BASIC TRAINING

SESSION 2

BASIC BUILDING TOOLS, AND

THE WAREHOUSE & OFFICE PROJECT

Copyright 2014 M.E.P.CAD, Inc. This work is the sole property of M.E.P.CAD, Inc. and may not be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the
prior written permission of the copyright owner. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution may result in loss of License, and or Criminal
Prosecution.
M.E.P.CAD, Inc.
431 Eastgate Road, 3rd Floor - Henderson, NV 89011
Telephone: (702) 380-3200 Toll-free: (888) 239-1345
Fax: (702) 566-0598 Website: www.mepcad.com

Welcome to the 2nd Session of Basic Training in AutoSPRINK!

In this 2nd Session and accompanying Example Project, we will be exploring additional Basic Tools in AutoSPRINK,
utilized in differing ways. We will also be developing the implementation of the 3-D Toolset, which allows Designers
to create in 3-D: from a simple Box, to a Building. And although it is not necessary to Create a Building for every
Project when Designing with AutoSPRINK, many of the aspects of the 3-D Process of Design are inherent in
System Design as well. The Tools that we will explore are ones that will be of great use and value, no matter if your
Design includes the construction of a 3-D Building or not.
However, there are indeed Designers utilizing AutoSPRINK, who have actually been Contracted to Design the entire
Project in 3-D for the Client, and the other Trades as well. The Toolsets available in AutoSPRINK (dependent upon
License Level) will allow a Designer to construct ALL the Building components for the Project.
Additionally, Walkthroughs may be animated, and recorded for Clients (dependent on License Level), for
Coordination or Demonstration, reflecting all the Walls, Beams, Systems etc throughout the Building.
It is with this in mind, that the Session No. 2 Warehouse & Office Project will help to familiarize the Designer with
a large amount of Basic Tools, but also equip (in a Basic way) those Designers who will choose to Design the entire
Project.
However keep in mind, that these Session Modules, will again, repeat certain procedures utilizing varying
Commands, Functions, or Tools. This is meant to reflect the need for the Designer to familiarize themselves with the
many Tools available, and utilize them in the most practical, efficient way possible.
A Designer who is familiar and proficient with the available Tools in AutoSPRINK, would normally take much less
than an hour, to complete this Exercise. However, do not feel that you must rush your way through the Exercise. It
is meant to facilitate the understanding of many different Commands, Functions, and Tools in AutoSPRINK, as well
as their location, and alternative usages. We will explore the same Tools (and additional ones) in the next Sessions.
If you are just beginning to Design with AutoSPRINK, Be Patient. Very Soon, you will have a grasp of the underlying,
foundational intent of AutoSPRINK, and its unique, powerful Toolsets. And soon, you will be Designing things in
minutes that once took hours, and in hours, that once took days.
Additional Modeling and Construction techniques will be available in our Supplemental Training Modules, for those
who wish to utilize AutoSPRINK as a 3-D Coordination B.I.M. Tool for the entire Project.
Ask our Customer Service Department for more information.

Page 1

Project No. 1

1.

Creating a Storage Building / Office Area with Walls, Sloped Roofs, & Beams.

Creating the Storage Building Walls, Grid, and Roof Planes.

In our next sample Exercise, we will be constructing a 100 x 100 Storage Area, with a Sloped Roof and Beams. The
Beams will be 24 Steel I-Beams (Girders), with 8 Z-Purlins (Joists) running perpendicular, on top of the I-Beams.
The outside Walls will be 12-0 in Height, and the Peak will be 20-4 in Height. The Peak will be located at the Center of
the Structure.

Access File / New Drawing from the Main Menu, or utilize the Shortcut Icon on the Main Toolbar.
Select the Walls / Rectangle Tool from the Tools Menu. We will now create a 100 x 100 Wall Rectangle, utilizing
Coordinates and Distances entered into the Input Line.
Enter the values 100, 100 in the Input Line, and hit the (Enter) key. A Wall Dialogue Box will open. Specify Outside.
This will constrain the dimensions entered to represent the Outside Face Of Walls. The Wall Rectangle is now created.

Wall Dialogue

Wall Properties

Wall General Tab

Iso-View the Drawing. Assuming the positive Y Axis is North, Multi-select the East and West Walls, and access the
Properties. Revise the Walls to Height at Start / End = 12-0, Height at Peak = 20-4, and Distance to Peak = 50.
Select the North and South Walls. Revise the Walls to 12-0 Start / End Height, 0 Peak, 0 distance to Peak.
Now Highlight ALL the Walls by Mult-Select, Rectangle, or Select Filter.
Access the Properties, and open the General Tab. Note: all Multi-Selected Elements will always share a common
General Tab, where Color, Layer, Transparency, Line Thickness etc may be edited.
Transform the Wall Color to Black, Wire frame, and Adjust the Transparency to .75
Save the Drawing. We now have the beginnings of our Storage Area, and we will use the Walls to create Roof Planes.

Page 2

Highlight the Walls, and Select the Automatic Roof Planes Shortcut Icon located on the Draw Toolbar.

Automatic Roof Plane

Roof Plane Dialogue

Leave the Offset Value at 0,-0 and Select OK. This will ensure that we have no space between the Top of the
Walls, and the Roof Plane.
With The Roof Planes applied, Right-Click in Space and access the Select menu, and then Select Every / Roof
Plane. Now Access the Properties with the Mouse Gesture.
Proceed to the Roof Plane General Tab, and revise the Render to Wire frame. Exit the Dialogue.

