nesting detail items in railings

[FinearcLtd]

I have created a glass railing with a base profile that has a detail item nested inside it. For some reason I don't see the detail item in section as seen in the attached file. However, if I create a slab edge with the same detail item it is then visible in section.

What am I doing wrong? How can I get it to show the detail item.

thank you!

[barthbradley]

You're not doing anything wrong. It can't be done; at least the way I understand what you're describing. It haven't examined your file, but just in general, railing is made by extruding a profile you designate. Revit is using the closed boundary from the profile to make the continuous railing. It's not carrying over in other information from that profile family - just the line work representing its shape. 

[FGPerraudin]

hi @FinearcLtd,

No you cannot see the details items nested in a railing profile, quite sadly I agree with you.

But it opens design to new challenges!

Usual trick in your situation if you absolutely want to add the detail as part of the model is using a baluster family that integrates your detail element.

repeat it at the desired spacing! as part of your railing or a copy/paste at the same position railing!

It is a classic trick!

François-Gabriel

PS: here is a screencast about how to proceed when you want to make the structure of assembled stairs more complex. Most of it applies in your case as well.

[barthbradley]

---

@FGPerraudin wrote:

hi @FinearcLtd,

Usual trick in your situation if you absolutely want to add the detail as part of the model is using a baluster family that integrates your detail element.

repeat it at the desired spacing! as part of your railing

---

How the heck does that work? Are you saying that the baluster (/detail) will be visible in a section view cut through the railing - at any random location along the rail path?

oops...nevermind. I misunderstood you. Sorry.

[revitnation]

Using this technique will slow performance. In addition, Shared Detail Components will not Nest in 3d model families. Therefore, you could not Tag or Keynote the Nested Detail Items.

[FinearcLtd]

Thank you Francois. I am familiar with the workflow you suggested and used it many times in complex manners. For the time being we found a more suitable solution for us, using slab edge, but the lack of this function still remains. The funny thing is that the profile family allows you to insert detail items but doesn't show them. Also, you cannot extrude a real profile, such as hollow square section, you need to top it with 2D. Not wise in my opinion.  I think Autodesk should be investing more in improving the product. There are many such little silly things that could save mounds of time...

Thank you for your great effort, it is very appreciated.

Eyal

[RDAOU]

It is not the profile family...I think you did notice that it works fine when the profiles are used elsewhere just not in the handrail tool

it is the handrail tool which is the issue. Handrails and stairs have both been a source of complaints from lots of users who expect too much out of those tools...An issue which dates back more than 10 years and no matter how they improve it (stairs and rails) someone will continue to complain. Too many limitations and undesirable behaviors...however all can be worked around with the expression "Pffft whatever!!" or "blah!!!" once done

One can only hope but I do not believe any investments would bring those tools up to The expectations of many

[FGPerraudin]

Well, it would be even better as it would display only if seen in depth scope/ position!

François

[FinearcLtd]

I am not one of those who cease hoping for better tools. I started off drafting with a rapidograph pen... can you imagine? Look how far we have gone. And this is just the start of this road, so I believe. If all users will start demanding more tools it may affect big daddy...