K-series bar joist editing

[wdm]

I'm looking for a way to have my K-series bar joists insert using the bottom of bearing seat as the insertion point, instead of the top of top chord. That way when I bring in a bar joist, or use a beam system of bar joists, they will display correctly without me having to always offset each end by 2 1/2".

I was told that it could be done by editing the family. Something about using a reference plane that is at the bottom of bearing seat, as opposed to the top of top chord. However, I'm not very familiar with family editing, and I can't figure out how to move the reference planes, or figure out which reference planes are being used as insertion references.

Is there any place that I could learn more about family editing? Maybe a webcast, or a revit structure users guide that I could get ahold of?

Thanks for your help, and sorry for such a vague question.

[Jmickledesign]

Would be a pain to move that stuff.

But, I do just want to make sure you know that you can set your offset to the beam or bm. system before you place the bm.

Just wanted to make sure you knew this. It will save you a few steps until you get able to do what you need.

If I have time I'll see what I can do.....This would be a nice feature.

[msmith122]

An issue with offseting the beam/beam system, is that you offset the analytical lines also which in turn, do not attach to the girder analytical line. Then if you were export out to RAM, you will get a boat load of errors. I have spent many hours trying to get the family to work right, but failed.

[dmahan]

Try this, works great in 2011, pick beam and set to use K-series joist
look under properties,
set z-direction justification to other,
set z-direction offset value to 2 1/2",
now place joist picking girders.

Check your work, cut section thru bearing or do 3d view.

additional step if exporting to Ram.
Pick joist, look at properties, under Analytical Model.
Change Vertical Projection to location line.
This will put analytical line in the right place to export to Ram.
If using beam system to place joists you will have to place joists
then select joists and changing properties as noted above.