Structural Modeling

Structural Columns

Use the structural column tools to add vertical load-bearing elements to building models.

Structure tab Structure panel (Column)

Architecture tab Build panel Column drop-down (Structural Column)

About Placing Structural Columns

Although structural columns share many of the same properties as architectural columns, structural columns
have additional properties defined by their configuration and industry standards which provide different
behaviors.

Structural elements such as beams, braces, and isolated foundations join to structural columns; they do not join
to architectural columns.
In addition, structural columns have an analytical model that is used for data exchange.

Typically, drawings or models received from an architect may contain a grid and architectural columns. You
create structural columns by manually placing each column or by using the At Grids tool to add a column to
selected grid intersections. In most cases, it is helpful to set up a grid before adding structural columns, as they
snap to grid lines.

Structural columns can be created in plan or 3D views.

 Place a Vertical Structural Column
Add columns in plan views and 3D views.

Enter the context of your task here (optional).

1. On the ribbon, click (Structural Column).

Where is it?

 Structure tab Structure panel (Column)

 Architecture tab Build panel Column drop-down (Structural Column)

2. On the Properties palette, select a column type from the Type Selector drop-down.

3. On the Options Bar, specify the following:

 Rotate after placement. Select this option to rotate the column immediately after placing it.

 Level. (3D views only) Select a level for the column's base. For plan views, the view's level is
the base level for the column.

 Depth. This setting draws the column downward from its base. To draw the column upward
from its base, select Height

 Level/Unconnected. Select a level for the top of the column, or select Unconnected and
specify the column height.

4. Click to place the column.

Columns snap to existing geometry. When you place columns at grid intersections, both sets of grid lines are
highlighted.

While placing columns, use the Spacebar to change the column orientation. Each time you press the Spacebar,
the column rotates to align with the intersecting grids at the selected location. In the absence of any grids,
press the Spacebar to rotate the column 90 degrees.
 About Placing Slanted Structural Columns
Slanted structural columns are becoming more common in large, high profile structures. Slanted column
modeling helps engineers detail a project and allow proper analysis calculations.

The following general rules apply to the procedures for placing slanted columns.

 When placing slanted columns, the top of the column will always have a higher elevation than its base.
When you place the column, the endpoint at the higher elevation is the top, and the lower elevation is the
base. Once defined, the top may not be set below the base.
 When placed in a 3D view, your 1st Click and 2nd Click settings define the associated levels and offset
of the column. When placed in an elevation or cross section, the endpoints associate with their nearest level.
The distance between the endpoint and the elevation are the offset by default.

 If 3D Snapping is disabled, snap references for elements on the current work plane display, as well as
typical temporary dimensions. When you place columns with 3D snapping enabled, the 1st Click and 2nd
Click level settings are used if a snap reference is not found or utilized.

 Slanted columns do not appear in graphical column schedules. Columns in a slanted state will not
display element properties related to graphical column schedules, such as Column Location Mark.

 The Copy/Monitor tool does not apply to slanted columns.

Place a Slanted Structural Column

Place a slanted column in a plan view with 2 clicks—one to specify the column start point and one to specify its
endpoint.

You define the elevation and offset of each click or use 3D snapping to join to previously placed elements.

1. On the ribbon, click (Structural Column).

Where is it?

 Structure tab Structure panel (Column)

 Architecture tab Build panel Column drop-down (Structural Column)

2. Click Modify | Place Structural Column tab Placement panel (Slanted Column).

3. On the Properties palette, select a column type from the Type Selector drop-down.

4. On the Options Bar, specify the following:

 1st Click. (Plan view placement only) Select the level for the column start point. Specify an
offset for the column end in the text box.
 2nd Click. (Plan view placement only) Select the level for the column end point. Specify an
offset for the column end in the text box.

 3D Snapping. Select 3D snapping if you want either or both ends of the column to snap to
previously placed structural elements. This is the most accurate placement method when placing in sections,
elevations, or 3D views.

