How to Fix the 2D Floor Plan Display of Lattice Structures Modelled with Beams in Archicad?

This article is for clients who use Graphisoft Archicad to model lattice-type structures using beams. It describes the steps to resolve common issues related to incorrect display in floor plan view, by adjusting the display options and 2D fills.

Audience

Technical support, BIM experts, and Archicad users responsible for model presentation and documentation.

Prerequisites

• Archicad model with lattices created using the Beam tool.
• Permission to modify element parameters in the project.
• Basic knowledge of floor plan display options and fills in Archicad.

Resolution Steps

1. Select the affected beam
   1. Open the desired project in Archicad.
   2. Go to the floor plan view where the lattice is not displaying correctly.
   3. Select one of the beams that make up the lattice structure.
2. Adjust the beams' floor plan display
   1. Press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Cmd+T (Mac) to open the Beam Selection Settings dialog box.
   2. In the side panel, go to Floor Plan and Section.
   3. Set the Floor Plan Display option:
      • Choose Projected with Overhead, or
      • Symbolic Cut (depending on whether you need a cut or elevated view).
   4. Make sure Show on Stories is set correctly (for example, Home Story Only or All Relevant Stories).
3. Check the cut plane
   1. Go to Document → Cut Plane.
   2. Check that the cut height passes through the beams if you're using Projected with Overhead.
   3. Adjust the cut plane height or the beams' Z coordinate if necessary.
4. Set the 2D view fills
   1. In Beam Selection Settings → Floor Plan and Section, locate:
      • Cut fill type
      • Fill type on the exposed face (cover fill)
   2. Assign the appropriate fills for each situation:
      • For beams cut by the plane: use Cut Fill.
      • For beams positioned above: apply Cover Fill.
   3. Adjust the Cut Line and Uncut Line parameters to ensure a clear display.
5. Review elements overlapping the lattice
   1. Select elements such as slabs, meshes or objects positioned over the beam structure.
   2. In their dialog box, go to Floor Plan and Section.
   3. Set Floor Plan Display to a compatible option such as Overhead All.
   4. If necessary, change the Display Order from Edit → Display Order → Send to Back.
6. Optional: use Graphic Override
   1. Go to Document → Graphic Override.
   2. Create or apply a combination of rules that highlights the lattice beams.
   3. Define the criteria for fills, line types or thickness and make sure they stand out appropriately in the floor plan.
7. Final validation
   1. Return to the 2D floor plan view.
   2. Check that:
      • The lattice beams are displaying correctly with the appropriate fills.
      • They are not hidden by other elements in the floor plan.
      • The visual result meets the project's documentation standards.

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