User Manual: Ntroduction

USER MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
FrameBuilder-MRD offers a comprehensive set of tools for SketchUp

and modules to make LSF design and construction a breeze. Design
Structures, do Costing and Invoicing and Generate Machine CNC files
instantly.
This document is the property of the BSR South Africa (Pty) Ltd
It may not be reproduced or communicated without the author's prior agreement
SUMMARISED CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 1
1. ICONS USED IN THE MANUEL .................................................................... 6
2. FRAMEBUILDER-MRD ............................................................................ 7
3. INSTALLATION ...................................................................................... 8
4. REGISTRATION AND LOGIN PROCESS ........................................................ 10
5. WALL MODULE .................................................................................... 19
6. FLOOR MODULE ................................................................................... 82
7. BEAM AND JOISTS MODULE .................................................................. 117
8. ROOF MODULE .................................................................................. 134
9. FREE TOOL MODULE ........................................................................... 175
10. APPENDICES .................................................................................... 200
Framebuilder-mrd_user_manual.doc
Last modification September 2018
Author BSR SA Version : 3.3 Page 2 / 200
DETAILED CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 1
1. ICONS USED IN THE MANUEL ................................................................... 6
2. FRAMEBUILDER-MRD ............................................................................ 7
2.1 Brief description......................................................................................... 7
2.2 Support .................................................................................................... 7
3. INSTALLATION ...................................................................................... 8
3.1 Prerequisites ............................................................................................. 8
3.2 Installation ................................................................................................ 8
3.3 First Screens ............................................................................................. 9
4. REGISTRATION AND LOGIN PROCESS ........................................................ 10
4.1 First Time Registration .............................................................................. 10
4.2 Registration Form .................................................................................... 11
4.3 Login ...................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Successful Login ...................................................................................... 13
4.5 Menus .................................................................................................... 15
4.6 How to Setup a New User Profile ................................................................ 18
5. WALL MODULE ................................................................................... 19
5.1 Icons ...................................................................................................... 19
5.2 How to Create a New Wall ......................................................................... 20
5.3 Edit Properties of a Wall ............................................................................ 24
5.4 Advanced Wall Properties Overview ............................................................ 34
5.5 Move, Resize Walls ................................................................................... 42
5.5.1 Move a Wall.......................................................................................... 42
5.5.2 Rotate a Wall ........................................................................................ 43
5.5.3 Resize (Extend) a Wall ........................................................................... 44
5.6 Add a Window ......................................................................................... 45
5.6.1 Window Properties ................................................................................ 45
5.6.2 Inserting a Window ............................................................................... 48
5.6.3 Moving a Window .................................................................................. 49
5.6.4 Deleting a Window ................................................................................ 49
5.7 Add a Door.............................................................................................. 51
5.7.1 Door Properties ..................................................................................... 51
5.7.2 Inserting a Door.................................................................................... 54
5.7.3 Moving a Door ...................................................................................... 56
5.7.4 Deleting a Door ..................................................................................... 57
5.8 Add a Lateral Brace .................................................................................. 58
5.8.1 Brace Properties .................................................................................... 58
5.8.2 Inserting a Brace ................................................................................... 60
5.8.3 Deleting a Brace .................................................................................... 61
5.9 Add a Stud .............................................................................................. 62
5.10 Delete a Stud ......................................................................................... 63
5.11 Add a Nog .............................................................................................. 64
5.12 Delete a Nog .......................................................................................... 65
5.13 Add a Custom Profile ............................................................................... 66
5.14 Edit a Custom Profile ............................................................................... 68
5.15 Add 4 Walls ............................................................................................ 70
5.15.1 Wall Properties for Drawing 4 Walls ........................................................ 71
5.15.2 Drawing the 4 Walls ............................................................................. 71
5.16 Trace a Floor Plan ................................................................................... 72
5.17 Process a Floor Plan Trace........................................................................ 74
5.18 Standard Default Settings ........................................................................ 75
5.19 Advanced Default Settings ....................................................................... 78
6. FLOOR MODULE ................................................................................... 82
6.1 Icons ...................................................................................................... 82
6.2 How to Create a Floor ............................................................................... 83
6.3 Change Floor Properties ............................................................................ 84
6.4 Change Floor Advanced Properties .............................................................. 89
6.5 Add Bridge ............................................................................................... 95
6.6 Delete Bridge ........................................................................................... 97
6.7 Rotate Bridge ........................................................................................... 99
6.8 Add floor Joist ........................................................................................ 101
6.9 Delete Floor Joist .................................................................................... 103
6.10 Rotate Floor Joist .................................................................................. 105
6.11 Change Floor Settings ........................................................................... 107
6.12 Change Floor Advanced Settings ............................................................. 110
7. BEAM AND JOISTS MODULE .................................................................. 117
7.1 Icons .................................................................................................... 117
7.2 How to Create a Beam ............................................................................ 118
7.3 Change Beam Properties ......................................................................... 120
7.4 Change Beam Settings ............................................................................ 127
8. ROOF MODULE .................................................................................. 134
8.1 Icons ..................................................................................................... 134
8.2 How to Create a Roof .............................................................................. 135
8.3 Change Selected Roof Properties............................................................... 138
8.4 Change Advanced Roof Properties ............................................................. 145
8.5 Creates a Roof Purlins, Battens ................................................................. 151
8.6 Edit Roof Purlins, Battens Properties .......................................................... 153
8.7 Change Roof Settings .............................................................................. 157
8.8 Change Advanced Roof Settings................................................................ 164
9. FREE TOOL MODULE ........................................................................... 175
9.1 Icons ..................................................................................................... 175
9.2 Create a single Stud, Nog, Brace, Ungrouped ............................................. 176
9.3 Change Object Properties ......................................................................... 179
9.4 Reset Tooling ......................................................................................... 184
9.5 Flip X..................................................................................................... 186
9.6 Tag profiles to avoid Notch or Lip Cuts ....................................................... 187
9.7 Generate Tooling for one or more profiles .................................................. 188
9.8 Group Collection of Objects ...................................................................... 190
9.9 Ungroup Collection of Objects ................................................................... 192
9.10 Trace an Object Step 1 .......................................................................... 193
9.11 Process an Object Step 2 ....................................................................... 195
9.12 Change Free Tool Settings ...................................................................... 196
10. APPENDICES ................................................................................... 200
10.1 Appendix 1 .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
10.2 Appendix 2 .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1. ICONS USED IN THE MANUEL
Throughout this document, the pictograms below are used to underline points
or important notions
Important information
Good to know - Tricks
Risk in front of a parameter setting or of a specific action
Action to be avoided
Mandatory action
Sensitive or difficult procedure. To take into account necessarily
Actions reserved for the Machine Specialist
Actions reserved for the Administrator
2. FRAMEBUILDER-MRD
2.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Developed as a PlugIn within SketchUp, FrameBuilder-MRD (Machine
Reading Designer) aims to provide a total affordable software solution
for Light Steel Construction. What you draw is what you get.
2.2 SUPPORT
Email: Support@framebuilder-mrd.com
Whatsapp: +27826742448
Website: www.framebuilder-mrd.com
3. INSTALLATION
3.1 PREREQUISITES
 Microsoft Windows 7+
 SketchUp 2016+
 Microsoft Excel 2010+
3.2 INSTALLATION
 Download SketchUp
https://www.sketchup.com/download/all
 Install SketchUp
 Download FrameBuilder-MRD
http://www.framebuilder-mrd.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8&SID=6-
z6b14bbb7bfbzca734ab4199884259&title=framebuildermrd-download
 Unzip FrameBuilder-MRD
 Install FrameBuilder-MRD (rbz extension) into SketchUp
 SketchUp 2016 and lower version

https://help.sketchup.com/en/article/38583
 SketchUp 2017 and higher

https://help.sketchup.com/en/article/3000264
3.3 FIRST SCREENS
You will be presented with two windows after FrameBuilder-MRD PlugIn

has been installed successfully. The window on the left is the main appli-
cation window for FrameBuilder-MRD. The second window on the right is
where you will register and login.
4. REGISTRATION AND LOGIN PROCESS
4.1 FIRST TIME REGISTRATION
4.2 REGISTRATION FORM
4.3 LOGIN
Upon completing registration you will be emailed a Trial License
Key. Please also be sure to check your spam folders. This license
key is valid for 15 days. It can be converted to a full license before
or after expiration.
If you have not received your License Key or need a reminder, use
the email serial Key option in the Logon window at the bottom
right of the window to have your license key or password emailed
to you.
4.4 SUCCESSFUL LOGIN
 Once you have logged in successfully you should see the following
screen below with license information.
Should you are have any trouble logging in; assistance is always
available on support@framebuilder-mrd.com.
Use the Remember me and Auto Login to save password and close
this window automatically on start-up.
4.5 MENUS
 Main Menu
Click on the Draw Menu to access the Main Tool Bar.

