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Revit 2022 Structure ®

Fundamentals

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 Chapter

Structural Framing
The skeleton of a building is its structural framing. Together, elements such as
columns, beams, bracing, and trusses give buildings the stability they need. While
the basic process of adding these elements to the project is simple, you also need
to complete more complex tasks, such as manipulating connections (by setting
bearing offsets, cantilevers, cut backs, and justifications), applying beam coping,
and editing beam joins.

Learning Objectives in This Chapter

• Sketch individual beams for girders connecting columns and structural walls.
• Create beam systems of multiple similar sized beams spaced at equal intervals to speed up
adding joists.
• Add bracing to support the integrity of other framing members.
• Make changes to framing members so that the connections fit the exact situation.
• Add trusses to support long spans of open space.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

7.1 Modeling Structural Framing

The Autodesk® Revit® software enables you to frame a building
with wood, concrete, and steel framing and bracing, such as the
steel example shown in Figure 7–1. You can add individual
beams, as well as beam systems and bracing elements.

Figure 7–1
• Framing types include Concrete, Light Gauge Steel,
Precast Concrete, Steel, and Wood.

• In views set to a Coarse detail level, the software assigns a

line weight to the structural members based on their
structural usage. For example, a girder displays in a heavier
line weight than a joist, while a purlin displays with a dashed
line, as shown in Figure 7–2.

Girder

Joist

Purlin

Figure 7–2

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 Structural Framing

How To: Add Beams

1. In the Structure tab>Structure panel, click (Beam).

2. In the Type Selector, select a beam type.
3. In the Options Bar, specify the options, as shown in
Figure 7–3 and described below.

Figure 7–3
• Placement Plane: Defaults to the current level if you are in a
plan view but can be modified to other levels.

• Structural Usage: Select a type (as shown in Figure 7–3), or

accept the default of <Automatic>.

• 3D Snapping: Select this if you want to draw a beam from

one point to another at different heights.

• Chain: Select this if you want to draw a series of beams in a

row.

• To stay in the command and start another chain, press

<Esc> once.
4. For automatic tagging, in the Modify | Place Beam tab>Tag

panel, click (Tag on Placement).

5. In the Modify | Place Beam tab>Draw panel, use the Draw
tools to draw the beams.

How To: Add Multiple Beams on Grid Lines

1. Start the Beam command and specify the type and other
options, as outlined above.

2. In the Modify | Place Beam tab>Multiple panel, click (On

Grids).

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

3. Select the grid lines where you want to place the beams. A
beam is placed between each grid intersection, as shown in
Figure 7–4. Hold <Ctrl> to select more than one grid line, or
use a selection window to select multiple grid lines at one
time. Columns must be in place in order to add multiple
beams at the same time.

Window around
entire grid line

Figure 7–4
4. In the Modify | Place Beam>On Grid Line tab>Multiple panel,

click (Finish).

• Sometimes this can be the quickest way to add beams. If you

need to use various sizes of beams, when you are finished,
select those beams and make any changes in the Type
Selector.

Beam Systems Beam systems are layouts of parallel beams within a structural
quadrant giving the structure added support, as shown in
Figure 7–5. Typically used in joist layouts, beam systems can be
set up to use either a fixed distance or number of beams.

• Beam systems can be created automatically with sufficient

bounding elements (other beams). You can also sketch the
boundary for a beam system.

• To use the automatic beam system, you need to have framing

in the model already.

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 Structural Framing

Figure 7–5

How To: Add Automatic Beam Systems

1. In the Structure tab>Structure panel, click (Beam

System), or type BS.
2. In the Modify | Place Structural Beam System tab>Beam

System panel, click (Automatic Beam System).

• If you do not have framing in the level, you are directed to
the Modify | Create Beam System Boundary tab, where
you will need to create your bay boundary.

3. When (Tag on Placement) is selected, in the Options

Bar, set the Tag Style (as shown in Figure 7–6).
• Framing: Tags each individual member.
• System: Places one tag for the entire framing system.

Figure 7–6
4. In the Options Bar (shown in Figure 7–7), set the Beam Type,
Justification, and Layout Rule.

Figure 7–7

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

• The Layout Rule options include Clear Spacing, Fixed

Distance, Fixed Number, and Maximum Spacing. Set
the required distance or number.
• Make changes in Properties or in the Options Bar as
needed to establish the required beam system.
5. Move the cursor over an existing beam until the guide lines
display in the correct area and direction, as shown vertically
and horizontally in Figure 7–8. This can also identify angled
lines.

Figure 7–8
6. Select the existing beam to place the system.
7. Repeat this step in other bays, as needed.

