Chapter 2: Walls, Curtain Walls, Windows and Doors

2.1 TYPES OF WALLS

Basic Walls

Generic

A Basic Wall is a blank element with no applied materials. The default sizes available are 6, 8, and 12 inches thick. A material, pattern, texture, or color can be applied, and its depth altered. Other examples of Basic Wall are Generic Masonry, Generic Filled, Generic Brick, Brick on CMU, Brick on Metal Stud, CMU Insulated, CMU on Metal Stud, EIFS on Metal Stud, Interior Partition, Retaining wall, and GWB on Metal Stud.


Figure 2.1 Basic Wall Generic – 6”

Generic Masonry

A generic masonry wall has a solid masonry material applied to it. The default sizes are 6, 8 and 12 inches thick.


Figure 2.2 Basic Wall Generic – 6” Masonry

Generic Filled

A generic filled wall comes 8 inches thick and shows poched in section.


Figure 2.3 Basic Wall Generic – 8” – Filled

Generic Brick

A generic brick wall follows the nominal thickness of a 4-inch brick wall.


Figure 2.4 Basic Wall Generic – 4” Brick

Exterior walls

Exterior Brick on CMU

In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install brick over a structural CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) wall.


Figure 2.5 Basic Wall Exterior – Brick on CMU

Exterior Brick and CMU on MTL stud

In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install brick over a structural CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) wall.


Figure 2.6 Basic Wall Exterior – Brick on CMU on MTL. Stud

Exterior Brick on MTL. Stud

In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install brick on a structural metal stud wall.


Figure 2.7 Basic Wall Exterior – Brick on Mtl. Stud

Exterior CMU Insulated

In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install insulated CMU blocks.


Figure 2.8 Basic Wall Exterior – CMU Insulated

Exterior CMU on MTL. Stud

In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install CMU as the exterior facing with a metal stud wall on the interior.


Figure 2.9 Basic Wall Exterior – CMU on Mtl. Stud

Exterior EIFS on Mtl. Stud

In section, this wall follows the correct layering of materials required by code to install an Exterior Insulation and Finishing System on the exterior facing of a metal stud wall.


Figure 2.10 Basic Wall Exterior – EIFS on Mtl. Stud

Interior Walls

Interior Partition (1-hr)

An interior partition wall has metal studs at its core with 1 hour rated gypsum board on both facings. The default wall sizes are 3-1/8”, 4-7/8” and 5-1/2” thick.


Figure 2.11 Basic Wall Interior – 3 1/8” Partition (1-hr)

Interior Partition (2-hr)

An interior partition wall has metal studs at its core with 2 hour rated gypsum board on both facings. The default wall sizes are 5” and 6-1/8” thick.


Figure 2.12 Basic Wall Interior – 5” Partition (2-hr)

Other Walls

Retaining 12” Concrete

A retaining wall is made from concrete that is cast-in-place, on-site.


Figure 2.13 Basic Wall Retaining – 12” Concrete

Soffit ½” GWB and Metal Stud

A soffit is usually the eave overhang that connects the roof back to the exterior face of the wall. It can also be the material area underneath a balcony or other such elements.


Figure 2.14 Basic Wall Soffit – ½” GWB Metal Stud

Foundation Concrete

Foundation concrete is used underneath structural walls to create a soil retaining barrier. These elements are often referred to as footings and are always thicker than the structural wall above.


Figure 2.15 Basic Wall Foundation – 12” Concrete

Revit Curtain Walls

Curtain Wall

A glass curtain wall system is connected from the building’s floor plates typically seen on high-rise buildings. These walls do not carry any loads of floors, roofs, or structure to the ground. The Curtain Wall type in Revit is a blank glass wall with no set parameters as a base for grids and mullions to be designed.


Figure 2.16 Curtain wall in 3D view and cut in section

Exterior Glazing

Exterior Glazing has a preset grid where the parameters can be altered and designed through the Properties Palette.


Figure 2.17 Exterior Glazing in 3D view and cut in section

Storefront

A storefront system is typically installed between floor plates typically low-rise and commercial buildings. The Storefront wall option offers a ready-to-go wall with a set grid and set mullions that can be altered and designed through the Properties Palette.


