Structural

Several commonly used structural steel shapes are available as 2D objects. 3D equivalents of these objects are also available in the Vectorworks Design Series products. Since the 2D and 3D parameters are nearly identical, all parameters are documented with the 2D objects for convenience. Two additional 2D/3D structural shapes are also available in the Vectorworks Design Series products: bulb flat and Z-section, as well as four additional series (ANZ, BSI, DIN, and JIS).

The Update Plug-in Objects command may need to be run on files containing structural shapes that were created in an earlier version of Vectorworks software. This command converts the structural shapes to the latest format; see “Migrating from Previous Versions” on page 34.

Angle

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Series	Select the desired series to display the appropriate nominal sizes
Size	Select the angle size
Place Locus at Centroid	Select whether to draw a locus at the centroid of the 2D angle
Length (Vectorworks Design Series required)	Enter the length of the 3D angle
Custom Size	Select this option to enable fields for specifying a custom angle size
Length of Side A/B	Displays the length of angle sides A and B, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Thickness	Displays the thickness of the angle sides, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Toe R. (Side A/B)	Displays the toe radius value for sides A and B, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Fillet Radius	Displays the fillet radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Section Properties	Section properties are automatically calculated and displayed based on inch units for imperial shapes and millimeter units for metric shapes (regardless of the units selected and Show Unit Mark setting in the Units dialog box)
Area	Displays the angle area
About Axis X-X/Y-Y
Moment of Inertia	Displays the moment of inertia about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Section Modulus	Displays the section modulus about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Radius of Gyration	Displays the radius of gyration about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
About Axis Z-Z
Radius of Gyration	Displays the least radius of gyration about the principal (Z-Z) axis
Tan (Alpha)	Displays the tangent of the angle of the principal axis from the vertical

Channel

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Series	Select the desired series to display the appropriate nominal sizes
Size	Select the channel size
Draw Free Height Lines	Select whether to draw the 2D channel with free height lines
Place Locus at Centroid	Select whether to draw a locus at the centroid of the 2D channel
Length (Vectorworks Design Series required)	Enter the length of the 3D channel
Custom Size	Select this option to enable fields for specifying a custom channel size
Depth	Displays the depth between endpoints, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Width	Displays the flange width, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Thickness	Displays the flange thickness, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Angle (Deg.)	Displays the flange angle degrees, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Web Thickness	Displays the web thickness of the channel, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Toe Radius	Displays the toe radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Fillet Radius	Displays the fillet radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Section Properties	Section properties are automatically calculated and displayed based on inch units for imperial shapes and millimeter units for metric shapes (regardless of the units selected and Show Unit Mark setting in the Units dialog box)
Area	Displays the channel area
About Axis X-X/Y-Y
Moment of Inertia	Displays the moment of inertia about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Section Modulus	Displays the section modulus about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Radius of Gyration	Displays the radius of gyration about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes

I-beam

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Series	Select the desired series to display the appropriate nominal sizes
Size	Select the I-beam size
Length (Vectorworks Design Series required)	Enter the length of the 3D I-beam
Draw Center Line	Select whether to draw the 2D I-beam with center lines
Draw Free Height Lines	Select whether to draw the 2D I-beam with free height lines
Place Locus at Centroid	Select whether to draw a locus at the centroid of the 2D I-beam
Custom Size	Select this option to enable fields for specifying a custom I-beam size
Depth	Displays the depth between endpoints, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Width	Displays the flange width, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Web Thickness	Displays the web thickness of the flange, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Thickness	Displays the flange thickness, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Angle (Deg.)	Displays the flange angle in degrees, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Fillet Radius	Displays the fillet radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Toe Radius	Displays the toe radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Section Properties	Section properties are automatically calculated and displayed based on inch units for imperial shapes and millimeter units for metric shapes (regardless of the units selected and Show Unit Mark setting in the Units dialog box)
Area	Displays the I-beam area
About Axis X-X/Y-Y
Moment of Inertia	Displays the moment of inertia about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Section Modulus	Displays the section modulus about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Radius of Gyration	Displays the radius of gyration about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes

Rectangular Tubing

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Series	Select the desired series to display the appropriate nominal sizes
Size	Select the rectangular tubing size
Length (Vectorworks Design Series required)	Enter the length of the 3D rectangular tubing
Draw Center Lines	Select whether to draw the 2D rectangular tubing with center lines
Place Locus at Centroid	Select whether to draw a locus at the centroid of the 2D rectangular tubing
Custom Size	Select this option to enable fields for specifying a custom rectangular tubing size
Width	Displays the width of the tubing, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Height	Displays the height of the tubing, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Wall Thickness	Displays the wall thickness of the tubing, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Inside Fillet Radius	Displays the inside fillet radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Section Properties	Section properties are automatically calculated and displayed based on inch units for imperial shapes and millimeter units for metric shapes (regardless of the units selected and Show Unit Mark setting in the Units dialog box)
Area	Displays the rectangular tubing area
About Axis X-X/Y-Y
Moment of Inertia	Displays the moment of inertia about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Section Modulus	Displays the section modulus about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Radius of Gyration	Displays the radius of gyration about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes

