Revit MEP
Revit MEP is the design and construction documentation solution for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering. Seamlessly collaborate with architects using Revit Architecture software in an intuitive design environment. Minimize coordination errors with architects and structural engineers using the Revit platform and building information modeling (BIM) workflows. And with BIM, provide better decision making and building performance analysis support for the engineer.
What's New in Revit Systems 2
Autodesk ushered in a new era for MEP engineers with the introduction of Revit Systems 1. Utilizing the power of building information modeling (BIM), this fully parametric systems design tool gave engineers the design power that only architects and structural engineers had known with Revit. With Revit Systems 2, you will find enhancements to the features that you have come to rely on, and many new features that give you the power to improve your systems designs and increase your productivity. Plumbing Design Plumbing tab You can create complete plumbing systems using the new Plumbing tab on the Design Bar. The Plumbing tab provides plumbing design and analysis tools that are immediately available when you need them. Systems creation tool The new plumbing systems logically connect fixtures and other system components together enabling you to design layout paths and retrieve system information or perform sizing and flow calculations based on fixture unit totals. Simply select a plumbing fixture and Revit Systems 2 provides creation tools for the appropriate connection types that are available for the selected plumbing fixture. You can select from the following plumbing system creation tools: —Creates a domestic hot water system.—Creates a domestic cold water system. —Creates a sanitary (waste/drain) system. Fixture Units All plumbing fixtures contain fixture units enabling you to perform calculations such as flow. You can either use the preset fixture unit value or specify a value that will return plumbing system calculations that are more in line with your system specifications. Automatic calculation of fixture units You can automatically calculate the total fixture units throughout each plumbing system, and the information is immediately available for you to use. Velocity and Friction sizing The Friction and Velocity sizing methods that you currently use to size hydronic piping can also be used for sizing plumbing pipe runs. These sizing methods are based on flow. System Browser support for plumbing The System Browser is a powerful tool for confirming and validating systems. Plumbing Systems have now been added to the System Browser. The full range of Revit Systems tools that are available for the Mechanical and Electrical disciplines are now available for Plumbing.You can:
Layouts Path Layout Path editor The new Layout Path editor gives you the flexibility to change the suggested routing of your duct and pipe layouts. In the layout preview, simply click and drag a main or a branch to modify its route—independently of other mains and branches. This new editor enables you to modify the suggested layout paths more in-line with your design intent. More powerful solutions generator Layout Path provides multiple solution types that enable you to create layouts based on common layout schema. You can choose from the following solution types: · Network—Creates a layout of a central main that branches to connect to system components. This solution type is commonly used for duct. · Perimeter—Creates a layout in which the main follows along a perimeter and branches connect to system components. This solution type is commonly used for hydronic fin-tube radiator piping. · Intersection—Creates a layout of multiple mains that intersect each other, and branches that connect to system components. This solution type is commonly used for plumbing. Both the new Layout Path and the existing Routing Solutions generate smarter solutions and more of them for you to choose from. This results in a better fit of the overall layout to your systems design. Color-coded main and branch preview Easily identify the main and branches in the layout path preview for more accurate layout analysis and modification. Mains display in blue and branches display in green. Enhanced Duct and Pipe Sizing Independent branch sizing You can now size duct, plumbing, and pipe branches independently by simply selecting a branch sizing constraint. Branch sizing constraints maintain a given size over the length of the branch. Branch sizing enables you to better meet flow requirements and gives you more control over sizing in your designs. The following branch sizing constraints are available: · Calculated Size Only—Sizes branches by using the sizing method selected (Friction, Velocity, or both) and flow calculations. · Match Connector Size—Sizes the branches by matching the size defined in the connector that the branch is connecting to. For example, the connector on a fin-tube radiator.
Content
Platform and Revit Building 9.1
Enabling the 3 GB Feature
Memory UsageYou can perform certain actions to decrease the possibility of instability in Revit Systems due to operating system memory usage.To ensure stability, you can:
Enabling the 3 GB FeatureTypically, Microsoft Windows® reserves 2 GB of the 4 GB virtual address space of any process for the operating system and leaves the remaining 2 GB for the application process (including the space for the code pages, the stack, and all dynamically allocated memory). The 3 GB feature divides the memory space differently, providing 3 GB for the application and 1 GB for the operating system. Before enabling the 3 GB feature, see “3 GB Feature Considerations” at the bottom of this page.To enable the 3 GB feature:
When you start your computer with the modified boot.ini file, you see the following options to select from:
After you enable the 3 GB feature, you should verify that you have sufficient virtual memory allocated for your purposes.Verifying Virtual Memory Allocation
Your system should have at least 3 GB set aside for the paging file size to fully utilize the available address space. Every concurrently running application is sharing the available paging file size, so setting to something more than 3 GB (such as 4 GB) is recommended.3 GB Feature Considerations■ This feature is only supported on Windows XP SP2.■ When the 3 GB feature is enabled, your operating system has less memory space. It is not completely clear what implications this may have on Windows XP, so be cautious with regard to the total application load placed on Windows while running in this mode. If you do not require the larger address space, it is recommended that you do not enable this option.■ At least one graphics card driver version is known not to work with 3 GB. This is ATI Fire GL 8800, driver version 6.12.10.3035. If you experience a crash, restart your computer without the /3GB option and see if upgrading to the latest graphics card driver resolves the issue.
Estimator programs from U.S. Cost for Revit MEP
Effortlessly Links BIM to Success EstimatorSuccess Design Exchange leverages the power of both Success Estimator and Autodesk’s Revit 3D Modeling to create highly accurate estimates with the click of the mouse. When a project model is ready to be transferred to estimating, Success Design Exchange presents users with a listing of all Revit Items contained in the model. Users can then link or map these generic items to any number of client specific or commercial cost databases. These databases can contain individual cost items or assemblies complete with labor, equipment, and material costs. Once an item has been mapped in Success Design Exchange, that map will remain in place for future projects utilizing the same item. In other words, each additional project you run through design Exchange will require less mapping than the previous project. When the mapping is complete, Success Design Exchange pushes the information to Success Estimator where a robust estimate, complete with all quantities and costs, is generated. Users can then modify productivity factors, markups, tax rates, or any adjustments necessary to produce a highly accurate estimate.Features:
Powerful, Flexible Cost Estimating Since 1991 Success Estimator has been used by architects, engineers, construction managers, owners and government agencies worldwide. Its unparalleled combination of off-the-shelf estimating functionality and customization capability make it the ideal solution for any organization with unique estimating requirements. From user-defined parametric cost models to detailed “bottom-up” estimates, Success Estimator’s ability to conform to your companies methods & procedures is simply unmatched. Features and Benefits LOOK-UP TOOL New!Easily search among thousands of cost items or assemblies using partial text based descriptions in seconds. The user is also given the unit cost information for the item / assembly and can also quantify it prior to adding it to the project. CITY INDEX TOOL New!Increase the accuracy of your R.S. Means based projects by instantly applying the Means city index factors based on state, city and zipcode. Adjust labor, equipment and material costs for all line items. PARAMETRIC COST MODELSSuccess Estimator’s powerful modeling capabilities allow companies to use their own specific legacy data and engineering algorithms to develop meaningful, accurate cost models. As more information becomes available, information in the model can be adjusted at a very detailed level, taking the estimate from feasibility to 100% completion. CENTRALIZED COST DATAUse R.S. Means, Richardsons and your company’s legacy cost data individually or in combination on any estimate thereby insuring the most accurate and up-to-date information is being used. ASSEMBLIESGenerate estimates faster than ever before by utilizing one of the many R.S. Means Assemblies libraries or build unique custom assemblies with your company’s legacy cost information. ESTIMATE ANALYSISCompare actuals to estimates, variances across multiple projects or cost trends on commodities by using one of the numerous macros shipped as part of Success Estimator. Use the Success Estimator Visual Basic programming language to write custom macros directly in the base application. CONNECTIVITYSeamlessly integrate Success Estimator as part of your overall cost controls program. Shipped as part of the base application, Automation Tool allows integration and interoperability with other enterprise applications such as CAD, Accounting, Project Management, Inventory Management and various SQL databases. SCHEDULE EXCHANGESchedule Exchange provides the enterprise with a flexible data exchange engine allowing for the seamless synchronization of your Primavera® Schedule and your Success Estimator estimate, not only saving time, but increasing the efficiency of both applications. SUPERIOR SUPPORT & SERVICESEvery Success Estimator sale is backed by the cost professionals at U.S. COST. For over 20 years our team of estimators, engineers, developers and analyst have provided exceptional professional services supporting our clients throughout the entire estimating process. PUBLISH ESTIMATES TO SUCCESS ENTERPRISECombine Success Estimator & Success Enterprise to form a powerful, global estimating suite. Enable all estimating stake holders to have access to the entire estimating enterprise via any internet-connected computer.
RevitCity
RevitCity is a great place to go to read Forums discussing Revit Issues, a place to download Revit content, a place to view or post pictures of projects, a place to read various news and articles, and a place for various Revit resources such as Links and Tutorials. Local User Groups-->
"Systems" in Revit
There are a variety of MEP systems that can be created in the new Revit Systems. I wanted to break each disipline down to all the different systems that are available to be created.Starting in the Mechanical Duct disipline, you can create supply, return and exhaust systems for your duct and equipment. You can create the system by placing your equipment, and then selecting that equipment and selecting the system you want it to be assigned to in the Options Bar.In the Mechanical Piping disipline, you can create Hydronic supply, Hydronic return, or Other. You would create these systems in the same manor as the duct systems.In the Plumbing disipline, you can create Domestic Hot Water Supply, Domestic Cold Water Supply, Sanitary and Other systems.Finally, in the Electrical disipline, you can create a variety of systems. Power, data, telephone, security, fire alarm, nurse call, controls and communication circuits can be created by selecting the equipment and devices that are placed in your drawing, and assign them to a system.The thing about Revit Systems, is that you design these systems as if you were installing and connecting the systems in the field.You cannot create additional systems like you can in the Style Manager in ABS. And there is limited equipment that can be assigned to these systems as of now. For example, there are Fire alarm, data and telephone devices that come with Revit Systems, but no security, nurse call, controls or communication devices yet. You will need to create new Families and assign them to those systems.
Exporting Autodesk Building Systems Designs to Revit Systems
The first step in linking an Autodesk Building Systems MEP design to a Revit Systems project is to use the Export to AutoCAD functionality included within Building Systems. This feature saves all design data as AutoCAD entities (such as lines, circles, arcs, and blocks), which can then be read and understood by Revit Systems. Creating a Design with both 2D and 3D Views Autodesk Building Systems, through its use of intelligent objects, automatically creates 2D and 3D representations of the MEP designs which can be viewed by other AutoCAD-based applications, as well as Revit Structure. Use the following steps to create an Autodesk Building Systems drawing with both a 2D and 3D display for use in Revit Systems:
Use the Export to AutoCAD feature in Autodesk Building Systems to export an MEP design for use in Revit Systems. Note the Export to AutoCAD feature exports all linework/objects in the Building Systems drawing, regardless where the linework/objects reside. Therefore, before using the Export to AutoCAD feature, detach the external reference of any structural floor plan. This will enable only the Building Systems data to be exported. The exported file contains two block representations in model space; one in 2D and the other in 3D. These blocks represent the Display Configuration Views that were currently active in each viewport of the layout prior to export. Furthermore, each block representation is on its own layer (named for the layout viewport) as well. When linking this file into Revit, users can control the appearance of the floor plan and 3D views by working with the visibility of these layers. The exported file contains the 2D and 3D representation of the MEP design in model space.
Autodesk Partners With Integrated Environmental Solutions to Ena
Autodesk, Inc. announced that it is partnering with Integrated Environmental Solutions Ltd. (IES) to further enhance the Revit software platform for building information modeling (BIM) to support sustainable design. At the 2007 AHR Expo, Autodesk will demonstrate a prototype of how the IES building performance analysis tools might be used in combination with Autodesk Revit Systems to generate accurate building performance analysis data. Such data can improve the decision-making process and empower architects and engineers to design better-performing sustainable buildings. "The design of more sustainable and energy efficient buildings is key to mitigating the impact of climate change and to decreasing building operation costs. A critical part of Autodesk's further development of building information modeling is to expand the ability for our customers to conduct multiple types of analyses on their building information model," said Jay Bhatt, vice president, Autodesk Building Solutions. "Building performance analysis will help architects and engineers design more sustainable buildings and we're excited to partner with Integrated Environmental Solutions to bring these capabilities to the Revit platform." A growing number of architects, designers and engineers are turning to the Autodesk Revit platform for BIM to meet these challenges. Through the combination of the Revit platform with building performance analysis tools that can examine the implications of alternative design strategies, take into account physical, climatic and environmental factors, and analyze energy use, lighting and materials in the Revit building information model, designers can help achieve higher operational efficiency and building performance. Autodesk and IES are working together to provide robust building performance analysis capabilities to the Revit platform through a workflow between Autodesk Revit Systems, Autodesk's BIM design and documentation software for mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) engineering, and the IES software suite. Through a demonstration at the AHR Expo, Autodesk and IES will display how these two software applications could be used in combination to conduct multiple building performance analyses including thermal analysis, load calculations, daylight assessment with LEED reporting and solar studies. These comprehensive analysis capabilities could help design teams better and more thoroughly understand the complex thermal, light and airflow inter-relationships within their design, allowing them to make more informed design decisions, minimize risk and optimize building performance. Dr. Don McLean, CEO of IES Ltd. commented, "Through the support of building performance analysis tools such as those in the IES suite, we hope our partnership with Autodesk will help the industry meet the demands for sustainable design and increase the value of building information modeling." A Comprehensive Portfolio of Software Solutions for the Building Industry With the right combination of leading-edge technologies, decades of proven industry experience and unparalleled, worldwide services, Autodesk offers the most comprehensive portfolio of products for the building industry. Ranging from the most advanced technology for building information modeling (BIM) to the most widely adopted design and documentation solutions, Autodesk supports information and management needs throughout the building lifecycle. Building solutions products include Autodesk Revit Building, Autodesk Revit Structure, Autodesk Revit Systems, Autodesk Architectural Desktop, Autodesk Building Systems, Autodesk FMDesktop and Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series.http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070130/sftu006.html?.v=82
Revit MEP Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
Collaborating in an all-Revit environment will greatly improve the coordination of building components through its internal management of the project database. This tutorial provides some guidelines on how to undertake effective multi-disciplinary collaboration in Revit. Collaboration Guidelines Revit consists of three discipline-specific platforms: Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, and Revit MEP. Each team member must be working on the same platform version and product build to effectively collaborate. Revit is a forward compatible product. Therefore, the design team should know the current compatible platform versions. The current compatible Revit platform versions are recommended below:
It is recommended that product build numbers should match in each product. The product build can be located in each product's Help menu by clicking on About Revit… The same build should be issued to all team members in the same firm or errors could occur when trying to Save to Central when using Worksharing. Collaborations Tools and Methods The linking of each other's models using Revit's Copy/Monitor feature provides immediate visual feedback on what the other members are doing. The benefits include:
The Coordination Monitor is the most intelligent tool for collaborating in Revit when utilized properly. The benefits include:
The Interference Check provides immediate feedback on component collisions. The benefits include:
Project Structure Effective collaboration can be achieved in a single model environment. However, it is recommended that the models be separated from one another to gain full advantage of the collaboration tools provided in Revit. Workflow Relationships Each discipline creates a relationship based on their individual workflows:
Based on these recommendations, the diagram below represents a suggested use of Revit's collaboration tools between each program/discipline.
Here are some overall guidelines on workflow procedures to keep in mind:
Stage 1 - Leveraging Models Architect to Structural Engineer 1. The Architect will send the architectural model to the Structural Engineer. 2. The Structural Engineer opens the delivered model and reviews its elements.
3. The Structural Engineer starts a new project. 4. The architectural model is linked in. This is accomplished by File > Import/Link > Revit. Use the Origin to Origin positioning method if shared coordinates are not being utilized. 5. The visibility settings are changed to view the architectural model. 6. The Structural Engineer selects Tools > Copy/Monitor > Select Link and then selects the architectural model. 7. The Design Bar changes to reveal the Copy/Monitor tools. 8. The Options button is accessed to reveal the Copy/Monitor settings for Levels, Grids, Columns, Walls, and Floors. 9. The Structural Engineer monitors or copy/monitors the elements of the architectural model that are required to begin the structural model. 10. The structural model will continue being developed. Architect to MEP Engineer 1. The Architect will send the architectural model to the MEP Engineer. 2. The MEP Engineer opens the delivered model and reviews its elements.
