TM-1210 AVEVA Plant (12.1) Multi-Discipline Supports Rev 2.0 PDF

AVEVA Plant
(12.1)
Multi-Discipline Supports
TM-1210
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
Multi-Discipline Supports TM-1210
www.aveva.com
© Copyright 1974 to current year. 2
AVEVA Solutions Limited and its subsidiaries.
All rights reserved.
AVEVA (12.1)
Revision Log
Date Revision Description of Revision Author Reviewed Approved
06/02/2012 0.1 Issued for Review PDMS 12.1.SP2 BT
20/04/2012 0.2 Reviewed BT AH
20/05/2012 1.0 Approved for Training PDMS 12.1.SP2 BT AH NG
14/08/2013 2.0 Approved for Training PDMS 12.1 SP4 LB
Updates
All headings containing updated or new material will be highlighted.
Suggestion / Problems
If you have a suggestion about this manual or the system to which it refers please report it to the AVEVA
EDS Training & Product Support at tps@aveva.com
This manual provides documentation relating to products to which you may not have access or which may
not be licensed to you. For further information on which products are licensed to you please refer to your
licence conditions.
Visit our website at http://www.aveva.com
Disclaimer
1.1 AVEVA does not warrant that the use of the AVEVA software will be uninterrupted, error-free or free
from viruses.
1.2 AVEVA shall not be liable for: loss of profits; loss of business; depletion of goodwill and/or similar
losses; loss of anticipated savings; loss of goods; loss of contract; loss of use; loss or corruption of
data or information; any special, indirect, consequential or pure economic loss, costs, damages,
charges or expenses which may be suffered by the user, including any loss suffered by the user
resulting from the inaccuracy or invalidity of any data created by the AVEVA software, irrespective of
whether such losses are suffered directly or indirectly, or arise in contract, tort (including negligence)
or otherwise.
1.3 AVEVA's total liability in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, arising in connection with
the performance of the AVEVA software shall be limited to 100% of the licence fees paid in the year
in which the user's claim is brought.
1.4 Clauses 1.1 to 1.3 shall apply to the fullest extent permissible at law.
1.5 In the event of any conflict between the above clauses and the analogous clauses in the software
licence under which the AVEVA software was purchased, the clauses in the software licence shall
take precedence.
Copyright
Copyright and all other intellectual property rights in this manual and the associated software, and every part
of it (including source code, object code, any data contained in it, the manual and any other documentation
www.aveva.com
supplied with it) belongs to, or is validly licensed by, AVEVA Solutions Limited or its subsidiaries.

AVEVA (12.1)
All rights are reserved to AVEVA Solutions Limited and its subsidiaries. The information contained in this
document is commercially sensitive, and shall not be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted without the prior written permission of AVEVA Solutions Limited. Where such permission is
granted, it expressly requires that this copyright notice, and the above disclaimer, is prominently displayed at
the beginning of every copy that is made.
The manual and associated documentation may not be adapted, reproduced, or copied, in any material or
electronic form, without the prior written permission of AVEVA Solutions Limited. The user may not reverse
engineer, decompile, copy, or adapt the software. Neither the whole, nor part of the software described in
this publication may be incorporated into any third-party software, product, machine, or system without the
prior written permission of AVEVA Solutions Limited, save as permitted by law. Any such unauthorised
action is strictly prohibited, and may give rise to civil liabilities and criminal prosecution.
The AVEVA software described in this guide is to be installed and operated strictly in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the respective software licences, and in accordance with the relevant User
Documentation.
Unauthorised or unlicensed use of the software is strictly prohibited.
Copyright 1974 to current year. AVEVA Solutions Limited and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. AVEVA
shall not be liable for any breach or infringement of a third party's intellectual property rights where such
breach results from a user's modification of the AVEVA software or associated documentation.
AVEVA Solutions Limited, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0HB, United Kingdom
Trademark
AVEVA and Tribon are registered trademarks of AVEVA Solutions Limited or its subsidiaries. Unauthorised
use of the AVEVA or Tribon trademarks is strictly forbidden.
AVEVA product/software names are trademarks or registered trademarks of AVEVA Solutions Limited or its
subsidiaries, registered in the UK, Europe and other countries (worldwide).
The copyright, trademark rights, or other intellectual property rights in any other product or software, its
name or logo belongs to its respective owner.
www.aveva.com
Contents
1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 9
1.1 Aim..................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Objectives ......................................................................................................................................... 9
1.3 Prerequisites .................................................................................................................................... 9
1.4 Course Structure.............................................................................................................................. 9
1.5 Using this guide ............................................................................................................................... 9
1.6 Setting up the Training Course .................................................................................................... 10
2 MDS: Basic Concepts of a Support ..................................................................................................... 11
2.1 Glossary of Terms.......................................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Framework Support ....................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Hanger Support (Fixed and Variable)........................................................................................... 13
2.4 General Support (Ancillary) .......................................................................................................... 14
2.5 Trunnion Support........................................................................................................................... 15
2.6 Support Group................................................................................................................................ 16
3 Entering the MDS Application .............................................................................................................. 17
3.1 MDS Application Pre-requisites ................................................................................................... 17
3.2 Starting the MDS Application ....................................................................................................... 17
3.3 MDS Application Auto Loading .................................................................................................... 18
Exercise 1 – Loading MDS ............................................................................................................................ 18
4 Multi Discipline Support Application Defaults.................................................................................... 19
Exercise 2 – MDS Defaults............................................................................................................................ 23
5 Multi Discipline Support........................................................................................................................ 25
5.1 Creation of a Multi Discipline Support......................................................................................... 25
5.2 MDS AutoNaming........................................................................................................................... 26
5.3 Initial Creation ................................................................................................................................ 27
5.3.1 List by Type .............................................................................................................................. 30
5.3.2 Adding other elements to the support ...................................................................................... 32
5.3.3 Template Selection................................................................................................................... 33
5.4 Support Creation............................................................................................................................ 34
5.4.1 Creation by Cursor ................................................................................................................... 34
5.4.2 Creation by Clearance ............................................................................................................. 35
5.4.3 Creation by Dimensions ........................................................................................................... 40
5.5 Creation Options ............................................................................................................................ 42
5.6 Finishing the support creation ..................................................................................................... 54
5.6.1 Support Integrity Checker ........................................................................................................ 54
5.7 Summary of the Creation of a Multi Discipline Support ............................................................ 55
Exercise 3 – Multi Discipline Support......................................................................................................... 56
6 Modification of a Support ..................................................................................................................... 57
6.1 Modifying a support....................................................................................................................... 57
6.1.1 Methods of selecting the support to be Modified ..................................................................... 58
Exercise 4 – Modifying a Support ................................................................................................................ 58
7 Deleting a Support ................................................................................................................................. 59
7.1 Deleting a Support ......................................................................................................................... 59
7.2 Methods of selecting the support to be Deleted......................................................................... 59
7.3 Error trying to delete Supports using normal delete method ................................................... 60
8 Locking a Support ................................................................................................................................. 61
8.1 Locking and Unlocking a Support................................................................................................ 61
8.1 Methods of selecting the support to be Locked/Unlocked........................................................ 62
8.2 Locking a support .......................................................................................................................... 62
8.3 Unlocking a support ...................................................................................................................... 62
9 Bracing.................................................................................................................................................... 63
9.1 Creating a Bracing SCTN .............................................................................................................. 63
9.2 Selecting the Bracing Standard.................................................................................................... 64
9.3 Steelwork Size selection (Material code)..................................................................................... 64
9.4 Selecting the Bracing Style........................................................................................................... 64
9.5 Create and/or Modify a Bracing.................................................................................................... 65
9.6 www.aveva.com
Bracing Dimensions ...................................................................................................................... 65
9.7 Example Bracing ............................................................................................................................ 66
5
© Copyright 1974 to current year.
AVEVA (12.1)
9.8 Bracing ATTAS............................................................................................................................... 67

9.9 Displaying Bracing Types ............................................................................................................. 67
9.10 Displaying/Hiding the ‘on screen’ Dimensions........................................................................... 68
9.11 Selecting an Existing Bracing ...................................................................................................... 68
9.12 Deleting an Existing Bracing ........................................................................................................ 68
9.13 Modifying an Existing Bracing ..................................................................................................... 69
Exercise 5 – Bracing...................................................................................................................................... 69
10 Cable Rack Support ........................................................................................................................... 71
10.1 Creation of a Cable Rack Support................................................................................................ 71
Exercise 6 – Cable Tray Supports................................................................................................................ 72
11 HVAC Support .................................................................................................................................... 73
11.1 Creation of a HVAC Support ......................................................................................................... 73
11.3 Force Connecting to Plines .......................................................................................................... 75
Exercise 7 – HVAC Supports........................................................................................................................ 76
12 Creation of a General Support.......................................................................................................... 77
12.1 Creation of a General Support (Ancillaries) ................................................................................ 77
12.2 Creating a General Support .......................................................................................................... 79
12.3 Adding a Guide to an Ancillary (Slipper) ..................................................................................... 81
12.4 Adding a Slip Unit to a Ancillary (Slipper)................................................................................... 82
Exercise 8 - Creating General Support, Guide and Slip Unit .................................................................... 83
13 Trunnion Support............................................................................................................................... 85
13.1 Creation of a Trunnion Support.................................................................................................... 85
13.2 Trunnion Creation Form ................................................................................................................ 86
13.2.1 Creation on a straight piece of pipe ......................................................................................... 87
13.2.2 Creation on an elbow ............................................................................................................... 90
13.2.4 Creation on a Reducer ............................................................................................................. 91
13.2.5 Creation on a Tee..................................................................................................................... 92
Exercise 9 – Trunnions ................................................................................................................................. 93
14 Fixed Hanger ...................................................................................................................................... 95
14.1 Creating a Fixed Hanger................................................................................................................ 95
14.3 Creation Options ............................................................................................................................ 99
14.3.1 Modify Hanger Options .......................................................................................................... 100
Exercise 10 – Fixed Hangers ...................................................................................................................... 103
15 Variable Hanger................................................................................................................................ 105
15.1 Creating a Variable Hanger ......................................................................................................... 105
15.2 Initial Creation .............................................................................................................................. 107
15.3 Creation Options .......................................................................................................................... 109
15.3.2 Modify Hanger Options .......................................................................................................... 110
Exercise 11 – Variable Hangers ................................................................................................................. 112
16 Fixed / Variable Hanger Creation Modes ....................................................................................... 113
16.1 Create and Modify Mode ............................................................................................................. 113
16.3 Create Once Mode........................................................................................................................ 114
16.4 Multi Create Mode ........................................................................................................................ 114
Exercise 12 - Fixed / Variable Hanger Creation Modes............................................................................ 114
17 Special Supports.............................................................................................................................. 115
17.1 When is a support a special? ..................................................................................................... 115
17.2 Creating a Special ........................................................................................................................ 115
17.3 Creation of Special with Support Atta’s only............................................................................ 116
17.4 Creation of MDS Special using ‘Copy Project Special’ button ............................................... 118
17.5 Creation of HVAC Support from ‘Copy Project Special’ button.............................................. 120
17.6 Creation of MDS Special SCTNS from ‘Copy Section’ button................................................. 121
17.8 Special Creation from Existing MDS Supports......................................................................... 122
Exercise 13 – Special Supports ................................................................................................................. 123
18 Support Groups ............................................................................................................................... 125
Exercise 14 – Support Groups ................................................................................................................... 127
19 Lighting Supports ............................................................................................................................ 129
19.1 Creating a Light............................................................................................................................ 129
19.2 Creating a Lighting Support ....................................................................................................... 129
www.aveva.com
19.3 Modify Lighting Support form .................................................................................................... 132

6
AVEVA (12.1)
Exercise 15 – Lighting Supports................................................................................................................ 132

20 Support Creation Zones .................................................................................................................. 133
20.1 Creating a support Zone ............................................................................................................. 133
20.2 Selecting an MDS Creation Zone................................................................................................ 133
20.3 Allocation and MDS Autonaming file to a support zone.......................................................... 134
Exercise 16 – Support Zones ..................................................................................................................... 134
21 Vessel Supports ............................................................................................................................... 135
Exercise 17 – Vessel Supports................................................................................................................... 137
22 Branch Reinforcement .................................................................................................................... 139
22.1 Creating Branch Reinforcements............................................................................................... 139
Exercise 18 - Branch Reinforcements ....................................................................................................... 140
23 Preliminary Supports....................................................................................................................... 141
23.1 Creating Preliminary Support ..................................................................................................... 141
Exercise 19 – Preliminary Supports .......................................................................................................... 142
24 Copying a Support ........................................................................................................................... 143
24.1 Copying a Support ....................................................................................................................... 143
Exercise 20 – Copy Support ....................................................................................................................... 145
25 Modifying a Support Name ............................................................................................................. 147
25.1 Modifying a Support Name ......................................................................................................... 147
26 MDS Wizard ...................................................................................................................................... 149
Exercise 21 – MDS Wizard .......................................................................................................................... 150
27 MDS Health Check Utility (HCU) ..................................................................................................... 151
27.1 Running the HCU ......................................................................................................................... 152
27.2 Example Health Check Report.................................................................................................... 154
Exercise 22 - Health Check Report ............................................................................................................ 154
28 MDS Reports..................................................................................................................................... 155
28.1 MDS Report Menu ........................................................................................................................ 156
28.1.1 Output Format ........................................................................................................................ 156
28.1.2 Report Output......................................................................................................................... 156
28.1.3 Headings ................................................................................................................................ 156
28.1.4 Main Report Filter................................................................................................................... 156
28.1.5 Output Report Name – Description ........................................................................................ 156
28.1.6 Column Heading Number – Title............................................................................................ 156
28.1.7 Hierarchy ................................................................................................................................ 156
28.1.8 Sorting and Totalling .............................................................................................................. 156
28.1.9 Extra Run Time Filter ............................................................................................................. 156
28.1.10 Control Menu ...................................................................................................................... 157
28.1.11 Report Menu....................................................................................................................... 157
Exercise 23 – MDS Reports ........................................................................................................................ 158
29 Miscellaneous Utilities .................................................................................................................... 159
29.1 Utilities Menu................................................................................................................................ 159
29.1.1 Utilities > Add Support/s......................................................................................................... 159
29.1.2 Reorder Branch Atta’s ............................................................................................................ 160
29.1.3 Utilities > Clear Dimensions/Tags .......................................................................................... 160
29.1.4 Make Support Controlled ....................................................................................................... 160
29.2 Modify Menu ................................................................................................................................. 160
29.2.1 Drawing Comment… .............................................................................................................. 161
29.2.2 Align Guide to Support ........................................................................................................... 161
29.2.3 Associate Pad with Shoe ....................................................................................................... 161
29.2.4 Associate Pad with Stop ........................................................................................................ 161
29.2.5 Snipe an Angle SCTN… ........................................................................................................ 161
29.2.6 Convert Standard to a Special ............................................................................................... 162
29.2.7 Convert Support to Group ...................................................................................................... 162
Exercise 24 – Miscellaneous Utilities Snipe ............................................................................................. 162
30 MDS Drawing Production................................................................................................................ 163
30.1 MDS Drawing Production Introduction...................................................................................... 163
30.2 Entering Draft ............................................................................................................................... 163
30.3 Area Based Automatic Drawing Production (AB ADP) ............................................................ 164
30.4 Checking AB ADP Defaults......................................................................................................... 164
30.5 Creating a MDS Drawing ............................................................................................................. 165
Exercise 25 - Drawing Production ............................................................................................................. 169
31 www.aveva.com
MDS Manuals and Help ................................................................................................................... 171