Round Tubing

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Series	Select the desired series to display the appropriate nominal sizes
Size	Select the round tubing size
Length (Vectorworks Design Series required)	Enter the length of the 3D round tubing
Draw Center Lines	Select whether to draw the 2D round tubing with center lines
Place Locus at Centroid	Select whether to draw a locus at the centroid of the 2D round tubing
Custom Size	Select this option to enable fields for specifying a custom round tubing size
Outside Diameter	Displays the outside diameter of the tubing, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Wall Thickness	Displays the wall thickness of the tubing, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Section Properties	Section properties are automatically calculated and displayed based on inch units for imperial shapes and millimeter units for metric shapes (regardless of the units selected and Show Unit Mark setting in the Units dialog box)
Area	Displays the round tubing area
About Axis X-X/Y-Y
Moment of Inertia	Displays the moment of inertia about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Section Modulus	Displays the section modulus about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Radius of Gyration	Displays the radius of gyration about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes

Square Tubing

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Series	Select the desired series to display the appropriate nominal sizes
Size	Select the square tubing size
Length (Vectorworks Design Series required)	Enter the length of the 3D square tubing
Place Locus at Centroid	Select whether to draw a locus at the centroid of the 2D square tubing
Draw Center Lines	Select whether to draw the 2D square tubing with center lines
Custom Size	Select this option to enable fields for specifying a custom square tubing size
Width	Displays the width of the tubing, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Wall Thickness	Displays the wall thickness of the tubing, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Inside Fillet R.	Displays the inside fillet radius value of the tubing, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Section Properties	Section properties are automatically calculated and displayed based on inch units for imperial shapes and millimeter units for metric shapes (regardless of the units selected and Show Unit Mark setting in the Units dialog box)
Area	Displays the square tubing area
About Axis X-X/Y-Y
Moment of Inertia	Displays the moment of inertia about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Section Modulus	Displays the section modulus about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Radius of Gyration	Displays the radius of gyration about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes

Tee

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Series	Select the desired series to display the appropriate nominal sizes
Size	Select the tee size
Length (Vectorworks Design Series required)	Enter the length of the 3D tee
Draw Center Line	Select whether to draw the 2D tee with center lines
Place Locus at Centroid	Select whether to draw a locus at the centroid of the 2D tee
Custom Size	Select this option to enable fields for specifying a custom tee size
Depth	Displays the depth between endpoints, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Width	Displays the flange width, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Web Thickness	Displays the web thickness, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Thickness	Displays the flange thickness, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Web Slope (Deg.)	Displays the web slope in degrees, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Slope (deg.)	Displays the flange slope in degrees, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Toe Radius	Displays the toe radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Radius	Displays the flange radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Fillet Radius	Displays the fillet radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Section Properties	Section properties are automatically calculated and displayed based on inch units for imperial shapes and millimeter units for metric shapes (regardless of the units selected and Show Unit Mark setting in the Units dialog box)
Area	Displays the tee area
About Axis X-X/Y-Y
Moment of Inertia	Displays the moment of inertia about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Section Modulus	Displays the section modulus about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Radius of Gyration	Displays the radius of gyration about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes

Wide Flange

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Series	Select the desired series to display the appropriate nominal sizes
Size	Select the wide flange size
Length (Vectorworks Design Series required)	Enter the length of the 3D wide flange
Draw Center Line	Select whether to draw the 2D wide flange with center lines
Draw Free Height Lines	Select whether to draw the 2D wide flange with free height lines
Place Locus at Centroid	Select whether to draw a locus at the centroid of the 2D wide flange
Custom Size	Select this option to enable fields for specifying a custom wide flange size
Depth	Displays the depth between endpoints, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Width (Top) / (Bottom)	Displays the top and bottom flange width of the wide flange, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Web Thickness	Displays the web thickness, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Thickness	Displays the flange thickness, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Fillet Radius	Displays the fillet radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Section Properties	Section properties are automatically calculated and displayed based on inch units for imperial shapes and millimeter units for metric shapes (regardless of the units selected and Show Unit Mark setting in the Units dialog box)
Area	Displays the wide flange area
About Axis X-X/Y-Y
Moment of Inertia	Displays the moment of inertia about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Section Modulus	Displays the section modulus about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Radius of Gyration	Displays the radius of gyration about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes

Shaft Break

2 Click to define the start point, click again to define the end point and rotation, and drag the cursor and click to set the width.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Shaft Diameter	Specify the diameter of the shaft break object
Width of Break	Specify the width of the shaft break object
Configuration	Select Solid or Hollow
Wall Thickness	For hollow shaft break configurations, indicate the thickness of the shaft wall

Shaft Break 2

2 Click to define the start point, click again to define the end point and rotation, and drag the cursor and click to set the width.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Shaft Diameter	Specify the diameter of the shaft break object
Width of Break	Specify the width of the shaft break object
Configuration	Select Solid or Hollow
Wall Thickness	For hollow shaft break configurations, indicate the thickness of the shaft wall

Slot

2 Click to define the start point of the slot, click again to define the end point and rotation, and drag the cursor and click to set the slot width.

Parameter	Description
Width	Specify the width of the slot object
Length	Specify the length of the slot object
Show Center Line	When selected, draws the slot with center line

Batt Insulation

The Batt Insulation tool draws a planar insulation fill along a line. This tool is useful for creating custom details. The insulation can be placed within a wall, where it automatically adjusts to the length of the wall.