If modeling in a section, elevation, or 3D view, sketch the column in place.

5. In a plan view, click to specify the start point of the column at the level selected for 1st Click.

6. Click to specify the endpoint of the column at the level selected for 2nd Click.

The column is placed, defined by the 2 clicks, their associated levels, and defined offsets. The following
illustrations show slanted column placement from the level 2 structural plan of a project using the click
locations shown.
 1st Click: Level 1 and 2nd Click: Level 2 1st Click: Level 3 and 2

Place Multiple Columns by Grid

Place multiple columns at the intersection of selected grid lines.

1. On the ribbon, click (Structural Column).

Where is it?

 Structure tab Structure panel (Structural Column)

 Architecture tab Build panel Column drop-down (Structural Column)

2. Click Modify | Place Structural Column tab Multiple panel (At Grids).

3. Select gridlines to define the desired grid intersections.

4. Press the Spacebar to rotate all of the columns that you are creating.
5. Continue pressing Spacebar until the columns are in the desired orientation.

6. To add other columns to grid intersections, hold Ctrl and drag other pick boxes.
7. Click Modify | Place Structural Column > At Grid Intersection tab Multiple panel (Finish) to
create the columns.

Lock Columns to a Grid

Constrain the current position of vertical columns or the tops and bases of slanted columns to a grid. This state
allows you to move the grid and keep columns or ends in their respective orientation to their grid placement.

Valid columns must be within a grid and have a valid column location mark. In the case of slanted columns, the
ends can move independently from one another, so it is possible to lock the column tops, bases, or both to the
project grid.

1. Select the columns to lock to the grid.

2.

3. On the Properties palette, under the Constraints section, select the following:

Vertical Columns: Moves with Grids

Slanted Columns: Move Top With Grids, Move Base With Grids, or both parameters.

4. Click Apply.

Locked vertical columns may still be moved and modified but they will proportionately move with the grid if it is
repositioned.
Because of the unique orientation properties of slanted column ends, locking to grids requires situational
guidelines.

If both ends are locked to a grid and the grids at each end are not a subset of each other, the Column Style
parameter of the columns will be changed to Slanted - End Point Driven.

Movement of a grid to which an angle-driven column is locked will move the entire column.

Movement of a grid to which an endpoint-driven column is locked will move only that end of the column. The
column will lengthen or shorten to meet the new location of the grid.

Add a Structural Column Inside a Architectural Column

Use the At Architectural Columns tool to snap structural columns to the center of architectural columns in a plan
view.

1. On the ribbon, click Structural Column.

Where is it?

 Architecture tab Build panel Column drop-down (Structural Column)

 Structure tab Structure panel (Column)

2. On the Properties palette, select a column type from the Type Selector drop-down.

3. Click Modify | Place Structural Column tab Multiple panel (At Columns).
4. Either select individual architectural columns or drag a pick box over architectural columns in the view
to select multiple columns.

The structural columns snap to the centers of the architectural columns.

5. Click Modify | Place Structural Column > At Architectural Columns tab Multiple panel (Finish)
when complete.

Structural Column Modification

You can align, move, copy, and adjust structural columns using common element editing tools. Slanted
columns possess unique parameters that affect how they interact with framing elements in a join.

Column Style for Slanted Columns

The Column Style parameter for slanted structural columns defines how the column parametrically adjusts to
the model. The parameter value is either Slanted - Angle Driven or Slanted - End Point Driven.

Angle driven columns maintain the angle of the column when its attached elements are repositioned. End point
driven columns maintain their joined end positions when their attached elements are repositioned.
Depending on the column style, the column adjusts to maintain the join relationship with the beam when the
beam is repositioned.
 Modify the Slant of a Structural Column

Slant vertical columns or adjust existing slanted columns.

1. Open a 3D View of your project.

2. Select the column to be modified.
3. On the Properties palette, under Constraints, select a slanted column style, Slanted - End Point Driven
or Slanted - Angle Driven, to define how the slant angle can be adjusted.
4. Click Apply.