Walls with Roof Planes

Walls with Roof Planes and Grid

Proceed to the Roof Plane General Tab, and revise the Render to Wire frame. Exit the Dialogue. We will now place
a Column Line Grid around our Storage Area.
Access the Wizards Menu, and Select Column Grid. This will open the Column Line Introduction Dialogue Box.
Note: The Benchmark will again represent the Lower Left Corner of the Grid to be created. Ensure it is in the correct
location in order for the Grid to be created properly.
Proceed through the Dialogue Tabs, and configure the Colum Lines - (4) Vertical 25-0, (2) Horizontal 50-0, .25 Dashed
Black Lines, with the Font of 12 Bold Ariel. The Distance to extend the Column Bubble Line will be 15-0. The
Horizontal Bubbles will start with the Number 1, and the Vertical Bubbles will start with the Letter A. Do NOT place
Column Supports.
You should now have a 100 x 100 Building with pertinent Column Lines created as shown above. However, all of the
Elements created are fully editable by the Designer during creation. All Layers, Colors, Fonts, etc will be defined per
User preference. We will now create the Building Structure.

Page 3

2.

Creating the Storage Building Structure Beams and Joists.

Now that we have created the shell of the Building, we will create the Structural Beams and Joists. The specific
Structural Elements available in AutoSPRINK are unique, and extremely versatile. All Structural Elements are
AutoSPRINK Intelligent Objects that will recognize Hanger Placement, Star Dimensions, Pipe Penetrations,
Interference Checking, etc. However, first we must place dimensions between the Column Lines.

Point to Point Dimension Dimensions from one single

location to another only.
Running Dimension Continuous Command, allowing
a location to location, repeated Dimensions.
Area Dimension Dimensions an entire Area, from
Line to Line, to Walls, Beams, etc

Access the Point to Point Dimension Shortcut Icon on the Notes Toolbar. This will activate the single Dimension
Tool. Note: The Dimension Font, Style, Color, Layer etc are fully editable, and may be set-up in the Settings / Default
Properties / Dimension menu before creation. All revisions can be saved in the Settings File.
With the Dimension Tool activated, Select the first Horizontal Column Line Bubble at the Center Point. Left-Click to
begin the Dimension. Holding the (Alt) Key, select the next Column Line Bubble (again at the Center Point) and LeftClick. The Dimension is now ready to be placed in the desired position.
Locate the Dimension near the Mid-Point of the Column line above the Wall. Left-Click once more. The Dimension is
placed, and the Command is still active. Continue to place Dimensions between the Column Lines until complete.
Now Right-Click in Space, and access the Tools / Beam / Single Command. We will now create tapered Girders for
our Building. Iso-View the Drawing with the Mouse Gesture.
With the Single Beam Tool activated, Snap to the North/West Outside Face of Wall, and Left-Click. Hold the (Shift) Key,
and Draw down to the Center Point Colum Line. Left-Click, then Right-Click to exit the Command. We now have a
single I-Beam located on the floor of our Building.
Access the Properties of the Beam. Revise to 2-0 height of Beam at Start, 4-0 at height of Beam at Finish. Miter
Ends No. 1 and 2. Note: The starting point of the Beam will always be End No. 1
Place the Benchmark (F2) at End No. 2 of the Beam. Activate the Mirror Shortcut Icon on the Actions Toolbar. This
will open the Mirror Dialogue Box. Select Vertical. This will copy the Selected Beam vertically in relation to the
Benchmark location. Hit OK.

Mirror Dialogue Box

Mirror Shortcut Icon

You will find that the Mirror Tool, can be a dexterous component in the Design Process; saving valuable time if used
to its full capabilities. With a little creativity, you will find that even the simplest Tools in AutoSPRINK can be very
useful, and powerful.
Page 4

With the Beams Highlighted, use the Arrow / Input Line to reposition the Beams 1-0 inside the Building.
With the Beams Highlighted, activate the Elevate Elements to Roof Planes Shortcut Icon. This will open the Elevate
Elements to Planes Dialogue Box. Enter a Value of 0-8 Below the Roof Plane and hit OK.

Elevate to Roof Plane Dialogue Box

Elevate to Roof Plane Shortcut Icon

Once Elevated and with the Beams Highlighted, hold the (Ctrl) Key, and enter 24 into the Input line. Hit (Enter). We
have Copied the Beams to Column Line No. 2. Now Copy the Beams 25-0 to the East (Column Line 3, and 4), and
then 24-0 towards Column Line No. 5. There is now evenly (2) 24-0 Bays, and (2) 25-0 Bays.

View ISO Rotator Toolbar

Left Side View

Tapered Beams in Bays

Note: Remember to use the Middle-Mouse + (Ctrl) Key to 3-D Orbit the Drawing, or the Mouse Gestures to Iso-View,
Top View, etc. In addition, you may utilize the View ISO Rotator Toolbar to access different Views of the Drawing. Now
that we have the Beams in Place, we will create the Z-Purlin Joists.
Activate the Single Beam Tool, and Snap to the intersection of Column Lines No. 1, and C. Now Snap to the
intersections of Column Line No. 5, and C. Right-Click to exit the Command.
Highlight the Beam, and access the Properties. Revise to Z-Purlin, and 0-8 Height of Beam at start. Top-View the
Drawing with the Mouse Gesture.
With the Joist Highlighted, reposition the Joist 4-0 South, into the Building. Copy the Joist 5-0 repeatedly,
stopping short of the Peak. With the last Joist still highlighted, Right-Click the Joist and access the Select All Like
Selected Command. Since we have no other Joists of this type in our Drawing, it is an efficient way to Select them all.
Elevate the Joists to the Roof Plane, with O-0 Offset. This will bring the Joists directly to the Roof.
Relocate the Benchmark to the intersection of Column Line No. 5, and B. Now again access the Mirror Tool, and
Select Vertical, then hit OK.
Page 5

3.

Creating the complete Office Building.

