Why Revit plugin InstaCrete is the best modelling tool? Let’s find.
- By Vikram Baraskar
- August 14, 2019
Comparison between Revit modelling vs InstaCrete modelling (Part II)
In part I of the blog series, “Revit Modelling vs InstaCrete modelling” we compared the grid, level & foundation tools.
In this part II of the blog series, I will discuss the structural column tool.
Columns are the vertical members of the building. They transfer the load of the building to the foundation. These are the structural columns.
In Autodesk Revit, there are two types of columns. The Architectural column & the structural column. We will be considering the structural column.
Process for the video –
For the comparison purpose, I will place ten columns from level 1 to level 2. Above it, I will place ten columns from Level 2 to Level 3. The base columns will have negative offset values. The top columns are of reduced sizes. These columns are placed at an “x” or “y” offset value above the base column so that one edge of the column is one above the other.
Let the base column size be 700×700. Place ten columns on grid intersection points from A1 to J1. They are placed at -900, -850, 800, -750, 700, -650. -600, -550, -500 & -450 millimetres base offset value. The top column sizes are 700×650, 700×600, 700×550, 700×500, 700×450 millimetres. These five columns are placed at an offset value of 25, 50, 75, 100, 125.
The remaining five column sizes are 650×700, 600×700, 550×700, 500×700, 45×700 millimetres. These five columns are placed at an offset value of of 25, 50, 75, 100, 125.
In short, I will place ten columns with ten different base offset values. Above which I will place ten smaller columns with offsets in “X” & “Y” direction.
Revit Modelling Procedure –
In the structural template file, I will add a level. Then I will add two horizontal & ten vertical grid lines. In the level 2 plan view, I will place ten columns of size 700×700 on ten grid points. Let us open any elevation view. Select all the columns & change the base offset value to zero. Select all the columns & copy them to level two. Change the top-level offset to zero. Then I will select each column & apply negative base offset values as mentioned earlier. Change the column sizes of the columns which are from level 2 to Level 3.
Open view Level 2. Select each column & move it so that one edge of the column is one above the other. Observe the model in the 3D view. Note down the timing. It is three minutes fifty seconds.
We developed two tools to place columns. Multi-level column & single-level column.
Multi-level column allows us to place columns at multiple levels but at a single grid intersection point. Using this tool we can place double-height columns.
Single-level columns allow us to place columns at multiple grid intersection points but at a single level.
The data is interchangeable between two tools.
While developing these two tools we developed them so as the user is –
– able to place the columns from any view.
– able to impart various offset values as well as attach data to the columns.
– is able to place columns in a symmetric manner if the design allows such placing.
– is able to place columns from one view.
The users of InstaCrete will experience all these features while using these two column tools.
Now, I will repeat the column modelling procedure using this Revit add-on InstaCrete.
Revit add-on InstaCrete Modelling procedure –
After adding a level & the grid lines, I will use a single-level column tool to place the columns in the drawing.
In the dialogue box select the bae level as level 1. Select column size 700×700. Place that column on grid A1 to J1. Input the base offset values. Hit the okay button to place the columns.
Reopen the dialogue box. Select Level two as the base level. Select various sizes of the columns. Place them from A1 to J1. Input “X” & “Y” offset values & hit the okay button to place the columns in the drawing.
Observe the model & note down the timing. It is two minutes twenty-eight seconds.
The Revit modelling procedure took around 3 minutes 50 seconds while InstaCrete took two minutes twenty-eight seconds to complete the same procedure.
Instacrete saves 36% of user time while drawing the columns.
All the Revit apps developed by RCCCAD IT Solution Pvt. Ltd. Are available from Autodesk website. Use the link https://apps.autodesk.com/en