5. Adjust the position of the top of the column with the column endpoint control. If the column is set to
Slanted - End Point Driven, you adjust the elevation of the top of the column using the vertical arrow or text
controls.
 Angle-Driven Modification

6. Adjust the position of the base of the column with the column endpoint. If the column is set to Slanted -
End Point Driven, you adjust the elevation of the base of the column using the vertical arrow or text controls.

Endpoint-Driven Editing
The column adjusts its length and slant based on your parameter settings and endpoint adjustments.

Enter the tasks the user should do after finishing this task (optional).

Slanted Column Geometry Alignment with Beams

Adjust the working point of slanted column geometry when it is attached to a beam. The working point vertically
offsets the column geometry centerline when you change the Top Geometry Alignment or Base Geometry
Alignment properties.

Geometry alignment can specify the Location Line (of the beam), Top of beam, Bottom of Beam, or Center of
Beam. Change these values to shift the position of slanted column geometry relative to its location line as
illustrated below.
Beam elevation takes precedence when a beam mid-joins to a column. If the slanted column is moved, the join
position will adjust to maintain the beam elevation.
In the following illustrations, a blue line represents the location line of the column and beam. Orange lines
represent the geometry centerline. Green arrows show the vertical offset that determines the new centerline
alignment.
Slanted Column Manual Adjustment Tools

Slanted columns incorporate a unique implementation of dragging and resizing tools.

Select a slanted column to access the following tools.

Note: If a structural column base is moved higher than the top, or the top is moved lower than the base, a
warning dialog displays, disallowing the modification. The top and base can similarly not share the same
elevation or the same warning dialog is issued.

Vertical Arrow Controls

Vertical arrow controls appear as blue arrows at either end of the endpoint-driven slanted column. Drag these
controls to adjust the elevation of the top or base of the column. The column end will only move vertically.

These controls are only available when the property Column Style is set to Slanted - End Point Driven.
Vertical arrow controls are disabled when a column is attached to a structural floor, floor, roof, reference plane,
or mid-joined to or driven by a beam.

Endpoint Controls
Endpoint controls appear as a blue dot on either end of the column. Drag these controls to adjust the position
of the top or base of the column. The column end will move freely in accordance with the current view.
Text Controls
The text controls directly adjust the offset parameter displayed next to the endpoint control. Clicking this control
enables it to be manually edited. Enter an elevation to reposition the associated top or base. The column end
will only move vertically.

Text controls are disabled when a column is attached to a structural floor, floor, roof, reference plane, or mid-
joined to or driven by a beam.
The behavior of text controls is dependent on the Column Style instance parameter.
If a column is endpoint-driven, the column endpoints move vertically when dependent elements of the column
are modified. If it is angle-driven, endpoints move along the dependent element to maintain its angle. In the
following illustration, columns adjust to meet a base offset increase. Notice how the angle-driven column on the
left maintains it angle, while the endpoint-driven column on the right adjusts vertically, regardless of its original
angle. The original column orientations are highlighted in blue.

Cross-Sectional Rotation
Press the Spacebar to rotate the selected column 90° clockwise (viewed from base to top) around its center. To
make more finite adjustments to this rotation on slanted columns, edit the Cross-Section Rotation property.

Display Splice or Plate Symbols

Specify a structural column to display moment, shear, or base plate symbols.

These parameters refer to the applicable column endpoint. The available options for these parameters are:
None, Moment Column Connection, Shear Column Connection, or Base Plate Symbol.
Note: Moment symbols display only when the detail level of the view is set to coarse.
 To display a moment symbol

1. Select a column.
2. On the Properties palette, under Structural, select Top Connection (for top splice), or Base Connection
(for base plate symbol), as needed.

Moment connection symbol (top) and baseplate symbol (bottom)

3. Click OK.

Specify Display Properties for a Column Family in a Plan View

An architectural or structural column can display in a plan view using a specified cut plane in the plan view of
the family.