Or
Click on the Draw Menu to drop down the Main Drawing Options
Main Tool Bar maybe be hidden under the FrameBuilder-MRD

Window.
 Global Settings
Global settings for the different modules can be set here.
This mainly includes machines settings that govern the tool

sizes for swages, notches, lip cuts and others.
Popular Machines have already been preconfigured.
However, if you have customized tooling from the manufacturer,

it is highly recommended you go through some of the tooling
sizes to make certain it reflects the correct size for the different
tooling options on your machine.
How to change tool sizes for your machine is discussed in Sec-

tion:*******
 Main Drawing Icons - General Overview
 Click on the Wall, Floor, Beam, Roof, Free Tool Icons to access
the Drawing Tools
 These icons give you access various drawing options to draw
and edit various styles of walls, floors, joists and roof styles
 Green Icons – For Example, Draw a New wall or add a new
component within a frame, such as windows, extra studs, nogs
or internal lateral bracing.
 Blue Icons - Edit properties for a selected frame or components
within a frame.
 Red icons – Delete, Move, Resize selected frame or compo-
nents within a frame.
 Cog icons to set default settings for standard or advance set-
tings.
 Getting Started
It is important to create a new profile to ensure a user’s custom
settings are not overwritten with new updates or future releases
of FrameBuilder-MRD.
4.6 HOW TO SETUP A NEW USER PROFILE
Click on the User profile menu option under login or main tool bar.
 Click on the Create New Profile Icon to save a New profile

 Click on the Default Profile Icon to set the profile to the se-
lected profile
5. WALL MODULE
In this section you will learn how to draw a typical wall, update properties
and add internal components such as openings and braces.
5.1 ICONS
5.2 HOW TO CREATE A NEW WALL
Click on “Creates a Wall” Icon, the following will open up:
Once you are sure that all your settings for your wall is correct, click
“ok” and then start drawing your wall. Start by first clicking on your
start position and then drag your mouse to the end position or simply
type the width of your wall in the bottom right corner of the screen.
NB: The process for Normal walls is the same as for Gable (Or Mono)
Walls, thus follow the same instructions going forward
For the Gable Roof, however, when you click on “Creates a Gable Wall”
Icon, the following will open up:
5.3 EDIT PROPERTIES OF A WALL
Select the Wall Frame you want to change
Click on the Blue Icons called “Standard and Advance Wall Proper-
ties”. The following window will open up and you will be able to change
the default wall properties for your wall.
o Drawing Options
 Assembly Labels
Enable or Disable labels on individual profiles within the
selected wall
 Draw Tooling Points
Enable or Disable rendering of dimples, notches,swages and
lip cuts etc
o Wall Options
 LGSProfile Size
This is the profile of the steel to used in the manufacture of
the product you are designing.
 Mitre Ends
Also know as chamfer or truss end. This options enables the
ends of certain profiles, such as lateral bracing or web
diagonals on headers to be trimmed at a 45 degree angle.
 Nogs Even
Nogs are spaced from top to bottom in an even spacing.
(This excludes the top and bottom spacing, as the bottom
spacing has a different setting and the top space is a default
space.)
 Studs Even
Studs are spaced from side to side in an even spacing. (This
is only for the middle spacing, it does not affect the spacing
fromthe two sides)
 Top Chord Deflection Slot

Special Howick Machine Specific Option. This option
allows for the top plate on a standard wall from to be
adjusted in situations where existing ceiling heights are not
true or square.
 Wall TopPlate Height
The height of the wall that you want to design
 Stud Spacing
Spacing of Studs from each (Recommended is 600mm)
 First Nog
Start Position of the First Nog
 Nog Spacing
Spacing of Nogs from each other.
 Hold Down Spacing

Hold Tool Spacing, specific to certain machines.
 Bolt Hole Spacing
Bolt Hole Tool Spacing, specific to certain machines. Places
bolt holes on the bottom plate of a wall frame.
 Service Holes:
The point at which you want the service holes to be cut by
the machine
Enter Service Holes Properties with the following codes
delimited by |
Stud:st
Nog:ng
Jamb Stud: jb
Jack Stud: jk
Diagonal Profile:lb
Vertical: vt
Brace Profile: br
For Example:br300|br400|st400|ng400
Double click on a the wall and then click on the member to
get the code of the member so that you can define the mem-
bers that need to have the service hole cut out on them.
Entering st300|st500 places services holes at 300mm and
500mm on each Stud.
Entering ng300|st500 places services holes at 300mm on a
nog and 500mm on each Stud.
Entering lb300 places a service hole at 300mm on a lateral

brace.
o Materials
 Show Wall Cladding
This option will show the selected Wall Cladding chosen in
the design you are drawing. You have the option to switch it
off or on so that you can view the final product.
 Wall Cladding
Choice of Wall Cladding such as OSB_Board, Stone_ Brick,
and Fibre Cement.
5.4 ADVANCED WALL PROPERTIES OVERVIEW
Select the Wall Frame you want to change
Click on the Blue Icon called “Advance Wall Properties”.
o Wall Options
 Stud Spacing On Centre
Allows you to choose the stud spacing to be measured either
from the start of the first stud to the midpoint (Centre) of
the next stud or from the start of the first stud to the start
of the next stud.
 Angle Mount Bracket

The angle mount bracket is a bracket used to mount the wall
to the floor
 Back to Back Studs
Adds a stud next to a stud (back to back) for each stud in
the wall.
 Frame End Stud +1

Adds an extra stud on either the start, at the end or even on
both sides side of a wall.
 Frame End Stud + 1 Offset
Allows you to define the space you would like for you
additional stud added in the previous step.
 Frame End Web Holes

You can select the spacing at which you want web holes to
be made by the machine (example: st500* - makes the
holes on the stud at the end of the wall at 500mm intervals)
o Wall Clearances
 First Stud Adjust Position
Moves the first stud a certain distance away from the start
of the wall
 Last Stud Adjust Position
Moves the last stud a certain distance closer to the end of
the wall. (as can bee seen below. The stud was initially
600mm away from the end of the wall and on adjustment it
moves 200mm closer = 400mm).
 Brace Clearance
Allows you to change the space between the end of the
brace and the edge of the intersecting stud or nog.
 Brace Spacing (Stud to Stud)

Allows you to change the space between the brace and the
edge of the intersecting stud for your stud to stud bracing.
 Top Plate to Stud
Allows you to change the space between the top plate of the
wall and the intersecting stud.
 Top Plate to Ridge Clearance

Adjusts the space between the 2 top plates on a gable roof.
 Bottom Plate to Stud
Adjusts the space between the bottom plate and its
intersecting stud on the wall
 Noggin to Stud
Adjusts the space between the nogs and its intersecting
studs on the wall
 Head to Stud
Allows you to change the clearance from the header of the
window to the studs intersecting it at that point.
 Sill to Stud
Allows you to change the clearance from the bottom of the
window sill to the studs intersecting it at that point.
o Materials
(These settings are usefull when two walls are joined together,
especially at a corner, to cover up the exposed steel of the
one wall)
 External Material Left End
Allows you to change the overhang of your external material
on the left side of the wall.
 External Material Right End

Allows you to change the overhang of your external material
on the right side of the wall.
 Internal Material Left End
Allows you to change the overhang of your internal material
on the left side of the wall.
 Internal Material Right End
Allows you to change the overhang of your internal material
on the right side of the wall.
5.5 MOVE, RESIZE WALLS
You can move, resize or extend a wall already drawn by using the red
“move, rotate or extend wall” icon on the wall tool bar.
5.5.1 MOVE A WALL

To move a wall, first click on the wall to be moved and then click the
red “move, rotate or extend wall” icon. Now click on the bottom
centre of the wall to be moved (the wall will be highlighted in yellow
with a green square in the centre) then hold the mouse and drag it
to the position you require it to be moved to. (You can move the wall
anywhere on the plane and not just from right to left)
5.5.2 ROTATE A WALL
To rotate firts click on the wall and then click the red “move, rotate
or extend wall” icon. Once again a yellow highlight will appear
around the wall with a green square on the corner that you select to
be rotated. Click and drag this corner to rotate the wall where you
need it to be roated to (the yellow outline of the wall will be visibleto
guide you) and then release your mouse. The wall should appear in
the position that you rotated it to.
5.5.3 RESIZE (EXTEND) A WALL
To resize or extend click on the wall to be resized and then click the
red “move, rotate or extend wall” icon.
5.6 ADD A WINDOW
You can add a window to any wall by using the “Window Tools Bar”. The
Windows Tools Bar is located on the Wall Tools Bar. You need to click on
the “Window” icon on the Wall Tools bar to open the Window Tools Bar.
Start by selecting the wall on which the window will be added. Once you
have selected the wall click on the green “window” icon on the window
tool bar. This will open up the Window Properties window. Ensure that
the options listed are what you need to draw your window before clicking
OK at the bottom of the window.
5.6.1 WINDOW PROPERTIES
o Drawing Options
 Draw Offset
The draw offset allows you to select the window to ei-
ther be offset to the left, the centre or the right of the
wall.
 Finishing Material
You are able to select between Aluminium or Wood
window
o Window Options
 Header Type
You can select between the following header design for
your window: Howe, Pratt, Warren, Warren Vertical or
None (No Header)
 Header Top Chord Height