3. The MEP Engineer starts a new project. 4. The architectural model is linked in. This is accomplished by File > Import/Link > Revit. Use the Origin to Origin positioning method if shared coordinates are not being utilized. 5. The visibility settings are changed to view the architectural model. 6. The MEP Engineer selects Tools > Copy/Monitor > Select Link and then selects the architectural model. 7. The Design Bar changes to reveal the Copy/Monitor tools. 8. The Options button is accessed to reveal the Copy/Monitor settings for Levels, Grids, Columns, Walls, Floors, and Rooms. 9. The MEP Engineer monitors or copy/monitors the levels first. 10. The Options tool will be accessed again to review and set the room options. 11. Several of the room's parameters can be copied from the architectural model. 12. The rooms can be copied by phase if necessary. 13. After setting these options, the rooms can be copied using the Copy Rooms tool on the Design Bar. 14. The MEP model will continue being developed. Stage 2 - Monitoring Models Structural Engineer to Architect 1. The Structural Engineer will send the structural model to the Architect. 2. The structural model is linked in. This is accomplished by File > Import/Link > Revit. Use the Origin to Origin positioning method if shared coordinates are not being utilized. 3. The Architect can run Interference Check at this point but might elect to monitor the levels and grids to access additional features of Coordination Monitor. Stage 3 - Coordinating Changes The Architect 1. If the architectural model changes, this will initiate a warning dialog from Revit. 2. The changes can be viewed by accessing Tools > Coordination Review > Select Link. 3. Coordination Review will open revealing the alert. As the host, the Architect can post a comment regarding this coordination issue. 4. The architectural model is saved and sent to the consulting engineers. The Structural Engineer 1. The Structural Engineer will receive the new updated architectural model. 2. It should be saved in the location of the previous version. 3. The structural model will then be opened. 4. Revit will immediately alert the user of a Coordination Monitor issue. 5. The Structural Engineer will access Tools > Coordination Review > Select Link. 6. Coordination Review will open revealing the changes. 7. On the In a linked project tab, the Structural Engineer can review any comments made by the architect. 8. On the In host project tab, the Structural Engineer can initiate an action.
Stage 4 - Interference Checking The Structural Engineer to the MEP Engineer 1. The MEP Engineer will receive the new updated structural model. 2. It should be saved in the location of the previous version. 3. The MEP model will then be opened. 4. The MEP Engineer will access Tools > Interference Check > Run Check. 5. In the Interference Check dialog, the user can choose objects from the current project and compare them to that of a linked project. 6. The Interference Report dialog will display all instances of conflict. 7. These items can be revealed in any available views by Revit. One by one, they can be addressed. 8. The report can be refreshed to see if the conflicts were resolved through Tools > Interference Check > Show Last Report. 9. The goal is the message below. This process continues over and over. Each discipline can function as a united team to deliver the full conflict-free building information model.
Autodesk Updates Revit-Based Solutions for MEP Engineers
Autodesk has updated its Revit platform for building information modeling (BIM) software applications, and has expanded it's portfolio of solutions that address the building industry's evolving requirements for productivity and efficiency.To even more closely align products with customer needs and requirements, Autodesk has modified the names of several Revit-based applications. Revit Architecture 2008 (formerly Revit Building), Revit Structure 2008 and Revit MEP 2008 (formerly Revit Systems) software products support new ways of working for architects, designers, drafters and engineers, helping them to predict, analyze and deliver better building performance.Revit MEP 2008 delivers BIM for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering market with improved features to support building performance analysis and better decision making. Revit MEP 2008 is available as part of AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite, which combines Revit MEP 2008 for systems information modeling and AutoCAD MEP 2008 (formerly Autodesk Building Systems) for MEP documentation. Important features in Revit MEP 2008 include:
Revit MEP View Templates
One of the advantages of Autodesk Revit is that each view has individual graphic, scale, discipline, phase and view range settings; and changes to these parameters only affect the selected view. The view visibility of categories and subcategories can be set and saved to a view template (similar to layer states in AutoCAD). Two examples of different views of the same level are shown below. These view specific settings can also be a disadvantage when you have to use the same settings on another view. When you duplicate floor plans to create furniture, fire safety or area plans for different levels, you change different view settings for each type of plan. Instead of repeating the effort of changing each parameter every time you create these views, you can save them as View Templates. These can then be applied to other views. They can also be applied to new views as the default view template. To create a View Template, set your desired view parameters, then from the View pull down menu, select Save As View Template. A dialog box will appear to let you apply a name to the view template. Additionally, you can set it by right mouse clicking (RMC) on the View name in Project Browser. Note that Autodesk Revit 9 has slightly different terminology on the pull down and RMC menus. Instead of Save as View Template, it has the more descriptive, Create View Template from View. You can also duplicate and rename existing View Templates from the Settings pull down by picking View Templates. All methods will bring up the View Templates dialog where you can review and change the parameters that you want applied to other views. Within the Autodesk Revit Help is a list of the modifiable settings that can be saved to View Templates. However, it leaves out some of the parameters illustrated above that can also be set. Even though the crop region settings aren't shown in the View Templates dialog, I noticed that if the View Property Crop Region is checked on in both views, the crop region visibility state can be saved and set with a View Template. The Autodesk Revit Help screenshot list of modifiable View Template Properties is shown below. You can apply these saved view settings (View Templates) to other views by using the View pull down and selecting Apply View Template. This can also be done by RMC on the view name in the Project Browser and selecting Apply View Template. Multiple views can also be selected and set at once in the Project Browser. Another way to apply a view template to multiple views is to RMC on a sheet and selecting Apply View templates to all Views. This will apply it to all the views that have been placed on the sheet. The Apply View Template command opens up the Select View Template dialog where you will see all the View Templates that have been saved. In the Select View Template dialog, you can also check a box to show Existing views, which will display existing views and also the view templates. Another option is to turn on All view types, which will show all view template types in the project. These existing views and view types can be used as a template to apply their view settings to other views. The third option is to Apply automatically to new views of the same type. The View Template can also be applied through the Element Properties dialog for a view. You may first use View Templates for plan views to control object visibility, lineweight and screening, but it is also useful for saving model graphic and shadow settings for 2D and 3D presentation views, as shown below. Changes to the parameters in a View Template are not automatically applied to views that were assigned the View Template. There is no live link between them. If you change settings to the View Template, you need to reapply the modified template to those views it was set to originally. It will overwrite previous view property settings. The best location to change or create new View Templates based on others (duplicate) is by accessing View Template in the Settings pull down menu. You can also set parameters in a current view and save with the same name as an existing View Template. You will see a dialog stating that the template exists and asking if you want to replace (overwrite) it. View Templates can be embedded in your Project Template and they can also be copied between projects by using Transfer Project Standards from the File pull down menu. Deletion of view templates is only available in the View Options dialog. Deleting a View Template will not affect any existing views that it had been applied to previously. Autodesk Revit 8.1 can only create and apply View Templates for geometric views. Autodesk Revit 9 allows View Templates for schedules as well, as shown below. The formatting of the schedule can be saved as a View Template and applied to single or multiple schedules at one time. View Templates not only help standardize the look of construction document sets, but they also help you achieve it with less work.
What's New In Revit MEP 2008
Mechanical SystemsMechanical systems features have been enhanced with the integration of heating and cooling analysis tools, new fire protection system tools, and improvements to piping and plumbing system tools.Heating and Cooling LoadsRevit MEP integrates IES heating and cooling load analysis tools to let you quickly evaluate loads and help you create energy efficient designs.When you install IES , you can use the Heating and Cooling Loads tool to open IES , where you can create an analytical model from a Revit building model. Then you can use the expanded features of IES to calculate loads, create reports, and import the results back into Revit MEP.Using the Heating and Cooling Load Analysis Tools
Load Analysis ReportsThe resulting IES load analysis report is placed in the Reports folder in the Project Browser. Each time you run a IES load analysis, a time-stamped report is saved under Reports. So you can make adjustments and rerun the analysis to view the impact of your design changes.Fire Protection SystemsThis release of Revit MEP introduces the ability to easily add NFPA 13 compliant fire protection systems to your designs. Place sprinklers throughout spaces, and use the automatic layout tools to lay out piping for these systems.SprinklersRevit MEP provides a variety of sprinkler heads to meet the needs of your fire protection systems. Wet and dry, pendant and upright mounted sprinkler heads can be specified to meet your requirements for flow-rates and coverage. You can create schedules for your fire protection systems showing flow rates, location, elevation, temperature ratings, and so on.Improved Layout Path ToolIn this release, you can use the Layout Path tool to automatically apply slope to plumbing and piping systems. Specify a layout, and enter a value for Slope. When you’re satisfied with the routing, click Finish Layout. The slope is applied to the entire routing solution.Enhanced Slope ManagementYou can adjust the slope for sections in existing piping or plumbing systems.
Piping and Plumbing SystemsVolume calculations for piping and plumbing have been added to show the inside volume of all pipes and fittings in the system. Volume can be expressed as imperial (US) gallons or metric liters. Volume is not calculated for equipment.Electrical SystemsTwo new features enhance Revit MEP’s electrical design tools.
■ disconnects a switch from a lighting system.■ opens the Edit Switch System tab on the Design Bar, where you can add and remove lighting fixtures, view system and switch properties, and select a switch.Family EditorTwo new features let you manage connectors in the family editor.
System Browser ImprovementsFormatting and viewing enhancements add to the utility of this indispensable Revit MEP tool.Column SettingsYou can now select the information that is displayed for each discipline in the system browser.Auto-Fit ColumnsYou can use the column settings to auto-size all columns, or just double-click a column heading to auto-size individual columns.Easier Handling of Stacked ConnectorsThis release lets you select a connector from a list that is displayed whenever you attempt to select a connector and there are two or more connectors directly over one another in the view. A Connector Selection dialog displays a list of connectors, so that you can specify the connector to use.Embedded Schedule ImprovementsYou can embed schedules for mechanical and electrical systems. Now, whenever you create a schedule for rooms or electrical, air, piping, or plumbing systems, you can create an embedded schedule to show information about components that are members of these systems.Project ViewsThis topic describes the new and enhanced features for project views in Revit MEP 2008.Duplicate Dependent ViewsYou can create multiple copies of a view. These copies are dependent on the primary view. All copies, known as dependent views, remain synchronous with the primary view and all other dependent views so that when view-specific changes (for example, view scale or annotations) are made in one view, they are reflected in all views.Creating dependent views may be useful in the following scenarios:■ You are working on a large project with an extensive floorplate, and you want to crop the view into smaller segments so you can place them on sheets. When you make changes to dependent segments of the view, you can quickly see how they effect the view as a whole by looking at theprimary view.■ You need to place a view on more than one sheet. Dependent views display in the Project Browser under the primary view. You can insert matchlines (to indicate where the view is split) and view references (to link views) in dependent views.Annotation Crop RegionIn addition to the model crop region, there is an annotation crop region for all graphical project views except perspective 3D views. Annotation elements are fully cropped when the annotation crop region touches any portion of the element.Panning Views on a SheetYou can pan views that have been added to a sheet. When you pan a view on a sheet, the crop region does not move.Section Box EnhancementsIn Revit MEP 2008, when you enable a section box in a 3D view, you can modify its extents from other views (for example, a plan or elevation view). In addition, section box extents are no longer cropped by the view’s crop region.Legend ViewsYou can now enter the legend name and view scale when you begin creation of a new legend view.Rotating Viewports on a SheetWhen you select a viewport on a sheet, the rotate options are now available on the Options Bar.Visibility and GraphicsThis topic describes the new and enhanced features for visibility and graphics in Revit MEP 2008.Overriding Visibility and Graphic Display of Individual ElementsYou can override visibility and graphic display of individual element instances in a project view.Overriding Cut and Surface Lines and PatternsIn the Visibility/Graphics dialog, you can now override cut and surface lines and patterns for model categories.Applying Transparency to Faces of Model ElementsYou can apply transparency to faces of model element categories, or to individual model element faces.Hiding Elements in a ViewYou can hide individual elements or categories of elements in a view. When you hide an element that is used as a reference for a tag or dimension, the tag or dimension is also hidden. Hiding a revision cloud does not affect the revision table. Hidden elements can be revealed and unhidden in a view.Temporary Hide/Isolate EnhancementsA blue border displays around the drawing area to indicate when you are in temporary hide/isolate mode. In addition, when you temporarily hide an element or element category, you can make it permanent.Group EditorThe workflow for creating and editing groups has been improved. When you create or edit a group, you use the group editor. In addition, while you are creating or editing a group, you can use the element creation tools on the Design Bar to place additional elements (such as a window or door). Elements that you place while in group edit mode are automatically added to therespective group.When you edit a group using the group editor, the background color of the drawing area is pale yellow, and the group editor toolbar initially displays in the upper left corner. The pale yellow background color is ignored when you print from the group editor.Loading a Revit Project or Family File as a GroupYou can load Revit project files (RVT) into a project as a group, and you can load Revit family files (RFA) into the Family Editor as a group.Editing Groups ExternallyYou can now edit groups independently of a project or family and then load (or reload) the group into the project or family.Excluding Elements from Group InstancesExcluding elements from a group instance may be useful when, for example, you place a hotel unit group defined with 4 bounding walls adjacent to a similar unit, and the walls overlap. You can exclude the overlapping wall from the group instance. If that wall is hosting any elements (for example, a wall-hosted tub or door) Revit MEP attempts to rehost those elements on the remaining wall.You can exclude an element from a group instance in one of the following ways:■ Exclude an element from a group instance. The element remains in the group but is not visible in the project view for that group instance. If the excluded element is hosting any elements, Revit MEP attempts to rehost those elements.■ Move an element from the group instance to the project view. The element is visible in the project view, and it can be edited from the project view. The element is also excluded from the group instance. When elements are excluded and are not visible in the project view for that group instance, they are not included in schedules. Excluded elements can be restored to their group instances.Enhancements to Swapping Instances of Group TypesWhen you swap an instance of a group type for an instance of a different group type, Revit MEP attempts to replace any attached detail groups from the old group instance with attached detail groups of the same name from the new group instance. For elements in attached detail groups that were not replaced, and for all other elements that depend on elements in the swapped group instance, Revit MEP attempts to find references within the new group instance. If new references cannot be found for these dependent elements, Revit MEP posts a warning to indicate the dependent elements for which it could not find references. In addition, the origin of the new group is placed at the position of the first group.Converting Groups to Linked Revit ModelsYou can convert groups to linked Revit models. You can also convert linked Revit models to groups.Saving GroupsYou can save a group as a Revit project file (RVT) if you are working in a project, or as a Revit family file (RFA) if you are working in the Family Editor. Because groups are saved as RVT or RFA files, they can be edited independently of the project in which they are loaded.Groups are no longer saved as Revit group files (RVG). You can still load existing RVG files into projects for use as groups.Viewing Groups in the Project BrowserIn the Project Browser, attached detail groups and nested groups now appear under the group to which they belong. Nested groups also appear in the group list with other model or detail groups.Scheduling Wall SweepsYou can now schedule wall sweeps. When you create a new schedule, there is a wall sweeps category in the New Schedule dialog. Integral wall sweeps, which are part of the wall type definition, are not independently schedulable.Masking RegionsMasking regions provide a way for an element to obscure other elements in a view. Masking regions may be useful in scenarios like the following:
You can create 2D and 3D masking regions. 2D masking regions can be created in a project and in the Family Editor when you are creating a 2D family (annotation, detail, or titleblock). 3D masking regions can be created in the Family Editor when you are creating a 3D family.Filled RegionsIn a project and in 2D families, you can create a filled region that has a solid fill pattern and a transparent background.Upgrading Projects or Families that Contain Filled RegionsWhen you upgrade a project or family to Revit MEP 2008, all filled regions that have the Background Type parameter set to opaque and the Pattern Type parameter set to no pattern, or all "solid white" filled regions that have the Pattern Type as solid, Background as Opaque, and Color as White, become masking regions.In addition, the following options are no longer available for filled regions:
To obscure an element with a region, use Masking Regions.Dimension Line Tick Mark Display BehaviorWhen you set the tick mark for a dimension as an arrow type, dimension arrows recognize when a dimension segment is too small to accommodate the arrows on the interior of the dimension line. When this occurs, dimension arrows automatically flip to the exterior of the dimension line. This occurs for linear, angular, and radial dimensions. For radial dimensions, arrows flip when the dimension line (the radius) is shorter than the length of the arrow.Spot Dimension Enhancements
Keynote Leader Option PersistenceWhen you place an element or user keynote, you can indicate whether you want a leader for the keynote. Leader options are Attached and Free End. Now when you select a leader option, the selection is retained for the Revit session. For example, you place an element keynote and select the Free End option for the leader. If you exit the Keynote command and make other changes tothe model, when you activate the Keynote command again, Revit remembers your leader selection (Free End), so it is not necessary to specify it again.Color SchemesThe Color Fill command has been renamed and enhanced. To apply color fill to a room or area, you now create color schemes and apply them to a plan view. Previously, color fill and color legends were combined in the Color Fill command. Now, color schemes are a view property, so you can apply different color schemes to different views. Color scheme legends are an annotation tag. If you are working in Revit MEP, you can apply color schemes to ducts and pipes in addition to rooms and areas.When you apply a color scheme to a plan view, you can include a color scheme legend. You can resize a color scheme legend, resize the swatches (the color boxes that appear in the legend), modify the order of items in the legend, and change the graphic appearance of legend swatches.Number Instance Parameter for AreasThe area element has a new instance parameter called Number. This parameter is accessible from the Element Properties dialog for areas.Including Linked Revit Model Instance Names in a ScheduleWhen you have multiple copies of linked Revit models in a project (for example, multiple identical buildings on a site, or multiple identical floors in a building), you can specify a different name for each instance of the linked model and then include the name in a schedule. Names for linked model instances are automatically generated, and you can change them through the linked model properties. If you enter a name that is already in use in the project, a message appears to indicate this.You can also, as in previous releases, include the file name of a linked model in a schedule. File names do not include the file path or file extension.Applying a Color Scheme to Rooms and Areas in Linked ModelsYou can apply the host model color scheme to rooms and areas in a linked model.Showing Areas and Area Boundaries in Linked ModelsYou can show (or hide) areas and area boundaries in linked Revit models.Showing Nested Linked ModelsWhen you import a Revit model that contains a linked model, links become nested. You can show (or hide) nested linked models in the host model.Controlling Visibility and Graphic Override Settings for Nested Linked ModelsNested linked models can use the visibility and graphics override settings specified for the host model, the parent linked model, or the top-level nested linked model.Viewing Linked Revit Models in the Project BrowserLinked Revit models (including visible nested linked models) are now listed in the Project Browser. You can add links and access basic link functionality from the shortcut menu in the Project Browser. You can also drag a linked Revit model from the Project Browser into a project view to create a new instance of the linked model.Converting Linked Revit Models to GroupsYou can convert linked Revit models to groups. You can also convert groups to linked Revit models.Copying Linked Revit Models Between ProjectsYou can copy a linked Revit model to the clipboard and paste it in a different project file. The link path, shared positioning settings, visible nested links, and the link instance name are copied to the new project. If the link instance name already exists in the project, the link is automatically renamed. Partially loaded files are maintained as partially loaded. Visibility and graphic override settings are not preserved.Copying Elements from Linked Revit ModelsYou can copy elements from linked Revit models to the clipboard and then paste them in the host model.Creating Constraints Between the Host Model and Linked ModelsYou can now create constraints between elements in the host model and elements in a linked model.
