Posts by mikechristenson

Professor of Architecture, University of Minnesota mike001@umn.edu Architect and Principal/Owner Design and Energy Laboratory, LLC mike@dandelab.com

April 9, 2015April 9, 2015 by mikechristenson

AutoCAD: Applying Dimensions.

To apply dimensions in paper space:

Click on a layout tab. Create a viewport and set its scale as desired. View all or part of the drawing through the viewport.
Use the MV command to lock the viewport. This prevents zooming and panning within the viewport; zooming changes the scale, which throws off the consistent scale of dimensions applied through the viewport.
Apply dimensions using any of the methods described below.

Dimensioning Using the DIM Command.

Type DIM at the command prompt; this invokes a special dimensioning prompt which responds to special commands including HOR (horizontal), VER (vertical), ALIGNED (diagonal), or ORDINATE (i. e., datum level). Generally, these commands apply dimensions by asking you to specify two “extension line origin” points (i. e., the points you are measuring between) and a “dimension line location.” ORDINATE asks for a “feature location” and a “leader endpoint.”

Linear dimensions.

Use the Annotate > Dimension > Linear command (or DIMLINEAR at the command prompt) to apply automatic linear dimension strings to a drawing.

Ordinate dimensions.

Use the Annotate > Dimension > Ordinate command to apply automatic datum elevations to an elevation or section drawing. (Note: To change the datum point, use the UCS command to define a temporary origin point for the coordinate system.)

“Quick Dimensioning” (QDIM and QLEADER).

Use QDIM to quickly apply a series of dimensions to selected objects. Use QLEADER to apply and control settings for leader (arrow) lines.

See also:

AutoCAD: Using Dimensions.

AutoCAD Tutorial: Dimensions. http://www.cadtutor.net/tutorials/autocad/dimensioning.php

April 9, 2015April 9, 2015 by mikechristenson

AutoCAD: Using Dimensions.

Introduction.

Dimensions are annotations which communicate information about sizes and locations of items within assemblies and structures.

A dimension in AutoCAD is an object consisting of, at a minimum, two points in space and a number indicating the length between these points. The number is created automatically by AutoCAD: a dimension can be thought of as combining the functions of the DIST (distance) command and the TEXT command.

A typical application of dimensions in an AutoCAD drawing is consistent with the following:

1. Dimensions are assigned to a unique layer.

2. Dimensions are formatted to produce uniform text and arrow sizes across multiple drawing scales.

Dimension styles.

Every dimension added to an AutoCAD drawing is subject to the settings of a dimension style. Every drawing has a minimum of one dimension style called Standard. This style can be modified or renamed, but not deleted entirely.

To modify an existing dimension style, type DIMSTYLE (or expand the Annotate> Dimensions panel) to bring up the Dimension Style Manager dialog box. Click on the Modify button. (See comments on style settings below.)

To add a new dimension style, type DIMSTYLE (or expand the Annotate> Dimensions panel) to bring up the Dimension Style Manager dialog box. Click on the New button. Every new style is necessarily based on the settings for an existing style, although these can be modified.

To change drawn dimensions from one style to another style, use either the MA command or the CH command.

Dimension Style Settings.

Use the Modify button in the Dimension Style Manager box to change dimension style settings.

In the Modify Dimension Style dialog box, tabs organize the settings into seven categories:

Lines. These settings control the appearance of the lines which compose dimension strings: for example, are the extension lines offset from object corners, and to what amount?

Symbols and Arrows. Arrowheads are chosen from a preset list or are assigned a block from the drawing. To produce consistent results, arrow sizes should be set according to their intended printed size. An arrow size no greater than 1/4” is typical.

Text. These settings control the appearance of text in dimension strings. Text settings are subject to the settings of the current text style (separately controlled with the STYLE command). For predictable results, text height should be set in a text style as 0 (zero) and in a dimension style according to its intended printed size. Dimension text height no greater than 1/4” is typical.

Fit. The settings on the Fit tab control (a) the automatic placement of text around dimension strings and (b) the overall scale of dimension features. For ease of use, the dimension features should be set to scale to paper space (but more on this later).

Primary Units. These settings control the type and format of units in dimension strings. Note that these settings are independent of the settings in the UNITS command.

Alternate Units. These settings allow simultaneous display of (for example) English and Metric units.

Tolerances. Used primarily in engineering drawings.

Dimensioning in Paper Space.

Consistency of appearance is important for dimensions. The easiest way to produce consistent results is to apply dimensions to your drawing while viewing your work through a paper space viewport. The advantages of this method are:

1. Dimensions are automatically scaled to the viewport scale.

2. The appearance of all dimensions, regardless of their size and scale, is controlled by a single dimension style.

Note: It is also possible, though procedurally more difficult if consistent results are desired, to apply dimensions directly in the model space. This method requires that the dimension features be manually scaled to correspond with the intended printing scale of the drawing (or portion of the drawing): use the overall scale feature on the Fit tab to do this.

See also:

AutoCAD: Applying Dimensions.

AutoCAD Tutorial: Dimensions. http://www.cadtutor.net/tutorials/autocad/dimensioning.php

April 2, 2015April 2, 2015 by mikechristenson

Step-by-Step: Revit Tutorial / Creating a Simple Family

For this tutorial, we’ll create a standalone Family (.rfa extension), which could be inserted into any Project (.rvt extension). The family consists of a simple four-sided box with a floor.

1. Open Revit and begin a New Project by choosing [Application Menu] > New Project; use the Architectural template.

2. Choose [Application Menu] > New > Family. Select the Generic Model.rft template. (The Application Menu is in the far upper left hand corner of the screen.)

3. In the Project Browser, make sure the Ref. Level Floor Plan view is current: Double-click on the view name to make it current. Notes: By default, the Project Browser is docked to the left side of the Modeling Window. Its visibility is controlled with View > User Interface. In Revit, one view is always current (i. e. you are always viewing your model from a certain point, direction, and projection).

4. Set the View Scale to 12” = 1’-0”. This is done in the lower left-hand corner of the Modeling Window. Notes: This command changes the display size of text and annotations (e. g., dimensions).

5. From the Create tab, choose Forms > Extrusion. Notes: An extrusion is a solid form generated from a 2D (flat) shape.

6. In the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, choose Draw > Rectangle. Notes: This extrusion will begin with a rectangular base. Alternatively, you could draw the extrusion base using the Line tool, but it is much simpler to use the Rectangle tool.

7. In the Modeling Window, position the mouse at the intersection of the two reference lines. Click on this intersection to begin drawing the rectangle.

8. Draw a rectangle approximately 1” x 5”.

9. On the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, click the green check mark.

10. In the Properties palette, check that the Extrusion Start property is set to 0’-0”. Notes: This property relates the “bottom” of the model base to a reference plane. By default, the Properties Palette is docked to the left side of the Modeling Window. Its visibility is controlled with View > User Interface.

11. In the Properties palette, change the Extrusion End property to .25” (1/4”). This represents the thickness of the box base.

12. In the Quick Access Toolbar, click on the Default 3D View icon. Notes: This is a good way to check the 3D form of the model. The Quick Access Toolbar is at the top edge of the screen. The Default 3D View icon looks like a house.

13. To change the display thickness of the lines in the 3D view, change the View Scale to 12” = 1’-0”. Notes: This command changes the display size of text and annotations (e. g., dimensions). It also changes the display thickness of lines in 3D views.

14. In the Project Browser, double-click on the Ref. Level Floor Plan view.

15. In the Modify tab, choose Measure > Aligned Dimension. Use this tool to add a horizontal and vertical dimension to the plan of the box base.

16. Click [esc] twice. Notes: This returns you to the basic “no tools selected” view of your model.

17. Left-click on the short dimension to select it. Then right-click on the short dimension. Choose Label from the popup menu. Notes: This command begins the process of adding “parameters” to our model.

18. In the pulldown menu (below the word “<None>”), choose <Add Parameter…>. This brings up the Parameter Properties dialog box.

19. In the Parameter Properties dialog box, select Family Parameter.

20. In the Parameter Properties dialog box, under Parameter Data, name the parameter Halfwidth. Notes: This parameter represents a distance which is half the overall width of the box. Later, when we insert new instances of this family, we will be able to adjust this parameter to create boxes of different sizes.

21. In the Parameter Properties dialog box, set this as an Instance parameter (not a Type parameter). Notes: If the value of an Instance parameter is changed in a Project, the change affects only one copy of the model. By contrast, if the value of a Type parameter is changed, the change propagates to all copies of the model in the Project.

22. Click OK.

23. Repeat steps 17-22 for the long dimension, naming the parameter Halflength.

24. Click [esc] twice and Save the family as an .rfa file.

25. On the Create Tab, click Family Editor > Load into Project. Notes: This command inserts the box into the Project. It is a good way to check whether the defined parameters are operating as we mean them to do.

26. Revit automatically switches to the Project modeling window. Zoom in (spin the mouse wheel) and click in three different locations to insert three instances of the family. Click [esc] when done. Notes: The purpose of inserting multiple copies (or instances) is to compare the effects of variably adjusting the defined parameters.

27. In the Quick Access Toolbar, click on the Default 3D View icon. You should see all three instances of the family in your project.

28. Select one instance of the family by clicking on it.

29. In the Properties palette, experiment with making adjustments to the halflength and halfwidth properties.

30. Type WT (window-tile) so you can see all windows on the screen. You can close any windows which you aren’t using. Notes: After typing WT, one or more of the Modeling Windows should show you a view of the .rfa file you saved earlier. (If you have accidentally closed the family you saved earlier, you can re-open it.)

