Create non-planar beam systems in Revit by sketch

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Beam systems provide framing for structures,

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especially if an area of a structure requires additional support.

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Revit lets you sketch a variety of beam systems, including planar beam systems,

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beam systems that are applied directly to a model element,

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or non-planar beam systems.

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To create non-planar beam systems, begin with a model open.

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Non-planar beam systems must be set upon a support, such as a set of structural walls.

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From the ribbon, Structure tab, Structure panel, select Wall.

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The Modify|Place Structural Wall contextual tab appears in the ribbon.

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In the Draw panel, select 2-Point Rectangle.

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In the Drawing area, pick a start and endpoint to create a rectangular-shaped set of walls.

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Then, in the ribbon, click Modify.

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Select one of the walls and, in the Properties panel, notice that it is defined as Structural.

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To make the beam system easier to work with, delete the two shorter walls.

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Then, set the work plane to Level 1: L1.

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Next, activate the Beam system command again, ensuring the 3D option is enabled.

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This option will allow your beam system to adjust according to the profile of the walls.

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Then, from the ribbon, Draw panel, select Pick supports.

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In the Drawing area, pick each wall.

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Notice that, once selected, each wall displays a slope indicator.

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Now, finish the boundary for the beam system.

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Draw two lines connecting the walls.

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From the ribbon, Mode panel, select Beam Direction to specify the direction of the beams.

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Select one of the new boundary lines for the beams to be parallel to.

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Then click Finish.

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Because this beam system is non-planar, you can alter its slope.

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Extend the height of one wall.

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The beam system adjusts so that it continues to slope, now from the higher wall to the lower one.

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You can also edit the profile of the wall, and the beam system will adjust accordingly.

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From the ribbon, click Edit Profile.

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In the Draw panel, select the Line command.

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Draw a diagonal line on one of the walls.

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Delete any unnecessary remaining lines and then finish the sketch.

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The beam system updates to the new profile.

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Continue to adjust the height of either wall to review the non-planar beam system.

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In Revit, you can create multiple types of beam systems, such as planar systems,

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beam systems applied directly to models, or non-planar beam systems.