A better method of creating insulation fills, especially for walls, is to use a tile fill, which scales and rotates within walls and slab and wall components.

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the length and rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Insert	When inserted in walls, aligns the insertion point of the batt insulation with the containing wall’s center line or left or right edge
Break	When inserted in walls, select the type of wall break for the batt insulation
Height	When inserted in walls, sets the height of the insulation from the bottom of the wall
Flip	When inserted in walls, flips the orientation of the batt insulation
Set Position	When inserted in walls and with Size to Wall Length selected, sets the insulation to fit along the length of the wall. The Move By Points tool is activated automatically; if Size to Wall Length is deselected, set the offset of the batt insulation along the wall as described in “Moving Symbols in Walls with the Reference Point Mode” on page 282.
Length	Specifies the length of the batt insulation, when Size to Wall Length is deselected
Thickness	Sets the width of the batt insulation
Offset	Sets the offset of the batt insulation from its insertion point
Folds/Unit Thk.	Sets the thickness of the insulation folds
Size to Wall Length	When inserted in walls, automatically sets the length of the batt insulation to match the wall length
Add to Start/End	Specifies an offset from the start or end of the wall, when the batt insulation is sized to fit the wall length
Solid Fill	Applies a solid fill to the background of the batt insulation; set the fill color from the Attributes palette

Bulb Flat

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Series	Select the desired series to display the appropriate nominal sizes
Size	Select the bulb flat size
Length (3D only)	Enter the length of the 3D bulb flat
Place Locus at Centroid (2D only)	Select whether to draw a locus at the centroid of the 2D bulb flat
Custom Size	Select this option to enable fields for specifying a custom bulb flat size
Width	Displays the bulb flat width, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Thickness	Displays the bulb flat thickness, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Bulb Height	Displays the bulb height, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Bulb Width	Displays the bulb width, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Bulb Radius	Displays the bulb radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Fillet Radius	Displays the fillet radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Bulb Angle (Deg.)	Displays the bulb angle in degrees, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Section Properties	Section properties are automatically calculated and displayed based on inch units for imperial shapes and millimeter units for metric shapes (regardless of the units selected and Show Unit Mark setting in the Units dialog box)
Area	Displays the bulb flat area
About Axis X-X/Y-Y
Moment of Inertia	Displays the moment of inertia about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Section Modulus	Displays the section modulus about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Radius of Gyration	Displays the radius of gyration about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes

Z-Section

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Series	Select the desired series to display the appropriate nominal sizes
Size	Select the Z-section size
Length (3D only)	Enter the length of the 3D Z-section
Place Locus at Centroid (2D only)	Select whether to draw a locus at the centroid of the 2D Z-section
Custom Size	Select this option to enable fields for specifying a custom Z-section size
Depth	Displays the depth between endpoints, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Width (Top) / (Bottom)	Displays the top and bottom flange width, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Web Thickness	Displays the web thickness, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Flange Thickness	Displays the flange thickness, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Toe Radius (Top) / (Bottom)	Displays the top and bottom toe radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Fillet Radius	Displays the fillet radius value, or if Custom Size is selected, allows entry of a custom value
Section Properties	Section properties are automatically calculated and displayed based on inch units for imperial shapes and millimeter for metric shapes (regardless of the units selected and Show Unit Mark setting in the Units dialog box)
Area	Displays the Z-section area
About Axis X-X/Y-Y
Moment of Inertia	Displays the moment of inertia about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Section Modulus	Displays the section modulus about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes
Radius of Gyration	Displays the radius of gyration about both the horizontal (X-X) and vertical (Y-Y) centroidal axes

Framing

The Vectorworks Architect software includes a suite of tools for developing framing plans. There are tools for framing roofs, walls, and floors. Both architects and builders can take advantage of these tools to visualize framing details while still in the design stage of a project, to generate framing detail drawings, and to develop material take-off lists. The Simple Beam Calculator command is also available for analysis of a simply-supported beam with a single load.

A roof face area worksheet can also be added to the drawing from the VA Create Schedule command or the Resource Browser. From the Resource Browser, select Vectorworks Libraries from the Files list, and open the default architectural reports file that is included with the Vectorworks Architect product (see “Resource Libraries” on page 239). Drag the Roof Face Area worksheet to the drawing. The worksheet is populated with information from the objects in the current drawing.

Framing a Roof

A roof object can be automatically framed with rafters, collars (collar beams), ridges, and other roof elements with the Roof Framer command. The command creates framing member objects. If Enable Auto-classing is selected in the Standard Naming dialog box, all roof framing members will be automatically placed in the Structural-Framing class.

3 Select the tab for the type of roof framing element to create, and select the check box to create the framing element. More than one type can be selected at the same time; other framing elements can be added later.

An individual framing element can be added with the Framing Member tool, available from the Detailing tool set.