What's New Video in Revit MEP 2008
Revit MEP Building Performance Analysis White Paper
A new white paper concerning some critical concepts and procedures for generating a valid building performance analysis (BPE) in Revit MEP 2008 has been posted to the Autodesk web site. You can download it here:BPE Analysis White PaperI strongly recommend that if you are an MEP engineer considering or using Revit MEP or if you are an architect who works with one who is, that you download and read it - it's a quick read, but full of good information!
To Protect or To Share Your Custom Revit Families
Below is an interesting discussion regarding the endless hours spent creating custom Revit Families, and then sharing them with other competing firms. Good or Bad. There are people on both sides of the fence here.http://discussion.autodesk.com/thread.jspa?threadID=562548
Carmael Software Package automates entire design process
DESIGN-BUILD 6.0 by Carmel Software, www.carmelsoft.com, is a suite of five software programs that automate the entire HVAC design-build process. The solution, which is based upon the latest ASHRAE Fundamentals, performs HVAC design-build analysis including commercial and residential load calculations, duct sizing, cost estimating and proposal generation. The programs come with pre-formatted customizable databases and accept user-supplied equipment, material and parts. The user creates an HVAC load calculation project for the building in Loadsoft-6.0, which performs calculations for commercial and industrial loads, or Residential 5.0, which does the math for residential and light commercial loads. Loadsoft calculations use the 2005 Fundamentals radiant time series method; Residential 5.0 calculations are based upon the ASHRAE 2001 Fundamentals residential algorithms (Chapter 28). These modules include databases for 200+ walls, roofs, floors and windows. Both load calculation modules are compatible with AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP for easy data import of building information from the AutoCAD MEP or Revit MEP drawing, including room dimensions and number of people. Importing that information eliminates the need for manual input of that data for each room and system. Afterward, the user can export the results back to AutoCAD MEP or to Revit MEP drawing to aid in duct and piping design. After the building is modeled and the total cooling and heating loads calculated, the project designer/estimator imports the weather, address, airflow values and other data for each room into the next module in the process, Duct Size 6.0, which provides total duct system analysis to facilitate proper sizing of the ducts and fans that serve the system. (Duct Size 6.0 also works with AutoCAD, enabling the designer to import a single-line drawing and export it back as a double-line or 3-D drawing.) The duct-sizing program can generate numerous reports, including duct dimension and airflow breakdown, a heat-loss breakdown, friction-loss breakdown, sound-power breakdown and a material list that can be imported into Estimate 6.0. Using all the information from the load calculation and duct-sizing modules, the estimating module creates an estimate of final total costs based on the mechanical take-off and can generate a proposal exportable to Microsoft Word or Excel for presentation to the customer. The estimating database includes many types of HVAC equipment, including 50,000+ HVAC parts from major vendors, as well as labor costs assignable to the equipment and material. A Status Module keeps time-stamped track of the status of each project and tells the user which data is being shared and where. Each of the software programs can be purchased and used separately.
Autodesk Extends 3D Leadership with Acquisition of NavisWorks
Autodesk has signed an agreement to acquire NavisWorks, a privately-held company based in Sheffield, England that provides software for 3D coordination, collaboration and sequencing in design and construction for approximately $25 million in USD cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. The acquisition underscores Autodesk’s commitment to help its customers derive the greatest possible value from the information created during all phases of the design process. NavisWorks is a global provider of software that enables full exploitation of the benefits of 3D digital designs in the construction, plant and marine design markets for purposes ranging from design coordination and clash detection to construction simulations. Its products are used by many of the world’s leading construction companies, architects, engineers, process and power firms and shipbuilders. NavisWorks products support increased interoperability by coordinating design information from multiple sources. The company is also a Charter Member of the USA National BIM standard.Autodesk currently plans to offer new solutions that incorporate both NavisWorks and Autodesk technology, and to continue supporting the existing NavisWorks product line “The acquisition of NavisWorks is part of Autodesk’s commitment to offering more complete solutionsacross the AEC industry” said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, Autodesk AEC Solutions. “The addition of NavisWorks technology to the Autodesk portfolio will help our customers leverage their design data to make better design and construction decisions and increase the value of their investments in design technology.”“For more than 7 years, NavisWorks solutions have helped design professionals across the construction, building, plant, and marine industries better collaborate, create more coordinated designs, and work more efficiently,” said Peter Thompson, CEO of NavisWorks. “The combination of NavisWorks and Autodesk technology is an excellent match. Our products augment the coordinated, consistent, and computable information produced by the Revit platform for building information modeling, and can aggregate that information with data from other sources including AutoCAD, Inventor and Civil 3D, to build the most complete understanding possible of the overall project. We are excited to join the Autodesk family.”
BIM Library Manager from Tectonic Partners Inc.
The BIM Library Manager is a sophisticated software application for the organization, management, naming and selection of the Revit families (2D and 3D objects such as doors, windows, cabinets, plumbing, lighting, etc.) that are necessary for the creation of Revit building models. The BIM Library Manager also includes hundreds of excellent parametric families to assist architects in the efficient creation of their BIM (Building Information Models) projects. The BIM Library Manager is licensed on a per-seat, yearly subscription basis. <?xml:namespace prefix = o />The use of Revit for the creation of BIM is rapidly expanding within the architectural professions. To create 3D building models and contract documents using Revit the architect must access a collection of families that can be selected and inserted into the BIM model. Therefore thousands of families are required that may be selected from on each project. These families have proven to be a challenge for those using Revit. As the quantity of the doors, windows, equipment, fixtures, etc. have grown the inventorying, selecting and moving of these families into the Revit model has become overwhelming. All offices and particularly firms with multiple offices are finding that their families are stored “all over the place”. Inconsistent naming conventions are also adding to the problem as often the same family is called different names within the same office. Adding to the challenge there are currently not enough well modeled families available. Andrew Arnold, Ph.D.,VP Products states, “The BIM Library Manager was designed to solve the problems of working with Revit families. Our application resides at the architect’s office on individual computers or on their network and is designed to collect, organize and present through a simple interface their families. Tectonic has also included Naming Guidelines to assist the architect in developing a good and consistent naming system. Consistent and logical naming is extremely important as the BIM model is used for quantity take off and analysis. Additionally, the BIM Library Manager includes hundreds of well modeled parametric families that will instantly improve the architect’s efficiency in using Revit. Tectonic will continue to develop well modeled families and make them available to our customers through a link at our Internet site.” The BIM Library Manager is designed as a platform to allow the plug in of future Tectonic products, such as the Tectonic Quantity Take Off application that will be released mid year. The system architecture weaves together tools based upon the Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi), Eclipse development platform, and Microsoft .NET technology. The application is made available for download from the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud.
Using same crop region in multiple floor plan views
You want to have multiple floor plan views that use the same crop region so that all of your levels line up from floor to floor as you go through a set of construction documents. It is possible for multiple floor plan views to use the same crop region if they are all associated with a common scope box. First, create a scope box in one of the floor plan views, and then associate the other floor plans with that scope box.To create a scope box in a floor plan view
Note: Refer to the Help file for more information about scope boxes.To associate multiple floor plan views with the same scope box so that the floor plan views have the same crop region
New Build for Revit MEP 2008
This update is made available to registered users of Revit MEP 2008, and is subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that appears during installation. The install will look to see if there is a previous installation of Revit MEP 2008 on the computer, and if there is, it will uninstall it before it installs the new build.<?xml:namespace prefix = o />What you might want to do is copy the individual Revit.ini files in case any additional paths have been created per user. The Revit.ini file is located in - C:\Program Files\Revit MEP 2008\Program. Use this method for new builds, not new versions…i.e. 2008 to 2009 (or 2008.1 if that comes out).<?xml:namespace prefix = u1 />If you created a network image, I would have a tendency to redo the image without loading the content. One thing about that is that you can not use the check box for skip content. If you do, you can not specify the paths for the content, and they will stay local on the pc. All you need to do is uncheck all the content and it will let you specify the locations. If you are not sharing the library’s, then this isn’t an issue since it all goes local, in which you could check to skip the content.This build, (2007_0615_1700), addresses issues related to:
Calculating Heating and Cooling Loads using gbXML
Software supporting a gbXML import has been;
The gbxml format is not written by Autodesk, and any information that is imported into gbXML program is based on what that program reads from the file, and not necessarily what Autodesk exports to gbxml. I would contact these 3rd party program manufactures to see what type of documentation they have available on how they import gbxml data.There is a room name and room number issue that Autodesk’s development team is aware of and is investigating. These programs will not know the information about the wall construction type from the model. Currently, there is no way to bring this type of information in from the model. You will need to input all of that information into the gbXML program.I have submitted a request for Autodesk to provide more documentation about gbxml export and the type of settings that are exported by the software.
e-SPECS integration for Revit MEP
e-SPECS building information modeling (BIM) enhanced integration for all Autodesk Revit-based 2008 BIM products including:
InterSpec, the leader in specification solutions integrating CAD drawings and BIM models, further enhances the e-SPECS specification solutions using the Revit application programming interface (API). New e-SPECS functionality includes:
“Customer are increasing the value of their BIM investment through more efficient and coordinated design processes, entire design team collaboration and efficient enterprise level data management,” says Michael Brennan, President of InterSpec. “Architects, engineers, owners, and contractors benefit from the ease of access to critical data associated with the BIM model.”e-SPECS automates the preparation of the project specifications from Revit MEP, linking your favorite design program with your specification master documents. e-SPECS is integrated with all versions of MASTERSPEC, the industry standard for construction specification documents.Integrated Specificationse-SPECS integrates the construction documents with AutoCAD, Architectural Desktop and Revit, instantly updating your project specifications as you develop your drawings. Insert a VAV Box, light fixture, sink, or any other building object into your Revit MEP model and instantly update your project manual with the appropriate specifications. Enter text, keynotes, blocks, hatches, or any other Revit drawing elements, and your specifications stay in-sync, in real time. Any changes you make to the designs will automatically be incorporated into the specification manual. At any time, you can review the “history” of your specification section to see why it was included in the project. You can also review the Drawing Reconciliation reports to get a complete overview of all the drawing elements that resulted in project specification sections.e-SPECS Integrating Specs with AutoCAD®, ADT and Revit e-SPECS extracts all the project requirements from the Revit model and instantly updates your specifications as you develop your building designs. e-SPECS generates the required specifications and lets you load the sections into its editor for any changes you may require. e-SPECS operates inside Revit MEP, instantly updating your specifications as you develop your drawings.Product ResearchDeveloping the specifications for the products and materials that are incorporated into your building designs is only part of the complete specifications package. You also have to identify available products that meet those specifications. With its built-in browser, e-SPECS automates the selection of available products that meet your specifications by linking to supplier information on the Internet directly from your specification document. With the click of the mouse, you go directly to a list of manufacturers supplying products applicable to the section you are editing. You’ll save hours researching products to include in your specifications and when you find the appropriate suppliers, information from their web sites can be cut and pasted into your specifications with a few simple mouse clicks.Project Collaboratione-SPECS brings your entire project team together, enabling collaboration on your specification documents from any place in the world. Team members can access the project using the e-SPECS Desktop markup tools or through an Autodesk Buzzsaw® online account. With e-SPECS, you can publish your entire project to Buzzsaw with the click of a mouse. e-SPECS version control keeps track of all user edits and makes it simple to incorporate comments and changes from multiple sources. You’ll save time and money and ensure that all team comments and considerations are included in the final manual.See the demohttp://www.e-specs.com/especsdemo/e-SPECS_DEMO.html The enhanced integration is available today for e-SPECS customers and demonstrations can be viewed on-line at http://www.e-specs.com/.
