Can not complete sweep

[WFTDesign]

Okay, I have created successful square spread footing under the concrete slab. That would be to support the load-bearing column. And I attempted to do the same thing for the rectangle spread footing to support load-bearing wall that also supports the roof above, and it won't complete the sweep. I am puzzled. 

What is different between Square that I can complete the sweep and Rectangle that I can't complete the sweep?

Attached are two files. First one will show the spread footing that shaped like U. That completes the sweep but looks like U shape. That is not right.  Second file shows I had attempted to do the same thing using the successful square spread family, then I modified to rectangle, which should be simple yet I get the error message. 

[barthbradley]

The family isn't built correctly.  The geometry is embedded into the host; 4 inches below it's surface.  If it a face-based footing, the family would be applied to the underside surface of a slab.  The footing in the family should be protruding above the host surface - not into it.  

..I see it's a Floor-Based Family. It should be a Face-Based Family.   

Like this (see attached rfa):

[WFTDesign]

First of all, you have shown DIFFERENT WAY to create the sweeps, that actually worked better than my way. I give you the credit for that. Kudos to you! 

I just downloaded your file and renamed to include your name, then saved. Then I created a new file called DECON WFTD that means I have deconstructed your file "without your permission", no puns intended. And tried to make it a rectangle. IT WORKS! That is the point of my post. 

But I disagree about using Face-based family,  I will try to redo the original Floor-based family using SWEPT BLEND instead of SWEEP as I tried, failed and posted this issue to the forum.  But I have to go now and will keep you posted on the results.

The reason why I prefer Floor-Based is the family is about picking the concrete slab and apply it BELOW the floor. I think that method is do-able and will find out later smile.

Thanks again for showing me different AND BETTER WAY to create that family! 

Yes, I will upload my family to share with you, too. 

[WFTDesign]

I did figure out and resolved the FLOOR family that has worked perfectly.  I am attaching two files, one is square and another is a rectangle with edge end. I got what I wanted and it is modeling right.  But thank you again for the tip of the Sweep Blend.  Both family files were created from scratch. I am proud of that! 

By deconstructing your file, it helped me to figure out how did it work. Thanks for the file shared with me. 

[barthbradley]

Here another trick for you. See attached. Reporting Parameter named "Floor Thickness" determines the Host Floor Thickness on placement, and automatically enters that value into your "Concrete Slab Thickness" parameter so you don't have to.  

[barthbradley]

...you don't even need a host in the Family. You could model the footing in a Generic Model Template, check it's "Work Plane Based" Parameter, load in into Project and place on either a Work Plane (e.g. Level or Named Ref. Plane), or Place it on a Face.  Also note, that Revit automatically adds an Instance Type Parameter named "Offset"  to a most Families Properties on placement of the Family in the Project.  "Offset" is the Family's positive vertical offset from its host Level, Work Plane or Face.  So, you may not need an offset parameter built into your Family. 

See attached Family.  

[WFTDesign]

Please take look at screencast https://autode.sk/2FVzofx

and tell me why did I receive an ERROR MESSAGE?

[barthbradley]

The Reporting Dimension Witness Lines MUST BE pulled from the surfaces of the Floor Host Geometry -- NOT Ref. Planes.  

[WFTDesign]

WOW!!!!  I seem to have a lot to learn about families! 

[WFTDesign]

Okay please examine and show me what wrong have I done? 

[barthbradley]

See attached. Note that "Concrete Slab Thickness" labeled dimension drives the Ref. Plane to which the footing geometry is constrained.  

@WFTDesign: How about throwing out a bone or two (e.g. Solution Credits)? I'm working like a dog here. 

[WFTDesign]

I think you may not get notified of my previous reply, let me try again...

Please take look at this file and show what wrong have I done? 

There are two sets of the spread footings, one done by mine and one done by yours. 

[WFTDesign]

This does not work,  one moment... let me see if I can align those families to bottom of the slab. Nah, negative. Taking a BREAK.   

And please dig deeper why my family doesn't work. And I think I will have to go back to the second square one, which is to include the manual slab thickness parameter. 

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

I explained to you the reason.  Your "Concrete Slab Thickness" DIMENSION is not pulled from the Ref. Plane to which the footing geometry is constrained.  Lock the "Spread Depth" dimension and move the "Top Sweep"  Ref. Plane manually.  See how the footing moves with it?  You need to pull the "Concrete Slab Thickness" dimension between that "Top Sweep" Ref. Plane and the Level line.  

[WFTDesign]

SIGH, I did pull dimensions on Geometry instead of the reference plane, let me show you with 12-minute screencast, so I hope you will see where I am confused because when I compared your and my family, both seem very same to me.

Link is https://autode.sk/2FYQx7S.

I have another screencast, this time, I show you how I do not get what you did, and you can answer my questions the file is attached here. Here is 2-minute screencast, Link is... https://autode.sk/2G1fIH8

[WFTDesign]

Please answer my question, I am still waiting for your answer. I received an email stating this issue was accepted as solved, it is not just yet.

Do I have to send you another message? 

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

@WFTDesign : You sound a little perturbed with me -- more so in the latest private message you just sent me.  Do you understand that this is a Revit Users forum, and that I am your peer, not an Autodesk employee?   

[barthbradley]

@WFTDesign: 

See screencast RE: Can not complete sweep .

https://autode.sk/2YIyZEv

[barthbradley]

I'll leave the screencast pubic for the day to give you ample time to review.  Hope it helps.

p.s. of course we're cool.  

[WFTDesign]

WOW... does that suggest that you pulled dimensions on reference planes or level for parameter Concrete Slab Thickness and you pulled dimensions on geometry for parameter Floor Thickness (REPORT)? 

That is, do not pull dimensions on Geometry for the Concrete Slab Thickness which is NON-REPORT, correct?