How to Use Propagate Pattern in BricsCAD BIM

Quick answer: BIMPROPAGATEPATTERN copies a single element to multiple locations on a flat surface, useful for columns on a grid, light fixtures, switches, windows, or air diffusers. This worked example resolves the “Explode” option briefly mentioned on this hub’s structural steel page, now with the full explanation of what it does.

The Starting Situation

A column sits on top of a slab, which also has a grid drawn on it. Rather than manually copying the column to each desired axis intersection, Propagate handles it faster.

Propagating Columns onto the Grid

1. Launch BIMPROPAGATEPATTERN.
2. You’re prompted to select the planar reference solid the detail relates to; select the slab and press Enter.
3. You’re prompted to select detail objects to copy; select the column and press Enter.
4. A 3D detail volume creates. You’re prompted to accept: yes copy as Block, yes plain Copy, No, Inflate first, Save detail, or save detail to Library (inflating isn’t needed here; see this hub’s general Propagate page for more on that option). Press Enter to accept.
5. A widget appears; hovering it reveals a flyout menu with three options:
   • Bim Grid: copies the column to every axis intersection of the grid drawn on the slab.
   • Similar Location: copies the column to similar locations on the slab, the four corners, for example.
   • Grid: lets you build your own grid of columns on the slab, adding or removing rows and columns, always evenly spaced.
6. Choose Bim Grid; the menu expands further to reveal an Explode option. This creates a separate widget for each individual instance of the column, giving you full control over exactly which suggestions to apply, in this case, which axis intersections actually get a column.
7. Manually toggle off any suggestions you don’t want before accepting the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Explode option actually do after choosing Bim Grid? It breaks the single combined suggestion into a separate widget for every individual instance, letting you toggle each axis intersection on or off individually rather than accepting or rejecting them all at once.

What’s the difference between the Bim Grid and Grid options? Bim Grid uses an existing grid already drawn on the slab; Grid instead lets you build a new, evenly spaced grid of your own directly within the command.

Can I place a column at just a few specific locations rather than every grid intersection? Yes, choose Bim Grid, then Explode, to get individual widgets you can toggle off for any intersections you don’t want.

Does BIMPROPAGATEPATTERN only work with columns? No, it works for any single element placed at multiple locations on a flat surface, light fixtures, switches, windows, and air diffusers are common examples too.