7
AVEVA (12.1)
Exercise 26 - MDS Manuals and Help ........................................................................................................ 171
www.aveva.com
8
CHAPTER 1
1 Introduction
The Multi Discipline Supports (MDS) application is used to create modify and delete the various types of
support required during the design stages of a project. MDS is based on an engineering standard that is
configured to the projects requirements.
1.1 Aim
Give a good Basic understanding of how MDS can help with Plant Design.
1.2 Objectives
 Understand how MDS recognises what a support consists of and how the design elements are named.
 Explain the basic concepts of MDS
 Understand how to create a series of MDS Supports
 Understand how to produce an MDS Drawing
1.3 Prerequisites
The Trainees should have a working knowledge of AVEVA Plant or should have attended the Foundations
Course.
1.4 Course Structure
Training will consist of oral and visual presentations, demonstrations and set exercises. Each workstation
will have a training project, populated with model objects. This will be used by the trainees to practice their
methods, and complete the set exercises.
1.5 Using this guide
Certain text styles are used to indicate special situations throughout this document, here is a summary;
Menu pull downs and button press actions are indicated by bold dark turquoise text.
Information the user has to key-in will be in bold red text.
Where additional information is presented, or reference is made to other documentation the following
annotation will be used:
 Additional information
 Refer to other documentation
System prompts will be bold, italicised, and presented in inverted commas i.e. 'Choose function'.
Example files or inputs will be in the courier new font.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
1.6 Setting up the Training Course
Login to PDMS using the details provided by the Trainer. They will typically be as shown below:
Project: Training (TRA)
Username: A.SUPPORTMAN
Password: A
MDB: A-SUPPORTS
Select Utilities > Training Setup… from the main menu to display the Training Setup form.
Navigate to the MDS tab, check the Setup Training Course checkbox.
Click the Apply button and Close the form.
Save Work and Exit PDMS.
www.aveva.com
10
CHAPTER 2
2 MDS: Basic Concepts of a Support
The Multi Discipline Supports (MDS) application is used to create modify and delete the various types of
support required during the design stages of a project. MDS is based on an engineering standard that is
configured to the projects requirements.
2.1 Glossary of Terms
The discipline of supports brings together other disciplines and the terms used to describe the same item
often leads to confusion. This section tries to explain some of the common terms used.
Used to describe an attachment on a line, this could be a shoe, u-bolt,

Ancillary
etc.
Atta This is the AVEVA Plant type for an attachment on a line.
This is a support consisting of a piece of pipe welded or clamped to the
Base Support
line. See Dummy Leg, Dummy Extension and Trunnion.
A wrap around the pipe to protect the line, often used in conjunction
Cradle
with shoe.
Datum Atta A term used by MDS to describe the first line added to the support.
Dummy Leg
line. See Base Support, Dummy Extension and Trunnion.
Dummy Extension
line. See Base Support, Dummy Leg and Trunnion.
A support consisting of an attachment to the line for instance a clamp,
a hanger rod and a connection to the steelwork. The vertical height of
Fixed Hangers
the hanger is not flexible and is a fixed length. This is similar to a
variable hanger support without a variable effort spring.
Framework A configuration of steelwork supporting one or more lines.
A term used by MDS to describe the available configurations of
Framework Template
steelwork.
A single support with no associated support steelwork. For instance a
General Supports
u-bolt attached to a main structural member on a pipe rack.
A term used by MDS to describe the available configurations of fixed
Hanger Templates
and variable hangers.
A reinforcing pad often used with other support types such as
Repad
trunnions, shoes etc.
A configuration of steelwork that is not available in the configuration of
Special Support
steelwork supplied with MDS.
A term used by MDS to describe the steelwork reference atta used to
Sref Atta
store the reference to the steelwork standard used.
Trunnion
line. See Base Support, Dummy Leg and Dummy Extension.
A support consisting of an attachment to the line for instance a clamp,
a hanger rod, a variable effort spring, and a connection to the
Variable Hangers steelwork. The vertical height of the hanger is flexible and is a variable
length dependant on the movement of the line. This is similar to a fixed
hanger support with a variable effort spring.
Vessel Supports Support used to support a line that is attached to a vessel.
A wrap around the pipe to protect the line, often used in conjunction
Wear Pad
with a shoe www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
2.2 Framework Support
WORLD
/*
SITE SITE SITE

/MDS-DESIGN-SITE /MDS-DESIGN-SITE-SUPPORTS /MDS/TEMPLATES
ZONE ZONE ZONE

/MDS-DESIGN-PIPES /MDS-DESIGN-SITE-SUPP /MDS/FRAMES/FT09
PIPE PIPE STRU STRU

/6"-A150-FG-008 /6"-A150-FG-009 /ft09-1 /FT09/3
BRANCH BRANCH FRMW FRMW

/6"-A150-FG-008/B1 /6"-A150-FG-009/B1 /ft09-1/MAIN /FT09/3-FRMW1
FLAN 1 ATTA F LAN 1 ATTA SCTN SCTN SCTN SCTN

/ft09-1/DATUM /ft09-1.1 /ft09-1-V1 ft09-1-BAR-1 /FT09/3-V1 /FT09/3-BAR-1
(100x100x10RSA) (100x100x10RSA) (100x100x10RSA) (100x100x10RSA)
ATTA FLAN 2 FLAN 2 SCTN SCTN SCTN

/ft09-1/SREF /ft09-1.V2 /ft09-1-BAR-2 /FT09/3-V2
(100x100x10RSA) (100x100x10RSA) (100x100x10RSA)
The design hierarchy for a framework type support is shown in the preceding diagram. In principle, each
support owns a structure and at least two attachment (atta’s) elements. If the support has more than one
design element on the support each pipe will have an atta placed within its hierarchy. The shaded boxes are
the project design databases, and the un-shaded boxes on the right are the /MDS/TEMPLATES database
which stores the available configurations for the project.
www.aveva.com
12
AVEVA (12.1)
2.3 Hanger Support (Fixed and Variable)
WORLD
/*
SITE SITE
/MDS-DESIGN-SITE /MDS/HANGERS
ZONE ZONE
/MDS-DESIGN-PIPES /MDS/FH01
PIPE REST
/6"-A150-FG-008 /MDS/FH01/100
BRANC H REST HANG

/6"-A150-F G-008/B 1 /A-FH01-1/RES T /A-FH01-1/H 1
ATTA HAN G PCLA HNU T

/A-FH01-1 /A-FH01-1/H1
HELE CLEV
PCLA HNU T
HELE CLEV HNUT HPIN
HNUT HPIN
HNUT SLUG
HNUT SLUG
HRO D HRO D
The design hierarchy for hanger type support is shown in the preceding diagram. In principle, each support
owns a rest element stored under the selected pipe with hang elements containing the hanger components.
This is referenced to the atta in the pipe and a fitting within the steelwork member. The shaded boxes are
the project design databases, and the un-shaded boxes on the right are the /MDS/HANGERS database
which stores the available configurations for the project if the MDS hanger interface is being used. If a
manufacturer’s interface is being used then this database in not used and a manufacturer’s project will be
used instead.
www.aveva.com
13
AVEVA (12.1)
2.4 General Support (Ancillary)
W ORLD
/*
SITE
/MDS-DESIGN-SITE
ZONE
/MDS-DESIGN-PIPES
PIPE
/6"-A150-FG-008
BRA NC H
/6"-A150-F G-008/B 1
ATTA
/A-AT01
The design hierarchy for a general support type is shown in the preceding diagram. In principle, each
support owns an atta stored under the selected pipe branch.
www.aveva.com
14
AVEVA (12.1)
2.5 Trunnion Support
WO RLD
/*
SITE
/MDS-DESIGN-SITE
ZO NE
/MDS-DESIGN-PIPES
PIPE
/6"-A150 -FG-00 8
BRA NC H BRA NC H
/6"-A150-F G-008/B 1 /6"-A150-FG -008/PS10 0
ELBO ATTA ATTA

/PS100/NOTE1 /PS100/NO TE2
ATTA ATTA
/PS100/MAKEUP /PS100. 1
ATTA ATTA
/PS100/NOTE3 /PS100
The design hierarchy for a trunnion support type is shown in the preceding diagram. In principle, each
support is a branch created within the selected pipe. The branch will contain atta elements that are notes, a
makeup piece to change the bore and any non-tube lengths if applicable and the trunnion members such as
base plates.
www.aveva.com
15
AVEVA (12.1)
2.6 Support Group
A support group consists of a combination of a single framework and a hanger or hangers. The hierarchy
used is the same as for frameworks and hangers but the naming convention uses an array identifier to
identify a group. The support is then created as a single support name and the MDS ADP (Automatic
Drawing Production) drawing details the support on one drawing.
www.aveva.com
16
CHAPTER 3
3 Entering the MDS Application
This chapter explains how to enter AVEVA Plant and start the MDS application
3.1 MDS Application Pre-requisites
The Multi Discipline Supports application will be entered as long as the pre requisites below are met.
 The MDS design templates site - /MDS/TEMPLATES exists in the current MDB
 The MDS application specification - /MDS exists in the current MDB
 Valid Piping, HVAC or Cable Rack zones exist.
 MDS UDAs are included in the MDB
By default MDS will locate the respective zones by the purpose attribute of piping zones being set to PIPE,
HVAC zones set to HVAC and cable tray zones being set to TRAY. It will not be possible to enter the MDS
application if there is nothing to support.
 The recognition of how MDS finds the respective zones is controlled in the MDS Catalogue. Please
refer to TM-1304 AVEVA Plant (12.1) MDS Administration training for more information.
3.2 Starting the MDS Application
Login to PDMS using the details provided by the Trainer. They will typically be as shown below:
Project: Training
Username: A.SUPPORTMAN
Password: A
MDB: A-SUPPORTS
Click the Login button
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
To start the MDS application select Design > Multi Discipline Supports…
from the main menu.
MDS will load the forms and menus for use by the application.
On completion of the data loading, a zone has to be selected so that MDS knows where to create any
structures that are required. The form for selecting the default creation zone is displayed to the support
designer for this purpose as shown below.
Select ZONE-SUPPORTS-AREA02-WORKSHOP
Click the OK button.
After the support designer has selected the zone the MDS application has been successfully entered and
the Multi Discipline Supports Toolbar should be visible.
3.3 MDS Application Auto Loading
If the user has left AVEVA Plant with the MDS application loaded when the user re-enters AVEVA Plant the
MDS application will automatically load. This should be taken into consideration if the user does not wish to
use MDS when re-entering AVEVA Plant, as it is likely that non-critical errors will be displayed if an
alternative MDB is selected.
Exercise 1 – Loading MDS

Perform the following tasks:-
 Using the above example enter AVEVA Plant and the MDS Application
 Exit AVEVA Plant with the MDS application loaded and re-enter AVEVA Plant.
 Note that AVEVA Plant will automatically load the MDS Application.
www.aveva.com
18
CHAPTER 4
4 Multi Discipline Support Application Defaults

This chapter explains the settings and use of the MDS application defaults.
When MDS is entered the support designer loads a series of defaults for use. Some of these defaults can be
set by the support designer for the session. This section explains these settings, what they are used for and
if the support designer can set them for the current session. The MDS Application Defaults form may be
invoked either from the MDS Toolbar button or from the MDS application main menu by selecting Settings
> MDS Defaults >Application.
This displays the MDS Application Defaults form
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
1. Creation Zone - the support designer may modify the current setting of the zone where all support
structures will be created.
2. Pipe Clearance - this is the value used by the application when creating frameworks using a clearance
value.
CLEARANCE
Note: the extremities of the

support are determined by the
geometry of the atta and not
the pipe O.D.
3. Max. Pipe Slope - this is the value used when checking if a pipe is horizontal, this value may be
decreased but not increased above a 1/10 slope.
1
n
MAXIMUM SLOPE = 1/n
Max = 1/10
www.aveva.com
20
AVEVA (12.1)
4. Steelwork Overlap - this is the value used when overlapping steelwork when creating frameworks.
OVERLAP
5. Maximum Packing Distance - when a pipe is placed on a support this value is used to check that the
distance between the steelwork and the botton of ancillary is not exceeded.
MAXIMUM
PACKING
DISTANCE
6. Maximum Packing Overlap - when a pipe is placed on a support this value is used to check that the
negative distance between the steelwork and the bottom of ancillary is not exceeded.
MAXIMUM
PACKING
OVERLAP
7. Maximum Trunnion Length - when creating trunnion types TT01 to TT03 this value is used to check
that the maxiumum length is not exceeded. Standards from TT04 and above have their own setting for
each standard.
www.aveva.com
21
AVEVA (12.1)
8. Maximum Pivot Angle - this value is used to check that the angle between the horizontal hanger and a
sloping pipe is not exceeded.
9. User Warning Angle - if this value is exceeded and the maximum piviot angle is not the support
designer will be given a warrning message.
10. Minimum Rod Length - the support designer may not set a rod length that is less than this value. This
is only for standard SP02. When using the FH and VH standards it will use the value set in the
manufacture’s catalogue.
11. Maximum pipe angle - this is used to stop the addition of pipes to a framework that is not within the
angle specified from the axes of the datum pipe.
MAXIMUM PIPE ANGLE

DATUM PIPE
(Degrees)
centreline
DIRECTION
PIPE IDENTIFIED TO BE
SUPPORTED ON
FRAMEWORK
PLAN VIEW OF SUPPORT

AND ASSOCIATED PIPES
12. Special Number Prefix - a special may be identified by a special number other than its name, this
value sets the prefix used.
13. Special Number Unique - a special may be identified by a special number other than its name, this
value determines if this number is unique throughout the project or if it can be used again.
14. Transport prefix - when producing a support drawing if the support name starts with this value the
drawing will have a note added as defined in item 16 to each view title.
15. When a support is being used, a special drawing level is used to make graphical aids appear this value
is used when re displaying the elements to the drawlist.
16. This contains the text used in item 14.
www.aveva.com
22
AVEVA (12.1)
17. This can be used when identifying fixed tube piping.
18. When creating joints, this values determines if the support designer can create joint geometry or not.
19. When modifying a support this determines if a message is used when MDS deletes the joints.
20. Turns the Automatic creation of Deck Pads On or Off
21. This is used as the value when checking joint eccentricity.
22. This is the setting used when a support framework position is controlled using the flange gap
functionality. This will only be active when create by cursor is used. The ID1 setting are the settings
used for the first identified element and ID2 for the second.
23. When this button is selected the default file DES-SUPP-DEFS is loading overriding any user modified
values.
Exercise 2 – MDS Defaults
Perform the following task:-
 Change the Pipe Clearance to 50mm.
www.aveva.com
23
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
24
CHAPTER 5
5 Multi Discipline Support
This chapter explains how to create a Multi Discipline Support to include PIPES, HVAC and CABLE
RACKS/TRAYS. The user can change the ancillary supports content and the design of a Multi-discipline
Support.
The creation of support framework for HVAC, Cable Tray and Vessel Supports follow the same process as
Multi Discipline Supports.
5.1 Creation of a Multi Discipline Support
Creation of a Multi Discipline Support may be invoked either from the MDS Toolbar button or from the MDS
application main menu option shown below.
The Multi Discipline Frameworks form will be shown
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
 Note that the OK button will be deactivated until the user completes a valid support name.
1. Name - the user may key in the name of the support.
2. Auto-Name this applies an automatic name as an alternative to keying in the name.
3. Default Creation Zone this allows the support designer to reselect the default creation zone.
4. New Support Group after the user has selected the support name, it is possible to nominate this support
framework as a support group, .
5. Support Filtering buttons can be used to reduce the number support selections available.
6. Displays an indication of the reduced selection set.
7. The support selection list allows support designer to select the support type required.
8. The support designer can view and browse through the available standards.
9. The support designer can type the name of the support for example FT09.
After the support designer has completed the name and selection of the standard from the list clicking the
OK button displays the MDS Framework creation form.
5.2 MDS AutoNaming
The MDS AutoNaming facility is a project wide facility enabling multiple support designers to create
supports in sequential order. The default file DES-SUPP-NAMES is selected by default on entry to the
application. The support designer may select different default files to use.
 Note MDS does not allow the use of a full stop within the name. This is because subsequent support
atta members are named by MDS as <Support Name>. Integer.
To modify select or query the default file being used select the Settings > MDS AutoNaming… from the
application pull-down menu or right click on the Auto Name button and select Select Naming File … the
MDS AutoNaming File form will be displayed. The user can then select a new default file if required or reset
the index being used.
The format of the name in created by the use of:
Prefix The prefix to be used in the support name

i.e. PS
Index The sequential index
Suffix The suffix to be used in the support name
Index width The width of the index value, this will add
preceeding zeros if the generated number
width is less that the index width
Min Index The minimum index number that this

naming file will use.
Max Index The maximum index number that this

naming file will use.
The prefix and suffix may be a text string or PML expression

enabling the use of attributes etc to be used in the support name.
 Note the configuration of the MDS AutoNaming is covered in the MDS Administration course.
www.aveva.com
26
AVEVA (12.1)
5.3 Initial Creation
This example uses support framework standard XFT09 using Autoname then /A-FT09-1.
The Training project supplied contains a Group to help with the setting up of the 3D View. In the following
example the Group Area02-MDS has been added.
Navigate to the Framework AREA02_WS_ROW_B3 and select Clippings and

Options using the right hand mouse button. Select CE to clip the view limits to the
Frame as shown below.
www.aveva.com
27
AVEVA (12.1)
In a similar way select Explicit… and set the Xlength value to 4000.
Click the Apply button followed by the Dismiss button.
Select Multi Discipline Support button from the

toolbar
Select Autoname
The Name field will be populated with the next

available Name which can be changed as required.
For the purposes of the training the support should be renamed A-FT09-1 by typing the new name in the
Name field.
www.aveva.com
28
AVEVA (12.1)
Click the Frames button.
Select XFT09 and click the OK button.
The following form will then be displayed to the support designer.
The first element to be supported on the MDS framework must be

a pipe. This will become the datum atta.
This is an application term that is used to identify the first pipe

added to the support.
www.aveva.com
29
AVEVA (12.1)
Click the Create datum support atta button and identify Pipe
/02100-B-40 close to where the support is required.
Ancillary selection progress is displayed at the bottom right of the

main 3D View.
The Ancillary Selection form will then be displayed as follows
The list of available ancillaries displayed in this form is controlled by: -
 The available ancillaries for the project as listed in the catalogue.

