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2: Walls, Curtain Walls, Windows and Doors

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    2.1 TYPES OF WALLS

    Basic Walls

    Generic

    A Basic Wall is a blank element with no applied materials. The default sizes available are 6, 8, and 12 inches thick. A material, pattern, texture, or color can be applied, and its depth altered. Other examples of Basic Wall are Generic Masonry, Generic Filled, Generic Brick, Brick on CMU, Brick on Metal Stud, CMU Insulated, CMU on Metal Stud, EIFS on Metal Stud, Interior Partition, Retaining wall, and GWB on Metal Stud.

    clipboard_e2365fc4de27a59ca36b34054d0592772.png
    Figure 2.1 Basic Wall Generic – 6”

    Generic Masonry

    A generic masonry wall has a solid masonry material applied to it. The default sizes are 6, 8 and 12 inches thick.

    clipboard_e1f1ecda077b3b04b25557b07ad96ea2b.png
    Figure 2.2 Basic Wall Generic – 6” Masonry

    Generic Filled

    A generic filled wall comes 8 inches thick and shows poched in section.

    clipboard_ea8a3ebea51c1cc81b0b6c4b5706c4734.png
    Figure 2.3 Basic Wall Generic – 8” – Filled

    Generic Brick

    A generic brick wall follows the nominal thickness of a 4-inch brick wall.

    clipboard_efd239434f32eaa89fc29724e17176428.png
    Figure 2.4 Basic Wall Generic – 4” Brick

    Exterior walls

    Exterior Brick on CMU

    In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install brick over a structural CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) wall.

    clipboard_ef1f132150c0d734fb9cc50f0c563d4e6.png
    Figure 2.5 Basic Wall Exterior – Brick on CMU

    Exterior Brick and CMU on MTL stud

    In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install brick over a structural CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) wall.

    clipboard_e79235aa5b95e16896af77a27f22be190.png
    Figure 2.6 Basic Wall Exterior – Brick on CMU on MTL. Stud

    Exterior Brick on MTL. Stud

    In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install brick on a structural metal stud wall.

    clipboard_e7fac28ea1da3b5197c8a20619a9b6160.png
    Figure 2.7 Basic Wall Exterior – Brick on Mtl. Stud

    Exterior CMU Insulated

    In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install insulated CMU blocks.

    clipboard_e8fe979a557a578e1750d92fb51cab16f.png
    Figure 2.    8 Basic Wall Exterior – CMU Insulated

    Exterior CMU on MTL. Stud

    In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install CMU as the exterior facing with a metal stud wall on the interior.

    clipboard_ed4a2b70bdfc0d89e212a938dc5bd8e2e.png
    Figure 2.9 Basic Wall Exterior – CMU on Mtl. Stud

    Exterior EIFS on Mtl. Stud

    In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install an Exterior Insulation and Finishing System on the exterior facing of a metal stud wall.

    clipboard_e1789d465009c01506ce026ad2fa3854c.png
    Figure 2.10 Basic Wall Exterior – EIFS on Mtl. Stud

    Interior Walls

    Interior Partition (1-hr)

    An interior partition wall has metal studs at its core with 1 hour rated gypsum board on both facings. The default wall sizes are 3-1/8”, 4-7/8” and 5-1/2” thick.

    clipboard_eeb2d94204c4af348a7f42659cf003e29.png
    Figure 2.11 Basic Wall Interior – 3 1/8” Partition (1-hr)

    Interior Partition (2-hr)

    An interior partition wall has metal studs at its core with 2 hour rated gypsum board on both facings. The default wall sizes are 5” and 6-1/8” thick.

    clipboard_e47fa7df8d60267ba3f6b30bcd085b696.png
    Figure 2.12 Basic Wall Interior – 5” Partition (2-hr)

    Other Walls

    Retaining 12” Concrete

    A retaining wall is made from concrete that is cast-in-place, on-site.

    clipboard_e36f2326cee8e0baaed379dcffa257b34.png
    Figure 2.13 Basic Wall Retaining – 12” Concrete

    Soffit ½” GWB and Metal Stud

    A soffit is usually the eave overhang that connects the roof back to the exterior face of the wall. It can also be the material area underneath a balcony or other such elements.

