Release History

Version 11.0 released January 2019
Version 10.0 released February 2018
Version 9.0 released September 2016
Version 8.0 released January 2015
Version 7.0 released October 2013
Version 6.0 released May 2011
Version 5.0 released January 2010
Version 4.5 released July 2008
Version 4.0 released December 2004
Version 3.0 released June 2002
Version 2.0 released July 1998
Version 1.0 released January 1996

Version 11.0 Features

General

Shape boundaries can now be sketched
Drawing grids are now available in the Sketch View
Graphics are new for the entire program and are clearer, faster, and more reliable
Project Manager: Categories remember last open/collapsed state
Project Manager: drop-lists are activated by clicking anywhere, not just on arrow
Improved Print Preview display for graphics
Removed 'memory leaks', which slowed program over time
Start screen shows thumbnail views of recent projects
The filter state is now saved with the project

Modeling

Flattened model is no longer shown in the Sketch View and is now exclusively shown in the Analysis View
DXF import shows bounds and an option for centering at the origin
Angular dimensions have been improved

Analysis

Both the Shear Flow and First Moment of Area are calculated at user-specified locations (horizontal or vertical line) and for each part in the model
Plastic properties available for more material types
Result radio buttons have been added that automatically activate making it apparent which results are available

Documentation

The Help File has been updated and is now available online and in a PDF format
New training videos have been created for ShapeBuilder 11.0 that cover more topics

Version 10.0 Features

Engineering Benefits

Optional Manual Shape Flattening: for problems like parts in holes, or nested shapes
Bending + Axial Stresses for composite sections (Flitch beam)
Report View added for fully customizable reporting
Import and export Auto-CAD DWG files directly
Import flexibility with CAD files (layers and other options)
Part properties are available for all shapes, and also in reports
Advanced FEA mesh settings to help with unusual geometry
Graphics now allows 'unblended' stress results (for debugging FEA issues)
Smarter use of tolerances allows very small shapes to analyze

Usability Benefits

Easy result export to text file
Improved analysis performance (5x faster in some cases)
Start screen is easier to use, advertises features and training videos
Subtract overlapping holes from a part
Move (Up, Down, Left, Right) buttons added to Shape menu
Rotate about Point command now can use a pre-selected vertex
History File mechanism: automatically backs up project files in Custom Data folder
Automatic crash-backup file mechanism
Shift+Ctrl Click uses name-prefix selection on shape parts
Simplified menu, requires less tab-switching
Updated to latest compilers & tools
Crash-prevention work
Better validation and testing
Updated documentation

Removed Features

Cracked concrete analysis and interaction diagrams were moved to: ConcreteSection. If you had a license for ShapeBuilder 9.0, you may be entitled to a free license of ConcreteSection.
Legacy support: This version no longer works with the obsolete databases from VA 12.0, SB 6.0 and prior versions. Nor will it open SB 6.0 or prior project files. You may use ShapeBuilder 9.0 in the rare case you need this ability. Saving a project file in that version will upgrade it to a usable format.

Version 9.0 Features

Section Properties

Unit Weight is now reported, helpful for complex or composite shapes.

Functions/Operations

Parts inside of holes are handled much more intelligently!
Split a Part Horizontally or Vertically at the location you choose
Intersect Shape Parts
Less-Destructive DXF, Split, Merge (editable rectangles where possible)
Simplified Export to VisualAnalysis (operation & layout, some properties predefined)
Partial-Containment Selection (CAD like box) is more accurate
Change database part-size after dropping (within the category)
Dragging by Vertex is much more accurate
Export aluminum shapes to VA 12.0 database works properly

User Interface/Usability

Better editing of multiple selected items
Simplified dimensioning 'mode' with a cursor
Preference Settings have their own Dialog, better organized
Color Preferences for many graphical items
Improved Graphics (colors and sizes, selection and highlight, drag & snap)
Modify annotations or dimensions in Project Manager
Easily edit multiple-line text annotations
Modify 'project settings' in Project Manager
Pan the Graphical View with Arrow-Keys
View Tabs moved to top for easier access and visibility
Undo in"Quick Access" (above the ribbon/menu)
"Settings", like preferences but automatic for various options
Improved rebar information in R/C shapes reports