• The beam system is one uniform group. You can change the
beam type and spacing in the Options Bar or in Properties.

• If a grid line is moved, the beams automatically space

themselves. If the bay increases beyond the minimum
spacing, a beam is added. If the bay shrinks below the
allowable spacing, a beam is removed.

• If you need to change the system to individual beams, in the

Modify | Structural Beam Systems tab>Beam System panel,

click (Remove Beam System). The individual beams

remain but are no longer grouped together.

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 Structural Framing

How To: Sketch a Beam System

1. In the Structure tab>Structure panel, click (Beam
System).
2. In the Modify | Place Structural Beam System tab>Beam

System panel, click (Sketch Beam System).

3. In the Modify | Create Beam System Boundary tab>Draw

panel, click (Pick Supports) or use one of the other

drawing tools. The first beam that you select will be the beam
direction.
4. To modify the beam direction, from the Draw panel, click

(Beam Direction) and select one of the sketch lines that

you want the system to run parallel to, as shown on the top
horizontal beam in Figure 7–9.
Beam direction

Figure 7–9
5. Clean up all of the corners so that there are no overlaps or
gaps.
6. In the Modify | Create Beam System Boundary tab>Mode

panel, click (Finish Edit Mode).

7. Make changes in Properties or in the Options Bar as needed
to establish the required beam system.
• To include an opening in a beam system, select the beam
system and in the Modify | Structural Beam Systems

tab>Mode panel, click (Edit Boundary). From the Draw

panel, select (Boundary Line) and draw another opening
inside the original sketched boundary.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Adding Bracing Braces automatically attach to other structural elements, such as

beams, columns, and walls. They recognize typical snap points,
such as the end point of a column and the middle of a beam, as
shown in Figure 7–10.

Figure 7–10
• Bracing can be added in plan view or, more typically, in a
framing elevation view.

How To: Add Bracing

1. Create and open a framing elevation.

2. In the Structure tab>Structure panel, click (Brace).

3. In the Type Selector, select a brace type.
4. Pick two points for the end points of the brace.

• Work from the centerline of all of the framing members so

that the analytical line extends into the adjacent framing,
even though the graphical member stops at the edge of
the column or beam, as shown in Figure 7–11.

Figure 7–11

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 Structural Framing

Cross Bracing In plan view, cross bracing needs to be displayed graphically,

usually by hidden lines. The software has a separate setting that
Settings controls cross bracing as viewed in a plan. This setting enables
you to display bracing above, below, or both. You can set the
bracing to be displayed as parallel lines or as a line at an angle,
as shown in Figure 7–12.

Parallel

Line with angle

Figure 7–12

• In the Manage tab>Settings panel, expand (Structural

Settings) and click (Structural Settings). In the Structural
Settings dialog box, in the Symbolic Representation Settings
tab, select the Brace Symbols options, as shown in
Figure 7–13.

Figure 7–13

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Hint: Copying Elements to Multiple Levels

Instead of drawing the same elements on each level, you can
copy them to the clipboard and then paste them aligned to the
other levels.

1. Select the required elements.

2. In the Modify contextual tab>Clipboard panel, click

(Copy to Clipboard).

3. In the Modify tab>Clipboard panel, expand (Paste) and

click (Aligned to Selected Levels).
4. In the Select Levels dialog box (shown in Figure 7–14),
select the levels to which you want to copy the elements.

Figure 7–14
5. Click OK.

• This command is for copying model elements only. If you

want to include tags or other annotations, use
Paste>Aligned to Selected Views.

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 Structural Framing

Practice 7a Model Structural Framing

Practice Objectives
• Place beams and beam systems.
• Copy framing to additional levels.
• Create a framing elevation.
• Add bracing.

In this practice, you will add framing for one floor of a building (as
shown in Figure 7–15), and then copy and paste the framing to
the levels above. You will then add bracing to one part of the
structure.

This graphic is modified

for clarity.

Figure 7–15

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Task 1 - Place perimeter beams.

In this task, you will add framing between each column (and in
some cases, between beams), as shown in Figure 7–16.

Figure 7–16

1. Open Structural-Beams.rvt from the practice files folder.

2. Open the Structural Plans: TOS-1ST FLOOR view.

3. In Properties, in the Underlay section, set the Range: Base

Level to T.O. FOOTING so that you can see the outline of the
building.
4. In the View Control Bar, set the Detail Level to (Medium).

5. In the Structure tab>Structure panel, click (Beam).

6. In the Type Selector, select W-Wide-Flange: W14x30.

7. Use the following techniques to place the beams:

• If you use (At Grids), ensure that you select the

correct grid lines. Delete beams that are not used.