31. Click within a Modeling Window showing the family (.rfa file). Maximize the window.

32. Draw a selection window around all objects and dimensions in your model. From the Modify | Multi-Select tab, choose Modify > Mirror – Pick Axis, and reflect the objects and dimensions around either the vertical or horizontal axis. Notes: Here, we are testing whether our family is correctly defined. This step and the next one will take our box base and expand it across the x- and y-axes. Later, we will erase these expansions.

33. Repeat the previous step for the other axis.

34. Click [esc] twice and Save the family.

35. On the Create Tab, click Family Editor > Load into Project. This time, Revit will prompt you with a warning. Choose “Overwrite the existing version and its parameter values.” Notes: Revit is attempting to warn you that you have already defined this family in your project. Because you have changed the definition (mirroring the model), you are now being asked whether to update the family with the new definition.

36. Select an instance of the family. In the Properties palette, experiment with making adjustments to the halflength and halfwidth properties.

37. Return to a Modeling Window showing the .rfa file.

38. Erase the extra copies of the objects and dimensions, i. e., return to a single quadrant of the model, with the two parameters (Halfwidth and Halflength). Notes: Now that we have successfully tested the family, we’ll go back to working with a single quadrant of the base.

39. From the Create tab, choose Forms > Extrusion.

40. In the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, choose Draw > Rectangle. Use this tool to draw a rectangle corresponding to the end wall of the box.

41. On the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, click Modify > Align. Use this tool to Align the edges of the end wall with the edges of the base: click in turn on each of the lines you want to align. When a padlock symbol appears, click it to lock the edges together. Notes: This means that the wall will “follow” the edge of the base.

42. On the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, click the green check mark.

43. With the end wall still selected, in the Properties palette, check that the Extrusion Start property is set to .25” (1/4”). Notes: This property relates the “bottom” of the end wall to the top surface of the base.

44. In the Properties palette, click on the small box to the right of the Extrusion End property.

45. In the Associate Family Parameter dialog box, click Add Parameter.

46. In the Parameter Properties dialog box, select Family Parameter.

47. In the Parameter Properties dialog box, under Parameter Data, name the parameter Height.

48. In the Parameter Properties dialog box, set this as an Instance parameter (not a Type parameter).

49. Click OK.

50. In the Quick Access Toolbar, click on the Default 3D View icon. Notes: This is a good way to check the 3D form of the model.

51. In the 3D view, drag the height of the extruded wall to its desired height.

52. Repeat steps 39-49 to create the side wall. Note, when you adjust the Extrusion End property, you can select Height from the list of defined parameters.

53. Return to the Ref. Level floor plan and repeat steps 32-34 to complete the model.

54. On the Home Tab, click Family Editor > Load into Project. Again, Revit will prompt you with a warning. Choose “Overwrite the existing version and its parameter values.”

55. In the Properties palette, experiment with making adjustments to the halflength, halfwidth, and height parameters.

March 3, 2015 by mikechristenson

Step-by-Step: Brick Wall on Curved Path

1. In Rhino: Use the BOX command to construct a “brick” with one corner at 0,0,0. Use the CURVE command to construct an arbitrary curved path. [The Grasshopper definition will stack the “brick” along the curved path.]
2. Insert the Brep and Crv parameters. Right-click on each in turn to “Set one Brep” and “Set one Curve.”

3. Insert the Deconstruct Box component. Connect the Brep output to the Deconstruct Box input. [Deconstruct Box allows you to measure the X, Y, and Z dimensions of a Box.]

4. Insert two instances of the Deconstruct Domain component. Connect the X output of Deconstruct Box to the input on the first Deconstruct Domain component; connect the Z output of Deconstruct Box to the input on the second Deconstruct Domain component. [Deconstruct Domain extracts the beginning and end points of a domain, in this case the beginning and end points of the X and Z dimensions of the “brick”.]

5. Insert two instances of the Subtraction component. Connect the S output of the first Deconstruct Domain component to the B input of the first Subtraction component; connect the E output of the first Deconstruct Domain component to the A input of the first Subtraction component. Repeat this process with the second Deconstruct Domain and Subtraction components. [The results of the two Subtraction components represent the length and height of the “brick,” respectively.]

6. Insert the Length component and connect it to the Curve component. [This simply measures the length of the Rhino curved path. We will reference it later.]

brick_04
7. Insert a Number Slider. Edit its values as follows: Name: Height. Rounding: Integer Numbers. Numeric domain: Minimum: 1. Maximum: 10.

brick_05
8. On another area on the Canvas, insert the following components: Multiplication, Series, Vector XYZ, and Move. [We will use these components as part of a process to copy the curved path in the vertical direction.]

9. Connect the components: Connect the R output of Multiplication to the N input of Series; connect the S output of Series to the Z input of Vector XYZ; connect the V output of Vector XYZ to the T input of Move.

10. Right-click on the S output label of Series and select Graft. [The Graft option changes the data structure of the parameter. Instead of creating a single list of items, it effectively associates each item in a list with a unique source. In our definition, choosing the Graft option will cause Grasshopper to “remember” that the instructions apply to individual bricks.]

11. Insert a Panel component. Edit its value to equal 2, and connect it to the B input of Multiplication.

12. Copy-paste this entire group of components (i. e., Panel, Multiplication, Series, Vector XYZ, and Move) and set the new components below the original ones.

13. Connect the components: Refer back to the earlier components we placed. Connect the R output of the second Subtraction component to the A input of each of the Multiplication components (two connections).

14. Connect the components: Again referring back to the earlier components we placed, connect the output of the Number Slider to the C input of each of the Series components (two connections).

15. Insert a Division component. Connect the L output of the Length component (i. e., the Length component which measures the length of the Rhino curve) to the A input of Division. Connect the R output of the first Subtraction component to the B input of Division.

16. On another area on the Canvas, insert the following components: Panel (with a value of 2); Division; Multiplication; Series; Shift List; and Cull Nth. [We will use these components as part of a process to copy the “brick” along the curved path. The Shift List and Cull Nth components are critical to shifting the bricks by half their length on every alternating copy of the curved path.]

17. Connect the components: Panel output to the B input on the Division and Multiplication components; R output of Division to N input on Series; R output of Multiplication to C input of Series; S output of Series to L input of Shift List; L output of Shift List to L input of Cull Nth.

18. Refer back to components placed earlier. Connect the R output of Division (i. e., the Division component connected to the Length component) to the A input of the Multiplication component. Connect the R output of Subtraction (i. e., the first Subtraction component, connected to the Deconstruct Domain component) to the A input of the Division component.

19. Insert a Series component. Connect the R output of Subtraction (i. e., the Subtraction component referred to in the preceding step) to the N input of Series. Connect the R output of Division (i. e., the same Division component referred to in the preceding step) to the C input of Series.

20. On another area of the Canvas, insert the following components: Boolean Toggle, Evaluate Length, and Orient Direction. [The Orient Direction component is responsible for making multiple copies of the original “brick” at the correctly placed and oriented locations along the curved paths.]

21. Connect the components: Output of Boolean Toggle to the N input of Evaluate Length; P output of Evaluate Length to the pB input of Orient Direction; T output of Evaluate Length to the dB input of Orient Direction.

22. Copy-paste this entire group of components (i. e., Boolean Toggle, Evaluate Length, and Orient Direction) and set the new components below the original ones.

23. Insert the following components: Panel (value of 1) and Vector XYZ. Connect the output of Panel to the X input of Vector XYZ, and connect the V output of Vector XYZ to the dA input on each of the Orient Direction components.

24. Refer back to components placed earlier. Connect the Brep (Rhino “brick”) output to the G input on each of the Orient Direction components.

25. Connect the S output of Series (i. e., the Series component placed in step 19) to the L input of the first Evaluate Length component).

26. Connect the G output of Move (i. e., the Move component placed in step 8) to the C input of the first Evaluate Length component).

27. Connect the L output of Cull Nth (i. e., the Cull Nth component placed in step 16) to the L input of the second Evaluate Length component).

28. Connect the G output of Move (i. e., the Move component placed in step 12) to the C input of the second Evaluate Length component).

29. Connect the R output of Subtraction (i. e., the Subtraction component placed in step 5) to the S input of Series (i. e., the Series component placed in step 12).

brick_25a
30. Finally, connect the output on the Crv parameter (i. e., the Rhino “path”) to the G input of each of the Move parameters (i. e., the Move parameters from steps 8 and 12).

31. The definition is complete.

March 1, 2015March 1, 2015 by mikechristenson

Step-by-Step: Lofted Surface Along Curve in Grasshopper

1. In Rhino, use the Curve command to draw an arbitrary curve in 3D space.
2. Start Grasshopper.
3. Insert the Curve parameter.

4. Right-click on the Curve parameter and choose Set one curve. Click on the curve you drew in Rhino.
5. Right-click on the Curve parameter and choose Reparameterize. This forces Grasshopper to measure values along the curve starting with 0 and ending with 1.

6. Insert the Divide Curve component.

7. Insert a Number Slider.

8. Edit the Slider values: Under Slider accuracy, set Integer Numbers. Under Numeric domain, set 1 as the Min and 20 as the Max.

