I wish I may, I wish I might (default analytical model at level)

[kmarsh]

Catchy headline, no?

I wish that the analytical representation of beam systems, beams, slabs etc. defaulted to the host level. Better yet, it would be nice to have separate controls over the "delta elevation" on both the graphical representation and the analytical representation. For instance: graphical elevation = +2 1/2", analytical elevation = +0".

Scenario: Put a bunch of steel joists and beams in at various +/- 2 1/2" for seat depth to effect the graphical representation and, as I've posted previously, it appears difficult to move the analytical representation of a beam system... So, when I export to RISA-3D, none of the +2 1/2" beams or beam systems' nodes are connected to their supporting members. If we were going to model this in Ram or Risa (or probably CSI), we would not adjust the model for any of the +/- 2 1/2's so why shouldn't the default behavior be to set the analytical model at the host level?

Just want to start the discussion, I'm sure there will be some issues with this that I haven't thought of... I'll be interested to hear other's feedback.

[kmarsh]

just want to bring this back to the top. What are other people's thoughts? Any other engineers out there struggling with this issue?
-ken

[rita.wong]

I am a new user of Revit, but I thought that the analytical projection plane for beams is supposed to default to its reference level (ie. if the beam is drawn on level 2, its analytical stick will be on level 2 no matter where the solid is shown)?

I agree that it's important to have control over the position of both the analytical and physical model. Otherwise, it takes longer to have both the analytical model join up to run the model (by adding links, etc.) and to get the correct graphical representation on the drawing documents.

On that note, is there a way to keep the analytical stick horizontal while the 2 ends of a slightly sloping beam (the solid for producing drawings) are raised to 2 different elevations?

Further on the analytical sticks...can the member releases and direction (start/end of beams) be shown graphically without having to click into the beam's properties?

Are there limitations to copying vertical bracing members? Since copying cannot be done between view windows (plan/elevation/section view), what is the procedure for copying/arraying bracing? When I try to copy some bracing members as a group (please see attached image), the members are not copied or the analytical sticks fly off from the solids. The 2 sets of angles forming the V were grouped together.

Sorry I diverted from the original topic, but I'm hoping for some answers to complete my evaluation project. Thank you.

Rita

[Thomas Maleski]

This original wish item is Granted

Rita:
...is there a way to keep the analytical stick horizontal while the 2 ends of a slightly sloping beam (the solid for producing drawings) are raised to 2 different elevations?

You can create a Named Reference Plane and under the Element Properties, choose the plane in the Vertical Projection under the Analytical Model section