VAConnect may be run as a standalone program or launched from within VisualAnalysis, VisualFoundation, or ConcreteBending. Launching from these IES products allows loading demands and available connection information to be exported from the model to VAConnect. The following table shows the connection types that are supported by the various IES programs.

Connection	VisualAnalysis	VisualFoundation	ConcreteBending
Base Plate	Yes	Yes	Yes
Shear Tab	Yes	No	No
Double Angle Bolted	Yes	No	No
Double Angle Bolted Welded	Yes	No	No
Double Angle Welded	Yes	No	No
Double Angle Welded Bolted	Yes	No	No
Welded Flange Plate	Yes	No	No
Bolted Flange Plate	Yes	No	No
Bolted End Plate	Yes	No	No
Column Splice	No	No	No
Beam Over HSS	No	No	No
Wood Bolted Shear	No	No	No
Wood Fastener Withdrawal	No	No	No

Integration with VisualAnalysis

IES VisualAnalysis is a 3D integrated analysis and design tool used to model a variety of structures using an assortment of materials. VisualAnalysis determines the flow of forces through a structure for each load combination and can perform design checks for the structural members based on a number of different design specifications. Using the steps below, VisualAnalysis can directly export member and load data to VAConnect to expedite the connection design and eliminate the bookkeeping involved with moving information between the computer programs.

1. Create a structural model in VisualAnalys, apply load, and select the appropriate load combinations.
2. Switch to the Results View to validate/review the analysis results.
3. Switch to the Design View tab in the graphics view and ensure that the Steel Connections filter is set to "Shown" in the Project Manager | Design Filter tab to display the connections graphically.
4. Create/Modify the desired connection groups using the buttons in the connections section of the Design Ribbon.
5. Select a connection and click the Design in VAConnect button to launch VAConnect and automatically import the member, load combination, and load set data for the connection.
6. Modify the connection in VAConnect until all of the design checks pass.
7. Save the VAConnect project file if desired to open it later in the stand-alone mode.
8. Exit VAConnect, the design report is automatically sent back to VisualAnalysis and the connection Design Status is change from 'Not Performed' to either 'Checks Passed' or 'Checks Failed'.

Note: the import from VisualAnalysis feature is unidirectional as VisualAnalysis does not store any input data or changes made to connection project files. Editing the model or the loads in VisualAnalysis will reset the Design Status of the connections to 'Not Performed' and they will need to be redesigned.

Integration with VisualFoundation

IES VisualFoundation is used to analyze and design a wide variety of concrete foundation systems, including complex mat footings, pile caps, grade beam systems, and combined footings. VisualFoundation can export pier-loads to VAConnect for a steel-column base plate design. After defining all of the loads, select the pier(s) in the Model & Loads view, and click the Export to VAConnect button in the Foundation Ribbon.

Integration with ConcreteBending

IES ConcreteBending is used to analyze and design a wide variety of concrete elements in flexure, including elevated slabs, beams, tank walls, and foundation walls. ConcreteBending can export point loads to VAConnect for a steel-column base plate design. After defining all of the loads, select the load point(s) in the Model & Loads view, and click the Export to VAConnect button in the Boundary and Support Ribbon.