revit standards manual v2
DESCRIPTION
Revit Standards Manual V2TRANSCRIPT
REVIT STANDARDS MANUAL January 2009
Revision 02
REVIT STANDARDS MANUAL Revision 02
January 2009
Copyright © Buro Happold Limited Page 3 of 91
Buro Happold
Revision Description Issued by Date Checked
00 Initial review copy TEM 12/27/2008 BIM XC
01 Final review copy TEM 1/7/2009 BIM XC
02 Released version TEM 1/28/2009 BIM XC
C:\TMaFiles\BH-Standards\Revit\090128 TM 024139 Revit Standards Manual 02.doc
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This report has been prepared for the sole benefit, use and information of Buro Happold for the purposes set out
in the report or instructions commissioning it. The liability of Buro Happold Consulting Engineers P.C. in respect
of the information contained in the report will not extend to any third party.
report collation Thomas Maleski
signature TEM
date 1/2009
approval
signature
date
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Section Ref Author Date Signature
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
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Contents
1 Introduction 15
1.1 How Revit Works 15
1.2 Bi-Directional Associativity 16
1.3 Support and Training Resources 18
2 Getting Started 21
2.1 Keyboard Shortcuts 21
2.1.1 Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts 21
2.1.2 Revit Structure 22
2.1.3 Revit Mechanical 22
2.2 Project start-up 22
2.2.1 Start With Massing 22
2.2.2 Imported DWG Files (2D) 22
2.2.2.1 Shared Coordinate System 22
2.2.3 From a Template 24
2.2.4 Revit Structure Project Setup 24
Linking in the Consultant File: 25
2.2.5 Revit MEP Project Setup 26
3 Project Standards 31
3.1 Network Organization 31
3.2 Directory Structure 31
3.3 Revit Project Files at Buro Happold 31
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3.4 Revit File Naming Convention 31
3.5 Revit Worksharing 33
3.6 Default Worksets 33
3.7 Workset Names 33
3.8 Setting up Worksets 34
3.9 Create a Central File 35
3.10 Creating a Local File 35
3.11 Opening a Revit Central file with Detach from Central option 36
3.12 User Names 36
3.13 Datum – Grids and Levels 36
3.14 View Naming 37
3.15 Exported View Naming Convention 37
3.16 Sheet Organization 37
3.17 Layer Naming 37
3.18 Typical Detail Creation 38
3.18.1 For Structural Typical Details 38
3.18.2 Importing existing AutoCAD Typical Details into Revit 38
3.18.3 Inside Revit 38
3.18.4 Creating New Details in Revit 39
3.18.5 Changes to existing Revit typical details contained within the library file 40
4 Project Types 41
4.1 Foundation 41
4.1.1 Isolated Footing and Pile Caps 41
4.1.2 Foundation – Grade Beam (Ground Beam) & Caissons 41
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4.2 Concrete Construction 41
4.3 Precast Construction 41
4.4 Steel Construction 41
4.5 Timber 41
5 Component Standards 42
5.1 Family Types 42
5.1.1 System Families 43
5.1.1.1 Creating a New System Family Type 44
5.1.2 Standard Component Families 44
5.1.2.1 Creating Standard Component Families 44
5.1.3 In-Place Families 45
5.1.3.1 Creating In-Place Families 45
5.2 Standard Component Family Creation 46
5.2.1 Standard Component Family Creation Example 1 – Water Heater 46
Creating Shared Parameters 46
Assigning Shared Parameters to your Family 47
Creating Parameter Formulas 48
Creating Family Types 49
Mapping Parameters on Connectors 51
Placing the Water Heater 52
Circuiting the Water Heater 53
Lookup Tables 54
Valve Lookup Table Sample 57
Creating Family Parameter Formulas 58
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Assigning Labels to Model Dimensions 59
5.2.2 Standard Component Family Creation Example 2 – Exhaust Fan 60
Introduction 60
Start the Family Editor 61
Define the Family Category 61
Create the Physical Model 62
Create the Curb Cap 62
Create the Lower Wind Band 63
Create the Fan Shroud and Motor Cover 64
Define Family Parameters for Geometric Sizing 64
Create the Family Parameters 64
Associate Parameters with the Curb Cap Geometry 67
Associate Parameters with the Lower Wind Band Geometry 69
Associate Parameters with the Fan Shroud and the Motor Cover 70
Add a Duct Connector 71
Add Shared Parameters for Electrical Data 71
Add an Electrical Connector 73
Define the Type Catalog 74
Create the Type Catalog File 74
Add Parameters and Types to Type Catalog File 74
Load the family into Revit MEP 76
6 Tips and Tricks 78
7 Drawing Standards 82
7.1 Dimension Standards 82
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7.2 Dimension String Spacing 83
7.3 Dimension String Hierarchy 83
7.4 General dimensioning Guidelines 84
7.5 Hatch Patterns / Material Symbology 85
7.6 Line Styles 85
7.7 Text Standards 85
8 Sheets and Plotting 87
8.1 Borders 87
8.2 Sheet Revisions, Addendums and Sketches 88
9 (Appendix / Figures / References) 89
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1 Introduction
The original premise of a CAD system was to automate the task of drafting. As such, the original focus of CAD
applications was to represent 2D geometry via graphical elements, such as lines, arcs, symbols, et al. In this
context, walls, for example, are merely represented as parallel lines. To establish some meaning behind these
graphical elements, the concept of layering was introduced to group related elements, such as the lines used to
represent walls on a given ‘wall layer.’ By doing so, discrete 2D drawing files could be generated and plotted from
CAD, but more complex information, such as the relationships between elements could not be represented. The
emergence of 3D CAD initially focused almost entirely on creating geometry in support of visualization, and
subsequent advances concentrated on creating realistic rendering and lighting effects.
More recently, object-oriented CAD systems (OOCAD) replaced 2D symbols with building elements (objects),
capable of representing the behavior of common building elements. These building elements can be displayed in
multiple views, as well as having non-graphic attributes assigned to them. The inclusion of parametric 3D
geometry, with variable dimensions and assigned rules, adds “intelligence” to these objects, permitting the
representation of complex geometric and functional relationships between building elements. In this paradigm,
walls are objects which can be stretched, joined, have height, be of a specific cross-section type, and “own”
associated properties, such as a fire rating or insulation value. Similarly, doors and windows are represented as
objects, capable of representing their relationship to the walls in which they are placed and behaving accordingly.
More importantly, abstract objects, such as a space, can be defined by the relationships between physical building
elements, identified (e.g. room number, room name, etc.), described (e.g. area, volume, use, occupancy, etc.), and
referenced (e.g. listed in a room schedule, counted to calculate total floor area, etc.). Capturing these relationships
and behaviors and the richness of the intelligence are just not possible in the previous CAD paradigm.
Building information modeling (BIM) is the latest generation of OOCAD systems in which all of the intelligent
building objects that combine to make up a building design can coexist in a single ‘project database’ or ‘virtual
building’ that captures everything known about the building. A building information model (in theory) provides a
single, logical, consistent source for all information associated with the building.
1.1 How Revit Works
How does Revit give you the ease and design flexibility while increasing your productivity? The key is the
parametric change engine. It allows you to make changes to your design and to see those changes automatically
appear in other views of your design.
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The parametric building model provides you with all the views you need, all stored in one project. Your project can
include reflected ceiling plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, interior elevations, schedules, and other drawings.
Revit gives you the power to change your design from any view that you feel is intuitive for expressing a design
change. Revit propagates those changes to all other views of the building, guaranteeing consistency across all
your drawings.
In Revit, a project contains a complete description of a building and all of the information needed to represent it in
both two- and three-dimensional views, and in schedules. As you change the building design in one view, Revit
propagates those changes throughout the project. This means that the 3D model, plans, elevations, sections, and
the schedules all automatically update to reflect the changes.
To create the building model, you add the different parametric building components, such as windows, doors, and
walls. As you design the building, you can create different views of the building to work on plans, sections, or
elevations. You can create section views, elevation views, 3D views, and drawings of the model. All of these views
are associative. This means that if you change your building or add new elements, all views automatically update.
As you create your design, you also define the environment of the project. The environment includes material
settings and the display of the different components of the building. Establishing an environment provides a
realistic look for the model. Revit saves all your settings with the project and allows you to customize them at any
point in the design process.
1.2 Bi;Directional Associativity
Many existing products have some ability to update elements of a design when other elements change; however,
with the exception of Revit, in many cases such updates are not automatic. Every case when a user has to take an
explicit action to do an update creates a possibility of error and uncoordinated design documents. It also
necessitates additional work by an end user. We also should not confuse the ability to display or edit a single
underlying data model in multiple views with full parametric associativity between various elements of design.
There are 3 main classes of elements in any building design:
1. Building components (walls, roofs, doors, windows, floors, etc.)
2. Views including schedules and sheets
3. Annotations (text notes, dimensions, spot elevations, etc.)
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Revit is the only product on the market today which was engineered from the ground up to provide full “bi-
directional associativity” between all 3 main classes of elements. Below are the examples of this associativity and
corresponding parametric change propagation from elements of one class to another.