9. Connect the components: Crv output connects to the C input on the Divide Curve component; Slider output connects to the N input on the Divide Curve component. [The first connection tells the Divide Curve component what curve to divide; the second connection tells the Divide Curve component how many divisions to make.]

10. Insert the Circle CNR (Center-Normal-Radius) component.

11. Connect the components: P output on the Divide Curve component connects to the C input on the Circle CNR component; T output on the Divide Curve component connects to the N input on the Circle CNR component. [The first connection tells the Circle CNR component to draw circles centered at each of the division points; the second connection tells the Circle CNR component to “tilt” the planes on which circles are drawn to align with the Rhino curve.]

12. Insert a Loft component.

13. Connect the components: C output on the Circle CNR component connects to the C input on the Loft component. [This connection tells the Loft component to create a surface using the circles as “ribs.”]

14. Insert the Graph Mapper component and another Number Slider.

15. Right-click on the Graph Mapper component. From Graph types, choose SinC.

16. Edit the Slider values: Under Numeric domain, set 1 as the Min and 50 as the Max.

17. Insert the Multiplication component.

18. Connect the components: t output on the Divide Curve component to the input on the Graph Mapper component; output on the Graph Mapper component to the A input on the Multiplication component; output on the Slider to the B input on the Multiplication component. [These connections produce a list of numbers which is then multiplied by the output of the Number Slider. The list of numbers is determined by the y-coordinates of the graph in the Graph Mapper corresponding to the given x-coordinates (i. e., the inputs to the Graph Mapper).]

19. Connect the components: R output on the Multiplication component to the R input on the Circle CNR component. [This connection tells the Circle CNR component to draw circles at radii corresponding to the output of the Multiplication component.]

20. The Grasshopper definition is complete. Experiment by (1) selecting different curves from Rhino; (2) changing the number of divisions (first Number Slider); (3) changing the shape of the graph in the Graph Mapper component (move the grips); (4) changing the graph type in the Graph Mapper component; (5) changing the multiplication value (second Number Slider).

Acknowledgements: This tutorial was inspired by a definition illustrated in the Mode Lab Grasshopper Primer (http://modelab.is/grasshopper-primer/). — Mike Christenson

March 1, 2015August 4, 2019 by mikechristenson

Step-by-Step: Basic Mathematics in Grasshopper

1. Start Rhino; maximize the Top view; type Grasshopper at the Command prompt.
2. In Grasshopper, choose File > New Document.
3. Double-click anywhere in the Grasshopper canvas to search for the Number Slider component.
4. Insert a Number Slider into the Canvas.

5. Double-click on the label of the Slider component to edit its properties.
6. Under Numeric Domain, set the “Max” value to 100.

7. Click OK.
8. Single-click on the Slider and copy it to the Clipboard (ctrl-C).
9. Paste the Slider (ctrl-V).

10. Arrange the two Sliders vertically.

11. Double-click anywhere in the Grasshopper canvas to search for the Addition component.

12. Insert the Addition component into the Canvas.

13. Repeat the previous two steps with the Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division components.

14. Connect the first Slider to the “A” inputs of the components. Notice that the Slider automatically updates its label to “A”.

15. Repeat the previous step with the second Slider and the “B” inputs.

16. Double-click anywhere in the Grasshopper canvas to search for the Panel component.
17. Insert a Panel into the Canvas.

18. Single-click on the Panel and copy it to the Clipboard (ctrl-C).
19. Paste the Panel three times (ctrl-V).
20. Arrange the four panels vertically.

21. Connect the “R” (result) outputs from the Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division components to the inputs on the panels.

22. The Grasshopper definition is complete. Experiment with adjusting the two sliders and observe the results.

February 12, 2015February 12, 2015 by mikechristenson

Creating an Emitter Material in Maxwell

Note: Enable Maxwell Fire to see a preview of your render.

If modeling in Rhino:
1. Type LAYER to bring up the Layers palette.
2. In the Layers palette, create a new layer for your emitter material.
3. Click on the Material button next to the layer name.
4. In the Layer Material dialog box, click on the check box next to “Assign material by plug-in: Maxwell for Rhino.”
5. Click Create.
6. Click Edit.
7. In the Material Editor:
a. Give your material a name (e. g., “EMITTER 1”).
b. In the lower left-hand corner of the Material Editor, right-click on BDSF; choose Remove BDSF.
c. In the lower left-hand corner of the Material Editor, right-click on Layer; choose Add Emitter.
d. Under Luminance, you can choose one of several methods for illuminating your Emitter. Depending on the size of the object you are applying the material to, you may need to increase the Watts (or Power). From Maxwell: “It is important to remember that the amount of light emitted from an emitter is spread out across its surface. This means that the same emitter material will look dimmer on a large emitting surface and brighter on a smaller emitting surface.”

January 23, 2015January 23, 2015 by mikechristenson

Step-by-Step: SketchUp Tutorial / Shipping Container

This step-by-step tutorial is a brief introduction to basic modeling tools in SketchUp. It leads to the creation of a simplified model of a shipping container (shown below).

1 SET UP YOUR PROJECT:

1.1 Start SketchUp and begin a New File.

File > New.

1.2 Set up the drawing layers.

Choose Window > Layers. This opens the Layers palette. Using this palette, click the New Layer button to create layers named GRID, WALLS, FLOOR, ROOF, and DOOR. Set each layer to a unique color. These layers will store the objects you build. Layer names and colors are arbitrary. In particular, colors should not be expected to bear any relationship to the material being represented. It is conventional to choose distinct colors to make it easy to visually discern objects in different layers.

1.3 Enable the Getting Started and Views toolbars.

Choose View > Toolbars and check the boxes next the Getting Started and Views. All other toolbars can be unchecked. These toolbars contain the basic set of tools.

1.4 Set the GRID layer as the current layer.

In the Layers palette, click the radio button next to the GRID layer. The current layer will receive any newly created objects.

1.5 Erase the human figure.

Click on the human figure and press [Delete]. The human figure is provided for scale.

1.6 Draw a base rectangle.

Click on the Rectangle tool (or press [R]). Click the origin (the point where all three axes intersect) to begin the rectangle. Next, type 38’4,7’5 (these dimensions will appear in the Dimensions box at the lower right-hand corner of the screen as you type them). This base rectangle does not represent a built component. Instead, it measures the distance between alignment holes in the shipping container.

1.7 Zoom out.

Choose Camera > Zoom Extents. The model should appear like the diagram below.

2 CONSTRUCT CORNER BLOCKS:

2.1 Set FLOOR as the current layer.

In the Layers palette, click the radio button next to the FLOOR layer. The current layer will receive any newly created objects.

2.2 Zoom in on the lower right-hand corner of the base rectangle.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse. Zooming in gives you the ability to work with greater precision.

2.3 Begin a rectangle at the intersection of the gridlines.

Press [R]. Hover the mouse over the corner of the rectangle until the Endpoint indicator appears. Click the mouse button.

2.4 Complete the rectangle.

Move the mouse down and to the right. Type 7,6.5. Typing dimensions in this way tells SketchUp the size of the rectangle. Because you are indicating orientation with the direction of the mouse, you don’t need to enter negative coordinates.

2.5 Use the Push/Pull tool to construct a box.

Click the Push/Pull tool. Click on the rectangle you just drew. Type 4.5 for the Distance (height). At this point, the model should look like the diagram below (zoomed-in view). The Push/Pull tool will extrude any closed shape.

2.6 Convert the box into a Group.

Select the box you just drew by drawing a window around it. Choose Edit > Make Group. Grouping the box will allow it to move independently of other objects.

2.7 Rotate the view to see the box from the interior side of the shipping container.

(See diagram below.) Hold and drag the mouse wheel to rotate the view.

2.8 Begin to move the box into the correct position.

Select the box. Click the move tool. Click on the point marked A to begin the move operation. Move the mouse in the direction marked with B-arrow. Type 3. In precision model-building, it is sometimes easier to construct SketchUp objects in a temporary, incorrect position, and then to move the objects into their permanent, correct position.

2.9 Complete the move.

Select the box. Click the move tool. Click on the point marked A to begin the move operation. Move the mouse in the direction marked with C-arrow. Type 2.5. The model should look like the diagram below (zoomed-in view).

2.10 Zoom out.

Choose Camera > Zoom Extents. This causes SketchUp to display the entire model.

2.11 Rotate the view to the position shown below.

Hold and drag the mouse wheel to rotate the view.

2.12 Construct a temporary rectangle.

Press [R]. For the first point, click point A in the diagram above. For the second point, click point B. This rectangle will be used to “mirror” or “flip” a copy of the corner box to the opposite side of the container base. Because SketchUp does not have a native “mirror” tool, we will use the Scale tool with a value of -1 (negative 1).

2.13 Copy-Paste the corner box in place.

Select the box and choose Edit > Copy. Then choose Edit > Paste in Place. This “pasted-in-place” box will be “flipped” to the opposite side of the container base.

2.14 Group the copied box and the temporary rectangle.

Double-click on the temporary rectangle; hold down [Shift] and click on the box. Choose Edit > Make Group. Grouping permits the objects to be flipped without affecting adjacent objects.

2.15 Invoke the Scale tool.

Choose Tools > Scale or click on the Scale tool. Click on the “grip” at the center of the box face (point A in the diagram below). Begin moving the mouse in direction B as shown. Type -1 (negative 1). Click on the Select tool (the arrow tool) to complete the command. This command “flips” the objects to the opposite side of the container base.

