Gridlines
Set out the structure before it is built: gridlines with their bubbles at both ends, lettered one way and numbered the other by their place. Array them at a spacing, then fill the crossings with columns and the lines with beams.
Every property, and what it does
Select a gridline and these are its rows.
On the plan
What every drawn element has. Gridlines go on layer S, the structure's own.
| Field | What it does | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Layer | The drawing layer it is on, for showing, hiding and printing. | S, or any project layer |
| Colour, Lineweight, Linetype | How its line is drawn on the plan and on paper. | By layer, or its own |
Gridline
Its name, and more lines like it.
| Field | What it does | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Label | The name in its bubbles. Empty, it reads by its place, a letter one way and a number the other, on every storey. | Any name, or by its place |
| Array | Adds this many parallel gridlines this far apart, on the line's right; a negative spacing runs the other way. | A count and a spacing in mm |
Filling the grid
Commands that place the structure on the grid.
| Field | What it does | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Grid columns | Stands the armed column at every crossing of the gridlines (GRIDCOLUMNS, GC). | Any column preset |
| Grid beams | Runs a beam along each gridline between its columns (GRIDBEAMS, GB). | Any beam section |
How the Gridline tool works
Open the Gridline tool
In the editor, open Structure and choose Gridline, or type GRIDLINE (GL).
Click both ends
Click where the line starts and where it ends; keep going for the next line.
Array the rest
Select a gridline and type GRIDLINE 4 6000, or use Array in its panel, to add four more 6 m apart.
Place the structure
Arm a column and use GRIDCOLUMNS to stand one at every crossing, then GRIDBEAMS to run beams along the lines.
Gridline questions, answered.
How are gridlines named?
By their place: a letter one way and a number the other, the same on every storey. Type a label to name one yourself.
Can I add many at once?
Yes. Array adds as many parallel gridlines as you ask for, at the spacing you give.
Can columns go on the grid?
Yes. GRIDCOLUMNS stands the armed column at every crossing, and GRIDBEAMS runs beams along the lines.
Read on
- Columns: Round, square and classical columns.
- Beams: Timber, steel and concrete beams.
- Structure docs: Columns, beams, gridlines, braces and footings.