Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Interactive 3D Exercises – Student Instruction Manual
Student Instruction Manual
The interactive 3D companion exercises for this book are available in two 3D CAD formats: Trimble SketchUp’s SKP and
Autodesk AutoCAD’s DWG. Both formats can be imported into a variety of 3D modeling software and these exercises can
be completed using those (with some reduction in functionality if SketchUp is not used). However, instructions here will
be provided for the freely available SketchUp (Make and online) software. You are encouraged to use it for these
exercises to get the full benefits of included labels, dimensions and some of the interactive behavior. SketchUp is easy to
learn and can be used even by novices.
You can download SketchUp Make for free (Windows and Mac versions are available) from here:
[Link]
These exercises will also work with SketchUp Pro, which can be purchased at a student discount and might already be
available in your university’s computer labs.
After installing the software and starting it, you should see the following screen (Windows/Pro version shown) and you are
ready to start the exercises:
Alternatively, you can use the online, browser-based [Link] application, which has a similar tool set to
SketchUp Make. Sign up for it here:
[Link]
After registering and starting the [Link] app, it should appear in the browser window as shown below:
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.1
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Interactive 3D Exercises – Student Instruction Manual
Use the Insert File tool (see red arrow) to insert a (previously downloaded) SketchUp SKP file into the model area.
Please note that this file is being inserted as a Component (everything in it is grouped). To be able to commence with the
exercise, you first need to un-group the inserted model. You do that by right clicking on the inserted model and then
selecting Explode from the context menu (as shown below). At that point, you are ready to start the exercise.
Please note: All SketchUp SKP files are provided in the 2013 file format and can be used in SketchUp version 2013 and
newer.
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.2
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Interactive 3D Exercises – Student Instruction Manual
Tools
Although SketchUp has much more functionality than is shown on this startup screen, you can complete all of the
exercises using only the tools that are provided on the Getting Started toolbar. These tools are:
(left to right: Select, Erase, Line, Arc, Rectangle, Push/Pull, Offset, Move/Copy, Rotate/Copy, Scale, Measure, Label, Paint,
Orbit, Pan, Zoom, Zoom-Extents, 3D Warehouse, Extension Warehouse, Export to LayOut)
If you are new to SketchUp, make sure the Instructor window is open (as shown above). It is located in the panel on the
right side of the work area and provides contextual help for the currently open tool. You can always display this window by
going to Window > Default Tray > Instructor.
Please note: All of these tools are also available on [Link] although icons may look slightly different.
The only tools from this toolbar that you need for these exercises are explained next:
Select
Click select or hit the spacebar to be able to select objects. Single-click objects to select them or draw a selection rectangle
around multiple objects (window and crossing selection are available).
Please note: If you double-click an object, you will get into group/component editing mode. It looks like this:
When this happens, click outside of the object into empty space to exit edit mode. You do not need to use this functionality
for the exercises.
Erase
If you need to erase something, start this tool and click an edge of the object you need to erase.
Alternatively, you can select one or multiple objects first and then hit the delete key on your keyboard.
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.3
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Interactive 3D Exercises – Student Instruction Manual
Move
You will need to move and copy things a lot in these exercises, therefore get familiar with this tool. To move an object,
start the tool and click a convenient point on the object (e.g. a corner or the midpoint of a side). Always use SketchUp’s
snap functionality to pick this point and the target point. Don’t just eye click points and distances – things will not line up
in the end.
When you temporarily move an object parallel to one of the main axes (red/green/blue), SketchUp will show you this (see
image below) and you just need to type a distance (e.g. 3’2” for three feet and two inches) to move the object by this
amount in the shown direction.
SketchUp has an excellent inference system that allows you to acquire points easily in 3D. Check out its help file to learn
more about this.
Copy
The Copy tool is actually hidden inside the Move tool. To use it, all you need to do is start the Move tool and toggle the
copy functionality by clicking the Ctrl key (you don’t even have to hold that key, just use it as an on/off switch!). You can
then move the copied item and place it where you like it. Remember to use object snapping here, too.
If you need to make multiple, regularly spaced copies (an “array”), place the first copy (left arrow in the image below) and
immediately type x4 (or any number you like) to make the remaining copies. This works very well for objects like bricks.
Just remember that you need to enter “x4” before you click anything else in the software (you need to still be in the
Move/Copy tool).
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.4
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Interactive 3D Exercises – Student Instruction Manual
Rotate
When you start the rotate tool, you get a protractor-like gizmo. Based on what is underneath your cursor, this tool will pick
a plane about which it will rotate (also indicated by its color). The point you click then will be the center of rotation.
