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Explore the possibilities with the Revit Extensions Nicolas Mangon – Autodesk, Inc. Pawel Piechnik – Robobat

Code: SE500-1

Learn how the extensions for Revit Structure offer immediate productivity tools for your projects and save you time during some modeling and documentation tasks.

Key Topics: - Extensions for Revit concept - Automatic Concrete Reinforcement generation and Drawings - Excel-based structure modeling - Import/export to CIS/2 format - Drawing Freeze tool - and more

Who Should Attend Structural engineers and structural drafters using Revit Structure 2008

About the Speaker: Nicolas joined Autodesk in 2003 as the product manager for Autodesk Revit Structure and has since become the company’s structural business line manager, focusing on the product strategy for the structural space. Prior to Autodesk, Nicolas designed software for structural engineers in Europe and North America. He has worked on a wide variety of projects, including structural analysis; structural modeling and detailing for steel; and cast-in-place and precast concrete structures. Nicolas received a Master of Science degree in Structural Engineering from the Ecole Superieure des Travaux Public in Paris, France. You can reach him at [email protected]

Explore the possibilities with the Revit Extensions


1. What are Extensions for Revit 2. Extensions Manager 3. Analysis Integration 4. Reinforcement generation 5. Reinforcement drawings 6. Excel based model generation 7. Comparing models 8. Parametric grids generation 9. Website and distribution


1. What are Extensions for Revit ? Extensions for Revit are a series of easy to use applications, written by Robobat, that extend the capabilities of the Revit products in various key areas, including structural analysis and reinforced concrete drafting. Many “Extensions” are provided free of charge, while some offer more detailed functionality for a small fee. Extensions for Revit are updated regularly, with at least one new module posted every month, with the intention of providing in the future a comprehensive library of extensions covering a wide range of applications. Extensions work with Revit Structure 2008.

Extensions for Revit are designed to complement the Revit products and to provide immediate value to Revit users. Extensions are easy to download, install and use and are updated on a regular basis to provide additional functionality. Many “Extensions” are provided free of charge, while some offer more detailed functionality for a small fee. Of particular interest is the availability of a free version of Robobat’s world renowned structural analysis software ROBOT Millennium, which allow bi-directional integration with Revit Structure. Extensions are available in following languages: - English - French - Italian - Polish Extensions concept assume also providing common components for different software application using same parameterization and covering different projection of the same problem (e.g. Modeling, Design, Drawings) These components may be shared by different applications working with Revit Structure. Extensions may be downloaded from www.extensions4revit.com dedicated website Install Extensions Engine first, then download and install chosen Extensions one by one.

http://www.extensions4revit.com/


2. Extensions Manager The main starting application is the Extensions Manager, responsible for managing, viewing and launching extensions. Use Revit's menu "extensions4revit -> Extensions Manger" option to launch the application.

The Extensions Manager is a dialog box presenting installed Extensions in a form of hierarchy tree, to let User easily identify appropriate application.

Every downloaded and installed Extension will appear in appropriate position in a hierarchy tree. Every Extension is presented together with its status information:

- green bullet is for active enhanced mode versions - gray bullet is for base mode versions


An Important option from User point of view allowing for an ergonomic way of working is a possibility of adding single extension to the Revit main menu as well as including it in a dedicated toolbar. Add the extensions with use of menu, toolbar or context menu option:

List of functionalities provided by Extensions Manager: - Hierarchy presentation and navigation - Executing Extensions - Controlling Revit dedicated toolbar and menu options - Information review on Extensions - Licensing management - Language settings - Access to the dedicated website - Sending feedback To Execute an Extension choose one of following ways: - Double click on it in the hierarchy tree - Use the context menu option (right click over the Extension and choose “Execute”) - Use Extensions->Execute option from the upper menu of the Extension Manager


3. Analysis Integration “Structural Analysis for Revit Structure” is a totally free variant of ROBOT Millennium with a slightly different file format. The software will enable:

- 2D and 3D multi material frame structures with up to 200 members - FE plates and shells - walls, floors and surfaces with up to 1500 nodes - Section libraries from around the world - Access to the ROBOT API to allow users to integrate their own applications - Bi-directional integration with Revit Structure - Linear analysis, English language support