4 Enter the framing parameters for each desired framing element as described in the following sections.

5 For each selected roof framing element, click Object Attributes to specify its appearance.

Parameter	Description
Graphic Attributes	Each graphic attribute can be set by the class style or to specific settings. If set by the class style, the attributes are controlled by the class selected in the Roof Framer dialog box for the framing element.
Fill	Select Class Style to use the class style for the fill attribute, choose None to apply no fill, or choose a fill style
Pen	Select Class Style to use the class style for the pen attribute, choose None to apply no pen, or choose a solid/dash or pattern style
Line Thickness	Select Class Thickness to use the class style for the line thickness attribute, choose Set Thickness to specify the line thickness, or select a line thickness
Texture (Renderworks required)	Select Class to use the class texture for the framing element (see “Applying Object Textures by Class” on page 1623), choose None to apply no texture, or choose Select to set the texture parameters
Texture	Select the texture to apply from a library or the current file
Map Type	Select the texture map type
Radius	For sphere and cylinder maps, sets the texture radius; the default radius is the same as the 3D object radius. Increasing this value reduces the size of the texture on the object.
Start/End Cap	Applies the texture to the start and end caps of the framing element
Repeat Horizontally/ Vertically	Repeats the texture in a horizontal and/or vertical direction
Scale Factor	Enter a scale value to determine the texture size when projected onto the object
Horizontal/Vertical Offset	Sets the start location of the texture horizontally and vertically
Rotation	Sets the angle of texture rotation; enter a rotation value from 0 to 360 degrees

Creating Rafters

1 In the Roof Framer dialog box, click the Rafters tab, and select Create Rafters.

Parameter	Description
Rafter Size	Specifies the rafter size in width x height, in current file units. Sizes can be edited by selecting Edit List (see “Custom Frame Element Sizes” on page 465).
Dormer Rafter Size	If the roof contains dormer windows, enter the size, in Width x Height, of the dormer rafters
Minimum Spacing	Specifies the minimum distance allowed between rafters
Maximum Spacing	Specifies the maximum distance allowed between rafters; for consistent rafter spacing of the entire roof, the Minimum and Maximum Spacing values should be equal
Set top of Rafters to
Top of Roof object	Matches the tops of the rafters to the top of the roof object
Bottom of Roof object	Treats the roof object as a roof deck and matches the tops of the rafters to the bottom of the roof
Match Rafters across Ridges/Hips/Valleys	Select to ensure that opposing rafters meet on the roof ridges, hips, and valleys
Class	To control appearance and visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing or create a new class (see “Creating Classes” on page 184)
Classes	Edits class attributes
Object Attributes	Specifies the rafter attributes

Creating Collars

1 In the Roof Framer dialog box, click the Collars tab, and select Create Collars.

Parameter	Description
Style	Select the collar style; flush collars or collar ties will only connect to the common rafters, joist collars connect to both common and jack rafters • Joist: tie beam that rests on the bearing wall and overlaps the rafters • Flush Collar: tie collar that is flush to the rafters, usually attached to the rafters with metal plates • Collar Tie: tie collar that scabs onto the rafters and is attached with nails, bolts, and so on
Size	Specifies the collar size in width x height, in current file units. Sizes can be edited by selecting Edit List (see “Custom Frame Element Sizes” on page 465).
Spacing	Select the collar spacing (Every Rafter, Every Other Rafter, and Every Third Rafter)
Location	For joist or collar tie styles, specifies the location of the collars in reference to the rafters. For flush collar style, the location is automatically set to Middle. • Middle places one collar at the center of the rafter for flush collar and joist styles, and one collar on each side of the rafter for the collar tie style • Left/Right places a single collar on the designated side of the rafter for joist or collar tie styles. Joists and collar ties extend to the intersection of the rafter tops.
Elevation AFF	Specifies the elevation above finished floor of the bottom of the collars. If Flush Collar or Collar Tie is selected for Style, the default elevation is two-thirds of the roof height. Joist style is automatically set to 0.
Class	To control appearance and visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing or create a new class (see “Creating Classes” on page 184)
Classes	Edits class attributes
Object Attributes	Specifies the collar attributes

Creating Plates

1 In the Roof Framer dialog box, click the Plates tab, and select Create Plates.

Parameter	Description
Size	Specifies the plate size in width x height, in current file units. Sizes can be edited by selecting Edit List (see “Custom Frame Element Sizes” on page 465).
Rafter Connection
Flush to Top of Plate	Select to set rafters flush to the top of the plate
Notched for Plate	Select to notch the rafters to set on the plate; enter the Notch Depth, by default this is set to 1.5” The depth of the notch should not exceed one-third of the rafter depth
Class	To control appearance and visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing or create a new class (see “Creating Classes” on page 184)
Classes	Edits class attributes
Object Attributes	Specifies the plate attributes

Creating Purlins

1 In the Roof Framer dialog box, click the Purlins tab, and select Create Purlins.

Parameter	Description
Purlin Size	Specifies the purlin size in width x height, in current file units. Sizes can be edited by selecting Edit List (see “Custom Frame Element Sizes” on page 465).
Elevation of First Purlin	Specifies the elevation above finished floor of the bottom of the lowest purlin
Elevation of Last Purlin	Sets the elevation from the top of the roof to the last purlin
Create Purlins by:
Number of Purlins	Indicates the number of purlins to create; the purlins are evenly spaced between the first and last purlins
Distance Between Purlins	Specifies the distance between purlins; the number of purlins created is based on this value
Purlin Position
Top of Rafter	Matches the tops of the purlins to the top of the roof object, as for roof tile supports
Bottom of Rafter	Matches the tops of the purlins to the bottom of the roof, as when the purlins support the rafters
Purlins Start at the Lower End of the Rafter	Sets the elevation of the first purlin to start from the lower end of the rafter
Rotate Purlins to Roof Slope	Rotates the purlins so that they match the slope of the roof
Bearing inset	Specifies the depth at which the purlin is notched into the rafters; if purlins are rotated this field appears dimmed since the inset only applies to horizontal purlins
Class	To control appearance and visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing or create a new class (see “Creating Classes” on page 184)
Classes	Edits class attributes
Object Attributes	Specifies the purlin attributes