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 Structural Framing

• If you are sketching the beams, in the Options Bar, select

Chain to keep the sketching active between picks. Press
<Esc> once to end the chain but remain in the command.

• To place the curved beams, use either (Pick Lines) or

the (Start-End-Radius Arc) tool.

8. Use (Split Element) to break each curved beam into two

beams at the midpoint.

9. Select the curved beams and in Properties, in the Structural

section, change the Structural Usage to Girder, if needed.

10. Click (Modify).

11. Save the project.

Task 2 - Create beam systems.

1. In the Structure tab>Structure panel, click (Beam

System).

2. In the Modify | Place Structural Beam System tab, verify that

(Automatic Beam System) is selected.

3. In the Tag panel, click (Tag on Placement) to toggle it off,

if needed.

4. In the Options Bar, set the following:

• Beam Type: W12x26
• Layout Rule: Maximum Spacing of 6'-0"
5. Click inside each bay, ensuring that the beams are running in
a west-east direction. Exclude the bays on the corners of the
east end shown in Figure 7–17.
This graphic has been
modified for clarity.

No beam system
Figure 7–17

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

6. Use (Sketch Beam System) for any bays that cannot be

applied automatically.
• In Properties, in the Identity Data section, set Tag new
members in view to None.

7. Once all of the framing is in place, end the command.

8. Save the project.

Task 3 - Copy the framing to the other levels.

1. Select everything on the first floor except the grid lines.

2. In the Status Bar, click (Filter).

3. In the Filter dialog box, clear the Structural Columns

category, as shown in Figure 7–18. If elements other than
framing are displayed, clear those categories as well.

Figure 7–18

4. Click OK.

5. In the Modify | Multi-Select tab>Clipboard panel, click

(Copy to Clipboard).

6. In the Clipboard panel, expand (Paste) and click

(Aligned to Selected Levels).

7. In the Select Levels dialog box, select TOS-2ND FLOOR to

TOS-13TH FLOOR, as shown in Figure 7–19. (Hint: Hold
<Ctrl> or <Shift> to select multiple levels.)

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 Structural Framing

Figure 7–19

8. Click OK. This will take some time to process.

9. Open the Structural Plans: TOS-13TH FLOOR view.

10. Only the girder beams of each bay are required on the roof
level. With a crossing window, select everything and filter out
everything but Structural Framing (Girder).

11. Press <Ctrl>+<C> (the Copy to Clipboard shortcut).

12. In the Clipboard panel, expand (Paste) and click

(Aligned to Selected Levels).

13. In the Select Levels dialog box, select TOS-14 ROOF and
click OK.

14. Open the TOS-14 Roof view and set the Detail Level to
Medium so you can see the girder placement.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

15. Open a 3D view to see the full model, as shown in

Figure 7–20.

This graphic is shown at

the Coarse detail level
with Show Analytical
Model on for clarity.

Figure 7–20

16. Save the project.

Task 4 - Create a framing elevation.

1. Open the TOS-1st FLOOR structural plan view.

2. In the View tab>Create panel, expand (Elevation) and

click (Framing Elevation).

3. Select the beam between grid intersections B1 and C1, as

shown in Figure 7–21.

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 Structural Framing

Figure 7–21

4. In the Project Browser, expand Elevations (Framing

Elevation) and rename Elevation 1 – a as West Bracing.

5. Open the framing elevation.

6. Modify the crop region to display the columns.

7. In the View Control Bar, set the Detail Level to (Fine).

8. Zoom in to display the 00 GROUND FLOOR and TOS-1ST

FLOOR level heads.

9. Save the project.

Task 5 - Add bracing.

1. In the Structure tab>Structure panel, click (Brace).

2. In the Type Selector, select HSS Square: HSS6X6X1/2.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

3. Draw from the centerline of the base of the column on the left
to the midpoint of the beam located on TOS-1ST FLOOR, as
shown in Figure 7–22. Repeat this step on the other side.

4th point
2nd point
3rd point
1st point

Base column Base column

Figure 7–22

4. Click (Modify) and select the two new braces.

Note that the entrance 5. Copy the braces to the clipboard and use Paste>Aligned to
level is listed as Ground Selected Levels to place them on each of the levels from
Floor. This is typical in TOS-1ST FLOOR to TOS-13TH FLOOR. Exclude the
some Canadian and 00 GROUND FLOOR, T.O.FOOTING, and TOS-14 ROOF
British naming levels.
schemes.
6. In the West Bracing elevation, pan up to the top level.