Figure 2.18 Storefront in 3D view and cut in section

Stacked Wall

Exterior Brick over CMU with Metal Stud

The Revit Stacked Wall option offers a wall built from two different materials stacked one on top of the other. In this specific type the lower portion is a CMU block and the top is a Brick wall tied to a metal stud wall. These walls can be modified or designed using the Properties Palette.


Figure 2.19 Stacked Wall Exterior – Brick over CMU w Metal Stud

2.2 CREATE AND MODIFY WALLS

This Building Information Modeling book will continually build in one tutorial file through every chapter.

  1. Start a New Project and select the Architectural Template
  2. Use Figure 2.20 to add the levels  in an elevation view
  3. Use Figure 2.21 to add grid lines in the Level 1 view at  20 feet. Make sure to lock the grid lines using the pin tool


Figure 2.20 Project Levels in the East elevation


Figure 2.21 Grid Lines in the Level 1 view

Create a wall using the line tool

  1. In the Level 1 view, click to open the Architecture tab
  2. Click the Wall icon from the Ribbon, under the Build panel
  3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Generic – 12”
  4. In the Properties Palette set the following parameters
    • Location Line: Wall Centerline
    • Base Constraint: Level 1
    • Top Constraint: Up to level: Roof Level
  5. Under the Draw panel, click the Line tool
  6. Click once to begin a wall from Figure 2.22
  7. Drag the cursor and type the dimension
  8. Press Enter to complete the first wall
  9. Drag and type the dimension until all 5 walls are placed
  10. Press ESC twice to exit the command

    Figure 2.22 Generic 12” walls in plan view and 3D view

TIP

  1. The Options Bar is also used to set parameters
  2. To view the model in 3D, click the Default 3D View icon  from the Quick Access Tool Bar

Modify a wall

  1. In the Level 1 or 3D view, click to open the Architecture tab
  2. Click the wall icon
  3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Generic – 4″ Brick
  4. Click the Edit Type button
  5. Click the Duplicate button
  6. Rename the duplicate “Generic – 4” Brick w/ Reveals
  7. In the Type Properties window, next to Structures, click Edit…
  8. At the bottom of the window, click the Preview button to view the wall system
  9. Use the View drop-down menu to choose Section
  10. Click the Reveals button
  11. Click the Add button
  12. Select the Default line
  13. Navigate through the Imperial Library to find the profile
    • Profiles folder
    • Wall folder
    • Choose the Wall Sweep – Brick Soldier Couse
    • Click Open
  14. Use the drop-down to change from Default to Reveal – Brick Course: 3 Brick
  15. Click OK to close the Reveals, Edit Assembly, and Type Properties windows
  16. In the 3D view, select the buildings West wall
  17. Use the Type Selector to change the wall to CMU – Insulated
  18. Change the Top Constraint to Level 3
  19. Open the Level 3 View
  20. Click the wall icon
  21. Change the Top Constraints to Roof
  22. Draw a wall to fill in the top half of the West wall elevation
  23. Select the CMU – Insulated wall
  24. Click the Edit Profile icon
  25. Following Figure 2.23 redraw the profile of the wall
  26. Click the green checkmark to complete the modified wall
  27. With the modified CMU wall selected click the Attach Top/Base icon on the ribbon.
  28. Select the Brick wall above the CMU wall


Figure 2.23 Modified profile on CMU wall


Figure 2.24 Stacked exterior wall shown in the Level 3 plan view and in the 3D view

 

TIP

If the exterior facade is not facing outward, click the double arrows or press the Space bar to change its direction.

