Questions about structural member types and sizes

[cadkiller]

Group;

I'm trying to model a simple warehouse and have the following questions.

1- I'm trying to insert steel columns and all I get in the pulldown are two different sizes (w10x33 & w10x49). How do you access the full AISC library of steel shapes? Say I might want a different size wide flange or a tubing member, angle, channel, etc. How do I get all of these to show in the pulldown? The same would apply for a beam, a joist or a brace member. Why isn't there a link to the AISC database? Do I have to create all of these members sizes?

2- Now what if I wanted do the same as the above; but to use wood members instead of steel ones. How do you insert a 4x4 column, 2x12 joists, laminated joist, etc and have the database for all these shapes be in the pulldown? Why isn't there a link to all of these wood shaped members already?

Shouldn't there be different types of columns, beams, joists and braces for the different types of materials that are available? Like steel, stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, wood and plastics. Also they should have a type pulldown and a size pulldown instead of just one pulldown.

Thanks;
Edward Borg
Precision Drafting LLC
http://precisiondraftingllc.com

[aggockel50321]

They're there. You have to access the type catalog. To load a family type, go to the structural library, pick a beam or column. When you do, a type catalog will pop up showing all the sizes. Select the one(s) you want.

[cadkiller]

Andrew;

Thanks for the information. Now i have some additional questions.

1- I loaded all the sizes for the steel column family and it warned me that using sizes that aren't commonly used will take up additional memory. Why does this happen? Couldn't the column tool be linked to the database without taking up memory? Now everytime I work on a project, I have to load the ones that I need just for that particular job. I think this should readily accessible at all times.

2- What about existing old steel member sizes? How do I add a custom steel shape that isn't in the library's database?

3- What about bar size shapes like C 1x 1/2x 1/8, TS 1/2x 1/2x 16 ga., etc. How do I add these to the library's database.

4- What about custom profile shapes like Julius Blum mouldings, R&B wagner fittings, custom pickets, Scrolls, ornaments, etc.

Thanks;
Edward Borg
Precision Drafting LLC
http://precisiondraftingllc.com (http://precisiondraftingllc.com/)
http://precisiondraftingllc.com (http://precisiondraftingllc.com/)

[Allen Lacy]

It's time to learn the Family Editor. I would suggest that you do the tutorials "Creating Families" . Just about any profile you want can be created and loaded. You can take an AutoCad profile and import it into a profile family template, and voila, you have a new profile family.

The structural steel shapes (other families) are controlled by a type catalogue, which are text documents with shape information. Look at Autodesk Revit Help for more info on type catalogues.

Also, search these forums for help with creating families. It's not hard to create families once you understand some basic and fundamental principles.

[Rhythmick]

Andrew;

Thanks for the information. Now i have some additional questions.

1- I loaded all the sizes for the steel column family and it warned me that using sizes that aren't commonly used will take up additional memory. Why does this happen? Couldn't the column tool be linked to the database without taking up memory? Now everytime I work on a project, I have to load the ones that I need just for that particular job. I think this should readily accessible at all times.

2- What about existing old steel member sizes? How do I add a custom steel shape that isn't in the library's database?

3- What about bar size shapes like C 1x 1/2x 1/8, TS 1/2x 1/2x 16 ga., etc. How do I add these to the library's database.

4- What about custom profile shapes like Julius Blum mouldings, R&B wagner fittings, custom pickets, Scrolls, ornaments, etc.

Thanks;
Edward Borg
Precision Drafting LLC
http://precisiondraftingllc.com (http://precisiondraftingllc.com/)
http://precisiondraftingllc.com (http://precisiondraftingllc.com/)


The content libraries are the database links. Whatever families you want access to within the drawing you need to load them into your default.rvt file so they will be there when you start a new drawing.

You should start your own library of families and profiles to create and store families that you use as your standards. When loading into a drawing you can access your library as well as the standard libraries.

The easiest way to create your own families is to "Open" the family that is relative, open the "Family Type" dialogue box and create a "New" Type by changing the parameters. You can also edit the family drawing to alter it to what you need and do a "save as". If you need to create from scratch you need to open a new drawing with one of the available family or profile templates.

[Scott D Davis]

I'm with Cadkiller on this one...

We should be able to load a steel shape without have to select each instance needed form the type catalog. Once in the project, the type catalog should become available so I can then select what size I need, without adding the overhead of a bunch of families I don't need.

The TXT file that is the catalog should add very little overhead to the project.

[cadkiller]

Group;

I'm still testing the program so this is why I'm asking some silly questions.
I haven't had any formal training as of yet or have I had anytime to read all the help files, group messages, etc. I really wish Autodesk would be able to link these database text files and have them acessible at all times without adding any over head. This would also apply for all of the other tools like walls, doors, windows, etc. Just add a type and size pulldown and have them linked.

I really like the program and most likely will be a Reviteer.

PS: Scott thanks for agreeing with me on this one. I wish more could reply and add some support. maybe I should have suggested this as a wish in the wish list.

From;
Edward Borg
Precision Drafting LLC
http://precisiondraftingllc.com (http://precisiondraftingllc.com/)