2.16 Explode the temporary group and erase the temporary rectangle.

Select the “flipped” box and rectangle. Choose Edit > Group > Explode. Exploding a group returns it to its constituent objects.

2.17 Mirror the two corner boxes to the opposite side of the rectangle.

Repeat the previous set of commands (steps 2.12-2.16), but select both corner boxes this time, and mirror them around the other axis (see diagram below).

3 CONSTRUCT THE FLOOR:

3.1 Build the floor.

Use the Rectangle and Push/Pull tools to construct a box representing the floor. The base of the box should coincide with the outside, top corners of the corner boxes; its height is 2”.

3.2 Group the floor and the four corner boxes.

Draw a window around the floor and the four corner boxes. Choose Edit > Make Group.

4 CONSTRUCT CORNER POSTS:

4.1 Set WALLS as the current layer.

In the Layers palette, click the radio button next to the WALLS layer. The current layer will receive any newly created objects.

4.2 Zoom in on the lower right-hand corner of the base.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse.

4.3 Draw a rectangle for the front corner post.

Press [R]. Click on the lower right-hand corner of the floor. Move the mouse into the floor and type 9.5,2.

4.4 Use the Push/Pull tool to construct a box.

Click the Push/Pull tool. Click on the rectangle you just drew. Type 7’7 for the Distance (height).

4.4 Zoom out.

Choose Camera > Zoom Extents.

4.5 Zoom in on the lower left-hand corner of the base.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse.

4.6 Draw the outline of the rear corner post.

Click the Pencil tool. Click on the lower left-hand corner of the floor to begin drawing an outline of the corner post. Refer to the diagram below for dimensions. Starting at the lower left-hand corner, continue clockwise around the outline. For each new point, check that the direction is parallel with a major axis (the drawing lines will highlight red, green, or blue as appropriate). Type the numbers as written. The Pencil tool creates straight line segments. A closed set of segments can be used as the base for the Push/Pull tool, as shown in the next step.

4.7 Use the Push/Pull tool to extrude the outline vertically, creating the corner post.

Click the Push/Pull tool. Click on the outline you just drew. Type 7’7 for the Distance (height).

5 CONSTRUCT THE SIDE WALL:

5.1 Set a top view and zoom in on an empty space outside the model.

Click on the Top tool. Choose Camera > Zoom Window and zoom in on a small empty area.

5.2 Draw the centerline of a wall panel.

Click on the Pencil tool. Draw a line 1.5” long. From its right endpoint, draw a second line 3”. Use the Rotate tool to rotate the second line 30 degrees clockwise. From the right endpoint of the rotated line, draw a third line 1.5” long. Refer to the diagram below for dimensions. Again, in this step, we are creating objects in a temporary, incorrect position, so that we can move them into their permanent, correct position later.

5.3 Offset the centerline to create the edges of the wall panel.

Select the three lines just drawn. Then choose Tools > Offset. Click on the left endpoint of the connected lines. Begin to move the mouse up (vertically). Type 1/16 to set the offset distance. Repeat this step, except move the mouse down, creating another offset below the three connected lines. The OFFSET command creates a copy of the original objects, “offset” by a specified distance.

5.4 Erase the original three lines.

Click on the original three lines to select them and press [Delete].

5.5 Join the edges of the wall panel.

Use the Pencil tool to draw a line at each end of the panel outline to “cap” it. Refer to the diagram below. Capping the figure creates a planar shape which can be Push/Pulled.

5.6 Set a perspective view.

Click on the Iso tool.

5.7 Zoom out.

Choose Camera > Zoom Extents.

5.8 Zoom in on the outline you just drew.

Spin the mouse wheel or choose Camera > Zoom Window.

5.9 Use the Push/Pull tool to extrude the outline vertically, creating the corner post.

Click the Push/Pull tool. Click on the outline you just drew. Type 7’7 for the Distance (height).

5.10 Group the wall panel.

Triple-click on the wall panel to select it. Choose Edit > Make Group.

5.11 Move the wall panel into position.

Click on the wall panel to select it. Click the Move tool. For the base point, click the back corner of the panel. For the second point, click the corner of the corner post. Refer to the diagram below to see the correct position.

5.12 Copy-paste the panel in place.

Click the panel to select it. Choose Edit > Copy and Edit > Paste in Place.

5.13 Flip the panel along its Green axis.

Click the panel to select it. Right-click and choose Flip Along > Group’s Green.

5.14 Move the flipped panel into its correct position.

Refer to the diagram below.

5.15 Zoom in on the base of the two panels.

Spin the mouse wheel or choose Camera > Zoom Window.

5.16 Array the panel.

Select the two wall panels and click the Move tool. Click [Ctrl] to invoke the tool’s Copy mode. (A small plus sign will appear next to the pointer.) Click on point A in the diagram above, and then click on point B. Type *39 (asterisk 39) and press [Enter]. This procedure is used to make 39 copies of the two objects. It is known as creating an “array.”

5.17 Zoom out.

Choose Camera > Zoom Extents.

5.18 Zoom in on the lower right-hand corner of the container.

Spin the mouse wheel or choose Camera > Zoom Window.

5.19 Fill the gap in the wall.

Use the Rectangle and Push/Pull tools to build a box filling the gap between the final wall panel and the corner post.

6 CONSTRUCT OBJECTS AT TOP OF WALL:

6.1 Zoom out.

Choose Camera > Zoom Extents.

6.2 Explode the group of objects at the base of the model.

Click on the floor and choose Edit > Group > Explode.

6.3 Copy the corner blocks to the top of the wall.

Select the corner blocks (from the FLOOR layer). Click the Move tool and press [Ctrl] to invoke the Copy mode. Copy them vertically so that they are set on top of the corner posts.

6.4 Change the layer of the copied corner blocks.

With the copied corner blocks still highlighted, choose Window > Entity Info. Assign these objects to the WALLS layer. The Entity Info window allows you to change the layer of selected objects.

6.5 Zoom in on the top of the left end of the wall.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse, or type Z at the Command prompt and drag the mouse to define a zoom window.

6.6 Draw a rectangle on the top corner block.

Press [R]. Draw a rectangle as shown in the diagram below (click on points A and B).

6.7 Begin to build a rail along the top of the wall.

Use the Push/Pull tool to extrude the rectangle in the direction marked C in the diagram above. (If you see an error message about “Offset Limited to 3”,” accept the extrusion and then repeat the Push/Pull tool in the direction marked C.)

6.8 Continue the rail across the entire wall.

Push/Pull the face to point D in the diagram below.

7 MIRROR OBJECTS:

7.1 Zoom out.

Choose Camera > Zoom Extents.

7.2 Draw a temporary reference line.

Click the Pencil tool. Draw a line from the midpoint of one of the short sides of the floor, parallel with the red axis, away from the shipping container. (We will erase this line later.)

7.3 Isolate the WALLS layer. In the Layers palette, turn off all layers except the WALLS layer.

Isolating a layer sometimes makes it easier to work.

7.4 Group the objects in the WALLS layer, except for the temporary reference line.

Draw a window around the objects and choose Edit > Make Group.

7.5 Mirror the objects in the WALLS layer.

Use a procedure like that described in steps 2.12-2.16, above, to mirror the objects in the WALLS layer around the temporary reference line.

7.6 Erase the temporary reference line.

Click on the temporary reference line and press [Delete].

8 CONSTRUCT THE REAR WALL:

8.1 Restore the previous layer settings.

In the Layers palette, turn on all layers.

8.2 Rotate the view so you are looking at the back of the container.

(Refer to the picture below.) Press and drag the mouse wheel to rotate the view.

8.3 Build a rear wall, using the Rectangle and Push/Pull tools.

Press [R]. For the first corner, click on a point away from the shipping container (we will move the box into its correct position later). For the other corner of the box base, type 1,6’6. For the height, type 7’7.

8.4 Group the wall.

Select the wall you just drew (triple-click the wall) and choose Edit > Make Group.

8.5 Move the wall into its correct position.

Select the rear wall. Use the Move tool to set it in place, so that its outer face aligns with the midpoint of the corner post as shown in the figure below.

8.6 Zoom in on the top of the rear wall.

Spin the mouse wheel or choose Camera > Zoom Window. (See the diagram below.)

8.7 Construct a rectangle along the top of the rear wall.

Press [R]. For the first point, click point A in the diagram above. Zoom out by spinning the mouse wheel, and complete the rectangle by clicking on point B in the diagram below.

8.8 Extrude the rectangle to its correct height.

Click the Push/Pull tool. Click on the rectangle you just drew, and extrude its height to 4.5”.

8.9 Group the box you just drew.

Triple-click to select the box and choose Edit > Make Group.

9 CONSTRUCT THE ROOF:

9.1 Zoom out.

Choose Camera > Zoom Extents.

9.2 Zoom in on the right side (the front) of the shipping container.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse, or type Z at the Command prompt and drag the mouse to define a zoom window.

9.3 Build a box across the top of the door opening using the Rectangle and Push/Pull tools.

Use the points on the corner boxes to set the dimensions of the box base. If you use the points at the top of the corner boxes, you can set the height as -4.5 (negative 4.5) and the box will fit between the corner boxes as shown in the diagram below.

9.4 Set ROOF as the current layer.

In the Layers palette, click the radio button next to the ROOF layer. The current layer will receive any newly created objects.

9.5 Zoom out.

Choose Camera > Zoom Extents.