Create interior walls

  1. In the Level 1 view click the Architecture tab
  2. Click the Wall icon from the ribbon, under the Build panel
  3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Interior 4-7/8” Partition (1-hr)
  4. In the Properties Palette set the following parameters
    • Location Line: Wall Centerline
    • Base Constraint: Level 1
    • Top Constraint: Up to level: Level 2
  5. Under the Draw panel, click the Line tool
  6. Draw 8 enclosed rooms as shown in Figure 2.25
  7. Click the Architecture tab
  8. Click the Wall icon
  9. Use the Type Selector to choose the Interior 3-1/8” Partition (1-hr)
  10. In the Properties Palette change the following parameters
    • Top Constraint: Unconnected
    • Unconnected Height: 3’6”
  11. Refer to Figure 2.26 to draw the cubicle partition walls


Figure 2.25 Eight enclosed rooms with dimension lines


Figure 2.26 Interior walls with dimension lines

TIP

  1. The Options Bar is also used to set parameters
  2. Press the ESC key once to discontinue a wall and begin a new wall in a different location

Create curved walls

  1. In the Level 1 view, select the Wall icon from the ribbon, under the Build panel
  2. Use the Type Selector to choose the Interior 4-7/8” Partition (1-hr)
  3. In the Properties Palette set the following parameters
    • Location Line: Wall Centerline
    • Base Constraint: Level 1
    • Top Constraint: Up to level: Level 2
  4. Under the Draw panel, use the Start-End-Radius Arc tool and the line tool to draw the rooms. Refer to the dimensions in Figure 2.27
  5. Create 2 more identical rooms using the Copy and Paste icons
  6. Center each on the intersection grid lines using the Move tool


Figure 2.27 Dimensions for the room with curved walls

Add an opening

  1. In the 3D view, Click the Architecture tab
  2. On the ribbon, click the Wall icon from the Opening panel
  3. Select the wall to cut an opening in
  4. The cursor will change to a draw rectangle tool
  5. Click once to begin the opening
  6. Drag the cursor diagonally and click to place the opening
  7. Press the ESC key twice to exit the command
  8. Select the opening and use the witness lines to change the dimensions as shown in Figure 2.28.
  9. Create identical openings for the other 2 rooms


Figure 2.28 Wall Opening with witness line dimensions

Create a Curtain Wall

  1. Click the Architecture tab
  2. In the Level 2 view, click the Wall icon from the ribbon, under the Build panel
  3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Curtain Wall 1
  4. In the Properties Palette set the following parameters
    • Location Line: Wall Centerline
    • Base Constraint: Level 1
    • Top Constraint: Up to level: Level 2
  5. Under the Draw panel, choose the Line tool
  6. Draw one wall as shown in Figure 2.29
  7. Press the ESC key twice to exit the command
  8. In the 3D view, select the Curtain Grid icon from the ribbon, under the Build panel
  9. Hover the cursor over the curtain walls top edge and click to place vertical grid lines every 5 feet as shown in Figure 2.30
  10. Hover the cursor over the curtain walls side edge and click to place horizontal grid lines every 11 feet as shown in Figure 2.30


Figure 2.29 Curtain Wall 1 shown in plan view and in 3D view


Figure 2.30 Curtain Wall 1 with added grid lines

Modify a Curtain Wall

  1. Click the Architecture tab
  2. In the Level 1 view, select the Wall icon from the ribbon, under the Build panel
  3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Curtain Wall 1
  4. In the Properties Palette set the following parameters
    • Location Line: Wall Centerline
    • Base Constraint: Level 1
    • Top Constraint: Up to level: Roof Level
  5. Click the Edit Type button in the Properties Palette
  6. The Type Properties window will open, click the Duplicate button as shown in Figure 2.31
  7. Name the Duplicate My Curtain Wall
  8. Change the following parameters
    • Construction
      • Curtain Panel: System Panel: Glazed
      • Join Condition: Border and Vertical Grid Conditions
    • Vertical Grid
      • Layout: Fixed Distance
      • Spacing: 5’ 0”
    • Horizontal Grid
      • Layout: Fixed Distance
      • Spacing: 11’ 0”
    • Vertical Mullions
      • Interior Type: Rectangular Mullion: 1.5” X 2.5” rectangular
      • Border Type 1: Rectangular Mullion: 1.5” X 2.5” rectangular
    • Horizontal Mullions
      • Interior Type: Rectangular Mullion: 1.5” X 2.5” rectangular
      • Border Type 1: Rectangular Mullion: 1.5” X 2.5” rectangular
    • Click OK to accept parameters
  9. Under the Draw panel, click the Line tool
  10. Draw three walls as shown in Figure 2.32
  11. Press the ESC key twice to exit the command
  12. Select the Modify icon  on the ribbon
  13. Select the vertical corner mullion
  14. Right–click and click the Select Mullions option, then click On Gridline from the submenu
  15. On the ribbon, click the Unpin tool
  16. Use the Type Selector to change the mullion to L Corner Mullion: 5” X 5”, use Figure 2.33 for reference
  17. Repeat steps 11 through 15 for the other corner condition
  18. On the ribbon, select the Mullion icon
  19. Select the top edge of the curtain wall to add mullions to finish off the wall as shown in Figure 2.33


