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Title: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 05, 2017, 12:03:48 AM
Started to put the Wall Plugin together in earnest today.  A lot of competing interests so I'm still not sure on the date of first release yet, but at least I'm putting something together now.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/WALL_PLUGIN_ICON_FILLED.png)

For the Imperial Version the First and Second Menu Items (Ext. Wall Type) are currently:

First Menu:

1.)  Wall Mode:  Line, Polyline
2.)  Wall Type:  Exterior, Interior
3.)  Wall Justification:  Front, Center, Back
4.)  Wall Height (in.):  97
5.)  Wall Header Height (in.):  80
6.)  Stud Size:  2x2, 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, 2x12
7.)  Stud Spacing (in.):  12,16,19.2,24,32,48
8.)  Stud Direction: Left, Right
9.)  Corner Offset (in.): 0
10.)  Top Plate:  1,2,3
11.)  Top Plate Thickness (in.): 1.5
12.)  Bottom Plate:  1,2,3
13.)  Bottom Plate Thickness (in.): 1.5
14.)  Adv. Wall Options: YES,NO


Second Menu (Adv. Wall Options):

1.)  Wall Sheathing: YES,NO
2.)  Sheathing Thickness:  3/8,7/16,15/32,1/2,19/32,5/8,23/32,3/4
3.)  Wall Cladding:  YES,NO
4.)  Cladding Thickness:  3/8,7/16,15/32,1/2,19/32,5/8,23/32,3/4
5.)  Wall Gypsum:  YES,NO
6.)  Gypsum Thickness:  1/4,3/8,1/2,5/8

I will start with the (single wall) line mode first and then progress to the polyline once I have the basic system working.  Then the addition of doors and windows and advanced options which will automatically insert doors and windows into the openings.

I've been thinking about brick facade and I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to incorporate this into the plugin yet.  Typical air gap is 1":

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/truss_su206_800.jpg)

A 5.5" thick stud wall with 1/2" sheathing and a 1" air gap with 3.5" thick brick fits on a 10" stemwall with a 1/2" overhang of the brick.  Does anyone have any wall details/sections that they would like to see implemented in the plugin?

Here is the same wall but with a 4" x 6" brick ledge:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su1_800.jpg)

Notice the APA detail the brick ledge does not project below the structural sheathing, this probably makes more sense since you probably don't want the butt end of the sheathing sitting against the concrete and absorbing moisture, even though there usually will be a foam strip between the sill plate and the concrete.

(https://www.apawood.org/Data/Sites/1/documents/buildabetterhome/wall/flash-brick-ledge.jpg)

I've also seen details where the sheathing laps down over the brick ledge about a 1/2", this probably makes sense in helping to keep the bugs out but then it puts the sheathing into more direct contact with the concrete.  More discussion on this subject is warranted.  I've never actually had to provide a wall detail for brick since most of the construction locally is with hardi-plank siding so my experience with brick is theoretical at best.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 05, 2017, 01:21:11 AM
Here is the same brick wall but with the sheathing lapping the brick ledge and the foam sill strip shown:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su2_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 05, 2017, 03:37:58 PM
Faced or Unfaced?

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su3_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 06, 2017, 01:45:00 AM
The initial toolbar:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su_menu_active.jpg)

I may add a couple more icons for editing and deleting openings (windows,doors).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 06, 2017, 10:13:09 AM
This toolbar will be for light frame wood walls.  My plan is to have another toolbar (in gray steel blue color) very similar to this one for cold frame steel walls.  This will allow for the user to turn on and turn off which ever tools bars they need without having to clutter just one toolbar up with too many options that may or may not apply to that wall type.  Similarly a separate toolbar for CMU walls as I get to that. 

I'm sure there are other wall types that will come up but initially I plan on focusing on the standard wool wall and perfecting that as much as possible. 

Things will get complicated with the cladding options (ie. siding, brick facade, cultured stone, stucco and river rock) especially where they are partial wall heights and other interesting features like trim, corner treatments (Quoin), lintels, keystones and arched window and doorways.  Even the typical siding products like hardi-plank will have a number of cladding and trim options.

Here is a typical oval window that the plugin should be able to generate:

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/0c/2f/5f/0c2f5f047ff8d59c057ab43085639f48.jpg)

The there is the interior details (trim) of windows and doors that also should be provided by the plugin as an option:

(http://1bestdoor.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image_2_interior_door_trim_components_4_photos.jpg)

Most houses I've lived in had only had the GWB surrounding the windows but at the minimum the doors usually has some form of casing or surround.  Integral to this is the baseboard and the optional crown molding and wainscoting.

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/1b/5a/47/1b5a47ad8f322ec803a9278a37a349e3.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 06, 2017, 11:14:37 AM
I've thought about using the Profile Builder method of pushing assembly along a path but unfortunately that only works well up to a point. When you start throwing complex openings into the mix things become much more complicated. This plugin may shape up to be even more challenging than the Truss Plugin, I guess will see how far I can take it.

As part of the door openings module there will also be interior vs. exterior as well as garage door openings. The framing aspect of the plugin should also be able to create portal frames with solid sawn and glulam headers.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 11, 2017, 11:53:26 PM
Lightweight version of a Simpson Strong-Tie HDU8 Holdown.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/ce77385b-5873-48b1-ba1a-a37c2ac58294/HDU8

Its about 1/10th the weight of the official holdown in the 3D Warehouse and 118 polygons vs. 3,109 polygons. 

I will plan on using these lightweight versions in the upcoming wall and structural plugin.

If you overlay the simplified version on top of the official version you will see how closely they match up.  The critical dimensions are primarily accounted for.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 06, 2017, 11:45:18 PM
I've slowly been formulating my plan of attack for this plugin.  Rather than jump right into it as I did with the truss plugin I've decided to take a step back and fully explore all the suggestions I have received.

I'm firmly convinced that I need to start with a 2D layout tool first that allows one to layout the floor plan (location of walls, door and windows) before I extrude/generate it into its final 3D shape.

One will be able to add, modify and delete doors and windows in each wall segment. 

Essentially each wall segment will have its own database associated with it that stores all of the wall properties as well as all of the opening properties.

I've been putting together the algorithms for the studs and for adding in openings.  Corner treatment is of importance to me and making sure that the studs are framed properly (as one would build it) is also of prime importance.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 10, 2017, 03:33:57 PM
Each wall segment (Ext/Int wall) will have two ends or corners.  The possible configurations for the wall ends/corners will be:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/framing/WALL_PLUGIN1.jpg)

The ability to easily switch from 1A to 1B or 2A to 2B should be integrated into the plugin, at least from a framing standpoint.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 10, 2017, 05:38:00 PM
My idea is to have a specific layer which the layout tool places all of its 2D layout geometry, something like the image shown below:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su5_800.jpg)

It will probably take a while to fine tune the layout tool so that it is robust and has enough flexibility to handle 99% of most wall framing situations.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/2acdeae0-8358-47c5-9b9b-c45a3a0460ba/Wall-Plugin-Layout-Prototype

My idea is color code openings (windows, doors, garage doors) for easy identification.  The same holds true for wall types (Ext./Int., Int./Int.).  With the walls I am thinking about providing a 1 inch strip on the exterior and interior to indicate the "normal vector" of the wall and provide a visual representation for the sheathing and gypsum.

When using the door or window tool to insert a new opening if you key in a dimension it will place the opening that dimension from the start point of the wall (the wall segment currently hovering over), hopefully speeding up the process of adding openings.

I would also like to provide dimensions from the "start point" of the wall to any openings which update dynamically when the opening is moved by the user.

Inside each opening I would like to indicate the opening size and door or window type (ie. 4050XO, 2020PIC, 3068, etc...) but I don't see an easy way to insert simple text into the model.

Once you have the floor plan put together with the layout tool, you simply hit the "Generate" icon and the plugin will then automatically generate all of the walls (framing, openings, insulation, sheathing, siding, gypsum, baseboard and moulding) and optionally insert doors and windows into all of the openings. 

As the plugin matures, the plan is to provide more options for window and door options (mullions, wood vs. vinyl, dynamic components etc...) as well as increased options for wall cladding (siding, brick, cultured stone, stucco , wainscoting, pre-cast concrete accents, quoins, etc...)

Perhaps my vision is too ambitious?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 17, 2018, 12:53:35 PM
I've been thinking about the First and Second Menu and here is my latest revision:

First Menu:

1.)  Wall Mode:  Line, Polyline
2.)  Wall Type:  Exterior, Interior
3.)  Wall Justification:  Front, Center, Back
4.)  Wall Height (in.):  97
5.)  Wall Header Height (in.):  80
6.)  Stud Size:  2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, 2x12, CUSTOM
7.)  Stud Spacing (in.):  12,16,19.2,24,32,48, CUSTOM
8.)  Stud Direction: Left, Right
9.)  Start Corner:  End, Outside Corner, Inset Outside Corner, Inside Corner, Inset Inside Corner
10.) End Corner:  End, Outside Corner, Inset Outside Corner, Inside Corner, Inset Inside Corner
11.)  Top Plate:  1,2,3
12.)  Top Plate Thickness (in.): 1.5
13.)  Bottom Plate:  1,2,3
14.)  Bottom Plate Thickness (in.): 1.5
15.)  Adv. Wall Options: YES,NO


Second Menu (Adv. Wall Options):

1.)  Wall Sheathing: YES,NO
2.)  Sheathing Thickness:  3/8,7/16,15/32,1/2,19/32,5/8,23/32,3/4
3.)  Wall Cladding:  YES,NO
4.)  Cladding Thickness:  3/8,7/16,15/32,1/2,19/32,5/8,23/32,3/4
5.)  Wall Gypsum:  YES,NO
6.)  Gypsum Thickness:  1/4,3/8,1/2,5/8
7.)  Wall Insulation: YES,NO
8.)  Insulation Type:  PINK FIBERGLASS, YELLOW FIBERGLASS, BLOWN FIBERGLASS, ROCKWOOL, CELLULOSE
9.)  Corner Framing:  California, 3 Stud, 2 Stud etc...
10.) Holdowns: YES.NO

Note that I have eliminated the Corner offset.  The amount of offset will be driven by the stud depth, however in the actual wall library (store parameters) I will include the offset for both start and end so that they can be edited independently.  Right from the get go I will set this up so that one can right click on the wall panel and instantly edit any of these settings as well as add or remove window and door openings.

I'm also going to add in a holdowns advanced option which will then trigger a sub-menu which will allow one to place holdowns at each end of the wall segment.

The holdowns sub-menu (subject to change) will include the following paramters:

HOLDOWNS MENU:

1.)  Holdown Type: DTT2Z, HDU2, HDU4, HDU5, STHD14, STHD14RJ, etc... (also straps ie. MSTC)
2.)  Holdown Vertical Offset (in.): 0 (this allows the ability to fine tune the placement)
3.)  Holdown Anchor Bolt: None, SB58-24, SB78-24, SB1-30, SSTB16, SSTB20, SSTB24, SSTB28, SSTB34, SSTB36, THD Rod, SB + THD Rod, SSTB + THD Rod  (this parameter will be applied only if holdown type requires an anchor bolt)
4.)  THD Rod Length (in.):  24  (this parameter applied only if an option with THD Rod is selected
5.)  Holdown Placement:  Start, End, Both
6.)  Holdown Strap Placement:  Framing, Sheathing

The anchor bolt options that include a threaded rod with the anchor bolt will also include the appropriate coupler nut based on the size of the anchor bolt chosen:  CNW58, CNW78, CNW1

Additionally the threaded rod diameter will be based on the holdown chosen.

As you can see there is going to be a considerable amount of logic that determines the sizing of these components.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 30, 2018, 08:04:30 AM
Working in earnest on this plugin now.  I've also decided to create a system where walls can be grouped.  So that if you alter the height of one wall segment it will automatically adjust the height of the other wall segments within that group.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 03, 2018, 11:49:13 PM
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/128644708/medeek-wall-plugin/
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 04, 2018, 12:11:02 PM
I've added a few FAQs here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/128644708/medeek-wall-plugin/faqs#project-faqs
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 05, 2018, 12:11:26 PM
The default layers for the plugin will be the following:

**WALL LAYERS:**
wall_frame
wall_sheath
wall_clad
wall_trim
wall_gypsum
wall_insul

**MISC LAYERS**
wall_hardware  (straps and holdowns)

If one want more granular control over the wall framing layers then the option will exist in the global settings to enable "advanced wall framing layers":

**ADV. WALL FRAMING LAYERS** (ON/OFF)
wall_header
wall_plate
wall_beam
wall_column
wall_king
wall_trimmer

I'm sure there will be other layers that will need to be added but these are the ones I've come up with for now.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 06, 2018, 12:02:42 AM
Global settings:: Layer Tab:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su6_800.jpg)

The Kickstarter campaign has met its goal of $2,500.00.  I will be working on the wall plugin full time for the next month or two, until I have released the first public release of this new plugin. 

I would like to thank all who have pledged and supported the campaign and also those who may yet support the campaign. 

I am making solid progress on the Wall Plugin.  All of the framework is now in place and the backend progamming (shopping cart, database, icons, images etc...) is now also complete.

My ETA for the plugin is mid June but I think I will probably beat that self imposed deadline if I can keep at it full time like I have the last few days.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 06, 2018, 11:15:46 PM
The first menu for the rectangular wall tool:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su7_800.jpg)

I've modifed the wall type parameter to include the following (3) options:

Int-Int
Int-Ext
Ext-Ext

I am still thinking about how best to accommodate custom stud sizes.  I may make it possible to enter in custom sizes in the global settings so they can be permanently stored.  I prefer that the wall dialogues simply show a stud size rather than breaking it down into depth and width, but ultimately those two dimensions are what is being controlled here.

Working on the positioning tool portion, I will borrow from the timber truss module of the truss plugin to accelerate this coding task.  Also working on the advanced wall options and its menus etc...

Please let me know if you see something important that I am missing or if something can be made better.  I am always open to suggestion.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 07, 2018, 12:21:14 PM
In the global settings you can enable a 3D preview:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su8_800.jpg)

The 2D preview is default, which just shows the footprint of the wall.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 07, 2018, 01:03:14 PM
Within the global settings and also when you edit a wall you will be able to modify the corner treatment at the start and end of each wall segment, the parameters being:

Corner Stud Qty: 1,2,3,4
Corner Stud Thk. (in.):  1.5 (default), can be user defined to any value
Corner Treatment:  California, None, etc...
Corner Angle (deg.):  90, can be user defined, 0 < x < 180
Corner Configuration:  End, Outside Corner etc...
Corner Offset (in.):  Stud Depth or numeric value (ie. 3.5, 5.5 7.25 etc...)

This will allow the user to utilize any combination of studs or timbers at each corner (ie. a 6x6 post) for a wall segment needing some serious shearwall action.

When you create a wall these three parameters will not be shown and will pass through from the global settings.  If a wall needs to be modified then a simple right click and "edit wall assembly" will allow for changing up these settings for either end of the wall segment independently.

If holdowns are enabled then the placement of the holdowns (ie. HDU series) will be modified appropriately to rest against the innermost corner stud surface.

In addition to framed openings (ie. windows and doors) there may also be other misc. items associated with a wall segment:

- Wall Columns
- Beam Pockets
- Additional holdowns/straps for shearwall segments within a given wall
- Additional framing where a wall meets another wall mid-length (T intersection).

I will give these items some more thought as the development progresses and determine the best way to add these items into the UI. 

As I imagined the complexity that can occur when framing a structure only gets more interesting the farther down the rabbit hole I go.

P.S. The numbers of parameters just grew from four to six, this now addresses non-orthogonal walls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 08, 2018, 07:45:56 PM
Global Settings:: Wall Corners:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su9_800.jpg)

Within this tab the user can set the defaults for the wall corners.

These same settings can also be set for each wall segment with the "edit wall" tool.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 09, 2018, 10:07:40 PM
I am now testing the stud placement and top and bottom plates:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su10_800.jpg)

So far only the line tool is available but seems to work fairly robustly now.

Please download and comment on the model below:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/a3100fa6-7f73-48be-9c52-92c903c5b29f/Framing-Test-1

There are a few minor issues that need further attention:

1.)  How to position studs with non-orthogonal walls, I could use some direction on this.
2.)  I have California Corners enabled for outside corner and inside corners, what do you do when there is a clash between the nailer and the regular stud layout, see model for examples.
3.)  When there is more than one top plate (2,3 etc...) I have them setup to lap each other.  However multiple bottom plates do not lap, they are currently setup just to stack.

The items for tomorrow's programming todo list are:

- Setup the HTML form and backend for the wall edit feature.
- Finish cleaning up the global settings, HTML and backend.
- Further debugging and refinement of the stud placement module.

Future items:

- Addition of window and door modules (framed openings)
- Advanced wall options (sheathing, cladding, gypsum, insulation, trim, holdowns etc...)
- Window and Door Plugin
- Gable Wall Tool
- Polyline tool for Rectangular Wall Tool

I'm sure there are plenty of other items that don't come to mind right this minute, please feel free to pass along any thoughts, comments or suggestions.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 10, 2018, 06:51:55 PM
Working on the advanced options this morning, I've added in sheathing, cladding and gypsum:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su11_800.jpg)

As windows and doors are added to the wall they will automatically cut holes into the framing and these three other building layers.  The code to cut holes in solids is actually not to difficult, I developed it with the foundation plugin when I needed to add foundation vents into stemwalls.

I will probably put the cavity insulation and the holdowns on the backburner for a a while as I focus on the wall edit function and the window and door (framed opening) module.

I've also added one additional (Tee Corner) corner configuration for each end of the wall.

I will also be adding in two additional parameters so when you edit a given wall panel you can offset the sheathing and cladding above or below the actual wall panel to tie into a rim joist above or below.  Some contractors also like to lap the sheathing and cladding over the foundation rather than having it flush with the sill/bottom plate. 

On a similar note it might also be useful to allow the user to set the bottom plate as pressure treated (ie. garages where the wall is directly in contact with the foundation).  I'm not sure yet where I want to put this parameter.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 10, 2018, 10:27:36 PM
PT bottom plate option added into the first menu.

The little structure below is not much to look at (no windows or doors yet) but it is the first time I've been able to create an entire building envelope with absolutely no manual editing of the SketchUp model.  This in itself is a major break through for me.  I used all three plugins to create the model: Foundation, Truss and Wall.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su12_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su13_800.jpg)

All principal architectural elements are there: sheathing, cladding, gypsum, anchor bolts, rebar, concrete, roof cladding, gutters etc...

The only items missing are exterior and interior trim/molding and of course the windows and doors.

My next push will be the windows and door module.

The time required to create the walls was under a minute however once I have the polyline tool enabled this will cut down the initial wall creation time to literally seconds.

Insertion of doors and windows will always take a bit longer primarily because the designer actually needs to determine where they want to place their openings.  There is not much one can do about that other than to make the actual placement/insertion process as intuitive and automated as possible.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 12, 2018, 02:05:02 AM
The wall edit feature is now functional and seems to be fairly robust:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su14_800.jpg)

The wall edit menu shown above.

Originally I was going to have all the windows and doors load up within this same menu but given how big it has grown already I think a separate edit menu for door and windows would be more practical.

I will also need to add in some additional code so that when certain parameters are modified in the wall edit menu those changes are then propagated to other wall panels that are assigned to the same wall group letter.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on April 12, 2018, 07:12:24 AM
Things to think about, header sizing, maybe open a table unless it can look up and see the loads above, number of jacks. a reminder to look at the floor under point loads from big opening jacks.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 12, 2018, 05:15:30 PM
I've added mid-span blocking into the advanced options:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su15_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/d31237b7-407c-4b34-8e9a-56842015cf31/Framing-Test-3

This option will probably need additional parameters (mid-span, 8' on center, 4' on center) to make it really useful but at least it is a placeholder for now.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 12, 2018, 05:17:14 PM
Quote from: Don_P on April 12, 2018, 07:12:24 AM
Things to think about, header sizing, maybe open a table unless it can look up and see the loads above, number of jacks. a reminder to look at the floor under point loads from big opening jacks.

Currently the wall plugin has no engineering associated with it but if I can gain enough traction hopefully I am able to add quite a bit into the plugin, that would be really exciting.  Imagine if you could model up a house and have the program check all of the headers, joists, rafters, beams and columns automatically for you.  That is my goal...
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 12, 2018, 11:07:53 PM
The cavity insulation option in the advanced options will fill in the wall cavities with insulation:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su16_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su17_800.jpg)

This feature will only get more interesting as windows and doors are added.

I supposed there will be some utility to this option for some since it will allow the designer/contractor to calculate the volume of insulation needed with fairly decent accuracy.

I could use some better textures for my insulation, the ones shown are pink and yellow fiberglass, rockwool and cellulose.  I also have a blown fiberglass (white) not shown.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/623ec332-e924-44bc-86fb-c78c7ac3f70f/Framing-Test-4-Cavity-Insulation

I've now started wading into the window and door module, this may take me a 2-3 days to sort out since it is fairly complicated.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on April 13, 2018, 06:14:06 AM
Another one, a row of blocking is often centered at 8' above the sill bottom for sheathing edge run up from the bottom, I usually turn that blocking flatways.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 13, 2018, 02:14:27 PM
The global settings will have two parameters:

Blocking Height:  Center or some numeric value
Stagger Blocking:  Yes / No

Once you create the walls you can also change these two parameters up for each wall panel:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su18_800.jpg)

See model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/aa4e6325-0411-4c73-8f38-556953db8435/Framing-Test-5
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 13, 2018, 05:49:22 PM
Since the model can get quite heavy with all of the studs, blocking, insulation and other geometry I've decided to add one additional option to the basic parameters called "Wall Framing".  By turning this option to "NO" the walls are drawn with all of the internal geometry removed (ie. plates, studs, headers, kings, trimmers, insulation, holdowns etc...)

However, you can still use the advanced wall options and display sheathing, cladding and gypsum:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su19_800.jpg)

The model is now quite boring but is significantly more lightweight and will lend itself to quick edits by the designer.  Walls and Doors can be inserted and all of the internal framing can be turned on at any time within the wall edit menu.

See model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/e1d92198-f073-4eca-b5e5-d87f7d10aafe/Framing-Test-6

The wall framing parameter will also be available within the global settings so that its default behavior can be set.

Notice how certain parameters are grayed out in the wall edit menu when wall framing is turned off, this is by design.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 15, 2018, 02:25:00 AM
I'm still recovering from a cold/flu bug so I apologize for my coughing during the video:

https://youtu.be/Ncs1-m2yymU
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 15, 2018, 12:07:46 PM
I like the whole idea of the model changing hands from the designer to the engineer and then finally to the contractor or builder.

Initially the designer would use first the 2D mode to work on overall space layout and then bring it up into the no-framing option to consider all of the architectural elements (ie. trim, windows, doors, siding/cladding etc...)  I agree that most architects are generally not overly concerned with stud layouts, holdowns and all of the nuts and bolts that go into a design.  They are the big picture guys who are responsible for selling the design, look and feel, and functionality to the customer.

From there the engineer can look into the insertion of additional wall columns and also review the headers, beams, king and trimmer qty. etc... and stud layouts.  At this stage something might jump out at him, for example he may determine that a triple top plate is required because of a large truss span, or 2x8 wall studs are required due to the wind loads or wall height or both.  The engineer would want to have the full 3D model with framing enabled.  He is the nuts and bolts guy when it comes to safety and structural issues. 

This is sometime where the engineer and architect clash.  I've actually had to delete windows out of a design for lateral strength (steel moment frames were too expensive) much to the chagrin of the designer of that job but sometimes practicality overrides ambition and creativity.

The engineer can also enable holdowns/straps (with anchor bolts, threaded rods, coupler nuts) for specified wall panels.  He will probably turn off the layers that deal with the look and feel of the building, ie. gypsum, cladding, windows, doors, trim etc...

Then the model gets passed to the contractor who then has the full details of literally every component including the nailing information for every wall panel (that is my goal).

He can quickly pull dimensions or other information from the model as needed and also be able to see exactly what was intended by the designer and engineer.

With the new layout API I am also planning on setting up some automation for wall plan generation and wall framing elevations/details.  I haven't fully defined what the end product will be in this regard but I think some production drawing automation may be useful, especially for prefab wall panel designers/companies.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on April 16, 2018, 06:45:26 AM
Quite often those roles are handled by one or two people. It is fairly uncommon to have an RDP involved here on something prescriptive. That's where I've been hinting at background engineering or popup prescriptive tables, dunno. Initially many people think if they can draw it, it is buildable.
Another thought, especially for owner builders is to use the scenes function to show an animation of the construction, in timberframe terms, the raising script.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 16, 2018, 03:15:03 PM
Quote from: Don_P on April 16, 2018, 06:45:26 AM
Quite often those roles are handled by one or two people. It is fairly uncommon to have an RDP involved here on something prescriptive. That's where I've been hinting at background engineering or popup prescriptive tables, dunno. Initially many people think if they can draw it, it is buildable.
Another thought, especially for owner builders is to use the scenes function to show an animation of the construction, in timberframe terms, the raising script.

I haven't even got to really considering the engineering piece yet but I think it shouldn't be too hard to make it intuitive enough that even the lowest common denominator can work with it.  I think the big thing is to try and automate all of the engineering as much as possible, the less room or possibility of user error. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 16, 2018, 05:25:20 PM
A quick preview of the Window Tool (locating only):

https://youtu.be/OvigZPIR6GQ
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 19, 2018, 02:55:04 AM
Exterior trim can get very elaborate based on some work I've seen and also some recent renderings sent me of some exceptional architectural work.

That being said I'm wanting to start off simple with the exterior trim and then as things progress keep adding more options and layers of complexity as required.

For doors and windows I've come up with the following basic trim parameters based on my own observations and also suggestions from you, please review and comment:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su21_800.jpg)

I typically don't see any sill trim at the bottom of doors, but that may be an option if necessary.

I am planning on placing the trim flush to the framed opening unless someone thinks I should add an additional parameter for a reveal.

I like the idea of having the header, jamb and sill all independent widths for total flexibility.  Each of these 11 parameters can be set to a default value in the global settings, but adjusted for each door or window.

As for color (material) and layers, those both can be set in the global settings as well.  The layer cannot be adjusted in either the wall or opening edit menus however the material will be allowed to be adjusted in the window or door edit menus.

If the cladding or sheathing is not enabled for a wall then the trim will not be drawn, however the parameters will be stored in the library for that opening if they are entered (ie. trim enabled).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on April 19, 2018, 07:01:48 AM
To get the actual placement of trim correct, or fairly close to correct, it will overlap into the rough opening ~1/2" to ~1-1/4" depending on fenestration materials and RO's. On the window what you drew works for a clad which is most anymore but a wood has a sill nosing that the casings land on and the greater overlap of trim over the RO. I guess doors are more apt to have that issue between clad and wood jambs. Maybe grab a few details from some of the mfr's literature to see the relation of trim edge to RO. This will be very difficult to actually get correct across a broad sampling... before you even get to all the possible styles. Your probably just going to be able to get to the broad generalization level then let the designer switch that off and take over manually if they need finer detail.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 19, 2018, 02:52:07 PM
I've been looking at some screen shots from Chief Architect and giving some thought to framed opening headers and their trimmers.

Beyond the myriad of options I am already providing for window and door headers I may need to extend the list to a few others.

The current list is:

4X4
4X6
4X8
4X10
4X12
6X4
6X6
6X8
6X10
6X12
(2) 2X4
(2) 2X6
(2) 2X8
(2) 2X10
(2) 2X12
(3) 2X8
(3) 2X10
(3) 2X12
1-3/4X7-1/4 LSL
1-3/4X9-1/4 LSL
(2) 1-3/4X7-1/4 LSL
(2) 1-3/4X9-1/4 LSL

For larger doors (garage doors) glulams are fairly typical in my neck of the woods.  If the designer selects  glulam an additional menu will pop up that allow for the selection of the exact glulam size.  I've already implemented a similar feature in the Truss Plugin for glulam rafter roofs. 

I think it might also be interesting to provide an auto calculate feature based on the width of the framed opening:

- AUTO GLULAM
- AUTO 2X
- AUTO 4X
- AUTO 6X
- AUTO LSL

This is not an exact engineering solution since we don't know the loads on the header but it could at least get it ball park.  Future releases of the plugin will have more engineering capabilities added so that one can actually run the actual numbers on a header (I'm think Forte type software here, one that I commonly use in my own practice).

Along the same lines another parameter should be added into the global settings to allows for auto-calculation of the door/window trimmer qty., again this would be based off of the width of the framed opening and also factor in whether the wall is an interior or exterior wall.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 22, 2018, 12:42:13 AM
Another preview showing the insertion of windows and some other features:

https://youtu.be/ylNClKFbPc0


View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/94348525-12c4-4570-b34e-34acca04d6c8/Framing-Test-8-Window-Openings

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su22_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 22, 2018, 12:36:45 PM
I'm only about 2-1/2 weeks into the actual development of this plugin so realize that I've only just scratched the surface.  With the latest preview video I am getting a lot of questions about other wall systems.  Initially I will release the plugin with the conventional light wood framing but subsequent developments will also look at steel framing, CMU, brick and other more exotic methods as the demand arises.

The framing option will currently be:

- Yes/No/2D

This will probably be expanded to (or some other variation):

- Lumber/Steel/CMU/None/2D/etc...

I still have a lot of work to do before I can release this even to the beta testers.

The current pre-release "todo" list is:

1.) Wall and Window edit, move and delete functions/Tools.
2.) Global Setting tabs for Window and Door settings.
3.) Rudimentary Door and Window plugin that integrates with this plugin tightly.
4.) Wall Move and Split Tool.
5.) Add air gap parameter for the cladding (ie. brick fascia).
6.) Auto corner configuration
7.) Polyline Wall Tool and Face Wall Tool (right now all you can do is create a single segment at a time).
8.) Final clean and addition of any additional parameters to the Global Settings.
9.) Further refinements to the Add Window and Add Door Tools.
10.) Gable/Shed Wall Tool.
11.) Add glulam beams to Window and Door header options.
12.) Update Wall Plugin web page.

I'm sure there are other items that are probably missing from this list but those seem to be the major items right now.

I probably should have just left them but the blocking and insulation algorithms were complex and so it took me a couple of days to figure them out and then commit them to code.  At one point I just had to start over since my initial algorithm was too inefficient and the code quickly got out of control and became an ugly bowl of spaghetti for lack of a better word.

Please keep sending me your suggestions, they do not get lost.  I am compiling another post-release "todo" list where all of these other items will be considered and hopefully the majority implemented.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 22, 2018, 03:36:19 PM
An additional parameter for cladding will added to the advanced wall options:

Cladding Corners:  Flush/Lap/Miter

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su23_800.jpg)

This parameter becomes important for certain cladding such as brick facade where the cladding thickness is significant and no corner trim will be present to cover up the corners.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su24_800.jpg)

Another parameter that should also be added is an air gap, I am showing a 1" air gap between the brick cladding and sheathing in the image above.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 23, 2018, 11:19:42 AM
I've added in the air gap and corner parameter:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su25_800.jpg)

I then put a wall on top of floor and stemwall foundation:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su26_800.jpg)

The one thing that immediately jumps out at me is that the vertical offset parameter for the sheathing and cladding probably needs to be divided into two parameters so that the offset can be set separately for both sheathing and cladding.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 23, 2018, 03:28:33 PM
I've separated the cladding and sheathing vertical offsets (top and bottom) into separate parameters so you can now offset each independently of each other:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su27_800.jpg)

Notice the two value in the edit wall menu for the offsets.  This should allow for maximum flexibility, however the addition of more parameters might make the entire interface more overwhelming to some.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 23, 2018, 08:02:24 PM
This evening I'm going to take a break from windows and doors and switch gears to the wall corner trim. 

The wall corner trim (outside and inside corners) will be configured within the wall edit menu.

The door and window trim will be configured independently for each framed opening and edited within the door or  window edit menu.

With trim in general I am trying to decide whether the trim should sit on top of the cladding or sit on top of the sheathing, or possibly a parameter that determines this location:  ON SHEATHING/ON CLADDING

My initial list of parameters for the wall (corner) trim is looking like:

Trim Location:  ON SHEATHING/ON CLADDING
Trim Thickness (in.): (defaults to 0.75 inches)
Outside Corner Trim:  YES/NO
Outside Corner Trim Width (in.): (defaults to 3.5 inches)
Inside Corner Trim:  YES/NO
Inside Corner Trim Width (in.): (defaults to 3.5 inches)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 24, 2018, 10:39:42 PM
I've got the corner trim working reasonably well now:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su28_800.jpg)

It can also handle non-orthogonal corners.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 25, 2018, 09:57:45 PM
The corner trim options within the Wall Edit Menu:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su29_800.jpg)

Then later today, a Style A (left wall) and Style B (right wall) window trim:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su30_800.jpg)

Style A is per the previous drawing I posted on the board.  Style B is where the sill trim extends past the jamb trim(s).  Note, that the thickness of the header, jambs and sill can all be independently set.  At some point I would like to set it up so that users can save specific configurations

I'm now looking at the interior casing for the windows and also at the baseboard and crown molding trim.  I'm not sure how elaborate I am going to get with this with the first go around, this may have to come later after the initial release.  I'm trying not to get bogged down in the minutiae but as I've come to realize there are a lot of details when it comes to a full architectural design.

I'm also starting to think about the Windows and Doors.  The doors (man doors) are fairly straightforward in my mind, use a typical pre-hung door, I've got some details that should guide me fairly well in that regard.  Windows on the other hand are a real mixed bag, there are vinyl windows with the nailing flanges (the type I'm most familiar with) and then there are the much more expensive types.  Any particular styles, brands or suggestions would be helpful.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 26, 2018, 12:19:52 AM
Here is my draft for Window Casing (Style A):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su31_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/ee5d51af-dc92-4a66-bb0f-4f1fdda56ebb/Window-Casing-Style-A-Medeek-Wall-Plugin

The parameters will probably be:

Head Casing Width:  5.5"
Side Casing Width:  3.5"
Apron Width:  2.5"
Jamb Ext. Depth: 2.5"
Casing Thickness:  0.75"
Stool Thickness:  1.0"
Apron Thickness:  0.75"
Jamb Ext. Thickness:  0.75"
Header Extension:  0.0"
Stool Extension:  1.0"
Apron Extension:  0.5"
Stool Projection:  1.25"
Casing Reveal:  0.25"
Shim Gap:  0.25"

The values given are the default values and coincide with the model given above.

Some details show shims between the framing and the jamb extensions, others do not:

(http://www.pano1544.com/photo/stonehavenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/woodwindowsectiondwg.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on April 26, 2018, 06:53:44 AM
Not sure how far off into left field you want to go but this one from yesterday, 3/4" thick wainscot below and 1/2" sheetrock above with chair rail. Windows and doors crossing through that step in the wall plane. A couple of solutions are an extension strip on the backside of the trim at the sheetrock plane, or a backband trim wrapping the casing making it a 2 piece casing that is then ripped a bit to fit the wainscot. The backband thickness allows the chair rail to end more cleanly. When I make trim onsite I like to make casings a bit thicker than baseboards for the same reason, always trying to create reveals rather than trying to match planes.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 26, 2018, 09:47:17 PM
Quote from: Don_P on April 26, 2018, 06:53:44 AM
Not sure how far off into left field you want to go but this one from yesterday, 3/4" thick wainscot below and 1/2" sheetrock above with chair rail. Windows and doors crossing through that step in the wall plane. A couple of solutions are an extension strip on the backside of the trim at the sheetrock plane, or a backband trim wrapping the casing making it a 2 piece casing that is then ripped a bit to fit the wainscot. The backband thickness allows the chair rail to end more cleanly. When I make trim onsite I like to make casings a bit thicker than baseboards for the same reason, always trying to create reveals rather than trying to match planes.

I'm following what your saying I think but a picture would be worth a thousand words here.  I can see how multiple wall planes can turn a simple casing into something considerably more complex, yikes.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 26, 2018, 09:48:02 PM
Here is a quick preview of the Window Trim and Interior Casing:

https://youtu.be/jUzp6n7YWGc

In this video I'm only showing Style A of the interior casing, I will finish up Style B later tonight.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/cda13921-ecfc-4cb2-9e54-24ce1b8cf1b0/Framing-Test-9-Window-Trim-and-Interior-Casing (https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/cda13921-ecfc-4cb2-9e54-24ce1b8cf1b0/Framing-Test-9-Window-Trim-and-Interior-Casing)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su32_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 27, 2018, 10:55:10 AM
Window Casing Options:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su34_800.jpg)

From right to left:

- No Casing
- Style A:  Full Casing
- Style B:  Stool and Apron with Gypsum jamb and header extensions
- Style C:  Full Gypsum jamb, sill and header extensions
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 28, 2018, 12:41:06 AM
I've decided I'm not going to attempt a full blown window and door plugin just yet since the Wall Plugin has become a larger project than I anticipated.  However, for the time being I will provide a rudimentary (fully integrated) window and door feature which I have been testing out today, see images below. 

The jamb extensions are automatically calculated so that they close the gap to the window and finish out the window well as shown:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su35_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su36_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su37_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su38_800.jpg)

Currently I have the Picture, Slider and Single Hung window types enabled.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/16107255-6f30-45ec-91b4-2e7985714051/Framing-Test-11-Window-Types
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 28, 2018, 03:47:07 PM
Muttons or grilles are now enabled for picture, slider and single hung.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su41_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su42_800.jpg)

P.S. Oops, I meant to say muntins / mullions.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: MountainDon on April 28, 2018, 05:52:32 PM
Muntin?    ;)  I have grilled mutton in the form of lamb chops or marinated shish kabobs.  ;D
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on April 29, 2018, 08:11:05 AM
Yup muntins between panes, mullions between windows, but an astragal between doors in a pair, mint jelly makes the windows stick  :)
Sill and stool are also often mixed, the stool which is on top of the apron inside is what many folks call the sill.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 30, 2018, 11:29:54 AM
This weekend I needed a little break from the programming to re-constitute the "todo" list and to give windows and doors some more thought, and to generally catch a breather.

Even though I don't want to get into a full fledged window/door plugin at this moment as I try to focus solely on the wall plugin I also realize that without a tightly integrated solution the wall plugin is severely handicapped and in my opinion utterly useless.  The designer needs to be able to completely edit the model within the capabilities of the plugin otherwise modifications to walls and opening locations will create additional (manual) work and thereby defeats the purpose of the plugin.

As such I've spent some additional hours Sunday afternoon completing the trim, casing and windows for both the Rectangular (Picture, Slider, Single Hung) and the Half Round (Picture, Slider, Single Hung).  There are a vast amount of window types with multiple permutations.  The work to include the majority of these will need to be followed up in the coming months.  For now though, I hope these two window types will be enough to get the plugin off of the ground and make it somewhat functional.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su43_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su44_800.jpg)

View Framing Test 12 Model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/260cc208-e1c1-44bd-9173-8244eacd99d4/Framing-Test-12 (https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/260cc208-e1c1-44bd-9173-8244eacd99d4/Framing-Test-12)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 30, 2018, 11:38:42 AM
Quote from: Don_P on April 29, 2018, 08:11:05 AM
Yup muntins between panes, mullions between windows, but an astragal between doors in a pair, mint jelly makes the windows stick  :)
Sill and stool are also often mixed, the stool which is on top of the apron inside is what many folks call the sill.

I think I have my terminology incorrect.  I've noticed though that a number of sources call them mullions as well but I think they also have their terminology incorrect.

Pella and Jeld-Wen calls them grilles. Milgard calls them grids.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 30, 2018, 06:11:24 PM
The Medeek Wall and Medeek Wall Tools:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su45_800.jpg)

The tools toolbar has the following functions from left to right:

- Move Opening (Window or Door)
- Edit Opening (Window or Door)
- Delete Opening (Window or Door)
- Move Wall
- Edit Wall
- Split Wall
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 02, 2018, 08:11:31 PM
Doors are coming along, just need to add the exterior trim and the interior casing, then on to bigger and better things.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su47_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su48_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su49_800.jpg)

View updated model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/260cc208-e1c1-44bd-9173-8244eacd99d4/Framing-Test-12

Doors are interesting since there are really two types, man doors and garage doors (on a typical residential structure).  When the user goes to create a new door, there is a flag which can be flipped that takes one to the garage door modules versus the man door modules. 

Most garage doors are trimmed out different than man doors and also generally do not have interior casing, also the actual doors are a completely different animal than your typical man door.  As such they require their own separate module. 

For the man door module I am starting with a basic solid door and a half glass or half lite window as shown, later I will add additional door types, the list is extensive.

I've also set it up so that the user can upload their own door hardware (door knobs) into the component sub-folder of the plugin, this allow for the user to completely customize their inventory of door knobs and levers.  I am currently only including two very basic (low poly count) knob/lever styles.

All of this programming is exhausting, never thought I would say that.  After the initial release I am going to take a break for about a week just to recover.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 04, 2018, 12:31:12 AM
Trim and casing for man doors is now complete.  The garage door module has been planned out but will have to come after the initial release of the plugin.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su55_800.jpg)

Currently there is only one style of trim and one style of casing for doors. 

With the completion of the doors all of the primary geometry programming is done.  What is remaining is the edit menus for the door and windows and the move and split functions for the walls. 

The number of parameters is rather large so it will probably also be another two days worth of programming just to fully update the global settings so that it encompasses all of this information.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 04, 2018, 01:50:55 AM
It's funny how you get your best programming ideas while not actually programming, always seems to work that way.

I was thinking about the flow of the plugin and the number of menus the user has to navigate through if they are to enable all of the options for a door or window, the menus are:

1.) Basic Geometry
2.) Advanced Options (choose whether you want trim, casing and window or door installed)
3.) Window / Door Installation and Parameters
4.) Trim
5.) Casing

As you can see this is alot of menus to have to click through just to create a window or a door, in my mind it is too many and too clunky of an interface.

Similar to the truss plugin I think I need to setup an option so the user can instead use a graphical user interface (HTML GUI) as an alternative.

My idea here is to have a HTML menu pop up that looks very similar to the edit menu but allows the user to keep it open and make changes to the parameters as required and then proceed to create another window or door but with those updated parameters.  This will allow the user to get all of their parameters to what they would like and then make minor changes by changing one or two (or more) parameters without having to walk back through the basic menu system given above.  This should greatly speed up window and door creation. 

I may not roll this out with the first release depending on how quickly I can get the other items on the "todo" list done but it is certainly on my mind and is very close to the top of the list.

This same system or workflow should probably be implemented for wall creation as well.  In fact, one could theoretically leave all three GUI menus open and work of them to create walls, windows and doors in no particular order and without having to walk through any menu chains at all.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 05, 2018, 03:35:09 PM
Comparision of the 2D and 3D (full framing) modes:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su56_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su57_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/4e04242e-eaa3-4842-b1b5-f3695a82b274/Framing-Test-14

The 2D model could probably use some further refinements to bring it more in line with standard drafting practice.

If the designer installs the actual doors then the plugin will show the appropriate swing and opening direction of the door in the 2D mode.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 08, 2018, 11:52:04 AM
Preview of the Opening Edit and Delete Functions:

https://youtu.be/m4UvY-GH4X8

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/5ae43655-d3f1-414a-a4ea-456f32a416c3/Framing-Test-15

I am now working on the opening move function or tool.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 08, 2018, 04:10:12 PM
This is an update on the previous "todo" list and the current status of various high priority items:


1.) Wall and Window edit, move and delete functions/Tools.

Edit and delete is complete, currently working on the move function.

2.) Global Setting tabs for Window and Door settings.

Parameters have multiplied five fold, will need to spend more time adding in all of these new parameters.

3.) Rudimentary Door and Window plugin that integrates with this plugin tightly.

This is complete, four door types, three window types, more variants to be added after initial release.

4.) Wall Move and Split Tool.

Wall move tool is planned prior to release, split tool will probably be after.

5.) Add air gap parameter for the cladding (ie. brick fascia).

Done.

6.) Auto corner configuration

Approximately, 50% complete, more debugging and testing required.

7.) Polyline Wall Tool and Face Wall Tool (right now all you can do is create a single segment at a time).

Polyline tool is now planned prior to release, face tool is on backburner until requests drive it to top of list.

8.) Final clean and addition of any additional parameters to the Global Settings.

This is part of item #2.

9.) Further refinements to the Add Window and Add Door Tools.

Complete for now, some additional error checking could be added to check for impossible geometry situations.

10.) Gable/Shed Wall Tool.

This is planned after initial release, for now.

11.) Add glulam beams to Window and Door header options.

This will be added when the garage door module is added, which will probably be post release.

12.) Update Wall Plugin web page.

Will attack this just prior to release of plugin.

13.) Additional logic for interior walls

This needs attention before release of plugin.

14.) Mitered corners for cladding.

Code is in place however further testing and debugging required.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 08, 2018, 09:24:04 PM
Okay that was easy:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su58_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su59_800.jpg)

Six panel doors are now part of the plugin.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/557482c5-dac8-4bb1-b694-593563cbf119/Framing-Test-16
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 09, 2018, 04:42:17 PM
Still mucking around with the Wall and Door Move Function:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su60_800.jpg)

It's actually working quite well however I am trying to figure out how to add a grid next to the wall that the cursor can inference from and snap to regular intervals.

Any suggestions would be helpful. 

I will say the move tool is quite handy and a bit faster than using the edit function.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 10, 2018, 09:01:59 PM
The opening move tool is now complete and I am now working on the wall move tool along with the wall polyline creation tool and the auto-config for wall corners.  This is the last major item(s) on the todo list prior to release.  All other items are fairly minor in comparison and constitute mere housekeeping rather than actual significant development.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su61_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su62_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/27520763-62ee-47d0-a0ab-31bd1c313465/Framing-Test-17
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 10, 2018, 09:28:41 PM
Every stud, plate and header is there, if you want it.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su63_800.jpg)

Given a few more months of development and this thing will blow your socks and hats clean off.

Addressed some major issues and stability today so I'm pretty upbeat.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 11, 2018, 12:31:28 PM
I've added a callout option so that when the designer is in the 2D mode the window and door sizes and types are called out:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su65_800.jpg)

This particular option can only be set in the global settings.

One thing to note is that the door handedness and the window type are only in the callout if the user has specified a particular door or window type to install.  If the advanced options are not enabled then only the opening size will be displayed (ie. 3068 vs. 3068LH or 3040 vs. 3040SH).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 12, 2018, 07:40:28 PM
A preview of the Polyline Wall Creation Tool and Auto-Corner Configuration:

https://youtu.be/jwKVzAbuwrY
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 13, 2018, 02:00:17 AM
Another test of the wall plugin combined with the foundation and truss plugin. 

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su66_800.jpg)

The wall plugin is now in better shape than the truss plugin since no manual edits are required and all the windows and doors are fully parametric.

However note that the interior walls and garage doors are still missing, more work yet to be done.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su67_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su68_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/859fad2e-3b88-4312-a5e6-e5e7dc913151/Framing-Test-19

After spending the last month on this new plugin I can see where the other two plugins have room for some serious improvement, I've really got my work cut out for me.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 15, 2018, 12:28:14 AM
Progress has been made but still working out a few kinks.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_move_preview2.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 15, 2018, 01:06:12 PM
One of many wall move permutations that must be considered:

(https://discourse-cdn-sjc1.com/sketchup/uploads/default/optimized/3X/b/1/b17e9d610b6fe246adefaabd2c340fc00fb957dc_1_566x499.gif)

I also still need to fully vett the non-orthogonal wall possibilities, this is exhausting work.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 15, 2018, 11:11:29 PM
A preview of the Wall Move Tool:

https://youtu.be/F-jaMxNlkaw

View Model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/7d00f6ec-e8a5-4ae9-a63a-9d16add4bd94/Framing-Test-21

The primary items left to do before the release are:

- Interior Walls
- Global Settings (update)
- Web Page (update)

I will start on interior walls tomorrow.

I also have some additional testing to do with the no framing option to make sure it is working seamlessly with the other modes (2D and 3D).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 16, 2018, 12:13:59 PM
As I'm working on interior walls today it occurred to me that just as I've provided for a trim option with exterior walls I also need to provide an interior trim option for both interior (int-int) walls and exterior walls (int-ext).

I've added in one extra option in the advanced wall options to toggle interior trim.  I will probably not full flesh this out until after the plugin release but interior trim will probably deal with the following key elements/options:

- Baseboard
- Crown Molding
- Chair Rail
- Wainscot

(http://xboxhut.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/craftsman-house-interior-trim-scandinavian-compact.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 16, 2018, 03:52:10 PM
Interior Walls:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su71_800.jpg)

A couple of items on today's todo list with regards to interior walls:

- The wall move tool decouples interior wall corners from exterior wall corners, this is intended.
- I still need to add in an algorithm which can sense when an interior wall is Teeing into an ext. or int. wall.  This is important primarily for the move tool and wall creation tool.
- Update interior door casing
- Interior windows (windows that are embedded in an interior wall) are not very common, not sure exactly what to do in this case.  Perhaps just treat as regular window installed in an exterior wall.
- Interior framed openings (without installation of door or window):  These need to be wrapped in gypsum to properly finish them out.
- Added interior trim (baseboard, crown molding, chair rail, wainscoting) to the long term todo list.

That should be it for now.  I may be able to get all this done today if I really hustle and then on to the global settings tomorrow.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 16, 2018, 11:28:21 PM
(https://discourse-cdn-sjc1.com/sketchup/uploads/default/original/3X/a/9/a92c66e04a360f7a25d1aab685fda0bcdd6332f1.gif)

Window and Door callouts with the "2D Layout in 3D" option turned on.

Notice that I have parallel projection turned on  in SketchUp.

I apologize for the strange coloration and quality of the image, I'm trying out some new software for taking screen grabs and turning them into animated GIFs.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 19, 2018, 04:17:18 AM
Straps, holdowns, anchor bolts, threaded rod and couple nuts are now part of the plugin.  More details on that later.  At some point the engineering module will be able to do the entire lateral calcs on a structure with the click of a button and input of a few site criteria parameters.  The idea is to fully automate the engineering of a residential structure, engineers shouldn't have to work this hard.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su74_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su72_800.jpg)

Tomorrow I will wrap up the global settings and we will release the plugin for beta testing.

I still have quite a bit more stability testing to make sure I have missed any glaring errors but I'm sure the beta testers will help sniff out a lot of those issues.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 20, 2018, 02:49:57 PM
I've now enabled the "Install Mode" parameter which allows the user to use the "Builtin" window generator/plugin or use one of their own pre-configured windows stored within the "library" sub-folder of the plugin:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su75_800.jpg)

Notice that the insertion point can be specified as well as locating within the wall depth by two parameters: 

1.) Window Location:  ON SHEATHING or ON FRAMING, this parameter will offset the location of the window within the wall by the sheathing thickness automatically or place it inline with the wall framing.

2.)  The window location within the wall can be further modified/customized by adjusting the outset with either a positive or negative value.

One thing to note is that the framed opening has no idea what the dimensions of the window or door are, the user must provided the correct width and height for the installed window.  Also note that callout at the base of the wall does not include any specifics on the window installed when in library mode since it does not know whether the window is a picture, single hung, casement etc...

Since this particular library file already has the proper trim and casing as part of the component I have turned off these advanced features for this opening.  If it did not I could alternatively enable both the trim and/or casing within the plugin even though the plugin is not actually drawing the window itself (it is bringing in a third party component instead).

The plugin will automatically populate the library dropdown with any valid SketchUp files found within the sub-folder "library/windows/".

I am now working on the door modules to extend this functionality for doors.

I am also interested in working with other plugin authors so that I can establish an API which will allow the wall plugin to talk to their window/door plugin and automatically pass parameters back and forth so that opening location and size can properly sync with a third party plugin. 

You might also notice that there are two dots shown on the top plate at each end of the wall in this model.  This gives the user indication that holdowns are installed in this wall panel at these locations. In 2D mode these indicators will also be shown even though no hardware is drawn.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 21, 2018, 09:01:54 PM
Working on updating the global settings to reflect the myriad of settings added to the plugin in the last month.

This is what you will see when you pull up the license tab with a fully licensed plugin:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su76_800.jpg)

Notice that there are twelve tabs:

- General (complete)
- Layers (complete)
- Materials
- Sheathing
- Walls
- Doors
- Windows
- Wall Corners (complete)
- Trim
- Insulation
- Holdowns (complete)
- License (complete)

The window and door tabs will have the largest amount of options.  Updating all of these html pages is rather tedious work but it is necessary.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 23, 2018, 09:12:10 PM
After a few mind numbing hours of parameters the global settings are now up-to-date.  See a screenshot of the door tab below:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su77_800.jpg)

There are probably a few more additions that can be made to some of the tabs but I think we are good enough now for the initial release. 

I still have one major item that needs some attention:

Updating of the interior wall algorithm so that it properly detects "Tee" intersections.

I also need to update the door casing for interior walls and add the gypsum wrap for interior walls with framed openings that do not have a window or door installed (ie. plain opening), however these are minor items and can probably be attended to after the initial release.

I have some known issues with the "no frame" option that need to be addressed but should only require a few minutes to remedy.

I will start working on the "Tee" intersection algorithm tonight and hopefully wrap this up tomorrow.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 25, 2018, 07:20:21 PM
Moving a wall with corner and tee intersections:

(https://discourse-cdn-sjc1.com/sketchup/uploads/default/original/3X/c/0/c03db35a8cda4e9c3b046935307df112dee492b8.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 25, 2018, 07:40:01 PM
The current todo list in no particular order:

- Interior Trim (Crown Molding, Baseboards, Chair Rail, Wainscot)

- Garage Doors

- Update door casing for interior walls

- Gypsum wrap for interior wall openings and end walls

- Exterior Cladding Corner Option (Lap and Miter)

- Wall Split Tool

- Wall Join Tool

- Gable / Shed Wall Tool

- Add Glulam Beams to Window and Door Header Options

- Implement Wall Groups (currently you can assign a group letter or number but it is not active)

and of course any other bugs that pop up along the way.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 26, 2018, 02:33:15 AM
Ladies and Gentleman I give you... The Medeek Wall Plugin

http://design.medeek.com/resources/medeekwallplugin.html

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/WALL_PLUGIN_ICON_FILLED.png)

Version 0.7.2 - 05.25.2018

Please do not use the plugin in its current state for any production work.  I am afraid that you may loose data given the potential for bug splats and other issues with the plugin being so newly minted.

Please keep  your ruby console open while using the plugin and feel free to cut and paste any issues to me via email.  As much explanation regarding any errors would also be helpful. 

To be honest I don't feel like I've tested the plugin out nearly enough especially while using metric templates however the pressure to release the plugin now, rather than later was quite overwhelming.

Tomorrow I will begin addressing bugs and also I will begin work on the new todo list.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 26, 2018, 08:30:24 PM
Had an interesting request for Simpson Strong-Walls to be added to the plugin this morning.  I may entertain this possibility seeing as it probably would not be too hard to add this functionality. 

(https://86cb8127dc14737f5057-7c0671222953158607ea93d5febd68b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/781/assets/responsive/393000/393418/strong-wall-fmly.jpg)

The addition of elements within the wall other than windows and doors actually is something I've been meaning to give some additional consideration to.  Right off the top the two items I can think of that are similar to windows and doors (at least logistically or from a coding standpoint) are "in wall" columns and posts and specialized panels such as Simpson wood or steel strong-walls or Simpson Moment Frames. In fact, all of these can be essentially treated as door like openings with their own special set of parameters so the wall geometry creation algorithms are already in place to add these elements in.

What other "in wall" elements am I missing here?

With regards to walls and beams, I've often seen situations where the beam is dropped below the floor joists above and is set in a a "beam pocket":

(http://ecocentricdesign.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/bm_pocket_2.jpg)

In the situation shown above I probably would have carried the king studs next to the column all the way to the bottom plate but I think the idea his clear.  Some inwall columns are the full height of the wall with the beam resting the on the top plates and some are similar to the situation shown, both must be made available.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 26, 2018, 11:00:44 PM
Lets start with the columns:

I will need a new Wall Column Toolbar with the following icons and functions:

- Draw Column
- Move Column
- Edit Column
- Delete Column

The possible parameters for the column will be:

Column Name:  Set by Plugin, not user definable (COLUMN1, COLUMN2, COLUMN3 etc...)
Column Location:  Distance from origin of Wall
Column Size:  (2) 2x6, (3) 2x6,  4x6, 6x6, 6x8 6x12, LSL3.5x7.25 etc...
Column Height:  Measured from base of wall (default would be FULL which would make it the same height as the studs in the wall.  A height less than the wall height would create a beam pocket arrangement with two king studs next to the column.
Beam Pocket King Studs:  This option only applies in the situation where there is a beam pocket, NONE, 1, 2, 3.
Vertical Offset (Bottom):  Allow the column to project below the bottom plate so that it can bear more directly on foundation below, see window wall below.  Default value would be zero which would frame it flush with the bottom of the rest of the wall studs.

Here is a window wall I detailed out a couple of year ago, notice the PSL column running the full height of the wall.  One could argue they are not columns but actually the king studs next to the windows, I agree that is a bit of a grey area.  Also  notice the use of the Simpson Wood Strong-Walls, cut to suite for the raked wall and the beam pocket for the central glulam beam that bear on the window header.  Note that this detail is not complete since a number of callouts are missing, probably a screen shot about halfway through the detailing.

