Revit @ Waterman

Adjusting the Workplane of Multiple Beams - When Revit Says 'No'

2012-02-02T14:02:00.000Z

I've never quite pinned down why this happens, but on occasion, when trying to adjust the workplane of a selection of beams, the dialogue greys out

As I see it, there are three different workarounds

Cut & Paste by 'Selected Level'
Select Individually
Hitch a Ride in a Group

Cut & Paste by 'Selected Level'
This is the easiest option and is fine if you haven't got any annotation

Select Individually
This is fine until you hit a certain point, where the original problem kicks in. One visual indicator is that providing the 'Pick New' button is still lit, you will be able to change the workplane. If you hit the limit, just use shift+click and remove the last beam selected

Hitch a Ride in a Group
You have a view with beams that are annotated with tags.
You want to amend the workplane of some of them, while still showing the beams and maintaining the tags in that view. Select the beams and the tags and group them together. This will create a model group with an attached detail group. Change the level of the group to the required level, then ungroup and delete the group from the project browser. The beams should now be at the amended level. The tags will show, providing the new level is within the view range of the view.

Section Marks - Some Observations

2012-02-01T14:30:00.001Z

A problem that seems to come up sometimes is getting section marks to look consistent on a series of floor plans. For grids and levels, the 'Propagate Extents' function serves this purpose, but doesn't extend to section marks. In absence of this, I set out to discover the rules that dictate how section marks behave in relation to views

The Scenario

The plan on the right (Level 1) is the view in which the section mark was placed. Both views are set to an identical crop box. The extents are at the border between the pink and blue shading (more on this in a minute) As you can see, the marks display as required

Now in the plan on the left (Level 2), the view crop is adjusted. All four sides are within the shaded areas and the section mark remains unaffected

Moving one of the crop extents outside of this shaded area, the section mark revokes to its default initial view.

Conclusion

In short, there is a zone of 63.5mm (or 2.5" in old money), multiplied by the view scale.
This is applicable inside and outside the crop extents. (shown here as pink and blue).
It relates to the view where the section mark is placed and governs the display in other views. Should the original view crop extents change, this zone will amend with it. Providing all four extents in any other views are within this zone, the section mark will remain unaffected

In standalone views (ie non-dependent), the best way to control this is through a scope box. In dependent views, it is best to place and adjust the section mark in the 'Child' view, rather than the 'Parent View'.

Add Spot Levels to a Topography Section - A Workaround

2012-01-23T14:21:00.000Z

A slight annoyance in Revit is that you can't add a spot level to a topography in a section view. The following video shows a workaround for this. Essentially, you isolate the topography in the view and export to a dwg file. In Autocad, delete everything except the hatch pattern. This is then re-linked ('Current View Only' & 'Auto Origin to Origin') back into Revit as a 'background'. Revit will now allow you to place spot levels onto the hatch pattern. If the topography changes, you'll need to repeat the process

Get a Little Extra from a Graphical Column Schedule

2012-01-23T13:55:00.000Z

The following video demonstrates a method for specifying connection types using labels in a Graphical Column Schedule. This is achieved by nesting a Generic Annotation family inside a Connection Symbol family. The Connection Types are then set up in the project under 'Structural Settings'. This is particularly useful if you need to show this information without modelling every single connection, for instance at a preliminary design stage

Trace a Spline in a Linked Dwg File and Some Recommended Reading

2012-01-04T14:19:00.000Z

The scenario. You get a dwg file for overlay. The architect has drawn a beautiful sweeping curved edge to their building, You link the dwg file into your model and see its a Spline.

Which presents two problems:

You can't trace over it in Revit
You can't set it out. And if you can't draw it, they can't build it

Fortunately, you can use the 'Flatten' command in Autocad to turn it to a polyline of arcs. By then exploding the polyline, you are left with a series of arcs that you can pick in Revit and also set out. The following short video demonstrates this

On another note and as a supplement to this, I recently came across
'The CAD Setter Out' blog by Paul Munford. For people who regularly have to clean up third party CAD files for use in Revit (or generally), this is comprehensive and highly useful resource. Its written generally from the CNC/Fabrication perspective, but is very pertinent reading to the designer. I'd recommend the following posts as a starter

From CAD to CAM, Cleaning up 2D DWG files for CNC.

