Drawing steel beams in plan view

[whashisface]

It would be very useful to be able to draw steel beams/sections directly into the plan view rather than having to draw a column and then rotate it in side view.

Having the ability to change the angle/incline of steel sections in the object info palette would also be pretty useful when drawing cranked columns and roof structures.

This has been a pretty standard function in other 3D CAD tools I've had the pleasure to use for quite a while now.

[whashisface]

It would also be very useful to be able to set the z value of beams to top of steel rather than the centre axis of the beam.

This would make coordinating with structural engineer information much much simpler as well as changing the size of a beam as a project develops.

Again, this has been a pretty standard function of your competitors for quite a while now!

[mike m oz]

The Framing Member tool in the Architect version has the ability to set the Z height to the top, bottom or centre of the object.

[whashisface]

Thanks Mike. That does seem to be what I'm after. I'll have a play around with that.

[whashisface]

Although it would be useful if these features were included in the individual steel section tools as standard too.

It's not very obvious to newer [and even some older] users [in our office anyway] that these features can be accessed in another toolset.

Why the duplication?

[whashisface]

So I've got the hang of the framing member tool. Which is great for beams and cranked beams but I now need to connect some columns for these cranked beams.

Is there a way to specify a bevel and/or mitre to the top of a steel section column?

There doesn't seem to be an option in either the column tool or wide flange - 3D tool.

Can anyone help?

[whashisface]

Bump.

And also: Is there a way to draw RHS/CHS/SHS sections as beams with the framing member tool?

If not, please can this be incorporated into VWs 2016?

Edited February 3, 2015 by whashisface