FAQ and troubleshooting
Frequently asked questions #
Why is my connection NG when the governing ratio is below 1.0? A detailing (code-compliance) rule fails, for example an edge distance, the conventional spacing or the 5/8 tp weld rule. Strength is fine. Select the code-compliance violation pill in the status bar to see which rule fails and how to fix it.
What is the difference between NG and NOT FEASIBLE? NG means the connection can be built but fails a check. NOT FEASIBLE means it cannot be built as entered, for example a bolt outside the plate or a plate deeper than the web. Strength results of an infeasible connection are greyed out because they are meaningless. See NOT FEASIBLE.
Which bolt-group method should I use? The default, (C/n) × Σ per-bolt, is the method of the AISC Design Examples v16 (II.A-17A, II.A-18). C × weakest bolt (Muir and Thornton) is more conservative. Split reproduces the concentric-bearing approach of some commercial programs. See Bolts and holes.
Does ILX use the Manual tables for C? No. It solves the instantaneous center directly for your bolt pattern, eccentricity and load angle. It matches Tables 7-6 and 7-7 within about 0.5 % where they apply, and it also covers patterns and angles the tables do not.
Why does the conventional procedure reject my metric spacing? It does not, within rounding. The conventional procedure requires s = 3 in., which is 76.2 mm. For metric input, dimensional rules accept values within 0.5 mm of the inch limit, so 76 mm meets s = 3 in. (as 38 mm meets 1-1/2 in.). The check then notes Met within the 0.5 mm metric rounding tolerance. 75 mm is 1.2 mm short and is a different spacing, so it still fails. Strength checks, feasibility and thickness limits get no tolerance.
Where do the firm name and the engineer on the sheet come from? From Settings → Title block: your defaults, or the project's overrides. Project-specific names (engineer, drawn by, checked by) come from Project information and take precedence. See How settings are inherited.
Can other users see my projects? No. Projects, templates and settings belong to your account. To share a project, export the project file and send it; the colleague imports it as a new project.
How do I get back a value I changed yesterday? Open the connection menu → Version history… and restore an earlier version. The current state is saved first, so you can always undo the restore.
Why did my saved connection show "Results changed since this connection was saved"? The calculation engine was updated after the connection was saved, and the result is different now. The banner shows the saved and the current status and ratio. Review the connection before you reissue it.
Can I edit the DXF? Yes. Dimensions are true DIMENSION entities, bolts are blocks, and the title block is a block with attributes. See DXF files.
Common problems #
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| "Cannot reach the server" | The browser cannot contact ILX. Check the address and your network connection, then select Try again. If it persists, ask your administrator to check that the ILX container is running. |
| The sign-in screen comes back while I am working | Your session expired, you changed your ILX password, or an administrator turned your access off. Sign in again. Unsaved typing in the last second may need to be re-entered. |
| "Check the highlighted inputs." | A value is out of range or inconsistent (for example an HSS support with a W shape). The field shows the message. The results show the last valid design, marked Showing the last valid result, until you correct it. |
| "support: hss_wall needs a HSS shape" | The support member is a W shape on an HSS wall, for example in an imported file. Pick an HSS in Support member and an HSS material (A500 Gr. C, A1085 or A53 Gr. B). Changing Support in the editor now picks a matching member and material for you. |
| Save failed (red message) | The change could not be saved, for example because the network dropped. Your edits stay in the tab; ILX saves again on your next change. Do not close the tab until the ● mark disappears. |
| A report or sheet says "not available on this server" | The PDF engine (WeasyPrint) is missing. It is included in the standard ILX container; ask your administrator. Drawing sheets and DXF do not need it. |
| Preview report fails | The preview renders a real PDF on the server and needs the same PDF engine. |
| Compare is greyed out | Open at least two connections in tabs. |
| I cannot pick an angle configuration | Angles cannot be bolted to an HSS wall. Change Support first, or use a welded plate. |
| The plate does not fit the beam (NOT FEASIBLE, Plate within the beam web clear depth) | Reduce the number of rows or Lev, move the plate (Top of beam to top of plate), or change the cope. The fix hint gives the limits. |
| The beam clashes with the girder flange | Apply the Suggested fixes (a top cope sized from the girder kdes and flange projection), or set Girder TOS − beam TOS. |
| A batch row says "Load mode switched…" | The row's load columns belong to another load mode than the base connection's (for example RD / RL with a Required strength base). ILX switched the row to the mode of its columns. Add a load_mode column to choose the mode yourself. |
| Restore is greyed out in the trash | The connection's project is also in the trash. Restore the project first. |
| Import says "Not an ILX Connection project file" | Only *.ilxproj.json files exported by ILX can be imported (formats 1 to 4, up to 5 MB). |
| The drawings are dark when I print a screenshot | Turn off Dark drawings, or switch to the light theme. |
| Forgot password | Select Forgot your password? on the sign-in page; we email you a code. |