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Using Autodesk® Revit® Structure for Both Steel Connection Design and Driving BIM Models to FabricationDoug Evans – Design DataMichelle McCarthy – Design Data

SE5078: Connection design and model accuracy are vital to BIM projects. The ability to create an as-

manufactured model for fabrication inside of Autodesk® Revit® Structure is within reach—down to every last connection. As-manufactured 3D models are valuable because they contain all the necessary information for

fabrication and construction. With the ability to store that information inside of Autodesk Revit Structure, engineers and designers can make better informed choices and maximize the value of their product. This class will focus on the

connection design capabilities of SDS/2 Connect, making connections available in Autodesk Revit Structure for creating more valuable, as-built models.

Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this class, you will be able to:

Understand connections designed in Autodesk Revit Structure using SDS/2 Connect Apply principles of LEAN Construction and IPD to the design of your structures Understand why as-manufactured models are important Create accurate BIM models that can aid in estimating project costs Utilize the SDS/2 Connect Plug-In on your next project

About the SpeakersMichelle McCarthy is strategic sales manager for Design Data, developers of SDS/2 software solutions for fabrication, detailing and engineering. McCarthy presents and sells SDS/2 software products that provide 3D models with automatic detailing, engineering information, fabrication data and much more. Additionally, she has spoken at several national industry conferences and influenced the rebranding of SDS/2 and the addition of four new SDS/2 products. McCarthy earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a masters in management from Doane College.

Doug Evans is vice president of sales for Design Data and has been with the company over 20 years. Throughout his two decades in the steel fabrication industry, Evans has been a part of many technology initiatives and panels. He was involved with the design and delivery of some of the first CNC interfaces between CAD systems and fabrication equipment in the early 1990s. Evans also has served on the Intergraph Structural Committee and continues to serve on many AISC advisory boards that are involved in maintaining industry file transfer standards and presenting industry awards. He has helped concept many products for Design Data over the years, with the latest being the rebranding efforts you see today from Design Data. Before joining Design Data, Evans spent five years as director of marketing for the Gallup organization. He has a bachelor of arts in business administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University, with a minor in computer science.

Using Autodesk® Revit® Structure for Steel Connection Design and Driving BIM Models to Fabrication

IntroductionIn business since 1981, Design Data has set the standard in the industry for automated steel detailing software. Our history includes several notable industry firsts, technology that many of you use today. We were the first to detail steel from a 3D model, the first to transfer engineering models to detailing software, the first to interface with CNC shop equipment, the first to design connections inside a 3D model, and now the first to build connection design inside of Revit Structure.

SDS/2 Connect is our most recent addition to the SDS/2 software solutions. It joins SDS/2 Detailing, our flagship product, SDS/2 Modeling, SDS/2 Drafting, SDS/2 BIM, SDS/2 Fabricatoing, SDS/2 Approval, SDS/2 Erector, and SDS/2 Viewer. You can learn more about our offerings at www.sds2.com.

Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, Design Data’s staff is continuing to work with Autodesk on future versions of SDS/2 Connect. Visit www.sds2connect.com to download a free trial of the SDS/2 Connect add-on for Revit Structure.

Things You Will Learn:How to design connections in Revit Structure using SDS/2 Connect

How SDS/2 Connect fits into the IPD/LEAN Construction philosophy

Why as-manufactured models are important

How SDS/2 Connect makes your BIM Model in Revit Structure more valuable for estimating

How SDS/2 Connect can be used on your next project

What is SDS/2 Connect?SDS/2 Connect is a Revit Structure Add-In that makes it possible for Revit Structure users to design connections inside of their Revit Structure model. These connections and the Revit Structure model will transfer bi-directionally to and from SDS/2 using the import and export capabilities included in the SDS/2 Connect Add-In. Once in the SDS/2 model, these connections and the steel materials may be updated and changes sent back to Revit Structure for seamless updates of the model.

SDS/2 Connect Overview Video

Learning to Design Connections in Revit StructureThe connection design capability that has evolved and grown over decades within SDS/2 Detailing has been built inside of Revit Structure and is part of a add-in called SDS/2 Connect. Using the technology directly from the SDS/2 software solutions, this is the most intelligent and automated connection design available and has over 30 years of connection design development and industry use behind it.