 The bore of the identified pipe in this case 150mm.
 The material code of the identified pipe is this case CS (Carbon Steel).
 The insulation thickness in this case 0mm.
 The temperature of the pipe against the temperature range of the ancillary if set.
 The elevation of the pipe against the minimum elevation of the ancillary if set.
5.3.1 List by Type
The List by Type buttons can be used to reduce the Ancillary Selection Set to the following:-
 Anchors
 Ancillaries
 Guides
 U-Bolts
 Slip Units
 Stops
 All
Select Ancillaries
www.aveva.com
30
AVEVA (12.1)
Select XAT01 – Pipe show for N.B. 3/4” to 20 “
The shoe (ancillary) is created at the previous component of the

selected pipe or the pipe branch head, complete with a graphical tag
of ‘Datum’ In this case it will not be seen as it is outside the Clip
volume.
The view shows the design with the Clip volume turned off with the
display centred on the previous support.
The datum atta will be created and named

/A-FT09-1/DATUM,
together with the associated support reference Atta, /A-FT09-1/SREF.
This SREF atta is the link to the standard used and size of steelwork.
The Create datum support atta button is now deactivated as the datum atta has been created. The shoe
now needs to be correctly positioned along the length of pipe, by either entering a precise measurement and
clicking the Distance button, or by selecting one of the Through positioning commands.
Select ID Cursor and click the Through button.
Identify the Steelwork above the support
The Datum Support Atta will be placed directly

under the Steelwork.
www.aveva.com
31
AVEVA (12.1)
5.3.2 Adding other elements to the support
The framework may now have more Pipes, HVAC and/or Cable Tray elements added as required, by
selecting an appropriate button on the creation form. These are the first three buttons in the Options section
of the form.
Any elements added will be automatically aligned with the ‘Datum Atta’.
Add a pipe adjacent to the datum atta already created by selecting the first button and identifying the pipe.
Click the Add Pipe button
Identify Pipe /02100-B-41
Select XAT03 – Clamp on pipe shoe for N.B. 3/4”

to 20”
www.aveva.com
32
AVEVA (12.1)
The second atta will be created and named /A-FT09-1.1 in the selected pipe branch.
If any HVAC or Cable Trays are added to the support the support atta will be represented by a temporary
‘lollipop’ symbol
The HVAC and Rack (Cable Tray) supports are temporarily represented by the ‘lollipop’ symbol, because
the fixings to the support steelwork are regarded as supplied by the HVAC and/or the Cable Tray contractor.
When the support creation is completed the ‘lollipop’ symbol/s will disappear. These lollipop symbols do not
have any clash properties.
Add Support ‘lollipop’ to both the HVAC and the Tray in a similar way to before using the appropriate
buttons.
5.3.3 Template Selection
Once all of the ancillary supports have been created, the framework support steelwork size may be selected
from the available list. This list will be displayed by clicking the Choose Steelwork Template button. The
selection of the steelwork size is not mandatory at this stage; it can be selected at any point.
www.aveva.com
33
AVEVA (12.1)
For this exercise select the second option of

80x80x10 Angle, Internally Welded and click the
Dismiss button.
5.4 Support Creation
There are three methods of creating the MDS Framework; they are Cursor, Clearance and Dimensions.
5.4.1 Creation by Cursor
Click the Cursor button.
Firstly identify the steelwork section running parallel to, above and to the left of the datum support.
Second identify a steelwork section running parallel to, above and to the right of the datum support.
Both shown below in red.
The support framework will now be generated and the dimensions on the form will be calculated and their
values updated on the framework creation form.
www.aveva.com
34
AVEVA (12.1)
5.4.2 Creation by Clearance
The Clearance option allows the user to identify a single element and the MDS application will calculate the
clearance needed.
Create the support by clicking the Clearance option and identifying the angled Steelwork above the support.
The prompt ‘Identify element to support from’ will appear in the bottom left hand corner of the MDS
application.
Identify the SCTN above and running at right angles

to the pipes etc. to be supported.
The MDS application will now generate the support

and calculate the dimensions of the support utilising
the identified SCTN.
The clearance values between the vertical support sections and the pipes being supported are obtained
from the Pipe Clearance field in the MDS Application Defaults form.
www.aveva.com
35
AVEVA (12.1)
5.4.2.1 Add the Cross bar
If an element has been added to the support that is on a different level to the datum atta the Add Cross Bar
button can be selected.
Select the atta of the pipe that requires a cross bar and then press the Escape key to create the cross bar.
Click the Add Cross Bar button.
In this case select the ‘lollipop’ on the HVAC and Tray then press the
Esc key.
5.4.2.2 Aligning the Support
When a support is created the datum atta may be positioned relative to a piece of steelwork but the exact
position of the support may not be easy to determine until the framework has been created. The Align
Support functionality enables the support designer to reposition the support using the EDG (Event Driven
Graphics) facility.
The application will then calculate the direction and position to move the support. Frequently the user will
identify the element origin to use for repositioning, the EDG selection of Element and Snap must be used in
this case
Click the Align Support button.
Select Element and Snap from the Positioning

Control toolbar.
The Align Support and Alignment Utility forms will be displayed.
www.aveva.com
36
AVEVA (12.1)
Identify the vertical steel (1)
Identity the supporting steel (2)
The vertical sections of the MDS support will now

be aligned with the supporting steel.
www.aveva.com
37
AVEVA (12.1)
5.4.2.3 Modifiying Attas
Click the Modify Atta button.
Identifying a support Atta will display the Modify Atta Properties

form as shown.
 Note the Datum Atta cannot have the height modified.
Set the Support Height to 75mm and the Clip Angular Offset -30.
Click the Dismiss button.
www.aveva.com
38
AVEVA (12.1)
5.4.2.4 Adding a Packing Piece
A packing piece can be added to make up the difference in elevation from the bottom of the atta to the
steelwork, if the selected Atta cannot be modified in height.
To add a packer; click the Add Packer button. The prompt ‘Identify the
Support Atta to Add Packing Piece to’ appears in the bottom left hand
corner of the main form.
Select support Atta, the Packing Piece form will be displayed.
Select Type A radio button.
Size 100x100x12 RSA
Clearance 100
Click the Build Packing Piece button.
The packing piece will be built as shown
Clicking the OK button on the form completes the packing piece and closes the Packing Piece form.
www.aveva.com
39
AVEVA (12.1)
5.4.3 Creation by Dimensions
This method may be used to create the framework support when the structural steelwork may not yet be in
the AVEVA Plant model enabling the pipe support designer to proceed with the creation of supports. The
Support Designer may also wish to round up dimensions created using the “Clearance” Method.
By clicking the View… button a drawing of the current

support type is displayed, showing the location of all of the
dimensions etc. or you may use the show/hide framework
dimensions button to graphically display the required
dimensions.
Show / Hide Framework Dimensions Button
Enter the required dimensions into the MDS Framework

form, e.g..
Dimension 1 = 830
Dimension 2 = 650
Dimension 3 = 1133
Dimension 4 = 897
Click the Dimensions” button and the framework will be

generated to the dimensions entered.
www.aveva.com
40
AVEVA (12.1)
5.4.3.1 Changing steelwork size
Changing the size of the required steelwork section will regenerate the framework in the selected material
size utilising the dimensions shown on the form, i.e. the support framework design will be automatically
regenerated in the selected size of material as if the ‘Create by Dimensions’ option had been selected.
Select the Choose Steelwork Template Button
Select a different Steel Size
152 x 89 Channel, Internally Welded
 For the purposes of the training the support steel should be 80 x 80 x 10 Angle.
www.aveva.com
41
AVEVA (12.1)
5.5 Creation Options
The support may now be modified using the various buttons available to the support designer. Any buttons
that are not required by the particular standard will be deactivated, i.e. greyed out.
The buttons and options, which appear on each support type, are dependent on its usage and orientation.
Consequently not all buttons and options appear on every support form or can be used in every orientation.
1. Choose Steelwork Template – This button displays the template selection form and enables the
support designer to change the steelwork size and/or configuration. If the support exists within the
AVEVA Plant database the support will be regenerated using the dimensions stored on the main
creation form.
2. Create by Cursor – This button prompts the support designer to identify design elements in order to
calculate the dimension required to generate the support. If the support exists within the AVEVA Plant
database the support will be regenerated using the dimensions calculated and stored on the main
creation form.
3. Create by Dimensions – This button generate the support using the dimensions stored on the main
creation form. If the support exists within the AVEVA Plant database the support will be regenerated
using the dimensions stored in the main creation form.
4. Create by Clearance – This button prompts the support designer to identify design elements in order to
calculate the dimension required to generate the support. The clearance value used is stored on the
MDS Application defaults form. The application will calculate the dimensions required by using the
geometry of all the atta’s owned by the support. If the support exists within the AVEVA Plant database
the support will be regenerated using the dimensions calculated and stored on the main creation form.
www.aveva.com
42
AVEVA (12.1)
5. & 6. Reverse Dimensions – Using this button modifies the dimensions stored in the form. If dimension
2 is offset i.e. not half of dimension 1 it will adjust the dimension to offset the support in the opposite
direction. This will be only on supports that are appropriate. The two sketches below show an example
of what happens when an FT09 has dimensions 1, 2 reversed and dimensions 3, 4 reversed.
Dimensions 1 and 2 Reversed
Dimensions 3 and 4 Reversed
7. 8 and 9 Add Pipe/HVAC and Tray – This button enables the support designer to identify a pipe, HVAC
and tray element to be added to the support. If the support designer identifies a pipe then the
application will scan through all the available standards and present to the support designer only those
applicable to the identified pipe. The application uses the material of the pipe against the standard,
the bore and insulation thickness as filters.
10. Add Cross Bar – Used for those supports that enable the creation of a cross bar the support designer
is prompted to identify the atta already supported by the support to have an additional cross bar
created.
11. Mirror Frame – This button will mirror the framework perpendicular to the datum atta direction.
Before Mirror After Mirror
www.aveva.com
43
AVEVA (12.1)
12. Rotate Frame – This button will rotate the framework about the datum atta. The example being used
XFT09 is not suitable for the rotate functionality so the examples below use XFT03.
Before Rotate After Rotate
13. Align Support – When the support designer is creating a support the datum atta may be positioned
through a piece of steelwork but the exact position of the support along a piece of tube may not be
calculable until the framework has been created. This functionality enables the support designer to
select a position on the support using the EDG (Event Driven Graphics) facility and then another point
anywhere in the design.
The application will then calculate the direction and position to move the support. In more cases than not the
user will identify the element origin to use for repositioning, please make sure that the EDG selection is
set to Element Snap in this case
14. Modify Section – If the selected templates allows for the modification of an individual section the
application will display the Modify Section form. The support designer will be presented with a
message asking if they are sure they want to continue and modify the section. Any modifications
completed with this button will be overwritten when the support is regenerated by the application.
Click Yes to open the Modify Section form to alter

section sizes and positions etc.
This form can be used to modify section sizes,

positions etc.
15. Add Packer. - This enables the support designer to add packing pieces to support atta’s that are not
sitting directly on the steelwork.
16. Delete Packer - This will enable the support designer to delete a packer already added to the support
framework.
www.aveva.com
44
AVEVA (12.1)
17. Rotate All Atta’s – This enables all atta’s on the support to be rotated by a specified angle.
18. Rotate Atta – This enables an individual atta to be rotated. The Align button can be used to align the
atta perpendicular to an identified surface.
19. Modify Datum Atta – This enables the support designer to declare another atta on the support to be
used as the datum. This is only necessary when the datum atta is to be deleted from the support. When
this is done the support may change in its position, this is because the datum position has now changed
and the support will be regenerated using this datum.
20. Reference Bedplates – This can be used to reference the support to various connection items. If the
item being referenced is located in a read only database, then a one way connection is made.
21. Associate Atta – When a pipe is added to a support via the atta created in the branch an association is
made between the first cross bar and the atta. This is used by the integrity checker to check if the atta
is being supported and how far it is away from its supporting steelwork. When creating a cross bar the
support designer identifies an atta, in some cases two atta’s are required to be associated with a
secondary cross bar. If the support designer does not identify the second atta then the integrity checked
will stop the support designer from exiting the support because it is too far away from the first cross bar.
This is used to associate any atta that is not identified on the initial creation of a cross bar.
22. View Associations – This will colour code the graphical display so that the support designer can view
the current associations to check that they have been defined correctly. When the support designer first
initialises this functionality the first cross bar and its associated atta’s are coloured. The support
designer can then select another cross bar with the cursor and its associated atta’s will be coloured.
The support designer can press the Esc key to exit.
23. Flip Field Weld – When a field weld is required on one end of a section, for example an XFT07 post,
the application selects the longest section from the centreline of the pipe to the end of the section. In
some cases this field weld is required at the other end; in this case this button can be used to move the
field weld. This has been superseded by the new welding functionality.
www.aveva.com
45
AVEVA (12.1)
24. Modify Atta – The support designer will be asked to select the atta to be modified, if more than one
exists the following form is displayed.
If the selected ancillary has any modifiable properties then the support designer will be able to modify
them with the range displayed on the form. As can be seen the above example is displaying the height
and length as modifiable properties. Both of these values may be manually changed, but only within the
maximum and minimum limits.
 Clicking on the Set Parameters to Default button will set the ‘Height’ and ‘Length’ values to their
default values.
 The Set Height to Steel/Bedplate button is a graphical method of defining the ‘Height’ value of the
support, but only within the maximum and minimum values described above.
 Clicking on the Modify Ancillary Type… button will display the same Ancillary Selection form
used when the atta was first selected.
www.aveva.com
46
AVEVA (12.1)
The ancillary type may now be reselected from the available list as required. Click the OK button to
change the ancillary type or click the Cancel button to maintain the existing ancillary type and
dimensions.
 The Modify Ancillary button is used to change the Ancillary settings, if appropriate.
25. Delete Atta – This enables the support designer to identify an atta to delete from the support. This will
also rename the support atta’s that are left in the correct order.
26. Nudge Support – This enable the support designer to nudge the whole support including all atta’s a
specified distance either upstream or downstream of the datum support.
27. Spooling – This enables the support designer to spool the steelwork for erection purposes. The spool
number is depicted on the MDS drawing along side the part number. I.e. 5(2) designates part number 5
belongs to spool 2.
28. Set Section Material – When the support designer first creates the framework if the material of each
section is set in the template it will be copied to the support. This enables the support designer to
reselect the material for the support within the design database.
www.aveva.com
47
AVEVA (12.1)
29. Copy Like – This enables the support designer to identify a support of the same type and the
dimension used for the identified support will be copied to the new support.
30. View Standard – This will display the standards plot file.
31. Create Connections - The framework connectivity can be maintained to the main steelwork by the
addition of joints. After the framework has been positioned correctly click the Create Connections
button on the support form and the necessary nodes will be created automatically. The support
designer will then be presented with the modify joints form where the required joints and settings can be
selected.
 Ensure the steelwork has been aligned as describe previously above before attempting any
connections.
Click the Create Connections button
Select Apply to All Joints
Select /Bent_Clamp_Plate_Joint
Click the Apply and Dismiss buttons
 Note that a secondary node will have been created so

