Version 3.4.7 - 05.23.2024
- Enabled Roof Connections between complex roofs, rafter roofs, truss roofs and solid groups.
- Added the "Configure Roof Connection" feature to the edit menu for complex, rafter and truss roofs.

This is not a completely new feature however the configuration capability introduced (and the level of granularity achievable) is new and somewhat experimental at this point.  I'm sure it will take a few updates and versions before all the issues are worked out and all the necessary refinement is achieved.

Also note that that not all rafter roofs and not all truss types have this feature enabled yet.  The following rafter roofs have been enabled:

- Gable
- Shed
- Shed w/ Ledger

The following truss types have been enabled:

- Common
- Monopitch
- Scissor
- Attic
- Tail Bearing
- Symmetric Cathedral
- Cathedral
- Parallel Chord

More to come soon...

Here is what the configuration menu will look like for each roof "connection":



This will allow for independently adjusting the trimming for each attached roof.  By default the connection will trim everything on the primary roof but it can be adjusted as needed.

I now have the basic system in place and working for the rafter roofs but if you look closely you can see there is still some refinement necessary.  The example shown is two gable rafter roofs that are connected, with the trimming of the primary roof limited to only framing, cladding, gutters and soffit/fascia.  Note that the insulation, gypsum, rafters and sheathing is not trimmed on the primary roof:







The tricky part with the refinement is how best to generate the cutting solid to subtract away the unwanted portions of the roof(s).  Currently the way I am doing it is using the hidden roof primitive and the roof outline.  I basically take the roof outline, extrude it vertically down and then union this solid with the roof primitive above.  The resulting solid is then used to subtract against the geometry of any attached roofs.  This seems to work reasonably well in most cases but as you can see with the soffit and fascia (and the gutters) there is some overlapping and other minor complications.  The insulation also gets a little carved out in places but it is mostly acceptable.







Thoughts or suggestions?

I will be running a Memorial Day promotion beginning May 22th until Jun. 5th with 35% off of the regular mdkBIM bundle price (permanent license) using the coupon code MEMORIAL24.

This will reduce the bundle price from $280.00 USD to $182.00 USD. This promo code does not apply to any of the extensions purchased separately.  As part of this promotion a permanent license for the electrical plugin will be included upon request. The offer ends on Jun. 5th and no rain checks will issued thereafter.

design.medeek.com

Version 3.4.6 - 05.16.2024
- Enabled sheathing, cladding, ridge cap and labels for dual pitch trusses.
- Updated the polynesian truss so layers and materials are properly assigned.
- Enabled the "Edit Truss Assembly" function for dual pitch trusses (imperial and metric units).
- Enabled the "Edit Truss Assembly" function for polynesian trusses (imperial and metric units).
- Enabled the "Edit Truss Assembly" function for bowstring trusses (imperial and metric units).
- Enabled the "Edit Truss Assembly" function for bow barrel trusses (imperial and metric units).



The edit and regen functions have now been enabled for all active truss types within the plugin.  However I still have four truss types that need to be setup and activated. Those four truss types are:

- Clerestory
- Barrel Vault
- Studio Vault
- Double Inverted

The squeaky wheel gets the grease and that is the reason I have not circled back to complete these additional truss types but they are on my radar, just not the highest priority.

Enabling the full parametric ability of each truss and rafter roof type probably should have been top priority once I determined how to achieve that functionality however other plugins and other items always seemed to gain higher priority. Either way this is a bit of milestone for this plugin, finally glad to get this monkey off my back. Granted I still need to work on the advanced options for many of these truss types, the work never seems to end.

I'm 52 this year, since I started to code this plugin in 2015 I've been through a neck and a back surgery (2016 and 2023), but somehow I'm still going and I am very much back in the saddle. Looking at my rather lengthy todo lists for each plugin (including the Floor plugin) I've probably got enough development stuff to keep me gainfully occupied for the next 8-10 years.

Version 1.4.3 - 05.15.2024
- Added a "SQTUBE" shape to the wire module for electrical chases.



This update per customer request.

Version 1.2.3b - 05.15.2024
- Fixed a minor bug with the estimating module (wall material library initialization).

Can you duplicate the results for each truss type and then save the results to a PDF, then email it to me so I can take a look at it.

Version 1.2.3 - 05.14.2024
- Fixed a minor bug with the estimating module (wall header library initialization).

Version 3.6.1 - 05.13.2024
- Added Symbol 2 Layer specfically for 2D door swing symbols (Layer tab of the global settings).



This update per customer request.