Deciding exactly where steel columns are going to go in multi storey buildings can be a real head-ache. Here’s a very quick way to do it in 3D with SketchUp.
- Save the floorplan for each level as a single dwg file, making sure the origin (0,0) is set to the same point for each.
- Open SU and use file/import to insert each level into the drawing.
- Move each level in the blue axis to stack them at finished floor level height.
- Create a flat steel column (or use a plugin) and insert it.
- Make a component of this (edit/make component) and name it “203×203 46UB” or similar.
- Hide all floor levels exept the ground floor.
- Copy the component to all desired locations.
- Now unhide the other levels.
- Double click on the component and use push-pull to extrude it up through the levels.
- You can now see at a glance where the colums are on each level!
Now to create a link back to your 2D plans:
- Set up a section plane using tools/section plane and clicking anywhere on the base plane.
- Now select the move tool, select the section plane, and move it up along the blue axis as shown.
- Click the plan view and select camera/parallel projection
- Select view/animation/add scene
- file/export/section slice
- In the dialog box select Export type: Dwg, type in a file name and save
- Back in your CAD package, xref the column drawing onto each floor plan
- Now every time you change the SU file, just click on the Scene you created and repeat the save operation using the same file name. Your 2D CAD will then update automatically!
Now if that doesn’t save you days worth of messing around, nothing will! And who said you needed 5000 pounds for parametric 3D CAD software? 
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Corus (the steel and aluminium products manufacturer) distributed a free Autocad / Microstation / Archicad add on called “Construction Parts” providing a 3d steel section member generator from a library of standard sections and inputted parameters. A stand alone version was also included. The software was developed by Traceparts (www.traceparts.com).
I understand that such sections can be downloaded from the Traceparts website, at a cost. but I have not used that service
Hi Jim.
Yes, I have a copy of construction parts lying around somewhere. As I remember the steel generator exports a dxf view of the steel end or side on, or as an extruded 3d dxf. For ease of use within SketchUp I tend to use one of the free Ruby plugins available which you can find by searching http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf
Regards, Rob
Looking Good!
Sketchup is a tool I use alot but I admire the way you have integrated it into your 2D work. Very simple, yet very effective. Keep the great tips comin’!