Place Curtain Wall

Used to place curtain wall systems with a wide array of placement and material options. Curtain walls are made from individual panels and framing components. Once placed, each individual curtain wall component can be modified individually using interactive pop up mini toolbars. For instance, framing components surrounding a panel can be moved or removed by first selecting them, and then selecting one of the mini toolbar options. The curtain wall system "heals" around modified panels. Placement options allow you to place curtain walls with linear, arc or curved paths using datapoints or by selecting the path elements, or by selecting bounding shapes "flooded" with curtain wall. Curtain wall components fully comply with the DataGroup system thus providing a detailed set of curtain wall properties which are editable upon placement or after placement.

Note: Placement is completed using the controls found on the Placement ribbon tab and the Property Panel which is loaded with the active Building element catalog items and properties.

Accessed from:

Ribbon: Building Design > Architectural > Architectural Elements > Curtain Wall > Curtain Wall

Placement tab

Note: The Placement tab opens on the ribbon when placing Building elements. The Placement tab contains settings specific to the Building element being placed that are used to define the position, orientation or dimensions of the Building element being placed. Also available on the Placement tab, are a collection of Building common tools selected specifically because of their relevance to the Building element being placed.

Setting	Description
Place By	Selections of the available options: Line – places curtain wall in a straight line defined by two data points: a start point and an end point. Arc - By Center – positions the curtain wall by three points: an endpoint, the arc center point, and a point that defines the sweep angle. Arc - By Edge – places the curtain wall by three points on the arc edge. Curve – places a curved curtain wall system. Creates a segmented multi-radius curved curtain wall, that can be composed of various curves. The curves are controlled by data points placed at each curve's apex. From Element – places curtain wall system along the selected drawing element, like a line or arc. The element is the baseline of the curtain wall. From Shape – places curtain wall system bounded by a selected drawing shape. Note: During placement, the curtain wall orientation is displayed with a small arrow at the curtain wall origin point. Tip: Shape, linear, arc, curve elements can be selected from referenced models.
Height	Sets the curtain wall frame height. Disabled for `Place By`:From Shape placement option. Note: Changes to Height are accurately previewed in the Place dialog.
Justify	Left - Places the curtain wall to the top of the data point creation line. Top in this case is relative to the plan view orientation. Center - Places the curtain wall centered upon the data point creation line. Right - Places the curtain wall to the bottom of the data point creation line. Bottom in this case is relative to the plan view orientation.
Delete Path	When on, the path or shape referenced by the curtain wall is deleted. Enabled only for the `Place By`:From Element and From Shape placement options. Path or shape elements followed by the curtain wall are drawn using the smart lines, stream curves or drawing shapes.
Side Offset	Sets an offset distance and direction for wall segments which is parallel to a line defined by two placement data points. Direction can be set by using the Left / Right option menu; or by setting a negative distance for Left offset and a positive distance for Right offset.
Direction	Sets the direction in which the curtain wall is extruded. The sub-options are Left or Right.
Base Offset	Sets the Z axis distance between the elevation of the active floor and the elevation of the item being placed (usually the bottom surface). Base Offset can be a negative value.

Curtain Wall Properties

Setting

Description

Catalog Type Selector

Used to select from available Catalog Types. Selections made here updates the Catalog Item Selector combo box.

Catalog Item Selector

Used to select from available Catalog Items. The Catalog Item Selector combo box contains several options and settings designed to make it easier to find the exact catalog item you need to place/change.

A generic example of Catalog Item selector options for searching, grouping and navigating

The Catalog Item list also includes user defined assemblies, and RFA catalog items, if any.