1. Open a column family or start a new column family.

2. Click Create tab Properties panel (Family Category and Parameters).

3. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, under Family Parameters, select or clear the Show
family pre-cut in plan views parameter.

4. If you want the column to display in plan view... then

based on the cut plane of the model’s plan view clear the parameter.

consistently, regardless of the cut plane of the model’s plan view select the parameter. The column displays
using the cut plane specified within the Family
Editor plan view.

5. Click OK.

6. Save the column family.

After you load the column family into a model, the column displays based on the parameter settings you
specified within the Family Editor.
Architectural Column Example

The following images are different views of a column family loaded in a model. The horizontal lines were added
for illustration purposes.

Cut plane set in the family

Cut plane set in the model

Plan view of column in model with "Show family pre-cut in plan views" selected in the family

Plan view of column in the model with "Show family pre-cut in plan views" not selected (cleared) in the
family
Structural Column Example

The following image shows a column with corbels family depicting “Show family pre-cut in plan views” enabled
(left) and disabled (right). Notice the cut plane of the model’s plan view has no effect on the display of the
column. The horizontal arrow marks the cut plane for the section views to the right.
 Structural Column Instance Properties

Modify structural column instance properties to change level offsets, geometry justification, phasing data, and
more.

To change instance properties, select the element and change its properties on the Properties palette.

Name Description

Constraints
Column Location Mark The coordinate location of a vertical column on the project grid.
Base Level Constraining level of the column base.
Base Offset Offset of base from base level.
Top Level Constraining level of the column top.
Top Offset Offset of top from top level.
Moves With Grids Changes the vertical column constraint to the grid. See Lock Columns to a Grid.
Move Top With Grids Constrains the top endpoint of the slanted column to the grid.
Move Base With Grids Constrains the base endpoint of the slanted column to the grid.
Top Cut Style Either Perpendicular, Horizontal, or Vertical. Specifies the cut style at the top of the column when unattached to a
reference or element.
Top Extension Offset of the top of the column when unattached to a reference or element.
Base Cut Style Either Perpendicular, Horizontal, or Vertical. Specifies the cut style at the base of the column when unattached to a
reference or element.
Base Extension Offset of the base of the column when unattached to a reference or element.
Column Style Either Vertical, Slanted - End Point Driven, or Slanted - Angle Driven. Specifies the slant style of the column which
enables type specific modification tools. See Slanted Column Manual Adjustment Tools.
Base Geometry Alignment Either Location Line, Top of beam, Bottom of Beam, or Center of Beam. Specifies the working point along an
attached beam to which the centerline of a slanted column adjusts at its base.
Top Geometry Alignment Either Location Line, Top of beam, Bottom of Beam, or Center of Beam. Specifies the working point along an
attached beam to which the centerline of a slanted column adjusts at its top.
Base is Attached Read-only parameter specifying that the base of the column is mid-joined to a beam or attached to a structural floor
or roof.
Attachment Justification At Either Minimum Intersection, Intersect Column Midline, Maximum Intersection, or Tangent. Specifies the degree of
Base cutback or tangential justification at the base of the column at the join.
Offset From Attachment At Offset of the base of the column from the mid-joined beam or attached elements.
Base
Top is Attached Read-only parameter specifying that the top of the column is mid-joined to a beam or attached to a structural floor
or roof.
Attachment Justification At Either Minimum Intersection, Intersect Column Midline, Maximum Intersection, or Tangent. Specifies the degree of
Top cutback or tangential justification at the top of the column at the join.
Offset From Attachment At Offset of the top of the column from the mid-joined beam or attached elements.
Top
Room Bounding Changes column constraint to room-bounding conditions.
Materials and Finishes
Structural Material For more information, see Change the Physical Properties of a Material.

