3D Truss Models

pbacot · 13 Sept 2017, 19:31

@dpaul

Framing the floor joists flush with the sill plate seems to be particularly popular in Oregon, I've never seen this done before until I did some structural jobs in that area.

I've seen a number of configurations and details. Some actually use pockets in the stemwall, others use the ledger method as shown in the images above. I've also seen where the ledger is below the joists which then directly bear on the ledger. I will see what I can do in this regard.

Popular in California too. Good connection of floor diaphram to foundation. Used where the grade outside may be higher than the crawl space, or a waterproof terrace is adjacent (in which case the curb may also be raised and the sheathing is NOT over the mudsill). The disadvantage is in running power and plumbing up through the wall.

medeek · 13 Sept 2017, 20:52

Two issues with this system:

As noted above getting the utilities into the wall from the crawlspace presents a challenge, especially plumbing.
Insulating for cold weather environments is also difficult. Where the corner of the interior space is almost in direct contact with the stemwall creates a thermal bridge.

The major advantage of this system is less sheathing needed for exterior walls since you don't have to add in the height of the rim joist.

medeek · 14 Sept 2017, 02:10

I've been thinking about multi-level roofs and how to deal with them.

Currently I don't see a good way to automate truss roofs, I think there will be some manual intervention required.

For rafter roofs though I think I can fully automate the process.

View model here:

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.

(3dwarehouse.sketchup.com)

medeek · 16 Sept 2017, 14:47

As I previously mentioned I am slowing working on making all previous version of the plugin available here:

Medeek Design Inc. - Medeek Truss Plugin Versions

(design.medeek.com)

Each new version adds improvements and fixes. Probably at some point once this plugin has fully matured then I might see a good reason to install a previous version, but hopefully I never get to that point where the plugin becomes bloatware.

I suppose the only reason to install a previous version is if you have an expired license and do not wish to upgrade, I can respect that, especially if you only use the plugin on a infrequent basis.

medeek · 17 Sept 2017, 04:22

Starting to work on the straight skeleton algorithm today, complex roofs have got my attention.

The model below has a saddle point and this lends itself to some rather complex framing:

Even with the roof primitives and trim tool, which helped out tremendously, it still took me almost an hour to fully generate the roof framing.

The goal is to turn hours into seconds.

View model here:

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.

(3dwarehouse.sketchup.com)

medeek · 17 Sept 2017, 16:08

If you really want a headache try and truss out this same roof outline:

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.

(3dwarehouse.sketchup.com)

After about 45 minutes I've given up, not because it can't be done but because the amount of custom truss profiles and manual editing required far exceeds my patience and determination.

On a different note it looks like the extension warehouse is down so I am unable to sign any new revisions to the extensions, I guess 1.9.9b will have to wait.

medeek · 17 Sept 2017, 23:16

Needing a break from the rigors of the straight skeleton code I realized that I have still not implemented the octagon hip roof yet. On a related note the circular roof could also use my attention:

View model here:

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.

(3dwarehouse.sketchup.com)

The number of rafters can be given by this equation N = 8 + 8n where n = 0,1,2,3,4 etc...

In this model n = 3

People do actually build these things:

medeek · 18 Sept 2017, 02:50

A turret roof:

View model here:

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.

(3dwarehouse.sketchup.com)

medeek · 19 Sept 2017, 02:59

Winter is coming...

medeek · 19 Sept 2017, 14:11

View model here:

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.

(3dwarehouse.sketchup.com)

Using the hip rafter roof as a template it won't be too hard to add the octagon and circular roof, two more checkboxes to fill. I do admit that sometimes I like the low hanging fruit, but it is really the challenging stuff that piques my interest and drives me.

I've had a bit of a cold all night, tempted to call in sick and spend the rest of the day coding but my wife would probably kill me if I did.

medeek · 24 Sept 2017, 17:57

Working on adding in the inset floor joists per the details given by dpaul:

Parameters are the following:

1.) Stemwall Thickness (inset amount)
2.) Ledger Option: Yes or No
3.) Ledger Height
4.) Ledger Width
5.) Hanger Option: Yes or No

I'm still waffling on what to do if the hanger option is "yes". I was considering having the option of selecting one of the many Simpson-Strongtie hangers from a long list of hangers. However, no models exist for the bulk of these hangers and I don't have the time or data to try and model a bunch of them. Item 5 may not be feasible.

I also have a question on the ledger board option:

As you can see in the image the 2x12 PT dimensional lumber ledger is smaller in height (11.25") than the 11-7/8" TJI. In this case would the ledger be run flush to the bottom of the TJI or is this not a concern? I was thinking that one would probably call out an LVL or LSL ledger with felt backing between the ledger and the concrete so that the ledger matches the height of the I-joist. Additional information when the floor joists are I-joists or EWP would be helpful here.

View model here:

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.

(3dwarehouse.sketchup.com)

medeek · 1 Oct 2017, 06:19

Someone suggested that I try out Patreon rather than Kickstarter:

Patreon

Patreon is empowering a new generation of creators. Support and engage with artists and creators as they live out their passions!

Patreon (www.patreon.com)

facer · 1 Oct 2017, 22:04

Medeek,
Interesting approach of having pledges towards a monthly salary that you have set to allow you to
develop your plugins full time.

One question I have is how long do the "Patrons - pledges" last?
Is it set by a time limit or a predetermined stage in your plugin development?

Following with interest, best of luck!

Regards,
Ray

medeek · 1 Oct 2017, 22:46

@facer said:

Medeek,
Interesting approach of having pledges towards a monthly salary that you have set to allow you to
develop your plugins full time.

One question I have is how long do the "Patrons - pledges" last?
Is it set by a time limit or a predetermined stage in your plugin development?

Following with interest, best of luck!

Regards,
Ray

I haven't read through all of the details on Patreon's website but there does not appear to be any time limit on the pledges, each patron can stop their patronage at any time.

Realistically, I am thinking a couple of years should be enough time to advance the development to the stage where the momentum and plugins will carry themselves.

medeek · 1 Oct 2017, 23:39

Version 2.0.0b - 10.01.2017

Enabled roof cladding for shed and shed w/ ledger rafter roofs.

View model here:

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.

(3dwarehouse.sketchup.com)

medeek · 1 Oct 2017, 23:59

Version 2.0.0 - 09.30.2017

Added a hip & ridge option for dutch gable rafter roofs.

View model here:

3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.

(3dwarehouse.sketchup.com)

Not exactly how I should terminate the hip cap where it meets the gable section of the roof. What I have now seems reasonable enough for presentation and estimating purposes.

Quite a bit of convoluted code to get those sections of hip cap just right, where there is a will there is a way.

medeek · 5 Oct 2017, 05:14

Version 2.0.1 - 10.04.2017

Added (FULL) roof return option within the advanced options menu for common, scissor and vaulted trusses.

medeek · 5 Oct 2017, 17:23

I'm not entirely sure how one frames up a full "greek" return or cornice. When you strip away the sheathing and cladding you can see that my rafters don't line up well with anything:

medeek · 6 Oct 2017, 15:00

I'm considering selling my plugins and code, I won't divulge the potential buyer(s) but I have really no idea how much it is worth, I suppose that is purely subjective. If you have a suggestion please feel free to message me.

medeek · 7 Oct 2017, 04:57

Version 2.0.1b - 10.06.2017

Added ceiling joist option for Hip Rafter Roofs.