Some typical applications for Wood Beam JAM9.
Always:
Use correct sizes, even if you don't know the exact spec, even if you are labeling generically. If you have a 14" joist space, all the joists and beams should be 14", even if you don't know the model number or member quantity. In the beginning I throw in a lot of '(2)14" LVLs' with the generic label "WOOD".
On generic labeling:
It is usually better for information to be missing rather than wrong. A generic label is clearly incomplete, and you know you have to fix it. A real-looking label can be wrong and you never notice because it looks real, and the framers never ask, and it gets built wrong. Moral: When laying out structure without knowing true sizes, turn "Generic Label" on.
Layers:
S Beam shows in section. S Framing does not. Both show in the framing plans.
2D-Only note:
Turn "Model" off. Use the layer S Framing.
Typical floor beams:
Simple. Flush beams will be 3/4" below the elevation of the story above. Use the layer S Beam. This layer shows in section. Displaying and labeling beams in section can greatly help understanding the framing.
Double Joists:
Turn "DBL JOIST" on. If you know the joist spec, choose it. If not, choose a joist of the proper height.
Headers for openings:
Turn "Header (Plywood)" on. Place the header, then adjust the elevation in a section window. If you are showing columns on either side of the opening, set their height by selecting them along with the header, and going to the 3D window.
Sometimes, we would like to see headers in wall sections but not 1/4" sections. To do this, turn off "Show in 1/4" Section". If a header is very large or otherwise special, show it at 1/4" and label it as you would a normal beam. If you never want to see it in section, turn "Model" off.
Collar ties:
Generally, collar ties are like joists, and we don't model them. Sometimes you have a special rafter detail or something and you want to place one or two collars. Use a custom angle greater than 90º to show the roof slope on the collar. You will need to go to section to get the length. Remember that the length always refers to the top plane. Put "Collar Tie" in Additional Text, if there's room in the plan.
Ridge Beams:
Put "Ridge" in Additional Text. Cut a section to set the beam elevation. Typically, the ridge will be a few inches below the peak to allow for venting. Use the layer S Beam. Ridges should be labeled in section.
Sloped "Beams" in general:
Keep track of which end is the top (the red line). If you stretch the top end, the vertical position will change. Be aware of it. It's often better to stretch the bottom and then drag.
Double Rafters:
Set the slope to match the roof the rafters are in. Cut a section to set the elevation. Generally, the bottom plane of the object will align with the bottom plane of the roof. The top angle should be vertical. The bottom angle should be horizontal OR vertical with a fascia cut. Turn "DBL JOIST" on.
When properly positioned, the object will tend to show through the bottom of the roof it is in. To avoid seeing the object in section, use the layer S Framing, or turn the Model parameter off.
Hips and valleys:
You don't need to model all the hips and valleys. They tend to complicate the sections more than they clarify their own placement. To avoid seeing them in section, use the layer S Framing, or turn the Model parameter off. If you do model them:
Make sure the roof joint is worked out first. Once it is, you can cut a section through it to measure the actual angle of the hip/valley. Or, place the object along the joint, then select it and one of the roofs and go to 3D. Use the editing hotspots to set the hip/valley angle. The top angle will usually be vertical. The bottom angle should be horizontal OR vertical with a fascia cut.