Building components to building components:
• Move one wall and connected adjacent walls adjust to become longer or shorter
• Move walls and a floor adjusts to cover area enclosed by walls
• Raise/lower a roof and attached walls grow or shrink
• Thicken a wall and door frames adjust to new thickness
• Raise a level and all elements placed on this level will follow
Building components to views:
• Change to a building component is automatically reflected in all graphical views without additional user
actions
• Move walls and room schedule updates room areas
• Add or remove building components or change parameters of existing elements and schedules update
automatically
Building components to annotations:
• Change geometry and dimension value updates
• Move things higher or lower and spot elevation reflects new heights
• Move walls and room tags update displayed area values
• Changes to properties of wall, windows, doors, etc. are automatically reflected in their tags
Views to building components:
• Any graphical view (plan, elevation, section, callout) may be used to effect a change to building component
• Changes to building components may be made by editing their parameters in schedules
• Changes to view phase or level of detail automatically reflected in display of all building components shown
by this view
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Views to other views
• Move section or detail view backward or forward and callouts move with their parent section
• View and drawing schedules (view/drawing lists) may be used to change properties of other views and
drawing
Views to annotations
• Change view scale and all dimensions, text notes, etc. adjust to maintain their sizes on printed output
• Place a view on a drawing sheet and view tags update to reflect sheet number
• Change view scale and scale tag in view title on sheet updates
Annotations to building components
• Change dimension value and building component changes accordingly
• Changes to property values shown by tags automatically propagate to building components
• Change elevation value displayed by level tag and level moves up or down
• Impose dimension equality constraint or lock dimension value and building components behave accordingly
Annotations to views
• Flip direction of section view tag and view forward direction flips.
Annotations to annotations
• Change sheet number in a title block and the change will propagate through drawing to views placed on this
drawing and then to their view tags (section and callout heads).
All these examples are made possible in Revit not only because it has a patent pending Parametric Change Engine
(PCE) in the middle of its software architecture but also because all Revit's elements are implemented with
parametric change in mind. There are countless other examples made possible by the PCE and the unifying notion
of associativity between all 3 kinds of design elements.
1.3 Support and Training Resources
Internal Support – use the BH Revit SharePoint site
https://magellan2.burohappold.com/sites/Collaboration/bau/Disciplines/bhrevit/default.aspx
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e;Learning via Autodesk Subscription – self-paced tutorials and testing on Autodesk products. Log-in required.
Access this feature from Revit’s Help menu:
AUGI Forums (Autodesk User Group International) – join up for free and participate in the most active user forum
in the AEC industry. Revit developers and even the founders themselves frequent the AUGI forums to provide
input and listen to suggestions. Go to http://forums.augi.com
Revit Tutorials – in the Revit Help menu, select Tutorials.
Autodesk Training Courseware – manuals for fundamentals and advanced training can be borrowed from your
library.
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2 Getting Started
2.1 Keyboard Shortcuts
There are many predefined keyboard shortcuts for Revit commands. You can also configure your own keyboard
shortcuts. Shortcut key combinations appear in the Revit interface next to their corresponding menu item.
You can create multiple shortcuts for one menu command. In the menu, the shortcut that displays in the menu is
the first shortcut listed in the KeyboardShortcuts.txt file.
2.1.1 Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts
1. Open the KeyboardShortcuts.txt file in a text editor. This file is typically located in the following directories:
C:\Program Files\Revit Structure 2009\Program\
C:\Program Files\Revit MEP 2009\Program\
At the top of the file you will see several paragraphs with each line preceded by a semi-colon. A list of
commands begins after the text. Command lines are not preceded with semi-colons.
Command syntax is as follows:
“key(s)” menu:”menu-string”
Fkey menu:”menu-string”
For example, in the following command line, "M" launches the menu command, Edit � Move.
"M" menu:"edit-move"
Function key (F2-F12) command syntax does not require the shortcut key in quotes. For example, in the
following command line, the shortcut key F5 has no quotes. F5 launches the menu command, View �
Refresh.
F5 menu:"view-refresh"
2. Insert a new line between any 2 existing commands.
3. Type the new command using the examples above, or modify existing lines.
4. Save and close the file.
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5. Restart Revit.
The KeyboardShortcuts.log file (located in the same directory as KeyboardShortcuts.txt) contains any errors
encountered while reading the KeyboardShortcuts.txt file.
2.1.2 Revit Structure
See Appendix
2.1.3 Revit Mechanical
See Appendix
2.2 Project start;up
There’s no set way to get started in Revit…but here are some possibilities:
2.2.1 Start With Massing
• Start from scratch in Revit, possible with the massing tools. Take a look at the document/presentation titled
“From Napkin to BIM - Preliminary Design in Autodesk Revit” by Revit product designer, Matthew Jezyk.
• Importing SAT files from MAX or Rhino
2.2.2 Imported DWG Files (2D)
2.2.2.1 Shared Coordinate System
The hierarchy of defined coordinate systems that shall determine a project’s World Coordinate System and Origin
are as follows:
1. Client established coordinates or benchmark system. If not defined, use…
2. Electronic data from survey. If not available, use…
3. Architect established coordinate system
Digital survey data must be procured as early in the design process as possible. Once this data is received, it shall
be “flattened” to remove any unnecessary 3D data, then referenced in the WORLD coordinate system at 0,0 with 0
degrees rotation. If the survey data is in decimal feet or meters, it may need to be scaled appropriately when
referenced.
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One or more project-specific User Coordinate Systems (UCS) shall then be developed for local work on the
building or components of the building as required. The project-specific UCS’ shall be determined based on the
geometry of the building, but subject to one or more of the following criteria:
• The default 0,0 location shall be the lower left intersection of the outermost column lines that remain
constant on most floors.
• Lower left corner of the property line.
• Center of the building, for symmetrical or round buildings.
• The major geometry of the building shall be orthogonal to the XY axis of the project-specific UCS.
A guide shall be developed if the building’s UCS is different from the World coordinate system. This file shall be
called UCS.dwg and should be located in project’s Revit folder. Graphic symbols indicating the locations of the
World origin and the origin and orientation of all other UCS’ will be displayed along with text attributes indicating
the X,Y coordinates of each UCS’ origin in relation to the World origin.
1. Import\Link a 2D DWG plan into a working or coordination plan view and use Current view only and Auto ;
Center to Center options.
2. Use Tools � Shared Coordinates � Acquire Coordinates and pick the imported DWG to align Revit’s
shared coordinates with the World Coordinate System of the DWG file.
3. All subsequent DWG imports can then use the Auto ; By Shared Coordinates import option
• Current View Only – Always use this option when importing a DWG file unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. If
this option is not selected, the linked file will be visible in ALL other views including 3D views.
• Center to Center – The first time you link in a DWG plan, use the center-to-center option. Then use the
Acquire Coordinates tool to adjust Revit’s shared coordinates to match those in the DWG file. All
subsequent plan DWG’s can be placed using “By Shared Coordinates”
• By Shared Coordinates – If a DWG file has not already been linked into the Revit project, this option will
align the DWG file’s World Coordinate System origin with Revit’s internal origin with 90° aligned to true north.
• DO NOT explode imported DWG files. - While immediately convenient, this will clutter Revit’s Object Styles
and Line Styles with data from the exploded imports.
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• Fonts – because Revit only used True Type fonts, AutoCAD shape fonts can be mapped on import based on
the settings specified in a file called SHXFONTMAP.TXT. This file is located in the “Data” folder under
Revit’s installation directory.
• Line weights – layer colors in DWG files can be mapped to Revit line weights. Check these settings under
File � Import/Export Settings � Import Line Weights DWG/DXF.
2.2.3 From a Template
4. Select File � New � Project…
5. In the New Project dialog box, make sure the BH_Structures_* or BH_MEP_* file is selected in the Template
file section and Project is select under the Create new section.
6. Select the OK button
2.2.4 Revit Structure Project Setup
Autodesk’s Getting Started with Revit Structure 2009
1. Create a folder under …\CAD Download\ for today’s date, in the format of YYMMDD [Description], where
…\ is the root folder for the project and [Description] is an optional folder description.
2. Copy/Download the Revit file into the …\CAD Download\YYMMDD folder created above
3. In Revit, choose File � Open and navigate to the folder created above
4. Select the file and then select the Detach from Central option on the Open dialog box
5. Select OK to the dialog box that will display indicating “Detaching creates an independent file and
prohibits saving any changes back to the original Central File”
6. Select the Open button
7. Choose File � Save As… and the save the file under …\Arch\Revit folder with the original name
When a new file is received, follow the above procedure, overwriting the file. Verify in the Manage Links dialog box
that your file has NOT been referenced in this link file. If so, select the file and then select the Remove button. You
access the Manage Links dialog box from File � Manage Links…
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Linking in the Consultant File:
1. Start a new project
2. Open a plan or elevation view
3. Select File � Import/Link � Revit… then navigate to and highlight the consultants “Link” file
4. Under the Positioning section of the Import\Link RVT dialog box, select the Auto – Origin to Origin option
and select the Open button
You might need to Zoom to Fit to see the consultants model
5. On the toolbar, select the Copy/Monitor button and then the Select Link menu option
6. Select the Revit file
You will now be placed into Copy/Monitor mode; this is reflected in the design bar tab.
7. Review and apply the Copy/Monitor options by selecting the Options button on the Copy/Monitor design bar
8. To copy elements from the consultants file to your file, select the Copy button on the design bar. If you plan
on copying multiple elements, select the Multiple check box option on the options bar.
9. Draw either a window crossing or window around the element(s) you want to copy. Remember you can use
your Filter button after your selection is created.
10. Select the Finish button on the options bar
11. You can open additional views if you need to copy additional element(s) just follow the above steps
12. When you are done using the Copy/Monitor command, select the Finish mode button on the Copy/Monitor
design bar
Be aware that you may have copied the levels from the consultants file but no plan view(s) have appeared into
the Project browser. You will need to create the Floor Plan views.
13. Select View � New � Floor Plan…
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14. In the New Plan dialog box select all the views you wish to create, choose your scale and then select the OK
button. You should now see your view(s) listed in the Project Browser under the Structural Plans 8
Coordination area.
