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12/4/2008 - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Room:Lando 4205 (AEC)
Custom Stairs and Railings in Revit® Architecture
Attendees will learn how to create families for posts, balusters, panels, railings, and stair nosing. Focusing on design for high-end commercial and residential projects, this class will dive directly into the use of the Family Editor to physically build the components needed. Once the families are established, the class will move to Assembly in the project to expose the difficulties designers face. The commercial portion of the class will cover extruded steel with glass panels; the residential portion will cover custom handrails and raised panels. You’ll also learn how to design winding and spiral staircases, as well as how to create custom materials with wood hatching that you can apply to the stair components to give the stairs and railings your personal touch.
AB314-3
About the Speaker:
Patrick Davis, Assoc. AIA - , HNTB Architecture, Inc.Todd Williams (Co-Speaker)and
Todd WilliamsTodd is a CAD/BIM Manager for HNTB Architecture located in Kansas City, Mo. With 13 years of experience, he is an expert in the deployment and implementation of AutoCAD Architecture. He has worked on and help support a wide variety of projects and project teams from sports stadiums, laboratories and mixed use commercial. He is skilled in project workflow and proper project creation and execution through the use of Project Navigator.
Stay Connect with AU all year at www.autodeskuniversity.comr
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STAIRS
�Below�is�an�outline�of�all�the�parameters�available�to�you�when�creating�and�editing�stairs�along�with�a�brief�description�of�parameters.��UI�/�Understanding�the�Dialog�Boxes�INSTANCE�PROPERTIES��Constraints��Base�Level���Sets�the�level�at�which�the�stairs�start.��Base�Offset���Sets�the�height�of�the�stairs�from�the�base�level.�Use�a�negative�number�to�start�below�the�level�and�a�positive�to�begin�above�the�level.�Top�Level���Sets�the�top�of�the�stairs�where�the�stairs�stop.��Top�Offset���Sets�the�offset�of�the�stairs�from�the�top�level.�Use�a�negative�number�to�finish�below�the�level�and�a�positive�to�finish�above�the�level.�Multistory�Top�Level���Sets�the�top�of�the�stairs�in�a�multi�story�building.�The�advantage�to�using�this�parameter�(as�opposed�to�sketching�individual�runs)�is�that�if�you�change�the�railing�on�one�run,�that�railing�is�changed�on�all�the�runs.�Also,�if�you�use�this�parameter,�the�project�file�size�does�not�change�as�significantly�as�it�would�if�you�sketched�individual�runs.�Note�that�the�levels�in�the�multi�story�building�MUST�be�a�uniform�distance�apart.���Graphics�Up/Down�Text���Sets�the�text�for�the�Up/Down�symbol�in�plan.�The�default�is�UP/DN.���Up/Down�Label/Arrow���Displays�or�hides�the�Up/Down�label�and�arrow�in�plan.���Show�Up�arrow�in�all�views���Displays�the�Up�arrow�in�all�project�views.���Dimensions��Width���Width�of�the�stairs.��Desired�Number�of�Risers���The�number�of�risers�is�calculated�based�on�the�height�between�levels.��Actual�Number�of�Risers���Normally,�the�same�as�Desired�Number�of�Risers.�However,�it�may�be�different�if�you�do�not�complete�adding�the�correct�number�of�risers�for�the�given�run�of�the�stairs.�This�is�a�read�only�value.���
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Actual�Riser�Height���Displays�the�actual�riser�height.�The�value�is�equal�to�or�less�than�the�value�specified�in�Maximum�Riser�Height.�This�is�a�read�only�value.���Actual�Tread�Depth���You�can�set�this�value�to�change�the�tread�depth�without�having�to�create�a�new�stair�type.�Also,�the�Stair�Calculator�can�change�this�value�to�satisfy�the�stair�equation.����Identity�Data��Comments���Specific�comments�on�the�staircase.�This�information�will�show�up�on�the�stair�schedule.��Mark���A�label�created�for�the�stairs.�This�value�must�be�unique�for�each�staircase�in�a�project.���Phasing��Phase�Created���The�phase�when�the�stairs�were�created.��Phase�Demolished���The�phase�when�the�stairs�were�demolished.������
