VW Architect 2011 - Block Dimensions

[Dybowski]

Hi,

We are looking at the dimensioning of window and door openings in masonry external walls.

1. Is there any way to dimension to the structural openings?

2. Is there any way to constrain block wall lengths to a block module?

We are using Forticrete glazed blocks and these cannot be cut on site. Hence the need for this level of detail.

Dybowski.

[Mitchell Brooks]

Hi Dybowski,

For 1:

Set up your windows properly and this will do what you what. Make your windows with sizes of say 970 mm width with 15 mm as a shim gap, for your overall rough opening and then you will be able to dimension to the window opening at, in this example, 1000 mm.

For 2: not that I know of unless you enter the wall length as a block module. However then when you join it to another wall, that overall length will change as the wall length is determined, I think, at the centre line. You can use some temporary lines as block module guides and stretch or shrink the walls to be on the module. We do that sometimes.

You should provide a signature that describes your VW's version and computer set-up. This could help in any future questions that you might have.

Cheers.

[Dybowski]

Mitch,

Thanks for this. I can see that the shim gap value generates a small line on either side of the window allowing a dimension to be associated with the rough opening. Do you know of any way to get the rough opening to be represented graphically i.e. drawing in the shim as opposed to just a line.

I'm thinking here about window schedules drawn in elevation. Fabricators like to be given the rough (structural) opening rather than the exact window frame size to design their own tolerances.

On the second point we will carry on with a template and adjust walls accordingly.

There is obviously a work around for most of this stuff but as a newbie to VW_Architect I want to make sure that I get the program doing as much of the work as possible.

[Mitchell Brooks]

Lee, I don't have an answer re. showing the shim. There is nothing automatic to do this, as far as I know.

[CipesDesign]

FWIW, in VW 2012 there is new option: "Show Shim Gap". I think this exactly what is being requested. It works with Doors & Windows. See attached...

As far #2 is concerned, I think I would create a GRID in it's own layer and make sure to use it!

Edited December 4, 2011 by CipesDesign

[Christiaan]

As Peter says, best way to set out to a masonry module is to create a grid on a separate layer.