The height on the wall at which the Top chord of the
window will end.
 Header Bottom Chord Height
The height on the wall at which the Bottom chord of
the window will start.
 Header Web Space
The web spacing or spacing of the design on the head-
er.
 King Stud Gap
The gap between the different King studs (only appli-
cable if more than one King stud selected in the de-
sign.
 Qty King Studs
Number of King Studs selected next to the window on
either side
 Width
Width of the window from left to right
 Height
Height of window from the Bottom chord to Top chord
o Header Clearances
 Header Web Brace End
Allows you to select the space between the header
bracing and the header top and bottom plates
Increasing the Header Web Brace end size will move the bracing
closer or away from the plates to the top and bottom of the bracing
 Header Web Offset

Allows you to change the spacing between the two
bracings on the top and bottom header plates.
 Header Web Configuration Start End

This moves the header bracing away from the jam
studs on the sides of the header design.
 Header Chord End
Adjusts the spacing from the header chords to the jam
studs on either end.
5.6.2 INSERTING A WINDOW
Once you have selected the “Wall” icon and adjusted your window
properties you will have a yellow guide showing you where a window
can be inserted into the wall. The red line shown on the left of the
picture indicates that a window cannot be inserted in that area. Once
you have your required place for your window release your mouse
and your window will appear in that space.
You can adjust the window by clicking on the wall, then clicking on
the blue “Window” icon and selecting the window on the wall that
you want to adjust. The window properties will reopen for you to
make your adjustments.
When you have completed your adjustments, click OK and your

adjustments will be incorporated on the window.
5.6.3 MOVING A WINDOW
To move a window, simply click on the wall, then click on the red
“window” icon that has a red square around it and select the window
on the wall that you want to move.
5.6.4 DELETING A WINDOW

To delete a window, simply click on the wall, then click on the red
“Window” icon and select the window on the wall that you want to
delete.
A window will appear asking if you want to delete the object. Once
you select “Yes” the window will be deleted.
5.7 ADD A DOOR
You can add a door to any wall by using the “Door” icons located on the
Wall icon bar. This will in turn open up the Door tools bar.
Start by selecting the wall on which the door will be added. Once you
have selcted the wall click on the green “Door” icon on the Door tools
bar. This will open up the Door Properties window. Browse the different
options before selecting OK at the bottom of the window.
5.7.1 DOOR PROPERTIES

o Drawing Options
 Draw Offset
The draw offset allows you to select the door to either
be offset to the left, the centre or the right of the wall.
 Material
You are able to select between Aluminium and Wood
doors
o Door Options
 Bottom Plate Cutouts
You can select to have the bottom plate of the door
cut out on either side so that it may be easily removed
after the wall has been completed, thus it wont in the
way of the door
 Header Type
You can select between the following header design for
your door: Howe, Pratt, Warren, Warren Vertical or
None (No Header)
 Header Bottom Chord Height

The height on the wall at which the Bottom chord of
the door will start.
 Header Top Chord Height
The height on the wall at which the Top chord of the
door will end.
 Header Web Space
The web spacing or spacing of the design on the head-
er.
 King Stud Gap
The gap between the different King studs (only appli-
cable if more than one King stud was selected in the
design.
 Qty King Studs
Number of King Studs selected next to the window on
either side
 Width
Width of the door from left to right
(note that the height of the door does not have to be
selected as it is set at the default)
o Header Clearances
 Header Web Brace End
Allows you to select the space between the header
bracing and the header top and bottom plates.
Increasing the Header Web Brace end size will move the bracing
closer or away from the plates to the top and bottom of the bracing
 Header Web Offset

Allows you to change the spacing between the two
bracings on the top and bottom header plates.
 Header Web Configuration Start End

This moves the header bracing away from the jam
studs on the sides of the header design.
 Header Chord End
Adjusts the spacing from the header chords to the jam
studs on either end.
5.7.2 INSERTING A DOOR
Once you have selected the wall icon and adjusted your door
properties you will have a yellow guide showing you where a door
can be inserted into the wall. A red line shown on the wall indicates
that a door can’t be inserted in that area. Once you have your
required place for your door release your mouse and your door will
appear in that space.
You can adjust the door by clicking on the wall, then clicking on the
blue “Door” icon and selecting the door on the wall that you want to
adjust. The Door properties will reopen for you to make your
adjustments.
When you have completed your adjustments, click OK and your
adjustments will be incorporated in the door.
5.7.3 MOVING A DOOR
To move a door, simply click on the wall, then click on the red “Door”
icon that has a red square around it and select the door on the wall
that you want to move.
5.7.4 DELETING A DOOR
To delete a door, simply click on the wall, then click on the red
“Door” icon and select the door on the wall that you want to delete.
you select “Yes” the door will be deleted.
5.8 ADD A LATERAL BRACE
To add a lateral brace on a wall, simply click on the wall that you wish to
add the bracing on. Next click the green “Lateral Brace” icon as indi-
cated:
A window will open up with the Internal Brace Properties. You need to
select the type of brace that you require and ensure that all the other In-
ternal Brace properties are correct before clicking “ok” to start inserting
your internal bracing.
5.8.1 BRACE PROPERTIES

o Brace Options
 Lateral Bracing
There are four different types of bracing available to
choose from: stud to stud, plate to stud, plate to plate
and plate to stud K
 Mitre End Tool
You have the option of selecting to mitre the ends of
the bracing. This gives the frame more sturdiness as
the bracing will be more inside the frame.
 Max No. of Braces

You can select the number of braces that you would
require in a given space so that it does not automati-
cally insert the maximum
o Clearances
 Brace Clearance
This refers to the space between the brace and the in-
tersecting stud, nog or plate.
5.8.2 INSERTING A BRACE

Once you have selected the “Lateral Brace” icon and adjusted your
Brace properties you will have a yellow guide showing you where a
brace can be inserted into the wall. Once you have your required
place for your brace release your hold on the mouse and your type of
brace selected will appear in that space.
You can adjust the bracing by clicking on the wall, then clicking on
the blue “Lateral Brace” icon and selecting the bracing on the wall
that you want to adjust. The internal bracing properties will reopen
for you to make your adjustments.
When you have completed your adjustments, click “ok” and your
adjustments will be incorporated on the bracing.
5.8.3 DELETING A BRACE

To delete a brace, simply click on the wall, then click on the red
“Lateral Brace” icon and select the brace on the wall that you want to
delete.
you select “Yes” the bracing will be deleted.
5.9 ADD A STUD
You can add a stud to any wall by using the green “Add a Stud” icon lo-
cated on the Wall icon bar.
Start by selecting the wall on which the stud needs to be added. Once
you have selected the wall click on the green “Add a Stud” icon. A purple
line will be appear to highlight the position where the stud needs to be
added. You can move this from side to side and then on releasing your
mouse the stud will be drawn where you indicated.
5.10 DELETE A STUD
You can delete a stud to any wall by using the red “Delete a Stud” icon
located on the Wall icon bar.
Start by double clicking the wall on which the stud needs to be deleted.
Then select the stud you want to delete and click on the red “Delete a
Stud” icon. The stud will then be removed from the wall.
5.11 ADD A NOG
You can add a nog to any wall by using the green “Add a Nog” icon lo-
Start by selecting the wall on which the nog needs to be added. Once
you have selcted the wall click on the green “Add a Nog” icon. A orange
cross-line will be appear to highlight the position where the nog needs to
be added. You can move this line up and down until you have the area
you want to add the nog to. On releasing the mouse the nog will be
drawn where you have indicated.
5.12 DELETE A NOG
You can delete a nog to any wall by using the red “Delete a Nog” icon lo-
Start by double clicking the wall on which the nog needs to be deleted.
Then select the nog you want to delete and click on the red “Delete a
Nog” icon. The nog will then be removed from the wall.
5.13 ADD A CUSTOM PROFILE
You can add a free profile within any wall by using the green “Creates a
Free Profile” icon located on the Wall icon bar.
Start by selecting the wall on which the free profile needs to be added.
Once you have selected the wall click on the green “Creates a Free Pro-
file” icon. A window will first appear in which you can set whether you
require the tooling to be inserted and your required clearance of the pro-
file to the intersecting nog and studs already on the wall. Click “ok” when
done.
You can now draw any type of profile you require within this wall by click-
ing from a start point and then to the end point of your required profile.
5.14 EDIT A CUSTOM PROFILE
You can edit a free profile within any wall by using the blue “Change Cus-
tom Profile Properties” icon located on the Wall icon bar.
Select the wall on which the free profile needs to be edited. Once you
have selected the wall click on the blue “Change Custom Profile Proper-
ties” icon. A window will appear in which you can edit if you want the
tooling to be inserted and your required clearance of the profile. Once you
have edited this click OK.
To remove a profile it will be best to remove the tooling on the profile

