Introduction

About Metal Framing Wall+M

Metal Framing Wall+M application for Autodesk® Revit® automates the modeling, data and documentation of Light-Gauge Steel (LGS) / Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) wall frames.

The rule-based automation features help users save time and eliminate errors when delivering LGS frame designs for fabrication.

Metal Framing offers Revit® users a solution to automate Light-Gauge Steel stud walls – from the modeling and clash detection to real-time take-offs and shop drawings.

Metal Framing does not automate the frames or connections of Structural Steel also known as:

• Hot-rolled steel (HRS)

• Heavy steel framing

• Mild steel structural framing

• I-columns/U-beams

Metal Framing is suitable for automating LGS / CFS frames designed in between Structural Steel frames.

Sample Libraries and Configurations

Metal Framing comes with default sample LGS framing Revit® family libraries and framing configurations that support profiles for different CNC machine brands:

C+U Frame

The stud sits on the web of the plate. Profiles can be screwed or fixed with an angle. Blocking/nogging/bridging profiles have different shapes (C-shaped, straps).

C+U families and configurations are designed to work with Royal CNC, Scottsdale/Scotsim and Knudson CNC exporter.

Learn more about the Be.Smart CNC Metal Exporter here.

C+U frame style is also commonly used for on-site assembled frames.

Metric structural framing families:

• M_MF Stud-Joist (vertical stud)

• M_MF Track (horizontal plate/track/header/sill)

• M_MF Blocking Stud-Joist (horizontal blocking/nogging/bridging)

• All other families that are NOT C+C or C+C_CH

Imperial structural framing families:

• I_MF Stud-Joist (vertical stud)

• I_MF Track (horizontal plate/track/header/sill)

• I_MF Blocking Stud-Joist (horizontal blocking/nogging/bridging)

• All other families that are NOT C+C or C+C_CH

Learn more about default framing families here.

C+C_CH Frame

The stud narrows (SWAGE) before cutting through the plate lips (LIP_CUT) and web (NOTCH) of plates. Profiles are fixed with dimples (DIMPLE). Diagonal elements have chamfered edges (END_TRUSS).

C+C_CH families and configurations are designed to work with Arkitech, Howick, Pinnacle, and Royal CNC exporter.

Learn more about the Be.Smart CNC Metal Exporter here.

Swages are not visible in the default Metal Framing families. However, the commands are visible in the exported files for CNC fabrication.

Metric structural framing families:

• M_MF C+C_CH Stud

• M_MF C+C_CH Plate

Imperial structural framing families:

• I_MF C+C_CH Stud

• I_MF C+C_CH Plate

Learn more about default framing families here.

C+C Frame

The stud sits on the plate lips. Profiles are fixed with an angle.

C+C families and configurations are designed for Metroll C+C CNC exporter.

Learn more about the Be.Smart CNC Metal Exporter here.

Metric structural framing families:

• M_MF C+C Stud

• M_MF C+C Plate

Imperial structural framing families:

• I_MF C+C Stud

• I_MF C+C Plate

Learn more about default framing families here.

Wall Type Layers

Wall structure should be layered out in the way the parts of the framing will be modeled, e.g.

Main Frame layer (stud layer) should have Structure function and be positioned between Core Boundaries.

Materials for every layer are mandatory!

Avoid abnormal wall forms which sometimes occur when a wall is attached to a roof:

Wall modeling

Walls have to be modeled according to your framing needs. Wall+M has the ability to frame sloped walls, but sides of a wall should always be vertical, as it is in real life:

Wall Splitting

Wall+M is capable of making frames for both on-site and modular wall framing. Splitting defines the modules of the wall.

To define framing panels, maximum height of studs, maximum length of sidings, etc., you should split the wall where you want your framing to end.

Walls should be split straight vertically or horizontally.

After splitting horizontally, the newly created wall has to be aligned with the levels which it represents.

Knee Walls

If a wall is attached to the roof, then the framing adapts to the slope of the roof. Exterior walls have to remain horizontal for placing structural elements, e.g. girders

For knee walls to work as expected, wall function has to be set to Exterior.

If wall is left unattached to roof, the top plate of that wall will always be horizontal.