How to optimize your AutoCAD DWG drawing files

Why Setter Outs aren’t (and don’t want to be) Designers.

Secant Pile Wall - A Method

2011-11-17T13:45:00.000Z

We get a few enquiries regarding Secant Pile walls, so thought it would be a good topic to cover
This will be broken down into a couple of posts. The first, this one, will cover a basic method to get up and running. The second post will cover a couple of more advanced details.

The method involves creating a Generic Model family, then placing this into an In-place Wall family in the project. This In-place 'container' ensures that the piles display correctly in the project (ie hidden lines shown). I'm not a huge advocate of in-place families in general, but this is one instance where they have a good use.

The first thing to do is to create a diameter driven circular profile family. This isn't covered in the video, but for reference, refer to a previous post here

The next stage is to set up some shared parameters as follows:

'Pile Size Male' - Length
'Pile Size Female' - Length
'Pile Length Male' - Length
'Pile Length Female' - Length
'Pile Crs' - Length

We're now ready to create the family. It consists of a Generic Model 'Female' Pile family nested into the main 'Male' Pile family.

Create a new Generic Model Family and name 'GEN_Secant Female". Add the shared parameters above as follows:

'Pile Size Male' - Type - set initial value to 900
'Pile Size Female' - Type - set initial value to 600
'Pile Length Female' - Instance
'Pile Crs' - Type - set initial value to 600

In addition, add a family parameter 'Pile Return Angle' as an angle parameter - set to Instance
Load in the circular profile family and add the geometry as per the video. Close and save

Next is to create the main family:

Open the 'GEN_Secant Female' and save as 'GEN_Secant'
Delete the void elements.
Add a reference plane as shown
Keeping the existing parameters, now add the shared parameter 'Pile Length Male'. Set to Instance. Also, create a new family yes/no parameter 'Pile Female'
Pick the solid and swap the female profile for the male profile. Delete the female profile.
Change the length dimension from 'Pile Length Female' to 'Pile Length Male'.
Load 'GEN_Secant Female' into this family. Place an instance of this, lock off to the reference planes and link parameters as shown

Now load the family into the project. Create a new in-place family of type 'Wall' and place instances of secant pile as desired.

On a final note to Nikolajs who contacted us regarding this; I tried to reply to your query, but it was bounced back. Hopefully this will help you out

Rotate a Generic Annotation 360° and Beyond - A Method

2011-09-05T22:00:00.001+01:00

The following video outlines a method for rotating a Generic Annotation through 360°. In the example, a north arrow is nested into a drawing sheet. This builds on a previous post here, regarding rotating tags. This method however, solves the problem with the array breaking at 0°/360°. The main points are outlined below:

Create a Generic Annotation family and load into a drawing sheet
Insert the annotation
Now to set up the array. A bit of reverse logic is required here. Firstly, rotate the element by an angle, in this case 120°. Make sure this is from the rotation point you want to use
Now draw a second element. In this case, I have added an invisible circle. The purpose this serves is to allow all elements, except the one we want to show, to be excluded from the groups formed by the array. If the array group contains only one element, this won't work; Revit will delete the group and the array along with it. The aim is to leave 'empty' group containers
Pick the annotation and the circle. Pick 'Array'. Ensure 'Group and Associate' is checked and also that the 'Last' radio button is selected. Array through the same angle, with rotation at the same point, as the earlier rotate operation. This should bring the end of the array back to 0°
With these settings, the array will always rotate leaving the last element in a static position, in this case, back at 0°
Now exclude all elements from the array groups as shown, leaving only the annotation at the 120° angle in place
Hover over the rotation point area and tab. The array looks like a slice of pie
Add an angular dimension to the array. You may need to tab to ensure you get the correct lines
Pick the dimension and add an angle parameter
Load the sheet into a new project and spin the angle to your heart's content

'Date & Time Stamp' for Generic Annotation Families

2011-06-08T19:05:00.000+01:00

The following video outlines a method for getting the Date/Time stamp parameter available to Title Block families into Generic Annotation families. The example shown is an update to the status banner that we use on drawing sheets.