Quality Control/Performance

Behind the scenes quality-control features for validation
Improved crash-handling
Updated to latest compilers & tools
Crash-prevention work

Architecture

64-bit multi-threaded architecture (requires 64-bit Windows)

Version 8.0 Features

Introduction

ShapeBuilder 8.0 offers an incremental improvement over version 7.0 with the following improvements to streamline your work flow

Major Features

Explode Array command allows you to create asymmetric arrays or remove some parts from an array.
Override Shape Color: see parts more clearly by optionally overriding material colors
Quick Rotate: button on toolbar will rotate a selected shape by a preference-setting angle
Unit Style Selection: easier access on the toolbar
Material Search: dialog box offers a search feature, and other minor improvements.
Copy Command: extended to place both a picture and all results (tabbed-delimited) on the Windows Clipboard
Export to DXF: Shape outlines (and holes) will export to a CAD-compatible DXF file.
Streamlined User Interface: layout is less distracting to your work
Custom Report Logo: Add your own company logo to the report header, see Reports for details

Minor

Default materials are 'remembered' as preferences for your next project
Upgraded to CFS 8.0 implementation for cold-formed .scl import
Simplified Export to IES Database dialog box

Version 7.0 Features

Introduction

ShapeBuilder 7.0 represents a complete rewrite of the software from the inside out. User's of previous versions should brace themselves for some fundamental (and excellent) changes. We hope you enjoy the fruit of our labor. The new system is built on the latest technologies such as multi-threaded operations to leverage the power of the processor in your machine. We have streamlined the steps required to work with shapes. We have removed requirements to destructively modify shapes before certain operations. We have streamlined and overhauled the user-interface to reflect actual usage of the product. The new system uses the concept of a "Flattener" which looks at overlapping parts of the same material and flattens them into a single boundary. Any hole shapes are then subtracted from this. It is important for you to use the "F" key in the Sketch View or the Filter option to show the flattened shape and verify it is what you expect it to be.

Engineering Improvements

Updated all Shape and Material databases from AISC, NDS, AISI, ADM, etc.
Improved Meshing for finite element analysis: "nice elements" and easy to control
Improved accuracy in a dozen different ways for property calculations
Rebar selection, arrangement, and adjustments are far easier in reinforced concrete sections
Parametric shapes are more completely and consistently described
Parametric shape "part properties" are available, similar to database shapes
Advanced analysis is smarter about when it is applicable
Monosymmetry factor "Beta 1" added to advanced analysis
Improved DXF file import capabilities: No need to "Simplify" complex shapes!
New import geometry formats available: BREP, CSFDB

Editing Improvements

Holes are incredibly easy and flexible: toggle any shape to make it a hole
Notch a shape with partially overlapping hole.
Modify multiple shapes simultaneously to set common properties, or to align positions
Snap Side-By-Side: Easily snap two selected shapes side-by-side or top-to-bottom with a toolbar button
Snap Vertices: Drag one shape by a vertex and snap it easily to any other shape's vertex.
Constrained dragging of shape vertex (Ctrl+) to stop when a shape 'hits' another
Shape "Arrays" let you quickly and easily modify a rectangular or circular pattern of shapes
Start Screen makes it easy to pick up where you left off or to start a new project
Shape rotations are much easier to understand, rotation angles persist
Alignment with a Locked Shape (other parts will align to the locked shape)

General and Performance

Multi-threaded architecture to take advantage of modern processor capabilities
FEA Meshing is 1000 times faster
Faster loading of databases on startup
Select general or reinforced concrete project at the start for a simpler, smarter interface
Advanced analysis is much faster and automatically run in the background
Built-in crash-handler to report detailed diagnostics to IES for improved quality
Changed graphics from OpenGL to WPF/DirectX for improved performance and reliability
Get a shape preview for the .SBF file in the Startup dialog
Better error handling and presentation