Search - Used to search for catalog items by name. Results are dynamically updated in the catalog items list. The searched text is also highlighted in the results.
Group By: - Used to list catalog items in groups based on values assigned to specific catalog item properties. Groups can be collapsed and expanded by clicking the down/up arrows on the group name headers. For instance, selecting Group By: > Type for a wall catalog type creates groupings with Schematic, Partition, WallComponent, etc headings. Catalog items which have Type defined as Schematic, Partition, or WallComponent will be listed under those headings. You can also select Group By: > Do Not Group to create a flat list with no grouping. (Exemption Mechanical).
(Large Icons) - Displays a representative icon for each catalog item listing.
(List) - Displays catalog item listings without any icons.
(Float) - When selected, the Catalog Item Selector combo box is detached from the placement/modify dialog, and becomes a separate dialog. You may prefer to have the floated dialog docked and always open over clicking the Catalog Item Selector in the placement/modify dialog for each catalog item selection.
Note: The main dialog remains open and refreshes the thumbnail and preview in response to the selected catalog item.
Click the Dock icon to close the floated dialog.
Recently Used - Lists catalog items that were recently selected in a "Group". This is useful because when you need to repeatedly place or modify the same catalog items, you do not need to repeatedly browse or search the main catalog items list.

Note: When you make your catalog item selection, it becomes the active part the Family/Part Toolbar.

Catalog Tools

A split button located to the right of the Catalog Item Selector contains tools to assist with managing catalog data prior to placement of selected catalog items.

( Match Element Properties) - Sets the current active placement/modify dialog settings to match the parameters of an existing, selected catalog item instance in the model. This saves a good amount of time when placing catalog items that need to identically match those that already exist.
Note: The existing catalog item instance must be of the same catalog type selected with the Catalog Item Selector for the parameters to be matched.
(Reset to Defaults) - Resets the selected catalog item property values to the default state as defined in the catalog library.
(Edit Catalog Item) - Used to edit the selected catalog item. Opens the Catalog Editor, where you can create and edit new catalog types and catalog items. Catalog Editor can also be used to edit existing data and to view catalog item instance properties and values by definition.
(Catalog Item Manager) - Used to manage catalog items library into organizational dataset. Opens the Catalog Item Manager, where you can copy or move catalog items into the dataset, and promoting current catalog items by moving then across workset levels.
(Save Catalog Item) - Updates the active catalog item in the DataGroup System catalog library with the values currently shown in the Properties list box permanently changing the defaults for the catalog item.
(Save Catalog Item As...) - Used to save a copy of the selected catalog item as another catalog item (the default name adds the prefix " Copy of " <current catalog items name>). Opens the Save As dialog where catalog item definitions can be named before saving them to the DataGroup System.

Note: The Save Catalog Item and Save Catalog Item As... tools perform administrative tasks on DataGroup System catalogs. Administrators and users may want to hide the tool icons to avoid incidental or unwanted changes to their firm's dataset by setting the user configuration variables BB_CATALOGITEM_ADMIN_IN_PLACECMDS and BB_CATALOGITEM_SAVEAS_IN_PLACECMDS to "0", respectively.

Preview

Displays the selected catalog item in the preview window. This display changes and the preview updates as various options are chosen. The preview also changes dynamically with some of the prominent settings on the Placement tab, e.g Height, Rotation angle, etc. A right-click in the Preview opens a Show/Hide Viewing Tools option menu:

Zoom In - Zooms in about center of preview.
Zoom Out - Zooms out about center of preview.
Pan - Moves the preview following the pointer. Click again to stop panning.
Fit - Fits the object to the extents of the preview.
Rotation - Sets the orientation of the selected item in the preview to one of the standard orientation options:
- Isometric
- Right Isometric
- Top
- Bottom
- Left
- Right
- Front
- Rear
Display Mode - Sets the display of the selected item in the preview to one of the standard display modes.
- Solid
- Wire Frame
- Visible Edge
- Filled Visible Edge

For Place workflow, the Hide/Show Preview controls displaying preview of the element currently selected for placement.

Properties list - toolbar

Used to manage catalog item properties during placement or modification. Catalog item properties define the catalog item instance in the model, and are accountable in the DataGroup System data management tools. You can place a catalog item with its default property values or you can change property values as needed, place an instance in the model, and optionally save the changes to the catalog.