9.6 Draw two rectangles to fill the roof.

Use the Rectangle tool to construct two rectangles (1) and (2) as shown in the diagram below.

9.7 Isolate the ROOF layer.

In the Layers palette, turn off all layers except the ROOF layer.

9.8 Extrude the roof.

Use the Push/Pull tool to extrude the two rectangles you just drew. Extrude them downwards to a depth of 1”.

10 CONSTRUCT THE DOOR:

10.1 Restore the previous layer settings.

In the Layers palette, turn on all layers.

10.2 Set DOOR as the current layer.

In the Layers palette, click the radio button next to the DOOR layer. The current layer will receive any newly created objects.

10.3 Rotate the view so you are looking at the front of the container.

(Refer to the picture below.) Press and drag the right mouse button to rotate the view.

10.4 Build the first door using the Rectangle and Push/Pull tools.

Press [R]. For the first corner, click on a point away from the shipping container (we will move the box into its correct position later). For the other corner of the box base, type @1,3’9.5”. For the height, type 7’7.

10.5 Group the door.

Triple-click to select the door you just drew, and choose Edit > Make Group.

10.6 Copy the door.

Use the Move tool with the Copy option (press [Ctrl] to invoke the Copy option).

10.7 Move the first door into its correct position.

Select the first door and use the Move tool to set it in place, so that its inner face aligns with the point marked A in the figure below.

10.8 Repeat the previous step with the second door. The model is complete.

January 23, 2015 by mikechristenson

Step-by-Step: Revit Tutorial / Shipping Container

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This step-by-step tutorial is a brief introduction to basic modeling tools in Revit. It leads to the creation of a simplified model of a shipping container (shown below).

1 SET UP YOUR PROJECT:

1.1 Open Revit and begin a New Project.

Under the [Application Menu] (upper left hand corner of the screen), choose New Project; use the Architectural template. See [F1] > Revit Users > Start a Project > Creating a Project from the Application Menu.

1.2 Set the East Elevation as current.

In the Project Browser (left side of screen), double-click on the East elevation view. The Project Browser is a palette, the visibility of which is controlled by View > Windows > User Interface. By default it is docked to the left side of the screen. In Revit, one view is always current (i. e. you are always viewing your model from a certain point, direction, and projection). The behavior of certain commands is affected by the view. (For example, new Levels can only be added while viewing the project in elevation.) See [F1] > Revit Users > Introduction to Revit > User Interface > Project Browser.

1.3 Set up Levels named Floor and Roof.

Zoom in on the Level labels on the right side of the view (spin the mouse wheel, or type ZR to zoom in on a region). Double-click on the text reading “Level 2” to change it to “Roof.” When prompted to rename corresponding views, choose Yes. Repeat this procedure and change “Level 1” to “Base.” Levels are fundamental ordering devices within Revit. They can be added, deleted, renamed, and modified within Elevation views. Use Levels as references to locate floors, tops of walls, bottoms of foundations, window sills, etc. Renaming a level is usually done to make the name correspond with some desired building element (e. g., top of roof, bottom of footing, etc.). Renaming the corresponding views simply ensures that the reference will appear consistently throughout the model. See [F1] > Revit Users > Preliminary Design > Levels and Grids > Levels > Adding Levels.

1.4 Create a new Level named Ground.

Click the Modify tool. Next, on the Architecture tab, Datum panel, choose the Level tool. Zoom out to the full extents of the view (type ZE). Hover the mouse at the far left end of the Base Level line. Move the mouse slightly below the line endpoint and click to begin drawing a new Level. (The exact position of the new Level doesn’t matter at this point). Click the mouse again beneath the right endpoint of the Base Level line. Double-click on the text reading “Level 3” to change it to “Ground.” Double-click on the text indicating the height position of the Ground Level and change it to -6.5” (negative six-and-a-half inches). Click on the Modify tool to complete the task. Creating a new level doesn’t add any building elements, only a reference line and associated views (e. g., Floor Plan and Ceiling Plan). Clicking Modify on the Architecture tab is the equivalent of telling Revit that you have completed a task and are about to begin a new one. The same effect is achieved by clicking the [esc] key repeatedly (until the Modify tool highlights).

1.5 Make the Base Floor Plan current.

In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click on Base. See [F1] > Revit Users > Document and Present the Project > 2D Views > Plan Views.

1.6 Set up two sets of parallel gridlines, establishing a horizontally oriented rectangle.

On the Architecture tab, Datum panel, choose the Grid tool. Use this tool to draw gridlines as shown in the diagram below. (The exact position of the gridlines and the numbers in the grid bubbles do not matter at this point.) Click the Modify tool to complete the task. See [F1] > Revit Users > Preliminary Design > Levels and Grids > Grids > Adding Grids.

2 Construct a floor and change the floor type:

2.1 Begin to construct a floor on the Base Level.

On the Architecture tab, Build panel, choose the Floor tool. Next, on the Modify|Create Floor Boundary tab, Draw panel, click the Rectangle tool. Use this to draw a rectangle aligning with the intersections of the gridlines you drew in the previous step. See [F1] > Revit Users > Build the Model > Architectural Modeling > Floors.

2.2 Offset the long edges of the rectangle.

On the Modify|Create Floor Boundary tab, Modify panel, choose the Offset tool. In the Options bar, set the Numerical Offset to 3.5” (three-and-a-half inches). Check the “Copy” box OFF. Next, click on the two long edges of the rectangle to offset them to the outside of the gridlines. (Note that Revit will prompt you graphically to offset to either side of the existing line; click to accept Revit’s prompt.) The Offset tool makes a parallel copy of an existing object. See [F1] > Revit Users > Tools and Techniques > Editing Elements > Moving Elements > Moving Elements with the Offset Tool.

2.3 Offset the short edges of the rectangle.

Repeat the previous step, but with a Numerical Offset of 4.5” on the short edges. Click the Modify tool to complete the task.

2.4 Lock the floor-to-gridline relationships.

On the Annotate tab, Dimension panel, choose the Aligned tool. Use this tool to create a dimension between one of the gridlines and the adjacent rectangle edge. (The dimension should equal the offset you just drew.) When you see a padlock symbol, click it to “lock” the padlock. Repeat this step on all four sides of the rectangle. Locking elements to gridlines means that if the gridline is moved, the elements will move with the gridline. This is a very important concept in Revit. See [F1] > Revit Users > Document and Present the Project > Annotating > Dimensions > Permanent Dimensions > Placing Permanent Dimensions > Aligned Dimensions.

2.5 Complete the floor.

On the Modify|Create Floor Boundary tab, Mode panel, click the green check mark to complete the floor.

2.6 Test the flexibility of the gridlines.

Use the Modify tool to select and move the gridlines. The floor edge should move together with each of the gridlines. If it does not, or if you see an error message about constraints, redo the previous steps.

2.7 Change the floor type.

Use the Modify tool to select the floor (click on the floor edge to select it). In the Properties palette, click the Edit Type button. In the resulting Type Properties dialog box, click Duplicate. Give the duplicate type the name Container – 2” and click OK. Still within the Type Properties dialog box, next to the Structure parameter, click Edit. Change the Thickness to 2” (2 inches) and click OK. Click OK again to exit the Type Properties dialog box. See [F1] > Revit Users > Build the Model > Architectural Modeling > Floors > Changing the Floor Type.

3 CREATE AND PLACE CORNER BLOCKS:

3.1 Make the Ground floor plan current.

In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click on Ground.

3.2 Begin a New Family definition.

Under the [Application Menu] (upper left hand corner of the screen), choose New Family. Choose the Generic Model two level based template file. Click Open. In Revit, Families are used to organize comment components and symbols. Revit has several system families and you can also define custom families. See [F1] > Revit Users > Build the Model > Revit Families and also [F1] > Revit Users > Customize Revit > Creating Loadable Families.

3.3 Create an extrusion.

On the Create tab, Forms panel, choose the Extrusion tool. Next, on the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, Draw panel, choose the Rectangle tool. Use this tool to draw a rectangle measuring 6.5” x 7”, with one of its corners at the intersection of the reference lines. On the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, Mode panel, click the green check mark to complete the extrusion. See [F1] > Revit Users > Customize Revit > Creating Loadable Families > Creating Family Geometry > Constraining Family Geometry.

3.4 Lock the extrusion to the reference levels.

In the Project Browser, double-click on the Back Elevation view. In the Back Elevation view, select the extrusion (it is represented as a rectangle on the Lower Ref. Level). Drag the triangular handle at the top of the extrusion vertically until it reaches the Upper Ref. Level. Click on the padlock symbol to “lock” the padlock. Repeat this procedure for the handle on the Lower Ref. Level (you will need to drag the handle away from the level and back again). Click the Modify tool to complete the procedure. The Reference Levels refer to actual Levels in your project. Because the family component can be placed on any level, the Family Editor uses the term “Reference Level.”

3.5 Save the family.

Under the [Application Menu], choose Save. Save the family as corner_block.rfa.

3.6 Load the family into your project.

On the Modify tab, Family Editor panel, choose Load into Project (the .rvt file). See [F1] > Revit Users > Build the Model > Revit Families > Loading and Saving Families.

3.7 Check that the corner_block component is ready to place.

In the Properties palette, check that “corner_block” is visible. If it is not, choose the Place a Component tool (Architecture tab, Build Panel, Component > Place a Component). See [F1] > Revit Users > Build the Model > Architectural Modeling > Components > Placing Components.