    clipboard_e5a62b5deabe2ab7f47e54ff6007ab476.png
    Figure 2.14 Basic Wall Soffit – ½” GWB Metal Stud

    Foundation Concrete

    Foundation concrete is used underneath structural walls to create a soil retaining barrier. These elements are often referred to as footings and are always thicker than the structural wall above.

    clipboard_e7d6b4dd237287b0bbf7a36e71c90a928.png
    Figure 2.15 Basic Wall Foundation – 12” Concrete

    Revit Curtain Walls

    Curtain Wall

    A glass curtain wall system is connected from the building’s floor plates typically seen on high-rise buildings. These walls do not carry any loads of floors, roofs, or structure to the ground. The Curtain Wall type in Revit is a blank glass wall with no set parameters as a base for grids and mullions to be designed.

    clipboard_eb9b06ab3810f435fa8b21e6385110d63.png
    Figure 2.16 Curtain wall in 3D view and cut in section

    Exterior Glazing

    Exterior Glazing has a preset grid where the parameters can be altered and designed through the Properties Palette.

    clipboard_e83cff1a87bb8472e3a17fcf8794841d2.png
    Figure 2.17 Exterior Glazing in 3D view and cut in section

    Storefront

    A storefront system is typically installed between floor plates typically low-rise and commercial buildings. The Storefront wall option offers a ready-to-go wall with a set grid and set mullions that can be altered and designed through the Properties Palette.

    clipboard_e2c0c82813b41f715aefaeb0a83bf189b.png
    Figure 2.18 Storefront in 3D view and cut in section

    Stacked Wall

    Exterior Brick over CMU with Metal Stud

    The Revit Stacked Wall option offers a wall built from two different materials stacked one on top of the other. In this specific type the lower portion is a CMU block and the top is a Brick wall tied to a metal stud wall. These walls can be modified or designed using the Properties Palette.

    clipboard_e5b1d2c2c8c1d961692a7d96aa5a14c12.png
    Figure 2.19 Stacked Wall Exterior – Brick over CMU w Metal Stud

    2.2 CREATE AND MODIFY WALLS

    This Building Information Modeling book will continually build in one tutorial file through every chapter.

    1. Start a New Project and select the Architectural Template
    2. Use Figure 2.20 to add the levels Level-Tool_N.jpg in an elevation view
    3. Use Figure 2.21 to add grid lines in the Level 1 view at 20 feet. Make sure to lock the grid lines using the pin tool Pin-Tool_N.jpg

    clipboard_e3fdbe77b587a6cf442345ac5e1be8244.png
    Figure 2.    20 Project Levels in the East elevation

    clipboard_e17e248b48785568ed95c10d6bd2ec316.png
    Figure 2.2    1 Grid Lines in the Level 1 view

    Create a wall using the line tool

    1. In the Level 1 view, click to open the Architecture tab
    2. Click the Wall icon Wall-Icon_N.jpg from the Ribbon, under the Build panel
    3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Generic – 12”
    4. In the Properties Palette set the following parameters
      • Location Line: Wall Centerline
      • Base Constraint: Level 1
      • Top Constraint: Up to level: Roof Level
    5. Under the Draw panel, click the Line tool Line-tool_N.jpg
    6. Click once to begin a wall from Figure 2.22
    7. Drag the cursor and type the dimension
    8. Press Enter to complete the first wall
    9. Drag and type the dimension until all 5 walls are placed
    10. Press ESC twice to exit the command
      clipboard_e960eb44fd22448773d7a04cb5a339182.png
      Figure 2.22 Generic 12” walls in plan view and 3D view

    TIP

    1. The Options Bar is also used to set parameters
    2. To view the model in 3D, click the Default 3D View icon 3D-View_N.jpg from the Quick Access Tool Bar