The Properties combo box contains tools for sorting and searching the properties list:

(Categorize) - When on, catalog item properties are grouped in categories based on the catalog type definitions. When off, the properties are listed alphabetically without grouping.
(Alphabetical) - When on, catalog item properties are listed alphabetically without grouping. When off, the properties are listed in categories.
(Description) - Toggles a description field at the bottom of the placement dialog listing information about the highlighted catalog item property. The information listed includes the property definition display name, internal name, and type definition.
Search - Used to search for catalog item properties by name. Results are dynamically updated in the properties list.

Curtain Wall Parameters

Common properties of the curtain wall elements that define the characteristics of the curtain wall type being placed:

Setting	Description
Curtain Wall Type	Sets the type of the curtain wall being placed: Curtain Wall Storefront Ribbon Window Punched Opening
Perforator Sense Distance	Sets the distance over which the curtain wall searches for a wall to perforate.
Mullion Continuity	Manipulates the outer frame and layout of vertical and horizontal mullions in the curtain wall. Continuous Vertical - Constructs each internal vertical mullion as a continuous vertical mullion. Continuous Vertical with Continuous Frame - Constructs each internal vertical mullion as a continuous vertical mullion with a continuous outer frame. Continuous Horizontal - Constructs each internal horizontal mullion as a continuous horizontal mullion. Continuous Horizontal with Continuous Frame - Constructs each internal horizontal mullion as a continuous horizontal mullion with a continuous outer frame. None Continuous - Constructs all internal and frame mullions as single mullions connected with miter joints. Note: When modifying a curtain wall, for instance moving a mullion to resize an individual panel, the selected mullion is treated as an individual mullion segment regardless of whether it is a continuous mullion. If there is a break in the continuous mullion, the remaining mullions are re-constructed as a continuous mullion.
Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Layout	Sets the horizontal and vertical layout. The options selected here enable/disable other relevant layout parameters. Maximum Spacing - Constructs the curtain wall by dividing the total length/height of the curtain wall by the value entered for the Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Spacing parameter to determine the panel layouts. The number of panels is then rounded up to the nearest whole number, so the size of the panel does not exceed the maximum horizontal spacing distance. This is recalculated when the curtain wall is resized. For this option, Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Justification is not used because the panels are always centered in the space available. Minimum Spacing - Constructs the curtain wall by dividing the overall length/height of the curtain wall by the value entered for the Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Spacing parameter to determine the panel layouts. The number of panels is rounded down to the nearest whole number, so the size of the panels are not below the minimum spacing distance. This is recalculated when the curtain wall is resized. For this option, Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Justification is not used because the panels are always centered in the space available. Fixed Distance - Constructs the curtain wall with mullions placed at the value entered for the Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Spacing parameter, center to center. This usually causes an odd-sized panel in one location. Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Justification determines where the spacing is started, which results in the odd-sized panel to appear at the opposite end. For example, if you start the spacing from the Bottom, the odd-sized panel is at the top. If you select Center or Middle, the odd-sized panel is split between the top/bottom or the start/end of the curtain wall. Number of Panels - Constructs the curtain wall by dividing the overall curtain wall length/height by the value entered for the Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Number parameter.
Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Justification	Sets the justification of the curtain wall. Enabled for Fixed Distance layout only. The other layouts center the panels in both horizontal and vertical directions making this option irrelevant. Top - Constructs the curtain wall with the Layout \| Vertical Spacing starting at the top downward until the bottom row where the remaining vertical space is set as the vertical spacing. Middle - Constructs the curtain wall with the Layout \| Vertical Spacing starting at the middle outward until the top and bottom rows where the remaining vertical space is divided in half and set as the vertical spacing. Bottom - Constructs the curtain wall with the Layout \| Vertical Spacing starting at the bottom upward until the top row where the remaining vertical space is set as the vertical spacing. Start - Constructs the curtain wall with the Layout \| Horizontal Spacing starting at the start towards the end where the remaining horizontal space is set as the horizontal spacing. Center - Constructs the curtain wall with the Layout \| Horizontal Spacing starting at the center outward until the start and end columns where the remaining horizontal space is divided in half and set as the horizontal spacing. End - Constructs the curtain wall with the Layout \| Horizontal Spacing starting at the end towards the start column where the remaining horizontal space is set as the horizontal spacing.
Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Number	Sets the number of panels in the respective directions. Enabled for Number of Panels layout. For example, setting a 2 horizontal and 3 vertical panels will create a curtain wall system having 2x3 mullion panels.
Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Spacing	Sets the spacing between the panels in respective direction. Enabled for Maximum/Minimum Spacing layouts.
Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Pattern	When on, enables the Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Pattern Spacing parameters.
Layout \| Horizontal/Vertical Pattern Spacing	Sets the horizontal/vertical spacing based on values entered using the following syntax: `[length/height 1];[length/height 2];[length/height 3];[length/height n]`. Each length/height is separated with a semi colon `< ; >`. The number of pattern elements is unlimited. This pattern then repeats over the length/height of the curtain wall.

