Shelf Angles on UB's

[AJBuckers]

Hi all, I have a project with PC planks sitting within the depth of the steel frame so will need shelf angles on the webs to support the spans.
I was originally going to model the angles seperately but then thought it might be better to make a family with the angles built in already?

I've not really played with family creation before so do you think this is too tricky as a place to start learning about it?

I've googled the subject before but it's all general family creation stuff, can anyone give me a steer on some concepts I should research for it? I'm keen to learn so I can do more going forward but I am up against it time wise. I've got 4 days to get the model to a place that ready for a tender issue this week.

TIA

[jay_colcombe · Accepted solution]

In most instances this would be represented as a 2D detail of the construction and a Callout/View Reference placed in the model to said detail.

The biggest issue here is that the the Beam Family is likely to change size over time and this would need constant updating.

If i was to do this in 3D with limited experience I would use separate L-Shape Angle beams aligned and locked to the beam and possible a reference plane to control the level of the L-Shape Angles in the beam depth this could also be controlled by a Global Parameters in the model.  You could then Group the Beam and Angles and copy as required.

If you did want to create your own you could use the an existing beam family, resave to a new family and add in a L-Shape Angle profiles and use the existing parameters to drive these additional elements within this family.  You would need to review the beam family and understand how it is constructed and how the parameters are being used in relation to the shape and profile.

Finally i would recommend seeking some additional training from your software supplier/Autodesk reseller on creating families such as this from scratch so you can gain a full understanding and appreciation for future instances and feel more comfortable at that time to tackle the task at hand.

[AJBuckers]

Hi Jay,

Thanks for your detailed response, very helpful. I'll have a go at putting the angles in separately as you've described and then look to get some training in the new year. Appreciate the help.