To select a specific plane to rotate about, hover your mouse where the tool acquires that plane (e.g. above the ground) and
then hold the shift key to lock this plane until you pick the center of rotation. This allows you to perform rotations about
arbitrary planes.
As with the copy tool, use the snap functionality to acquire endpoints, midpoints etc.
Next you will need to pick a zero line for the rotation. Move the mouse along an object (e.g. the bottom line of the brick
shown above) to set this line.
You can then move into the direction of the rotation and either click a point or type in a value for an angle.
By the way: rotational copies and rotational arrays work similar to the Move tool!
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.5
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Interactive 3D Exercises – Student Instruction Manual
Scale
When you need to stretch things, use the Scale tool. Click the appropriate yellow handle to start stretching in a certain
direction. Although you can enter a scale factor (e.g. 2 to double the size of an object), It is also possible to start stretching
and then acquire a relative point (e.g. the next brick’s corner) to stretch to that point.
For these exercises, you typically only need to stretch lengthwise, therefore make sure you select the respective yellow box
in the center of a side.
Measure
The Measure tool gives you a means to check your work. In addition, it also lets you place construction points (e.g. on
edges) that you can later use e.g. as references for copying. With this tool you can also create offset reference lines (click on
a line instead of a point to do that). Enter values for precise distances.
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.6
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Interactive 3D Exercises – Student Instruction Manual
Some General SketchUp Tips
Never click the Measurements box (shown in the bottom-right corner of your screen):
If you need to enter something (e.g. a distance) , just type on the keyboard and it will appear here.
Every once in a while you need to “look through” objects to e.g. snap onto hidden points. Turn on X-ray mode to
do this (View > Face style > X-ray).
Sometimes it is easier to work in parallel projection instead of perspective mode. You can switch between the two
using the Camera menu. Please note: If you run into clipping problems (parts of the model disappear), click the
Zoom-Extents button.
SketchUp lets you snap in length increments. This is usually 1/16” unless you change the default settings in
Window > Model Info.
It’s a good idea to review SketchUp’s object snap and inference documentation here:
[Link]
If you want to manipulate many objects at the same time (e.g. move a brick course), then it might be useful to
group these objects. Select them and select Make Group from the right-click menu.
Need More Info?
These pages should get you going quickly with the software. However, if you want to know more about SketchUp, take a
look at Alexander Schreyer’s book “Architectural Design with SketchUp: 3D Modeling, Extensions, BIM,
Rendering, Making, and Scripting, 2nd Edition”:
[Link]
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.7
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 1
1-19 - Lay out a subdivision
Chapter 5
5-2 - Softwood cells
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.2
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
5-3 - Hardwood cells
5-21, 5-26, 5-34 - Produce a glulam, I-joist, CLT panel
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.3
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 6
6-10 - Concrete block wall with opening
6-27 - Intricate bond using modular bricks
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.4
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
6-27 - Typical bonds using modular bricks
6-30 - Masonry window opening detail
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.5
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
6-36 - Chimney-top detail
6-42 - Ashlar patterns
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.6
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 7
7-20 - Concrete rebar for a simple beam
Chapter 9
9-15 - Formwork for a wall using wood products
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.7
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
9-20 - ICF Foundation wall
9-23 - CMU Foundation wall
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.8
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 10
10-2 - House section assembly
10-2 - Wood framing foundation wall floor
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.9
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
10-7 - Frame a cantilever floor
10-16 - Floor with stair opening
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.10
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
10-30 - Window opening framing
10-33 - Advanced Framing
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.11
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
10-45 – Stair
10-48 - Interactive stair sizing
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.12
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 11
11-13 - Frame a hip valley roof
11-29 - Frame a Dormer
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.13
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 12
12-37 - Eave detail
12-47 - Green roof detail
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.14
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 14
14-8, 14-18 - Various siding on exterior corner
14-27 - Brick siding on wood frame wall
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.15
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 18
18-20 - Wall insulation and electrical
Chapter 19
19-2 Add cavity insulation
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.16
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 20
20-18 - Drywall and wood flooring
20-30 - Corner tiling detail
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.17
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 21
21-11 Install kitchen cabinets
21-24 Attach window trim
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.18
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 22
22-6 - Paving patterns
22-19 - Deck construction
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.19
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 23
23-8 - A panelized house
23-22 - A SIPs house
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.20
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
23-39 - A modular house
Chapter 24
24-4 - Bent assembly
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.21
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
24-10 - Pegged-bracing connection
24-13 - Timberframe assembly
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.22
Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 4th Edition
Index of Interactive 3D Exercises
Chapter 26
26-4 - Light-gauge foundation floor and wall
26-4 - Light-gauge roof and wall
by Alexander C. Schreyer, University of Massachusetts, 2016 – p.23
