topic floor and wall framing in Modeling

floor and wall framing

Anonymous — Tue, 23 May 2023 13:04:18 GMT

Is there a way to create structural elements? I want to create a simple floor framing plan, and a roof framing plan, but I cannot find a way to do this. Tried TrussMaker, but that wasn't successful.

I'm new to ArchiCAD, so maybe I'm just missing t. Seems like a no-brainer tool.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Re: floor and wall framing

Rick Thompson — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:19:58 GMT

You can use roof maker for the roof, and it does a good job. However, there is/was a bug in AC12. It might have been fixed with the last lib update. The floors are manual, which is really about the only way I can see it ever working. You just have too many decisions to make. You can use the "JoistBeam" object in the library. You can even get carried away and ID it with the lumber size and make material takeoffs, but that is a lot to do. I basically place the parameter band joist, then place a joist and multiply it. IT is actually very quick once you get use to it. I keep a template with all joist sizes ID'ed and resized for this.

For the walls I have not been happy with AC's way, and have not really had a need to provide wall framing. Cigraph has an add-on that I hear works.. you just have to buy it, but I think it is a good tool.

Re: floor and wall framing

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:22:04 GMT

That image is from the Cigraph tool, I surmise? Vectorworks has some built-in framing tools which are very useful, work pretty well, but I tried the create beam and copy thing. While it takes a little longer, and there is no material take-off (part of making a BIM tool, IMHO), it does seem better.

Hopefully in future versions, AC will provide some good framing tools.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Re: floor and wall framing

Rick Thompson — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:36:50 GMT

That screen shot is from Archicad. The material list is from using the Calculate functions, which might not be "visible" if you have the basic Menu items selected. You have to turn those on. The calc functions is a whole different story. A search will pull up many discussions, but it is time consuming to set up. Once set up, it is pretty automatic from there on.

I actually grabbed that image from another thread I was involved with. So there is a good bit on info on the forum.

Re: floor and wall framing

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:40:12 GMT

So, the framing model in that image is built from simple beams, rather than a add-on?

Re: floor and wall framing

Rick Thompson — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:58:00 GMT

Correct.. you just place one, and multiply at 16"oc.. or whatever. I go back and double up where needed.

Some of teh settings are not right, I actually use an old part from AC6.5. I just opened the new one to show you and set the settings.. but not all correctly:) I have many old files, so I just stuck with the old object.

Re: floor and wall framing

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:11:00 GMT

Ah, that looks great.

So, let me see if I understand AC's paradigm: Objects are created and then stored (in library) and reused. Does there seem to be any conflict from objects created in older versions and then used in newer versions,or have you had success.

I'm using Vectorworks now, and there are some frustrating idiosyncrasies (like file corruption because of an object created in an older version).

If I can do my framing this way, I'm happy. I suspect that I can just draw my structural elements on the appropriate storey, using a structural layer, and then is there a way to show show and hide layers on a drawing sheet?

Please excuse the rudimentary questions. I really appreciate your help.

Re: floor and wall framing

Rick Thompson — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:24:20 GMT

Object compatibility can be an issue, so you need to use some care here. I rarely have problems keeping old object. I have actually gone several releases and just kept the older library loaded. When I do start using the newer one (it has something I like), then any object I know I need for old projects I keep in a folder named as such. I'm pretty sure my library habits would make many AC gurus cringe However, I work with stock plans so kepping easy access to all my files is needed. Again, a lot is in the forum here, you'll need to search. I am not an expert on libraries, by any means.

I place the framing on a "framing layer".. so yes, as you describe. You can then turn it off and on. Look into layer combinations. They can be stored with the "View".

Re: floor and wall framing

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:34:58 GMT

That makes sense. I'll sniff around the forum some more and see what other info I can find.

Thanks a lot, Rick!

Re: floor and wall framing

Ralph Wessel — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:30:42 GMT

mr_iagea wrote:
That makes sense. I'll sniff around the forum some more and see what other info I can find.

