Creating Vertical Steel Members that Aren't Columns

[chrisd385116]

Hopefully an easy question?
What is the best (and/or easiest) way to create a steel framing member with a vertical orientation...BUT...not have it list in the column schedule, but in the framing schedule instead? In my case I need to do it with both an ANGLE and a PFC member (Australian steel) but the concept would be similar for both I imagine.
I thought of starting with a standard column family, copying it, and changing the Family Category from column to framing. But unfortunately this limits how I can manipulate it. I can't use the align tool to adjust its top & bottom levels, and there may be other annoyances.
Surely there must be a simple answer..?
Thank-you in advance for any suggestions or comments...

[PijPiwo]

not have it list in the column schedule, but in the framing schedule instead?

Probably it is not possible, but why not just use regular structural columns and use filter in the column schedule to remove those that you don’t need and put them in another column schedule, but call it ‘framing schedule’?
Just a thought.

[Craig_L]

You can rotate framing members to be vertical...you cant model them as easily as a column but its achievable. If its a vertical member though...its...a column...
Is the problem simply you don't want to see it in a separate schedule?
What exactly are you modelling that is using vertical members that aren't columns? If it's a Truss, the truss family solves your problem.
The other thing to consider is that column tags wont work on it, and you will need to change your naming convention for non-column vertical members so as not to confuse them with columns...etc...
You can take a framing member, and use the align command (or rotate) and it can go the full 360 degrees...

[tkunsman]

Best way of doing this would be in a section. need to be careful and select the correct workplane to model elements in. when modeling a beam, you have to place it horizontally first, and then you can rotate it. after that it is a matter of changing orientation from top to center and off you go.

[chrisd385116]

Thanks Gents,
In terms of what I am modelling, we sometimes use stubs welded off other members to pick up things, in this case something to attach the RSD drum to above the door opening. So not a column as such.
I guess I was stuck in the mindset of drawing it vertically initially, not having to draw it horizontally, then move & rotate it into position.
Thanks for your help
Cheers....c.d.

[Craig_L]

In this case, try using the Assemblies function.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVCVCT5lQYU

Personally I would still model vertical members as "column" families, and simply rename my table as "vertical stubs" or something similar for the part list.

[rtaube]

just a thought, but what if you start with a column family, then change the category to Structural Framing in the family editor?

[david_peterson]

Best option is to use a filter in the schedule.
We've created separate family types for Garvity columns, Frame Columns and Posts.
Works great and not very hard to update the type catalogs either.

[chrisd385116]

just a thought, but what if you start with a column family, then change the category to Structural Framing in the family editor?

Thanks for the suggestion Ryan, that was my first thought too, but there are drawbacks..(see my first post on this topic).

[glenn.108204]

Hi Chris,

Try this. Draw your beam in plan then go to an elevation and click onto it. You can change the elevation of one end to say 3000 then draw a vertical line and align the beam to it. You will then have a framing member that is vertical and not considered a column and will still appear in a schedule. Pretty easy fix.