You have now finished setting up your file using the consultants Revit elements. The elements you either
copy/monitored or just monitored will be linked to this file so when you get an updated file and follow the above
steps on naming and storing the file, you will be notified when elements between your file and theirs are different.
2.2.5 Revit MEP Project Setup
Autodesk’s Getting Started with Revit MEP 2009
1. Create a folder under …\CAD Download\ for today’s date, in the format of YYMMDD [Description], where
…\ is the root folder for the project and [Description] is an optional folder description.
2. Copy/Download the Revit file into the …\CAD Download\YYMMDD folder created above
3. In Revit, choose File � Open and navigate to the folder created above
4. Select the file and then select the Detach from Central option on the Open dialog box
5. Select OK to the dialog box that will display indicating “Detaching creates an independent file and
prohibits saving any changes back to the original Central File”
6. Select the Open button
7. Choose File � Save As… and save the file under …\Arch\Revit folder with the original name
When a new file is received, follow the above procedure, overwriting the file. Verify in the Manage Links
dialog box that your file has NOT been referenced in this link file. If so, select the file and then select the
Remove button. You access the Manage Links dialog box from File � Manage Links…
8. Close the Architectural Revit file
9. Start a new project
10. Select Settings � Project Information…
11. Under the Energy Analysis group, click Edit…
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12. Select appropriate Building Type for the Building Type parameter
13. Enter the project Postal Code.
14. Click OK to close the Type Properties dialog box.
15. Enter values for the parameters under the Other group. For example; Issue Date, Client Name, Project
Address, Project Name, Project Number and BH Project Number.
16. Right click on the BH Arch Dummy Model.rvt file under the Revit links section of the Project Browser and
select the Reload From… option.
17. Select the Architect’s Revit file.
18. Open the COPY/MONITOR VIEW view. You might need to Zoom to Fit to see the consultants model
19. On the toolbar, select the Copy/Monitor button and then the Select Link menu option
20. Select the Revit file
You will now be placed into Copy/Monitor mode; this is reflected in the design bar tab.
21. Review and apply the Copy/Monitor options by selecting the Options button on the Copy/Monitor design
bar
22. In Revit MEP we only need to copy the levels. Therefore, to copy the level elements from the consultants
file to your file, select the Copy button on the design bar. If you plan on copying multiple elements, select
the Multiple check box option on the options bar.
23. Draw either a window crossing or window around the element(s) you want to copy. Remember you can
use your Filter button after your selection is created. USE THE FILTER SELECTION TO VERIFY ONLY
LEVELS ARE BEING COPIED.
24. Select the Finish button on the options bar
25. You can open additional views if you need to copy additional element(s) just follow the above steps
26. When you are done using the Copy/Monitor command, select the Finish mode button on the
Copy/Monitor design bar
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Be aware that you may have copied the levels from the consultants file but no plan view(s) have appeared
into the Project browser. You will need to create the Floor Plan views.
27. In the COPY/MONITOR VIEW view, delete the level DELETE ME. Select OK when the dialog box appears.
28. Select View � New � Floor Plan…
29. In the New Plan dialog box select all the views you wish to create, choose your scale and then select the
OK button. You should now see your view(s) listed in the Project Browser under the Floor Plans 8 ??? 8
??? section.
30. Select the view(s) and right click. Choose the Apply View Template… option.
31. In the Apply View Template dialog, select the Architectural Plan – Reference view template to apply to
the selected view(s)
32. Next you will need to duplicate each view for each discipline and apply the corresponding view template.
You have now finished setting up your file using the consultants Revit elements. The elements you either
copy/monitored or just monitored will be linked to this file so when you get an updated file and follow the
above steps on naming and storing the file, you will be notified when elements between your file and the linked
file(s) are different.
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BH Tools Integration, see appendix for full use of tool.
Buro Happold saw the need to streamline the creation of the numerous views in step 32
above, so the development team created a tool.
Select Create Base Drawing Views from the BH Tools � BH View Tools menu
The following dialog box will appear
You will have two options; create All Views/Levels or Specific View/Level(s)
You will still need to apply the proper view template.
3 Project Standards
3.1 Network Organization
Static Drive Mappings:
Project Drive – Usually P:\ or G:\
Local Project Drive – User’s Documents folder
Common Drive – L:\
3.2 Directory Structure
3.3 Revit Project Files at Buro Happold
As mentioned previously, the entire Revit project is stored in a single file. On larger projects, we may divide the work into 2 or
more Revit project files that are then linked together. Almost all of the project files at BURO HAPPOLD will be enabled with
Revit’s worksharing functionality. When worksharing is enabled, there will be a CENTRAL file stored on the project drive,
located under the Project. Do NOT open and work in this file! Instead, follow the steps detailed in Creating a Local File
section of this manual.
3.4 Revit File Naming Convention
The central file shall be named using the six digit project number – Project Description – Discipline Version-Office and shall
include the suffix “_CENTRAL.rvt” - for example, “022733-TurnerFarm-S08-NY_CENTRAL.rvt”. The central file shall be saved
with a minimum of 10 backups specified. Do not use the preset preview option to a view with a linked image file.
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The local file shall be copied, using File � Save As…, to a project folder under the BH_Revit subfolder in the user’s My
Documents folder. The file shall be renamed from “_CENTRAL.rvt” to “_initials.rvt” - for example, 022733-TurnerFarm-S08-
NY_CENTRAL.rvt would become 022733-TurnerFarm-S08-NY_tem.rvt
Office Designations:
Office Abb. Office Abb. Office Abb.
Bath BA Edinburgh ED New York NY
Belfast BE Glasgow GL Pune PU
Berlin BN Kuwait KU Riyadh RI
Birmingham BI Leeds LE Sheffield SH
Boston BO London LO Toronto TO
Copenhagen CO Los Angeles LA Warsaw WA
Dubai DU Manchester MA
Dublin DN Munich MU
3.5 Revit Worksharing
Revit Worksharing distributes the power of the Revit parametric building modelling environment across the project team.
Worksharing provides a complete range of collaboration modes from entirely on-the-fly simultaneous access to the shared
model, through the formal division of the project into discrete shared units, to complete separation of project elements or
systems into individually managed linked models. Worksharing allows the team to choose the best way to collaborate and
interact based on their workflow and the project requirements.
3.6 Default Worksets
Worksets are the medium for which Revit’s worksharing functionality is enabled. Remember that worksets are NOT layers –
they are a higher level of organization within the project. For example, the “Core” workset would contain walls, doors and
openings within the zone of the building’s core. They can be used for hardware resource conservation or for customizable
visibility.
At the time Revit Project Sharing is enabled, elements that are not part of a standard Revit workset are assigned to a default
Workset1. After the project workset naming is defined, the default set is renamed as the shell workset and all of the others
added. Finally, elements are moved from the shell workset to their appropriate location.
3.7 Workset Names
The following represents the most fundamental worksets which should be established at the beginning of a project:
• Core
• Core Stairs
• Structure
• Exterior Enclosure
• Site
• Rooms
• Equipment
Naming shall be established based on the following
convention:
[DISC] – [SYSTEM] – [ZONE]
Examples:
HVAC-Equipment
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Depending on the nature of the project, worksets can be further granulated into multiple horizontal quadrants for projects such
as airports; or multiple vertical quadrants (low-rise, mid-rise, high-rise) for tower projects.
Note: A workset for notation is NOT needed as Revit automatically manages all view-specific elements.
3.8 Setting up Worksets
Do not set up worksets until it is time for more than one person to work on a project.
1. Open the Worksets toolbar if it is not already open.
Right-click on any visible toolbar and select Worksets from the menu. If there is a check in front of the toolbar’s
name, it already on screen.
2. Start the Worksets command by selecting the icon above. It looks like a puzzle piece.
A dialog box will display the default worksets and where Levels and Grids and remaining elements will be placed. Click OK to
create the worksets.
There are four different types of worksets created by default:
Project Standards
Families
Views
User Created These worksets hold the building elements. Revit
creates two of these by default. Levels and Grids AND
Workset1
After you have set up the default worksets the Worksets dialog box will appear where you can create additional worksets as
needed. You can also return to this dialog box by starting the Worksets command.
The Structural team’s current practice will be to have just these two User-Created worksets.
Note: All of the worksets are open and editable by the person who is setting the worksharing file.
3.9 Create a Central File
You will now need to create the central file to which the worksets will be saved. The central file keeps tracks of worksets
available and coordinates the changes made in each workset with the rest of the worksets. It needs to be accessible to all
team members though it is not worked in directly.
1. In the project where you have defined the worksets, select File � Save As… and add the word _CENTRAL to the
file’s name. 022733-TurnerFarm-S08-NY.rvt would become 022733-TurnerFarm-S08-NY_CENTRAL.rvt
2. Select File � Save to Central.
3. In the dialog, specify the worksets you want to “relinquish” to make available for others to work on.
4. Start the Worksets command, which will bring up the Worksets dialog box. Select the worksets you want to Close or
to make Non-Editable, and click the appropriate button. At this time you would want the worksets Editable to others
so the value should be No.
5. Close the Central File.
3.10 Creating a Local File
1. Start the Open command
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2. In the Open dialog box before you select the central file to open specify how you want any worksets opened. You can
choose to open All worksets in the file, only the Editable worksets, the Last Viewed, or you can Specify the ones
you want in the Worksets dialog box.
3. Select the Central file and, if needed, specify the workset(s) to open.
4. Use Save As and save the file locally C:\BH_Revit\<Project Folder>\Project-Description-DeptVersion-Office_Initails.
So the above 022733-TurnerFarm-S08-NY_CENTRAL.rvt will become 022733-TurnerFarm-S08-NY_TEM.rvt
3.11 Opening a Revit Central file with Detach from Central option
If you do not wish to be connected to the central file, check the option to “Detach from Central.” You may continue to work
and, if you choose to save your work, the resulting file you save will be a new file – not related to the original central file.