It would be nice if the wall plugin were capable of handling a window wall such as this, with stacked windows, columns, beam pockets (that can interact with windows and doors below) and Simpson Strong-Walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/images/misc/WINDOW_WALL3.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/images/misc/WINDOW_WALL3_PHOTO.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 27, 2018, 04:29:25 AM
Version 0.7.3 - 05.27.2018
- Fixed a bug which limited window height to only 48 inches.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 27, 2018, 02:25:45 PM
Toolbar Menus and Icons for the upcoming Columns and Simpson Strong-Wall modules:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_columns_su_menu_active.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_ssw_su_menu_active.jpg)

With the Strong-Walls the plan is to offer both the steel and the wood varieties.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 28, 2018, 09:55:08 PM
Two things I should state before further testing:

1.)  Please click on the global settings, visit each tab, familiarize yourself with the various options, turn on layers, materials etc...  I have had a number of questions about why the plugin does not keep the materials assigned to it.  Realize that any manual edits to the wall assembly (group) will be eliminated  once you make any modifications to the wall with the plugin, it has to rebuild the entire assembly from scratch in order to capture any changes made to it, otherwise it cannot be fully parametric and editable. The downside to being fully parametric is that the plugin has full control of the assembly.  If you need manual edits to live with a wall then you have to  place that geometry outside of the wall assembly group, if you place them inside they will be erased on a rebuild. There may be some workaround for this in the future but I haven't quite got that far yet.

Each wall assembly (group) has a fairly extensive library of attributes that are essentially a database for the wall panel.  Every aspect of the wall assembly is defined by a parameter in this database.  The wall panel can be rebuilt from scratch just from this dataset.  The 3D model generated by the plugin  is simply a geometric manifestation of the dataset stored in the attribute library.

2.)  If you have a specific bug to report, please if possible, include any error codes generated within the ruby console.  Without these codes I am running blind and merely guessing in some cases.  Some of the issues I've seen today I am unable to duplicate on my machine so I can't fully address them.  The error codes are critical to my debugging process and ultimately correcting any issues that may exist.  Of course this may not apply to functional types issues involving UI behavior or specific feature requests, I do recognize that.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 29, 2018, 03:15:47 AM
Version 0.7.4 - 05.29.2018
- Fixed a bug with the wall polyline tool so that the wall line will snap to the X or Y axis.
- Added ZIP Systems(c) 7/16" and 1/2" wall sheathing materials to the sheathing tab of the global settings.
- Added the Z Height option to the wall creation tools. The Z height parameter and option to enable this feature are found in the walls tab of the global settings.
- Created icons and added toolbars for the Simpson Strong-Wall module and the Columns module, both of which are still under construction.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 30, 2018, 03:03:28 AM
Just when I think I'm starting to figure this thing out it gets a little more complicated.

Take for instance the wall below with the exterior stone wainscoting:

(https://apocbyelena.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Image-Of-Stone-Wainscot.jpg)

Typically we see stone or brick with a siding or stucco product above it.

So instead of a single type of cladding and cladding thickness on the wall we might have two different types on the same wall panel.

The brick or stone might be up to the windows or even somewhere mid height as shown below:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su87_800.jpg)

Any thoughts on this type of construction, preferences or further complicating factors?

I think I basically need to allow for more complicated cladding scenarios.

With brick you often see a rowlock course at the transition:

(http://www.onland.info/images/brickrowlocksect.png)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 30, 2018, 03:45:40 AM
Here is a good example of a stucco structure with a cultured stone wainscot:

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bb7dbJJWffU/TBqvvNS8VbI/AAAAAAAAAVg/8byco5ikPFg/s1600/CIMG0911.JPG)

Notice the stucco trim just above the wainscoting and then the ledge of stone that projects beyond the wainscoting just below it. 

The additional parameters for a two cladding exterior system (wainscoting) would be:

Exterior Wall Wainscoting: YES/NO
Wainscoting Thickness: in./mm
Wainscoting Air Gap: in./mm
Wainscoting Corners:  Flush/Lap/Miter/Return
Wainscoting Material: Brick/Culture Stone etc...

Wainscoting Height:  in./mm
Wainscoting Ledge/Trim: YES/NO
Ledge Height:  in./mm
Ledge Depth:  in./mm

Also in the Trim Tab another couple of parameters for the Exterior Trim option above the wainscoting:

Wainscoting Trim:  YES/NO
Wainscoting Trim Width:  in./mm

Also notice how the stucco trim around the window and doors meets the wainscoting trim and terminates there. 

Why can't you designers and architects keep things simple, I'm going to have to jump through some hoops to code all of this. :)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 30, 2018, 10:19:51 AM
I've already rolled out two revisions since the initial beta release.  Please download, uninstall the older version of the plugin and then install the most current version. 

I've seen some issues with corrupt installations where a newer version is installed on an older version.  You need to uninstall the plugin first before upgrading, that is the safe bet.

Also please check the changelog so you are aware of the updates, even though I do post each update on the board:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallpluginchangelog.html

I am still noticing a lot of people sending in comments that they are unable to get materials applied when they have not enabled the auto material assignment in the materials tab of the global settings.

I think what I am going to do is have the plugin set this particular setting to "ON" as the initial default behavior rather than "OFF".  I will make this change live with the next release.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 31, 2018, 09:00:41 AM
The tee intersection algorithm has been revamped and is now properly cutting out top plates when walls intersect at these intersections:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su88_800.jpg)

When a wall gets rebuilt (ie. edited, moved, opening added, or switched between modes) the tee intersection algorithm is run and any intersecting walls will be detected (any walls that are touching the wall in question and have a "tee corner" configuration at that end). 

What this means is that even if you manually move an intersecting wall and slide it along the main wall and then rebuild the main wall the top plate will automatically update with the correct cut out as shown above.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 31, 2018, 10:06:17 AM
When you delete walls the cutouts on the the top plates are left as you can see in the image below, but a rebuilt of the wall will heal those unnecessary cutouts:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_move_preview8.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: ChugiakTinkerer on May 31, 2018, 12:05:33 PM
Nathaniel, I continue to be impressed with the capabilities of your plugins.  I've used your truss plugin but have not yet tried your wall builder.  One issue I have with the one I currently have installed is that it does not allow for a stud offset.  It looks like your plugin does, which would make quick work of ensuring that sheathing panel edges are aligned with stud centers.

It's not obvious to me in the write-up at http://design.medeek.com/resources/medeekwallplugin.html whether it's a user-settable parameter or simply a feature of the wall-to-wall interaction.  Either way, it sure beats manually tweaking a wall so that the studs are placed the right distance from the building corner.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 31, 2018, 08:52:34 PM
Version 0.7.5 - 05.31.2018
- Fixed a bug with the callout positioning method to allow for the correct placement of wall opening text.
- Intersecting walls now cut through the top plate of the primary walls at tee intersections.
- Wall cladding and sheathing materials option now added to wall creation tool.
- Default behavior for the Wall Mode parameter added the Walls tab of the global settings (Line or Polyline).
- Added DensGlass™ sheathing material to the sheathing tab of the global settings.
- Began the addition of tooltips to every parameter within the global settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 02, 2018, 01:51:55 PM
This post was prompted by some comments made by a user regarding wall justification and cladding materials.  I think this is important enough that I duplicate my response here as well. 

1.)  The wall justification (front, middle, back) is something I have been treating as a basic property or parameter of the wall.  This morning as I really put on my thinking cap I came to the realization that this is not so.  The justification is only really needed during the wall creation process and once the wall is created there is no justification, the wall just is.

With that being said I need to rework the wall creation tool slightly, it shouldn't be too big of an issue but will require some serious and careful thought.  For now please only use the "FRONT" justification, the other two options are flawed by their very nature.

This may take me a couple days to fully think this through and come up with the correct solution.  Please have patience with me while I work this one out, I need to do it slowly and carefully and get it right.

2.)  I am not satisfied with the current system of applying materials to the wall assembly via the plugin.  Since the plugin completely rebuilds the entire wall panel on any edit or addition of windows or doors it must somehow save the material being used for each element (group) within the attribute library.  It is already setup to do this and works quite well. 

One can also use the edit menu to select from a static list of materials. 

I think a few things could help to make this better:
A.)  The plugin can look at the currently defined materials in the model and give the user the ability to select from any of these materials as well as the hard coded materials within the wall edit menu.

B.) Perhaps and observer or something should be setup so that if the user manually opens up the wall assembly group and assigns a material to the cladding, sheathing or gypsum for a given wall panel this information is then updated within the attribute library.

C.) Provide an interface within the global settings where additional hard coded materials can be added to the existing ones.  The user would upload an image, assign a name and specify the X and Y scaling.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 02, 2018, 01:53:42 PM
Quote from: ChugiakTinkerer on May 31, 2018, 12:05:33 PM
Nathaniel, I continue to be impressed with the capabilities of your plugins.  I've used your truss plugin but have not yet tried your wall builder.  One issue I have with the one I currently have installed is that it does not allow for a stud offset.  It looks like your plugin does, which would make quick work of ensuring that sheathing panel edges are aligned with stud centers.

It's not obvious to me in the write-up at http://design.medeek.com/resources/medeekwallplugin.html whether it's a user-settable parameter or simply a feature of the wall-to-wall interaction.  Either way, it sure beats manually tweaking a wall so that the studs are placed the right distance from the building corner.

The plugin is setup to position the studs correctly from the corners, this was a big beef of mine as well when using other plugins.  Within the plugin one can also have the studs start from the right or left, so it should be perfectly flexible to your needs.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 03, 2018, 02:18:37 PM
Grabbed some code from the Truss Plugin this morning and now Glulam Beams are available for window or door headers:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su90_800.jpg)

The species or types of Glulam beams available are: Western Species, Southern Pine, and UK, Australian and South African varieties.

Its nice to be able to recycle some code, allows one to implement something very quickly.

I'm currently working on the corner cladding issue and adding in the option for a LAP or MITER corner treatment. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 03, 2018, 10:21:18 PM
As a follow up to a  previous post about a day ago I've enabled the wall cladding menus (draw tool and edit menu) so that option (A) as previously discussed above is now a reality:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su91_800.jpg)

I find this solution a potentially a bit messy since all materials are available within the drop down so there is a possibility of duplicate listings but overall it seems fairly robust and offers the flexibility needed so that the user can define their own materials within SU rather than having to rely on the plugin for a static list of pre-defined materials.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 04, 2018, 03:13:31 AM
4" brick facade (Corner Config: LAP) with a 1" air gap and 7/16" sheathing:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su92_800.jpg)

The mitered corner configuration for cladding is also now working.

I will address a few other small issues tomorrow morning and then release 0.7.6.

I've been told that I need to add a lapped option for the sheathing as well since leaving the corners open like we do in the western US doesn't work out so well in the southeastern states.

I think the next big item on the list I'll tackle is the garage doors so that at least we have one or two options for that available.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 04, 2018, 11:11:17 AM
I've switched to CSS tooltips which allows me to utilize not only text but also graphics:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su93_800.jpg)

I recognize the need for a detailed manual however I find that tooltips like these can be much more useful and instantly accessible.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 04, 2018, 02:12:56 PM
Version 0.7.6 - 06.04.2018
- Added the option for Glulam Beams for window and door headers.
- Cladding corner treatment now has MITER and LAP available as two additional corner options.
- Sheathing corner treatment now has LAP available as an additional corner option.
- Cladding materials selection extended to include all SketchUp materials currently in model.
- Minor bug in exterior corner trim corrected.
- The update status message in HTML edit menus (wall, door and window) moved to top of form for better visibility.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on June 05, 2018, 05:48:01 AM
The tooltips look good. Being a guy, a manual usually gets filed.
Does anyone actually miter sheathing? It is good to know if you're lapping when you do framing layout so you can hold that side back 1/2"... so it is not only lap but which direction.

When framing I pick the layout corner, the corner of the house that all measurements from both directions originate from.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 05, 2018, 11:55:35 AM
Working with a designer this morning has exposed a few minor bugs with the auto-corner configuration.  I've already addressed those and the function is that much more robust.

I am now addressing another flaw with the wall creation tool (line and polyline) so that it retains the last used parameter values while creating multiple walls.  I originally thought I had this enabled but determined with further testing that it was not fully implemented.

I will probably roll out a sub-rev. in a couple hours that addresses all of these issues and then jump back onto the garage door and gable wall module programming.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 05, 2018, 12:01:52 PM
Quote from: Don_P on June 05, 2018, 05:48:01 AM
The tooltips look good. Being a guy, a manual usually gets filed.
Does anyone actually miter sheathing? It is good to know if you're lapping when you do framing layout so you can hold that side back 1/2"... so it is not only lap but which direction.

When framing I pick the layout corner, the corner of the house that all measurements from both directions originate from.

That is kind of my thinking as well with regards to the manual, I'm not particularly fond of reading them but I guess some people are.  I like the tooltips because if you have a question the (simple) answer is right there instantly accessible, rather than having to dig up the manual and then peruse down through it until you find the right topic.  People these days want instant info, manuals are a bit old school but still necessary.

I've never seen sheathing mitered hence I've only given the two options (LAP and FLUSH).  Currently I have the plugin setup to lap the outside framed corner, the inset corner is held back.  I suppose this is a rather arbitrary way of handling this but it was the only way I could fully automate the lapping without any further user input.  I may need to give this some additional thought.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 05, 2018, 01:10:04 PM
Just had an interesting conversation with a professional estimator about the plugin this morning.

He reinforced what already I'm seeing with this plugin and how it relates to design, designers and architects.

As I've mentioned previously the plugin audience is three fold and the design side probably will utilize the 2D and 3D (no framing) mode the most.  The reason being is that most designers are not overly interested in how the structure goes together, their main concern is the layout and placement of windows and doors.

The full framing mode will have more utility among the engineers, panel designers, estimators, contractors and DIYers.

A building design is really no more than a concept and it takes a whole team of professionals to take something off of paper (or pdf) and make it into a physical reality.

Once I have the design side of this software put together and reasonably solid I will begin focusing on the engineering and estimating pieces. 

This estimator talked at length about the disconnect between himself and the architects.  My goal is to help heal this disconnect and get everyone on the same page, I think we can do this.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 05, 2018, 04:44:18 PM
Version 0.7.6b - 06.05.2018
- Auto-Corner Configuration algorithm revised to handle "stepped" walls.
- Wall "Draw Tool" configured to retain most recent inputs from user. Parameters not shown in UI default to global settings.

This sub. revision is actually fairly significant and worth upgrading to since it addresses a major flaw in the UI.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 05, 2018, 08:04:08 PM
Version 0.7.6c - 06.05.2018
- Added the option to toggle between standard stud sizes and custom (user defined width x depth) sizes with the "Walls" tab of the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su95_800.jpg)

Note that within the wall edit menu the stud width and depth can be adjusted independently regardless of the standard stud size option being enabled.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 05, 2018, 09:18:45 PM
Updated the vendor page to reflect all of the products listed within the plugin:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallpluginvendors.html
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 05, 2018, 10:42:02 PM
Version 0.7.6d - 06.05.2018
- Fixed a bug with the wall sheathing and cladding so that door openings are properly cut out even when the vertical offset parameter is negative.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su96_800.jpg)

I incorrectly assumed that this state would never occur but apparently there are situations that involve reverse brick ledgers where the sheathing and cladding is lifted up in this fashion.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 06, 2018, 01:12:36 PM
This morning I am spending a little extra time on the auto-corner config module and the related module that checks for tee intersections.  It has been brought to my attention that this area of the plugin is not as robust as it needs to be.  I've already made a number of minor corrections and augmentations but if anyone has a particular case that is throwing an error or unexpected result please send that information along.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 06, 2018, 01:54:03 PM
I need some feedback on another marketing strategy for the plugin.  I'm thinking about creating a lite version Medeek Wall Plugin LT, this version would only have the 2D and 3D (no framing) mode available to it.  The interior of the wall (framing, studs, headers etc...) would not be included in the LT version, nor would holdowns and any engineering.

The LT version may be more suitable for some designers who do not want to be bothered with the details of the construction and are only interested in the layout.

The ability to insert windows and doors as well as all of the trim and casing options would still be available in the LT version.

What would you suggest as the regular price for an LT version?  Is there any interest in this direction?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 06, 2018, 09:03:37 PM
I've added the two beam icons to the columns toolbar:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_beamscolumns_su_menu_active.jpg)

The following beam types will be available:

- Glulam
- Sawn Lumber
- Timber (5"x5" and larger)
- SCL (LVL, PSL, LSL)
- Steel (W, C, L, HSS)

A placement parameter will allow one to specify Top Center or Bottom Center.

A ply (qty.) parameter will allow for multi-ply beams, this is typical for LVL beams and sawn lumber.

My idea on this draw tool is to have the HTML menu stay open allowing the user to draw as many beams as desired with the ability to change any of the settings within the HTML menu and then being able to resume drawing beams.

If this type of menu/tool system works well I will probably adopt something similar for the Wall Draw Tools.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 06, 2018, 09:36:28 PM
Had an interesting email today on the complexity of the plugin.  I agree that the menus are a bit daunting even for myself, and I even know what each parameter is and does. 

I've discussed this previously in the thread with an idea to go to an HTML menu that hopefully might be less "scary".

The problem really is that to fully define a wall with all of the flexibility needed the number of parameters quickly goes through the roof.  Case in point, look at the edit window menu here:

http://design.medeek.com/test/web_dialog_editwindow.html

People like the simplicity of SketchUp, that is what has drawn many of us to it.  Then I turn around a throw a bunch of menus at you with 15-20 parameters each, I can understand how this can be a bit much for many people.

As I've been contemplating this problem and trying to find a solution (compromise) I've come up with the following idea.

Essentially have the draw wall tool present an HTML menu not to dissimilar from the current HTML edit menu.  However organize the options that turn off the various advanced options into highlighted headers with all of the sub-details hidden unless those particular header items are enabled.  It may take a few iterations to get this right but I think it would be better than the current system of multiple menus that pop up one after the other.

I'm not a software developer or a GUI expert but when I hit upon the right solution I will know when it is right.

As far as decreasing the depth of the plugin, that cannot be done.  What can be improved upon is the ability to better manage that data and organize and present it in a more concise and clear fashion. 

This is the reason for the extensive global settings, the user can enable or disable the default behavior for a number of parameters and options allowing the user to precisely determine to what level of granularity they wish to take their model.

For instance many people probably don't want to model the cavity insulation (personally I don't find it that useful) but if that level of detail is needed it can be turned on in the insulation tab of the global settings.

Please continue to send me your feedback.  I have lots of ideas on how this plugin should go together but I've changed gears a few times already when shown a different way.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 07, 2018, 12:24:51 PM
Version 0.7.6f - 06.07.2018
- Added the ability to lock the cursor to the X or Y axis for the "Draw Wall Tool" (line and polyline) by pressing the SHIFT key.
- Added the ability to lock the cursor to the 45 deg. and 135 deg. axis for the "Draw Wall Tool" (line and polyline) by pressing the CTRL key.

Also note that I fixed a couple of bugs I accidentally created when making the code adjustments for version 0.7.6e, I managed to break the plugin for all TRIAL users.

Therefore this is a critical update, please remove the prior version and install this version which will fix the error introduced last night.  This is what happens when I try to get too much done in one day.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 09, 2018, 03:54:57 AM
Version 0.7.7 - 06.08.2018
- Created the Medeek Wall Plugin LT, a lighter version of the plugin with internal wall framing, estimating and engineering removed.
- Horizontal and Vertical sheathing materials added to the pre-installed plugin materials.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su97_800.jpg)

Note that the June promo does not apply to the LT version of the plugin
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 09, 2018, 11:55:43 AM
I've been getting a lot of feedback on the UI lately, for good reason of course (it's terrible).

The wall draw tool with its multiple menus is what I am talking about.

After reviewing various suggestions and giving it some more thought I think the solution is two fold:

1.)  Go to an HTML menu, similar in design to the current edit menu that remains open during wall creation and allows the user to make changes during wall creation with the polyline tool (ie. changing wall height on specific wall segments that are in a drop down living room).

2.)  Enabling user presets where all of the basic and advanced parameters for a wall are saved to a user defined preset that can be instantly recalled within both the wall draw and edit menus.  For example, this would allow the user to quickly define and then recall a 2x6 ext. wall with a 1" air gap and brick cladding, rather than having to peruse through all of the settings every time and recreating the wheel just to put together a standard wall type.

Certain parameters would not be saved as part of a wall preset.  I haven't nailed down exactly which of those parameter to exclude but my first shot at it would be:

- Wall Length
- Wall Group
- Wall Framing (2D, 3D etc...)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 09, 2018, 02:06:59 PM
Version 0.7.7b - 06.09.2018

- Horizontal and Vertical plywood sheathing materials added to the pre-installed plugin materials.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su98_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su99_800.jpg)

I realize this a fairly insignificant item, but it was user requested and one of those things I could knock out in about 10 minutes or less.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 09, 2018, 03:32:08 PM
I'm actually not a big fan of Tyvek, at least not in our marine environment on the beach out here in western Washington but I do know it gets used a lot.  This is the OSB + TYVEK option:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su100_800.jpg)

Only the outside face of the sheathing gets the Tyvek material and the sheathing group gets the generic OSB material.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 10, 2018, 12:11:25 AM
Version 0.7.7c - 06.09.2018
- Tyvek + OSB material added to the pre-installed plugin materials.
- Added 2D construction line options for sheathing, cladding and gypsum within the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su101_800.jpg)

Taking it a bit slow today, just a few minor items and some small fires to put out, catching a bit of a breather.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 10, 2018, 06:37:39 PM
Version 0.7.7d - 06.10.2018
- Added 2D (construction or solid) line options for sheathing, cladding and gypsum within the global settings.
- Fixed a bug within the corner trim module (trim width).
- Added additional standard metric stud sizes: 36x68, 36x98, 36x148, 36x198, 48x72, 48x98, 48x148, 48x198
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 11, 2018, 11:08:09 AM
This is the direction I am going with the Wall Edit Menu UI and Draw wall Tool:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su102_800.jpg)

Notice the wall presets section at the top of the UI, here you can delete, load or save a preset wall template.

The actual templates will be stored in a simple text file within a sub-folder called "presets", that way the user can also manually edit the wall preset file and even cut and paste presets from other users into their preset file.  This solution offers the most flexibility and user control in my opinion.

Loading a preset will re-populate all of the parameters in the form below except for the excluded items.

The save function will create a new preset (with user entered name/description) based on the currently listed parameters in the form.

Does this make sense? and the better question, am I missing anything here?

Hopefully this new addition of presets will speed up the wall creation process and spare the user from having to recreate a specific wall type from scratch each time they start a new model or session.

I still have not fully arrived at what the excluded parameters should be in the wall preset functions so please provide any feedback in this regard.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 12, 2018, 08:51:59 AM
There are really three functions in one here:  Loading, Saving and Deleting. 

Quite a bit of new code to implement the new presets system.  I'm still testing it out to make sure it is solid, but so far it is looking pretty good. 

Note, that it is possible to give a preset the exact same name as another preset, this is by design and they will both appear in the drop down list.  What you are not seeing in the drop down is the hidden number assigned to each preset which is stored in the presets file.  This number is really the identifier of the preset and allows one to correctly specify which preset you are wanting to load or delete.

Once this system is in place for the walls and fully tested and verified I will implement a similar system for windows and doors.

I have a number of minor fixes and bugs that are quite hot items right now that have been delayed due to my attention to this latest upgrade, I apologize for the delay in getting the fixes out, but I really feel that this UI upgrade is top priority right now.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 14, 2018, 10:17:37 PM
Version 0.7.8 - 06.14.2018
- Added the ability to create, load and delete wall presets within the Edit Wall (HTML) Menu.
- Fixed a bug within the auto-corner configuration module which caused issues for walls less than 36" in height.

Note that wall presets can only be currently loaded and applied after the fact (within the Wall Edit Menu).  My intent is to also make this feature available within the reworked Draw Tool within the next few days but I first want to introduce this feature within the Edit Menu and work out any potential pitfalls before rolling it out further.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 14, 2018, 11:31:51 PM
Just a reminder that tomorrow is the last day of the June promotion:  Purchase the Wall Plugin and receive free licenses or license upgrades for both Truss and Foundation Plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 17, 2018, 01:34:14 AM
A selection of wall columns possible with the new Column Tool:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su103_800.jpg)

I just need to add in the edit, move and delete tools to complete the Column Module, then I will release it.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 17, 2018, 01:47:21 PM
Even in fully conventionally framed houses this type of "in wall column" situation is not uncommon.  Sometimes the beam will run inside the floor and no beam pocket is required in the wall below, other times the beam will run below the floor or roof joists and in such cases a beam pocket is fairly standard practice.

The column tool will allow for a number of configurations including PSL columns (standard sizes).  The designer can also specify independently the number of king studs (0,1, or 2) next to a column and their thickness.

The column can project above or below the wall, with the plates being cut out as needed.  If the column height is specified as "FULL" then no cut out of the top plates is done and the column runs up to the bottom of the top plates just like the other studs.

If certain sizes of lumber are specified (ie. 4x2, 6x2, 6x4) then the plugin recognizes that these are "on the flat" and will multi-lam them as so when more than one ply is specified.  So one can create multi-lam columns (ie. (3) 2x6) oriented parallel or perpendicular to the wall.

Similar to windows and doors the Column Edit Menu will allow you to edit any parameter of the column so that it is completely parametric.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 17, 2018, 11:04:47 PM
Here is an example of a glulam beam resting in two beam pockets and supported by two 6x6 wall columns:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su104_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 18, 2018, 12:11:10 AM
With the column annotation option enabled:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su105_800.jpg)

I've added another option into the global settings which will allow the user to toggle off the column annotations independently of the window and door annotations.

All of the parameters in the Draw Column tool also have default values that are being pulled from the global configs, I will eventually add these into the global settings so they can be customized I just haven't figure out where I should put them.  The global settings is starting to get rather populated with tabs and parameters, I actually need to create a second row of tabs along the top, I will give this some more thought.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 18, 2018, 12:21:23 PM
Version 0.7.9 - 06.18.2018
- Added the ability to draw, move and delete wall columns with the Beams/Column Toolset.
- Added a parameter in the global settings (General tab) in order to toggle beam and column annotations independent of window/door annotations.
- Column annotations and representative geometry added to the 2D and 3D (no framing) modes.

The three images below show the exact same wall (with columns) rendered in the three framing modes:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su106_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su107_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su108_800.jpg)

Note that I've turned off additional layers for clarity (ie. insulation, cladding, sheathing, trim, gypsum)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fde777e8-2086-4f6a-96cc-d74d255c959c/Framing-Test-25
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 18, 2018, 01:52:10 PM
Now that I've got a couple larger items out the door, so to speak I'm able to clear my head and think about some other items that have been percolating for a few days.

One of those items (technically it is not on my todo list) it how to preserve and maintain custom edits or geometry to a wall panel while still allowing for the full parametric ability of the plugin.  In all  honesty I probably have not given this enough thought but the subject has come up multiple times in the last few weeks with a number of designers so I think it is important enough to fully consider.

As far as respecting manual edits to the geometry that the plugin creates I still do not see a rational way of doing this however if a user were to insert some additional geometry into the wall panel main group I think there may be an easy way to place this geometry into a sub-group(s) within the main group and then name that sub-group in such as fashion so that the plugin knows to maintain that sub-group and hence it will persist even with multiple edits or other operations to a wall panel group.

Would such a feature be useful to you the designer?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 18, 2018, 06:16:44 PM
Version 0.7.9b - 06.18.2018
- Sub-groups within wall panels can be made persistent by naming these groups or component instances to (custom1, custom2, custom3, etc...), also all other user defined geometry (ie. faces, text, lines and dimensions) are also retained when the wall panel is regenerated by the plugin.

The naming of these persistent groups does not need to be in any order or even follow any particular naming convention, the key thing is that the instance name contains the word "custom" in it.  The name is also not case sensitive.

I've tested this out a bit this afternoon but it is quite new so I'm hoping everyone can work it over and see if they can break it or at least find any flaws in it.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 20, 2018, 12:22:22 PM
Does anyone have a preference on what 2D symbol you would like to use to represent Simpson Strong-Walls.

There are two types:  Wood and Steel

I can represent each type with a different symbol or use the same symbol for both.

Catalog for both types is here for those interested:

https://www.strongtie.com/resources/literature/strong-wall-shearwalls-catalog

I can also include other pre-fab shearwall panels from other manufacturers if requested, I'm only familiar with Simpson's products.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 21, 2018, 07:08:01 AM
Version 0.8.0 - 06.21.2018
- Added the ability to draw, move and delete pre-fab shear wall panels with the SSW Toolset.
- Added a parameter in the global settings (General tab) in order to toggle SSW annotations independent of window, door and column annotations.
- SSW annotations and representative geometry added to the 2D and 3D (no framing) modes.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su109_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su110_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/3f025bce-cf39-40f5-b5af-73921cc0d3a1/Framing-Test-26
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 21, 2018, 12:22:46 PM
The first thing you may notice with the SSW tool is that the current selection of sizes (widths and heights) of the pre-fab shearwalls is limited to 24" wide and between 8' and 12' in height.  I also do not have any metric sizes or manufacturers other than these two (Hardy Frame HFX (Mitek) and Simpson Strong-Tie).

I will roll out the full line of both manufacturers lines in the next few days however I have a few more smaller but hotter items that I would like to address first.

The first item is to allow the user the ability to toggle the placement of windows/doors/columns/SSWs from their center to left or right.  I'm considering using the SHIFT key to make this toggle unless there are any specific objections. 

Once I have this feature up and running I would like to make a tutorial video for both columns and SSW's since both of these items are fairly mature as they currently stand and a video would go along way in explaining some of the the parameters for each of these items.

For the WSW (wood) series of Simpson Strong-Walls I have the trim feature now enabled and it seems fairly robust.  This particular trim module is now primed for shed and gable wall situations where a WSW panel might be trimmed at some arbitrary incline rather than 90 degrees.

The next major item is the external wainscoting or dual cladding configuration for exterior walls.  Now that I have a firm handle on a decent trim method I will employ this same technique in dealing with ext. wainscoting which will alleviate the need for a complex algorithm in dealing with openings bisected by a change in cladding or sheathing.  I should be able to wrap this one up in the next 24 hours.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 21, 2018, 04:58:55 PM
Version 0.8.0b - 06.21.2018

- Added the ability to toggle between center, left or right positioning (by pressing the CTRL key) while drawing windows, doors, columns or SSWs.

This was a highly requested update and did not require any significant code changes.  I strongly suggest everyone upgrade to this latest release to take advantage of the convenience of being able to toggle the position of these elements, a small upgrade but a large functional increase.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 22, 2018, 06:51:08 PM
Some progress is being made:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su111_800.jpg)

I've got to work on the following to finish this up:

- Wainscot ledge (this is typical for brick [rowlock])
- Add in two additional parameters for trim above the wainscot (typical for stucco installations)
- Logic to trim back window and door exterior trim as well as corner trim.
- Logic to check for wainscoting with annotation placement.

Not sure what to do with the bottom of the window location where it cuts out the wainscoting (brick, cultured stone etc...)  this should also receive a ledge (ie. rowblock) as well.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 23, 2018, 04:39:55 PM
Wainscot ledge:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su113_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su114_800.jpg)

The dimensions show the following parameters:

1.) Ledge Depth or Projection
2.) Ledge Height
3.) Wainscot Thickness
4.) Wainscot Air Gap

Notice that the ledge extends beyond the air gap to the sheathing or framing (if sheathing disabled).

Also note that wainscoting and ledge are able to bisect curved windows or doors as shown.

This additional feature is fairly complex so I am sure there may be some situations that I have not yet encountered and may be some cause for geometrical errors, only further testing will tell.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 24, 2018, 02:29:18 PM
Version 0.8.1 - 06.24.2018
- Enabled exterior wainscoting for Ext-Int walls.
- Added additional parameters to the wainscot menu for window and wall ledges.
- Wainscot "cut" parameter added to the exterior trim menu in order to optionally cut corner trim at the wainscot height.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su115_800.jpg)

There are still a few more parameters and features that I feel needed to be added to this new feature class.  I am also willing to take suggestions on how to make this more useful.  Please give it a go and let me know what you think.

The wainscoting has also been added into the wall preset system.

Which brings me to a new idea I just had as I was applying presets to a few walls this morning.  The wall preset feature is quite handy but rather tedious to use if one wants to apply a specific preset to a number of walls (granted the wall grouping feature would come in handy here but that is still in development). 

What would be really handy is to have a "paintbrush" tool, where one could select any given wall panel and then all of its settings could then be transferred to any other wall panel with a single click of the mouse.  Essentially treating the initially selected wall as a "preset" and then applying that preset to any walls selected.  This would greatly speed up any changes one might need to make to a bunch of walls.  I also think it would useful to have the tool differentiate between exterior and interior wall types.  In other words if you initially select an exterior wall (ext-int) to copy those settings could not be applied to an interior wall (int-int).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 24, 2018, 03:11:39 PM
I've got a few small fires to put out this morning, but other than that what should be next on the list?

Current List:

- Interior Trim
- Garage Doors
- Int-int door casing
- Gypsum wrap for interior openings (without doors or windows installed)
- Wall Split Tool
- Wall Join Tool
- Gable Wall Tool
- Shed Wall Tool
- Wall Grouping
- Wall Paint Brush Tool (Transfer wall settings)
- Interior (Gypsum) Painting Tool
- More Windows, more doors (ie. sliding glass doors, french doors etc...)
- Beam Tool
- Add parameter for (glass) grille spacing both horz. and vert.
- Enable Material Library (skm files).
- Implementation of preset system into draw wall tool (with HTML menus)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 24, 2018, 09:50:38 PM
Tutorial Video 1 - Plugin Overview:

https://youtu.be/FWr1oFVTwOs
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 25, 2018, 08:57:00 AM
Six Panel and Solid Double Doors:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su116_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su117_800.jpg)

I will add the full glass and half glass later today and then roll out a new sub-rev.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 25, 2018, 04:56:54 PM
Version 0.8.1b - 06.25.2018
- Added the following double door types: solid, six panel, half glass, full glass.

Choosing LH or RH places the door hardware on the indicated side of the double door. I should probably add an additional option "LRH" that places the hardware on both doors.

The image shows all as in-swing doors but they can also be drawn as out-swing as well.

I have not shown an astragal for any of the double doors but if someone would like that option added please indicate and also send me details on how you would like it modeled.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 26, 2018, 03:54:13 PM
Since I've got the beam icons already active on the beams/columns toolbar I've decided to try and put together the beam module.  The HTML edit menu (draw tool menu is very similar):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su119_800.jpg)

Initially I will start with wood beams only: Sawn Lumber, Timber, Glulam, SCL (LVL, PSL, LSL)

Similar to the truss plugin the beams created within the wall plugin will be able to be analyzed directly with the beam calculator on my website via the engineering tools (engineering icon).  This chunk of code is already fairly well tested and is simply a matter of recycling some of it from the Truss Plugin. 

Later on I would also like to add steel beams (W, C, L, and HSS) but this will be based on user demand.

I would also like to bring the engineering calcs directly within the plugin so that the user can run the numbers even if they are offline, something for the long term todo list.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 26, 2018, 07:51:22 PM
Version 0.8.1c - 06.26.2018
- Fixed a bug where wall corner trim thickness equals trim width.

This will now allow the user to specify a 1.5" x 1.5" interior corner trim.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 28, 2018, 04:57:29 PM
Version 0.8.2 - 06.28.2018
- Added the ability to draw and edit beams with the Beams/Column Toolset.
- Glulam, PSL, LVL, LSL, Timber and Lumber beam types added to the beam module.
- Start and end cut options (miter,firecut) added to the advanced options for beams.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su120_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/c9c8650f-0977-47fe-8531-71f5e7a4c0de/Framing-Test-28
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 29, 2018, 01:10:56 AM
The currently available beam types are:

- Timber
- LSL
- Lumber
- Glulam
- LVL
- PSL

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su121_800.jpg)

The number of plies can be 1, 2, 3, and 4

Glulam species are currently Western Species and Southern Pine.

SCL lumber (LVL, LSL, PSL) are the US industry standard sizes (Weyerhauser, Boise Cascade, Louisiana- Pacific).

The miter cut puts the diagonal facing the bottom, the fire cut puts the diagonal facing the top.

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fff4b0c1-c0c6-4ab3-865c-67c9836a99f9/Medeek-Beams-1
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 29, 2018, 07:37:48 AM
Version 0.8.2b - 06.29.2018
- Steel: Wide Flange (W) beam types added to the beam module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su122_800.jpg)

I've only added five wide flange sizes thus far.  I just need to know what sizes are most typically used and I can add them in.

Note that miter and fire cuts work with the steel beams as well.

I was also thinking an advanced option for steel beams might be a nailer plate on top and/or bottom of the beam, again feedback in this regard will determine if I pursue this further.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 29, 2018, 06:25:44 PM
Version 0.8.2c - 06.29.2018
- Added a hanger library (customizable) and the ability to place hangers at the start and/or end of a beam.

Hangers shown are:  HU612, LUC26Z and LUS26

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su123_800.jpg)

The hanger library is located in the "hangers" sub-folder of the library folder of the plugin.

I have a few Simpson Hangers included but any of these can be modified and additional SKP files can be put into this folder.  The plugin will automatically allow the selection of any components found within this sub-folder when selecting hangers for beams within the draw and edit menus.

I have contacted Simpson Strong-Tie in an effort to get a few more of their more common hangers that I can then simplify and include in the plugin.  I am particularly interested in the HUCQ series.

In order to minimize polygon count I typically eliminate most of the holes in the hangers and also any curved surfaces, the goal is to keep the file size below 50 kb if possible.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 30, 2018, 01:44:48 AM
The ability to easily add in components into the library is kind of nice.  After about an hour of work I added in the following Simpson column caps just to give it a go:

- CCCQ6666
- CCOQ6
- CCQ66
- CCTQ666
- ECCLLQ666
- ECCLRQ666
- ECCQ66

It was as simple as dropping the files into the folder, no coding required.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su125_800.jpg)

The parametric ability to change the "hanger" at each end is vital when setting something up like this.  Not saying you would actually build this but I've worked on some local designs with complex porches that easily rival this monstrosity.

I will roll these components into the hanger library on the next sub. revision, probably tomorrow.

P.S. I will also include the following caps and hangers:

- CCOQ4, ECCOQ4
- CCQ44, CCQ46, CCQ64, CCQ88
- ECCQ44, ECCQ46, ECCQ64, ECCQ88
- HUCQ410, HUCQ412, HUCQ610, HUCQ612

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su126_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 30, 2018, 06:45:42 PM
Version 0.8.2d - 06.30.2018
- Created a number of low polygon count Simpson Strong-Tie hanger and column caps.

The full list of included hangers and column caps can be found here:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallpluginvendors.html

Any hardware included with the plugin are custom drawn by me to reduce polygon count and standardize layers and materials.

If you would like to see specific hardware added please email me the manufacturer, part numbers and reference material.  For Simpson hardware I typically refer to their literature and their various DWGs files found on their website.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 30, 2018, 11:30:58 PM
Changing gears to gable walls you can see in the image below that a symmetric gable wall with equal wall heights and equal pitches is only the tip of the iceberg.  In the example below the pitches are equal but the start and end wall heights differ by four feet.  One could also have different roof pitches so the pitches may differ as well.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su127_800.jpg)

Theoretically one could draw a scenario like this with two "shed" wall panels butted up to each other except for the problem that the door would bisect this wall junction, hence it must be drawn as a single wall panel.

Also note the double stud placement at the pitch break.  This may not be typical for all builders but I would recommend this more conservative approach rather than a single stud at the pitch break.

Looking at this wall segment it occurs to me that wall panels that connect to this panel at the corners or tee into it cannot be treated the same way rectangular wall panels connect with lapping top plates. 

Again, things just got a little more interesting.

The most common (balloon framed) gable shapes are probably the following:

- Shed (monopitch with different start and end wall heights)
- Symmetric Gable (equal pitches and equal wall heights)
- Non-symmetric Gable (equal/unequal pitches and equal/unequal wall heights)
- Symmetric Gambrel (dual pitch equal and equal wall heights)
- Hip  (equal pitch, equal wall heights with a flat middle section)
- Clerestory (equal/unequal pitches with equal/unequal wall heights with a kneel wall at pitch break)

Please feel free to add to this list.  I believe the first three of this list are the highest priority.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 01, 2018, 04:32:55 PM
I'll start with the band board.  The updated exterior trim menu now appears as so:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su129_800.jpg)

The band thru corner parameter causes the band board to cut through the corner trim boards and extend all the way to the corner (mitered).

The four additional parameters should be sufficient to fully define the band board.  The band board trim thickness is the same as the corner trim, I'm assuming that typically you would want these various trim boards to all be the same thickness?  If not then an additional parameter for the band board thickness is required.

By the time I add in all of the parameters for the frieze and water table the menu is going to get quite large, which can create problems for people working on laptops with small screens.  My only option at that point is to remove some variables from the draw wall tool ext. trim menu (still available in the global settings and wall edit menu) or go to an HTMl menu.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on July 01, 2018, 10:00:51 PM
This is a steel beam calc I put together a few years ago;
http://forestryforum.com/members/donp/steelbeamclc.htm
I can't remember phone numbers much less beam sizes, I think W8x21, W12x40 I've used in the past, we installed a C10x15.3 a week or so ago, also in steel 4" round and square tube columns, and BOCA posts as well, I think they are 3&4" but not positive on actual od's.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 03, 2018, 12:59:32 AM
Version 0.8.3 - 07.02.2018
- Added a band board option to the exterior trim module.
- The "band thru corner" option allows the band board to cut through the corner trim.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su131_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su132_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 04, 2018, 03:11:53 PM
Version 0.8.3c - 07.04.2018
- Release date and sub. revision numbers are now correctly reported in the global settings license tab.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 04, 2018, 05:58:26 PM
I'm a bit of a perfectionist, which I will readily admit can be my undoing sometimes.

The LVL edge texture was really bugging me so I created a slightly better one:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su134_800.jpg)

An 14" deep LVL 3-Ply beam with an HUCQ612 hanger.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 04, 2018, 09:27:37 PM
Preview of the updated Trim tab of the global settings.  I've organized it a little better into vertical and horizontal elements for the exterior trim:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su135_800.jpg)

I've also added the missing Wainscot Cut parameter and the new parameters for the Frieze and Skirt boards (with drip cap).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 05, 2018, 04:56:28 AM
Frieze, Band and Skirt boards:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su136_800.jpg)

In this instance the skirt board is thru the corner, also notice the drip cap has been enabled for the skirt board.

All three of these horizontal trim elements can also be combined with the ext. wainscoting.

There is still some fine tuning I need to do with regards to how these horizontal elements terminate at window and door openings when trim is wrapping these elements, I will be looking at this tomorrow.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 05, 2018, 03:29:08 PM
I will need to give the window module some more thought, it is very limited at the moment, only some very basic window types.  Also the ability to customize the callout would be useful I think.

Testing the wall presets with the new trim features.  The example below shows the water table terminated at the corners, compare to the previous example.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su137_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 05, 2018, 05:21:59 PM
Version 0.8.4 - 07.05.2018
- Added frieze and skirt board options to the exterior trim module.
- Added an optional drip cap to the skirt board (dimensions can be set in the global settings).
- Similar to the band board the skirt and frieze can cut through the corner trim.
- Each wall panel now has a name assigned to it, which can be edited in the wall edit menu.
- LVL beam depths now include 22" and 24" beam sizes. LVL edge texture has been updated.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 06, 2018, 01:56:30 AM
Version 0.8.4b - 07.05.2018
- Fixed the door handing for in-swing doors.
- Callout for in-swing doors moved to interior side of wall.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 07, 2018, 12:10:16 AM
The horizontal trim elements (frieze, band, skirt) are now interacting with the exterior window and door trim as one would expect:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su138_800.jpg)

When no trim is installed (wall to the right) the band board is cut at the opening(s) flush with the sheathing and cladding.  When trim is installed the band board and skirt terminate at the edge of the window/door trim.

Little details really, but the devil is in the details.

Reminds me of the days working construction for a general contractor in Utah some 20 years ago.  I was installing faux log siding on a high end residence and if our pieces butted up with a gap anymore than 1/32" he would make us pull it off and redo it (especially on the front of the house).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 07, 2018, 02:46:32 AM
Today was one of those days where I got seriously pulled sideways, so rather than jump back into the larger important items I put out a few small fires and some low hanging fruit, kind of needed a break anyways after working straight through the 4th.

Flat two and four panel doors, single and double options:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su139_800.jpg)

A slightly more contemporary look versus the more traditional six panel doors.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 07, 2018, 03:58:43 AM
Version 0.8.4c - 07.07.2018
- Horizontal trim elements terminate at window and door trim.
- Added the following door types: flat four panel, flat two panel (single and double).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 07, 2018, 01:57:36 PM
Just for curiosity sake I gave crown molding some more thought this morning and it quickly became apparent to me that interior trim is far more complicated than I originally thought.

The problem arises when you have a long ext. or int. wall that is adjacent to multiple rooms, where multiple walls tee into this wall.  Some of these rooms may have crown molding and some may not. 

To make this completely parametric would require some very serious logic.

Another option would be to decouple the crown molding from the wall panels and just make a separate tool for this function. 

Option C would be just to leave this venue to other plugins like Profile Builder.  The problem with this option is that with baseboard and chair rail the door and window openings would have to be manually removed.

For now I don't have an optimal solution for interior trim, I will need to give this some more thought.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 08, 2018, 12:56:06 AM
Plugin utilization breakdown:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su140_800.jpg)

Foundation Plugin:  Not parametric, slab on grade foundation, less than a minute

Wall Plugin:  Fully parametric, exterior walls only with some doors and windows, about a minute

Truss Plugin:  Rafter roof not parametric and required manual editing to complete this roof framing, approximately 30-45 minutes of trimming members with the trim tool (Truss Plugin).

Based on this test the area I am falling down in most is the roof.  I need to be able to automatically create complex roofs and also have them fully parametric, this has always been the holy grail of the Truss Plugin and I have not yet achieved it. 

In my mind the Wall Plugin has already surpassed the Truss Plugin in ability and functionality.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 09, 2018, 02:39:23 AM
Version 0.8.4d - 07.05.2018 thru 07.09.2018
- Added a vertical offset parameter for doors that allows a door to be positioned below the bottom plate of the wall.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su144_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su145_800.jpg)

Door is vertically offset 12" into blockout in concrete stemwall.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 09, 2018, 02:39:02 PM
To better reflect the distinction between a plugin and extension I will be re-branding the plugin and renaming it to just "Medeek Wall".

From here on out I will also be referring to it as an extension.

The entire collection of plugins will be re-branded as:

Medeek Architect - A SketchUp Extension Library
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 10, 2018, 02:12:18 AM
Added the APL4 Beam-to-Column Tie per designer request:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su147_800.jpg)

Installed in pairs with total of six STN22 decorative washers.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 11, 2018, 03:19:01 AM
Version 0.8.5 - 07.11.2018
- Added the Prairie Grille for picture windows.
- Added "Casement" and "Fixed" to the window installation types, these currently are modeled identical to the picture window type.
- Added a "No Header" option for windows.
- Updated the licensing system to include a 30 day limit of the trial version.
- Added Simpson Strong-Tie APL4 Beam-to-Column Tie to the beam hanger library.
- Name of plugin changed to "Medeek Wall".

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su149_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su148_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 12, 2018, 12:16:16 AM
Trying to get to the big stuff but ended up working on some fires and adding some window grilles per customer requests.

The following grille options now available will be:

- None
- Standard
- Prairie
- Perimeter
- Short Fractional
- Farmhouse

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su150_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/45065390-c77d-4d8d-a3aa-95f59ca5d578/Window-Test-Grilles
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 12, 2018, 03:24:50 PM
Version 0.8.5b - 07.12.2018
- Added the following Grille Types for all windows: Prairie, Perimeter, Short Fractional, Farmhouse, Grid2x2, Grid2x3, Grid3x2, Grid3x3.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su151_800.jpg)

A Grid3x2 would be three columns and two rows (6 lite).

There are now 10 variants available for window grilles.  One of these days I might consider adding in the Diamond and Queen Anne patterns but right now I'm "grille fatigued".  On to bigger and better things.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 13, 2018, 02:43:43 AM
Beyond the trim and grilles the only exterior window treatment I am missing is shutters:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su152_800.jpg)

I will need to add in another set of parameters for shutters and associated menus. 

The parameters will be:

Shutter Geometry:  Single or Double
Shutter Style:  Louver, Raised Panel, Flat Panel, Board & Batten
Shutter Material
Shutter Thickness

By default they will be half the width of the window opening and their height will be the same as the window opening.  The shutter(s) will be offset 2" from the edge of the window to simulate the space taken up by hinges.  I will not be showing hinges or any other hardware so as to keep the poly count reasonable.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 14, 2018, 10:23:20 AM
Version 0.8.6 - 07.14.2018
- Added shutters: Solid, Flat Panel, Raised Panel, Louver to rectangular windows.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su155_800x500.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/65abb50e-d8ab-4312-8d09-ed89afbccef0/Window-Test-3

Available shutter styles are:

- Solid
- Raised Panel
- Flat Panel
- Louver

I have not yet enabled shutters for arched windows, that will be next.

I also need to add in a board & batten shutter which is also quite popular.

Also note that you can position the shutters on either side of the window (left or right, single shutter) or the more common double shutter configuration as shown.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 14, 2018, 07:55:34 PM
Board and Batten Shutters:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su156_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 15, 2018, 05:04:21 AM
Arched window with flat panel shutters:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su157_800.jpg)

These arched shutters are proving to be a bit more challenging.  I will need to figure out a new algorithm for board and batten shutters and louver shutters. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 16, 2018, 02:46:32 AM
Raised Panel Arched Shutter:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su159_800.jpg)

I now have all the shutter types working for arched windows:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su160_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/325dad97-0a74-48b7-b1c6-d335be371261/Window-Test-4
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 16, 2018, 02:00:22 PM
Left, Right and Double:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su162_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/f3001ec7-84ca-46da-b879-7ac7c3d80cd2/Window-Test-5

I've also addressed a bug with arched geometry where the push-pull direction was giving unpredictable results (flipping flopping between in and out).  Turns out that you need to clock your segments all in the same direction to get predictable results, which makes sense.  For some reason this did not occur to me as I was coding some of these sections of the main window module.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 16, 2018, 02:30:13 PM
Version 0.8.6b - 07.16.2018
- Added shutters: Solid, Flat Panel, Raised Panel, Louver, Board & Batten to arched windows.
- Shutter geometry parameter allows for: Left, Right or Double.
- Fixed bug in arched window module that was causing unpredictable push-pull behavior.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 17, 2018, 03:17:38 AM
For a triple casement window I am thinking a single frame with three sashes, does this seem reasonable?

Also I was thinking about oval and round windows earlier today and they are really one in the same, the only difference being the aspect ratio (height/width).  A round window is an oval window with an AR = 1.0:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su163_800.jpg)

Hence the window height and width will drive the shape of the oval, really no different than a rectangular window.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 17, 2018, 10:54:38 PM
Oval / Round windows are certainly something new and a bit more challenging but now that I've got the algorithms worked out the rest is just a matter of generating the code.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su164_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su165_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 18, 2018, 06:56:29 AM
(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su166_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 18, 2018, 05:09:33 PM
Version 0.8.7 - 07.18.2018
- Added oval and round windows to the window draw and edit modules.
- Enabled trim, casing and window installation for oval and round windows.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su167_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su168_800.jpg)

I haven't enabled shutters or grilles yet for this window type, it is not high on my todo list unless I receive additional requests for these features.

The trim and casing options are also pretty much plain jane for now.

Let's see if I can't knock out the Garage Door module this evening.

I also thought it might be helpful to reiterate that if you are an educator (teacher, professor, school) or a student I am offering full licenses of all my plugins for educational use.  All that I ask is you provide some form of student ID or other proof that you are associated with an educational institution.  The educational licenses provided to educators also allow installation on up to 50 seats.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 19, 2018, 12:14:52 AM
I have been primarily focused on the imperial/US units during the development but I also realize that a lot of current users are utilizing the plugin in metric units.  I am not at all familiar with construction and construction documents in metric units so I need a little help here.

What I am talking about is the callouts for windows and doors.  What is the appropriate way to show these callouts in metric units?  What is common or accepted practice?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: MountainDon on July 19, 2018, 08:53:04 AM
Even though Canada is a metric country (gas, milk, distances between places...) , building supplies such as lumber, plywood, windows, and doors are all dimensioned in inches and feet. I was in Canada recently and helped my brother in law with a deck. All the lumber was 2x just like here. We looked at a prehung door... inches. PEX pipe... inches

I did notice that some extension cords in the HomeDepot were metric first (10M / 32.8 feet) and others were feet first (50 feet / 15,24 M). ???   And yes, that was a comma in the metric measurement, just like in europe.

They do sell tape measures that are dual scaled.

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 19, 2018, 12:31:25 PM
Canada is one of those odd ones, they do use a lot of metric but some industries are still heavily imperial units like the building industry.  I grew up in BC and went to school there (K-12) so I'm quite familiar with their metric usage.  When I took my first physics and engineering classes at BYU it was quite a shocker to have to start using non-metric units.

I'm looking at an Australian floor plan right now and the first thing that jumps out at me is they call out height x width whereas in the US we call out width x height, now I am curious what other countries that are using metric are doing, specifically the UK, Norway and France.

The Australian system seems to be the following: window sizes are rounded to the nearest decimeter and shown in meters: (ie. a 1090mm x 2230mm window is called out as a 1022.  Doors on the other hand do not seem to be called out by height but only by their width in millimeters (ie. 820 for an 820mm wide door).

If the callout systems differ dramatically between countries I suppose I can add a global setting which allows the users to switch between various callout systems (for metric units).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 19, 2018, 03:37:11 PM
Version 0.8.7b - 07.19.2018
- Added a 5-Lite Circular Grille for all window types.
- Enabled all standard grille types for oval and round windows.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su170_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/34b3256b-040c-4cb9-a662-d8b2491d077a/Window-Test-6

This grille pattern was added per customer request, also note that it can be applied to any of the other rectangular window types (picture, single hung, slider).

Lately I've been having so many smaller feature requests that it has been hard to focus on some of the big ticket items.  I am doing my best not to be side tracked by these minor items and to just add them to the todo list so I can attend to them at a later date. 

The todo list is now over three pages long, so rather than shrink it has continued to grow.  Honestly the amount of items I'm currently looking at is really the work of an entire team of programmers, not just a single person.  So if my progress seems rather slow at times then it probably is.

I've been trying to get some of my kids (teenagers) interested in helping out with some of the coding over their summer break but they seemed to be more inclined to spend their time playing computer/console games.  I call them the Angry Birds or Pokemon Go generation.  All of this technology is great but unless it is harnessed correctly it seems more detrimental than good.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: MountainDon on July 19, 2018, 03:49:27 PM
Curiosity got the best of me. I searched a few UK building material sites. Some things of interest I found include:

Lumber known as CLS (Canadian Lumber Standard) abounds. That's our standard 2x's sold by the mm equivalents to our 2" x 4" sizes for example or as actual sizes such as 38 mm x 89 mm. Seems to depend on the seller.

Plywood is 2440 x 1220 mm.  That 8 foot x 4 foot

Doors seem to be 78" or 1981 mm tall for the most part. Widths of doors are mm equivalents of our standard inches sizes

The UK has door casings and door lining... with a lining the door stops strips are loose, separate pieces that are nailed on, while a casing is a machined piece of solid wood.   Casings and lining material seems to be 32 or 33 mm thick.  The doors themselves were 35 mm thick, equal to our 1-3/8" 

The UK calls a groove cut in wood, a trench.

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 20, 2018, 02:01:14 PM
As always the US has a big influence/impact on the rest of the world.  Even though these other countries don't use ft.-inches anymore they are still using building materials that are in the old units.  I guess it is hard to change an entrenched industry. 

On a similar vein, I was using a metric template last night to work on updates to the metric window and door call outs, when it became painfully obvious that the metric side of the house has way more bugs than I care to admit.  Obviously I have focused most of my efforts and attention on working with imperial/US units, so many of these minor issues have managed to slip by me.

I am going to spend the rest of the day or whatever it takes to go through the entire extension with a fine tooth comb and clean up some of these (metric only) bugs.  I'm finding that most of them are typos or something very simple, however I do need to get this done.

My sincere apologies to are international (metric) customers who have had to deal with this and I appreciate your patience with me.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 20, 2018, 05:18:05 PM
Version 0.8.7c - 07.20.2018
- Addressed a number of miscellaneous bugs related to metric templates.

I've also utilized the Australian standard for window and door call outs when using metric templates.  If someone would like to have a different call out system implemented for metric units I can do that as well, I just need specifics and what country or name to associate with that call out system.

This is a critical bug fix release and addresses a number of bugs having to do with metric units but also affects some issues that are also with imperial/US units.  I would highly recommend updating to this latest version at your earliest convenience.

Locating windows and doors along a wall in meters should now work as intended.

I'm am reasonably sure there are more bugs with the metric version of the plugin since I have not fully tested it in every possible scenario.  If you notice anything please feel free to contact me.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 21, 2018, 09:40:42 PM
I've introduced a start and end parameter for the wainscoting which allows for partial wainscoting on exterior walls:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su171_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/2bbae1f7-ca62-4cf0-b02a-7e1496a6bf22/Wainscot-Test-1

This feature has been requested a number of times in that last month so it managed to float to the top.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 22, 2018, 04:06:27 PM
Version 0.8.7d - 07.22.2018
- Added a start and end parameter for exterior wainscoting, which allows for partial wainscoting of a wall panel.
- All window grille types extended to half glass and full glass doors (single/double).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su173_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 23, 2018, 02:04:35 PM
Ext. Wainscoting is complicated.  Currently all I have is Mode 1 in the logic:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/WAINSCOTING_MODES_800.jpg)

For example in Mode 3 you may start with full height brick then drop down to a half height and then terminate all on one wall panel.

