Twisted Columns

[dsw98]

I'm sure it's possible but i'll ask anyway. Can Revit 2009 create a column that is twisted? I'm trying to created columns like the ones in the attached pic. The 4 in the middle of the pic. I'm trying to download the tutorials but for some reason they won't open.

[aaronrumple]

I'm sure it's possible but i'll ask anyway. Can Revit 2009 create a column that is twisted? I'm trying to created columns like the ones in the attached pic. The 4 in the middle of the pic. I'm trying to download the tutorials but for some reason they won't open.

For a twist - use a blend.... You'll need several stacked one on each other.

[Andre Carvalho]

Also, on top of following Aaron suggestion, you may want to work with voids to clean the blend. Using the blend will cause the edges to be curved due to vertex connections. Using multiple voids to straighten them up may be a good thing if you want it to look nice. See the attached image and you'll notice the difference I'm talking about. Revit file for reverse engineering it is also attached.

Andre Carvalho

[dsw98]

I guess that's also something I can't quite figure out. How to use the vertex. Andre did you create a sweep profile first and then used that for the base of your column?

[Andre Carvalho]

Devin,

You can create a sweep profile if you want. In my case I did it roughly, so it is all in place. Created the bottom profile, copied the same profile to use as top profile and rotated it 45 degrees. Then as Aaron suggested, I stacked them on top of each other, rotate and joined them. The final result is the column you could see at the right side of the image I posted. The to clean the edges I've used 2 voids. One to clean the exterior of the column and one to clean the interior of the reveals. The column them was clean but with a hole on its center. I've created them another solid to close it. Edit my file and you will see the voids there.

I hope it helps.

Andre Carvalho

[dsw98]

Devin,

You can create a sweep profile if you want. In my case I did it roughly, so it is all in place. Created the bottom profile, copied the same profile to use as top profile and rotated it 45 degrees. Then as Aaron suggested, I stacked them on top of each other, rotate and joined them. The final result is the column you could see at the right side of the image I posted. The to clean the edges I've used 2 voids. One to clean the exterior of the column and one to clean the interior of the reveals. The column them was clean but with a hole on its center. I've created them another solid to close it. Edit my file and you will see the voids there.

I hope it helps.

Andre Carvalho

Okay I am breaking your file down and trying some things. Do I have to use the "vertex" command?

[Andre Carvalho]

Okay I am breaking your file down and trying some things. Do I have to use the "vertex" command?

It depends on how your profile is. In my case, I haven't edited the vertex connections. Just rotated 45 degrees the top profile and Revit resolved the vertex automatically.

Andre Carvalho

[dsw98]

It depends on how your profile is. In my case, I haven't edited the vertex connections. Just rotated 45 degrees the top profile and Revit resolved the vertex automatically.

Andre Carvalho

So i'm having a problem drawing the actual profile like you did? Did you draw it in an elevation few or a floor view? Or did you use just a "blend" or a "sweep blend"

[Andre Carvalho]

I used the Sweep Blend tool. But you can do that with the regular blend tool as well. Doing that you don't have to create the path. But in my case, since I started using the sweep blend I created a reference plane in plan and named it something like Plane 1. I did it to be able to create the path in elevation view and choose the plane by name: Plane 1. My path was 1'-0" high. Once the path was created, I went to a plan view and drew the first profile. Copied it and went to draw the second profile. Pasted the first profile there, selected it, rotated 45 degrees. Because of my profile shape, if I rotated the top profile 90 degrees it would end exactly as the bottom profile, thus not connecting the vertex the way I wanted.

Andre Carvalho

[dsw98]

I used the Sweep Blend tool. But you can do that with the regular blend tool as well. Doing that you don't have to create the path. But in my case, since I started using the sweep blend I created a reference plane in plan and named it something like Plane 1. I did it to be able to create the path in elevation view and choose the plane by name: Plane 1. My path was 1'-0" high. Once the path was created, I went to a plan view and drew the first profile. Copied it and went to draw the second profile. Pasted the first profile there, selected it, rotated 45 degrees. Because of my profile shape, if I rotated the top profile 90 degrees it would end exactly as the bottom profile, thus not connecting the vertex the way I wanted.

Andre Carvalho


Okay i've done it like you've described, but when i go back to the floor plan it won't let me draw the profile, it keeps asking me to go back to an elevation few or 3d view. Is there a step i'm missing?

[Andre Carvalho]

I think it is better for you to use the basic blend tool. Just go to a plan view and draw the bottom profile then select Top profile and draw it too. You will work always in plan view and it shouldn't ask you to switch to 3D view or elevation view.

Andre Carvalho

[dsw98]

So kind of on the same topic but a little different. It is possible to make a sweep follow a cork screw type path?

[Andre Carvalho]

So kind of on the same topic but a little different. It is possible to make a sweep follow a cork screw type path?

You mean something like an helical sweep? If yes, I've done helical sweeps using curved ramps hidden on temporary worksets and using the railing hosted to the ramp as a sweep. It was like a vertical coil spring, though...

Andre Carvalho

[dsw98]

You mean something like an helical sweep? If yes, I've done helical sweeps using curved ramps hidden on temporary worksets and using the railing hosted to the ramp as a sweep. It was like a vertical coil spring, though...

Andre Carvalho

Okay, that sounds a little too complex.

[AP23]

It would be easier to use the swept blend tool by creating a half circle path and offsetting the second profile from the origin. By repeating this process and stacking the blends on top of each other, you will get a helix shape. If you place the second profile to high, it won't cut the solid so aware.

[dsw98]

It would be easier to use the swept blend tool by creating a half circle path and offsetting the second profile from the origin. By repeating this process and stacking the blends on top of each other, you will get a helix shape. If you place the second profile to high, it won't cut the solid so aware.

Do you have an example you could post? I haven't really worked with sweep blends much at all.

[gwnelson]

Phil Read made twisted massings at the last AU to show off another of Revit's capabilities. Could that process be applied here?

[AP23]

Do you have an example you could post? I haven't really worked with sweep blends much at all.

Here is a small sample of a half helix void cutting through a cilinder.