best way to make a curved beam

[Anonymous]

I want to make a curved beam ( glu-lam ) for use in a ceiling ( structure )
I have played around with the roof tool, and adjusted the segment density. however it seems cumbersome and not as friendly.

Can I make one out of a slab and save it as a beam ??

or does anyone here have a better idea ?

thanks !

[Anonymous]

One fast way is to use TrussMaker.
TrussMaker works on centers so you need to adjust for this.
Also, the resolution of curves is set in the magic wand settings
so if you want to control resolution another way draw straight
segments with the polyline tool. TrussMaker will follow this
"path" when constructing the arch.
This is all assuming that the orientation of the beam's plane
of curvature is vertical.
Peter Devlin

[Dwight]

Another fast way is to use the Complex Profile.

Draw the longitudinal elevation of the beam and then extrude it perpendicular to the span.

[Anonymous]

Yes, Dwight's method has the advantage of being able
to control the beam end condition such as plumb and seat cuts
and other things like notches for purlins, holes, etc.
You have to draw some edges (unlike TrussMaker) but it is almost as fast.
Peter Devlin

[Anonymous]

THANKS
that is a lot easier...

I tried both ways, they seem to be equally fast...


my headache is subduing..

[Anonymous]

I have to say I am very pleased that you tried both methods.
You have consequently acquired a ton of AC power.
Some users seem to be lazy and don't try out all the possibilities
suggested by other users and thus limit themselves.
Peter Devlin

[Dwight]

You Bet!
That unheralded Complex Profile feature, now that AC 11 can curvewall the complex profile, is a key to doing many great things.

[Ralph Wessel]

web_wallace wrote:
I want to make a curved beam ( glu-lam ) for use in a ceiling ( structure )
or does anyone here have a better idea ?

OBJECTiVE would be ideal for your purposes - you can either use the existing objects or draw a cross-section through the beam, and use the bend tool to shape it to the curve you require. Take a look at the example movie for the bending tools at http://www.encina.co.uk/objective.html

[Anonymous]

Ralph wrote:

web_wallace wrote:
I want to make a curved beam ( glu-lam ) for use in a ceiling ( structure )
or does anyone here have a better idea ?

OBJECTiVE would be ideal for your purposes - you can either use the existing objects or draw a cross-section through the beam, and use the bend tool to shape it to the curve you require. Take a look at the example movie for the bending tools at http://www.encina.co.uk/objective.html

Exactly with this way you can use roof tool. That is very classical and good way. It has advantage:
You receive 2D drw. from your engeeneer, and you can copy it and use it with roof tool.

[Ralph Wessel]

Archi wrote:

Ralph wrote:
OBJECTiVE would be ideal for your purposes - you can either use the existing objects or draw a cross-section through the beam, and use the bend tool to shape it to the curve you require.

Exactly with this way you can use roof tool. That is very classical and good way. It has advantage: You receive 2D drw. from your engeeneer, and you can copy it and use it with roof tool.

I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing. Refer to the attached image - with OBJECTiVE you can draw a cross-section through the beam, create a beam object, bend it the required curve, and (optionally) shape the beam with the split tool. The beam can be bent to a different curve at any time without any reworking too.

I wouldn't want to do this with the roof tool - or did you mean something else?