Having trouble using parametrized array to extend trapezoidal sheet profile (adding webs)

[hammadhk]

I'm trying to create a 2D profile for trapezoidal metal sheets, by arraying a single web 2D line group.

However, i am unable to successfully accomplish this array (the section shown with dimension WebWidth), because the constraints break when i change the total width. 

If not possible, should I do this by arraying 3D framing members with single web profiles + the 9 mm edges on each end? The only issue i have with that method is all the extra edges. Is there a way to hide those?

Context: I've set up my parameters so the web width isn't set in stone, because the total sheet width can vary but the number of webs needs to be an integer. To do this, I used a dummy parameter called WebWidthTentative, which divides the Total Width, the result is then rounded down to come up with the WebCount (which is the array count parameter), and the actual web width is derived by dividing the Total Width by the WebCount. The aim is for the user to only have to adjust the Total Width, and the actual web width to be within a certain range(with this method it comes between 150 and 200mm which can be worked on further later on).

[barthbradley]

What about a Mullion Profile to be used in a Curtain Wall?

[barthbradley]

Post your family and we'll fix it to flex properly.  

[hammadhk]

re Curtain walls: I have to make fabrication sheets using the plan view of every unique type of trapezoidal sheet, and for that we use assemblies and assembly views (along with schedules containing length, width, web width etc). once i make one type's mullions/trapez webs into an assembly, i am unable to copy the curtainwall/trapez sheet to use somewhere else... for that reason i'm attempting to solve this using a structural framing family or generic model. 

I tried using a single web profile, sweeping it and then arraying it in 3D. it works as intended in profile, i can change widths and array as needed, however after arraying i am unable to change the length parameter inside the arrayed section. 

in the attached image, 1520 is between start and end points in the project (i'm using two un-arrayed, copied box sweeps for the sections on the ends, which adjust with the length in the project), and 3000 is the length of the arrayed section (set before arraying).

[hammadhk]

i await inspiration

[barthbradley]

This work for you?

[hammadhk]

thank you!

Unfortunately the same issue as before befalls me, while i can change the length parameter inside the family and it functions properly, when i load it into a project and change the length of the beam, the length parameter supposedly changes as seen in the properties, as do the end points, however the actual length doesn't change. this can be seen in the cut length parameter.

somehow, when loaded into a project, the length parameter does not affect arrayed elements.

EDIT: i just realized each web is a generic model. and the weblength parameter equals the length(default) parameter of the family, so that inside the family, weblength changes when i change the length. cool! but inside the project, webLength does not change with the length(default).

so i made another dummy parameter, LengthTotal. LengthTotal is equal to length(default), and webLength is equal to LengthTotal. This changes the webLength inside the project. Weird but works so i don't mind.

Thanks for your help!

[barthbradley]

Wouldn't it make more sense to build the Family this way? 

Open the Bm_TrapezMultiple_bb2.rfa in the attached RVT.