    Modify a wall

    1. In the Level 1 or 3D view, click to open the Architecture tab
    2. Click the wall icon Wall-Icon_N.jpg
    3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Generic – 4″ Brick
    4. Click the Edit Type button Edit-Type_N.jpg
    5. Click the Duplicate button
    6. Rename the duplicate “Generic – 4” Brick w/ Reveals
    7. In the Type Properties window, next to Structures, click Edit…
    8. At the bottom of the window, click the Preview button to view the wall system
    9. Use the View drop-down menu to choose Section
    10. Click the Reveals button
    11. Click the Add button
    12. Select the Default line
    13. Navigate through the Imperial Library to find the profile
      • Profiles folder
      • Wall folder
      • Choose the Wall Sweep – Brick Soldier Couse
      • Click Open
    14. Use the drop-down to change from Default to Reveal – Brick Course: 3 Brick
    15. Click OK to close the Reveals, Edit Assembly, and Type Properties windows
    16. In the 3D view, select the buildings West wall
    17. Use the Type Selector to change the wall to CMU – Insulated
    18. Change the Top Constraint to Level 3
    19. Open the Level 3 View
    20. Click the wall icon Wall-Icon_N.jpg
    21. Change the Top Constraints to Roof
    22. Draw a wall to fill in the top half of the West wall elevation
    23. Select the CMU – Insulated wall
    24. Click the Edit Profile icon Edit-Profile_N.jpg
    25. Following Figure 2.23 redraw the profile of the wall
    26. Click the green checkmark Green-Check-Mark_N.jpg to complete the modified wall
    27. With the modified CMU wall selected click the Attach Top/Base icon Attach-Top-Base_N.jpg on the ribbon.
    28. Select the Brick wall above the CMU wall

    clipboard_e459cae464baed06b2a9465dcb71f10bf.png
    Figure 2.23 Modified profile on CMU wall

    clipboard_e16729d7817e8a6b426e10182fb17bc99.png
    Figure 2.24 Stacked exterior wall shown in the Level 3 plan view and in the 3D view

    TIP

    If the exterior facade is not facing outward, click the double arrows Directional-Arrows_N.jpgor press the Space bar to change its direction.

    Create interior walls

    1. In the Level 1 view click the Architecture tab
    2. Click the Wall icon Wall-Icon_N.jpg from the ribbon, under the Build panel
    3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Interior 4-7/8” Partition (1-hr)
    4. In the Properties Palette set the following parameters
      • Location Line: Wall Centerline
      • Base Constraint: Level 1
      • Top Constraint: Up to level: Level 2
    5. Under the Draw panel, click the Line tool Line-tool_N.jpg
    6. Draw 8 enclosed rooms as shown in Figure 2.25
    7. Click the Architecture tab
    8. Click the Wall icon Wall-Icon_N.jpg
    9. Use the Type Selector to choose the Interior 3-1/8” Partition (1-hr)
    10. In the Properties Palette change the following parameters
      • Top Constraint: Unconnected
      • Unconnected Height: 3’6”
    11. Refer to Figure 2.26 to draw the cubicle partition walls

    clipboard_ebdef2ad364aca9a5ae846d80f0faf561.png
    Figure 2.2    5 Eight enclosed rooms with dimension lines

    clipboard_e8647dc74e27b75a9c8adfdf8af4ee578.png
    Figure 2.26 Interior walls with dimension lines

    TIP

    1. The Options Bar is also used to set parameters
    2. Press the ESC key once to discontinue a wall and begin a new wall in a different location

    Create curved walls

    1. In the Level 1 view, select the Wall icon Wall-Icon_N.jpg from the ribbon, under the Build panel
    2. Use the Type Selector to choose the Interior 4-7/8” Partition (1-hr)
    3. In the Properties Palette set the following parameters
      • Location Line: Wall Centerline
      • Base Constraint: Level 1
      • Top Constraint: Up to level: Level 2
    4. Under the Draw panel, use the Start-End-Radius Arc tool Star-end-radius-arc_N.jpg and the line tool Line-tool_N.jpg to draw the rooms. Refer to the dimensions in Figure 2.27
    5. Create 2 more identical rooms using the Copy Copy-Icon.jpg and Paste icons Paste-Icon_N.jpg
    6. Center each on the intersection grid lines using the Move tool Move-Tool_N.jpg

    clipboard_ece70918d9ffbb7cd27634f0c15e5cc24.png
    Figure 2.27 Dimensions for the room with curved walls