the Support Designer will need access to the
Supporting Steelwork.
32. Modify Connections – If the connections to the main steelwork exist then the joint specification form
will be displayed with the current joint type selected.
www.aveva.com
48
AVEVA (12.1)
Click the Modify Connections button
Select Joint 2
Select BeamFLanges_twin_Clamp_Plant_Joint
Click the Apply and Dismiss buttons
Joint 2 is now shown with a Beam Support.
33. Delete Connections - The framework connectivity can be removed by deleting the existing joints.
 Note if a Connection is deleted using this option or automatically by MDS it must be reconnected using
the Cursor or Clearance options before the new Connection can be made.
34. Force Connections – In some circumstances the pline found to use, as the connected pline is
incorrect. The application selects the nearest pline and sometimes it finds the pline running in space at
the intersection of the centreline and web edge of an I section. If this is the case the support designer
can identify the pline required with the cursor. This will happen infrequently.
35. Show/Hide Framework Dimensions – This will graphically display a set of dimension required by the
selected standard. If no dimensions are set on the form it will use a default set of dimensions. These
are useful when a support designer is new to the application.
www.aveva.com
49
AVEVA (12.1)
36. Centre on Support – This will centre the support datum atta to the centre of the graphical view but will
not change the scale.
37. ADP Drawlist – This button enables the support designer to add elements to the MDS drawing. Each
drawing will contain the structural steel, all pipes and any connected steel by default. This extra draw
list may be used to add items of interest to the drawing.
38. Modify ADP Location Position – When a location plan is created on the MDS drawing the origin of the
datum atta is used to locate the support to the nearest columns. This position may be modified to any
point in the design database by using the EDG (Event Driven Graphics) sub system.
39. Trimmer Required – This sets a logical flag at the support structure element to record the fact that a
trimmer is required to be added to the main structural steel. A report is provided that will list all supports
requiring trimmer steel to be added. If the support is connected to steelwork the support designer will
not be allowed to set the trimmer required flag.
40. Set Ancillary Material – This enables the support designer to set the material of the ancillaries. By
default the material is set when the support designer creates the ancillary and would not be normally
modified.
41. Copy Ancillary – This enables the support designer to copy an existing ancillary, the new ancillary will
be created in the same branch. It will be rotated by 90 degrees.
www.aveva.com
50
AVEVA (12.1)
42. Nudge Ancillaries – This enables the support designer to nudge one or more ancillaries independent
of the supporting structure.
43. Set Trunnion Length – This will only be active for the trunnion standards. This enables the support
designer to select a design element to calculate the trunnion length required. It will check that the
calculated length does not exceed the minimum or maximum values for the standards being created.
44. Set Trunnion Material – This will only be active for the trunnion standards. This will scan the current
MDB for a specification that has a purpose attribute set to TRUN. If it finds one it will only display the
material stored in this specification, if not it will scan all specifications for tube material. The parent pipe
material will be indicated on the selection form.
45. Add Notes – This enables the support designer to add notes to the MDS drawing, the support designer
selects the member of the support they require to add a note to. The text is then entered. By default it
will use the origin of the selected member to point the leader line to. The support designer may modify
this origin position.
46. Reconnects - a hanger to another beam.
47. Flip Ancillary – Used to Flip Ancillaries through 180 Deg.
www.aveva.com
51
AVEVA (12.1)
48. Data – Used to add Pipe Stress Interface Data to the Ancillary.
49. Flip ADP View Directions – Can be used to aid clarity during Drawing Production.
50. Convert Support to a Special – Used to change the MDS Support to a Special so that extra steelwork
can be added.
www.aveva.com
52
AVEVA (12.1)
51. Isometric Control – Used to change the appearance of the Pipe Support on the Isometric.
52. Framework Weld Selection -
53. Repeat Atta – MDS allows the repetition of a support from one line (pipe) to another. This is possible
for standalone ancillaries and support frames only; the repeat function is not available for trunnions or
hangers. (Note this differs from the Copying a Support function). Two repeat functions are available:
one is used for repeating a standalone ancillary, the other for repeating a support frame.
54. Trim Section End to Surface – used when the support section intersects with a sloping surface
particularly useful when a Support goes onto a sloping panel.
www.aveva.com
53
AVEVA (12.1)
55. Bracing – Used to add Bracing to a Support
5.6 Finishing the support creation
After changing the pipe support design by using any of the button buttons shown on the MDS Framework
form, click on the OK button to display the Support Integrity Check form, and if the support design is
acceptable, click on the OK button to complete the support.
5.6.1 Support Integrity Checker
The support integrity checker will run automatically every time a support is completed. It will run checks on
the support and checks for the following:-
 Maximum steelwork sizes.
 If the template is setup with maximum allowable section lengths that can be used.
 Valid references to bedplates, guides, etc.
 Maximum packing distances.
 Are all the pipes supported on the steelwork?
 Check the min/max dimensions of ancillaries are not exceeded.
www.aveva.com
54
AVEVA (12.1)
If there is nothing to inform the user, the form will not be displayed.
There are three levels of checks that are performed:-

 Errors,
 Warnings
 Messages.
Any warnings or messages that compromise the integrity of the support should be rectified in order for the
support to be considered as complete. However the support designer has the option in this case to exit the
support creation form and return at a later date to modify the support.
If any errors are detected then the OK button will be deactivated, and the support is considered to be
incomplete. Therefore the support designer is forced to select the Cancel button and return to the MDS
Framework creation form to rectify the reported errors before being allowed to exit the creation form.
5.6.1.1 Errors
 Checks to see if the maximum packing distance has been exceeded, as per the maximum packing
distance value on the Application Default form.
 Checks to see if any of the support attachments are NOT positioned along the length of the
associated cross bar.
 Checks to see if any of the dimensions values associated with the support ancillaries i.e. shoes. Do
not exceed the values defined in the default file (DES-SUPP-PARS) in the Project Default directory.
 Checks to see if any reference used within the MDS application, i.e. Bedplate reference no longer
exists.
5.6.1.2 Warnings
 Maximum length of steelwork is not to be exceeded. In the design template database each SCTN
member has an allowable maximum length, which should not be exceeded.
5.6.1.3 Messages
 These are issued for information purpose only. If nothing is found to display to the user the form will not
be displayed.
5.7 Summary of the Creation of a Multi Discipline Support
The basic workflow of every framework support is very similar and follows the workflow below:-
 Select standard support type from menu or buttons.

 Enter name of support.
 Create datum attachment and select ancillary type.
 Set distance/position of datum attachment.
 Add other Pipe(s) etc. to be supported
 Choose steelwork size from available list.
 Create by the required creation method.
 Add Cross Bar(s) for other Pipes etc.
 Use any miscellaneous option required.
 Select packing if required or Modify the Atta/Ancillary support
 Click OK and check the Support Integrity Check form.
www.aveva.com
55
AVEVA (12.1)
Exercise 3 – Multi Discipline Support
Create Support FT09 is shown previously in the worked example.
Add the Group Set Area02-Workshop to the screen and create the following standards using pipe
02200-B-42
XFT03 – L Bracket
XFT07 – Post
XFT13 – Braced Bracket
www.aveva.com
56
CHAPTER 6
6 Modification of a Support
This chapter explains how to modify a support.
6.1 Modifying a support
To modify a support either select the button from the toolbar or select Modify > Support... from the MDS
application main menu.
The Modify Support form will be displayed as shown below.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
6.1.1 Methods of selecting the support to be Modified
There are three methods of selecting the support to be modified.
1. Typing the Support Name directly into the name text gadget.
2. Clicking on the Identify By Cursor button. The support designer will be prompted to ‘Identify the
support to modify’ from the graphical display, and automatically add the Support Name to the text
gadget.
3. Make the support the Current Element and clicking on the CE button will automatically add the Support
Name to the text gadget.
When a valid support name has been entered into the Modify Support form, click on the Apply button.
This will display the same form as used to create the support, with all the option and text gadgets
(Dimensions etc.) correctly displayed on the form to reflect the current support design
The principle of using the same form for Creating and Modifying a Support is generally applied throughout
the MDS application.
The methodology of modifying a support follows the same principles as when a support is created.
Any changes made to the support via the modification form may be discarded by clicking the Cancel button,
and the support will be regenerated to its original configuration, dimensions and size etc. as when the
modification process was first initiated.
If during the modification process a support ATTA, pipe shoe etc., is deleted from the support (button
number 25), the Cancel button on the modification form will be deactivated, and the regeneration of the
support to its original design will NOT be possible. Warning messages, shown below, are issued to the
screen for the support designer to confirm if the ATTA deletion is required. If the Yes button is clicked on
BOTH forms, then the support ATTA will be deleted and the Cancel button deactivated.
First, Confirm warning message
Second, Confirm warning message (Modify mode only)
The process to modifying a support is the same as the creation, where all available options can be used to
modify the support.
 Note! It is imperative that users do not delete support elements from the command line. Any support
element that is deleted will corrupt the support and cause the application to fail.
Exercise 4 – Modifying a Support
Using one of the examples described above edit a support created in the previous exercise.
www.aveva.com
58
CHAPTER 7
7 Deleting a Support
This chapter explains how to delete a support.
7.1 Deleting a Support
To delete a support either select the button from the toolbar or select Delete > Support... from the MDS
application main menu.
The Delete Support form will be displayed as shown.
7.2 Methods of selecting the support to be Deleted
There are three methods of selecting the support to be deleted.
2. Clicking on the Identify By Cursor button will request the support designer to ‘Identify the support to
modify’ from the graphical display, and automatically add the Support Name to the text gadget.
When a valid support name has been entered into the Delete Support form, click on the Apply button.
This will display the Confirm warning message shown below. Click either the Yes button to delete the
support or the No button NOT to delete the support.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
If the Yes button is clicked the application will delete all members of a
support.
7.3 Error trying to delete Supports using normal delete method
If the support designer tries to use the standard delete menu an error message will be issued if a support is
found.
If a support has an associated support for example, if the user deletes a shoe that has an associated guide,
the application will prompt the user that the guide will be deleted as well. The user is given the option to
cancel the operation.
 Note! It is vital that a user does not delete a component of a support from the command line, this will
cause the corruption of the support and MDS may not be able to recognise the support.
www.aveva.com
60
CHAPTER 8
8 Locking a Support
This chapter explains how to lock a support.
8.1 Locking and Unlocking a Support
To lock a support either select the button from the MDS Toolbar or select Modify > Lock/Unlock
Support... from the MDS application main menu.
The Lock/Unlock Support form will be displayed as shown below.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
8.1 Methods of selecting the support to be Locked/Unlocked
There are three methods of selecting the support to be locked/unlocked:-
1. Typing the Support Name directly into the name text gadget
2. Clicking on the Identify By Cursor button will request the support designer to ‘Identify the support to
modify’ from the graphical display, and automatically add the Support Name to the text gadget.
When a valid support name has been entered into the Lock/Unlock Support form, click on the Apply
button.
8.2 Locking a support
If the support is currently unlocked the application will display the Confirm warning message shown below.
Click either the Yes button to lock the support or the No button to cancel the request.
8.3 Unlocking a support
If the support is currently locked the application will display the Confirm warning message shown below.
Click either the Yes button to unlock the support or the No button to cancel the request.
www.aveva.com
62
CHAPTER 9
9 Bracing
This chapter explains how to create/modify/delete MDS bracing elements on MDS FRAMEWORK supports.
9.1 Creating a Bracing SCTN
Creation of framework bracing is invoked from the MDS Framework standard form.
Before proceeding with the bracing, ensure that the support frame and supporting steelwork are displayed in
the 3D graphical view.
The first bracing element to be created will display the bracing name in green at the top of the form.
Subsequent new bracing elements will be created by clicking the button. The bracing name will be
displayed in the colour green.
However the new bracing design, i.e. the ‘Type’ and ‘Dimensions’ etc…, will only be completed by clicking
the Apply button.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
9.2 Selecting the Bracing Standard
There are two MDS bracing standard types available, XFB01(FB01) and XFB02(FB02), as displayed in the
standard MDS plot files shown below:-
9.3 Steelwork Size selection (Material code)
Bracing steelwork sizes may be selected from the available

list displayed in the Size option gadget on the form.
9.4 Selecting the Bracing Style www.aveva.com

64
AVEVA (12.1)
The bracing configuration required is selected by clicking one of the seven ‘Style’ buttons displayed on the
form.
These indicate the location and direction of the bracing required.
From left to right, the ‘Style’ buttons represent the type of bracing required,
Outside frame
Inside frame
In front of frame
Behind frame
Under cantilever
In front of cantilever
Behind cantilever
9.5 Create and/or Modify a Bracing
After selecting the required bracing configuration from the bracing form gadgets ‘Type’, ‘Size’, ‘Style’ and
completing the appropriate Dimension gadgets ‘Dim L’ , ’Dim H’ etc…, a bracing element may be created
and/or modified by clicking the Apply Button.
When the form gadgets above have been correctly completed and the Apply button is clicked, the designer
will have to successfully satisfy the two prompts issued in the bottom left hand corner of the graphical view,
i.e. ‘Identify frame member to be braced’ and ‘Identify supporting member’
The bracing SCTN, and the bracing ATTA if required by the MDS application project setup, is created and/or
modified accordingly.
9.6 Bracing Dimensions
Where supporting steelwork is in the same plane as the bracing, the variables are dimensions L & H and the
bracing angle.
By default the angle is locked, allowing L or H to be modified where entry for L modifies H and vice versa.
Alternatively L or H may be locked and the angle modified. In this instance a change in angle will impact on
the unlocked dimension (L or H).
Where supporting steelwork is normal to the plane of bracing, the dimension L is fixed with the bracing
aligning with the steelwork centreline (standard XFB01) or at a clearance from the web (standard XFB02).
www.aveva.com
65
AVEVA (12.1)
9.7 Example Bracing
The following shows an Outside Frame Bracing on an FT09 Support Frame.
As with the original MDS Support the steelwork is stored under a framework and an extra ATTA is created
on the pipe for the MTO.
 Note in the example show the Bracing has been adjusted and resized.
www.aveva.com
66
AVEVA (12.1)
9.8 Bracing ATTAS
Displayed below is a typical isometric MTO output when Bracing ATTAs are required and created when a
bracing SCTN is created.
Items 14 and 15 shown in the MTO output above display the evaluation of the RTEXT values stored in the
DETAIL reference of the bracing ATTAS,
In the first part the bracing standard description ‘Frame Bracing.’ is shown, as defined in the MDS
Catalogue.
The second part the bracing standard property CODE is evaluated and shown from the DATASET reference
of the bracing ATTAS. The property CODE is concatenated from five separate fields/values defined for the
Bracing SCTN, e.g. XFB01-6-500-500-A-W45N, where,
XFB01 represents the bracing support standard

6 represents the bracing ‘Style’ type number
500 represents the value in mm of the ‘H’ dimension
500 represents the value in mm of the ‘L’ dimension
A represents the bracing SCTN ‘Size’ as a Material Code
W45N represents the bracing SCTN orientation
9.9 Displaying Bracing Types
The available Bracing Types can be displayed by selecting View Standard as shown above.
www.aveva.com
67
AVEVA (12.1)
9.10 Displaying/Hiding the ‘on screen’ Dimensions
To display or hide the ‘on screen’ dimensions for the current bracing element show in the form, click the
Show/hide Dimensions button.
MDS Standard XFB01 MDS Standard XFB02
9.11 Selecting an Existing Bracing
When the MDS bracing form is shown when one or more bracing SCTNS already exist, the data for the last
bracing SCTN on the MDS support will be displayed.
The , current element, and the , pick element, buttons may be clicked to populate the MDS
bracing form with the data of a valid bracing SCTN on the current MDS support.
9.12 Deleting an Existing Bracing
The current MDS bracing SCTN displayed in the MDS bracing form may be deleted by clicking the
button
When an existing bracing SCTN is deleted, the remaining bracing SCTNS, and associated bracing ATTAS,
are re-numbered in numerical order with the data of the last bracing displayed on the form. If no bracing
members are remaining then default settings for a new bracing element will be displayed.
www.aveva.com
68
AVEVA (12.1)
9.13 Modifying an Existing Bracing
Clicking the button on the main bracing form allows the current bracing SCTN to be mirrored/reflected
Clicking the button displays the Modify Bracing form show below.
A bracing SCTN may be moved ‘By’ an incremental distance in any direction. Enter a value in the By gadget
and click the appropriate directional button to move the bracing SCTN as required.
Exercise 5 – Bracing

 Using the Support Frame created earlier create an outside Brace.
www.aveva.com
69
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
70
CHAPTER 10
10 Cable Rack Support
This chapter explains how to create a Cable Rack Support
10.1 Creation of a Cable Rack Support
Creation of a Cable Rack Support may be invoked either from the MDS Toolbar button or from the MDS
The Cable Rack Frameworks form will be displayed as shown:-
The support name can be completed manually by entering the new support name in the text gadget, or the
user may use the MDS Auto Naming functionality as previously explained.
The support designer may also reselect the creation zone they require the structure to be created within if a
structure is created for the selected support type.
The support designer can view and browse through the available standards by selecting the View… button.
After the support designer has completed the name and selection of the standard to use click the OK button
to display the standard creation form.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
The procedure and the form for creating a Cable Rack Support are basically the same as when creating a
Multi Discipline Support.
Before proceeding with the creation of the support, ensure that all of the Cable Racks to be supported, and
any Steelwork and/or Panels the support is to be attached to, are shown in the graphical view.
There are two possible element types that can be handled using the Cable Support, these are:-
1. Original style Tray elements which were defined as PIPE in the hierarchy
2. The more recently introduced CTRAY element owned by CWAY
If the PIPE method of Cable Tray is used the following must be allowed for:-
1. The PURPOSE attribute of the owning ZONE, which MUST be set to TRAY, and
2. The Cable Tray Specification has a PURPOSE attribute, which MUST also be set to TRAY.
The first Cable Tray identified to be supported will become the DATUM Atta.
Click the Create datum support atta button
Identify the straight length of cable tray to be supported from the graphical view
On successfully identifying a Cable Tray straight a temporary ‘lollipop’ symbol will appear at the end of the
element. This symbol is only shown for ease of identification when creating or modifying a Cable Tray
support.
There are a few simple ancillary supports available on Cable Tray supports. This is because in most cases
the fixings to the support steel framework are regarded as being supplied by the Cable Tray contractor.
When the support creation is completed the ‘lollipop’ symbol(s) will disappear.
The Cable Tray support may be modified etc. in the same way as a Multi Discipline Support.
The Support Integrity Check form will be displayed when the OK button is clicked.
Exercise 6 – Cable Tray Supports

