Trusses

In Revit, you can add a truss to your building model. Use the Truss tool, which creates the truss according to the layout and other parameters specified in the truss family type you select. For information about creating a truss family, see Creating a Truss Family.

The lines in the layout determine the placement of the sub elements that comprise the truss element, such as the top chord, bottom chord, and web members.

All types within a truss family share the same layout. Individual types specify other parameters, such as the structural framing families to be used for modeling chords and web members.

To use the Truss tool, select a truss family type and then specify the truss start point and endpoint in the drawing area. Then Revit creates structural framing elements as necessary, placing them on the layout lines specified for the selected family.

Note: When you move the cursor over a truss in the drawing area, the truss element displays as a set of dashed blue lines. Clicking any of these dashed blue lines selects the truss element itself. The sub elements that comprise the truss, such as the top chord, bottom chord, and web members, are individually selectable.

You create structural framing elements along each of these layout lines. You can define the structural framing elements in the truss layout family. Several different types of the same family can have different pre-set framing families using the same geometric layout.

Note: Structural members associated with the truss type are included in the geometric layout. These structural members can be changed to a different size, but they must be selected from sizes available within the specific truss family. The structural framing type can be specified in the truss layout family definition file RFA file. For more information, see Creating a Truss Family.