    Add an opening

    1. In the 3D view, Click the Architecture tab
    2. On the ribbon, click the Wall icon Wall-Opening_N.jpg from the Opening panel
    3. Select the wall to cut an opening in
    4. The cursor will change to a draw rectangle tool Rectangle-tool.jpg
    5. Click once to begin the opening
    6. Drag the cursor diagonally and click to place the opening
    7. Press the ESC key twice to exit the command
    8. Select the opening and use the witness lines to change the dimensions as shown in Figure 2.28.
    9. Create identical openings for the other 2 rooms

    clipboard_e3ad9e7b7c0d457d8077b8ed1779d201e.png
    Figure 2.28 Wall Opening with witness line dimensions

    Create a Curtain Wall

    1. Click the Architecture tab
    2. In the Level 2 view, click the Wall icon Wall-Icon_N.jpgfrom the ribbon, under the Build panel
    3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Curtain Wall 1
    4. In the Properties Palette set the following parameters
      • Location Line: Wall Centerline
      • Base Constraint: Level 1
      • Top Constraint: Up to level: Level 2
    5. Under the Draw panel, choose the Line tool Line-tool_N.jpg
    6. Draw one wall as shown in Figure 2.29
    7. Press the ESC key twice to exit the command
    8. In the 3D view, select the Curtain Grid icon Curtain-Grid_N.jpg from the ribbon, under the Build panel
    9. Hover the cursor over the curtain walls top edge and click to place vertical grid lines every 5 feet as shown in Figure 2.30
    10. Hover the cursor over the curtain walls side edge and click to place horizontal grid lines every 11 feet as shown in Figure 2.30

    clipboard_edf45d89ddb703a803c68238bf42dce79.png
    Figure 2.29 Curtain Wall 1 shown in plan view and in 3D view

    clipboard_e390e643a2c27437919ace5f4783c4293.png
    Figure 2.30 Curtain Wall 1 with added grid lines

    Modify a Curtain Wall

    1. Click the Architecture tab
    2. In the Level 1 view, select the Wall icon Wall-Icon_N.jpg from the ribbon, under the Build panel
    3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Curtain Wall 1
    4. In the Properties Palette set the following parameters
      • Location Line: Wall Centerline
      • Base Constraint: Level 1
      • Top Constraint: Up to level: Roof Level
    5. Click the Edit Type button Edit-Type_N.jpg in the Properties Palette
    6. The Type Properties window will open, click the Duplicate button as shown in Figure 2.31
    7. Name the Duplicate My Curtain Wall
    8. Change the following parameters
      • Construction
        • Curtain Panel: System Panel: Glazed
        • Join Condition: Border and Vertical Grid Conditions
      • Vertical Grid
        • Layout: Fixed Distance
        • Spacing: 5’ 0”
      • Horizontal Grid
        • Layout: Fixed Distance
        • Spacing: 11’ 0”
      • Vertical Mullions
        • Interior Type: Rectangular Mullion: 1.5” X 2.5” rectangular
        • Border Type 1: Rectangular Mullion: 1.5” X 2.5” rectangular
      • Horizontal Mullions
        • Interior Type: Rectangular Mullion: 1.5” X 2.5” rectangular
        • Border Type 1: Rectangular Mullion: 1.5” X 2.5” rectangular
      • Click OK to accept parameters
    9. Under the Draw panel, click the Line tool Line-tool_N.jpg
    10. Draw three walls as shown in Figure 2.32
    11. Press the ESC key twice to exit the command
    12. Select the Modify icon Modify-icon_N.jpg on the ribbon
    13. Select the vertical corner mullion
    14. Right–click and click the Select Mullions option, then click On Gridline from the submenu
    15. On the ribbon, click the Unpin tool Unpin-tool_N.jpg
    16. Use the Type Selector to change the mullion to L Corner Mullion: 5” X 5”, use Figure 2.33 for reference
    17. Repeat steps 11 through 15 for the other corner condition
    18. On the ribbon, select the Mullion icon Mullion-Icon_N.jpg
    19. Select the top edge of the curtain wall to add mullions to finish off the wall as shown in Figure 2.33

    clipboard_e147de26a6672514461d7b9c82f7dabb1.png
    Figure 2.31 Curtain wall Type Parameters

    clipboard_e6d84c1ccc3a1e44ce98980d1cf70a301.png
    Figure 2.32 My Curtain Wall in plan view and in 3D view

    clipboard_e9be23dc6b93454f37c4557d5bc0a7234.pngS
    Figure 2.3    3 Modified corner mullions (left) and added top mullion (right)