3.8 Place the corner_block component.

Zoom into the lower left-hand corner of the Ground Floor Plan. Click to place the family at the corner of the floor as shown in the diagram below.

3.9 Change the Visual Style to Wireframe.

On the View Control Bar, click the cube icon and select Wireframe.

3.10 Check the family’s reference levels.

Make sure the component is selected. In the Properties palette, set the component’s Base Level to Ground and the Top Level to Base. Set the Top Offset to -2” (negative two inches).

3.11 Mirror the corner block around the short side of the floor.

Use the Modify tool to select the corner_block family. On the Modify | Generic Models tab, Modify panel, choose the Mirror – Draw Axis tool. To draw a mirror axis, hover the mouse over the midpoint of the short side of the floor rectangle until the Midpoint snap indicator appears. Click on this point. Next, click on a second point exactly to the right or left of this point to establish a horizontal mirror line. The corner_block family is mirrored to the opposite corner.

3.12 Mirror two corner blocks around the long side of the floor.

Repeat the previous step, but select both corner_blocks, and mirror them around the midpoint of the long side of the floor rectangle. Refer to the diagram below.

3.13 Change the View Scale to 3” = 1’-0”.

On the View Control bar, click the text reading 1/8” = 1’-0” and change it to 3” = 1’-0”. The View Scale setting controls the display of elements and objects in a drawing (e. g., annotation, dimensions, material patterns). In this example it will make the annotations easier to read, relative to the size of the building being modeled. See [F1] > Revit Users > Document and Present the Project > Use and Manage Views > Changing the Graphics of a View > View Scale.

3.14 Zoom into the lower left-hand corner of the floor.

Spin the mouse wheel or type ZR.

3.15 Lock the block-to-gridline relationships and the overall block dimensions for each of the copied corner_blocks.

On the Annotate tab, Dimension panel, choose the Aligned tool, and use it to dimension the component-to-gridline relationships, making sure to click the padlock symbol to “lock” the padlock. Refer to the diagram below. Repeat this procedure for the instance of the corner_block component at the other corner of the floor.

3.16 Zoom out.

Spin the mouse wheel or type ZE.

3.17 Test the flexibility of the gridlines.

Use the Modify tool to select and move the gridlines. The corner blocks should move together with each of the gridlines. If they do not, or if you see an error message about constraints, redo the previous steps.

4 CREATE AND PLACE FRONT CORNER POSTS:

4.1 Make the Base floor plan current.

In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click on Base.

4.2 Begin a New Family definition.

Under the [Application Menu] (upper left hand corner of the screen), choose New Family. Choose the Generic Model two level based template file. Click Open. This takes you into the Family Editor.

4.3 Create an extrusion.

On the Create tab, Forms panel, choose the Extrusion tool. Next, on the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, Draw panel, choose the Rectangle tool. Use this tool to draw a rectangle measuring 2” x 9.5”, with one of its corners at the intersection of the reference lines. On the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, Mode panel, click the green check mark to complete the extrusion.

4.4 Lock the extrusion to the reference levels.

Using the same procedure you used for the corner_block family, lock the top and bottom of the extrusion to the Upper and Lower Reference Levels.

4.5 Save the family.

Under the [Application Menu], choose Save. Save the family as corner_post_front.rfa.

4.6 Load the family into your project.

On the Modify tab, Family Editor panel, choose Load into Project (the .rvt file). Zoom in to the Base Floor Plan to place the family at the corner of the floor. Once placed, mirror it to the opposite corner. Refer to the diagram below.

4.7 Change the View Scale to 3” = 1’-0”.

On the View Control bar, click the text reading 1/8” = 1’-0” and change it to 3” = 1’-0”.

4.8 Lock the family to the gridlines.

4.9 Test the flexibility of the gridlines.

5 CREATE AND PLACE REAR CORNER POSTS:

5.1 Begin a New Family definition.

Under the [Application Menu], choose New Family. Choose the Generic Model two level based template file. Click Open.

5.2 Create an extrusion.

On the Create tab, Forms panel, choose the Extrusion tool. Next, on the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, Draw panel, choose the Line tool. On the Options bar, check “Chain” on. Use the Line tool to draw a figure corresponding with the diagram below, with the outside corner of the “L” at the intersection of the reference lines. On the Modify | Create Extrusion tab, Mode panel, click the green check mark to complete the extrusion.

5.3 Lock the extrusion to the reference levels.

Using the same procedure you used for the corner_post_front family, lock the top and bottom of the extrusion to the Upper and Lower Reference Levels.

5.4 Save the family.

Under the [Application Menu], choose Save. Save the family as corner_post_rear.rfa.

5.5 Load the family into your project.

5.6 Lock the family to the gridlines.

5.7 Zoom to the extents of the model.

Type ZE.

5.8 Check the corner_post component for position and flexibility.

Use the Modify tool to select and move the gridlines. The floor edge and the family instances (the corner posts) should move together with each of the gridlines. If they do not, or if you see an error message about constraints, redo the previous steps.

6 CREATE WALLS:

6.1 Begin the construction of a side wall.

On the Architecture tab, Build Panel, choose the Wall: Architectural tool. See [F1] > Revit Users > Build the Model > Architectural Modeling > Walls.

6.2 Edit the wall type.

In the Properties palette, make sure the Basic Wall – Generic 8” type is current. click the Edit Type button. In the resulting Type Properties dialog box, click Duplicate. Give the duplicate type the name Container – Corrugated and click OK. Still within the Type Properties dialog box, next to the Structure parameter, click Edit. Change the Thickness to 2” (2 inches) and click OK. Click OK again to exit the Type Properties dialog box. Predefined wall types exist to facilitate the creation of models. Types and instances can be modified using the Properties palette. See [F1] > Revit Users > Build the Model > Architectural Modeling > Walls > Modifying Walls > Changing the Type of a Wall.

6.3 Place an instance of the wall.

On the Architecture tab, Build Panel, choose the Wall: Architectural tool. On the Options bar, set the Height to Roof. Set the Location Line to Finish Face: Exterior. Check the “Chain” box off. Click on the point marked A in the diagram below to begin placing the wall. Click on point B to complete the wall. Then click on the Modify tool to complete the command. Height is a constraint. Any change to the location of the Roof level will affect the height of the walls constrained to it. (Choosing Unconnected for Height omits the constraint.) See [F1] > Revit Users > Build the Model > Architectural Modeling > Walls > Placing Walls.

6.4 Place two more instances of the wall.

Repeat the previous step to place two additional instances of the wall. Choose the Default 3D view to check that the model corresponds with the diagram below. The Default 3D View is a quick way to get a 3D view of the project. Click on the house icon in the Quick Access Toolbar (top of screen). See [F1] > Revit Users > Introduction to Revit > User Interface > Quick Access Toolbar and [F1] > Revit Users > Document and Present the Project > 3D Views > Creating a Perspective 3D View.

6.5 Restore the Base floor plan.

Double-click on the Base Floor Plan.

6.6 Lock the wall ends to the gridlines, and the wall centerlines to the gridlines.

On the Annotate tab, Dimension panel, choose the Aligned tool, and use it to dimension the wall-end-to-gridline relationships, making sure to click the padlock symbol to “lock” the padlock. Repeat this procedure for the wall-centerlines-to-gridline relationships.

6.7 Check the walls for position and flexibility.

Use the Modify tool to select and move the gridlines. The walls should move together with each of the gridlines. If they do not, or if you see an error message about constraints, redo the previous steps.

6.8 Check the walls and corner posts for height conformance.

Double-click on the North Elevation to make that view current. Use the Modify tool to select and move the Roof Level up and down. Repeat this procedure with the East Elevation. In both views, the top of the walls and corner posts should move together with the Roof Level. If they do not, or if you see an error message about constraints, redo the previous steps.

7 CONSTRUCT ROOF:

7.1 Make the Roof plan current.

Double-click on the Roof Floor Plan.

7.2 Insert a corner_block component.

On the Architecture tab, Build panel, choose the Component > Place a Component tool. At the top of the Properties panel, click the type selector (it should currently display the corner_post_rear component). Change the type selector to the corner_block component. Insert this component at the lower left-hand corner of the Roof floor plan.

7.3 Correct the component’s height.

Use the Modify tool to select the component you just placed. In the Properties palette, check that its Base Level is set to Roof. Change its Top Offset to 4.5” (four-and-a-half inches).

7.4 Mirror the component.

Using a procedure similar to the one you had used with the original set of corner_block components, mirror the component to all four corners of the Roof floor plan.

7.5 Lock the components to the gridlines.

Use the same procedure you’ve used previously (Aligned dimensions with padlock symbols).

7.6 Make the Default 3D View current.

7.7 Construct walls between corner blocks.

Using a procedure similar to the one you used earlier to construct the container’s side walls, use the Wall: Architectural tool to build four “rails” around the top edge of the container as shown in the diagram below. Note, when you begin constructing the first wall, set the Base Constraint to Roof, the Top Constraint to Unconnected, and the Unconnected Height to 4.5” (four-and-a-half inches).

7.8 Lock the wall ends and wall centerlines to the gridlines.

Use the Aligned dimension tool.

7.9 Make the Roof floor plan current.

Double-click on the Roof floor plan.