Features Removed or Changed Significantly

Advanced torsional analysis of "separated" shapes or composite materials

We have removed the ability to calculate J for "disconnected" shapes or composite-material shapes. The reason we removed it, is because the entire calculation is based on the Warping Normal function and in the past we were making some very loose assumptions that we are no longer comfortable with making. How do two "independent" shapes behave in torsion? Does super-position apply? We don't have any good theoretical or test-data answers to this question, certainly not in the general sense for all shapes. You could analyze each part independently and use superposition if you think it is appropriate. You could provide some kind of connector parts to indicate how these shapes will be tied together during the torsional loading. Or you could help us track down some kind of published information on how to solve this problem!

Features Changed:

Ability to edit the IES Shape database (files are user-friendly now, edit outside ShapeBuilder)
Copy properties (as text) to Clipboard (new method: Right-click on Results, Select All, Copy)
Paste outline data from clipboard to import shapes (redundant, use File | Import)
Part Properties in reports (except Q, but still available in the Modify tab)

Features Removed:

Embedding rebar or holes is no longer required
"Simplify" complex shapes, usually DXF imports. (for functionality & performance problems, not needed)
Export to DXF file (not used)
Import centerline coordinates (not used)
Drawing/Editing Grid (useless)
Copy image to Clipboard (just use Alt+PrtScn, crop away in Paint, Word, Excel...)
Shape linking (not useful?)
Shape Intersect, Inverse Intersect (not needed for anything)
Automatic Load Annotation (not useful)
Stress Graphs in the result view (not used)
Annotation leader lines (not needed)
Many Preference Settings (most were not needed or used)

Defects Corrected

Composite shape plastic section properties were not correct

Version 6.0 Features

Editing Improvements

Added Isosceles triangle parametric shape for easier shape creation.
Shapes no longer "jump" (move) when selecting a vertex.
Selection of shapes and sub-shapes is easier to see.
Selection of Rebar is Easier, more Visible
Improved rotation of shapes, linked shapes, shapes with holes and sub-shapes
Project Properties in Modify tab, simplifies Project Manager
Improved reliability and error-checking for importing shapes (DXF, STEP, etc.)
Ability to export custom aluminum shapes to VisualAnalysis 8.0+ for design checks
Easier editing of dimensions and annotations

Analysis Improvements

Improved FEA Mesher, significantly faster and more robust
Advanced Stress Analysis is much more accurate for multi-part shapes
Advanced Stress Analysis is significantly faster than previous versions
Click on Shape in Result View for Stress Graphs for better result visualization
Sheer stress colors are consistent among all result windows, easier to understand
Load Locations and Values are in an Automatic Annotation in Result Views
Concrete Analysis reports Mo for both directions (Mox, Moy)
Reinforced Concrete Analysis is more robust.

Other Improvements

Right-Click on Shape Database to "Open File Location" (shows your .dbs files in Explorer)
Improved importing of CFS .SCL files for cold-formed shapes
Semi-automatic "simplification" and clean-up of imported shapes outlines.
Fixed problems in Preferences for material defaults
Improved tolerances for working with very small shapes.
Some new preference settings were added.
Simplified shape tree for parametric shapes (less clicking to find shapes).
Advertise ability to create arbitrary reinforced concrete shapes, with instructions
Direct menu link for training videos or tutorials
Error-prevention code added.
Numerous minor bug-fixes.

Features Removed or Modified in 6.0

Analysis tab in Project Manager is now the Advanced Settings tab.
Export to VA 5.5 shape database option
Effective Section Analysis calculation (very limited, did not work well, and was not used)
General triangle shape (as unworkable!)
Simplify Complex Shape: replaced by more automatic system on shape import. (If you need to re-simplify a shape to solve analysis problems it is best done by starting with the original shape again.)

