers and flows across the site.
  • Real-world coordinatesWork in true coordinates and map projections.
  • Background mapsAerial imagery and maps under your design.
  • ParcelsLots and rights of way laid out with areas and labels.
  • Survey figuresCurbs, edges and walls drawn from field codes.

Grading and earthworks

Cut, fill and balance.

  • Feature linesEdges with elevations that drive the grading.
  • Grading by slopePads, ponds and banks that grade themselves to a target slope.
  • Cut and fillVolumes calculated live as you shape the ground.
  • Earthwork balanceRaise or lower the design until cut and fill balance.
  • Cut and fill mapsColored maps showing where to dig and where to fill.
  • Mass haulSee how far earth must travel along a road.
  • Building padsLevel platforms that tie neatly into the terrain.
  • Ponds and basinsStorage volumes worked out as you grade.
  • Grading groupsWork on a whole area as one piece, and keep it editable.

Roads and corridors

From a line to a finished road.

  • AlignmentsStraights, curves and transitions laid out to a design speed.
  • ProfilesVertical design with crests and sags you can drag.
  • Design criteriaCurves and grades checked against the standards you choose.
  • SuperelevationBanking on every curve worked out for you.
  • Typical sectionsLanes, curbs, sidewalks and ditches built as reusable sections.
  • CorridorsSections swept along the alignment into a full 3D road.
  • Intersections and roundaboutsJunctions built with their curb returns and grading.
  • Cross sectionsSections along the road, labeled and measured.
  • Driveways and sidewalksSite paths that tie into the road.
  • Roads in the landscapeSee the road in its setting before it's built.

Drainage and utilities

Pipes that check their own slopes.

  • Gravity networksPipes and structures laid out with slopes and inverts.
  • Pressure networksWater mains with fittings and bends.
  • Rules as you drawCover, slope and size checked as each pipe is placed.
  • Inlets and manholesStructures placed, sized and labeled.
  • Storm drainage designFlows and pipe sizes worked out for the storm you choose.
  • Pipes in profileUtilities drawn in the road profile automatically.
  • CrossingsSee where pipes cross and how much clearance they have.
  • Detention pondsStorage sized and graded in one place.

Steel structures

Every member, every connection.

  • Steel membersBeams, columns and braces from standard profile catalogs.
  • Grids and levelsThe frame laid out on the architect's grid.
  • Connection libraryShear plates, end plates, base plates and bracing, ready to place.
  • Connections by ruleApply connections to a whole frame in one move.
  • Bolts and weldsEvery bolt and weld modeled with its size and grade.
  • Cuts and fittingsCopes, notches and fits that clean up every joint.
  • Stairs, ladders and handrailsSteel access built from smart components.
  • Built-up membersPlates, stiffeners and custom sections.
  • AssembliesParts grouped into assemblies ready to ship.
  • NumberingIdentical parts get the same mark, automatically.

Concrete and reinforcement

Every bar, placed and scheduled.

  • Slabs, walls and footingsCast-in-place and precast concrete in true 3D.
  • ReinforcementBars, meshes and stirrups placed by rule.
  • Bars that followReinforcement that adapts as the concrete changes shape.
  • Cover and spacingKept automatically as the design changes.
  • PoursPlan pour breaks and see each pour's volume.
  • Bar schedulesBending schedules written straight from the model.
  • Precast elementsPanels and beams with lifting points and embeds.
  • Clash-free barsSee where reinforcement collides, and fix it.

Loads and analysis

See the forces flow.

  • Analytical modelMembers and supports turned into a model ready to analyze.
  • Load patternsDead, live, wind, snow and seismic loads.
  • Code loadsWind and seismic loads generated from the code you choose.
  • Load combinationsBuilt for you, and fully editable.
  • Static and dynamic analysisBoth linear and nonlinear, modal and response spectrum.
  • Deflected shapesWatch the structure bend, magnified and animated.
  • Force diagramsMoments, shears and axial forces drawn on every member.
  • Stress contoursColored maps across slabs and walls.
  • Mode shapesWatch the building sway in each of its modes.
  • Results anywhereClick a member to see every value.
  • FoundationsFootings and piles sized from the reactions.

Design checks and reports

The working shown, ready for sign-off.

  • Member designSteel and concrete members checked against the design code you choose.
  • Utilization colorsSee at a glance which members are working hardest.
  • Lighter sectionsFind the lightest members that still pass.
  • Connection checksPlates, bolts and welds checked with every step shown.
  • Code and method on every resultKnow exactly how each number was reached.
  • Range warningsAlerts when inputs fall outside the range a method was checked for.
  • Calculation reportsClear reports for an engineer to review and sign.
  • Engineer sign-offNothing is presented as certified; a professional engineer signs off.

Drawings and fabrication

Shop-ready, straight from the model.

  • General arrangementsPlans, elevations and sections of the whole frame.
  • Shop drawingsAssembly and part drawings with dimensions and marks.
  • Anchor bolt plansBase plates and anchors set out for the site.
  • Plan and profile sheetsRoad and pipe drawings laid out along the alignment.
  • Labels and tablesStations, elevations and pipe data labeled automatically.
  • Material listsSteel weights, bolt lists and concrete volumes.
  • Fabrication dataCutting and drilling data for the shop.
  • Drawings that updateChange the model and every drawing follows.

Coordination and teamwork

One project with the architect and the builder.

  • From the architect's modelGrids, levels and walls arrive from Blueprint.
  • Changes both waysMove a column and the architect sees it.
  • Clash checksStructure and utilities tested against every trade in ZeroBuild.
  • Model checksFind overlaps, gaps and missing data.
  • Status colorsSee which parts are designed, checked, fabricated and erected.
  • Erection sequencePlan the build order and play it back.
  • Your team's filesZeroFrame opens the files your team already uses.
  • Who changed whatEvery edit shows who made it, and you can undo any of it.

Lab Partner in ZeroFrame

Your partner at the engineer's desk.

  • Set up the loadsLoad patterns and combinations from a short description.
  • Try grading optionsAsk to balance cut and fill and compare the results.
  • Check the membersRun the design checks and hear what failed and why.
  • Lay out the roadA first alignment and profile from a few points.
  • Draft the reportA calculation report assembled for your review.
  • Explain any resultAsk why a member is overstressed and see the working.
  • Always yoursEvery change is reviewable, you can undo it, and an engineer signs off.
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