Applying multiple materials on a single structural column or beam

[Revitnewbie14]

Hi may I ask is there a way to apply multiple materials on a single structural column or beam. I tried split face tool but I think it only works on architectural columns and beams. In this case I can just create a new structural column and adjust the existing one but I am hoping there is a more efficient way in doing so. Thank you in advance! 

[SteveKStafford]

It's been three weeks, I assume you worked something out? Since this situation looks like a finish applied to a structural element...and Revit doesn't provide a simple answer to "painting" on a different material to part of the structural beam (or column). You could use Split to create two beams or columns and assign a different material to each but you'll end up with two pieces that are really one element.

You could create a face based finish family that could be applied to the beam/column surface. Then you can assign a material to that, adjust length, height, width, thickness to match the portion of the element that gets a different finish. If the beam/column is a steel shape and more than just one face is exposed that's more work but if you're looking for a nice rendered result it might be worth the added modelling to get it to look right?