Revit Tip: Revit Structural Column Best Practices

Today’s tip focuses on creating and managing Structural Columns so your model stays stable, coordinated, and easy to document.

• Choose the right category from the start
  • Place columns from Structure > Column to create true Structural Columns that participate in the analytical model and structural schedules.
  • Avoid mixing Architectural and Structural column categories. If you must replace, use Select All Instances and swap to a Structural Column family of the same size; then reconcile parameters with a schedule or a quick Dynamo script.
  • Start from the Structural Column family template and use Type Catalogs for steel, concrete, and HSS sizes to keep type creation fast and consistent.
• Nail placement and constraints
  • Use “At Grids” for rapid, precise placement at grid intersections—ideal early in design and easy to realign.
  • Always host to levels with Base/Top Level and Offsets; avoid arbitrary unconnected heights.
  • Attach Top/Base to slabs/roofs where appropriate to maintain automatic updates as design evolves.
  • Enable “Moves with Grids” so columns follow grid adjustments instead of leaving coordination gaps.
  • Populate Column Location Mark and align to grids for reliable readouts in schedules and tags.
• Slanted columns (when design demands it)
  • Use the Slanted column setting and define Angle from Vertical. Confirm the analytical model is enabled and aligned to the intended support system.
  • Coordinate detailing: confirm cut graphics and tags read correctly in sections and plans at relevant detail levels.
• Analytical model and coordination
  • Turn on Enable Analytical Model and set alignment strategy (e.g., center of core) in Structural Settings for clean analysis handoff.
  • Use Copy/Monitor judiciously between architectural and structural models to track critical changes to columns and grids without creating duplicates.
  • Lock critical columns to reference planes or grids (not geometry edges) for predictable updates.
• Scheduling for QA and documentation
  • Build a Structural Column Schedule with Base/Top Level, Offsets, Type Mark, Structural Material, Column Location Mark, Phase, and Comments.
  • Add conditional formatting to flag Unconnected Height, missing levels, or zero offsets that may indicate modeling errors.
  • Use a Key Schedule for standardizing metadata (fire rating, finish, spec section) across column types.
• Graphics that read clearly
  • In the family, set “Show family pre-cut in plan views” when you need columns to display consistently regardless of view range (especially round or slanted types).
  • Leverage View Templates and detail levels for consistent poche, cut patterns, and symbolic lines across disciplines and sheets.
  • Tag by Category with shared parameters to report size, material, and location; keep tag families lightweight and legible.
• Model health and performance
  • Avoid in-place columns; prefer proper families to keep the analytical model intact and performance predictable.
  • Minimize unnecessary Join Geometry; over-joining can slow views and complicate edits.
  • Regularly purge unused types and audit warnings related to constraints or unsupported attachments.

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