Creating Ridges

1 In the Roof Framer dialog box, click the Ridges tab, and select Create Ridges.

Parameter	Description
Ridge Size	Specifies the ridge size in width x height, in current file units. Sizes can be edited by selecting Edit List (see “Custom Frame Element Sizes” on page 465).
Ridge Elevation	Specifies the ridge elevation options
Flush to Top of Rafters	Indicates that the top of the ridge should be the same as the top of the rafters
Notched into rafters, depth	Specify the depth that the ridge is notched into the rafters
Flush to Bottom of Rafters	Indicates that the bottom of the ridge should be the same height as the bottom of the plumb cut on the rafters
Specify AFF	Indicates the height of the bottom of the ridge, above the finished floor
Flush to Top of Hips	Sets the top of the ridge to be the same as the top of the hips
Class	To control appearance and visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing or create a new class (see “Creating Classes” on page 184)
Classes	Edits class attributes
Object Attributes	Specifies the ridge attributes

Creating Trimmers

1 In the Roof Framer dialog box, click the Trimmers tab, and select Create Trimmers.

Parameter	Description
Trimmer Size	Specifies the trimmer size in width x height, in current file units. Sizes can be edited by selecting Edit List (see “Custom Frame Element Sizes” on page 465).
Set top of Trimmers to
Top of Roof object	Matches the tops of the trimmers to the top of the roof object
Bottom of Roof object	Treats the roof object as a roof deck and matches the tops of the trimmers to the bottom of the roof
Class	To control appearance and visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing or create a new class (see “Creating Classes” on page 184)
Classes	Edits class attributes
Object Attributes	Specifies the trimmer attributes

Creating Hip and Valley Rafters

1 In the Roof Framer dialog box, click the Hips/Valleys tab, and select Create Hips and Valleys.

Parameter	Description
Hip/Valley Size	Specifies the size of the hip and valley rafters in width x height, in current file units. Sizes can be edited by selecting Edit List (see “Custom Frame Element Sizes” on page 465).
Set top of Hips and Valleys to
Top of Roof object	Matches the tops of the hips and valleys to the top of the roof object
Bottom of Roof object	Treats the roof object as a roof deck and matches the tops of the hips and valleys to the bottom of the roof
Class	To control appearance and visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing or create a new class (see “Creating Classes” on page 184)
Classes	Edits class attributes
Object Attributes	Specifies the hip and valley rafter attributes

Custom Frame Element Sizes

The size of the framing elements can be selected from a pre-set list, or the list can be edited to contain desired or custom sizes.

1 From the Size field in one of the framing element tabs of the Roof Framer dialog box, select Edit List.

The Edit Size List dialog box opens, listing the currently available sizes of the roof element.

Parameter	Description
Add	Adds a size to the list; specify the width and height of the new size
Remove	Deletes the currently selected size
Edit	Edits the currently selected size; enter the new width and height parameters
Move Up/Move Down	Changes the order of the sizes by moving the selected size up or down in the list

The text files that populate the size lists in the framing element dialog boxes can also be edited. The text files are located in the Vectorworks application folder [Vectorworks]\Plug-Ins\VW_Arch\Data.

Creating Framing Members

The Framing Member tool draws framing elements for rafters, beams, joists, and framing members with a horizontal projection.

For a file created in a version of Vectorworks software prior to 2009, board, joist, rafter, and original framing member objects are considered to be “legacy” objects. To convert them to the current functionality of the framing member tool, select Tools > Utilities > Update Plug-in Objects; see “Migrating from Previous Versions” on page 34.

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the length and rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

The starting point and direction in which the framing member is drawn determine which end is which. When a single framing member object is selected in Top/Plan view, a blue arrow is placed at the starting point and indicates the object’s direction.

