Revit Architecture Structural Tools

Structural Tools added with the Subscription Advantage Pack
For those users who have never worked Revit Structures these tools will be very new, but welcome.  It users look to the new structural Tab they will see what appears to be some duplicate tools with a bit of a structural bent.  In 2009 we had many of these tools which created similar elements to their architectural counterpart but with a few changes.  This is still the case, but there is more control added to each structural element that was previously only available in Revit Structures.

Structural Deck
In Revit Architecture we could always see the deck profile settings, but since they were greyed out we could not do anything to make the change.  I often would open the project in Structures to make those changes and load back to Architecture.  Architects can now make those changes themselves.
There are a couple of steps to get the deck profile to display in section or Elevation (Note section or elevation only) users need to load and assign a deck profile to your floor type.  The advantage pack shipped with extra content that was installed in the default content location.

Note: If you have moved the default content location you may need to download the content manualy and unzip.  Only the new and update content is included.

Load the deck profiles into your project. (Library)/Imperial Library/Profiles/Structural/

In the Floor Type properties, click the Structure Edit button to open the structure of the floor.  Note below the floor layers are 2 combo boxes to control the deck layer. Select a Layer and change the function to Structural Deck [1] The combo boxes will then become active.

Choose a deck profile, and whether or not it's standalone or part of the layer above.  (Changes the overall thickness of the floor) Finish the type properties. 

Draw a new floor slab.  If started from the Structural tab->Floor->Structural Floor the Structural parameter will be on.  If started from Floor it will be off. Turning this parameter on and off will show and hide the structural deck in the floor.  It is an instance parameter so each floor in question will need to be changed. 

First time users will probably get a warning when they create their first structural floor. The span direction annotation controls the direction of the deck so it displays correctly in section.  Load this from (Library)/Imperial Library/Annotations/Structural/.  After creating the structural floor attach the Span Direction Symbol. If you have canceled the command, the Span Direction Tool is on the Far right side of Annotation Tab.  Rotate the symbol to alter the span direction of the metal deck. 

In section or elevation the deck profile will display if the View Detail Level is set to Medium or Higher and the Structural Parameter is turned on in the Instance properties. 





Truss Tool
Revit Structures has had a truss tool for a couple of releases and now the Architecture has it as well. This tool has two parts, the Truss family template and the ability to place the truss in the model.

The truss family template allows users to sketch a layout for the truss using top and bottom chords and web members. Users can assign structural framing shapes to each of the sketch members and assign parametrics to alter the size and shape of of the truss. Inside the project users can assign structural framing members to each of the sketch lines allowing for different members at the top and bottom chord and different web lines.  Users can sketch a fast truss that can later be analytical to the structural engineer, or serve as a basis for their own truss design.

Beam System Framing Tag
Revit Architecture has been able to create the same beam systems as Revit structures for some time.  However Architecture users could not tag the system with a span tag.  Now users are able to tag your Beam Systems with a tag that reflects the member size and spacing.  It will automatically adjust to cross the span and rotates with the Span of the system. Users can edit the tag to reflect firm standards.

Trimming and Coping Beams
Architectural Users can now trim, cut and cope beams in Revit architecture.  The cut tool now works with Reference planes and beams. Draw a new plane across a beam and use the cut tool. The beam will miter to the angle.  Coping allows users to cope beams to other beams or columns as well as set the distance of the coping.