3.12 User Names
<User Name>: Each member of the project team will use their own name for general use. (Settings � Options � General �
Username). User name shall be your windows login name.
Project: This special user is managed by the Data Leader for tasks that are project related.
Locked: This special value is used to lock elements (such as the grid) to prevent their being changed inadvertently. The
workset is deliberately left checked out.
3.13 Datum – Grids and Levels
As levels are added to the starter set that came from the template, the corresponding views are added (see View Naming
which follows.) The View Purpose, Discipline and Sub-Discipline properties of views are set so that the Browser Organization
setting behaves properly.
Levels are easy to create but add a bit of overhead and can clog up the Project Browser with unneeded plan / RCP views.
Only use levels to define stories and other major vertical datum in the project. Note the “Create Plan View” checkbox when
using the level tool – do you need a plan view for every level? Note too that you can delete plan and RCP views for a level
(from the Project Browser) and also recreate them (View>New>Floor Plan…).
3.14 View Naming
Basic views (as created with the Revit View commands and as distinguished from copies of views) are named in a way that is
appropriate when they appear in other views as part of the documentation. Typically this has a descriptive, readable form
such as:
Level 1 Revit’s base plan, considered a working view
For each unique usage of a plan, create a duplicate of the original “Level” plan and rename it accordingly. Add a suffix based
on the usage of the view such as:
• Level 1 - Documentation
• Level 1 - Export
• Level 1- Working
• Level 1 - Reference
View Purpose - A custom parameter assigned to views which helps organize the project browser. This is a text parameter
which can be populated with values such as _Reference, _User, Documentation, Reference, Working, Exports, Perspectives,
Cutaway Axons, etc.
3.15 Exported View Naming Convention
Refer to Buro Happold CAD Standards.
3.16 Sheet Organization
3.17 Layer Naming
Revit does not use layers as in traditional CAD programs such as AutoCAD. Revit uses the term categories. The major
categories are set at the program level and user categories are prohibited. A user can create additional subcategories under
the main category. To request additional subcategories, send your request to CAD Support.
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3.18 Typical Detail Creation
Typical Details show portions of the building components in a general or typical situation. They are place into project
documents to give the contractors a guide to construct the project. They are in no way to replace creating a section to show
situations on the project.
All details will be drafted into a modular system based on a 6 inch by 6 inch (150 mm by 150 mm) system. If a detail needs to
be expanded, it will occupy another grid.
3.18.1 For Structural Typical Details
Although Typical Details are generally not given a scale, they are still drafted to a scale. Concrete details are drafted at a scale
of 1:20 or 1/2” = 1’-0” and steel details are drafted at a scale of 1:20 or 3/4" = 1’-0”.
3.18.2 Importing existing AutoCAD Typical Details into Revit
AutoCAD drawings are usually drafted with each building type on a different layer. When working in Revit, it is not necessary to
use this concept. Lines are drafted using Detail Lines. There are details line styles created in the templates for the first ten line
weights in solid, dash and dash long styles. If additional line styles are needed, create new styles using the same naming
conventions, document the change and notify the support team.
1. Open the detail inside of AutoCAD.
2. Make sure there is only one detail per file.
3. Make sure there are no attached external references.
4. Perform a purge.
5. Modify the layers to conform to the Revit line styles convention. There is a cheat sheet located within the appendix.
You can also insert a file named RevitLineStyles.dwg to obtain the Revit line styles as AutoCAD layers.
6. Delete ALL AutoCAD hatches but do take note of the types and settings.
7. Delete the Title.
8. Purge again.
9. Review detail for inconsistencies.
3.18.3 Inside Revit
15. Create a new drafting view. Name the view according to the standard typical detail naming convention (under separate
cover) and then make sure to set the scale to be consistent with the AutoCAD detail’s scale.
16. Insert the CAD file setting the Colors option to be Black and White
17. Select the CAD detail and on the Options Bar, select the Full Explode button
Modify the view’s scale if required
18. Place the _Typical Details Bounding Box symbol in the view
19. Change ALL text to the proper Revit text type, such as BH 3/32” Arial W0.8
Confirm that there are no AutoCAD “layer” line styles
20. Add Detail Component as required, such as Break Lines
21. Fix and line styles that do not automatically convert, such as wire welded fabric.
Replace ALL AutoCAD dimensions with Revit dimensions.
22. Fix ALL text so that common lines are part of the same note and replace AutoCAD leaders with Revit leaders.
23. Replace any removed hatch patterns with filled regions
24. Within the Project Browser, right-click on the detail and select Properties… In the Element Properties dialog box, set the
Title on Sheet name to be the original AutoCAD detail’s title. Set the View Purpose parameter according to the details
construction type.
3.18.4 Creating New Details in Revit
1. All new details shall be done in Revit.
2. Create a new drafting view. Name the view according to the standard typical detail naming convention (under separate
cover) and set the scale
3. Place the _Typical Details Bounding Box symbol in the view
4. Create the detail using the detail lines 01 through 10. You can use the AutoCAD layer conversion guide to gage the line
weights.
5. Within the Project Browser, right-click on the detail and select Properties… In the Element Properties dialog box, set the
Title on Sheet name to be the original AutoCAD detail’s title. Set the View Purpose parameter according to the details
construction type.
6. When you are finished with the detail, it must be sent to the engineer in charge for that construction material for checking.
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3.18.5 Changes to existing Revit typical details contained within the library file
Either open a detached from central file, import the view into a new file or create an electronic mark-up. The update will need
to be uploaded to the NA Typical Detail Development Drop Box at Collaboration � Business As Usual � Disciplines �
Structures Collaboration � North America Structural DDG Collaboration � NA Structural Drawings � NA Structural
Drawings.
In this site, select the under the NA Typical Detail Development Drop Box.
4 Project Types
4.1 Foundation
4.1.1 Isolated Footing and Pile Caps
4.1.2 Foundation – Grade Beam (Ground Beam) & Caissons
Go to Elevation & set/create top of grade beam level. “LL” by pick lines & uncheck “Make Plan View” Rename level Ref -0’-8”
Top of Grade Beam
4.2 Concrete Construction
4.3 Precast Construction
Structural Usage Property – For walls bearing, shear or combined.
If you are linking in an arch model, the bearing, shear or combined walls all show with a solid poche. The standard is solid for
shear and hollow for bearing. To achieve this look one must use a Filled Region using a White Solid to mask out the solid wall.
Where possible combine all masking into one sketch. To aid in the placement of the region, create by using a transparent
region and when completed, switch to the solid. Use this method also when doing edits.
4.4 Steel Construction
Steel beams are reference from a level. Beams are placed at minus the slab thickness (bottom of deck) as an offset. When
beams are below or above this elevation adjust the start and end offset.
4.5 Timber
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5 Component Standards
Within Revit, components such as beams, columns, ducts or lighting fixtures are referred to as Families. Families can be
created in a separate environment known as the Family Editor or they can be created on the fly within an actual project.
Families created within an actual project are called In-Place Families.
In-Place Families are used in cases in which they are not likely to move, be relocated or copied. They are particularly helpful
when the geometry of the model is needed to construct the family. A single complex or blended roof form is one such
example, as you want the roof to maintain relationships to other elements (like walls) in the project. In all other cases, it is best
to create the family in Family Editor. This gives you the maximum flexibility to place multiple copies of the same component or
to use the same component in other projects.
If more than a single instance will occur in the project, it’s usually best to create it in the Family Editor and load it into the
project.
5.1 Family Types
All elements in Autodesk Revit are classified according to their category, family, type and instance.
There are three family types in Autodesk Revit: system families, standard component families, and in-place families. Standard
Component families can be loaded into projects whereas system families cannot be loaded into projects. In-place families can
be used to create elements that are unique to a project and not provided in family content libraries.
Categories are the most general and are subdivided into model categories and annotation categories. Model categories
include beams, columns, doors, windows, and walls. Annotation categories include dimensions, grids, levels, and text notes.
Families are classes of elements within a category that group elements with a common set of parameters, identical use, and
similar graphical representation. Different elements within a family may have different values for some or all properties, but the
set of properties are the same.
Parameters, in general, provide you the ability to define certain characteristics about an object. Parameters may be used to
define properties of the solid geometry, such as length, width, and height. Parameters may also be used to define other
characteristics about an object such as fluid flow, voltage, current, or fixture units. Parameters used to define aspects of a
family are either Family parameters or Shared parameters.
Family parameters cannot appear in schedules or tags. Family parameters are limited to usage within the family in which they
are defined. Family parameters are commonly used to define various portions of the geometry in a family. For example the
table below shows several parameters that are used to calculate lengths in different portions in a duct fitting.
For example, in the _Water Heater.rfa family, the dimensional parameters were all created as family parameters based on the
data found in a manufacturer’s cut sheet. Since not all dimensions were explicitly defined on the cut sheet, some liberties were
made when modeling the family. When creating a family, you may want to simplify the geometry to make it easier to model,
and possibly to make it more adaptable to other manufacturers.
Shared parameters provide the most flexibility, because unlike family parameters, shared parameters can be scheduled. If you
have common properties that you want to use in multiple families such as the length, width, and height of components within a
modular air handling unit, shared parameters let you define the parameter once, and use it multiple times. Shared parameters
are also required if you want to schedule characteristics such as the voltage, motor horsepower rating, electric heat
requirements, and other such properties that are commonly found in mechanical equipment schedules.
When you are defining a parameter in a family, you have to specify whether the parameter is a family parameter or a shared
parameter. If you want to schedule or tag the property, use a shared parameter.
