Dynamic Block Tutorial 2 Creating Column

August 26, 2009 by Edwin Prakoso 10 Comments

Lets continue our AutoCAD dynamic block tutorial. We

have created a basic dynamic block tutorial by adding one
stretch action to our wall block. We will discuss further
about parameter properties in this post.
Now lets talk about what we want to achieve. We want one block that contain
several column size. But column size is not supposed to be modified by freely
stretching it. We have to limit the column minimum and maximum size. And we
also have to set the increment value for this size, so the changes can be
predictable.

If youre not familiar with dynamic block, you should read this tutorial first.
Basically we are doing the same thing, but there are some properties we are
going to change. As we did when we create wall, we have to add some layers.
Lets add these layers:
1. A-Column, color:green, lineweight: 0.20
2. A-Column-Pattern, color:8, lineweight: 0.00
3. A-Column-Structure, color:9, lineweight: 0.09

Lets create our column. Set layer A-Column as current layer. Draw a rectangle
with size 400x400mm. Change your current layer with A-Column Structure, then
offset your rectangle by 20mm. Remember to set the offset object layer to

current. So this operation will create a new object on current layer. Offset it to
the inside of the existing rectangle.
Command:
OFFSET
Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source OFFSETGAPTYPE=0
Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <20.0000>: l
Enter layer option for offset objects [Current/Source] <Source>: C
Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <20.0000>:
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:
Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>:
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:
The last one, set your current layer to A-Column-Pattern. Fill the inner rectangle
with concrete hatch.

Create a block from these objects. Make sure the insertion point is the column
center.

Give the block name Rectangular Column. After you finish defining the block,
open block editor and edit it.

Similar to what we did in creating wall, we have to add parameters. This time
we need to modify the column length and width, so we need to place 2
parameters.

Select the Distance1 parameter, then open properties palette.

1. Change the parameter name to width.
2. Change the distance type to increment.
3. Set the distance increment to 100
4. Set the distance minimum to 150
5. Set the distance maximum to 600
6. Under Misc category, change the base location to Midpoint.

Do the same thing to Distance2.

I think you already know what to do next: add the stretch action. But this time
you add it to the both sides. Refer to the dynamic block #1 tutorial.

After you finish, close dynamic block editor. Try your block!

You should see some thick mark every 100mm between 150 and 600. Oops,
my bad! You cant create 150mm width column because we set the increment
to 100! The minimum width you can achieve is 200. You have to change the
increment to 50 to get it.
We also changed the base location to midpoint. So when we stretch it, it will be
stretched both way. Not so difficult creating dynamic block, isnt it?