Metal open web timber joists in Vectorworks

[Christiaan]

What's the best way to model metal web timber joists? Variously called post-struts, easi-joists, etc. Timber piece top and bottom, with metal open web strut supports in between https://www.wolfsystem.co.uk/products/easi-joist.aspx

 

I thought the Structural Member tool might support them. Or I might find a BIM object online.

 

Edit: the AEC Framing command seems to support them, but are there any pre-made Libraries in VW?

 

Edited November 6, 2020 by Christiaan

[Chad Hamilton HAArchs]

In the US, Red-Built offers revit families - http://www.redbuilt.com/reference/revit-families  - technically these aren't sheet metal webs, rather they are bar trusses with wood top and bottom chords.

 

I see that on MiTek's website, they claim they will model your project structure and share the BIM with you - http://www.mitek.co.uk/Software/PAMIR/PAMIR---More-Benefits/

[Gadzooks]

Thanks @Christiaanyou gave me a reason to think this through. I've wanted to have this and from time to time have fudged it. So this time I've looked at it a bit more seriously.

 

I think - someone will correct me maybe - that the structural member or framing tools suffer (suppose drawback is a better phrase) from the way VW creates its arrays from symbols (even if they are 'bespoke'). The only symbols it can use are 2D 'outlines' and they are extruded and set out at the c/cs set in the OPI.

 

Where you (and I) want to provide a little more refined (graphically) solution.

 

First off, I recommend that the ply web type of joists are a good way of getting what you want using a 'standard' manufactured product and still being able to set some of the other options and flexibility available within the OPI including the production of the automatic takeoff etc... The key being that you can create a series of custom symbols from the manufacturer's range - all in outline. There's a reasonable vid on this...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNoPJIrJOm0 

 

I think there's no other route than to look at symbols and duplication for what we need. You'll have to do your own take-off unless you add data and provide a linked worksheet. Prob not worth doing as the manufacturers produce all this.

 

As far as the symbol route is concerned I've taken the view that the modular approach looks best. We are only after representation of the joists - not total accuracy. At the design stage we cannot know where the final imposed loads/spans will affect the design and layout that the manufacturer 'spits-out' of their design software. Obviously as professionals we can set out a provisional layout from knowledge and can even go back in later to replace positional joists with accurate ones from the manufacturer's design output.

 

600 mm seems a good modular approach - most of the Wolf system (there are others!!) has this in typical fashion. 

 

 

Create a symbol to suit - bearing in mind it should be possible to 'squeeze' the height and width (to achieve the correct range they manufacture) and still maintain the top and bottom chords with metal web appearance.

 

I chose to create the 254 depth so that later squeezing and stretching is easier as its from a 'mid range' point.

 

 

Squeezed to the 195 doesn't really alter it too much - as the piece maintains the required 600mm 'module'

 

  and can even be used to create the 222 wide variation satisfactorily   

 

 

Then build your span -  duplicate along line or which ever preferred way..

 

 

Ends can be treated to a block symbol to tidy the final dimension, much the same as the product would come from the factory.

 

Then you have your fixed span to duplicate at the c/cs for the floor area and can even indicate services if required.

 

 

Obviously doesn't have the 'extras' that are built into floor creation within VW, but a reasonable solution that will provide indicative sections/detailing and provide some help in MEP planning.

 

Doesn't take long to draw up the small amount of symbol variations that make a layout quick to achieve. They can also be used for walling systems etc. - the world's your lobster (sorry non UK readers!)

 

Hope this might help - or would be pleased to see other options on this theme.

 

@JimWI can't edit this image out now its there. Have you been tinkering again 

 

Edited November 23, 2017 by Gadzooks
can't omit image

[Christiaan]

Belated thanks zoomer, that's a great summary.