Structural
 Name Description

Top Connection Applies to steel columns only. Turns on the visibility of a moment or shear connection symbol. The symbols are
visible only in elevations and cuts parallel to the main axis of the column in coarse view.
Base Connection Applies to steel columns only. Turns on the visibility of the base plate symbol. The symbols are visible only in
elevations and cuts parallel to the main axis of the column in coarse view.
Enable Analytical Model Displays the analytical model and includes it in analytical calculations. Selected by default. See Disable an
Analytical Model.
Top Attachment Type Either Distance or Ratio. Determines if the top join of a slanted column is measured as a distance or a ratio of the
length of the beam.
Top Attachment Distance Distance from the referenced end of the top attached beam to the join location on the slanted column.
Top Attachment Ratio The ratio of distance from the referenced end of the attached beam to the top join location on the slanted column to
the total length of the beam.
Top Attachment Reference Either Start or End. Specifies the end of the top attached beam from which to calculate distance or ratio.
End
Base Attachment Type Either Distance or Ratio. Determines if the base join of a slanted column is measured as a distance or a ratio of the
length of the beam.
Base Attachment Distance Distance from the referenced end of the base attached beam to the join location on the slanted column.
Base Attachment Ratio The ratio of distance from the referenced end of the attached beam to the base join location on the slanted column to
the total length of the beam.
Base Attachment Reference Either Start or End. Specifies the end of the base attached beam from which to calculate distance or ratio.
End
Rebar Cover - Top Face Applies to concrete columns only. Sets the rebar cover distance from the column top face.
Rebar Cover - Bottom Face Applies to concrete columns only. Sets the rebar cover distance from the column bottom face.
Rebar Cover - Other Faces Applies to concrete columns only. Sets the rebar cover distance from the column to other element faces.
Estimated Reinforcement Specifies the estimated reinforcement volume of the selected element. This is a read-only parameter that only
Volume displays when rebar has been placed.
Dimensions
Volume Volume of the selected column. A read-only value.
Identity Data
Comments User comments.
Mark A label created for the column. Possible use: shop mark. This value must be unique for each element in a project.
Revit warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it. You can see the warning using
the Review Warnings tool. For more information, see Review Warning Messages.
Phasing
Phase Created Indicates in which phase the column component was created. For more information, see Project Phasing.
Phase Demolished Indicates in which phase the column component was demolished. For more information, see Project Phasing.

Structural Column Analysis Properties

 Modify the analytical properties of the structural column to accommodate structural analysis tools
and procedures.

To change structural analytical properties, select the element. In the Properties palette, select the element specific
analytical properties from the Properties filter.

Name Description

Analytical Model
Analyze As Either Hanger, Gravity, Lateral, or Not for analysis. Used by external analysis applications to determine whether the column contribu
Analytical Links A frame element that can be set to fully rigid or released in global directions. When Analytical Links are enabled, an additional analyt
analytical model of a beam and the analytical model of a column.
See Analytical Link.

Analytical Properties
Family Type The family type of the element.
Physical Material Asset The name of a physical asset assigned to the column material (read-only).
Length The length of the analytical model.
Cross-Section Rotation The clockwise rotation angle of a slanted column (viewed from top to base). This angle can be carried out to 3 decimal places. Negati
vertical state, then this rotation is measured from Project North. Otherwise, it is measured from the vertical position.
Analytical Alignment
Top Alignment Method Either Auto-detect or Projection. Specifies if the horizontal and vertical references of the column top are automatically justified or ha

Top y Projection Either Location Line, Left of Element, Center of Element, Right of Element, <Grids...> , or <Reference Planes...>. Available when To
Specifies the horizontal location of the analytical model at the top of the column.

Top z Projection Either Location Line, Top of Element, Center of Element, Bottom of Element, <Level...>, or <Reference Planes...>. Available when T
Specifies the vertical location of the analytical model at the top of the column.

Top Extension Method Either Auto-detect or Projection. Specifies if the vertical extension of the column top is automatically justified or have a defined proje

Top x Projection Either Top Level Reference, Top of Column, <Level...>, or <Reference Planes...>. Available when Top Extension Method is specified
Specifies the vertical extension location of the analytical model at the top of the column.