Organise your Revit Views and Sheets into Folders
Ever have this problem? You develop your scheme within Revit and before you know it you have a list of Views and Sheets as long as your arm.Well there is a cure. Using this technique you can create folders to help organize your Views and Sheets.Organising your Views....First of all add a Project parameter called "Folder" with the following properties: You can find Project Parameters under the Settings menuClick Add, to add a new Project parameterPick a name for your new parameter. You will see above that I have chosen Folders. Ensure you choose Text as the Type and Text for Group Parameter Under. Tick Views as the category. You can now OK the Project parameters dialog box.Now select Browser Organization from the Settings MenuSelect New and give choose a name for your new Browser Organization. I have called mine My new browserEnsure the Folders Tab is completed as per the image belowMake sure there is a tick against the new Browser Organization Profile you have just created; and click OK.If you now look to the left of your screen, you will see that your new Browser Organization has come into effect.For each type of view (ie plans, ceiling plans, etc) your views are all lumped under one folder named ???. This is because you haven't created and actual parameters for the folders yet, We will do that now.You can create the folder names you need directly from within the Properties dialogue box for each view.You will see in the image above that I have picked a view, brought up its' Properties Dialog box and created a new folder I wish this view to be placed in by typing Plans as Proposed in the Folders Parameter box.As soon as I click Apply, a folder called Plans as Proposed is created in the Browser and the view (in this case Detail 4) is listed under it.You will see from the image below that I've now created a logical system of organising my views. Exactly the same can be done with ceiling plans, elevations, 3D views, etc. Note: You can select multiple views simultaneously and change the Folder Parameter for them in one go- this greatly speeds up the process of organizing your views.....and your SheetsExactly the same can be done for drawing sheets. To do this you need to do the whole process again but select Drawing Sheets instead of Views, in the Category section of the Parameter Properties dialog box.Now you can create a new Browser Organization- in this case I created one called My Sheets. You Group by Sheet Folders (or whatever name you chose for your Project parameter) and you sort by Sheet Number. http://www.revitzone.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=190&Itemid=34
Downloadable Revit Content
Links to websites that contain downloadable content for Revit. Web Link 3D Model Sharing 3DModelSharing.com is a showcase of CAD related media. Image After Image*After is a large online free photo collection Mayang\'s Free Textures "Our texture library has over 3400 free to download, free to use, high-resolution textures" Textures, texture library On this website you can find more then 850 texture to download Autodesk\'s Offical Download Libraries
Autodesk Revit MEP: BIM for MEP Engineering
Revit MEP is the purpose-built building information modeling (BIM) software for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering. This white paper explores how keyconcepts of BIM improve MEP design processes, both building mechanical and electrical, and how those processes are further enhanced when combined with Revit-based architectural and/or structural workflows.Using BIM to Improve MEP DesignToday's demanding business environment is driving a push towards more efficiency and integration in building industry supply chains. Owners are demanding better built buildings for less money in less time. Architects, engineers and contractors are under pressure to streamline their building design and delivery process - searching for ways to improve productivity, lower costs, and deliver better-quality products.The success of BIM for building design - as evidenced by the rapid adoption of BIM solutions like Autodesk® Revit® Building software - is redefining clients' expectations of their MEP consultants. Like BIM for building and structural design, BIM for MEP is a design methodology characterized by the creation and use of coordinated, consistent computable information about a building's MEP design - information used for design decision-making, production of accurate documentation, predicting performance, costestimating and construction planning, and, eventually, for managing and operating the facility.Several key concepts of Revit Systems are fundamental to understanding how BIM impacts the MEP design process: the use of a computable building model, holistic design, and parametric change management.Computable Building ModelRevit Systems features a computable building model – that is, a model in software that can be operated on by a computer as a building Using a conventional CAD system for design, MEP engineers and designers visualize the 3D design in their brain and transfer it to a 2D drafted representation. Some CAD systems fashioned specifically for MEP design allow the user to model the system geometry in 3D for the purposes of coordination and extracting drawings - making the model seem more intelligent than it really is. But because the model isn't computable, the elements and systems don't know how to interact with each other.Whereas the Revit Systems building information model captures the functional relationships between building elements and systems. Walls, beams, ducts, pipes, distribution panels; they all "know" what they are, what they do and how to react to the rest of the building.Holistic MEP DesignThis computable Revit Systems building model enables a "holistic" design approach, i.e. MEP design done in the context of the whole building. For example, since the electrical and mechanical systems "know" about each other - an electrical engineer can track the power requirements of the mechanical equipment included in the design and have the software automatically configure electrical load requirements to dynamically change in mechanical equipment specifications.This holistic approach unites not only the MEP disciplines, but the process as well - featuring an integrated digital environment for design, documentation and analysis. When used in conjunction with other team members using Revit-based design applications, this holistic approach expands to include the rest of the building as well.Parametric Change ManagementThe majority of MEP engineering solutions today are based on CAD technology with a focus on the production of construction documentation rather than the engineering design itself. The drawings are either created directly, or extracted from a model. As the design evolves, a high level of effort is required to manage and coordinate the documentation and actionable building design data (such as schedule, cost, building performance, and so forth) of these CAD systems.In contrast, Revit Systems is built upon a parametric change engine that provides immediate, comprehensive change propagation through the natural operation of the software. This results in the reliable, coordinated, and consistent design information and documentation that characterizes BIM.Figure 1Autodesk Revit Systems expands the scope of the Revit family of products, delivering a BIM platform for collaborative multidisciplinary building design. Image courtesy of Dal Pos Architects – Robson Woese Consulting Engineers.MEP Design with Revit SystemsDesign and FeedbackRevit Systems offers a unified environment for MEP design and engineering, analysis, and documentation. MEP engineers work directly in the model, and the drawings themselves are part of the building information model. Intuitive layout tools make system layout fast and easy. Engineers modify their design by dragging design elements to move or change them on the screen. The parametric change engine enables all model views and drawing sheets to update automatically whenever a change is made anywhere for accurate and coordinated designs and documents at all times.Revit Systems features automatic sizing and systems layout tools, and provides engineers with immediate feedback on their design. For example, during the layout of a mechanical system, Revit Systems displays the critical flow of a mechanical system, allowing an engineer to modify the design for maximum performance and efficiency.Figure 2Revit Systems provides engineers with immediate feedback on their designs, such as displaying the critical flow path of a mechanical system (shown in the bottom view opposite).Avoiding InterferencesAutomatic interference checking during the design process is another valuable feature of Revit Systems. Typically, a building's architectural and structural systems are defined well in advance of its MEP systems, with only standard "rule of thumb" space allowances reserved for the latter. This sets the stage for inevitable conflicts between the area needed for those MEP systems and the overall cost of the building. In large building designs - such as hotels, high-rise apartment buildings, or intricate office complexes - squeezing the required MEP systems above the ceiling becomes particularly challenging.The 3D modeling environment of Revit Systems helps the MEP designer overcome the challenges of fitting the required components into tight spaces, and then provides interference checking to detect collisions during the design process - reducing the risk of construction cost overruns.Figure 3Revit Systems provides interference checking to detect collisions during the design process.Green DesignRevit Systems also supports key aspects of sustainable design by facilitating complex processes and analyses. For example, Revit supports export to gbXML for use in third party energy and heat load analysis applications. MEP engineers can use the information created in their computable Revit Systems building information model to test theperformance of their design, eliminating the time-consuming task of transferring data manually.BIM for Mechanical DesignData-Centric DesignThe data-rich, computable Revit Systems model is used to drive the MEP design process, with a host of tools to aid in the layout of mechanical ductwork and piping, and plumbing systems.For example, Revit Systems enables users to perform many engineering calculations directly in the model; calculations like sizing mains, branches, or whole systems at a time, using industry-standard methods and specifications (such as the ASHRAE fitting loss database). System sizing tools are integrated with the layout tools and instantly update the size and design parameters of duct and pipe elements - without file exchanges or thirdparty applications.Figure 4Revit Systems enables duct sizing directly in the model during layout.Revit Systems automatically provides duct and pipe routing solutions between any two points. The routing path is constrained by the engineer, who selects fitting or connection preferences to meet specific design criteria. The software then finds and displays multiple routing paths - allowing the engineer to choose the option that works best for a design.During the layout of the plumbing design, a user just defines the rise over run and the software automatically calculates invert elevations according to industry codes and tags them at the ends of pipe runs - minimizing the guesswork and manual calculation on sloped pipe. The software also automatically places all plumbing risers and drops - reducing the tedious aspects of system modeling.Figure 5Revit Systems automatically providesrouting solutions based on predefined duct preferences. To view routing solutions, the user selects any duct system component to identify the system and the software displays a series of temporary duct routing graphics (shown here in red).Figure 6The user then views the various solutions for routing the ductwork, using arrow buttons to scroll back and forth through the solutions, and clicks Finish to select a specific solution.Design InsightThe computable Revit Systems building information model is also used to give the MEP engineer feedback as the design progresses.Ducting or piping can be color-coded by a design parameter (such as low or high pressure, fluid service, velocity range, flow rate, etc). This "live" visual representation of design data gives engineers instant insight into the design intent for a particular system.The System Inspector displays the critical flow path for a duct run and provides a quick method for viewing the design specifications for each duct segment in a system. This feedback allows an engineer to quickly identify areas of the system with the highest pressure loss and then modify the design to optimize system performance.Figure 7The System Inspector provides immediate design feedback.As described earlier, Revit Systems detects clashes between any MEP system components (and when used in a Revit-based workflow, between architectural and structural elements from Revit Building and Revit Structure as well). Detection of interferences during the design process reduces costly field rework.The computable model created by Revit Systems contains the necessary level of detail to enable direct engineering analysis. To facilitate that analysis, Revit Systems supports export via gbXML to industry leading gbXML third-party analysis applications, eliminating the manual transfer of data back and forth between modeling and analysis packages.Increased CoordinationA major source of the mistakes and delays in building construction can be attributed to poorly coordinated design documents. In the Fifth Annual FMI/CMAA Survey of Owners - a 2004 survey conducted by FMI Corporation and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) - 70% of owners said they are seeing a decline in the quality of design documentation. For firms with slim profit margins, any rework costs exacerbate the bottom line - and MEP profit margins are notoriously slim (from 5% to 15% depending on the type of project).A purpose-built BIM solution like Revit Systems automatically coordinates all design documentation - because views, drawings, schedules, reports and so forth are all "live" views of the same underlying database. The result is a dramatic reduction in documentation errors, producing an accurate design that requires less rework.Revit Systems also allow the design and documentation of MEP systems to be done concurrently instead of serially, because project deliverables are created dynamically while the design work is being done. The production of design documentation requires less time and effort by the design team, increasing project throughput. In addition, a concurrent design and documentation effort tends to naturally increase project coordination, with team members working in real time on the execution of the design - minimizing the amount of information loss between participants.Enhanced CommunicationRevit Systems includes a variety of features that enhance project communication between team members, architects, clients, and contractors - including Revit Worksharing (described later in this paper), import/export features, and visual communication techniques.During the design process, color-filled room plans can be used to visually communicate design intent. Rooms can be color-coded based on critical design parameters such as room types or airflow requirements. These color-filled plans are just another live view of the building information model and they update automatically whenever design changes are made.Figure 8Color fill plans in Revit Systems are a visual representation of design intent.Revit Systems can export to, import from, or link with a variety of CAD formats - including DWG™, DWF™, DXF™, and DGN. This assures compatible data exchange with software applications - as well as clients, architects and partners. For example, 3D DWG files output from Revit Systems can be used in Autodesk® VIZ or Autodesk® 3ds Max® software to create photorealistic renderings of a building’s MEP engineering designs for enhanced communication with clients or team members. Similarly, DWF files output from Revit Systems can be used in Autodesk® Design Review software to facilitate the review process.Figure 9Revit Systems can quickly generate realistic rendered views of a building model.Revit Systems can also read and write ACIS® solids, which gives users a way to import and export Revit Systems models to and from AutoCAD® or Autodesk® Architectural Desktop. This method can be used to cut sections and perform visual interference detection.Finally, users can easily upload files from Revit Systems to an Autodesk® Buzzsaw® site for web-based collaborative project management. Added functionality even allows for automatic conversion of Revit Systems files to either DWG or DWF format.BIM for Electrical DesignAs explained earlier in this paper, a computable building model captures the functional relationships between building elements and systems. Architectural, structural and MEP elements all "know" what they are, how to interact with each other, and their role within a larger system. A computable building model is of particular importance for electrical design.For the building mechanical design discipline, defining and understanding the physical relationships of building elements (i.e., the location, size and relationship between building components in 3D space) is as important as being able to model and get feedback on how the system functions (i.e., how much air flow should/can be delivered to a space and the pressure required to move that air through the ducts).For the building electric design discipline, physical modeling takes a back seat to system modeling. Wires aren't actually routed in the model - that's left to the contractor on site. The only things physically modeled are electrical devices and equipment such as lighting fixtures, transformers, generators, panel boxes, etc., whereas system modeling is of the upmost importance. Are there any devices not assigned to a circuit? What is the number and types of circuits? Is there adequate power and light for the space to be used as intended?These design considerations and calculations form the basis of the electrical engineer's challenge. The computable Revit Systems model is a perfect environment for this type of data-centric system modeling.Figure 10Revit Systems enables electrical system modeling within the context of the entire building modelSystem ModelingWith Revit Systems, electrical engineers model the power and lighting circuitry of the building spaces. During system modeling, the user places light fixtures, power devices and equipment in the model, then creates a circuit connected to a distribution panel. The user defines wire types, voltage ranges, distribution systems, and demand factors to ensure the compatibility of electrical connections in the design and prevent overloads and mismatched voltages.The resultant circuit model allows users to calculate the estimated demand loads on feeders and panels, and then use these loads to adequately size equipment in the design environment. Load balancing is made easy when managing circuits; with the click of a button users can balance electrical loads between the buses on their panels. Built-in circuiting tools also allow users to total loads and generate reports for accurate documentation.Figure 11Revit Systems allows electrical engineers to model the power and lighting circuitry of the building spaces.A System Browser lets a user check the continuity of an electrical model to identify orphaned elements that are not connected to any system, making sure that system elements are properly connected and contribute to system load requirements for optimized circuitry. Once the circuits are defined, Revit Systems automatically "wires" the electrical devices by placing annotation that includes the homerun to the panel assigned to the circuit.Built-in electrical calculations enhance the system design with engineering data, providing design decision support from the building model and reducing the burden of manual calculations. For example, Revit Systems can automatically estimate lighting levels in rooms based on the lights placed in the space, excluding daylight. The user just defines the reflectivity values of the room surfaces, attaches industry-standard IES data files to lighting, defines the calculation workplane height and the system automatically calculates the average estimated illumination value for the room.Figure 12Revit Systems automatically places wire directly in the model as annotation during layout.Figure 13Revit Systems automatically calculates the average estimated illumination value for a room based on predefined electrical parameters. The calculated illumination values can be scheduled in a report for design documentation.Increased CoordinationCoordination between a building's electrical and mechanical systems is critical, as one powers the other. The data-centric approach of Revit Systems provides engineers a holistic view of the building model and systems. For examples, a user can review the electrical requirements on mechanical equipment, and configure voltage and power load requirements to dynamically update in panel schedules.In addition to building model and system coordination, a purpose-built BIM solution like Revit Systems automatically coordinates all design documentation as well. Like all Revit platform solutions, drawings, sheets, views, schedules, reports and so forth are all "live" views of the same underlying database. Therefore electrical documentation such as electrical plans and panel schedules are always consistent.Figure 14Revit Systems automatically creates panel schedules, such as the one shown opposite, and automatically coordinates all design documentation such as this.Enhanced CommunicationAs described earlier in the building mechanical design section, Revit Systems includes a variety of features that enhance project communication: distributed building information modeling via Revit Worksharing, import/export features, visual communication techniques, etc. This is equally important for electrical designers and all the same Revit Systems features apply. For example, electrical designers can export their Revit Systems model to Autodesk VIZ to produce photorealistic lighting renderings or upload their files to an Autodesk Buzzsaw site or export their design to a CAD format to share with a client.Figure 15Electrical designers can use building information modeling to study lighting levels and design directly in Revit Systems, or export to Autodesk VIZ for realistic lighting visualizations such as the image shown here.Inside a Revit-based Design Team WorkflowSince Revit Systems is built on the Revit platform, coordination between MEP team members using Revit Systems, architects using Revit Building, and structural engineers using Revit Structure is streamlined.The architectural spaces created using Revit Building can be used by Revit Systems to support load calculations, track airflow in rooms and coordinate panel schedules. The architectural and structural elements created by (respectively) Revit Building and Revit Structure can be used to uncover potential conflicts with MEP system components early in the design process.Well-established processes for worksharing amongst Revit users equally apply to MEP engineers using Revit Systems. Revit Worksharing distributes the power of the parametric modeling environment across a project team, providing a complete range of collaboration modes to suit the workflow and requirements of the parties involved, including the following alternatives:
File linking works like the External Reference (xref) capability in AutoCAD software, with the added capability to monitor and update specific key elements that are shared in the design process. Worksharing offers the additional ability to propagate and coordinate changes between designers, documentation and disciplines.A user works independently in a workset, periodically posting changes back into the master project file and refreshing the workset with changes from other users. Worksets can be displayed as needed, avoiding the memory-intensive display of parts of the building model that aren't necessary for a specific design activity. For example, an electrical engineer may want to constantly view the architectural workset, but toggle the visibility of the structural workset on or off to suit his design needs. Standard modelviewing mechanisms are supported for worksets, allowing the MEP engineer to create drawings that include any elements from the shared models.Figure 16Revit Worksharing streamlines coordination between MEP team members using Revit Systems, architects using Revit Building, and structural engineers using Revit Structure.SummaryAutodesk Revit Systems offers MEP engineers advanced functionality for building electrical and mechanical design. The computable Revit building model allows firms to create, manage and share design information more effectively - contributing to increased profitability, reduced risk and fewer inefficiencies in building design. Parametric change management helps eliminate coordination errors in documentation sets, and minimizes coordination errors between engineering design teams - as well as architects and structural engineers within Revit-based workflows.Firms can finally transition from a workflow based on 2D drafting to the holistic approach of integrating whole systems in a 3D digital environment, facilitating digital information sharing for engineering analysis and digitally-driven design for buildings.Consider these comments by Bob Gracilieri, President and CEO of SEi Companies, a mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection firm known for working in sophisticated environments on complex projects. "BIM brings a new dimension to the way MEP firms can do business," reports Gracilieri. "It allows us to get out of the commodity mode and offer a value proposition service to our clients. It will change the whole culture and image of our industry."
Text value Line Styles
Here is a quick tutorial on how to create line styles in Revit whereby you can change the text values. We use this for lines like Fence, Hot water, Cold water etc.1. Start a new family - annotation symbol - generic annotation.2. Delete the Red text warning.3. Add a Label. Click mouse pointer at the intersection of ref Planes.4. In the Select Parameter Dialogue box click Add.5. In the Parameter Properties Dia Name Feild : Line Text Value.6. Leave it as a text parameter, and group it under Text.7. In the Select Parameter Dialogue box type a value of f ( at the bottom.)8. Save this file.9. Start a new family using the Detail component line based template.10. Alt+Tab back to the symbol family(or pick in the window pull down)11. Load the symbol into the detail line base new family.12. Using the symbol tool place the symbol near the 1st end point of the line(on the left hand side.13. Using the align tool align and lock the symbol to the reference planes vertically as well as horizontally.14. Sellect the symbol and cross associate the "line text Value" parameter through to the new family. ( hit the little inconspicious square box at the end of the paramters field, this will take you to the add parameter dialogue box. Ie follow steps 4-7 again)15. select the symbol, now use array tool with the set the amount to 4 and tick last option and array the symol from the left to the right side.16. Align and lock the last symbol as per step 13.17. One could add an array parameter here or better yet, add an array formula that divides the line length by centers set up for the text.18. Lastly draw a line style of your choice fom left to right.19 Load into your project and using the detail component tool, set up all your fences and so on.20. Edit duplicate change the name, change the text value (hot water) and off you go doing your water reticulation CD's
Revit Family Man: Anchors Aweigh
Revit Family Man: Anchors Aweigh
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Creating Phases
Combining Phases
When you combine phases, the phase that is selected is deleted; this means that all components that had that phase value for their Phase Created and Phase Demolished properties update to show the new combined phase value. Phase Filters A phase filter is a rule you can apply to a view to control the display of components based on their phase status: new, existing, demolished, or temporary. Default Phase Filters Each Revit MEP project contains the following default phase filters:
NOTE:To show all elements from all phases, do not apply a phase filter to the view. Phase Status
Creating Phase Filters
Applying Phase Filters
Defining the Graphic Display for Phase Filters You define overrides to change the appearance of components in views with phase filters.