7. Select the top two braces and drag the circular control to the
midpoint of the beam above it, as shown in Figure 7–23.

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 Structural Framing

Before After
Figure 7–23

8. Click (Modify).

9. Zoom out to see the entire framing elevation.

10. Save and close the project.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

7.2 Modifying Structural Framing

The default connections of columns, beams, and braces might
need to be modified to suit specific situations, such as when the
beams are offset from their associated level or cantilevered
beyond a framing member. Modifications can be made by using
graphical controls and shape handles, the Properties palette, or
special tools found on the Modify | Structural Framing tab, as
shown in Figure 7–24.

End level offset

Shape handles

Figure 7–24
• The Detail Level of a view impacts the way in which framing
members display, as shown in Figure 7–25. Some editing
tools only work in a Medium or Fine detail view.

Coarse detail level

Medium detail level

Figure 7–25

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 Structural Framing

• For a visual reference, you can use either location lines

(shown in Figure 7–26) or analytical lines (shown in
Figure 7–27).

• To show location lines, in the Visibility/Graphic Overrides

dialog box>Model Categories tab, expand Structural
Framing and then select Location Line.
• To toggle the display of analytical lines, in the View

Control Bar, click (Show/Hide Analytical Model).

Location lines Analytical lines

Figure 7–26 Figure 7–27

• When you draw framing members, the start/end orientation is

based on the first and second points picked. In some
modification instances, it is important to know the start point
versus the end point. In the analytical model, the start point is
green and the end point is red, as shown in Figure 7–28.

Start point (green)

End point (red)

Figure 7–28
• To flip the start and end points:
• In a plan view, click the Flip Structure Framing ends
icon, as shown in Figure 7–29.
• In a 3D view, right-click on the member and select Flip
Structural Framing ends.

Figure 7–29

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Sloping and Beams can be modified to slope or offset from the level where
they are placed. This can be done by first unpinning the beam,
Offsetting
selecting it, and clicking the (Prevent or allow change of
Beams element position) icon in the view, and then using the Start/End
Level Offset control (as shown in Figure 7–30) or modifying
Start/End Level Offset in Properties (as shown in Figure 7–31).

Figure 7–30 Figure 7–31

• Setting the offset at only one end slopes the beam, as shown
in Figure 7–32.

Sloped beams

Figure 7–32
• The Cross-Section Rotation option in Properties rotates the
beam along its axis at the angle specified.

• Setting the Start/End Level Offset the same at each end

raises or lowers the entire beam. For example, when wide
flange beams are supporting open web steel joists (as shown
in Figure 7–33), you need to offset that increment based on
the specific joist’s seat.

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 Structural Framing

Entire beam lowered

Joist seat

Figure 7–33

Hint: Using 3D Snapping

When you draw beams, you can toggle on 3D Snapping from
the Options Bar. This allows you to snap to other beams or
structural walls of different heights.

You can also use 3D Snapping when placing beam systems

using the Automatic Beam System tool. When you toggle on
3D Snapping, you have an additional option, which is Walls
Define Slope. When selected, this option allows you to use
walls to define the slop of your beam system.

On the left in Figure 7–34, the 3D Snapping and Walls Define

Slope options are selected, while on the right they are not.

Figure 7–34

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Adding Beam It is common to need a joist extension that cantilevers a bearing

member. In the example shown in Figure 7–35, the joist seat
Cantilevers and needs to extend past the beam it bears on to frame into a
Cutbacks cantilevered ridge beam. By modifying the individual joists, you
can extend either end to meet the requirements.

Use this method to

extend joists for a fascia
system or in any
situation in which a roof
or slab extends past the
main structure.

Figure 7–35
To cantilever or cutback a beam that is joined to other structural
elements, use the shape handles to drag it to a new location, or
set the Start or End Join Cutback in Properties, as shown in
Figure 7–36.

Figure 7–36
To cantilever a beam when the beam is not joined to other
elements, you can use the Drag Structural Framing
Component End shape handle (as shown in Figure 7–37), or
set the Start or End Extension in Properties.

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 Structural Framing

Figure 7–37
• When modifying beams, you first need to unpin the individual
beam you want to work with. Select it and click the

(Prevent or allow change of element position) icon.

Hint: Structural Connections and Fabrication

Over 150 standard structural connections can be added to
framing joins to share in-depth information about the join with
the contractor and fabricator. You can also add fabrication
elements, such as plates, bolts, and welds, and modify plates
and other steel elements using copes and other cuts. These
tools, which are beyond the scope of this learning guide, are
found on the Steel tab, as shown in Figure 7–38.