 Create the Cable Tray support shown below use XCT01 – L Bracket Up. The support shown is at
the east end of Cable tray /CTRAY-WORKSHOP
www.aveva.com
72
CHAPTER 11
11 HVAC Support
This chapter explains how to create a HVAC Support
11.1 Creation of a HVAC Support
Creation of a HVAC Support may be invoked either from the MDS Toolbar button or from the MDS
The HVAC Frameworks form will be displayed as shown.
The support designer may also reselect the creation zone they require the structure to be created within if a
structure is created for the selected support type.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
The procedure and the form for creating a HVAC Support are basically the same as when creating a Multi
Discipline Support
Before proceeding with the creation of the support, ensure that all of the HVAC to be supported, and any
Steelwork and/or Panels the support is to be attached to, are shown in the graphical view.
In the example shown HVAC /B02_LEVEL01_AC-SUPPLY, sections SCTN 3 of FRMWORK

/B02_LEVEL_01_COLUMNS and SCTN 14 of FRMWORK /B02_LEVEL_01_BEAMS have been added to
the screen. These can be found in sites /SITE-HVAC-AREA02 and /SITE-STRUCTURAL-AREA02
respectively.
There are two possible element types that can be handled using the HVAC, these are:-
1. Original style HVAC elements which were defined as PIPE in the hierarchy
2. The more recently introduced element defined as HVAC
If the PIPE method of HVAC is used the following must be allowed for:-
1. The PURP attribute of the owning ZONE, which MUST be set to HVAC, and
2. The HVAC Specification has a PURP attribute, which MUST also be set to HVAC.
The first HVAC element identified to be supported will become the DATUM Atta.
Click the Create datum support atta button.
Identify the straight length of HVAC to be supported from the graphical view.
On successfully identifying a HVAC straight a temporary ‘lollipop’ symbol will appear at the end of the
element. This symbol is only shown for ease of identification when creating or modifying a HVAC support.
There are NO ancillary supports available on HVAC supports. This is because the fixings to the support
steel framework are regarded as being supplied by the HVAC contractor.
When the support creation is completed the ‘lollipop’ symbol(s) will disappear.
The HVAC may be modified etc. in the same way as a Multi Discipline Support.
The Support Integrity Check form will be displayed when the OK button is clicked.
www.aveva.com
74
AVEVA (12.1)
11.3 Force Connecting to Plines
The following support is connected to the beam and force connected to NALO of the column.
Align the vertical leg using Align Support,
Create connections, set Joint (1) to Bent_Clamp_Plate_Joint and

set Joint (2) to BeamToes_Twin_Clamp_Plate_Joint.
Click the Apply button to confirm the selection but do not Dismiss
the form.
It can be seen that Joint (2) requires changing from the NA to the
NALO
Select Force Connection to a Pline
Identify the Pline NALO of the column and the Section end of the
support.
www.aveva.com
75
AVEVA (12.1)
The Joint will rotate as shown but the clamp is still offset from the
column because the vertical section of the support is aligned with the
column and not the horizontal.
Click the L button on the Joint Alignment section of the Joint

Specification form. This will loop through all of the Left Plines of the
angle to set the justification.
 Make sure only Joint (2)is being changed.
A prompt similar to the following will be displayed. Continue clicking

the No button until the LAR justification is available, then click the
Yes button.
Exercise 7 – HVAC Supports
Create the following support XDT02 HVAC duct support frame
Modify the above support and add the connections as shown in the above example.
www.aveva.com
76
CHAPTER 12
12 Creation of a General Support
This chapter explains how to create a General Support. A General Support is a support on one line with no
associated steelwork. For instance a u-bolt on a line positioned on a piece of main steelwork belonging to a
pipe rack.
 Note! This section is the same for the creation of Anchors, Guide and Stops, and Slip Units.
12.1 Creation of a General Support (Ancillaries)
Creation of a General Support may be invoked either from the MDS Toolbar button or from the MDS
The relevant form will be disp[layed as follows:
For General Supports the Ancillaries – General

form
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
For Anchors the Ancillaries – Anchors form.
For Guides and Stops the Ancillaries – Guides and

Stops form
For Slip Units the Ancillaries – Slip Units form
www.aveva.com
78
AVEVA (12.1)
12.2 Creating a General Support
This example uses XAT01 named A-AT01.
The procedure and the form for creating a General Support are basically the same as when creating a Multi
Discipline Support
Before proceeding with the creation of the support, ensure that all of the design elements to be supported,
and any Steelwork and/or Panels the support is to be attached to, are shown in the graphical view.
The elements that are to be supported on a General Support are dependent on the support standard
selected.
Add Pipe /02200-B-42 and Structure /Track2 to the

graphical display.
These can be found in sites /SITE-PIPING-AREA02 and

/SITE-SUPPORTS-AREA02 respectively.
Click the General button
Enter the Name A-AT01
The form shows all the Ancillaries that are available but some of these may not be appropriate for use on
this particular pipe. The ancillaries can be filtered to show the applicable ones.
Click the Filter by Pipe.
Indicate the Tube in the Graphical Display.

 Note the progress bar will appear.
Select XAT01 – Pipe show for N.B. 3/4 “ to 20”
www.aveva.com
79
AVEVA (12.1)
It can be seen that most of the buttons have been greyed

out as they are not appropriate for use on a General
Ancillary support.
Indicate the Tube in the Graphical Display.
Select ID Cursor and click the Through button.
Indicate the Steelwork in the Graphical Display.
It can be seen in the above example the support does not reach the steelwork. Consequently the support
needs to be extended to meet the steel.
Click the Modify Atta button.
Click the Set Height to Steel / Bedplate button.
Indicate the Steelwork below in the Graphical Display.
The positioning and modification of the

General Support is the same as explained in
the Multi Discipline Supports section of this
document.
www.aveva.com
80
AVEVA (12.1)
12.3 Adding a Guide to an Ancillary (Slipper)
In this example a guide will be added to the ancillary (slipper) created previously.
Select the Guides and Stops button
Enter a name A-GT01 or use Autoname
Select XGT01 – Pipe Guide for Insulated Pipes
Indicate the Pipe Shoe to guide in the Graphical Display.
The guide will be added to the shoe as shown.
www.aveva.com
81
AVEVA (12.1)
12.4 Adding a Slip Unit to a Ancillary (Slipper)
This is done in a similar way to the above.
Click the Slip Units Button
Name the support A-SU01
Select XSU01 – TICO bondslip unit type A size 1
Indicate the Ancillary to add Slip Unit to in the Graphical

Display
It can be seen that the slip unit has been placed on the
bottom of the slipper.
The Shoe height will need to be modified as described

before.
 Modify > Properties could be used to change the

size of the Slip Plate.
www.aveva.com
82
AVEVA (12.1)
Exercise 8 - Creating General Support, Guide and Slip Unit
Using the above example create a guided support that has a slip unit under it.
Create supports to the following standards
XAT03 - General Support
XAN02 - Anchor Support
XGT02 – Guide Support
www.aveva.com
83
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
84
CHAPTER 13
13 Trunnion Support
This chapter explains how to create a Trunnion Support
13.1 Creation of a Trunnion Support
Creation of a Trunnion Support may be invoked either from the MDS Toolbar button or from the MDS
The Trunnions form will be displayed as shown.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
13.2 Trunnion Creation Form
The following form will then be displayed to the support designer.
The support designer may create the Trunnion on a straight piece

of pipe, an elbow, a tee or a reducer.
The designer selects the Datum Button as required.
www.aveva.com
86
AVEVA (12.1)
13.2.1 Creation on a straight piece of pipe
The support designer selects the Create on Tube button from the creation form and is prompted ‘to identify
TUBE to create base support’. The application will check the identified tube for material compatibility and
bore availability of the selected standards. Any insulation on the tube is ignored.
If the material and bore are compatible the application will create the Trunnion by placing a set on tee in the
main line. A branch is connected to the tee that contains the components of the support. The application will
scan the main line specification for a set on tee of equal bore to the main line. If the application cannot find a
suitable tee an error as shown below is displayed.
The rules used to select a suitable tee is an skey of TESO with an equal bore to the main line
Add Pipe /02200-B-42 and civils

/BASE_SLAB_2 belonging to /SITE-
PIPING-AREA01 and /SITE-CIVIL-
AREA02 respectively to the Graphical
Display.
Click the Trunnions button.
Enter the name A-TT04-1
Select XT04 – Base ELL and Pipe

Support NPS 2-36
Click the Create on Tube button.

Indicate the Tube to create base support
www.aveva.com
87
AVEVA (12.1)
The application will then prompt the support designer to ‘identify steelwork to set trunnion to’. So that it
may calculate the length of Trunnion required. The types of element that may be identified are:
BOX
SCREED
SCTN
CFLOOR
FLOOR
CSCREED
WALL
CWALL
GWALL
PANEL
STWALL
If the calculated length exceeds the minimum/maximum of the standard then the length will be set to its
minimum/maximum length.
If the support designer does not want to identify a design element as listed above then the Escape key can
be pressed and the maximum length will be used.
The application will then scan the current MDB for a specification that has a purpose attribute set to TRUN.
If it finds one it will only display the material stored in this specification, if not it will scan all specifications for
tube material. The parent pipe material will be indicated on the selection form.
Click the OK button on the Select Trunnion

Material form.
The selected material will then be used for the Trunnion. If the main pipe is insulated all insulation is
removed from the Trunnion branch automatically.
When a Trunnion is deleted the branch and connecting set on tee will be deleted.
After the initial creation the support form should look like the following.
www.aveva.com
88
AVEVA (12.1)
Enter a distance of 2000mm and click the Distance button.
Notice that the creation buttons have been deactivated now the trunnion has been created.
The initial distance used is the arrive diameter of the tee divided by two + 100mm
The support designer may then use the available options for positioning the support.
Members of the support are listed in the member list option gadget; in this case there is only one member of
a base plate. Its dimensions are listed below this gadget and in this case the minimum and maximum of the
base plate the same i.e. width = 225, therefore the gadget has been deactivated.
The calculated length has been completed and the support designer may change the length by entering the
new value in the gadget, again if the minimum or maximum is exceeded the application will set the length to
either the minimum or maximum.
The main bore is displayed on the form along with the available Trunnion bores. If the support designer
selects a different bore the Trunnion will be rebuilt with the new bore.
The options available for the standard will be active. An explanation of the available buttons can be found in
the Multi Discipline Support section of this document.
www.aveva.com
89
AVEVA (12.1)
13.2.2 Creation on an elbow
The support designer selects the Create on Elbow button from the creation form and is prompted to
‘identify ELBO to create base support’. The application will check the identified elbow for material
compatibility and bore availability of the selected standards. Any insulation on the elbow is ignored. It will
also check that the elbow has a suitable connection point (P3). If not the application will scan the main line
specification for suitable elbow and if found replace the specification reference. The rules that the application
uses are shown below.
P1
P3
P3 is at the same position as p1 but in opposite direction
P3 is the same bore as p1
P2 P0 The new elbow must exist within the main line specification
If the elbow is required to be flipped because the flow of the branch is the opposite way to the diagram the
application will perform this automatically.
If the material, bore and elbow are compatible the application will create the trunnion. A branch is connected
to the elbow that contains the components of the support. If the application cannot find a suitable elbow an
error as shown below is displayed.
The Support Designer creates the support in the same way as before
only this time the Create on Elbow button is selected
www.aveva.com
90
AVEVA (12.1)
13.2.4 Creation on a Reducer
The support designer selects the Create on Reducer button from the creation form and is prompted to
‘Identify REDU to create base support’. The application will check the identified reducer for material
compatibility and bore availability of the selected standards. Any insulation on the reducer is ignored. It will
also check that the reducer has a suitable connection point (P3). If not the application will scan the main line
specification for suitable reducer and if found replace the specification reference. The rules that the
application uses are shown below.
P3 is at intersection of P0 and P2 and orientated down

P0
P2 P3 and P2 must be the same bore
P1 P9 must exist and pint in the direction of the reducer flat
side, this is so that Isodraft can orientate the reducer
correctly.
P3, The SKEY must be OTBW
P9
If the material, bore and reducer are compatible the application will create the trunnion. A branch is
connected to the reducer that contains the components of the support. If the application cannot find a
suitable reducer an error as shown below is displayed.
www.aveva.com
91
AVEVA (12.1)
13.2.5 Creation on a Tee
The support designer selects the Create on Tee button from the creation form and is prompted to ‘Identify
CROS TEE to create base support’. The application will check the identified tee for material compatibility
and bore availability of the selected standards. Any insulation on the tee is ignored. Because the support
branch will need to be connected to the tee the application will replace the tee with a cross so it may use the
CRFA (connection reference array) rather than the cref (connection reference) available at tees. Therefore
the application will scan the main line specification for suitable cross and if found replace the existing tee
with a cross. The rules that the application uses are shown below.
P3
P3
P1 P0 P2
P0
P4 P4
Considers when selecting arrive, leave, P0 & P3 bores for equal tee, for non-equal tee P1, P2, & P3, P4
P4 must be at the same position as P0
P0 must have the same bore P1
MDS will duplicate orientation and direction of original tee. MDS will handle direction of trunnion
from P4
Therefore in order that MDS can create a trunnion on a tee, the main line specification must have an
equivalent set off cross elements as tees.
If the material, bore and cross are compatible the application will create the trunnion. A branch is connected
to the cross that contains the components of the support. If the application cannot find a suitable cross an
error as shown below is displayed.
www.aveva.com
92
AVEVA (12.1)
Exercise 9 – Trunnions
Using the above example create trunnions under a pipe and elbow
Create the following: -
XTT15
Try changing the Branch Offset
XTT06
This support could be configured to be used on

Stainless Steel Pipework.
Create a Trunnion Support with a Goal Post under it.
The datum atta is identified as the Trunnion base

plate.
www.aveva.com
93
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
94
CHAPTER 14
14 Fixed Hanger
This chapter explains how to create a fixed hanger.
14.1 Creating a Fixed Hanger
To create a fixed hanger support either select the button from the MDS Toolbar or select Create > Fixed
Hanger... from the MDS application main menu.
The hangers will be created as a rest, owned by the pipe being supported. These rest elements will contain
one or more hang elements dependent on the configuration. These hang elements will contain the individual
components of a hanger. AVEVA Plant soft types have been used in the configurations supplied.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
The hanger head reference will point to the atta created on the pipe and the tail reference to a fitting created
in the steelwork member.
The Fixed Hanger form will be displayed as shown below.
This will initially show all fixed hanger configurations available to the support designer.
The support designer can view and browse through the available standards by selecting the View… button
or View Config… button which will show the selected configuration in a graphical view window.
www.aveva.com
96
AVEVA (12.1)
The list of available standards presented to the support designer can be filtered before the support designer
makes a selection. This is achieved by selecting one of the filter buttons at the bottom of the form.
Filters for
1. Single Hanger connected to the bottom of a Single Beam
2. Single Hanger connected to the top of a Double Channel Beam
3. Two hangers connected to One/Two Beams
4. Two hangers connected to One/Two Double Channel Beam
 Note! The remaining buttons are used with specific manufacturers’ interface.
5. Show all fixed hanger types
The use of filters for selecting a configuration is recommended as the support designer is presented with the
list of available standards before continuing with the creation process. If filters are not used then the support
designer may be rejected from creating a fixed hanger well into the creation process because it is not
suitable for the pipe and steelwork member selected.
This example uses a fixed hanger called named A-FH01.
Add Pipe /50-B-9 and Steelwork /ROW_H belonging to

