To duplicate a structure

§    Draw or generate the sub-structure you wish to duplicate

§    Select the sub-structure to be duplicated

§    Choose Duplicate… from the Geometry menu

A dialog box will appear allowing you to specify the type of duplication, the spacing in each direction, the number of times the selection is to be duplicated and whether the duplicated members should be connected with the existing structure.

§    Choose which type of duplication you require

§    Enter the spacing for your sub-structure

§    Enter the number of times you wish to repeat the sub-structure

§    Click the OK Button

If you do not want connections to be generated between adjacent members, then switch off the check box ‘connect to existing’.  Normally you will want this option left on.  A connection will be made between generated members and existing members if the end joints are within 0.2 inches (5 mm) of each other.

An example of the use of the Duplicate command to generate a multiple bay portal frame is shown below.