The Data Source list provides the name and location of all XML files which have been written. Use Browse to navigate to the location of an existing file, or to the location where the new file is to be created.
After selecting the Data Source (XML file), select the Connect to Data Source check box to put the application in a data sharing mode. This box may be unchecked at any time, allowing you to work in a connected or unconnected mode as desired.
Note: An option to clear history is presented when right clicking the menu. It is recommended that this option be used only after saving a copy of the log file. In this manner, each log file will be associated with a specific project, thereby retaining a record of all XML files associated with a project. The log file is created and maintained in the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Leap Software, Inc\IBS\1.0.0.0
Location
The Database file (XML file) may be located in any desired location. The database files may be placed on the local hard drive or on a network drive to facilitate group collaboration or take advantage of enterprise file backup procedures.
Format
The database file, shown in the “ProjectInfo” example below, is an XML file. XML files are readable and editable in any text editor. However, if incorrectly edited (such as deleting tags) the file may become invalid for subsequent processing by IBS.
<ProjectInfo> <Name />
<ObjectID>1</ObjectID> <Health>Healthy</Health>
<ChangeLog>Created: 6/23/2004 11:49:38 AM; By: LEAPSOFT\AR; Using: Geomath</ChangeLog> <GEOMATH_UNITS xmlns="">ft</GEOMATH_UNITS>
<ProjName>Single-Span Bridge Layout</ProjName> <ProjDescription />
<ProjNumber>Tutorial 1</ProjNumber> <State /> <Date>6/22/01</Date> <Designer>LEAP</Designer> <JobNumber /> <Units>US</Units> </ProjectInfo>
Data Synchronization
Data synchronization refers to the process where an application synchronizes data with the database. There are two types of data synchronization in LEAP Bridge applications: Manual and Automatic. The default type of data synchronization is Manual.
Manual
When Manual synchronization is selected, select the Write To DB command in the LEAP Bridge menu (or press F4) to write data to the database file and select the Read From DB command (or press F5) to read subscribed data back into an application.
For example, when creating profiles, data transfer would not be required. When a structural analysis needs to be performed to obtain dead or live load results and confirm the appropriateness of various bridge components specified in GEOMATH, perform the following steps:
Note: Also refer to Typical Scenarioson page LB-7 for scenarios using LEAP Bridge applications.
1. Select the Setup command menu option from the LEAP Bridge menu and browse to the appropriate directory and create a new database file.
2. Click Save and then select the Connect to Data Source option in the IBS Setup dialog box and click OK. 3. Select the Write To DB command (or press F4) to write the data to the database file.
4. Start another LEAP Bridge application and select the Setup command from the LEAP Bridge menu in that program.
5. Select the Connect to Data Source option; the same database file specified in GEOMATH will be listed in the field. Click OK.
6. Select the Select Components command from the LEAP Bridge menu, expand the Bridges tree item and select the bridge (the default name is “BR01”)
7. Click OK. The program will read the database file and import the data written by GEOMATH. At this point, the program is “subscribing” to the data associated with “BR01” and any changes made to it by another application will be reflected when the Read From DB command is selected.
Note: GEOMATH currently is not subscribing to the data in the database file, so changes made by the second application will not be reflected in GEOMATH upon a read. In order for GEOMATH to see any changes made to the data by the current program, subscribe to BR01 in GEOMATH using this procedure.
8. Select the materials, add dead loads, live loads, or make other changes to the loadings, combinations, post-tensioning, etc. to BR01 and perform an analysis.
9. Review the results. Make changes to the structure geometry in the current application. For example, depending which LEAP Bridge application in use, modify the structure depth or the beam spacing and perform additional analyses until the design is appropriate. Save the data in the current application. 10. Select the Write To DB command to update the information in the database file.
11. Activate GEOMATH and open the project file. Connect to the database file and select bridge “BR01.” The changes made in the other application will now be reflected in GEOMATH.
Automatic
This type of data synchronization means that when an application is deactivated (closed or moved in the
background window) it will automatically write its data to the database file and, when the database file is modified in any way, the application will update with any selected or subscribed data.
This type of data synchronization is an advanced mode that allows a user to utilize multiple applications to solve a bridge design problem by using one application to make changes to data, selecting another application, and making additional changes. Changes to subscribed data are reflected in each application in real time.