How to add a dimension to column after cut geometry

[R K]

Hello everyone!

I have a column and a beam that both intersect. I have cut out the beam from the wood column, so there is now a hole on top of the column. When I view the connection in section view, I can not add a dimension to measure the size and offsets of the hole. What I'm doing wrong?

Kind regards.

[vplourd]

Your column, section, or cut might not be at a perfect 90 degree angles. What did you use to create the cut? Also just try using a void component and see if that will allow you to dimension it.

[R K]

Hello!

I am not doing the cut in the family editor. I am using a "Cut Geometry" tool in Revit Structural in project window. I would expect, that since a cut is displayed, then I would have to be able to measure it. Or maybe it is not meant to be able to measure it?

[chris.spenski]

Is the aligned dimension allowing you to at least select one side of the opening?

[R K]

No, it is not possible. I can only select edges of the original family. Edges that are defined by other element are not selectable. Can you please test this on your pc?

[chris.spenski]

Is it possible for you to upload a copy of the model or family?

[R K]

Hi! Here is the file..

[chris.spenski]

Alright, I took a look at the file you sent. Where to start...? The reason why you can't dimension the cut made the the member is because the void is part of the framing family....I would have done it the same way. Unfortunately, there isn't a way (that I'm aware of) to fix this. You can, however, dimension the profile of the steel which appears to share the same extents as the void. The other option is to remove the void from the picture and replace it with a "By Face" opening within the project. While sketching the outline for the opening you are allowed to align it to edges within the project such as the edges of the steel shape. I have uploaded my proposed solution, and as you can easily see, when moving the steel shape that the opening moves with it.

[chris.spenski]

I also forgot to mention that your section wasn't completely straight for whatever reason and so I created another one.

[R K]

Hi!

Thank you for giving me a solution. This one could work if I would have just a few beams, but in case I have a roof trusses, then this one would become a problem, because then it would be necessary to make so much sketches! Il'l make a model to explain my point!

[R K]

I have uploaded project file and a picture. Please don't mention the accuracy of the structural design. I'm focused only on the ability to make a simple cut outs and the ability to add dimension to these cutouts, so it was possible to make the cutout in the factory.

Please notice the first truss - it is not aligned in 90 degrees related to top lintel. How would you make a cut out in this case?

Here are just a few trusses, but when you have a complete roof, I believe it would take some great time to do all the sketches for all cutouts.

[R K]

Hey guys! I have found that "Cope" function works quite well. Although I haven't tested cope when elements intersect from different angles, and also more than 2 elements intersecting, but at least the simple connection works!

[chris.spenski]

The cope function almost always works for structural members regardless of orientation. The only issue with this is that the cope is really just an offset of the objects profile. Your first example showed a steel beam and a wooden column, this wouldn't give you a square cope but a 1" void around the steel perimeter.

[R K]

Chris, I totally agree with you! The workaround I have figured out for this is to insert additional element (beam or column) only for cope function depending on different situation. I think it should be faster than sketching openings. Any other ideas?

[chris.spenski]

Sorry, that's all that I'm able to contribute. Good luck.

[R K]

Thank you Chris! I believe there is no other workaround!

Good luck at your projects!