HOW TO CORRECTLY USE THE CUT GEOMETRY IN MODELED IN PLACE STRUCTURAL COLUMNS?

[FSiedschlag]

Hi all,

I'm experimenting with modelled in place structural column components.

After modelling a few I'm now trying to cut their tops at a 30°angle using a reference line but instead of removing the tops off of the columns, it's removing the bottom. 

I'm not sure what controls that.

In the example below I have 2 structural columns modelled in place as components and on the left, I have a normal structural column family. The normal family gets the top cut off just like I want but the modelled in place components don't.

How do I cut the tops instead of the bottoms?

@barthbradley you are usually the one person that always knows everything around here. 🙂 

[barthbradley]

Draw the Ref. Plane from the opposite side (e.g. Left to Right) and try cut again. .  

[FSiedschlag]

@barthbradley That didn't work, but what you said gave me an idea so after a little trial and error this is what I discovered.

The way the column's top or bottom gets cut is controlled by the angle itself in the reference line. 

If the reference line angle is tilted -30° in relation to the "X-axis" then the bottom of your column will be cut

If the reference line angle is tilted 30° in relation to the "X-axis" then the top of your column will be cut

To better illustrate what I'm trying to explain look at the image below. If the reference line's angle to the "X-axis" is in the first quadrant (faint green one) then the cut command you remove the top of the column, if it's in the fourth quadrant (faint magenta one) the bottom will be cut.

This is such a bizarre way to control how the column gets cut though.

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

FWIW:

Directional Properties of Reference Planes in Revit | Redcage

[FSiedschlag]

Thanks, you're always extremely helpful.