/SITE-PIPING-AREA01 and /SITE-STRUCTURAL-
AREA01 respectively to the Graphical Display.
Click the Fixed Hanger button
Name the Hanger A-FH01
www.aveva.com
97
AVEVA (12.1)
Select the first filter “Single Hanger connected to the

bottom of a Single Beam “ and identify the pipe and
steelwork member.
The application will then use the bore and insulation of

the identified pipe and the type of steelwork member
identified to remove the incompatible hanger
configurations from the available list. The form should
now look like the following
 Note that the available configurations have been

reduced from 42 to 8 and the selection data has
been added to the form for the support designer’s
information.
Select FH T1 M1 B5 – Fixed Hanger NPS 1/2 – 2
The support designer can now click the OK button and

the hanger will be created because the application
stores the identified pipe and steelwork member.
While the hanger is being created a check will be performed to see that the hanger can be fitted in between
the pipe and steelwork member, if not a message similar to the following will be displayed to the support
designer asking to confirm the continuation of the creation.
If the support designer clicks Yes then the hanger will be created
using the minimum lengths of the rods.
If No, the support designer will be asked to select another

steelwork member. If none are available the support designer can
press the Escape key, which will delete the support.
www.aveva.com
98
AVEVA (12.1)
If no problems are found or the support designer accepts the

creation of the support the application will then display the fixed
hanger form as follows.
If the pipe and identified steelwork are parallel then the

positioning tools will be active and available to the support
designer, if not the positioning tools will be deactivated.
The buttons and options, which appear on each support type, is dependent on its usage and orientation,
therefore not all buttons and options appear on every support form.
www.aveva.com
99
AVEVA (12.1)
11. Rotate All Hanger Elements – This enable all hanger elements to be rotated by a specified angle.
Some components like a pipe clamp cannot be rotated and the application will only rotate applicable
components of the hanger.
12. Rotate a Hanger Element – This enables an individual component of the hanger to be rotated by a
specified angle. There are some hanger members when rotated that require adjacent members to be
rotated. The application will handle these automatically.
13. Bed Anchor Plate Reference – This will enable the user to reference a bed plate or anchor
plate.
18. Modify Hanger – This will enables the support designer to modify the hanger using the following
form.
14.3.1 Modify Hanger Options
www.aveva.com
100
AVEVA (12.1)
Button A - Set Equal Rod Lengths – If two rods are available in the hanger configurations the support
designer may modify the lengths to make the two rod lengths different. This button enables the support
designer to set the rod lengths the same.
Button B - See variable hanger creation
Button C - See variable hanger creation
Button D - Set Equal Rod Lengths – This is the same as button A and will be active if there are two hanger
elements in the configuration.
Button E - See variable hanger creation
Button F - See variable hanger creation
Button G - Modify Hanger Configuration – This enables the support designer to modify the configuration to
another type. The initial hanger selection form is filtered and the support designer selects the new
configuration required.
Button H - Change to Variable Hanger – This enables the support designer to modify the configuration to a
variable hanger. The initial variable hanger selection form is filtered and the support designer selects the
new configuration required.
Button I - Change Rod Size – This enables the support designer to modify the rod diameter from that of the
original configuration. The support designer will be presented with the following form to select the new size.
The available rod sizes at each diameter are controlled in the catalogue
Select 16.00
The Rod size will change an the support will be recreated
Button J - Change Channel Assembly Span – When the configuration has a channel assembly this button
enables the support designer to modify the span.
Button K- Change Channel Assembly Height - When the configuration has a channel assembly this button
enables the support designer to modify the height.
29. Show/Hide Hanger Dimensions – This will graphically display a set of dimension of the selected
configuration. It will also display the TOS elevation, centreline elevation and overall length.
www.aveva.com
101
AVEVA (12.1)
drawing will contain the hanger, pipe and any connected steel by default. This extra draw list may be
used to add items of interest to the drawing.
selects the member of the support they requires to add a note to. They then complete the text required.
By default, it will use the origin of the selected member to point the leader line to. The support designer
may modify this origin position.
40. Reconnect to another beam – This enables the support designer to reselect the beam that the hanger
is connected to. A check is made to see if the new beam is suitable and if so the fitting is removed from
the existing beam and added to the new beam.
www.aveva.com
102
AVEVA (12.1)
42. Data – used to add Pipe Stress Interface Data to the Ancillary
43. Flip ADP View Directions – used to improve clarity during Drawing Production.
Exercise 10 – Fixed Hangers
Using the above example create a Fixed Hanger, try different combinations and rod diameters.
www.aveva.com
103
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
104
CHAPTER 15
15 Variable Hanger
This chapter explains how to create a variable hanger
15.1 Creating a Variable Hanger
To create a variable hanger support either select the button from the MDS Toolbar or select Create >
Variable Hanger... from the MDS application main menu.
The hangers will be created as a rest, owned by the pipe being

supported. These rest elements will contain one or more hang
elements dependent on the configuration. These hang elements
will contain the individual components of a hanger. AVEVA Plant
soft types have been used in the configurations supplied.
The hanger head reference will point to the atta created on the pipe and the tail reference to a fitting created
in the steelwork member. www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
The Variable Hanger form will be displayed as shown below.
This will initially show all variable hanger configurations available to the support designer.
The support designer can view and browse through the available standards by selecting the View… button
or View Config… button which will show the selected configuration in a graphical view window.
www.aveva.com
106
AVEVA (12.1)
The list of available standards presented to the support designer can be filtered before the support designer
makes a selection. This is achieved by selecting one of the filter buttons at the bottom of the form.
Filters for
1. Single Hanger connected to the bottom of a Single Beam
2. Single Hanger connected the top of a Double Channel Beam
3. Two hangers connected to One/Two Beams
4. Two hangers connected to One/Two Double Channel Beam
 Note! The remaining buttons are used with specific manufacturers’ interface.
5. Show all variable hanger types
The use of filters for selecting a configuration is recommended as the support designer is presented with the
list of available standards before continuing with the creation process. If filters are not used then the support
designer may be rejected from creating a variable hanger well into the creation process because it is not
suitable for the pipe and steelwork member selected.
The operation is very similar to creating a Fixed Hanger.
Add Branch /80-A-11/B1and Framework /ROW_J belonging to site /SITE-PIPING-AREA01 and /SITE-
STRUCTURAL-AREA01 respectively to the graphical display.
Click the Variable Hanger button.
Name the Support A-VH01
Select the first filter “Single Hanger connected to the bottom of a Single Beam “ and identify the pipe and
steelwork member.
The application will then use the bore and insulation of the identified pipe and the type of steelwork member
identified to remove the incompatible hanger configurations from the available list.
www.aveva.com
107
AVEVA (12.1)
The form should now look like the following
 Note that the available configurations have been

reduced to 18 from 95 and the selection data has
been added to the form for the support designer’s
information.
Select Support VH T3 M3 B6 – Variable Hanger NPS 3 -

24
Click the OK button and the hanger will be created

because the application stores the identified pipe and
steelwork member.
While the hanger is being created a check will be performed to see that the hanger can be fitted in between
the pipe and steelwork member, if not a message will be displayed to the support designer asking to confirm
the continuation of the creation.
If the support designer clicks the Yes button then the hanger will
be created using the minimum lengths of the rods.
If No the support designer will be asked to select another

steelwork members. If none are available the support designer
can press the Escape key, which will delete the support.
If no problems are found or the support designer accepts the

creation of the support the application will then display the
Variable Hanger and CHOOSE VSPR forms.
Select VAR EFFORT TS1 SPRING TYPE 19 RANGE V1
If the pipe and identified steelwork are parallel then the

positioning tools will be active and available to the support
designer, if not the positioning tools will be deactivated.
www.aveva.com
108
AVEVA (12.1)
The buttons and options, which appear on each support type, is dependant on its usage and orientation,
therefore not all buttons and options appear on every support form.
17. Rotate All Hanger Elements – This enable all hanger elements to be rotated by a specified angle.
Some components like a pipe clamp cannot be rotated and the application will only rotate applicable
components of the hanger.
18. Rotate a Hanger Element – This enables an individual component of the hanger to be rotated by a
specified angle. There are some hanger members when rotated that require adjacent members to be
rotated. The application will handle these automatically.
20. Bed Anchor Plate Reference – This will enable the user to reference a bed plate or anchor plate.
24. Modify Hanger – This will enables the support designer to modify the hanger using the following form
www.aveva.com
109
AVEVA (12.1)
15.3.2 Modify Hanger Options
Button A – Set Equal Rod Lengths – If two rods are available in the hanger configurations the support
designer may modify the lengths to make the two rod lengths different. This button enables the support
designer to set the rod lengths the same.
Button B – Change Spring Type – This allows the support designer to change the spring type, there may
be more than one spring size available at the bore selected.
or
Button C – Change Spring Travel - When the configuration has a spring travel property, this button enables
the support designer to modify the spring travel.
Button D – Set Equal Rod Lengths – This is the same as button A and will be active if there are two hanger
Button E – Change Spring Type – This is the same as button B and will be active if there are two hanger
Button F – Change Spring Travel - When the configuration has a spring travel property, this button enables
the support designer to modify the spring travel.
Button G – Modify Hanger Configuration – This enables the support designer to modify the configuration
to another type. The initial hanger selection form is filtered and the support designer selects the new
www.aveva.com
110
AVEVA (12.1)
Button H – Change to Fixed Hanger – This enables the support designer to modify the configuration to a
fixed hanger. The initial fixed hanger selection form is filtered and the support designer selects the new
Button J – Change Rod Size – This enables the support designer to modify the rod diameter from that of
the original configuration. The support designer will be presented with the following form from which they
select the new size and click on the OK button.
The available rod sizes at each diameter are controlled via the catalogue.
Select 20.00
The Rod size will change an the support will be recreated
Select Spring VAR EFFORT TS1 SPRING TYPE 19 RANGE V3
Button J – Change Channel Assembly Span – When the configuration has a channel assembly this button
enables the support designer to modify the span.
Button K – Change Channel Assembly Height - When the configuration has a channel assembly this
button enables the support designer to modify the height.
35. Show/Hide Hanger Dimensions – This will graphically display a set of dimension of the selected
configuration. It will also display the TOS elevation, centreline elevation and overall length.
www.aveva.com
111
AVEVA (12.1)
drawing will contain the hanger, pipe and any connected steel by default. This extra draw list may be
used to add items of interest to the drawing.
selects the member of the support they require to add a note to. They then complete the text required.
By default, it will use the origin of the selected member to point the leader line to. The support designer
may modify this origin position.
46. Reconnect to another beam – This enables the support designer to reselect the beam that the hanger
is connected to. A check is made to see if the new beam is suitable and if so the fitting is removed from
the existing beam and added to the new beam.
48. Data – used to add Pipe Stress Interface Data to the Ancillary.
49. Flip ADP View Directions – used to improve clarity during Drawing Production
Exercise 11 – Variable Hangers
Using the above example create a Variable hanger try changing the rod and spring size.
www.aveva.com
112
CHAPTER 16
16 Fixed / Variable Hanger Creation Modes
This chapter explains the different creation modes for fixed and variable hangers.
There are three different modes of creation mode when creating fixed and variable hangers. These are
 Create and Modify (default)
 Create once
 Multi Create
The mode of creation can be selected by using the Options menu available on the fixed and variable
configurations form.
16.1 Create and Modify Mode
The previous sections explain the creation of fixed and variable hangers using the Create and Modify
mode. This is where the support designer selects the name, configuration required and clicks the OK button,
the hanger is created and the fixed or variable form is displayed.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
16.3 Create Once Mode
This mode enables the support designer to create a hanger and return to the original fixed or variable form
in order to continue and create another hanger.
16.4 Multi Create Mode
This mode enables the support designer to continuously create hangers by identifying a pipe and steelwork
member.
ID Pipe and
Steelwork
Select Type
OK
ID Pipe and ID Pipe and ID Pipe and

Steelwork Steelwork Steelwork
Select Type Select Type Select Type
OK OK OK
Exercise 12 - Fixed / Variable Hanger Creation Modes
Using the above examples use the Multi-Creation Mode to create a Fixed or Variable Hanger .
www.aveva.com
114
CHAPTER 17
17 Special Supports
This chapter explains how to create a Special support.
17.1 When is a support a special?
A Special support is one of the following:-

 A support that does not conform to any available framework template shape
 A support that uses is a different steelwork size to those available via default creation.
17.2 Creating a Special
To create a Special support either select the button from the MDS Toolbar or select Create > Special...
from the MDS application main menu.
A Special is a framework support that has a configuration of steelwork not available in any of the standards
available within the MDS application. A Special can be created in two ways, the first with support atta’s only
and the second from existing MDS support or a combination of existing MDS supports.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
The Special Support form will be displayed as shown below.
Special support number, this can either be unique or not and is determined by the setting on the MDS
Application Default form.
The Special support type can be Multi Discipline Support, HVAC Support or Racking Support.
Creation type of Support Atta’s Only or From existing MDS Supports.
 Selecting the Support Atta’s Only option implies that the support frame will be created using another
method, i.e. the Beams and Columns application.
17.3 Creation of Special with Support Atta’s only
Add pipe /02200-B-42 belonging to /ZONE-PIPING-AREA02-

WORKSHOP to the graphical display.
Click the Specials button
www.aveva.com
116
AVEVA (12.1)
Name A-SPECIAL
Select the Type of Multi-Discipline Support
Select the Create option of Support Attas Only
The support designer then creates all the support atta’s on the
pipes etc. to be supported with this Special support.
All options available are explained in the Multi Discipline Supports

section of this document.
 Note: The datum support atta must always be created and

positioned first.
Upon finishing the support the support designer clicks the OK

button.
A message is displayed within the Support Integrity Check form

informing the support designer that a structure has been created
and the steelwork members and joints etc…can be created
manually in the PDMS Beams & Columns application
The STRU element will have been created as a place holder ready for the creation of steelwork using the
Beams and Columns application.
Alternatively, from the same SPECIAL – MDS Framework form shown previously, users also have the
option of creating all or some of the MDS Special Support structure steelwork members automatically by
clicking the Copy Project Special button. This is shown in detail in the next section.
www.aveva.com
117
AVEVA (12.1)
17.4 Creation of MDS Special using ‘Copy Project Special’ button
There are only two options available on the SPECIAL – MDS Framework form affecting the creation of
steelwork members from a Project Special MDS Support Template, and they are controlled by the two
buttons shown below:
Copy Project Special and Copy Section
Clicking the Copy Project Special option, invokes the form shown below, and allows the user to copy a
MDS SPECIAL support template from the discipline of the current support’s DATUM Atta, i.e. Multi Discipline
Support for PIPES, Cable Tray Support for TRAYS, HVAC Support for HVAC or Lighting, from the MDS
project special structural templates stored in Site /MDS/SPECIALS in the ZONES named as shown below.
On a newly created project the Specials Site will be appended with the Standard Name for example
/MDS/SPECIALS-BS-STANDARDS this name must be changed to /MDS/SPECIALS
If the specials site MDS/SPECIALS cannot be found the following error message is displayed.
The Site and Zone names are mandatory in MDS:-
/MDS/SPECIALS/PIPE, /MDS/SPECIALS/TRAY, MDS/SPECIALS/HVAC or /MDS/SPECIALS/LIGHTING
If the discipline ZONE exists, in this case /MDS/SPECIALS/PIPE, the STRU elements in the zone will be
displayed as shown in the form below. Otherwise the user will be informed that the zone
/MDS/SPECIALS/PIPE does not exist and the ‘Copy Project Special’ operation is aborted. If the zone exists
but NO STRU elements exist in the zone, an empty list on the form will be displayed.
Display Pipe Branch /02200-B-42/B2
Create a Special as described before, select XAT03 and position it

close to the Flange.
Click the Copy Project Special button.
www.aveva.com
118
AVEVA (12.1)
Select Wall Mounted Support 152x89 Channel
The user selects the required project special and by clicking the OK button copies the members from under
the project special template to the current MDS special support structure. The structure origin of a MDS
support is always at the P9 of the DATUM atta of the current MDS support being created, and the copied
members will be positioned relative to the structure origin position.
Users may now use the standard PDMS Beams & Columns application to add any new members required
on the support, modify and/or delete any of the existing structure members etc… to complete the design of
the MDS Support required.
 Note: Users who have write access to the database zones owned by the site /MDS/SPECIALS, can
create their own MDS Project Special structural templates in the discipline specific zones for use by
users of the MDS application in the PDMS project.
The idea of the MDS project special templates is for users to create a MDS special support with some SCTN
members very quickly and if necessary complete the design of the MDS support in the standard PDMS
Beams & Columns application.
www.aveva.com
119
AVEVA (12.1)
17.5 Creation of HVAC Support from ‘Copy Project Special’ button
There are several predefined MDS Project Special HVAC templates supplied at this release to compliment
the existing standard MDS HVAC templates available
Add HVAC /WORKSHOP_AC-SUPPLY to the graphical