Completed Office Building

Beams and Joists

Review the Drawing, and ensure the placement of the Beams and Joists are correct. Once the Drawing is reviewed, we
will proceed to construct the Office Area, on the East Side of the Warehouse.
TASK: Construct a 12-0 Wide x 20-0 Long, (2) Office Area Adjacent to the Warehouse Building. The Walls will be in
line with the Warehouse, and will be 12-0 high at the Warehouse Wall, and 10-0 high on the East side. The Office
Area will be separated by an additional Wall in the Center, creating (2) Offices. The Beams will be 1-0 Bar-Joists,
evenly spaced 2-0 on center, and will be Elevated to the Roof Plane with no Offset. Tools to Utilize:

Single Wall Command and Properties - (use Left or Right Justification in the Wall Properties to be the
Inside Face of Wall) *Change Wall appearance to match Warehouse Walls*
Single Beam Command and Properties
Automatic Roof Planes - (to Walls)
Elevate Elements to Roof Planes
Copy Command - with Distance
Clean-up Intersections - to Fuse the Center Separation Wall to the East Wall
Note: Utilize the Right-Click in Blank Drawing Space for access to certain Tools, or Shortcut Icons or Menus.
Double Left-Click to Re-Start Commands, or Right-Click in Space and Select Restart Command.

Once Completed, Save the Drawing. The Office(s) now need Ceilings. We will create (2) Separate Ceilings for the
Offices, with Lights and Registers. Remember, all AutoSPRINK Ceilings are Intelligent Objects, which will recognize
Head Placement, Elevation, etc and are fully editable.
Begin by Turning Off (making invisible) the Roof Plane, and Beam Layers. For the moment, they are not needed. TopView with Mouse Gesture, and Zoom to the Office Area.
Access the Settings / Default Properties / Ceiling Grid Menu. Revise the Properties of the Ceiling grid to be 2-0
and 2-0 respectively. Repeat for the Process for the Ceiling Grid Features (Light and Diffuser).

Turn Off Layers

Ceiling Properties

Page 6

Ceiling Features

Having configured our Ceiling and Features before we insert in the Drawing, we are now prepared to create the Ceiling
in the 1st Office Space in the North end of the Office building.
Right-Click in Space and access the Ceiling Grid Tool. This is a Continuous Command, so we will be able to Snap to
multiple locations.
Snap to the Inside Face of the North-West Wall of the 1st Office. Next, Snap to the Inside Face the remaining Walls of
the 1st office. Once completed, Right-Click to exit the Command.

Snap Ceiling to IFOW

Features

Completed Ceiling
Features

Copied Ceiling to 2nd Office

eceFeatures

Access the properties of the Ceiling Grid. Revise to 0,-0 Coordinates.

Right-Click in Space and access the Ceiling Grid Features Tool. Place Lights and Registers as Shown. Note: Once the
Features are in the Ceiling Grid, they become a part of the Ceiling, and are only editable from the Ceiling Properties.
Copy the Completed Ceiling to the 2nd Office Area, by placing the Benchmark in the North-East Inside Face of Wall of
the 1st office. Select the Ceiling Grid, and HOLDING the (Ctrl) Key, Tap the C Key. This will place the Ceiling Grid on
the Clipboard a common Windows Command. Left-Click in Space to clear any Selection.
Reposition the Benchmark (F2) to the North-East Inside Face of Wall of the 2nd Office, and HOLDING the (Ctrl) Key, Tap
the V Key. The Ceiling has now been Copied to a specific location, in relation to the Benchmark. Utilizing this
Command, you may transfer parts of a Drawing to another, Copy / Relocate Elements within a Drawing, etc. This
method, used effectively, can prove very useful for many different applications.
Elevate the Ceiling Grid(s) to 8-0 from Finish Floor (0-0). Highlight and then check the Status Line for verification of
Elevation.
Once completed, Save the Drawing.
It is now time to begin the Design process for our Buildings. So far, we have Constructed the Basic Elements only of
the Storage and Office Buildings. However, AutoSPRINK is capable of Constructing ALL the Elements of a Building, if
desired. Slabs, Walls with Window and Door Openings, Columns, even Ducts, Electrical Conduits - Boxes, and Plumbing
Pipes can be Modeled (with the Appropriate License Level) within AutoSPRINK; for Design Coordination, or to
accurately reflect Existing Conditions on the Project. However, be careful not to get carried away in designing too
much Detail. If the information doesnt help convey your Design Intent to pertinent Trades, Architect, Plan Reviwers,
Fitters, etc, then it is probably unnecessary.

Page 7

4.

Creating the Sprinkler System for the Buildings.

Placing Pendent Sprinklers in the Ceiling Grid, is a very simple Process. We will configure our Sprinklers before we
create them in the Drawing, defining the Size, K-Factor, Appearance, Flow Characteristics, etc. We will then Place then
into the Elevated Ceiling Grid, and Center them in the Ceiling Tiles. Dimensions from specified Layers, or Walls will also
aid us determine the appropriate Spacing.
Access the View / Show Sprinkler Dimensions Menu. Configure the Sprinkler Dimensions to reference the Wall Layer
only, a Maximum Distance of 15-0, and the nearest X and Y Dimensions. Note: The Dimension Layer, Color, etc
may also be revised from this Dialogue before creation.