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The SDS/2 Connect design tool will aid you in designing connections for the whole structure, or only in part, depending on your preferred work process. This section will cover how to set up SDS/2 Connect to create the connections you desire. Additionally, this section will cover specific connection attributes that impact cost and manufacturing speed and quality.

Understanding SDS/2 Connection DesignSDS/2 Connect provides users with the ability to build connections inside Revit Structure. There are some basic principles for SDS/2 connection design that, once understood, will improve your productivity with the SDS/2 Connect Add-in.

SDS/2 Connect Help MenusThe SDS/2 Connect help menu is built to match Revit Structure help menus and navigate in a similar manner. In our help menu, you can find our connection guide, outlining the connections that can be designed by SDS/2.

The help menus for SDS/2 Connect are accessible in the upper left hand corner of the setup screen or in the lower left hand corner of the connection edit screen. Information regarding installation details and deeper explanation of the set up screens along with other pertinent details are available to users from the help menus.

The help menu includes numerous images and instructions to help you get your desired connections. It also includes a more detailed explanation of how connections are designed by SDS/2 Connect. This information can be found in the help menu under: TopicsConnectionsConnection Design. This outlines the steps that are taken in designing the connections.

Commands in SDS/2 ConnectThere are seven major commands in the SDS/2 Connect Add-in (from left to right in image below) Options, Edit, Report, Connection Type (Auto Std, selectively designs connections), Design All, Export from Revit to SDS/2, and Import to Revit from SDS/2.

Any command on the SDS/2 Connect toolbar with an arrow below it has multiple options for the user to choose from. Clicking on the arrow will provide access to setup menus and design preferences for SDS/2 Connect. Further options available for the connection type are accessed by using the arrow below Auto Std (Connection Type) to select another connection type.

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Finally, below “Export Revit to SDS/2,” the user has five export options. Based on the choice for export, there will be different results in the information transferred. From the different options, users can either export all structural elements, modified structural elements only, or a selection of structural elements. This provides users the highest level of control of the information to be transferred between Revit Structure and SDS/2.

Project Set-upThe set-up can be used “out-of-the-box”; however, knowing your way around set up can help you achieve your desired results more quickly. This section is a brief overview of some of the most important things to know when it comes to setting up your project.

OptionsThis set-up area is primarily designed for use when models are being transferred between Revit Structure and SDS/2. Choosing to design established connections will

only let Revit Structure make adjustments to connections that have already been designed by either product, and it will leave all un-designed areas alone. Designing the whole

structure will work on every joint in the model. Users can also generate connections with or without bolts. These options allow the user to selectively design connections and also save processing time.

Connections Designed by SDS/2 ConnectSDS/2 Connect designs the following types of connections. Either through system or user selection, SDS/2 Connect automates the application and design of the following connection types:

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Clip Angle Shear Tab End Plate


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Seated Horizontal Brace Vertical Brace


Design InformationSetting up your Design Information provides several options that will affect your structure. Users can select connection design methods, determine percentages for uniform loads, adjust settings for composite design, and much more.

Other settings included in the Design Information area allow users to limit plate thicknesses for gussets or moment connections, select or avoid certain bolt sizes when designing connections, and adjust reaction factors for connection design. This also means that, based on your selected settings, some connections can fail during design. A simple example of connection failure due to set up is when the load on a brace becomes high enough that it requires a gusset plate 1” thick—if your settings limit gussets at ¾” thickness, the connection will fail. Adjusting your settings to allow 1” thickness plates will then allow the connection to pass. This setting is shown in the image on the following

page.

Settings can and will change how connections are designed. If we stick with the gusset plate example, in the above image, users have a choice on whether to cope or clip the gusset around a column. While it may not matter to the engineer, when manufacturing this gusset plate, the shop may have a preferred method based on equipment that can impact the cost of the connection. This is the type of manufacturing intelligence that allows SDS/2 Connect users to value engineer connections in the structure.