With the start and end offsets set to zero the result for any of the different modes would be exactly the same, they really only come into play when you begin offsetting the wainscoting from the right and/or left.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 24, 2018, 04:05:23 AM
Version 0.8.8 - 07.24.2018
- Added an additional "mode" parameter for exterior wainscoting, which allows for multiple configurations of partial wainscoting.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su174_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su175_800.jpg)

There are now four modes however there are other modes possible but I think I have spent enough time on this for now until further requests propel this to the top of the list again.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 25, 2018, 04:14:41 AM
Version 0.8.9 - 07.25.2018
- Added the CMU framing mode for concrete block wall construction.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su176_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su177_800.jpg)

Currently the CMU mode is mostly the same as the "No Framing" mode with a few subtle differences:

1.)  Concrete block texture is applied to vertical and horizontal faces of the wall solid to simulate a block wall.

2.)  Round openings in the wall are cut out to follow the curve of the window or door.

3.)  Description of the group (solid) has CMU in the text.  This will be important in later releases as the estimating and engineering modules are developed and implemented.

As I receive further input on this new wall type I'm sure additional features will need to be added to fully bring the CMU wall framing mode up to speed.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/439b7b2e-0df4-4f82-97bb-a03494d24dd8/CMU-Test-2
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 25, 2018, 07:23:14 PM
Version 0.8.9b - 07.25.2018
- Stud/Wall Depth and Width parameters added to the Walls tab of the Global Settings.

For CMU walls you will want to disable the standard stud sizes and then specify the wall/stud width (ie. 7.625") with the Walls tab of the global settings.  Also set the framing mode to "CMU" if desired. 

When creating the walls one would probably turn off the advanced wall options since gypsum, sheathing, trim and cladding are usually not needed for this wall type but if required all of the options are available for this wall type as well.

One additional note to add is that if you are upgrading the plugin and currently using the layers feature you will want to open up the layers tab of the global settings, so as to reinitialize the layers.  I've added an additional layer option for CMU block.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 26, 2018, 10:53:44 PM
Version 0.8.9c - 07.26.2018
- Added double, triple and quad casement windows to the window draw and edit modules.
- Resolved a bug in the window and door attribute library modules.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su178_800.jpg)

I'm not sure if the callouts are really visible with this image but they are formatted like so:

(3) 2040CSMT  (for the 3 lite 6040 window)

This update is per customer request.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/05ae80f6-3945-43a7-8c59-a773380f1ce1/Window-Test-7

I've also been thinking quite a bit about integration with other plugins and how I can best facilitate that plugin-to-plugin communication.

My first thought is that the under the hood structure of the wall is actually fully exposed already and can be modified with any other third party plugin.  Everything required to build the wall is contained within the attribute library of the wall panel group (outermost container).  I will be publishing a specification which delineates each value and position within the attribute library so other plugin authors can easily obtain or set this information as required and have an exact understanding of what each parameter is.

I will also be assembling an API so that another plugin author can cut holes in the walls for openings (windows and doors) and also rebuild the wall panels etc...  I'm not exactly sure on all of the details yet but hopefully this will make the plugin more accessible to other plugin authors and allow for better integration.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 28, 2018, 03:36:16 AM
A couple of segmental arches and a quinto acuto and equilateral gothic arch:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su179_800.jpg)

Selecting either an arch or gothic arch geometry will enable the "Window Arch Radius" parameter as shown in the edit window menu above.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 29, 2018, 12:56:04 AM
Arched window openings now have exterior trim and wainscoting enabled:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su180_800.jpg)

For those interested this is the underlying equations that I'm using to calculate a gothic arch:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/GOTHIC_ARCH_800.jpg)

Notice that the center of the arch is at the same height as the springline but the lateral placement of the center of the arch is driven by the radius since the arch is tangent to the vertical .  A classic quinto acuto gothic arch has a radius that is 4/5 of the width of the opening, whereas an equilateral arch will be radius = width.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 30, 2018, 04:47:51 AM
These arched windows and their grilles (Prairie Style shown) were a bit more than I was wanting to bite off when I started into them this morning but perseverance won over in the end and I finally got them sorted out:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su181_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su182_800.jpg)

The half round springline window is created by setting the radius to half the window opening.

Also note that only the picture or fixed window type is available for the arch and gothic arch geometry.

I still need to work on shutters for these window types but that is a job for another day.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/03ca029f-e028-4171-85cd-a336eba4ac10/Window-Test-8
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 02, 2018, 05:28:11 AM
Version 0.9.0 - 08.03.2018
- Added gothic and segmental arched windows to the window draw and edit modules.
- Added shutters: Solid, Flat Panel, Raised Panel, Louver, Board & Batten to arched and gothic arch windows.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su183_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/717611a9-f02a-477b-863f-4c0fa04e9247/Window-Test-9
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 03, 2018, 08:32:36 PM
The arch/gothic arch window rabbit hole was very deep:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su184_800.jpg)
Ext. Trim and Shutter (Left)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su185_800.jpg)
Interior Casing

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su186_800.jpg)
Interior Casing Options

Adding a new window type now entails the following additional features that must all be considered:

1.) Exterior Trim (Style A, Style B)
2.) Interior Casing/Trim (Style A, Style B, Style C)
3.) Window frame, casing and glass (window geometry will dictate if additional styles can be created for that geometry in addition to the standard fixed window).
4.) Window Grille (ten different grille configurations currently)
5.) Shutters (five different shutter types currently in three different configurations)

Some window types will also involve additional parameters due to asymmetry or other special features.

The trapezoid or triangular window may also involve a pitched header will further complicate matters with wall framing.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 03, 2018, 10:34:01 PM
Version 0.9.0b - 08.03.2018
- Enabled all interior casing styles (Style A, Style B, and Style C) for gothic and arch windows.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su187_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 07, 2018, 03:41:11 PM
Just an FYI there is a known issue with stacking walls right now (multi-level structures), funny that this did not show up previously.  I am currently working on it and should have a new revision in a few hours that hopefully addresses it fully. 

The issue is with the auto-corner configuration, apparently the algorithm is detecting walls on different levels when it should only be detecting the walls within a specified vertical range (on the same level).

I think I've got my head back in the game now after a short hiatus from the code.

Currently the three hot development items are:

1.)  New HTML menu/draw tool
2.)  Gable Walls
3.)  Garage Door Module

I'm also excited to report that the new reseller system is live and ready to go.  I am currently recruiting resellers so please contact me directly if you are interested.  I haven't determined the number of resellers or if there will be a specific limit however I am looking for people with diverse backgrounds and people who are passionate about promoting SketchUp as a primary architectural design tool for residential and commercial design.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 08, 2018, 06:22:41 PM
Version 0.9.0c - 08.08.2018
- Critical fix to the auto-corner configuration module which addresses a bug with multi-story construction.

If you are doing multi-story construction with the plugin you will want to download and install this fix immediately.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 09, 2018, 10:25:18 PM
Version 0.9.0d - 08.09.2018
- Added logic so that callouts for stacked windows are properly cascaded.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su188_800.jpg)

Note that there is still an issue with stacking windows in the full framing mode.  The plugin will not throw any errors (within the ruby console) but I will need to add some additional logic to properly frame up the cripple studs between windows, if any are required.  Also the algorithm for the trimmer studs will require some modifications.

Initially I did not foresee stacked windows but they do seem to be quite common so they have become a high priority.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/33f30348-1e8d-4e6b-9c4a-1a313103ef30/Window-Test-12
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 14, 2018, 03:14:27 PM
Looking at this screenshot one would think I am attempting to edit a wall panel however if you look a little closer you will notice that I am actually drawing a wall panel:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su189_800.jpg)

The HTML draw menu (Graphical UI Option) is almost ready to release.  I have a bit more testing to do and some additional javascript logic to add to the HTML itself and then I think it will ready for prime time. 

I think everyone will find this is a much quicker and easier way to create wall panels than the legacy (non-GUI) method.  However, for those who prefer the old menu system that will still be available by setting the graphical UI option in the global settings (General tab) to "NO".

The other upside will be the ability to select from your presets rather than having to edit the wall panel after the fact.

Pressing the spacebar will exit out of the draw wall menu and tool, as is usual for SketchUp tools.

Pressing the ESC key on Windows will exit the current wall panel polyline and allow the user to start a new series of wall panel(s).

Clicking the Update button will update the draw tool with the parameters shown in the menu and allow the user to change things up mid-stream during the creation of wall panel(s).

I am hoping that this will be a big usability improvement for the plugin and make it quite a bit more efficient.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 15, 2018, 04:18:19 PM
Version 0.9.1 - 08.15.2018
- Added an HTML "Draw Wall" menu option. This is toggled in the global settings with the Graphical UI parameter.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 15, 2018, 11:29:30 PM
I've got a lot of things on my plate right now (plugin development and other unrelated items) but as I've been communicating with various parties today regarding the current functionality of the plugin it would appear that a common theme is the ability to better manage and apply materials.

With that being said I've decided to develop my own material manager (within the global settings of the plugin).  The user will be able to easily add, edit and delete materials.  A material can be either a color or image based material.  For an image based material the user will be able to specify the image (upload to library) and then specify the scaling (horz and vert).  For a color based material the color can be set with a palette picker or RGB code. Additional customization (ie. transparency) can be accomplished via the standard SU material dialogs/tools.

This will allow the user to setup commonly used materials and have those populate the various drop downs in the draw and edit menus of the plugin.

Initially I wanted to go the SKM route but this has some serious backward compatibility problems so I've since abandoned that idea.

Currently the wall cladding drop down allows for the selection of any material currently defined within the model however this methodology is flawed in that it becomes too cluttered with materials that the user probably does not care to utilize for the wall geometry.

I may also incorporate some sort of flag system so that the user can specify which custom material will appear in which drop down field (ie. sheathing or cladding or both).  I will need to give this some additional thought.

There will still exist some standard materials that are hard coded into the plugin and cannot be removed (ie. OSB, Plywood etc...)  The idea being that some users may not want to spend the time defining a custom library and just want some standard materials right out of the box.

I think I've nailed down most of the details on how this will all go together but any suggestions or thoughts are always helpful.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 16, 2018, 01:42:53 PM
How would you call out a entrance door with sidelights?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Feather-River-Doors-63-5-in-x-81-625-in-Rochester-Patina-1-2-Lite-Unfinished-Smooth-Right-Hand-Fiberglass-Prehung-Front-Door-w-Sidelites-873191-3A4/203126132

Along that same vein here is a schematic of how the single and double side lites for doors will be calculated:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/DOOR_SIDELITES_800.jpg)

Rather than provide doors with side lites as a new type of door I will probably just make side lites an additional option for existing doors.

Switching a door from RH to LH will move a single side lite to the same side as the door knob, this seems to be the most common configuraton.  Of course a door with a double side lite will be symmetrical and it doesn't matter on the door handedness.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 17, 2018, 02:08:46 AM
Version 0.9.1b - 08.16.2018
- Configured the HTML "Draw Wall" menu to remember the previous settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 18, 2018, 12:33:56 AM
Version 0.9.1c - 08.17.2018
- Added an option in the Walls tab of the Global Settings to auto-load a wall preset within the HTML Draw Wall menu.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su190_800.jpg)

If the auto-load preset option is enabled then each time the draw tool is activated it will pull the parameters from the preset, otherwise the parameters will be per the previous wall drawn.

Note that the Auto-Load Wall Preset parameter only applies to the HTML draw menu.  If the graphical UI is not enabled then the legacy system is in place and there is no way to auto-load a preset.

Some may still find the HTML draw menu a bit overwhelming with all of its parameters.  I may add a +/- button at the top which will allow the user to shrink the menu so that only the presets are shown and possibly a few other options.  The menu configuration will then be memorized and will pop up the same as the previous configuration (large or small).  Along those same lines I should probably also provide a global settings which will allow the user to set the default behaviour of the menu configuration.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 21, 2018, 02:55:17 AM
Version 0.9.2 - 08.21.2018
- Added sidelites (double and single) for all door types.
- Enabled 5-lite (full glass) and 3-lite (half glass) grilles for door sidelites.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su193_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/930bc1a3-1a33-4ad7-bd77-25b7d1218cbd/Door-Test-2

I will probably need to add a few more options for grilles for the sidelites and probably even a couple more parameters so that full glass sidelites can be mixed and matched with half glass doors, but I think I've got a decent start on this one for now.

Note, that sidelites can be moved to the right or left of the door (single sidelite) by changing the handedness of the door.

Both the door draw and door edit menus have been updated with this new feature.  The sidelite width can be set to any value and defaults to 12" (400mm) which seems to be the most common size.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 21, 2018, 09:05:27 PM
Featured on SketchUp Essentials (Justin Geis):

https://youtu.be/bhqMdXA77tM

Note that this video was made prior to the new HTML draw menu, so unfortunately it is already a bit dated.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 22, 2018, 12:05:30 AM
A few different grille and sidelite combinations:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su194_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su195_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su196_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 23, 2018, 04:04:45 AM
I'm often asked where did the name "Medeek" come from? So as an aside from the serious business of trusses and residential framing I should probably explain how this name sort of happened.

After I sold my web hosting business in 2006 I took up my native artwork for a spell and also spent a couple years researching the art form and many of the legends and stories behind these mythical creatures that we often draw.  The legend of Medeek is thought to have happened very near to my ancestral village and so I was naturally interested in it.

One of my prints I released in 2006 was a Medeek design (originally intended for a silver bracelet):

(https://stoningtongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/artwork_images/Stonington_Gallery_Nathaniel_Nathan_Wilkerson_Native_Gitksan_Serigraph_Print_Medeek_Red_and_Black_View_1.jpg)

https://stoningtongallery.com/artwork/medeek-black-and-red/

The artwork I utilize in my logo and throughout my site is all my own work. 

The financial crash of 2008 pretty much put a hold on my art career but in a way it led me to my current projects within SketchUp.  Even though I enjoyed the artwork I also enjoy creating these plugins as much or perhaps even more.  What really drives me I guess is the ability to be able to create.  The SketchUp API allows me turn my ideas into reality, Thank-you SketchUp for having the vision and foresight to provide this important tool for developers like myself.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 23, 2018, 07:09:14 AM
Preview of the upcoming Material Manager in the Global Settings:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su197_800.jpg)

This will allow the defining of both color based and texture based materials that will then populate the various drop down menus of the plugin.

I am also including the ability to inactivate/activate a material so that it can be turned off without having to completely delete it.  Also the ability to fully edit a material or delete one will be included.

A 16x16 preview (thumbnail) of the material will be standard.  I will probably enable some sort of javascript element so that as you mouse over the thumbnail you are able to view a larger preview of the texture or color.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: MountainDon on August 23, 2018, 09:24:55 AM
Thanks for sharing the personal story
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 24, 2018, 10:33:38 PM
A preview of the "Add Material" sub-menu:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su198_800.jpg)

Fiddling around with HTML and Javascript is somewhat tedious and time consuming but I think the end result will be worth the effort.

I've never tried nesting modal HTML menus before so this has definitely been a learning experience.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 26, 2018, 07:02:33 PM
Version 0.9.3 - 08.26.2018
- Added a Custom Material Library/Manager in the Materials tab of the Global Settings.
- Enabled custom materials for sheathing, cladding and ext. wainscoting in the HTML wall draw and edit menus.

Being that this a completely new feature I may have missed something in my testing but overall I'm fairly happy with the way it has turned out.

Currently I am limiting image type (for textures) to .jpg or .png, but may extend it to other image types if the need arises.

As noted in the changelog notes above the custom materials are only able to be applied to sheathing, cladding, and wainscoting.  I will be extending this feature to other elements in the near future (ie. gypsum, trim, casing etc...)

Clicking on the status icon (red or green) will allow the toggling between inactive or active status.  If a material is listed as "inactive" it will not appear in the draw or edit menus and cannot be utilized in the model.  This feature has been included so that a user can define as many materials as they like but only activate a handful that they may need for a project, thereby keeping the drop down menus from becoming too cluttered.

One thing I have thought about doing is grouping materials within the material manager.  This would then allow the user to determine which materials get loaded into which drop down menu.  (ie. sheathing, cladding etc...)  I haven't implemented this yet since I haven't determined the best way to handle this yet within the interface but it is probably something for future releases.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 29, 2018, 06:03:21 AM
Version 0.9.3b - 08.29.2018
- Enabled the ability to group materials (in the Material Library) and control which drop down menu they will appear in.
- Added an SKM file import utility to the Material Library.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su199_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 30, 2018, 03:19:41 AM
When an interior wall terminates without adjoining other walls at a corner or tee, it is what I call the "end" condition.  Up until now when gypsum was turned on it was only being applied to the exterior and interior face of the "interior" wall. 

Now if an interior wall panel has an end condition it will also receive wall board treatment on the ends in order to complete the wall panel:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su200_800.jpg)

Also note that I have enabled the Wall Gypsum Corner parameter in the Sheathing Tab of the global settings.  This will allow for either "flush" or "miter" treatment of the gypsum, the screenshot above shows the gypsum with mitering.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su201_800.jpg)

These two items were per user request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 30, 2018, 09:48:31 PM
Version 0.9.3c - 08.30.2018
- Enabled the Wall Gypsum Corner parameter in the sheathing tab of the global settings (MITER/FLUSH).
- Interior walls now receive end treatment when gypsum enabled.
- Gypsum wrap enabled for openings in interior walls that do not have a window or door installed.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su203_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su202_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 31, 2018, 04:05:54 PM
Version 0.9.4 - 08.31.2018
- Added additional (New Zealand) standard metric stud sizes: 45x90, 45x140, 45x190, 45x240, 45x290
- Addressed multiple bugs having to do with metric templates (glulam headers, columns, SSWs).
- Added (New Zealand) standard metric sizes for window and door headers.

If you are using metric templates you will want to update the plugin to this latest version which addresses a number of critical bugs when using metric units.  I really need to spend more time in metric templates testing things.  Unfortunately, most of my time is spent working in imperial/US units so that side of the house is more thoroughly vetted.

While I'm on the topic of metric templates I still need to provide standard size metric columns and beams (the plugin currently defaults to imperial sizes for these two building elements).  I have a pretty good idea on column sizes in New Zealand since I just spent some time perusing their building code and becoming familiar with it but I need some input from other countries who use metric lumber sizes (ie. UK, France, Norway, Sweden, South Africa, Germany etc...)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 01, 2018, 05:05:13 PM
Version 0.9.4b - 09.01.2018
- Fixed a bug with corner stud placement where corner angles are extreme values.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su204_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 03, 2018, 03:09:56 PM
Version 0.9.4c - 09.03.2018
- Improved the Tee intersection algorithm of the auto-corner configuration module.
- Fixed a minor bug in the Windows tab of the Global Settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 04, 2018, 05:43:56 PM
Not wanting to clutter the toolbars any further I waffled quite a bit on this decision but I think it makes more sense to provide a separate icon and a "Draw Garage Door" feature, hence the new menu will appear as below:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su_menu_active.jpg)

Garage doors are kind of their own beast.  Typically much larger than a simple man door and various options such portal framing further complicate the matter.  By completely separating the two I am better able to fully customize the UI for garage door specific parameters and features.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 07, 2018, 12:54:29 AM
The recent update with the gypsum option (miter) needed some further attention.  While I was sorting that out it became obvious that, along with tee intersections, columns that are not full height need to have the ability to cut out the gypsum, sheathing or cladding when the column is less than the full height of the wall.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su208_800.jpg)

Note that the advanced options for columns allows the user to specify which element to trim away as shown in the column edit menu above.  In some cases the beam may project through the wall to the exterior of the structure.  In this case one would want to cut away the interior gypsum, sheathing and cladding as shown.  The exterior gypsum is referring to interior walls with gypsum cladding on both sides.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 07, 2018, 04:12:28 PM
Tee intersections will now automatically remove the gypsum where the walls meet:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su209_800.jpg)

The algorithm which notches out the top plates is very similar to this algorithm, which notches out the gypsum.  For interior walls, as shown above, the tee intersection may be on either the "interior" or "exterior" of the wall.  Hence the algorithm needs to be smart enough to detect which side of the wall is being affected and notch the appropriate gypsum wall panel. 

Further refinement is probably in order since the result is not a true mitered corner however it is a start and certainly and improvement from when tee intersections were simply ignored with the gypsum.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 07, 2018, 04:48:22 PM
One thing to note is that gypsum is never really installed "mitered".  The finished corners are always created with drywall corners (corner bead - outside corners) or drywall tape (inside corners).

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Building-Materials-Drywall-Drywall-Corner-Bead/N-5yc1vZc7qn

https://www.homedepot.com/c/steps_to_finishing_inside_corners_HT_PG_BM

I added the mitering option to the gypsum primarily for aesthetic reasons, especially for outside corners.  Most designers want to see a finished corner not a raw drywall corner where the corner bead has not yet been applied. 

So for tee intersections the fact that it is not mitered is probably mute for most purposes however at some point I will rectify this as my schedule allows.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 09, 2018, 10:38:11 PM
The number of garage door types and variants is almost exhausting, yet another plugin within a plugin.  To begin with I will start with the following door types:

- Solid
- Panel (Panels will consist of 18" or 21" panels (or metric equivalents: 455mm, 525mm) arranged in such a way to allow for 3" (70mm) increments in door height.)
- Standard Raised Panel
- Long Raised Panel
- Standard Flat Panel
- Long Flat Panel
- Glass Standard Raised Panel (Glass indicated that the top panel will have glass inserts)
- Glass Long Raised Panel
- Glass Standard Flat Panel
- Glass Long Flat Panel
- Full Glass Standard Panel (Full glass indicates that entire door is glass)
- Full Glass Long Panel

There are many other garage door variants:  Carriage doors etc... those will be added per user request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 10, 2018, 04:29:45 AM
Slowly working through the garage door module.  Here is a first look at the garage door casing:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su210_800.jpg) 

(Painted blue for emphasis)

With this new module I'm getting things right from the get go.  Materials options are incorporated from the new Material Library so that piece of the puzzle will be much more streamlined and easy to use.

Since I am working through this a little more slowly (and carefully) it may be a few days before I release any fixes, I apologize for the delay.

As I mentioned in a previous post I have broken garage doors out into their own separate container, as such garage doors have their own edit menu etc...  this is a little bit more work but will result in more flexibility and long term improvements will be more attainable.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 10, 2018, 02:54:07 PM
I'm fielding at least 5-10 questions per day on the plugin (need to put up a FAQ).  However, I thought this particular question on utilizing layers within the plugin was worth posting here:

QUESTION:

Just to clarify, all pre-loaded layer names for all Plugins can be changed/modified through the global settling interface.

Can layer names be changed at anytime or must layer name changes be in place at the start of modeling? How would you update existing model layer naming to new names?

ANSWER:

As mentioned in previous posts, editing or do anything to modify a wall panel (ie. adding a door or window) will cause the plugin to redraw the wall panel from scratch.

This is particularly advantageous for making layer modifications (changing a layer name).

Try it out, create a wall, then update the name for the framing layer (or any other layer name being used) to something different in the global settings.

Then regen the wall panel(s), ie. drop them down to 2D and bring them back up again into 3D.  You will notice that the new layer name has been added and that the old layer name is also still present.  If you have regenerated all of the wall panels then nothing should remain on the old layer unless you have manually placed something there, and you can safely delete it.  SU will prompt you if something does remain and what action to take.

So the long answer to this question is that layer names can be changed at anytime and are not restricted to being set at the start of a model.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 10, 2018, 09:23:55 PM
So here is what I have for the garage door callout so far:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su211_800.jpg)

The second (smaller) line of text will display the header/lintel size:

Glulam headers will display the glulam dimensions and the term "GLULAM BEAM"

A typical lumber (nail lam) beam will be:  (2) 2X8 LUMBER BEAM

A typical LSL Callout:  (2) 1-3/4X7-1/4 LSL BEAM

I'm sure everyone has their own favorite way of making these callouts and I need to figure out a way to allow for enough flexibility but at the same time to not over complicate the matter.

The dashed line shows the footprint of the overhead door, with its depth equal to the door height.

Please feel free to chime in with suggestions or concerns.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 12, 2018, 08:51:33 PM
The detail below shows most of the basic elements of the portal frame that will be drawn by the plugin:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/PORTAL_FRAME_800.jpg)

The PF King Stud and PF Trimmer Stud parameters will allow the user to increase the quantity of the king and trim studs accordingly.

The PF Bottom PLT parameter will allow PF Bottom Plates to vary from zero, one or two.

Optional head and jambs studs can be specified (shown in red).

The detail shows a double portal frame, a single portal frame is very similar with one side conventionally framed and one side portal framed as shown.

The light blue elements are the regular studs (or cripples) on their typical 16" o/c spacing.

PF C2 and PF C1B are probably optional elements but I like to include them, please let me know if there are any objections.

For now only strap holdowns will be available since this seems to be the prescriptive path most people employ.  However in my professional opinion other holdown types (HDU) could be permitted provided that the proper engineering has been done.

Eventually I will include a PFH calculator in the plugins engineering module based on my own Excel based Portal Frame Calculator:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/PFH/PFH_CALCULATOR.pdf

Please feel free to chime in with any comments, suggestions, concerns or additional options or parameters you would like to see added to this module.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 13, 2018, 11:19:57 AM
PF Framing algorithm is complete:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su212_800.jpg)

Double, Single (Left), Single (Right)

In this case a 10' wall creates a pony wall above the headers.

Now I just need to add in the logic for the optional jamb studs.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 13, 2018, 07:07:35 PM
A garage door with optional head and jamb studs enabled:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su213_800.jpg)

Also note that this feature can be utilized in the CMU or no framing mode:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su214_800.jpg)

Typically I see jamb studs used in a situation like this, where the door drops below the framed wall (vertically offset) into a garage curb or stemwall.  By default the jamb studs are assigned to PT lumber.  However, they can also be utilized without a vertical offset.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 15, 2018, 02:23:40 AM
A typical raised panel and flat panel garage door (10'x7') with the panels parameters set to "AUTO":

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su215_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su216_800.jpg)

I may need to fine tune the spacing parameters a bit (I have not exposed the parameters to the user, it would probably just over complicate things) depending on feedback from designers.

Working on the window versions of these two variants now.

Then the all glass version for commercial applications (ie. Fire Station overhead doors etc...)

I will probably not release a carriage door style just yet, not until I have further researched this type of door and determined what configuration and additional parameters might be needed.

Below is a preview of the Garage Door Edit Menu (note that most of the advance options have been disabled so that if fits on the screen):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su217_800.jpg)

I've enabled the Portal Frame option so that you can see the available parameters.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 15, 2018, 03:34:56 AM
Exterior and interior of a 10'x7' garage door (raised panel with glass and 2x2 grille):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su218_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su219_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 15, 2018, 07:09:17 PM
The number of horizontal and vertical panels can be specified or be set to AUTO so virtually any number of combinations are possible:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su220_800.jpg)

Full glass door exterior and interior.  However I'm noticing that these types of doors usually have a kick panel (no glass) installed.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su221_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su222_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 16, 2018, 02:04:31 AM
A glass door with a threshold and door lever (hardware):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su223_800.jpg)

Note that the grey material applied to the door was first created in the material manager in the global settings and then applied in the garage door edit menu.  I am very happy with the implementation and added functionality of the new material manager.

The blocked out areas on each side of the garage door indicate the extent of the portal frames when enabled:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su224_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 16, 2018, 03:53:34 PM
Garage door with ext. trim and wainscoting:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su225_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 17, 2018, 03:35:56 AM
I was just about to release the latest release when I noticed a few issues with the insulation when portal frames are enabled for the garage door openings:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su226_800.jpg)

The portal frames added a whole new level to the stud framing, blocking and insulation algorithms. 

I will hit it again tomorrow and see if we can't finally push out this latest version.  I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised with the new functionality and bug fixes.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 17, 2018, 11:30:06 PM
Version 0.9.5 - 09.17.2018
- Added advanced options to the column edit menu which allows for notching out of gypsum, sheathing and cladding for beam pockets.
- Tee intersections will now automatically remove gypsum where walls meet.
- Added the garage door module with the following garage door variants: Solid, No Panels, Raised Panel, Flat Panel, Glass Raised Panel, Glass Flat Panel, Glass Panel.
- Added Portal Frames: Both, Left, Right to the garage door module.
- Removed garage door option from door draw and edit menus.

Just a word of CAUTION when upgrading to this latest version from previous installed versions:

Upgrading to 0.9.5 will break all previously installed plugin models.  The reason being is that the door module and attribute library associated with doors has been changed in this latest version.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 18, 2018, 11:13:42 AM
Now that the garage module is finally out I'm able to refocus back onto the gable wall module, and hopefully get something going with this in the next week or two.

As I've been contemplating it implementation this morning I've come to the following realization.  A gable wall can be separated into two cases:

1.)  A true gable wall (ie. balloon framed wall from rafters to floor)

2.) A gable pony wall that rests on top of a regular rectangular wall.

However a gable wall is still a gable wall whether it rests on top of another wall or floor.  So the basic algorithm for it remains the same.  Like a regular rectangular wall it also still has inside or outside corners as well as tee intersections and also an end case.

Unlike a rectangular wall when it intersects other walls its top plate(s) don't mesh neatly with the other walls.  This has been cause of some concern for me as I want to make sure I figure out the best way to handle intersecting sloping walls.

Also gable or sloping walls can get quite a bit more complicated than just your simple symmetric gable or shed wall, there are a lot of possible variations with the potential for multiple pitch breaks with the top plate(s).  Even more interesting are special pony walls between various roof lines where the bottom plate of the wall is also sloping or has multiple pitch breaks (probably not as common).

The simplest incarnation of a dual pitched gable wall (vs. a shed wall with a single pitch) should have four basic parameters:

1.)  Left Wall Height (start)
2.)  Right Wall Height (end)
3.)  Left Pitch (x:12)
4.)  Right Pitch (x:12)

By default wall heights and pitches will be equal, resulting in a symmetric gable wall.

Setting the wall height to zero will result in a triangular shaped wall segment. 

Please feel free to offer any corrections to these observations, comments or additional suggestions with regards to gable walls. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 23, 2018, 05:38:07 AM
Here is a first look at the HTML preview screen of the Medeek Estimator Module:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su229_800.jpg)

I've only added in the sheathing, cladding and gypsum so there is a lot more things to add yet.

Also noticeably absent is the download link for the Excel (CSV) file.  I will see if I can make that happen tomorrow.

Each wall panel has a lot of data and meta-data associated with them.  I really could use some feedback on what is important in this regard and what is not.

Now that I have the basic framework in place it is really not too big of deal to add additional items (ie. stud counts, lineal feet of trim, etc...)

Separate from the wall panels are beams, I will get to those later.  On the preview screen I will probably provide a tabbed navigation so one can move between walls, windows, doors beams and so on.

The CSV file however will contain all of the information in large sheet.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 23, 2018, 08:35:39 PM
The CSV piece is now working (HTML and CSV output in Excel):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su230_800.jpg)

Rather than just a meaningless number I could use a CSI number for the various building elements.

To get your data involves only four mouse clicks:

1.)  Click the estimating icon (calculator in the Wall Plugin Toolbar).

2.)  Click the Select All button which will then automatically select all of the Medeek Wall Panels, or you can individually select desired wall panels by using the SHIFT key.

3.)  Click the Calculate button, review your data in the HTML preview table if desired.

4.)  Click the CSV/Excel (Green) icon and download the CSV file which can be opened up directly in Excel for further analysis and costing computations.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 24, 2018, 12:55:27 AM
Version 0.9.6 - 09.23.2018
- Created the initial framework of the Medeek Estimating Module.
- Added sheathing, cladding and gypsum to the Medeek Estimator.
- Corrected the group description for pressure treated bottom plates.
- Added the ability to export data from the Medeek Estimator in CSV format.

Currently only three items are added to the estimating module, many more items to add.

The saving grace is that I think I've set it up quite cleanly and organized so that adding in new elements should be relatively easy and really not a whole lot of coding.

I'm releasing it now in its prototype stage so that everyone will have a chance to test it out and put it through its paces.  Once I return from the upcoming Basecamp I will hit it hard again and add in a multitude of building elements.

I also need to nail down the proper CSI numbers for the various elements, I'm sure I'll make a few mistakes along the way.

I haven't had much of chance to test it (Estimator) out in a metric template so I apologize if anyone encounters any bugs while using a metric template.  Further testing in a metric template will be the first thing on my list when I return.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 24, 2018, 10:21:31 AM
Interesting question today on using presets in the Draw Wall Menu.  In response to this question and to help people further understand the order of operations when using presets see answer below:

ANSWER:

I may need to change up the logic a bit to make it a bit more intuitive when utilizing presets within the Draw Wall Menu. 

First, when you hit the save button it will prompt you for a name to save the preset as, then you enter in a preset name and hit "Save Wall Preset".  You should then see the new preset added in the drop down box, if you do not then there was some type of an error.  Please enable the ruby console and duplicate the error and send me the ruby console output if you encounter this behavior.

Second, when you are loading a preset it is a two step process.  First you select your preset in the drop down box, then you click "Load", this loads the values into the HTML menu, it does not make them live just yet.  To accept these parameters and draw the wall with them click on the "Update" button, and then begin drawing your wall(s). 

I think it may be useful to just eliminate one of these steps and when a user click "Load" it automatically brings the presets parameters into the HTML form and also makes them the active parameters, thereby eliminating the step where you need to click the "Update" button.  Thoughts?

Also note that you do not need to close out the Draw Wall Menu before drawing walls, nor should you, however the option to do that does exist.  The idea is to keep the menu open so you can change up the wall parameters and keep drawing walls without having to continue to click on the draw wall icon.  To quit the Draw Wall tool completely you simply click on the space bar.  To start a new polyline of wall segments or just a single wall panel, click the ESC key.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 24, 2018, 10:54:16 AM
QUESTION:

The Medeek Estimator gives a net and total area for the sheathing, cladding and gypsum.  Why the two values, what is the difference?

ANSWER:

The total area is the area of the cladding with all openings removed.  The net area subtracts the openings (doors, windows, garage doors etc...) from the total area.

Technically the net area is the actual area of cladding, sheathing or gypsum but in some cases contractors or other bidding a job might want to know the total area so I thought it might be useful to have both values and let the user decide what number is best for their analysis or estimate.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 25, 2018, 03:06:15 AM
Version 0.9.6b - 09.25.2018
- Fixed a bug in the exterior wainscoting module for metric templates.

If you are using metric units you will want to update to this latest version.  This bug seems to have been generated when I switched to the HTML Draw Wall Menu with version 0.9.1 (8/15/2018).  What I find strange though is that I did not detect it until recently.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 05, 2018, 10:04:17 PM
Version 0.9.6c - 10.05.2018
- Improved the auto-corner config and tee intersection algorithms to better handle large models (100+ wall panels).

If you are creating large models with the plugin with lots of walls you should see a significant improvement in performance with this latest upgrade.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 07, 2018, 02:12:24 AM
Version 0.9.7 - 10.06.2018
- Wall labels option added to the General tab of the Global Settings.
- Wall labels can be drawn/shown in all framing modes.
- Added two additional layers to the Layers tab of the Global Settings for dimensioning and annotations.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su231_800.jpg)

Note that wall labels are drawn on Dim Layer 3, Dim Layer 2 will be reserved for framing annotations (headers, cripples, trimmers, kings etc...), Dim Layer (1) is for standard callouts for windows and doors and their symbols.  The idea being that even if you decide to enable all of the callouts you can easily toggle them by turning on and off the various dim layers.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 07, 2018, 04:33:23 PM
The wall label prefix can now be defined in the global settings:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su233_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su232_800.jpg)

If left blank the wall name/label will be just a numeric value as shown.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 08, 2018, 12:00:27 AM
Version 0.9.7b - 10.07.2018
- Wall label prefix can be customized in the General tab of the Global Settings.
- Licensee name now appears in the License tab of the Global Settings when plugin is registered.

This weekend I've managed to quickly knockout 1,2 and 6 of the list I gave previously after I got back from basecamp.  There is so much more to do its staggering and a bit overwhelming at times.

In addition to the work that needs to be done with the wall plugin there is also the rewrites of the truss and foundation plugins that need to happen, primarily to make them fully parametric and also include all of the estimating and engineering features.

I've easily got another two years of full time programming before I get everything where it needs to be.  However, if I can snowball this thing and get a little more momentum going it would be nice to bring on some additional hired help with some of the programming and accelerate the development even further.

Just the debugging alone manages to consume quite a bit of time.  The complexity of all the moving parts in this thing make for some interesting possibilities and the chance for many states that may not have been foreseen.  Luckily I have managed to cut my teeth on the truss plugin and so this time around my programming skills and organization have dramatically improved and matured.  Keeping everything nice and tidy (modular) has made all the difference and kept this rather large programming project manageable for one person.

Admittedly there is still a lot of checking and debugging to do, especially with the metric side of the house.  I initially test everything in the imperial templates since that is what I'm used to but I also have to keep an eye on the metric side as well. 

I have held off on the final implementation of the gable walls since I wanted to fully wrap up the standard rectangular wall before I started in a new direction.  Part of my reasoning with this was also to work out all of the bugs and problems with the standard walls first that way I would be well positioned to attack the more complex gable and shed walls.

A good example of this is the way I am currently handling holdowns.  I would rather treat shear panels and their holdowns similar to how I handle windows, doors and SSW's.  In other words multiple shear walls/panels can be added to any given wall panel rather than an entire wall panel being made into a shear wall.  Segmented shear walls are typically broken up in a given wall line and may or may not involve an entire wall panel.  With this in mind I will probably augment the current SSW toolbar with regular shear walls or add a completely new toolbar for them.

I am also working with some component and wall panel manufacturers and I am in the process of providing some feature that will work well with their workflow but optionally can be enable/disabled by the user who has no need for those features.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 08, 2018, 03:16:10 AM
At SketchUp Basecamp I was excited to see that both PlusSpec and Framer for SketchUp were in attendance.  These two softwares seem to be the primary competitors to my own SketchUp Extension Suite. 

PlusSpec seems to be a bit further along than I am and I think they began putting together their product about the same time I began working on the Truss Plugin (2015).  Framer by John Brock is a much newer offering and was only just released this last month or so.  Both plugins appear to be legitimate competitors and offer similar features to my plugins.

Price wise PlusSpec is the more expensive of the two, $773 if billed annually.  Framer is currently $79 per year but it appears the price is scheduled to jump to $99 per year.  Both plugins are subscription licensing which personally I find not to my liking but I can fully understand the reason for going this direction. 

If you purchase all three of my plugins at full price you are into it for $250, however this is a one time purchase.  Upgrades are free for two years after the purchase.  After that you pay a reduced upgrade fee to renew the license for further upgrades (new releases).

As I mentioned in my panel talk it would be nice if I could just make these plugins available to everyone at no charge and I really do believe that deep down, but other revenue models such as Patreon did not garner any interest from the SketchUp community so I am forced to a more conventional business model.  In order to really pursue the development of these plugins like I would like to I need to commit full time and I need to somehow make a living while doing it.  Whether this is realistic or not is yet to be determined.

Even though the competition may keep me up at nights it is still for the better.  Competition helps keep us all on our toes and drives progress.  In my opinion, part of the reason Revit is such a horrible product is due to its real lack of competition in the 3D modeling world.

I am hoping that in the next couple of years we can develop these plugins to a level that they provide a viable alternative to Revit and begin to sway more of the mainstream design community over to SketchUp.  If SketchUp/Trimble continues to improve Layout and we mature our BIM offerings I think that we will surpass Revit and AutoDesk in functionality, ease of use and just a better product all around.  SketchUp is already a joy to use and with a few well crafted plugins it becomes  almost fun to use and work with, work is no longer work.  I really do believe that SketchUp has the potential to become the BIM standard in the design world, at least that is what I'm aiming for.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 08, 2018, 10:39:26 AM
Version 0.9.7c - 10.08.2018
- Fixed a bug in the door and garage door modules (affects both metric and imperial templates).

This is a critical update.  If you load a previously created model, and prior to inserting any new walls, you attempt to add a new door or garage door and select advanced options in order to install the actual door or garage door the plugin will throw an error since it does not have the previously utilized gypsum, sheathing and cladding thicknesses loaded, in order to properly calculate the offset of the door within the wall.

This fix is designed to address that issue. 

This is yet another situation where there are many states possible and the tree of all possibilities is rather vast so finding all of the holes and making sure they are patched is a lengthy process.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 08, 2018, 11:06:19 PM
Per requests from wall panel and component manufacturers I am adding in some additional framing callouts:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su234_800.jpg)

The first line is the standard window or door callout and is on dim layer #1.  This has not changed from previous versions of the plugin.

The second line gives the header information (I will also need to add a species and grade callout ie. DF No. 2) and is toggled on by the header callout parameter, this line is on dim layer #2.

The third lines give the header height from the base of the wall (bottom of sole plate) to the bottom of the header.  The value is in ft-inches or millimetres.  This line is toggled on by the framing callout parameter and is also on dim layer #2.

The 4th line is the most interesting.  For windows it gives six pieces of information for doors it gives four pieces of information:

Window:  top cripple length, header length, king stud qty. and length, trimmer stud qty. and length, sill length, bottom cripple length.

Door:  top cripple length, header length, king stud qty. and length, trimmer stud qty. and length

This line is also toggled on by the framing callout parameter and is on dim layer #2.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 09, 2018, 02:51:59 AM
Version 0.9.7d - 10.09.2018
- Added header and framing callouts for garage doors, windows and doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su235_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on October 09, 2018, 10:00:34 PM
Just looking for door #3. If it were somehow connected to a sort of sweets files in a warehouse, for everything. The manufacturers distribute and help develop the software and their entries into your library. win-win-win?

I met the architect on the current job this week. I'd sent her the as built sketchup of the building a week or so ago.
"You sent it in sketchup. I said I love this guy".
The tide is changing I think, my view is tiny.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 10, 2018, 08:59:20 PM
Version 0.9.7e - 10.10.2018
- Added labels and callouts for all beam types.
- Beam label prefix can be customized in the General tab of the Global Settings.
- Beam Z Floor parameter included in draw and edit menus (used to establish height of beam from sub-floor).
- "Regen Beam Assembly" action added to context menu for beams.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su236_800.jpg)

Labels and callouts for beams now up to par with the rest of the plugin (walls, windows and doors).

If the framing callouts are enabled then the beam length, beam height (bottom of beam to floor) and grade and species are displayed.  The Z floor parameter allows one to establish where the floor should be referenced from. 

The primary purpose of the regen action is if a beam is moved (with SU's native move tool) in the Z direction, this will recalculate the beam height.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 11, 2018, 12:37:10 AM
Tutorial 2 - Drawing Walls:

https://youtu.be/zFc2-7SXM_0
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 11, 2018, 12:13:21 PM
Tutorial 3 - Beams and Columns:

https://youtu.be/cJJfBV0Ad6w

The model used in the tutorial video can be downloaded here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/40e94b5c-9a11-4300-bc48-c79bea1a0d58/Tutorial-3-Medeek-Wall-Plugin
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 11, 2018, 07:35:14 PM
Intro Video - The Vision:

https://youtu.be/KRvDMqRjfCQ

The model for this video can be view here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/10c4a4fe-f6e2-443d-ae2f-9552caa2bc78/mdkBIM-The-Vision

I am also renaming the Extension Suite/Library to "mdkBIM":

http://design.medeek.com/resources/resources.html#mdkbim

The target audience/disciplines are: 

1.) Designers/Architects
2.) Engineers
3.) Estimators
4.) Contractors
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 11, 2018, 10:53:09 PM
Version 0.9.7f - 10.11.2018
- Window sill qty. callout added to the framing callouts for windows.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su237_800.jpg)

Looks like I forgot to add the quantifier for the window sill plate.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 12, 2018, 03:32:45 PM
The framing algorithm for stacking windows and doors is going to get very messy, what if the trimmer and kings studs don't exactly lineup?  Then the framing gets really interesting. 

A larger or smaller opening above another will also call for different framing solutions.

This one is going to take some serious thought.

Why do you designers have to make things so difficult?  This one is not really that high on the todo list but it is giving me some serious headaches just contemplating it.

Does anyone have any examples (drawings or pictures) of this sort of situation(s)?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 12, 2018, 10:59:36 PM
Necessity is the mother of invention as they say, and as I was creating a small two story model of a garage for local customer today it quickly became painfully obvious that I still do not have a good stair plugin or module.

The toolbar for the stairs module will start out with the following two icons, there will probably be additional ones added for concrete or steel stairs in the future:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_stairs_su_menu_active.jpg)

The basic parameters for the Draw Stairs Menu will be:

0.) Stair Assembly Name:  Auto assigned by the plugin but user can edit this parameter.
1.) Stair Type:  Straight, L-Shape, U-Shape 
2.) Stair Width:  40 inches or 1000mm
3.) Stair Height: (This will be determined by the picking of points and the bottom floor plane) ft-in or mm
4.) Max. Riser Height:  7.75 inches or 200 mm
5.) Draw Risers:  YES/NO
6.) Riser Thickness:  3/4" or 19 mm
7.) Riser Material:  Lumber, Lumber PT, OSB, PLY
8.) Top Tread Flush:  Yes or No (this option will make the top tread flush with the upper level/deck
9.) Tread Depth:  10" or 255 mm
10.) Tread Thickness:  1.25" or 32 mm
11.) Tread Nosing:  1.25" or 32 mm
12.) Nosing Shape:  SQUARE or ROUND
13.) Tread Material:  Lumber, Lumber PT, OSB, PLY, Oak, Birch, Maple, Pine etc... (custom material from material manager in global settings.
14.)  Stringer Qty:  2, 3, 4, or 5
15.)  Stringer Depth:  11.25" or 285 mm
16.)  Stringer Thickness:  1.5" or 38 mm
17.)  Stringer Material:  Lumber, Lumber PT, LSL, LVL
18.)  Stair Framing:  YES, NO, 2D
19.)  Advanced Options YES or NO

The advanced options or parameters are tentatively:

1.)  Thrust Block:  None, 2x4, 2x6, 2x8 or metric sizes for metric templates
2.)  Hanger Board:  Yes or No, will default to 3/4" or 19 mm OSB
3.)  Landing Tread:  Yes or No  ( will default to a 3-1/2" landing tread with bull nose to match stair treads)

Eventually I will add other advanced options such as hand rails, skirt boards, gypsum spacers, blocking, brackets etc...

I'm not an expert on stairs but I do have a couple of details where I've considered the various elements of a typical stair case:

http://design.medeek.com/cad/autocad/STAIRHEADER_SECTION.pdf

http://design.medeek.com/cad/autocad/STAIR_SECTION.pdf

(http://design.medeek.com/plansets/GARAGES/GARAGE4828-A6D-3/preview/GARAGE4828-A6D-3_STAIRS.jpg)

L-Shapes and U-Shapes get quite a bit more complicated with the inclusion of a landing.  I will start with just a straight run of stairs first.

Right of the bat I will start with HTML draw and edit menus, no point in messing around with the traditional UI, especially with such a long list of parameters already.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 14, 2018, 01:40:36 AM
Version 0.9.7g - 10.13.2018
- Created icons for the stair module.

Still putting together the HTML menus.  It may be a couple days before this module actually produces useful output.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 14, 2018, 06:41:10 PM
Version 0.9.8 - 10.14.2018
- Critical update with the global settings module.
- Critical update with the auto-corner configuration module.

I noticed an error that seemed to be common across a number of users and after digging down through the code I think I unearthed the bug that was causing this error.  This error was actually caused by a recent change in the code where I was attempting to improve the performance for larger models (0.9.6).

I believe this fix should address the bug and also augment the performance for large modules.  Sometimes when you try to fix things you break things but in the end it will all work out.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 17, 2018, 01:46:13 PM
Wall Presets often seem to be confusing many of our designers so I've put together a short video trying to clarify some of this functionality and possible quirks that users should be aware of:

https://youtu.be/cqGI83CW2Bc
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 18, 2018, 02:24:57 AM
Here is a first look at the gable wall matrix:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su239_800.jpg)

The rabbit hole is going to get really deep.  I am initially concentrating on the standard gable wall and then onto the shed wall.

Some of these wall types will also require a mirrored version (just another parameter in the wall menus).

Note, that a triangular wall is nothing more than a degenerate gable wall where the wall height is zero at the start and end of the wall.  A shed wall with the lower wall set to zero height is a right triangle.  The same sort of logic can be applied to all the other various wall heights shown.

Things get a little interesting when you start moving these type of walls or walls that are adjacent to these walls (attached at the corners).  Each wall type may require its own special auto-corner configuration algorithms.  As long as I keep things modular all of this complexity shouldn't be too big of a problem.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 18, 2018, 04:53:55 PM
As I was going down through the list this morning and my notes I've also noticed that there has been quite a demand for multiple layer gypsum walls (firewalls).

To do this I would need to create a new attribute library folder which basically means that this would break backward compatibility of the plugin again.

Under the advanced options I would add in a new parameter called:

Advanced Gypsum Options:  Yes or No

Then under a new heading:

Advanced Gypsum Options:

Interior Layers:  0, 1, 2
Int. 1 Thickness:  in or mm
Int. 1 Material:  (utilize materials from Material Manager as well as one default built in material)
Int. 2 Thickness:  in or mm
Int. 2 Material:  (utilize materials from Material Manager as well as one default built in material)

Exterior Layers:  0, 1, 2
Ext. 1 Thickness:  in or mm
Ext. 1 Material:  (utilize materials from Material Manager as well as one default built in material)
Ext. 2 Thickness:  in or mm
Ext. 2 Material:  (utilize materials from Material Manager as well as one default built in material)

A total of eleven new parameters.  Let me know your thoughts on this, is there a better way to present these options or somehow condense this information into a simpler form?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 19, 2018, 12:07:47 AM
Version 0.9.8d - 10.18.2018
- Created the gable wall matrix selector for the new gable wall module.
- Added the ability to wrap beams with gypsum and updated the beam menus with this new feature.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su240_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su241_800.jpg)

Note that the material used to wrap the beams can be chosen from the custom materials so technically any material can utilized.

The start offset and end offset allow the designer to pull back the wrap any specified amount to allow for beam pocketing or in the case where the beam extends beyond the wall to the exterior of the building.

The wrap covers the sides and bottom of the beam.  Thickness can also be specified as shown above.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 19, 2018, 02:06:34 AM
This screenshot shows an application where the gypsum offset comes into play:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su242_800.jpg)

Note the 18" offset from the end of the beam. Also note the use of the miter cut and the notching out of the gypsum, sheathing and cladding (advanced options for the column with beam pocket).

Surprisingly there is quite a lot going on here even though the geometry looks relatively simple.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 19, 2018, 10:24:35 PM
Per user requests I've enabled an additional parameter for windows so that you can assign a manufacturer to the installed windows (door also coming soon).  Note that the window geometry itself is not manufacturer specific but is controlled by the users preferences.

In the near future I will also be creating a window and door preset feature so various options can be pre-configured.

If manufacturer's logos are enabled in the Material tab of the Global Settings and a manufacturer is assigned then the plugin will affix a label to the window in order to quickly and easily identify the window manufacturer:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su244_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su243_800.jpg)

The label is actually its own group/face on the dimension 3 layer and can be toggled by turning this layer on or off.

In the future it might be useful to enable a tool that allows one to switch all of the windows and door from one manufacturer to another with the single click of a button.  If a cost database is setup for the various manufacturers then the estimating module can create comparative cost estimates depending on the manufacture of the fenestration.

I've initially added the following manufacturers/brands:

Pella, Milgard, Marvin, Integrity, Plygem, Jeld-Wen, Alside, Andersen, Atrium, Harvey, MI, PGT, Simonton, YKK-AP

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su245_800.jpg)

The label is constrained to a square 8"x8" and offsets the window glass by 0.125 so that it does not z-fight with the window glass.

Please send me any window and door manufacturers that you would like to see added to the plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 21, 2018, 05:44:22 PM
Version 0.9.8e - 10.21.2018
- Added a manufacturer's label and fields (mfr. and series) for windows.
- Added the following window manufacturers and labels: Alside, Andersen, Atrium, Harvey, Integrity, Jeld-Wen, Marvin, MI, Milgard, Pella, PGT, PlyGem, Simonton, YKK-AP
- Shutters Option added to the Windows tab of the global settings.
- "Window Trim Inset" parameter added to the Windows tab of the global settings.

The Window Trim Inset parameter allows the trim to be brought right up against the window.  Previously the trim around the window was flush with the framed opening however since the window is typically 1/2" less in overall size than the framed opening this left a 1/4" gap all the way around the window.

The default value for the inset parameter is 1/4" so that the trim butts right up to the window frame.  This parameter can be set to a positive or negative value. If the parameter is set to zero then the trim will be flush with the framed opening.

The shutter option parameter allows one to set the default behavior of this advanced option for the window draw tool.

The manufacturer series parameter has been added however I have not yet added all the series for each manufacturer.  I will be contacting each manufacturer and inquiring which of their window series should be added to the plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 24, 2018, 10:04:46 AM
Version 0.9.8f - 10.23.2018
- Critical fixes in the following modules: Auto-Corner Config, Shutters, Sheathing and Cladding.
- Loading wall presets changed to a two step process.  Clicking the update button is no longer required to activate a loaded preset.
- Wall edit menu updated to allow for sequential selection of wall panels for quick editing.

There are even more minor fixes that are too numerous to list.

The wall edit menu update should be a welcome fix.  If you are right clicking on each wall to edit them then each time you right click and "Edit Assembly" the wall settings will appear in the edit menu for that wall.  Previously a separate window would open up for each wall panel but only the last edit window actually worked. This resolves that issue and makes it more intuitive and robust.

If you are using the edit icon to edit walls this is even a quicker method of selecting and editing walls.  After you select a wall the tool remains active and you can continue to select and update walls by clicking on your target wall panels.  To terminate the tool, close the edit menu and hit the space bar.

Both methods of editing are now faster and much more intuitive and robust. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 24, 2018, 02:18:28 PM
Version 0.9.8g - 10.24.2018
- Corrected a bug in the Walls tab of the global settings involving the wall presets selection field.
- Added a blocking thickness parameter in the Walls tab of the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su247_800.jpg)

This particular bug in the Walls tab only became an issue when a previously selected default preset was deleted and then the user navigated to the Walls tab after the deletion. 

Now the javascript checks first for the existence of the default preset before trying to assign it in the drop down menu.

Not a really big issue but in a certain state it will lock up the form and not allow the user to save their settings.

The blocking thickness parameter was a quick item to add per a user request.  Note that this is a global default and cannot currently be adjusted per wall panel.  If we need more granularity I can do that but it means an additional parameter in the attribute library of the wall panel which means it will break backward compatibility with previous versions of the plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 24, 2018, 07:13:25 PM
Medeek Wall Plugin Tutorial 5:  Multi-Story Construction

https://youtu.be/ptdhwNwoLLU
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 25, 2018, 04:29:58 PM
Version 0.9.8h - 10.25.2018
- Fixed a bug with the blocking parameter for metric templates.

If your using metric templates you will want to upgrade to this version otherwise your blocking will appear too large as it will not be converted from millimetres to inches in the final drawing step.

A critical fix for clients using metric.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 25, 2018, 05:47:21 PM
As a follow up discussion to the multi-story tutorial I was asked a question by a designer regarding installation of a band board between the two stories as shown below:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su248_800.jpg)

To be honest I hadn't tried this before but the band board is provided by the 1st level walls and then its height is actually set such that it is actually above the sheathing, cladding and wall height.  It seems this is possible.

On the same token one could use the 2nd story walls to specify the band board and input a negative number to set the band board below the actual wall itself.

In this particular design case, there is more than one way to solve the problem.

The frieze and skirt boards are a little more static, in that they will always be positioned at the top and bottom of cladding respectively.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 27, 2018, 06:18:29 PM
The next release of the plugin will have an arrow as shown to the right of the tabs in the global settings which will take the user to the next set of tabs:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su249_800.jpg)

Currently there are nine new tabs planned, most of which will have an under construction sign until I fully flesh them out:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su250_800.jpg)

The Updates tab will display the current changlog which is paralleled on the website as well.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su251_800.jpg)

Clicking the left arrow will return the user back to the first set of tabs.

If required an additional right arrow can be added to the second set of tabs taking the user to the third set of tabs.

In total there are 12 tabs in the first set and 9 tabs in the second set, for a total of 21 tabs in the global settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 29, 2018, 02:06:52 AM
Version 0.9.8i - 10.28.2018
- The following tabs added to the global settings: Garage Doors, Beams, Columns, Stairs, SSW, Shearwalls, Estimating, Engineering and Updates.
- Enabled custom materials for gypsum in the HTML wall draw and edit menus.
- Felt + OSB material added to the pre-installed plugin materials.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su252_800.jpg)

Felt + OSB is similar to Tyvek + OSB where the outer face of the OSB has the felt material applied.

The felt material application depicts a typical 36" roll with 2" of overlap.