Parameter	Description
Rotation	Specifies the angle of the framing member object
Span	Specifies the horizontal projection of the framing member in the floor plan; for rafters, specifies the horizontal distance from the inside surface of the supporting wall to the inside surface of the ridge board. The Span, Length, and Pitch parameters are interdependent and are automatically calculated. When the span value is changed, the length is recalculated; the pitch remains fixed.
Length	Specifies the length of the framing member When the length value is changed, the pitch is recalculated; the span remains fixed.
Width	Indicates the framing member profile width
Height	Sets the framing member profile height
Type	Select the form of framing element: rafter, solid beam, wood floor truss, open-web steel joint, cold-formed steel channel, steel section, or custom profile
Structural Use	Provides a label describing how the framing member is used. To specify your own structural use name, click Other. The Enter Special Structural Use dialog box opens; enter text for the structural use of this framing member and click OK.
Volume	Displays the calculated volume of the framing member
Volume Units	Select the units for calculating the framing member volume: board feet, cubic feet, cubic meters, or the default volume units set for the file (see “Units” on page 74)
Quantity Label	Describes the standard material size required for the specified framing member, for use in quantity worksheets. When there is no standard material size that accommodates a specified measurement, the label displays a ?. You can edit the Lumber Sizes.txt file (located in the Vectorworks application folder [Vectorworks]\Plug-ins\VW_Arch\Data) to add material sizes that are available in your locale. Restart the Vectorworks software after editing the text file for the changes to take effect.
Pitch	Specifies the slope of the framing member along its span When the pitch value is changed, the length is recalculated; the span remains fixed.
Beginning/Ending miter	Specifies the miter angle at each end of the framing member. This is the angle that the framing member is cut, in plan.
Beginning/Ending bevel	Specifies the bevel angle at each end of the framing member. This is the angle that the framing member is cut, in elevation.
2D Display	Select the 2D display method for the framing member: solid, centerline, width, or width with centerline
Show Label	Displays the text entered in Label Text as a label next to the 2D representation of the framing member. After placement, adjust the text position with the control point.
Label Text	Enter the text to display in 2D as a label
Vertical Reference	If you change the vertical reference from top, center, or bottom, the Change Vertical Reference dialog box opens; if the object position is maintained, the framing member remains stationary and the placement line is adjusted. If the defining line is maintained, the framing member object moves accordingly.
Rafter
Bearing inset	Specifies the offset distance of the framing member’s bearing point (insertion point) from its end
Overhang	Specifies the additional length that the framing member extends past its end
Eave Style	Select vertical, horizontal, double, or square eave profile
Fascia Height	For double eave styles, specifies the height of the end of the framing member profile
Upper Notch Offset/Depth	Indicates the size of an optional notch located at the top of the framing member
Solid Beam
Draw 2D Hangers	Displays 2D graphics indicating framing hangers at start, end, both, or none
Roll Angle	Specifies the angle the framing member rotates about its cross-section axes
Wood Floor Truss
Draw 2D Hangers	Displays 2D graphics indicating framing hangers at start, end, both, or none
Flange Height	Sets the height of the truss top and bottom chords; the chord width is set by the object width
Web Width/Height	Specifies the size of the truss web components; if Use Solid Web is selected, the Web Width parameter specifies the thickness of the solid web
Panel Spacing	Indicates the spacing of the truss “panels” (subdivisions)
Draw Verticals	Displays vertical web components between each sloping web component
Use Solid Web	Toggles the web component configuration between “open-web” and solid, “I-beam” style
Open-Web Steel Joist
Flange Height	Sets the height of the truss top and bottom chords; the chord width is set by the object width
Web Width/Height	Specifies the size of the truss web components
Gauge	Sets the thickness of the top and bottom chords
Panel Spacing	Indicates the spacing of the truss “panels” (subdivisions)
Draw Verticals	Displays vertical web components between each sloping web component
Bottom Bearing	Toggles the configuration of the truss between top chord and bottom chord bearing
Cold-formed Steel Channel
Draw 2D Hangers	Displays 2D graphics indicating framing hangers at start, end, both, or none
Flange Height	Specifies the length of the top and bottom flange extensions
Gauge	Sets the thickness of the framing member
Roll Angle	Specifies the angle the framing member rotates about its cross-section axes
Steel Section
Roll Angle	Specifies the angle the framing member rotates about its cross-section axes
Select Structural Shape	Click to open the Select Structural Shape dialog box to select the structural shape to use for steel sections. Select the structural shape from a library or the current file. Select the shape’s series and size, and click OK.
Structural Shape data	Displays the selected structural shape symbol name, series, and size
Custom Profile
Profile Symbol Def	Displays the selected profile symbol name
Choose Profile Symbol	Select the symbol for placement. The files and folders available in the current document and in the libraries are listed on the left. Select a file to display thumbnails of the symbols available in that location, and select the desired symbol. The profile name displays in the Object Info palette.
Roll Angle	Specifies the angle the framing member rotates about its cross-section axes

Framing a Floor

Use the Create Joists from Poly command to create the joist and perimeter objects necessary to frame a floor. If the floor is a slab object, select the slab component to serve as a boundary for the joist area. The command creates framing member objects.

If a stairwell hole exists in the floor, solid beam framing member objects are used for the headers.

Parameter	Description
Use Slab Component	If a slab is selected, its components display in the list. Select a component to serve as the boundary for the joist area; the joists are created at the same elevation as the selected slab component.
Draw Joists	Creates joist objects for floor framing
Elevation of Top of Joist	Sets the elevation relative to the layer elevation value for the top of the joist
Center-to-Center Spacing	Specifies the spacing from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist
Class	To control appearance and visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class.
Set Joist Properties	Opens the Set Joist Properties dialog box; proceed with step 3
Set Joist Attributes	Opens the Set Joist Attributes dialog box; proceed with step 5
Draw Perimeter Framing Members	Draws framing members around the perimeter of the floor
Elevation of Top of Framing	Sets the elevation relative to the layer elevation value for the top of the perimeter framing
Class	To control appearance and visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class.
Set Framing Member Properties	Opens the Set Framing Member Properties dialog box; proceed with step 3
Set Framing Member Attributes	Opens the Set Framing Member Attributes dialog box; proceed with step 5
End Condition of Joists at Perimeter	Select the type of condition for the ends of the joists where they connect to the perimeter framing: Inside Face, Centerline, or Outside Face
Corner Condition of Perimeter	Select the type of condition for the corners of the perimeter framing: lapped or mitered joints
Delete Source Geometry	Deletes the original source object after the framing is created

3 Select whether to draw joists and/or perimeter framing members for the floor framing. Then, specify the properties of the joists and the perimeter framing. Click Set Joist Properties or click Set Framing Member Properties.