ROBOT Millennium is a structural analysis and design software application. It is capable of analyzing virtually any type and shape of a structure as well as designing elements of this structure (steel, RC, timber elements). The Analysis Integration Enabler Extension allows the user to:

- transfer a structure model defined in Revit Structure to ROBOT Millennium - update a structure model in Revit Structure after making changes in ROBOT Millennium (after structure

calculations, design of structure elements, changes in the structure geometry). Execute the Extension and use “Send model to ROBOT Millennium” option:

Algorithms implemented in ROBOT Millennium allow analysis of geometry of a structure model defined in Revit Structure and advanced meshing of planar elements (plates, walls, shells) included in this model. The complex modeling and analysis capabilities of ROBOT Millennium means that Revit Structure users can directly analyze their models and update them after dimensioning.


4. Reinforcement generation Currently available type elements that can be reinforced by Extensions: - Beams - Columns - Spread footings - Continuous footings - Slab openings - Pile caps All Extensions are working in a similar way, so one of the most advanced will be presented in this handout: Select a multi-span beam, and launch the “Reinforcement of beams” Extension. Use Revit's menu "extensions4revit -> Extensions Manger" to launch the Extensions Manager.

The initial state of the dialog describes the geometry of the beam read from Revit model. Values are read-only. The beam is graphically presented in the bottom part of the window. Notice that the spans and supports are detected automatically. The dimensions presented including its proportions.


Every Extension is composed of logical parts. Select one by one to define the whole problem. The current Extension enables definition of following components:

The first parameters set that User define are stirrups. Select appropriate type and rebar settings. Stirrups type is defined for the whole beam. The Extension take advantage of existing in current Revit project families.

Another group of parameters concerns the stirrups distribution. Use mouse to select the a middle span on the graphical viewer. To change the span, use mouse or "Span no" control.

After selecting a span change the type of the distribution and appropriate zones dimensions.


Main bars definition may be done subsequently. Main bars are always present. User may change their number or parameters.

Finally, set the additional bars by selecting e.g. middle span and activating external bars:

After defining and setting the parameters click OK to generate the reinforcement in the initially selected beam.

At any time you may select a beam and choose Modify option. Extension will be executed with reinforcement values defined for the host previously. Change a distribution type and regenerate the reinforcement by choosing OK button. Other reinforcement examples are presented below:


5. Reinforcement drawings This module will generate the 2D reinforcement drawings in AutoCAD environment based on RCAD Reinforcement Engine. The drawings will be generated for existing 3D reinforcement in Revit model, which was previously generated by appropriate Extensions. The drawing may be presented according national/code standard. Several national templates are available. The necessary reinforced element’s sections are generated Select an object reinforced by one of the Extensions and execute the “Reinforcement drawing” Extension:

A dialog box appear when we could choose the AutoCAD Project for the drawing to be inserted in, as well as the drawing descriptions.

A very important operation is choosing a regional template. The choice may be done in Preferences dialog box (after selecting “New project” option). Several ready-made templates are proposed defined according to regional/code regulations. User may choose also its own template located on a disk. The templates may be created in full version of RCAD Reinforcement.


The drawing may contain:

- Element formwork - Reinforcement - Elevations - Sections axes / Section name - Dimensions - Rebar Tags - Exploded rebars with dimensions (optionally) - Steel table


In a similar way, drawings for other elements can be created: Multi-span beam:

Spread footing beam:

Continuous footing:


6. Excel based modeling This Extension provides a possibility of generating a structure in Revit Structure with use of data defined in MS Excel. Excel Worksheet allows automating the definition process. Following Revit objects are available to define:

- Levels - Columns - Beams - Walls - Footings

User defines parameters of the structure by writing them directly into the Worksheet It is of course possible to inherit and use all typical MS Excel functionalities and operations as copying, using formulas etc. Run “Excel based model generation” extension by selecting this Extension from the Manager hierarchy tree.