The change to the way I'm handling the gypsum material is a significant upgrade and allows for usage of custom materials from the material library within the global settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 30, 2018, 12:14:50 AM
The current Wall Plugin ToDo list as of 10/29/2018:

1.) Gable Walls (Standard and Shed) [in progress]
2.) Stair Module (straight run then landings and complex shapes) [in progress]
3.) Estimating [in progress]
4.) Adv. Gypsum (multi-layer gypsum both sides of int. walls)
5.) Custom width of king and trimmer studs for doors, windows and garage doors.
6.) Transom windows above doors (rectangle and arch)
7.) Additional door types (bifold, sliding glass, pocket doors)
8.) Join/Split Wall Tools
9.) Wall Stretch Tool
10.) Wall Grouping
11.) Wall Dropper
12.) Engineering
13.) Levels/Stories Manager
14.) Interior painting of gypsum
15.) Wall justification in draw wall tool.
16.) Gypsum backer studs at tee intersections
17.) Interior Trim (crown molding, baseboard, chair rails, wainscoting)
18.) Global Settings (8 new tabs) [in progress]
19.) Shear Wall Module

Some of these are extremely high priority and some of these are much lower on the list.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 30, 2018, 11:42:08 AM
Version 0.9.8j - 10.30.2018
- Advanced layers (headers, kings and trimmers) enabled for door, window and garage door framing.

Somehow along the way I setup advanced layers for the framing however they did not get fully implemented until now.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 30, 2018, 03:45:56 PM
With balloon framed gable walls one often sees a lot of trapezoidal picture windows used in these walls:

(https://qhj9t4ethoqu9lfx4606zo12-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Trapezoid_window_solar_shades.jpg)

I need a little more guidance on the most typical way these openings are framed out.  If a header is installed it would have to be inclined and would follow the pitch of the roof.

Any framing details or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 30, 2018, 08:08:42 PM
Version 0.9.9 - 10.30.2018
- Enabled custom window header and trimmer widths within draw and edit menus.
- Added king and trimmer width parameters to Windows tab of global settings.
- Fixed a bug with insulation positioned above windows where trimmer quantity is greater than one.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su255_800.jpg)

This addition was per customer request.  I will probably add the same two additional parameters for doors and garage doors in the very near future.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 30, 2018, 08:52:16 PM
On a somewhat related note to the last post I'm looking at various photos of typical residential framing and I've noticed that many framers will include a plate below or above the header or both:

(https://banksresidence.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/131.jpg)

Any thoughts on this?

Do I need to add this in as another option?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 31, 2018, 09:48:01 AM
I can use either one parameter with four possible options or two parameters with two options each:

Built-up Header:  NO|TOP|BTM|BOTH

or

Header Top Plate:  YES|NO
Header Btm Plate:  YES|NO

Which would you prefer?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 31, 2018, 06:08:12 PM
I'm trying to simulate a G-rib metal wall panel here (clay and stone color):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su256_800.jpg)

The problem of course is that the shadow will be cast a certain direction on the original texture/image but when you render it out the light source may be the opposing direction which will make things look a bit off.

Modeling the actual texture/profile of the panel is not a good idea either since it would make the model very heavy.

Thoughts?

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/6e963b76-13f4-4632-aef0-dec78588f019/G-Rib-Wall-Panels
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 01, 2018, 01:46:07 AM
Version 0.9.9b - 10.31.2018
- Enabled built-up headers within the window draw and edit menus: None, Top, Bottom or Both.
- Added the built-up header parameter to the Windows tab of the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su257_800.jpg)

The window to the left is a good example for where the top plate is not needed, just the bottom plate. as the header butts up directly against the top plate of the wall.

The window to the right is set lower in the wall and requires both top and bottom plate as shown.

The built-up header parameter allows four options: None, Top, Bottom or both.  The default behavior can also be set in the global settings.

As with the custom widths on the trimmers and kings I am test bedding this with the windows first, once everyone has had a chance to work this through a bit I will roll it out for doors and garage doors.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 01, 2018, 06:59:37 PM
This is an example of metal roof and wall cladding (utilizing the Material Manager in both the Truss and Wall plugins):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su259_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su260_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su261_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/dbab0b27-58c2-41f8-86a2-441544a2b939/Metal-Siding-Test

The model was created with all three plugins.  The only manual edit was moving the person outside of the structure and re-positioning of two anchor bolts that landed in the middle of the garage door.  The entire model except for the foundation (slab-on-grade) is fully parametric, moving openings or changing the roof pitch is a couple clicks of the mouse.  Model creation time was about 10 minutes.

As far as speed of modeling goes I think this is starting to close in on other design packages like Revit and Chief Architect.  Once I add the estimating and then the engineering it will even exceed their capabilities.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on November 02, 2018, 06:33:02 AM
An article on framing dropped garage door headers and lateral buckling;
https://www.structuremag.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/C-StrucDesign-Schweizer-Jan081.pdf

For trap glass in gables I typically frame with a raked header. Often there is rectangular glazing, window or door, underneath. To stiffen the wall requires multiple king studs, can require a thicker wall, sometimes a steel flitch plate vertically in the king stud stack, or heavier "posts" of framing or heavy timber running from floor to ceiling to stiffen the wall. As the walls get taller and punched full of openings and the fetch to the wind increases that goes to the engineer. That can be an interesting set of deflection calcs, I hate to close the door and feel the whole wall shake or see it pump in the wind.

The flitch plate I'm drilling was for elsewhere but the engineered tall wall is on the deck showing some of the framing/sheathing detail.
(http://timbertoolbox.com/cp/hoovergable.jpg)

Where your typical header shows the 2 ply header stacked to the exterior with a void for insulation on the interior I usually build a spaced hollow box, plate on bottom or top and bottom and fill the interior with rigid foam. Junior crew member makes up headers and T's and stocks the walls as they are laid out on the deck. This give better nailing inside and out but could be a problem for some inspectors. I've also had one inspector balk at having plates between header and jack as that is not the codebook prescriptive detail, that's mostly a thinking problem though.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 03, 2018, 05:08:13 PM
Tutorial 6 - Custom Material Library:

https://youtu.be/D6pAdPj5DS4
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 05, 2018, 08:14:00 PM
A whole different area I really haven't explored yet is fixtures (and furniture).

Technically this is a very broad topic and could really use an entirely different plugin to do it justice.

However, I will add in a toolbar called "Fixtures" which will allow the user to select from a matrix of options (Bath, Bedroom, Kitchen etc...) and then to select from some standard layouts. 

For bathrooms the layout below (Layout A) is very typical in the US for many mid-range homes:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su262_800.jpg)

An 8'x5' bathroom with a sink, toilet and tub. 

The idea being that the user can quickly generate any standard layout from a library of components.  I will probably include a few default (low poly) components however it will be up to the user to drop their own preferred components into the plugin sub-folders if they want to be able to select from them in the drop down menus.

I don't want to include a large number of high poly count components in the plugin because is will make the .rbz file too large and cumbersome.  Besides there are vast libraries of manufacturer components available in the 3D warehouse. 

The cool thing about integrating this within the plugin suite is that it will then be possible to obtain counts for estimating purposes on many of these fixtures and assign prices etc...

The Edit menu will allow the user to swap out any of the components and also custom position them as required.

For this particular bathroom layout (and most layouts in general) there is a left and right hand orientation.  The user will be able to select the orientation in the draw and/or edit menu.  The first mouse click will establish the insertion point the second click will establish the rotation.  Clicking the shift key will toggle orientation (left or right).

Some fixtures such as the bath tub shown come in a left and right version.  It will be up to the user to upload both versions for use however I will include an additional parameter (rotation: 0 or 180) so that orientation can be controlled.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su263_800.jpg)

With this new module I will start with bathrooms first and then branch into other rooms as the need arises.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 07, 2018, 07:46:44 PM
Version 0.9.9d - 11.07.2018
- Added a material parameter for ext. wainscot ledges.
- Added toolbar icons for "Fixtures" module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su265_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su264_800.jpg)

This extra parameter was added per customer request.

This will allow the designer to setup a texture/material for rowlock brick.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 08, 2018, 02:40:29 PM
Version 0.9.9e - 11.08.2018
- Removed all advertising banners from the global settings.
- Fixed a bug (metric) for window and door grilles in the global settings.

Note that this is a critical fix for Windows 10 and Mac users.  The intermittent response times of the google ads was causing issues for the HTML menu pages of the global settings so I decided to completely remove all advertisements.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 08, 2018, 04:12:18 PM
I had a request yesterday for multiple rows of blocking/nogging.  A typical example might be a 12 ft. wall with a row of blocking every 4 ft.:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su267_800.jpg)

My idea on this is to add two additional parameters to the blocking module/UI:

Number of Rows: 1,2,3 or 4
Row Spacing:  inches or mm

The vertical parameter that already exists will position the first row vertically in the wall and then the next rows of blocking will be arrayed upward by the row spacing and number of rows.

For now I am omitting blocking over and under opening but that will probably need to change with multiple rows of blocking.

Multiple rows of blocks is going to get a bit heavy in the model but you have to give people what they want.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 09, 2018, 01:12:28 AM
Version 0.9.9f - 11.08.2018
- Added two additional parameters for mid-span blocking to enable multiple rows of blocking in a wall panel.
- Added two parameters (number of rows, row spacing) for blocking into the Walls tab of the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su268_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su269_800.jpg)

There may be an issue with previously created wall presets due to the addition of more parameters to the wall panel dictionary module.  The number of parameters now stored for a preset is 97.

I am also wondering if anyone would be interested in having me publish the attribute library for the wall panels.  This would allow other developers to potentially access and modify the Medeek wall panels with their own plugins or have their plugins interact with the Wall plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 09, 2018, 06:55:35 PM
Version 0.9.9g - 10.30.2018 thru 11.09.2018
- Added the Australian/New Zealand I-Beam (Universal Beam - UB) as another steel beam option in the beam module.  (27 different sizes)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su270_800.jpg)

I also spent some time cleaning up this module a bit today and tightening things up.  It's amazing how you are able to condense your code when you spend a few minutes and really work at it.

I've also made it much easier to add in new schedules/lists of different beam types and sizes.  I still need to add in many more beam sizes for the metric world (or just make it completely open ended so the user can define their own sizes).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 10, 2018, 03:13:37 AM
Version 0.9.9h - 11.10.2018
- Added hollow structural section beams (HSS) to the beam module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su271_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 10, 2018, 10:05:51 PM
Version 0.9.9i - 11.10.2018
- Added angle iron (L) beams to the beam module.
- Added fillet radiuses to wide flange (W) and universal (UB) beams.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su272_800.jpg)

Nine different beam types with two series of wide flange beams (W and UB).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su273_800.jpg)

Aside from residential structures one could also use the beam module to create various structural steel assemblies, however that is not really the purpose or target audience for this module.

I added the fillets to the wide flange profiles per customer requests.  The primary reason for including this information it to better predict and check bolt patterns that are on the web of the beam(s).  Fillet radiuses are per the various standards.

I haven't take the time yet to add in the few hundred standard sizes from my steel manual but as time allows I will continue to populate these fields.  Also if there is specific requests for sizes or series of beam types I will accommodate those requests.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 12, 2018, 02:40:55 PM
Currently in the plugin I have only implemented the California Corner (as we Americans call it) or Energy Corner for corner treatment however there are number of ways to handle corners.

https://design.medeek.com/resources/framing/FRAMING_CORNERS.pdf

I have been requested by a potential client to enable the following corner type: "Solid corner with short blocks".  For a deeper wall sometimes two rows of blocks are used (2x6 wall) rather than one.

I can implement the solid corner however I need some more information:

1.)  If you use blocking rather than a full stud how do you determine the length of the blocks and the number of blocks in a given wall height?  Is there any rule of thumb with this?  I just need to come up with a reasonable algorithm.

2.)  Is the blocking typically the same dimensional lumber as the studs?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 12, 2018, 04:03:09 PM
For wall corners I will be adding in the following additional corner treatments:

- 3 Stud Solid
- 4 Stud Solid
- 3 Stud Block
- 4 Stud Block

When the user sets the number of studs for the corner on anything other than one, that setting will override the corner treatment for the above corner treatment types.  However this is not the case for the California corner (however I may change it in the future if it makes sense to).

These algorithm can get a bit complicated due to the number of permutations possible when you start mixing up corner treatments and multi-stud corners for shearwalls.

The problem I find with California Corners is that it does not provide very good backing for ext. outside corners when it comes to siding and trim.  However it certainly is better for insulation and much easier on the electricians.

There does not seem to be any hard and fast rule on the length of blocks used but it seems to average between 12"  to 14", so I will set my algorithm to a max. block length of 14" .  So for example a 96" wall will have four blocks at 13.714".
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 13, 2018, 09:50:44 PM
Version 0.9.9j - 11.13.2018
- Added the following corner treatments: 3 Stud Solid, 4 Stud Solid, 3 Stud Block, 4 Stud Block, U-Cal
- Enabled a parameter in the General tab of the global settings to toggle the labeling of groups.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su275_800.jpg)

I also addressed some minor issues with the way blocking and insulation interact with the corner treatments.  Its seems I have that ironed out now and much less likely to generate geometry that clashes. 

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su277_800.jpg)

I don't know how commonly the U-shape California Corner (U-Cal) is used (shown above) but I really like the fact that it offers more nailing surface for ext. trim and siding.  I've had a few requests for it as well, so being as it was not too hard to include I added it in.  There are now seven possible corner treatments for walls, the other two are California or None.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su274_800.jpg)

I typically like to name all of the groups I create within the assemblies however there may be some who do not want this behaviour and so I have made it optional.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 15, 2018, 06:21:31 AM
Version 0.9.9k - 11.15.2018
- Added the ability to import materials directly from the model within the Custom Material Libary/Manager in the global settings.
- Provided an additional parameter in the Wall Corners tab of the global settings for setting the thickness of corner blocking (3 and 4 Stud Block corner treatment only).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su278_800.jpg)

With this latest update the tutorial on the Material Manager is somewhat out-of-date/obsolete.  However the basic functionality has not changed, I've really only added one additional action.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su279_800.jpg)

The ability to customize the blocking on these corner treatments was per a request from one of our Australian clients.  I've added a tooltip in the global settings to more fully explain the usage of this parameter.

Now back to the big items on the list.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 15, 2018, 05:47:48 PM
Per customer request the available sizes of Wide Flange Steel Beams will be increased to the following:

W8x10
W8x13
W8x15
W8x18
W8x21

W10x12
W10x15
W10x17
W10x19

W12x14
W12x16
W12x19
W12x22

W14x22
W14x26
W14x30
W14x34

W16x26
W16x31
W16x36
W16x40

W18x35
W18x40
W18x46
W18x50

W21x44
W21x50
W21x57
W21x62

W24x55
W24x62
W24x68
W24x76
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 17, 2018, 03:53:51 AM
Version 0.9.9l - 11.16.2018
- Added an option to include 2D wall geometry in 3D modes (Framing, No Framing, CMU).
- Added an additional layer for 2D geometry.
- Added customizable colors for labels, 2D wall geometry, and 2D features (windows, doors, columns etc...)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su280_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su281_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su282_800.jpg)

The custom colors for the labels, and 2D geometry is per a discussion with a client today.  Hopefully this upgrade will help facilitate bringing the 2D geometry into layout for creating floor plans.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 20, 2018, 12:39:00 AM
On a related note I just noticed John Brock's new book has been released:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119484006/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

I think this will be a seminal work on incorporating SketchUp into the residential design process.  I've already gone ahead an pre-ordered my copy. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 20, 2018, 10:43:57 PM
First look at the output of the Stair Module:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su283_800.jpg)

Note, that only straight runs of stairs will be available for now, however it is possible to create L and U shaped staircases just by combining straight runs as shown and framing in a landing.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/610cb4dd-67d7-48f9-aa1c-5c28cc412032/Stair-Test-1

I will probably need one more day to fine tune it completely and finish adding in the hanger board and landing tread advanced options.

Future advanced options will be landings, hand rails, skirt boards etc...

The stringer algorithm is really the core of the module and drives everything else.  The logic was not nearly as complex as I initially thought it might be, regardless it was a blast to work through it and turn the math into reality.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 21, 2018, 08:07:58 PM
Had to jump through a few hoops to get the materials/textures to all work out correctly but I'm pretty pleased with the way its coming together:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su285_800.jpg)

LVL stringers with timber (wood grain) risers and treads.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 22, 2018, 02:50:45 AM
Version 0.9.9m - 11.21.2018
- Added the stair module (straight run only) with the following advanced options: thrust block, landing tread, hanger board.

Hanger Board and Landing Tread:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su287_800.jpg)

Landing Tread:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su286_800.jpg)

There are quite a few options with the stair module so I will need to make another tutorial video explaining the usage of these parameters.  I have provided tool tips next to each option in the draw and edit menus to help explain what each is.

A few items with the draw tool:

1.)  First select the top of the stairs location and then select a point for the bottom of the stairs.  The preview wireframe should be fairly explanatory as to the location and geometry of the stairs that will be created.

2.)  Once the first point is selected you can lock to an orthogonal axis (0, 45, 90, 135 deg.) or direction by repeatedly clicking the "Ctrl" key.

3.)  Once the first point is selected you can also toggle the placement of the stairs by repeatedly clicking the down arrow.  The justification is:  Center, Left, or Right.

4.)  As with the other HTML draw menus, you update/change your parameters and then click the Update button to make them live.  You can leave the menu open while drawing your stairs.  Hitting the space bar will exit the tool, hitting the ESC key will reset the tool.

With the draw and edit menus you will notice that for the tread and riser material you also have the option of utilizing materials found in your custom library.  The stringer material is limited to certain specific material types (at least for now).

This is a completely new module so I expect there may be some minor issues and additional features that will be requested.

I still need to create the global settings tab for the stairs so that default parameters can be set for each option.  However, it is not critical to the function of the module.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 22, 2018, 03:40:25 PM
After some excellent feedback this morning I am considering adding in additional options for side spacers, gypsum gap, and skirt boards.

Everything is fairly straight forward except for the skirt boards.  The question arises on how to best terminate the skirt, see image below:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su288_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 22, 2018, 03:41:05 PM
I'm not sure if my scribbling is readable but the bottom diagrams try to explain possible configurations and parameters for the skirt board(s):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/STAIR_SKIRT_BOARDS_800.jpg)

I think I can reduce the skirt board configuration down to three parameters:

- Terminal Height Top
- Terminal Length Top
- Terminal Height Bottom
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 22, 2018, 08:33:44 PM
The diagrams were not very legible so I created a few details to explain the skirt board end configurations:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su289_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su290_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su291_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su292_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 23, 2018, 02:22:18 AM
Some feedback with regards to additional height requirements if a finished floor is installed has introduced some complications.  I have given this some extra thought and my observations are thus:

1.)  Where wall-to-wall carpet is being installed the way I have it laid out seems to be correct.

2.)  The first point you select to position the stairs is the "Finished Floor" height.  So if you need an extra 3/4" for a tile or wood flooring you would select a point that is 3/4" higher than the sub-floor.  However, if the skirt boards are supposed to be installed prior to the final flooring then this would not be quite correct since they (their horizontal cut) would need drop 3/4" so that they meet the top landings subfloor.

3.)  Similar sort of issue at the bottom of the stairs but slightly different.  In this case the stringers will rest on the sub-floor, the bottom tread needs an extra 3/4" of rise, and the skirt boards will probably rest on the sub-floor/slab as well. 

Question:  Will the skirt boards always rest on the sub-floor or should they rest on the finished floor?

Conclusion:  I need to add two extra parameters to the module to account for an additional thickness due to finished floors being installed.  Since the finished floor on each level may be a different height (or carpet) we need a separate parameter for top and bottom.  If I include a finished floor offset, the correct way to select the points for the stairs would be sub-floor to sub-floor.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on November 23, 2018, 04:32:11 PM
My skirts go in after finish flooring, which may be different on each level. Also the landing is usually 3/4" flooring in a U or L set where the treads are 1". I generally glue and nail 3/4" ply to the treads and risers to form permanent subtreads and risers. This helps stiffen the stringers, provides temp stairs and allows me to glue and screw the finished treads and risers from the backside, not sure if that is done enough to matter.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 23, 2018, 07:59:08 PM
The highlighted yellow areas are the new additions to the stair menus (draw/edit):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su293_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 23, 2018, 08:06:33 PM
Quote from: Don_P on November 23, 2018, 04:32:11 PM
My skirts go in after finish flooring, which may be different on each level. Also the landing is usually 3/4" flooring in a U or L set where the treads are 1". I generally glue and nail 3/4" ply to the treads and risers to form permanent subtreads and risers. This helps stiffen the stringers, provides temp stairs and allows me to glue and screw the finished treads and risers from the backside, not sure if that is done enough to matter.

There seems to be quite a bit of variation among construction professionals on whether to install the skirt boards on the finish floor or on the sub-floor.  However the trend seems to be on the finished floor.  To allow for flexibility I've created two additional parameters to offset the skirt boards above the sub-floor as required.

Stairs are complicated.  I haven't even started looking at railing or other more complex configurations.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 24, 2018, 10:30:38 PM
Here is a situation where the finished floor is 2" off of the bottom sub-floor (slab):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su294_800.jpg)

Note that the riser heights are correct and that the bottom riser has an additional 2" added to its height.  The question I have is what to do with the riser board itself on this bottom tread?

I've shown it in the configuration where the finished floor can be applied underneath the riser board however is it more common just to extend the riser board to the bottom of the stringer so that it rests on the sub-floor or slab?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on November 25, 2018, 07:40:50 AM
That's getting back to personal preference on order of assembly. I apply finish treads and risers after finish floors. On one that is wrapping up now the stairway was roughed in for construction, then drywall on the upper walls, finish floors, wainscot, skirts, finish treads and risers, rails.

The open side of the stair there rises a few inches above the nose of the treads with the rails on that short wall, it can terminate below or under the stair carriage or rise up to form a guard as well. If there is a traditional newel at the foot of the run I try to make provision to take it down into the floor framing and blocking below to firmly anchor its base, that post takes a lot of abuse on a long lever.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 25, 2018, 02:18:27 PM
Version 0.9.9n - 11.25.2018
- Added the following options to the stair module: side spacers, skirt boards, finished floor offsets.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su298_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su297_800.jpg)

When selecting the points to define the stairs you will want to pick sub-floor to sub-floor now that the finished floor offsets are enabled.  Stairs created in version 0.9.9m are not backward compatible with this latest version as I have made too many updates and improvements to the code.

Keep sending in your ideas on how to make this module better.

I will be moving back to work on the gable wall module and giving this one a rest for a while unless there is an unresolved bug or critical fix that needs attention.  I have a separate "todo" list just for this module.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 25, 2018, 08:59:29 PM
On a related note I am wondering what the best text book on stair construction is that is out there.  I am not looking for traditional designs or methods per say but would like to have a practical text that covers modern methods and materials.  I would like the stair module to handle 80-90% of most stair designs that are utilized in your typical mid-range homes. 

The elaborate mansions with their spiraling and flaring staircases are probably beyond the scope of the stair module at this time.  If that type of staircase is required I would strongly suggest more specialized stair plugins such as Garry Kernan's Stair Maker. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Don_P on November 25, 2018, 09:32:51 PM
There is a good free stair codes download here;
https://www.stairways.org/

One more for the back burner, when notching the stringers everyone lays the notches out to a point on the upper outside corner, you really don't have to. If you move that line up about an inch it leaves more unnotched meat on the underside of the stringer. You can also sister a 2x to one or both sides of the stringers underneath, just like on your outer faces to beef them more.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 26, 2018, 11:59:05 PM
Version 0.9.9o - 11.26.2018
- Completed the Stairs tab within the global settings.
- Added the ability to draw a "Clearance Envelope" with an additional global parameter for specifying the minimum headroom.
- Added a Building Code layer and an Engineering layer to the Layers tab of the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su301_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su302_800.jpg)

The clearance envelope (if enabled) is placed on the "code" layer.  For future reference all code related items and warnings will be placed on this layer.  The engineering layer will be used for engineering callouts, warnings and other related items.

The envelope is placed exactly and if the nosing is rounded then the envelope is translated a specific amount so that the tread line is tangent to the nosing.  If anyone is interested the horizontal translation is given by this expression:

x_trans = r/tan(theta) - r/sin(theta) + r

where:

r = radius of the bullnose or 1/2 tread thickness.
theta = angle of stringer from the horizontal

Hopefully the clearance envelope is useful to designers who want to check that their framed openings for their staircases are code compliant.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 27, 2018, 12:10:31 PM
Now that I'm about halfway down this rabbit hole (stair module), I should probably go a bit further.  Most stairs need a hand rail:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su303_800.jpg)

Additional advanced option:  Handrails (Yes or No)

Then the handrail options shall be:

1.) Profile: Circle, Square, Custom1, Custom2 etc...  (or any user defined profiles from sub-folder)
2.) Position:  Left, Right, Both
3.) Height:  36" (default), vertical distance from tread line to top of handrail.
4.) Size:  1.5" (default), only applicable to circle and square profiles.
5.) Clearance: 1.5" (default), distance from inside edge of handrail to wall (gypsum).
6.) End Treatment:  Cut/Vertical/Return (return shown above)
7.) Handrail Material:  Default materials and custom materials from library

I think these seven parameters are enough to define a basic handrail(s) for a straight run of stairs as shown.  The option to have a vertical end treatment will allow the user to insert newel posts, however I am not really giving the option to customize where exactly the handrail will terminate so there may be some manual editing required.

With regards to manual edits, similar to the wall assemblies, the user can include custom groups or components within the stair assembly group and have them retained simply by including the text "custom" or "CUSTOM" somewhere in the instance name.  If the stair assembly is then edited or regenerated by the plugin these custom entities will not be blown away but will maintain their position and properties within the main group.  So theoretically one could insert any number of items such as balusters, newel posts, additional molding etc...
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 27, 2018, 10:05:33 PM
There have been a lot of upgrades the last few months and as many of you know when you upgrade you lose your custom materials and also your presets.

The problem with the way it is currently setup is that this data is being stored in sub-folders within the plugin folder.  When you uninstall the plugin the Extension Manager will blow away the entire plugin folder and also all of the custom data within your sub-folders.

Currently to maintain your custom library copy the sub-folder "library_mats" in its entirety to some other location on your computer.  Once you've installed the updated version then copy your library_mats folder back into the plugin folder overwriting the default library_mats sub-folder installed by the Extension Manager.  This will restore all of your saved custom materials and associated JPEG and PNG images.

This same method can also be employed for your wall presets, by copying the "preset" sub-folder and restoring it after an upgrade.

Please feel free to contact me directly via email or phone if you have further questions on this matter.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 30, 2018, 04:01:10 AM
I will include some typical handrail profiles:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su305_800.jpg)

The part numbers shown are from LJ Smith and should coincide very closely with their exact geometry from their shop drawings:

https://www.ljsmith.com/product-drawings

I have contacted them in hopes that they can provide me exact DXF or even SketchUp files so that I can include their full handrail profile line within the library.

Adding your own custom profiles is as simple as dropping your SketchUp files into the library/handrail sub-folder.

If you have some accurate profiles that you would like added to the plugin please contact me, I reserve the right to edit any profile for accuracy and/or not include it.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 30, 2018, 07:19:22 PM
Some of these profiles are rather complicated and will add a bit of weight to the model but surprisingly the performance was much better than expected:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su306_800.jpg)

A good example is the LJ6010 profile shown above, with something like 80 line segments making up the profile. 

On a related note I am just about to wrap up the handrail piece of the stair module, however I am looking at the end treatment where the user selects the "RETURN" option. 

For a circle profile I typically see a radiused return rather than just a 90 degree return however I am curious as to what the preference is or if there is a typical solution here.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 01, 2018, 06:43:41 AM
Version 0.9.9p - 12.01.2018
- Added handrails to the stair module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su307_800.jpg)

I rewrote a good chunk of the stair module this evening so this release probably resolves some additional issues with metric templates, as such I consider this version a critical update.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 01, 2018, 10:40:05 PM
I've been looking at a lot of stairs and handrails the last couple of days and I've noticed that at that the top of a run of stairs with open treads the handrail often terminates in a single riser or two riser gooseneck.  Usually the two riser gooseneck is used where the handrail takes a ninety degree turn at a landing and then proceeds up another flight of stairs.

The single riser gooseneck is a bit confusing to me though.  I guess it is used so that the handrail can transition to the landing rail height before it encounters the landing newel post.

Using a follow me algorithm is really not to difficult to generate the gooseneck:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su308_800.jpg)

What is the typical radius of the gooseneck (up-ramp)?

I've found some interesting and helpful information here:

https://www.directstairparts.com/pages/getting-started-page-5

I was wondering what to do about a handrail on a partially open stairs, now I know:

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0120/0142/files/c-7047.png?2326)

P.S.  After some further reading it appears that a 4" difference in height is fairly typical between the landing/balcony rail height (38") and the stair handrail height (34").  This explains the need for the gooseneck fitting.  I learn something new everyday with this plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 03, 2018, 06:22:20 AM
Version 0.9.9q - 12.03.2018
- Enabled "Over-the-Post" termination (single rise gooseneck and starting ease) for all handrail profiles.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su309_800.jpg)

The utilization of this termination option won't really become important until I setup open sided stairs with the accompanying newel posts and balusters.

Also note that the delta Z for the starting ease and also the gooseneck is plus 4" for now, at some point I will probably want to allow the user to customize this height differential(s), but in the US market 4" seems pretty much standard.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/17a5e7b1-37fe-495e-b25c-e7c5006fa9a4/Handrail-Test-3
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 05, 2018, 04:28:54 AM
Running the stair module through a few tests this evening, found one minor bug and was fairly pleased with the stair envelope for checking headroom height:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su310_800.jpg)

I've also added one additional termination (OTP with a 2 riser gooseneck) which is typically used where you go from one flight of stairs to the next as show below:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su311_800.jpg)

As long as the riser heights match (like they should) for each run of stairs then the 2 riser goosenecks matches up perfectly with the starting ease of the next run of stairs.  Of course the specified hand rail height for each run must match as well.

Note that the white color (handrail fittings) components are not being automatically generated by the plugin those were manually inserted, however the brown sections of handrail are automatically generated and they matched up perfectly as expected (Z height).  I left the fittings white so you can see what elements were required to be brought into the model.

These fittings will be included with the plugin in the library/handrail_fittings subfolder.  If I get ambitious I may have to actually model up some volutes for the bottom of the handrail but for now the list of supplied fittings (for the LJ6010 profile) is:

- S7011 (right handed)
- S7019
- S7020
- S7021 (right handed)

You'll also notice that in the top image I've created a landing with a 2x4 pony wall supporting it (sorry barely visible).  When you go to create walls like this it would be nice to have the plugin ignore any surrounding walls and basically treat these walls as completely isolated from the rest of the structure.

With that in mind I reworked the auto-corner configuration algorithm ever so slightly, so that it is now possible to place any number of wall panels within an over arching group.  What this does is effectively isolate these walls from any other groups within the model.

I will need to make some updates to the estimating module so that it is smart enough to look for groups in the root of the document with embedded walls.  I will also need to make a video demonstrating this technique, and when and where it would be useful.

Granted, I have not extensively tested out this new feature so I would say proceed with caution but my preliminary testing shows that it is quite effective and convenient when modeling sub-assemblies within a larger context.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 05, 2018, 04:53:57 AM
Version 0.9.9r - 12.05.2018
- Added a "2 riser gooseneck" Over-the-Post termination option for all handrail profiles.
- Adjusted the auto-corner configuration algorithm so that wall panels can be placed within larger groups within the root of the model (wall panel isolation).
- Fixed a bug in the Over-the-Post section of the handrail/stair module.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 05, 2018, 09:49:38 PM
I'm adding two extra parameters which will allow an extension of the bottom of the stringer as shown in the detail below:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su312_800.jpg)

This detail was taken from literature for LVL stringers. Notice the use of framing anchors to help bear some of the vertical load.

I prefer to extend the landing back to catch the full bearing of the stringer but I guess there are some situations where additional headroom is needed or other configurations where this method of stringer support is optimal.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 06, 2018, 05:47:48 AM
First look at the stringer extend option with its associated notch:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su313_800.jpg)

You can also enable the thrust block with the extension/notch but I don't really see the point to doing that, it only further weakens the stringer at its point of bearing.

I'm thinking I should probably extend the side spacer down all the way until it meets the landing/notch, unless there is a good reason not to.

Also I've been reviewing all of the html menus and there are quite a few places where I am displaying
or requiring input in inches and it would be nice to also display the same dimension in ft-in. (fractional), I am looking at this now.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 07, 2018, 01:51:06 AM
Version 0.9.9s - 12.06.2018
- Added two parameters in the stair module to allow for extended stair stringers.
- Draw and Edit Wall menus now display wall height in feet and inches (fractional) when using an imperial units template.
- Added the action: "Regen Wall Assembly" in the context menu for all wall assemblies.

I've also gone ahead and enabled the feet-inches dimensions for other applicable dimensions within the global settings tabs (Walls, Door, Windows, Stairs).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 07, 2018, 02:46:57 PM
Here is a first look at the updated draw wall tool with a temporary dimension enabled:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su314_800.jpg)

I think it came out alright, however I can change up a number of parameters to improve the aesthetics if there is call for it.  The parameters for the temp. dimension currently are:

Extension Line:  18"
Dim Line:  12"
Ext. Line Offset: 1.5"
Dim Color:  0000FF
Text Color:  0000FF
Text Size:  14pt
Text Font:  Arial
Arrow Width:  3"
Arrow Length:  7"
Line Weight/Width: 1
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 08, 2018, 06:54:56 PM
What I really need to do is enable some additional options in the global settings for construction dimensions:

Color: RGB value

Endpoints: Closed Arrow / Tick

Text Size: 14 Pts default

Also the ability to enable or disable them.

The color will also apply to other temporary dimensions and graphics utilized in the wall move and opening move tools, as well as the upcoming stretch wall tool.

I think it is imperative that I allow the user to set the color so that they can find an appropriate color to work well in their particular style.  It would be very bad if the dimension color and the background color were too close and the user could not distinguish between them.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 09, 2018, 04:05:57 PM
Version 0.9.9t - 12.09.2018
- Enabled temporary (construction) dimensions for wall panels in the Draw Wall tool.
- Added a section in the General tab of the global settings for configuring construction dimensions.

I've also added the option for closed arrows, open arrows and ticks:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su315_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su316_800.jpg)

Note the larger text size set to 18PT versus 14PT in the previous to screenshots:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su317_800.jpg)

The endpoint, color and text size of the dimensions can be configured in the General tab of the global settings:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su318_800.jpg)

Hopefully this is flexible enough for most users.  Alternatively you can also turn off the construction dimensions if you would rather not have them displayed.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 11, 2018, 03:04:56 AM
Figured I might as well add construction dimensions to the beam and stair modules:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su319_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su320_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 14, 2018, 02:47:57 AM
Tutorial 7 - Stairs  (23:19 min.)

https://youtu.be/kIba1fZqvDY

Unfortunately there is just too much information to convey regarding this new module and the video doesn't really dive deep enough into all of the details and options, but hopefully this will be enough of a primer for getting started with stairs.

I also discuss the new wall isolation concept in some detail in this video.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 22, 2018, 07:35:11 AM
Version 0.9.9u - 12.22.2018
- Enabled temporary (construction) dimensions for beams in the Draw Beam tool.
- Enabled temporary (construction) dimensions for stairs in the Draw Stair tool.
- Added 2D construction lines for exterior wainscoting.
- When the cladding or wainscoting air gap is greater than zero the 2D construction lines are drawn in order to represent the interior surface.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su321_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 29, 2018, 09:40:41 PM
Version 0.9.9v - 12.29.2018
- Added roof sheathing to the Medeek Estimator (common and monopitch truss assemblies).

In order for this cross plugin communication/analysis to work correctly you must also upgrade the Truss plugin to the latest version (2.2.7b - 12.29.2018).  The latest truss plugin version has statistics enabled for common and monopitch truss roofs.

Note that the Medeek Estimator is largely experimental (but functional) at this point.  I am essentially setting up the templates and overall organization. Once I am satisfied with the general layout and system I will begin to fully flesh it out with all of the various construction elements (eg. studs, plates, windows, doors, etc...)

I may also separate the Medeek Estimator module into its own stand along plugin since technically it can work with either the Wall or Truss plugin or both.  I will also be augmenting the Foundation plugin with statistics so that its output can also be analyzed in the estimator.

If I do pull it out then it will not really be a stand along plugin as much as an add on that works specifically with the mdkBIM suite since it is not setup to analyze generic models like Quantifier or Estimator (John Brock). 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 05, 2019, 01:45:06 AM
Version 0.9.9w - 01.04.2019
- Added Drip Edge and Hip & Ridge to the Medeek Estimator (common and monopitch truss assemblies).
- Added Concrete, Rebar and Anchor Bolts to the Medeek Estimator (slab-on-grade foundation assemblies).
- Made some improvements to the Medeek Estimator framework and user interface.

This recent release is a further test of the cross plugin integration.  Assemblies from the Truss and Foundation plugins are now able to be analyzed with the Medeek Estimator.

I still have a long ways to go in order to flesh out all of the various building elements and configurations but at least I have a clear path now on how to make it happen.

With regards to the CSV output, I am still a bit unsure how to best format it so that it is fully optimized for further estimating and analysis.  Any additional feedback on how best to preset the data is greatly appreciated.

This release is compatible with the following releases:

Medeek Truss:  Version 2.2.7d
Medeek Foundation:  Version 1.1.9
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 07, 2019, 04:14:51 AM
Version 0.9.9x - 01.07.2019
- License expiration date now appears in the License tab of the Global Settings when plugin is registered.
- Added (regular) wall studs to the Medeek Estimator.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su323_800.jpg)

Note that this addition does not yet include cripple studs, kings studs, trimmer studs and corner studs (when they differ in dimension from the common studs).

The estimating module is a bit more complicated than I originally thought so I had to rewrite a good portion of it to make it more scalable.  The HTML preview screen also needed some additional attention in that regard.  I think I've finally got it setup now where I can much more easily flesh out the rest of the building elements for all three plugins.

The CSV is generated in parallel with the HTML preview however I can also add a lot more detail into this file if requested.  There are no screen real estate limitations with spreadsheets, I can populate as many rows and columns as required. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 09, 2019, 08:40:32 AM
Version 0.9.9y - 01.09.2019
- Added cripple and corner studs to the Medeek Estimator.
- Added top and bottom plates to the Medeek Estimator.
- Added window framing: header, sill plate, king studs, trimmer studs and sill trimmer studs to the Medeek Estimator.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su324_800.jpg)

I shuffled things around a bit so the presentation is also more tidy both in the preview screen and in the CSV file.

Cripple studs are sorted per wall by length (shortest to longest).

Windows for each wall appear below the wall's item listing, notice the different color header to help visually differentiate the sections.  I will also use a unique color for doors, garage doors, columns and SSWs within the Wall table.

If there are sub-items that need similar treatment in roof and foundation assemblies I will utilize the same system, as it seems to work reasonably well.

I have not yet added doors and garage doors, they will be next.  Windows are the guinea pigs.  There is quite a bit of data to process so the ruby transmits the data to the HTML in blocks.  Even so the speed is so fast there is hardly a lag when you hit the calculate button.  I'm curious to try this with a full house model with 100+ walls.

I haven't gotten much feedback on the layout of my CSV file, I am hoping for more input in the near future so I can make it as effective and usable as possible.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 10, 2019, 08:53:54 PM
I've added doors and garage doors:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su325_800.jpg)

I've been working on incorporating the Ruby gem "prawn" for automatic PDF generation.  In the case of the estimator it would be very nice to not only have the CSV export option but also the ability to instantly generate a PDF document of the material list.

I realize that you can always print the HTML preview screen as PDF but the formatting never comes out quite right with this sort of thing.

I will probably add in-wall columns next and if I get ambitious this evening maybe even beam and stair assemblies.

At this point I am focusing on just getting the basic framing data in place for the various elements.  With doors and windows there is a vast amount of data that can be presented, all of this will be in good time.  Right now it is baby steps...
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 11, 2019, 08:07:40 AM
Version 0.9.9z - 01.11.2019
- Added door framing: header, king studs and trimmer studs to the Medeek Estimator.
- Added garage door framing: header, king studs, trimmer studs and portal frame studs to the Medeek Estimator.
- Added in-wall columns to the Medeek Estimator.


(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su326_800.jpg)

I think I am done with the Estimator for a while, at least until someone makes a specific request.

The next big thing will be the roll out of the gable walls and the end of the BETA phase of development for the plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 11, 2019, 08:42:18 AM
As I've been working on the estimating module it has become clear to me that I need to add a menu (or module) that allows the designer to customize the output of reports.  Two key items are missing:

1.)  Company/Corporate/Designer Information:  Name, address, contact info. etc...

2.)  Project Information:  Customer Name, address, contact info, Project Title etc...

This information would be shared by all three plugins so it would be similar in some respects to the estimating module.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 12, 2019, 05:12:28 AM
After giving my pricing structure and licensing system much thought over the last few weeks I've decided to keep the licensing system the way it is.

Rather than trying to force people to renew their license (with a subscription system) it makes more sense that they should only renew if the added features actually warrant them doing so.  This has always been my philosophy, however recent financial pressures have caused me to seriously reconsider this business model and waiver from my core beliefs.  I think if you offer a decent product at a fair price then the economics will sort themselves out.

With that in mind I will also be lowering the renewal costs on all plugins in order to encourage existing license holders to renew their licenses and take advantage of new features that have been recently added (Medeek Estimator, labels, construction dimensions etc...).   

In order to offset the decrease in renewal fees I will be increasing the initial cost of the plugins for new clients.

Later this month I will probably introduce a volume license (3-in-1 price) for all three plugins (mdkBIM Suite), however this will be only for new license purchases and renewals will still be handled on a per plugin basis.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 15, 2019, 09:22:23 AM
Version 1.0.0 - 01.15.2019
- The Medeek Wall extension moved from BETA status to initial full release.
- Added the Open/Close (icon and function) to the Medeek Wall Tools toolbar.
- Enabled opening and closing of all man doors: 90 deg. or 45 deg.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_tools_su_menu_active.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/open_close.gif)

When using the Open/Close tool the opening angle can be toggled (45 deg. / 90 deg.) with the CTRL key on windows. 

When the wall is modified, regenerated or moved the doors will automatically close up and return to their default state.

I may also extend this function/tool so that it can utilized with garage doors and windows but its not a high priority at this time.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 15, 2019, 11:52:59 AM
The door opening/closing tool as was actually a very simple piece to add in. I probably should have added it a long time ago but no one had ever asked.

When you open and close doors the wall itself and all of its components/elements do not get altered in any way so the nice thing is that a wall regen is not required. This makes this feature very quick and lightweight. All that is really happening is the door(s) are getting rotated into their new positions or back again.

Since the tool is persistent, you can easily go around the model opening and closing doors until you are blue in the face.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 16, 2019, 06:48:48 AM
Version 1.0.0b - 01.16.2019
- Enabled opening and closing of all garage doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/open_close_garage.gif)

Toggling the opening angle will have no affect when you open a garage door, it only affects the man door openings.

With the garage doors the assumption is a 12" radius for the track of the garage door.  When I further flesh out the Garage Door tab in the global settings I will make this parameter user definable.  It appears that the most common radius for the garage door track is somewhere between 12" - 24".  So for now I am using the minimum radius of 12" since it provides the least amount of headroom when the garage door is open but also allows for the least amount of installed space required (clearance between top of garage door and ceiling).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 16, 2019, 08:57:26 AM
I would like to add the stand alone post/column module since I have had quite a few people asking about it recently.

However as you can see from the photo below the wrapping of such posts can get really involved:

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/34/a9/cd/34a9cd20e610c16b8bc5ce9d5836eb95.jpg)

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/51/bc/41/51bc418c7d02f0a716bc4c954333406d.jpg)

At the very least I would like to have the ability to wrap the post and also provide the option for an outer wrap (pedestal) or wainscot (with option to specify and set the ledge height and width).

Should I also have an option for molding at the top (capital) and bottom (base)?  Astragal?

Also if I do have the wainscot option is there a need for an air gap?  and does the outer wrap or wainscot cover the wrap or does the wrap end at the outer wrap/wainscot?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 16, 2019, 09:33:06 AM
This is kind of what options I have in mind, as you can see there are a number of possible permutations by enabling or disabling certain features:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su327_800.jpg)

Each color denotes a unique material that can be specified by the user.  Hopefully this should give enough flexibility when it comes to wrapping free standing columns.

For now I will stick with rectangular posts, circular posts/columns (greek columns) are a whole can of worms on their own.

Postscript:  Now that I am thinking about it some more both the wrap and the wainscot will need an option for an air gap, since the wrap may be stone or brick and not butt up tight against the actual structural steel or wood post.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 17, 2019, 07:07:41 AM
Per customer request I will be adding in the octagon (fixed/picture) window:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su328_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su329_800.jpg)

The ratio of the window height to width determines whether it is a true octagon or an elongated one.  As usual the possibilities are infinite.  I think for now I will just utilize rectangular shutters for this window type until someone tells me otherwise.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 17, 2019, 08:10:08 AM
Similar to the Oval/Circle window I'm not installing a ledge with the Octagon window, let me know if this should be otherwise.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su330_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 18, 2019, 11:20:18 AM
Version 1.0.1 - 01.18.2019
- Added octagon windows to the window draw and edit modules.
- Fixed a bug in the license and registration module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su331_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su332_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su333_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su334_800.jpg)

I've never actually seen an octagon window with ext. shutters so for now I will use rectangular shaped shutters on octagon windows until told to do otherwise.

I kind of forgot how much work it is to add in a new windows shape, there are so many options and elements and each one must be dealt with:  sheathing, cladding, framing, trim, casing, shutters, band boards, frieze boards, water boards, wainscoting, labels.

The good news is that as I add in more window shapes/types a lot of the code begins to overlap so I can usually cobble together the logic based on work I've already done, which of course is easier and faster than creating something from scratch.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 19, 2019, 08:39:47 PM
Version 1.0.2 - 01.19.2019
- Added a louver vent option for all window shapes: Rectangle, Half Round, Segmented Arch, Gothic Arch, Oval/Circle, Octagon

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su335_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su336_800.jpg)

Louver vents are really nothing more than removing the sash and glass from a window assembly and replacing them with slats.  Exterior trim around the louvers can also be applied (the same as regular windows).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 22, 2019, 12:24:01 PM
I am adding a sponsors section to each plugin page:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/medeekwallplugin.pl#Sponsors

Hopefully this will be another small source of revenue to help offset my recent decision to skip out on subscription licensing.  I am also excited to be able to provide some recognition to those who have been instrumental in the development of these plugins.

If you feel like you should be included as one of the development or finanicial sponsors please contact me via email.

Each sponsorship includes a listing with your logo, name (individual or company), a short paragraph explaining your business, credentials, products etc... and a link to your website.

The same sponsors section will be shown at the bottom of all three plugin pages.

I am also open to suggestions on how to make this feature/listing more attractive to potential sponsors.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 24, 2019, 01:26:32 AM
I've looked around for some relatively lightweight electrical outlets and switches to use as the default components in the new electrical module.  Unfortunately, everything in the warehouse is too complex or high poly count for my liking.

I've created some very basic outlets that I probably use in this new module, you can preview them here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/6a03cecf-8fe4-4275-a5d7-e2c95fed8d90/Medeek-Duplex-Outlets-LOW-POLY

I will also create a series of low poly switches.

The electrical boxes are dimensionally accurate and are models of the Carlon Blue PVC boxes.  The faceplates are per the specs sheets from Leviton standard face plate sizes.

When I get some extra time I will add in more options for boxes and face plates.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 24, 2019, 02:19:45 AM
Yet another plugin within an already beautiful plugin.  The plugin suite is not only increasing in depth but becoming very broad as well.  The best is yet to come.

Some have asked me where does it all end.  My best answer, at this point, is only when the plugin(s) can successfully model, create full construction documents, estimate and engineer every aspect of a residential design.  Then my work will done.  Looks like I have a few years to go...

My goal this year is to hopefully bring on some extra programming help so I can further accelerate the development and eventually get to the engineering (my piece de resistance) modules. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 11, 2019, 04:32:26 PM
Version 1.0.3 - 02.11.2019
- Fixed a bug in the display of the toolbars (Mac and Windows).
- Added a trimmer extend option to extend trimmers up to bottom of header when a built-up header is used that has a bottom plate.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su338_800.jpg)

In certain jurisdictions the trimmers (jack studs) must extend to the bottom of the actual header and not to just the bottom plate of the built-up header.  This option allows one to set this per window and also within the global settings.

The toolbar bug is probably more apparent to Mac users but technically also affects Windows users as well.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 14, 2019, 11:00:16 PM
Version 1.0.4 - 02.14.2019
- Added logic to the final assembly routine to allow for electrical components (Medeek Electrical) to be retained within wall panels.

Previous versions of the Wall plugin will not be compatible with the new Medeek Electrical plugin.  You will be able to create electrical components but as soon as you rebuild or modify a wall it will blow away all of your electrical components.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 19, 2019, 11:56:07 PM
It might be useful to have a button somewhere in the global settings that allows one to reset all of the settings to the initial installed settings, essentially reset the entire plugin with a single action.

Any thoughts on this?

I think a few settings such as the serial number one would not want to reset.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 04, 2019, 11:59:37 AM
First look at the Custom Header Library (Manager):

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su341_800.jpg)

The look and feel is somewhat similar to the material manager, but it may evolve further as we go.

I've set it up so that metric and imperial libraries are stored in completely separate files.  Each library is loaded based on the currents units of the model.  This allows one to maintain two distinct header libraries, one for imperial sizes and one for metric sizes.

Metric header sizes (dimensions) will be displayed in millimetres, imperial in inches.

Names or the description may include spaces as shown.

There are five basic parameters for a given header:  name, depth, thickness, ply and material.

The ply is limited currently to 1,2 or 3.

Materials are limited to:  Lumber, Timber, LSL, PSL, LVL


There are other more exotic header configurations (ie. foam sandwiches etc...) however this update will at least allow the user to create their own custom sized headers.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 04, 2019, 07:07:12 PM
I will be creating a new toolbar within the Wall plugin that will be called Medeek Documents. This will be the start of the Scenes/Layout piece of the mdkBIM package. Eventually I will pull this out of the Wall plugin since it will be similar to the Medeek Estimator in that it will eventually work with roofs, floors and foundations and not just wall panels.

The toolbar and its icons will be the following:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/documents_su_menu_active.jpg)

The first icon will allow the user to select various assemblies and generate corresponding scenes that can then be utilized within Layout.  For example a framer or contractor may want framing details with dimensions for each wall panel. 

The second icon will allow one to export DXF documents for floor plans, roof framing plans, wall framing plans etc...  This one is going to be a big project.

The third icon will essentially do the same thing as the DXF export function however it will automatically push it out to a PDF document using the built in Ruby Gem (Prawn).  Again this will be a big project as well.

The DXF and PDF function are rather low on the todo list for now, but I would like to enable the scene generator as soon as possible and after reviewing the applicable sections of the SketchUp API it shouldn't require more than a few lines of code to pull it off.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 05, 2019, 12:59:31 AM
The three new header types being added are:

LVL, PSL and Timber

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su342_800.jpg)

The thing I really like about having the Custom Library is that I no longer have to worry about trying to figure out what header sizes and combinations everyone wants.  Now you can create your own sizes with a choice of 1 thru 3 plies and five different materials to choose from.  The possibilities are limitless.

I had a pretty good handle on standard imperial sizes but the metric world was well beyond the scope of my limited knowledge of other countries building practices and standards.

The other upside is that you can narrow down the library to specific sizes you actually use so your drop downs are no longer cluttered with sizes that mean nothing to you.

Glulam headers are not handled by the custom library and remain a separate module but the offering there is vast so I do not think users will find it limiting in any way.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 05, 2019, 08:49:04 PM
Version 1.0.5 - 03.05.2019
- Added toolbar icons for "Documents" module.
- Added a Custom Header Library/Manager in the Headers tab of the Global Settings.
- Enabled custom headers for doors, windows and garage doors.
- Enabled three new header materials: LVL, PSL, and Timber.

Just a word of warning for those users on MacOS.  The headers tab of the global settings (Page 2) will probably exhibit the same issue with the HTML menus as the Material Library.  I am still trying to come up with a proper work around in the code that fixes the modal behavior on MacOS and so far it has confounded my best efforts.

What this means is that you will probably not be able to add or edit headers in the library currently if you are a Mac user.  I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and I am just as frustrated with this issue as you are right now.

In the meantime if you need to (manually) edit the header libraries they are stored in the "library_headers" sub-folder of the plugin.  There are two files, one is for imperial headers and one is for metric headers.  Either file is a simple text filed deliminated by vertical bars. 

The text files can be edited in any text editor (eg. notepad, wordpad, TextEdit etc...)

Each row or line of the library file contains seven columns or entries. 

The first the row is the header name with "mdkheader_" prefix attached.

The second row is the header name.

The third row is the header depth (in./mm)

The fourth row is the header thickness (in./mm)

The fifth row is the header ply (1,2 or 3)

The sixth row is the header material (LUMBER, TIMBER, LSL, PSL, or LVL)

The seventh row is the header status (ACTIVE or INACTIVE)


Note that the material library can also be modified manually however if textures are involved it becomes slightly more complicated as you would also need to place a copy of the image file in the "library_mats" sub-folder along with editing the MATERIAL_LIBRARY.txt file.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 07, 2019, 07:26:01 PM
Version 1.0.6b - 03.07.2019
- Parameter change highlighting enabled for wall draw menu.
- Parameter hightlight (input) color added to General tab of global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su345_800.jpg)

To disable this feature just set the input color to #ffffff (white).  This update is per user request.

This feature is still quite new and once I am satisfied with it and receive enough feedback I will roll the same behavior out to the other HTML menus within the plugin.  This is relevant to all HTML edit, draw and global settings menus.

Personally I like the light blue color (pre-selected color within the HTML color picker) but allowing this to be customized is the right thing to do.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 09, 2019, 03:14:05 PM
Version 1.0.7 - 03.09.2019
- Added the ability to generate wall (framing) elevations with the Create Scenes tool of the Medeek Documents module.

You can select the wall panels you want scenes for or click the "Select All" button to automatically grab all of the Medeek wall panels in the model.

This tool is quite basic at the moment but I've set it up so a myriad of options can be added as needed per customer request. 

Note that when you create the scenes you first want to toggle the appropriate layers first in your model (or Scene 1) then create the scenes.  I haven't added any specific logic in for making specific layers visible or invisible yet, but I probably will once I receive a bit more feedback on this feature.

The elevations are obviously shown in parallel projection with the view or "eye" always looking at the exterior side of the wall, so that the start of the wall is always on the left side.

Items for future work include but are not limited to:  floor plans, floor framing plans, roof framing plans, foundation plans, electrical plans etc...

Along with the framing elevations I have requests by a number of users to add in some form of auto-dimensioning of the wall panels.  I will give this further consideration.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 11, 2019, 12:33:23 AM
Version 1.0.7b - 03.10.2019
- Added the indexing parameter for walls and beams to the General tab of the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su346_800.jpg)

The indexing parameter is the auto-increment variable that determines the enumeration of the wall panels and beams (eg. Wall1, Wall2, Wall3 etc...)

Now you can set this value to any number you choose (must be an integer) or reset it at anytime.

Also note that any wall or beam label can be modified at anytime in the edit menus.

Exposing the indexing parameters to the user just makes it more convenient if for whatever reason you want to start your count over or set it to a specific value.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 12, 2019, 05:40:33 AM
First look at a framing elevation created with the Scene generator and framing dimensions turned on:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su347_800.jpg)

In wall columns and shearwalls will also be auto-dimensioned when the framing dimensions are enabled.

The API does not allow for the setting of fonts, text height and dimension size however one can easily setup their preferred dimension and unit options under the Model Info tab and then the dimensions created by the plugin automatically inherit these settings.

In this example I used the Flux Architect font with the dimension aligned to the dimension line and above it, font size 12 PT.

I will be setting up an additional layer just for framing dimensions so that they can be toggled on/off independent of other callouts and labels.

Also the offset or spacing between dimensions will be able to be set in the global settings.

I will probably need to add a few more dimensions that are not shown in this image (eg. header height, initial stud offset).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 12, 2019, 10:32:54 AM
Garage doors and top plate offsets:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su348_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 12, 2019, 04:35:50 PM
Here is another screenshot showing the inclusion of header callouts (text).  I'm able to set the insertion point of the text and vertically I can adjust it perfectly however there does not seem to be a way to specify the justification of the text (left, right, center) so the user may have to make some minor adjustments as they bring the scenes into Layout:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su349_800.jpg)

Note that all of these dimensions and text callouts are being generated automatically by the plugin.  When a wall panel is regenerated or modified the dimensions are updated accordingly.  So any manual modifications will be blown away if you change the wall up.  This of course is good and bad to some extent.

Good because it is fully parametric, bad because manual mods to the auto dimensions will not be retained if the wall is regenerated/modified.

Hopefully this feature will be a time saver for those needing to generate framing plans.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 12, 2019, 07:38:43 PM
Version 1.0.8 - 03.12.2019
- Enabled auto-dimensioning for wall panels (to be used in conjunction with the Scene Generator for creation of framing elevations).
- Added the Dimension Offset and Framing Dimensions parameters to the General tab of the global settings.
- Added Dimension Layer 4 specifically for auto-dimensions (Layer tab of the global settings).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su350_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su351_800.jpg)

There is probably quite a bit more to be done here with auto-dimensioning of framing elevations, but at least I've taken an initial crack at it.  We will see what the feedback is from my production builders and component manufacturers and then make any needed course corrections.

The model can get quite cluttered (and ugly to be honest) with all of these dimensions floating about.  If you have layers enabled (which I highly recommend) then you can turn off the dimension 4 layer in the SketchUp layers tray and only toggle them on in the scenes that need to show the framing dimensions.  This will remove the clutter from the scenes that you are primarily working in.

