Revit Scalable Array

[MDLTechnologies]

Hi all, I have been trying to figure out how to create a scalable array although can't seem to figure it out.

I first created a single pyramidal absorber as a nested family with width, length and height set based on the amount of absorbers per 610mm (standard size) this may range from 4x4 to 16x16.

Then I tried to create an array metric which users could set. That way you could choose whether the absorber were cut along an edge e.g. 16x16 array but only 4x16 were in use.

I tried to use array although was unsuccessful and then was thinking about using viability although that seems very long winded. Does anyone have a solution? 

[mhiserZFHXS]

I would probably go two nested layers deep, which usually isn't good, but it'd be the most stable way to do this.

First layer is your single pyramid. Second layer is a linear array of your pyramids, with all of the appropriate parameters. Third layer is that linear array arrayed in the other direction.

The user could then simply input how many pyramids they want in each direction, or you could develop some formulas to determine it based on other inputs.

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

It would be easier using Curtain wall / Sloped glazing with custom panel; or Adaptive family > divided surface > pattern based component or component repeater.

[barthbradley]

Absorber?  Are you really sure you want to introduce that much detail into the Model?  Most absorber Manufacturers that provide Revit Content don't even go there.  Probably because nobody would use the family in their Projects.  You're not by chance doing this as a means of marketing an absorber;  are you?  If so, go to BIMObject and see how others do it.   

...FWIW: you can get the "look" via a Rendering Image - if that's what you are after.    

[MDLTechnologies]

We model the rooms in order that we can have them made an also estimate the cost/amount needed. But also it can be nice to render the rooms for marketing information etc. 

[MDLTechnologies]

This seems like a better way than the way I used. As my work around was multiple nested families which can cause some lag. Will have to give this a go. Thank you. 

[MDLTechnologies]

This was my current solution which is working although can be fairly laggy...

[mhiserZFHXS]

Yea nesting within a nested family can start to impact performance. The curtain wall solution is probably better. My brain just doesn't jump to that for 2D arrays yet.

[MDLTechnologies]

Ended up coming up with a solution that used parameters in a single family. Ended up scraping the idea of arraying the family and decided that it would be better to cut a block with a void form in both the X&Y with the help of EQ planes and dimensions between the maximum number e.g. plane number 40. This will only work as the largest number of pyramids for me is 16x16 per 610mm.

[barthbradley]

So, essentially you are doing what I suggested. Good. Now use @ToanDN's Curtain Wall approach with a System Panel.  Bada Bing.  No? 

[barthbradley]

[MDLTechnologies]

Looks like this may be a good method. Do you lose the functionality of being able to produce half absorbers though? because often times when you come to a corner of a room you might need to 'cut' an absorber to enusre it fits?

Also is there a limit with curtain wall as often the absorbers will need to be placed on the ceiling / floor as well? I guess I could create a wall & sloped glazing? 

[MDLTechnologies]

Quick example of what we create currently. The ability to create the walls, ceiling and floors of absorbers would be ideal however there are a few tricky bits to consider e.g. where the absorbers meet in the corners. 

[barthbradley]

Absorbers by Mass Faces.

[MDLTechnologies]

Yeah see this would not work as you have to cut the absorbers along the trough, so the shape has to remain square or rectangular. Also I need to separate the 'cut pieces' from the normal 'standard' sheets which i have managed to do via duplicating the parts and adding the specific size of that cut panel. It may still be possible but needs some thought.

[barthbradley]

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@MDLTechnologies wrote:
Yeah see this would not work as you have to cut the absorbers along the trough, so the shape has to remain square or rectangular. Also I need to separate the 'cut pieces' from the normal 'standard' sheets which i have managed to do via duplicating the parts and adding the specific size of that cut panel. It may still be possible but needs some thought.

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HUH? I'm lost.  Are we still on-topic here?  What are you talking about now?  Designing? How to best arrange the panels to minimize cutting panels? Or Scheduling? How to itemize the cut sizes of each of the odd-shaped "filler" panels? For field-cutting or prefabrication?  If for estimating - Revit can do this.  No gymnastics required.       

[MDLTechnologies]

"How to itemize the cut sizes of each of the odd-shaped "filler" panels? For field-cutting or prefabrication? If for estimating - Revit can do this." All of the above. We use Revit to estimate the amount of panels needed and also to give rough layout guides for installation.

[barthbradley]

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@MDLTechnologies wrote:
"How to itemize the cut sizes of each of the odd-shaped "filler" panels? For field-cutting or prefabrication? If for estimating - Revit can do this." All of the above. We use Revit to estimate the amount of panels needed and also to give rough layout guides for installation.

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Okay, good. I thought you said above that the approach I recommended would NOT work for you.  So yah, if that's what you want to do in Revit then my approach DOES work fabulously. 

Happy "Pyramiding". 😉 

[MDLTechnologies]

Barthbradley, do you know if it is possible to create a family that would enable the ability to do this?

The idea being where two walls meet you would end up with a flat version of absorber that would enable the absorbers on the next wall to not clash with one another.

I know it would be possible to do the absorbers as a wall and then individually place the flan spacer absorbers (in blue) however this can be fairly time consuming do you know of a 'smart' way to do this? 

[ToanDN]

Use Curtain wall or sloped glazing as I showed you earlier and you can select pyramidal panels of an entire row or column and change to a flat type.