Show Sprinkler Dimensions

Dimension Reference

Sprinkler Placement Options

Right-Click in Space and access the Sprinkler Tool, which will open the Sprinkler Placement Options Dialogue Box.
Select Offset of the Sprinkler from the Point Entered, and enter the Values 1, 1. This will enable the Sprinkler to be
inserted to a location 1-0 in the positive X Axis, and 1-0 in the positive Y Axis from the Selected Insertion Point.
Access the Sprinkler Properties. Revise to Light Hazard, Pendent Type, Quick Response, 5.6 k, 155 dg, Chrome.
Leave the Symbol to Default. The Sprinkler Shortcut Icon is located on the System Toolbar.
Snap the Sprinkler to the location as shown. The Sprinkler Dimensions will be referencing the Wall Layer. The
Sprinkler will reposition to 1,-0, 1-0 from the Snap Point, into the Center of Tile, with 8-0 Elevation.

Repeat Process

Sprinkler Ready to Snap

eceFeatures

Sprinklers in Position
eceFeatures

Page 8

With the Sprinklers in Place in the Office(s), it is time to Design the System in the Warehouse. We will start with laying
out the Upright Sprinklers, then attaching the Piping. Deactivate the Sprinkler Dimensions in the View Menu.
Center the Drawing with the Mouse Gesture, and Zoom to the North-West Corner of the Storage Building.
Right-Click in Blank Drawing Space and access the Sprinkler Tool. At the Placement Options Dialogue, Set
Benchmark Elevation to 0-0, and Select the Place the Sprinkler at the actual point entered option. Revise the
Sprinkler Properties to Ord II, Upright Type, Quick Response, 8.0 k, 200 dg, Brass. Leave the Symbol at Default.
Snap the Sprinkler to the Outside face of Wall at the North-West Intersection of the Storage Building. In the Input Line,
enter the Values 6-3, -5 and hit (Enter). This will relocate the Sprinkler 6-3 in the positive X Axis, and 5-0 in the
negative Y Axis.
Note: Although the use of the Arrows and Input Line could have been utilized as well, the AutoSPRINK Input Line is
capable of accepting (3) Coordinates (X, Y, Z) in a single Command. If (2) or more Coordinates are needed to relocate
an Element, it may be more practical to enter the Values in the Input Line. The first Upright Sprinkler is now located
inside the Building, 5-0 from the North and West Outside Face of Wall. We will now Copy the Sprinkler Down the
length of the Building, using the Array Tool, located on the Actions Toolbar.

Array Tool Shortcut Icon

Array Dialogue Box

Activate the Array Shortcut Icon. In the Rows Column enter Number = 10, and Spacing = 10-0, and Select
Down. Hit OK. The Sprinkler has now been Copied 10 times, 10-0 apart, to the South. Although the Array Tool is
not necessarily intended for a single, linear Copy, it is still an efficient way to use AutoSPRINK Tools creatively.
Middle-Click in Blank Drawing Space and Select 2 Pipe. This is a Continuous Command.
Snap to the 1st Upright Sprinkler, and then to each Sprinkler Below, stopping short of the Peak. Right-Click to exit the
Command.
Double Left-Click in Blank Space to Restart the Command, and Snap Piping to the Sprinklers South of the Peak. Exit
the Command. Now, due to the pitch of the Roof, we will create a Swing Joint at the Peak, for our Branch Lines. First,
Turn on the Layer for the Roof Plane, and Elevate the Sprinkler and Piping to the Roof Plane, with a 1-6 Offset.
Once Completed, reposition the South Branch Line, 0-6 to the East. Zoom in to the Peak, and Select the (2) Pipes
near the Peak. Holding (Ctrl), Right-Click in Space, and access the Swing Joint Command. This will open the Swing
Joint Pipe Treatment Dialogue Box. Leave at Default, and Hot OK. A Swing Joint is now created.

Swing Joint Dialogue Box

Lines Elevated to Roof

Lines at Peak

Swing Joint

Page 9

With the Branch Line Elevated to the Roof Plane, and connected at the Peak, we are ready to create Fittings, and
Hangers that will attach to the center-point of the Z-Purlins. Turn on the Beam Layer. Zoom to the North End of the
Branch Line, and notice that the Branch line falls short of the Z-Purlin. We will need to Stretch the Piping to a point
past the Z-Purlin.
Select the Branch Line, and HOLDING the (Alt) Key grab the Grip at the end of the Pipe being careful to not
Highlight the Sprinkler. Now Stretch the Pipe to a point past the Z-purlin, while viewing the Status Line, which
indicates the changing length of the Pipe. Once at the desired location, release then Multi-Select (Ctrl) Key the
Sprinkler, and Clean-up Intersections (Ctrl) Key + (F12). Left-Click in Space to clear all Selections. Repeat at the
South end of the Branch Line.

Branch Line short of Purlin

Branch stretched past Purlin

Auto Draw Fittings Menu

Select all of the Upright Sprinklers, and Branch Line. Utilize methods discussed previously. Access the Auto Draw /
Fittings Shortcut Icon on the System Toolbar. Select Do it. Now review the Drawing, to verify all Fittings, etc. We
will now define the Properties of the Hangers before creation, and apply to the Drawing.
Access the Settings / Default Properties / Hanger Menu, which will open the Properties of the Hanger. Revise to
Hanger Class = Standard Hanger, Construction = Steel, Description = Nut & Bolt Z-Purlin, Span = 1-0 and hit
OK. The Hanger is now configured for the Branch line, and is ready to be created in the Drawing.
Access the Hanger Shortcut Icon, located on the System Toolbar. Note: There are many other Tools available from
this Toolbar, including Sprinkler, Auto Draw Functions, Coverage Cell, Bracing, etc. This will open the Hanger
Dialogue. Select Hang From = Beam, Middle, and the Advanced Settings leave at the Default.
Snap the Hanger to locations desired intervals along the Branch line, connecting the Z-Purlin Joists.