The main points are as follows:

Open the Generic Annotation family you want to edit (or start one from scratch)
Create a new label. Under 'Family Category & Parameters', change the category to 'Title Blocks'. This will open up the 'Date Time Stamp' parameter. Apply this parameter to the label
Select all labels in the family and cut to the clipboard
Under 'Family Category & Parameters', change the category back to 'Generic Annotation'
Paste the label elements back to the same place
If working on an existing family, as demonstrated in the video, it will mess up some of the categories and labels. These now need to be corrected. If starting from scratch, do the 'Date Time Stamp' steps above first, to avoid any of this re-work
Please note that this built-in 'Date Time Stamp' takes its format from the Windows system settings

That's pretty much it. Enjoy

Create a Cellular Beam Family - A Method - Part 5 - Structural Framing Cellular Beam Family

2011-05-09T20:46:00.001+01:00

Create a type catalogue txt file from the earlier created csv file. The filename must match the name of the 'Generic Model Steel Half Beam' family
Create a new Structural Framing Family from the 'Metric Structural Framing - Beams and Braces' template
Delete the elements and amend the 'Length' value to 15000 as shown

Add the following family parameters and set to instance and as a reporting parameter:

Section Length - (Length)

Add the following parameters from the shared parameter file and set to type:

Cell Pitch - (Length)
Cell Diameter - (Length)
Section Top - (Family Type : Generic Model)
Section Top Depth - (Length)
Section Btm - (Family Type : Generic Model)
Section Btm Depth - (Length)

Now load in the Steel Half UB Generic Family, selecting the required types. In this case, I've loaded every size, but you can load only the ones you need to keep down the file size. The more observant will ask 'why not make this family shared and load it from the project?' This is a valid point, but using a shared family means you can't curve the beams. If this is not an issue, consider the shared option to optimise performance
In a plan view, insert a Half UB Section. Ensure 'Place on Workplane' is selected. Lock off to reference planes as shown
Dimension the inner end reference planes and label with the 'Section Length' parameter
Pick the Half UB Section. Through link the parameters as shown. Set the label to the 'Section Top' parameter
In a 3D view, insert another Half UB Section. Ensure 'Place on Face' is selected and pick the underside face of the web of the top section.
Lock off to reference planes and through-link the parameters as per the top section. In this case however, set the label to the 'Section Btm' parameter and through-link the 'D' parameter to the 'Section Btm Depth' parameter

I hope all this will be of help. Enjoy, and please feel free to comment with any queries

Create a Cellular Beam Family - A Method - Part 4 - Generic Model Steel Half Beam Family

2011-05-09T20:45:00.002+01:00

This video shows how to create the Steel UB Half beam to be nested into the Cellular Beam Family. The main points are outlines below:

Create a new family from the 'Metric Generic Model' template
Under 'Family Category and Parameters', uncheck 'always vertical' and check 'work plane based'
Add a family parameter 'Length'. Set this to instance
In plan, add a reference plane. Dimension the reference planes as shown and label the dimension with the 'Length' parameter. Add a round easy figure, in this case 15000. Make it fairly long, to give plenty of breathing room for the cell void array

Add the following family parameters and set to instance:

Cell Run Dim - (Length)
Cell Qty - (Integer)
Cell End Dim - (Length)

Add the following family parameter and set to instance. Add value as per the video:
D - (Length) - (Depth of Section)

Add the following family parameters and set to type. Add values to the parameters as per the video:

B - (Length) - (Width of Section)
T - (Length) - (Flange Width)
t - (Length) - (Web Thickness)
r - (Length) - (Root Radius)

These should correspond to the parameters created in the 'Profile Steel Tee Family'

Add the following parameters from the shared parameter file and set to instance. Add values to the parameters as per the video: (Note, the video shows type parameters for these; this was an error)

Cell Pitch - (Length)
Cell Diameter - (Length)

Add formulas to the parameters:

