How to reduce size of columns in above floors without changing its parameters?

[Anonymous]

How to reduce the size of columns (width & breadth) in above floors without changing the name of the column or creating a new one? Like a tapered column.

[naveen.kumar.t]

HI @Anonymous,

In tapered column you can change the width and breadth by setting the tapered column parameter value

                    Element e;
                    foreach(Parameter P in e.Parameters)
                    {
                       if(P.Definition.Name=="Your breadth/width parameter name")
                       {
                            P.Set(value);
                       }
                    }

[ah_admn_2023]

Do you have any video about this

[ah_admn_2023]

Need to make one Column the Size need to change Floor to Floor

[jeremy_tammik]

It would probably be much easier to use a different columns on different levels. Why does it have to be one single one? In any case, you should research how to address this properly in the end user interface and the best practices to apply before thinking about any programmatic approach.

[ah_admn_2023]

Dear Jeremy,

thanks for your kind reply, its required in Steel Design.

[jeremy_tammik]

Ok, if you say so. I asked Gemini for you, and it responds:

You're tackling a common challenge in structural BIM: modeling tapering steel columns accurately in Revit. Here's a breakdown of best practices, combining expert knowledge with practical Revit application:

Understanding the Challenge

Steel columns often change dimensions across levels for structural efficiency. Modeling this requires:

• Accuracy: Correct geometry for analysis and fabrication.
• Efficiency: Streamlined workflow, avoiding overly complex families.
• Data Integrity: Maintaining connections and metadata throughout the model.

Modeling Approaches in Revit

Here are the primary methods, with pros and cons:

1. Stacked Columns:

   • How: Create separate column elements for each segment, stacked vertically.
   • Pros: Simple to create, good for basic geometry changes.
   • Cons: Can be cumbersome for complex tapers, creates disconnects between segments (affecting analysis and detailing), and increases file size with more elements.

2. In-Place Families:

   • How: Model the entire column as a single in-place family using extrusions and sweeps.
   • Pros: Maximum control over geometry, allows for complex tapers and shapes.
   • Cons: Time-consuming to create and modify, can be less flexible for changes, and may not integrate well with structural analysis software.

3. Parametric Families with Type Parameters:

   • How: Create a column family with parameters for width, depth, and offsets at different levels. Use type parameters to define variations.
   • Pros: Good balance of control and efficiency, allows for standard taper variations, maintains a single element.
   • Cons: Requires careful family creation, limited to predefined taper types.

4. Parametric Families with Instance Parameters and Nested Profiles:

   • How: Create a column family with instance parameters for width and depth at the base and top. Nest profile families to define the cross-section.
   • Pros: Most flexible and robust method. Allows for unique tapers on each instance, maintains a single element, and works well with structural analysis.
   • Cons: Most complex to set up initially.

Best Practices for Steel Design

For steel columns with varying dimensions, the recommended approach is 4. Parametric Families with Instance Parameters and Nested Profiles. Here's a detailed breakdown:

• Create a Column Family: Start with the "Structural Column" family template.
• Nested Profile Families: Create separate profile families for each column cross-section (e.g., wide flange, rectangular tube). This allows for easy modification of the section properties.
• Instance Parameters: Add instance parameters for:
  • Base Width
  • Base Depth
  • Top Width
  • Top Depth
  • Base Offset
  • Top Offset
• Sweeps: Use a sweep to create the column geometry. The path of the sweep should be a simple vertical line. Use the instance parameters to control the profile at the start and end of the sweep.
• Reference Planes and Dimensions: Use reference planes and dimensions to constrain the geometry and ensure accurate parameter behavior.
• Material Parameter: Add a material parameter to the family for easy material assignment.
• Shared Parameters: Use shared parameters for consistent scheduling and tagging across projects.
• Family Types: If you have standard taper variations, create family types to predefine common parameter values.
• Testing: Thoroughly test the family by changing parameter values and observing the geometry.

Additional Tips:

• Join Geometry: Use the "Join Geometry" tool to clean up any intersections between column segments (if using stacked columns).
• Analytical Model: Ensure the analytical model is correctly generated for structural analysis.
• Detailing: Use detailed steel connections to accurately represent the connections between columns and other structural members.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with the structural engineer to ensure the model meets their requirements for analysis and design.

By following these best practices, you can create accurate, efficient, and data-rich Revit models for steel structures with tapering columns. This will improve collaboration, reduce errors, and streamline the entire building lifecycle.

[ah_admn_2023]

Dear Jeremy,

Thank you for your kind efforts. Your input is perfect and very helpful.

Kind Regards