5 replies to this topic

[Daniel Dillard]

In my area we do quite a few bardominiums.  I work with the steel building manufacturers to generate a steel frame design for column placement as it will affect the residential build-out.  Obviously different sizes are needed (such as 6x12, 8x12, 8x16, etc.) depending on the span of the steel frame. I have created an assortment of symbols using solids to represent steel I-beam columns.  Sometimes wedge-shaped steel columns are required by the steel-building manufacturer.  I wish we had the option of selecting from POSTS > STRUCTURAL an I-Beam cross-section configuration with the adaptable options as we do other posts.  What are others using in these situations?  Just curious. My work-around has been working for years, just would like more flexibility.

 

Maybe these can be added for SoftPlan+ users in the future.

[Mark Petri]

I have made several posts for my post library based on what I need. You could easily make all sorts of posts for your need. Can you post a picture of the wedge-shape you use? Dissecting a current post from the library may give insights for how you will want to create the posts you need.

[Daniel Dillard]

 Steel-Frame Wedge Beams.JPG   70.35KB   4 downloads

I have made several posts for my post library based on what I need. You could easily make all sorts of posts for your need. Can you post a picture of the wedge-shape you use? Dissecting a current post from the library may give insights for how you will want to create the posts you need.

 

Here is a 3d of the project I did with the Wedge beams.  Fortunately the steel building manufacturer provided me working drawings of the steel frame for this project and I was able to create these beams using solids and then exporting the 3d model as a .dwg, saving the plan as a symbol and then linking it to the .dwg file.  Lots of steps - doable, though not adjustable without recreating if the project size changes.

[Jon Churchill]

We have quiet a few of our SoftPlan users who build sheds. In our post and beam libraries are sections of cold rolled C channel of various sizes. Draw and apply a profile to the post or beam. Portal frames are used in most shed constructions. I have not seen a tapered post used for many years as these in general would be hot rolled or welded. Way too expensive in to days market. Also use top hats sections on walls.

Attached Files

•  Posts.jpg   38.95KB   3 downloads
•  Beams.jpg   31.07KB   5 downloads
•  wall tophats.jpg   16.17KB   3 downloads

[Mark Petri]

Daniel,

 

The wedge beams and posts unfortunately would have to be custom for every size. Of course, if always the same height building, and a few basic sizes modeled and saved as posts and beams could be assembled. The posts could easily be a repeatable part that is actually a post. The beams would likely have to be symbols. It sounds like you already are making use of symbols to the best of SP's ability. The purlins could be beam profiles (may be best to set at each potential roof slope). Or as John shows, come up with at least some profiles that work. Certainly some ways to simplify, but not going to be super easy in SoftPlan. That is where I tend to go to SketchUp to create such things. But, then it has to coordinate with SP. I see your point on making more adjustable parameters within the post (and beam) menus. Would be nice.

[Tim Stockton]

Daniel and Mark - I will third the motion for adjustable parameters for post and beams.  I have 2 projects going right now that require the red iron structures - all will have to be build individually at this point and brought in.  Like Mark, I'll most likely do these in SketchUp and import them.