The Medeek Truss Plugin

Introduction

Welcome to the documentation for the Medeek Truss Plugin. The Medeek Truss Plugin is a SketchUp Plugin that provides a simple interface for creating accurate 3D truss geometry within SketchUp. This plugin utilizes the SketchUp Ruby API programming interface and is compatible with the latest SketchUp release (SketchUp Make 2015 64-bit and SketchUp Pro 2015 64-bit).

What Can You Do with the Medeek Truss Plugin

Currently, the plugin allows the creation of the following common truss types (Metric and US/Imperial):

The plugin also allows the creation of the following specialty truss types: The plugin also allows the creation of the following I-Joist products: All truss types are drawn/designed utilizing industry standard practices for web location (panel lengths), web scarfs at joints and a 1/4" typical butt cut. Floor trusses are drawn using the Modified Warren configuration with one central chase, options for ribbon cuts and top or bottom bearing are also provided. Additional truss types are in the process of being added, as well additional customization and features such as raised energy heels for all truss types.

The plugin allows the user to create an array of trusses by simply selecting three points which form the bounding rectangle (bldg. width x bldg. length) of the truss array. The number of trusses is automatically calculated based on the on center spacing and the building length.



Each individual member (chords, webs, sliders, wedges etc...) of the truss is modeled as a group with the entire truss forming a component having a unique name (ie. FINK_TRUSS_24_20151019123215). Arrays of trusses are created by invoking multiple instances of this truss component. This allows for modifications to all the trusses in an array by simply modifying one truss. Creating each member of the truss as a group allows modificatons or deletions to each member without affecting the rest of the truss geometry. Additionally each truss assembly (Array of Trusses) is grouped in order to facilitate future adjustments to the truss assembly as a whole.

Automatic gable end truss insertion is now available for the common King Post truss type. The gable end truss option is currently being added to all truss types and will be available in future releases.

Advanced options allows for the creation of sheathing, rake boards, fascia, blocking and outlookers. These options are currently available for the following truss types: Common, Attic and Scissor.

With the Medeek Truss Plugin, you can accurately depict typical roof trusses within SketchUp and better validate your architectural models.

Please note that the current Truss Plugin does not provide any loads, internal forces, reactions or engineering of the trusses modeled. Its sole purpose is to generate truss geometry. For a more in depth analysis of certain truss types please try our Truss Designer or Snow Load Calculator.

Audience

This document is intended for architects, engineers, designers and homeowners who are using SketchUp as their primary 3D design tool. It provides an introduction to using the plugin and reference material on the available parameters/options for its use.

License and Limits of Use

The Medeek Truss Plugin is a proprietary softare developed for use with the SketchUp 3D modeling program. There are currently no limits to its use for both personal and commercial applications.

Design Parameters - Truss Geometry

The following items are typical design parameters than can be modified by the user to define the truss geometry during the truss creation process:

Additional parameters and options are available for specific truss types (ie. attic, scissor, floor) and floor joist products.

Download Trial

The trial version of the plugin has all the features of the full plugin however the span of the truss/joist is limited to the default value.

For testing purposes please download the trial plugin at the following link:

Purchase

The full version is an unrestricted, permanent license for both commercial and personal use. Installation on up to (5) separate machines per licensed copy is allowed. Please do not redistribute unlicensed copies of the plugin. Download of the plugin is available immediately after purchase.

Purchase the full plugin ($20.00) at the following link:

Please login to the Account Manager to download the most up-to-date version of the plugin.

Installation

The recent versions of SketchUp allow you to install zipped Ruby files or extensions (.rbz) directly within SketchUp.

To install the Medeek Truss Plugin (.rbz file format):

  1. Login into your computer as an admin before installing any Ruby scripts. This will make the installation go more smoothly and ensure that files get installed in the proper places.
  2. Within SketchUp select Window > Preferences (Microsoft Windows) or SketchUp > Preferences (Mac OS X). The Preferences dialog box is displayed.
  3. Click on Extensions. The Extensions panel is displayed.
  4. Click on the Install Extension button. The Open dialog box is displayed.
  5. Locate the Ruby zip file to install (.rbz).
  6. Click on the Open button. SketchUp will install the extension and display a security prompt. The Medeek Truss Plugin will now appear in the list of available extensions.

Updates

The current version of the Medeek Truss Plugin is 1.1.0.

View the Medeek Truss Plugin Changlog for more information on updates to this plugin.

For a more in depth look at the development of the plugin and related discussions please visit the Medeek Forum.

WARNING: The Medeek Truss Plugin is currently under development. The user may encounter unintended behavior due to the addition of new features on a daily basis. Always backup your data to separate file names to provide redundancy in case of file corruption or other data loss scenarios.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Medeek Truss Plugin please call us at 1-425-420-5715.

Copyright © 2011-2015 Medeek Design Inc.