# Wall Guideline Editor

### Introduction

This document presents a transcript of a webinar focused on wall construction using Dietrich's software. The webinar specifically addresses the process of framing walls using the Wall Guideline Editor module. This powerful tool allows for efficient and customizable wall framing, including automatic adjustments for doors and windows. The presentation demonstrates the software's capabilities in creating, modifying, and visualizing wall framing in both 2D and 3D environments.\\

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\## Wall Framing Overview

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/-gTYf9g7fRQ>" %}

This tutorial demonstrates the automatic framing process for walls using Dietrich's Wall Guideline Editor and the HRB (Holz-Riegel-Bau / Timber Frame Construction) module. The Wall Guideline Editor is a specialized additional module that contains all the instructions for automated framing around doors, windows, and wall connections. This powerful system replaces manual component input with rule-based automatic generation of timber frame construction components.

The wall guidelines system provides intelligent framing solutions that automatically adapt to different opening sizes and wall configurations. When changes are made to the building (such as moving doors or windows), the framing automatically recalculates and updates, maintaining construction integrity while saving significant design time.

### Prerequisites

Before beginning this tutorial, ensure you have:

* Dietrich's construction software with Wall Guideline Editor and HRB module
* Completed basic wall, floor, and roof construction (as covered in the previous tutorial)
* Understanding of timber frame construction principles
* Walls with doors and windows already placed in the building model

### Understanding Wall Guidelines

#### Background: Window and Door Framing Options

Wall guidelines contain predefined framing rules for different construction scenarios. When editing windows and doors, the system:

1. **Analyzes Wall Configuration**: Selects the appropriate wall and examines attached guidelines
2. **Displays Available Options**: Shows different framing options based on span and size requirements
3. **Applies Construction Rules**: Uses the selected framing method to generate components automatically

This intelligent system ensures proper structural support while offering flexibility for different construction methods and material preferences.

### Tutorial Workflow

#### Step 1: Access Automatic Framing System

1. **Navigate to System Menu**
   * Go to menu item "7" (System)
   * This accesses the main framing automation tools
2. **Select Wall Selection**
   * Choose "Wall Selection" from the system menu
   * For this tutorial: "Select all exterior walls"
   * Note: Only exterior walls are present in the current building model

#### Step 2: Execute Automatic Framing Construction

1. **Access Construction Function**
   * Navigate to "7-3" (Construct) in the menu system
   * Alternative: Use the direct "Construct" icon for wall selection
2. **Configure Construction Parameters**
   * **Wall Property Confirmation**: When prompted "From wall property?", select "Yes"
     * This uses the properties attached to walls during the original wall creation process
   * **Object Replacement**: When prompted "Replace all objects create sheeting?", select "Yes"
     * This replaces any existing manual framing with guideline-generated components
3. **Execute Framing Process**
   * Click "OK" to begin automatic framing
   * The Wall Guideline Editor runs through all walls
   * Automatic framing generation occurs for all doors, windows, and wall sections

#### Step 3: Visualize and Inspect Framing Results

1. **Render the Model**
   * Use the render function for immediate visualization
   * Switch to "Translucent" view mode to see framing through wall materials
2. **Examine Framing Details**
   * **Overall Structure**: Observe complete framing system throughout all walls
   * **Direct Wall Inspection**: Click directly on individual walls to examine specific framing
   * **Material Layer Control**: Turn off drywall sheeting for clearer framing view
3. **3D Visualization**
   * Navigate to "9-6" view or use the "Open Shell" button
   * Examine framing around doors and windows based on guideline specifications

#### Step 4: Understanding Guideline Advantages

**Automated Construction Details**

The wall guidelines provide several key advantages:

1. **Precise Construction Instructions**
   * **Slice Pullback Distance**: Guidelines define exactly how far each slice pulls back from openings
   * **OSB Sheeting Integration**: Specifies how framing extends to OSB sheeting layer
   * **Material Coordination**: Ensures proper integration between all wall components
2. **Automatic Application**
   * All construction instructions are applied directly to the building model
   * No manual input required for standard framing scenarios
   * Consistent application across entire project

**Dynamic Recalculation**

The guidelines system offers powerful flexibility for design changes:

1. **Moving Building Elements**
   * Example: Move a door 12 inches in the X direction
   * Process: Select door, modify position, confirm changes
2. **Automatic Recalculation**
   * Navigate to "7-3" or use the guideline icon
   * Run the guideline system again
   * Framing automatically recalculates around the moved door
   * All affected components update their positions