Cell Run Dim - (Cell Pitch * Cell Qty) - Cell Pitch
Cell Qty - Length/Cell Pitch
Cell End Dim - (Length - Cell Run Dim) /2
Next onto creating some geometry
Load the Profile Tee & Cell Half Void families
Under the project browser, click each of the loaded families above and through link the parameters as shown
Create a new solid sweep using the Tee profile. Lock of the sweep path as shown
Add symbolic lines. Set the workplane to the top flange, use the pick tool to the web lines and lock off and dimension as shown.
Add a cell void to the face of the web as shown
In elevation, add a reference plane, dimension and label with the 'Cell End Dim' parameter
Align the cell void to the reference planes as shown and lock. Under the properties for the cell void, uncheck the 'visible'
Pick the cell void and the reference plane as shown. Select the linear array command, check 'Group and Associate', 'Last' and 'Constrain'. label the array number dimension with the 'Cell Qty' parameter
Dimension the reference planes in the first and last groups of the array. Label this with the 'Cell Run Dim' parameter

Create a Cellular Beam Family - A Method - Part 3 - Generic Model Cell Void

2011-05-09T20:43:00.001+01:00

The next video outlines the creation of the void cut that will be nested in the Half Beam family. The stages are as follows:

Create a new family from the 'Metric Generic Model Face Based' template
From the shared parameter file created earlier, add 'Cell Diameter' and make it a type parameter. Also, add a family parameter 'Void Depth', also a type parameter
In plan, add a semi-circle void extrusion and dimension as shown. Set the dimension to the 'Cell Diameter' parameter
In section, create a reference plane below the level mark. Drag the shape handles of the void to the level and the reference plane and lock off. Dimension the reference plane from the level and set to the 'Void Depth' parameter
Now cut the extrusion to the void using the 'Cut' command

Create a Cellular Beam Family - A Method - Part 2 - Profile Tee Family

2011-05-09T20:42:00.001+01:00

Profile Tee Family
This is required for the the Half Beam Sections. The following video shows how to put it together. Start from the 'Metric Profile' template

Create a Cellular Beam Family - A Method - Part 1 - Shared Parameters & Catalogue

2011-05-09T20:41:00.002+01:00

Shared Parameters

Create Shared Parameters as follows (parameter type shown in brackets):

Cell Pitch (Length)
Cell Diameter (Length)
Section Top (Family Type : Generic Model)
Section Top Depth (Length)
Section Btm (Family Type : Generic Model)
Section Btm Depth (Length)

Catalogue

The cellular beam family here will be composed of sections from UK steel stock, UB (Universal Beam) sections and a catalogue of sizes will be required. At Waterman, we create our standard catalogues from scratch, using compiled information from the Tata/Corus Online 'Blue Book'. and extra parameter that we use (as opposed to the OOTB catalogues). These master catalogues are held as csv files, then copied and renamed to the appropriate family type catalogue txt file. For information on creating type catalogues, refer to the Revit help files. The type catalogue will drive parameters in the 'Generic Model Steel Half Beam Family'

Create a Cellular Beam Family - A Method - Overview

2011-05-09T20:40:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago, Glenn Jowett posted on his RevitST blog about the OOTB Cellular Beam Family.
I completely echo Glenn's sentiments and it reminded me of the issues we have had. We have had a workable alternative for some time, but it needed a little more development, which Glenn's post has prompted me to do something about. Also, that we should share this with the larger Revit community. The issues have been to get something that is both user friendly and has good model performance. Autodesk recommend economy when using voids, arrays and nesting in families, which unfortunately are required for this particular family to work. I will cover the aspects in different parts as outlined in the shopping list below to keep it manageable:

Brief

Create a cellular beam family. End user parameters to be limited to the Cell Pitch/Diameter and the section size top and bottom. Model performance must be managed in the right way

Shopping List

Shared Parameters
Catalogue of Standard Sizes
Profile Steel Tee Family
Generic Model Cell Void Family
Generic Model Steel Half Beam Family
Structural Framing Cellular Beam Family

Schedule those Levels - A Method (with a little help from our friends)

2011-03-25T12:17:00.000Z

This post outlines a method for scheduling levels using the excellent 'Coordinate Scheduling Tool' from the guys over at Excitech.