The definition of a shared parameter exists externally to your .rvt model file in a .txt file. Since the shared parameters are in an
external file, they may be used by multiple .rvt models, as well as multiple .rfa families. Only the definition of the shared
parameters exist outside the model, the parameters themselves exist in the model, so there is no need to send the shared
parameters file if you are sharing your model.
Note: Although shared parameters are stored in a .txt file, DO NOT edit the file directly.
5.1.1 System Families
Families that are basic to all project files are called system families. System families are built into projects and contain
predefined sets of properties and graphical representations.
A system family is available in all Autodesk Revit projects. It has a standard size, configuration, and parameters for its
elements.
You cannot create or load a system family into a project. However, you can modify the type parameters to create new system
family types and save them in a project template for use in other projects.
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You cannot delete a system family from a project.
5.1.1.1 Creating a New System Family Type
1. Select an existing system family type.
2. Edit the desired type parameters, such as line weight, color, and line pattern, of the existing system family type by clicking
in the Element Properties dialog box.
3. Create a new system family type by clicking in the Type Properties dialog box.
4. Enter a name for the new system family type and select .
5. Specify the type parameters, such as line pattern and symbol, of the new system family type according to your
requirements.
6. Select twice.
5.1.2 Standard Component Families
Revit’s default Imperial and Metric family libraries are located on the “L” drive under the BH-Revit\Revit09 folder.
5.1.2.1 Creating Standard Component Families
See Section 5.2 for creating Standard Component Families
5.1.3 In;Place Families
5.1.3.1 Creating In;Place Families
From the Modelling menu, select Create or click Create from the Modelling tab on the Design Bar
Note: You can also click on the Options Bar when a specific tool is active, for example, the Window or Door tool.
The Family Category and Parameters dialog opens.
Note: This dialog does not open when you click on the Options Bar.
Select the appropriate family category, and click .
In the family Name box, enter a name, and click .
Use the tools on the Design Bar to add components, massing geometry, and lines.
When you finish creating the in-place family, click Finish.
Note: You can click Quit to quit making the family. All changes are lost.
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5.2 Standard Component Family Creation
5.2.1 Standard Component Family Creation Example 1 – Water Heater
For the water heater, we will create some shared parameters to define characteristics that will be used by both the plumbing
designer on plumbing schedules, and by the electrical designer when circuiting. We will create parameters for KW, Voltage,
Phase, and Capacity.
NOTE: Sharing parametric information about a component, such as the voltage between the plumbing schedules and
electrical connections requires that a single model be used. Using linked files is not an option.
Creating Shared Parameters
As noted above, shared parameters are defined in an external file. Shared parameters may be grouped to help you organize
the parameters.
1. Open the _Water Heater.rfa
2. From the File menu, click Shared Parameters…
3. Click Create…
The practice-wide shared parameters file is located at
L:\BH8Revit\Revit09\SharedParameters\BH_Shared_Params.txt. The file may or may not be defined on the machine you are
working on. You will not have write access to this file so you will have to create a project shared parameters file.
4. Browse to the project’s families subfolder location.
5. Enter the project number and project description, 123456 Example Project Shared Parameters.txt
6. Click Save
7. Click New… under Groups.
8. Enter the name Electrical, and then click OK.
9. Click New… under Parameters.
10. Specify the following, then click OK
• Name: Voltage
• Discipline: Electrical
• Type: Electrical Potential
11. Repeat step 9 to create the following parameters:
Name Discipline Type
Power Electrical Power
Phase Common Integer
Number of Poles Electrical Number of Poles
12. Repeat step 7 to create another group called General.
13. Repeat step 9 to create the following parameter under General:
• Name: Capacity
• Discipline: Common
• Type: Integer
14. Click OK to close the Edit Shared Parameters window.
Assigning Shared Parameters to your Family
1. Click on the design bar.
2. Click Add… under Parameters.
3. Under Parameter Type, select Shared parameter.
4. Click Select…
5. In the Shared Parameters dialog, select General from the Parameter group list.
6. Select the Capacity parameter, then click OK
7. In the Parameter Properties dialog, select Other from the Group parameters under list.
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8. Select Type
9. Click OK
10. Repeat steps 2-9 to add the following shared parameters:
Parameter Group Parameter Group parameter under Instance/Type
Electrical Number of Poles Electrical Type
Electrical Phase Electrical Type
Electrical Power Electrical Instance
Electrical Voltage Electrical Type
NOTE: The Voltage and Number of Poles properties must be set as Type parameters. If they’re not Type parameters, you
can’t create a new circuit from the water heater.
11. Click OK to close the Family Types dialog
Creating Parameter Formulas
The formulas defining the water heater characteristics have not been defined. In this section, the formulas will be defined.
1. Click on the design bar.
2. Add the following shared parameters:
Parameter Discipline Type of Parameter Parameter Group Instance/Type
P1 Electrical Power Electrical Instance
P2 Electrical Power Electrical Instance
P3 Electrical Power Electrical Instance
3. Enter the following formulas as listed below.
NOTE: The per-phase power parameters (P1, P2, and P3) only apply to L-L single phase or three phase connections.
NOTE: The if statements are structured as follows: if(conditional statement, result if true, result if false). Thus, for the P1
parameter, if Phase=3 (i.e., a 3 phase load), then the load on P1 (phase 1) is the total power divided by 3 (Power / 3), if it is not
a 3 phase load (assumed to be a single phase, L-L load as noted above), then the load on P1 is Power divided by 2 (Power /
2).
4. Click OK to close the Family Types dialog.
Creating Family Types
A family is a general definition of an object, whereas a type may be a specific size of object. In the case of the water heater, we
will create three types for three sizes of water heaters: 50 gallon, 80 gallon, and 119 gallon.
1. Click on the design bar.
2. Click New… under Family Types.
3. For the name, enter: 100 gallon, then click OK
4. Set the values as shown below:
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5. Click New… and create two more family types using the following values:
• Name: 40 gallon
• Name: 50 gallon
6. Click OK
Mapping Parameters on Connectors
In the water heater family, we added parameters for voltage, power, phase, and number of poles. However, these properties
are not yet associated with a connector. Until we add a connector, and map the associated properties of the connector to the
parameters, the load information can’t be utilized in circuiting the object. We need to place an electrical connector object, and
then associate the connector’s properties with the parameters in the family.
1. Click on the design bar.
2. Select the method.
3. Place the connector.
4. Select the newly placed connector, and click Properties on the Options Bar.
5. Set the Number of Poles to 3.
6. Set the System Type to Power ; Unbalanced.
10. Click in the column of the Apparent Load Phase 1 row.
11. Select P1, and then click OK.
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12. Click in the column of the Apparent Load Phase 2 row.
13. Select P2, and then click OK.
14. Click in the column of the Apparent Load Phase 3 row.
15. Select P3, and then click OK.
16. Click in the column of the Voltage row.
17. Select Voltage, and then click OK.
18. Click in the column of the Number of Poles row.
19. Select Number of Poles, and then click OK.
20. Click OK.
21. Save the family.
NOTE: In this example, I opted to demonstrate how you would calculate a per-phase load, and assign the load to each phase.
In the case of this water heater, I could have left the Balanced Load option checked, and instead of assigning the load on a
per-phase basis (Apparent Power Phase 1, 2, and 3), I could have assigned Power to the Apparent Load parameter.
Placing the Water Heater
In this example we will load and place the water heater in a sample project. Additionally, we will create a voltage specific type
in the project.
1. Create a new project.
2. Set the LEVEL 1 ; PLUMBING – WORKING view active.
3. Click Mechanical Equipment on the design bar.
4. Click Load… on the Options bar.
5. Browse to and Open _Water Heater.rfa.
6. Place the water heater in the model.
7. Select the placed water heater in the model, and click Properties on the Options Bar.
8. Click
9. Select the 80 gallon type.
10. Click .
11. Enter the name: 80 gallon – 480v – 3ph
12. Click OK.
13. Set the Voltage to 480.
14. Set Number of Poles to 3.
15. Click .
16. Set Power to 12,000 W.
17. Set Phase to 3.
18. Click .
Circuiting the Water Heater
1. Create a piece of wall
2. Create a electrical panel
3. Open the LEVEL 1 ; POWER – WORKING view.
4. Select the water heater.
5. Click on the Options bar to create a new circuit for the water heater.
6. Click on the Options bar to specify the panel.
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7. Select the panel.
8. Create a Panel Schedule
Lookup Tables
Lookup tables provide a method to define parameter values using tabular data. This functionality is very beneficial because
many properties can not be described based on a simple formula, or even be described using a complex formula with many
nested if statements. The functionality of lookup tables is limited to defining pipe fittings, valves, and the like, where the overall
geometry is directly related to the nominal size of the component.
Take for example the Pipe PVC Bend as partially shown here. For a 4” pipe elbow, the dimensions for outside radius (Radius)
and the radius from the pipe centerline to the sweep radius (Center Radius) are shown. For a 2” pipe, these dimensions are
Radius = 1 5/16” and Center Radius = 1 13/16”. To construct an If statement for the Radius parameter based on the nominal
pipe size, it would be something like this:
if(Nominal Size = 0' 4", 0' 2 7/8", if(Nominal Size = 0' 2", 0' 1 5/16", 80' 1"))
This formula only defines the Radius if the nominal size is 2” or 4”. Imagine if there were 15 sizes as in the case of the case of
this Pipe PVC Bend. The nesting of the if statement would be unmanageable.
This is where lookup tables are very handy. Instead of having to create an unruly if statement, a lookup table may be used.
Lookup tables are simply .csv (comma separated value) text files that define rows and columns of information, similar to a
spreadsheet. Each row essentially defines a type in a family, i.e., the size in the case of the Pipe PVC Bend.