display.
Name /A-HVAC-1
Select the Type HVAC Support
Select the Create option of Support Attas Only
Click the OK button
Create and position Datum Atta
Click the Copy Project Special button.
Clicking this button when a MDS HVAC Special support is being created will invoke a form, shown below,
displaying the list of available HVAC project special supports. The generated list is dependent on whether
the HVAC STRT component to be supported is insulated or not, and the setting at the uda :MDSRange of
the STRU element at each of the MDS HVAC project special templates:
www.aveva.com
120
AVEVA (12.1)
Select a Project Special Template.
The MDS HVAC project special templates STRU elements displayed in the form shown are considered
suitable for supporting HVAC STRT elements which are UNINSULATED.
17.6 Creation of MDS Special SCTNS from ‘Copy Section’ button
The button shown below allows users to copy any SCTN member from the current MDS Special support, on
all MDS Special supports and not just those created via the Copy Project Special option.
Copy Section
Clicking this button prompts the user to ‘Identify section to copy’. On selection of a SCTN member of the
current MDS Special support the user is advised that the ‘Identified section has been copied & moved up
300mm and named </supportname-Vnn>.
Select and Modify the existing Special created previously.
Click the Copy Section button.
Users may copy as many SCTNS as required, and if

necessary use the standard PDMS Beams & Columns
application to complete the design of the MDS Special
support.
www.aveva.com
121
AVEVA (12.1)
17.8 Special Creation from Existing MDS Supports
In the example below XFT09 and XFT14 are combined together into a Special.
Create and display two Multi-discipline Supports as

shown.
This example uses
Pipe /02200-B-43
Pipe /02200-B-44
HVAC /WORKSHOP_AC-SUPPLY
Tray /CTRAY-WORKSHOP
Framework /AREA02_WS_ROW_B2
The supports are created as previously described.
Name A-SPECIAL-2
Type Multi Discipline Support
Select the Create option of From Existing MDS Supports
The support designer identifies the existing supports to be modified

into a special support and adds it to the list of supports. A minimum
of one support must be selected.
By default the first support identified will have its datum atta used
as the datum atta of the special. This can be modified by selecting
the support from the list and clicking on the Use Selected Support
as Master button.
Once all the supports required are added click the OK button.
This will then reconfigure the design database to include all

selected supports into one support. All support attas and steelwork
will be renamed using the special support name.
www.aveva.com
122
AVEVA (12.1)
Identify the XFT09 Support using the Identify By Cursor button.
Click the Add Support button
The selected support will be added to the lists of the supports.
This support will be by default the master.
In a similar way add the other support.
Click the Yes button.
The support will now be one Special and will be given a new
number; the existing numbers will be removed from the database.
The steelwork should be modified as required.
 BEWARE! - Creating a Special Support ’From Existing MDS Supports’ is a ONE off operation. Once the
procedure has been completed, it cannot be reversed from within the MDS application. Therefore if
there is any doubt about combining the existing MDS Supports into a Special Support, click the No
button to cancel the process.
Exercise 13 – Special Supports
Using the above example create the following Special Supports:
 Attas Only
 Project Special on a Pipe
 Project Special on HVAC
 From existing MDS Supports
www.aveva.com
123
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
124
CHAPTER 18
18 Support Groups
A support group consists of a combination of a single framework and a hanger or hangers. The hierarchy
used is the same as for frameworks and hangers above, but the naming convention uses an array identifier
to identify a group. The support is then created as a single support name and the MDS ADP drawing details
the support on one drawing.
The Group support shown has been created from a

modified MDS Cantilever converted to a Special and
a standard MDS Hanger added.
Add Pipe Branch /02200-B-42/B2 and FRMW

/AREA02_WS_ROW_B4 to the graphical display.
Create a standard MDS Support XFT14
Name A-FT14-G and New Support Group
 (Notice the Support has changed.)
The Datum Support Atta must be a XRT01 - Pipe

Rest
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
Position the support through the column and create using the Cursor option.
Finish the support by clicking the OK button.
As the Angle section is being changed in size the support must be converted a Special
Select Modify > Convert Standard to a Special using the Main Menu
The Special MDS Framework form is now displayed.
Click the Modify Section button.
Click the Modify Section Size button.
Select 152x89x16kg/m and TOS
Click the Apply and Dismiss buttons.
Bangle 90 select
www.aveva.com
126
AVEVA (12.1)
Key in a distance of 1100
Select the By radio button and click the Move Up button.
Click the Dismiss button on the Modify

Section form.
Finish the support creation by clicking the

OK button.
Create a Fixed Hanger
Select Add to Support Group
Identify the Special that was just created
 (Notice the Support name)
Create the Fixed Hanger as described earlier.
 Note: Hangers will only connect to sections with a gtype of BEAM, a temporary change of the gtype
would allow MDS to connect to most sections
Exercise 14 – Support Groups
Using the above example create a Hanger support from a special.
www.aveva.com
127
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
128
CHAPTER 19
19 Lighting Supports
The MDS application allows the user to create support frameworks for electrical light fittings, without the
necessity to identify and create an atta within a pipe, HVAC element or cable tray. A light fitting is identified
by a type (EQUIP) and purpose (LIGH) and the application will display a list of available supports for that
light fitting. (The functionality is similar to that of project specials, where the user can select from a series of
predefined support configurations). Refer to the MDS Lighting Support Default form in the MDS
Administrator Guide for further information.
19.1 Creating a Light
A light is an EQUIP with its Purp LIGH, the equipment should be built in a default orientation, the support will
be built relative to the equipment origin. The MDS application will size the Lighting support based on Design
parameter 1 of the equipment.
In the Zone /ZONE-ELECTRICAL-AREA02
Create an Equip /LIGHT-AREA02-1
Purp LIGH
DESPA 800
Create a Box YLEN 200 XLEN 1000 ZLEN 100
Move the Box down 50
Position the Equipment at:
W 307300mm N 341580mm U 103950mm
19.2 Creating a Lighting Support
To create a lighting support either select the button from the MDS Toolbar or select Create > Lighting
Support... from the MDS application main menu.
Select the Lighting Support Button
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
Enter the name of the support to be created into the Name text
field. A-LIGHT-1
Once the name is specified, the Create button becomes active.
 Note: Autoname could be used.
Click on the Create button to create the new support with the
given name. The user is then prompted to ‘Identify Lighting
(EQUI) to support’.
 The Identify Lighting button will only become active if the

create process is interrupted by pressing the keyboard ESC
key.
Use the cursor to identify the light fitting in the graphical view. When this is done, the available choice of
support templates for the selected light fitting is displayed, as shown
If the template list is large, enter suitable characters and logical

operators into the Filter text field to filter the list. A * character
means all templates will be listed.
The Mirror gadget can be selected and the Support will be created
mirrored.
www.aveva.com
130
AVEVA (12.1)
Select a template by clicking on it
Select Light hanger (from ceiling)
The support has been placed about the Light Origin and has been
sized to 800mm via Design Parameter 1
Check the Mirror check box
Select Light hanger (from ceiling)
This can be repeated until the form is dismissed.
The Height text box is automatically filled in during the create

process, and also modified automatically when clicking the
Connect Support to Ceiling / Wall button and identifying the
element from which to support the light fitting.
Alternatively, the height can be set manually by entering a height

value in the text box.
Set the Height value to 300 and click the Dimensions button.
The MDS application checks the value to ensure that it is within the alternative height range.
www.aveva.com
131
AVEVA (12.1)
19.3 Modify Lighting Support form
The definition of the lighting support is completed by clicking on the appropriate buttons. Only the buttons
applicable to lighting supports are active (i.e. not greyed out). These are listed below:
 Copy a section from another support.

 Display a list of available templates for re-selection.
 Connect support to the surface of civil or steel structure (it also changes the height/length).
 Include a section from another support.
 Apply the value of length/height on support.
 Minor support (flip in case of wall mounted support).
 Rotate support.
 Modify explicitly picked section of support.
 Set section material.
 Show/Hide Dimensions
 Centre on Support
 ADP Drawlist
 Modify ADP Location Position
Click the OK button to confirm the changes made. If Cancel is clicked the support is deleted, after
confirmation.
Exercise 15 – Lighting Supports
Optionally using the above example create a Light and a Lighting Support.
Add the Group /Area02-Workshop to the graphical display, remove the Cladding and Roof and add some
supports to the Lighting.
www.aveva.com
132
CHAPTER 20
20 Support Creation Zones
It is normal practice to place Support Structures in separate Zones relative to their plant area. This chapter
describes how to create a Support Zone and how to set an appropriate naming file for that zone.
The next chapter in this guide requires the use of an alternative creation zone and naming file.
20.1 Creating a support Zone
Navigate to Site /SITE-SUPPORTS-AREA01 and create a new zone called /ZONE-SUPPORTS-AREA01

set the PURP of the zone to SUPP.
 Note: It may be necessary to set the zone purpose in the

Command Window.
20.2 Selecting an MDS Creation Zone
When the MDS application is started the Pipe Support Designer is prompted to select a Pipe Support
Creation Zone, this can be changed and any time by using the MDS Application Defaults form. Select
Settings > MDS Defaults > Application or select the Defaults Button.
From the Creation Zone section click the Select… button.
Select ZONE-SUPPORT-AREA01
 All Support created from now on will be created in the zone

/ZONE-SUPPORT-AREA01
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
20.3 Allocation and MDS Autonaming file to a support zone.
This section covers the allocation of a naming file to a zone.
 MDS Naming File creation is covered in the TM-1304 Multi-Discipline Supports Administration.
Select Settings > MDS Autonaming…
Select File Name DES-SUPP-NAMES-AREA01
Click the Set Autonaming File to Default Zone button.
 The next Pipe Support Created using Autoname will be

given the name /PS-01-00101.
Exercise 16 – Support Zones
Using the above as an example create two Support Creation zones ZONE-SUPPORT-AREA01 and ZONE-
SUPPORT-AREA03.
The zones should be created in the appropriate sites and have a Autonaming file assigned to them.
www.aveva.com
134
CHAPTER 21
21 Vessel Supports
The following chapter explains how vessel supports are created, in this example a vertical pipe is supported
from the vessel on two Trunnions.
Set the Support Creation Zone to /ZONE-SUPPORTS-AREA01 using the MDS Application Defaults form
Add Pipe /100-B-1 and Vessel /C1101 from sites /SITE-PIPING-

AREA01 and /SITE-EQUIPMENT-AREA01 respectively to the
graphical display.
Creating the Trunnions
Click the Trunnions Button
Name the support using Autoname and select Trunnion type

XTT17
 Note the Support name it should be /PS-01-00101
Select the Tube button
Indicate the vertical section of the tube in the graphical display.
From the Select Trunnion Material form select (Parent Pipe)
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
Set the Distance to 10000 and the Direction E
Click the OK button to complete the Trunnion creation.
Repeat the process and create another Trunnion at a distance of

1000mm and a direction W
 If the section of the tube above the existing Trunnion is

selected the Distance is 0mm
Creating the Vessel Support.
Click the Vessel Support button.
Name the support using Autoname and select support type

XVT01
Click the Create datum support atta button and select the
main pipe downstream of the Trunnions
Select distance 0
 If the section of the tube below the existing Trunnion is

selected the Distance is 10000mm
Create the support using Cursor
Identify Leg No 1 <West Trunnion>
Identify Leg No 2 <East Trunnion>
Identify Element to support from Identify C1101
www.aveva.com
136
AVEVA (12.1)
Exercise 17 – Vessel Supports
Using the Above example Create a Vessel Support.
www.aveva.com
137
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
138
CHAPTER 22
22 Branch Reinforcement
Below shows a typical Branch Reinforcement for a small 15NB pipe on a 100NB main.
Navigate to and display Pipe /100-C-17 which can be found

in site /SITE-PIPING-AREA01
 Note in the above example the piping has been adjusted slightly to accommodate the Reinforcement.
22.1 Creating Branch Reinforcements
To create a branch reinforcement either select the button from the MDS Toolbar or select Create > Branch
Reinforcements... from the MDS application main menu.
Name A-BR04-1
Select XBR04 – 4 Way Brace for Open Ended Connection

to Pipe
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
Create Datum Support Atta
Identify Header Tube - Identify the Tee
Identify Branch - Identify Branch (offline Leg)
Exercise 18 - Branch Reinforcements
Using the above example create a branch Reinforcement.
 Note: Support BR04 in not normally active in Brief Mode.
www.aveva.com
140
CHAPTER 23
23 Preliminary Supports
Below shows a typical Preliminary Support
23.1 Creating Preliminary Support
To create a Preliminary Support either select the button from the MDS Toolbar or select Create >
Preliminary Support... from the MDS application main menu.
Preliminary Supports are created in exactly the same way as typical MDS supports.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
Exercise 19 – Preliminary Supports
Add some typical Preliminary Supports to the Design.
www.aveva.com
142
CHAPTER 24
24 Copying a Support
This chapter explains how to copy a support
 NOTE! This functionality is not available for hangers or trunnions. This is because the application
completes various checks while creating the support. That may be by passed by copying. It is easier to
create a new support from scratch.
24.1 Copying a Support
To copy a support either select the button from the MDS Toolbar or select the Create > Copy Support...
from the MDS application main menu.
The support designer will be presented with the following form.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
There are three methods of selecting the support to be copied:-
support to copy’ from the graphical display, and automatically add the Support Name to the text
gadget.
The number of copies and the distance to move each copy are required.
When these have been entered into the Copy Support form, click on the Apply button. This will then copy
each support one at a time, confirm to the support designer that the copied supports are to be retained and
then display the support renaming form so that the support designer can enter a new name.
The following shows the procedure used to copy an existing support twice 500mm along the pipe.
Display the support to be copied /A-FT03-1 created

previously.
Click the Copy Support button
Enter A-FT03-1 or select the Support Name to be

copied using the Identify By Cursor button.
Number of Copies 2
Distance 500
Click the Apply button.
Enter the new Support Name A-FT03-2 or click the

MDS Autoname button.

www.aveva.com
144
AVEVA (12.1)
Enter the new Support Name A-FT03-3 or click the MDS

Autoname button.
Click the Dismiss button on the Copy Support form.
 Note! When copying a framework with multiple pipes and different slopes MDS does not alter the
elevations of any steelwork members. To adjust these and make sure the support is correct the support
must be modified to make any changes necessary.
Exercise 20 – Copy Support
Using the above example copy some supports
www.aveva.com
145
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
146
CHAPTER 25
25 Modifying a Support Name
This chapter explains how to create a modify a support name
25.1 Modifying a Support Name
To modify the name of a support select the Modify > Support Name… option from the MDS application
main menu.
The Modify Support Name form will be displayed as shown below.
There are three methods of selecting the support to be renamed:-
support to modify name’ from the graphical display, and automatically add the Support Name to the
text gadget.
The new name for the support can be completed manually by entering the new support name in the text
gadget or the support designer may also use the MDS Auto Naming functionality as explained in the Multi
Discipline support section of this document.
When these have been entered into the Modify Support Name form, click on the Apply button. This will
then rename all members of the support with the new name.
There are also buttons to Add to Support Group and Remove from Support Group.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
148
CHAPTER 26
26 MDS Wizard
This chapter explains how to use the MDS Wizard.
The MDS Wizard is a utility supplied to assist the support designer to identify quickly, the pipes, HVAC and
trays that are in the vicinity of the working element, which may require supporting.
To use the MDS Wizard select the MDS Wizard button from the MDS Toolbar or select Utilities > MDS
Wizard... from the MDS application main menu.
Add /AREA02_WS_ROW_B3 belonging

to site /SITE-STRUCTURAL-AREA02 to
the graphical display.
Click the Choose Working Element button at the top left of the form to allow the support designer to
indicate a steelwork section or a piece of tube as the working element. This example uses a piece of
steelwork.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
Identify SCTN 2 as shown in the Iso1 view.
When the working element has been identified in the

graphical view, an outline of a box will be displayed, as a
graphical aid, depicting the ‘Reach’ value, e.g. 1000, which
the MDS wizard utility will use.
The size of the box will adopt the length of the identified
element, with the height and width approximately twice the
reach value plus the element size
.
The support designer can select if pipes, steelwork or
equipment are to be added to the view.
Selecting Add elements within reach button will cause the

wizard to search within the reach box and add all the
elements found to the graphical view as shown below.
Set the Add Type radio button to Pipes
Click the Add elements within reach button.
Exercise 21 – MDS Wizard
Use the MDS wizard to add some pipes and pipe supports to the graphical display.
www.aveva.com
150
CHAPTER 27
27 MDS Health Check Utility (HCU)
MDS creates supports across four disciplines: structural, piping, electrical and HVAC, and it is possible one
of the disciplines could inadvertently corrupt the multi-discipline support in some way. This utility checks for
the existence of any problems.
Separate checks are performed for ancillaries, structural supports, hangers, trunnions and groups.
Ancillaries which are part of structural supports (e.g. /DATUM) are checked as part of the structural
supports, using the ancillary checking method.
After the HCU has completed the checks, a report is created which can be displayed on the screen, or it can
be in the form of a text file or a comma separated variables formatted file.
The checks that are carried out are listed below:
• Ancillaries • Check frameworks have members