Version 5.0 Features

Mouse-wheel support for zoom/pan
Much Improved DXF Import (loose lines & polylines)
Import and Export IGES / STEP files
Easier import of custom shape libraries through the File Menu
Calculation of First Moment of Area, Q for parts
Calculation of Shear Flow (VQ/I) at part boundaries
Angle Dimensions (degrees)
Report Printing Options
Leader-lines for Annotations (optional)
Graphics may be copied to Clipboard
Added Orientation setting for Parametric Shapes
Torsion constant is calculated without advanced analysis for more shapes
Include Part Results in Printed Reports
Easier Selection of Annotations
Simplify Complex Shape, allows advanced analysis of really complex shapes
Advanced Analysis
- Advanced Analysis tab in project manager for more visible access
- Improved Advanced Analysis performance, meshing & accuracy
- Improved feedback and messaging for advanced analysis
Numerous bug fixes to improve accuracy, usability and reliability
Expanded and improved help and tutorials

Version 4.5 Features

Database Operations (formerly only in the Shape Database Editor utility)
- Import Custom Shapes directly
- Import a CFS library of cold-formed steel shapes (.scl file)
- Create, Rename, Delete shapes and categories
- Edit database shape properties
Calculate Cracked Moments of Inertia in concrete analysis
Works with VisualAnalysis 6.0 data files.
Easier export of shapes for use in VisualAnalysis
- Ability to export multi-part shapes to VisualAnalysis(merge requirement waived)
- Smarter export of wood shapes to VisualAnalysis (correct property sets defined)
Easier, simpler unit system
Shift+Tab selects shapes in reverse order, and Edit | Select Previous shape command.
Pipe sector shapes can be positioned or dimensioned from the center point of the arc.
DXF file import improvements
Reinforced concrete "Wizard" now functions correctly with metric bars.
Easier to use "Text Label" feature
Visual feedback on "Snapping" shapes by vertices or side-points
Correct calculation for shear center location with multi-part (not merged) shapes.
Easier import of data for shape outlines & centerlines, flexible units.
Merge multiple shapes simultaneously
Advanced Loads are saved with project file.
No "jumping" when dragging shape dimensions.
Some performance improvements
Some stability improvements
Minor report improvements
Part data included in Clipboard (text report)

Version 4.0 Features

AISI Effective Section Properties Analysis
Easier Export to VisualAnalysis
Advanced Stress Analysis for Non-Merged Shape Groups
Units and Layout Saved with File
Resultant Shear Stresses Calculated and Plotted
Report total shear stress
Adjustable report margins
Adjustable report fonts
"Flyby Tips" for stress values in result views
Reposition legends in result views
Create dimensions for concrete results
Advanced stress analysis for shapes with "notches" (holes on the edge)
DXF file import and export improvements
Import a centerline or outline shape based on "x-y points"
Yield stress-weighted plastic modulus for composite shapes
Mid-point snapping (also 1/3 points, 1/4 points etc.)
Improved dimension editing
Lock Shapes in place to prevent accidental movement
Hole creation based on shape intersection
Polar grid in sketch view, for radial editing and snapping
"Mouse-wheel" and "Area" zooming
"Mouse-wheel" scroll/pan
Drag box selection by simply dragging mouse
Property calculations no longer slow down editing
Single-step "Mirror & Copy" command
Mirror multiple shapes about a common point
New parametric shapes
Improved Preference settings

Version 3.0 Features

ShapeBuilder 3.0 is built on a whole new series of technology that will be appearing in future IES products. Some of the highlights of the new version include:

Better Editing, Alignment, and Scrolling
Better Export to VisualAnalysis
Export for use in VisualDesign
Easier Dimensioning and Annotating
More Properties Calculated
Better Printed Reports
Draw Centerline of Thin-Walled Shapes
Sketch Arbitrary Outlines and Holes
More Parametric Shapes
Import Shapes from DXF Files
Advanced FEM Stress and Torsion Analysis
Advanced Reinforced Concrete Analysis
Expanded Shape and Material Databases
Component Part Properties are Calculated
Smart, Friendly Look and Feel