A dialog box containing embedded MS Excel will appear:

Below presented steps will show how to generate following elements: - New levels - Spread footings set - Columns on top of spread footings - Beams on columns


To create new levels go to Levels tab:

Add names and elevation of new levels to be generated in Revit:

Go to Footings tab, in order to define spread footing positions and parameters:

All parameter may be entered directly in MS Excel cells, cell by cell, row by row. But, if we enter parameters (especially for the first time), there is a possibility to be guided by the Dialog. The “wizard” will propose as default parameters, existing Revit families, Levels, etc, so we will avoid using wrong parameters and family names. Use toolbar icon or Edit->Add menu option to execute the definition dialog box:


After selecting all necessary parameters, click OK and the proper excel row data will be generated:

Now we can use this parameters as reference and multiply this data with use of classical Excel functionality. The coordinates may be entered by hand or with use of MS Excel formulas:

Go to Columns tab, and perform similar operation for parameters definition (use Edit->Add option and define parameters as presented below, and then copy rows to obtain four columns (to set coordinates we can use MS Excel Copy/Paste):


With use of copy/paste we can multiply the columns for additional levels, changing the Base and Top levels after that:

Repeat similar steps for beams.

After definition of a complete data, we may Verify the entered parameter if they are conform to the requirements and to generate the model in Revit. Choose Data->Generate model option to perform the generation:


Based on the MS Excel data, the model is generated:

The XLS files may be saved on a disk in a usual manner, so the library of parameterized model may be created by Users. The Extension provides also its own demonstration example accessible by choosing Help->Demonstration example to load it.


7. Comparing models This Extension provides functionality of comparing two models in Revit, so User can see the differences between the project versions. The comparison is based on elements IDs. Run “Compare models” Extension by selecting this Extension from the Manager hierarchy tree.

Open two projects in Revit. After executing, the Extension detects the number of opened projects. If more than two are detected, a dialog box appears where the User should choose two projects by clicking appropriate check-box controls. Once the two projects are selected, the main window appears. Selected is the first tab: “General information” where the projects are compared from quantity point of view.

Select the second option: “Elements:


In this context the goal is to present each difference in a model, giving the possibility to highlight particular elements in Revit model.

The list of categories that are presented for both projects:

- Model Objects - Annotation Objects - Families - Views - Schedules - Legends - Sheets - Groups

Options to be selected (check-boxes and radio buttons) are:

- Type of comparison: Equal Different Not exist

- ID elements presentation


- Method of highlighting elements in Revit :

Tracking changes Selection in the model

Use Actions buttons to present only necessary information on a screen:

- Expand All – expand all rows on the list - Collapse All – collapse all rows on the list

Marked with use of check boxes, elements may be highlighted in Revit model. highlight them with “Select by id option” in Revit.

If the “Choosing on model” option is selected, the additional dialog box appears after leaving the Extension:

There are IDs displayed in the dialog which can be copied manually (CTRL+C) or automatically by activating the button “Copy to Clipboard”. After closing this dialog the User should go to “Tools” in the Revit menu and run “Element Ids”-> “Select by Id” option, and then paste the copied text to the newly-opened dialog. The differences will be presented in a form of graphical selection as on these pictures:


8. Grids generator The Extension enables the definition and generation of parameterized levels and grids sets. Moreover some elements may be generated and positioned according to the grids location. Following types of grids is available:

- Cartesian - Cylindrical

Following types of elements will be generated:

- Columns - Beams - Walls - Spread Footings

The grids sets will be defined by parameters and generated for selected floor plans. Naming and other grid lines behavior will be defined by a User. Run “Grids generator” Extension by selecting this Extension from the Manager hierarchy tree.

Selected is the first tab: “Levels” where new levels could be defined.

the Revit Extensions

Explore the possibilities with

Select the second option tab: “Grids”.


There are two grids type: Cartesian and Cylindrical that may be defined. There are data common for both types, and other typical for each grids set type. The grids will be generated as individual objects in Revit project. Grid object will be marked and identified so there is a possibility to modify previously created grids set. Common data to be defined:

- Grids set type - Initial insertion point - Grids Inclination angle - Grids extension - Family Name (applied for all grids) - Naming convention for each direction separately (A,B,C …. 1,2,3 …. Values/Coordinate, User defined

prefix ) There is also an option enabling generation of Model lines aligned to the grid lines, that appear in 3D view. So the user may use the grid lines for 3D snapping.


Below examples of the generated items: Grids sets, 3d model lines, Elements


9. Website and distribution The Extensions for Revit is distributed via the dedicated website: www.extensions4revit.com At least one new Extension per month is released on this site.

http://www.extensions4revit.com/

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