Curtain Wall Properties

Hurricane Resistant – When set, the curtain wall design adopts a storm-proof structure. Here impact-resistant glass is used as inner-membrane formed of a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two slabs of glass. An impact-resistant glass may shatter on impact, but it will remain attached to the inner membrane along with the window frame.

Identification

Lists identification properties for the active catalog item type.

Space Bounding

Lists properties that can be defined as On/Off making the selected catalog item eligible for consideration during energy analysis.

Curtain Wall | Panel

Panel Type – Sets suitable panel type such as for glazing, spandrel panels, parametric cell, etc. The selected panel type applies the dimension and properties to the panel.
Panel Thickness – Sets the thickness to the selected panel.
Panel Offset - Sets an offset from the centerline of the curtain wall glass panels.

Tip: You can use a parametric cell door as a panel (and remove the mullion under it). The parametric cell panels, e.g. FrostyGlass panel Or Louvers are available for selection. To place curtain walls without any panel assigned, select the "No Panel" as Panel Type. You can also place small sized panel parametric cells defined without restriction.

Note: The profiles listed for selection below are specific to the Frame/Profile type.

Curtain Wall | Mullion - Horizontal

Profile | Width | Depth – Set profile and dimension of Horizontal mullions in respective position in the frame.

Curtain Wall | Mullion - Vertical

Profile | Width | Depth – Set profile and dimension of Vertical mullions in respective position in the frame.

Curtain Wall | Frame - Jamb

Profile | Width | Depth – Set profile and dimension of Jamb in respective position in the frame.

Curtain Wall | Frame - Head

Same as Jamb – When checked, the Head can be set same as selected Jamb profile.
Profile | Width | Depth – Set profile and dimension of Head in respective position in the frame.

Curtain Wall | Frame - Sill

Same as Jamb – When checked, the Sill can be set same as selected Jamb profile.
Profile | Width | Depth – Set profile and dimension of Sill in respective position in the frame.

Curtain Wall | Frame - Corner

Profile | Width | Depth – Set profile and dimension of fixed Corners in respective position in the frame.

Curtain Wall | Frame - Variable Corner

Profile | Width | Depth – Set profile and dimension of Variable Corners in respective position in the frame.

Materials

Lists Part and Family definition assignments. Clicking in the Value column cell opens a Family and Part selection box. Here parts and families are available from the option menus.

Classification

Building Classification Systems are supported by the DataGroup System. MasterFormat, OmniClass, and UniFormat property values can be associated with any Building element. Click the Value cell to open the Classification System selection combo box. The combo box is populated with selected classification system property values. It can be resized by clicking on the combo box's bottom right corner. Search for properties by name. Search results are displayed in the classifications hierarchy. Double click a property to select it. This action also closes the selection menu. The selected property displays in the selected classification system property value (on the Properties list).

Note: Information in the Value column rows can be completed by selecting the applicable cell to activate an editor field, an option menu, or a pop up dialog. This data is written to the element properties. Properties displayed with grey text are read only. Some of these are set in the placement tool's Placement tab, and can be modified there. The dividing bar between the Property, and Value columns can be moved to change the width of either area, or resize the dialog. A vertical and horizontal scroll bars are available to scroll and adjust Properties panel viewing and the display of data.

Key-in: PLACE CurtainWall