Manufacturing Standards and the Impact on Connection DesignSDS/2 Connect is unique in its ability to design connections with consideration for the manufacturer’s preferences, resulting in more cost-effective structures. A good example

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of that ability is seen in the image below: Standard Fabricator Connections, highlighting Shear Plates, in particular the option to “Cope on connections that extend past flange.”

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The images below reflect the difference in how the shear plate connection is designed based on the steel fabricator’s preference for a beam-to-beam shear plate connection to either be coped or not coped.

While it may not make a difference one way or the other to the engineer or general contractor, it can be a huge money saver in terms of fabricating the steel for the structure and how it is erected—particularly on a large project. The plate connection on the left can be a time-consuming and costly plate for a fabricator that does not use a plate burning CNC machine. While the fabricator will save time by just square cutting the beam instead of coping, without a plate machine, a coped plate would have to be cut manually, tripling the labor on that single part, along with the fact it would not be nested for purchase of cheaper material.

The more cost-efficient connection for a fabricator without a CNC plate burner would be the connection on the right, where, traditionally, fabricators stock flat bar of different width that they can quickly shear off to make the shear plate length. If the chosen fabricator has a CNC coping machine, the additional cuts on the beam are not costly.

This is a very good example of how a fabricator’s technology and machine capability can impact the cost and speed of a connection. In fact, a good portion of RFIs originate for exactly this reason—to request permission from an engineer to fabricate cost-efficient connections. This example is just one option out of hundreds within SDS/2 Connect that shows how utilizing the right manufacturing settings can save thousands of dollars in fabrication costs and man hours through the course of a large project.

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With SDS/2 Connect, you can utilize the standard connection set up that each individual fabricator uses on projects. On a project with multiple fabricators, you can set up each segment of the structure for each specific fabricator, allowing you to design and send connections that are most efficient for each specific manufacturing operation. This allows you to design connections in SDS/2 Connect that will allow for the greatest efficiencies for the entire project. Much like the concept of putting square pegs in square holes, allow each manufacturer to do what they are built to manufacture, and project timelines reduce and quality improves.

Framing Conditions and Auto Standard ConnectionsFraming conditions also play an important role in SDS/2 Connect’s methods of connection design, particularly when using an Auto Standard Connection. Auto Standard Connections are connections that can automatically be applied and will “self-determine” the connection type applied, based on the Auto Standard Connection area in Set-Up.

With these set-up options (shown above), the user can automate the connection design process even further, allowing the system to do much of the work for them on simple connections. There is full control over the type of connection that can be selected for numerous framing conditions. In the image on the following page, you will see the default set up for wide flange beams framing perpendicularly into the web of a wide flange column. A bolted, double clip angle connection is the default, but can be changed to many other configurations.

Using Auto Standard Connections, companies can mold SDS/2 Connect to automatically create preferred standard connections for a project, and can significantly impact the time spent designing connections, then manually applying them again in another model.

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Click here for YouTube video demonstrating framing conditions and auto standard connections.

LoadsSDS/2 Connect can design connections for a specific end reaction. Loads for designing connections are either input at each node or automatically set by the Automatic Design Load in the Design Criteria section of Set-Up. The default is set for 50% uniform allowable load or maximum web sheer, but can be changed to suit the user’s needs. If loads are present in the model from analysis done by an engineering software product, SDS/2 Connect can import that information to supersede the automatic design load.

When you manually change loads, SDS/2 Connect quickly shows results of this change in the newly designed connection based on the specific load. It may cause increases in bolt diameters, weld sizes (though welds aren’t shown in Revit Structure, plate thicknesses and the number of rows of bolts. Loads can also cause SDS/2 Connect to fail, or not design a connection, as seen in the image on below:

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Because the load was manually set at 600 kips, the connection was failed due to the web shear strength being exceeded, as noted in the warning banner on the bottom of the connection edit screen. These warnings will give the user an idea as to why the connection was not designed by the system.

Click here for YouTube video demonstrating the effect of loads in SDS/2 Connect.

Connection SpecificationsSDS/2 Connect users gain further control over the connections inside Revit Structure through connection specifications. These areas allow you to make common adjustments to the connections, such as selecting steel near side or far side for a shear plate, changing setbacks, or adding moment to the connection.

