9 replies to this topic

[Peter Nauta]

Can we please get customizable beam Id's for the next update or next version of SoftPlan ?

We really want to use defined beams rather than just drawing a line, and typing in a note, or using a symbol and exploding it.  Only problem is that we don't want the length of the beam in the ID, as we already have the span dimensioned.

It would be really useful, not sure why we can't, as can already for openings.

[David Zawadzki]

Can we please get customizable beam Id's for the next update or next version of SoftPlan ?

We really want to use defined beams rather than just drawing a line, and typing in a note, or using a symbol and exploding it.  Only problem is that we don't want the length of the beam in the ID, as we already have the span dimensioned.

It would be really useful, not sure why we can't, as can already for openings.

Not sure why you are drawing a line for your beams? Do you not use the beam library?

[Peter Nauta]

Not sure why you are drawing a line for your beams? Do you not use the beam library?

No we do not.  Not every customer of ours wants a 3D model or rendering.

We us a center line for all of our beams, and then note what size and type of beam it is, then dimension to the center of the beam.

We don't need to utilize softlist for our projects.  If we could just simply edit the beam ID like how openings can type in a custom ID then it would be great for us as then we can combine 3D with our blueprints and still have our signature look and style.

We've never had a building department or builder/customer care if the beam shows all the plies, or if the width of the beam is drawn... as an LVL beam can be whichever the lumber company specs, all we care about is the depth.  As well most people do not care to see the extra lines as they are used to measuring on site to the center of a beam, and the center line creates a cleaner drawing.

As well with steel beams, the width of the beam really doesn't matter at all on the plan as what is being spec'd on the plan is either w8 or w10 ...etc, the steel company knows how wide it is and the beam pockets are all the same size then just pack it in after.
In the beam library an 8" steel beam is all it says... Its 5" wide... 10" steel beam is 6" wide... and that's drawn as a center line. So why have 1 style beam where the width doesn't matter and another style where it does ? It just creates extra clutter and inconsistency within the plan... would you draw a wood door and steel door differently on your plan ? No you wouldn't. 

As well then I can have a custom steel beam that's a w8,w10 etc... and then have the correct width in the definition, but then also edit the ID to say w10x26 STEEL BEAM "FLUSH".  So then when I make a 3D model, the info is more correct, as well as the floor plans look the same as we always have.

So in reality we never have to show the physical width of the beam on a floor plan since it already is noted.  The only issue with the ID currently is that it spaces the numbers out and adds the span, why would I clutter a plan with a 3-2x10 P.T. beam and have 4 lines for it then dimensioned to a space in-between the second ply?

All what the builder needs to know is where the center of it lies.

Let me ask you this.

After being a soft plan user since 1989, why would you not want to be able to type in your own beam ID?  Do you like having your plans look the same as everyone else ?  Do you also leave your beams at at 7.5" and 9.5" deep for 2x8 and 2x10 ?  Since we both know that nominal size for those boards are 7.25" and 9.25"... so you are still editing the beam anyways, why not be able to create your own beam and have a customizable ID?  Sounds like it would benefit me and maybe others, and if they add that in next update, how does that negatively affect you ?
 
Maybe your building code where you are requires certain line types or styles for beams, but ours does not require anything different.

I know for a fact that after 30 years, we are not just going to change how our plans look just to have a 3D beam on a floor plan  Part of our success is because of how legible our plans are, but it would be great if we could have it look the same, and also have the BIM linked to the beam on the floor plan as how the openings and walls, posts are.

It was a pretty fair question or request I had for the next update, not sure why you had to have such a condescending response ?

Good luck

 

[Peter Nauta]

Not sure why you are drawing a line for your beams? Do you not use the beam library?

Here is an example

Attached Files

•  beam example.JPG   67.04KB   3 downloads

[Thomas Davis]

Peter,
If you go into System Options: Beam Definition (or Project Options, etc), you should be able to customize your beams for the size AND the look.
I agree with your single line logic for cleaner plans, so you could actually draw a "Softplan Beam" and still have it appear as a single line.
For a single line beam, you have to trick SP for the beam width by putting in 0.002 as the width so it will draw a single line.

 

[Jamie Moyer]

Am I wrong to think they finally updated the floor system joists to be 9.25" and 7.25" to be standard in 2024?

[Dennis Asher]

I use the softplan beams and they can be made to show up as a single line.  For example, if you have a steel beam that is 4" wide, you can go into the beam definition and uncheck the boxes for "Inside Visible" and "Outside Visible".  (The beam pocket in a concrete wall will still show the actual width of the beam).  However I prefer for my wood beams to display their actual width.

[David Zawadzki]

Am I wrong to think they finally updated the floor system joists to be 9.25" and 7.25" to be standard in 2024?

I always check out the what’s new in this release feature under the help tab… ;-)

Sounds like you might have fun checking out what’s new in SoftPlan 2024, also.

Don’t forget to upload the new beam library so you get the wood beams the right depth…

[Karl Maas]

If you want to show a single centerline while still keeping all the advantages of having a SP beam, you can go into the Beam definition as Thomas and Dennis mentioned and remove the visibility of the inside and outside edges of the materials and add a "none" material of zero thickness at the center and give it a centerline linstyle.

 

 

Attached Files

•  BeamDef.jpg   43.92KB   0 downloads

[Peter Nauta]

Thanks for the reply guys.
 

I think they made a change as now when I click " label " and click on the screen, the notes window pops up allowing me to edit the information.

 

Before it would just place the note right away without having the window open up to edit the text.