Base Alignment Method Either Auto-detect or Projection. Specifies if the horizontal and vertical references of the column base are automatically justified or h

Base y Projection Either Location Line, Left of Element, Center of Element, Right of Element, <Grids...>, or <Reference Planes...>. Available when Ba
Specifies the horizontal location of the analytical model at the base of the column.

Base z Projection Either Location Line, Top of Element, Center of Element, Bottom of Element, <Level...>, or <Reference Planes...>. Available when B
Specifies the vertical location of the analytical model at the base of the column.

Base Extension Method Either Auto-detect or Projection. Specifies if the vertical extension of the column base is automatically justified or has a defined proje

Base x Projection Either Base Level Reference, Bottom of Column, <Level...>, or <Reference Planes...>. Available when Base Extension Method is spe
Specifies the vertical extension location of the analytical model at the base of the column.
Structural Analysis
(See Structural Analytical Model Overview.)

Top Release Specifies the end release condition: either Fixed, Pinned, Bending Moment or User Defined. User Defined allows
you to enable/disable each of the end release conditions.
Top Fx Translational release at the top end of the column along the x-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is released
and the force is not available.
Top Fy Translational release at the top end of the column along the y-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is released
and the force is not available.
Top Fz Translational release at the top end of the column along the z-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is released
and the force is not available.
Top Mx Rotational release at the top end of the column along the x-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is released
and the moment is not available.
Top My Rotational release at the top end of the column along the y-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is released
and the moment is not available.
Top Mz Rotational release at the top end of the column along the z-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is released and
the moment is not available.
Bottom Specifies the end release condition: either Fixed, Pinned, Bending Moment or User Defined. User Defined allows
Release you to enable/disable each of the end release conditions.
Bottom Fx Translational release at the bottom end of the column along the x-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is
released and the force is not available.
Bottom Fy Translational release at the bottom end of the column along the y-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is
released and the force is not available.
Bottom Fz Translational release at the bottom end of the column along the z-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is
released and the force is not available.
Bottom Mx Rotational release at the bottom end of the column along the x-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is released
and the moment is not available.
Bottom My Rotational release at the bottom end of the column along the y-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is released
and the moment is not available.
Bottom Mz Rotational release at the bottom end of the column along the z-axis. When selected the degree of freedom is released
and the moment is not available.
Member Specifies the internal forces at the top and base of the analytical column. This data communicates load information
Forces for both documentation and connection fabrication. Click Edit to enter user-defined force and moment values.
Identity Data
Member An identifier created for the analytical member. This value should be unique across Analytical Beams, Analytical
Number Braces and Analytical Columns in a project. Revit warns you if the number is already used but allows you to
continue using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings tool. See Reviewing Warning Messages.
Comments User comments.
Phasing
Phase Created Indicates in which phase the column was created. See Project Phasing
Phase Indicates in which phase the column was demolished. See Project Phasing
Demolished
Structural Column Type Properties

Modify structural column type properties to change flange width, web thickness, identity data, and more.

To change type properties, select an element and click Modify tab Properties panel (Type
Properties). Changes to type properties apply to all instances in the project.

Name Description

Structural
Section Shape Specifies the structural section shape family category of the element. The section shape creates
additional dimensions and parameters for the element.

Dimensions
The following is a comprehensive list of all Section Shapes dimension parameters. Elements will not contain every dimension
parameter, only those appropriate to their shape. See Section Shape Dimension Parameters.

Bend Width The distance between the left extremities of the section shape to the exterior surface of the middle
bend segment.

Bolt Diameter The maximum diameter of a bolt hole.

Bolt Diameter Longer The maximum diameter of the bolt hole in the longer flange of an l-angle.
Flange

Bolt Diameter Shorter The maximum diameter of the bolt hole in the shorter flange of an l-angle.
Flange

Bolt Spacing The standard distance between the bolt holes in the flange on either side of the web.

