How to model the structue for this roof....

[robert.sanders]

Hey,

I've been asked to model the structure for the attached roof and i was hoping that someone would have some tips and pointers on how to do it?

Basically, I've been given a conceptual model and now need to work out how to model beams that are accurately positioned underneath that plane. I've managed to create a 'roof' in Revit (after editing the conceptual object somewhat) how ever now i'm unsure as to how to 'attach' beams to that surface. I had thought i'd be able to create a section along the gridline, set workplace to that gridline then snap to points along the roof profile in that section but apparently not :(

I've toyed with the idea of exporting the surface to Rhino then projecting my 2d roof plan onto the surface allowing me to select the nodes and sketch the structure in 3d in revit however that seems a very long winded way to go about it and i'm sure i'm just missing somethign in revits functionality.

Again, any help would be greatly appreciated as as per usual deadlines are fast approaching :P

Many thanks,

Rob

[m20roxxers]

Can't you just select the plane? or model a reference line to the slopes?

Then use the 3D pick beam tool aligned to the reference planes?

The roof slopes do not appear to be curved so 2 named reference planes ought to do the trick.

A trick I've used with 2011 and complex curves, massing is to update the model, use the 3D pick beam tool. (the beams wont appear correct but the analytical model lines will.

Create a 3D view of just the analytical lines and export to AutoCAD 2010. Convert any splines if they exist.
Import into Revit Structure 2010 and use the pick tool on the beams.

[robert.sanders]

Hey m20 roxxors, thx for the reply.

The roof is actually curved and rotated to make it look as if it's rising out of the ground..

I have however finally managed to get it to work... tbh it was a complete Well Duh! moment, basically i'm just attaching the columns to the roof and where a secondary member nodes out on a primary i'll just put in a foe (sp?) column to give a point to snap to. Should be straight forward i think... unless i've missed something.

[FOUTJM]

looks like if you make sure the lines between the nodes in the conceptual model are set to "reference line" and maybe strong reference...you could create in place structural families using those references for your sweeps in the project. probably have to create symbolic lines for planwork for each beam. interesting problem. too bad im 7 beers in and gotta get up early.

[FOUTJM]

for the girders if you go into the conceptual model
and use spline thru points to each ref point. then set the
spline to be a ref plane(in instance props) and "strong ref"
you should be able to do the same as stated above.