For the phases you want to have use the graphic override settings, select Overridden for the value on the Phase Filters tab. Infill Element for Phasing If an insert (such as a window) and its host (a wall) do not have the same values for the Phase Created and Phase Demolished properties, Revit MEP automatically places an infill element in the host to patch the hole created by the insert. The infill element lets you place inserts from one phase, demolish them, and then place new inserts in the same location. The infill element assumes the same structure as its host. In certain cases you can modify the structure of the infill element by changing its type. Infill elements for roofs and floors project down from the top face, and infill elements for ceilings project up from the bottom face. You cannot drag, move, mirror, rotate, copy, or paste an infill element. Infill Element for Earlier Phases If you place an insert into a host in a phase later than the host's creation phase, Revit MEP creates an infill element for earlier phases. For example, you have a roof that was created in Phase 1. You add a skylight to the roof in Phase 2. You look at the roof and skylight in a 3D view. If you set the 3D view's phase to Phase 1, an infill element replaces the skylight. You can view this infill element in a section view. Infill Element for Demolished Components When you demolish an insert in a host element, the insert becomes an infill element. Demolished window becomes infill element You can then place a new insert near the demolished insert. New window placed near demolished window If you apply a phase filter to the view that does not show demolished elements, such as Show Previous + New, you see only the new insert. New window only
Sharing the Work in Revit
Worksharing Vocabulary In order to understand worksharing, let's first get acquainted with its basic terminology. Central File: A master project database repository containing all building model data subdivided into logical areas created and saved in a shared location on a network so that more than one person can work on that project. Local File: A copy of the Central file saved on a project team member's workstation or network location. This local file acts as an interfacing mechanism for working on the Central file. Workset: A collection of elements that can be edited by only one team member at a time. Element Borrowing: A process that allows a team member to edit an element with or without checking out a Workset. Element borrowing happens automatically when a team member selects an element for modification contingent on the fact that the object is not owned or borrowed by another team member. Objects owned by other team members will not be open for borrowing. Editing Requests: When elements are modified by another team member, that person retains editing ownership of those elements. Therefore, when another team member wants to edit an owned element, they must submit a request to the owner for rights to edit it. How Worksharing Works The basic process of worksharing is outlined in these steps. 1. A single user creates a project and begins creating the initial geometry and information. The building information model is developed to a certain point. 2. Then, additional users are required and worksharing is enabled in the project. 3. Revit automatically assigns the various elements of the project to logical Worksets. 4. The file is then saved as the Central file to the network appending the project file name with "-central" for clarification. 5. Team members will then save the Central file as a Local file to their local hard drive or on the network and append the file name with an identifier such as "-bknittle" for clarification. 6. Additional Worksets can be created in a user's Local file to group the building elements into logical groupings. 7. Users make modifications by using Element Borrowing or checking out a Workset through their Local file. Element borrowing in a Workset checked out by another team member can be made through Editing Requests. 8. Each team member makes regular Local file saves and also saves to the Central file throughout the day. 9. Each team member makes regular reloads from the Central file to synchronize their own Local file. 10. Users with checked out Worksets can relinquish ownership at any time. This workflow is described in more detail in the rest of the tutorial. Beginning the process 1. Click on the Workset button on the Workset Toolbar. (It can also be accessed from the File pull-down menu.) NOTE: There is no going back once Worksharing is enabled. 2. The Worksharing dialog will appear. The dialog prompts the user for a name to the shared levels, grids, and generic workset that will contain default model objects. These default names are a good start, therefore they need not be renamed unless necessary. Select OK when ready. 3. The Worksets window dialog will appear, allowing the user to view existing Worksets or create additional Worksets. The elements can be viewed all at once or filtered in the Show category. These Worksets are the User-Created, Families, Project Standards, and the Views Worksets. These different types are briefly described below. Default Workset:
User-Created Workset:
Create the Central File 1. Doing a File > Save As will create the Central File. Best practices recommend that the Central File be given a name followed by "-central" then saved to a shared network location. This will allow the additional team members to copy it locally or on the network. Click the Options button. 2. The check box for Make this the Central location after save will be checked after worksharing is invoked. 3. In the File menu, select Relinquish all Mine. This will relinquish all the Worksets that were created so that they can then be accessed by the rest of the team. Create the Local Files Each team member will open the Central File and perform a File > Save As. Best practices recommend that the Local File be given the same project name followed by "-[Login Name]" and save it to their local hard drive. A virtual link is created by Revit that connects the two files. NOTE: Some project leaders actually create the Local Files for the team and save the Local Files on the network for back-ups. Users then open their specific Local Files. Verify network speed. The Central File should not be opened beyond this point. Benefits of Worksets:
Limitations of Worksets:
Considerations when creating Worksets:
Create Worksets 1. Click the Workset button on the Workset Toolbar. This will launch the Workset dialog window. 2. In the Worksets dialog window select the New button. This will launch the New Workset dialog window. 3. Give the new Workset a name that describes what elements will be assigned to it. This will prevent any confusion. Check the Visible by default in all views box. This will give the Workset the most flexibility. NOTE: Creating a Workset will automatically make the user who created it the owner. 4. Open a view to work in. Plan or 3D views work really well for moving objects to a Workset. Select common objects (walls, doors, windows, etc.) and on the Options Bar select Properties, or Right Mouse Click to select Properties. In the Element Properties dialog window under Instance Parameters, find Identity Data. Find the parameter Workset. Activate the cell's flyout and select the new Workset. 5. Continue this procedure to create and assign elements to additional Worksets. Saving Local, Saving to Central, and Reload Latest It is very important to have a well regimented plan when it comes to worksharing. The times for doing project saves and updates during the day should carefully be selected so as to not disrupt the project workflow, for example, during lunch break or prior to leaving for the night. 1. Saving the Local File can be accomplished by either clicking the Save button on the Standard Toolbar, going to File > Save, or the command alias Ctrl+S. All three options execute the save command. 2. Saving to Central can be accomplished one of two ways. The first method involves the Save to Central button on the Standard Toolbar. This command updates the Central File with recent changes. However, it does not return the user-created Workset. The preferred method is using File > Save to Central. This will provide the user many more options when executing the command. The File Save As dialog window will be launched. 3. In the File Save As dialog window, the user can relinquish any owned Workset, as well as save their own Local File. A Comment field is provided for specifics. 4. Synchronizing the project can also be accomplished in many ways. File > Reload Latest is one method of updating the Local File. The command alias RL is also available when synchronizing. Working in a Shared Environment Modifying elements in a Workset checked out by you is one story. However, if that element happens to be of a Workset which is not owned or owned by another user, modification will require element borrowing. Element Borrowing occurs when a modification is made to an element(s) that is not owned by you. A small icon resembling a puzzle piece with a line through it is displayed to signify that it is locked. Two things will happen at this point. The user will click the puzzle piece and: 1. The user will click the icon and the element(s) will be free for editing. This occurs when an element(s) is part of a Workset that is not checked out or owned. 2. The user will click the icon and a warning will appear flagging the object as being owned by another user. You will then be given the choice to place an Editing Request. Editing Requests are delivered via Revit from the requesting user to the receiving user. 1. The requester will click the Place Request button to alert the owner electronically and then call, IM (instant messaged), or email the other user. The requester can wait a minute and Check Now to see if his request was granted or Continue to work while the request is answered. 2. The owner of the element will receive a call, IM, or email and click the Editing Requests button on the Workset Toolbar. 3. This will launch the Editing Requests dialog window displaying all pending requests from other team member(s). The owner will either click the Show button to see the element(s), click the Grant button to allow the requester to borrow the element, or click the Deny/Retract button to disallow the borrowing of the element(s). 4. If the requester waited and clicked Check Now, Revit relays the granted request from the owner. 5. If the requester clicked Continue, the owner either called, IM'd, or emailed the response. But if that did not occur, the requester could simply click the Workset button on the Workset Toolbar and view the Borrowers column to see if the request has been granted. NOTE: Editing Requests still require a measure of verbal communication outside of Revit to acknowledge or confirm a request for modification. Once a request has been granted, it will no longer appear in the Editing Requests dialog windows of all parties. Improving the Performance of Worksharing in Revit Projects tend to take on a life of their own, sometimes often leading to increased file size which can really slow performance. Revit offers the ability of selectively open the project through its Worksets. A user will begin the process of opening a project either through File > Open, the Open button, or the command alias Ctrl+C. In the Open dialog window under Open Workset, several options are available as to how the project is opened.
Visibility of Worksets A prominent benefit of Worksets is having the ability to control its visibility settings, whether it is On or Off or grayed out for clarity. Gray Inactive Workset Graphics is an option that can be activated from different locations: clicking the Gray Inactive Workset Graphics button on the Workset Toolbar, or by check box in the Workset dialog window. Visibility Graphics provides an additional tab called Worksets which turns the visibility of all elements in a Workset on or off. Simply access it by Right-Mouse-Clicking in the view, going to View > Visibility Graphics, or using the command aliases VV / VG. Then select the Worksets tab. Finally check the box(es) to view the Workset(s) or uncheck the box(es) to hide the Workset(s). Additional Tips Back-ups: When Worksharing is envoked, Revit automatically creates a back-up folder for the central and local files. The incremental back-ups are controlled by the Save As options. New Releases or Builds: When a new release or build is rolled out, the IT manager or Project Leader needs to open the Central File and save it as the new version. Then the users can create Local Files from the new Central File and continue working. Linked Data: External project data can be linked to Revit and assigned to a Workset for additional visibility control. Revit also creates a tab for Revit Links in the Visibility Graphics dialog window. Detaching from the Central File: This will break the connection between the Local File and the Central File. This option is accessed by opening a Local File and checking the box for Detach from Central. Revit will explain what this process will do and request your approval before proceeding. The Worksharing Roadmap In conclusion, the steps described in this tutorial can be captured by the Worksharing diagram shown below.
Revit MEP Family Editor
Creating a Family requires careful thought of not only the geometry, but also understanding of how the settings in Family Editor affect the Family. In most cases, it is easier to start with an existing Family that is close to what is required. This way, most of the Family settings are verified through Revit MEP pulldown menu Settings=> Family Category and Parameters, and the focus can be on the geometry. Starting with an existing Family still has its challenges. The way a part flexes as geometric parameters are modified often times has more to do with the process used to create the Family, not necessarily the end result. If the Family you are creating is very similar to an existing Family, you may want to create multiple Types instead of another Family. However, don’t get too carried away. It is generally easier to create multiple Families instead of trying to create the ultimate Family with Types that address all conditions. Connectors One of the primary differences in creating content for Revit MEP and other Revit content is the concept of connectors. All Revit MEP content will need to have connectors added to it for it to be useful. There are three basic types of connectors (referred to as domains) that can be added to a family, and two different methods for placing the connector. Making the correct selections in this dialog is critical to the content working correctly, as once this selection is made, it cannot be changed. Any connector that is placed must be deleted and re-added to change the domain or the placement method.
Connector PropertiesThe discipline assigned to a connector determines the connector’s properties. The following tables show the different connector parameters, by property group, for each discipline and a brief description of their functionality. Electrical Constraints Edge loop centered Connector placement method (read only) Graphics Size on screen How large the connector shows inside family editor. Electrical – Loads True Load Phase 3 Enabled if Balanced Load is False, and System Type is Power, and Number of Poles >3. True Load Phase 2 Enabled if Balanced Load is False, and System Type is Power, and Number of Poles >1. True Load Phase 1 Enabled if Balanced Load is False and System Type is Power. True Load Enabled if Balanced Load is True and System Type is Power. Power Factor Enabled if Balanced Load is False, and System Type is Power, and Number of Poles >3. Apparent Load Phase 3 Enabled if Balanced Load is False, and System Type is Power, and Number of Poles >2. Apparent Load Phase 2 Enabled if Balanced Load is False, and System Type is Power, and Number of Poles >1. Apparent Load Phase 1 Enabled if Balanced Load is False and System Type is Power. Apparent Load Enabled if Balanced Load is True and System Type is Power. Voltage The voltage specified on the connector. Only enabled if the System Type is Power. System Type Data, Power, Telephone, Security, Fire Alarm, Nurse Call, Controls, Communication Load Classification HVAC, Lighting, Power, Other Power Factor State Lagging, Leading Balanced Load True or False Number of Poles 1, 2, or 3 Identity Data Index A unique identifier for a connector in a family (read only) Primary Connector True or False (read only) Connector Description A description of the connector for the user’s reference. HVAC Constraints Edge loop centered Connector placement method (read only) Angle Used for adjustable angle families (such as elbows and adjustable tees) to “drive” the angle value into the family from connected components Graphics Size on screen How large the connector shows inside family editor. Mechanical Flow Factor Only editable if the Flow Configuration is specified as “System”. Percentage of the system flow attributed to this connector. Loss Coefficient Loss Coefficient is only editable if Loss Method is specified as “Coefficient”. Flow Configuration Calculated, Preset, System Flow Direction In, Out, Bidirectional System Type Supply, Return, Exhaust, Other, Undefined. Loss Method Not Defined, Coefficient, Specific Loss Mechanical – Airflow Pressure Drop Enabled if Loss Method is Specific Loss Flow The amount of air flowing at this connector. Dimensions Shape Rectangular or Round Height The height of the connector if the Shape is defined to be rectangular. Width The width of the connector if the Shape is defined to be rectangular. Radius The radius of the connector if the Shape is defined to be round. Identity Data Index A unique identifier for a connector in a family (read only) Primary Connector True or False (read only) Link Connector Index The index of the linked connector, -1 if none. (read only) Connector Description A description of the connector for the user’s reference. Piping Constraints Edge loop centered Connector placement method (read only) Angle Graphics Size on Screen How large the connector shows inside family editor. Mechanical Fixture Units Enabled when System Type is set to Sanitary or Domestic Hot/Cold Water, and Flow Configuration is set to Fixture Units. K Coefficient K Coefficient (K Factor) is only editable if Loss Method is specified as “K Coefficient”. Flow Factor Only editable if the Flow Configuration is specified as “System”. Percentage of the system flow attributed to this connector. Flow Pressure Drop Flow Configuration Calculated, Preset, System Flow Direction In, Out, Bidirectional Loss Method Not Defined, K Coefficient from Table, K Coefficient, Specific Loss Allow Slope Adjustments True or False System Type Undefined, Hydronic Supply, Hydronic Return, Sanitary, Domestic Cold Water, Domestic Hot Water, Other K Coefficient Table Dimensions Radius Identity Data Index A unique identifier for a connector in a family (read only) Primary Connector True or False (read only) Link Connector Index The index of the linked connector, -1 if none. (read only) Connector Description A description of the connector for the user’s reference. System TypesWhen a Revit MEP component that is not a member in a system is selected in a building model, the Options Bar displays create system buttons. The specific buttons depend on the component and the type(s) of connectors in the family. If there are multiple connectors of the same type and you want to connect to a specific connector, you can right-click on the connector control or grip to create the appropriate type.ElectricalWhen a component with an electrical connector is selected, the Options Bar displays one or more of the following buttons, which allow you to create a specific electrical system (from left to right: Power, Data, Telephone, Fire Alarm, Nurse Call, Communication.DuctWhen a component with an Duct connector is selected, the Options Bar displays one or more of the following buttons, which allow you to create a specific HVAC system (from left to right: Air Supply, Air Return, Exhaust).Pipe ConnectorPipe connectors are used with hydronic systems, plumbing systems, fire protection systems. When a component with a hydronic pipe connector is selected, the Options Bar displays one or more of the following buttons, which allow you to create a specific hydronic piping system (from left to right: Supply, Return, Other.When a component with a plumbing (pipe) connector is selected, the Options Bar displays one or more of the following buttons, which allow you to create a specific electrical system (from left to right: Sanitary, Domestic Hot Water, Domestic Cold Water, Other).When a component with a fire protection (pipe) connector is selected, the Options Bar displays one or more of the following buttons, which allow you to create a specific electrical system (from left to right: Wet Sprinkler, Dry Sprinkler, Other).Load ClassificationsRevit MEP maintains information about loads associated with the rooms in a project. As devices and equipment are placed in rooms, Revit MEP keeps track of the loads based on load type: HVAC, Lighting, Power, Other. The loads associated with the room can be view in the Element Properties for each room, and displayed in schedules. Connector Placement Connector placement options allow you to specify two basic connector placement methods:
Hosts Objects that are placed in a model are hosted by other elements. Hosting elements include ceilings, floors, roofs, and walls, as well as lines, and faces. Even elements that aren’t hosted by one of these elements are still hosted by the level that they reside on. When you are creating a family from a template, it is important that you consider what type of hosting behavior you want your family to have. For example, you may intuitively think that a new light fixture should be ceiling hosted. However, there may be cases where you want to use that family in a wall mount configuration, or even freely suspended. You can’t change the hosting of a family once it is created; the hosting setting is hard-set based on the template from which the family originated. Plane hosting provides the ability for the family to be hosted by walls, floors, or ceilings, and provides a high level of flexibility. Plane hosted elements will even move with their hosting elements through linked models. Non hosted families are actually hosted by the level they are inserted on and provide the ability for the element to be placed anywhere. Their height is defined relative to their level, but there is no association established with elements, linked models or otherwise.When using linked files, only face hosted families will be able to be hosted by the linked file's geometry. Templates As described above, the hosting of an element is defined based on the template that is used when the family is originally created. Templates also define other specific characteristics of the family such as if it is an annotation family, a model family, a titleblock family, or a profile family. Additionally, in some cases, the template also defines particular characteristics of how the family works, such as linear versus spot lighting characteristics. Remember, you can’t change these characteristics after you have created the family, i.e., you can’t turn a linear lighting fixture into a spot lighting fixture, or redefine an annotation symbol to be a model element. You have to start with the appropriate template. Lookup Tables Lookup tables can be used to define parameter values in an external file. This is beneficial when you have multiple part sizes that are based on a table, but don’t want to create a separate family type for each size. Revit provides a text_file_lookup function that can be used to read the necessary values from a comma separated values (.csv) file. The location of such files are defined in the Revit.ini file: LookupTableLocation=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\Revit Systems\LookupTables The signature of the text_file_lookup function is as follows: result=text_file_lookup(LookupTableName,LookupColumn,DefaultIfNotFound,LookupValue) Where: result is the returned value LookupTableName is the name of the CSV file to lookup. LookupColumn is the name of the column from which the result value is to be returned DefaultIfNotFound is the value that will be returned if LookupValue is not found. LookupValue is the value to find in the first column of the table. CSV File Structure The first row of values in the CSV file is for header information, to describe the contents of subsequent columns. The headers are of the format ParameterName##ParameterType##ParameterUnits Acceptable parameter types are: NUMBER, LENGTH, AREA, VOLUME, ANGLE, and OTHER For example, a header have the following header: TotalArea##AREA##INCHES to represent the total area in square inches. Parameter Mapping Many properties of objects, such as the depth of an extrusion and the voltage of a connector, can be mapped to a family or shared parameter. This provides flexibility to the family; the associated property’s value may be defined on an instance or type basis, and not be set to one specific value. Parameters are mapped by clicking the small button in the = column in the properties window of the object. The example below shows that the Power Factor and Number of Poles are currently NOT mapped to a parameter, whereas the Apparent Load Phase 1 and Voltage ARE mapped to a parameter. Category When a family is created, multiple variables affect its behavior within Revit. The Family Category and Parameters provide the primary means by which Revit ‘knows’ what an object is. When in Family Editor, the Family Category and Parameters settings are found in the Settings menu. Depending on the Family Category, different Family Parameters apply. The following matrix lists each Family Type, and the applicable Family Parameters. Family Category Family Parameter Work Plane-Based Always Vertical Behavior Type Part Type Maintain Annotation Orientation Shared Air Terminals P P P P P Communication Devices P P P P Data Devices P P P P Duct Accessories P P P P P Duct Fittings P P P P P Electrical Equipment P P P P Electrical Fixtures P P P P P Fire Alarm Devices P P P P Generic Models P P P Lighting Devices P P P P Lighting Fixtures P P P Mechanical Equipment P P P P P Nurse Call Devices P P P P Pipe Accessories P P P P P Pipe Fittings P P P P P Plumbing Fixtures P P P P P Security Devices P P P P Telephone Devices P P P P Behavior Type – See the section titled Behavior Types in this document. Part Type – See the section titled Part Types in this document. Part Types Each Part Type provides additional sub classification of Family Categories for two basic functions.
