Archicad: Foundation Sections

By: Matthew Jourden

Brighton High School
Brighton, MI

1. Open Archicad > Main House Design Project

2. CTRL+L : Opens Layers Menu
a. Activate Foundation Layer Combination
b. In addition Turn On the Following layers
i. Sill Plate
ii. Floor Joists
iii. Sub Floor

NOTE: These Layers will not appear on the Foundation Plan, but will be needed to be shown for the sections

3. Toolbox > Select Section Tool

Section Tool
4. Select Default Settings From Info Box > Set the Following > Click Ok when done

A
Section Name A, B,
C and PIER

Set to Manual Rebuild: So

when layers are turned off
it will not affect the view.

Horizontal Range: Limited

Vertical Range: Limited
(Will set on Foundation Plan)
Upper: 3’-0”

Lower: 8’-0”

Marker Head at the Ends

Size of Section Head

First Text Row and

Second Text Row:
Custom

Show Name

Show Story Levels: None

Layer: Foundation Sections

5. Left Click Start Point > Drag Cursor to Desired Length of Section Left Click to Set End Point > Left Click in the Direction in
which to view

Start Point
End Point

Direction to View

Limited Distance Line. If it is

not far enough then select the
black dot > Drag to Desired
Distance
6. Navigator will show the Section Placed > Double Click on the drawing to open it up
7. Adding Materials and Notes
a. Ends of Boards
i. Use Line Tool and Color 141
ii. Draw in the Rest of the following
1. Sill Plate
2. Rim Joist
3. Sole Plate of Wall
4. End of Floor Joist
5. Hidden Lines Representing Beam Pocket (5.5” From Face of Wall)
 b. Material Fill
i. Select Fill from Tool Box > Change Material to Concrete > Click OK

Set Color

Fill Tool

Set Material

ii. Trace around the area

iii. Create the Fill for Insulation on the Exterior Wall

iv. Draw and Fill the Drain Tile
1. Draw 4” Circle to the Left of the Footing
2. Use the Fill Gravel < Draw over the Circle (Filling the Center of Circle)
3. Select Fill > Select Subtract From Polygon Option > Zoom in on Drain Tile > Draw Lines very
close together to eliminate the area inside the drain tile

Draw Circle > Draw Gravel Select Fill Area > Select Black Draw a Series of Small Lines to
Around Drain Tile Dot > Select Subtract From give the illusion of roundness
Polygon
 c. Creating Grade (Ground)
i. Select Line Tool > Change Line Type to Ground
Place Line
Left to Right will make the ground below the line
Right to Left will make the ground above the line

ii. Set Dimensions > Move Line to the Distance Lines up to the Foundation Sections Worksheet

Repeat Steps for B-B, C-C and Pier Detail > Fully Label and Dimension Each Section
See Next Page for Outline of each Section
3’-6”