Beam System Layout Rules and Patterns

You can specify the beam system layout properties: number of beams, justification, beam type, spacing, layout rule, and slope. You can specify these values either when you create the beam system or modify them afterwards.

Specify the beam system layout rule

Specify number of beams

Specify spacing

Specify justification

Specify 3D Snapping

Specify beam type

1. On the Properties palette, under Pattern, select a value for Layout Rule:
   • Fixed Distance allows you to specify the distance between centerlines of beams within the beam system. The number of beams in the beam system is calculated based on your selections.
   • Fixed Number allows you to specify the number of beams within the beam system. The beams are evenly spaced and centered within the beam system.
   • Maximum Spacing allows you to specify the maximum distance between centerlines of beams. The quantity of beams required for the beam system is calculated automatically and centered within the beam system.
   • Clear Spacing is similar to the Fixed Distance value, but measures spacing between the exteriors of the beams instead of between their centerlines. When you adjust the size of an individual beam in a beam system with the clear spacing layout rule value, adjacent beams move to maintain the distance between them.
2. Enter a value for the number of beams that you want in the beam system.

   This option is active only when you select the Fixed Number layout rule.

3. Enter a value representing the distance between each beam.

   This option is active only when you select the Fixed Distance, Maximum Spacing, or Clear Spacing layout rule value.

4. Select the Justification Type. This value determines the placement of the first beam in the system. Each subsequent beam is spaced a fixed distance from that point. This option is active only when you select either the Fixed Distance or Clear Spacing layout rule value.
5. Select the 3D check box if you want the beam system to slope. 3D Snapping enables the beam system to snap to points that are not within the work plane of the view such as columns in different elevations. See Creating Beams with 3D Snapping.
6. Select a value for the type of beam used in the beam system.
   Note: This is the same list available from the Type Selector drop-down. If the beam you require is not listed in the beam system creation tool, load the beam into the project before specifying the beam type within the beam system.