To further increase performance I would actually suggest not enabling the auto-dimensioning until you are at the tail end of your primary design phase then toggle it on in the global settings and regen your wall panels and they will then show all of the framing dimensions.  From there proceed to generate your scenes for the framing elevations.

Some designers prefer to apply their dimensions in Layout rather than bringing them in from SketchUp.  For that reason the Framing Dimension parameter exists and allows one to choose to enable or disable this feature.

I've been receiving a lot of questions on workflow lately and I am hoping to further flesh out the documents module to help automate more of that process.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 13, 2019, 05:18:03 PM
I've made a few small changes to the icons of the primary toolbar with Version 1.0.8.  Unless you are running 4k resolution (UHD) you will probably not notice any difference or you shouldn't notice any difference.  I need some feedback from both Windows and Mac users to see if my "fix" for the toolbar icons will work.  Once I am assured that it is effective I will proceed to update the rest of the toolbar icons.

See API development thread here:

https://forums.sketchup.com/t/4k-monitors-and-toolbar-icons/90714
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 13, 2019, 10:15:59 PM
Version 1.0.8b - 03.13.2019
- Updated toolbar icons to be compatible with 4k (UHD) resolution monitors.

I have decided to go with the simpler solution of upscaling the icons by 2x in size rather than switching to SVG and PDF icons.  The toolbar icons should now render properly with 4k (UHD) display devices.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 14, 2019, 01:08:04 AM
Before I proceed much further with the documents module, specifically with generating scenes for floor plans (and associated auto-dimensioning) I really need to put the project module into place.  This new module will include a tool for assigning project meta data to a model (eg. customer, address, designer/architect, engineer, project title etc...).  Even more importantly this module will include the levels tool which will allow the user to configure various levels/stories for a project. 

In order to properly organize a model the wall panels really should be assigned to a specific level.  Then automating certain tasks will become much easier and logical.

This module will also include a tool/interface for entering in site criteria (engineering!) for the specific job:  Ground snow load, Seismic Data, Basic Wind Speed, Frost line Depth, Soil bearing capacity etc...  Eventually this data will then be utilized by the engineering module to automatically run lateral and vertical calcs on the architectural -> structural model.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 15, 2019, 09:52:23 AM
The Medeek Project module will actually form a new plugin within the mdkBIM suite.  For now there will be no cost associated with this "add-on" plugin.  I am separating this module out into its own plugin because the features it enables are designed to work with all three plugins rather than just the wall plugin.  I will probably also move the Medeek Estimator into this plugin as well.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 15, 2019, 07:00:05 PM
Two new plugins that will then bring the total number of the plugins in the mdkBIM suite to five will be:

Medeek Project
Medeek Engineering


The engineering plugin is still a little ways out but the shearwall module (not for calcs but for adding the actual shearwall into the wall panels) will actually be part of the Wall plugin.

Initially I will allow the user to create segmented or perforated shearwalls.  I am actively looking for practicing engineers and engineering firms who would like to become involved a chance to become a development sponsors and be listed in the sponsors section of my plugin pages.  Primarily the role would involve testing and feedback and any additional comments that they feel should be voiced.

I realize that many aspects of the architectural elements and estimating are far from finished and I am not taking my focus off of those in any way however I do want to lay out the template/foundation for where I am hoping to take all of this.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 16, 2019, 02:28:02 AM
The Shearwall Module icons and toolbar:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_sw_su_menu_active.jpg)

A good portion of the necessary code for this module will be borrowed from the Simpson Strong-Wall module with some distinct differences.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 17, 2019, 01:25:12 AM
Please take a look at the latest Podcast by Aaron (SketchUp) on residential construction:

https://youtu.be/hJrPajZjwTo

I agree 100% with John Brock, there is no need to go to Revit, we should be able to design, engineer, estimate and construct a building using only SketchUp
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 17, 2019, 09:10:39 AM
After listening to Aaron's latest podcast on the state of the residential construction market and how it relates to SketchUp I think I have at least a few points that I would like to add to what has been said.

The residential construction industry has been notoriously slow to change I think many of us can agree on that but I also do see a paradigm shift and the industry appears to be on the the verge of upgrading to the "high tech" world of BIM and 3D modeling like its commercial and industrial cousins already have.

The reason for this shift seems to be three fold in my opinion.  The first reason is that the 2008 financial crisis caused everyone to tighten their belts just a little more.  Methods that worked before were just not good enough anymore.  Further increasing efficiency and eliminating waste became the necessity.  This need for more control of the process requires better models and a better understanding of the actual amounts of materials being used.  As Brock noted, 2D plans only get you so far, they leave a lot of the structure undesigned or unaccounted for.  An accurate 3D model eliminates waste and requires the designer to fully understand and contend with the structure.  Clashes and potential flaws are much easier to identify and fix prior to the actual construction in the field. 

I see a big push by production builders to pre-fab wall panels in a controlled (shop) environment.  This allows for better quality control and also for less skilled laborers since all of the thinking has already been done for them.  Each wall panel has an accurate framing plan associated with it and it is no longer up to the individual carpenter to decide how to build the structure.  The skilled carpenter has and will become a thing of the past.  The new construction laborers will be more like worker bees and less the skilled craftsman they once were.

This brings me to the second reason for the shift.  The upcoming generation (millennials and Gen Z) are less savvy when it comes to the trades and using their hands.  These are the generations raised on Angry Birds and Pokemon Go.  For some reason they seem to lack some of the skill and craftmanship associated with the skilled laborers and carpenters of the past.  Asking them to cut stair stringers and hip rafters/jacks makes their head spin.  This lack of skilled laborers in the field further necessitates the need to further automate the design and build process and take the thinking out of the hands on the job site.

Finally the third biggest reason for the paradigm shift is the moving on of the Baby Boomer generation (the old guard).  Most of the boomer generation saw a major point of inflection at the crisis in 2008 - 2012.  A lot of retirement happened and continues to happen.  Before the crisis even in my own family my Dad was building spec homes in Utah like their was no end in sight.  The crisis completely took the wind out of his sails and even though the housing market has recovered he did not.  At 72 years old he doesn't have the energy or the drive to start over and so has consigned himself to retirement.  I think this same story is not unique to just my family but to many other small and medium builders out there as well.

The industry is now run by my generation (Gen X) and maybe some day by the millennials (perhaps somewhat of a scary thought still).  With the changing of the guard comes new ideas and new methods.  My generation was raised on computers and tech, we are not afraid of bringing this new beast into the workplace and finding ways to leverage it to our advantage.  Working from emails, screens and PDFs come naturally, paper is nice but not a necessity anymore.  Resistance to change will always be there but BIM and other "technological concepts" are far more likely to take hold among this newer generation of construction professionals than the previous one.

So yes, the residential construction industry is on the verge of change in my honest opinion.  In fact, I think many professionals are actively seeking the vehicle of change (eg. Revit, Chief Architect, ArchiCad, AutoCad, SketchUp), based on my many conversations (email and phone) with various players in the field.  Unlike the commercial industry, no single player has taken a firm hold of this market yet, its still too early and the smoke and dust literally has not settled. 

This is why there is such an urgency by myself and other developers (PlusSpec, John Brock, etc...) to try and put together a system(s) which would allow SketchUp to become a significant player in this emerging market.  In the next few years the battle lines will be drawn and someone or something will emerge from the fray to dominate the residential (BIM) design and construction market.  My goal is to make sure that SketchUp is able to capture that prize.  I am hopeful that Trimble/SketchUp can also recognize the seriousness and magnitude of this paradigm shift and their potential role within it.  As such increased development and efforts on improving the performance of Layout will go a long ways in cementing their position of strength within the marketplace.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 26, 2019, 10:45:17 AM
I've been putting out a few fires the last couple of days and one thing that I would like to provide some clarity on is the current system that handles custom data from the User. 

Specifically I am talking about wall presets, custom materials and custom headers.

Currently this user generated data/settings is stored within the plugin subfolder within the following three sub-folders:  preset, library_mats, library_headers.  Within each of these sub-folders is a simple text file that acts as the database and where all of the parameters are actually stored. 

When the plugin is uninstalled SketchUp deletes the entire plugin subfolder and hence any custom settings stored in these files/folders are removed as well.  The long term solution to this problem is to store this information in a folder that is outside of the plugin folder itself (change up the way the plugin is storing this information).  The short term solution is to simply copy these three sub-folders to a different location (back them up) and then uninstall the existing plugin and then reinstall the new version.  Once the upgrade is complete then you can simple drop the contents of the backed up sub-folders into the plugin sub-folders overwriting the (default) config files and you get all of your wall presets and custom materials and headers back.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 27, 2019, 07:49:32 PM
Initially the gable wall matrix will look like this:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_su352_800.jpg)

Since only one gable wall type will be enabled.  It has been nearly six months since I started working on the gable walls and unfortunately it has been quite a bit more complicated and problematic then I originally imagined. 

Gable walls change up almost every aspect of the wall from connections to other walls to trim and wainscoting.  The differences between rectangular walls and odd shaped walls is so drastic that I've basically had to write completely new modules for windows, doors, garage doors, trim, wainscoting, advanced options etc...  its almost like there are two plugins running side-by-side.

To get to all the other gable variants is going to take some serious coding but the leap is less than from the initial leap from rectangular to gable so I am fairly optimistic that it will be manageable.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 01, 2019, 04:42:51 PM
Version 1.0.9 - 04.01.2019
- Fixed a bug with exterior wainscoting.
- Fixed a bug with midspan blocking and wall presets.
- Added the Shearwall toolbar and icons.

The fix with the midspan blocking and the wall presets is a critical fix if you are using wall presets and I would highly recommend upgrading to this latest version of the plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 03, 2019, 06:24:57 PM
Version 1.0.9b - 04.03.2019
- Fixed a bug with the data logging module.

Not exactly a critical fix, just another box to check off.  Some of you may have noticed an occasional pop up that warns about an error connecting to the Medeek server.  This fix should resolve that minor annoyance.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 28, 2019, 12:48:14 AM
Okay, let's try this again.  I've uploaded a new version of 1.1.0 with all the show_modal calls replaced with non-modal calls.  My conclusion is that show_modal is a complete disaster when using macOS, realistically one can only use non-modal html menus.  I'm just hoping now that this does not somehow create issues for users in Windows.  I don't think it will based on my limited testing thus far.

If it does then I simply add some logic which switches to non-modal html menus if macOS is detected.   However, I would rather that the plugin behaves in a similar fashion for both operating systems.

Please re-download Version 1.1.0 and let me know what you get.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 22, 2019, 07:19:06 PM
SketchUp Essentials latest video:

https://youtu.be/Jx4s4hU3WAY
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 19, 2019, 03:32:40 PM
Version 1.1.1 - 06.19.2019
- Corrected the code for raising and logging exceptions.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 26, 2019, 12:01:14 AM
Version 1.1.2 - 06.25.2019
- Fixed an HTML/javascript bug with the wall edit menu (specific to Internet Explorer).
- Fixed an HTML/javascript bug in the General tab of the Global Settings (specific to Internet Explorer).

These two fixes were prompted by problems being encountered by users of SketchUp 2015.  I haven't quite decided yet but I will probably end support for SU 2015 and 2016 in the very near future as I have already done with the Truss plugin.  At some point the effort to maintain compatibility with older versions of SketchUp is no longer feasible or profitable.

If you are a registered or even trial version user of the plugin and still using SU 2015 or SU 2016, please contact me so that I can get a better feel for how many users are still requiring this compatibility.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 16, 2019, 04:39:01 PM
Excellent live modeling session by Aaron this afternoon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL9JuKZ8Nx8

After spending quite some time modeling this very simple structure it quickly becomes clear to me why extensions are so important. 

I am hoping to get the gable and shed walls out shortly to close that gap.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 28, 2019, 03:31:27 PM
As some of you are aware the Wall plugin includes a number of connectors and hardware, primarily Simpson Strong-Tie but a few others vendors as well.  The full list is available here:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallpluginvendors.html

Mitek also provides a comparable line of hardware with their USP Structural Connectors.  I'm considering adding in the equivalent product lines from Mitek and then allowing the user to specify in the Global Settings which vendor they prefer so that the menus populate with the appropriate vendor's products and thereby give the user more options and control over their hardware choices.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 04, 2019, 05:32:08 PM
SketchUp Essentials latest video on the mdkBIM suite:

https://youtu.be/rBmoiwc5XpI
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 23, 2019, 08:14:21 PM
Version 1.1.3 - 09.23.2019
- Fixed a bug with the placement of Simpson's DTT2Z holdown and replaced included component with a low poly version.
- Added the option for Titen HD holdown anchor bolts: THD50500H, THD50600H, THD50800H, THD501200H, THD501400H, THD501500H.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su530_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 28, 2019, 10:30:35 PM
Version 1.1.4 - 09.28.2019
- Fixed a critical performance bug that affects all the modules within the extension.


*** CRITICAL PERFORMANCE UPDATE ***

If you are noticing a slowdown of the plugin performance after multiple edits to a wall assembly, this fix will resolve that issue.  This issue affects all previous versions of the plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 07, 2019, 04:08:16 PM
The question "Can I manually edit my wall assemblies?", seems to come up quite often. 

*** Important Information ***

The parametrics (editing) with regards to the plugin(s) require that when you edit any wall assembly, roof assembly, foundation assembly etc... it regenerates the geometry from the parameters stored for that assembly.

If you are going to manually edit an assembly just be sure not to regen it, by editing it or adding windows, doors etc...  after you have done any manual edits.  When you edit an assembly it essentially removes the existing geometry created by the plugin and redraws it.  If you have altered the geometry created by the plugin it will also remove any of those manual edits. 

You can effectively lock an assembly by removing the instance name (or replace it with something else).  When you remove the key words in the assembly instance name the plugin(s) no longer recognizes the assemblies as something they can edit and hence they become "locked" for editing.

You can also unlock a valid assembly (provided it still has its attribute library) by putting the keywords back into an instance name.  You will notice that each type of assembly has specific keywords utilized in its instance name.

The problem with manual editing is that, yes you can do it, but the plugins have no way of knowing what changes you have done to the assembly and when it goes to rebuild/regen the only information it has is the parameters stored in its attribute library (database) for that assembly.  If you explode the group that contains the assembly the attribute library for that group (assembly) is deleted and even if you were to group the assembly back together the attribute library will no longer be present and hence the assembly is no longer a parametric Medeek assembly.

If you want to include custom components or groups within your assemblies (wall, truss etc...) and you want those "additional" geometric objects retained after a rebuild then you can accomplish this by including the keyword "CUSTOM" or "custom" within the sub-group or components instance name.

Also note that any non-grouped geometry (ie. edges and faces) will also be retained within the assembly by default.

In fact, this is exactly how the electrical plugin works in concert with the Wall and Truss plugins.  All of the electrical groups within your wall panels, utilize a special key word in their instance names.  This allows them to be retained within the larger assemblies. 

There is a method to my madness.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 18, 2019, 11:03:09 PM
Gable Wall Workaround:

https://youtu.be/n5Pb-tIINIM

A quick tutorial on how to manually edit a wall with the Trim tool to create a balloon framed gable wall.

Note, that the Trim tool is currently included with the Truss plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 27, 2019, 02:44:10 AM
Version 1.1.5 - 11.27.2019
- Added a rotation parameter for in-wall columns.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su602_800.jpg)

Previously I was listing two sizes in order to get the rotated version (ie. 2x6 and 6x2) of a column size, however this proved to be a clunky and a non-scalable solution.  This update rectifies this limitation.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 08, 2019, 03:20:35 AM
Version 1.1.6 - 12.08.2019
- Improved the stability and execution speed of the wall edit menu and the window edit menu.

This improvement is courtesy of my recent work on the complex roof module of the truss plugin.  I've improved the speed and stability of my algorithms for transferring data between the ruby code and the javascript.  I will now need to update every other HTML menu found with the wall plugin and eventually within all of the plugins. 

The wall edit menu contains the most parameters and hence its stability will be improved significantly by this code change, that is why I addressed it first.  Other edit menus include: doors, garage doors, stairs, beams, etc...
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 21, 2019, 08:51:52 AM
Version 1.1.7 - 12.21.2019
- Enabled the "Wall Split" tool within the Medeek Wall Tools toolbar.

I will release a tutorial video explaining the use of this new tool and what circumstances would typically require its use.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 22, 2019, 01:35:31 AM
Tutorial 9 - Split Wall Tool (6:36 min.)

https://youtu.be/-HIYqyyVCaE
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 22, 2019, 06:07:37 PM
Another usage of the split tool:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/b/b/bbfffa1a57d8e59f90f419d17192d104d91317bc.gif)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/0bb89536-4536-4eb2-81cb-387cb5c7cfda/Split-Tool-Test
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 25, 2019, 11:21:29 PM
Version 1.1.7b - 12.25.2019
- Enabled temporary (construction) dimensions for the wall split tool.
- Added a vertical offset to the holdown symbol(s) to eliminate Z-fighting with the wall panel top plate.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su610_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 03, 2020, 06:41:53 AM
Something that I have had on the to-do list for quite a while but have avoided it due to the many permutations and pitfalls: Stacked Windows

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/f/a/fa97f34608a78a0fdb712a3826c19565ba62342b.jpeg)

I have some additional testing to do, but so long as the windows line up (same x-position along wall) and they are the same width (as shown) then the algorithm seems to be successful.

The real problems arise when the windows partially overlap, or even if they are aligned but the windows widths are different. Those type of scenarios create all kinds of framing permutations which then becomes a real can of worms for the logic. I may eventually tackle it but for now I'm going to make some simple assumptions, so that I don't become too bogged down with this problem.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 05, 2020, 06:27:46 PM
My original algorithm was too simplistic, it did not account for multiple window stacks within a wall panel, now I have that resolved:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/5/2/52e4a0c62f5491df43b4f7d136fb25272cd56428.jpeg)

The final step is to make sure that the blocking and insulation modules are compatible with stacked windows.  As can be seen in this screen capture there is still an issue with stacked windows and blocking (right side).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 06, 2020, 03:23:08 AM
Version 1.1.8 - 01.06.2019
- Added a "Stud Spacing Offset" parameter which allows for custom stud spacing/placement.
- Enabled stacked windows within a wall panel.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su616_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su615_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/403dcf25-54b8-4795-8bbf-45f8e8fe6fcc/Stacked-Windows

Both of these items have been on the to-do list for quite some time and together constitute a fairly substantial upgrade to the functionality of the plugin.  The offset parameter has been requested numerous times over the last few weeks.

This update does not yet allow for stacking of windows/doors or doors/doors.  However, now that the logic path has been established I should be able to enable these additional possibilities much more quickly.  I will see if I can knock this one out this coming week.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 07, 2020, 10:24:30 PM
The same stacked windows as below but with the insulation included:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/f/3/f3ca825bef67c6697c81de4dd4a6f722d972063b.jpeg)

I haven't finished the window/door stacking algorithm yet but it occurred to me that window over door is the most common configuration and not the other way around. In fact, I really see no reason to have a door over door algorithm either. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 09, 2020, 06:17:38 AM
Version 1.1.9 - 01.09.2019
- Enabled stacked windows over doors within a wall panel.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su619_800.jpg)

Note that for this to work correctly the king studs of the window(s) and door must align and the windows and doors must be centered on the same location within the wall.

The framing, blocking and insulation modules are now updated for stacked windows and stacked windows over doors.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 10, 2020, 04:36:42 AM
As I was comparing the window and door modules this evening a number of things jumped out at me.  I've made some updates over the last few months to the window module that did not get propagated to the door module.  Here is a short list of items I will work on in the next couple of days to bring the door module up to par:

1.)  Arched, gothic arch and half round door openings and doors.
2.)  Variable king stud width for doors
3.)   Variable trimmer stud width for doors
4.)  Built up headers for doors
5.)  Trimmer extend option for doors (for built up headers that have a bottom plate, common construction method in Alberta CANADA).

Note that these updates are specifically for man doors and do not apply to garage doors or garage door openings.  That will be work for another day.

*** IMPORTANT***
I'm also considering making the wall plugin able to insert windows, doors and garage doors into generic walls (non-Medeek Walls), similar to what one is able to do with the electrical plugin.  I actually don't think this will be too difficult and will make the Window/Door tools more universal and flexible for the user who may or may not always use Medeek walls in a given project.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 13, 2020, 02:01:33 AM
1 thru 5 of the items list previously are complete and now functional (not released yet).

First look at an arched doorway:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/b/e/beda6c242859a9379b9eb9b20fa3c20edd1b40dc.jpeg)

I now need to complete the door trim, casing and install modules for an arched door. Eventually I will provide the option for all of the various door types (eg. six panel, half glass etc...) however to start with I will just enable the solid arched door.

There will also be the permutation involving sidelites and double sidelites with arched doors, but again this will be work for another day.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 13, 2020, 08:44:29 PM
You can set the framing mode of the plugin to 2D or "no framing" 3D mode on a wall panel basis or even set the default behavior in the global settings.

Once you are comfortable with your design you can switch the wall panels to the full framing mode. The no framing mode generates the wall framing as a single solid. Perhaps I need another tutorial that explains this in further detail. Switching between modes is completely automated, just one mouse click after you right click on the wall assembly(s).

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/1/d/1d6329acae0a6c51ba92faeb88089e49982656cc.gif)

The idea behind the 2D and 3D No Framing modes is to keep the model as lightweight as possible during the early design phases (ie. don't over complicate things with framing) while at the same time providing enough information to fully understand the design and its dimensional constraints/properties.

The 2D mode is great for the initial layout but eventually one of the 3D modes will be required to fully grasp the various wall heights and possibly stacked window layouts etc...
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 15, 2020, 12:03:39 PM
First look at an arched door frame and (solid) door:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/f/8f6a5472d21443210dde244ddde9f5598187e5d1.jpeg)

I think the only thing still pending is to make sure that wainscoting module can handle arched doors and then I will make this upgrade live.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 15, 2020, 11:29:20 PM
Version 1.2.0 - 01.15.2019
- Added (segmental and half round) arched doors to the door module.
- Enabled variable king stud and trimmer stud widths for doors.
- Enabled built-up headers for doors.
- Enabled the trimmer extend option for doors.
- Added casing "Style C" for rectangle and arched doors (gypsum wrap for interior wall openings).

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/e/1/e1dad7cf0a96d8adc14ed0dd99f65bc8109e22ca.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/b/dbee1665e452bfe614e74a3fc9d29db1f1c8413b.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/1/71366cc8453758742c08eeb3bc8eb7fa0aee9f72.jpeg)

I've also addressed a few minor bugs and issues with both the door and window modules. 

Currently the only arched door style is a "solid" door however I can add additional styles upon request (ie. half glass, double, full glass, six panel etc...)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 16, 2020, 08:43:25 PM
Version 1.2.0b - 01.16.2020
- Fixed a bug with wall presets introduced with the addition of the stud spacing offset parameter.

*** CRITICAL BUG FIX ***
If you have previously installed Version 1.1.8 thru Version 1.2.0 then you will want to update your installation to this latest version.  The bug was introduced into the wall presets module on 01/06/2020 when the stud spacing offset parameter was added.  This bug fix should resolve that bug and allow the creation of wall presets with this latest parameter added to the list of wall parameters.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 17, 2020, 02:17:45 AM
Version 1.2.1 - 01.17.2020
- Added FLUSH:MITER and MITER:FLUSH option to the Wall Cladding Corners parameter.
- Fixed a second bug with wall presets introduced with the addition of the stud spacing offset parameter.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su625_800.jpg)

The additional options for the Wall Cladding Corners parameter is specifically for situations where you encounter a wall cladding material/thickness change at an inside corner as shown.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 17, 2020, 07:33:13 AM
Version 1.2.1b - 01.17.2020
- Added (segmental and half round) arched double doors to the door module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su626_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/f1bbde95-c609-40eb-b2ce-67204d8bf0ad/Double-Arched-Solid-Door
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 18, 2020, 01:14:47 AM
Version 1.2.1c - 01.17.2020
- Fixed a number of bugs related to stacked doors, door sidelites and backward compatibility with previous versions.
- Added (segmental and half round) arched half glass doors to the door module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su629_800.jpg)

Half glass option per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 18, 2020, 07:01:03 PM
Version 1.2.1d - 01.18.2020
- Fixed the praire and perimeter grille style for arched half glass and full glass doors.
- Added (segmental and half round) arched full glass doors to the door module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su630_800.jpg)

It seems like there is always more with doors.  The items still needing attention with the door module are:

- Option for transom window above rectangular and arched doors.
- Sidelites for arched doors.
- Additional door types for arched doors (ie. six panel, double half glass, double full glass etc...)
- Sliding doors
- Pocket doors
- Closet bi-fold doors
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 25, 2020, 07:32:26 AM
Version 1.2.2  - 01.25.2020

- Added (segmental and half round) arched half glass double doors to the door module.
- Added (segmental and half round) arched full glass double doors to the door module.

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/a/c/acf98db1261a18280611b3dd46da16ae68b0119b.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/b/6/b61dfda7770c9fa4dc8980d434e97dd804a2ba86.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/a/6/a68c703cded86d0e0427848d70438cfd33d2bdb3.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/b/1/b15899668da857a32c2489122fcffe0a100df4b6.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 30, 2020, 02:37:22 AM
Version 1.2.3 - 01.30.2020
- Enabled up to four king and/or four trimmer studs for windows.
- Enabled up to four king and/or four trimmer studs for doors.
- Enabled up to four king and/or four trimmer studs for garage doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su637_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su638_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su639_800.jpg)

Eight studs deep may seem a bit excessive but it's there if you need it.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 07, 2020, 03:58:04 PM
Version 1.2.4 - 02.07.2020
- Fixed a bug with the gypsum wrap for rectangular and arched door openings of interior walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su643_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 09, 2020, 01:45:46 AM
Version 1.2.4b - 02.08.2020
- Added a T1-11 built-in material into the material library.
- Fixed the move wall tool so that it no longer requires a negative number for offsetting to the exterior side of the wall.
- Enabled the display of the offset dimension next to the blue movement arrow for the move wall tool.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su644_800.jpg)

The elimination of the negative offset should make the wall move tool a lot more intuitive to use.  Please feel free to give me further feedback in this regard.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 12, 2020, 08:30:32 PM
In some cases you may frame up something like this:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/c/1/c1a0e2ca91722a1d3f7fd74c35243c083bb55765.jpeg)

Rather than a tee intersection you have two walls forming a corner and then a third wall tying in at the corner.  Currently I really don't have a good solution for this scenario since one would probably need to offset the sheathing or gypsum back where the tertiary wall ties in.

I will need to give this some further thought.  Any ideas or suggestions are always welcome.

I've identified a possible bug or issue where the top plate cutout algorithm tries to cut out a zero thickness slice from the adjacent top plate in this particular scenario, I will release a fix for that shortly.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 16, 2020, 02:07:37 AM
Version 1.2.5 - 02.15.2020
- Enabled custom materials (Material Library) for all doors and windows: Trim, Casing, Door Frame, Door, Window Frame, Shutters.
- Addressed a minor bug with multiple walls coming together at a corner.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su648_800.jpg)


*** IMPORTANT WARNING ***

This latest update is a necessary and major rewrite of the window and door modules.  As such, this update will break compatibility with previous versions of the Wall plugin.  It is highly suggested not to upgrade to this latest version for existing projects that were created with previous versions of the plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 17, 2020, 11:46:08 PM
Version 1.2.5b - 02.17.2020
- Fixed a critical bug with the recently updated window and door edit menus.

*** IMPORTANT ***
This is a critical bug fix to Version 1.2.5.  When the source code was compiled for this version the updated HTML files (window and door edit menus) were somehow not updated as they should have been.  I strongly suggest that you update from version 1.2.5 to version 1.2.5b, otherwise you may not be able to edit your windows and doors.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 19, 2020, 11:07:42 AM
Working on the Wall Stretch Tool this morning.

Essentially I've boiled this tool down to a **three** click process:

1.)  Select the Wall that you want to stretch or shrink.

2.)  Select the start or end of the wall panel:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/c/7c77ea67edba293e66598a56c6dd5aca494c5a75.jpeg)

3.)  Then select the new position of the wall start/end.  (A wire frame is provided along with a dimension).  The user can either select the position or key in the amount to stretch or shrink.

This feature is in many ways related to the move tool since stretching a wall will also move any attached walls at the affect corner.  Additionally when the start of the wall is moved the location of any features within the wall must be relocated so that they maintain their position, just a few things to think about.

I've also setup the tool so that when you select the wall start or end you don't have to actually select within the circles shown.  The tool will calculate how far your mouse click is away from each end and select the end which is closest to the mouse click. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 20, 2020, 09:00:13 PM
Version 1.2.6 - 02.20.2020
- Added a "Style C" trim option for rectangular windows.
- Fixed a critical bug with the door module for metric templates.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su651_800.jpg)

This particular trim style probably is best suited for a brick veneer cladding as shown.
I may also create a Style D which looks similar but includes a keystone.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 22, 2020, 12:18:19 AM
First look at a 2-stud tee intersection with the center stud replaced with blocking:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/0/70a52396f95a7546d643371785fabfe80a349790.jpeg)

The other option would be just a 2-stud tee with the center stud or blocking omitted.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 22, 2020, 01:42:17 AM
Version 1.2.7 - 02.21.2020
- Enabled tee intersection blocking/gypsum backers: 3-stud, 2-stud w/ blocking, 2-stud.
- Added a tee intersection parameter to the Walls tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su654_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/9c4e656d-c1eb-44db-8dd8-0165a5672fe2/Tee-Intersections

This update/feature has been on the todo list for many months and I am very excited to finally have a few tee intersection framing options available.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 24, 2020, 04:15:01 AM
Version 1.2.8 - 02.24.2020
- Added tee intersection ladder blocking as an additional option for tee intersection wall framing.
- Added a user entry error check for single and double quotes within Wall Preset names.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su655_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/c5d3a161-5693-43cf-a424-1f199b954d30/Tee-Intersections-with-Ladder-Blocking

We may need more parameters and additional options for this particular type of tee intersection framing treatment but for now it seems to be a fairly good start.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 24, 2020, 09:04:05 PM
As I was sitting at the Dr. Office today while I waited for some imaging for a family member I had the opportunity to actually read through this entire thread from the beginning (about a two hour wait).

The amount of work I was able to accomplish on the Wall plugin during 2018 (Mar. thru Dec.) is mind blowing even to me.  I think my pace recently has slowed a little especially as I have diverted my focus to the other plugins and created new ones (Electrical plugin). 

Recently I've been mostly occupied with a number of small fires and feature requests since the start of the new year.  However, as I close those remaining items out I want to refocus on some larger items specifically with the wall plugin that I feel need to be addressed (in no particular order):

1.)  Gable and Shed Walls
2.)  Move the Estimating module to the new **Medeek Project** extension, and further develop this module as it relates to the wall plugin.
3.)  Complete the Wall Join tool.
4.)  Convert the Window, Door and Garage Door Draw menus to HTML.
5.)  Move the Fixtures module to a the new **Medeek Interior** extension.
6.)  Compete the standalone columns/post tool.
7.)  Start work on the integrated **Medeek Engineering** extension, start with window and door headers for vertical loads.
8.)  A generic Blocking module is still a good idea in my opinion, I will need further feedback on this one.
9.) Transom windows above doors with and without sidelites.
10.)  Shear Wall module which will ultimately integrate with the engineering plugin.
11.)  Complete the Wall Stretch tool (75% complete as of 02/24/2020)
12.)  Additional door and window types as requested (eg. bi-fold, sliding glass, double and triple single hung windows).
13.)  Spend some time on the new tabs in the global settings, currently showing an Under Construction sign.
14.) Presets for Windows and Doors
15.)  Making the Window and Door modules work with generic walls, not just Medeek walls.  (*This one has my full attention at the very moment*).

There are a number of smaller items on the todo lists and a few items that have dropped off of the lists.  One of these is multi-layer gypsum, I am still debating if or how I want to implement this. 

I've also given some thought to the stair module and what more I can do to increase its feature set and flexibility.  I almost could hire another programmer just to work on this module alone given the potential complexity and permutations that exist with this feature.

I spend a lot of time lately dealing with technical support which takes away from valuable programming time.  I really need to spend some time making the plugin as "non-breakable" as possible which would then cut down on my hours spent dealing with often mundane and tedious questions and errors.  An example would be checking for zero values in the HTML/javascript where they should not be allowed.

I've thought about wall justification but I just haven't had the time to give it enough thought.

Originally I was going to work on interior trim (crown molding, baseboard, chair rails, wainscoting) and painting of gypsum within the plugin.  However, it now makes more sense to move this into the Medeek Interior extension.

I'm sure I am missing some very important features or fixes among the items I have listed.  Feel free to expand or expound on this list.

Note that this list does not deal at all with any of the hot items with the other three plugins:  Complex Roofs etc...
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 25, 2020, 03:03:45 AM
First look at a Twin Single Hung window:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/6/a/6a6c5804bffcf01bad95c9579cdec11bd40f1a08.jpeg)

Note that the center mullion is a function of the window frame width and in this case is simply the same dimension.  Please let me know if this should be anything otherwise, there currently is not a parameter to differentiate the mullion width from the frame width, but if necessary I suppose I could add one.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 25, 2020, 09:01:41 PM
Version 1.2.8b - 02.25.2020
- Added double slider (XOX) windows to the window module.
- Added twin single hung windows to the window module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su657_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/c05dedae-a2ad-4842-8937-e6169e242002/XOX-Window-Double-Slider
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 28, 2020, 04:03:20 AM
Version 1.2.9 - 02.28.2020
- Addressed the issue where upgrading the plugin would delete custom materials, custom headers and wall presets. These items are now stored outside of the plugin sub-folder.

The good news with this update, is that unlike some of the other recent updates, it will not affect compatibility.  The somewhat bad news is that I have not yet tested it with MacOS, but in theory it should work perfectly, I am waiting with bated breath.

This is one those under-the-hood updates that does not appear to be very exciting however that fact that updating the plugin will no longer erase your custom materials, headers and wall presets is actually a pretty big deal.  I am hoping this update will ultimately decrease a lot of my tech support calls and emails, I think it will make a difference.

Now I just need to apply this same fix to the Truss, Foundation and Electrical plugins...
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 28, 2020, 09:51:21 AM
Just to offer a few more details on this latest update. 

When you first install the plugin or upgrade it any existing plugin folder is removed during the uninstall and recreated during the install.  The following sub-folders are created with the new .rbz file:

- library_headers
- library_mats
- presets

These contain the default headers, materials and presets (none) that come with the plugin as it ships.

The first time you run the plugin it then creates a sub-folder here (on windows, Mac is similar but slightly different path):

C:\Users\%Username%\AppData\Roaming\Medeek\2017\medeek_wall_ext

Notice the year in the full path, this will of course depend on which version of SU you are installing the plugin into.  The plugin then looks into this folder for the three sub-folders listed above, if it can't find them it copies the default folders and their contents from the plugin folder to the "AppData" folder.  This is where the working folders actually exist for these settings, and when you add new materials etc... this is where the modifications and additions are made.

When you upgrade the plugin the plugin folder is removed and recreated however the sub-folder in AppData is retained.  If the new installation then finds these sub-folder already existing it does not attempt to recreate them and hence your settings are retained.

Each different version of SketchUp (ie. 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020) will all have their own separate sub-folder and parameters assuming you've installed the plugins into these separate SU installations.  One can easily duplicate parameters by copying and pasting the "medeek_wall_ext" sub-folder between the SU version folders if required.  I may include a tool for automating that (migration wizard) if there is enough demand for it.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 28, 2020, 06:23:33 PM
The Beams/Columns toolbar will now include two additional icons:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/5/5/55156d19447d1e0b7157fb5ac0892ea81658327d.jpeg)

- Draw Post
- Edit Post

In order to differentiate between in-wall columns and free standing columns I will be using the term "post" to refer to the latter and simply "column" to refer to the former.

The new post or free standing column module is actually relatively simple so I thought I would knock it out  this weekend since there has been some demand for it recently.  The basic concepts and configurations will be as shown before in a previous thread:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/6/7/6756cf007e91a2434f3dfe5ce4004f490e902263.jpeg)

Each color denotes a unique material that can be specified by the user.  Hopefully this should give enough flexibility when it comes to wrapping free standing columns.

Even though it requires more upfront work on my end I think I would like to setup the post selection similar to the custom header library so that the user can preconfigure various post sizes and materials.  This feature will be made available within the global settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 01, 2020, 11:58:10 PM
Here are the parameters for the Post Module:

BASIC OPTIONS:
Post Type:
Post Size:
Lumber Species:
Grade:
Post Ply Qty.:
Pressure Treated: Yes/No
Post Rotation:
Adv. Post Options: Yes/No

ADVANCED OPTIONS:
Wrap: Yes/No
Wainscot: Yes/No
Cap: Yes/No
Base: Yes/No
Astragal: Yes/No

WRAP OPTIONS:
Wrap Thickness:
Wrap Air Gap:
Wrap Material:

WAINSCOT OPTIONS:
Wainscot Thickness:
Wainscot Air Gap:
Wainscot Height:
Wainscot Material:

Wainscot Ledge: Yes/No
Ledge Depth:
Ledge Overhang:
Ledge Material:

CAP OPTIONS:
Cap Thickness:
Cap Depth:
Cap Material:

BASE OPTIONS:
Base Thickness:
Base Depth:
Base Material:

ASTRAGAL OPTIONS:
Astragal Thickness:
Astragal Depth:
Astragal Height:
Astragal Material:

The basic options will be very similar to the beam module with the option for steel columns as well as wood (eg. lumber, timber, SCL, glulam).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 07, 2020, 05:09:10 AM
Version 1.3.0 - 03.07.2020
- Fixed a critical bug with custom materials that was caused by the change in the location of the plugin's data sub-folder.

*** CRITICAL BUG FIX ***
If you recently downloaded version 1.2.9 of the plugin then you will want to upgrade to this version to resolve an issue with custom materials in the Material Library.  I highly suggest that everyone upgrade to this latest release at your earliest convenience.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 08, 2020, 03:02:31 AM
I've been thinking about how to best handle levels or floors of a structure lately.  I'm thinking about assigning an additional parameter (that can be user edited) which assigns a given wall assembly to a particular user defined level or floor.  Another way of handling this is in conjunction with layer assignment.  Everyone's workflow is a little different so I think it is important that if I provide certain options I make them truly optional.  In other words the layer assignment tool could optionally assign the assemblies to a particular layer/tag.

As a side note SU 2020 now calls layers -> tags.  I'm not really happy with that change, I don't see why the word layer or layers was a bad or incorrect term within the context of SketchUp.  Honestly, tags is even more confusing in my opinion.  For now I will not be changing my terminology within the plugin, I will still be calling them layers, everyone knows what I'm talking about.  If the term "tags" actually sticks then in a year or so  I may consider updating my terminology, but I'm going to let this one percolate for a while.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 15, 2020, 06:27:28 AM
Version 1.3.1 - 03.15.2020
- Added a "Style4" door hardware option (Lever & Deadbolt) to the door module.
- Fixed a bug with the door opening tool for man doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su659_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 31, 2020, 09:27:17 AM
First look at some posts created with the Post module:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/a/d/ad1407e19b0f9014c9b3da8823f963bad5c4844d.jpeg)

The basic module is up and running I just need to spend a few more hours on the advanced options (ie. wrap, wainscot, base, cap and astragal) and then this module will be a welcome addition to the plugin.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/e4f8e345-f16f-4d01-985e-3e03fa7be6cc/Free-Standing-Posts
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 31, 2020, 03:12:03 PM
Version 1.3.2 - 03.31.2020
- Added the ability to draw and edit free standing columns with the Beams/Column Toolset.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su661_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/e4f8e345-f16f-4d01-985e-3e03fa7be6cc/Free-Standing-Posts
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 02, 2020, 12:05:16 PM
Version 1.3.2b - 04.02.2020
- Added an indexing parameter for posts to the General tab of the global settings.
- Added the built-in materials (red brick) for post wrap and wainscot and (concrete) for post ledges.
- Added labels and callouts for all post types.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su662_800.jpg)

I've also switched to the new .rbe encryption method for the plugin which effectively prevents it from running on SketchUp 2015 or earlier.  I was more than content to stick with the .rbs encryption method but the SketchUp extension signing page has removed this encryption method and only the .rbe method is currently offered.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 03, 2020, 09:50:33 AM
Tutorial 10 - Posts (14:24 min.)

https://youtu.be/xUj6RHPPHBE

Round or Greek/Roman columns would also be a nice addition to this module but I'm not entirely sure on the construction or geometry of them.  They typically have a gradual taper and then the top (capital) always has some interesting geometry (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian):

(https://mcgrawimages.buildingmedia.com/CE/CE_images/2014/dec_Crown-Columns-5.jpg)

(https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/d34177fe0df2a9e2_4-9388/home-design.jpg)

If I can figure out the math and right proportions for these types of columns then I can probably add them to the module with minimal effort.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 04, 2020, 05:12:31 AM
I will provide an additional option called the "classical option".

This will allow for classical (round) columns, the parameters will initially be:

Classical Order: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite
Diameter: (12" default)
Capital: Yes/No
Base: Yes/No
Material:

At some point I should also provide the option for a fluted column and additional parameters for a pedestal. Yes, this is a bit of a rabbit hole, but really not as deep as initially thought it might be. I'll start simple first and then incrementally add more features as requested.

I'm making the assumption that all of these classical columns are non-structural (ie. FRP) so the standard wood or steel posts will still be drawn/installed inside of the classical column.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 04, 2020, 08:44:35 AM
First look at a classical column with the updated menu items:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/4/0/4086af96ceabbcd735c2bffeb6f6433bae749e84.jpeg)

The diminution/entasis is the correct 5/6 ratio and it follows an arc/curve tangent to the lower cylindrical section of the column.  I've created the arc with eight segments which seems to be more than adequate (could probably get away with six).  I have my own smoothing routine so the tangent edge at the 1/3 point on the column is not shown.

Now I just need to come up with some proper bases and capitals for the different orders and we will have some classical columns available.

I could hollow out the interior but I don't see a big need for that since each manufacturer is going to have their own wall thickness, and it just adds to the overall polycount.  Comments or thoughts?

I suppose I could make the diminution ratio also user driven but for now I'll just hardcode in the 5/6 ratio since this seems to be the most common.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 05, 2020, 10:17:20 AM
First look at a Doric Column with both the capital and base enabled:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/4/7/47eb77808acabda4abd80a85572c04ea977f5d36.jpeg)

To my knowledge this is the only SketchUp plugin that allows one to parametrically create classical columns, I'm pretty excited about this.

The components utilized for the capital and base are within the components sub-folder of the plugin and can easily be replaced with a users own file if so desired.

For my geometry I've been studying the references and drawings found on this site:

http://theclassicalorders.com/thedoricorder.html

This website has very detailed explanations and drawings of the various orders, which I have found to be extremely helpful.

The Ionic, Corinthian and Composite capitals are very intricate and complex 3D geometries.  I'm not even going to attempt to draw those myself, even though I can program plugins my modeling skills are just not up to par.  I think I can rely on the 3D warehouse and some of you power users to point me in the right direction as to what would be the most accurate and low poly model that I can incorporate into the plugin for each of these orders.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fef54607-e1d6-4f5d-a4a7-f590fbeb98cc/Doric-Column
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 05, 2020, 05:08:03 PM
Version 1.3.3 - 04.05.2020
- Added a classical column option to the post module: Tuscan, Doric

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su666_800.jpg)

Once I have capital/base geometry for the three other column types (ionic, corinthian, composite) I will add them to the module as well.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/e6bc4c8f-b431-4d1e-97ea-411411ebc6c2/Doric-and-Tuscan-Columns
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 07, 2020, 11:54:12 AM
I've managed to squeeze a bit more polygons out of the corinthian capital however it is still quite large.  I've also generated my own ionic capital.  It is fairly basic but it will do for now:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/f/d/fdf826d237f54c78fc860f454401355711cb3e20.jpeg)

The key elements of the ionic capital are dimensionally correct and that is what is most important to me.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/0470ae9c-6ec1-45fe-b955-38959b1da959/Classic-Columns
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 07, 2020, 04:00:44 PM
Version 1.3.3b - 04.07.2020
- Added the following classical column types: Tuscan /w Astragal, Doric /w Astragal, Ionic, Corinthian

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su669_800.jpg)

Spent only a couple days on the classical columns but it was time well spent.  I now have a much better understanding of the various orders and some of the intricacies and theory on how they all go together.  That is why I love this job, I learn something new everyday.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fdd211c4-f821-44a2-bb2e-1f52fa951dbc/Classical-Columns-Part-II
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 08, 2020, 10:07:20 AM
Version 1.3.3c - 04.08.2020
- Corrected the abacus of the Tuscan and Doric capitals

(https://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su670_800.jpg)

Updated model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fdd211c4-f821-44a2-bb2e-1f52fa951dbc/Classical-Columns-Part-II

Not sure how I initially got this wrong but suffice it to say it is now right.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 08, 2020, 08:48:15 PM
Version 1.3.3d - 04.09.2020
- Added a fluting option for the following column types: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su671_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/b22772aa-6635-42e2-8e97-1c7b9e30fdde/Fluted-Columns

The fluting is represented using a texture/material.  The effect is not 100% when viewing the columns up close but I think the effect is adequate for most situations.  Note that the Doric column has 20 flutes whereas the ionic and corinthian have 24 flutes.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 09, 2020, 08:34:49 AM
The new post module is really a plugin within a plugin when you think about it.  The assemblies it creates (similar to the beam module and stair module) are standalone assemblies within the wall plugin. 

One could argue that I should split all of these modules out into separate plugins (ie. windows/doors, beams, posts, stairs, trimming tools).  I do think the trimming tools (currently found in the Truss plugin) should be split out into a stand alone plugin since it can find application with any SketchUp geometry and not just Medeek related groups/assemblies.

On the flip side one could argue that with so much functionality included within the wall plugin it is good value for the money. 

All in all, I'm very excited to not only get the post module completed (its been on the todo list for quite some time) but also to quite unexpectedly enable a classical column feature. 

Now that I've got the post module monkey off of my back I'm giving some more serious thought to extending the window and door modules to include non-Medeek walls or Generic Walls as I like to call them.  I've already had some experience (and code) doing this sort of thing with the electrical plugin so it isn't impossible, however there may be a few hurdles or technical challenges I haven't foreseen yet. 

I don't know, I'm still rolling it around in my head this morning.  If it feels right I may take the plunge.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 14, 2020, 06:52:35 AM
Version 1.3.4 - 04.14.2020
- Added transoms for all rectangular door types.
- Enabled all grille options for door transoms.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su675_800.jpg)

I may need to finesse the various grilles to better suite the transom window (dependent on its aspect ratio) but for now it is generally working as it should.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 14, 2020, 01:01:52 PM
Adding a transom for an arched doorway (with or without sidelites) is an interesting permutation on the problem.  In that case the transom would be arched however the door (and sidelites) would be rectangular as usual:

(https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/254185487727_/3068-Colonial-Style-Mahogany-6-Panel-Entry-Door.jpg)

There are some variations to this though:

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/1b/bb/991bbbf87a59f95bffd3f78c46c80515.jpg)

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/56/21/a5/5621a5368e18fe24efd86e9aa9ba39e7.jpg)

It gives me a headache just trying to figure out how to commit all of these possibilities into code.  At some point if a door assembly becomes to "custom" I probably just need to leave it to the user to insert their own assembly/component.

I also need to enable arched doorways for doors with sidelites but no transom, the work never ends:

(https://lcdn.doornmore.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/4c49b7d5a8bb55cec7c3e2e44ce07be3/t/r/trinity-solid-panel-e-18-irsl_4.jpg)

Without a doubt the rectangular doors are so much more linear and boring.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 14, 2020, 01:24:20 PM
Updated todo list (as of Apr. 14, 2020):

1.) Gable and Shed Walls
2.) Move the Estimating module to the new  Medeek Project  extension, and further develop this module as it relates to the wall plugin.
3.) Complete the Wall Join tool.
4.) Convert the Window, Door and Garage Door Draw menus to HTML.
5.) Move the Fixtures module to a the new  Medeek Interior  extension.
6.) Compete the standalone columns/post tool.
6b) Classical columns for the post tool.

7.) Start work on the integrated  Medeek Engineering  extension, start with window and door headers for vertical loads.
8.) A generic Blocking module is still a good idea in my opinion, I will need further feedback on this one.
9.) Transom windows above doors with and without sidelites.
10.) Shear Wall module which will ultimately integrate with the engineering plugin.
11.) Complete the Wall Stretch tool (75% complete as of 02/24/2020)
12.) Additional door and window types as requested (eg. bi-fold, sliding glass, double and triple single hung windows).
13.) Spend some time on the new tabs in the global settings, currently showing an Under Construction sign.
14.) Presets for Windows and Doors
15.) Making the Window and Door modules work with generic walls, not just Medeek walls.
16.) Multi-layer gypsum
17.) Stair module permutations:  U, L, T etc...
18.)  Further "idiot" proofing of the plugins:  (zero value, nil values, checking for impossible geometry, etc...)
19.) Wall Justification
20.) Interior trim added to Medeek Interior extension.

Items in strikethrough have been recently completed.

A full list of what has been added or updated can be viewed here:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallpluginchangelog.html
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 15, 2020, 07:18:45 PM
Version 1.3.4b - 04.15.2020
- Added transoms for arched door types.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su676_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 15, 2020, 08:57:22 PM
Door with transom and sidelite and wall trim:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/9/7/970edef68e51bf79900295a9dda245094bc5d212.jpeg)

Arched door with transom and wall trim:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/1/8/18cdf0c3611da81ecb5688ae44c06a267cc1d3bf.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 17, 2020, 01:55:05 AM
I've added a parameter which shows the leg height of the transom or arched door way, it is currently not a user editable parameter but I will test it further and may make it user definable if that makes sense:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/0/c/0c1be7240c132e7fb201b9ebfd58e41a58c70c0e.jpeg)

The arch leg height is defined or calculated by the following three parameters:

door width (w), transom/door height (h), arch radius (r )

and given by the following equation:

L = h - r(1-cos(asin(0.5*w/r)))
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 18, 2020, 02:26:39 AM
First look at an arched door with sidelites and transom:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/0/0/006587420d7e4d5be6d85cf9cc6f08730fa1be28.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 18, 2020, 01:12:55 PM
I'm trying to wrap up the whole arched door (with sidelites) issue.  I'm currently looking at the situation where you have sidelites but no transom, this turns out to be the more complicated situation since both the door and the sidelites follow the arch of the doorway.

As nearly as I can tell an arched door always will have double sidelites and not a single sidelite:

(https://lcdn.doornmore.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/4c49b7d5a8bb55cec7c3e2e44ce07be3/t/u/tuscany-hillcrest-e-18.jpg)

Correct me if I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 18, 2020, 05:20:41 PM
Version 1.3.5 - 04.18.2020
- Enabled single and double sidelites for arched doors with a transom.
- Added a leg height parameter to the door edit menu for arched doors.
- Enabled double sidelites for arched doors without a transom.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su682_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su681_800.jpg)

Along the way I also addressed some minor bugs with regards to door openings and the exterior wall trim.  I highly recommend upgrading to this latest release.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 19, 2020, 03:03:26 PM
Tutorial 11 - Split Wall Cladding (6:49 min.)

https://youtu.be/cnuoLeFI7Kg

With the polyline stemwall module I have already implemented an option for hiding edges (same sort of issue).  I may do the same for the cladding however in a situation like this, where you have two walls of dissimilar height things get a bit more complicated.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 22, 2020, 09:33:48 PM
Version 1.3.6 - 04.22.2020
- Resolved an issue with UTF-8 encoding.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 25, 2020, 03:23:39 AM
After some further analysis it would seem that I need one additional "end" wall condition, see image below:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/9/7/973ff5fef8b9951a0051cdba71630f0cdd67d504.jpeg)

In this situation you have multiple walls coming together at a single location.  The exterior walls constitute an inside corner however the interior wall is not a normal "tee" intersection.  If one uses the "end" condition then the end of the interior wall is wrapped with gypsum as shown and the gypsum on the exterior wall is not removed.  It you try to use a "tee" condition the interior wall top plate wants to remove part of the exterior wall's top plate, so this doesn't really work either.

I am going to call this wall condition a "terminal" wall condition.  Essentially it is identical in behavior to the "end" wall condition however it does not get a gypsum wrap (interior walls), but it will also still remove any gypsum/sheathing/cladding of any wall it terminates against.

See model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/0ab6f9a1-e1ff-43c2-bcff-96db69cb1438/Terminal-Wall-Condition
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 25, 2020, 05:52:23 AM
Version 1.3.7 - 04.25.2020
- Fixed the HTML tabs of the global settings (page 2).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 25, 2020, 07:42:15 PM
Version 1.3.7b - 04.25.2020
- Added a Global Reset button in the General tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su687_800.jpg)

No more messing around with registry entries, plist files and JSON files.  Just click the button and you start with a clean slate, why didn't I think of this before.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 26, 2020, 03:39:42 PM
Version 1.3.8 - 04.26.2020
- Added additional logic to the blocking and insulation modules for short wall panels.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su688_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 29, 2020, 12:00:48 AM
Version 1.3.9 - 04.28.2020
- Added a "Terminal" end wall condition.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su691_800.jpg)

The principal use of this end condition is for interior walls terminating against multi-wall corners as shown above.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 01, 2020, 07:09:56 AM
Version 1.4.0 - 05.01.2020
- Enabled a second layer of gypsum for interior and exterior walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su692_800.jpg)

This update adds an optional 2nd layer of gypsum to the wall assembly.  By disabling the first layer of gypsum one can create an air gap between the 2nd layer of gypsum and the framed wall.

This update also addresses a minor bug caused by the updates in Version 1.3.8.

This latest update will require the user to recreate their wall presets since three new parameters have been added to the wall attribute library.

View an example of double gypsum walls here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fca7d773-6c68-4b86-b51e-68492cef6ce4/Double-Gypsum-Walls
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 01, 2020, 09:14:37 PM
Version 1.4.0b - 05.01.2020
- Fixed a critical bug with the tee intersection ladder blocking with walls with no openings.
- Added a "Rustic Shiplap" built-in material into the material library.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su693_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images/truss_su694_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 02, 2020, 03:22:50 PM
The Wall plugin has been slowly maturing over the last few months, however I am quite sure there are still a few more bugs that I am hoping to uncover and resolve.

In an effort to flush out these last remaining bugs I will be offering a "Bug Discovery" incentive program.  If you find and report a bug and I then verify that it is indeed a bug in the code (not an unfinished feature/module or user error), you will then be entitled to an additional year added on to your current update expiration date of your license/serial number.

This program will also be extended to all other Medeek plugins.  The credit can only be applied to the plugin(s) in which they were found.

Hopefully this will encourage users to help find and report bugs and ultimately make all of the plugins that much more robust.

Please send all bug reports directly to me at nathan@medeek.com

Please do not include any SketchUp models large than 2 MB or large video files or MS Word documents.  Screen shots and output from the ruby console is always very helpful.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 12, 2020, 04:10:18 AM
Version 1.4.1 - 05.12.2020
- Enabled a tapered wrap for a free standing columns.
- Added a HardiPlank Colonial (Rough Sawn) built-in material into the material library.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su354_800.jpg)

Two new parameters:  Taper and Taper Offset

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/327d5d82-ce92-4349-8320-799eae8c9dd7/Tapered-Square-Column
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 13, 2020, 01:48:21 AM
Version 1.4.1b - 05.13.2020
- Added a "Style2" hardware option (Lever & Lock) to the garage door module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su355_800.jpg)

This additional hardware option added per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 14, 2020, 01:54:46 AM
Version 1.4.2 - 05.14.2020
- Added a layer for posts to the advanced layer options (Layer tab of the global settings).
- Added a layer for blocking to the advanced layer options (Layer tab of the global settings).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su356_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 14, 2020, 08:57:09 PM
First look at the blocking toolbar:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/f/0/f0e797a135fa47faeed20d9fae3909fbdd4defe3.jpeg)

I will also be removing the Fixtures toolbar from the Wall plugin, this toolbar will become part of the upcoming Medeek Interior plugin.

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/5/0/508dd7c035cf2ac430bbb74b11bd37c10403cff4.jpeg)

The blocking tool will not only be available for use with the Wall plugin but also the Truss and upcoming Floor plugin as well as any generic wall or roof.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 17, 2020, 10:16:06 AM
Version 1.4.3 - 05.17.2020
- Added a blocking tool/module for inserting custom blocks into Medeek walls, roofs, floors or generic groups.
- Added the Blocking toolbar and icons.
- Removed the Fixtures toolbar and icons.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su357_800.jpg)

Note, that the blocking is automatically retained within the wall, roof or floor assembly after a regen or edit of the primary assembly.

After selecting the first point one can toggle the positioning of the blocking with the "Ctrl" key.  There are nine possible positions the block can be inserted at.

The blocking is placed on the framing layer unless the advanced layers are turned on, in which it is placed on a specific blocking layer.

I will be releasing a tutorial video shortly on this new tool.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 18, 2020, 01:05:41 AM
Version 1.4.3b - 05.17.2020
- Added the "Shift" hotkey to the blocking draw tool in order to toggle the block rotation between zero and ninety degrees.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 20, 2020, 11:12:48 AM
Tutorial 12 - Blocking (12:42 min.)

https://youtu.be/jsFNGE2AO0w
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 24, 2020, 05:31:32 PM
Version 1.4.4 - 05.24.2020
- Added I-Joist blocks to the the blocking module: TJI, BCI, LPI, Red-I, PKI.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su358_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 29, 2020, 11:11:24 AM
Version 1.4.5 - 05.29.2020
- Fixed a number of minor issues with the ladder blocking option for tee intersections.
- Tee intersection blocking is now assigned to the blocking layer if the advanced layer option is turned on.