System Toolbar

Hanger Connected at
Mid-point to Z-Purlin

Hanger Properties

Hanger Dialogue

Page 10

Review the Drawing, and verify all Hangers have been placed properly. Access the Settings / Default Properties /
Labels / Pipe Labels and proceed to the Text Line Tab. Revise the Font to 6 - Ariel Bold and hit OK.
Select the Branch Line Piping, and access the Properties. In the Labels area, Select Diameter and Cut Length.
Copy the completed Branch Line 12-6 to the East. We will have a total of (8) Branch Lines, (2) per Bay. Utilize
methods discussed previously. With the Branch Lines in place, we will now create Primary and Secondary Cross Mains
(with Riser Nipples), Feed Main, and Riser.
Access the Alter Benchmark Rotation / Elevation Shortcut Icon located on the Select Toolbar. Revise all Elevations
and Rotations to 0.

Snap to West Branch Line

Alter Benchmark Elevation

Snap to East Branch Line

Middle-Click in Blank Space, and Select 4 Pipe. Draw a Primary Cross Main West to East, between the 2nd and 3rd
North Z-Purlins. Use the 2-D Perpendicular Snap to Select a Point on the West Branch line. HOLDING the (Shift) Key,
Draw the Pipe to the East, and Snap to a point on the East Branch Line. Left-Click to exit the Command.
Zoom to the West end of the Primary Cross Main. HOLDING the (Alt) Key, Draw a small Rectangle around the end of
the Pipe. Use the Arrows and Input Line to Stretch the Pipe 0-6 to the West. Left-Click to Exit Command. Repeat on
the East Side. Note: When using the Alt Window, you can enter specific Dimensions using the Input line. If you
accidentally Select other Elements, simply De-select.
Left-Click to exit the Command. Elevate the Cross Main to the Roof Plane, with a 3-0 Offset.
Place the Benchmark (F2) at the Center of the Column Line B Bubble. Utilize the Mirror Command to place a
Secondary Cross main at the South end of the Building.
Stretch the East end of the Secondary Main 0-6 to the East. Revise the Size of the Piping to 3 Diameter.
Select the Brach Line Pipe Segment(s) above the Primary Cross Main, Then Select the Main itself. Access the Auto
Draw / Riser Nipples Menu. Leave at Default, and Hit OK. Riser nipples will now attach the Branch lines to the
Primary Cross main.
With the Primary Main and Riser Nipples Highlighted, Right-Click the Pipe and access the Auto Draw Fittings
Command, and hit Do it. Answer OK to any options presented. Repeat for the Secondary Main on the South.

Primary Main with Riser Nipples

Riser Nipple with Fittings

Page 11

Select all the Riser Nipples, and access the Properties. Add the Labels for Diameter and Cut length. Also proceed
to the Advanced Dialogue, and Select Advanced, with a Radius of .25, as we did in Exercise No.1
Once Completed, Save the Drawing. We will now cut our Mains to 21-0 lengths, and create Grooved Couplings.
Place the Benchmark (F2) at the West end of the Primary Cross Main.
Right-Click in Space and access the Select / Every / Pipe / Cross Main Command. With the Mains Highlighted,
access the Auto Draw Couplings Shortcut Icon on the System Toolbar.

Benchmark placed as starting

point for the Auto Draw Couplings

Auto Draw Couplings Dialogue Box

Revise the Settings to Locate the first Coupling Perp to the Benchmark, and Discard Existing.., and Maximum
Length to be 21-0. Hit Do it. While the Mains are still Highlighted, access the Properties. In the Label Area, Select
Diameter, and Segment Length. As in Exercise No. 1, this will reflect the distances between the Outlets.
Note: by placing the Benchmark at the West end of the Primary Cross Main, the first 21-0 Length was generated
here. The placement of the Benchmark is important for determining Starter pieces, etc.
Left-Click in Blank Space to clear all Selections. With all of our Pipes Cut, Fitted, and Labeled, the Mains need a
specific type of Hanger a Trapeze Hanger, to span the Distance between the Joists. We will also create Hangers for
the Mains that attach to the bottom of the Steel I-Beams.
Zoom to the West End of the Primary Cross Main. While HOLDING the (Ctrl) Key, Select a Hanger from an adjacent
Branch Line. After Copying, release and Snap the Hanger to the Main, approx. 2-0 from the End. The Hanger will
automatically Harmonize with the Main, and change the Ring Size to 4.
Access the Settings / Default Properties / Hanger Menu, which will open the Properties of the Hanger. Revise to
Hanger Class = Trapeze Unistrut to Pipe, Construction = Steel, Description = Unistrut-Nut & Bolt Z-Purlin, Span
= 5-0 Z-Axis Rotation = 0, extra Rod Added = 4-0, and leave AutoCalc checked. Hit OK.
Having created the Trapeze Hanger, Copy to the East at interval desired. Repeat Process for the South Main.
TASK: Create Hangers, utilizing the Hanger Shortcut Icon on the System Toolbar, for the Cross Mains that will
attach to the Bottom of the Steel I-Beams, with Top Beam Clamps and Restraining Strap - Beams. Revise all
Properties as necessary, and place in the Drawing.

Hanger Harmonized to Main

Uni-strut Trapeze Hanger

Page 12

Main to I-Beam Hanger

The complete Bracing Features in AutoSPRINK, are explained in our ever-growing Technical Video Library, available at
our Website. However, we will add a single Lateral (Perpendicular) Brace to our Primary Main, as to help those who
must deal with the ever increasing Seismic Zone requirements, and applicable Standards.
Zoom to the West end of the Primary Main, and activate the Sway Brace Shortcut Icon on the System Toolbar.
Once activated, Snap to the West end of the Primary Main, approx. 6-0 from the end. Left-Click in Space to exit the
Command.
Notice the Brace is Gray. This is due to the fact that no Piping in the Zone of Influence has been assigned to the
Brace. Select an Area of Piping, that would be consistent with the Standards applied for a Zone of Influence of the
Perpendicular Brace. In this example, we would assume a 25-0 Span between Lateral Bracing.