first. You do this by selecting the wall, then click on the blue “Change
Custom Profile Properties” icon and select the “Generate Tooling” option
to be “false”. The Tooling now be removed from the profile.
You will then double click the wall and then select the required profile to
delete and press the delete button on your keyboard.
5.15 ADD 4 WALLS
You can draw 4 walls for a building all at the same time by using the
green “Create 4 walls” tool located on the Wall Tool bar.
It is best to first draw the floor plan of the walls you want to be drawn
from the starting point of the green and red axis.
Once you have created the floor plan or just inserted in an area where
you will be drawing your walls, click on the green “Create 4 walls” icon.
The Wall Properties Window will open for you to select the properties of
the walls you want created.
5.15.1 WALL PROPERTIES FOR DRAWING 4 WALLS
o Drawing Options
 Draw Offset
The draw offset allows you to select the door to either
be offset to the left, the centre or the right of the wall.
o Options
 LGSProfile size
You can must select the profile size that your manu-
facturer will be using to manufacture these walls. The
size naming convention was discussed in section 5.2
above (How to create a New Wall)
 Wall Class
You can select between the exterior, interior or other.
 Wall Top Plate Height
This is the height you want the completed wall to be.
 Stud Spacing
Spacing of Studs from each (Recommended is
600mm.
 Nog Spacing
Spacing of Nogs from each other
 First Nog
 Brace Clearnace
The space required between the brace and the inter-
secting stud or nog.
5.15.2 DRAWING THE 4 WALLS
Now that you have selected your properties for your walls to be
drawn you can trace the 4 walls by first tracing the one side of the
wall and then moving across to complete the area of the walls. Once
you are done, release the mouse and the 4 walls will appear.
5.16 TRACE A FLOOR PLAN
You can trace the floor for a building to draw all the walls per the plan at
the same time by using the “Trace a Floor Plan Step 1” tool located on the
Wall Tool.
You will first have to trace all the walls directly from a plan by importing
the plan into SketchUp.
Now click on the green “Trace a Floor Plan Step 1” tool. The Trace Tool
Properties window will appear. This allows you to choose whether to off-
set the walls you are drawing the right, left or centre of the lines on the
plan. Once you have selected your offset, click “ok”.
You can now start tracing the walls in the plan. Make use of the justifica-
tion in the Trace Tool Properties to assist you in getting the orientation
correct and to ensure that the walls are correctly aligned to each other.
5.17 PROCESS A FLOOR PLAN TRACE
Once you have completed tracing all the walls on your plan, you need to
click on the green “Trace a Floor Plan Step 2” tool on the Wall Tool bar to
complete the drawing of the walls per your properties.
5.18 STANDARD DEFAULT SETTINGS
At the end of the Wall Tool bar is the blue “Standard Default Settings”
icon. These settings are linked to your profile and are set-up once off.
Click on this blue “Standard Default Settings” icon to open up the Wall
Properties window and set all your standard settings for walls.
o Drawing Options
 Draw Offset
The draw offset allows you to select whether your walls will
offset either to the left, the centre or the right of the wall.
 Assembly Labels
Enable or disable labels to be printed on individual profiles
within the selected wall
Enable or disable rendering of dimples, lip cuts notches etc
 Show Wall Cladding
This option will show the selected Wall Cladding chosen in
the design you are drawing. You have the option to switch
it off or on.
o Wall Options
 LGSProfile Size
 Mitre Ends
Also know as chamfer or truss end. This options enables
the ends of certain profiles, such as lateral bracing or web
 Lateral Bracing
There are four different types of bracing available to
choose from: stud to stud, plate to stud, plate to plate and
plate to stud K
 Top Chord Deflection Slot
Special Howick Machine Specific Option. This option
allows for the top plate on a standard wall from to be ad-
justed in situations where existing ceiling heights are not
true or square.
 Max WallLength
The default max length of walls are set at 6000mm. This is
to ensure structural integrity.
 Max No. of Braces
You can select the number of braces that you would re-
quire in a given space so that it does not automatically in-
sert the maximum
 Gable Pitch (x-12)
The pitch of the Gable roof or Mono roof can be adjusted
per specification from a level 1 to a level 12.
 Overhang Right (Gable)
The amount that the Gable wall will overhang on the right
side of the wall.
 Overhang Left (Gable)
The amount that the Gable wall will overhang on the left
side of the wall.
 Wall TopPlate Height
The height of the wall that you want to design
 Wall Stud Spacing
Spacing of Studs from each (Recommended is 600mm)
 Wall First Nog Position
 Wall Nog Spacing
Spacing of Nogs from each other
 Service Holes:
The point at which you want the machine to cut service
holes. (Example: br300| br400| st400| ng400)
o Materials
 Wall Class
You select the nature of the wall by choosing between ex-
ternal, internal or other wall classes
 Wall Cladding
Choice of Wall Cladding such as OSB Board, Stone orBrick,
and Cement.
5.19 ADVANCED DEFAULT SETTINGS
Also at the end of the Wall Tool bar you will find the blue “Advance De-
fault Settings” icon for drawing walls. These settings are linked to your
profile and are set-up only once.
Click on this blue “Advance Default Settings” icon to open up the Ad-
vanced Wall Properties and set all your advanced settings for walls.
o Wall Options
 Wall Trace Draw Offset
 Auto Brace
You can select to have a bracing on the left side of your
wall to be automatically drawn when drawing a wall.
 Stud Spacing On Centre
Allows you to choose the stud spacing to be measured ei-
ther from the start of the first stud to the midpoint (Cen-
tre) of the next stud or from the start of the first stud to
the start of the next stud.
 Angle Mount Bracket
The angle mount bracket is a bracket used to mount the
wall to the floor
 Frame End Stud +1

Adds an extra stud on either the start, at the end of the
wall or you can even add one on each side of the wall.
 Frame End Stud + 1 Offset
Allows you to define the space you would like for you addi-
tional stud added in the previous step.
 Hold Down Spacing
Hold Tool Spacing, specific to certain machines.
 Bolt Hole Spacing
Bolt Hole Tool Spacing, specific to certain machines. Places
bolt holes on the bottom plate of a wall frame.
 Frame End Web Holes
You can select the spacing at which you want web holes to
be made by the machine (example: st500* - makes the
holes on the stud at the end of the wall at 500mm inter-
vals)
o Wall Clearances
 First Stud Adjust Position
Moves the first stud a certain distance away from the start
of the wall
 Last Stud Adjust Position
Moves the last stud a certain distance closer to the end of
the wall
 Brace Clearance
 Brace Spacing (Stud to Stud)

edge of the intersecting stud for this type of bracing.
 Top Plate to Stud
edge of the intersecting stud or plate for this type of brac-
ing
Adjusts the space between the 2 top plates and the ridge
on a gable roof
 Bottom Plate to Stud

Adjusts the space between the bottom plate and its inter-
secting stud on the wall
 Noggin to Stud
Adjusts the space between the nogs and its intersecting
studs on the wall
 Head to Stud
Allows you to change the clearance from the header of the
window to the studs intersecting it at that point.
 Sill to Stud
Allows you to change the clearance from the bottom of the
window sill to the studs intersecting it at that point.
 Gable Tie Clearance
Allows you to change the space between the ridge and the
intersecting gable ties.
o Materials
 External Material Left End
Allows you to change the overhang of your external mate-
rial on the left side of the wall.
 External Material Right End

Allows you to change the overhang of your external mate-
rial on the right side of the wall.
 Internal Material Left End
Allows you to change the overhang of your internal materi-
al on the left side of the wall.
 Internal Material Right End
Allows you to change the overhang of your internal materi-
al on the right side of the wall.
6. FLOOR MODULE
In this section you will learn how to draw a floor, update properties and add
bridges and Floor Joists.
6.1 ICONS
6.2 HOW TO CREATE A FLOOR
Click on the Floor Tools icon on the main menu and then on the green
“Creates a Floor” icon on the Floor Tools menu bar. The Floor Properties
window will then open up. Ensure that all the settings on the properties
menu are correct and click “ok” to continue to draw your floor.
It is preferable to start by drawing from the corner of the two axis. Click
in this corner then move your mouse to the right along an axis. Next
click to stop drawing the first side and drag your mouse downwards to
draw the second side of the frame. You will notice a rectangle being
drawn to depict the size of frame you are tracing. Once you let go of the
mouse your frame will appear.
6.3 CHANGE FLOOR PROPERTIES
On the Floor Tools bar is the blue “Change Floor Properties” icon for
drawing floors.
Click on the blue “Change Floor Properties” icon to open up the Floor
Properties and set all your standard properties for floors.
o Drawing Options
 Assembly Labels
Enable or Disable labels to be printed on the individual
profiles within the floor frame
Enable or Disable rendering of dimples, lip cuts notches etc
o Floor Options
 LGSProfile Size
 Joist System
The design of the different floor joist systems are lattice,
c_joist _Tab and c_joist_std. The difference between the
std and tab c_joist systems is based on the standard
machines and the floor joist machine(as per Howick
Machines). Lattice Floor beams come in Warren, Howe, Pratt
and “none or no Design.
 Floor Base Sheathing

