Adding Beams in Revit

To add beams in Revit, you primarily use the structural framing tools, as beams are classified as structural framing elements within the software. While the term "architectural beams" might imply a focus on aesthetics or non-load-bearing elements, in Revit, the fundamental process for creating any beam, whether primarily structural or decorative, involves the same set of tools.

Adding beams in Revit is a straightforward process that leverages the software's structural modeling capabilities. Here's a breakdown of how to accomplish this:

The Basic Process

1. Access the Beam Tool: To create a beam, navigate to the Structure ribbon.
2. Locate the Structure Panel: Within the Structure ribbon, find the Structure panel.
3. Click Beam: In the Structure panel, click the Beam button. This activates the beam placement tool.
4. Select Beam Type: Once the tool is active, expand the Type Selector in the Properties palette. This will display all the beam types currently loaded and available in your project. It's important to note that in Revit, beams are inherently structural framing elements and are loadable families. This means their properties and geometry are defined within these families, and you can load new families as needed.
5. Define Placement Options: Before drawing, review the options bar at the top of your workspace. Key settings here include:
   • Placement Plane: Typically set to the current work plane or a specific level.
   • Structural Usage: Defines the beam's role (e.g., Girder, Joist, Purlin, Header). This is crucial for analytical models and scheduling.
   • Z-offset Value: Allows you to set a vertical offset for the beam relative to its placement level.
6. Draw the Beam:
   • Click to place first point: Click in your model to define the start point of the beam.
   • Click to place second point: Click again to define the end point of the beam. Revit will automatically draw the beam between these two points.

Selecting Beam Types and Loading Families

The Type Selector is your gateway to the variety of beams available. If the desired beam type (e.g., specific steel section, precast concrete, or timber size) is not listed, you'll need to load it into your project:

• Loading New Families: While the Beam tool is active, click the Load Family button on the ribbon. Navigate to your Revit family library (typically found under Structural Framing) and select the desired beam family. Once loaded, it will appear in the Type Selector for use.

Drawing Beams with Precision

Revit offers several methods to place beams accurately:

• On Grids: When placing beams, you can select intersecting grid lines to automatically span beams.
• At Columns: Beams can be drawn directly between existing structural columns.
• Freehand: Draw beams by picking two points. You can use temporary dimensions or snaps to other elements for accuracy.

Understanding Beam Properties and Parameters

Every beam in Revit has both instance properties (unique to that specific beam element) and type properties (common to all beams of that type).

• Instance Properties: Accessible by selecting a beam and looking at the Properties palette. These include:
  • Length: Automatically adjusted by drawing.
  • Start/End Extension: Useful for fine-tuning connections.
  • Z-offset Value: Adjusts the beam's vertical position relative to its reference level.
  • Structural Usage: Defines its role (e.g., Girder, Joist).
• Type Properties: Accessible by clicking "Edit Type" in the Properties palette when a beam is selected. These define the beam's fundamental characteristics:
  • Dimensions: Width, height, length (if fixed).
  • Material: The structural material of the beam.
  • Analytical Properties: Properties relevant for structural analysis.

Property Type	Description	When to Adjust
Instance	Unique to a specific beam element.	When you need to change the position, usage, or specific offsets of one beam.
Type	Common to all beams of a specific family type (e.g., W10x33).	When you need to define the dimensions, material, or default properties for a beam type.

Tips for Architectural Beam Modeling

While Revit beams are primarily structural, they are frequently used for architectural purposes, such as exposed timber beams, decorative steel elements, or as part of a ceiling design.

• Material Application: Ensure the beam's material property accurately reflects its intended finish (e.g., polished wood, painted steel).
• Joining/Cutback: Use the Geometry > Join tool to ensure beams correctly intersect and clean up intersections with other structural or architectural elements. You may also need to adjust Start/End Justification and Start/End Extension values for aesthetic connections.
• Visibility/Graphics Overrides: Control the appearance of beams in different views using Visibility/Graphics overrides (VV or VG). You can set line weights, patterns, and colors to enhance presentation.
• "Architectural" vs. "Structural" Use: Remember that even if a beam is used for purely aesthetic reasons in your architectural model, it will still be categorized as a structural framing element in Revit. This is a crucial distinction for coordination with structural engineers.

By following these steps and understanding the underlying principles, you can effectively add and manage beams in your Revit projects, whether for structural integrity or architectural expression.