Steel Beam Material Takeoffs

[rob.127056]

I have been trying to do a material takeoff/cost analysis for my steel beams. The thing I can't figure out is how to get the beam weight in my schedule. I want to create a formula that does (length x weight) and then multiuple that by my cost per linear foor. Any suggestions?
Thanks.

[iankids]

I have been trying to do a material takeoff/cost analysis for my steel beams. The thing I can't figure out is how to get the beam weight in my schedule. I want to create a formula that does (length x weight) and then multiuple that by my cost per linear foor. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Hi Rob,

I would add a parameter in the family which can then be used within your schedule.

Cheers,

Ian

[mthurnauer]

Two options:
1) I took a peak at a few beams in my current project and the properties list the volumne of the beam. So, if you can get the weight of steel per cubic foot, then you could just multiply the volume by weight and skip length.
2) To do what you propose, there is a parameter for beam weight in the type catalog, but it is not a shared parameter. So, you would need to go into the beam family and make that parameter shared, then add that parameter to your project parameters and it should then work.

[rob.127056]

Thanks for the responses but I might be missing something. The W-Wide Flange family won't let me add a shared parameter. It won't let me change the weight parameter to shared either. Anyone else having this problem? I don't do a lot of family editing.
Thanks.

[mthurnauer]

I tried and did not have a problem. Open the wide flange family. Open the family types dialog and under Structural, select the W parameter and then click Modify. You should be able to switch this from a family parameter to a shared parameter. You then need to click Select and create a new shared parameter with the same name W, pick it, and apply the change. Load the same parameter into your project parameters and make sure you pick Structural Framing Systems, Structural Beams, Structural Columns for the categories.

[Mr Spot]

The Volume field is inbuilt for structural framing, and you can find the density of steel in kg/m³ online (can't remember what is is off the top of my head). So weight (kg)= Volume (m³)*Density(kg/m³)...

[rob.127056]

Thanks I like the way of adding parameters because then it is "smart" with each beam weight.

[twiceroadsfool]

It sounds like your using a schedule, and not a Material Takeoff... Yes? Or are you using a material takeoff? If you are, you might want to go check out one of Dave B's posts from this month on his blog...

http://do-u-revit.blogspot.com/2009/03/volume-frenzy.html