sketchUcation

Quick Start Guide – MAJ Column

The MAJ Column tool allows you to quickly create reinforced concrete columns with custom dimensions and reinforcement details using SketchUp’s unit system.

1. Set Column Dimensions

Column Width / Column Length: Define the cross-sectional size of the column.

Upper Column / Lower Column: Set how much column extends above and below the reference point.

Neck Top / Neck Bottom: Adjust necking (if the column tapers near the top or bottom).

1. Reinforcement Settings

Stirrup Distance: Spacing between stirrups along the column height.

Stirrup Size: Diameter of the stirrup bars.

Ribar Size: Diameter of the main rebars.

Ribar Number: Number of vertical rebars placed around the column.

1. Visual Preview

The preview on the right updates with every change, showing:

Column shape

Ribar placement

Stirrup spacing

Use this preview to confirm your settings before drawing.

1. Draw the Column

Click Draw Column.

Click in your model to select the start point of the column.

Click again to select the end point (direction and orientation).

The column will be generated automatically based on your settings.

Click Cancel to close the menu.

https://youtu.be/dohLAE_iPdU

Quick Start Guide – MAJ Column

The MAJ Column tool allows you to quickly create reinforced concrete columns with custom dimensions and reinforcement details using SketchUp’s unit system.

1. Set Column Dimensions

Column Width / Column Length: Define the cross-sectional size of the column.

Upper Column / Lower Column: Set how much column extends above and below the reference point.

Neck Top / Neck Bottom: Adjust necking (if the column tapers near the top or bottom).

1. Reinforcement Settings

Stirrup Distance: Spacing between stirrups along the column height.

Stirrup Size: Diameter of the stirrup bars.

Ribar Size: Diameter of the main rebars.

Ribar Number: Number of vertical rebars placed around the column.

1. Visual Preview

The preview on the right updates with every change, showing:

Column shape

Ribar placement

Stirrup spacing

Use this preview to confirm your settings before drawing.

1. Draw the Column

Click Draw Column.

Click in your model to select the start point of the column.

Click again to select the endpoint (direction and orientation).

The column will be generated automatically based on your settings.

Click Cancel to close the menu.

MAJ Column – Plugin Documentation

Version: 2026 Author: Majid Mahmoudi

Overview

MAJ Column is a reinforcement column creation tool for SketchUp. It allows architects, structural engineers, and detailers to generate reinforced concrete columns with precise dimensions and reinforcement layouts. The plugin ensures consistent modeling standards and helps reduce manual drawing time.

You can draw columns by selecting two points in the model: a start point and an end point, which define the orientation and placement of the column.

How It Works

Open the Column Tab From the MAJ Architect toolbar, click Column to open the column parameters window.

Adjust Column and Reinforcement Parameters Set dimensions and reinforcement options based on project requirements. The preview on the right displays the column shape and rebar arrangement in real time.

Draw the Column

Click Draw Column

Select the start point in the model

Select the end point to define the height and direction The column will be created automatically.

Input Parameters Explained Parameter: Description Column Width: Horizontal size of the column section. Column Length: Vertical or other-axis size of the column section, forming the full section. Upper Column: Height of the column above the reference point. Lower Column: Height of the column below the reference point (useful when referencing floor levels). Neck Top: The Amount of size reduction at the upper segment if the column needs to taper. Neck Bottom: The Amount of size reduction at the lower segment if the column needs to taper. Stirrup Distance: Vertical spacing between each stirrup along the column height. Stirrup Size: Diameter of stirrup bars. Rebar Size: Diameter of the main vertical rebars. Rebar Number: Number of vertical rebars arranged around the section.

Reinforcement Arrangement

The plugin automatically distributes vertical rebars around the perimeter of the column.

Stirrup spacing is applied consistently across the height.

Necking adjustments are applied before reinforcement placement to ensure correct alignment.

Drawing Columns in Any Direction

Since you select start and end points, the column can:

Stand vertical,

Be inclined (for ramps or slanted supports),

Align with any construction reference in 3D space.

This makes the plugin suitable for:

Buildings

Foundations

Bridges

Structural frames

Editing Columns

To modify an existing column:

Select the column group in SketchUp.

Delete and redraw with updated settings. (A parametric edit manager will be planned for future versions.)

Tips for Accurate Modeling

Always set your SketchUp units before drawing (the plugin uses the active unit system).

Use Upper and Lower values to match floor-to-floor heights.

Use Neck Top/Bottom only when needed to match architectural or structural designs.

Troubleshooting Issue Cause Solution The column seems rotated incorrectly. End point direction affects orientation. Re-select the point or rotate the group manually. Rebars appear too small or too large. SketchUp unit scale differs from structural drawing. Verify model units in Window → Model Info → Units. The column base is not aligned. The Start point snapped to unexpected geometry. Re-select the start point using inference locking (Shift). Conclusion

MAJ Column streamlines the process of modeling reinforced concrete columns in SketchUp. It is designed to be fast, accurate, and practical for real-world architectural and structural workflows.

Release Notes – MAJ Column

Version: 2026 Author: Majid Mahmoudi

New Features

Added start point and end point selection workflow for drawing columns, allowing proper orientation in any direction (vertical, slanted, or aligned with structure).

Integrated live preview panel showing:

Column cross-section

Rebar arrangement

Stirrup spacing

Support for automatic reinforcement placement, including:

Main rebars around the perimeter

Stirrups along the height with adjustable spacing

Neck Top and Neck Bottom features for tapered column geometry.

Improvements

Uses SketchUp's active unit system (no fixed cm or mm required).

Improved snapping behavior for selecting base and end reference points.

Enhanced performance when generating stirrups and vertical rebars.

Improved UI alignment, text readability, and control spacing.

Bug Fixes

Fixed incorrect stirrup orientation in some rotated model directions.

Fixed preview not updating immediately after parameter changes.

Resolved occasional flipped face issue during group creation.

General Notes

All columns are created as independent groups, making it easy to move or edit.

Columns can be drawn in any orientation, supporting architectural and structural modeling workflows.

This version is compatible with all other plugins in the MAJ Architect suite.