Construction Drawings...my next step

[georgehobel]

OK.. I've been working with Revit now for just over a year.  So far, I have only been using Revit for 3D presentations, and keeping my construction drawings in AutoCAD.  I know I can save a lot of time by just taking the next step in learning and create the entire set in Revit.  Currently I'm completing a simple set of drawings for a covered porch addition and I would like to add all the necessary details in Revit without having to "start over" in AutoCAD.  How do I place a double 2 x 10 beam?  How do I show a beam in plan? How do I get all the construction details accurate?  AutoCAD was just a simple transition from pencil work to a mouse, but Revit is a different way of thinking.  Looking for some guidance here...

I have posted a screen cast of the project, and a copy of the drawings as well...

[georgehobel]

YouTube is a fantastic thing... I just found a butt load of lumber and loaded it into my project....that was easier than loading it into my truck.

[andybrack · Accepted solution]

George,

Adding the beam is easy. You have to load the lumber family in your project first Insert tab --> Load family, navigate to the Structural Framing folder, Wood --> Load into Project.  Many of the framing families in Revit use catalogs that list the standard sizes such as 2x8, 2x10, 2x12, etc. so just pick which sizes you want to use.  Hold down CTRL and left click to pick more than one size.  Then you can model the beam from a plan view by clicking on the Structure tab --> Beam.

One funny thing about structural framing families is getting the height set correctly.  I don't bother with the Start Level Offset or End Level Offset parameters, but strictly use the Z-Offset Value as it raises the entire beam up/down.  

-Andy

[barthbradley]

Nice looking house. 

You know, you don't even need to use a beam for that.  You can model that beam with a basic wall type. 4x12? Define a Basic Wall Type with 3 1/2" Structural Core, place the wall at the plate level and set it's Base Offset to -11 1/4" and set its Top Constraint to the same level its placed on -- and then draw it the length you need.   Voila, a beam!  

FWIW. 

[georgehobel]

Thanks Andy... I had figured out the "z" control also... There's so much in Revit that is like a video game with hidden doors and prizes... you never know what youre going to find around the next corner.

[georgehobel]

Yeah that's sort of the short cut that I have been using... just make a wall, and raise the bottom of it... easy porch beam.  I was trying to be more accurate than that short cut allows... Im dealing with some close tolerances on this project to keep the new porch roof under the upper level window, all while maximizing pitch... And... I want to be able to make my sections look like a 2 x 10 . 

Now that Ive found those materials, and learning to place them as needed, I'm ready to tackle this.  Also found the line wieght and line style tools which I havent used till now.  Still a ton to learn, but I'm getting closer with each project.

As always,,, thanks for your input...

[barthbradley]

[georgehobel]

Hey guys... learned a lot this weekend.  Just for kicks, I'm posting my progess on that drawing that I posted earlier.  I still have some tightening up to do, but this is a great start from where I was two days ago.

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

[georgehobel]

So that was last week.... I completed those drawings in Revit, and then started my next two projects in Revit... two single family homes..  Then about mid week I took a call from a previous client asking to make some adjustments on a drawing I had completed in AutoCAD... add 12" overhangs, change a couple of windows, and replace stone with siding.  I had to go back into CAD to make the changes, and it was like going back to pencil and paper...hated it...

[andybrack]

Yes. It's like the drug you never knew you craved. 🙂