If you are using ladder blocking for your tee intersections then I consider this to be a critical update.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 30, 2020, 04:08:13 PM
Version 1.4.6 - 05.30.2020
- Enabled the "Wall Stretch" tool within the Medeek Wall Tools toolbar.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su359_800.jpg)

Note that this tool can be used to either shrink or stretch a wall panel.  Instructions for use below:

1.)  Select tool (click stretch wall icon)
2.)  Select the wall panel you want to modify.
3.)  Select either the start or end of the wall panel (red or green circle).
4.)  Position cursor to either shrink or stretch wall panel.

Also note that this tool will not adjust adjacent wall panels even if they are connected at the corners to the wall panel being modified.  This is by design.  I will release a tutorial shortly explaining the reasoning behind this behavior.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 31, 2020, 12:45:11 PM
Shrinking a wall:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/b/a/ba2832c49c16a786d4ebc6c6b4197bc8d54103ea_2_690x492.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 31, 2020, 01:50:55 PM
Stretching a wall:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/6/2/62d7ec1092b00fb3fad7dab0fe41ccff44283cdc.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 01, 2020, 04:16:53 PM
Tutorial 13 - Stretch Wall Tool (7:41 min.)

https://youtu.be/-kDBzZcgSu4

The audio is a little strange in this video, not sure why, I will check the audio out in more detail for future videos.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 03, 2020, 12:23:36 AM
Version 1.4.7 - 06.02.2020
- Enabled the "Wall Join" tool within the Medeek Wall Tools toolbar.

Note, that to join two walls they must be colinear and their START and END points must be coincidental. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 03, 2020, 12:26:53 PM
Tutorial 14 - Join Wall Tool (5:54 min.)

https://youtu.be/fWCj2kSMCMc
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 05, 2020, 11:37:18 PM
Version 1.4.8 - 06.05.2020
- Added Quoins as an option for exterior walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su360_800.jpg)

*** Warning ***
This update is backward compatible with walls drawn in previous versions of the plugin however if you download this version you will be required to recreate any wall presets that you have previously defined.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/9e6cdd22-ef17-48f5-a349-8d7e5d25b864/QUOINS-Medeek-Wall
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 06, 2020, 01:06:53 PM
Looks like the algorithm is working correctly even with non-orthogonal walls:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/2/8/284da57333c233d66e27740d65528649176159eb.jpeg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/db66bf55-412b-4c1f-8daf-dbad6f4a9855/Quoins-Octagon
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 06, 2020, 04:03:44 PM
Tutorial 15 - Quoins (8:34 min.)

https://youtu.be/AxN-NY8IIak

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/1243b906-bfb3-4db1-8df4-7f636475a702/Brick-with-Quoins

The feature is probably not as commonly used in most residential construction however it was an easy add and it has been requested enough times to warrant its inclusion.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 11, 2020, 10:51:21 PM
Version 1.4.9 - 06.11.2020
- Converted the "Draw Garage Door" menu to HTML.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su362_800.jpg)

At first glance this may seem like a minor update, but in fact it is was quite a major undertaking.  I rewrote a good portion of the Garage module so that both the Draw and Edit menus are fully HTML.  I also tracked down some long standing bugs with regards to the jamb depth calculation (garage door installation). 

This is part of the larger project to migrate all of the draw menus to HTML.  I figured I would start with the garage door module since it is used less than the window and door modules and somewhat less critical.  I've tested the update extensively (both metric and imperial) and it all appears to shake out.  If things look good after a few more days I will proceed to update the other two modules.

The HTML draw menu is a significant improvement over the previous legacy menu system.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 16, 2020, 12:23:58 AM
Version 1.5.0 - 06.15.2020
- Converted the "Draw Window" menu to HTML.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su363_800.jpg)

I think everyone will find that the HTML menu is a much needed improvement over the previous system.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 19, 2020, 02:44:40 AM
Version 1.5.1 - 06.18.2020
- Converted the "Draw Door" menu to HTML.
- Fixed a bug with arched door sidelites.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su364_800.jpg)

Not a glamorous update, but certainly a critical one.  The three most important draw menus are now switched to full HTML.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 21, 2020, 02:20:21 AM
Version 1.5.2 - 06.21.2020
- Added the ability to create, load and delete window presets within the Edit and Draw (HTML) Menus.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 22, 2020, 02:26:45 AM
Version 1.5.3 - 06.22.2020
- Added the ability to create, load and delete door presets within the Edit and Draw (HTML) Menus.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su365_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 24, 2020, 03:14:22 AM
When you first click the gable wall tool you will be presented with the following gable wall matrix:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/1/a/1a93e1702f0505ccea87e546778df491c75d3be9.jpeg)

As you can see from the shading all wall types except for the "Gable" type have been grayed out.  Initially I will make only this wall type available, then the "Shed" will be the next type I proceed to develop.  The rectangular, gable and shed walls constitute the vast majority of wall geometries used in most construction however you can see there are quite a few other possibilities, so many in fact, that I quickly ran out of descriptive names to assign them.

Compared with a standard rectangular wall a gable wall with have the following additional parameters:

- Wall Height Left
- Wall Height Right
- Wall Pitch Left
- Wall Pitch Right

These four parameters will drive the location of the wall peak.  In most situations the left and right values will be the same resulting in a symmetric gable wall however any combination of dissimilar pitches and wall heights will be possible which will then yield an asymmetric gable wall.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 26, 2020, 02:57:49 AM
The wireframe preview will look like this:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/c/a/ca76d723d8aed6bf7cda5c0d0c315be9b6d31838.jpeg)

In this case we have a symmetric gable wall.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 26, 2020, 09:16:43 PM
An asymmetric gable wall:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/d/1/d186089361635ae0b8eeabce19aca506bd013a57_2_690x476.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 30, 2020, 03:34:44 AM
I'm going to have to dumb down some of the more general features/parameters found with rectangular walls as they apply to gable walls.  For example with rectangular walls you can have walls connected at non-orthogonal corners.  For gable walls this becomes very complicated and eventually I will probably allow it however for now I think it would be best to limit gable walls to ONLY orthogonal connections at the corners.  If I don't do this it will be another 6 months of programming before I ever complete the gable wall module.

As I was testing asymmetric gable walls earlier today it became apparent that the intersection at the peak is a little more interesting with the asymmetric case.  Also I will probably make the double studs positioned at the peak an optional setting in the global settings. 

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/9/d9211e9a193ca8581e45bd0dae7e7e12e542622a.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 03, 2020, 03:27:57 AM
Notice how the door falls beneath the gable wall peak:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/b/f/bfc5ff718508de782d6857f05d3811b7e1ee2eea.jpeg)

In this situation the symbol or outline for the opening must be broken into two faces as shown.

There are a lot of little details like this that further complicate things having to do with gable walls, finding them all is a slow and meticulous process.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 04, 2020, 06:47:29 AM
Working on in-wall columns for gable walls:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/e/f/ef1d69b943c4f66ab90fc02052947260553effec.jpeg)

A full height column just butts up to the underside of the top plate(s) and is cut at a bevel to match the pitch of the wall as shown.

A more interesting scenario is where the column is less than or more than the plate height and you might then have a beam pocket, in this case at the peak of the wall:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/c/4/c467393452544189ace09ad55b77b66efb134021.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 05, 2020, 01:58:00 AM
A bit more to do with the framing but it appears to be mostly there now, notice the mid-span blocking algorithm will need some additional logic:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/a/e/ae47f7a1f4ddda3967ff7f466791a64be3640370.jpeg)
The critical items still needing further attention are:

- Cavity insulation
- Mid-span blocking
- Sheathing, Cladding, Gypsum
-  Ext. Trim: Corner Trim, Band Board, Frieze Board
- Quoins
- Beam Pocket cut outs (sheathing, cladding, gypsum)

The future items that will need to be addressed at a later date are:

- Estimating quantities for Gable Walls
- Framing dimensions for Gable Walls
- Simpson Strong-Walls
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 05, 2020, 02:03:41 AM
Looks like we have the mid-span blocking firing on all cylinders now:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/5/75c8b638fe56dffb1c0f6672da44a7beff51a592.jpeg)

Notice the california corner still needs to be beveled where it abuts the top plate, I guess I missed that one earlier, I'm on it.

After that I will work on the cavity insulation.

I will release the gable wall to the public once I have completed the previous checklist, I will keep posting updates as I complete each item.  The ETA could be in a as little as two days or it could be as far out as two weeks depending on if I run into any specific roadblocks along the way.  You never know until you dig into the code.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 06, 2020, 12:39:11 AM
We're not out of the woods yet:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/c/0/c01898ad19dca65ceb7e5e8608788e8734b1feb2.jpeg)

The WSW series is field trimmable (to an incline), so we can set that up if this type of pre-manufactured shearwall is selected. I also need to add some extra logic in for the optional king studs and the symbol on top of the wall.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 06, 2020, 06:41:40 AM
A WSW Simpson Strong-Wall trimmed to an incline to fit within a gable wall.  I've been looking forward to this day ever since I utilized one of these shear wall panels within one of my own residential designs about four years ago.

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/6/86b5f4e5e45ad5137891cce300413cb1e2119a87.jpeg)

Note that only the WSW series can be field trimmed like this, at least to my knowledge.  I need to do a bit more research into what Simpson recommends for an SSW installation when the top plate is inclined or if this is even possible.  I suppose one could always install a trapezoidal block between the SSW and the top plate.

Next I will look at the sheathing, cladding and gypsum and also sort out more of the details with the inset outside corner (termination).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 06, 2020, 09:42:17 PM
A CMU gable wall:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/5/5/553c9ba76fc454178d0007bab1acd6c9f2e4cb9f.jpeg)

The texture/material on the inclined surfaces is representational at best.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 07, 2020, 03:51:27 AM
Gable wall with cladding and quoins:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/3/a/3aefaebe9ea26df4232d4edbe30c824f245923e1.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 07, 2020, 05:43:42 AM
Beam pocket cutouts for gypsum, sheathing and cladding:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/3/0/30401b449d6b6fc3a4a76b1d23c9dfb26edaf409.jpeg)

In the situation where the cutout bisects the peak (as shown) the cutout piece is a pentagon not a trapezoid, needed to rework my logic a bit to take care of that situation.

Now I've only got the exterior trim to work on and possibly some more testing with the following items:

- corner configurations/terminations (make sure they all work as expected).
- adjust auto-corner configurations or disable entirely for the gable wall type.
- tee intersections, what are the possible permutations?
- change from polyline to single panel construction for the draw tool, still thinking about this one.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 07, 2020, 09:49:15 AM
Gable walls with exterior trim (frieze, band, skirt, corners):

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/5/d552696a99dacddbd9099b6630d06218eb6712f4.jpeg)

The intersection of the frieze board with the corner trim is still a bit of a question for me especially if the frieze were to cut through the corner trim.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/4383fd71-360a-4799-b6b8-3d0c374514ec/Gable-Wall-1
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 07, 2020, 11:50:16 PM
Okay, so I don't have the inset outside corner quite right for the gable wall:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/0/d0a6ec8c5f7d4eae0eee743d34547b8b9663ceb6.jpeg)

I need to adjust it so that it terminates at the plate height of the intersecting rectangular wall, a minor change.

I am still tossing around the auto-corner configuration routines, not sure yet on the final path I will take, it may just be easier to initially disable this for gable walls and require the user to manually set their wall termination configurations.

I will also update the draw tool to only allow the drawing of a single gable wall panel at a time.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 08, 2020, 05:52:16 AM
Version 1.5.4 - 07.08.2020
- Added the gable wall tool with the ability to draw and edit standard gable walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su386_800.jpg)

Be advised this is a completely new module with modifications to over 36 files (ruby and html).  I have tested most of the features with the gable walls however I am quite positive that further testing will pull out a few bugs or limitations which will need to be rectified.

Please feel free to test out the new gable wall module and report any bugs or other issues that may arise.

The following limitations currently exist and are subject to change in the near future:

- The gable wall cannot be used with the wall "move" tool yet.  The results might be unpredictable.
- Gable walls are limited to orthogonal corners (90 degrees).
- Auto-corner configuration is turned off for gable walls, the user can edit the wall once it is created and set the start and end termination conditions.
- I will need to add in additional logic for the case of zero wall height (triangular gable walls).
- Currently there is no method from switch a gable wall to a rectangular wall.
- Termination conditions are:  Outside Corner, Inset Outside Corner, End, Terminal, Tee Corner.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 09, 2020, 02:10:49 AM
Working on tee intersection blocking for gable walls:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/3/5/35dfb918376de760ab4311147040b416eb8a83ab.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/6/760817312373700f77e7a040554c5b24d41b0db0.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/0/c/0c99e7c99e1685f53e01e83f8a9ed160bd15d6f3.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 10, 2020, 03:31:36 AM
Version 1.5.4b - 07.10.2020
- Fixed a bug with the wall move tool when moving gable walls.
- Added tee intersection blocking for gable walls: 3-stud, 2-stud, 2-stud w/ blocking, ladder blocking.
- Enabled auto-corner configuration for gable walls.

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/f/5/f55be98d5aadada0071da6df63ba78a7e6adb8f8.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 11, 2020, 07:25:25 PM
Before I move to shed walls I need to get zero height (triangular) gable walls up and running.

Which is the preferred configuration (left or right) of the bottom and top plates?

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/6/d6e439c31d754b32d8eb9b165d20057a8d20742e.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 11, 2020, 11:44:49 PM
Version 1.5.4d - 07.11.2020
- Updated the gable wall module to allow for zero wall height (triangular and trapezoidal walls).

(https://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su391_800.jpg)

I apologize for all of the micro-updates, however when you develop completely new module there is always a fair bit of residual debugging that accompanies it.  I will now turn my attention to shed walls.

I've had votes for both the right and left configuration given above however the left configuration received more votes so that is what I went with.

P.S.
The four sided variant (where one side is zero height and the other is some non-zero value) is more correctly a quadrilateral not a trapezoid.  Two side are perpendicular but not parallel, to my knowledge there is no specific name for this type of quadrangle, perhaps the correct term would be a "right quadrilateral".
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 13, 2020, 05:18:13 AM
First look at a left and right shed wall:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/0/4/047be3a26bd07f66d87c520c3e5b79c00b014865.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 14, 2020, 03:01:17 AM
Version 1.5.5 - 07.14.2020
- Enabled the gable wall tool with the ability to draw and edit shed walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su393_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su394_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su395_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/126f5080-0ecc-4edf-96b4-6599d4412dcd/Shed-Walls
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 14, 2020, 09:26:14 AM
Updated todo list (as of July 14, 2020):

1.) Making the Window, Door and Garage Door modules work with generic walls, not just Medeek walls.
2.) Shear Wall module which will ultimately integrate with the engineering plugin.
3.) Presets for Garage Doors
4.) Move the Estimating module to the new Medeek Project extension, and further develop this module as it relates to the wall plugin.
5.) Start work on the integrated  Medeek Engineering  extension, start with window and door headers for vertical loads.
6.) Additional door and window types as requested (eg. bi-fold closet doors, sliding glass doors, pocket doors, double and triple single hung windows).
7.) Spend some time on the new tabs in the global settings, currently showing an Under Construction sign.
8.) Stair module permutations: U, L, T etc...
9.) Further "idiot" proofing of the plugins: (zero value, nil values, checking for impossible geometry, etc...)
10.) Wall Justification
11.) Interior trim added to Medeek Interior extension.
12.) Resume development of the Medeek Floor extension.

The list has gotten a lot shorter in the last couple of months.  I'm excited to finally have a working shed and gable wall type, there is still a lot more work to be done with many more gable variants, but I will attack those as specific requests are made for each type.

I feel it is time to move back to the complex roof module but before I do I may look at the new number one on this list.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 14, 2020, 10:07:51 PM
While I am still fresh with gable walls (and the code for this module) I am contemplating getting the hip variant done as well:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/0/8095b5ae3a863d53ab6f4271c52e820d19349972.jpeg)

I've already got two votes in favor of it (myself and Larry Belk) however I want to put this out to everyone else and find out if it is of any interest, would you use this gable wall type?

It will probably take me about 3 or 4 days to make it happen or I can move on to other items in the list.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 16, 2020, 03:44:42 AM
Version 1.5.6 - 07.16.2020
- Updated the gable wall module to allow for zero wall height shed walls.
- Added triple single hung windows to the window module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su396_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su398_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/5d1c193e-2547-4ad3-ae31-25e2762a32e7/Triple-Single-Hung-Window
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 19, 2020, 12:15:02 PM
So I'm looking at the hip wall again because I've had some further interest in it.

However, I'm trying to figure out the best way to frame the top plates, which variant is preferred:

Version 1:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/0/8095b5ae3a863d53ab6f4271c52e820d19349972.jpeg)

Version 2:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/9/c/9cb3cd193a0c6c3cf2e5628310d774c78f337baa.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 20, 2020, 04:47:43 PM
First look at a hip wall with blocking:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/4/7/47b4c1ddad85569fa6d8dbd8cbaba7194d4436bb.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 21, 2020, 08:44:58 AM
Hip wall with insulation and blocking:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/b/3/b34d6ce94640253a9e0e736429c649435f3d2cca.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 21, 2020, 01:04:49 PM
Hip wall with windows and doors:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/2/d203abcbd624483162ebd79ede61d7fdfb456235.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 21, 2020, 11:04:22 PM
Version 1.5.7 - 07.21.2020
- Enabled the gable wall tool with the ability to draw and edit hip walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su406_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/8707c88c-0874-4c47-8563-f4e4326da53f/Hip-Wall-2
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 22, 2020, 12:33:25 PM
Version 1.5.7b - 07.22.2020
- Updated the gable wall module to allow for zero wall height hip walls.
- Fixed a bug with the trimming of Simpson Strong-Tie wood shear walls (WSW).


(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su407_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su405_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su404_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 22, 2020, 05:05:14 PM
Off the beaten path a bit today, had a discussion about engineering and the plugins, so it got me thinking about the engineering module and beams and headers.  Some ideas on representing loads on beams below:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/3/2/32dc3b1a35eff37321a7f1362e722987200faa62.jpeg)

Not sure I like how the distributed loads are represented with a transparent PNG, it might be better to simply draw two connected arrows which represent the extent of the distributed load (start and end points along the length of the beam).

The colors represent different load types (ie. Dead, Live, Snow).

The magnitude will be represented by the height of the arrows and size of the arrow heads.

The loading diagrams will be placed on their own specific layer so they can easily be toggled on an off.

Initially I think it would be best to stick with just rectangular distributed loads, trapezoidal and triangular loads complicate things considerably.  Notice how the loading is placed on the beam such that coincident loads are offset in the Y axis so they can be better visualized and not Z-fight each other.

This would be a significant upgrade to the plugins, allow the user to quickly calculate and check a beam or header, similar to doing a check in Weyerhauser's Forte or any other comparable engineering application.

The output would be something similar to my Beam Calculator here:

https://design.medeek.com/resources/beam/beam_calculator.pl

However the output probably should be less verbose and more compact, similar to the one page output of Forte.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 23, 2020, 02:53:32 PM
Version 1.5.7c - 07.23.2020
- Fixed a bug with certain wall sheathing materials as applied to gable, hip and shed walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su410_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 01, 2020, 04:23:35 PM
Version 1.5.8 - 08.01.2020
- Fixed a bug with all wall assemblies when auto-assigment of materials is turned off in the global settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 02, 2020, 04:56:10 PM
Version 1.5.8b - 08.02.2020
- Added a semi-transparent polygon fill to the draw wall tool wireframe.
- Added an option for vertical ZIP Systems© 7/16" and 1/2" wall sheathing materials.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su412_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/752a6027-fd47-42da-88e7-245eed5a5691/Zip-System-Wall-Sheathing-Vert
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 18, 2020, 04:54:53 AM
Version 1.5.9 - 08.18.2020
- Added the "Basic Options" parameters to the Wall tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su413_800.jpg)

I'm not sure why these parameters never got added to the global settings a long time ago but I guess better late than never.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 18, 2020, 08:34:24 PM
Version 1.5.9b - 08.18.2020
- Fixed a bug with gypsum when applied to the end condition for interior shed walls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 19, 2020, 05:52:01 AM
Version 1.5.9c - 08.19.2020
- Fixed a floating point rounding error in the blocking and cavity insulation modules for all walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su414_800.jpg)

No bells and whistles tonight.  Sometimes it's just about putting out the fires.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 23, 2020, 06:34:26 AM
Version 1.6.0 - 08.23.2020
- Enabled variable king stud and trimmer stud widths for garage doors (non-portal frame).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su415_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 23, 2020, 06:29:49 PM
Version 1.6.0b - 08.23.2020
- Added the ability to create, load and delete garage door presets within the Edit and Draw (HTML) Menus.
- Fixed a bug with reading in presets from the door and window edit menus.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su416_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 26, 2020, 03:36:14 PM
Version 1.6.1 - 08.26.2020
- All gable wall types (gable, hip, shed) now include the option to enter in the wall slope as a pitch or angle.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su417_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 01, 2020, 10:06:01 AM
For completeness I think it would be a good idea to add the option for arched garage doors and dutch corners.  The algorithms for arched doors already exist within the man door module and the geometry of dutch corners is very simple.  Give me a couple of days and I will knock this one out.

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/3c/3b/993c3b99ce7a89ff86fde61a4de63a36.jpg)

(https://greyswoodworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/24_-X-24_-Classic-Main-Picture.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 01, 2020, 08:48:32 PM
Version 1.6.2 - 09.01.2020
- Added three additional parameters to the "User Interface" section of the General tab of the global settings. This allows the customization (colors) of the HTML menus.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su419_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 06, 2020, 04:05:39 AM
View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/85fa4048-d169-4d16-9102-ac68aa9feaa7/Arched-Garage-Door
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 06, 2020, 07:22:27 PM
Version 1.6.3 - 09.06.2020
- Added (segmental) arched garage doors to the garage door module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su420_800.jpg)

I still need to add the option for dutch corners.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 07, 2020, 09:30:12 PM
Version 1.6.4 - 09.07.2020
- Added Dutch Corners to garage doors within the garage door module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su421_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/979ab97b-1a46-4724-b319-3262067921f7/Dutch-Corners-with-Garage-Doors

Now the garage door module feels a little more complete.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 11, 2020, 02:57:02 PM
An example of a detached garage with arched doors set into a stemwall foundation:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/f/f/ff1c7d971424e9fb209849dfc2c8eb6db26e6126.jpeg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/472c9833-18d0-4911-8887-a336724487a0/Garage-2-Arched-Doors
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 11, 2020, 04:47:47 PM
Tutorial 16 - Garage Doors (19:17 min.)

https://youtu.be/67Q4C9-E0wI
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 15, 2020, 03:09:51 AM
Version 1.6.6 - 09.15.2020
- Fixed a bug with Tyvek and ZIP Systems sheathing when the sheathing is lapped at the corners (rectangular walls only).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su425_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 26, 2020, 08:31:13 PM
Version 1.6.7 - 09.26.2020
- Added additional tool tips to the Wall Corners tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su426_800.jpg)

I've been fielding a lot of questions recently about the corner offset parameter and related wall end/corner conditions.  I may need to still provide additional documentation and diagrams to further clarify these parameters.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 28, 2020, 09:20:38 PM
Version 1.6.8 - 09.28.2020
- Added a "Refresh Licensee Data" button within the License tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su427_800.jpg)

Previously when you renewed your license you would need to go through some convoluted steps to refresh you license data within the plugin.  This new feature reduces this process to a single mouse click.

Previously the required steps were:

1.) Remove the existing serial number.
2.) Click the Save Settings button.
3.) Re-enter your serial number.
4.) Click the Save Settings button again.
5.) Restart SketchUp.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 17, 2020, 12:25:51 AM
First look at a 3D batten cladding on rectangular walls:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/4/3/43c2627535449580d6c8f37caca2fe9e0d50f446.jpeg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/5e43daf3-c604-49b7-82d6-95dfbc76563c/Batten-Test-1
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 17, 2020, 01:24:07 PM
Some more screenshots of battens:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/2/1/21870ccdede52556701ee38a76e6bbed69957400.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/4/c/4cd9b943b4178a81693faadcb8252543bd40938e.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/3/e/3efd578cb0ad1f8b9a3e216118cabb4f0e3ef85e.jpeg)

*Notice the format of the batten material and its three numeric values within the name of the material.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 17, 2020, 01:44:05 PM
Texture vs. 3D Battens:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/9/b/9b14475c2c73f7239e17a162176a26833f8aeed5.gif)

Personally I prefer the texture myself, lower poly and it looks just as good or better than the real deal.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 17, 2020, 05:25:00 PM
Version 1.6.9 - 10.17.2020
- Added the ability to create custom "Board and Batten" wall cladding materials within the Material Library.
- Enabled "3D" Board and Batten wall cladding for all wall types: Rectangular, Gable, Shed and Hip.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su432_800.jpg)

For the plugin to recognize the wall cladding material as a "board and batten" material is must be in this format:

battens_{decimal value}_{decimal value}_{decimal_value}

The three values are:  batten spacing, batten width, batten depth respectively.

There should be no white spaces inserted into the name, only the underscore character in three places as shown.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 18, 2020, 05:03:07 PM
Another view of board and battens:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/e/7/e7d8baa965a4ae4dae412d16c7bc98c1ac5da9d8.jpeg)

Just over five years into programming these plugins, I released the first version of the Truss plugin Oct. 7, 2015.

The further I go it seems like I just keep coming up with more things "todo".  I really need to take myself and clone me about five times and then set each clone at developing the various plugins, maybe then I might get somewhere with all of this.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 23, 2020, 08:15:15 PM
Version 1.7.0 - 10.23.2020
- Fixed a bug in the Walls tab of the Global Settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 16, 2020, 02:37:09 AM
Version 1.7.1 - 11.15.2020
- Added additional HSS and Wide Flange Beam options to the free standing column (post) tool.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su433_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 16, 2020, 10:19:02 PM
Version 1.7.2 - 11.16.2020
- Added the ability to create custom "Shiplap" wall cladding materials within the Material Library.
- Enabled "3D" Shiplap wall cladding for all wall types: Rectangular, Gable, Shed and Hip.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su434_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su435_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 18, 2020, 10:32:40 PM
Medeek Wall Plugin Tutorial 17 - Tag/Layer Folders:

https://youtu.be/Bc__L1adM60

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/060c61d2-609c-4f67-bca5-128915f773ec/Tutorial-17-TagLayer-Folders
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 20, 2020, 02:33:52 AM
Version 1.7.3 - 11.20.2020
- Fixed a bug with zero height gable, shed and hip walls when using the "No Framing" or "CMU" mode.
- Fixed a minor bug with man door and garage door jambs with walls panels that are isolated in groups.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 21, 2020, 07:56:25 PM
Version 1.7.4 - 11.21.2020
- Completed the "Garage Doors" tab within the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su436_800.jpg)

Some more slightly tedious code, but necessary.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 22, 2020, 05:29:45 AM
Version 1.7.4b - 11.22.2020
- Completed the "SSW" tab within the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su437_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 23, 2020, 12:14:54 AM
Version 1.7.4c - 11.22.2020
- Completed the "Beams" tab within the Global Settings.
- Fixed a critical bug with the default settings for the following two window parameters: Jamb Ext. Reveal, Shim Gap.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su438_800.jpg)


*** CRITICAL BUG FIX ***

When you first load the plugin it sets default parameters for walls, door, windows etc...
A previous update introduced a typo into the code which incorrectly set the two window parameters listed above.  This update corrects those two typos.  It is highly recommended to update to the latest version of the plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 23, 2020, 07:05:45 AM
Version 1.7.4d - 11.23.2020
- Completed the "Columns" tab within the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su439_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 25, 2020, 07:25:36 PM
Version 1.7.5 - 11.25.2020
- Updated the Global Settings Reset button with additional parameters.
- Fixed multiple minor bugs with the default settings (storage) for Doors, Windows and Garage Doors.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 02, 2020, 05:55:29 PM
I have some questions about double wall construction lately.

I don't have a specific double wall algorithm however it is possible to create double wall structures with openings using the Wall plugin in its current state, see model below for an example:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/9341721c-a5e1-4bea-a3d8-acd10fa0ea0e/Double-Wall-Framing
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 04, 2020, 04:54:51 AM
Version 1.7.6 - 12.04.2020
- Added a wall justification hotkey/option (Tab key) to the rectangular draw wall tool: Front, Center, Back.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su440_800.jpg)

Note, that when the wall justification is set to "Center" or "Back" the draw tool switches from polyline mode to simple line mode, this is by design.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 05, 2020, 03:18:24 AM
Version 1.7.6b - 12.05.2020
- Added a wall justification hotkey/option (Tab key) to the gable, shed and hip draw wall tools: Front, Center, Back.
- Enabled the left and right arrow keys for each of the draw wall tools in order to constrain the tool to the X or Y axis.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su441_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 07, 2020, 05:43:58 AM
Lately I've had quite a few people asking me where they can find the video tutorials for the plugin.  They are listed on the plugin web page but I guess they tend to get lost in all the content.  Here is the direct link to that section:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/medeekwallplugin.pl#Videos (http://design.medeek.com/resources/medeekwallplugin.pl#Videos)

Here is also the listing for each video:

The following video tutorials are currently available on YouTube:

1. [Introduction - The Vision]
(https://youtu.be/KRvDMqRjfCQ (https://youtu.be/KRvDMqRjfCQ)) (20:58 min.)
2. [Tutorial 1 - Extension Overview]
(https://youtu.be/FWr1oFVTwOs (https://youtu.be/FWr1oFVTwOs)) (21:58 min.)
3. [Tutorial 2 - Drawing Walls]
(https://youtu.be/zFc2-7SXM_0 (https://youtu.be/zFc2-7SXM_0)) (19:37 min.)
4. [Tutorial 3 - Beams and Columns]
(https://youtu.be/cJJfBV0Ad6w (https://youtu.be/cJJfBV0Ad6w)) (15:31 min.)
5. [Tutorial 4 - Wall Presets]
(https://youtu.be/cqGI83CW2Bc (https://youtu.be/cqGI83CW2Bc)) (8:04 min.)
6. [Tutorial 5 - Multi-Story Construction]
(https://youtu.be/ptdhwNwoLLU (https://youtu.be/ptdhwNwoLLU)) (19:58 min.)
7. [Tutorial 6 - Custom Material Library]
(https://youtu.be/D6pAdPj5DS4 (https://youtu.be/D6pAdPj5DS4)) (16:11 min.)
8. [Tutorial 7 - Stairs]
(https://youtu.be/kIba1fZqvDY (https://youtu.be/kIba1fZqvDY)) (23:19 min.)
9. [Tutorial 8 - Gable Wall Workaround]
(https://youtu.be/n5Pb-tIINIM (https://youtu.be/n5Pb-tIINIM)) (17:25 min.)
10. [Tutorial 9 - Split Wall Tool]
(https://youtu.be/-HIYqyyVCaE (https://youtu.be/-HIYqyyVCaE)) (6:36 min.)
11. [Tutorial 10 - Posts]
(https://youtu.be/xUj6RHPPHBE (https://youtu.be/xUj6RHPPHBE)) (14:24 min.)
12. [Tutorial 11 - Split Wall Cladding]
(https://youtu.be/cnuoLeFI7Kg (https://youtu.be/cnuoLeFI7Kg)) (6:49 min.)
13. [Tutorial 12 - Blocking]
(https://youtu.be/jsFNGE2AO0w (https://youtu.be/jsFNGE2AO0w)) (12:42 min.)
14. [Tutorial 13 - Stretch Wall Tool]
(https://youtu.be/-kDBzZcgSu4 (https://youtu.be/-kDBzZcgSu4)) (7:41 min.)
15. [Tutorial 14 - Join Wall Tool]
(https://youtu.be/fWCj2kSMCMc (https://youtu.be/fWCj2kSMCMc)) (5:54 min.)
16. [Tutorial 15 - Quoins]
(https://youtu.be/AxN-NY8IIak (https://youtu.be/AxN-NY8IIak)) (8:34 min.)
17. [Tutorial 16 - Garage Doors]
(https://youtu.be/67Q4C9-E0wI (https://youtu.be/67Q4C9-E0wI)) (19:17 min.)
18. [Tutorial 17 - Tag/Layer Groups]
(https://youtu.be/Bc__L1adM60 (https://youtu.be/Bc__L1adM60)) (13:41 min.)

Note, that the Gable Wall Workaround (Tutorial Eight) is now obsolete, and gable walls can now be created automatically with the plugin.  At some point I should probably indicate this tutorial is deprecated.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 10, 2020, 12:30:19 AM
Haven't look at the Shearwall Module in some time and I think it would be important to have it at least able to insert shearwall panels into the wall panels even if the engineering portion is not yet complete.

After some thought and reviewing my AWC literature and my own Shearwall Calculator (Spreadsheet), here are my preliminary list of parameters for a shearwall panel (there can be multiple panels within a given wall).

Basic Options:

Name:  Initially set by auto-increment value but can be modified by user.
Start Location:
End Location:
Length: Determined by start and end location
Description:  Custom comments or notes by user

Left Post:

Left SW Post: 2x4, 2x6, (2) 2x6, 4x6, 6x6 etc...
Quantity: 1,2,3,4
Species: DF, HF, SP, SPF

Left Holdown: YES/NO
Holdown Type:
Holdown Vert. Offset: in/mm
Holdown AB:
Threaded Rod Length: in/mm
Strap Placement:

Right Post:

Right SW Post: 2x4, 2x6, (2) 2x6, 4x6, 6x6 etc...
Quantity: 1,2,3,4
Species: DF, HF, SP, SPF

Right Holdown: YES/NO
Holdown Type:
Holdown Vert. Offset: in/mm
Holdown AB:
Threaded Rod Length: in/mm
Strap Placement:

Sheathing Exterior:

Ext. Sheathing Material: Ply, OSB, Gypsum, NONE
Sheathing Thickness: 0.4375"
Sheathing Fastener: 8d Common, 6d Common, 10d Common, 8d Galv Casing, 10d Galv Casing
Field O/C Spacing: 6", 12"
Edge O/C Spacing: 2", 3", 4", 6"

Sheathing Interior:

Int. Sheathing Material: Ply, OSB, Gypsum, NONE
Sheathing Thickness: 0.4375"
Sheathing Fastener: 8d Common, 6d Common, 10d Common, 8d Galv Casing, 10d Galv Casing
Field O/C Spacing: 6", 12"
Edge O/C Spacing: 2", 3", 4", 6"

Sole Plate Fasteners:

Sole Plt. Fasteners: YES/NO
Fastener Size: 16d,SDS25412
Fastener O/C Spacing: in/mm

Anchor Bolts (Sill Plate Fasteners):

Anchor Bolts: YES/NO
Anchor Bolt Length: 10,12,14
Anchor Bolt Dia: 1/2", 5/8"
Washer: 2x2,3x3
Bolt O/C Spacing: in/mm
Edge Distance: in/mm
Vertical Offset (default is zero)

Blocking:

Install Blocking: YES/NO
Blocking Size: Single 2X, Single 3X, Double 2X
Heights: 48|96|144 (allow the user to specify the exact height of each blocking line - in/mm)

Top Plate Clips:

Framing Clips: YES/NO
Clip Type: A35, A34,LTP4, LTP5
Cllip O/C Spacing:  in/mm

** Let me know if you think I am missing anything.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 27, 2020, 02:41:16 AM
First look at some shearwall panels (notice the absence of the shearwall posts/studs and holdowns, that is coming next) and the shearwall edit menu:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/5/a/5abd22e3480d3f21b87f2aac8437fbd61f592b87.jpeg)

I had to take a little break from the programming over the holidays but in a space of a few hours I've mostly got the basic code for the shearwall module put together.  Now I just need to sort out a few of the details.

I've also decided to make the shearwall panel sheathing with variable opacity since they are primarily visual in their representation of the actual shearwall sheathing.  The color and opacity will be customizable within the global settings (Materials tab).

Initially there will be three shearwall sheathing materials (OSB, Plywood and Gypsum).  Each material type will have its own unique color and opacity, all of which can be customized.  This will allow the user to visually determine the shearwall sheathing material very quickly within the model.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 28, 2020, 04:29:08 AM
Version 1.7.7 - 12.28.2020
- Enabled Draw, Edit, Move and Delete shearwall tools for all rectangular walls.
- Added four additional parameters to the Materials tab of the Global Settings pertaining to shearwalls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su443_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su444_800.jpg)

Note, that the shearwall tools will only work with rectangular walls currently.  I will enable them for gable, shed and hip walls but that may be a few more days since it gets a bit more complicated.

Also note that the four items within the shearwall module are currently not active yet and are still in development (probably a couple more days):

Sole Plate Fasteners, Anchor Bolts (Sill Plate Fasteners, SW Blocking, Top Plate Clips

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/b8917534-02ad-447f-8087-e0cd6b4d4e45/Shearwalls-Example-1

As this module is completely brand new I expect there will be a few bugs and items that need to be addressed or corrected moving forward.  Your beta testing of this new feature and any feedback is highly appreciated.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 28, 2020, 02:35:46 PM
It would be nice if there was a function which created a Shearwall schedule, like I make on my own structural sheets.  I will need to give this some further thought.

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/f/4/f45e96d179ffbdce424da736a8a8572c84c94921_2_690x228.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/3/7/376666319557fa7725113bf914f35a96097b8678_2_690x161.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 28, 2020, 08:17:11 PM
Working on the shearwall (panel) anchor bolts and sole plate fasteners.

First look at some anchor bolts associated with a shear wall:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/f/3/f30e60bd116a04602cc53e23d7904d1dae1fb28b.jpeg)

When a shearwall rests directly on a slab-on-grade then the anchor bolts are typically connected directly to the sole plate of the shearwall, however when the wall rests on a floor as shown then the anchor bolts will anchor the sill plate below the wall and threaded rods with coupler nuts are utilized to extend the holdown bolts up to the HDU holdowns.  In this situation the engineer will also typically call out the size and spacing of fasteners that connect the sole plate of the shearwall to the rim joist below it.

To facilitate various wall/floor configurations the vertical and horizontal offset parameters for shearwall anchor bolts are made available for each shearwall, and can be adjusted independently.

P.S.
Looking at this image it immediately jumps out at me that a critical component within this shearwall assembly is missing.  Note that I am not showing fasteners, they are too small to model for the most part.  Let's see if anyone can pick it out.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 29, 2020, 01:02:27 AM
Version 1.7.7b - 12.28.2020
- Enabled anchor bolts within the shearwall module.
- Enabled sole plate fasteners within the shearwall module.
- Enabled top plate clips within the shearwall module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su446_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su447_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su448_800.jpg)

All that is left is the specialized blocking for shearwalls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 29, 2020, 03:55:38 PM
I've seen both ways of handling stacked shearwall panels, however the strap method would make more sense from an economic standpoint:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/3/5/35940ec6ad50fbde3f147a4a5e261f3640b664f4.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/9/0/903ab00c8c1ee58b46a194826563a16c0c163fec.jpeg)

The main point here is that you have either option at your disposal with the new shearwall module.

Notice the inclusion of the top plate clips on the lower shearwall and the 16d Common fasteners in the sole plate of the upper shearwall.  Both of these items are optional however if that degree of detail is required or desired it is also readily available to the designer or engineer.

See model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/3cedfba5-baaf-4e8a-8b36-0357c630b6d3/Shearwalls-2
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 30, 2020, 06:41:27 PM
Wow, interesting video put out just yesterday:

https://youtu.be/004vhNZFkt0
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 03, 2021, 06:35:42 AM
I wouldn't exactly call this a schedule as much as a CSV or spread sheet with all of the shearwall data contained within it.  Regardless here is a first look at the Shearwall Schedule tool (preview menu):

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/0/f/0fb7e0842ea61f46c58c353c594b5346c8585d0d.jpeg)

Note that the preview (or HTML menu) only shows limited information.  The CSV output is much more comprehensive, listing all of the parameters for the shearwall (ie. holdowns, anchor bolts, clips, blocking etc...)

I still have not ironed out all of the details I want to show or present within this schedule tool so additional **feedback** will be key as to how this evolves.  I will probably dig into my original shearwall calculator and figure out how to best incorporate some engineering into this tool.  I think it would be useful for the tool to calculate the shear capacity of the SW given its dimensions, sheathing and nail patterns.  I also think additional parameter(s) for the actual applied shear load (wind and seismic) might be useful as well, I will need to give this some more thought.

Note that the tool is smart enough to detect if there are windows or doors within the bounds of a shearwall panel and correctly labels it with a "PERF" designation, which signifies it is a perforated shearwall.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 03, 2021, 03:52:26 PM
An example of the CVS output loaded into Excel:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/b/e/be6f5247d992edee9cbb5a51eb9ed97acd4711c9_2_690x281.jpeg)

Notice that have switched the order of some of the parameters to a more logical order.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 03, 2021, 04:50:15 PM
Version 1.7.8 - 01.03.2021
- Added the Shearwall Schedule tool to the SW toolbar.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_sw_su_menu_active.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 05, 2021, 07:51:50 AM
First look at shearwall blocking:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/1/7/17f54ca6638901684f67308b114974863260975c.jpeg)

Note that in this example the blocking has been rotated 90 degrees.  The rotation parameter allow for zero or 90 deg. rotation.  Also note that any number of rows of blocks can be specified.  In this case I had a 12' wall so I went with blocking at 4' and 8' (48,96).

Each shearwall panel can have its own blocking which is independent from other shearwalls and is also independent of any general wall blocking.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 05, 2021, 04:17:27 PM
Version 1.7.9 - 01.05.2021
- Enabled blocking within the shearwall module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su454_800.jpg)

The blocking module algorithm for shearwalls was a bit more of hassle than I had hoped but after about 16 hours of scratching my head I managed to cobble it together.  I'm fairly happy and confident with the results but I am sure there will be a few cases where it may need further refinement.  The true debugging process really only starts now as I had it over to the customer to use in real design situations.

I've beaten the Shearwall "horse" for about a week now (Dec. 27th - Jan. 5th), I do have more engineering work that can be done but I think I will probably give it a rest for a while and move on to other hot items within the Truss plugin.

If you have additional items that you would like to see added to this module please feel free to send me an email.  I am much more likely to address follow up items when the programming is still fresh on my mind.  A month from now it will take more effort to dig back into the shearwall module and add or improve existing features.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 05, 2021, 10:01:47 PM
Version 1.7.9b - 01.05.2021
- Added the following Simpson Strong-Tie holdowns to the shearwall module: HTT4, HTT5, HDQ8.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su455_800.jpg)

Added per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 10, 2021, 12:06:14 AM
Version 1.7.9c - 01.09.2021
- Added the following Simpson Strong-Tie holdowns to the shearwall module: HHDQ11, HHDQ14.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su456_800.jpg)

Another customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 16, 2021, 08:56:57 PM
Version 1.8.0 - 01.16.2021
- Added a "Remove Cladding Lines" option within the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su457_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 17, 2021, 03:24:00 AM
I've been meaning to add the sliding glass door type for a while but it always seems to get pushed back due to some other priority.  So tonight I hammered out the final details and I will work on adding it as an additional door type.

I am using Andersen's 100 series (no flange) sliding glass door as the template.  This should provide a fairly universal option for a sliding glass door.  More exotic options can always be inserted by the user.

Initially I will disable sidelites and transoms for this door type however I will probably add those options in at a later date as they are requested.

My quick and dirty diagram outlining the dimensions for this door type:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/c/e/cea119c40efc2c6f710ed79ae66a427e94205560_2_386x500.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 18, 2021, 09:43:51 PM
First look at a sliding glass door:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/5/2/522d8c5c8c6d0c293b65a3172ad80db25b4515af.gif)

Note that sliding glass doors are quite a bit different from regular swing doors, obviously they slide when opened (not rotate).  However, there are also other parameters in the draw and edit menu that are not applicable.

The SLD can be specified as a left or right hand door.

I have not yet enabled sidelites or transoms for this door type.  Additionally, only rectangular door geometry is allowed for this door type.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 18, 2021, 10:16:48 PM
Version 1.8.1 - 01.18.2021
- Added sliding glass doors to the door module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su458_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su459_800.jpg)

This item has been on the todo list for far too long.  I'm excited to finally get it out the door, no pun intended.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/ba03e59c-cc03-4824-819f-f792f05a2943/Sliding-Glass-Door-1
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 19, 2021, 04:08:39 AM
Version 1.8.1b - 01.19.2021
- Added an "Animation" parameter to the General tab of the Global Settings.
- Enabled "animated" opening and closing of sliding glass doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su460_800.jpg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/0/706eeaf4523499586f125b8e0e19b44bb08e0c5b.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 20, 2021, 04:00:34 AM
Version 1.8.1c - 01.20.2021
- Enabled "animated" opening and closing of single and double man doors.
- Enabled "animated" opening and closing of garage doors.

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/6/e/6e1fe89dabe5b006e85d8c11c49f02ef90c3b857.gif)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/1/81d3a1a430666e5ced03c7bab0be11f1364c5c8f.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 20, 2021, 08:23:08 PM
Tutorial 18 - Gable Walls (18:05 min.)

https://youtu.be/0vHj-1BeAQM
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 23, 2021, 01:53:24 PM
I will work on adding in a second sheathing layer and organizing the draw and edit menus a bit better:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/9/9/990b325c62b4ea95550bd8f28ce44a962c3ba9c9.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/4/a/4ac12942ad422aa7b9dc8954349d34714150d7c5.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 24, 2021, 03:31:27 AM
First look at an exterior wall with the second layer of sheathing material installed. In this case I have chosen foam insulation as the material:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/2/3/23e4bb05750b5882a22d31233c45c40fc78b77e1.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 26, 2021, 08:00:05 PM
Version 1.8.2 - 01.26.2021
- Enabled a second layer of sheathing for exterior rectangular walls.
- Added four additional parameters to the Sheathing tab of the Global Settings.

!!! CAUTION !!!
Upgrading from all previous versions of the wall plugin to this version (1.8.2) will require that all rectangular wall presets be deleted and recreated.  Please do not upgrade to this latest version until you understand the implications of this upgrade.  Also note that the 2nd layer of sheathing has not been implemented for gable, shed or hip wall types, only for rectangular walls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 26, 2021, 10:47:18 PM
As I was wrapping things up today with the new release (Version 1.8.2) I got yet another email requesting steel studs be incorporated into the plugin.

With a bit of clever manipulations of some basic materials applied to certain faces you can create a fairly realistic looking steel stud (also one face is hidden):

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/1/813cb19032b5147f251f57a0c3ce45250fa2613e.jpeg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/967d7267-f6c3-4838-974b-85070e19629f/Steel-Studs-Study-1

The problem I see with this is that the stud lengths are really not the correct lengths that the steel studs would be.  The other major issue is that the around openings the configuration of steel studs with steel headers is a bit more complex than a standard wood framed wall.

So barring major changes to the code the best I can probably do right now is a "cosmetic" steel framed wall.  To do this properly would require entirely new algorithms for bottom and top channels, steel headers and the proper configuration of the king stud to header connections.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 28, 2021, 12:01:23 AM
Version 1.8.2b - 01.27.2021
- Enabled a second layer of sheathing for exterior gable walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su472_800.jpg)

I only have the hip and shed walls left to update.

!!! CAUTION !!!
Installing this update will require that you delete and recreate any GABLE wall presets that you have previously configured.  This update will not affect any rectangular, shed or hip wall presets.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 28, 2021, 07:29:06 PM
Version 1.8.2c - 01.28.2021
- Enabled a second layer of sheathing for exterior shed and hip walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su473_800.jpg)

!!! CAUTION !!!
Installing this update will require that you delete and recreate any HIP or SHED wall presets that you have previously configured.  This update will not affect any rectangular or gable wall presets.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 29, 2021, 10:38:52 AM
This completes all of the upgrades necessary to enable the 2nd sheathing layer for all wall types. A tedious but necessary process, over 30 files where updated in the code but only four actual parameters added to the wall types.

Some minor cosmetic updates to the draw and edit menus of all the wall types. Hopefully the advanced options section is a bit easier on the eyes now and a bit more organized. All of these parameters can get a bit overwhelming at times even for myself, however each one is necessary so we can't just wash our hands of them.

I may take a bit of a break today from the code but at the same time I'm chomping at the bit to at least get some sort of "Wall Dropper" tool up and running since I don't think it would be that hard to implement and I do think it would be very useful.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 31, 2021, 03:34:15 AM
Version 1.8.3 - 01.31.2021
- Added pocket doors to the door module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/PKT1.gif)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su474_800.jpg)

The pocket door algorithm is based on the 1500 series Johnson Hardware Pocket Door Frames:

https://johnsonhardware.com/pocket-door-hardware

I am not modeling all of the details of the door assembly such as the steel studs or the track and jamb brackets, however I am modeling the prefabricated (wood) frame header assembly.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/52164162-2e89-42ba-a47d-9c53608d5bf0/Pocket-Door-1
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 01, 2021, 04:17:59 AM
First look at a 4 Panel Bifold (closet) Door:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/4/d/4d8702a0145ba9f841dc28c9d4cb304e373ce229_2_688x500.jpeg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/d9a30380-0ebb-4024-803c-ac4ede7ebd5d/Bifold-Closet-Doors

I still need to come up with the 2D symbol at the base of the door and even a more interesting problem is the opening algorithm for this door type.

The two outer panels are simple, they are merely a rotation just like a standard swing door.  The inner panels on the other hand not only rotate but they also translate in relation to the outer panels since a hinge constrains them at that point.  I like these kinds of "hard" problems.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 01, 2021, 09:34:01 PM
First look at a 4 panel bifold door being opened and closed:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/BF4.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 02, 2021, 02:50:57 AM
Version 1.8.4 - 02.02.2021
- Added bifold (4 panel - solid) doors to the door module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su476_800.jpg)

You can also add a threshold if used as an exterior door however I don't have a lot of options yet for exterior applications (ie. full glass).  For now these are primarily for closet doors.

You can also switch which side the doors face by choosing LH INT or LH EXT.  For the four panel bifold it doesn't matter whether you choose LH or RH, it essentially ignores the handedness of the parameter.

I still need to add in the 2 panel variant and then I think we will have most of the basics covered as far as doors are concerned, at least for now.  Really exotic stuff will be up to the user to add into a framed opening (which I can provide).

The door opening algorithm was a bit more challenging than everything encountered thus far but after a couple of hours tinkering it finally came together.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 03, 2021, 08:35:15 PM
Version 1.8.4b - 02.03.2021
- Added bifold (2 panel - solid) doors to the door module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/BF2.gif)

There are four possibilities for a 2 panel bifold door:

LH OUT, LH IN, RH OUT, RH IN

Whereas there is only two possibilities for a 4 panel bifold door:  OUT or IN
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 04, 2021, 08:44:41 PM
I think I'm going to the call the "eyedropper" tool the "Copy Wall" tool.  One additional icon will be added to the "Medeek Wall Tools" toolbar:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/6/761d77044005bf7e5bc8ffd5ab0c833ada679c3f.jpeg)

I know, I will hear it from everyone about the proliferation of more icons.  However, there is an extension out there that allows you to customize the actual toolbars if you feel the need to:

https://extensions.sketchup.com/extension/e413511f-0517-4115-8d81-90039a20a72c/toolbar-editor
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 07, 2021, 10:43:23 PM
Version 1.8.5 - 02.07.2021
- Enabled the "Wall Copy" tool within the Medeek Wall Tools toolbar.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su477_800.jpg)

Note I've only enabled this tool for rectangular walls.  After I am fully confident that it is working well and I've addressed any bugs or issues I will set it up for all the other (gable,shed and hip) wall types.

Please try out this new tool and provide any feedback or comments directly to nathan@medeek.com
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 08, 2021, 08:01:53 PM
Version 1.8.5b - 02.08.2021
- Fixed a bug with the top plate cut out algorithm when walls meet in a "cross" configuration.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/CROSS_WALL.gif)

Each wall teeing into the primary wall has had its corner offset set to 1/2 the thickness of the primary wall.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 11, 2021, 03:03:36 PM
Version 1.8.6 - 02.11.2021
- Added the following Simpson Strong-Tie hangers to the beam hanger library: LUS26-2Z, LUS28-2Z, LUS210-2Z.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 17, 2021, 04:11:43 AM
I've had a number of people recently ask me for the ability to apply a wood grain texture to the lumber (ie. studs, plates, blocking, etc...)  This really isn't a big ask, so I am going to enable another couple parameters in the global settings (Material Tab) so that the user can apply a texture to lumber and pressure treated lumber.  Here is a first look at what that will look like (compare the wood grain wall to the solid colored wall):

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/e/8/e8a17a6986f2003f2bf497d25e9b232e8df3ec14.jpeg)

I've tried to be very subtle with the wood grain texture so that it approximates my default lumber color but as you can see it is a slightly darker shade.  I'm not sure I am entirely happy with it yet but it is a start.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 17, 2021, 07:56:36 PM
Comparison between the solid coloring and with the textures enabled (Lumber and PT Lumber):

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/6/c/6ce5fcf33db5130d8b3a8dff791296a996723d5c.jpeg)

I am quite happy with the way the pressure treated texture came out.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 18, 2021, 02:08:02 AM
Version 1.8.8 - 02.17.2021
- Enabled options for wood grain texture for lumber and pressure treated lumber in the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su482_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su481_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 22, 2021, 09:34:20 PM
Version 1.8.9 - 02.22.2021
- Added a "Cedar Siding" built-in material (vertical) into the material library.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su483_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su484_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: ChugiakTinkerer on February 24, 2021, 05:07:49 PM
Medeek,

I'm leaning heavily on your wall plugin for designing some outbuildings for our Alaska cabin.  I noticed something that is probably a Sketchup feature, but I want to call it to your attention on the off chance that you're not aware of it.

Whenever a wall is updated using the Edit Wall tool, the wall remains in its assigned layer but components within it are moved to the active layer.  A workaround is to be sure to select the walls layer before making any changes to a wall, but it would sure be great if the components were to stay in the same layer as the wall itself.

Thanks,
CT
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 24, 2021, 10:27:17 PM
Version 1.9.0 - 02.24.2021
- Fixed a bug with the end stud height for Shed Walls with an "Inset Outside Corner".
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 24, 2021, 10:28:16 PM
Quote from: ChugiakTinkerer on February 24, 2021, 05:07:49 PM
Medeek,

I'm leaning heavily on your wall plugin for designing some outbuildings for our Alaska cabin.  I noticed something that is probably a Sketchup feature, but I want to call it to your attention on the off chance that you're not aware of it.

Whenever a wall is updated using the Edit Wall tool, the wall remains in its assigned layer but components within it are moved to the active layer.  A workaround is to be sure to select the walls layer before making any changes to a wall, but it would sure be great if the components were to stay in the same layer as the wall itself.

Thanks,
CT

I wasn't aware of this behavior, I normally stay on Layer 0 when I am modeling in SketchUp so that is probably why I have never noticed this before.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 27, 2021, 06:12:20 AM
mdkBIM Introduction (Japanese - 日本語)

A brief introduction of the mdkBIM bundle in Japanese.
mdkBIMバンドルの日本語での簡単な紹介です。

https://youtu.be/i0K08RzmmMM
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 27, 2021, 07:49:49 PM
Version 1.9.1 - 02.27.2021
- Added one additional parameter to the "User Interface" section of the General tab of the global settings. This allows the customization (color) of the text of the HTML buttons.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su486_800.jpg)

This should also resolve the issue with the "white" text of the HTML buttons for MacOS.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 01, 2021, 03:49:46 AM
First look at the new Custom Beam Library.  This will allow the user to create custom sized lumber, SCL or Timber beams:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/1/0/10c6b11a1d350603d484b733907e154087f1f649_2_690x485.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 02, 2021, 01:49:18 AM
Version 1.9.2 - 03.01.2021
- Added a Custom Beam Library/Manager in the Beams tab of the Global Settings.
- Enabled custom sizes for Sawn Lumber, Timber and SCL(PSL,LSL,LVL) beams.

This may seem like a rather minor update but there actually is quite a bit of code behind any of these custom libraries (within the global settings) and their menu systems, hence the three days of programming that was required.

Since glulam beams use a different sizing system I did not enable custom sizes for that beam type.  Additionally, all of the steel profiles are also quite a bit more complicated than a simple width x depth profile (rectangle) so they were also not included in this update.  If there are specific wide flange steel beam sizes etc... that you would like to see me add, please feel free to contact me.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 02, 2021, 07:18:47 PM
Version 1.9.2b - 03.02.2021
- Fixed the framing bug with the top plates of rectangular walls so that they are not cut out when a tee intersection is created with non-rectangular walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su488_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 02, 2021, 09:13:27 PM
Version 1.9.2c - 03.02.2021
- Fixed a bug with tee intersection blocking for gable, shed and hip walls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 03, 2021, 08:40:06 PM
Version 1.9.3 - 03.03.2021
- Added the ability to set the lower and upper wall heights of a shed wall within the edit menu.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su489_800.jpg)

Note that the relation between the upper and lower wall heights is a function of the wall length.  Therefore if you adjust the wall length the menu will adjust the upper wall height while maintaining the lower wall height.

Adjusting the lower wall height will cause the upper wall height to be calculated, based on the current length.
Adjusting the upper wall height will cause the lower wall height to be calculated, based on the current length.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 05, 2021, 10:56:12 PM
Version 1.9.4 - 03.05.2021
- Minor adjustment to the tee intersection algorithm (tee blocking and top plate cut outs) for all wall types.

