Workflow - Step by Step

INTRODUCTION

STEP 1. Setup

STEP 2. Load Families

STEP 3. Create Wall/Floor/Roof Types

STEP 4. Model Walls/Floors/Roofs

STEP 5. Link Wall/Floor/Roof

The guide covers the workflow of Be.Smart Metal Framing tools:

• Wall+M - Wall panel framing

• Floor+M - Floor panel framing

• Roof+M - Roof panel Framing

Truss+M is part of Metal Framing but due to a different interface and workflow, it's not covered in this guide. Find more about Truss+M here.

STEP 1. Setup

Explore the tabs below and learn how to install ARKANCE Dock and launch METAL COLLECTION in Revit.

1.1 ARKANCE Dock

DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL the ARKANCE Dock for Revit.

Find out more about the ARKANCE Dock installation.

1.2 Open Revit

Open a new or existing Revit project.

If you start a new project, feel free to pick your company template or a generic Revit template:

Be.Smart solutions work with Imperial and Metric templates.

1.3 Activate License

Find the ARKANCE Dock in the Revit ribbon to activate the METAL COLLECTION license code you received from Arkance's sales team.

Find out more about the Be.Smart Metal Collection license activation in ARKANCE Dock.

Click here if you have the Trial version.

1.4 Metal Framing

Find Metal Framing in Revit ribbon, T4R Metal Framing tab:

METAL COLLECTION includes Metal Framing and other productivity tools that you can find in the Revit ribbon or the ARKANCE Dock:

• Smart Walls

• Floor Panel Layout

• Roof Panel Layout

• Smart Connections

• Panel Packer

• Core Collection

1.5 Select Tools

T4R Metal Framing tab includes 4 different tools. You can use each tool at different project phases:

Wall+M - Wall panel framing

Floor+M - Floor panel framing

Roof+M - Roof panel framing

Truss+M - Floor and Roof Truss framing

Tip: If you want to begin with one tool (Wall+M for example), drag the selected tool into the view for easier use:

STEP 2. Load Families

2.1 Wall+M

• Main Families Required - Structural Framing families (studs, plates, tracks, etc.)

• Sample Details Recommended - Structural Connections (angles, bolts, holes, etc)

• Sample Schedules Recommended - predefined schedule and material take-off templates for shop drawings

• Sample Tags Recommended - Structural Framing, Structural Connection and Part tags for shop drawing views

• Siding Families Advanced - sample brick and other siding families for wall facades

• Split Families Advanced - Structural Framing split families are used for framing Paneling layouts (drywall, OSB and other finish layers). Watch the video to learn more.

2.2 Floor+M

• Main Families Required - Structural Framing families (joists, plates, tracks, etc.)

• Sample Details Recommended - Structural Connections (angles, bolts, holes, etc)

• Sample Schedules Recommended - predefined schedule and material take-off templates for shop drawings

• Sample Tags Recommended - Structural Framing, Structural Connection and Part tags for shop drawing views

2.3 Roof+M

• Main Families Required - Structural Framing families (joists, rafters, plates, etc.)

• Sample Details Recommended - Structural Connections (angles, bolts, holes, etc)

• Sample Roofing Advanced - Structural Framing families for roofing

• Sample Schedules Recommended - predefined schedule and material take-off templates for shop drawings

• Sample Tags Recommended - Structural Framing, Structural Connection and Part tags for shop drawing views

Metal Framing contains 3 different profile standards. Watch the video to learn more.

STEP 3. Create Wall/Floor/Roof Types

3.1 Tips

Key rules. Watch the video to learn more.

• Each layer must have a defined Function, Material and Thickness

• The main studs are hosted inside the Structure layer which has to be the Core Layer

• Drywall and other finish layers should have Finish 1, Finish 2 or Substrate

• For double drywall or other finish layers, each Material name must be unique:

You can create as many layers as you wish.

STEP 4. Model Wall/Floor/Roof Types

4.1 Wall Tips

It's important to model wall connections (L, V, End and T) properly. Watch the video.

To split long walls into panels with gaps, use Smart Walls

4.2 Floor Tips

When modeling floors, joists will run parallel to the Span Direction. You can define the joist direction by changing the Span Direction:

Split your floors into prefab floor panels using the Floor Panel Layout tool:

4.3 Roof Tips

After modeling pitched roofs, you need to use Roof Panel Layout to divide it into smaller panels:

Increase the transparency of walls/floors/roofs. This will make framing elements more visible.

To avoid clashes and create openings in walls/floors/roofs for services (ducts, pipes) use Cut Opening

STEP 5. Link Wall/Floor/Roof

5.1 Link Wall

5.2 Link Floor

5.3 Link Roof

LINK WALL/FLOOR/ROOF ITEMS

1. Select Wall/Floor/Roof type.

2. Framing Layer - Choose the purpose of a type layer. Tips:

   • Select Frame to model main studs/joists/rafters (Floors and Roofs also have Batten).

   • Select Sheathing, Sheathing II or Paneling to split parts for finishes.

3. Framing Configuration - Choose the automation rule for a chosen Framing Layer. Tips:

   • Open Framing Configurations dialogue to modify or create new rules.

4. Variable - For advanced users. Switch to a different Framing or Sheathing/Paneling automation rule every time you frame or split parts. Options:

   • Frame - when using the command Frame Wall

   • Sheathing/Paneling - when using the command Split Parts

   • Both - when using both commands

5. Frame (box) - tick only for layers with a Framing Configuration.

6. Frame Parts (box) - for advanced users. Tick only when framing parts.

7. Split Parts (box) - tick only for layers with Sheathing/Paneling Configuration.

8. Split by (box) - Select which Framing Configuration should lead the splitting of parts.

9. Sheathing/Paneling Configuration - Select a Sheathing or Paneling Configuration.

10. Exclude Parts (box) - Hides parts after using Split Parts command. Tip: uncheck the box.