Select the finish of your floor between OSB_Board, Cement,
Decking or none to be able to view how the floor will look
completed while drawing the floor.
 Mitre Ends
 Add Brace Plate (Lattice)
Bracing plates can be added to the Lattice floor beam in
order to give more strength and support to your.
 Beam Styles (Lattice)

Lattice Beams have 4 different design styles being, Howe,
Pratt, Warren and “None” or No style. (The styles can be
seen above under Joist Systems)
 Generate Bridging
When you select this tool to be “True”, it means that while
drawing the C-Joist Frame, the bridging will automatically be
generated according to your set properties.
 Bridge / Blocking Extension
This tool is used to extend the bridging over the joists so
that a bracket is not required (only applicable for the
C_Joist_tab on the Joists Machines)
 Bridging Tab Bias

Allows you to select your bias to the front or the back.
 Recommend Bridging
This tool will automatically insert bridging on your behalf
onto the joist.
 Bridge Staggering Space
Allows you have your bridging staggered at a certain
distance from each other.
 Bridge Spacing
This allows you to select the spacing between your bridging
that will be automatically inserted on the C joists.
 Joist Spacing
This is the spacing between the joists on the C Joist frame.
 Joist Height (Lattice)
On the lattice beams, you can change the height of the
beam using this tool.
 Web Diagonal Spacing
Aloows you to select the space between the web diagonals
on the lattice beams.
 Service Holes:
the machine. Insert the place to insert the service by typing
“jt”followed by the spacing required. A “*”after the spacing
will repeat the spacing throughout the frame.
 Swaged Service Holes

Swaged Service holes are bigger service holes that could be
inserted for cutting by the machine.
6.4 CHANGE FLOOR ADVANCED PROPERTIES
On the Floor Tools bar is the blue “Change Floor Advanced Properties”
icon for drawing floors.
Click on the blue “Change Floor Advanced Properties” icon to open up

the Advanced Floor Properties window and set all your advanced proper-
ties for floors.
o Floor Options
 Unlipped Perimeter Bearer (C-Joist)
On the C-Joist Floor system you have the option of having a
lip on the perimeter joists or having no lip on the perimeter
joists only. All other joists will still have the lip on them.
When selected this tool to be “True”, it means that while
drawing the C-Joist Frame, the bridging will automatically
be generated according to your set properties.

Allows you to select your bias to the front or the back.
onto the joist.
 Back to Back (C-Joist)
C-Joists can be placed as separate frames back to back
and this tool designs it so that you are able to do so by
adding an extra joist to make it separate frames.

 Bridge Spacing
 Joist Spacing
 Restraint Strap Spacing
When the restraint straps are activated on the advanced
settings, you have the option to change the spacing be-
tween straps.
 Floor Sheathing Thickness
As per diagram below, the thickness of the floor can be
specified to the thickness of the actual floor.
o Clearances
 Brace Clearance (Lattice)
 Web Diagonal Spacing (Lattice)

Allows you to change the space between the web diagonals
on the different styles of lattice beams.
 Web Joist Clearance (Lattice)
Allows you to change the space between the web joists as
per the diagram below.
 Joist End Clearance (C-Joist)

Allows you to change the space between the joists and the
intersecting bridges or the end of the frame.
o Tooling Options
 Lip Cut and Notch Bias
Allows you choose whether the tooling should be bias to-
wards the joist or towards the bridge.
6.5 ADD BRIDGE
Add a bridge to an existing Floor Joist by selecting the “Add Bridge” icon
on the Floor Tools icon Bar.
Start by selecting the floor frame on which the bridge needs to be added.
Click on the green “Add Bridge” icon. A orange cross-line will appear to
highlight the position where the bridge needs to be added. You can move
this line up and down and side to side until you have the area you want to
add the bridge to. Releasing the hold will enable the bridge to be drawn
where you have indicated.
6.6 DELETE BRIDGE
Delete a bridge to an existing Floor Joist by selecting the “Delete Bridge”
icon on the Floor Tools icon Bar.
Start by selecting the floor frame on which the bridge needs to be de-
leted. Click on the red “Delete Bridge” icon. A red cross-line will appear
to highlight the position where the bridge needs to be deleted. You can
move this line up and down and side to side until you have the bridge you
want to delete. Click on the red intersecting cross-line over the bridge to
be removed from the frame and notice that the bridge will disappear.
6.7 ROTATE BRIDGE
You can rotate a bridge on an existing Floor Joist by selecting the “Rotate
Bridge” icon on the Floor Tools icon Bar.
Start by selecting the floor frame on which the bridge needs to be ro-
tated. Click on the green “Rotate Bridge” icon. An orange cross-line will
appear to highlight the bridge that needs to be rotated. Click on the or-
ange intersecting cross-line over the bridge to be rotated in the frame
and notice that the bridge will be rotated with the lip facing the opposite
side.
6.8 ADD FLOOR JOIST
You can add an additional floor joist to an existing Floor Joist frame sys-
tem by selecting the “Add Floor Joist” icon on the Floor Tools icon Bar.
Start by selecting the floor frame on which the joist needs to be added.
Click on the green “Add Floor Joist” icon. An orange cross-line will ap-
pear to highlight the position that the joist needs to be added. Click on
the orange intersecting cross-line at the point that the joist needs to be
added and notice that a new joist will appear in that position.
6.9 DELETE FLOOR JOIST
You can delete a floor joist on an existing Floor Joist frame system by se-
lecting the “Delete Floor Joist” icon on the Floor Tools icon Bar.
Start by selecting the floor frame on which the joist needs to be deleted.
Click on the red “Delete Floor Joist” icon. A red cross-line will appear to
highlight the position that the joist needs to be deleted. Click on the red
intersecting cross-line at the point that the joist needs to be deleted and
notice that the joist will be removed.
6.10 ROTATE FLOOR JOIST
To rotate a floor joist on the Floor Joist system, select the “Rotate Floor
Joist” icon on the Floor Tools icon Bar.
Start by selecting the floor frame on which the joist needs to be rotated.
Click on the green “Rotate Floor Joist” icon. An orange cross-line will
first appear to guide you to the joist that needs to be rotated. If you are
not in the region of the joist the line remains orange. Once it changes to
green it means that the joist can be rotated. Click on the green inter-
secting cross-line and the joist will be rotated to face the other side of the
frame.
6.11 CHANGE FLOOR SETTINGS
On the Floor Tools bar is the “Change Floor Settings” icon, being the
global settings for drawing floors.
Click on the Change Floor Settings Icon to open up the Floor Tool Prop-
erties and set all your standard properties for floors.
o Drawing Options
 Assembly Labels
o Floor Options
 LGSProfile Size
the floor system you are designing.
 Mitre Ends
 Joist System
The design of the different floor joist systems are lattice,
c_joist _Tab and c_joist_std. The difference between the
std and tab c_joist systems is based on the standard
machines and the floor joist machine(as per Howick
Machines). Lattice Floor beams come in Warren, Howe, Pratt
and “none or no Design.
Lattice Floor
Beams Designs
Warren Design
C Joist Floor
Frame (with
Howe Design Tabs)
Pratt Design
C Joist Floor
“None” or No Design
Frame
(Standard)
 Beam Types (Lattice)

Pratt, Warren and “None” or No style. (The styles can be
seen above under Joist Systems)
 Joist Spacing
 Service Holes:
“jt”followed by the spacing required. A “*”after the spacing
will repeat the spacing throughout the frame.
Service hole spacing

of “jt300*”
 Swaged Service Holes

Swagered Service holes are bigger service holes that could
be inserted for cutting by the machine.
Swaged Service
hole spacing of
“jt300*”
6.12 CHANGE FLOOR ADVANCED SETTINGS
On the Floor Tools bar is the “Change Floor Advanced Settings” icon, be-
ing the global settings for drawing floors.
Click on the Advanced Settings Icon to open up the Advanced Floor

Properties and set all your advanced properties for floors.
o Floor Options
Allows you to select your bias to the front or the back of the
bridging tabs.
 Add Brace Plate (Lattice)
Bracing plates can be added to the Lattice floor beam in
order to give more strength and support to your floor joist.
Without Bracing
Plates
With Bracing
Plates
 Floor Base Sheathing

Select the finish of your floor between OSB_Board, Cement,
Decking or none to be able to view how the floor will look
completed while drawing the floor.
OSB Board Cement
Decking None
 Restraint Straps
You can activate restraint straps to be added to your floor
frame to give it more sturdiness.
 Unlipped Perimeter Bearer (C-Joist)
On the C-Joist Floor system you have the option of having a
lip on the perimeter joists or having no lip on the perimeter
joists only. All other joists will still have the lip on them.
With Lip on Without Lip on

perimeter perimeter
bearer joist bearer joist

Without Bridge
extension With Bridge
extension
onto the joist.
When selected this tool to be “True”, it means that while
drawing the C-Joist Frame, the bridging will automatically
be generated according to your set properties.
Generate Generate
Bridging Not Bridging
Selected Selected
 Back to Back (C-Joist)