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For instance, in the above image, the option to “Try two bolt-column shear tabs” is checked. This would be checked on in a situation in which the user wants to add a second column of bolts to the shear tab, overriding set up options that default to only one bolt-column.

Click here for YouTube video demonstrating changes in connection specifications.

Intelligent Connection DesignSDS/2 Connect considers the entire framing situation when designing a connection. That means that during the connection design process, it takes into account opposing members, fit up and constructability in addition to the load. The best example of this is shown in this video.

Framing conditions also play into the intelligent connection design found in SDS/2 Connect. In order to speed up your connection design process, this add-in will read the framing condition and it can change the connection automatically. Whether it is the rotation of a column as seen in the video or interference from other members, the system can automatically choose another connection that will work, if your chosen connection fails.

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Going even further, connections that require consideration for the erector, like copes for bolt clearances or equipment, are automatically incorporated in the design. The ability to include this kind of manufacturing knowledge in the connection design process results in better information and fewer RFIs or change orders later in the project.

Click here for YouTube video showing intelligent connection design in SDS/2 Connect.

User ConnectionsUser connections allow users to override the system-designed connection and manipulate the connection to meet specific requirements. As shown in the image below, for each Connection Edit screen there is a check box in the upper right hand corner that, when checked, allows you full editing capabilities over the design detail and end prep settings. The fields shown are all of the engineering dimensions in a connection. Whether changing plate or angle sizes, numbers of bolts, or materials used, the user has full control over the connection.

An additional feature of this modification is the cross dependency of each field. As you enter into a field, for example rows of bolts, SDS/2 Connect will show arrows indicated other fields you need to verify, length of plate, etc.

Click here for YouTube video showing user connections in SDS/2 Connect.

Technical Information about SDS/2 Connect and RevitLearning a little more about the technical side of the interaction between SDS/2 Connect and Revit Structure will be helpful as you start designing your own connections. With a basic

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understanding, it will enable you to trouble-shoot any issues and better manipulate the materials and connections in your Revit Structure model.

In order for SDS/2 Connect to design connections inside of Revit Structure and transfer the information to and from SDS/2 Detailing, some data had to be added to Revit Structure. The first major modification done by SDS/2 Connect is to modify some of the Revit Structure families. Upon the initial installation of the SDS/2 Connect add-in on your project, Revit Structure families are modified with more detailed information, which enables connection design.The following families are modified by SDS/2 Connect:

Wide Flange

L-Angle

LL-Angle

W-Tee

Channel

HSS Rectangular (not round)

SDS/2 Connect adds the following families during installation:

Plate

Angle

RoundPlate

Bolt

StandardBolt

StandardBoltArray

BentPlate

These are very simple implementations of these materials and are not intended to be modified by hand once installed. Since SDS/2 and Revit Structure don't have all the same functionality, there will be instances where members may not transfer properly. For example, on a single or double angle vertical brace, SDS/2 Connect “shifts” the material of the angle so that the work line is on the material gauge line. That “shift” is something SDS/2 Connect adds to Revit Structure's families.

Memory limitations can be a concern with the Revit Structure model. The number of elements required to display connections inside Revit Structure pushes its memory limitations for larger structures. This does impact performance of Revit Structure. During the development of SDS/2 Connect, steps were taken to get the best performance possible. Below are some tips that can improve performance on larger models:

Avoid fine grain views when not viewing connections

Set up SDS/2 Connect to skip generating bolts

Holes are not generated inside of Revit Structure, but they will appear when the model is transferred to SDS/2

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These small modifications result in a big performance boost for your model, and the tradeoff is simply being unable to see the bolts and holes. It is possible to turn the bolts back on in order to view them later or just in small view ports.

Design Data and Autodesk are working together on the future development of this technology. This mutually beneficial partnership allows the Revit Structure model to be more manufacturing-friendly and leads to SDS/2 being included earlier in the BIM concept and design phase. Work on both SDS/2 Connect and future Revit Structure versions continues to be done. Revit Structure 2012 will have advanced features for cutting and coping due to this add-in and SDS/2 is adding changes to work more seamlessly with the Revit Structure model.