If a Family Category provides a Part Type parameter, the Part Types available depends on the Family Category. The available Part Types are listed below. Family Categories Part Types Air Terminals Duct Accessories Duct Fittings Mechanical Equipment Pipe Accessories Pipe Fittings Plumbing Fixture Damper Duct Mounted Equipment Elbow EntryExit Equipment Fan and System Interaction Hood Junction Obstruction Transition Undefined Valve Electrical Equipment Electrical Fixtures Data Panel Normal Panelboard SwitchJunction Box Switchboard Transformer Behavior Types The specification of the Behavior Type has a couple different effects. One effect is that the way the part behaves when placed and when move. The other effect is that behavior specific Family Parameters will be added to the Family. For example if the behavior type is specified as Inline Eccentric, additional Parameters are added to the family to control the “offset” between the two different connectors (both horizontally and vertically). Invalid Behavior Type Bend elbows, and other fittings that may behave like elbows Branch similar to a junction, where more than 3 segments intersect Eccentric Inline causing an “offset” to the centerline of the segments Inline maintains position “along the curve” of the segments Intersection Normal no specific behavior Orient to Center Line constrain to the centerline of the segment Orient to Object constrain to the face of the segment Break Into break the segment, and act as “inline”
Best Practices for Autodesk Revit Parametric Components (Familie
Autodesk Revit Parametric Components (also referred to as Families) offer an open, graphicalsystem for design thinking and form making. A powerful feature in the Revit suite of products,families help users manage data and make changes easily. This white paper examines Best Practices relating to Autodesk Revit Families.Revit Parametric Components are called families because one family type can contain many variations. A family can be anything in Autodesk Revit software, from a table to a window to a two-dimensional representation of an anchor bolt. Any item that may need to be represented in a project can be created in a family.A large number of predefined families are included with Revit. Manufacturers are creating Autodesk Revit Families that are available from their websites or included on product disks. Despite the availability of large family libraries, users sometimes need to create custom components for a project. This can be easily accomplished using the Autodesk Revit Family Editor; a simple graphical interface that allows users to model any object and apply the power of parametrics to that object.Users do not need to know any programming language to create content for Autodesk Revit. Family creation is made easy through the use of templates, which are provided with the software to help users get started with families. These templates allow Revit users to focus on the geometry of the object, as they contain all the programming necessary “behind the scene”.Autodesk Revit Families are extremely powerful because they are driven by the Revit parametric change engine. The parametric change engine enables a change made to a family to propagate throughout the entire project. Once created, a family’s parameters remain exposed and can be edited directly within the Revit project. Ultimately, it is the parameters that drive a family’s geometry. Mathematical formulas can be used in these parameters to create complicated geometry, or to drive parameters in a user defined solution (for example, using a formula in a window family that always makes the width of the window twice its height).Revit Families also feature nested families - one family residing in another family. For example, a user might nest a door hardware family into a door family. Nested families add a level of strength and capacity to the process. Users can create a single family file that includes dozens of different options.This paper explores the use of families in Autodesk Revit - from the basics of the Family Editor to advanced topics and considerations when using families - all of which will provide the reader with a Best Practices approach to creating parametric component families in Revit.Design ConsiderationsBefore creating a family in Revit, users should consider the following questions regarding their intended use of a family:
Is this a custom piece of furniture that only comes in one configuration, or is this a window that is available in several preset sizes? Perhaps, this is a bookshelf that can be built in any length from between 2’-0” to 5’-0” wide. This is an important point to consider before building a family, as it will dictate decisions that need to be made in the near future.
Is this an object that should be seen from plan view, elevation view, and/or sectional views? Maybe this is a 2D object that should only be seen in plan or elevation. In any case, the way that this object should appear in views will determine how to define its visibility.
Is this family typically attached to another design element - a wall, or maybe a ceiling? Possibly it is a roof mounted mechanical unit. How this family is hosted (or what it does or does not attach to) will determine which template file should be used to start the family.
Is this family an electrical wall outlet that will only be seen in interior elevations from a distance, or is it a door family with raised panels and a sidelight that will be seen in an interior rendering of the project? This determination will help decide how much detail to provide in the family.
Is this a column family that would use the center of the circular base as the insertion point, or is this an accessible toilet that must always be placed 18 inches off the adjacent wall to meet code? This decision will help users when they start placing geometry.Recapping these important first questions to consider before creating a family:
Creating a New FamilyOnce the basic questions listed above are considered, a user is ready to create a new family. There are three types of Autodesk Revit families:
System families are predefined within Autodesk Revit, and comprise the basic building components such as walls, floors, and roofs. Users can create their own versions of system families by duplicating an existing version and modifying its properties. Users cannot create new system families.In-place families are components that are created specifically for a single project only. They are created from within the current project, and cannot be used in other concurrent or future projects. The best time to use an in-place family over a standard component family is when creating a component unique to a specific project. For instance: a reception desk in the lobby of a law firm may have a very unique design featuring curving shapes requested by the client and finishes unique to that lobby. In this situation, an in-place family should be used because there is little chance that this custom-designed piece will be repeated in another project.Standard component families are the most common families in Autodesk Revit, and are the focus of the remainder of this paper. Standard component families can be placed in project template files so that they preload with each new project, or they can reside in libraries to be loaded on demand.While working in the Family Editor, users can: 1) open an existing family and modify it to suit their needs, or 2) start a new family using the appropriate template. To start a new family, choose the File pull down menu and then select New >> Family.TIP: To save time, users should duplicate and modify a similar existing family to suit their needs instead of starting a new family from a template.TemplatesTemplates for family creation are supplied with Autodesk Revit. The various templates cover a broad range of possibilities from 2D annotation objects to 3D roof-based spot lights. Each template has been pre-configured to aid in the construction of a specific object type.Figure 1Autodesk Revit includes many templates to create families of parametric components.Some templates have a combination of reference planes and pre-defined parameters to guide users during creation. Family templates for hosted objects will contain a host to build from. For example, in roof-based families a portion of a roof will be exposed in the template for the user to reference as a base. Still other templates have text notes embedded in them that may define the interior and exterior faces of a wall.Another item that is found in some family templates are controls. Controls placed in families allow the user to change the position of the geometry in a family after it’s loaded into the project. An example of these controls can be seen in a door family, where controls allow the swing and the hinge-side of the door to be reversed.Figure 2The template for a door family includes controls to easily reverse the swing and hinge-side of thedoor..To create a family based on a template, browse the list of templates, and choose the one most appropriate to the object being built. If the object does not fall into a specific category, the Generic Model template may be the best choice. After picking the template, the user is ready to launch the Family Editor.Family EditorThe Family Editor is built into Revit, and is launched by opening an existing family (those with an RFA extension) or by starting a new family from within Revit. The Family Editor launches within the Revit application, and employs the same user interface. The Design Bar on the left of the drawing window changes to a unique set of tools for family creation, and the Project Browser updates to show specific views depending on template selection.Figure 3The Family Editor user interface matches the general Revit user interface.At a minimum, the drawing window will display two crossing Reference Planes - and possibly some dimensions, text, and notes to the designer. The crossing Reference Planes are important because they define the origin of the family. It’s a Revit Best Practice to leave these existing items (preloaded from the family template) alone. Users should not move or delete these items, as they play an important role in the family. In fact, there are some items (such as dimensions) in some family templates that cannot be deleted by the user - underscoring the general principal that if an item is in the template when it's first opened, it should be left there.Reference PlanesA common mistake among users is to start adding objects and solids at this point. While it’s almost time to start modeling, there is still some more preparation that will later serve a significant purpose. After opening the template, the first thing a user should do - before creating model geometry - is use Reference Planes and Reference Lines to create construction lines for the geometry that will be added later.Start in a view that best fits the family being created, such as a plan or elevation. Reference Planes should be used as datum lines that extend beyond the edges of the visible drawing area. Drawing a reference plane (often called ref planes) in a plan view will also cause that same reference plane to be seen in a crossing elevation or section view, because it is literally a plane that extends in a horizontal and vertical direction simultaneously.Figure 4Reference Planes should be defined before creating geometry.Unlike reference lines, reference planes do not have “defined” endpoints. They consist of two associated planes: one parallel to the view and one perpendicular. Ref Lines can be used in rotational control of families, because the endpoint can be constrained. Reference Lines and Planes can be renamed, so that users can easily refer to them at another time.Creating ParametersReference planes that have been laid out should align with the major axes of the planned geometry. Users should begin to add dimensions to specify parametric component geometry. Start by thinking how the object should be controlled. Height, width, and depth are three dimensions often used in families, and these dimensions and parameters are pre-loaded with many of the templates. Users may need to add more dimensions to describe other geometry - for instance; trim, width, and depth are common in a Window family.Once the dimensions have been added for the major pieces, users can start adding labels to dimensions, creating parameters. There are two categories of parameters: instance parameters and type parameters. Changing an instance parameter affects the parameters of a single entity (or instance) of an object. Changing a type parameter affects all parameters of the same type.If there are several instances of the same family loaded into a project, and each individual representation of that family needs to be a different length, then use instance parameters. For example, consider two counter tops in the same project. One instance of the counter top is placed and its length (an instance parameter) is set to 5’ – 0”. A second counter top is placed and its length (an instance parameter) is set to 5’ – 5 ¼”, spanning the distance between two walls. The instance parameters easily allow these two counter tops to be set to different lengths. Instance parameters have another unique characteristic: dimensions that are controlled by instance parameters will display shape handles when selected in a Revit project. Shape handles allow the user to click and stretch the shape of a family to a new position or size by using the mouse.Figure 5Instance parameters display shape handles (shown here in blue), a convenient way to stretch the shape of a family.Type parameters control families at a higher level. They control the predefined types of families used in the project. Use type parameters to load an object repeatedly in a project and control those repeated objects as if they were one. For example, consider a door family. A users places a door repeatedly in the model as a 6’-8” tall door, but later decides to change the height of all the doors to 7’-0”. Changing one type parameter will cause all of these doors to update their height simultaneously.To add a parameter, click on a dimension then add a label. Once the dimension is labeled, it becomes a parameter. In the Options Bar, a drop down list of available parameters will appear. If the parameter needed is not available, select Add Parameter. When adding a new parameter, specify whether it's an instance or type parameter. After adding the parameter, the dimension changes to include the parameter name and the dimensional length.Figure 6Add a new parameter using the Revit Family editor.As parameters are created, they are added to the parameter list in the Family Types dialogue box (selecting by clicking Family Types in the Design Bar). This Family Types dialogue box contains several key areas. Most noticeable is the list of defined parameters in the main window, arranged into logical parameter groups (Construction, Dimensions, and Identity Data in the example in Figure 7). During creation or editing, users can assign which category is assigned to a parameter.Figure 7Family parameters are listed in the Family Types dialog box.On the right side of the dialog box, users can create new Family Types, or rename or delete existing Family Types. Revit features Family Types to predefine a set of parameters - making a particular “type” of object.Returning to the door family as an example, several door types can be defined in this dialog box. One type might be a “3068” door (a door that is 30” wide and 6’-8” tall). Another type might be a “3668” (36” wide and 6’-8” tall). A user could then define a “3070” and a “3670” door in this dialog box. Family Types allow Revit users to quickly define a multitude of sizes and combinations of an object, based on just one family and one set of parameters.The lower group of three buttons in the Family Types dialog box is specifically for parameter creation; Add, Modify, and Remove. Click the Add button to launch the Parameter Properties dialog box to add a parameter to this family.Notice the Parameter Types section of this Parameter Properties dialog box (see Figure 8). There are two types of parameters available in Revit: family parameters and shared parameters. A family parameter is specific only to this particular object and its value cannot appear in a schedule or tag. A shared parameter can be shared across multiple families and projects. Its value can appear in schedules and tags, and can also be exported out to ODBC. Family parameters are stored within the family file, whereas shared parameters are saved in an external text (TXT) file, typically on a network where other users can access the text file to use the shared parameters.Figure 8Family parameters are listed in the Family Types dialog box.Parameter data for a family parameter is entered in the Parameter Properties dialog box.:
Once these decisions regarding a parameter are made, enter the necessary data into the fields in this dialog box, and click the OK button, which returns the user to the Family Types dialog box. The user will now see the new parameter listed under the Parameters heading, and organized into the groups defined in the previous step.To change the parameter, users can click the Modify button, or remove the parameter from the family entirely with the Remove button. Continue to add additional parameters by repeating the steps above to complete the design of the family.Testing the FamilyBefore finishing a family, it’s very important to "flex" or test the model - to check that the elements created are reacting as expected when parameters change. Users should develop a habit of flexing the model repeatedly when creating families, especially after adding parameters.To flex the model, click the Family Types button in the Design Bar. In the Family Types dialog box, the various parameters of the object are listed. Pick a parameter, and change the dimension value associated with it, then click Apply and see how the model changes. The intention is to see if the reference planes have moved to a new position as expected. Change the parameters to a range of numbers (clicking Apply each time) to test a range of values from which the family would normally operate - to assure the planes are moving to the correct lengths and dimensions.Occasionally a user will see an error such as “Constraints not Satisfied.” This usually means that the parameter is trying to control a part that is already constrained by another parameter. As more parameters are added to the model, be sure to flex multiple parameters to test them. For instance, if flexing the width works well, then set a new width, and flex the height. Try different combinations to assure all is moving as expected.Once a user is satisfied that reference planes, dimensions, and parameters are all working as expected, it's finally time to add some real geometry in the form of Solids and Voids.Adding GeometryThere are several choices for creating geometry in Revit: Extrusions, Blends, Sweeps, and Revolves. These four geometry types can either be solids or voids. The type of geometry used depends on what is being modeled. For example, in a door family, the door panel itself could be an extrusion of a rectangular shape. The door frame could be a sweep - a profile in the shape of the door frame would be swept along a path defined by the sides and top of the door opening. The door knob might be a revolve. A void-blend could be used to cut the raised panel into the surface of the door panel.The method for adding geometry is similar for all geometry types. The rest of this section will use extrusions as an example. From the Design Bar in the Family editor, choose Solid, then Extrusion. Revit will switch to Sketch Mode, and the user will have two options for sketching a shape. The first option is to draw the shape using tools from the Options Bar such as Line, Arc, Circle, Polygon, etc. The second option is to use the Pick tool from the Options Bar to pick reference planes, lines, or other existing geometry. As the user begins to draw or pick, magenta sketch lines appear. These lines could be drawn over the top of the reference planes, or more loosely sketched and then moved into alignment with the reference planes. The key is to make these sketch lines lock to the reference planes.Using the Pick tool, the user has the option to lock the sketch lines upon placement. Blue padlock symbols will appear when lines can be locked to other geometry, lines, or reference planes. To lock and unlock relationships, simply click the lock symbol to toggle it opened (unlocked) and closed (locked). Sketch lines can be moved using a 'press and drag' technique; clicking on the line and moving the mouse while holding down the mouse button. When using this method, notice that sketch lines will automatically snap to reference planes and other relationships while being moved. Moving a sketch line off and back onto a reference plane will cause the lock symbol to appear, allowing the user to choose to lock it or not. The Align tool also allows the user to create constraints using the lock symbols.TIP: When flexing the model, move the dialog box to the side of the screen, to better see the family in the drawing area.After sketching the shape, and locking the sketch to the appropriate reference planes, the Extrusion properties in the Design Bar are used to define the thickness of the extrusion. This number can also be set in the Options Bar. When satisfied, click Finish Sketch and the geometry will appear. Flex the model again from various views, including 3D, to make sure the geometry behaves as expected. If it doesn’t, highlight the geometry and stretch it, using the blue shape handles that appear, to align and constrain to a reference plane.FormulasFormulas are one of the many powerful aspects of Revit Families - used to control families in a variety of ways. Formulas can use logic such as IF statements (IF the width is 1’-0”, set the height to 4’-0”) as well as mathematical expressions. They can be used to control Yes/No parameters, and to control parametric arrays.Formulas are typed directly into the Family Types dialog box, where all of the parameters for a family are listed. Simply place a formula into the cell adjacent to the value, beginning with an equal sign. When entering a formula, abbreviations (such as +, *, sin, and so forth) can be used.The following are valid formula abbreviations:+ Addition- Subtraction* Multiplication/ Division^ Exponentiation, i.e. x^y = x raised to the power of ylog Logarithmsqrt Square root, i.e. sqrt(16)sin Sinecos Cosinetan Tangentasin Arcsineacos Arccosineatan Arctangentexp e raised to an x powerabs Absolute ValueReferring back to the family parameters listed in the Family Types dialog box in Figure 7, notice that there are parameters for height and width. In the figure, the height = 4’-0” and width = 3’-0”. To set the width of this family to always be one half the height, click in the Formula column of the width parameter and enter “=Height/2”. The values are case sensitive, and must be typed exactly as they are defined. This is why it is important, when naming parameters, to be concise about the name chosen (as described above in the Creating Parameters section). Test how formulas work by changing the value of height, and watching the width value change automatically.There are many complex mathematical functions that can be used. Logical functions include IF, AND, OR, and NOT statements. Formulas can also use greater than/less than signs (< >). Experimenting with formulas will allow users to create some very powerful Revit Families, such as a book shelf that automatically adds support brackets as the length of the shelf increases or a window family where the muntins turn off when the window size decreases beyond a defined limit.Saving a Revit FamilyWhen the Revit Family is ready to be used in a project, save the family with an appropriate name, and store it in a location that is easy to find. A Best Practices tip is to organize family content into a system that mimics the Revit Library. This makes it much easier for users to find what they're looking for.To load the family into a project, select File >> Load From Library >> Load Family, and then browse to the saved file and select it. Alternately, for many component types, when the tool is selected, a Load button becomes active in the Design Bar.Create a keyboard shortcut to automatically open the Load Family dialog box, or click the Load button in the Options Bar for many component types such as doors and windows when the tool is selected in the Design Bar.Once loaded into a project, the family can be moved and copied as needed. To edit the family, simply select the object, and click the Edit Family button in the Options Bar. This will launch the Family Editor and open the selected family. When finished editing, the family can be loaded directly back into the project by clicking the Load into Project button in the Design Bar. Saving the family from the Family Editor using this method will overwrite the file that was originally the source for the object in the project. Simply modifying and reloading without saving will update ONLY the project into which the family is loaded.There are many resources available if users need assistance or are have problems with Autodesk Revit families. First, file a Support Request through the Help Menu in Revit. This puts users directly in touch with the Autodesk Revit team for assistance. The Revit Forums at AUGI.com are also an invaluable resource. Membership is free and there are thousands of people from around the world logged in 24 hours a day - ready and willing to help.SummaryAutodesk Revit Families and the Family Editor are extremely powerful. One of the best ways to become familiar with the Family Editor is to open an existing family - investigate how it was built and what parameters or formulas were used. Start by watching the effect of changing parameters. After becoming comfortable with existing families, try making a new family. Users will soon come to realize and appreciate the full power of the parametric technology inherent in Autodesk Revit.Final ReviewSteps to create a family in Autodesk Revit:
