labeling different sides of composite wall finishes

[DavitBotchorishvili]

Hello.

I’m working with composite walls that have different finishes on each side. I need to label them based on their respective finishes—for example, one side should be labeled as WF-01 and the other as WF-02. It's important that the labeling tool correctly identifies which side of the wall to apply each label.

I’ve tried setting specific rules in the Property Manager using composite structure names. While I’ve managed to extract both finish IDs, I’m having trouble getting Archicad to distinguish between the two sides of the wall.

I also experimented with a few custom labels (not GDL-based, but simple ones created using autotexts and lines), but I keep running into the same issue.

Is there a way to achieve this correctly?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Operating system used: Windows 11

[ShaunTaylor]

Hi,

To my knowledge, I don't think the Label tool can automatically detect which side of the wall you have tagged. When you label the wall, the label attaches itself to the entire wall so you can collect any information relating to the wall.

I have faced this same issue. As my workaround, I have created my own label that collects Surfaces. My label collects "Outside Surface", "Inside Surface" and "Edge Surface" into a list. I have created an editable hotspot that cycles between these options so that if my labels gets the wrong surface, I just drag my hotspot over to the correct side.

In your case, you can rename your surface to something like "WF-01: Wall finnish type 1" and then split the ID from the name of the surface in your label.

I must warn you though, following my suggestion requires customisation using GDL.

Here is an example,

An alternative is to use IFC Properties or Property Manager and create 4 properties that collect "Outside Surface" & "Inside Surface" to create the "ID" and "Description" properties, using a splitting rule for IFC Properties or an expression for the Property Manager.

These properties might look like;

- Outside Finish ID

- Outside Finish Description

- Inside Finish ID

- Inside Finish Description

Then you could use "autotext" label or the "Classifications and Properties Label" to use that data. Then you could save your preferences as Favourites. Every time it tags the incorrect side (Outside), you could select it and change it to your Inside favourite. Pretty much from there, you could eye drop and inject the labels to make corrections. You would still get the job done pretty quickly.

[qbic-ft]

It's a very unusual way to work for a real BIM workflow. The wall has its own specifications, fire rating, sound, thermic properties, etc... And the finishes are attached but separate from the basic assembly so you can follow during construction if the wall is done and as well as the finishes... I think your approach brings more problems instead of solutions 

[Lingwisyer]

Are you suggesting modelling all of the finishes seperately? That brings with it a host of other problems and makes it a whole lot harder to make any modifications...

Or are you talking about the IFC Properties workaround for setting the name and code? There was a wish somewhere around here for a better solution, though it might have fallen victim to the great cull...

Ling.

ps. Hm... the hotspot is a good idea. I had just included a menu toggle...

[ShaunTaylor]

You could also, use Wall accessories to achieve this, which is another workflow I have done. This would be attaching an object to the wall that will update in size and location if the wall is amended. The Wall accessory would carry the data that can be tagged automatically. Again, you will likely need to use GDL to create this customisation. BIM projects do require that finishes are modelled, so you would be achieving potential project requirements.

[qbic-ft]

Yes, if you want to use a tool to modified quickly...maybe, CI Tools (cladding) may work for you.

[DavitBotchorishvili]

First of all thank you for advices. 

As I am not familiar with GDL script writing I chose primitive yet simple way. I named composites according to finishes (e.g. __WF01 _ WF02 ) and wrote two property expressions. One reads "__WF01" while other reads " WF02" from the name. Therefore, now I have 2 property expressions reading first and the second finish names from the same name. 

Then I created 2 custom labels, each with one of the properties. Now I had 2 labels but I had to define their position manually and it was impossible not to make mistakes that way. IDs are almost similar and it is hard to distinguish what side of the wall to set correct label. So I went in composite properties and every finish side that was read by second label e.g. in the wall  __WF01 _ WF02, the side " WF02" outline I changed with light purple line. So, now on floor plan I would see composite where the side for second label is lined with light purple line. 

Temporarily I changed second label line with purple line as well. 

Now when I place the labels I know that the label with purple arrow line should be placed on the wall's purple side. 
After finishing the work, I would change lines back to black.

I know this method is primitive and can't be considered as professional but it will be useful for me and 4 other teamwork members so that we wouldn't mislabel  any wall

[ShaunTaylor]

If there is no BIM requirements to model Finishes or handover requirements for Facility Management, then you do not need to model the finishes as long as you can capture them in your documentation. But that may vary depending on what country you are delivering your project in.

You may have additional wall finish combinations on some of your wall types. If you are finding your workaround ends up having too many composites, I recommend that you consider using Surfaces to drive your finishes. Here is an example below.