The Super Secret Stacked Wall Methods ... Kind of?

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

The Super Secret Stacked Wall Methods ... Kind of?

Labels: revit stacked walls, revit tip, revit tutorial, stacked wall

How do YOU construct a wall that changes materials vertically and/or horizontally?

There will almost always be a few answers to this question. Why is it a secret? Because it is one of thos subjects that people just DO and don't really think about how or why they are doing what they are doing! I am just as guilty as the next guy. It wasn't until a buddy of mine asked me the very same question did I sit down and ponder it.

My honest answer... It depends! Let me break it down and explain the methods...

This post is actually pretty timely because David Light recently published a few posts on a similar topic. David brings up a very interesting point about "multiple ways to skin a cat" and this is exactly that case! Now, the most important question is what will the model be used for downstream? Is it a presentation model or a construction model? Will it be exported an used in Navisworks? IFC? Cobie?

Why ask all these questions? Because those are really the only things that will tell you HOW to model the wall system. There is no RIGHT way to model it because they will all yield the same results graphically and in 3D. They will not yield the same results downstream (refer back to David's posts).

Instead of my telling you which method is best for which approach or model purpose I thought I would show some of the possible methods I can think of and we can discuss how these methods would be best used downstream in the comments below.

Click here to view The Super Secrete Stacked Wall Methods via Screencast.

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Guest · 612 weeks ago

Don't forget the simple 'cut wall' method. Works well in a pinch.

1 reply · active 612 weeks ago

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TheRevitKid 72p · 612 weeks ago

Good catch! Cut Wall will work as well! Too many options...

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SMC · 612 weeks ago

Yeah - I've found that using Cut Geometry often is more useful than the four methods shown. Would also be interested in hearing your interpretation of the pros and cons of each method...

1 reply · active 612 weeks ago

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TheRevitKid 72p · 612 weeks ago

I also have used the cut wall/geometry method... Forgot all about it when making this post!

Perhaps I will follow up with a pros and cons post in the near future. Thanks for the input!

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SMC · 612 weeks ago

Main benefit of Cut Geometry by the way is that if you change the size of the embedded wall the host wall adjusts automatically. Cut profile is a pain if you have to change both the wall shape and the profile sketch; same with Parts.

2 replies · active 611 weeks ago

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TheRevitKid 72p · 612 weeks ago

I have found cut profile to work very fast but be a little annoying when trying to change things later... In more cases than the one about, too. We tend to use cut profile quite a bit in wall sections to quickly push and pull wall layers but they can be tough to work with when editing down the road.

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Alisder · 611 weeks ago

Interesting read, thanks =]
Just a note, using the edit profile option, if you edit the profile of the inserted wall once it is in place, you can align and lock the edges to the host wall and it will move with any modifications, and you can lock sizes with dimensions if required. I find that way quite useful, certainly quickest in some instances.

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andrew · 611 weeks ago

I've seen at least one prominent arch firm using curtain walls with wall types instead of curtain panels laid in.

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Kevin Fielding · 611 weeks ago

I personally prefer to avoid stacked walls. In principle the are great, however more often than not it you height of the step changes, and therefore a new stacked wall is need to be created. I would be better if you could override the heights of each wall similar to editing the shape handles of parts. In addition stacked walls have funny behaviour when walls have top and base extensions. The result is that multiple wall types are required for each wall which can lead to errors.

The curtain wall option is an interesting one, especially given that the offset of the 'infill' walls can be adjusted.

Good post though, I think its a case as you point out as selected the right method for the job.

1 reply · active 611 weeks ago

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TheRevitKid 72p · 611 weeks ago

I agree. Stacked walls never remain in the project throughout it's entire lifespan. They always end up being removed at some point because of the lack of edit-ablilty.

The curtain wall idea kind of scare me....

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Jamie Sidford · 483 weeks ago

We usually model our walls in lifts, i.e. from floor to floor. It is usually dictated by the contractors we work with too.

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Jeff G · 475 weeks ago

Split face is another method. It remains one wall. Use the paint tool to add a different material to the face of the wall. In your case with the example above it would be a brick wall, you use Split face to draw a rectangle on the exterior face. It will subdivide the face into two regions. Use the paint tool to paint the rectangular region "gypsum".

It has it's pros and cons but for a simple model it would be a quick method.

I would not approach that method however if I was doing a wall section through that wall for more detailed drawings.

1 reply · active 475 weeks ago

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TheRevitKid 72p · 475 weeks ago

Approach

-
Jeffrey A. Pinheiro, AIA, LEED AP
Tele:203-993-5509
Web <a href="http://:www.StudioBad.co
:www.StudioBad.co<br />Blog:ww.BIMAFterDark.com

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Tuesday, July 23, 2013