Figure 2.31 Curtain wall Type Parameters


Figure 2.32 My Curtain Wall in plan view and in 3D view


Figure 2.33 Modified corner mullions (left) and added top mullion (right)

 

TIP

Hover over an item and press the Tab key to cycle through the selection options

 

Embed and edit a curtain wall

  1. Change the South curtain wall type to Storefront
  2. Click the Edit Type button in the Properties Palette
  3. The Type Properties window will open, click the Duplicate button
  4. Name the Duplicate My Storefront Wall
  5. Change the following parameters
    • Vertical Grid
      • Layout: Fixed Distance
    • Horizontal Grid
      • Spacing: 11’ 0”
    • Click OK to accept the changes
  6. Hover the cursor over one of the bottom two center mullions
  7. Select the mullion and click the Unpin tool on the ribbon
  8. Press the Delete key
  9. Repeat steps 7 through 9 on the other bottom center mullion
  10. Hover the cursor over one of the center panes of glass
  11. Select the glass pane and click the Unpin tool on the ribbon
  12. In the Properties palette, click the Edit Type button
  13. The Type Properties window will open
  14. Click the Load button
  15. Open the Doors folder
  16. Select the Door-Curtain-Wall-Single-Glass
  17. Click Open
  18. Click OK
  19. Select the other center glass pane
  20. Select the glass pane and click the Unpin tool on the ribbon
  21. Use the Type Selector to change the glass pane to the Door-Curtain-Wall-Single-Glass
  22. In the Level 1 view, adjust the door swing directions as shown in Figure 2.34


Figure 2.34 Storefront doors shown in plan and in 3D view

 

TIP

  1. Hover over an item and press the Tab key to cycle through the selection options
  2. With an element selected, press the Space bar to cycle through the rotations or position options

 

 

2.3 PLACING DOORS

  1. Click the Architecture tab
  2. In the Level 1 view, click the Door icon from the ribbon, under the Build panel
  3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Single-Flush 36” X 84”
  4. Click to place doors as shown in Figure 2.35
  5. Select each door and use the witness lines to adjust the placement to 2’6” between the open door and the neighboring wall. See Figure 2.35 for reference


Figure 2.35 Placed doors in plan view and in 3D view
(One wall in the 3D view is hidden to better show the door placements)

2.4 PLACING WINDOWS

  1. Click the Architecture tab
  2. In the Level 1 view, select the Window icon from the ribbon, under the Build panel
  3. Use the Type Selector to choose the Fixed 36” X 72” window
  4. Click to place the windows as shown in Figure 2.36
  5. On the ribbon, select the Align Dimension icon
  6. Hover the cursor over the center of the window, when the centerline highlights blue, click to place a dimension line
  7. Click to add the remaining 3 windows.
  8. Drag the dimension line outside of the building
  9. Click anywhere on the dimension line to finish placing
  10. Press the ESC twice to exit the command
  11. Select the dimensions and click the  to activate equally spacing the windows
  12. Follow steps 5 through 11 for the second set of windows


Figure 2.36 Placed windows in plan view and in 3D view

 

Wall Video Tutorial 1

Wall Video Tutorial 2

Wall Video Tutorial 3

Curtain Walls, Door and Windows

License

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Building Information Modeling using Revit for Architects and Engineers Copyright © 2022 by Atefe Makhmalbaf is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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