Tip When Creating Revit MEP Content
There are various family's that come out of the box with Revit MEP, and they work well when placed directly in an architectural model. But most consultants will link an architectural project into their MEP project, and element hosted families don't insert well into linked files.For example, you cannot place a ceiling-hosted family on a linked ceiling or a wall-hosted family in a wall. The ceiling or wall needs to actually exist in the "host" model for you to be able to host a Light Fixture on it. This is how element hosting works in Revit.The solution here is to use a Face-hosted Light Fixture family. Revit can detect the face of a ceiling through a link and therefore the Lighting Fixture can be hosted on that face.Second, element-hosted families will be deleted if the linked element host is deleted. This is not true for Face-Hosted families. Face-Hosted families will be unhosted if their host face is deleted. which makes them sit in 3D space where they were originally. You can then re-host them to another face if you'd like.So if you are creating your own MEP families, use a Face-hosted template so that your content can be placed in a linked file.Following are the basic kinds of family templates:
Wall-based, ceiling-based, floor-based, and roof-based templates are known as host-based templates. A host-based family can only be placed in a project if an element of its host type is present.The wall-based template is for components inserted into walls. Wall components can include openings, such that when you place the component on a wall, it also cuts an opening in the wall. Some examples of wall-based components include doors, windows, and lighting fixtures. Each template includes a wall; the wall is necessary for showing how the component fits in a wall.The ceiling-based template is for components inserted into ceilings. Ceiling components can include openings, so that when you place the component on a ceiling, it also cuts an opening in the ceiling. Examples of ceiling-based families include sprinklers and recessed lighting fixtures.The floor-based template is for components inserted into floors. Floor components can include openings, so that when you place the component on a floor, it also cuts an opening in the floor. An example of a floor-based family is a heating register.The roof-based template is for components inserted into roofs. Roof components can include openings, so that when you place the component on a roof, it also cuts an opening in the roof. Examples of roof-based families include soffits and fans.The standalone template is for components that are not host-dependent. A standalone component can appear anywhere in a model and can be dimensioned to other standalone or host-based components. Examples of standalone families include columns, furniture, and appliances.The line-based template is for creating detail and model families that use 2-pick placement similar to structural beams. For information about detail families with 2-pick placement.The face-based template is for creating work plane-based families that can modify their hosts. Families created from the template can make complex cuts in hosts. Instances of these families can be placed on any surface, regardless of its orientation.
Second New Build for Revit MEP 2008
This update is made available to registered users of Revit MEP 2008, and is subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that appears during installation. The install will look to see if there is a previous installation of Revit MEP 2008 on the computer, and if there is, it will uninstall it before it installs the new build.What you might want to do is copy the individual Revit.ini files in case any additional paths have been created per user. The Revit.ini file is located in - C:\Program Files\Revit MEP 2008\Program. Use this method for new builds, not new versions…i.e. 2008 to 2009 (or 2008.1 if that comes out).Improvements made in the current Web Update #2 build (20070829_2300):
Revit MEP Content Changes: What You Need to Know
With the release of the Web Update #2 for the Revit MEP 2008 software application, there has been a re-structuring of the Imperial Content Library that is installed with the application. There are two main components to the re-structuring.
These changes have been made to allow Families to be more easily located, and also to provide a more consistent naming convention to apply to similar types of Families. In order to manage these changes, there are recommendations for the installation process that are outlined in the What to Do section of this document. What to DoThere are two recommended ways to handle the installation of content from the Web Update #2 build, depending on the customization you have applied to the standard catalog. If You Have Modified Your Content CatalogThe recommended way to manage this change is to manually move your existing Content Catalog, usually found at C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2008, before installation of the Web Update #2 build. During installation, download and install the new content to your desired location. This will allow for the new folder structure and content naming to be installed cleanly, avoiding the confusing situation of having both old and new families contained in your Content Catalog. After installation is complete, you need to move your customized Families into the newly installed Folder Structure, or move the installed Families into your customized Content Catalog. If You Have Not Modified Your Content CatalogThe recommended way to manage this change is to manually delete your existing Content Catalog, usually found at C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2008, before installation of the Web Update #2 build. This will allow for the new folder structure and content naming to be installed cleanly, avoiding the confusing situation of having both old and new Families contained in your Content Catalog. Folder Structure ChangesElectrical FolderThe Electrical folder has been renamed Electrical Components. There have been three changes made to the contents of the Electrical folder, as highlighted below in Figure 1.
FIGURE 1 - ELECTRICAL FOLDER CHANGES Fire Protection FolderThere have been no changes to the Fire Protection folder. Mechanical FolderThe Mechanical folder has been renamed to Mechanical Components. There have been a number of changes made to the Mechanical folder, as highlighted below in Figure 2. FIGURE 2 - MECHANICAL FOLDER CHANGES
Pipe FolderThere have been no changes to the Pipe folder. Plumbing FolderThe Plumbing folder has been renamed to Plumbing Components. There has been a restructuring of the Plumbing folder, as highlighted in Error! Reference source not found. below.FIGURE 3 - PLUMBING FOLDER CHANGES
Naming ConventionsAs there are situations where there are multiple Families of the same type, we have established a more uniform naming convention across Family names. The first section of a Family name is the type of Family, for example Supply Diffuser, Floor Drain, or Sink. This allows for Families of the same type to be more logically grouped together when viewed in list form. The remaining sections of the Family name further define the characteristics of that Family.
Virtual Memory Management
A critical factor in the speed and performance of your computer is the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) that is installed. Even a computer with a fast CPU can run slowly without the proper amount of RAM.When it comes to evaluating the amount of computer memory needed for you to work effectively, you must balance cost and speed. As a result, different types of computer memory are used for different purposes. For example, a hard drive is a slow but inexpensive type of memory. So hard drive memory is ideal for storing massive amounts of program data and information that is not frequently accessed. RAM is a fast and expensive type of memory used to store program information for applications (or processes) that are being run.In some cases, it is possible that the RAM on your system could be completely utilized. When this happens, the lower priority information stored in RAM is moved to the slower hard drive space (page file space) to create more space in RAM for higher priority information. This process of shuffling data back and forth in order to free up RAM is called paging and this method of managing RAM is referred to as Virtual Memory (VM). VM is measured by combining RAM and page file space. Using VM is faster than storing information on a hard drive, but it is slower than using physical RAM. The more RAM that is installed on a computer, the less likely it is that VM will be used.Verify Page File Space SettingsTo verify page file space settings
Will Your Computer Benefit from Additional RAM?
This represents the peak amount of RAM that was used since last rebooting your machine (in kilobytes). If this number is higher than the total physical RAM on your system, then your system is using all of the installed RAM as well as the page file space. So if you install more RAM, your system will run faster.Performance checks should be repeated periodically.Does Revit need more RAM?
Compare the Revit VM Size to the amount of physical RAM on the computer. If the Revit VM Size is less than the amount of physical RAM on the computer, adding more RAM may (or may not) be beneficial. However, if the Revit VM Size is 1.5GB or it exceeds the amount of physical RAM on the computer, then adding more memory will improve Revit performance.ConclusionInstalling additional RAM might help some users increase their productivity while using Revit, but in most cases the Revit system requirements are sufficient.For more information on installing additional RAM, contact your IT person or hardware distributor.
Building Information Modeling in Practice
A White Paper from AutodeskIntroduction to Building Information ModelingBuilding information modeling—an innovative new approach to building design, construction, has changed the way industry professionals worldwide think about how technology can be applied to building design, construction, and management.Building information modeling supports the continuous and immediate availability of project design scope, schedule, and cost information that is high quality, reliable, integrated, and fully coordinated. Among the many competitive advantages it confers are:
For each of the three major phases in the building lifecycle—design, construction, and management—building information modeling offers access to the following critical information:
The ability to keep this information up to date and accessible in an integrated digital environment gives architects, engineers, builders, and owners a clear overall vision of their projects, as well as the ability to make better decisions faster—raising the quality and increasing the profitability of projects.Although building information modeling is an approach and not a technology, it does require suitable technology to be implemented effectively. Examples of some of these technologies, in increasing order of effectiveness, include:
This paper will describe what building information modeling is, how it confers competitive advantages, and how it can be achieved using a flexible range of technologies.What Is Building Information Modeling, and What Are Its Key Benefits?Building information modeling is an approach to building design, construction, and management. It supports the continuous and immediate availability of project design scope, schedule, and cost information that is high quality, reliable, integrated, and fully coordinated. Though it is not itself a technology, it is supported to varying degrees by different technologies.Building information modeling is, essentially, the intersection of two critical ideas:
What follows is a more detailed look at how building information modeling works, as well as the benefits it offers in the design, construction, and management phases of the building lifecycle.Building Information Modeling Benefits in the Design PhaseDuring the course of a building project, an architect must balance the project scope, schedule, and cost. Using building information modeling techniques, all of this critical information is immediately available, so that project-related decisions can be made more quickly and effectively.Building information modeling allows a project team to make changes to the project at any time during the design or documentation process without laborious, low-value recoordination and manual checking work. This gives the team more time to work on design and other high-value architectural problems. In addition, all of the building design and documentation work can be done concurrently instead of serially, because design thinking is captured at the point of creation and embedded in the documentation as the work proceeds.Whenever a change is made to a project, all the consequences of that change are automatically coordinated throughout the project. The automatic coordination of changes offered by building information modeling eliminates coordination mistakes, improves the overall quality of the work, and helps companies win more repeat business.Building Information Modeling Benefits in the Construction PhaseIn the construction phase of the building lifecycle, building information modeling makes available concurrent information on building quality, schedule, and cost. The builder can accelerate the quantification of the building for estimating and value-engineering purposes and for the production of updated estimates and construction planning. The end result is that more of the owner’s construction dollar goes into the building than into administrative and overhead costs.Building Information Modeling Benefits in the Management PhaseIn the management phase of the building lifecycle, building information modeling makes available concurrent information on the use or performance of the building; its occupants and contents; the life of the building over time; and the financial aspects of the building. Building information modeling provides a digital record of renovations and improves move planning and management. Physical information about the building, such as finishes, tenant or department assignments, furniture and equipment inventory, and financially important data about leasable areas and rental income or departmental cost allocations are all more easily managed and available. Consistent access to these types of information improves both revenue and cost management in the operation of the building.Potential for New Services and Revenue SourcesWhen building information modeling is used effectively, architects can make use of a project's digital design data to provide new services and gain new sources of income. Owners are increasingly demanding digital models, and paying for them. Architects can also offer new and expanded services—such as move management, energy analysis, digitally integrated cost estimating, and renovation phase planning—for additional fees.What Technologies Can Be Used to Implement Building Information Modeling?Although building information modeling is an approach and not a technology, it does require suitable technology to be implemented effectively. Examples of some of these technologies, in increasing order of effectiveness, include
CAD TechnologyThe gray line in the chart represents CAD-based software; that is, software that is based on the familiar geometry-based CAD technology used in the industry for several decades. This technology supports drafting automation very effectively and with little effort. However, to achieve increasing levels of efficiency, this technology requires greater and greater levels of effort. Higher levels of administrative and management overhead are introduced, layer and naming standards must be maintained and enforced, and the quality of the information coming from the CAD-based files depends heavily on the discipline and reliability of the users entering the data. Very high levels of effort, including programming and partner product development, can achieve effectiveness in the building information modeling range. However, the level of effort required is so high that CAD-based technology is rarely used at this level.Object CAD TechnologyObject CAD seeks to simulate building components in a CAD-based environment, focusing on the 3D geometry of the building, the generation of 2D documentation from that 3D geometry, and the extraction of object data from the building components to provide information about quantities and object properties. This technology can be applied very effectively to help coordinate the various representations of the building in documentation, and because it carries rich data about the building in the object structure, it can also be extended into building information modeling.Object CAD technology also allows for great variety in levels of use, and because it is based on CAD, it can be particularly easy to implement—and often yields immediate benefits—with little or no process change. However its effectiveness remains contingent on user discipline and reliability, and it cannot ensure the presence of the high-quality, reliable, integrated, and fully coordinated information required for the highest levels of building information modeling benefits.Parametric Building Modeling TechnologyParametric building modeling combine a data model (geometry and data) with a behavioral model (change management) that gives meaning to the data through relationships. This provides an integrated system that can be used to simulate the behavior of a real-world system—in this case, a building. Examples of the most advanced features of this kind of system are real-time self-coordination of the information in every view, and the assurance of the quality of the information coming from the system.Some other important characteristics of software based on parametric building modeling technology include:
Just as a spreadsheet is a tool for thinking about numbers, software built on parametric building modeling technology is a tool for thinking about buildings. And just as a change made anywhere in a spreadsheet is expected to update everywhere with no further intervention from the user, so a change made anywhere in a parametric building modeler is immediately reflected everywhere.Only a purpose-built integrated data architecture built around a parametric building model can provide the immediate and fully coordinated representation of a project across all views, drawing sheets and schedules that is necessary to eliminate errors and provide clarity and confidence in decision making.Autodesk offers products based on all three building design and documentation technologies, and fully understands the pros and cons of each. Parametric building modeling technology is uniquely suited to supporting the highest level of building information modeling effectiveness at the lowest level of effort. Parametric building modeling uniquely offers the concurrent and immediate availability of all of the important information about the building that results in higher quality work, greater speed and productivity, and decreased costs. However, this technology requires the wholesale adoption of building information modeling to put it to use. There is no way to use this technology in a traditional, non-building information modeling environment. Using this technology can deliver tremendous business benefits, but doing so requires a departure from traditional ways of working. Moving from CAD-based technology to object CAD technology can be an incremental or evolutionary change, but moving to parametric building modeling technology for building information modeling requires a new way of working.