SDS/2 Connects you to Integrated Project Delivery and Lean ConstructionWe can all agree that nearly everyone in the AEC industry believes it is a good idea to incorporate “best practices” in design, manufacturing and delivery of structures. Lean Construction and IPD are terms often used by project managers and general contractors but, often time these terms have vague implementations. Here is a very brief and high level definition of IPD and Lean Construction:

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a collaborative alliance of people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction

Lean Construction is a production practice that considers the expenditure of resources for any goal other than the creation of value for the end customer to be wasteful, and thus a target for elimination. Its focus is on the elimination of waste and exposing systemic problems. Use the tools to achieve efficiencies within a smooth flow. As waste is eliminated, quality and production improve along with costs being reduced.

Target Value Design (TVD) or Target Costing falls in with Lean Construction and will become more desired by owners in projects of the future. Target Costing is the practice of incorporating cost as a factor in design to minimize waste and create value.

Having established a baseline for these three concepts, there are four key ways that SDS/2 Connect is capable of helping companies reach some of these goals. SDS/2 Connect will:

Improve the quality of design Reduce the costs of the structure in both materials and manufacturing Shorten the time to market Increase project efficiency and enhance workflow

There are several specific features in SDS/2 Connect that will enable users to improve their projects in the ways listed above.

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Incorporation of Connection DesignSDS/2 incorporates connection design inside of the engineer’s software—providing the ability to create a faster, more efficient design. SDS/2 Connect automates the process of designing connections and creating long-hand calculations for each connection. This automation reduces both time spent and manual errors, in addition to providing more data early in the process from which engineers can make better design decisions.

The Impact of Connections on Design Quality and CostConnection design on a project that might have taken days or hours to do before, SDS/2 Connect can design in minutes, complete with long-hand calculations. The time saved allows connection design engineers to quickly evaluate the differences between multiple design options. Connection geometry, potential interferences from other connections, manufacturing costs, and constructability considerations all can have an impact on connection design. SDS/2 Connect allows engineers, architects, and GCs access to this information earlier in the project and results in improved design of the structure and cost savings on the project. Essentially, with SDS/2 Connect it is possible to do Target Value Design for connections, resulting in better decisions throughout the project. For example, an engineer may first design a beam-to-column connection that results in web doublers and stiffeners—an expensive connection to fabricate. Making a quick comparison, the engineer could easily change steel grade or section size to see how that impacts the connection, and may end up with a far simpler and less costly connection.

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the image on the upper left, the WF column is a W14x74 with web doublers and stiffeners. By quickly adjusting the column size to a W14x120, as in the image on the upper right, the user can see the difference in connections and make a better informed decision on choosing a section size or connection.

Incorporating Manufacturing Standards EarlyDue to its roots as a detailing and fabrication product, SDS/2 Connect incorporates manufacturing standards within your design practices. This information can provide a valuable advantage by enabling users to more easily value engineer connections on the project. You can dictate the type and style of the connection and yet still allow for the

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manufacturing variances—resulting in the fabricator’s ability to manufacture materials at the least cost with the highest quality. For example, knowing whether the steel fabricator on the project prefers bolted or welded connections can significantly impact the cost of the structure. With that information, you can adjust the set up in SDS/2 Connect to automate the design of your connections to meet their needs.

Transferring Connection Information The ability to export a model with the connection information to SDS/2 Detailing creates a very clear interpretation of the connection information to the steel detailer or fabricator. With this information, the fabricator/detailer can begin drawing production rather than RFI production. Another part of Lean Construction and Target Value Design or Costing is the ability to reduce the replication of work while increasing efficiency and enhancing workflow on the project. With SDS/2 Connect, the detailer does not have to re-input or recreate the geometry or connections, but immediately begins enhancing the model, prepping it for fabrication. For instance, the fabricator/detailer may adjust a vertical brace’s work points and its connection, then export the model from SDS/2 Detailing to SDS/2 Connect for approval by the engineer.

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You can see the slight difference in the connection, based from the location of the work points of the vertical braces. In Revit Structure (above left) the member lines have been highlighted so that you can see the work points are located at the top of steel, while in SDS/2

(above right) the fabricator/detailer has adjusted the work points to half the nominal depth of the supporting member.