C-Joists can be placed as separate frames back to back
and this tool designs it so that you are able to do so by
adding an extra joist to make it separate frames .
Without With extra
extra joists joists
 Web Diagonal Spacing (Lattice)

Web diagonal spacing of 300mm
Web diagonal spacing of 500mm

 Bridge Spacing
 Restraint Strap Spacing
When the restraint straps are activated on the advanced
settings, you have the option to change the spacing be-
tween straps.
 Floor Sheathing Thickness

As per diagram below, the thickness of the floor can be
specified to the thickness of the actual floor.
o Clearances
 Brace Clearance (Lattice)
 Joist End Clearance (C-Joist)

Allows you to change the space between the joists and the
intersecting bridges or the end of the frame.
o Tooling Options
 Lip Cut and Notch Bias
Allows you choose whether the tooling should be bias to-
wards the joist or towards the bridge.
Bias towards Bias towards
Joist Bridge
7. BEAM AND JOISTS MODULE
In this section you will learn how to create a Beam and Joists, update proper-
ties and change settings.
7.1 ICONS
7.2 HOW TO CREATE A BEAM
Click on the Beam and Joist Tools icon on the main menu and then on
the “Creates a Beam” icon on the Beam and Joist Tools menu bar. The
Beam Properties window will then open up. Ensure that all the settings
on the properties menu are correct and click OK to continue to draw your
Beam.
Start by clicking in the corner of the axis for the start of the beam.
Next drag the mouse to the distance that you want your beam to be and
you will notice an outline of the beam being traced to show you how long
your beam will be. Once you have the desired size release your mouse and
click one last time and your beam will be shown as per below.
7.3 CHANGE BEAM PROPERTIES
On the Beam and Joist Tools bar is the “Change Beam Properties” icon
for drawing Beams and Joists.
Click on the Change Beam Properties Icon to open up the Beam Proper-
ties and set all your standard properties for Beams.
o Drawing Options
 Draw Offset
 Assembly Labels
o Beam Options
 LGSProfile Size
 Add Brace Plate
Allows you to add a brace plate onto the beam to give it
more strength and sturdiness.
 Beam Types
Pratt, Warren, Warren Verticle and “None” or No style.
Beams Designs
Howe Design
Pratt Design
Warren Design
Warren Verti-
cal Design
“None” or
No Design
 Parallel Joist System

On selecting this function to be active, it will ensure that the
diagonals on the beam or joists have no spaces between
them. (all clearances should be set to “0mm” when using
this function)
Normal Beam
Parallel Joist System
 Mitre Ends
 Brace Chord Clearance
and the intersecting top or bottom chords.
 Web Joint Clearance

This is the distance between the web diagonals.
 Verticals Clearance
Allows you to change the space between the verticals on
both ends with the top and bottom chords.
 Height
Allows you to change the height of the beams.
 Service Holes:
“wb”followed by the spacing required. A “*”after the spacing
will repeat the spacing throughout the beam.
(you can find the name of the member you need the service hole
to be inserted into by clicking on the member only and
Framebuilder window will give the code for the member)
Service hole
spacing of
“wb100*”
 Bolt Holes:
The point at which you want bolt holes to be cut by the
machine. To insert the bolt hole on the top plate of the
beam type “tp” followed by the spacing required. To specify
more than one place for your bolt hole, add a “|” (found
above the back space on the keyboard). Example:”
tp150|tp500”
Bolt hole
spacing of
“tp150|tp300
”
 Hold Down Holes:

Hold Down hole
spacing of
“bp250|bp800”
7.4 CHANGE BEAM SETTINGS
On the Beam and Joist Tools bar is the “Change Beam Settings” icon for
drawing Beams and Joists.
Click on the Change Beam Settings Icon to open up the Beam Properties
and set all your default properties for Beams. These default settings can
be set up front and used for all your beams. The settings are the same
as listed in 7.3 “Change Beam Properties” above.
o Drawing Options
 Draw Offset
 Assembly Labels
o Beam Options
 LGSProfile Size
 Add Brace Plate
Allows you to add a brace plate onto the beam to give it
more strength and sturdiness.
 Beam Types
Pratt, Warren, Warren Verticle and “None” or No style.
Beams Designs
Howe Design
Pratt Design
Warren Design
Warren Verti-
cal Design
“None” or
No Design
 Mitre Ends
 Parallel Joist System (Howick machines only)
diagonals on the beam or joists have no spaces between
them. (all clearances should be set to “0mm” when using
this function)
Normal Beam
Parallel Joist System

 Brace Chord Clearance
and the top and bottom chords.
 Web Joint Clearance

This is the distance between the web diagonals.
 Verticals Clearance
Allows you to change the space between the verticals on
both ends with the top and bottom chords
 Height
Allows you to change the height of the beams.
 Service Holes:
to be inserted into by clicking on the member only and
Framebuilder window will give the code for the member)
 Bolt Holes:
machine. To insert the bolt hole on the top plate of the
beam type “tp” followed by the spacing required. To specify
tp150|tp500”
Bolt hole
spacing of
“tp150|tp300
”
 Hold Down Holes:

8. ROOF MODULE
In this section you will learn how to create a Roof with Purlins and battens,
update properties and change settings.
8.1 ICONS
8.2 HOW TO CREATE A ROOF
To start drawing your roof you will first click on the Roof tool icon on the
FrameBuilder-MRD Tool bar. The Roof Tool Bar will open. Select the
green “Creates a Roof” icon.
Once you click on the “Creates a Roof” icon, the following Roof Proper-
ties window will open for you to select the type of Roof you require to be
drawn.
Gable
Mono
Hip
Bow
Parallel_Scissor
Paralllel_Mono_Scissor
To start drawing your roof start by tracing the outline of the first side
your roof. Then move across to trace the second side.
8.3 CHANGE SELECTED ROOF PROPERTIES
To change the properties of your Roof first click on the roof for which
you need to change the properties and then click the “Change Selected
Roof Properties” icon on the Roof Tools Bar.
The following window will open up with the Roof Properties. Change the
properties required then click OK. Your changes will be inserted in the
selected roof.
o Drawing Options
 Assembly Labels
profiles within the roof frame
o Roof Options
 Purlin Profile
This is the profile of the steel used in the manufacture of the
purlins used in your design.
 Truss Profile
roof system you are designing.
 Roof Types
The Roof designs available to draw are: Gable, Mono, Hip,
Bow, Parallel Scissor and Parallel Mono Scissor. (See under
“8.2 How to create a Roof” for different style diagrams)
 Truss Types
Trusses like beams have 6 different design styles being,
Howe, Pratt, Warren, Warren Verticle, Warren Verticle
Reverse and “None” or No style.
 Show Purlins
Allows you to show the roof purlins on the roof designed.
 Show Battens
Allows you to show the ceiling battens on the roof designed.
 Heel Height
This is the height at the ends of the trusses.
 Fascia
This is the length of the overhang on either side of the truss.
 Truss Spacing
The spacing between trusses depends mainly the type of
material being used to finish the roof. Roof sheeting will
nromally have a truss spacing of 1100mm whereas roof tiles
will have a spacing of 800mm between the trusses.
 Purlin Spacing
The spacing between each purlin. (Default is 600mm)
 Batten Spacing
The spacing between each batten. (Default is 600mm)
 Pitch
This is the slope of the roof. It is given as a number between
0 and 12 with 12 being the steepest slope of 45 degrees.
 Roof Overhang Right

This is the amount that the roof overhangs out of the fame
on the right side of the truss.
 Roof Overhang Left

on the left side of the truss.
 Purlin Overhang
This is the amount by which the roof purlin will overhang on
either side of the Roof frame.
 Service Holes
the machine. Insert the place to insert the service hole by
typing “wb” followed by the spacing required. A “*”after the
spacing will repeat the spacing throughout the beam.
to be inserted into by clicking on the member only and the
Framebuilder window will give the code for that member)
 Bolt Holes
machine. To insert the bolt hole on the top chord of the
truss type “tc” followed by the spacing required. To specify
tc150|tc500”
 Hold Down Holes
The point at which you want the hold down holes to be cut
by the machine. Insert the place to insert the service by
typing “bc”followed by the spacing required. To specify more
than one place for your hold down hole, add a “|” (found
bc200|bc1200”
8.4 CHANGE ADVANCED ROOF PROPERTIES
To change the advanced properties of your Roof first click on the roof for
which you need to change the advanced properties and then click the
“Change Advanced Roof Properties” icon on the Roof Tools Bar.
The following window will open up with the Advanced Roof Properties.
Change the properties required then click OK. Your changes will be
inserted in the selected roof.
o Roof Options
 Auto Correct Web Braces (Warren Only)
If this option is selected the web braces on the warren style
roof truss will automatically be corrected to the best
position.
diagonals on the roof trusses are joined with lip cuts facing
downwards.
 Mitre Ends
on the different styles of trusses.
 Shift Ends
and the end of (starting positions) the roof trusses.
 Shift Centre
o Clearnaces
 Web Brace Clearance Top Plate
This is the space between the web braces and the
intersecting top plates of the truss.
 Web Brace Clearance Bottom Plate

intersecting bottom plate of the truss.