Figure 7–38

Changing the Modifying the join connection of structural framing can be done
by changing the cutback from the connected element. For
Cutback example, the default cutback of the column shown in
Figure 7–39 is the bounding box of the column, not the vertical
support. You can change the reference to a more appropriate
part of the framing.
You can select more
than one element to
adjust as long as they
are connected to the
same reference.

Before After
Figure 7–39
• You can change the reference in plan and 3D views if the
Display Level is set to Medium or Fine.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Hint: Bounding Boxes

An element bounding box is an invisible rectangular box
around the element that defines a single element and how it
reacts to other elements. Figure 7–40 shows the bounding box
for a column in dashed lines.

Figure 7–40

How To: Adjust the Cutback of Structural Framing

1. Select the structural framing member you want to modify.
2. In the Modify | Structural Framing tab>Join Tools panel, click

(Change Reference).
3. Select the reference point for alignment, as shown on the left
in Figure 7–41. This can be another beam, a structural
column, or a structural wall.

Before After
Figure 7–41
• The end of the member lengthens to the new reference
location (it does not move the beam), as shown on the right in
Figure 7–41.

4. In Properties, modify the Start Join Cutback or End Join

Cutback distance, as needed.

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 Structural Framing

• To return the beam end to its default setback position, click

(Change Reference) again and select the bounding box

(dashed lines) of the other element.

Changing Modifying the location of a framing element can be done by

modifying the justification. You can set the horizontal (y) and
Justifications vertical (z) justification points to one of nine different points, such
as Origin Left (as shown in Figure 7–42). The location line
remains in place, with the framing element moved to the new
justification. You can also change the offset from the justification
point in either the y (left to right) or z (top to bottom) directions.
Both of these options can be modified either graphically or in
Properties.

Location line

Potential
justification points

Figure 7–42

How To: Set the Justification of Framing Elements

Graphically
1. Select the beam you want to modify.
2. In the Modify | Structural Framing tab>Justification panel,

click (Justification Points), or type JP.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

3. Select the justification points you want to use, as shown in

Figure 7–43.

Figure 7–43
• The location line does not change, but the framing element
repositions to the selected justification point.

• You can also modify the justification points using the

y Justification and z Justification parameters in Properties, as
shown in Figure 7–44.

Figure 7–44

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 Structural Framing

How To: Change the Justification Offset

Graphically
1. Select the structural framing element.
2. In the Modify | Structural Framing tab>Justification panel:
• Modify the horizontal offset and distance by clicking

(y Offset), or type JY.

• Modify the vertical offset and distance by clicking

(z Offset), or type JZ.

3. Select the offset start point and then the offset end point.

• You can also modify the offset values in Properties by using

the y Offset Value and z Offset Value parameters.

• You can set the yz Justification (shown in Figure 7–45) to the

following:
• Uniform: The same justification offset is applied to both
ends.
• Independent: The justification offset can be different for
each end.
When the yz Justification is selected, you can set the Start y
(or Start z) Offset Value and the End y (or End z) Offset Value
in Properties.

Figure 7–45

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Hint: Viewing Justifications

At the Coarse detail level, when you select the beam, the
justification line is displayed, as shown in Figure 7–46.
Justification line

Beam (with a Left

Justification)

Figure 7–46
When working in the Medium (or Fine) detail level, along with
toggling on the location line in Visibility/Graphic Overrides, it
can help to display the analytical model, as shown in

Figure 7–47. In the View Control Bar, click (Show Analytical

Model).

Justification line

Beam (with a Left

Justification)

Figure 7–47

Attaching a The columns that support the cantilever can be attached to the
bottom of the framing member, as shown in Figure 7–48. This
Column to a removes the need to estimate the actual bearing depth of the
Beam framing member and ensures that the column always remains
connected to the beam.

Figure 7–48

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 Structural Framing

How To: Attach a Column to the Bottom of a Beam

1. Select a column.
2. In the Modify | Structural Columns tab>Modify Column panel,

click (Attach Top/Base).

3. In the Options Bar, set the options as needed. If you need to
add a bearing plate, set the Offset from Attachment value.
4. Select the beam that the column will attach to.

• You can also use this command to attach the base of a beam
to structural footings. When the footing moves in height, the
length of the column resizes to match.

Applying When one beam connects with another beam, you might need to
modify the connection. In the example shown in Figure 7–49, the
Beam Coping lower joist-bearing beam runs into the perimeter beam. This is a
coping situation.

Figure 7–49

How To: Cope Beams

1. Open a 3D, section, or detail view.
2. Zoom in to a beam-to-beam (or beam-to-column) connection.

3. In the Modify tab>Geometry panel, expand (Cope) and

select (Apply Coping).