Round-Tripping ModelsImporting altered member work points and fabrication requests or changes through the API between SDS/2 Connect and Revit Structure is very efficient. These changes are associated to the model, are easily updated and become easier to identify, and allow you to make better informed decisions on your project.

Part of the SDS/2 Connect round-tripping feature is the ability to accept or reject changes that get made to the model. After the first-time import, each subsequent updated import file will automatically open a list of the new changes, including piecemarks, so that you can view and navigate to the members that will be updated and accept or deny these changes. The ability to do this improves the model quality and eliminates the need for the work to be done twice: once on the fabricator/detailer’s end to request the change, and once on the engineer’s end to accept the change and model it into the Revit Structure model.

Reference ModelsUtilizing reference models in addition to SDS/2 Connect can elevate your project to the next level of detail and bring you even closer to having the as-manufactured model inside Revit Structure. Miscellaneous steel objects like handrail, ladders, stairs, edge angles and more can easily be viewed in reference to the Revit Structure model by opening a 3D DWG that has been exported by SDS/2 Detailing. By combining the models, you can see interferences that may be happening between connection materials and the secondary steel, or any other objects for that matter. In the next video, we will see examples of both round-tripping of information and the use of a DWG reference model to help visualize interferences.

Click here for YouTube video demonstration of SDS/2 Connect’s round-tripping abilities.

These are just a few of the SDS/2 Connect features that directly relate to Lean Construction, TVD and IPD. The concept of automating connection design inside of Revit Structure is

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definitely a productivity enhancement for engineers, but the impact of SDS/2 Connect can go so much further than simply designing connections.

The concepts at the heart of Lean Construction, TVD and IPD are evoked in the features that most recommend SDS/2 Connect. Combine the connection design capability to the round-tripping functionality and SDS/2 Connect becomes a tool that will transform your next project—much in the same way that applying the principles and techniques of Lean Construction and IPD can revolutionize a project.

Practical Uses for SDS/2 ConnectSDS/2 Connect offers both connection design capabilities and BIM functionality in the form of model round-tripping. There are several real-world applications for SDS/2 Connect, based on the user’s role in the construction process. Improvements to the work process for fabricators/detailers, general contractors, architects and engineers can be achieved in a variety of ways with SDS/2 Connect.

Fabricator/DetailerThe benefits of SDS/2 Connect for the fabricator or detailer are numerous. First, the round-tripping ability between Revit Structure and SDS/2—made possible by SDS/2 Connect—allows for changes and updates to easily be made and communicated via xml file to either party. Secondly, because SDS/2 Connect allows the connections to be designed in Revit Structure and transferred to SDS/2, these “smart” connections are editable in both products, allowing for changes to be made and shared.

The biggest benefit to detailers/fabricators is that the manufacturing knowledge inherent in SDS/2 is also a part of SDS/2 Connect and, by extension, Revit Structure. For instance, fabricators always set up SDS/2 to incorporate into the connection design, their preferred manufacturing options that allow the structure to be built at a lower cost based on their operation. For example, there is an SDS/2 customer in Waco, Texas, who builds their structure using a “bulls-eye” method to swing beams into position. Another SDS/2 fabricator is more efficiently manufacturing and constructing the building by creating a built-up tee that his filler beams can connect to using a clip angle, and sets up SDS/2 to design connections accordingly.

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As you can see, above images are of almost identical framing conditions: a WF beam framing to a WF beam. However, based on each of the users’ fabrication processes and preferences, their chosen methods result in drastically different connections. With SDS/2 Connect, design calculations are generated for both and they can carry similar loads. If an engineer is able to see this connection, with calculations, easily in their model, it can help the fabricator/detailer provide a more cost efficient product to manufacture and build, based on preferred methods. SDS/2 Connect can bring this type of manufacturing intelligence to engineers designing connections inside Revit Structure.

Finally, fabricators’ and detailers’ structural steel models have been used for years to create material estimates. With Revit Structure, some companies are taking advantage of the ability to generate earlier estimates before the model enters the manufacturing process. The round-tripping abilities of SDS/2 Connect help ensure a more accurate estimate far earlier in the construction process.

