Model a Scaffold Roof - Modelling on an Angle

1. Prepare SketchUp for angled modelling
   • Enable X-Ray mode so ScaffPlan snapping points and lines are visible.
   • Enable Snapping Points from the ScaffPlan toolbar.
   • If required, restore the toolbar from Extensions > ScaffPlan > Enable ScaffPlan Tool Toolbar.
   • For unrestricted snapping, go to Window > Model Info and disable Length Snapping.
2. Open the Item Tool and find the roof components
   • Open the Item Tool.
   • Search for Roof to filter the component list.
   • The same workflow can be used with different roof systems available in ScaffPlan.
3. Start from a roof support or ridge
   • In this example, start with a roof support and place it using existing ScaffPlan snapping points.
   • Select the support and enable its snapping points and lines.
   • Where available, the support provides the required angled snapping line for positioning the roof components.
   • You can also build the roof from the ridge down using the same principle.
4. Create an angled reference when no snapping line exists
   • Place the required connection component, such as a Double Coupler.
   • Enable its snapping points.
   • Use the Rotate Tool and the arrow keys to establish the correct rotation plane.
   • Rotate the component to the required roof angle, for example 20°, by typing the angle and pressing Enter.
5. Create an angled guideline with the Protractor Tool
   • Activate the Protractor Tool.
   • Snap the protractor to the required connection or snapping point.
   • Use the arrow keys to lock the correct plane.
   • Define the direction and enter the required angle, such as 20°.
   • This creates a temporary guideline that can be reused for positioning components along the roof slope.
6. Place the roof beams along the guideline
   • Select the required roof beam from the Item Tool.
   • Use its start and end points to place it against the angled guideline.
   • If required, hold Shift to lock onto the guideline while positioning or adjusting the component.
   • Continue adding beams using component snapping points and the angled reference line.
7. Create repeated roof members
   • Enable snapping points on the placed components.
   • Press M for Move and hold Ctrl to create a copy.
   • Copy from one snapping point to the next.
   • Enter a multiplier such as x3 to create an array of repeated components.
8. Place the ridge component
   • Select the appropriate ridge component for the roof angle.
   • Snap it precisely to the end points of the roof beams.
   • Use the SketchUp axes where required to maintain accurate positioning.
9. Mirror the roof to the opposite side
   • Select the completed roof members on one side.
   • Use the Flip command and enable copy mode with Ctrl.
   • Flip the components across the required plane.
   • Move the copied components into position by snapping them to the ridge.
10. Array the completed roof frames

• Select the completed roof frame components.
• Use Move + Ctrl and copy from one scaffold snapping point or rosette to the next.
• Enter the required array multiplier, for example x6.
• This quickly creates the remaining roof frames.

11. Add secondary roof components

• Use the snapping lines on the roof chords to position items such as:
  • braces,
  • cassettes,
  • diagonal braces,
  • lacing and bracing.
• Components and couplers can be placed once and then copied or arrayed along the roof.

12. Remove temporary guidelines when finished

• The Protractor Tool guidelines are only construction references.
• Select and delete them once the roof geometry has been completed if they are no longer required.