Best Practice: Beam Tool vs. Beam Object

[Brandon-W_DWa]

Between and Object (out-of-the-box "Steel Beams 27") and the beam tool, what are the benefits of using one over the other for modeling structural steel beams? I'd like to standardize one over the other in our BIM Manual, so I'm trying to consider all implications: intuitive and correct plan/section display, elevation/length input, ease of use, IFC translations, etc.

I'm currently doing some testing of my own, but I'm curious if anyone has any previous insights? Thanks!

Operating system used: Mac Apple Silicon 14.7.1 Sonoma

[Jeff Griffin]

I'm very interested in hearing how others handle this as well. From my experience, it depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you are modeling complex steel framing, then perhaps using objects would be better, since there are a number of additional parameters in the beam object that the beam tool doesn't have. However, if the steel framing you are trying to model isn't very complex AND/OR you are planning on collaborating with a structural engineer using SAF model exchange, then perhaps the beam tool (and column tool) is the way to go. 

Steel tower framing using objects:

 

Steel tower framing using column tool & beam tool for SAF model exchange.