topic Re: array problem in one way in Revit Architecture Forum

array problem in one way

xu.teng — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 21:30:30 GMT

I am trying to array mullion in one direction, but the horizontal mullion keeps array in two directions. can someone tell me what's wrong? thank you

Re: array problem in one way

ToanDN — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 21:35:58 GMT

Align and lock the end of the 2nd mullion in the array with the vertical ref plane.

Why not using curtain wall?

Re: array problem in one way

RDAOU — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 22:09:48 GMT

You need to fix several things in that family

The nested Mullions are not Constrained Properly in their Family.
1. You need to edit that and lock geometry to Ref Planes
2. The length parameter need to drive reference planes >>> and the reference planes will subsequently drive geometry
3. Once done load that back in

The Array
1. You are appending it to End yet the first mullion of the horizontal ones is not locked to any horizontal to constrain the Start point. Instead you are locking mullions directly to each other which makes the family behavior unpredictable
2. The second horizontal Mullions of the array also need to be locked to the Vertical Reference plane on the right to prevent 2 directional movement of the array
3. Same applies to the vertical ones

Re: array problem in one way

xu.teng — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 23:22:47 GMT

thank you for your detailed explanation. just one more thing i need more explanation.

I don't understand what you mean about "appending it to End (which end do you mean?) yet the first mullion of the horizontal ones is not locked to any horizontal to constrain the Start point (i locked in the plan view see below)"

actually i locked the first mullion to the right side reference plane in plan view.

Re: array problem in one way

RDAOU — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 23:33:18 GMT

@xu.teng

When you select the Array Label...on the Contextual bar you will see an option to Append to End..

When this option is checked...the elements are added to the end of the array (meaning to constrain the direction of the array you lock 1st Mullion and Second Mullion to the Vertical
When this option is Unchecked ... the elements are added in the middle between the first and the last members of the Array (ie: the first mullion and last mullion are the ones that need to be locked to the vertical)

When the Array is on a Vertical path/Plane it is better/easier to Lock in Elevation views (Front or Back and Left or Right)

Re: array problem in one way

barthbradley — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 23:44:55 GMT

Why are your Horizontal Muntins Arrayed Horizontally? Shouldn't they be Arrayed Vertically?

BTW: Your Revit Content Library likely contains stock Muntin Families in a Subfolder under the Windows Parent Folder.

Re: array problem in one way

barthbradley — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 01:42:00 GMT

Re: array problem in one way

xu.teng — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:44:48 GMT

thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.

Re: array problem in one way

xu.teng — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:51:17 GMT

thank you for letting me know the family, i never noticed this before. The family i created has something wrong, that' why they arrayed in two directions.

Re: array problem in one way

xu.teng — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:52:53 GMT

thank you for your help as always. i am not using curtain wall, because it will hard to make window schedule later on. and i need to do that, beside curtain wall may need to revise again if we changed the hosted wall later on.

Re: array problem in one way

barthbradley — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 15:35:43 GMT

@xu.teng wrote:
thank you for letting me know the family, i never noticed this before. The family i created has something wrong, that' why they arrayed in two directions.

Yes, I was kind of jesting. That is very common. The solution is simple: Align and Lock the Array. Bada bing. You might even Array a number that is more than the maximum you would actually ever use, Align and Lock the last Instance to "straighten it out", and then change the Array Number back to what is appropriate.

BTW: Did you inspect the Muntin Family I posted? You might pick up some other techniques from it.

Good Luck.

BTW: Do you know how to solve for 1 in an Array?

Re: array problem in one way

xu.teng — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 16:50:38 GMT

yes, i already checked them out and may need some time to know how to use it.

about single grille, i usually create a separate mullion not from array(which you cannot set up number at 1).