Displaying Revit MEP Systems by Color
If you look at your Revit MEP model, and you see the confusing winding of piping and duct running through your model, and wonder what system that pipe or duct belongs to? There are ways to show your systems in various colors to make it easier to understand and view your model at a quick glance. You can set up a filter to apply colors by System Type, or by System Name, whatever you want. Check out the Filters applied to the default template in RME 2008 as a guide.Line Styles by Pipe TypeYou need to use View Filters to accomplish this task.1. Settings -> Filters... Here you define the Filters that will exist in the project.2. Select a view in the Project Browser that you want to apply these filters on, go to Properties -> Visibility Graphics Overrides... -> Filters tab. Here you will select a filter you defined in step 1 and define visual overrides for elements that are returned by the filter.3. Go to that view, note that your Filters have been applied and there is a visual difference between your systems.Keep in mind that Filters can be part of a View Template, so you don't need to define these for each individual view.
Additional Revit MEP Content
I would like to let everybody know that Autodesk has just released their Revit MEP Content Extension on their website. There's more MEP content that needs to be built, but this is a step in the right direction. The Revit MEP® Content Extension provides new content for Revit MEP users. Both Imperial and Metric versions of the content are available for download below, in ZIP format. After download, users can then uncompress the file to the desired content location.Before You DownloadThe content files are compressed with their path information included back to the root directory of the folder structure installed with Revit® MEP 2008 Web Update #2. For example, in a default installation of Imperial content, the ZIP file would be uncompressed at:C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2008\Imperial LibraryIn this situation, all files will be uncompressed to the correct folders.Click Here to DownloadNew Content AddedAir Curtains
Air Seperators
Air TerminalsDiffusers
Boilers
Chillers
Coils
Air-Cooled Condensers
Cooling Towers
Dampers
Economizers
Fans
Filters
Fire Protection
Fire Detection and Alarm Equipment
Valves
Fume Hoods
Furnaces
Gauges
Heat Exchangers
Heat Pumps
Heaters
Humidifiers Louvers
Pumps
Roof Mounted AC Units
Strainers
Tanks
Valves
VAV Units
VAV Boxes
Revit MEP 2008 New Build - 11/9/2007
Web Update Enhancement ListImprovements made in the Web Update #3 build (20071109_2345):
Download it Here
New Visa Lighting Families
I had the opportunity to work with Visa Lighting and taught them how they can create Revit Families for their entire product line. The challenge that we had was that they already had all of their fixtures drawn in SolidWorks. So we exported them out as ACIS Solids, and Imported them into Revit MEP and added connectors. We also worked on creating Revit Parameters for these families so that the electrical information will work with Revit MEP and it's electrical settings.Visa Lighting offers a comprehensive BIM product library. The BIM files contain meta-data to assist in energy, sustainability, and photometric calculations. BIM also removes the barriers between design and collaboration; projects proceed smoothly as errors are reduced or eliminated, less waste of resources and time result in improved, superior projects of superior quality. Our dedication to the design community dictates we assume a leadership role in extending the graphic capabilities of this powerful tool.Download the Content Here
Interoperability of software in the construction industry
This is something I read that I found really interesting. It’s a long article, but I summed it up below. This is something that I see with our customers right now, and how they are re-drawing projects because of the inability or reluctance to share data.The link to read the full article is here.-Scott BriskInteroperability is the ability to manage and communicate electric product and project data among collaborating firms such as architects, engineers, contractors, owners and building product manufactures. Also the ability to implement and manage collaborative relationships among members of cross-disciplinary build teams that enables integrated project execution. If all members of a build team can freely exchange data across different applications and platforms, every member of the team can better integrate the project delivery.Interoperability issues are gaining attention with the increased use of BIM. In order to optimize the use of BIM, it is critical that the BIM data be shared between build team members. As a result, interoperability of technology is an important factor. Re-entering data from a BIM into another application or platform used by the build team creates wasteful and costly duplication.About 3% of project costs are related to software non-interoperability. As construction values have risen to record high levels, productivity within the industry has come under scrutiny. The industry generally perceives lack of interoperability as an impediment to improving productivity.Conventional delivery methods have often promoted a divide between build team members, as work is handed off from one member to the next throughout the process. As team members work closely together during the design phases, they have a greater ability to impact costs before the project progresses into the construction phases. In order to reap the full benefits of BIM’s ability to promote integrated project delivery, build team members will increasingly need to have interoperable solutions.While industry groups are often working toward the same interoperability goals, these groups are sometimes following different paths to a solution. A majority of the industry lists software incompatibility issues as the primary factor impacting build team members ability to share information across software.As a significant portion of the industry adopts BIM and explores its uses, concern over interoperability isuues will grow. If a limited number of firms use BIM, the need to seamlessly share data between BIM and other applications being used on the team remains in important issue.Interoperability within the built environment will be achieved through a combination of solutions spurred by people and technology. As build team members create and reference these data-rich models, the advantages of sharing data between disciplines become clearer. With adoption of BIM heading toward a tipping point in 2008, more users of this technology may seek solutions that facilitate data exchange. Competitive pressure could drive this dynamic. Build team members believe their competitors may be adopting BIM more quickly than they are. To avoid the risk of falling behind, more firms will adopt BIM and possibly push its limits to create their own competitive advantages.While use of BIM is on the rise, looming legal issues threaten its use within an interoperable environment. As a new technology, there are limited legal and contractual frameworks to clearly define liability. BIM offers a dynamic exchange of data, yet within the legal community contracts are often established using language based on 2D drawings. In some contract language, if there are discrepancies between electronic files and printed files, the printed files govern. Within a model-sharing environment, data need to flow from one party to the next electronically with all parties trusting their accuracy. Without a framework to allay concerns about indemnity in such an environment, build team members will remain hesitant to collaborate using BIM. (Patrick J. O”Connor, Jr., “Productivity and Innovation in the Construction Industry; The Case for Building Information Modeling.” Pp. 35-41)Conclusions
Problem Creating Deployment image with Last Revit Build
When you tried to create a Revit product deployment image with a build number of 20071109_2345, you received the following error message:user cancelled installationThis error is caused by outdated DLL files on the system.To correct this issue, you need to download and install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Redistributable Package. During the installation of this package, updated DLL files will be copied to the system. After the installation, you will be able to create the deployment.
Setting up a Revit MEP Project from the Revit Architecture Proje
With any software program, different users use it in different ways. All of the methods and documentation has always been gears towards architects and how they should use the software. But what about the engineers? They use a different workflow than architects. Is the software capable of performing tasks much easier than documented for engineers? When engineers get the architectural background in a Revit project format, how can you, and how should you create a new MEP project based off of the architectural views for that particular project? Every project is unique, and requires new views to be created. Architects start their projects using a project template, as should engineers. But the same MEP views will need to be created based off of the various Architectural views and levels that the project requires. Why recreate all of that when it's already in a Revit project?This blog describes a method where you can have the best of both worlds. You can use the architects project to create the MEP views the project requires rather than creating all of those views a second time yourself as the engineer. Then you can transfer your MEP project standards such as family types, line weights, materials, view templates and object styles into your project.
Now you have the start of your MEP project. You can now begin to lay out your equipment and create your systems. When the architect sends you a new background and you replace the old version with the new version, your project link will update the background. You can then use the Coordination Review tool from the Tools Pulldown menu to see what changes were made. If new levels or views were created, you will need to create new MEP views to display those changes.In any design software program, that are multiple ways to get similar tasks completed. This is just one way that you can start a project in Revit MEP.
Using BIM for Greener Designs in the Future
When I was at Autodesk University this year, they showed us this video on where the future might take us to giving us "on-the-fly" LEED ratings of a building as design changes and design options are created and modified allowing architects and engineers to find better ways to make a building more efficient.Designing a Greener BuildingThe LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a national standard for developing resource-smart, sustainable buildings. As adoption of the standard grows, many owner/operators are requiring that their new building projects achieve LEED certification, which rates a project based on site design, indoor environmental quality, and efficient use of energy, materials, and water. A high LEED rating recognizes the quality of a green building design and also qualifies the project for an array of state and local government financial incentives – an important benefit for the building owner.Complex engineering analysis of the design project is critical to achieving LEED certification. Some design firms outsource engineering analysis - as it is time-consuming and costly to do in-house. But now, building information modeling solutions such as the Revit Architecture and Revit MEP provide design models containing the necessary level of detail for the analyses. Design data can be extracted from the building information model and input to various analysis programs. With the recent release of the Green Building Studio from GeoPraxis, Inc., this process has been streamlined to the point where architects and engineers can perform energy analysis in-house, reducing the overall cost of the design process.Autodesk and the USGBC are committed to a future where design process and technology are integrated in support of our common goal - a sustainable tomorrow. Over the past year, the “Project Chicago:Green Research” team investigated how modeling, analysis, and sustainable validation could converge into an improved design process. Using scenarios from BNIM Architects’ Lewis and Clark State Office Building in Missouri, a research team of experts developed alternative concepts for sustainable design environments and studied their impact on the design process. This video showing the results of this research suggests a compelling future.Autodesk and the USGBC plan to work on several initiatives to make sustainable design easier and more efficient through the use of technology such as the Autodesk Revit platform for building information modeling (BIM), ultimately reducing the causes of climate change by increasing the number of green buildings that emit less carbon dioxide. As the first step, Autodesk and the USGBC plan to develop an educational curriculum for architecture and engineering students. As part of the agreement, USGBC and Autodesk will explore opportunities to integrate Autodesk’s technology with the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, to help the building industry more easily and rapidly meet goals for reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Potential areas for collaboration may include consulting, joint development of new technology initiatives and industry education. To facilitate rapid adoption of sustainable design practices, Autodesk and the USGBC plan to share the knowledge and results of their partnership with the building industry. Click here to view the Video This video may include information concerning future technology, but is not intended to reflect any planned or future development efforts or be a promise or guarantee of future delivery of products, services or features. Click here to download an Autodesk Whitepaper about Greener DesignsThe cornerstone of BIM is the high-quality design information it provides. This paper delves into a practical example of how architects can use this information to quickly and accurately perform energy analysis on early-stage building designs, for data that supports construction of "green" buildings.
BIM for Sustainable Design
Building information modeling facilitates complex processes and analyses that were previously too laborious or expensive to perform. This white paper details how Autodesk's purpose-built BIM solution supports key aspects of sustainable design and "green" certification.Download Whitepaper from Autodesk about Sustainable Design
The USGBC Drives Green Growth
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) currently has over nine LEED rating systems covering commercial and residential buildings, interiors, and exteriors, all the way up to entire neighborhoods, and several more systems are on the way. Even as LEED continues to proliferate, however, a movement continues among USGBC leadership to make it more unified, scientifically rigorous, and regionally appropriate. First discussed at the Greenbuild Conference in 2006, USGBC announced at Greenbuild 2007 that it would continue to move LEED toward a “bookshelf” of credits while incorporating both structural and technical changes. At the same time, weighting of environmental priorities, life-cycle assessment (LCA), and regional credits all promise to affect LEED and its point structure. Whereas the original rating system applied only to new construction and was drafted with commercial office towers in mind, LEED has grown so much in popularity and use that new rating systems have been specifically created for different kinds of buildings. There are now LEED standards for existing buildings (focusing on energy-efficient maintenance and nontoxic operations); core and shell (exterior walls and windows, electrical and plumbing systems); commercial interiors (doors and walls, lighting and plumbing fixtures); homes (only for new construction in its pilot phase) and neighborhood developments (for example, a redevelopment zone).Like any young industry, LEED is evolving rapidly. Lessons learned from pilot projects are used to improve the next version of the standard. Work is now under way on the 3.0 version, which will attempt to assess the environmental impact of a product or material over its complete lifecycle. It’s a difficult and important task, and whatever emerges is guaranteed to generate controversy. But once again, by providing a framework, language, and measurement system for lifecycle analysis, LEED will fuel conversations and spur market growth.
Experience BIM
Clear, concise understanding between architects, engineers, construction professionals, facility managers, and owners is the key to any successful project. To be on the same page, you have to be in the same book or, in the case of building, the same model. Autodesk building information modeling (BIM) software solutions provide teams with tools to keep information coordinated, up-to-date, and accessible in an integrated environment.These videos, articles, and white papers provide detailed information about the advantages of BIM—for predicting a building’s real-world performance before construction, creating sustainable designs, increasing efficiency, enabling new ways of working, and more.Click on the link below to read more articles on BIMhttp://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=9970899
Element Borrowing vs. Workset Ownership
In Revit MEP, it might be easier to work using Element Borrowing Mode rather than using Worksets. Worksets create an environment where users retain ownership of entire worksets, and permission must be granted for other users to make changes to elements in that workset. For example, if a user owns the MEP Equipment workset, and a user needs to relocate a piece of equipment, or even just change the Mark of the equipment, the user must first request permission in Revit, notify the owner that they are requesting permission, and the owner must grant permission. But by using ‘Element Borrowing Mode’, elements are borrowed ‘on the fly’, and provides a much more fluid workflow.There is no setting to use Element Borrowing Mode, it is just a matter ensuring that the appropriate worksets have no owner. With no owner, the elements in the workset are borrowed automatically as needed. Clicking Save to Central automatically relinquishes ownership of the borrowed element(s) so that another user may make modifications as necessary.In Revit MEP, users should be aware that even though they are not directly modifying an element, they may end up borrowing elements unwittingly. As users work in the model, they may be inadvertently borrowing more and more elements, and preventing others from doing the same. This is because Revit MEP not only uses elements, but uses elements that make up systems. Systems can contain multiple elements. Whenever a change is made to an element that is part of a system, the system information must be pushed upstream to keep everything synchronized. So a user modifies the flow at a diffuser, the flow information is pushed through the duct system as far as it is connected. When this happens, that user not only borrows that diffuser, but also becomes borrower of all the other components upstream of that component. If another user were to attempt to modify the flow of any of the other terminals at the same time, that user would receive an Error message, alerting that the owner of those elements needs to save to central. This can also happen when multiple VAV boxes are connected upstream to a common air handler. If a user were to modify the flow on a diffuser in one area of the building, the flow from the ductwork all the way back to, and including the AHU would be borrowed, which would prevent any other users from making changes to any elements, even though the user may be working on a completely different portion of the building.One solution to this is to ‘break’ the ductwork of two systems before an AHU and create 2 separate systems and thereby separating the data that users will be updating to a full system. Now you have two systems that don't push information to each other which allows two users to work on them at the same time without having to borrow elements. Use this option to create this gap to control how far information will update.Strategically segregating the data in the model can help ensure that multiple users can work side-by-side. When all updates have been made, the ducts may be easily stretched back together to complete the system.
Coordination Review
Coordination review is the process by which models are resynchronized to see if there are changes to the linked architectural model. So if the level to level height changes, or levels are renamed, or rooms are deleted, Coordination Review will show you the changes that need to be made. When the file is opened, the user will be prompted of the architectural changes that were made, and show them to you.To see the coordination issues, select Coordination Review from the Tools menu, and select the appropriate linked file. When the Coordination Review window opens, the issues will be listed, and you can select the appropriate action. You will rename, move, and delete elements in your model to follow suit with the architects linked file. To copy newly added rooms, you must use the tool in Copy/Monitor. You are not notified when new rooms are added, so make it practice to open Copy/Monitor, and click Copy Rooms when a updated model is received.
Managing RAM Memory in Revit
A friend of mine (Tony Isenhoff of Eppstein Uhen) and I were discussing how RAM is utilized by Autodesk applications. As you work in your application, RAM is used, and in many cases is not returned to the OS when it's no longer needed. The problem arises when you start to reach the 2 GIG limit for a Process in 32 Bit Windows or you simply start to run low on memory.But if you simply Minimize the application window, wait a second or two then Maximize your application, the RAM is given back and you can continue working.Tony confirmed this in Revit by opening one of their larger projects using Revit Architecture, and opened 3-4 views, and watched the memory usage go up, then minimized. Below are the results:Before minimize:After minimize:I also confirmed this in Revit MEP and AutoCAD MEP.So when working in Revit and you get a message that you're running low on memory, try minimizing the application window!We always knew that having multiple views open can also affect performance, but we were pretty surprised at actually how much RAM is used.One view open: 784,380 kTwo views open: 817,520 kThree views open: 847,220 kFour views open: 872,896 kSo closing views that are not being used is also very important.http://revit-usa.blogspot.com/2008/01/revit-ram-minimizing.html
Worksharing Monitor for Revit MEP 2008
If your Revit MEP is on subscription, you can download the new Revit 2008 Worksharing Monitor Extension from your subscription website.The Worksharing Monitor facilitates the use of Revit software in a worksharing environment, in which multiple people work on one project. For workshared projects, the Worksharing Monitor answers questions like the following:
NOTE: The Worksharing Monitor is not useful for standalone Revit projects, which do not use worksharing to divide the work for a project among several people. To install and run Worksharing Monitor for Revit 2008, you need to have at least one product from the Revit 2008 product family installed on your computer. You must have a 2008 version installed, with SP2 or SP3 (also known as WU or web updates). Available products include:• Revit® Architecture 2008, SP2 or SP3• Revit® Structure 2008, SP2 or SP3• Revit® MEP 2008, SP2 or SP3