If you are looking for a comprehensive framing package, take a look at the FrameWright add-on too. It includes focussed modelling and scheduling tools. The attached image will give you some idea of the use it is put to.

Re: floor and wall framing

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:54:16 GMT

Hi Ralph
Although very fancy indeed, not very practical, at least here for most framing.
Two things:
1. What we have lots and lots of in the US is what we call conventional light frame construction. How will Framewright handle this kind of framing?
2. Also looks like your model has what we call "soft story" issues.
complete collapse from any lateral movement, based on the bottom floor.
Can you show a more conventional framing? Especially with split story
and hip roofs? Two very popular design concepts here.
Also at least somewhat on a sloped lot with stepped foundation.
Maybe even a split wall dormer. That's where the dormer sits down into a pocket of the wall framing part way, ie does not sit on the roof, per say.
Relative easy of doing this type of framing? Time it takes?
Thanks

Re: floor and wall framing

Ralph Wessel — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:12:12 GMT

lec1212 wrote:
Also looks like your model has what we call "soft story" issues. complete collapse from any lateral movement, based on the bottom floor.

Complete collapse? And this was modelled just to restore the facade. I wonder if the guys who built it back in the 16th century thought about lateral movement? Oh well, I guess they can't be sued anymore...

lec1212 wrote:
What we have lots and lots of in the US is what we call conventional light frame construction. How will Framewright handle this kind of framing?

The image was intended to illustrate the level of complexity it is capable of handling - anything simpler is, well.. simpler to model.

FrameWright is designed for heavy structural timber framing, and would have more appeal for the craftsman, or master carpenter. It doesn't take walls and roofs and instantly transform it into a 'typical' framed construction. FrameWright is usually applied to bespoke or one-off designs

lec1212 wrote:
Can you show a more conventional framing? Especially with split story
and hip roofs? Two very popular design concepts here.
Also at least somewhat on a sloped lot with stepped foundation.
Maybe even a split wall dormer. That's where the dormer sits down into a pocket of the wall framing part way, ie does not sit on the roof, per say.
Relative easy of doing this type of framing? Time it takes?

I've attached a smattering of images that I had close to hand. This software is capable of modelling any kind of framing, but the design methodology and tools will suit some better than others. Time varies with complexity, but from start to completed quote/scheduling is typically between 1/2 to 2 days. We offer a demo, so you could try it for yourself. I can put you in touch with other users too.

Re: floor and wall framing

Ignacio Azpiazu — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:27:42 GMT

Ralph, awesome pictures.

I wish Graphisoft had a page introducing all add-ons and complex objects available, introducing them pretty much like you have done in this thread. There is so much beautiful stuff out there.

[For those curious about lateral movement in medieval timber buildings: there is this great book, 'Framed Buildings of England', R. T. Mason.]

Re: floor and wall framing

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:45:11 GMT

lec1212 wrote:
Hi Ralph
Although very fancy indeed, not very practical, at least here for most framing.
Two things:
1. What we have lots and lots of in the US is what we call conventional light frame construction. How will Framewright handle this kind of framing?
2. Also looks like your model has what we call "soft story" issues.
complete collapse from any lateral movement, based on the bottom floor.
Can you show a more conventional framing? Especially with split story
and hip roofs? Two very popular design concepts here.
Also at least somewhat on a sloped lot with stepped foundation.
Maybe even a split wall dormer. That's where the dormer sits down into a pocket of the wall framing part way, ie does not sit on the roof, per say.
Relative easy of doing this type of framing? Time it takes?
Thanks

www.cadimagetools.com/suites.aspx?id=5

Re: floor and wall framing

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 03:39:00 GMT

Great stuff Ralph.
It's what we generally cal type 4 HT (Heavy Timber) construction which
looks like your Frameworks would be great at.
Although can be functional to beautiful (the great "Lodge Look") there is just not that much of it in our area.
More interested in getting Graphisoft to release your raved about MJT.