Brace Shortcut Icon

Brace Snap to Main

Zone of Influence Piping

Zone Piping Assigned to Brace

Right-Click in Space and access the Select / Every in Rectangle / Pipe / Branch line Command.
Draw a Rectangle around the Branch Lines in the West Bay, up to the Peak. Multi-Select - using the (Ctrl) Key - the
Section of Main farthest West. This will also be included in our Zone of Influence. Note: Again, this is for demonstration
purposes only. The actual Zone of Influence, spacing of the Braces, etc will be dependent upon the applicable Codes,
Standards, and AHJ requirements.
Once all the piping in the Zone of Influence is Highlighted, access the Commands / Sway Bracing / Assign Sway
Brace Zone Elements Command. This will open the Assign Zone Elements Dialogue Box.
Select the Brace at the Top Menu, and then Multi-Select utilizing the (Shift) Key all the Piping in the Bottom Menu.
Select Assign Elements, then Select the Brace at the Top Menu once again. All the Piping in the Bottom menu will
now turn Black, reflecting that it has been Assigned to the Brace.
Access the Properties of the Brace. It is now incumbent on the Designer to configure the Brace as needed, including:

Angle of Brace per NFPA - Orientation, Position of Fastener, etc as outlined

in the NFPA 13 Standard.
Zone materials, an Zone Outline option.
G-Force Calculator For the Conversion of the Ss to an Fp Factor, as well
as a link to the USGS Site.
Brace Material, and Length.
Construction Type, Fastener Type.
Label Option, Details, 3-D Symbol, Attachment Style.
All Reports and Details will be explored in a later Exercise / Project.

Brace Properties

Page 13

With the Sway Brace Tool utilized, we will now create the Feed Main from the East end of the Primary Cross Main, and
the Office Area Piping.
Zoom to the East end of the Primary Main, Right-Click in Space and access the Select / Every in Rectangle / Fitting /
Cap Command. Draw a small Rectangle around the End of the Pipe. Check the Status Line. You will see (1) shown.
Hit the (Delete) Key.
Middle-Click, and Select 4 Pipe. From the East end of the Primary Main, Draw a continuous Pipe 10-6 to the East,
10-9 to the North, and 2-0 to the West. Right-Click to exit the Command.
Elevate the new Feed main to the Roof Plane, with a 3-6 Offset. Revise the Properties of the Piping to Feed Main.

Draw Feed Main

Draw Office Line

Connect Pipe to Sprinklers

Dialogue Box

Flex Drops to Pendents

Middle-Click, and Select 2 Pipe. In the Office Area, HOLDING the (Alt) Key, Snap to a Point near the 1st Bar Joist. Then
Draw the Pipe Parallel to the Joist, and Snap to a Point approx. less than 1-0 before the Pendents. Draw the Pipe
Down, and Snap to the South Pendent. Note: The use of the (Alt) Key allows the user to snap to differing locations,
while Drawing the Piping, among other various uses. Right-Click to End the Command.
Elevate the Office Piping to the Roof Plane, with a 1-0 Offset. Now connect the Office Branch Line to the Pendent
Sprinklers, with Flex Drops.
Multi-Select the Branch Line near the Pendent Sprinklers, and while HOLDING the (Ctrl) Key, Right-Click in Space and
Select the Pipes to Sprinklers Command. This will open the Connect Sprinkler to Pipes Dialogue Box, with a large
assortment of Options for Connecting Pipes to Sprinklers.
Select Option No. 2, and Flex Drop. Access the Flex Drop Properties Toggle, and revise the Flex Drop
Description to Flexhead 36. Hit OK. The Pendents are now connected to the Branch Line with 36 Flex Drops.
Note: The Auto Draw Connect Pipes to Sprinklers is an invaluable Tool for the Designer, and must be fully explored
to appreciate the scope of the available options. All Flex Drops must also have Hydraulic Equivalent Loss verified with
Manufacturer Data.
TASK: Create all the Piping, Fittings, Hangers, etc needed in the Office Area, and Connect to the new 4 Feed Main.
Tools to utilize:
Auto Draw Commands - Fittings, etc.
Single Hanger Command - Revise Properties as needed.
Arrows and Input line Connecting Branch Line to Feed Main.
Clean-Up Intersections Connecting Branch Line to Feed Main.
Labels - with appropriate Segment / Cut Length, Diameter, etc.
Add Outlet Connecting Branch Line to Feed Main, if needed.
When completed, Save the Drawing. Next is the Riser, UG Piping and Valves, and Supply.
Page 14

At the North end of our new Feed Main, Right-Click the last length, and Select Get Defaults from Selection. We can
now create piping that is identical to our selection. Draw a 2-0 length of pipe to the North, penetrating the Wall. This
will be the top of the Riser.
Note: This Tool, along with the Right Click in Space (for specific Tools and Commands), Right-Click on the Element
(for specific Tools relevant to the Element), and the Middle-Click (to Draw Piping), are INVALUABLE for the Designer.
By simply following these simple steps, the Designer is ready to create any Element, Revise any Element, Select any
Element, etc in AutoSPRINK without having to leave the Drawing Space.
Now we will access the Details Tab in the Parts Tree. This the Library of Pre-designed Components and Elements
provided for you in AutoSPRINK, ranging from 3-D Ceiling Lights, to General Notes, to an entire Fire Pump Assembly.
Access the Riser Details Folder, and access a Pre-designed 4 Riser with Alarm & OS&Y. Left-Click, HOLD, and
Drag the Element into the Drawing Space and release. You will now see a Riser Assembly, complete with Gauges,
Drain, and an Electric Bell.
While still Highlighted, you will also notice a square dashed line around the Assembly. This indicates that this
Assembly has been Grouped, which simply refers to the fact that the individual Elements of the Assembly have been
linked together utilizing the Group Tool. The Designer can Select various Elements, then Right-Click to access the
Create Group Command. This will link the Elements together. They are no longer editable, but will show their
Property, Elevation, etc in the Status Line when Selected. We will explore the Group, Symbol Tools in more depth in
later Exercises.