This is the space between the top plates and the ridge on
the truss.
 Vertical Clearance Bottom Plate
This is the space between the verticals on either side as well
as in the centre of the truss and the intersecting bottom
plate of the truss.
 Vertical Clearance Top Plate

This is the space between the verticals on either side of the
truss and the intersecting top plates of the truss.
This is the space between the gable ties at the top of the
truss.
 Joint Clearance
This is the space between the web intersections on the
truss.
8.5 CREATES A ROOF PURLINS, BATTENS
To create roof purlins or battens on an existing roof click on the “Create
Roof Purlins, Battens” icon on the Roof Tools Bar.
The following window will open up with the Batten Properties.
Ensure that the properties and size of the purlin or batten you want to
design is correct and click ok. You can now trace where you would like
your purlins or battens to be placed on your roof.
Start at one corner of the roof and move along the one side of the roof
to ensure that the purlins will be aligned to the roof trusses. Next trace
to the next corner. You will notice that a line first appears while you
draw the first side and then a box or square shape appears to show the
area in which the purlins will be drawn. Once you finish, click once more
and the purlins according to your size and spacing requirements will
appear on the roof trusses.
8.6 EDIT ROOF PURLINS, BATTENS PROPERTIES
To edit the Roof Purlins and battens first click on the roof for which you
need to edit the roof purlins or battens properties and then click the
“Edit Roof POurlins, Battens Properties” icon on the Roof Tools Bar.
The following window will open up with the Purlin Group Properties.
Change the properties required then click OK. Your changes will be
inserted onto the selected roof.
o Section 1
 Trim Ends
This is the space between the one end of the truss and
where the purlin would stop on that end of the truss.
o Section 2
 LGSProfile Size
 Purlin Clips
This is the clips used to attach the purlin to the rafters.
There are 3 different types of clips that can be selected. The
clips available are clip wbr014, clip 002347 and clip ebr204.
 Angle Profile
This is the size of the profile situated on the end of the
purlins .
 Purlin Spacing
This is the spacing between each purlin.
 Bracket spacing
This is the spacing betwen the brackets used on the purlins.
8.7 CHANGE ROOF SETTINGS
To change the Global settings for your roof designs click the “Change
Roof Settings” icon towards the end of the Roof Tools Bar.
The following window will open up with the Roof Tool Properties. Change
the properties required then click OK. These changes will be saved on
your profile for all further Roof drawings.
o Drawing Options
 Assembly Labels
profiles within the roof frame
o Roof Options
 Truss Profile
roof system you are designing.
 Purlin Profile
purlins used in your design.
 Roof Types
The Roof designs available to draw are: Gable, Mono, Hip,
Bow, Parallel Scissor and Parallel Mono Scissor.
 Truss Types
Trusses like beams have 6 different design styles being,
Howe, Pratt, Warren, Warren Verticle, Warren Verticle
Reverse and “None” or No style.
 Pitch
This is the slope of the roof. It is given as a number between
0 and 12 with 12 being the steepest slope of 45 degrees.
 Bow Truss Centre Height

This allows you to set the height at the centre of the bow
truss.
 Truss Spacing
The spacing between trusses depends mainly the type of
material being used to finish the roof. Roof sheeting will
nromally have a truss spacing of 1100mm whereas roof tiles
will have a spacing of 800mm between the trusses.
 Heel Height
This is the height at the ends of the trusses.
 Fascia
This is the length of the overhang on either side of the truss.
 Roof Overhang Right
on the right side of the truss.
 Roof Overhang Left

on the left side of the truss.
 Hip Roof Overhang

This is the amount that the Hip roof overhangs out of the
fame on all sides of the Hip truss.
 Parallel Truss Footing size
This is the amount that the Hip roof overhangs out of the
fame on all sides of the Hip truss.
 Purlin Overhang
This is the amount by which the roof purlin will overhang on
either side of the Roof frame.
 Service Holes
the machine. Insert the place to insert the service hole by
typing “wb” followed by the spacing required. A “*”after the
spacing will repeat the spacing throughout the beam.
to be inserted into by clicking on the member only and the
Framebuilder window will give the code for that member)
 Bolt Holes
machine. To insert the bolt hole on the top chord of the
truss type “tc” followed by the spacing required. To specify
tc150|tc500”
 Hold Down Holes

The point at which you want the hold down holes to be cut
by the machine. Insert the place to insert the service by
typing “bc”followed by the spacing required. To specify more
than one place for your hold down hole, add a “|” (found
bc200|bc1200”
8.8 CHANGE ADVANCED ROOF SETTINGS
To change the Advanced Global settings for your roof designs click the
“Change Advanced Roof Settings” icon at the end of the Roof Tools Bar.
The following window will open up with the Advanced Roof Tool
Properties. Change the properties required then click OK. These changes
will be saved on your profile for all further Roof drawings.
o Roof Options
 Auto Correct Web Braces (Warren Only)
If this option is selected the web braces on the warren style
roof truss will automatically be corrected to the best
position.
diagonals on the roof trusses are joined with lip cuts facing
downwards.
 Bow Truss Centre Height

This allows you to change the top of the bow Truss from a
pointed top to a flat top.
 Mitre Ends
 Parallel Truss Bottom Gable Tie
You can either have a bottom gable tie on the parallel
scissor truss or select this to be switched off by selecting
either “True” (On) or “False”(Off).
 Parallel Truss Footing Left
Allows you to insert a footing at the left side of the mono
parallel by selecting either “True” (On) or “False”(Off).
 Parallel Truss Footing Right

Allows you to insert a footing at the right side of the mono
 Parallel Truss Knee Brace (Mono) Left
Allows you to insert a Knee Brace on the left side of the mono
 Parallel Truss Knee Brace (Mono) Right

Allows you to insert a Knee Brace on the left side of the
mono parallel by selecting either “True” (On) or “False”(Off).
 Show Purlins
Allows you to show the roof purlins on the roof designed.
 Show Battens
Allows you to show the ceiling battens on the roof designed.
 Single Mode
Allows you to choose if you want multiple roof trusses to
be drawn or just a single truss. You can do this by select-
ing either “True” (On) or “False”(Off).
 Shift Ends
and the end of (starting positions) the roof trusses.
 Shift Centre
 Purlin Spacing
The spacing between each purlin. (Default is 600mm)
 Batten Spacing
The spacing between each batten. (Default is 600mm)
on the different styles of trusses.
 Number of Gable Trusses

Allows you to change trusses
o Clearnaces
 Web Brace Clearance Top Plate
intersecting top plates of the truss.
 Web Brace Clearance Bottom Plate
intersecting bottom plate of the truss.

This is the space between the top plates and the ridge on
the truss.
 Verticals Clearance Bottom Plate

This is the space between the verticals on either side as well
as in the centre of the truss and the intersecting bottom
plate of the truss.
 Verticals Clearance Top Plate
This is the space between the verticals and the intersecting
top plates of the truss.
 Bow Truss Top Plate Clearance

This is the space between the intersecting top plates of the
bow truss.
 Bow Truss Top Plate Diagonal Clearance

This is the space between the top plates and diaginals of the
bow truss.
 Bow Truss Bottom Plate Diagonal Clearance
This is the space between the bottomplate and the diagonals
of the bow truss.