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TYPE�PROPERTIES��Construction��Extend�Below�Base���Extends�stringers�below�the�base�level�of�the�stair.�This�is�useful�for�cases�where�the�stringer�attaches�to�the�face�of�a�floor�opening�rather�than�resting�on�the�surface�of�a�floor.�To�extend�the�stringer�below�the�floor,�enter�a�negative�number.���Monolithic�Stairs���Specifies�that�the�stairs�are�to�be�made�of�one�material.��Landing�Overlap���Enabled�when�stairs�are�set�to�monolithic.�When�a�monolithic�stair�has�a�winder,�the�bottom�of�the�stair�can�be�a�smooth�shape�or�stepped.�If�it�is�stepped,�this�parameter�controls�the�distance�between�the�riser�face�and�the�vertical�face�of�the�corresponding�step�on�the�underside.��Underside�of�Winder���Enabled�when�stairs�are�set�to�monolithic.�If�a�monolithic�stair�has�a�winder,�the�bottom�of�the�stair�can�be�a�smooth�shape�or�stepped.���Graphics��Break�Symbol�in�Plan���Specifies�whether�the�cutline�of�the�stairs�in�plan�view�has�a�break�line.��Text�Size�and�Text�Font���Changes�the�size�and�font�of�the�UP�DN�symbol�in�a�plan�view.����Materials�and�Finishes��Tread�(Riser,�Stringer�and�Monolithic)�Material�–�This�controls�the�material�used.�Click�the�button�to�open�the�Materials�dialog.���Treads��Minimum�Tread�Depth���Sets�the�initial�value�for�the�Actual�Tread�Depth�instance�parameter.�If�Actual�Tread�Depth�value�exceeds�this�value,�Revit�Architecture�issues�a�warning.���Tread�Thickness���Sets�the�thickness�of�the�tread.���Nosing�Length����Specifies�the�amount�of�the�tread�depth�that�overhangs�the�next�tread.���Nosing�Profile����The�profile�for�a�sweep�added�to�the�front�of�the�tread�(predefined�profiles).���Risers��Maximum�Riser�Height���Sets�the�maximum�height�of�each�riser�on�the�staircase.��Begin�with�Riser���If�selected,�Revit�Architecture�adds�a�riser�to�the�beginning�of�the�stairs.�If�you�clear�the�check�box,�the�beginning�riser�is�removed.�Note�that�you�may�receive�a�warning�about�actual�number�of�risers�exceeding�the�desired�number�of�risers�if�you�clear�this�check�box.�To�resolve�this,�either�select�End�with�Riser�or�change�the�desired�number�of�risers.���End�with�Riser���If�selected,�Revit�Architecture�adds�a�riser�to�the�end�of�the�stairs.�If�you�clear�the�check�box,�Revit�Architecture�removes�the�end�riser.��Riser�Type���Creates�straight�or�slanted�risers,�or�no�riser.���Riser�Thickness���Sets�the�thickness�of�the�riser.���
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Riser�to�Tread�Connection���Switches�the�connection�of�the�riser�and�tread�in�relation�to�each�other.�The�riser�can�extend�behind�the�tread,�or�the�tread�can�extend�under�the�riser.����Stringers��Trim�Stringers�at�Top���Trim�Stringer�at�Top�affects�the�top�end�of�stringers�on�a�stair’s�run.�If�you�select�Do�Not�Trim,�the�stringer�is�cut�with�a�single�vertical�cut�resulting�in�a�point�at�the�top.�If�you�select�Match�Level,�the�stringer�is�curt�horizontally,�making�the�top�of�the�stringer�flush�with�the�top�level.�If�you�select�Match�Landing�Stringer,�a�horizontal�cut�is�made�at�the�same�height�as�the�stringer�top�on�landings.�To�see�the�effects�of�this�parameter�clearly,�you�may�want�to�clear�the�check�box�for�End�with�Riser.���Right/Left�Stringer���Sets�the�type�of�stringer�for�the�right/left�side�of�the�stairs.�None�means�there�is�no�stringer.�A�closed�stringer�encases�the�treads�and�risers.�An�open�stringer�exposes�the�treads�and�risers.���Middle�Stringers���Sets�the�number�of�stringers�that�appear�underneath�the�stairs�between�the�left�and�right�of�the�stairs.���Stringer�Thickness���Sets�the�thickness�of�the�stringers.���Stringer�Height����Sets�the�height�of�the�stringers.���Open�Stringer�Offset���Enabled�when�the�stairs�have�an�open�stringer.�Moves�an�open�stringer�from�side�to�side.�For�example,�if�you�offset�an�open�right�stringer,�it�moves�toward�the�left�stringer.