4. Select the beam to be coped first, followed by the
column/beam from which to cut. The cope is then completed.
• You can change the coping distance by selecting the
beam and changing the Coping Distance value in
Properties.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Editing When you add beams to a project, there is a default layout to the
beam joins. However, you might need to override the joins. You
Beam Joins can do this by adjusting how the beams frame into each other, as
shown in Figure 7–50.

Figure 7–50

How To: Edit Beam Joins

1. In the Modify tab>Geometry panel, click (Beam/Column

Joins). The work area switches to sketch mode.
• Only the beams and/or columns that can be changed are
highlighted.
• You cannot use this tool on beams that are attached to
vertical columns.
2. In the Options Bar, specify the types of beams that you want
to work with, as shown in Figure 7–51.

Figure 7–51
3. Click the Change Beam Status control to toggle the join, as
shown in Figure 7–52.

Figure 7–52

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 Structural Framing

4. Click (Beam/Column Joins) again or click (Modify) to

end the command.
• If you are mitering a corner, you can lock the miter, as
shown in Figure 7–53.

Unlocked Locked
Figure 7–53

Hint: Join Status

You can modify the Join Status of structural frames to position
framing that butts against a wall or other beams. Right-click on
the join control (the circle), select Disallow Join (as shown on
the left in Figure 7–54), and make the required modifications.
Click Allow Join to rejoin the elements.

Figure 7–54
• Join Status is a field that can be used in schedules. You can
modify the join status in the schedule and it will update in
the model.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Practice 7b Modify Structural Framing

Practice Objectives
• Modify beam level offsets.
• Add beam systems.

In this practice, you will modify beam level offsets for correct joist
bearing and add beam systems using the automatic method
where you can. Then, you will sketch beam systems in areas
where they cannot be automatically placed, as shown in
Figure 7–55.

Figure 7–55

Task 1 - Modify beam level offsets.

1. Open Structural-Framing.rvt from the practice files folder.

2. Open the Structural Plans: TOS-14 ROOF view.

3. Hide the grid lines.

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 Structural Framing

4. For this level, you need to lower the beams of each bay.
Select all of the beams running in the north-south direction for
the joist bearing, including the arc beams, as shown in
Figure 7–56.

If you selected bracing

elements, you need to
filter them out.

Figure 7–56

5. In Properties, change both the Start Level Offset and End

Level Offset to (negative) -2-1/2".

6. Click Apply.

7. Open a 3D view and zoom in on one of the top floor

intersections. The north-south girders should be displayed
below the east-west girders, as shown in Figure 7–57.

Figure 7–57

8. Save the project.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Task 2 - Add beam systems.

1. Switch to the Structural Plans: TOS-14 ROOF view.

2. In the Insert tab>Load from Library panel, click (Load

Family).

3. In the Load Family dialog box, navigate to the practice files

Custom Families folder and select K-Series Bar Joist-Rod
Web.rfa, then click Open.

4. In the Specify Types dialog box, select 16K7 from the list and
click OK.

5. In the Structure tab>Structure panel, click (Beam

System). In the Options Bar, set the following parameters:
• Beam Type: 16K7
• Layout Rule: Maximum Spacing
• Maximum Spacing: 6'-0"

6. Use (Automatic Beam System) to fill in as many bays as

possible, as shown in Figure 7–58.

Do not add
beam systems
in these bays

Figure 7–58

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 Structural Framing

• If the error shown in Figure 7–59 opens, the space for the
joist might be too small to be created by the Beam
System command. Click Delete Type. You can add a
beam separately, as needed.

These errors occur so

you are aware of
potential problems, and
they should be
addressed. They are an
important part of using
the BIM model process.

Figure 7–59
• If you end up with areas where the automatic method
does not work (such as the example shown in

Figure 7–60), switch to (Sketch Beam System). When

sketching beam systems, in Properties, in the Identity
Data section, change Tag new members in view to None.

Figure 7–60

7. Click (Modify).

8. Switch to the 3D view to see the newly placed joists.

9. Save and close the project.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

7.3 Adding Trusses

A truss can be added to a project using the same basic method
as placing a beam. Trusses are typically composed of one or
more triangular sections, as shown in Figure 7–61. These
sections are constructed with structural members whose ends
are connected at joints, which are referred to as nodes. As
various forces act on these nodes, the triangular shape provides
structural stability to prevent bending.