Bolt Spacing 1 Longer The distance from the external side of the shorter flange to the first row of bolts on the longer flange
Flange of an l-angle.

Bolt Spacing 2 Longer The distance from the external side of the shorter flange to the second row of bolts on the longer
Flange flange of an l-angle.

Bolt Spacing Between The distance between rows of bolt holes in a flange on one side of the web.
Rows

Bolt Spacing Shorter The distance from the external side of the longer flange to the row of bolts on the shorter flange of an
flange l-angle.

Bolt Spacing Two Rows The distance between two bolt holes in a flange on either side of the web.

Bolt Spacing Web The distance from the exterior edge side of the flange to a single bolt hole in the web of a structural
tee.

Bottom Flange Length The distance between the interior surface of the section shape and the end of the bottom flange
segment.

Bottom Flange Thickness The distance between the exterior surfaces of the bottom flange in the section shape of a castellated or
welded element.

Bottom Flange Width The external width of the bottom flange in the section shape of a castellated or welded element.

Centroid Horizontal The distance from the centroid of the section shape to the left extremities along horizontal axis.
 Name Description
Centroid Vertical The distance from the centroid of the section shape to the lower extremities along vertical axis.

Clear Web Height The detailing depth between the web toes of the fillets.

Diameter The external diameter of the round section shape.

Flange Fillet The radius of the fillet at the end of a flange in the section shape.

Flange Thickness The distance between the exterior surfaces of the flange in the section shape.

Flange Toe of Fillet The detailing distance from the center of the web to the flange toe of the fillet.

Fold Length The distance between the exterior surface of the lip segment and the end of fold segment.

Height The external height of the section shape.

Inner Fillet The radius of the inner corner fillet of a bend in the structural section shape.

Lip Length The distance between the exterior surface of the section shape and the end of the lip segment.

Middle Bend Length he length of the interior surface of the middle bend segment.

Outer Fillet The radius of the outer corner fillet of a bend in a structural section shape.

Top Bend Length The distance between the exterior surface of the top of the section shape and the end of the top bend
segment.

Top Flange Thickness The distance between the exterior surfaces of the flange in the section shape.

Top Flange Width The external width of the top flange in the section shape of a castellated or welded element.

Wall Design Thickness The perpendicular design thickness between the inner and outer surface of a section shape.

Wall Nominal Thickness The average perpendicular distance between the inner and outer surface of the section shape.

Web Fillet The radius of the fillet between the web and flange.

Web Height The distance along the web between the flanges in the section shape.

Web Thickness The distance between the exterior surfaces of the web in the section shape.

Web Toe of Fillet The distance between the outer edge of the flange and the web toe of the fillet.

Width The external diameter of the section shape.

Structural Analysis

Section Area The area of the cross section (A or S). Unit: Length^2.

Perimeter The painting surface of the unit length (U). Unit: Length 2 /Length.

Nominal Weight The unit weight (not mass) per unit length, for self-weight calculation or quantity survey (W or G).
Unit: Force/Length.

Moment of Inertia strong The moment of inertia about the main strong axis (I). Unit: Length 4 .
axis

Moment of Inertia weak The moment of inertia about the main weak axis (I). Unit: Length 4 .
axis

Elastic Modulus strong The elastic section modulus about the main strong axis for calculation of bending stresses (S or Wel).
axis Unit: Length 3 .

Elastic Modulus weak The elastic section modulus about the main weak axis for calculation of bending stresses (S or Wel).
axis Unit: Length 3 .
 Name Description
Plastic Modulus strong The plastic section modulus in bending about the main strong axis (Z or Wpl). Unit: Length 3 .
axis

Plastic Modulus weak The plastic section modulus in bending about the main weak axis (Z or Wpl). Unit: Length 3 .
axis

Torsional Moment of The torsional moment of inertia to calculate torsional deformation (J, I T , or K). Unit: Length 4 .
Inertia

Torsional Modulus The section modulus for calculations of torsion stresses (Ct). Unit: Length 3 .