The Set Joist Properties or Set Framing Member Properties dialog box opens. The available parameters depend on the Type of joist or framing member selected.

Parameter	Description
Width	Specifies the joist or framing member profile width
Height	Specifies the joist or framing member profile height
Type	Select the form of the joist or framing member element: rafter, solid beam, wood truss, open-web steel joist, cold-formed steel channel, steel section, or custom profile
Profile Symbol Def	For custom profiles, displays the selected profile symbol name
Choose Profile Symbol	For custom profiles, click Choose Profile Symbol to select a structural profile symbol from a library or the current file. Select a symbol from the graphical list of Symbols and click OK. The profile name displays in the Object Info palette.
2D Display	Select the 2D display method: solid, centerline, width, or width with centerline
Show Label	Displays the text entered in Label Text as a label next to the 2D representation of the joist or framing member
Label Text	Enter the text to display in 2D as a label
Vertical Reference (Rafter, Solid Beam, Wood Truss, Open-Web Steel Joist, Cold-formed Steel Channel, Steel Section)	Select whether the object’s defining line is at the top, center, or bottom
Draw 2D Hangers (Solid Beam, Wood Truss, Cold-formed Steel Channel)	Displays 2D graphics indicating framing hangers at start, end, both, or none
Flange Height (Wood Truss, Open-Web Steel Joist, Cold-formed Steel Channel)	Sets the height of the truss top and bottom chords; the chord width is set by the object width
Web Width/Height (Wood Truss, Open-Web Steel Joist, Cold-formed Steel Channel)	Specifies the size of the truss web components; if Use Solid Web is selected (wood truss only), the Web Width parameter specifies the thickness of the solid web
Gauge (Open-Web Steel Joist, Cold-formed Steel Channel)	Sets the thickness of the top and bottom chords
Panel Spacing (Wood Truss, Open-Web Steel Joist)	Indicates the spacing of the truss “panels” (subdivisions)
Draw Verticals (Wood Truss, Open-Web Steel Joist)	Displays vertical web components between each sloping web component
Bottom Bearing (Open-Web Steel Joist)	Toggles the configuration of the truss between top chord and bottom chord bearing
Use Solid Web (Wood Truss)	Toggles the web component configuration between “open-web” and solid, “I-beam” style
Section Type (Steel Section)	Select the type of structural shape for the steel section: Angle, Bulb Flat, Channel, I-beam, Rectangular Tubing, Round Tubing, Square Tubing, Tee, or Wide Flange
Section Series (Steel Section)	Select the series type for the steel section
Section Shape (Steel Section)	Select the size of the steel section

5 Specify the attributes of the joists and the perimeter framing. Click Set Joist Attributes or click Set Framing Member Attributes.

The Set Joist Attributes or Set Framing Member Attributes dialog box opens. The dialog boxes are identical whether setting joist or perimeter framing attributes, and contain a Graphic Attributes tab and Texture tab (Renderworks required).

Parameter	Description
Graphic Attributes	Each graphic attribute can be set by the class style or to specific settings. If set by the class style, the attributes are controlled by the class selected in the Create Joists from Poly dialog box.
Fill	Select Class Style to use the class style for the fill attribute, choose None to apply no fill, or choose a fill style
Pen	Select Class Style to use the class style for the pen attribute, choose None to apply no pen, or choose a solid/dash or pattern style
Line Thickness	Select Class Thickness to use the class style for the line thickness attribute, choose Set Thickness to specify the line thickness, or select a line thickness
Texture (Renderworks required)	Select Class to use the class texture for the framing element (see “Applying Object Textures by Class” on page 1623), choose None to apply no texture, or choose Select to set the texture parameters
Texture	Select the texture to apply from a library or the current file
Map Type	Select the texture map type
Radius	For sphere and cylinder maps, sets the texture radius; the default radius is the same as the 3D object radius. Increasing this value reduces the size of the texture on the object.
Start/End Cap	Applies the texture to the start and end caps of the framing element
Repeat Horizontally/ Vertically	Repeats the texture in a horizontal and/or vertical direction
Scale Factor	Determines the texture size when projected onto the object; either enter a scale value or use the slider to change the scale
Horizontal/Vertical Offset	Sets the start location of the texture horizontally and vertically
Rotation	Sets the angle of texture rotation; either enter a rotation value from 0 to 360 degrees or use the slider to change the rotation angle

8 If joists are to be created, an alert dialog box requests the selection of two points to set the joist orientation. Click OK to close the dialog box and click two points to indicate the desired joist orientation.

9 The joists and/or perimeter framing member objects are created. In addition, a Joist Take-Off worksheet is automatically created and added to the Resource Browser.

The framing member parameters can be edited from the Object Info palette. These parameters are identical to those of a single framing member object.

Framing a Wall

The Vectorworks Architect product creates a highly detailed estimate of the placement and number of studs needed to frame walls. In addition to showing stud placement in a framing diagram, the Wall Framer command also automatically generates frame elevation drawings and two different worksheets, Frame TakeOff and Frame Wall Info.