Top chord Web members

Bottom chord

Figure 7–61
The elements of a truss are:

• the lower horizontal member, called the bottom chord;

• the upper horizontal member, called the top chord; and
• the series of structural framing elements that stabilize the
truss, called the Web.
The top and bottom chords fulfill the same function as a beam’s
top and bottom flanges. The web takes the place of the beam’s
continuous plate.

How To: Add Trusses

1. In the Structure tab>Structure panel, click (Structural

Trusses).
2. In the Type Selector, select the type of truss you want to use.

• Click (Load Family) and navigate to the Structural

Trusses folder in the Revit Library to add families to the
project.

3. In the Modify | Place Truss tab>Draw panel, click (Line) or

(Pick Lines) and add the trusses to the project.

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 Structural Framing

Attaching Trusses can be attached to roofs or floor slabs. They can also
follow the slope of the roof and automatically extend to fit, as
Trusses to shown in Figure 7–62.
Roofs

Figure 7–62

How To: Attach Trusses to Roofs

1. In the Modify | Structural Trusses tab>Modify Truss panel,

click (Attach Top/Bottom).

2. In the Options Bar, set Attach Trusses to Top or Bottom.
3. Select the roof or floor element. The truss attaches to the
element and follows the angle or slope, as shown in
Figure 7–63.

Figure 7–63
• The top chord must be one continuous line in the family. If it is
broken into segments, attaching it might not work properly.

• Verify that the bottom chord is specified as the bearing chord

in the element properties of the truss. This ensures that the
roof loads are carried throughout the truss appropriately.

• If the roof/floor slab does not cover the length of the truss, an
error message opens and you might have to detach the truss.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Setting Framing When truss families are created, they can include structural
framing members for the chords and webs. However, they often
Types in just use default members. Therefore, you need to specify the
Trusses precise framing types you want to use in the project.

In the Type Properties dialog box, select the Structural Framing

Type from a list of families loaded into the project, as shown in
Figure 7–64. This should be set for the Top Chords, Vertical
Webs, Diagonal Webs, and Bottom Chords.

Figure 7–64

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 Structural Framing

• To select an entire truss, ensure that the dashed lines are

displayed, as shown on the left in Figure 7–65. To select one
element of the truss, press <Tab> until the element that you
want to select is highlighted, as shown on the right in
Figure 7–65.

Figure 7–65
• Individual truss members are pinned to the truss framework.
If you want to modify one of these, you need to click

(Prevent or allow change of element position) to unpin

only that member.

• You can rotate trusses and specify if the chords rotate with
the truss. In Properties, type in a Rotation Angle and select or
clear Rotate Chords With Truss, as shown in Figure 7–66.

Chords not rotated Chords rotated

Figure 7–66

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Practice 7c Add Trusses

Practice Objectives
• Set up a truss type.
• Add trusses to a project.
• Attach trusses to a roof.

In this practice, you will set up a truss using specific structural

framing types for the chords and webs. You will then draw a truss
and array it across an open span. Finally, you will attach the
trusses to an existing roof element, as shown in Figure 7–67.

Figure 7–67

Task 1 - Set up a truss type.

1. Open Structural-Trusses.rvt from the practice files folder.

2. In the Structure tab>Structure panel, click (Truss).

3. In the Type Selector, select Howe Flat Truss: Standard. In

Properties, click (Edit Type).

4. In the Type Properties dialog box, click Duplicate.

5. In the Name dialog box, type Skylight and click OK.

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 Structural Framing

6. In the Type Properties dialog box, set the following

properties, as shown in Figure 7–68:
• Top Cords and Bottom Chords:
Set the Structural Framing Type to LL-Double
Angle:2L6X4X5/8LLBB.
• Vertical Webs and Diagonal Webs:
Set the Structural Framing Type to LL-Double
Angle:2L3X2-1/2X1/2LLBB.

Figure 7–68

7. Click OK.

8. Save the project.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Task 2 - Add trusses.

1. Open the Structural Plans: TOS-14 ROOF view. Some of

the structural framing has been removed in this plan to make
way for a large skylight, as shown in Figure 7–69.

Figure 7–69

2. Start the (Truss) command.

3. In the Type Selector, verify that the Howe Flat Truss:

Skylight is selected.

4. In Properties, set the Bearing Chord to Bottom and the Truss

Height to 4'-0".

5. Draw the first truss between grid intersections C5 and C7, as

shown in Figure 7–70.

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 Structural Framing

Image has been

cropped for
clarification.
Truss

Figure 7–70

6. Click (Modify) and select the new truss.

7. In the Modify | Structural Trusses tab>Modify panel, click

(Array).