Lookup files may be edited in Excel or Notepad. If you use Excel, make sure to specify the .csv format for the file type as
shown below:
The lookup file must be stored in a specific location for Revit to be able to find the file when generating a family. This location
is defined in the Revit.ini file using the LookupTableLocation setting.
Take a look at a sample .csv file opened in Excel (Pipe PVC Fitting Sizes.csv) below:
Row 1 is used for column headers which are used to identify lookup parameter names, parameter types, and parameter units.
In the above figure, column C defines a parameter named PipeOD of type length in unit’s inches. Note the ## between each
component in the header.
Column A is used to provide an identifier for the type. Revit doesn’t use this column, but it must exist. The column is for the
user to identify each size. Also, note that cell A1 is intentionally left blank.
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The Radius parameter above is calculated using a function called text_file_lookup. This function is used to lookup values in a
lookup table (csv) file. The signature of the text_file_lookup function is as follows:
value=text_file_lookup(LookupTableName, LookupColumn, DefaultIfNotFound, LookupValue)
Where:
Value is the result of the function
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 second column of the table (column B when viewing in Excel)
Inspecting the usage of the text_file_lookup function in the Pipe PVC Bend family can provide an understanding of how the
function works. In the formula, the following parameters are passed to the text_file_lookup function:
text_file_lookup(Lookup Table Name, “PipeOD”, 4,4)
LookupTableName Pipe PVC Fitting Sizes.csv (defined in the Other group)
LookupColumn “PipeOD” (when viewing the CSV file in Excel, this is column C)
DefaultIfNotFound Nominal Size (in this example, 4”)
LookupValue Nominal Size (in this example, 4”)
When the text_file_lookup function is used in this case, it will lookup the PipeOD (from column C) associated with the 4”
Nominal Size 0 (column B). In this case, the result value is 4.5 (column C row 11 in the spreadsheet). If we substitute 4.5 in the
formula, it simplifies to:
value=0’ 0 1/8” + (4.5 / 2) = 0’ 2 3/8”
What happens if we try invalid values? It depends…
Invalid LookupTableName
The .csv file doesn’t exist
Invalid LookupColumn
The column doesn’t exist in the
Invalid LookupValue
The specified value doesn’t exist
table
The result of the text_file_lookup
function will be the value specified
by DefaultIfNotFound
Invalid LookupValue example: Say we wanted to know the PipeOD if the Nominal Pipe Size (column B) was 5.5”, but this value
doesn’t exist in the table. However, the function allows a substitution of another value, namely the DefaultIfNotFound. In the
formula for this example, the Nominal Size specified as both the LookupValue and the DefaultIfNotFound. Since 5.5 can’t be
found in column B, the DefaultIfNotFound = Nominal Size = 5.5 will be the result of the text_file_lookup function. Substituting
this back into the formula for the Radius, we get
value=0’ 0 1/8” + (5.5 / 2) = 0’ 2 7/8”
NOTE: If you want to keep an invalid value from being used (i.e., to disallow a 5.5” valve), you can specify the
DefaultIfNotFound parameter to be -1” on a property that specifies a dimension in the family.
If the following row were added to the PVC Fitting Sizes.csv, the result would be different:
value=0’ 0 1/8” + (6 / 2) = 0’ 3 1/8”
NOTE: If you modify a lookup file, you must restart Revit for the file to be re-read.
Valve Lookup Table Sample
In this example, a very simple version of the valve shown here will be configured to use a lookup table to read the values A, C,
D, and D1 based on the ND1 parameter.
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In the _Valve.rfa family, the valve geometry and family parameters have already been created. The first task is to define the
ND1 parameter on the main body of the valve, and map the ND1 parameter to the valve connectors. However, there is a catch.
Revit doesn’t define curved surfaces in terms of diameter, everything is defined in terms of radius. Thus, there is a NR1 and
D_Rad parameter to assign to the appropriate geometry.
It is notable that the valve will ‘know’ what size it needs to be when placed on a pipe. The valve ‘reads’ the size of the pipe,
and it is inherited into the connectors’ radius property. This sample will use a parameter called NR1, then calculate the ND1
based on NR1. Then, all the other properties will be read from a .csv file based on ND1.
Creating Family Parameter Formulas
All the necessary parameters are assigned to the model dimension lines and extrusions. Now we need to create the
text_file_lookup and radius formulas.
1. Copy a .csv file to your LookupTable folder.
NOTE: The LookupTable location is defined in your Revit.ini file. The Revit.ini file is found in the C:\Program Files\ Revit MEP
2009\Program folder. Open the Revit.ini file, and find the line that starts with: LookupTableLocation. In a default install, you will
find that the LookupTable location is defined as: LookupTableLocation=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application
Data\Autodesk\Revit MEP 2009\LookupTables
2. Open the _Valve.rfa file.
3. Click on the Design bar.
4. Set the value of the Lookup Table Name to: _Valve Sample.csv
5. Define the values and formulas as shown below
NOTE: NR1 is specified as a value only, with no formula. Since the NR1 parameter is determined from the pipe to which the
valve is connected via the connector, NR1 must NOT have a formula.
6. Click OK.
Assigning Labels to Model Dimensions
1. Set the Left view current.
2. Select the circle extrusion seen in elevation, and click Edit on the options bar.
3. Select the radial dimension line, and on the options bar, select D1_Rad from the Label list.
4. Click Extrusion Properties on the Design bar.
5. Click the button in the Extrusion End row.
6. Select A from the list, then click .
7. Click Finish Sketch,
8. Click to switch to a 3D view.
9. Select the two connectors (use Ctrl to select multiple), then click Properties.
10. Click the button in the Radius row.
11. Select NR1 from the list, then click .
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12. Click to close the Connector Properties dialog box.
13. Set the Floor Plan Ref Level view current.
14. Select the long dimension line, and select A from the Label list in the Options bar.
15. Select the short dimension line, and select HalfA from the Label list in the Options bar.
16. Select the circle, and click Edit in the options bar.
17. Select the 1’-0” radial diameter, and select D_Rad from the Label list in the Options bar.
18. Click Finish Sketch,
19. Set the Back Elevation view active.
20. Select the 3’-6” dimension line.
21. Select C from the Label list in the Options bar.
22. Select the extrusion representing the handle post, then click Properties .
23. Click the button in the Extrusion End row.
24. Select C from the list, then click twice.
25. Save the family .
Now, you can use Pipe Accessory tool on the Design bar, and Load… the _Valve.rfa family into a project to place these
valves in your project.
5.2.2 Standard Component Family Creation Example 2 – Exhaust Fan
Introduction
In this example, we will build a simple exhaust fan including physical geometry, family parameters, shared parameters, and a
type catalog. The basis of the fan is shown in the image below:
As you can see, we don’t really have all the information to replicate all the dimensional information, so we will make some
assumptions. Namely, we will assume that the height of the fan shroud is equivalent to the height of the lower wind band, and
that the width of the motor cover and lower wind band are proportional to the fan shroud width. Since everything will be
parametric, it is easy to modify later if necessary.
Start the Family Editor
1. File � New � Family…
2. Select Generic Model.rft
3. Click the Open button
4. Save the file as Exhaust Fan.rfa
Define the Family Category
1. Settings � Family Category and Parameters…
2. Select Mechanical Equipment for the Family Category
3. Set the Part Type to Normal.
4. Select the OK button
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Create the Physical Model
As we are creating the physical model, the actual sizes that are created will not really matter. We will come back after creating
the model to define parameters to define the geometry.
Create the Curb Cap
1. On the Family Design Bar, click Solid Form � Solid Extrusion
2. On the Options Bar, click Rectangle
3. Click two points to define the rectangle sketch crossing over the intersection of the reference planes:
4. Click the two Make this Temporary Dimension Permanent controls . We will come back later and associate
parameters with the dimension lines.
5. Click on the Family Design Bar.
6. Click to open the default 3D view.
Create the Lower Wind Band
1. Click Solid Form � Solid Extrusion
2. On the Toolbar, click
3. Select the Pick a plane option
4. Click OK
5. Move the cursor over the extrusion to highlight the top face, and then click.
6. On the Options Bar, click Circle
7. Click somewhere near the middle of the top of the box to place the center of the circle, then click another point to define
the radius.
8. Click Finish Sketch
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Create the Fan Shroud and Motor Cover
Repeat the steps for creating the Lower Wind Band to define the Fan Shroud and Motor Cover.
Define Family Parameters for Geometric Sizing
We will be defining the primary dimension parameters as Family Parameters, because we don’t expect to include this
information in Schedules or Tags.
Create the Family Parameters
1. Click on the Family Design Bar
2. Click Add… under Parameters.
3. Define the parameter as shown below:
4. Click OK
5. Repeat steps 2 - 4 to create additional parameters as defined below:
Name Discipline Type of Parameter Group Parameter Under Instance/Type
Curb Cap Height
Fan Shroud Height
Fan Shroud Radius
Lower Wind Band Height
Lower Wind Band Radius
HVAC Duct Size Dimensions Type
Motor Cover Height
Motor Cover Radius
Overall Height
If you happen to mis-group a parameter, you can re-group it. For example, below, I accepted the default of ‘Other’ for the
Motor Cover Radius. This really has no effect on the functionality, but it is nice to keep things organized under logical groups.
To re-group it under Dimensions, simply select the row of the mis-grouped parameter, and click Modify, and then select the
appropriate group. You can also use this method to rename the parameter and to change the Instance/Type setting.
Revit is case, spacing, and spelling sensitive, i.e., the following are all different:
• Lower Wind Band Height
• LowerWindBandHeight
• lower wind band height
• Lowr Wind Band Hight
Be very careful on your spelling, spacing, and casing.