• The ancillary is still valid for the pipes. • Check for unnamed elements
• Bore • Check any other references
• Material • Check for valid description values for standard
• Insulation thickness supports
• Temperature • Run MDS Integrity Checker
• Elevation • Check for unknown references
• The ancillary is valid • Hangers
• Specification references (SPREF) • Check ATTA exists
• Guide references • Data consistency check on RESTRAINT
• Description values for standard supports • Check for valid group members
• Any other reference • Check component names valid
• Check for unknown references • Check for valid SPREF of atta
• Supports • Trunnions
• Check support type exists in available types • Data consistency check on trunnion BRAN
• Check SREF and DATUM exist • Check for correct name of trunnion BRAN
• Check specification references (SPREF) • Check for correct configuration for an MDS
• Ancillary check DATUM atta Trunnion (correct straight pipe, elbow, reducer or tee
• Check for support structure existence is used)
• Structures have members • Check for correct main line specification
• Check for valid group members
 Note: All existing checks that are performed by the MDS Integrity Check, which is executed on
completion of a support (Ending the Creation of a Support), are included in the supports check section.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
27.1 Running the HCU
The utility is accessed from the MDS main menu. Select the Utilities > MDS Support Health Check…
The MDS Health Check Utility form is displayed as shown.
The list of supports is initially blank.
To load supports for checking, select All Supports or CE and Below from the Add pull-down menu.
Navigate to a Pipe and select Add > CE and Below
www.aveva.com
152
AVEVA (12.1)
The CE and Below option loads all supports below the current element (CE), or if at an element which is
part of a support, e.g. SCTN of a structural support or ROD of a hanger, then that single support is loaded.
Groups are counted as one support, and the group name is displayed in the list (e.g. PS05555, where the
group may consist of /PS0555[1], /PS0555[2] etc. The whole group is loaded if one support or part of one
support is loaded.
Frameworks with multiple crossbars are counted as one support.
Any supports which are not valid and so cannot be loaded into
the list for checking (but are still, in some part or way, MDS
supports) are recorded in a temporary load list file,
e.g.MDS-HEALTH-CHECK-LOADREPORTONLY 21Mar2007-
093214-dat (or csv as appropriate).
Unnamed supports are also included in the file.
The load errors file is stored in the %pdmswk% directory and

can be viewed by selecting Load Errors Only from the View
Report menu.
The Remove option allows you to either remove All Supports

in the Supports list, or to remove Selected entries from the list.
Click on an Output Format option button to select the required

format for the health check report. The options are as follows:
 screen - the report is output to the command window.
 text file - the output is written to a text file (e.g. MDS-

HEALTH-CHECKREPORT 21Mar2007-0931214.dat) in the
directory specified in the Directory field.
This directory defaults to %projcodeinfo%, where projcode is the Project Code (e.g. TWD). If
%projcodeinfo% does not exist, then %pdmswk% is used as the default and is displayed in the field. If an
invalid directory name is entered, an error alert is displayed and the file is not written. If the field is left blank,
the default directory is used (%projcodeinfo% if it exists, otherwise %pdmswk%), following an error alert.
The appearance of the text file output is the same as the screen output.
 CSV file - the same directory rules apply as for a text file, but a csv (comma separated variables) file
is created. The file naming convention is the same as for a text file, except that a .csv extension is
used. The csv output represents data under column headings, and can be viewed in a spreadsheet
application (e.g. Excel).
Once the supports have been loaded and the output format selected, click on the Apply button to start the
health check. Once the check is complete, the report is output for screen or file, as described above. In
addition to the file described above, a temporary file of the report is also saved in the %pdmswk% directory.
View the report by selecting Load Errors Only or Complete Health Check from the View Report menu.
Click the Dismiss button to exit the Health Check Utility.
www.aveva.com
153
AVEVA (12.1)
27.2 Example Health Check Report
An example of a typical screen/text file output is shown below. The report concludes with a list of the
numbers of errors/warnings found and the number of supports checked.
Exercise 22 - Health Check Report
Using the above as an example, check your supports.
www.aveva.com
154
CHAPTER 28
28 MDS Reports
This session explains how to use the MDS Reporting tool
To use the MDS Reporting Tool select the Reports button from the MDS Toolbar or select Utilities > MDS
Reports... from the MDS application main menu.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
28.1 MDS Report Menu
28.1.1 Output Format
The support designer may produce the output to the screen, a text file or a comma separated variable (csv)
file.
28.1.2 Report Output
These are the elements type the report will collect to produce the report. This cannot be modified by the
support designer on this form.
28.1.3 Headings
This option enables the support designer to show or hide the report heading.
28.1.4 Main Report Filter
This is the filter used to collect the elements to be collected when the report is run. This expression has
been defined to make sure all and only MDS supports are collected. The support designer cannot modify
this.
28.1.5 Output Report Name – Description
These are the name of the reports available to the support designer along with a brief description. The
availability of reports is controlled via the reports default file MDS-REPORT-DEFS. The support designer
may not modify the reports from this form.
28.1.6 Column Heading Number – Title
These are the names of the heading that belongs to this report. The definition of the heading available with
this report is controlled via the reports default file MDS-REPORT-HEADINGS. The support designer may not
modify the reports from this form.
28.1.7 Hierarchy
This is the name of the element that the support designer would like to report on.
28.1.8 Sorting and Totalling
This enables the support designer to sort and total the output of the reports. The support designer is
presented with the following form when this button is clicked.
28.1.9 Extra Run Time Filter
This enables the support designer to add an expression that is used as an extra run time file when the report
is ran. This may be for instance to find all supports in a particular area.
www.aveva.com
156
AVEVA (12.1)
28.1.10 Control Menu
Control > Reload Default Reports, This will reload the reports from the default files DES-REPORT-DEFS
and DES-REPORTS-HEADINGS
Control > Close, Closes the form
28.1.11 Report Menu
Report > Column Headings…, this will display a form as shown below so that the support designer can see
the heading being used in the selected support.
www.aveva.com
157
AVEVA (12.1)
Report > User Defined…, This will display a form so that the support designer can create a report using the
column defined by selecting the toggle gadget next to the heading description.
In order for the support designer to save the report to the default file select the Control > Save as Default
Report… menu selection
The action of saving this report will make this report available to support designers of the project. Access to
this file should only be given to those that should have the ability to save project reports.
Exercise 23 – MDS Reports
Select some of the reports available and produce a few reports to make yourself familiar with what sort of
output is available.
www.aveva.com
158
CHAPTER 29
29 Miscellaneous Utilities
There are several miscellaneous tools provide with MDS that have not been covered so far, these are
explained below.
29.1 Utilities Menu
29.1.1 Utilities > Add Support/s
This will enable the support designer to add supports to the graphical display.
29.1.1.1 Explicit…
Enable the support designer to explicitly name a support to add the drawlist.
29.1.1.2 All below CE
Add the support found below the current element to the drawlist.
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
29.1.1.3 All
Add all the supports found in the current MDB to the drawlist.
29.1.2 Reorder Branch Atta’s
This will reorder all MDS atta’s within a branch in physical order.
29.1.3 Utilities > Clear Dimensions/Tags
This will clear all dimensions and tags added to the graphical display in case they have not been removed in
some unforeseen circumstance.
29.1.4 Make Support Controlled
This option is used in conjunction with Model manager If Model Manager is not loaded then the following
dialog is displayed.
29.2 Modify Menu
www.aveva.com
160
AVEVA (12.1)
29.2.1 Drawing Comment…
This enables the support designer to add a general comment that will be added the MDS ADP drawing.
29.2.2 Align Guide to Support
This enables the support designer to align a guide with its associated shoe. The application should perform
this action automatically but in the case of a misalignment this facility is available.
29.2.3 Associate Pad with Shoe
This enables the support designer to associate a Support Pad to a Shoe.
29.2.4 Associate Pad with Stop
This enables the user to associate a Support Pad to a Stop.
29.2.5 Snipe an Angle SCTN…
This enables the support designer to trim the end of angles.
Add a MDS Support to the graphical display
Navigate to the SCTN to be modified.
Select Modify > Snipe an Angle SCTN…
www.aveva.com
161
AVEVA (12.1)
Use the Select Sniped End and Select Angle Leg radio buttons
to select the leg for the snipe.
Click the Create button.
29.2.6 Convert Standard to a Special
This option will convert Standard to Special
29.2.7 Convert Support to Group
This option will change the Support to a Support Group. A suffix is added to the support.
Exercise 24 – Miscellaneous Utilities Snipe
Using the above example add a Snipe to some MDS Supports.
www.aveva.com
162
CHAPTER 30
30 MDS Drawing Production
This chapter explains how to create a drawing of an MDS Support.
30.1 MDS Drawing Production Introduction
The MDS Drawing Production provided uses the AVEVA Plant Area Based Application to produce drawing.
This technology uses pre-defined areas, a classification and a template in order to produce a drawing. The
template has associated tasks, which perform actions on the drawings. These actions can be for instance
dimensions, tagging etc.
MDS is supplied with an overlay application for ABA to produce drawings of MDS supports.
Drawing = Area + Template
30.2 Entering Draft
In order to access the MDS Drawing Production Application the support designer must enter Draft and
select the Automatic Drawing Production application from the Draft menu as shown below.
Select Design > Modules > Draft > Macro Files
 Note you may also be prompted to Savework
www.aveva.com
AVEVA (12.1)
30.3 Area Based Automatic Drawing Production (AB ADP)
MDS uses the AVEVA Area Based Automatic Production System
Select Draft > Automatic Drawing Production…
30.4 Checking AB ADP Defaults
Before trying to create an MDS Drawing for the first time the Area Based Automatic Drawing Production
System (ABA) needs to be checked.
Select Settings > Area Based ADP Defaults…
If the ABA Defaults form does not have a smiley face

then the settings need correcting
www.aveva.com
164
AVEVA (12.1)
Click the Defaults File button and locate the Training

Defaults file using the File Browser.
Typically
C:\AVEVA\Plant\Projects12.1.x\Training\tradflts
DRA-MDS-ABA-DEFAULTS
Click the Apply button.
If any of the entries show a “Red” CE button then that

item does not exist.
In this case /MDS-ABA-Area-Library does not exist

and must be created.
Select File > Save > Defaults
Select File > Close
Create a new Library called /MDS-ABA-Area-Library
Select Create > Library
Name /MDS-ABA-Area-Library
30.5 Creating a MDS Drawing
Select Create > Dept
Name /DEPT-MDS

Select Create > Registry
Name /REGI-MDS
www.aveva.com
165
AVEVA (12.1)
 Note when a DEPT is created there is an option

to create a new registry at the same time. The
Registry Information form will need to be
cancelled.
Selecting Settings > Area Based ADP Defaults will

confirm that the ABA Defaults are correct
Select File > Close
Select the Create > MDS Drawing…
The Create MDS Drawing form will be presented.
www.aveva.com
166
AVEVA (12.1)
Select Load Supports > All in MDB
 If the CE & Below option has been selected then the above will only have the supports for the Current
Element and below.
The support designer must then select the following.
Drawing Registry – This lists all available drawing registries that the support designer may write
to. This is where the drawings will be created.
Frameworks – This is a list of all framework supports found in the current MDB. The
support designer can select multiple supports or use the All Frames check
box.
Hangers – This is a list of all hanger supports found in the current MDB. The support
designer can select multiple supports or use the All Hangers check box.
Ancillaries – This is a list of all ancillary supports found in the current MDB. The support
designer can select multiple supports or use the All Ancillaries check box.
Lighting Supports – This is a list of all the lighting supports found in the current MDB. The
support designer can select multiple supports or use the All Light
Supports check box.
Checking the Detail Sheets check box will also creating detailed drawings of each of the Framework
members below a Department called MDS-Details-Dept.
There are two Drawing Option radio buttons:-

 Regenerate – will delete any existing drawings and create new versions
 Update – does not delete the drawing, however all the tasks are re-run, based on the latest design
model changes. Therefore views or notes created by the user in a Draft session do not get deleted
using this option.
The Template pull down is a list of all ABA templates found in the current MDB.
www.aveva.com
167
AVEVA (12.1)
Select the Template MDS-ABA-2-VIEWS-A2(METRIC) Drawing Registry REGI-MDS and Frameworks A-

FT09-1.
When this has been done the support designer can select the Apply button to produce the drawings.
In order to browse the completed drawings click the Existing Drawings… button. The support designer will
then have the first found drawing added the graphical display and a list of all the other drawings available for
selection.
In order to maintain a better cosmetic layout to the MDS drawings some basic rules are adhered to by the
application. These are: -
 All labels will be positioned along the top and right hand size of each view.
 All dimensions will be positioned along the bottom and left hand size of each view.
 On processing the view direction if the application calculates it to be up, west and south it will
change the view direction to down (plan), east and north respectively. This will only be active on
orthogonal view and non-orthogonal view will not be modified.
Select Existing Drawings… and pick the

drawing that has just been created.
www.aveva.com
168
AVEVA (12.1)
Exercise 25 - Drawing Production
Using the above example create some MDS Support Drawings.
www.aveva.com
169
AVEVA (12.1)
www.aveva.com
170
CHAPTER 31
31 MDS Manuals and Help
The MDS manuals are accessed in the usual way
Select Start All Programs > AVEVA Plant > AVEVA Plant Suite 12.1.x Help
Exercise 26 - MDS Manuals and Help
Use the MDS Manuals and Help to investigate MDS Features
www.aveva.com

TM-1210 AVEVA Plant (12.1) Multi-Discipline Supports Rev 2.0 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

TM-1210 AVEVA Plant (12.1) Multi-Discipline Supports Rev 2.0 PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

TM-1210 AVEVA Plant (12.1) Multi-Discipline Supports Rev 2.0 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

AVEVA Plant

Visit our website at http://www.aveva.com

© Copyright 1974 to current year. 3

Unauthorised or unlicensed use of the software is strictly prohibited.

9.8 Bracing ATTAS............................................................................................................................... 67

© Copyright 1974 to current year.

Exercise 15 – Lighting Supports................................................................................................................ 132

© Copyright 1974 to current year.

Exercise 26 - MDS Manuals and Help ........................................................................................................ 171

1.4 Course Structure

1.5 Using this guide

Information the user has to key-in will be in bold red text.

Example files or inputs will be in the courier new font.

1.6 Setting up the Training Course

Project: Training (TRA)

Click the Apply button and Close the form.

Save Work and Exit PDMS.

2 MDS: Basic Concepts of a Support

2.1 Glossary of Terms

Used to describe an attachment on a line, this could be a shoe, u-bolt,

2.2 Framework Support

SITE SITE SITE

ZONE ZONE ZONE

PIPE PIPE STRU STRU

BRANCH BRANCH FRMW FRMW

FLAN 1 ATTA F LAN 1 ATTA SCTN SCTN SCTN SCTN

ATTA FLAN 2 FLAN 2 SCTN SCTN SCTN

2.3 Hanger Support (Fixed and Variable)

BRANC H REST HANG

ATTA HAN G PCLA HNU T

HELE CLEV HNUT HPIN

2.4 General Support (Ancillary)

2.5 Trunnion Support

ELBO ATTA ATTA

2.6 Support Group

3 Entering the MDS Application

3.1 MDS Application Pre-requisites

3.2 Starting the MDS Application

Click the Login button

Click the OK button.

3.3 MDS Application Auto Loading

Exercise 1 – Loading MDS

4 Multi Discipline Support Application Defaults

This displays the MDS Application Defaults form

Note: the extremities of the

MAXIMUM SLOPE = 1/n

MAXIMUM PIPE ANGLE

PLAN VIEW OF SUPPORT

16. This contains the text used in item 14.

17. This can be used when identifying fixed tube piping.

20. Turns the Automatic creation of Deck Pads On or Off

21. This is used as the value when checking joint eccentricity.

Exercise 2 – MDS Defaults

Perform the following task:-

 Change the Pipe Clearance to 50mm.

5 Multi Discipline Support

5.1 Creation of a Multi Discipline Support

The Multi Discipline Frameworks form will be shown