Attempting to create a window linear takeoff for plan view
I have a little time on my hands, so I’m attempting to streamline my takeoff process by combining a MeasuredArea takeoff with a MeasuredSurfaceArea takeoff for plan views for deep window liners which we make using medex, a 32 sq ft sheet good. Ultimately, I’m using the MeasuredVolume2D takeoff and using the following:
(([MeasuredArea]*2) + 2 * if([MeasuredHeight] > [MeasuredWidth], [MeasuredWidth][MeasuredHeight])
* ([MeasuredSurfaceArea]/[MeasuredLinear])) / 32
Essentially, what it does is it takes the measured area and multiplies it by two, for the top and bottom of the liner. Then it determines which side of the rectangle I’m drawing is narrower, multiplying that by the surface area divided by the perimeter to get a depth integer and I’m using that information as the “legs” of my liner, multiplying that by two, then adding it to the Measured Area number. Sorry for the run on sentence!
When I test this in the formula editor, I get the correct results, but when I perform the takeoff and create a material estimate for it, it halves the result for some reason. I can reliably get around it by multiplying the entire script by 2, but it would be great if someone at StackCT could take a look and determine why the prior script doesn’t work and the following one does.
((([MeasuredArea]*2)+ 2 * if([MeasuredHeight] > [MeasuredWidth], [MeasuredWidth], [MeasuredHeight])
* ([MeasuredSurfaceArea]/[MeasuredLinear])) / 32) *2
Anyone got ideas why it’s not working as intended?
Comments
DaveElfers
Greetings! I can’t quite visualize what you are trying to do, but one thing seems incorrect in your formula. MeasuredArea and MeasuredSurfaceArea are not compatible, meaning one will always be zero. If that’s your intention, then good. Either your result will be Area * 2, OR the rest of the equation.
So, first question...is that your intention?
NKrause
Thanks for taking the time! In answer to whether if it’s my intention, it is not(?)
Perhaps I am labouring under the misunderstanding that MeasuredSurfaceArea is the depth applied to a Volume2D takeoff.
I can try to describe things better. I’m hoping to draw a rectangle on plan views using the Volume2D takeoff. I thought I ought to double the area of the rectangle to be the top and bottom of my window liner, the easy part of the script. Then by using the “if” function, tell the script to use the shorter side of the rectangle for the next step in the calculation, as most of the windows I deal with are larger than they are deep. Ultimately, I just want four faces of a cuboid shape in a square foot, or sheet measurement.
DaveElfers
That helps, thank you. MeasuredSurfaceArea is the primary measurement for a Surface Area takeoff, used to get the area of a wall on a plan view.
So, the only reason you are using Volume 2D is go get the depth so you can calculate the sides of the shape? Is this material applied to the glass itself? And do you only need it applied to 4 of the 6 faces?
NKrause
So, the only reason you are using Volume 2D is go get the depth so you can calculate the sides of the shape?
Yes, though now that I’m thinking about it, I suppose I could use a Surface Area takeoff, since I can calculate area via the two perimeter measurements.
(([MeasuredHeight] * [MeasuredWidth] * 2)+ ( 2 * [MeasuredSurfaceArea] * if([MeasuredHeight] > [MeasuredWidth], [MeasuredWidth], [MeasuredHeight]) )) / 32
I think this works better. EDIT: Unfortunately, while once again working well in the test environment, it returns a number in the material estimate that can’t be accurate. Probably PEBKAC, but it will be a tomorrow problem.
Is this material applied to the glass itself?
No, the idea would be to absent the two faces of the cuboid obstructing the glass.
And do you only need it applied to 4 of the 6 faces?
Yes.
DaveElfers
Reach out to Support in chat tomorrow and ask them to get you on my calendar. I have some openings tomorrow. I need a clearer visual of what you are trying to accomplish to better advise.
NKrause
I’m afraid that I’ve not had access to the support chat for some time. I thought it was a feature that had been removed, and that’s one of the reasons I came to the community here.
DaveElfers
NKrause wrote:
I’m afraid that I’ve not had access to the support chat for some time. I thought it was a feature that had been removed, and that’s one of the reasons I came to the community here.
@Devon Streckfuss can you explain this?
DaveElfers
NKrause wrote:
I’m afraid that I’ve not had access to the support chat for some time. I thought it was a feature that had been removed, and that’s one of the reasons I came to the community here.
Email me at delfers@stackct.com and I’ll send you my calendar.
Devon Streckfuss
@NKrause There are a couple of reasons why you may not be seeing the support chat.
I will reach out by email with troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this issue.
NKrause
For anyone potentially reading this, looking for a solution to the problem re: No support button, try disabling adblock or privacy elements.
Jason Armstrong
Here is your formula:
((([MeasuredLinear]*2)+([WindowHeightFeet]*2))*([LinerDepthInches]/12))/32
The Bold 32 above is the SF yield per sheet. This is theoretically correct but doesn’t work in the real world, your count will be short. You need to allow for 1/8” of sheet loss per rip. If you want 6” window liners out of a 4x8 sheet you only get 7, not 8. If you are doing 6” rips change the sheet yield to 28. If you are doing 2.5” rips change the sheet yield to 31.5.
You should be able to cut and paste this into an assembly to test it.
NKrause
Thanks for chiming in, Jason. Thankfully the material I get accounts for some loss and actually comes in a 49”x97” sheet.
Dave and I brainstormed and he helped me write this script and it’s coming through in both the test environment and the estimate output:
(([MeasuredHeight] * [MeasuredWidth] * 2)
+ ( 2 * [MeasuredSurfaceArea]/[MeasuredLinear])*if([MeasuredHeight] > [MeasuredWidth], [MeasuredWidth], [MeasuredHeight] )) / 32
Jason Armstrong
@NKrause Thanks for posting this.
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