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If you incorrectly define the Discipline or Type of Parameter, you will have to first Remove the parameter, then Add… it again.
6. Using our base image for the fan, we will define the parameter values and formulae as follows:
Parameter Value Formula
Overall Height 12.125”
Motor Cover Radius Fan Shroud Radius * 0.8
Motor Cover Height Overall Height – Lower Wind Band
Height – Fan Shroud Height
Lower Wind Band Radius Fan Shroud Radius * 0.6
Lower Wind Band Height 5”
Fan Shroud Radius 9.6875”
Fan Shroud Height Lower Wind Band Height
Curb Cap Width 17”
Curb Cap Height 1.75”
Note: For instructional purposes, the grey cells indicate cells where you will NOT enter information.
When you are complete, your data should resemble:
7. After you have defined all the parameters, click OK
Associate Parameters with the Curb Cap Geometry
1. In the Project Browser, double click on the Ref. Level under Floor Plans to re\open the top view.
2. Select the rectangular extrusion, and click Edit on the Options Bar.
3. Select the two dimension lines (use Ctrl to select multiple).
4. On the Options Bar, select Curb Cap Width for the Label:
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This will associate this parameter with the two dimensions.
5. Next, we will constrain the rectangle to be centered on the reference planes. Click on the Design Bar.
6. You will make a total of 4 clicks to create the dimension:
• Click the left vertical magenta segment.
• Click the vertical reference plane (green dashed line).
• Click the right vertical magenta segment.
• Click to place the dimension line above the rectangle.
7. Click the to change it to .
Note that the rectangle is now centered on the vertical reference plane.
8. Repeat steps 5\7 to center the rectangle on the horizontal reference plane.
9. Click .
10. Associate the Curb Cap Height parameter with the Extrusion End property:
• Click the little button in the right column in the Extrusion End row:
• Select Curb Cap Height.
• Click OK, OK
11. Click Finish Sketch
Associate Parameters with the Lower Wind Band Geometry
1. Select the circular extrusion representing the lower wind band.
2. Click Edit on the Options Bar.
3. Select the Magenta Circle.
4. Click on the Options Bar.
5. Check the Center Mark Visible Box.
6. Click OK.
7. Align and lock the circle to the horizontal and vertical reference planes (make sure you are in the Ref. Level Floor Plan
view):
• Click on the Tool Bar.
• Click the horizontal reference plane.
• Click on the circle center mark.
• Click the .
• Click the vertical reference plane.
• Click on the circle center mark.
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• Click the .
8. Click on the Design Bar.
9. Select the Magenta Circle again.
10. Click the dimension control:
11. Click on the Design Bar.
12. Select the dimension.
13. On the Options bar, set the Label to Lower Wind Band Radius.
14. Click Extrusion Properties on the Design Bar.
15. Associate the Lower Wind Band Height with the Extrusion End property.
• Click the button in the right column in the Extrusion End row.
• Select Lower Wind Band Height.
16. Click OK, OK
17. Click Finish Sketch
Associate Parameters with the Fan Shroud and the Motor Cover
Repeat the steps above for the Fan Shroud and Motor Cover. Use the parameters as applicable. Your final model should
appear as follows:
Add a Duct Connector
To add a duct connector, you will likely want to define additional parameters for the duct opening, possibly for the height and
width. This will not be covered in this exercise but is based upon methods presented in this document.
Add Shared Parameters for Electrical Data
1. Click Family Types… on the Design Bar.
2. Click Add… under Parameters.
3. Select Shared parameter
4. Click Select…
5. The practice-wide shared parameters file is located at
L:\BH8Revit\Revit09\SharedParameters\BH_Shared_Params.txt. The file may or may not be defined on the machine you
are working on. You will not have access to this file so you will have to create a project shared parameters file.
• If you are prompted with the following message, click Yes then go to Step 6.
• If the Shared Parameters window opens, click Edit… Then go to Step 6.
6. Click Create…
7. Browse to the project’s families subfolder location.
8. Enter the project number and project description, 123456 Example Project Shared Parameters.txt
9. Click Save
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10. Under Groups, click New…
11. Enter the Name Electrical, and then click OK.
12. Under Parameters, click New…
13. Enter the Name: Current, Discipline: Electrical, Type of Parameter: Current, and then click OK.
14. Add three more new parameters:
Under Parameters, click New…
Name Discipline Type of Parameter
Number of Poles Electrical Number of Poles
Voltage Electrical Electrical Potential
Power Electrical Power
15. Click OK to close the Edit Shared Parameters window.
16. Select Current, and then click OK.
17. Group the Parameter under Electrical.
18. Click OK.
19. Under Parameters, click Add…
20. Select Shared parameter
21. Click Select…
22. Select the Number of Poles parameter
23. Click OK.
24. Group the parameter under Electrical.
25. Click OK.
26. Repeat steps 19 – 25 to add the other Electrical Parameters:
27. Specify the Formula for Power as ‘Voltage * Current’
28. Click OK.
29. Save the Exhaust Fan.rfa file.
Add an Electrical Connector
1. On the Design Bar, click
2. Click to select a face to place the connector.
3. Click Modify on the Design Bar.
4. Select the connector.
5. Click on the Options Bar.
6. Set the System Type to Power – Balanced.
7. Set the Load Classification to HVAC.
8. Click on each of the buttons to associate the properties as follows:
• Number of Poles : Number of Poles
• Voltage : Voltage
• Apparent Load : Power
9. Click OK.
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Define the Type Catalog
A Type Catalog Based part requires a .txt file with the same file name as the Revit family .rfa file. The type catalog can define
parameter values for the various types within a family. In this case, we will define multiple fan size/power combinations within
the type catalog file.
Detailed information about defining the type catalog is available in the help, under:
Platform � Creating Your Own Components (Families) � Creating Type Catalogs � Creating a Type Catalog
Create the Type Catalog File
A Type Catalog file contains data to define multiple types of a family. The first row in the text file specifies the parameters and
their associated data and unit types.
1. Open Notepad.
2. Open another instance of Notepad.
Save the empty file in the same folder as the Exhaust Fan.rfa file as Exhaust Fan.txt
3. Enter the following on the first line in the .txt file:
,Voltage##electrical_potential##volts,Number of Poles##other##,Current##electrical_current##amperes
Note the leading comma above, and that the above line should not word wrap in Notepad.
Add Parameters and Types to Type Catalog File
1. For our specific family, we want to add additional parameters for:
• Overall Height
• Lower Wind Band Height
• Fan Shroud Radius
• Curb Cap Width
• Curb Cap Height
2. For each of the above parameters, add to the end of the first row in Exhaust Fan.txt:
,<parameter name from above>##length##inches
The resultant first row in Exhaust Fan.rfa should be:
,Voltage##electrical_potential##volts,Number of Poles##other##, Current##electrical_current##amperes, Overall
Height##length##inches, Lower Wind Band Height##hvac_duct_size##inches, Fan Shroud Radius##hvac_duct_size
##inches, Curb Cap Width##hvac_duct_size ##inches, Curb Cap Height##hvac_duct_size ##inches
Again, note the leading comma, and that there should be only one non\word wrapped line.
Revit is case, spacing, and spelling sensitive, i.e., the following are all different:
• Lower Wind Band Height
• LowerWindBandHeight
• lower wind band height
• Lowr Wind Band Hight
Be very careful on your spelling, spacing, and casing.
3. Enter the following subsequent rows into the text file
GB-260-4 115v 1p 1/4 hp,120,1,5.8
GB-260-3 115v 1p 1/3 hp,120,1,7.2
GB-260-5 115v 1p 1/2 hp,120,1,9.8
GB-260-7 115v 1p 3/4 hp,120,1,13.8
GB-260-10 208v 3p 1 hp,208,3,4.6
GB-260-15 208v 3p 1 1/2 hp,208,3,6.6
GB-260-20 208v 3p 2 hp,208,3,7.5
GB-260-30 208v 3p 3 hp,208,3,10.6
4. Add the dimensional information after each row (for these catalog numbers, the geometry is the same, but the electrical
characteristics change. When inspecting the actual catalog numbers and specifications, different model numbers have
different dimensional information, which is why those parameters were defined parametrically.)
,36,8.25,25,40,1.75
The result of the entire file should be:
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,Voltage##electrical_potential##volts, Number of Poles##other##, Current##electrical_current##amperes, Overall
Height##length##inches, Lower Wind Band Height##length##inches, Lower Wind Band Radius##length##inches, Curb Cap
Width##length##inches, Curb Cap Height##length##inches
GB-260-4 115v 1p 1/4 hp,120,1,5.8,36,8.25,25,40,1.75�
GB-260-3 115v 1p 1/3 hp,120,1,7.2,36,8.25,25,40,1.75�
GB-260-5 115v 1p 1/2 hp,120,1,9.8,36,8.25,25,40,1.75�
GB-260-7 115v 1p 3/4 hp,120,1,13.8,36,8.25,25,40,1.75�
GB-260-10 208v 3p 1 hp,208,3,4.6,36,8.25,25,40,1.75�
GB-260-15 208v 3p 1 1/2 hp,208,3,6.6,36,8.25,25,40,1.75�
GB-260-20 208v 3p 2 hp,208,3,7.5,36,8.25,25,40,1.75�
GB-260-30 208v 3p 3 hp,208,3,10.6,36,8.25,25,40,1.75�
Again, the first line should have no word wrapping. In the text above, I’ve shown � in the only locations where there should be
end\of\line returns.
5. Save and close the Exhaust Fan.txt file.
Load the family into Revit MEP
Open a new Revit Project
On the Mechanical or Basics Design Bar, click
On the Options Bar, click
Browse to select the Exhaust Fan.rfa file and Open
In the Specify Types dialog box, select a horsepower/voltage combination.
