How to Quantify Composite Structures

Composite Structures in ARCHICAD are powerful methods for modeling multiple scopes of work, within a single element.

I absolutely love using them, but reporting can be a little tricky.

In this video, we'll explore different methods of reporting Composites, through Element Based Reports, and Component Based Reports.

 

 

 

In ARCHICAD's attribute palette, we have the Composite Structures tool that enables us to assemble materials for use with walls, roofs, slabs and shells.

Here we can define widths, pens, and our component "Types", including these options.

  • Core
  • Other
  • Finish

These types are very important to specify, for partial structure display settings, as well as defining and relating costs to specific materials. But that is a topic for another blog...

 

Similar to Complex Profiles, we have two primary methods for performing takeoffs with Composite Structures.

  • Elemental Schedules (Listing of the Assembly)
  • Component Schedules (Listing Multiple Parts)

We actually have a third option as well, which is the Surfaces based interactive schedules, but we'll save that for another blog as well...

 

Element Based Interactive Schedules

It's best to use these schedules, if you're intent is to treat the entire composite as a whole, or if you only need a specific takeoff value, such as surface area of a slab, shell or roof, or length of a wall.

If you need to go deeper, and extract particular areas and volumes within a composite structure, move on to Component Based Reports.

Component Interactive Schedules

The great thing about component schedules, is it allows us to split out the sub-parts of composites and complex profiles.

In order to get this breakdown in a usable and easy to understand format, we often need to introduce a few unique parameters, specific to component schedules.

Adding the ID and Name, from the Building Material Parameters is one of the best additions for Component based schedules. This helps identify and break down our sub-parts into meaningful line items.

Notice how the ID, and Name help bring clarity to the detailed takeoffs.

Project Component / Skin Area

Unlike Complex Profiles, where we have to manually turn on each skin we want to be calculated in the Projected Skin Area, Composite Structures include these automatically.

This makes them a little easier to work with, and allow us to get the right value the first time.

For those who want added control and flexibility in their geometry however, Complex profiles can offer this.

 

We'll do some more videos on Composites and Complex profiles soon! including how to take this workflow to the next level by mixing in costs with our quantity takeoffs.

 

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