Grouped Riser Assembly

Riser Rotated at Location

Hydraulic Toolbar

Draw Feed Main

Supply Ball attached

Reposition the Riser Assembly, and Snap to the Top of the Feed Main. Relocate the Benchmark (F2) to the Top of the
Risr, and utilize the Rotator Tool (+ Z) to Rotate the Riser to the Proper orientation.
Once Completed, Right-Click the Riser Assembly, and Select Split All Selected Elements. This will Un-Group the
Riser Assembly into the individual Elements, which are now editable.
Highlight the Lowest Piping Section of the Riser, and check the Status Line. Ensure the lowest Elevation is 0-6 Above
Grade. Utilize the (Alt) Window to revise the piping if necessary.
Access the Supply Tool form the Hydraulics Toolbar, and Snap to the Bottom of the Riser. This will be our Water
Source for GPM / PSI during Hydraulic Calculations.
Page 15

The Supply Ball is the Hydraulic Water Source Reference used in most Hydraulic Calculations in AutoSPRINK. It is a
versatile, comprehensive resource for the Designer, enabling the use of Graphs, Flow Report Data, etc.

Supply Ball

Supply Ball Properties

Static / Residual / Flow Data Can be User-Defined

per Existing Project Data or Flow Tests.
Calculator A Pitot Flow Calculator is included, with
options for Coefficients, Diameter of Nozzle, etc
Flow Test Data Complete with Option for a Graph,
Test Time, Date, Location, Witnessed By, Hydrant No
and Elevation, etc.

Standard Remote Area Shortcut Icon

Leave the Supply at the Default Settings. We will assume that the GPM / and PSI is accurate per the Project
information provided for Design. It is now time to Hydraulically Calculate the System!
There are (3) basic types of Hydraulic Remote Areas available in AutoSPRINK.

The Standard Remote Area. Primarily used for Standard Sprinkler Spacing, such as in our Project Exercise.
Based on the NFPA 13 Standard S x L, etc, which can be revised per Hazard, Commodities, and other criteria.
The Remote Area Boundry. A User-Defined Remote Area. A Continuous Tool, allowing the Designer to Snap to
differing locations, creating a Boundry, which can them be revised per Hazard etc.
The Remote Area Box. A User-Defined Volume Box, utilized for Rack Systems, specific height requirements.

Note: Remember the Question Mark Tool on the Main Menu. Select and Click on any Shortcut Icon, to access the
Help File for that particular Tool, or Function. Use it to explore more fully the Hydraulic Options for each type of Remote
Area, available in AutoSPRINK.
In our Project we will be utilizing the Standard Remote Area, but first, we will configure the Remote Area utilizing the
Settings / Default Properties / Remote Area / Standard Menu.
Access the Default Properties, and Revise to:

Occupancy Classification Leave at Default Ord II Hazard.

Job Suffix Project No. 1
Area of Application Leave at the Default 1500 sqft.
Design Density Leave at Default .20
Remote Area Location Warehouse
Commodity Classification Class I-IV max 10-0 Height
System Type Wet Grid-Type
Sprinkler Spacing Along Branch Lines 10-0
Distance Between Branch Lines 13-0
Angle of Remote Area 90 (Vertical)
Calculation to Determine Number of Branch Lines Default 1.2 Factor
Draw Cross Hatch / No Label.
Access the Node Tag Properties and revise to 8 Bold Ariel with Leader
Line. Leave all other options at Default.
In the General Tab Revise Color to Black, Soild Shaded, .65 Transparency

Once Configured, Hit OK. We are now prepared to bring the Standard Remote Area, into our Drawing.
Page 16

Deactivate all Snap Tools (F3) and access the Remote Area Shortcut Icon on the Hydraulics Toolbar.
Place the Remote Area into the System Area, near the Center of the Brach Lines.
The Hydraulic Reference Nodes with Leader-Lines should be visible, showing the pertinent Hydraulic Reference Points
in the Calculation.
Note: If No Nodes are visible, and or no Hydraulic results are reflected in the Live Analysis Dialogue Box, review the
Drawing to ensure that all the Piping has been connected properly. NO FITTINGS are required to Hydraulically Calculate
a System with AutoSPRINK. It will recognize where a Fitting should be, and what Type based on the inherent
Intelligence of the Program.
With the Remote Area still Highlighted, move around the System and observe the Live Hydraulic Analysis Dialogue
that shows the current hydraulic Information. This Patented Technology is unique to AutoSPRINK. The Designer may
move the Remote Area freely, obtaining Live Analysis, viewing the Hydraulic results for that Area of the System.
Move the Remote Area to the most least efficient part of the System, and release.
Note: A + indicates that there is more than sufficient PSI/GPM for the System Demands. A Minus indicates that
there is insufficient PSI/GPM to meet the System Demand.
Once the Remote Area has been placed, Highlight the Remote Area and access the Hydraulics / Node Tags /Cleanup
Menu. This will relocate the Node Tags for more visibility, if they are under / over another Node Tag.
Access the Color Pipes By Shortcut Icon on the Hydraulics Toolbar. Select By Flow. You will now see what Piping
is Flowing as well as the amount of Flow by Color Legend. You could also Flow By Pressure, Velocity, Ability to Flow
From Supply, Trapped Water, etc. This again, is specific, Patented Technology unique to AutoSPRINK.

