This article provides a step-by-step guide on framing upper levels in a structure using Revit Structure software. It covers copying information from level 2 to level 3, placing earthquake resisting beams, and using glue laminated beams.
Key Insights
- The process involves copying earthquake-resisting beams from level 2 to level 3 using the 'copy to clipboard' tool and applying it to the desired level.
- In addition to copying beams, the guide explains how to place new beams, specifically glue laminated beams, onto the structure and add more beams as required.
- Special care is required when working with earthquake-resisting beams and heavily loaded drag beams, which play a crucial role in structural integrity.
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Hello, and welcome back to Revit Structure. Let’s get started. In our previous video, we completed framing Level 2. Now we want to begin framing the upper levels.
We’ll start by framing Level 3. But first, we want to copy some components from Level 2 to Level 3—specifically our earthquake-resisting beams. To do this, zoom in on Level 2, select the moment frame beams and brace frame beams, and once selected, you’ll be directed to the Modify tab. From there, choose Copy to Clipboard.
Now that they’re copied to the clipboard, go to the Paste tool, open the drop-down, and select Align to Selected Levels. Choose Level 3 and click OK.
The beams are now placed on Level 3. Let’s verify. Switch to Level 3, and you’ll see that both the moment frame beams and brace frame beams are in place.
Next, we want to place glue-laminated beams, which are wood beams. Go to the Structure tab. Under the Structural panel, click Beam.
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Now, locate the glue-laminated beams. We currently have Glulam – Western Species loaded, but only one size is available. We need to load three additional sizes.
Select the existing beam type, then click Edit Type and choose Load.
Navigate to Structural Framing, select it, and then choose Wood.
From the list, select Glue-Laminated Beams – Western Species. We’ve already loaded the 3 1/8" × 12" beam, so we don’t need to reload that one. Let’s load the others:
- 5 1/8" × 16 1/2"
- 6 3/4" × 16 1/2"
- 6 3/4" × 18"
We also need a 6 3/4" × 16 1/2" and a 6 3/4" × 18". Okay, we’ve selected these in addition to the one we already have.
Let’s load them in. Click OK. Once loaded, the first one we’ll use is the 6 3/4" × 18".
This will function as both a working beam on the exterior and a drag beam. Let’s start placing it—here, here, and here. But first, let’s go back and check the parameters.
We’re on Level 3, these are girders, and the vertical offset is 3/4"—everything looks good. Let’s continue.
Go to the south face, and place them here, here, and here. We’ll also place them on the east and west faces.
However, since these members are not supporting other joists, we’ll change their designation from girders to joists. There we go—the change is applied.
Now let’s continue placing them on the east and west faces. Go to the east side—since no beam currently exists there, we’ll place it along the grid line. Once a beam is added later, it will automatically join this member.
That completes our exterior system. Press Escape to exit the command.
Now, let’s begin placing our interior beam system, using the 5 1/8" × 16 1/2" size. Again, go to Beam, then select 5 1/8" × 16 1/2" from the drop-down.
Place them at the designated locations—here, along this line, and here. Now that they’re placed, the 6 3/4" × 18" beams are tied into these members.
Next, we’ll place 6 3/4" × 16 1/2" beams in the vertical direction. From the drop-down, select 6 3/4" × 16 1/2" and begin placing.
Continue placing along this centerline. Skip locations where earthquake-resisting frame beams already exist.
It looks like we missed a couple—go back and place 6 3/4" × 16 1/2" beams in those spots as well. These are also acting as heavily loaded drag beams, so it’s important they’re included. Place them here and here. Press Escape to exit the command.
Now we have our perimeter system and interior system in place, complete with both earthquake-resisting beams and standard load-bearing beams.
Let’s finish up. Since the floor joists cannot span the full width of the bay, we’ll add intermediate beams. These will also be 5 1/8" × 16 1/2".
Go to Beam under the Structure tab, and select 5 1/8" × 16 1/2". Place them at the centerlines between beams.
We’re skipping one bay due to special framing requirements, but we can proceed with the others. Continue placing the intermediate members and complete the final bay. Press Escape to finish.
We’ve placed our beams in this video, and that wraps it up. I’ll see you in the next one.