Model-Based Estimating from Revit and Manufacturing ModelsAs the concepts of IPD and Lean Construction continue to gain hold, an obvious evolution to the work process is model-based estimating and TVD. Utilizing 3D technology, it is possible to quickly obtain much more information than ever before possible using traditional 2D costing method. More information obtained about the structure by as many project partners as possible allows for a better detailed estimate, along with a new ability to implement TVD or Target Costing, which is a focus of Lean Construction.

It is not always logical to model the entire building by all project partners to estimate the project. However, tools such as SDS/2 Connect can provide much more data than manual methods in a time frame never before possible. Using a manufacturing grade 3D model to estimate rather than the 2D drawings utilizes the natural visualization of the 3D model rather than “assuming” based on flat, 2D drawings. By including connections earlier in the model, you will get a better and quicker estimate by the subcontractor, even if the connections undergo changes later in the project. Using the “typical connections unless noted” method can cause many RFIs and create a significant loss of productivity.

The sooner this information is available to subcontractors, the more easily they can include it in their design instead of adjusting to the information received later, through countless change orders and RFIs. The model-based estimating process calls for the collaboration of multiple teams that include architects, engineers and fabricators who utilize 3D models produced by different software companies. Each has to work collaboratively with their model technology in order for their input and feedback to appropriately impact the project. This takes time and coordination. SDS/2 Connect’s import and export ability will become a valuable tool in this process.

Model-based cost estimating is not a push of the button process. There is a lot of upfront work that is required to get to a desired level of automation needed for it to be effective

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rather than just time consuming. Technically, the biggest challenge is to find a suite of solutions that work seamlessly with the 3D model and tie back to the company's cost database. SDS/2 Connect meets both of these requirements by integrating on an API level with Revit Structure, which is associated to many company estimating databases such as Timberline, Innovaya, SKYBIM, Tocoman, etc.

General ContractorGeneral contractors use Revit Structure as a hub for their model information, and in that capacity, they also can benefit from using SDS/2 Connecdct. First, general contractors can generate better estimates, as mentioned above, from their Revit Structure model with the connection material present.

Secondly, clash detection is always a concern for general contractors—using SDS/2 Connect and Revit Structure can help to identify clashing between multiple subcontractors’ Revit Structure models. For example, in the images on the following page, you can see duct work and piping interferences with beams or gussets are shown in the model; this can expedite the

solutions for these issues on every project.

The ability to provide more accurate information to subcontractors installing their products after the steel is erected allows for more proactive design of MEP and HVAC to avoid potential clashes. This reduces the occurrence of costly errors and field changes.

Finally, as the Revit Structure model becomes required as a project deliverable for more subcontractors, general contractors can take advantage of the model round-tripping features provided by SDS/2 Connect. Utilizing the SDS/2 Connect import in conjunction with DWG models, the general contractor is able to import the model with real connections and all miscellaneous materials and secondary steel, like stairs, handrails, pour stops, etc. The value of having this information from the as-manufactured model available in the Revit Structure model extends well beyond the construction phase and into the lifecycle of the building.

Click here for YouTube video examples of clashes detected in Revit Structure

The Value of As Manufactured ModelsIt is becoming more common to have either as-manufactured or as-built models as a project deliverable. Using the SDS/2 Connect add-in within Revit Structure, it is much easier to create an as-manufactured model or obtain an import from a fabricator that

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reflects the as-manufactured model. Providing an as-built model requires the user to update the model with any and all major and minor changes in the field, and can be near impossible to track and follow along with incorporating all changes after the fact to the model.

Utilizing a fabricator’s model or an as-manufactured model to coordinate systems and subcontractors instead of a design model or drawings more accurately conveys the actual structure and obstacle that might be encountered. The as-manufactured model has adjusted member end coordinates and has included all ladders, stairs, handrails and plate material. This level of detail in planning and coordinating saves significant time.