Color Pipes By Shortcut Icon

Live Hydraulic Analysis

Color Pipes by Flow Activated

Remote Area Place in Drawing

With the Remote Area Highlighted access the Hydraulics / Auto Peak Menu. Select Continue. AutoSPRINK will
automatically search along the Branch Lines located in the Remote Area, to determine if the most Remote Area
chosen is in fact, the least efficient Area of that particular Part of the System.
Page 17

Note: As with any Software, the old adage Garbage in, Garbage out is applicable to the Hydraulic Calculations
performed in AutoSPRINK. It is always incumbent upon the Designer, to properly interpret and apply the pertinent
Standards when Hydraulically Calculating a System.
In like fashion, the Hydraulic Tools in AutoSPRINK are unique, and the most powerful in the Fire protection Industry.
However, they must be implemented correctly, in order to produce accurate and correct results.
After the Auto Peak Command has been implemented, and the Designer has determined that the position of the
Remote Area is accurate, again access the Color Pipes By Flow Shortcut Icon, and Select By Element. We can now
Review, Print, or Export to PDF the Hydraulic Analysis Reports.
Access the File / Printing / Hydraulic Reports Menu, which will open the Hydraulic Reports Dialogue Box.
The available Hydraulic Reports shown by Default, are the typical AutoSPRINK Format that reflects a great deal of
information not normally shown on other styles of the Reports. However, by selecting the Hydraulic Report Options,
there is the Simplified and the NFPA style of Reports available.
Select various Reports, and Review. You will find that select information entered in the Settings File, has now
populated certain portions of the Reports.
Note: This holds true for all other Reports (Seismic, Listings, etc) as well.
It is strictly up to the Designer, as to what Format of Reports to Print. Also, in lieu of merely Printing the Selected
Reports, it may prove more beneficial to Export the Reports to a sequential, single .PDF File. In this manner, the
Designer has a digital copy of the Reports, and can then Print, Save, or Send out to other pertinent people.

After reviewing the differing Reports and Options, Save your Drawing. Now, we will create Star Dimensions, a
Section View, and a Parts legend for the Riser.
Top View / Zoom Extents with mouse gestures in the Drawing Space. Now Zoom to the North Feed Main, near the
Riser. Access the Finished Floor Dimension Shortcut icon from the Notes Toolbar. This will place a Dimension from
the Finished Floor to the Element Selected and Snapped to.

Finished Floor Dimension Shortcut Icon

Star Finish Floor Dimension Applied
Icon

Place on the Feed Main near the Riser. The Dimension, Text, etc are fully editable and may be configured with the
Default Properties prior to creation.
Page 18

To Create a Section View, access the Section Tool Shortcut Icon located in the Notes Toolbar.
Once activated, Snap to a location between Colum Line 4 and 5 North of the Building. Holding the (Shift) Key, Draw
down past the South Exterior Wall. Left-Click, and then Draw toward the East past the Office Building.
Access the Properties of the Section Line and revise Section and Sheet References (Bubble Tags) to desired
Designations. Height to 30-0.
Right-Click the Section Line and Select Create Section View which will open the Create Section View Dialogue
Box. Select 1/8th Scale and Architectural. Hit OK.
The Cursor will now turn into a Pen indicating the Section View is ready to be placed into the Drawing.
Note: The Location chosen will be the Lower Left Corner of the View.

Section Tool Shortcut Icon

Snap to Location Draw Direction

Section Designation Tags Point

Direction as per Properties

Section View Properties

Section View Options

Section View

Once the View is in the Drawing Space, it can be stretched per Designer preferences, to facilitate the desired View.
Note: When the View is Highlighted, all Camera Tools are active, such as Iso-View, Zoom, etc. If a Camera Zoom is
conducted, the View will no longer be at the Scale initially specified. Also, any Text, or Leader Lines that are added to
the View, must be Elevated above the View, to be visible.
Access the Layers Tab in the Parts Tree. Right-Click in the Blank Space inside the Layers Tab, and Select Create a
New Layer. In the Dialogue Box, name the new Layer View Tool. In the Drawing, Select the View and Drag it to
the newly created Layer. Under the A (Access) double-click to put a Red Padlock on the Layer. It is now Locked.
The View Tool and Section Tool are an amazing addition to any Designers Toolset, and if used to its fullest
capabilities, will enable the Designer to create any number of Details, Site Plans, Section Views, etc in the Drawing.
Page 19

The next task involves creating a Parts Legend for the Riser. This is an incredible Tool, that will allow the Designer to
simply Select an Element, Select a few Options, and then create a Detail, complete with Parts Legend in the Drawing.
Top View the Drawing and Zoom to the Riser Location. Select the Riser with a Rectangle.
Access the Create part Legend Shortcut Icon on the Notes Toolbar., which will open the Parts Legend Setup
Dialogue Box. Revise to reflect Valves, Flow Device, Back View, and the Text to 6 Bold Ariel.
Note: Again, the Benchmark is used as a Reference point for location.

Create Legend Shortcut Icon

Part Legend Setup Dialogue Box

Riser Detail

Part legend (Fully Editable)

The Parts Legend is now inserted into the Drawing. The Riser Detail Legend Tags can be relocated, renumbered, etc
and are fully editable as is the Parts Legend Box itself.
Just another example of the depth of Tools available in AutoSPRINK, that enable the Designer to create Drawings,
Details, and Calculations that are unparalleled in the industry!

Congratulations! You have just Built and Designed what may be your first complete System in AutoSPRINK. Those of
you who are more familiar with the program, hopefully learned Tools previously unknown, or perhaps used in ways
that were unfamiliar. Now, on to Session 3!

Page 20