This is the space between the gable ties at the top of the
truss.
 Joint Clearance
This is the space between the web intersections on the
truss.
9. FREE TOOL MODULE
In this section you will learn how to use the free to create any design or
drawing that you want and to set the properties and change settings.
9.1 ICONS
9.2 CREATE A SINGLE STUD, NOG, BRACE, UNGROUPED
To start creating single studs or nogs with your free tool, first click on
the Free Tool icon on the FrameBuilder-MRD Tool bar. The Free Tool Bar
will open. Select the green “Create a single Stud, Nog, Brace, Un-
grouped” icon.
Once you click on the “Create a single Stud, Nog, Brace, Ungrouped”
icon, the following Draw Free Properties window will open for you to se-
lect the properties you require for the Free Drawing tool.
Ensure that all the settings that you need are correct and click Ok before
starting to draw with your free tool.
It is best to start by drawing a draw area or activating the “Draw grid”

option so that it is easier to get all the objects you are drawing on the
same plane.
9.3 CHANGE OBJECT PROPERTIES
Once you have drawn your object using your free tool you can change
the properties of the object by clicking the blue “Change Object Proper-
ties” icon on the Free Tool Bar.
Once you click on the “Change Object Properties” icon, the following Ob-
ject Properties window will open for you to select the properties for
drawing your free tool objects.
o Drawing Options
 Draw Offset
The draw offset allows you to select whether your object will
offset either to the left, the centre or the right of the object.
 Assembly Labels
profiles within the object
 Flip Z
Allows you to flip your object on the Z axis of the drawing
area.
 Flip X
Allows you to flip your object on the X axis of the drawing
area.
 Draw Grid
Activates a grid on which you can draw your free tool with
accuracy.
 Glue to Surface
Allows you to draw or attach two objects to each other with
the correct spacing.
 Grid Block Spacing

This is the spacing between the blocks on the grid.
 Grid Size
Allows you to change the size or area of the grid block.
 Grid Offset Line Sapcing

area.
o Options
 LGSProfile Size
 Mitre Ends
o Clearances
 Bottom Trim
This allows you to change the space betwen the bottom of
the profile and the intersecting profiles to your own amount.
(The bottom of the profile is denoted with a “ ” )
 Top Trim
This allows you to change the space betwen the top of the
profile and the intersecting profiles to your own amount.
9.4 RESET TOOLING
Once you have drawn your object using your free tool and also tooled
the profiles, using the “Tag” and then the “Tool” icons on the Free tool
bar you can reset the tooling should you not be happy with the tooling
done by clicking the blue “Reset” icon on the Free Tool Bar.
You need to start by selecting all the profiles that you want reset, by
highlighting these profiles and then clicking on the “Reset” icon. You
start by pointing your mouse on the top left corner, then drag the
mouse either down or to the right and cover the profiles you want to
highlight. All your profiles should be highlighted in blue and then click
on the “Reset” icon.
9.5 FLIP X
When designing with the free tool you can change the direction of the
profile you are drawing by using the “Flip X” icon on the Free tool Bar
thus allowing the profile to be flipped on the x axis.
You start off by clicking on the profile to be flipped and then click on the
“Flip X” icon. Your profile will now be facing the opposite direction to
which you had originally drawn it.
9.6 TAG PROFILES TO AVOID NOTCH OR LIP CUTS
When designing with the free tool you can automatically tool profiles,
but in order for you to ensure that load bearing/ critical profiles do not
get a lip cut or notch cut out from it, you can first tag these profiles, so
the automatic tooling will avoid cutting into these profiles as far as pos-
sible.
You can achieve this by selecting the profiles in your object that are the
critical profiles and that should not have any cuts in them by holding the
“Ctrl” key on the keyboard and then clicking on/ selecting all your criti-
cal profiles. Once you have selected them, click the “Tag” icon on the
Free Tool Bar. The selected profiles will then be highlighted in green.
9.7 GENERATE TOOLING FOR ONE OR MORE PROFILES
There are 2 ways to tool the profiles that you have drawn using the Free
Tool:
 Tag and tool
 Tool two profiles at a time
Tooling Option 1:
You can first “Tag” the profiles that you want to avoid notch and lip cut
outs by using the method explained in section 9.6 “Tag profiles to avoid
Notch or Lip Cuts” and then just select all the profiles to be tooled and
click on the “Generate Tooling” icon on the Free Tool Bar.
Tooling Option 2:
The other option is to just select 2 profiles at a time and then click on
the “Generate Tooling” icon on the Free Tool Bar. Remember to select
the critical profile (the one that you don’t want the notch and lip cuts to
be inserted into) first and then select your secondary profile.
9.8 GROUP COLLECTION OF OBJECTS
You can group a selection of profiles that you have drawn in order to
“Generate Panel Drawings” of them by simply selecting the profiles and
then clicking on the “Group Collection of Objects” icon.
Once you click on the “Group Collection of Objects” icon, the following
Group Properties window will open for you to name the object that you
are grouping:
Once you have completed the information for your Group Properties,
you simply press Ok and your profiles will be grouped together as one
object.
9.9 UNGROUP COLLECTION OF OBJECTS
You can ungroup a group of profiles that you had previously grouped by
using the “Explode” icon on the Free Tool Bar.
First select the group that you want ungrouped. Then click on the “Ex-
plode/Ungroup Collection of Objects” icon and you will now be able to
select the individual profiles in the group again, as it will be ungrouped.
9.10 TRACE AN OBJECT STEP 1
You can trace any shape you want by using the “Trace” icon on the Free
Tool Bar.
You can start by either importing a shape or simply by drawing the

shape you want with the pencil tool. Once you have the your shape,
click on the “Trace an Object Step 1” icon. The following window will first
open for you to be able to trace the object drawn.
Select your draw offset between centre, left or right and click Ok. You
will now be able to trace your drawing.
9.11 PROCESS AN OBJECT STEP 2
Once you have completed tracing your object you must click on the
“Process an Object Step 2” icon on the Free Tool Bar.
As soon as you click on this icon your object will be created.
9.12 CHANGE FREE TOOL SETTINGS
You can change your default Global settings for the Free Tool by select-
ing the “Change Free Tool Settings” icon on the Free Tool Bar.
Once you click on the “Change Free Tool Settings” icon, the following
Free Tool Properties window will open for you to change the settings
that you would prefer. Once you have changed all the necessary settings
click ok.
o Drawing Options
 Draw Offset
The draw offset allows you to select whether your object will
offset either to the left, the centre or the right of the object.
 Assembly Labels
profiles within the object
 Assembly Order
This allows you to select the order that the different profiles
will be manufactured. This can either be “Order by
Selection” or “System generated”
 Hide Traces
You can select this option to be “True” (On) or “False” (off)
thus allowing the trace lines to showor not after the object
has been drawn.
 Flip Z
Allows you to flip your object on the Z axis of the drawing
area.
 Flip X
area.
 Glue to Surface
Allows you to draw or attach two objects to each other with
the correct spacing.
o Options
 LGSProfile Size
 Mitre Ends
o Clearances
 Cut Extra Clearance (Lip Cut and Notch)
This allows you to make the cuts for the Lip cuts and the
notches larger than the recommended sizes.
 Bottom Trim
This allows you to change the space betwen the bottom of
the profile and the intersecting profiles to your own amount.
(The bottom of the profile is denoted with a “ ” )
 Top Trim
This allows you to change the space betwen the top of the
profile and the intersecting profiles to your own amount.
10. APPENDICES
10.1 FRAMEBUILDER – MRD VERSION
This User Manual is based on FrameBuilder MRD version 3.7.2.

Where possible, pictures of the functionality has been included and
have been adapted to show the functionality of this version of
FrameBuilder MRD.
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USER MANUAL

FrameBuilder-MRD offers a comprehensive set of tools for SketchUp

Good to know - Tricks

Risk in front of a parameter setting or of a specific action

Sensitive or difficult procedure. To take into account necessarily

Actions reserved for the Machine Specialist

Actions reserved for the Administrator

2.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION

 Microsoft Excel 2010+

 Install FrameBuilder-MRD (rbz extension) into SketchUp

 SketchUp 2016 and lower version

 SketchUp 2017 and higher

You will be presented with two windows after FrameBuilder-MRD PlugIn

4.1 FIRST TIME REGISTRATION

Click on the Draw Menu to access the Main Tool Bar.

Main Tool Bar maybe be hidden under the FrameBuilder-MRD

Global settings for the different modules can be set here.

This mainly includes machines settings that govern the tool

However, if you have customized tooling from the manufacturer,

How to change tool sizes for your machine is discussed in Sec-

 Click on the Create New Profile Icon to save a New profile

Click on “Creates a Wall” Icon, the following will open up:

 Top Chord Deflection Slot

 Hold Down Spacing

Entering lb300 places a service hole at 300mm on a lateral

Click on the Blue Icon called “Advance Wall Properties”.

 Angle Mount Bracket

 Frame End Stud +1

 Frame End Web Holes

 Brace Spacing (Stud to Stud)

 Top Plate to Ridge Clearance

 External Material Right End

5.5.1 MOVE A WALL

5.6.1 WINDOW PROPERTIES

 Header Top Chord Height

 Header Web Offset

 Header Web Configuration Start End

When you have completed your adjustments, click OK and your

5.6.4 DELETING A WINDOW

5.7.1 DOOR PROPERTIES

 Header Bottom Chord Height

 Header Web Offset

 Header Web Configuration Start End

5.8.1 BRACE PROPERTIES

 Max No. of Braces

5.8.2 INSERTING A BRACE

5.8.3 DELETING A BRACE

To remove a profile it will be best to remove the tooling on the profile

 Frame End Stud +1

 Brace Spacing (Stud to Stud)

 Bottom Plate to Stud

 External Material Right End

 Floor Base Sheathing

 Beam Styles (Lattice)

 Bridging Tab Bias

 Swaged Service Holes

Click on the blue “Change Floor Advanced Properties” icon to open up

 Bridge / Blocking Extension

 Bridge Staggering Space