Note that you can also select multiple rows to load multiple types.
Click OK. Note that the selected Type shows up in the Type Selector in the Options Bar.
Click to place an instance of the fan.
If the fan type is changed to a different horsepower, the electrical characteristics will automatically be reflected on the
connected circuit.
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6 Tips and Tricks
Below are a few tips and tricks that might be helpful.
Submit your tips and tricks to the community on the BH Revit site.
Create a new discussion in the appropriate board with the word Tip in the subject, such as Tip – Orient to View. To search
for tips, enter the word tip in the following field, making sure the filter for This Site: BH Revit is selected. A list of ALL tips within
the BH Revit site will be displayed.
Some tools are hidden until you select an object
For example, the “Attach” button for walls to attach them to another object is not available unless you have a wall selected
first. This is different than AutoCAD where you choose the command first then select the objects you want to edit.
Tab, Space bar and Select Previous
• Tab cycles through the available objects under your pointer; it also selects chains of lines or walls when creating
sketches or when adding objects (Remember…Hover, Tab, Pick)
• Spacebar flips the orientation of walls, windows, doors and other objects when you’re placing them
• Ctrl-Left Arrow selects previous objects from the last command
Object Selection
• Ctrl-click adds objects, Shift-click removes, Ctrl-Shift while window selecting inverts the selection (unselected objects
become selected and vice-versa)
• Like AutoCAD, window-selecting from right to left selects objects wholly inside the window, and going from left to
right also selects objects crossing the window
• Sometimes it’s hard to get at the objects you want to work on – they’re obscured by other objects! Use the
Hide/Isolate tool in any view or the section box in a 3D view to assist you.
Don’t forget the Pick vs. the Draw tool–know how these two tools work!
Zooming during text editing
Sometimes it can be difficult to read the text that you are editing if you are zoomed out. I discovered that I can enlarge the text
of the note that I am editing by holding the CTRL key while using the scroll wheel. The text reverts to it's proper size when you
finish editing.
Working with Formulas
When working with different units, divide the number by 1. So Weight (Mass) = Density x Volume would be entered as Weight
= Volume / 1 * 490, where 490 is the density of steel.
Need a Calculator?
Anywhere you can do a dimensional entry in Revit, it’s a calculator. Try this, select an object, and then pick Move. Click a start
point, and then move the cursor in the direction you want to move. Type an = sign and then a mathematical expression.
So =4’/2 will move the object 2 feet.
You can do any basic calculation plus many scientific calculations as well.
Percent Slope to Inches
15% = 15/100
15/100 = x/12
100x = 180
x=1.8
Your slope at 15% is equal to 1.8” of rise in 12” of run.
Different Cut Planes per Plan (Plan Regions)
1. View ? New ? Plan Region
2. Sketch boundary
3. Modify View Range by selecting Region Properties on the design bar
4. Select the Edit… button next to View Range parameter
5. Select Finish Sketch
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Rise over Run to Degrees
5 on 12
Take the inverse tangent of 5 divided by 12 = 22.62 degrees
Need different Cut Planes in a View? Create a Plan Region
A Plan Region will allow you to sketch an area(s) in a view and assign it different View Ranges.
While in a plan view, from the View menu, click New ? Plan Region or from the View tab of the Design Bar, click Plan Region.
Sketch a closed loop, using either lines or rectangles. Use either the draw or pick options for the lines tool.
Click Finish Sketch.
Learn to work in different views
Sometimes, for some types of work, you’ll be more productive working in 3D; other times in elevation or section, or even a
cutaway view using the section box.
Turn stuff off that you’re not working on…and keep it that way
Let’s say you’re adding roof fascia to the building in a 3D view. Only the roof needs to be on… you can turn everything else off
using the Visibility/Graphics dialog or the Hide/Isolate tool. Do this in other views if things aren’t moving along as fast as you
like. Also check the Graphics tab in the Options dialog to make sure OpenGL acceleration is on and Use Overlay Planes is off.
If you need to quickly format a view, making certain categories invisible, try the View-Category Invisible tool.
Select and object, use the tool, and that category is turned off.
For increased productivity, try assigning shortcuts to the Hide/Isolate and Category Invisible tools. For example, I use the
following combinations:
• HO = Hide Object; HC=Hide Category, IC=Isolate Category; IO=Isolate Object
• VH (“Viz Hide”) = Category Invisible
Once you have a view configured properly, to apply it to other similar views, create a view template (View? Save as View
Template). You can then select multiple views in the project browser, right-click and select “Apply View Template.”
RAM
Autodesk Revit is processor and RAM intensive. Whenever possible keep unnecessary applications closed.
Getting the Most out of Revit
Explore the software – look at all the buttons; you’ll see a description of the tool as you hover your mouse over it. Read up on
them all – get to know what they do. Go through each menu and find out what’s there. Learn how to make your own families.
Space Bar – Acquire Size and Workplane
When drawing pipe and duct you can press the Space Bar to acquire the size of the duct and pipe. Further when used on Pipe
Fittings it can be used to orient a new section of pipe to the workplane of a fitting, for example the double wye or reducing
wye.
Place your first point on the connector snap symbol and move your cursor away from the first point in the direction you want
to the duct/pipe to extend and press the Space Bar. You should see the size of duct change and in some cases Revit will
change the background color of the screen to blue when working on Pipe Fittings.
Tab Key – Check Connectivity
Use the TAB key to check the connectivity of your duct, pipe and electrical systems. The TAB key is a very important key in
Revit and even more so in RMEP.
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7 Drawing Standards
7.1 Dimension Standards
BH Dimension (Linear)
7.2 Dimension String Spacing
7.3 Dimension String Hierarchy
a. Overall building dimensions
b. Major gridlines
c. Minor gridlines (tie to nearest major gridline)
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d. Building massing
e. Tie building massing to gridlines (preferably major)
f. Modules, mullions, joinery, etc. (OPTIONAL – coordinate with exterior wall drawings)
7.4 General dimensioning Guidelines
a. Allow for construction tolerance in dimensioning. In most cases, dimensions of less than 1/8" are not practical.
b. It is not necessary to run continuous dimension strings from grid line to grid line. Do not repeat dimensions from one
drawing to another. Only show those dimensions that are relevant to the situation.
c. Dimensions shall be spaced on a sheet so as not to conflict with other drafting information or graphics.
d. Provide separate dimension strings for wall partition and door dimensioning, and plumbing fixture dimensioning, etc.
e. The use of notes such as ALIGN or EQUAL/EQUAL, etc. may be more appropriate than dimensioning indicating
specific dimensions.
The hierarchical order for dimensioning shall be as follows:
a. Overall project dimension
b. Structural bay dimension
c. Wall and partition location dimensions (continuous string between column reference lines)
d. Slab opening dimensions (when not included as part of wall and partition location; i.e. core walls)
e. Door location dimensions (when not located by typical details)
f. Fixture location dimensions (i.e. plumbing fixtures, toilet accessories, etc.)
g. Column grids shall be dimensioned only on small scale plans and enlarged partial plans. Although shown on elevation
and section drawings column grids SHALL NOT be dimensioned on elevation and section drawings.
h. With the exception of a "reference dimension" to help provide continuity from one drawing to the next, do not repeat
dimensions from small scale drawings to enlarged partial drawings or details.
i. Dimensions up to 11 7/8" are to be dimensioned in inch increments and dimensions greater than 11 7/8" are to be
dimensioned in feet and inch increments (i.e. 10'-0"). See DIMZIN value in Drawing Standards
j. Dimension Standards.
7.5 Hatch Patterns / Material Symbology
7.6 Line Styles
7.7 Text Standards
• All text shall be UPPERCASE
• Leader arrowheads shall be Arrow Filled 20 Degree
• Horizontal justification: Text objects are to be justified and aligned with other text objects
• Vertical justification (Attachment):
o Middle of top line for text on the right side of the leader;
o Middle of bottom line for text on the left side of the leader
• Notes shall be visually separated from each other by a space
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• Notes shall NOT overlap graphic elements
• Note leader lines shall NOT run through dimension strings
• Text shall not be underlined (The word “NOTES:” however, may be underlined when used to group several notes.)
8 Sheets and Plotting
8.1 Borders
Settings � Project Information
In the Element Properties dialog box, enter the information
In the Element Properties dialog for each sheet, set/select the “Sheet Discipline” number according to the following:
Value Sheet Discipline
01 General
02 Hazardous Materials
03 Survey/Mapping
04 Geotechnical
05 Civil Works
06 Civil
07 Landscape
08 Structural
09 Architectural
10 Interiors
11 Equipment
12 Fire Protection
13 Plumbing
14 Process
15 Mechanical
16 Electrical
17 Telecommunications
Revision 02 REVIT STANDARDS MANUAL
January 2009 Revit Standards Manual
Page 88 of 91 Copyright © Buro Happold Limited
18 Resources
19 Other Disciplines
20 Contractor/Shop Drawings
21 Operations
8.2 Sheet Revisions, Addendums and Sketches
The procedure for creating sketches, which are small format areas of a revision, will be as follows:
1. Make the appropriate changes to your model and view
2. Start the Revit Extensions for Revit.. tool
3. Select the Freeze drawings tool
4. Select the Range, either Current view or Selected views
5. Adjust the crop region as required
6. This creates a drafting view which can then be added to the sketch sheet
9 (Appendix / Figures / References)
Thomas Maleski
Buro Happold Consulting Engineers P.C.
100 Broadway
New York, NY 10005
USA
Telephone: +1 212 334 2025
Facsimile: +1 212 334 5528
Email: [email protected]