Category Archives: Structure

Revit Structure topics

Revit 2017 Calculated Values in Tags

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Steve has posted about the capability to add calculated values in tags.  While I have disparaging feelings about this feature and using for things like Occupant loads (since there is a possibility to have them not match the calculated value in the schedule).  I did find a use that I can get behind.  When tagging a value that is a length or number we can set the units to be 0 decimal places or round to the nearest inch, when doing this with a label using “Edit Parameter’s Units Format” button it will use true rounding so a 0.4 value would come in at 0.0.

2017 Tag Units

I had a client asking about when their analytical software imports the load values they are often set to 3 decimal places, however on plan they always want to show these values rounded to the higher value. In 2017 we now can add formulas to tags to accomplish this task, “roundup(Value)” where Value is a parameter associated to the family and roundup (or rounddown) is the formula.

2017 Tag Formula

Revit 2017 Floor Tags

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In a previous release of Revit (2015 it believe) we gained the capability to add the elevation of a floor.  Not only the elevation but the elevation of the bottom or top, if the floor was structural then we also had Bottom Core or Top Core.  This worked great except the fact the it was always using the internal elevation for the value it was representing.  We couldn’t use the survey point (shared coordinates) thus most people still used spot elevations for reporting elevations.  In 2017 they snuck in the survey point option when creating a tag.

2017 Tag Floor

This feature was also added for Structural Foundations, it would be nice to see all categories with an elevation option to have this added, including ducts, structural framing, structural beam systems etc..

Revit 2016 R2 Structural Beams to Columns

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With the R2 version of 2016 Revit we were introduced to Global Parameters.  As Dezi and myself have been looking into how to utilize them she noticed a nice quirk related to them.  Previously I have posted about beams and associating them to columns and then clarified that post with a follow up.  When entering a value for the attachment distance Revit will only allow this to be a positive value, which will move the beam towards the center of the column.  Dezi had noticed that if a global parameter is associated you can enter a negative value

2016 R2 start attachment Global Parameter

Now I want users to try and use Global Parameters and see if they can use them were we can’t have a negative value.  If you find them please comment to this blog.

Revit 2016 Content

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With every release of Revit I always use Beyond Compare to compare if/how the families vary from release to release.  This year in the US Imperial Folder (C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RVT 2016\Libraries) I noticed that there is new organization along with new families for doors.  In 2015 there were 32 families and in 2016 there are 92 families, some of which are hardware families.  I haven’t had the chance to go through and look at these but a long overdue addition for all the architectural users who haven’t developed their own internal library yet.

For structure they have added the AISC 14.1 families that were a subscription bonus last year.  Along with this they have added a few structural tags to go along with some of the new features.

I was however disappointed that they didn’t add or change any of the tags that take advantage of the elevation of floors, roofs etc.

Adaptive Component – Everyday Uses part 4

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Continued from..

Adaptive Component – Everyday Uses part 3
Adaptive Component – Everyday Uses part 2
Adaptive Component – Everyday Uses part 1
 

Nesting Families

When creating families it is sometimes necessary to nest other families, and this is more common with adaptive families.  However, not all family types can be used with adaptive families. For example profiles, structural columns, or beams cannot be loaded into an adaptive family.  If a nested profile is needed, then a generic model family with model lines, either adaptive or not, can be used in lieu of a profile family.

A great family to consider nesting, especially when adaptive families are a new to the user, is the out-of-the-box “Diagnostic Tripod” family.  This family will display how the adaptive family is working once it is loaded into another family or project.

Repeaters and Divisions

If a family is going to be repeated, which is similar to an array, then nesting families is a must, as is using a divided path or surface.  The first step is to create a division from either a surface or a line.  To do this, select the element and use the Divide Path or Divide Surface command.  Since the 2013 products, a series of lines may be selected and divided as a single element.

DividePath

A divided path also has properties that will allow for a beginning or end indent.  These properties give further adjustment to the location of the hosted elements.

If a nested family will become a repeater, it will have to be an adaptive family.  To create this, first place the family on a point, or series of points, that was created from the division tool.  When doing this, make sure to select the node that was created by the division.  Next select the element and use the Repeat command (same button as array in a normal family or project).

Bolts_Repeat

Up next…

Adaptive Component – Everyday Uses part 5