#### Step 5: Manual Component Integration

**Adding Custom Components**

1. **Manual Component Addition**
   * Navigate to manual input tools
   * Example: Add a 1.5-inch SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir) support beam
   * **Positioning**: Click to place additional structural support as needed
2. **Mixed Construction Preservation**
   * Access "Object Info" to examine component creation method
   * Manual components are marked as "created manually"
   * When running guidelines again, choose "Only replace what came from the guideline"
   * Manual components remain untouched while guideline components update

**Smart Component Management**

This dual system allows for:

* **Automatic Standard Framing**: Guideline-generated components for standard situations
* **Custom Engineering Solutions**: Manual components for special structural requirements
* **Protected Manual Work**: Manual components are preserved during guideline updates

#### Step 6: Gable Wall Framing

**Multi-Story Framing Application**

1. **Switch to Gable Walls**
   * Navigate to the upper story containing gable walls
   * Framing can be applied in floor plan view or directly in 3D
2. **Apply Framing to Gable Walls**
   * Use the same "Construct" function
   * Click "OK" to confirm
   * Gable walls receive appropriate framing based on their wall guidelines
3. **Verify Complete Building Framing**
   * All wall sections now contain proper timber frame construction
   * Framing process is efficient and comprehensive

### Construction Type Flexibility

#### Multiple Construction Methods

The wall guidelines system supports various construction approaches:

1. **Conventional Stick Framing**
   * Traditional 2x4, 2x6, or larger dimensional lumber
   * Customizable spacing and member sizes
2. **CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber)**
   * Mass timber construction guidelines
   * Specialized connection and fastening rules
3. **Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)**
   * Panel-based construction methods
   * Integrated insulation and structural systems
4. **Other Methods**
   * Custom construction systems
   * Hybrid approaches combining multiple methods

#### Rule Creation Capability

The system allows users to:

* **Create Custom Rules**: Develop guidelines for specific construction methods
* **Modify Existing Guidelines**: Adapt standard rules to local building codes
* **Company Standards**: Implement consistent framing practices across projects

### Key Benefits of Wall Guidelines

#### Efficiency Advantages

1. **Time Savings**
   * Eliminates manual framing component input
   * Automatic generation of complex framing assemblies
   * Rapid processing of entire building structures
2. **Consistency**
   * Uniform application of construction standards
   * Reduced human error in framing layout
   * Predictable construction details
3. **Flexibility**
   * Easy accommodation of design changes
   * Automatic recalculation when elements move
   * Integration of manual and automatic components

#### Quality Control

1. **Standard Compliance**
   * Built-in adherence to construction codes
   * Proper structural relationships
   * Material optimization
2. **Documentation Integration**
   * Automatic material lists
   * Cut lists and ordering information
   * Construction drawings with accurate framing details

### Advanced Features

#### Guideline Editor Capabilities

The Wall Guideline Editor provides:

1. **Component Definition**
   * Beam specifications and properties
   * Sheeting and fastening requirements
   * Processing instructions for manufacturing
2. **Conditional Logic**
   * Rules based on opening sizes
   * Different framing for various wall types
   * Load-dependent structural requirements
3. **Material Integration**
   * Item number assignments
   * Ordering information
   * Machine file generation for automated cutting

### Troubleshooting and Tips

#### Common Considerations

1. **Guideline Selection**
   * Ensure appropriate guidelines are attached to walls
   * Verify compatibility between wall types and guidelines
   * Check for missing or incomplete guideline definitions
2. **Component Conflicts**
   * Understand interaction between manual and automatic components
   * Use selective replacement options when appropriate
   * Maintain clear documentation of manual modifications
3. **Design Changes**
   * Always run guidelines after moving doors or windows
   * Verify framing around modified openings
   * Check for proper material coordination after changes

### Conclusion

The Dietrich's Wall Guideline system represents a powerful automation tool that significantly streamlines timber frame construction design. By replacing manual component input with intelligent rule-based generation, the system ensures consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in construction documentation.

The combination of automatic framing generation with the flexibility to incorporate manual components provides the perfect balance between automation and engineering control. This approach allows designers to leverage the speed of automated systems while maintaining the ability to address unique structural requirements.

After completing wall framing with guidelines, the building model is ready for:

* **Material takeoffs and ordering**
* **Cut list generation for manufacturing**
* **Construction drawing production**
* **Load analysis and structural verification**
* **Integration with other building systems**

The wall guidelines system establishes the foundation for comprehensive construction documentation and manufacturing preparation within the Dietrich's software ecosystem.
