How to Add Segments to a Curtain Wall in Revit

Adding segments to a curtain wall in Revit is a fundamental process for customizing your facade design, dividing panels, and integrating various elements like doors and windows. You can achieve this by either modifying existing grid lines or by introducing entirely new ones.

1. Adding or Modifying Segments on Existing Curtain Grids

This method is used when you want to divide an existing panel by restoring or extending a segment on an already placed curtain grid line. This is particularly useful for refining an existing grid layout.

Steps to Modify Existing Grid Segments:

1. Select a Curtain Grid: In your Revit model, hover your cursor over the specific curtain grid line you wish to modify until it highlights. Click to select it.
2. Activate the Add/Remove Segments Tool: Once the grid line is selected, a contextual tab titled Modify | Curtain Wall Grids will appear in the Revit ribbon.
   • Within this tab, locate the Curtain Grid panel.
   • Click on the Add/Remove Segments button.
3. Restore or Toggle Segments:
   • While the tool is active, any segments of the selected grid line that were previously removed or incomplete will appear as dashed lines.
   • To add (restore) a segment, simply click on these dashed lines. This action will make the segment solid again, dividing any panel it crosses.
   • Conversely, you can click on existing solid segments to remove them, which will merge the adjacent panels.
4. Finish Command: After making your desired changes, press the Esc key twice or click outside the curtain wall to exit the command.

This process allows for precise control over the individual segments of a grid line, enabling you to create unique panel configurations without affecting the entire grid.

2. Creating New Curtain Grid Lines

To introduce new vertical or horizontal divisions across your curtain wall, thereby adding new segments and panels, you'll use the dedicated "Curtain Grid" tool. This is for establishing new structural lines within the curtain wall.

Steps to Create New Curtain Grid Lines:

1. Select the Curtain Wall: Begin by selecting the entire curtain wall element in your project that you intend to modify.
2. Access the Curtain Grid Tool:
   • Navigate to the Architecture tab in the Revit ribbon.
   • In the Build panel, click on the Curtain Grid button.
3. Choose Placement Option: On the ribbon, you'll find options that define how the new grid line will be placed:
   • All Segments: This option creates a continuous grid line spanning the entire length or height of the selected curtain wall.
   • One Segment: This allows you to create a single grid segment between two existing grid lines, providing localized divisions.
   • All Except Picked: This option places a continuous grid line but gives you the ability to click on specific segments during placement to exclude them from the new grid.
4. Place the New Grid Line:
   • For Vertical Grids: Hover your cursor over a horizontal edge of the curtain wall. Revit will display temporary dimensions, helping you to accurately position the new grid line. Click to place it.
   • For Horizontal Grids: Similarly, hover your cursor over a vertical edge of the curtain wall. Click to place the new horizontal grid line.
   • Utilize Revit's snapping features and temporary dimensions for precise placement.
5. Complete the Action: Press Esc twice to exit the Curtain Grid tool.

Practical Considerations & Best Practices

To ensure efficient and accurate curtain wall design in Revit, consider these practical insights:

• Understanding Curtain Wall Type Properties:
  • Every curtain wall has type properties that define its default grid layouts, such as "Fixed Distance," "Fixed Number," "Maximum Spacing," or "Minimum Spacing." While you can manually add grids, understanding these settings helps predict and control the wall's behavior.
  • Access these by selecting the curtain wall, then clicking Edit Type in the Properties palette.
• Automatic Panel and Mullion Creation:
  • When you add new grid lines or segments, Revit automatically divides existing curtain wall panels and places mullions along the new grid lines, based on the mullion types defined in the curtain wall's type properties.
  • You can then select individual panels or mullions to change their specific types or adjust their properties.
• Precision and Alignment Tools:
  • Always leverage Revit's temporary dimensions and object snapping to ensure accurate placement and alignment of your grid lines with other building elements or reference planes.
  • The Align tool (AL) can also be invaluable for aligning new grid lines with existing geometry.
• Pinning Elements for Stability:
  • Once your grid lines are correctly positioned, consider pinning them (using the pin icon on the Modify tab) to prevent accidental movement or deletion, ensuring the integrity of your design.

By understanding and utilizing these methods, you can effectively segment and customize your Revit curtain walls to meet diverse architectural requirements and aesthetic visions. For further details, consult the official Autodesk Revit Help documentation on Curtain Grids and Curtain Walls.