1 Ensure that the walls have the desired height. If necessary, change the wall height.

If a framing model has not yet been created, the New Framing Model dialog box opens. Enter a name for the framing model design layer (up to eight characters).

The Wall Framing dialog box opens. Select the desired settings for the framing model.

Parameter	Description
Model Name	Select the framing model layer to be used
New	Opens the New Framing Model dialog box to create a new model
Delete	Deletes the currently selected model. Click Yes to delete the selected model. This operation cannot be undone. This command cannot be used if there is only one model in the document.
Framer Output
3D Model	Creates a 3D model layer, complete with the placement of studs, top plates, sole plates, and other components required for framing
2D Model	Creates framing plan and framing diagram layers. The framing plan is a top view of the wall showing the sole plate and stud placement and is drawn in a layer that parallels the layers in the framing model. The top plates are removed to show the stud placement. The framing diagram is an elevation view showing the sole plate, top plates, and stud placement. The framing diagram is drawn in a new design layer and generates as many layers as needed.
Worksheets	Creates two sets of worksheets. The first set provides details on the framing results, including a list of studs sorted by layer, class, frame, and size (Frame TakeOff). The second set provides a summary of frame information, sorted similarly, but providing area and linear footages itemized for each framed wall (Frame Wall Info).
Frame the following layers	Select which layers contain wall data to frame
Options	Opens the Wall Class dialog box to allow the editing of wall class values; see step 4

The framing diagram and the 3D model representations also include symbols and inserted items, such as doors and windows.

The Wall Class dialog box opens. Enter the framing parameters for each wall class.

Parameter	Description
Wall Class
Name	Lists the classes that contain walls to be framed; walls in the classes in this list are included in the framing model. The framing parameters for each class are displayed beneath.
New	Click to add an additional wall class to the list to be framed
Delete	Deletes the currently selected wall class from the list to be framed. Click Yes to delete the selected class. This operation cannot be undone.
Stud Spacing	Enter the center-to-center distance between studs in this wall class
Sheet Stock Width	Enter the width of the wall sheathing; this is the horizontal sheathing dimension
Max Plate Length	Enter the length of lumber to be used for top and bottom frame members in this wall class
Sheet Stock Height	Enter the width of the wall sheathing; this is the vertical sheathing dimension
Lumber
Nominal	Select the lumber type to use for this wall class; the default types are 2” x 4”, 2” x 6”, and 2” x 10”
New	Click to create a new nominal lumber type; enter the name and click OK; then, with the new type selected in the Nominal list, enter the lumber dimensions in Size
Delete	Deletes the currently selected nominal lumber type. Click Yes to delete the selected lumber type. This operation cannot be undone. This command cannot be used if there is only one lumber type in the document.
Size	Enter the true short dimension for the lumber
by	Enter the true long dimension for the lumber
Output Options
Fire Blocking	Select to have extra blocking added to this wall class between studs on walls that are shorter than the sheet stock height
Double End Studs	Select to have two studs, rather than one stud, placed at each wall end in this wall class
Double Top Plate	Select to have two plates, rather than one plate, placed at top of each wall in this wall class
Double Bottom Plate	Select to have two plates, rather than one plate, placed at the bottom of each wall in this wall class

The program creates the estimated framing for the walls and any other output information requested.

The 2D results display in Top/Plan view without a top plate. To view the results with a top plate, switch to another view such as Front, Back, Left, or Right.

To view the 3D results, switch to a view such as Left Isometric or Right Isometric.

The Framer TakeOff and Framer Wall Info worksheets, if created, display in the drawing area.

Inserting Ceiling Grid Objects

Use the Ceiling Grid tool to insert a ceiling grid object containing tiles with user-specified length, width, and placement angle. A ceiling grid object can also be created by drawing a polyline and then selecting the Create Objects from Shapes command (see “Creating Objects from Shapes” on page 301).

1 Click the Ceiling Grid tool from the Furn/Fixtures tool set or the MEP tool set.

2 Click in the drawing file to set the start point of the ceiling grid object, and then click to set the position of each additional vertex. Click the last point to complete creation of the ceiling grid object. If the polyline is open, the program automatically completes it.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties, and click OK. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

3 Use the Reshape tool to modify the locations of the vertices after object creation, or use the vertex editing controls from the Object Info palette to move the vertices or change the degree of vertices. The tiles are automatically adjusted to fit the new shape.

Parameter	Description
Angle	Specify the tile placement angle
Tile Width	Specify the tile width
Tile Length	Specify the tile length
Vertex parameters	Edits the ceiling grid object path vertices; see “Editing Vertex-Based Objects” on page 1053

Structural Elements

Structural Shapes and Details

Angle

Channel

I-beam

Rectangular Tubing

Round Tubing

Square Tubing

Tee

Wide Flange

Shaft Break

Shaft Break 2

Slot

Batt Insulation

Bulb Flat

Z-Section

Framing

Framing a Roof

Creating Rafters

Creating Collars

Creating Plates

Creating Purlins

Creating Ridges

Creating Trimmers

Creating Hip and Valley Rafters

Custom Frame Element Sizes

Creating Framing Members

Framing a Floor

Framing a Wall

Inserting Ceiling Grid Objects