Tips on Quantifying Complex Profiles

Performing quantity takeoffs in ARCHICAD is usually easy, but sometimes it gets a little complex, especially with complex profiles!

In this video, we'll explore methods for extracting takeoff values for length, and areas starting withe a basic 1x1 profile, then adding additional complexity.

Complex Profiles are a beautiful feature in ARCHICAD, because they allow us to create detailed geometry and assemblies of building materials, with even greater flexibility than composite structures.

However, when using these complex methods for modeling, we do need to be careful with how they will impact our takeoffs.

Lengths, Areas & Volumes

When performing takeoffs of complex profiles, we need to carefully consider the UNIT OF MEASUREMENT for which we are trying to produce.

If Length (LF/M) is our preferred unit, then we need to ask ourselves a few important questions.

• Are we calculating the length of a single profile? or multiple components in a profile?
• How many sub-components do we have in our profile?
• Does each sub-component need to be quantified individually? or all together as one?

If Surface Area (SF/M2) is our preferred unit...

• Are we calculating 1 side, or two sides for our takeoff?
• How many skins do we have in our profile?
• Does the element length x height of the material represent a true surface area?

If Volume is our preferred unit...

• Do we have extra volumes in our profile we don't want to include?
• Do we need to extract 1 or more volumes, while excluding others?

Depending on the answer to these questions, we'll want to consider our two options for reporting complex profiles. Elemental, and Component.

Elemental Reports vs Component Reports

The easiest way to differentiate between these two types of reports, is whether we want to report elements as a whole (Elemental), or do we want to report sub-parts and materials within an element (Component).

Simple Example (From Video)

Here is a simple complex profile, split into 3 faces. 

Elemental Report

If we wanted to calculate the entire assembly as 1, an elemental report is perfect for this purpose. Even though we have 3 sub-parts to this profile, it's recognizing it as 1.

• Length = Length of the element
• Height = Height of overall element (1ft in this case)
• Surface Area = Height x length of 1 side
• Area = project area on plan.

Component Based Report

Now let's see how this looks in an Component Report, in the case we need to break down individual sub-parts.

• Quantity is now 3, counting each individual material fill we've created.
• 3D Length, is now 30ft, so it's calculating the total length of all sub-parts
• Height remains the same
• Surface Area now = 30sf
• Project Component Skin Area = 30sf

Notice how the selected face includes a line down the center. This is the "List Component Area by" option base line, which is how we calculated project component skin area.

Complex Example: Wall Profile

Consider this Complex Profile, of a standard interior wall with bottom plate, and double top plate. Note, these wood framing members have been split into 4, to get the X symbol in section and 3D.

Elemental Takeoff Values:

• Length = Length of Wall (4ft)
• Surface Area = 1 Side Face of Wall (4ft length x 10' height = 40 sf)
• Volume = Width x Height x Length (Includes all various materials)

Now let's consider how this same wall would be reported in a Component Report.

Notice, we're listing Material ID's and Material Names, which are exclusive to Component Reports.

• Wood 2x4 Component (x4 Pieces Each Stud)
  • 12 Quantity x 4' Length of Wall = 48 LF! (Should be 12 ft)
  • 12 Quantity x Surface Area = 480 SF! (This is WAY off)
• Wood 2x Framing + INS
  • Quantity 1 = Correct!
  • Surface Area = Correct!
  • Project Component Skin Area = 38.47 (Slightly Reduced as it doesn't include top and bottom plates).
• Gypsum Board
  • Quantity 2 = Correct!
  • Surface Area = 80 sf Correct!
  • Project Skin Area = 80 sf Correct!

Conclusion:

When using Complex Profiles for takeoffs, it's very important to consider both units of measurement, and how many sub-parts you want to report for quantification.

Depending on these variables, you'll either want to choose an Elemental type report, or Component type.

Be careful, that by having several small sub-parts in a profile, can create some unexpected results, much larger than anticipated. In that case, Elemental reporting is the way to go!