This update addresses some issues with tee intersections and walls of differing heights.  I think this latest update in an improvement over the previous algorithm however I am still open to further tuning and refinement if there is further call for it. 

As always I appreciate the constant feedback and testing being performed by the passionate and invested user base, without this valuable feedback the plugin(s) would certainly not have advanced as far as they have.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 08, 2021, 12:50:23 AM
Version 1.9.5 - 03.07.2021
- Added an option for "Geometry Guides" at the start and end of all wall types.
- Added the "Start / End Marker" parameter to the General tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su490_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su491_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su492_800.jpg)

The reason for this "Geometric Guide" feature is to help people understand how wall corners connect to each other (or don't connect).  You can turn this on in the global settings and it will help you understand how to connect your wall panels at the ends/corners.  I've had a lot of questions on wall corners lately so I hope this will help answer some of those questions.

P.S.
The green circle is always created at the "start" of the wall panel and the red circle is always created at the "end" of the wall panel.  Notice that they are of different diameters so that when they overlay on top of each other it is obvious that they are concentric and therefore the walls are connected.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 09, 2021, 11:55:20 PM
Version 1.9.6 - 03.09.2021
- Added a layer for "symbols" to the miscellaneous layer/tag options (Layer tab of the Global Settings).
- Fixed a minor bug in the shed wall edit menu.

This update moves the symbols for windows, doors, garage doors, shearwalls, in-wall columns and holdowns to the "wall_symbol" layer/tag.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 12, 2021, 04:33:36 AM
Version 1.9.7 - 03.12.2021
- Fixed a bug involving gable, shed and hips walls that are created adjacent to rectangular walls.
- Fixed a minor bug involving regeneration of dissimilar wall types at the same type.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 13, 2021, 09:23:17 PM
Version 1.9.8 - 03.13.2021
- Added an extra (Trim Top Plate) parameter to the "Start" and "End" configurations of rectangular walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su494_800.jpg)

**** CAUTION ****
This update adds two new parameters to the rectangular walls and will require the user to delete and recreate any rectangular wall presets.  This upgrade does not affect gable wall or any other presets (ie. windows, door, garage, gable wall, shed wall, hip wall).

This parameter (for the start and end of the wall) should normally be assigned to a value of "YES", this is also its default behavior.  However, in certain cases (such as a corner with a shed or gable wall) it may be useful to configure its value as "NO", as shown in the image above. 
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 20, 2021, 08:48:12 PM
Version 1.9.9 - 03.20.2021
- Added the ability to create custom "Log" wall cladding materials within the Material Library.
- Enabled "3D" Log wall cladding for all wall types: Rectangular, Gable, Shed and Hip.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su497_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su495_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su496_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/a9bea507-7bcf-4355-b7c9-9a6d3e2deeb8/Log-Wall-Siding?tab=general
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 21, 2021, 09:00:31 PM
Version 2.0.0 - 03.21.2021
- Fixed a bug with the gypsum (cutout) where a half wall tees into another wall.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su499_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 27, 2021, 10:23:44 AM
Version 2.0.1 - 03.27.2021
- Fixed a bug (introduced with Version 1.9.8 release) with wall presets for rectangular walls.

*** Critical Fix ***
I highly recommend updating to this latest release.  A small typo in the 1.9.8 release essentially rendered the wall presets unusable.  This fix rectifies that error and re-enables wall presets.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 31, 2021, 02:59:54 AM
Version 2.0.2 - 03.31.2021
- Added a "Draw Molding" tool to the updated Blocking/Molding toolbar.
- Added the ability to create base board, crown molding and chair rail with the "Molding" tool.
- Added additional parameters into the General tab of the Global Settings as related to moldings.
- Added an additional layer for moldings into the Layers tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su501_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_blocking_su_menu_active.jpg)

I will probably need to make a video on this new tool to help clarify its usage.

The user has the ability to add their own profiles for the various molding types, so this should make this tool fairly flexible.

Also note that the moldings are created independently of the wall panels so the tool can be used with any wall geometry, not just Medeek walls.

See model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/3ecc2b9a-791f-4ecf-bc3d-6e992e511441/Crown-Chair-and-Base-Molding?tab=general
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 01, 2021, 11:18:21 PM
Tutorial 19 - Moldings (21:37 min.)

https://youtu.be/dbNq5HnhFfw
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 03, 2021, 01:19:35 PM
Version 2.0.3 - 04.03.2021
- Removed all limitations on wall height in the trial version of the plugin.

I decided that it was time for this overly draconian measure to go away.  I want people to enjoy using my plugins not add to their frustration levels.  There is still a 30 day time limit on the trial version, so not all limitations have been removed.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 04, 2021, 12:45:49 AM
Version 2.0.3b - 04.03.2021
- Added a vertical offset parameter for cladding materials for rectangular walls.
- Added a vertical offset parameter for "Log" and "Shiplap" cladding materials for rectangular walls.

This parameter will allow the custom vertical positioning of the cladding material/texture so that multi-story structures can be properly rendered.

**** CAUTION ****
This update adds one new parameters to the rectangular walls and will require the user to delete and recreate any rectangular wall presets. This upgrade does not affect gable wall or any other presets (ie. windows, door, garage, gable wall, shed wall, hip wall).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su503_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su502_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 04, 2021, 08:31:46 PM
View model here for a demonstration of the cladding material (vertical) offset parameter.

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/786a28ec-3fb7-43eb-80dc-7489624b46c8/Multi-Story-Construction?tab=general

Note that in this model I've adjusted the offset for both top and bottom walls.  I first adjusted the bottom wall cladding so that the first run of siding started at the bottom of the wall as it should.  I then adjusted the wall above it to match to the bottom wall.  I also turned on the option in the general tab of the global settings which hides the cladding edges, so the two walls appear to blend together.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 16, 2021, 07:25:07 PM
Version 2.0.4 - 04.16.2021
- Fixed a bug involving wall presets and the vertical material offset parameter for rectangular walls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 17, 2021, 03:13:55 PM
Manual editing of an "assembly" has always been a can of worms for the plugins. The problem really is how does one actually track manual edits? I don't think you can realistically do this.

When the Wall plugin adds a door or window to a wall it must essentially redraw the entire assembly from scratch in order to recalc the studs, insulation, blocking and a few other things like cutting holes in sheathing and cladding. When you delete an opening the same process occurs.

In a nutshell what I am doing is deleting all of the geometry within the assembly (Group) and then completely redrawing it all. I do have a system in place whereby certain sub-groups can be retained within the main wall group/assembly. This is done by including the keyword "CUSTOM" in the sub-group's entity name. When you do this any group having this keyword will not be deleted (upon a regen) and will retain it's geometry, position and any properties and entities it contains.

So additive manual editing (ie. adding specific blocking, hardware etc...) can be accomplished with the plugins as they currently are. This is actually how the Electrical plugin is able to work with the wall, truss, and foundation assemblies. When you regen a wall you will notice that the electrical components/groups within that wall assembly do not disappear (the keyword for electrical components is different than CUSTOM).

You will also notice that if there is any un-grouped edges or faces inserted into a wall assembly those will also be retained by default, no key words necessary. The reason for this is that everything I place into the primary assembly is a group or component, so when I regen I only need to look for those entities (sub-groups) and delete them.

I will need to give manual edits some more thought. There is a possibility that I could employ some sort of comparative type of check that looks at every sub-group created and then compares it to any existing sub-group. The first problem that jumps out at me with this type of system is that it would be very computationally expensive and hence performance would take a hit (who wants a slow and sluggish plugin?).

I'm sure other developers have also given this some thought, but so far I have not found a satisfactory solution that will allow subtractive or modified manual edits within the plugin geometry while maintaining the parametric ability of the plugins.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 17, 2021, 04:24:38 PM
Some really nice work using the plugins by Carlos Pose (Spain):

Framing ISO:
(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/b/db2211547b97148e9087378034eccd276360f803.jpeg)

Renderings:
(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/0/8014a5019918811902f0cc3d55c254be1a3fe520.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 17, 2021, 05:10:34 PM
There seems to be some interest in a "raised" header for windows and doors:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/4/6/4632066dcc0fad463fe532ebdeff6f8a7588f8ac.jpeg)

If there is enough interest it probably wouldn't be that hard to provide an another option which allows these openings to be framed in this manner.  My only questions are:

1.) What to do with stacked windows or stacked windows and doors?

2.)  What if the opening is in a shed or gable wall?  How should the raised header be framed, or is it even applicable?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 18, 2021, 07:16:17 PM
Version 2.0.4b - 04.18.2021

- Added missing HTML files to the plugin distribution for the custom beam library.

**** Critical Update *****
I added the custom beam library on Mar. 1st, however I must have forgotten to move the HTML files for adding and editing custom beams when I released Version 1.9.2.  No one noticed or at least did not notify me until yesterday.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 19, 2021, 11:19:55 PM
First look at a couple window configurations with raised header:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/1/2/12285914aa23323379a9b7f64a0ab201331dc3ce.jpeg)

Note that with the stacked windows it only really makes sense to raise the header with the top windows, so that is the way I will set it up with the stacking algorithm.  Basically you only assign the top opening with a raised header and leave the rest of the openings below it as the other options for the built-up header (NO, BTM, TOP, or BOTH).

Also, if you turn off the sill trimmer option it will also turn off the header trimmers.

The raised header method of framing an opening (door and window) has its advantages especially if an opening height needs to be increased to account for a larger window or door.  The bottom line is both methods are commonly used so I need to make both available to the user.

I don't plan on making this option available for garage doors unless there is further call for it.

P.S.
I'm also going to make the option available for "zero" king studs, sometimes that option may come in handy when you have large window walls with PSL in-wall columns next to your openings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 20, 2021, 04:54:53 PM
First look at windows openings with raised headers and insulation:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/7/879ea9ab4e77d8b6eba1d51536ad5faee0e93ae0.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 20, 2021, 10:41:56 PM
Version 2.0.5 - 04.20.2021
- Added a raised header option for windows and doors installed in rectangular walls.
- Enabled the option for "zero" king studs for windows and doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su507_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/c650d8db-b8ee-4b42-b798-5ef93d828b2d/Raised-Headers-2?tab=general
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 22, 2021, 03:51:44 PM
I've been tossing around the idea for including trapezoidal and triangular windows in all of the wall panel types:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/5/2/520b57747c1d0921bdaac010726233ac98068ce7.jpeg)

Here is an example of a trapezoidal window within a gable wall.

Note that the slope of the header is less that the slope of the top plate, hence the top cripples are vary in length, if the header matches the top plate slope then the cripples will all be the same length or zero length if the header is pushed right up to the top plate.

In order for this to work I need to add two additional parameters to the window module:

1.)  Pitch/Slope of header
2.)  Direction of Slope: Left/Right

I will also need to create new functions/methods for trimmers, headers, top cripples and cavity insulation. 

Additionally new methods within the window advanced options for handling the window casing and trim as well as the actual window installation.  I've only every seen picture or fixed windows used when this type of geometry is specified, so for now only a fixed windows type will be made available.

Setting up this window type involves a lot of updates to all of these modules since it changes and impacts all of them.  Is it worth the trouble?  Will this window type be used enough to justify the time and effort?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 23, 2021, 06:28:09 PM
First look at a trapezoid window (only the sheathing is cut out thus far):

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/a/c/acacd347dc68358bb51ea803c83bebb479b94439.jpeg)

The important point I want to make is that the left window is with the Window Direction parameter set to "LEFT", and the right window is with the parameter set to "RIGHT".

The window height is always measured from the low or short side of the window.  So if you need to match a certain overall height one would need to do a little math to get to that number.  (Which makes me think it may be useful in the draw and edit menus to have this value calculated automatically for the user, and also make it an editable value.)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 24, 2021, 03:48:44 AM
First look at some framed trapezoid window openings with sloped headers:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/7/d72c703f6796651e90096666945496ac4bec26cf.jpeg)

I've never seen a raised header with a sloped opening framed like this before but I guess it is a possibility:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/6/9/69eed509fd5b3ebbc30760d479595d08a95d372d.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 26, 2021, 05:08:46 AM
Stacked openings with various raised headers and trapezoidal window openings:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/1/6/16315ccb409b8ccadc3f7645313e4fb2879022df.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/2/0/20a67ff4b4e6e24d05175106988f30acb519fd3a.jpeg)

I still haven't even gotten to the other wall types yet (ie. gable, shed and hip), one step at a time I guess.

I now need to look at the insulation algorithm and then on to all of the window modules (ie. Trim, Casing and Installation).  None of this is really all that difficult to code it just takes time to go through all of the various permutations and make sure nothing breaks down.

If coded correctly, in other words the logic is efficient and modular, then not every case needs to be accounted for.  The same module for the trapezoidal window trimmers and top cripples is used regardless if the windows are stacked or not.  Unfortunately, things are not always this neat and tidy but that is my goal if I can achieve it.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 26, 2021, 06:36:43 PM
The insulation algorithm is now working correctly with trapezoid windows:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/3/d3357ebf5e140e9073b8fa50d7a052af7df0a1b7.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 27, 2021, 02:06:50 AM
First look at some trapezoid picture windows:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/c/1/c1a83b3c2208f34b2ae4dee2ca7c8dbf2e412528.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 27, 2021, 02:21:39 PM
Only the "perimeter" grille style needed modification for the trapezoid window:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/1/71878571072f5150e9818abaa57063b6c4375ca0.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 27, 2021, 05:23:00 PM
First look at exterior trim with trapezoid windows:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/8/8843f3ca150afc0747fa07550739d5ac5490a9d1.jpeg)

The good news is that the various window modules (eg. window installation, trim, casing etc...) are independent of the wall type so enabling trapezoid windows for the various gable wall types should now proceed relatively quickly.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 27, 2021, 11:36:57 PM
First look at interior casing with trapezoid windows (Style A, B, and C):

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/1/f/1fcc6862632b2972e43def21cd40715adce5a1b9.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/6/6/6642a9dba5d1d78943c6a91496a42541958a2a0d.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 28, 2021, 08:13:28 PM
First look at trapezoid windows within a gable wall:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/e/5/e5d05eeb5b4eeecc9049a5433845618c8b90c28e.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/e/7/e7e46f289d9e0fa679fd63db8b069ae7737d6e41.jpeg)

Notice how the right most window has it's header pushed up against the top plate (no cripples or insulation installed).  To achieve this one must adjust the header height until it is at the correct height since "Raised" headers are not currrently enabled for gable, shed or hip walls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 29, 2021, 04:30:52 AM
Version 2.0.6 - 04.29.2021
- Added trapezoid windows to the window draw and edit menus for all wall types: rectangular, gable, shed and hip.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su522_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/49ff1887-d503-4b19-b9a4-2b30c1487c29/Trapezoid-Windows
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 30, 2021, 12:57:41 AM
Version 2.0.6b - 04.29.2021
- Added triangle windows to the window draw and edit menus for all wall types: rectangular, gable, shed and hip.
- Added the "Total Window Height" callout to the trapezoid window's section of the window draw and edit menus.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su524_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su525_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su526_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su523_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 30, 2021, 06:53:19 PM
Version 2.0.6c - 04.30.2021
- Fixed a critical bug with the shutter module.

***** CRITICAL FIX *****
If you downloaded and installed Version 2.0.6b then you will want to immediately uninstall and download Version 2.0.6c.  The previous version introduced a minor bug to the shutter module which will causes errors with any windows that have shutters.  Installation of Version 2.0.6c is highly recommended.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 30, 2021, 11:12:50 PM
I am very excited with the solid progress made on the Wall plugin these last few weeks and months, especially with the recent addition of both trapezoid and triangular windows.  In light of the recent progress and in hopes of allowing more users access to the features of the plugins  I will be immediately offering 40% off of the mdkBIM bundle price using the coupon code MOTHERSDAY21. (May 1, 2021 thru May 10, 2021).

This will reduce the bundle price from $170.00 USD to $102.00 USD. This promo code does not apply to any of the extensions purchased separately or to the electrical plugin. The offer ends on May 10th and no rain checks will issued thereafter.

(http://design.medeek.com/ads/MOTHERSDAY21_BANNER_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 01, 2021, 06:54:00 PM
Version 2.0.7 - 05.01.2021
- Fixed a bug with the tee intersection gypsum cutout algorithm for shed walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su527_800.jpg)

A similar fix will probably be required for gable and hips walls but I haven't dug into that section of the code just yet.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 02, 2021, 12:50:03 AM
Version 2.0.7b - 05.01.2021
- Fixed a bug with the tee intersection gypsum cutout algorithm for gable and hip walls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 03, 2021, 04:52:49 PM
Here is an interesting framing situation.  You have two internal walls that tee into a wall which has a pocket door that bisects the tee:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/c/dc68eb13e7f0091900a65f5d36253a119f51a479.jpeg)

Overall no major problems the three walls can be configured correctly with "tee" intersections and the offset can be set to 1.75" for the two tee walls so that they meet properly at the top plate.

The only issue is the that the gypsum backer studs are drawn full length and should be truncated at the header (hence the clash).  The offending gypsum backer is colored red in the screenshot.

The manual work around is to use the Trim Tool (Medeek Truss) and quickly trim the gypsum backers.  I will have to examine this situation further and see if some additional logic can remedy this clash.  This is not a huge deal breaker/ hot item in my opinion but it is a special framing case that needs a second look.

The other obvious (simple) solution is to turn off the tee intersection backers in the global settings but this is really not a good option since it will disable the gypsum backers for all the walls in the model, not just this one.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/ea326739-09ef-4bc6-98d7-d448ee3055c4/Pocket-Door-with-Tee-Intersections?tab=general
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 03, 2021, 11:47:32 PM
First look at "Pentagon" windows:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/6/b/6bd497e09085ab60b6274b9a2244ed99c2c79751.jpeg)

Note that if one sets the window height to zero you can also achieve an isosceles or equilateral triangle window (the degenerate cases).

Since I'm fresh on windows right now I thought that it might be the opportune time to add in the pentagon picture window as well, one less monkey on my back.  The only other significant window missing is probably the quarter circle.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 04, 2021, 11:37:29 AM
Pentagon window with "Perimeter" style grill:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/f/3/f30fd874b1d23d5d273da5ff5336c9350284d5fd_2_690x396.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 04, 2021, 04:07:23 PM
First look at exterior trim with a Pentagon window:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/1/5/15e5f9516ad9cf074bb0dab085c8aeb18bdd9c92.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 04, 2021, 07:04:12 PM
First look at pentagon windows with the various casing options:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/f/8faa924f666154f3665db8c66c1fb89e6b7d80d2.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 04, 2021, 08:11:52 PM
First look at a gable wall with a combination of rectangular, trapezoid and pentagon windows:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/0/6/064fbbb315cc67374ecc6a740531ad816275d7b6.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/b/5/b53f59e34970f34239af920efdaa59ee32338f34.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/3/8/388ffbf9a5ed4c6fa179455742efe0e64b9c92cb.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/f/5/f5a8c75e6931185053c43957e02c85b82fe35c05.jpeg)

This type of gable wall would probably be used with a scissor truss set where the bottom pitch of the truss set aligns with the pitch/slope of the windows.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/a2c88ea3-bd95-40cd-883e-56c407edc433/Window-Wall-2
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 05, 2021, 12:51:11 AM
Version 2.0.8 - 05.05.2021
- Added pentagon windows to the window draw and edit menus for all wall types: rectangular, gable, shed and hip.
- Added isoceles/equilateral triangle windows to the window draw and edit menus for all wall types: rectangular, gable, shed and hip.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 06, 2021, 04:48:08 AM
Version 2.0.8b - 05.06.2021
- Fixed a bug with exterior trim and wainscoting for trapezoid and pentagon windows.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su537_800.jpg)

***** CRITICAL BUG FIX *****
If you are using either trapezoid or pentagon windows with exterior trim or wainscoting this is a critical bug fix.  It is highly recommended to upgrade to this latest release to address this issue.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 06, 2021, 03:02:35 PM
Tutorial 20 - Trapezoid and Pentagon Windows (16:59 min.)

https://youtu.be/Bh4AhSVOl7c
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 06, 2021, 05:26:31 PM
Version 2.0.8c - 05.06.2021
- Minor update to the window draw and edit menus.
- Customized the wireframe preview for the Trapezoid and Pentagon window geometry.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 07, 2021, 12:41:39 AM
When a wall tees into another wall the "hide wall lines" algorithm does not remove those lines.

I'm fixing that algorithm so that all the top plate lines/edges are hidden and you end up with a result like this:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/6/76630ea29bdbc73439f9242c6a06d1ca8d634630.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 07, 2021, 04:00:33 AM
Version 2.0.9 - 05.07.2021
- Improved the "hide wall lines" feature for all wall types: rectangular, gable, shed and hip.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 08, 2021, 05:28:08 PM
Version 2.1.0 - 05.08.2021
- Added a 2D symbol for pocket doors to the top of the wall for the following wall types: rectangular, gable and shed.
- Introduced additional logic into the Custom Material Library to prevent users from using double or single quotes in custom material names.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su539_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su540_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 09, 2021, 02:47:49 AM
Version 2.1.1 - 05.09.2021
- Added an option for subtractive geometry into the Walls tab of the Global Settings.
- Sub-groups within wall panels can be made persistent and "subtractive" by naming these groups to (subtract1, subtract2, subtract3, etc...)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su542_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su541_800.jpg)

This is quite a major breakthrough for the wall plugin.  I've been trying to think of a way to enable (manual) customization of the wall geometry for quite some time, specifically subtractive modifications.  This system will now allow the user to achieve that goal.

Naming a group within the wall assembly to include the key word "CUSTOM" (case insensitive) will allow it to persist upon rebuild.

Naming a group within the wall assembly to include the key word "SUBTRACT" (case insensitive) will allow it to persist and boolean subtract from other groups within the assembly upon rebuild.

The subtractive group needs to be a valid solid for it to function correctly and its entity name needs to contain the key word "subtract" or "SUBTRACT".

What I like to do is create a special tag/layer for the subtraction geometry and then once I am done modifying or creating it I turn off the visibility of the layer/tag and only the holes or results in the wall geometry is shown.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 09, 2021, 07:12:59 PM
Version 2.1.1b - 05.09.2021
- Components within wall panels can also be made persistent and "subtractive" by naming the component instance to (subtract1, subtract2, subtract3, etc...)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 10, 2021, 05:02:08 PM
Version 2.1.2 - 05.10.2021
- Added logic into the add and draw menus to prevent users from using single and double quotes in preset names.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 20, 2021, 10:13:36 PM
Version 2.1.3 - 05.20.2021
- Fixed a bug with pocket doors when using the "No Frame" or "CMU" wall framing mode.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 29, 2021, 09:36:44 PM
Version 2.1.4 - 05.29.2021
- Added an option for vertically offsetting text and symbols within the General tab of the Global Settings.
- Annotation text and symbols for doors, windows, garage doors, columns, Simpson Strong walls, and shear walls can be vertically offset a custom amount from the bottom of the wall.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su543_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su544_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 06, 2021, 09:34:07 PM
Version 2.1.5 - 06.06.2021
- Updated the Medeek Estimator to include lumber/member lengths in both feet-inches (fractional) and decimal inches when using imperial units.
- Further optimized and organized the Medeek Estimator code base in preparation for expansion of its functionality.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su545_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 07, 2021, 11:58:55 PM
Version 2.1.6 - 06.07.2021
- Enabled an option for a steel framing (Cold Formed Steel) texture for lumber/studs in the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su547_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su546_800.jpg)

In the 2D mode the steel framed walls will appear a grey color as shown:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su548_800.jpg)

I was about to dive into the estimating module this morning but I received yet another email regarding steel framing.  This update only provides what I like to call a "cosmetic" steel framed wall.  All I am really doing is applying some textures (and hiding one face) to the otherwise standard wood studs so that they resemble a steel stud.  These are not proper steel framed walls in my opinion.

This option in the Materials tab of the global settings is somewhat experimental and I am sure further improvements can be made so please send me any feedback, but realize that dimensionally these are not "real" steel framed walls.  To take it to that level would probably involved creating an entirely new plugin devoted only to steel framing (CFS).

Please see model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/f1595258-f8b7-48cd-93c3-ff3cbf095b4f/CFS-Framing-1
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 08, 2021, 07:14:58 PM
Version 2.1.6b - 06.08.2021
- Steel framing indicated (by color) in 2D or 3D "No Framing" mode.
- Enabled steel framing for gable, shed and hip walls.
- Fixed a bug within the window edit menu regarding window presets.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su549_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/abc0b628-bef4-429a-b67a-3262544165d7/CFS-Framing-2
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 09, 2021, 01:58:19 AM
Version 2.1.6c - 06.09.2021
- Enabled boxed headers (2 ply) for windows, doors and garages by using the key word "BOX" in the header description.

(https://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su550_800.jpg)

(https://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images/wall_su551_800.jpg)

*Note that this type of header works for both wood and steel and one can create boxed headers within the custom header library in the global settings.  The only stipulation is that the header must be a 2-ply header.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 09, 2021, 08:55:22 PM
Version 2.1.6d - 06.09.2021
- Fixed a minor bug with the custom beam and header libraries (status, edit and delete functions).

This issue affected beams or headers that included brackets in the name, "(" or ")". This particular bug has been around for months but I guess no one noticed (myself included) that you could not delete, edit or change the status of beams or headers with brackets in the name/description.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 11, 2021, 10:38:51 PM
Version 2.1.7 - 06.11.2021
- Enabled holdowns for portal framed garage door openings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su553_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su552_800.jpg)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/d8924047-31a1-4b8b-8902-7fd70fcdf2aa/Garage-Portal-Frame-with-Holdowns
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 14, 2021, 10:08:08 PM
Version 2.1.8 - 06.14.2021
Added roof cladding to the Medeek Estimator (common and monopitch truss assemblies).
Enabled net area calculations for roof sheathing and roof cladding.
Fixed a minor bug with in-wall columns and layers/tags.

To take advantage of the updates to the Medeek Estimator for roof truss assemblies listed above you will need to upgrade to this latest version of the Wall plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 20, 2021, 01:42:25 AM
Version 2.1.9 - 06.20.2021
- Added the ability to create custom "Lap" wall cladding materials within the Material Library.
- Enabled "3D" Lap wall cladding for all wall types: Rectangular, Gable, Shed and Hip.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su556_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su555_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su557_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 20, 2021, 03:54:38 AM
Tutorial 21 - 3D Cladding (12:15 min.)

https://youtu.be/iZ_ao2w2N_g
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 23, 2021, 06:14:19 PM
Version 2.2.0 - 06.23.2021
- Added roof cladding, sheathing, drip edge, hip & ridge and rafters to the Medeek Estimator (gable and hip rafter roof assemblies).
- Added rafter labels for gable and hip rafter roofs within the Medeek Estimator.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images2/truss_su715_800.jpg)

*Note:  To have this new functionality work with the Truss plugin you will need to upgrade the Truss plugin to Version 2.8.7.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 25, 2021, 04:42:38 PM
A live stream this morning with Artisan Tony:

https://youtu.be/Cl1lyG9qFDk
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 29, 2021, 12:27:39 AM
Version 2.2.1 - 06.28.2021
- Fixed a bug with right handed shed walls and blocking.
- Mid-span blocking is now notched out for "California Corner" studs.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su558_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 11, 2021, 06:49:19 AM
Version 2.2.3 - 07.11.2021
- Added the ability to create custom "Metal" wall cladding materials within the Material Library.
- Enabled "3D" Metal wall cladding for all wall types: Rectangular, Gable, Shed and Hip.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su560_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su561_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su559_800.jpg)

The "metal" 3D cladding requires four numeric parameters:

metal_9.0_1.0_0.75_45

The first number is the rib spacing, the second number is the rib width, the third number is the rib depth and the fourth number is the angle of the rib bend.  45 and 60 degrees are probably the most typical here.

You can also now append further descriptive text on the end of the string, for example:

metal_9.0_1.0_0.75_45_ascblue

This also applies for all other 3D cladding names/types.

The base thickness of the metal cladding is controlled by the cladding thickness parameter for the wall.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 12, 2021, 04:54:09 AM
Version 2.2.4 - 07.12.2021
- Added a horizontal offset parameter for cladding material for rectangular walls.
- Added a horizontal offset parameter for "Board and Batten" and "Metal" 3D cladding materials for rectangular walls.

This parameter will allow the custom horizontal positioning of the cladding material/texture so that multi-story structures can be properly rendered.

!!! CAUTION  !!!
This update adds one new parameter to the rectangular walls and will require the user to delete and recreate any rectangular wall presets. This upgrade does not affect gable wall or any other presets (ie. windows, door, garage, gable wall, shed wall, hip wall).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su562_800.jpg)

Note that you can use both vertical and horizontal offsets at the same time or separately, giving you full control over the cladding placement/alignment.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 16, 2021, 03:27:58 AM
Version 2.2.5 - 07.16.2021
- Added an additional (advanced framing) layer for window sills into the Layers tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su563_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 22, 2021, 12:23:38 AM
Now that I've found a natural break in the Truss plugin development I want to address the wall preset issue that has been dogging me for way too long.

My idea has always been to make the storage system for the presets manually editable by the user (if required) so I have simply stored the data as long strings of text in a simple text file (.txt)

Here is an example of a bunch of wall presets:


Medeek Wall Preset File
2|Stucco Rockwool|20210510115553|Int-Ext|Front|97.125|80.0|5.5|1.5|16.0|Left|0.0|2|1.5|1|1.5|NO|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|YES|0.4375|FLUSH|YES|0.25|0.0|MITER|YES|5.0|NO|YES|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|ZIP_12|STUCCO_LIGHT_TAN|WALLGYPSUM|RKW|YES|NO|NO|NO|NO|0.5|WALLGYPSUM|NO|0.4375|FLUSH|ZIP_12|Center|YES|1|48.0|ON SHEATHING|0.75|YES|3.5|YES|3.5|YES|#ffffff|YES|3.5|0.75|NO|48.0|YES|5.5|0.75|NO|YES|7.25|0.75|YES|YES|0.75|1.25|36.0|4.0|1.0|MITER|BRICK_RED|YES|4.0|1.0|YES|0.0|0.0|MODE1|BRICK_RED|A|16.0|12.0|12.0|2.0|1.0|QUOIN
3|Stucco Pink|20210510124401|Int-Ext|Front|97.125|80.0|5.5|1.5|16.0|Left|0.0|2|1.5|1|1.5|NO|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|YES|0.4375|FLUSH|YES|0.25|0.0|MITER|YES|0.5|YES|NO|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|OSB_FELT|STUCCO_LIGHT_TAN|WALLGYPSUM|PFG|NO|NO|NO|NO|NO|0.5|WALLGYPSUM|NO|0.4375|FLUSH|OSB_FELT|HDU8|0.0|SB78-24|24.0|BOTH|FRAMING|Center|YES|1|48.0|ON SHEATHING|0.75|YES|3.5|YES|3.5|YES|#ffffff|YES|3.5|0.75|NO|48.0|YES|5.5|0.75|NO|YES|7.25|0.75|YES|YES|0.75|1.25|36.0|4.0|1.0|MITER|BRICK_RED|YES|4.0|1.0|YES|0.0|0.0|MODE1|BRICK_RED|A|16.0|12.0|12.0|2.0|1.0|QUOIN
4|test2|20210510145752|Int-Ext|Front|97.125|80.0|5.5|1.5|16.0|Left|0.0|2|1.5|1|1.5|NO|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|YES|0.4375|FLUSH|YES|0.25|0.0|MITER|YES|0.5|NO|NO|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|OSB|HARDI_CM_HM|WALLGYPSUM|PFG|NO|NO|NO|NO|NO|0.5|WALLGYPSUM|NO|0.4375|FLUSH|OSB|HDU8|0.0|SB78-24|24.0|BOTH|FRAMING|Center|YES|1|48.0|ON SHEATHING|0.75|YES|3.5|YES|3.5|YES|#ffffff|YES|3.5|0.75|NO|48.0|YES|5.5|0.75|NO|YES|7.25|0.75|YES|YES|0.75|1.25|36.0|4.0|1.0|MITER|BRICK_RED|YES|4.0|1.0|YES|0.0|0.0|MODE1|BRICK_RED|A|16.0|12.0|12.0|2.0|1.0|QUOIN
5|4/2 Wall|20210510145837|Int-Ext|Front|97.125|80.0|5.5|1.5|16.0|Left|0.0|2|1.5|1|1.5|NO|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|YES|0.4375|FLUSH|YES|0.25|0.0|MITER|YES|0.5|NO|NO|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|OSB|HARDI_CM_HM|WALLGYPSUM|PFG|NO|NO|NO|NO|NO|0.5|WALLGYPSUM|NO|0.4375|FLUSH|OSB|HDU8|0.0|SB78-24|24.0|BOTH|FRAMING|Center|YES|1|48.0|ON SHEATHING|0.75|YES|3.5|YES|3.5|YES|#ffffff|YES|3.5|0.75|NO|48.0|YES|5.5|0.75|NO|YES|7.25|0.75|YES|YES|0.75|1.25|36.0|4.0|1.0|MITER|BRICK_RED|YES|4.0|1.0|YES|0.0|0.0|MODE1|BRICK_RED|A|16.0|12.0|12.0|2.0|1.0|QUOIN
6|120wall|20210606121902|Int-Ext|Front|120.0|80.0|5.5|1.5|16.0|Left|0.0|2|1.5|1|1.5|NO|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|YES|0.4375|FLUSH|YES|0.25|0.0|MITER|YES|0.5|NO|NO|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|OSB|HARDI_CM_HM|WALLGYPSUM|PFG|NO|NO|NO|NO|NO|0.5|WALLGYPSUM|NO|0.4375|FLUSH|OSB|HDU8|0.0|SB78-24|24.0|BOTH|FRAMING|Center|YES|1|48.0|ON SHEATHING|0.75|YES|3.5|YES|3.5|YES|#ffffff|YES|3.5|0.75|NO|48.0|YES|5.5|0.75|NO|YES|7.25|0.75|YES|YES|0.75|1.25|36.0|4.0|1.0|MITER|BRICK_RED|YES|4.0|1.0|YES|0.0|0.0|MODE1|BRICK_RED|A|16.0|12.0|12.0|2.0|1.0|QUOIN
7|150HD|20210606122002|Int-Ext|Front|150.0|80.0|5.5|1.5|16.0|Left|0.0|2|1.5|1|1.5|NO|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|YES|0.4375|FLUSH|YES|0.25|0.0|MITER|YES|0.5|NO|YES|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|OSB|HARDI_CM_HM|WALLGYPSUM|PFG|NO|NO|NO|NO|NO|0.5|WALLGYPSUM|NO|0.4375|FLUSH|OSB|HDU8|0.0|SB78-24|24.0|BOTH|FRAMING|Center|YES|1|48.0|ON SHEATHING|0.75|YES|3.5|YES|3.5|YES|#ffffff|YES|3.5|0.75|NO|48.0|YES|5.5|0.75|NO|YES|7.25|0.75|YES|YES|0.75|1.25|36.0|4.0|1.0|MITER|BRICK_RED|YES|4.0|1.0|YES|0.0|0.0|MODE1|BRICK_RED|A|16.0|12.0|12.0|2.0|1.0|QUOIN
8|150BLKHD|20210606122102|Int-Ext|Front|150.0|80.0|5.5|1.5|16.0|Left|0.0|2|1.5|1|1.5|NO|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|Outside Corner|90.0|1.5|1|California|Stud Depth|YES|YES|0.4375|FLUSH|YES|0.25|0.0|MITER|YES|0.5|NO|YES|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|0.0|OSB|HARDI_CM_HM|WALLGYPSUM|PFG|YES|NO|NO|NO|NO|0.5|WALLGYPSUM|NO|0.4375|FLUSH|OSB|HDU8|0.0|SB78-24|24.0|BOTH|FRAMING|Center|YES|1|48.0|ON SHEATHING|0.75|YES|3.5|YES|3.5|YES|#ffffff|YES|3.5|0.75|NO|48.0|YES|5.5|0.75|NO|YES|7.25|0.75|YES|YES|0.75|1.25|36.0|4.0|1.0|MITER|BRICK_RED|YES|4.0|1.0|YES|0.0|0.0|MODE1|BRICK_RED|A|16.0|12.0|12.0|2.0|1.0|QUOIN



Notice how I've used the vertical bar to separate the values/parameters, any deliminator could be used but the vertical bar is not something one would use typically in any of the fields as values so it makes for a convenient choice.

This system works well enough for storing and retrieving the data however the huge downside is that it is an ordered array of values and if I add in a new parameter (somewhere in the middle) then it throws off previous versions of preset files (ie. no backward compatibility).

I need a better way or method of storing this data.  It can't be binary since it needs to be visible to the user but it needs to be either some sort of structure, hash or XML so that I can easily add additional parameters to the system when required.

Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 28, 2021, 09:34:33 AM
Stacked windows and doors have been a topic a few times on this thread and I have incrementally improved the algorithms so that the plugin can deal with them.

However there still exists the situation where you have openings stacked that are not aligned or possibly the same size:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/0/70c93c65fd1c86468ffa1e7bc43ea030e7b4e8c6.jpeg)

My feeling is one should avoid this type of situation in ones design but apparently it comes up often enough that I find myself fielding questions on how best to deal with this type of configuration.  Currently the easiest way to deal with it is to use the Trim and Split tool available in Truss plugin so that you end up with something like this:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/b/0/b04c7aef4320cd284cfccfa2d5bbef21b627525d.jpeg)

The problem with this is that we are now back to manual edits and we lose the parametrics of the plugin, so the solution is not really acceptable for many, myself included.

1.) My first question is how common is this sort of thing and is it something I should worry about?  No point in spending a lot of time on a specific framing situation that is only the concern of less that 5% of the user base.

2.) The next question assuming that question #1 is the affirmative is how best to frame out this sort of situation.  Is what I have in the second screenshot the correct way to handle this?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 31, 2021, 10:40:13 AM
Tutorial 22 - Wall Copy Tool (6:21 min.)

https://youtu.be/o1v9St9k3q0
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 01, 2021, 01:13:05 PM
Version 2.2.6 - 08.01.2021
- Fixed a minor bug with tee intersections for all wall types.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 03, 2021, 09:01:40 PM
Version 2.2.7 - 08.03.2021
- Added insulation to the Medeek Estimator for rectangular walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su567_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 05, 2021, 12:44:05 AM
Version 2.2.8 - 08.04.2021
- Fixed a bug with blocking and insulation for portal frame garage doors within rectangular walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su568_800.jpg)

Portal frames add a good deal of complexity to the framing, blocking and insulation.  Some of the details were not completely worked out previously.  I think I now have most if not all of these issues addressed. 

I also may need to spend some additional time on the holdown placement when multiple portal frames are adjacent to each other like in the example shown.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 05, 2021, 11:19:02 AM
mdkBIM Tutorial 1: Modeling a Two Car Detached Garage (41:14 min.)

https://youtu.be/krXKVkebG4c

A few issues popped out during the making of this tutorial:

1.) Portal frame holdown placement, custom deletion and redundancy, feedback required.
2.) Wall copy tool did not copy the insulation option setting.
3.) The insulation algorithm seems inconsistent when dealing with tee intersections.

P.S. Problem #2 was not a bug it was because I checked the wrong checkbox.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 06, 2021, 11:00:31 PM
Version 2.2.9 - 08.06.2021
- Fixed a bug with framing, blocking and insulation for tee intersections for all wall types.
- Fixed a minor bug with six panel doors when the door vertical offset is a non-zero value.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su569_800.jpg)

This resolves the issue #3 noted in the recent mdkBIM tutorial.  I would highly recommend installing this latest update.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 08, 2021, 11:43:54 PM
Version 2.3.0 - 08.08.2021
- Fixed a bug with wall presets for rectangular walls.

!!!! CRITICAL BUG FIX !!!!
If you are using wall presets with rectangular walls and have upgraded to Version 2.2.4 or later then you will want to upgrade to this latest version which rectifies a bug introduced in Version 2.2.4.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 10, 2021, 12:50:32 AM
Version 2.3.1 - 08.09.2021
- Added a vertical offset parameter for cladding material for gable walls.
- Added a vertical offset parameter for "Log" and "Shiplap" cladding materials for gable walls.
- Added a horizontal offset parameter for cladding material for gable walls.
- Added a horizontal offset parameter for "Board and Batten" and "Metal" 3D cladding materials for gable walls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 13, 2021, 12:18:31 AM
Version 2.3.2 - 08.12.2021
- Added a vertical offset parameter for cladding material for shed and hip walls.
- Added a vertical offset parameter for "Log" and "Shiplap" cladding materials for shed and hip walls.
- Added a horizontal offset parameter for cladding material for shed and hip walls.
- Added a horizontal offset parameter for "Board and Batten" and "Metal" 3D cladding materials for shed and hip walls.

Some rather tedious code updates but important that these wall types have all the options of the rectangular wall type.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 18, 2021, 12:34:04 AM
Version 2.3.3 - 08.17.2021
- Fixed a minor bug with sliding glass doors when the door vertical offset is a non-zero value.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su570_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 18, 2021, 06:17:57 PM
Version 2.3.4 - 08.18.2021
- Added logic into the add and edit menus to prevent users from using single and double quotes in beam and header names.
- Added logic into all HTML menus to prevent users from using vertical bars in beam and header names and within preset names.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 21, 2021, 07:44:37 PM
Version 2.3.5 - 08.21.2021
- Fixed a bug with Simpson Strong Walls when "Terminal" wall end conditions are used in a wall assembly.
- Modified the "Edit Wall Assembly" context menu tool so that it behaves similar to the "Edit Wall" tool.
- Fixed a bug with the wall stretch tool so it now allows for wall stretch or shrinks that are less than 3".
- Enabled spaced headers (2 ply or 3 ply) for windows, doors and garages by using the key word "FILL" in the header description.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su571_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su572_800.jpg)

*Note, that the header must by a 2 ply or 3 ply header to use a spacer as shown.  Also the header description must include a string in this format "FILL_OSB_0.375" or "FILL_PLY_0.4375".  The second term is either OSB or PLY which will determine the material to use as the spacer.  The third term is the thickness of the spacer (ie. 0.25, 0.375, 0.4375, 0.5 etc...).  In a metric template you can specify the spacer thickness in millimeters instead of inches.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 23, 2021, 02:41:17 AM
Version 2.3.6 - 08.23.2021
- Enabled a trim option for wrapped free standing columns.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su573_800.jpg)

The trim combined with the cap or astragal can give even more variations.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 28, 2021, 01:51:29 AM
Version 2.3.7 - 08.28.2021
- Added gable walls to the Medeek Estimator.
- Fixed a MacOS/Windows bug with the wall justification hotkey for all wall types.

I still need to add in Shed and Hip walls but it will go much quicker now that I have the gable walls as a template.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 29, 2021, 09:36:01 PM
Version 2.3.8 - 08.29.2021
- Added shed and hip walls to the Medeek Estimator.
- Adjusted the auto-corner configuration algorithm to better predict terminal wall configurations when three walls come together at an inside or outside corner.

When multiple walls come together at a corner or junction it is arguably quite hard to predict the intent and desired configuration of the builder/designer/user.

I think what I have now addresses the immediate issue where a tee intersection was being created instead of a terminal connection, per the previous discussion.

I will need to continue to test this new algorithm further (put it through its paces) and also receive additional feedback from users.  If you notice anything that appears unpredictable or counter-intuitive please feel free to email me so we can discuss.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 31, 2021, 05:17:54 AM
Version 2.3.9 - 08.31.2021
- Added a window clearance (shim space) parameter within the Windows tab of the Globals Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su574_800.jpg)

Previously the shim space or window clearance was hard coded in as 1/4" or 6.35mm.  Now the user can customize this clearance between the rough opening framing and the window frame.  If you do adjust this parameter you will probably also want to adjust the Window Trim Inset parameter so it matches, this way the window trim will butt up against the window frame tight.

This was a user requested update from New Zealand.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 02, 2021, 12:39:23 AM
Version 2.4.0 - 09.01.2021
- Fixed a bug with spaced headers when applied to trapezoidal windows.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su575_800.jpg)

This bug fix only applies to window headers since there are no sloped headers for doors or garage doors.  This fix applies to 2-ply and 3-ply spaced headers.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 09, 2021, 10:07:28 PM
Version 2.4.1b - 09.09.2021
- Changed the wall justification hotkey/option from the "Tab" key to the "Alt" key (Option key) for rectangular, shed, gable and hip draw wall tools.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 15, 2021, 06:13:54 AM
Matt Donley did a great job on putting this video together.  A concise but very informative presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YipaKU273CE
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 15, 2021, 07:10:46 AM
I've been giving the "wall sandwich" thing some serious thought the last couple of days and I think I can implement a workable system however it will drastically change the way I am currently doing things as well as break any sort of backwards compatibility with previous versions of the plugin and their models.

In the global settings I will probably have a select number of options you can choose from to build your custom wall sandwich (I will also have some standard ones pre-defined).  Interior and Exterior walls will be different in that you cannot use wainscot and cladding with interior walls.  Interior walls can be asymmetric with this new system so you can have different layers specified on each sides of the wall, unlike the current system which limits interior walls to symmetric configurations only.

Exterior Walls:

Ext. Side:

- Wainscot
- Cladding 1
- Cladding 2
- Airgap 1, 2, 3 etc...
- Sheathing 1
- Sheathing 2
- Insul 1

Int. Side:

- Gypsum 1
- Gypsum 2
- Gypsum 3
- Airgap 1,2, 3 etc...
- Sheathing 1
- Sheathing 2
- Insul 1

Interior Walls:

Ext. Side:

- Gypsum 1
- Gypsum 2
- Gypsum 3
- Airgap 1,2, 3 etc...
- Sheathing 1
- Sheathing 2
- Insul 1

Int. Side:

- Gypsum 1
- Gypsum 2
- Gypsum 3
- Airgap 1,2, 3 etc...
- Sheathing 1
- Sheathing 2
- Insul 1

The actual layering can be in any order except for wainscot which will always be the outermost layer on an ext. wall.  I'm not sure that two layers of cladding are really needed for an ext. wall but I'm just throwing it out there for now and see what sticks.

As far as the framing/wall solid is concerned I only plan on having one layer for framing, if I were to change that up to a variable number of framing layers things would get very complicated with regards to corner configurations so it is best to not get too ambitious.

The items shown are all of the possible layers for each side of the wall in question, one could theoretically enable all of them or none of them, and the number of air gaps is probably not limited.

Am I missing anything?  Thoughts? 

Your feedback now is important, once I install/implement a new wall sandwich system it will be more difficult to fundamentally change it from the form it originally takes.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 25, 2021, 06:46:32 PM
Version 2.4.2 - 09.25.2021
- Enabled a boolean union option for window and door trim.
- Added a "Union all Trim" parameter to the Door Trim Options within the global settings.
- Added a "Union all Trim" parameter to the Window Trim Options within the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su576_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su577_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su578_800.jpg)

For presentation purposes (ie. elevation views) some designers and architects would prefer to show the window and door trim without each board delineated.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 27, 2021, 09:22:15 AM
I had some requests for "header" trimmers lately:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/0/7/07451508dd51c1e781d3a76c3582facc11ce0e73.jpeg)

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 27, 2021, 11:05:36 AM
Version 2.4.2b - 09.27.2021
- Enabled a boolean union option for garage door trim.
- Added a "Union all Trim" parameter to the Garage Door Trim Options within the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su580_800.jpg)

Somehow I failed to consider that this same feature might also be needed for garage doors on the first go around.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 02, 2021, 08:00:17 PM
Version 2.4.3 - 10.02.2021
- Fixed a minor bug within the subtractive geometry module.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 03, 2021, 07:14:43 PM
Tutorial 23 - Wall Corners (15:41 min.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeCw55YePWY
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 04, 2021, 09:36:16 PM
Version 2.4.3b - 10.04.2021
- Fixed a bug with pocket doors.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 10, 2021, 01:14:40 AM
https://youtu.be/ygYYedb-uWM
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 12, 2021, 09:18:18 PM
Version 2.4.4 - 10.12.2021
- Fixed a minor bug with trapezoid and pentagon windows when utilized with the "No Framing" mode.
- Enabled an option for "zero" start and end wall studs for all wall types.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su581_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 18, 2021, 06:02:16 PM
First look at a couple of multi-ply stud walls:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/d/d/dd38ac0ce521fb7e94ae4bd97a43da0e6d0fb382.jpeg)

Now I just need to do some further testing to make sure all of the other algorithms work correctly with this type of stud configuration (ie. windows, doors, insulation, blocking).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 19, 2021, 03:02:36 AM
Version 2.4.5 - 10.19.2021
- Added a "Stud Ply" parameter to the Walls tab of the global settings.
- Enabled double and triple ply studs for rectangular walls.]

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su582_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su584_800.jpg)

**!!! WARNING !!!**
This update will require that the user delete and recreate their wall presets for rectangular walls.  This update does not affect other wall presets or door and window presets.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 22, 2021, 04:29:51 PM
Version 2.4.6 - 10.22.2021
- Added two additional advanced options for in-wall columns: Top Plt. Cut, Btm Plt. Cut.
- Added two additional parameters into the Columns tab of the global settings.
- Fixed a critical bug with the wall copy tool that was created with the prior update.
- Added error checking code into the rectangular wall edit menu for sheathing, cladding, and gypsum materials.
- Added error checking code into the window edit menu for the shutter material.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su586_800.jpg)

With the in-wall columns I've also changed the draw and edit tool so that the columns can be drawn at the end of the walls, there is no longer the one-stud limitation, not even sure why I added that in originally.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 24, 2021, 11:34:26 PM
Version 2.4.7 - 10.24.2021
- Fixed a bug with shed walls for the following end configurations: Inside Corner, Inset Inside Corner.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su587_800.jpg)

This fix should resolve the issues we were seeing with the shed wall.  I probably missed these bug(s) initially because the inside corner with a shed wall is not very common and sometimes I don't test every possible permutation even though I should. 

I may need to go back into the gable and hip wall modules and test them a bit further.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 25, 2021, 12:19:59 PM
Version 2.4.7b - 10.25.2021
- Added the following additional Wide Flange (W) beams to the beam module: W10X22, W10X26, W10X30, W10X33, W10X39, W10X45, W12X26, W12X30, W12X35, W12X40.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 30, 2021, 06:31:31 AM
Version 2.4.8 - 10.30.2021
- Added an end cripples option for all window types.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su588_800.jpg)

I will probably also need to add in this option for doors and garage doors.

!!! WARNING !!!
This update will require deleting and recreating any window presets.  This update will not affect any other preset types (ie. wall, door, garage door etc...)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 31, 2021, 09:07:07 PM
Version 2.4.9 - 10.31.2021
- Added an end cripples option for all man doors.
- Added an end cripples option for all garage doors.
- Fixed a bug with exterior trim for arched garage doors when the "trim union" option is enabled.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su589_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su590_800.jpg)

!!! WARNING !!!
This update will require deleting and recreating any door and garage door presets. This update will not affect any other preset types (ie. wall, window etc...)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 06, 2021, 04:51:31 AM
Version 2.5.0 - 11.06.2021
- Added a rainscreen option for rectangular walls (vertical furring strips).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su591_800.jpg)

!!! WARNING !!!
This update will require deleting and recreating any rectangular wall presets. This update will not affect any other preset types (ie. gable wall, shed wall, hip wall, door, window etc...)

This feature has been requested multiple times lately so I thought I might try and get a rudimentary rainscreen feature put together.  Note that the current rainscreen module is fairly simple and does not trim around openings.  If you want the furring strips to line up with the studs you can set the offset value to 1/2 of the stud spacing (or any other value for a different alignment).

I consider this feature more representational at this point but please give me additional feedback with regards to future improvements or additional options/requirements.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 14, 2021, 05:11:46 AM
Version 2.5.1 - 11.14.2021
- Added a horizontal rainscreen option for rectangular walls (horizontal furring/girt boards).
- Added an option for top and bottom furring/girt boards for horizontal rainscreens.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su592_800.jpg)

If you set the top or bottom sizes to "zero - 0.0" then it will eliminate that respective option.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 15, 2021, 09:25:22 PM
Version 2.5.2 - 11.15.2021
- Fixed a bug with exterior trim (corners) for shed walls.
- Fixed a bug with rectangular wall presets.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 24, 2021, 04:58:29 PM
Version 2.5.3 - 11.23.2021
- Added a Custom Column Library/Manager in the Columns tab of the Global Settings.
- Enabled custom sizes for Sawn Lumber, Timber and SCL(PSL,LSL,LVL) columns.
- Created the Medeek Wall API: wall_regen
- Enabled an additional wall justification option for all wall types: Sheathing.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su593_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su594_800.jpg)

*Note:  Just a reminder that the Alt key is the hotkey for toggling the wall justification.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 25, 2021, 12:48:00 AM
Note: To call the wall_regen method:
Medeek_Engineering_Inc_Extensions::MedeekWallPlugin::Wall::MedeekMethods.wall_regen entity
where the entity is the Medeek wall group.

The column update required modifying at least 10 files and took about five days of concerted effort, some of it quite tedious and I will say boring, but yeah, it is always worth it. Basically an entire rewrite of the in-wall column module, a lot of the code under the hood was reviewed and updated to bring it up to speed with the highly efficient beam module. Now all of the menus are HTML as well.

The addition of the API took all of 15 minutes to add.

The wall justification was only about another 1.5 hours of work.

Mostly it was me deciding whether it would muddy the waters too much to go from three options to four (front, center back → front, center, back, sheathing). You will notice that when you use the draw wall tool now it will show a small text near the wall length dimension letting you know which justification mode that you are in. The placement and the size of this specific text may yet require some fine tuning, I want that information to be available to the user but I don't want it to be so obtrusive that it is annoyingly so. Feedback required...
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 26, 2021, 03:35:25 PM
Version 2.5.4 - 11.26.2021
- Improved the organization of the HTML draw and edit menus for rectangular walls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 27, 2021, 01:08:08 PM
Version 2.5.5 - 11.27.2021
- Updated the SSW draw menu with an HTML menu.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su595_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 05, 2021, 03:27:12 PM
Version 2.5.6 - 12.05.2021
- Added a "Posts" tab into the Global Settings.
- Added a Custom Post Library/Manager in the Posts tab of the Global Settings.
- Enabled custom sizes for Sawn Lumber, Timber and SCL(PSL,LSL,LVL) posts.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su596_800.jpg)

This should complete the custom libraries for beams, headers, column and posts.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 06, 2021, 09:54:53 AM
Tutorial 24 - Custom Libraries (17:49 min.)

https://youtu.be/FFLdHyq2cnY

A brief introduction and explanation of the custom header, beam, column and post libraries within the global settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 10, 2021, 02:09:11 PM
Version 2.5.7 - 12.10.2021

- Enabled opening and closing of single hung and slider windows.

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/c/c/cce895f137c0b1e824b93f45076bbd004f2ed2d3.gif)

From a design and rendering standpoint I'm not really sure how useful this feature is but it stands to reason that if you can open the doors and garage doors you should also be able to open the windows.

I have not enabled this feature yet for casement style windows.

This feature was added per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 11, 2021, 02:14:17 AM
Version 2.5.7b - 12.10.2021
- Enabled opening and closing of casement windows.

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/2/d/2daf1a18c630de79afb61c48d896f05f7fecc3c3.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 12, 2021, 12:12:58 AM
Version 2.5.8 - 12.11.2021
- Added awning, fixed-awning and awning-fixed windows to the window module.
- Enabled opening and closing for all awning type windows.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/OPEN_WINDOWS3.gif)

The size ratio of the fixed to awning windows are 3:1. I currently don't have a way to customize this size ratio but I will be giving it some additional thought.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 12, 2021, 08:31:24 PM
Version 2.5.9 - 12.12.2021
- Fixed a minor bug in the shearwall draw and edit menus.
- Enabled shearwall panel and fastener callouts/labels.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su597_800.jpg)

This additional annotation can be toggled on and off with the Framing Callout option in the General tab of the Global Settings.  Eventually I will probably setup a separate callout option in the Shearwall tab of the Global Settings so control can be a bit more granular.

The bug in the menus was a simple typo with the nail size (10d).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 18, 2021, 05:05:46 AM
Version 2.6.0 - 12.18.2021
- Converted the wall preset system to a Hash data structure.
- Wall presets are common to all wall configurations: Rectangular, Gable, Shed and Hip.
- The draw and edit menus for all wall configurations have been combined into a single, unified system.
- Walls can be converted between any configuration within the wall edit menu (ie. Gable -> Hip).

With some trepidation I release this update.  Some very serious under-the-hood stuff is what this update is all about.  I modified over 25 files with this latest upgrade and even after a full day of testing it is still impossible to for me to say whether I might have broken something inadvertently. Only time and more testing will determine if further bug fixes might be in store.

!!!! CAUTION !!!!
Before moving to this latest version of the plugin you will want to first delete all of your Rectangular Wall Presets.  The new system is not compatible with prior wall presets (wall presets only).  Also all of your wall presets stored for Gable, Shed or Hip walls will simply be ignored with this update since wall presets are now shared among all wall configurations.

The really good news is that one can convert walls from gable to rectangular and any other combination and back again.  The plugin just got a lot more flexible and powerful.

The even better news is that if I do add more features to the walls the new preset system should allow for backwards compatibility, which means we no longer have to keep deleting and recreating wall presets when new features are added.

You will also notice that you can now create all wall configurations in polyline mode and switch back and forth between wall configurations as you are wrapping around the exterior of the structure.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 18, 2021, 07:42:07 PM
Version 2.6.0b - 12.18.2021
- Updated the Wall Copy Tool to include gable, shed and hips wall types.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 19, 2021, 12:11:13 PM
Version 2.6.0c - 12.19.2021
- Fixed a bug with the Wall Copy Tool.

