Creating notches in Structural Framing Beams

[redmondb024]

I am trying to create notches in two beams that intersect one another this way they will fit into one another nicely. I have tried using the Cut Geometry tool, however it cuts off the complete end of the beam. I have tried creating a Void Form within my modeling space and I get an error message saying "to make a void form cut something else, use the cut geometry tool." I have resorted to editing the family of each beam, but it creates some inaccuracies when I load it into the project. Is there a more simple and more accurate way to create these notches? I have attached photos of my beams for reference and if it makes any difference their start level offset is 9' 9" and their end level offset is 14'. Please help!  Thanks! 

[barthbradley]

Use the Coping Tool. 

You may need to change Material For Model Behavior in the Family. 

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/Revit-M...

[ToanDN]

Depends on the notch.  You can use Opening by face, Join geometry, or Cope.

And more importantly, how they should be dealt with in construction?  I think one should be the primary without notch, and the other is the secondary, notched around the primary.

[redmondb024]

I am hoping to create a cut like this so the two would interlock. This is my attempt with editing the family, but like I said it makes it extremely difficult to align the two beams this way.

When I used Opening by Face, it cuts through the entire beam. Is there a way to set the depth on the opening? 

[redmondb024]

When I change the material behavior to Steel and then use the coping tool this is what I get. Am I using it wrong? lol

[barthbradley]

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@redmondb024 wrote:

When I change the material behavior to Steel and then use the coping tool this is what I get. Am I using it wrong? lol

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That's a mighty weird looking result. Can you post the file here? 

[barthbradley]

Oh! you coped BOTH members! Do only one.  

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

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@redmondb024 wrote:

When I used Opening by Face, it cuts through the entire beam. Is there a way to set the depth on the opening? 

You can use a face base family with a void to cut each beam with a half of their thickness.

[redmondb024]

Yes! I realized I actually left one beam with an Opening by Face I created lol. Attached to this reply is a photo of what I got when I coped one. Why is there such a gap between the two? I notice when I move the beam around, it creates the shape I am looking to achieve, but the beam is in a different location. I attached photos to another reply on this thread of what I am looking to achieve. 

[barthbradley]

That gap is the Coping Distance. Set it to zero. 

[redmondb024]

Can you elaborate on how you did this? Or point me in the direction of where I can find information on how to do this? I have never done this before 

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

COPING: 

One operation. Done.  Too easy?  

[redmondb024]

lol how the heck did you do that!? I am going to keep playing with it and see if I can get a different depth like that. Im thinking it might be giving me different results because my beams are laying on an angle versus just on a flat level. 

[ToanDN]

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@redmondb024 wrote:

Can you elaborate on how you did this? Or point me in the direction of where I can find information on how to do this? I have never done this before 

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I posted the file.

And I thought you needed to notch both members, not just one, to create a Japanese style connection.  No?

[redmondb024]

yeah you are correct. Lol you really out here calling the file weeb beam im dying 

[ToanDN]

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@redmondb024 wrote:

yeah you are correct. Lol you really out here calling the file weeb beam im dying 

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Haha can't help myself..

[barthbradley]

oops.