���Stringer�Carriage�Height���Allows�you�to�control�the�relationship�between�side�stringers�and�treads.�If�you�increase�the�number,�the�stringer�moves�down�from�the�treads.�Treads�do�not�move.�Railings�do�not�change�height�relative�to�treads,�but�balusters�extend�down�to�meet�the�stringer�top.�This�height�is�measured�from�the�tread�end�(lower�corner)�to�the�bottom�side�of�the�stringer,�perpendicular�to�the�stringer.���Landing�Carriage�Height���Allows�stringers�to�have�a�different�height�relationship�to�landings�than�they�do�to�sloped�runs.�For�example,�it�lowers�a�horizontal�stringer�toward�a�landing�on�u�shaped�stairs.����Identity�Data��Type�Mark���A�value�to�designate�the�particular�stairs.�Useful�if�you�need�to�identify�more�than�one�set�of�staircases.�This�value�must�be�unique�for�each�stairway�in�a�project.�Revit�Architecture�warns�you�if�the�number�is�already�used�but�allows�you�to�continue�using�it.�(You�can�see�the�warning�using�the�Review�Warnings�command).�Keynote���Add�or�edit�the�stairs�keynote.�Click�in�the�value�box�to�open�the�Keynotes�dialog.�See�Keynotes.��Model���The�model�type�for�the�stairs.��Manufacturer���Manufacturer�for�the�stair�materials.��Type�Comments���Specific�comments�on�the�stair�type.��URL���A�link�to�a�web�page�for�the�manufacturer�or�other�appropriate�link.��Description���A�description�for�the�stairs,�such�as�circular.��Assembly�Description���Description�of�the�assembly�based�on�the�assembly�code�selection.��Assembly�Code���Uniformat�assembly�code�selected�from�hierarchical�list.��Cost���Material�cost.���
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Calculation�Rules���Use�the�stair�calculator�to�calculate�the�tread�depth�of�stairs.�The�calculator�applies�a�common,�rule�of�thumb�formula,�for�example,�a�formula�specified�in�the�Architectural�Graphic�Standards.�Before�using�the�stair�calculator,�specify�values�for�the�minimum�tread�depth�and�maximum�riser�height.�Rule�of�thumb�formula���for�interior�stairs,�as�specified�in�the�Architectural�Graphic�Standards.��Riser�+�Tread�=�17.5�inches:�7.5�inches�for�the�riser�height;�10�inches�for�the�tread�depth.�Riser�*�Tread�=�75�inches.�2(Riser)�+�Tread�is�greater�than�or�equal�to�24�inches�(minimum�threshold)�or�less�than�or�equal�to�25�inches�(maximum�threshold).�
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RAILINGS��Below�is�an�outline�of�the�parameters�that�control�railings�with�a�brief�description.���UI�/�Understanding�the�Dialog�Boxes�INSTANCE�PROPERTIES��Constraints��Base�Level���Sets�the�base�level�for�the�railing.�You�can�change�this�value�to�any�level�in�the�project.���Base�Offset���Offsets�the�railing�to�a�specified�distance�above�or�below�the�base�level.����Dimensions��Length���The�actual�length�of�the�railing.����Identity�Data��Comments���Comments�on�the�railing.��Mark���A�mark�applied�to�a�railing.�This�can�be�a�label�that�appears�in�a�multi�category�tag�with�the�railing.�For�complete�information�about�multi�category�tagging�and�setting�up�shared�parameters,�see�Shared�Parameters.���Phasing��Phase�Created���The�phase�when�the�railing�was�created.�See�Creating�Phases.���Phase�Demolished���The�phase�when�the�railing�was�demolished.�See�Demolishing�Elements.�����������
��������
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���TYPE�PROPERTIES��Construction��Railing�Height���The�height�of�the�top�most�rail�in�the�railing�structure.��Rail�Structure���Opens�a�separate�dialog�where�you�set�the�number�of�rails,�height,�offset,�material,�and�profile�family�(shape)�for�each�rail.�See�Modifying�Railing�Structure.��Baluster�Placement���Opens�a�separate�dialog�where�you�define�baluster�patterns.�See�Controlling�Placement�of�Balusters�and�Posts.��Baluster�Offset���Offsets�the�balusters�from�the�rail�sketch�line.�By�setting�a�value�for�this�property�and�rail�offsets,�you�can�create�different�combinations�of�rails�and�balusters.���Use�Landing�Height�Adjustment���This�parameter�controls�the�height�of�railings�at�landings.