7.10 Begin to construct a roof.

On the Architecture tab, Build panel, choose the Roof > Roof by Footprint tool. See [F1] > Revit Users > Build the Model > Architectural Modeling > Roofs

7.11 Edit the roof type.

In the Properties palette, make sure the Basic Roof – Generic 12” type is current. Click the Edit Type button. In the resulting Type Properties dialog box, click Duplicate. Give the duplicate type the name Container – 4.5” and click OK. Still within the Type Properties dialog box, next to the Structure parameter, click Edit. Change the Thickness to 4.5” (four-and-a-half inches) and click OK. Click OK again to exit the Type Properties dialog box.

7.12 Outline the roof.

On the Modify | Create Roof Footprint tab, Draw panel, choose the Line tool. On the Options bar, check Defines Slope off; check Chain on. Use the Line tool to outline the roof as shown in the diagram below. By checking the “Defines Slope” option off, Revit will create a flat roof.

7.13 Lock the roof edges and corner notches to the gridlines.

Use the same procedure you’ve used previously (Aligned dimensions with padlock symbols). There will be a total of 12 dimensions: one on each roof edge, and two at each of the corner notches.

7.14 Complete the roof.

On the Modify | Create Roof Footprint tab, Mode panel, click the green check mark.

8 CREATE A DOOR:

8.1 Set the Base floor plan as current.

Double-click on the Base floor plan. See [F1] > Revit Users > Build the Model > Architectural Modeling > Doors > Placing Doors.

8.2 Adjust the gridlines to their correct positions.

Begin by using the Aligned Dimension tool to establish a dimension between any two parallel gridlines. Click the Modify tool. Then click on one of the gridlines you just dimensioned. Finally, click on the highlighted dimension to change its value. (The “long” dimension is 38’-4”, and the “short” dimension is 7’-5”.

8.3 Create a wall closing the open side.

On the Architecture tab, Build panel, choose the Wall: Architectural tool. Before placing the wall, check the Properties palette. The Base Constraint should be set to Base and the Top Constraint should be set to Up to Level: Roof.

8.4 Begin a New Family definition.

Under the [Application Menu], choose New Family. Choose the Door template file. Click Open.

8.5 Make the Exterior view current.

In the Project Browser, double-click on the Exterior Elevation view.

8.6 Modify the door frame.

In the elevation view, double-click on the extrusion representing the door frame. Double-click on the text reading Frame Width = 0’-3”. Change the frame width parameter to 1/2” (one-half inch). Click the green check mark (Modify | Edit Extrusion tab) to complete editing.

8.7 Set the door width and height as instance parameters.

Click on the text reading Width = 3’-0”. In the Options bar, check Instance Parameter on. Repeat this step for the Height.

8.8 Save the family.

Save this family as container_door.rfa.

8.9 Load the family into your project.

On the Modify tab, Family Editor panel, choose Load into Project (the .rvt file).

8.10 Place the door.

Insert the door at the midpoint of the wall you drew earlier. Click the Modify tool to complete the task.

8.11 Invoke the Default 3D view.

8.12 Modify instance properties.

Select the door. In the Properties palette, under Dimensions, change the Sill Height to 1”, the Height to 8’-3”, and the Width to 7’-0”.

8.13 The model is complete.

January 20, 2015 by mikechristenson

Step-by-Step: AutoCAD Tutorial / Shipping Container

THIS TUTORIAL is a brief introduction to basic modeling tools in AutoCAD. It leads to the creation of a simplified model of a shipping container.

1 SET UP YOUR PROJECT:

1.1 Open AutoCAD and begin a New Project.

Under the [Application Menu] (upper left hand corner of the screen), choose New Drawing; use the acad.dwt template.

1.2 Turn off the background grid.

Type GRID at the Command prompt, then type OFF. The background grid is a legacy feature from old versions of AutoCAD. Its spacing can be changed by typing GRID. The SNAP command is related although SNAP can be set to snap to off-grid points.

1.3 Turn off the Dynamic User Coordinate System.

Click repeatedly on the DUCS button below the Command prompt until you see the indication “<Dynamic UCS off>.” The Dynamic User Coordinate System is a feature which dynamically adjusts the XYZ coordinate system while you draw. However, its results are often unpredictable.

1.4 Set the drawing units to feet and inches.

Type UNITS at the Command prompt, then set the Length type to Architectural. Click OK. This setting changes how AutoCAD interprets the numbers and dimensions you enter. “Architectural” units mean feet and inches.

1.5 Set up the drawing layers.

Type LAYER at the Command prompt. This opens the Layer Properties Manager panel. Using this panel, click the New Layer button to create layers named GRID, WALLS, FLOOR, ROOF, and DOOR. Set each layer to a unique color. These layers will store the objects you build. Layer names and colors are arbitrary. In particular, colors should not be expected to bear any relationship to the material being represented. It is conventional to choose distinct colors to make it easy to visually discern objects in different layers.

1.6 Set the GRID layer as the current layer.

Type -LA at the Command prompt, then type S, then type GRID, then click Enter twice. The current layer will receive any newly created objects.

1.7 Turn on the ORTHO function.

Click the [F8] key repeatedly until you see the note “<Ortho On>” at the Command prompt. The ORTHO function is an on-off switch, constraining many of the drawing and editing tools to moving along the X-Y axes.

1.8 Turn on the OSNAP function.

Click the [F3] key repeatedly until you see the note “<Osnap On>” at the Command prompt. The OSNAP function is an on-off switch, constraining many of the drawing and editing tools to “lock” to predefined points in the model.

1.9 Set the object snaps.

Type OS at the Command prompt. Make sure that the snaps for Intersection, Endpoint, and Midpoint are highlighted. Press OK. Object snaps are user-determined.

1.10 Draw a base rectangle.

Type REC at the Command prompt. When prompted, enter 0,0 as the start point. For the second point, enter 38’4,7’5. This base rectangle does not represent a built component. Instead, it measures the distance between alignment holes in the shipping container.

1.11 Zoom out.

Type Z at the Command prompt, then type E. At this point, the model should look like the diagram below. This keyboard command quickly zooms to show the entire model.

2 CONSTRUCT CORNER BLOCKS:

2.1 Navigate into 3D modeling space.

Type 3DO (3D-Orbit). Use the left mouse button to pan and rotate the view in 3D space. Up until this point, you have been working in 3D space but viewing it in a 2D view (plan view). The 3DO tool allows you to navigate in 3D space.

2.2 Set FLOOR as the current layer.

Type -LA at the Command prompt, then type S, then type FLOOR, then click Enter twice. The current layer will receive any newly created objects.

2.3 Zoom in on the lower right-hand corner of the base rectangle.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse, or type Z at the Command prompt and click two points to define a zoom window. Zooming in gives you the ability to work with greater precision.

2.4 Begin to build a box at the intersection of the gridlines.

Type BOX. Hover the mouse over the corner of the rectangle until the Intersection indicator appears. Click the mouse button. The BOX command builds solid rectangular boxes.

2.5 Complete the box.

To complete the base of the box, type @7,-6.5. For the height, type 4.5. At this point, the model should look like the diagram below (zoomed-in view): The @ symbol tells AutoCAD to use “relative coordinates” for the base of the box.

2.6 Move the box into the correct position.

Type M at the Command prompt. Select the box by clicking on its edge. Click [Enter] to complete the selection process. When prompted for a base point, click anywhere in the drawing window. Move the mouse in the positive Y-direction and type 3. Click [Enter]. Repeat this procedure, moving the box 2.5 inches in the negative X-direction. This step shows that it is sometimes much easier to construct AutoCAD objects in a temporary, incorrect position, and then to move the objects into their permanent, correct position.

2.7 Zoom out.

Type Z at the Command prompt, then type E. This causes AutoCAD to display the entire model.

2.8 Mirror the box to the opposite side of the rectangle.

Type MI at the Command prompt. Click on the box to select it. Press [Enter] to complete the selection process. When prompted to select the first point of the mirror line, hover the mouse near the midpoint of one of the sides of the base rectangle. Click on a midpoint of the side. For the second point, move the mouse and AutoCAD will preview the mirrored location of the corner box. Click to complete the command. When prompted to erase the source objects, type N. The MIRROR command reflects objects through a line.

2.9 Mirror two boxes to the opposite side of the rectangle.

Repeat the previous command, but select both corner boxes this time.

3 CONSTRUCT THE FLOOR:

3.1 Build the floor.

Type BOX. The base of the box should coincide with the outside, top corners of the corner boxes; its height is 2”.

4 CONSTRUCT CORNER POSTS:

4.1 Set the Visual Style to Conceptual.

Type VISUALSTYLES. In the resulting panel, double-click on the Conceptual preview. Visual Styles control how AutoCAD displays objects.

4.2 Set WALLS as the current layer.

Type -LA at the Command prompt, then type S, then type WALLS, then click Enter twice. The current layer will receive any newly created objects.

4.3 Zoom in on the lower right-hand corner of the base.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse, or type Z at the Command prompt and click two points to define a zoom window.

4.4 Build the front corner post.

Type BOX. For the first corner, click on the corner of the floor. Type @-9.5,2. For the height, type 7’7” (seven feet, seven inches).

4.5 Zoom out.

Type Z at the Command prompt, then type E.

4.6 Zoom in on the lower left-hand corner of the base.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse, or type Z at the Command prompt and click two points to define a zoom window.

