Help Database

How can I create a stepped foundation?

One application for pony walls is a stepped foundation. The lower part of the pony wall is the concrete wall with footing, and the upper part of the pony wall is a framed wall built to the first floor platform.

To create the stepped foundation

1. Using the Select Objects tool, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click on each wall you want change.
   
   This technique is called Group Select. It allows you to change all the walls at once instead of changing them one at a time.
   
   
   
2. Click on Open Object  edit tool to display the Wall Specification dialog.
   
   
   

3. On the Wall Types tab, put a checkmark in the box for Pony Wall and set the upper and lower wall types, then click OK.
   
   
   
   

      Warning: Only use the following technique on pony walls.

    



4. Take a Back Clipped Cross Section view of the wall that you want to step.
   
   
   
5. Click the wall to select it and press Tab on your keyboard to single out the one wall.
   
   
   • By Default Chief Architect will select the room first when clicking a wall in any camera view. Pressing Tab, or clicking on the Next  button on the Edit toolbar, will single out the wall you originally clicked.
     
     
       Helpful Hint: If you wish to turn off the setting that makes Chief Architect select the room before the wall navigate to Edit> Preferences> Architectural and remove the checkmark next to Select Room Before Walls in 3D.
     
     
     
6. With the wall selected, use the Break Line  edit tool on the center seam of the two wall types of the pony wall to break the line.
   
   
   • In addition to the corner handles, two handles display along the broken edge. Select one of these two handles, and drag up or down. A step is created.
     
     
   • If you have temporary dimensions turned on you can use them to precisely place the steps.
     
     
     
     
     
7. Continue to make breaks and dragging out steps until you have the look you desire.
   
   

   
   
   
   

8. This same technique can be used to step the footing of the foundation as well.