Warping Constant The warping constant of the element (C w , I omega , H). Unit: Length 6 .

Shear Area strong axis The reduced extreme shear stress coefficient in the direction of the strong axis (Wq). Unit: Length 2 .

Shear Area weak axis The reduced extreme shear stress coefficient in the direction of the weak axis (Wq). Unit: Length 2 .

Principle Axes Angle The rotational angle between the principle axes and cross section reference planes.

Identity Data

Assembly Code Uniformat assembly code selected from a hierarchical list.

Type Image Displays a user-defined image file that represents the element. See About Managing Images.

Keynote Add or edit the element keynote. Click the value box to open the Keynote dialog. For more
information, see Keynotes.

Model Manufacturer internal number.

Manufacturer The shape manufacturer.

Type Comments A field for entering general comments about the shape type. This information can be included in a
schedule.

URL Specifies a link to a web page that may contain type-specific information.

Description User can enter a description of the element here.

Cost The pricing of the element.

Section Name Key Displays standardized names for element types, such as shape designations.

Assembly Description Description of the assembly based on the assembly code selection, a read-only parameter.

Type Mark A value that designates the particular element; possibly the shop mark. This value must be unique for
each element in a project. Revit warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue
using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings tool. For more information, see Review
Warning Messages.

OmniClass Number The number from Table 23 of the OmniClass Construction Classification System that best categorizes
the family type.

OmniClass Title The name from Table 23 of the OmniClass Construction Classification System that best categorizes
the family type.

Code Name Displays standardized codes for the element, such as those for shape databases.
 Structural Column Family Properties

Modify a structural column family to define specific behaviors or Identity Data that
apply across all types in that family.

To change family properties, open the element in the Family Editor and change its
properties on the Properties palette.

Name Description

Constraints
Host The type of host into or onto which the element can be hosted. This is a read only parameter.

Graphics

Display in Specifies the display rules for the concrete family in hidden views.
Hidden Views

Structural

Section Shape Specifies the structural section shape family category of the element. The section shape creates additional dimensions and
parameters for the element. See Section Shape Parameters in Framing Elements.

Material For Defines specific behaviors of elements based on their material. Select from the following.
Model Steel: Enables both cutback and shape handles for the element.
Behavior Concrete: Enables both concrete auto-join behavior and reinforcement hosting. Disables shape handles.
Precast Concrete: Enables concrete auto-join behavior, reinforcement hosting, and shape handles.
Wood: Enables both cutback and shape handles for the element.
Other: Disables shape handles and hides hidden lines of the element in structural views.

Always export Ensures that the family is exported as geometry at all times. This overrides the Export as Architectural Desktop and Building
as geometry System Objects option in the Export Options dialog.
See Export Structural Members.

Beam cutback Determines whether the symbolic representation of a beam is cutback from the column bounding box or the physical geometry
in plan of the column. See About Beam to Column Joins and Cutback.

Identity Data

Code Name Displays standardized codes for the element, such as those for shape databases.

OmniClass The number from Table 23 of the OmniClass Construction Classification System that best categorizes the family type.
Number

OmniClass The name from Table 23 of the OmniClass Construction Classification System that best categorizes the family type.
Title

Seek Item ID A user editable character string used for finding the element in search queries.
 Name Description
Other

Work Plane- Specifies a family as hosted by the active work plane.

Based

Cuts with Enables objects to be cut when a family with unattached voids is loaded.
Voids When
Loaded

Symbolic Determines whether the symbolic representation of the element is defined by the family or by the settings of the project in
Representation which its placed. See About Symbolic Representation for Structural Framing Elements.

Shared For nested families only. If the nested family is shared, you can select, tag, and schedule the nested family separately from the
host family. If the nested family is not shared, then components created by the host family and nested family act as a single unit.
See About Nesting and Sharing Loadable Families.

Show family Displays the family in a plan view using the cut plane specified in the plan view of the family. See Specify Display Properties
pre-cut in plan for a Column Family in a Plan View.
views