4.7 Draw the outline of the rear corner post.

Type PLINE. Click on the corner of the floor to begin drawing an outline of the corner post. Refer to the diagram below for dimensions. For each new point, move the mouse in the direction you want to draw, and type the distance. Press [Enter] to complete the outline. The PLINE command creates a “polyline” (a single object consisting of multiple straight or curved segments). In AutoCAD (as distinct from Rhino), a PLINE must be on a single plane. A closed polyline can be used as the base for a solid extrusion, as shown in the next step.

4.8 Extrude the outline vertically to create the post.

Type EXTRUDE. Click on the outline of the corner post to select it. Click [Enter] to complete the selection process. For the height, type 7’7” (seven feet, seven inches).

5 CONSTRUCT THE SIDE WALL:

5.1 Set a plan view.

Type PLAN. Press [Enter[ to select the Current option. The PLAN command will show a plan according to the currently defined coordinate system (“UCS”) – by default, showing a plan view of the xy plane.

5.2 Begin the centerline of a wall panel.

Type PLINE.

5.3 Complete the centerline.

Click on a point away from the shipping container to begin drawing an outline of the wall panel (we will move the panel into position later). Refer to the diagram below for dimensions. For the first segment, begin at the left, move the mouse to the right, and type 1.5. For the second segment, type @3<330. For the third and final segment, move the mouse to the right, and type 1.5. Again, in this step, we are creating an object in a temporary, incorrect position, so that we can move it into its permanent, correct position later.

5.4 Offset the centerline to create the edges of the wall panel.

Type OF. Type 1/16 to set the offset distance. Click on the polyline you just drew, and then click once above it. Repeat the OF (OFFSET) command, but this time click below the line. The OFFSET command creates a copy of the original object, “offset” by a specified distance.

5.5 Erase the original polyline.

Type E. Click on the original polyline to select it. Press [Enter] to complete the selection process.

5.6 Join the edges of the wall panel.

Type L. Draw a line at each end of the panel outline to “cap” it.

5.7 Combine the segments into a single polyline.

Type PE. Then type M for Multiple. Draw a selection window around the entire outline of the wall panel. Press [Enter] to complete the selection process. When prompted, type Y to convert the selection to polylines. Finally, type J to join the segments into a single polyline. The “fuzz distance” is 0’-0”. Press [Enter] or [Esc] to complete the command. The PE command (Polyline Edit) has several options, including the option to join previously unconnected segments into a single polyline. However, the unconnected segments must have aligned endpoints.

5.8 Navigate into 3D modeling space.

Type 3DO. Use the left mouse button to pan and rotate the view in 3D space. 3DO (three-dimensional orbit) is a fundamental command for navigating three-dimensional space in AutoCAD.

5.9 Zoom out.

Type Z at the Command prompt, then type E.

5.10 Extrude the outline vertically to create the wall panel.

Type EXTRUDE. Click on the outline of the wall panel to select it. Click [Enter] to complete the selection process. For the height, type 7’7” (seven feet, seven inches).

5.11 Move the wall panel into position.

Type MOVE. Click on the wall panel to select it. For the base point, click the back corner of the panel. For the second point, click the corner of the corner post. Refer to the diagram below to see the correct position.

5.12 Mirror the panel.

Type MI. Select the wall panel. For the first point, click a point on the end of the wall panel. For the second point, move the mouse and AutoCAD will preview the mirrored location of the wall panel. Click to complete the command. When prompted to erase the source objects, type N.

5.13 Array the panel.

Type -AR. (Note the dash before the AR.) Select the two wall panels and press [Enter]. For the type of array, type R. For the number of rows, type 1. For the number of columns, type 40. For the distance between columns, click on points A and B in the diagram above. The -AR (Array) command is used to make multiple copies of a single object, according to defined rules.

5.14 Zoom out.

Type Z at the Command prompt, then type E.

5.15 Zoom in on the lower right-hand corner of the container.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse, or type Z at the Command prompt and click two points to define a zoom window.

5.16 Fill the gap in the wall.

Use the BOX command to build a box filling the gap between the final wall panel and the corner post.

6 CONSTRUCT OBJECTS AT TOP OF WALL:

6.1 Zoom out.

Type Z at the Command prompt, then type E.

6.2 Copy the corner blocks to the top of the wall.

Type COPY. Select the corner blocks (from the FLOOR layer). Copy them vertically so that they are set on top of the corner posts.

6.3 Change the layer of the copied corner blocks.

Type -CH (Note the dash before the CH). Select the two corner blocks you just copied. Type P for Properties, then LA for layer. Type WALLS to assign these objects to the WALLS layer. Finally, press [Enter] to complete the command. The -CH (Change) command enables you to change properties of an object, such as its layer, color, linetype, lineweight, and so on. (Keep in mind, however, that properties such as color and linetype are usually set as BYLAYER so that they can be controlled on a global level.)

6.4 Zoom in on the top of the left end of the wall.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse, or type Z at the Command prompt and click two points to define a zoom window.

6.5 Draw a rectangle on top of the corner post.

Type REC. Refer to the diagram below to locate the rectangle correctly. (Click on the corner points marked A and B.) This rectangle will be used in the next step as a base for the top rail.

6.6 Build a rail along the top of the wall.

Type BOX. Begin the box by clicking on the corner point marked C in the diagram above. For the second point, zoom in on the other end of the wall, and click on the point marked D in the diagram below. For the height, type 4.5.

7 MIRROR OBJECTS:

7.1 Zoom out.

Type Z at the Command prompt, then type E.

7.2 Draw a temporary mirror line.

Type L. Draw a line from the midpoint of one of the short sides of the floor, away from the shipping container. (We will erase this line later.)

7.3 Isolate the WALLS layer.

Type -LA. Then type OF. Then type * (asterisk). When prompted to turn off the current layer, type N. Press [Enter] to complete the command. Isolating a layer sometimes makes it easier to work.

7.4 Mirror the objects in the WALLS layer.

Type MI. Draw a window around all of the objects in the WALLS layer. For the first point, click a point on the end of the temporary line you just drew. For the second point, move the mouse and AutoCAD will preview the mirrored location of the objects. Click to complete the command. When prompted to erase the source objects, type N.

7.5 Restore the previous layer settings.

Type LAYERP. LAYERP (Layer Previous) restores the previous layer settings.

7.6 Erase the temporary mirror line.

Type E to erase the temporary mirror line.

8 CONSTRUCT THE REAR WALL:

8.1 Zoom in on the left side of the shipping container.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse, or type Z at the Command prompt and click two points to define a zoom window.

8.2 Rotate the view so you are looking at the back of the container.

(Refer to the picture below.) Type 3DO. Use the left mouse button to pan and rotate the view in 3D space.

8.3 Build a rear wall.

Type BOX. For the first corner, click on a point away from the shipping container (we will move the box into its correct position later). For the other corner of the box base, type @1,-6’6. For the height, type 7’7.

8.4 Move the wall into its correct position.

Type M. Select the rear wall and set it in place, so that its outer face aligns with the midpoint of the corner post as shown in the figure below.

8.5 Zoom in on the top of the rear wall.

(See the diagram below.) Spin the center wheel on the mouse, or type Z at the Command prompt and click two points to define a zoom window.

8.6 Draw a rectangle on top of the corner post.

(See the diagram above.) Type REC. Refer to the diagram above to locate the rectangle correctly. (Click on the corner points marked A and This rectangle will be used in the next step as a base for the top rail.

8.7 Build a rail along the top of the rear wall.

9 CONSTRUCT THE ROOF:

9.1 Zoom out.

Type Z at the Command prompt, then type E.

9.2 Zoom in on the right side (the front) of the shipping container.

Spin the center wheel on the mouse, or type Z at the Command prompt and click two points to define a zoom window.

9.3 Build a rail across the top of the door opening.

Type BOX. Use the points on the corner boxes to set the dimensions of the box base. If you use the points at the top of the corner boxes, you can set the height as -4.5 (negative 4.5) and the box will fit between the corner boxes as shown in the diagram below.

9.4 Set ROOF as the current layer.

Type -LA, then type S, then type ROOF, then click Enter twice. The current layer will receive any newly created objects.

9.5 Zoom out.

Type Z at the Command prompt, then type E.

9.6 Outline the roof.

Type PL. Trace the outline of the roof opening between the top rails on all four walls. Press [Enter] to complete the outline.

9.7 Isolate the ROOF layer.

Type -LA. Then type OF. Then type * (asterisk). When prompted to turn off the current layer, type N. Press [Enter] to complete the command.

9.8 Extrude the roof.

Type EXTRUDE. Select the outline you just drew and use -1 (negative 1) as the height.

10 CONSTRUCT THE DOOR:

10.1 Restore the previous layer settings.

Type LAYERP.

10.2 Set DOOR as the current layer.

Type -LA, then type S, then type DOOR, then click Enter twice. The current layer will receive any newly created objects.

10.3 Rotate the view so you are looking at the front of the container.

(Refer to the picture below.) Type 3DO. Use the left mouse button to pan and rotate the view in 3D space.

10.4 Build the first door.

10.5 Move the door into its correct position.

Type M. Select the door and set it in place, so that its inner face aligns with the point marked A in the figure below.

10.6 Mirror the door.

Type MI. Select the door and mirror it around the midpoint of the shipping container floor. The model is complete.

Architectural Software

Author / mikechristenson

Posts by mikechristenson

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Acknowledgements: This tutorial was inspired by a definition illustrated in the Mode Lab Grasshopper Primer (http://modelab.is/grasshopper-primer/). — Mike Christenson

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