This addresses a bug wherein you cannot sample the properties of a non-rectangular wall with the Wall Copy Tool.

!!! Attention !!!
Recommended update if you just installed 2.6.0 or 2.6.0b.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 20, 2021, 05:36:57 PM
So I've decided to enable another option/parameter so that the standard window callout can be replaced by any custom label or text the user wants to display:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/c/0/c09240380e6a1b72e6c5c3caa09c92b77afb1e9c.jpeg)

If you leave this option blank then the plugin will automatically display the standard callout.  If you enter in any text/numbers etc... it will then replace the standard callout with whatever is specified here.

This parameter will not be saved with the window preset however I may change that depending on feedback.

I will enable this same feature for doors and garage doors and then release it.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 21, 2021, 02:32:06 AM
Version 2.6.1 - 12.21.2021
- Added a Custom Label option for Windows, Doors and Garage doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su599_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 21, 2021, 08:47:05 PM
Version 2.6.2 - 12.21.2021
- Added fixed - twin awning and twin awning - fixed windows to the window module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/OPEN_WINDOWS4.gif)

Two more window types per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 22, 2021, 02:36:46 AM
Version 2.6.3 - 12.22.2021
- Added an additional vertical offset parameter for symbols that are positioned on the top of walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su600_800.jpg)

This update applies to the top-of-wall symbols for doors, garage doors, windows, in-wall columns, SSW's and shearwalls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 23, 2021, 06:49:38 AM
Version 2.6.4 - 12.23.2021
- Added an "End Wall" dimension option for Construction Dimensions within the General tab of the Global Settings.
- Enabled "End Wall" construction dimensioning for the window, door and garage door draw tools.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su602_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su601_800.jpg)

There might be a better descriptor for this parameter but "End Wall" dimension seemed to fit at the time.  Basically this will allow the user to view the distance from both the start and end of the wall while inserting openings.  This option is turned off by default.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 23, 2021, 08:03:01 AM
Note the dual construction dimensions with the End Wall parameter enabled:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/c/d/cddadbc84605045281a2a1f0fbaa8930f7ee3075.gif)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 23, 2021, 06:56:26 PM
Version 2.6.4b - 12.23.2021
- Enabled "End Wall" construction dimensioning for the in-wall column, shear wall and SSW draw tools.

Just squeezing in a few last minute updates before the Christmas holiday begins.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 29, 2021, 03:45:16 PM
Version 2.6.5 - 12.29.2021
- Added a holdown option to the in-wall column module.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su603_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 31, 2021, 12:37:14 AM
Version 2.6.6 - 12.30.2021
- Enabled the option(s) to remove top and bottom plates from all wall types: Rectangular, Gable, Shed and Hip.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su604_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su605_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su606_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su607_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 31, 2021, 08:28:27 AM
Studs are 5.5 x 5.5, @ 48" o/c, horizontal rainscreen with a 1.5" cladding gap (thickness), top and bottom plates set to zero:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/5/c/5c150bdcab811962c0c301f2c38736d32061ef0d_2_689x436.jpeg)

Some other wall details/specifications:

- Wall corner treatment set to none
- End studs set to 5.5" width
- cladding is metal material
- gypsum is turned off
- wall height is 10 feet
- king studs for door opening set to 5.5"
- horz. rainscreen width set to 3.5" and spacing set to 48", but 24" is probably more realistic.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 31, 2021, 08:29:00 PM
Tutorial 25 - Rainscreens (13:09 min.)

https://youtu.be/hT4U8snUaF0
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 02, 2022, 12:48:56 AM
Tutorial 26 - Shearwalls (30:12 min.)

https://youtu.be/BUNeCPGn-_s

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/4cd575e3-69e5-4be5-b6a6-2c4120304541/SW1-Tutorial-26
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 04, 2022, 05:52:42 AM
Version 2.6.7 - 01.04.2022
- Converted the window preset system to a Hash data structure.
- Added two additional parameters for configuring window shutters: width and height.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su609_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su610_800.jpg)

!!! WARNING !!!
This update will require deleting and recreating any window presets. This update will not affect any other preset types (ie. walls, doors, garage doors, etc...)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 05, 2022, 05:49:35 AM
mdkBIM Tutorial 2:  GARAGE2826-2

https://youtu.be/J_GZva1O_Fo

https://youtu.be/hmMUjcf0QDY

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/172c4420-f5c6-4628-b093-b960b08e4178/GARAGE2826-2
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 07, 2022, 11:22:40 AM
It's that time of year again where I look back and analyze what has been accomplished with the plugins over the past year and then try to formulate a plan moving forward.  It has been a very busy year, especially for the Wall plugin.  The number of updates or versions released for each plugin in 2021 was:

Wall Plugin:  118
Truss Plugin:  29
Foundation Plugin: 19
Electrical Plugin: 7

Looking back through my records only 2018 was a busier year for the Wall plugin, but overall 2021 has probably been my most productive year yet.  Not sure if I can keep up this pace forever but I will continue to try.

In my mind the Wall plugin still has a few items that need attention and some of those are actually quite large items (ie. wall sandwich presets) however compared with the other plugins it is quite far along.  I think this year I need to spend some more time on the other three plugins and bring them more inline with the capabilities of the Wall plugin, especially the Truss plugin.

With the Foundation plugin I would like to enable window and door bucks as well as window well hardware in the next few weeks.  I am also wanting to add the window and door module from the Wall plugin to the Foundation plugin so that these openings in stemwall/foundation walls can be populated with hardware.

The Truss plugin has so many areas of needed improvement that it will require a completely separate discussion to lay out all of the roadmap but needless to say the complex roof module still awaits as does a completed dormer module.

With the electrical plugin there are not any really large items that need to be addressed unless I move forward with adding in more regional outlets and switches (ie. Australia, Europe etc...) However there are some nagging little issues with the placement of ceiling and floor lights and outlets that does need to be addressed.

Now on to the new stuff:

1.)  Floor Plugin:  This new plugin is long overdue and is mostly there but does need to be finished and released into the wild.  This will be a big priority over the next few months.  I am actually very excited to get this one out and start moving its further development along.

2.)  Engineering Plugin:  Not as high priority as everything else listed thus far but by far the coolest project if I can pull it off.  Adding a full calculation package to the shearwall module is very exciting and tempting right now, even though higher priorities exist.  I will do my best to only work on this plugin as time allows.

3.) Additional Help:  So at the beginning of 2020 I was seriously considering bringing on additional programming help but Covid kind of made me rethink and ultimately put those plans on hold.  Then, 2021 was possibly going to be a better year as the vaccines became available and somehow we ended the pandemic but later in the year Delta and Omicron changed the script on us again.  For now I will keep fighting the battle alone but when and if this pandemic finally comes to an end I will probably be bringing on at least one other programmer to help with the coding (possibly two).  Realistically there is only so much one man can do and my ideas tend to outstrip the number of keystrokes I can muster, so additional help is warranted and desperately needed.

From a business standpoint, 2021 was better for us than 2020 which was better than 2019 etc...  The trajectory has been upward from day one, I am still surprised at that.  I honestly thought after 2020 we would hit some sort of saturation or cap on growth but I guess I was wrong.  Eventually that will happen (not sure when), there are only so many design professionals who choose SketchUp as their weapon of choice, but I do hope to convince more people that SketchUp is the preferred choice when it comes to architectural modeling.

As always I can't help but thank all of the many users of the plugins and their valuable feedback.  Yes, I've put in the hours and many late nights and continue to do so, but without you the customers none of this would be even remotely possible.  What started out as a curiosity and then a hobby ultimately became my bread and butter.

Thank-you SketchUp for your awesome API and product and thank-you SketchUp Community.

I am looking forward to having a productive and great year in 2022 and if the stars happen to align we might be seeing some of you at Basecamp this year in Vancouver B.C. Canada.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 15, 2022, 10:14:44 PM
Version 2.6.8 - 01.15.2022
- Fixed bug with exterior trim when doors and garage doors are vertically offset.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su611_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 18, 2022, 11:52:05 AM
Version 2.6.8b - 01.18.2022
- Fixed a bug with exterior wainscoting when doors and garage doors are vertically offset negative or positive values.

!!!! Critical Bug Fix !!!!
This addresses the issues with door and garage doors that have been vertically offset within the wall.  This bug fix addresses all wall types: rectangular, shed, gable and hip.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 21, 2022, 03:08:01 AM
Version 2.6.8c - 01.20.2022
- Fixed a minor bug with custom labels for doors, windows and garage doors.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 22, 2022, 05:16:59 PM
Version 2.6.9 - 01.22.2022
- Added an additional layer for furring into the Layers tab of the Global Settings.
- Fixed a bug with Door tab (HTML) of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su612_800.jpg)

!!!! Critical Fix !!!!
The HTML file of the Door tab of the Global Settings was updated back in October (Version 2.4.9).  However at that time it appears that this updated version of the file somehow did not make it into the compiled codebase.  I just discovered this today and have moved the file into the correct location and released this latest update which corrects this oversight.  My apologies that this bug was introduced in the first place but it pains me further that it took until now to actually discover it.  Please upgrade to this latest version to resolve this issue.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 23, 2022, 09:40:57 PM
Version 2.7.0 - 01.23.2022
- Enabled custom materials for cavity insulation.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su613_800.jpg)

This update was per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 26, 2022, 05:50:45 PM
Just loaded up SU 2022 Pro on my PC and promptly installed all of the plugins.

So far I'm not seeing any issues running 2022 with any of plugins, of course far more testing is required but so far so good.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 28, 2022, 01:14:45 AM
Version 2.7.1 - 01.27.2022
- Converted the door preset system to a Hash data structure.
- Converted the garage door preset system to a Hash data structure.

!!! WARNING !!!
This update will require deleting and recreating any door and/or garage door presets. This update will not affect any other preset types (ie. walls, windows, etc...)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 31, 2022, 02:25:17 PM
Version 2.7.2 - 01.31.2022
- Fixed a bug with the window preset system within the window edit menu.

!!!!Alert!!!!
This bug existed within the window edit menu when creating a new window preset.  Any window presets created prior to this bug fix may need to be manually removed from the window preset config file.  This can be easily done by editing the file with any basic text editor (ie. Notepad).

Properly configured window presets will begin with the following character string "b1=".  If the preset does not have this specific string followed by a number (the preset number) it is corrupt and should be deleted from the preset file.

In Microsoft Windows the presets are found here:

C:\Users\%Username%\AppData\Roaming\Medeek\2022\medeek_wall_ext\presets

The window preset file is named:

WINDOW_PRESETS.txt
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 02, 2022, 12:29:41 AM
Version 2.7.3 - 02.01.2022
- Added casing "Style D" for rectangle doors (Victorian style casing with plinths and rosettes).
- Added casing "Style D" for rectangle windows (Victorian style casing with rosettes).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su614_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su615_800.jpg)

This is a low-poly version of a Victorian style casing.  The details in the rosettes and plinth blocks are missing and the typical fluting in the jamb and header are also missing.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 03, 2022, 11:44:02 PM
Version 2.7.4 - 02.03.2022
- Added two additional (advanced framing) layers: Bottom Plate, Header 2.
- Added an option for the cutting of bottom plates for doors and garage doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su616_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su617_800.jpg)

The "Cut Bottom Plates" option by default is turned on (YES), however when it is turned off then the bottom plates are not cut out for door and garage doors.  This is useful for wall panel manufacturers who would rather leave the bottom plates intact for shipping/transportation and other reasons.

The "Header 2" layer is specifically for the sheathing placed between the lumber of spaced headers:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images2/wall_su572_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 06, 2022, 06:08:06 PM
Version 2.7.5 - 02.06.2022
- Added casing "Style E" for rectangle windows (Victorian style casing with rosettes).
- Fixed a bug related to upgrades introduced in Version 2.6.8 specifically for CMU and "No Framing" walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su618_800.jpg)

!!!! Critical Fix !!!!
If you are using CMU walls or the "No Framing" option, this update is a critical fix for doors and garage doors.  Please update your plugin to this latest version.  Always remember to first uninstall the existing version first before installing the updated plugin within the Extension Manager in SketchUp.

Style E is another common variant of the Victorian style of casing that I thought would be a good addition and complete the recent window and door casing upgrades to the plugin.  Again my objective here is to provide a low poly version to represent the overall configuration rather than all of the minute details of such a typically ornate window treatment.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 08, 2022, 02:18:31 AM
Version 2.7.6 - 02.07.2022
- Added casing "Style F" for rectangle doors.
- Added casing "Style F" for rectangle windows.
- Enabled a VTP (very top plate) Offset option for rectangular walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su620_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su619_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su621_800.jpg)

The VTP offset allows for more manual control of the "very top plate" and how it overshoots or undershoots the wall on either end (start and/or end of the wall panel).  In order to use this parameter the "Trim Top Plate" must be set to "NO" (ie. manual mode is then enabled), and then either a positive or negative length can be entered which will offset the VTP accordingly as shown.

This feature was specifically requested by wall panel manufacturers so that they could more closely control the overlapping of the top plates in their shop models and construction drawings.

*Note that Trim Top Plate and VTP Offset options are currently only active for rectangular walls.

P.S.
I thought that I could just use the Corner Offset parameter to control the VTP however it doesn't really work when dealing with inset (outside or inside) walls, since that parameter in those cases actually controls the extension of the bottom plate.  So I needed yet another parameter to independently control the VTP.  I'm sure this is a clear as mud.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 09, 2022, 12:33:07 AM
Version 2.7.7 - 02.08.2022
- Added a "NO" header option for windows, doors and garage doors.
- Fixed a bug with ladder blocking when the stud offset is non-zero.
- Fixed a minor bug with ladder blocking for hip walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su623_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su624_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 12, 2022, 01:00:31 AM
Version 2.7.8 - 02.11.2022
- Enabled staggered studs for rectangular walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su626_800.jpg)

Rather than enable yet another parameter and make the menu that much bigger I decided to utilize the "Stud Ply" parameter to toggle this option.  If you set the stud ply to "0", you will get a staggered stud wall as shown.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 14, 2022, 04:29:50 AM
Version 2.7.8b - 02.14.2022
- Enabled staggered stud walls within the Copy Wall tool.

Tutorial 27- Staggered Stud Walls (15:09 min.)

https://youtu.be/kZD1HANtTiw
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 16, 2022, 08:23:42 PM
Version 2.7.9 - 02.16.2022
- Fixed a bug with vertically offset doors and garage doors in the "No Framing" mode.
- Fixed a bug with (arched) half or full glass doors that have a prairie or perimeter grilles installed.

Some minor fixes but annoying little bugs nonetheless, one was just a simple typo that has been waiting to be found for months.  Highly recommend updating to this latest version if only to make these two bugs go away.  A big thank-you to the user base who finds these bugs and notifies me so that I can address them.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 19, 2022, 07:49:55 PM
Version 2.8.0 - 02.19.2022
- Enabled insulation within the preview menu of the estimating module.

(https://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su627_800.jpg)

The insulation was already part of the CSV file output however I had not added it to the preview screen. 

This update was per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 20, 2022, 02:14:03 AM
Tutorial 28 - Estimating Preview (12:02 min.)

https://youtu.be/hXKqDdzZ9xE

I'm still not entirely sure what direction I am going to take the estimating module but much work remains to be done.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 21, 2022, 05:49:04 AM
Version 2.8.1 - 02.21.2022
- Added material totals to the CSV output of the estimating module: Common Studs, Top Plates, Bottom Plates, Sheathing, Cladding, Gypsum and Insulation.

(https://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su628_800.jpg)

I will need to give some additional thought on how to handle cripple studs, king studs, trimmer studs, sill plates, headers and studs from non-rectangular walls.  Some of these may not need a project/model wide total and the current tabulation may be sufficient.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 21, 2022, 06:12:06 PM
I think it might make more sense to just have the total lineal footage (or inches) for cripple studs and sill plates.

However the king studs are typically the same as regular studs so probably better just to provide a quantity (count) on those.

Trimmer studs may vary quite a bit in length/height so I'm still waffling on what to do with them.

Regular studs, yes the quantity makes the most sense and the logic is smart enough to break out these totals based on height and stud depth and/or width if necessary.

Thoughts?

Once I code this I'm going to be reluctant to change it unless there is a really good argument to change it up.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 22, 2022, 05:28:00 AM
Version 2.8.1b - 02.22.2022
- Added material totals to the CSV output of the estimating module: King Studs, Jack Studs, Cripple Studs and Sill Plates.
- Fixed a bug in the estimating module for in-wall columns.

The new items I just added are highlighted in yellow:

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su629_800.jpg)

There are still a number of items that need to be added to the estimating module for the wall plugin, but I will take those on a case-by-case basis as requested.  Some items that come to mind are:

- holdowns w/ anchor bolts
- window and door units
- blocking (is this important?)
- stairs (treads, stringers, railing etc...)
- free standing posts
- beams
- shutters
- exterior trim
- interior casing/molding
- exterior wainscoting
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 23, 2022, 02:48:13 AM
Now that I have the totals more or less in place for rectangular walls I think it would be a good time to build a "cost database" into the estimating module.

I don't think it makes much sense to breakout the cost on a per wall basis so the totals section is where I would implement the cost analysis and display the dollar amounts.

Some items like Studs would be priced on a per item basis, while plates and cripples will be on a LF basis. Sheathing, Cladding, Insulation and Gypsum would be on a SQFT basis.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 25, 2022, 03:03:09 AM
Here is a first look at the cost database system:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/0/4/04d6d8ab3e3756509592cc5e2c28350a6e4955bb.jpeg)

There is probably still a few things to work out with this system but the basic framework is now in place and now all I need to do is implement the cost system with the estimating module and see if we can get some output.

There will also be quite a few more cost "types" that will need to be added to the system as well as to the Medeek Estimator.  Lots of work ahead.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 26, 2022, 01:16:36 AM
Version 2.8.2 - 02.25.2022
- Added a Cost Database to the Medeek Estimating Module.
- Enabled Cost Analysis to the Medeek Estimating Module for Rectangular Wall Panels.

(https://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su633_800.jpg)

(https://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su632_800.jpg)

(https://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su631_800.jpg)

The initial "BETA" version of the cost analysis database and algorithm is now available for testing.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 28, 2022, 07:08:32 PM
Version 2.8.2b - 02.28.2022
- Fixed a minor bug with the estimating module for metric templates.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 11, 2022, 08:33:29 AM
Version 2.8.3 - 03.11.2022
- Fixed a bug in the door opening algorithm for bi-fold doors.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 19, 2022, 06:21:37 PM
Version 2.8.4 - 03.19.2022
- Added a "TRIAL" licensing notice at SketchUp startup to alert users to activate their license/serial numbers if running in trial mode.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 18, 2022, 09:59:30 PM
Version 2.8.5 - 04.18.2022
- Fixed a bug when the auto-assign materials option is turned off.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 26, 2022, 05:16:09 PM
Medeek Wall Plugin Tutorial 29 - Why a Wall Plugin?

https://youtu.be/O4OJqoci7sk
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on April 28, 2022, 08:12:44 PM
Version 2.8.6 - 04.28.2022
- Added the CMU CORE framing mode for concrete block wall construction that includes sheathing, cladding and gypsum.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su634_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su635_800.jpg)

I've had quite a few requests recently for a CMU option that also included all of the sheathing and cladding options.  This new update hopefully addresses that need.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 01, 2022, 04:20:15 PM
Very helpful and informative video put together by Braden York on integrating Quantifier Pro and the Wall plugin:

https://youtu.be/GWnwib94lSI
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 01, 2022, 05:55:30 PM
I've enabled an ICF option within the Foundation plugin however I am wondering if I should also enable an ICF option within the wall plugin?

https://www.nudura.com/products/

https://www.nudura.com/media/4088/2020-tremco-nudura-products-lr.pdf

Corners and Tee intersections might get a little interesting but I'm quite sure I can code my way through it.

Thoughts?

I've also been thinking about SIPS as well, so many different building systems to consider.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on May 29, 2022, 01:29:32 PM
The current system of setting the wall framing material in the global settings is not flexible enough.  Let's assume you want to have some steel framed walls and also some wood frame walls in the same model/file, the current system really does not allow for this concurrent use of different wall types as it stands now.  The wall framing material needs to be on a per wall basis...  working on it.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 02, 2022, 05:18:40 PM
There entire WSWH Strong-Wall series is now available in the warehouse:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/266431e3-09d5-4859-a61f-9657bc809e9b/WSWH-Simpson-Strong-Walls
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 03, 2022, 12:29:17 AM
Version 2.8.8 - 06.02.2022
- Added Simpson Strong-Tie "High Strength" wood shearwalls to the SSW module: 24", 18" and 12".

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su638_800.jpg)

I don't think the older Simpson wood shearwalls are available for purchase anymore from Simpson but I left them in just in case someone has a need for them.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 05, 2022, 09:45:15 PM
Version 2.8.9 - 06.05.2022
- Added a "resolution" parameter into the General tab of the Global Settings for adjusting the smoothness of annotation text.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su640_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su639_800.jpg)

By default this parameter is set to 0.5 which may be a bit choppy/pixelated for some.  For maximum smoothness set this parameter to zero (as shown above).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 06, 2022, 05:58:52 PM
Version 2.8.9b - 06.06.2022
- Fixed a bug with trimmer studs for garage doors.


!!!! CRITICAL BUG FIX !!!!
Note that if you are using more than two trimmer studs on your garage doors you will get an error and your garage door will not be drawn.  Update to this latest version to fix this bug with the garage door module.

This bug has existed for some time and I was probably not aware of it or made aware of it until today because most garage doors don't use more than two trimmers/jack studs.  However, it is still strange to me how long it was able to slip by unnoticed.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 10, 2022, 02:19:56 PM
Tutorial 30 - Double Brick Walls (9:32 min.)

https://youtu.be/1bfVlgh4OIE
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 07, 2022, 02:09:35 PM
Version 2.9.0 - 07.07.2022
- Added the following window types to the window module: Double Hung, Twin Double Hung, Triple Double Hung.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su641_800.jpg)

Technically these windows are no different (geometrically) than the single hung variants however the callout indicates that they are "double" hung instead of "single" hung.  This addition was per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 08, 2022, 09:48:01 PM
Version 2.9.1 - 07.08.2022
- Added additional grille options for windows and doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su642_800.jpg)

The additional grille options are all GRID options.  The "FH" appending the window grille options stands for "Farm House".  When this option is chosen the grille is only installed in the top window of a single or double hung type window.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 24, 2022, 06:27:09 PM
Version 2.9.2 - 07.24.2022
- Added one additional raised header configuration for windows and doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su643_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images3/wall_su644_800.jpg)

The "RAISED2" configuration removes the plate directly below the header.  This update per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 29, 2022, 02:50:03 PM
Version 2.9.3 - 07.29.2022
- Enabled independent control of exterior and interior stud depths for staggered stud walls (rectangular only).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su645_800.jpg)

Previously staggered studs were auto-calculated and one could not independently control the stud depth for the exterior and interior studs.  This latest update allows for granular control of the stud depths and makes the staggered stud feature more flexible and useful.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 04, 2022, 11:40:03 PM
First look at custom casings:

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/2/2/22874a82fbeb911bdc48033e05bfefec73819d3b.jpeg)

(https://aws1.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/6/3/6374f37c55c6383eb8a021f9ca1f3966e00df91b.jpeg)

Notice that when CUSTOM casing is specified for the Casing Style, the edit or draw menu will provide a preview of the profile as shown.

Now I need to work on enabling this for arched doors and also updating the global settings with this new option.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 05, 2022, 02:54:14 AM
Version 2.9.4 - 08.05.2022
- Enabled CUSTOM door casings for rectangular doors.
- Added a thumbnail preview into the edit and draw door menus showing the custom casing profiles.
- Added a thumbnail preview into the Door tab of the Global Settings and added the custom profile parameter.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su648_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su649_800.jpg)

Additional profiles can be added into the "casings" sub-folder of the "library" folder within the plugin folder.  Placement of the profile is important, so best practice is to open one of the two examples within this sub-folder and duplicate its positioning and grouping.

I will still need to enable this feature for arched doors and all window types, so much more work is yet to be done in this regard.  It seems there is never a lack of work when it comes to this plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 06, 2022, 03:37:58 AM
Version 2.9.5 - 08.06.2022
- Enabled CUSTOM door casings for arched doors.
- Added CUSTOM D and CUSTOM F door casing options for rectangular doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su650_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su651_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 07, 2022, 03:20:30 PM
Version 2.9.6 - 08.07.2022
- Added STYLE G and CUSTOM G casing options for rectangular doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su653_800.jpg)

I had to add in these two styles since they are used in our own home.  I think I have finally beaten this horse to death but if there are any other styles you feel should be added please feel free to contact me or post them here.

The profile for the upper molding is found in the "system" sub-folder of the "library" folder.  It can be edited and customized by the user.  The file name is: CM_HEADER.skp
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 09, 2022, 02:51:35 AM
Version 2.9.7 - 08.09.2022
- Enabled the following CUSTOM casings for rectangular windows: CUSTOM, CUSTOM D, CUSTOM F, CUSTOM G.
- Added a thumbnail preview into the edit and draw window menus showing the custom casing profiles.
- Added a thumbnail preview into the Window tab of the Global Settings and added the custom profile parameter.
- Added a STYLE G casing option for rectangular windows.
- Fixed a compatibility bug with CUSTOM door casings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su655_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 13, 2022, 06:58:26 PM
Version 2.9.8 - 08.13.2022
- Added a "Label Rotation" parameter for all wall types (0 or 180 degrees).
- Added a default "Label Rotation" parameter into the General tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su658_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su657_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 14, 2022, 04:43:51 PM
Tutorial 31 - Custom Window and Door Casings (15:42 min.)

https://youtu.be/msWClVo3VEo
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 21, 2022, 09:24:31 PM
Version 2.9.9 - 08.21.2022
- Enabled an option to specify the location of beam pocket king studs for in-wall columns: LEFT, RIGHT, BOTH.
- Fixed a number of minor bugs related to in-wall columns.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su660_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 22, 2022, 09:41:51 PM
Version 3.0.0 - 08.22.2022
- Fixed a bug created by the upgrades in Version 2.9.9.
- Updated some of the Global Settings tabs to display the status message at the top of the HTML page.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 26, 2022, 07:37:28 AM
Version 3.1.7 - 08.26.2022
- Enabled the following 3D roof cladding material for shed rafter roofs: Metal.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/trussplugin/images3/truss_su776_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 03, 2022, 09:49:15 AM
Version 3.0.1 - 09.03.2022
- Added a "Label Location" parameter for windows: AUTO, INT, EXT.
- Added a "Label Location" parameter for doors: AUTO, INT, EXT.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su662_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su661_800.jpg)

You can now manually configure the window and door labels to be on the interior or exterior of the wall on a per opening basis.  The feature added per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 05, 2022, 02:27:30 AM
Version 3.0.2 - 09.05.2022
- Enabled custom materials for wall framing within the global settngs.
- Enabled custom materials within the "Wall Framing Material" parameter for all wall types.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su663_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su664_800.jpg)

With this update you are no longer constrained to set number of material/texture options for the wall framing.  You can now use your own custom material for wall framing.  The update was also per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 06, 2022, 04:15:57 AM
Version 3.0.2b - 09.06.2022
- Fixed a bug with wall presets introduced with the addition of the Label Rotation parameter from Version 2.9.8.

!!!! CRITICAL BUG FIX !!!!
This bug affects wall presets within the "Draw" menu only.  The issue was already correct in the "Edit" menu.  I strongly encourage everyone to upgrade to this version of the plugin if you have Version 1.9.8 or later currently installed.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 12, 2022, 09:39:49 PM
Version 3.0.3 - 09.12.2022
- Reorganized the door draw and edit menus to include an annotations section.
- Added a "door swing angle" parameter for single and double doors.
- Added the door swing angle parameter to the Door tab of the global settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su666_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su667_800.jpg)

The preset angles are: 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 135.  The door swing angle for the door symbol can be set on a per door basis and can also be set to a default value within the global settings.  This update per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 15, 2022, 09:42:06 PM
Version 3.0.4 - 09.15.2022
- Added XPS foam insulation as a built-in cavity insulation option.
- Added XPS foam insulation as a built-in sheathing option.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su668_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su669_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su670_800.jpg)

In the material folder I've also included a zero-border version that can be utilized as a custom material.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 15, 2022, 08:16:23 PM
Version 3.0.5 - 12.15.2022
- Enabled auto-dimensioning for plan views of all wall panels.
- Added the "Dimension Offset 2" and "Plan Dimensions" parameters to the General tab of the global settings.
- Updated the Add Material and Edit Material HTML menus so that commas cannot be used in Custom Material names.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su671_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su672_800.jpg)

Note that framing dimensions (elevations) and plan dimensions (plan view) can be turned on and off independent of each other in the global settings.  Also the additional offset parameters allows one to adjust both offsets independently as well.  However both dimensions are placed on the same layer (at least for now).

Currently the plan view dimension option will assign an overall dimension for the wall length and then separate dimensions for windows, doors and garage doors.  I do not have it inserting dimensions for more custom features like Simpson Strong Walls or in-wall columns.

This new feature is per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 28, 2022, 06:43:21 AM
Version 3.0.6 - 12.28.2022
- Added a "Jamb Interior" parameter into the Draw and Edit menus for doors.
- Enabled this parameter for both rectangular and arched doors.
- Added this parameter to the Doors tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su675_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su676_800.jpg)

This update was per my previous notes and per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 29, 2022, 06:58:37 AM
Just cleaning up some loose ends before the start of the New Year.

One issue that is sometimes encountered is when a custom material is defined in the Material Library and then after using it in a Wall Preset it is subsequently deleted.

When this happens and that particular Wall Preset is loaded the plugin tries to assign that custom material in the Draw or Edit wall menu.  If you try this you will quickly notice the drop down box for the material is blank and no valid material is selected.  This inevitably leads to an error either being thrown within the plugin code itself or within the javascript of the HTML menu pages (not sure which at this point).

I need to devise some error checking in the HTML/Javascript to detect this problem if it pops up and gracefully resolve it rather than locking up the plugin.  If I can fix this it will not only save the end user from annoying headaches but also eliminate unnecessary support calls and emails for myself.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 30, 2022, 03:42:10 AM
Version 3.0.7 - 12.30.2022
- Added error checking code into various HTML menus to detect non-existent custom materials used within wall, door and window presets.
- Updated the Wall Stretch tool with an improved wireframe preview.
- Changed the default value for the header extension parameter to zero for doors, windows and garage doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su678_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su677_800.jpg)

The third item in this list was per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 03, 2023, 07:37:38 AM
Version 3.0.8 - 01.03.2023
- Added ICF options in to the Insulation tab of the Global Settings.
- Added an ICF wall framing option for all wall types.
- Added four additional ICF parameters into the wall Draw and Edit menus.
- Fixed a bug with the plan view auto-dimensioning module.
- Enabled trim, ext. wainscoting and quoins for CMU Core and ICF wall types.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su680_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images4/wall_su681_800.jpg)

ALERT! - CRITICAL BUG FIX
The bug associated with the upgrade that brought you plan view dimensions will cause the plugin to abort during regeneration when installing garage doors into a wall.  It is highly recommended that you install this latest update which addresses this bug and a couple more minor bugs with the plan view dimension feature.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 03, 2023, 03:28:21 PM
Version 3.0.8b - 01.03.2023
- Added a "Concrete" layer to the Layers tab of the Global Settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 03, 2023, 03:53:11 PM
The Wall plugin has now seen about 250 updates or revisions since it was first released in May of 2018.  It is not as old as the Truss plugin (2015) but it has seen almost as many updates and fixes and is beginning to rival the Truss plugin in overall complexity and capabilities.

It always seems like there is more that can be done though, and even though both of these plugins have come quite a ways in the last few years there is still so much more to be done, especially with the Truss plugin.

As most of you know I am behind schedule on my much anticipated Floor plugin due to a major back injury a few months ago (Sept.) but I am hoping to really put some solid work into that new plugin so that it is at least as impressive as the Foundation plugin right from the get go.  We will see how it all shakes out, but I have big plans for it.

With the new addition of the ICF wall type it quickly makes me realize that the estimating module will need to play catch up on these alternative wall construction types (ie. CMU, ICF, CMU Core etc...), so yes, still a lot of work to be done in that regard.

Then there is the engineering side of things which I would really like see come to fruition in the near future.  I'm not sure how familiar many of you are with Weyerhauser's Forte app.  I've actually used it a lot in my own engineering practice, along with my own spreadsheets.  My goal is to essentially integrate basic engineering capabilities (like Forte) into all of the plugins, especially the Wall and Floor plugins (ie. headers, beams, posts, joists).

This new year will probably be another busy year with lots of updates and hopefully a new plugin or two.  I am looking forward to a very productive 2023.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 05, 2023, 02:04:05 PM
Version 3.0.9 - 01.05.2023
- Enabled beam pockets (in-wall columns) for CMU, CMU Core and ICF walls.
- Fixed a bug within the plan view auto-dimensioning module having to do with in-wall columns.
- Fixed a minor typo in the Draw menu for in-wall columns.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su683_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 10, 2023, 07:21:38 PM
Electrical and Foundations are now enabled with Layer Control:

(https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/3/3/338e343dcaa0de59e81f6fb471032134c6789b6c.gif)

I only need to update the global settings of the Truss, Foundation and Electrical plugins.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 12, 2023, 06:29:51 PM
Version 3.1.0 - 01.11.2023
- Enabled layer control integration with the Medeek Project extension.
- Moved the Medeek Estimating module to the Medeek Project extension.
- Moved the Medeek Documents module to the Medeek Project extension.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 19, 2023, 06:55:28 PM
Version 3.1.1 - 01.19.2023
- Fixed a bug with ICF Walls.
- Fixed a type in the HTML of the General tab of the Global Settings.

Tutorial 32 - Auto-Dimensioning (9:31 min.)
https://youtu.be/zNXzBtfwmBo

Tutorial 33 - ICF Walls (5:51 min.)
https://youtu.be/SG5F9FE8Zwo
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 21, 2023, 04:21:14 PM
Tutorial 34 - Modifying Openings (7:19 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 05, 2023, 11:22:06 PM
Version 3.1.2 - 02.05.2023
- Fixed a bug with metric templates that propagated from Version 3.0.8.
- Fixed a specific bug with auto-loading wall presets.

! ATTENTION !
Critical bug fix, especially for metric templates.  I highly recommend upgrading to Version 3.1.2 if you have installed Version 3.0.8 or later.

The auto-load bug has to do with enabling the auto-load preset option in the Global Settings and then subsequently deleting the preset that was selected as the default auto-load preset.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 07, 2023, 09:50:42 PM
Version 3.1.2b - 02.07.2023
- Fixed a minor bug with the Wall Selector Matrix (Gable, Shed and Hip walls).

This bug was due to some consolidation and general house cleaning I did with the code a few cycles back.  Even when a gable wall was selected it would automatically revert to a rectangular wall.  I just noticed this yesterday but the bug probably has been around for at least a month.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 16, 2023, 05:32:50 PM
Version 3.1.3 - 02.16.2023
- Fixed a bug with door presets within the Edit Door menu.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 12, 2023, 01:37:39 PM
Version 3.1.4 - 03.12.2023
- Added the following door types: flat one panel (single and double).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su688_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su689_800.jpg)

This update per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 17, 2023, 06:11:43 PM
Version 3.1.5 - 03.17.2023
- Added a fluting number parameter for classical columns.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su690_800.jpg)

Really wasn't wanting to dig into this right now but after a quick inspection of my code I realized it would only take me a few minutes to add in this additional parameter so that one could fine tune the look of the fluting of classical columns.

This update per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 22, 2023, 08:56:18 PM
I thought I would circle back to inclined walls since I had some questions on shed dormers over the weekend.

I've updated the wall menus to include these new parameters now I just need to create the boolean logic to modify the wall geometry accordingly:

(https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/8/b/8be454deea2b952430a9d172ee1523e55a7b0112.jpeg)

This feature should give the user the flexibility to modify rectangular, hip, shed or gable walls as needed when an inclined bottom plate is required.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 26, 2023, 07:19:56 PM
Version 3.1.6 - 03.26.2023
- Added inclined walls for all wall types: rectangular, shed, gable and hip.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su693_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su694_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su695_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su696_800.jpg)

This new feature can also be used on CMU, ICF and CMU CORE walls.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 12, 2023, 05:22:31 PM
Version 3.1.7 - 06.12.2023
- Reorganized the window draw and edit menus to include an annotations section.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su697_800.jpg)

This is a fairly minor update however I felt it necessary so that consistency is maintained with the Door menus.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 15, 2023, 11:53:55 PM
Tutorial 35 - Inclined Walls (15:10 min.)

https://youtu.be/2t5-_-DlhXc

The model used in the tutorial can be found here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/b661d3bf-4c8c-4451-9495-6e89223562db/Wall-Plugin-Tutorial-35
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on June 27, 2023, 09:28:23 PM
Version 3.1.8 - 06.27.2023
- Enabled FIS notation for framing (elevation view) dimensions for rectangular walls.
- Enabled FIS notation for plan view dimensions for all walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su700_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su699_800.jpg)

FIS stands for Feet-Inches-Sixteenths, a common notation method used in the truss industry.  This update per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 12, 2023, 10:32:08 AM
Version 3.1.9 - 07.12.2023
- Added an "Edit Dimension" tool to the Medeek Wall Tools toolbar (editing of plan dimension only).
- Enabled editing of plan dimensions for all wall types (door, window, garage, wall length).
- Fixed a bug with plan dimensions (in 2D Mode).

Note that this new tool can only be used to edit "plan" dimensions.  Framing dimensions are currently not editable.  This update was per customer request.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su704_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_tools_su_menu_active.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 12, 2023, 11:39:21 AM
Tutorial 36 - Editing Dimensions (7:55 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 15, 2023, 07:58:30 AM
Version 3.2.0 - 07.15.2023
- Enabled editing of plan dimensions for tee intersections of all wall types.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su705_800.jpg)

When you modify the dimension of a tee intersection it actually invokes the plugin's "move wall" tool behind the scenes, which then moves the target wall as well as adjusts any connected walls and finally it regens the primary wall.  A lot going on here.

Larry Belk specifically requested this feature, and I was considering it once I began making the dimensions interactive for windows and doors.  To be perfectly honest I knew it would make things a bit more complicated and involved with dimensions and their editing, however I'm glad I've managed to check this box and it seems to be working as it should.

This is actually a fairly substantial upgrade to the plugin and a increase in functionality and efficiency, I will probably make a new tutorial video explaining the details shortly.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 15, 2023, 11:41:13 PM
Tutorial 37 - Moving Walls (16:03 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 18, 2023, 10:36:59 AM
Here is a todo list for the Wall Plugin, some ideas that I am currently floating:

1.)  Global Settings Import/Export
2.)  Wall Numbering Tool
3.)  Wall Corner Tool
4.)  Adding more dimensions and additional details to the framing dimension option.
5.)  Max. wall panel length option

This list is not in any particular order.  The wall numbering tool would be quite easy to implement and quite useful in my opinion.  Currently one can change the wall numbers/labels however it is a bit laborious since the edit menu must be accessed for each wall panel that needs updating.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 24, 2023, 07:46:20 PM
Version 3.2.1 - 07.25.2023
- Added the Medeek Wall Tools II toolbar.
- Added the Wall Numbering tool to the Medeek Wall Tools II toolbar.
- Added the Edit Corners tool to the Medeek Wall Tools II toolbar.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_tools2_su_menu_active.jpg)

This update is for Mike and Larry, but I think it will prove useful to many others as well.  I will need to make another tutorial video explaining these two new tools.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 24, 2023, 08:43:44 PM
Tutorial 38 - Wall Numbers and Corners (12:05 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 26, 2023, 08:06:10 PM
Version 3.2.2 - 07.26.2023
- Enabled the use of custom materials for sheathing, cladding and gypsum within the Sheathing tab of the Global Settings.
- Enabled the use of custom materials for cavity insulation within the Insulation tab of the Global Settings.

This update per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 28, 2023, 08:50:09 AM
Most of the most recent updates to the Wall plugin have come from the users of the plugins but this morning after sitting down for a quick breakfast and just pondering the wall drawing process, in particular the usual method of drawing external walls, I came to a sudden realization of sorts.

Most of the time the designer/architect has already figured out the basic outline of the structure (ie. the polygon or polyline that will determine the placement of the external walls).  In SketchUp a closed polyline can be represented as a face.

The current draw wall tool is very similar to the polyline stemwall tool in the foundation plugin, the user carefully picks the points that constitute the wall perimeter, one point at a time.  Overall this method is not bad in my opinion and is reasonably speedy however what if one could simply click a face (of a polygon that is perpendicular to the z-axis) and then the wall plugin simply traced around the polygon and drew all of the walls automatically.

This tool would achieve two things:

1.)  It would be quicker than picking one point at a time and for a complex perimeter would be a significant time saver.
2.)  It would also help eliminate errors in picking the points one by one.

Thoughts?

P.S.
Along the same lines I've also thought about a similar algorithm for drawing interior walls however the issue there becomes which way does the wall face (ext vs. int) when it is drawn.  This is where the designer has to make some decisions and I don't really have a good way to automate this or somehow predict what the designer would do in each case.

P.P.S
This same "Face" algorithm will also be used in the new Floor plugin, so rather than having to pick each point to create a new floor assembly the user can alternatively just pick a pre-constructed face.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on July 30, 2023, 09:30:04 PM
Version 3.2.3 - 07.30.2023
- Updated the stats logging for all wall types in order for the estimating module to provide more granular data for wall top plates.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 02, 2023, 04:00:16 PM
Version 3.2.4 - 08.02.2023
- Fixed a minor bug with the SW module and SW materials.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 06, 2023, 03:35:35 AM
Version 3.2.5 - 08.06.2023
- Added two parameters to the Walls tab of the Global Settings for Wall Panelization.
- Enabled wall panelization for rectangular walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su707_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su708_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 06, 2023, 11:57:52 PM
Version 3.2.5b - 08.06.2023
- Added a hotkey (Up key) to toggle wall panelization ON or OFF within the Draw Wall tool/menu.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 07, 2023, 12:39:10 AM
Tutorial 39 - Wall Panelization (8:52 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 09, 2023, 03:46:35 AM
Version 3.2.6 - 08.09.2023
- Fixed a bug with stacked openings and plan dimensions.
- Added "Subtractive Framing" to the Wall tab of the Global Settings.
- Enabled "SUBTRACT_FRAMING" custom boolean subtraction for all wall types.

This now gives us a workaround for non-aligned stacked windows and doors.  This update per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 09, 2023, 03:49:50 AM
Tutorial 40 - Stacked Windows (10:40 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 25, 2023, 09:13:22 PM
Version 3.2.7 - 08.25.2023
- Updated steel studs and plates for all wall types.
- Fixed a bug in the statistics module for the gable walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su709_800.jpg)

Previously the steel studs and plates were merely cosmetic, now the are modeled a bit more realistically (however less attractively in my opinion).  This update was specifically requested by users who specialize in steel stud framing and who wanted a more accurate model (stud length and channels for top and bottom plates) when it comes to steel framing.  The plugin was never initially designed for steel framing and because of that I still consider the steel framing option more of a cosmetic model than an actual realistic model, but this latest update gets us a little closer to that objective.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 26, 2023, 03:58:18 PM
Version 3.2.7b - 08.26.2023
- Minor updates to the window and door framing modules with regards to steel framing.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su710_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on August 28, 2023, 12:15:29 PM
Version 3.2.7c - 08.28.2023
- Additional updates for steel framing for metric templates/units.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 07, 2023, 06:25:13 AM
Version 3.2.8 - 09.07.2023
- Enabled a feature to selectively remove specific studs from any wall assembly.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su712_800.jpg)

Note that this feature/option is very similar to the recent truss removal feature added to the Truss Plugin for common trusses and attic trusses.  I've had a number of requests to add something similar into the Wall Plugin so specific studs could be removed.  This update is per multiple customer requests.

I may make a tutorial video for this new feature but I do think it is fairly self explanatory.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 08, 2023, 12:00:09 AM
Version 3.2.8b - 09.07.2023
- Fixed a bug with the shearwall edit tool.
- Added directional logic into the Move Opening Tool's text entry method.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 08, 2023, 01:28:25 AM
Tutorial 41 - Selective Stud Removal (5:37 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 14, 2023, 09:07:55 PM
Version 3.2.9 - 09.14.2023
- Fixed a critical bug with loading wall presets in the wall edit menu (metric and imperial).

It was actually two bugs in two separate places but it impacted the same thing, again strange that no one noticed this bug until now or at least it was not fully brought to my attention until today.  Both bugs were simple typos, an easy fix.  This did not affect the wall draw menu and loading presets, only the edit menu.  I highly recommend everyone update their installation to this latest version.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 21, 2023, 11:18:55 PM
Version 3.3.0 - 09.21.2023
- Moved the Geometry Markers section from the General tab to the Walls tab in the Global Settings.
- Added a geometry marker size parameter to the Walls tab of the Global Settings.

The General tab of the Global Settings has become too large (or cluttered) and it made sense to move the geometry markers to the Walls tab.  I also received a number of requests about making the geometry markers larger.  So I figured, why not let the user customize them to the size they would like.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su713_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on September 27, 2023, 02:11:16 PM
Version 3.3.1 - 09.27.2023
- Fixed a bug with the labeling algorithm for the molding module.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 03, 2023, 09:58:33 AM
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 10, 2023, 03:25:01 PM
Version 3.3.2 - 10.10.2023
- Added the Draw Wall Perimeter tool to the Medeek Wall Tools II toolbar.

(The tool icon was added July 25th, but now it actually works)

Tutorial 42 - Wall Perimeter Tool (5:28 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 11, 2023, 10:23:54 PM
mdkBIM Tutorial 3 - Modeling a House Envelope from a Face (10:04 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 19, 2023, 12:45:43 PM
Version 3.3.3 - 10.18.2023
- Fixed a minor bug with the post module.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 23, 2023, 07:23:14 PM
Version 3.3.4 - 10.23.2023
- Added a "Assign to 2D Layer" parameter for 2D Outlines within the General tab of the Global Settings.
- Added the Opening tool to the Medeek Wall Tools II toolbar.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images5/wall_su715_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_tools2_su_menu_active.jpg)

The Opening Tool in its current state can be used only to toggle door swings.  I will probably be adding additional functionality to this tool for windows and garage doors as well as regular man doors.  This new tool is in response to feedback provided by Matt Donley of MasterSketchUp.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 25, 2023, 07:44:24 PM
Version 3.3.4b - 10.25.2023
- Updated the Opening Tool to include Windows and Garage Doors.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on October 25, 2023, 09:40:29 PM
Tutorial 43 - Opening Tool (6:01 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 09, 2023, 07:39:29 PM
Version 3.3.5 - 11.09.2023
- Added the Copy Opening Tool to the Medeek Wall Tools II toolbar.
- Enabled the Copy Opening Tool for Windows, Man Doors and Garage Doors.
- Enabled subtractive geometry for Beam Assemblies.
- Added additional W-Flange steel beam sizes.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/images/wall_tools2_su_menu_active.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 09, 2023, 08:30:22 PM
Tutorial 44 - Opening Copy Tool (4:45 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 11, 2023, 03:19:17 PM
I will be running a Thanksgiving promotion beginning Nov. 12th until Dec. 1st. with 40% off of the regular mdkBIM bundle price (permanent license) using the coupon code GIVETHANKS23.

This will reduce the bundle price from $280.00 USD to $168.00 USD. This promo code does not apply to any of the extensions purchased separately or for the electrical plugin. The offer ends on Dec. 1 and no rain checks will issued thereafter.

[design.medeek.com](https://design.medeek.com)

(https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/e/7e084d84a01860096ecb19d2a23a6ef8937179c3.jpeg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 15, 2023, 11:55:03 AM
First look at my attempts to simplify the look and feel of the Draw and Edit menus for walls:

(https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/optimized/3X/3/f/3fcfa13f26c1462c19ba81a6303a8e5d7170b1e8_2_633x500.jpeg)

(https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/c/e/cec8d04e4467e2c59ac4892a7df20b91ae8ace49.jpeg)

I'm no UI expert but my idea is to create collapsible menus for certain sections that are not modified as commonly during regular use.  The "wall start" and "wall end" sections are a good examples of such sections.  Typically the parameters within these two sections are only modified in certain specific situations or when customization is required.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 15, 2023, 05:15:07 PM
After shuffling things around a bit:

(https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/9/f/9fad44c6635b574b22ddd03fedfce1e6376324bb.jpeg)

(https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/2/72e7043b13ebaefed5d51934f0261e3aafbc5831.jpeg)

I've created a new section for framing options/details.  Notice that in this section I've also moved the stud removal parameter, which was formerly in the advanced options (I think it makes more sense to place it in this section).

The advanced options section is unchanged and still very busy with a ton of parameters but I really don't know what to do about it since all of those advanced options are necessary and need to be placed somewhere.  (If you disable the Advanced Wall Options then that whole section is not shown.)

So currently, with the new UI update so far, there are three sections that can be toggled by the user manually.  I should probably also add into the global settings some parameters which will control the default visibility for these sections.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 18, 2023, 10:45:17 PM
Version 3.3.6 - 11.18.2023
- Added a "Menu UI" parameter in the General tab of the Global Settings with the following options: Legacy, Collapsed, Expanded.
- Updated the Wall Draw and Edit menus with the new Menu UI options.
- Fixed a bug with the tee intersection algorithm for rectangular "stacked" walls.

The additional menu options are in response to feedback from multiple users requesting a less busy and simpler menu system.  By default the legacy menu system is selected in the global settings however one can quickly change to one of more advanced "collapsible" systems.  This is my first real crack at this so further refinement may be necessary depending on the feedback I receive.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 18, 2023, 11:26:46 PM
Tutorial 45 - Menu UI Options (8:08 min.)

Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 20, 2023, 09:41:02 PM
Version 3.3.7 - 11.20.2023
- Fixed a bug with the hotkey (Up key) for wall panelization in the Draw Wall Perimeter tool.
- Fixed a bug with the Draw Wall Perimeter tool for metric units.

!!!! Critical Bug Fix !!!!
This is a critical bug fix for users of metric units.  I highly recommend upgrading to this latest version for all users.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on November 27, 2023, 05:48:50 PM
Version 3.3.7b - 11.27.203
- Fixed a critical bug introduced with Version 3.3.6.

!!!! CRITICAL BUG FIX !!!!
This is a critical bug fix for all users, please download the latest version of the plugin (3.3.7b).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 02, 2023, 03:38:19 AM
Version 3.3.8 - 12.02.2023
- Updated the face selection algorithm of the draw wall perimeter tool.

This addresses the issue of selecting faces that are embedded or nested within groups.  You can now select faces that are in the root of the model or nested within other groups.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 18, 2023, 08:24:12 PM
Version 3.3.9 - 12.18.2023
- Added a "Cedar Siding" built-in material (horizontal) into the material library.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su723_800.jpg)

This material is a horizontal version of the previously added vertial version.  This update per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 23, 2023, 01:50:55 AM
Version 3.4.0 - 12.22.2023
- Fixed a minor bug with the error checking code for custom casing profiles of windows and doors.
- Added top and bottom vertical offset parameters for shearwall sheathing.
- Added a QHQ casement window to the window draw and edit modules.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su725_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su726_800.jpg)

Both updates are per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on December 29, 2023, 05:00:16 AM
Version 3.4.1 - 12.29.2023
- Updated and improved the license verification module.
- Disabled redundant logging to improve plugin performance.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 10, 2024, 01:39:21 AM
Version 3.4.2 - 01.09.2024
- Fixed a bug with steel framing and tee intersections.
- Fixed a bug with hip walls and tee intersections (two stud with blocking).
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 19, 2024, 02:38:04 AM
Version 3.4.3 - 01.18.2024
- Improved the serial number verification logic within the License tab of the Global Settings.
- Added a Door Reset button in the Doors tab of the Global Settings.
- Added a Window Reset button in the Windows tab of the Global Settings.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 25, 2024, 01:00:44 AM
Version 3.4.4 - 01.24.2024
- Added a pressure treated option for in-wall columns.
- Created a more realistic material/texture for pressure treated timbers (for in-wall columns and posts).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su727_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 28, 2024, 03:34:42 AM
Version 3.4.5 - 01.28.2024
- Added two additional column types for in-wall columns: Custom, Blank.
- Three additional parameters added for custom in-wall columns.
- Added a custom label option and annotation section for in-wall columns.
- Updated the javascript logic within the License tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su728_800.jpg)

Technically this update is a bit redundant because one can already configure custom in-wall columns within the global settings.  However, this new option gives one the ability to insert any sort of column into the wall (non-wood) as well as a blank opening where one could then insert their own manually modeled column or structural support.

The custom label option applies to all column types, so it can override the auto labeling algorithm of the module.

This update per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 29, 2024, 01:02:34 AM
Version 3.4.5b - 01.28.2024
- Fixed a bug with holdowns for in-wall columns.
- Fixed a bug with the bottom plate cutting algorithm for in-wall columns.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on January 30, 2024, 04:52:39 PM
Version 3.4.6 - 01.30.2024
- Added a "Dimension to Centerline" option for framing dimensions in the General tab of the Global Settings.
- Enabled centerline dimensioning for openings, columns and SSW for rectangular walls.
- Added a "Style 5" (Pull Plate) to the built-in door hardware options.
- Added more options for grid style window grilles: 3X4, 4X5, 5X6.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su730_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su729_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su731_800.jpg)

All updates per customer requests.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 02, 2024, 02:10:21 AM
Version 3.4.7 - 02.01.2024
- Updated the Columns tab of the Global Settings with new parameters.
- Added glazing color and opacity parameters to the Sheathing tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su732_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su733_800.jpg)

The Columns tab now includes Custom and Blank under Column Type.

Up until now the glass color and opacity has been hard coded in to the plugin, now the user can adjust these values if desired.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 04, 2024, 05:38:27 PM
Version 3.4.8 - 02.04.2024
- Added a Sheathing Reset button in the Sheathing tab of the Global Settings.
- Added Dimension Layer 5 specfically for framing/elevation auto-dimensions (Layer tab of the global settings).
- Enabled editing of dimensions for framing/elevation dimensions (rectangular walls only).

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su734_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su735_800.jpg)


Tutorial 46 - Editing Framing Dimensions (7:34 min.)

https://youtu.be/Pg6__IoAars
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 17, 2024, 02:09:50 AM
Version 3.4.9 - 02.16.2024
- Added an RGB color code input into the Add, Update and Import menus for custom materials.
- Added an RGB color code input for each color in the Materials tab of the Global Settings.
- Added a "Toggle RGB Input" button to the Materials tab of the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su736_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su737_800.jpg)

Updates per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 24, 2024, 02:17:23 AM
Version 3.5.0 - 02.23.2024
- Separated the tee blocking option for exterior and interior walls.
- Fixed a bug with geometry guides for metric templates.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su738_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on February 25, 2024, 02:19:42 AM
Version 3.5.1 - 02.24.2024
- Added a 45 and 135 degree rainscreen option for rectangular walls.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su739_800.jpg)

This update per customer request.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 03, 2024, 03:33:34 AM
Version 3.5.2 - 03.02.2024
- Added the following door types: 3/4 glass, double 3/4 glass.
- Added a separate threshold material option for all man doors.
- Added additional grille (grid) options for glass doors.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su741_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su742_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su743_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 07, 2024, 02:11:28 AM
Version 3.5.3 - 03.06.2024
- Added a "Panel" corner treatment for "End" and "Terminal" wall corners (rectangular walls only).
- Fixed a javascript bug for window and door presets.
- Fixed a bug with the door casing (custom casing options) and end cripple studs for pocket doors.
- Rearranged the door casing section of the door Draw and Edit menus.
- Fixed a bug with the advanced options for all wall types when using metric templates.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su744_800.jpg)

With this release I've fixed a number of substantial bugs that were discovered by users and also one by myself.  I highly recommend upgrading to this latest release of the plugin.
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 09, 2024, 02:38:58 AM
Version 3.5.4 - 03.08.2024
- Enabled an end grain material for top and bottom plates of rectangular walls.
- Fixed a javascript bug for garage door presets.
- Fixed a bug with door presets when using metric templates.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su745_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 09, 2024, 08:55:46 PM
Version 3.5.4b - 03.09.2024
- Enabled a pressure treated end grain material for bottom plates of all walls.
- Enabled end grain materials for in-wall columns.
- Enabled end grain materials for beams.
- Enabled end grain materials for blocks.
- Enabled end grain materials for posts.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su749_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su746_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su747_800.jpg)

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su748_800.jpg)
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 11, 2024, 02:34:01 AM
Version 3.5.5 - 03.11.2024
- Added a "Custom Glass" garage door type/option with fully customizable glass panels.
- Further refined the end grain material positioning for top plates (rectangular walls) and in-wall columns.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su750_800.jpg)

I will need to create a tutorial video explaining the proper syntax for the "Glass List".
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 11, 2024, 03:58:08 PM
Medeek Wall Plugin **Tutorial 47** - Custom Glass Garage Doors (w/ Webcam)

https://youtu.be/EOZ_GB0hfWc
Title: Re: Wall Plugin for SketchUp
Post by: Medeek on March 21, 2024, 03:07:05 PM
Version 3.5.6 - 03.21.2024

- Added built-in "Taped" and "Green Taped" gypsum materials for all wall types.
- Updated and added additional tool tips within the Global Settings.

(http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallplugin/images6/wall_su753_800.jpg)