8. In the Options Bar:

• Select (Linear).
• Uncheck Group And Associate.
• Set Number to 15.
• Set Move To: to Last.

9. To specify the length of the array, click on grid line C and then
on grid line E.

10. Click (Modify).

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

11. Open the 3D Views: Roof and Skylight view and rotate the
view to display the trusses, as shown in Figure 7–71.

Figure 7–71

12. Save the project.

Task 3 - Attach the trusses to a roof.

1. Open the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog box and toggle

on Roofs. An existing roof (referencing the location of the
skylight) displays.

2. In the Quick Access Toolbar, click (Close Inactive

Windows) so that only the 3D view displays.

3. Open the Elevations (Building Elevations): East and

South views.

4. Type WT to tile the three views and ZA so that they are all
zoomed out fully.

5. Zoom in on the skylight roof in the two elevation views,

similar to that shown in Figure 7–72.

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 Structural Framing

Figure 7–72

6. In the Elevation: East view, select one truss, then right-click

and select Select all Instances>In Entire Project.

7. In the Modify |Structural Trusses tab>Modify Truss panel,

click (Attach Top/Bottom) and verify in the Options Bar

that Attach Trusses is set to Top.

8. Select the roof. Allow time for it all to process until the trusses
expand to touch the roof, as shown in Figure 7–73.

Figure 7–73

9. Make the 3D View: Roof and Skylight view active and type
TW to return to the tabbed view.

10. Save and close the project.

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Chapter Review Questions

1. When placing a beam from the Options Bar, which of the
following is NOT an option?
a. Structural Usage
b. Placement Plane
c. 3D Snapping
d. At Columns
2. Which of the following describes a beam system?
a. Parallel beams grouped together after they are placed.
b. Parallel beams placed at the same time.
c. All beams in a bay grouped together after they are placed.
d. All beams in a bay placed at the same time.
3. In a plan view, which of the following changes the display to
show the stick symbol for beams, as shown in Figure 7–74?

Figure 7–74
a. Detail Level: Coarse
b. Detail Level: Medium
c. Visual Style: Wireframe
d. Visual Style: Hidden

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 Structural Framing

4. How do you create sloped beams such as those shown in

Figure 7–75?
Slopped beam

Figure 7–75
a. Specify the Slope before you start drawing the beam.
b. Specify the Start/End Level Offset before you start
drawing the beam.
c. Change the Slope after you have drawn the beam.
d. Change the Start/End Level Offset after you have drawn
the beam.
5. Where do you assign the structural member types and sizes
for the components of a truss, such as that shown in
Figure 7–76? (Select all that apply.)

Figure 7–76
a. In Family Types
b. In Properties
c. In Type Properties
d. In the Options Bar

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Autodesk Revit 2022 Structure Fundamentals

Command Summary
Button Command Location
Clipboard
Copy to • Ribbon: Modify tab>Clipboard panel
Clipboard • Shortcut: <Ctrl>+C
Paste • Ribbon: Modify tab>Clipboard panel
• Shortcut: <Ctrl>+<V>

(Paste) Aligned • Ribbon: Modify tab>Clipboard panel

to Selected
Levels
(Paste) Aligned • Ribbon: Modify tab>Clipboard panel
to Selected
View
Structural Framing Elements
Beam • Ribbon: Structure tab>Structure panel

Beam System • Ribbon: Structure tab>Structure panel

Brace • Ribbon: Structure tab>Structure panel

• Shortcut: BR
Structural • Ribbon: Structure tab>Structure panel
Trusses

Structural Framing Modification

Apply Coping • Ribbon: Modify tab>Geometry panel,
expand Cope

Attach • Ribbon: Modify | Structural Columns

Top/Base tab>Modify Column panel

Attach • Ribbon: Modify | Structural Trusses

Top/Bottom tab>Modify Truss panel

Beam/Column • Ribbon: Modify tab>Geometry panel

Joins
Change • Ribbon: Modify | Structural Framing
Reference tab>Join Tools panel
Connection • Ribbon: Structure tab>Connection
panel
Detach • Ribbon: Modify | Structural Columns
Top/Base tab>Modify Column panel

Detach • Ribbon: Modify | Structural Trusses

Top/Bottom tab>Modify Truss panel

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 Structural Framing

Justification • Ribbon: Modify | Structural Framing

Points tab>Justification panel
• Shortcut: JP
Offset • Ribbon: Modify | Structural Framing
tab>Justification panel
y Offset • Ribbon: Modify | Structural Framing
tab>Justification panel
• Shortcut: JY
z Offset • Ribbon: Modify | Structural Framing
tab>Justification panel
• Shortcut: JZ

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