For instance, if the MEP designer knows where the gussets will be located in the structure, then they can design around them immediately, rather than getting that information later and subsequently redesigning the MEP schematics to accommodate the steel. It is far more efficient to actively and intelligently utilize this information to design the structure, than to passively design the structure and respond to problems after they happen. A more accurate model to base the estimate on can reduce issues like this and will ultimately result in shorter timeframes and lower costs.

Tips for Maintaining As-Manufactured ModelsAs-manufactured models are up to date until the materials leave the fabricator. Here are some pointers on maintaining an as-manufactured model:

1. Maintain integrity of the 3D model. If there are 30 identical embeds on a project, users must model them all in their correct location; do NOT model a single embed, and then make notes on the erection drawings or update the bill of material to reflect the quantity.

2. No “quick fixes” on the drawings. If for some reason a beam in your model needs an additional hole or penetration, users cannot go to the drawing and add the hole. The new hole must be added within the model.

3. Know the status of the model. Tools that provide status information as to the progress of the model through RFIs, approvals, fabrication and erection can be immensely helpful in ensuring that the model is “as-manufactured.”

EngineerSDS/2 Connect has several implementations for an engineer. It can be a simple connection design and sketch generating tool, or it can aid in value engineering connections for a structure. Engineers can utilize SDS/2 Connect’s round-tripping functionality to attain better pre-construction models or simply eliminate wasted time and lost information through other BIM file transfer methods.

As a simple connection design tool, SDS/2 Connect can drastically save time for engineers. It eliminates a significant amount of time spent creating standard connection sketches from Revit Structure by automating the design process and adding connection materials all in one step.

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In the image on the left, you can see a standard sketch created from Revit Structure; once you have the connection in sketch form, users can add any additional information necessary, such as dimensions or callouts. This is a great option for engineers that prefer to generate connection tables and sketches, to be sent downstream to the fabricators and detailers producing the manufacturing models.

While that information may be good for a certain portion of the project, there are always exceptions that result in RFIs, change orders, and ultimately, time wasted. Using SDS/2 Connect to design connections, engineers can be more accurate and can anticipate some of the problem areas for themselves, before an RFI is needed and time is wasted. Using the image on the next page as our example, let’s say your connection table calls for all beam-to-beam connections requiring shear plates, and the numbers of rows of bolts are dependent on the beam size.

In the fairly common framing condition shown below, you will see that three rows of bolts in the W12 beams will not work when the W12 beam is set above top of steel to meet up with the opposing joist. With this immediate visual feedback while designing connections, the engineer can easily see the problem and design a better connection to meet the requirements of the project. In addition, design reactions, with long-hand calculations to support them, are automatically available for each of the connections that the engineer designs using SDS/2 Connect.

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The round-tripping functionality of SDS/2 Connect may be utilized by engineers to create a more accurate BIM model from which the user can approve pre-construction models—resolving any connection or design issues before they reach the manufacturing stage and incur more cost. This also results in more immediate and reliable material take-offs, accurate fabrication drawings, and cuts down on the time need to fabricate the structure.

Engineers with interest in utilizing information stored in the BIM model to its fullest potential may use SDS/2 Connect to facilitate the transfer of the model to and from the fabricator/detailer for use in the steel detailing and fabrication processes. This can fast track the project by eliminating re-input of the model—providing the originating model from Revit Structure was accurately input. If the engineer so chooses, the fabricator/detailer may still design the connections based on engineer specifications, and the connections would be transferred back to the Revit model via round-tripping in SDS/2 Connect. The ability to handle multiple transfers in a true round-trip fashion reduces additional time spent on maintaining a design model and a manufacturing model. With SDS2 Connect, the two models can now be the same model.

The more an engineering group integrates IPD and the BIM work processes into their company workflow, engineers can utilize SDS/2 Connect to communicate model updates and changes to fabricator/detailer throughout the lifecycle of the project—moving even further toward maintaining an as-manufactured model.

How To Acquire the SDS/2 Connect Add-on The SDS/2 Connect add-on can be downloaded at http://sds2connect.com/. Brief instructional videos and a free 30-day trial of SDS/2 Connect is available. SDS/2 Connect includes both connection design capabilities and round tripping functionality.

You may also stop by booth #816 in the Exhibit Hall to learn more and speak with a sales rep.

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http://sds2connect.com/

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