�If�set�to�No,�railings�at�landings�use�the�same�height�as�they�do�over�stair�runs.�If�set�to�Yes,�the�railing�height�is�adjusted�up�or�down�by�the�amount�set�for�Landing�Height�Adjustment.�To�get�smooth�railing�connections,�set�the�Tangent�Joins�parameter�to�Extend�Rails�to�Meet.���Landing�Height�Adjustment���Raises�or�lowers�the�height�of�the�railing�from�the�value�indicated�in�the�Railing�Height�parameter�at�intermediate�or�top�landings.���Angled�Joins���If�2�railing�segments�meet�at�an�angle�in�plan�but�do�not�connect�vertically,�Revit�Architecture�can�add�vertical�or�horizontal�segments�to�create�a�join�or�add�no�connector,�leaving�a�gap.�This�can�be�used�to�create�a�continuous�railing�where�the�start�of�a�stair�run�leading�up�from�a�landing�cannot�be�displaced�by�one�tread�width.�Join�methods�can�be�overridden�on�an�connection�by�connection�basis.�See�Modifying�Railing�Joins.��Tangent�Joins���If�2�tangent�railing�segments�are�collinear�or�tangent�in�plan�but�do�not�connect�vertically,�Revit�Architecture�can�add�vertical�or�horizontal�segments�to�create�a�join,�extend�segments�to�meet,�or�add�no�connector�leaving�a�gap.�This�can�be�used�to�create�a�smooth�junction�when�the�railing�height�is�modified�at�a�landing�or�the�railing�turns�out�at�the�bottom�of�a�stair.�Join�methods�can�be�overridden�on�a�connection�by�connection�basis.�See�Modifying�Railing�Joins.��Rail�Connections���When�connections�are�made�between�railing�segments,�Revit�Architecture�tries�to�create�mitered�joins.�If�it�cannot�make�a�mitered�join,�then�segments�can�be�trimmed,�which�means�they�are�cut�with�a�vertical�plane,�or�they�can�be�welded,�which�means�they�are�joined�in�a�manner�as�close�to�a�miter�as�possible.�Welded�connections�work�best�for�circular�rail�profiles.���Identity�Data��Keynote���Add�or�edit�the�railing�keynote.�Click�in�the�value�box�to�open�the�Keynotes�dialog.�See�Keynotes.��Model���Defines�the�railing�model.��Manufacturer���Defines�the�railing�manufacturer.��
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Type�Comments���Railing�comments.��URL���Sets�applicable�URL.��Description���Railing�description.��Assembly�Description���Description�of�the�assembly�based�on�the�assembly�code�selection.��Assembly�Code���Uniformat�assembly�code�selected�from�hierarchical�list.��Type�Mark���Sets�the�railing�type�mark.��Cost���Railing�cost.�
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Relationship�of�railings�to�stairs��
�������
� Railing�is�hosted�by�the�stair.��� Railing�behaves�independently�of�the�stringer.��� Closed�stringer:�stringer�goes�on�the�outside�of�stair.��� Open�stringer:�stringer�goes�underneath�the�stair.�� Width�of�the�stair�does�NOT�change.�
�����
���Railing�will�always�update�as�changes�are�made�to�the�stair.�
� Once�the�sketch�of�the�railing�has�been�edited�then�the�rail�will�not�read�changes�made�to�stair.��Baluster�placement:��Click�on�railings�and�go�to�its�Type�Properties���Baluster�Placement�Specify� how�many�
balusters�per�tread�you�want�to�use�and�
Revit�will�do�the�math�to�figure�out�the�spacing.����������
�
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Tips�and�Tricks:��
� How�to�set�the�default�railing.��Before�you�draw�the�stair,�go�to�the�Modeling�tab���Railing�tool;�start�railing�tool�and�go�the�Railing�properties.�The�railing�specified�there�will�be�used�in�the�stair�if�you�specify�to�use�the�default�railing.��
�� How�to�draw�railings�from�scratch.�
Draw�railing.��Click�Set�Host�and�pick�stair.��Be�sure�that�rail�is�within�the�stair�boundry.�Change�Baluster�Offset�and�Rail�Structure�in�Type�Properties�window.��Insert�railings�and�customize�Profile.�
�� How�to�attach�a�railing�to�a�stair.�
You�can�draw�a�railing,�then�click�on�Set�Host�and�pick�the�stair.��
� Railings�are�system�families�so�you�can�copy�and�paste�the�railings�created�to�different�projects.�You�can�either�transfer�project�standards�or�find�the�railing�family�and�Copy�to�Clipboard.��
�
��General�Practices:���
� Stair�goes�uphill�from�the�way�you�draw�it.�
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CONSTRAINTS��The�Base�Level�is�the�level�that�will�be�used�to�start�the�stair.�The�Top�Level�is�where�Revit�will�stop�building�the�stairs.��
������
�You�can�adjust�the�distance�away�from�the�level�that�will�be�used�to�start�the�stair.�Enter�the�desired�distance�in�the�Base�Offset�tab.��
You�can�also�adjust�the�distance�away�from�the�top�level�by�entering�the�desired�distance�in�the�Top�Offset�tab.��������
��������
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The�Multistory�Top�Level�is�the�upper�most�level�at�which�the�multi�story�stair�will�finish.�All�the�floors�between�the�lowest�level�and�the�upper�most�level�MUST�be�equal.������������������
There�are�many�advantages�to�using�this�parameter:��1.�If�you�change�the�railing�on�one�run,�that�railing�is�changed�on�all�the�runs.��2.�The�project�file�size�does�not�change�as�significantly�as�it�would�if�you�sketched�individual���������runs.��
�������������������������
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�GRAPHICS�
�In�order�for�the�Up/Down�Text�to�show�up�you�have�to�check�the�Up/Down�label�box�within�the�Element�properties�dialog��boc.������
��
��In�order�for�the�Up/Down�Arrow�to�show�up�you�have�to�check�the�Up/Down�arrow�box.���This�display�is�controlled�by�a�yes/no�visibility�parameter.����
������
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�Type�Properties�Construction�
�������������
��You�have�to�enter�a�value�in�the�Extend�Below�Base�box�in�order�to�extend�the�stringers�below�the�base�level�of�the�stair.�This�is�useful�for�cases�where�the�stringer�attaches�to�the�face�of�a�floor�opening�rather�than�resting�on�the�surface�of�a�floor.�To�extend�the�stringer�below�the�floor,�enter�a�
negative�number.����
��������������
���To�create�a�stair�that�is�made�out�of�one�material�check�the�Monolithic�Stairs�box.���
���
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����When�a�monolithic�stair�has�a�winder,�the�bottom�of�the�stair�can�be�a�smooth�shape�or�stepped.�If�it�is�stepped,�this�parameter�controls�the�distance�between�the�riser�face�and�the�vertical�face�of�the�corresponding�step�on�the�underside.�The�Landing�Overlap�is�enabled�when�stairs�are�set�to�monolithic.�To�choose�whether�the�bottom�of�the�stair�is�a�smooth�shape�or�stepped,�make�your�selection�in�the��
Underside�of�Winder�box.���
���������������
��Click�the�Tread�(Riser,�Stringer�and�Monolithic)�Material�button�to�open�the�Materials�dialog.�This�where�you�can�choose�not�only�the�material�but�also�the�surface�and�cut�
pattern.�������
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��
�Treads����You�can�set�the�thickness�of�the�tread�in�the�Tread�Thickness�box.��������
��
���������
���You�can�specify�the�amount�of�the�tread�depth�that�overhangs�the�next�tread�in�the�Nosing�Length�box.�������
����
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�����������
��You�can�load�a�predefined�profile�from�the�library�and�use�it�for�a�sweep�added�to�the�front�Nosing�Profile�of�the�tread�to�create�a�rounded�edge.���If�you�want�to�display�the�nosing�profile�not�only�on�the�front�but�also�on�the�left�and�right�of�the�tread,�then�you�
can�select�that�under�the�Apply�Nosing�Profile.������������������������������
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Treads�����������������������������������������
�������
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����������
���Open�riser�–�A�stair�where�the�space�between�two�adjacent�treads�is�not�filled�by�a�solid.�������
����������
���Slanted�riser�–�An�angled�material�between�two�adjacent�treads.����
���������
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����������
�����
����������������������������
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����Stringers��������������
����
��One�middle�stringers�–�Allows�the�user�to�create�a�stair�with�a�single�stringer.