    TIP

    Hover over an item and press the Tab key to cycle through the selection options

    Embed and edit a curtain wall

    1. Change the South curtain wall type to Storefront
    2. Click the Edit Type button Edit-Type_N.jpg in the Properties Palette
    3. The Type Properties window will open, click the Duplicate button
    4. Name the Duplicate My Storefront Wall
    5. Change the following parameters
      • Vertical Grid
        • Layout: Fixed Distance
      • Horizontal Grid
        • Spacing: 11’ 0”
      • Click OK to accept the changes
    6. Hover the cursor over one of the bottom two center mullions
    7. Select the mullion and click the Unpin tool Unpin-tool_N.jpg on the ribbon
    8. Press the Delete key
    9. Repeat steps 7 through 9 on the other bottom center mullion
    10. Hover the cursor over one of the center panes of glass
    11. Select the glass pane and click the Unpin tool Unpin-tool_N.jpg on the ribbon
    12. In the Properties palette, click the Edit Type button Edit-Type_N.jpg
    13. The Type Properties window will open
    14. Click the Load button
    15. Open the Doors folder
    16. Select the Door-Curtain-Wall-Single-Glass
    17. Click Open
    18. Click OK
    19. Select the other center glass pane
    20. Select the glass pane and click the Unpin tool Unpin-tool_N.jpg on the ribbon
    21. Use the Type Selector to change the glass pane to the Door-Curtain-Wall-Single-Glass
    22. In the Level 1 view, adjust the door swing directions as shown in Figure 2.34

    clipboard_e36ac6eb3ec6822f9bf5ca4e704ec47bd.png
    Figure 2.34 Storefront doors shown in plan and in 3D view

    TIP

    1. Hover over an item and press the Tab key to cycle through the selection options
    2. With an element selected, press the Space bar to cycle through the rotations or position options

    2.3 PLACING DOORS

    1. Click the Architecture tab
    2. In the Level 1 view, click the Door icon Door-icon_N.jpg from the ribbon, under the Build panel
    3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Single-Flush 36” X 84”
    4. Click to place doors as shown in Figure 2.35
    5. Select each door and use the witness lines to adjust the placement to 2’6” between the open door and the neighboring wall. See Figure 2.35 for reference

    clipboard_e5ebca0d28fc0415b6d631b0739617ba1.png
    Figure 2.35 Placed doors in     plan view and in 3D view
    (One wall in the 3D view is hidden to better show the door placements)

    2.4 PLACING WINDOWS

    1. Click the Architecture tab
    2. In the Level 1 view, select the Window icon Window-Icon_N.jpg from the ribbon, under the Build panel
    3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Fixed 36” X 72” window
    4. Click to place the windows as shown in Figure 2.36
    5. On the ribbon, select the Align Dimension icon Aligned-Dimension_N.jpg
    6. Hover the cursor over the center of the window, when the centerline highlights blue, click to place a dimension line
    7. Click to add the remaining 3 windows.
    8. Drag the dimension line outside of the building
    9. Click anywhere on the dimension line to finish placing
    10. Press the ESC twice to exit the command
    11. Select the dimensions and click the EQ_N.jpg to activate equally spacing the windows
    12. Follow steps 5 through 11 for the second set of windows

    clipboard_e7b71acd2c67df59d31635e5102a1ec96.png
    Figure 2.36 Placed windows in     plan view and in 3D view

    Wall Video Tutorial 1

    Wall Video Tutorial 2

    Wall Video Tutorial 3

    Curtain Walls, Door and Windows

    This page titled 2: Walls, Curtain Walls, Windows and Doors is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Atefe Makhmalbaf.

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