Scheduling Materials in a Composite in the Exact Order they are Layered

[RedheadOne]

Currently, Archicad lacks a way to schedule all materials in a composite in the exact order they are layered. This feature would be incredibly helpful for users who want to automate the specification process for composite build-ups.

The main limitation with the existing tools is that composites must have unique identifiers to avoid merging. If the materials in composites are identical, they automatically combine, which complicates the scheduling process.

I would greatly appreciate it if the development team could consider adding this functionality in a future update. It seems like a straightforward additional that would add significant value.

(Note to developers: For further details, please see Graphisoft UK ticket "172473")

[James B]

When I create a schedule, and make sure the sorting for Building Material Name field is not sorted, then they will show in the order they are in the composite. Can you show some images to this wish? Thanks.

 

[RedheadOne]

Hi James,

When two materials in a composite share unique properties, such as the same thickness, they are automatically combined in the schedule. This is particularly problematic when for example a layer of air is included in the composite. My workflow relies on this setup to allocate references to NBS clauses for primary construction elements, ensuring that every part of my project is fully specified.

Images 1.1 to 1.3 illustrate this issue, showing how material with identical properties are combined. In contrast, images 2.1 to 2.3 demonstrate the correct build-up when the material properties are no longer identical.

Ideally, the schedule would list materials in the exact order they're arranged. Additionally, I'd prefer not to list all wall types individually, as this would make documentation overly complex and difficult to manage.

     

     

[Barry Kelly]

That is because you have ticked the option to 'Merge Uniform Items'

Un-tick that option or create unique names for each skin.

Barry.

[RedheadOne]

Hi Barry,

To expand on the issue, If I untick "merge uniform items", all equally named composites are scheduled separately, on an element basis.

I'd prefer not to create duplications in the schedule, as this would make the documentation overly complex and harder to manage.

It would be great if the developers could consider adding this functionality in a future update.

René

[James B]

Understand the problem thanks for explaining further.

If you uncheck merge, then multiple instances of the same element and their skins will be listed, so here you want to merge the elements and list the skins once.

In the schedule there is a property called Building Material All that lists all skins, with a comma separation, but I think you need to list each skin to a new line due to other columns.

[RedheadOne]

Do you have any guidance on how to list each skin on a new line in this particular instance?

I wonder if Archicad could add a feature in the scheme settings - perhaps a simple "exclude from Merge Items" button. This seems like it could be a straightforward addition.

[James B]

Possibly by avoiding using the same building material more than once in the same composites, However you can’t name two building materials the same. Could use something like air outer vs air inner for example.

Or create a schedule listing only 1 composite of each type, by refining your rules with element ID for example.

Others here might have better suggestions.