Precast elements using block references(tips and trics)

[brian_adams]

Well as i found something useful in ACA I decided to share it, becouse it could be realy handy to work with the stuff like that.
In my opinion this improvement fits the best for the precast concrete elements, because there is no AEC OBJECT that satisfy it demands.Some one of you will say :" What is the problem??" rapidly mentioning "Structural members" ! But "Structural members" can't be instantly inserted with all the parametres that corespond to precasted elements. For example, if I need precast slabs some seria with exact (length/ hight /width) I will need to insert one of the parameters manualy. "Structural members" always have driven logical length that can't be locked in some position.
My solution is to use the references bloks, and its parameter "visability"
Advantages are:
Crafting of elements is wery handy( just copy and change in drop-down menu for apropiate element), elements can be puted in auto schedule, even than it's only one block with one name , but it can be applied "select similar" function for choosing of every group type of precast element.,and at last it could be exported in IFC-whatever you needs!!!
Who interested, please well come to the next part of tis topic
Now step by step.
1 First of all I made some obstract elemets with the MASS( it coulde be done by whatever you like). Let's imagin they are some precast slabs belongs to one seria. I arranged slabs together matching left lower corner of every elemet in one point that I will use as insert poin of the block.
2 I created the block(in model view) and edited it.
3 I Inserted "visability" parameter and in "visability states" created names that correspond to apropriate slabs and assigne them to slabs.
Now it's visible only one MASS for every "visability states".
4 I saved block and went to "Property set definition" >created new and applies it to "block references" .Then in "definition" tab I added manual property.
5 Next task was the addition this new property set to the block . In the property set that appearse in "extendet date" of block I inserted field , and put out the date of "visibility" property.
Now changing of visibility's parameter of block can be depicted in "extended date" property in "property set definition"
By the way....it seems that "field" stucking , because after changing of visibility it does't changes instantly in "extendet date" . No panic! schedule react instantly 🙂
But just in case push ctrl+s. To check is everything works okay.
Next is just creating of apropriate schedule . I hope this is easy

P.S. before exporting such elements to IFC just once explode the blocks.

I HOPE this method will in use by you or your team. Waiting for your feedbacks.
Example is attached

[brian_adams]

In addition there is some food for thoughts.
Every "visibility" and element accordingly, can be linked with any other unique text or numeric static values that responds only for this presize element(visibility) .
For example different precast slabs have different weight , building regulations to adjust etc.
And let's imagen, in some reason you need it it specification..
It can be done with a Property set Def., but you will need logical functions,comparison( ...If... then...). etc..long way to do.
Here is twise faster way.
In block editor exept "visibility"parametre should be added "pickup" parametre and "pickup" action as much as you needed. Every "pickup" is every unique value for every element
Very importent to know that "pickup"param.and "pickup" act. have to be visible in every "visibility state" otherwise it will don't works.
After addition all the values in every "pickup" necessary to assigne under the "custom" in reight lower corner of the "pickup" tab to"read only"/ In case it will didn't done it will be visible like the "visibility" drop-down marker.
To Plug in values of the block to "property set def." necessary the same actions like for "visibility" described in the very first poste.

P/S I found out some problems with applying "select similar" to the different visibility states . It  don't work properly.  in some reasons.  AUTOCAD copy function or changing of visibility make different names of the block references for the plan view and when make the same for  fore the model view. Well you can try it  with the  examle file. I don't know why it hapened...may be some one from AUTODESK can give respons...