This method provides a pretty robust workaround to the absence of the ability to directly schedule the levels themselves

Firstly, download and install the utility from here

With reference to the video, the main points are as follows:

Create a new Generic Model Family. The family will essentially be empty, but for reference, add some symbolic detail. This can be whatever floats your boat, but in this case I've added a circle.
Under the 'Type Comments' parameter formula box, add the word 'Level'. This will allow us to isolate the family once its loaded into the project.
Under the family category parameters, make sure 'Always Vertical' and 'Work Plane Based' are checked
Load the family into the project. Under 'Addin' tab, on the 'Excitech Tools' panel, select 'Create Parameters'. Check 'Generic Models' and apply.
Create a new design option set called 'Level Marks'. Rename the primary option to 'Blank' and create a second option called 'Level Marks'
In a plan view, set the design options to 'Level Marks' and insert the Generic Model family. In this case, at a known grid point. Ensure 'Place on Work Plane' is selected
Copy the symbol to the clipboard and select 'Paste', 'Paste to Selected Levels'. Highlight and pick the remaining levels
Set the design option back to 'Main Model'. The symbols will now disappear. This provides some control by locking away the symbols, so they cannot easily be deleted
Create a new multi-category schedule called 'Level List'
Add the parameters 'Family', 'Type Comments', 'Level' and 'ExcitechZ'
Add a new calculated value 'Level (m)'. This is to convert the 'ExcitechZ' parameter from millimetres to metres, so divide it by 1000 in the formula
Under the 'Filter' tab, set to 'Type Comments' equals Level
Under the 'Sorting/Grouping' tab, set to 'Level' and check ascending (or descending if that's your preference). Uncheck 'Itemize every instance' (this will mean only one entry will show, even if the level contains more than one instance of the symbol)
Under the 'Formatting' tab, set to 'Family','Type Comments' and 'ExcitechZ to hidden. For the 'Level (m)' parameter, amend the field format to 3 decimal places. Ensure suppress trailing zeros is unchecked. Apply and hit ok
In the schedule parameters, under visibility/graphics, set the design option to 'Level Marks'
Under 'Addin' tab, on the 'Excitech Tools' panel, select 'User Options'. Check 'Generic Models'. Select the 'Coordinate Schedule' button. The level values will now populate the schedule

Please note the tool will need to be re-run if the levels change. When you add a level, re-enter the design option, copy an existing symbol and paste to the new level.

Unlock Legend Component Views

2011-03-02T18:46:00.000Z

When it comes to Legend Components, some can be placed showing any view of the object, whilst some can only be placed 'Floor Plan', 'Elevation Front' and 'Elevation Back'.

For Generic Model Families and their derivative categories, this is dependent on whether the family is work plane-based or not. Work-plane based families will only show the limited range of views (as will only host-based families).

The video below outlines a method of leveraging out these extra views for work plane-based families. Please note this will not work for host-based families, such as wall, floor or face-based. Essentially, the steps are as follows

Place the component into the 3D model onto its host face
Right click the component and 'Edit Family'.
In the Family Category Parameters, uncheck the 'Work Plane-Based' box
Reload into the project
Place the Legend Components into the Legend with the required extra views
Re-edit the family, Re-check the 'Work Plane-Based' box and re-load

The Revit Option bar dropdown box will read the incorrect view, but the properties for the Legend Component will show the extra view as correct. Revit now retains these views

Please feel free to feedback if any issues arise, as this is a recent discovery. As far as I can tell, things are sound in the method, but you never know.

Revit & Novell Woes

2011-02-27T20:19:00.001Z

Ok, this one is a little off-piste. We've had a few problems running Revit on Windows 7 (64-Bit) through a Novell Network. The information out there is a bit piecemeal, so the aim of this post is to summarise the problems and solutions in plain english and add some context

Scenario 1

User 1 opens a local copy of a workshared Revit file and starts working. User 2 opens their local copy. User 2 hits 'Synchronise with Central' and bang, BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) with

APC_INDEX_MISMATCH

This error was resolved by installing Novell Client SP1 for Windows

Deep breath, and carry on

Scenario 2

With Scenario 1 sorted, work rolls on, 'Synchronise with Central' functioning fine. Pause work for a second to stare out of the window and bang, BSOD again with

NCCache.sys

This error was resolved by turning off the 'Client File Caching Enabled' & 'Level 2 OpLocks Enabled' options, server & client side

Ok, surely third time lucky

Scenario 3

Plugging away fine, No trace of the problems in Scenario 1 or 2. Finish working, exit from Revit and yes, you've guessed it, bang, BSOD with

System_Service_Exception

On restart, Revit is now unable to acquire a license with a '[-5.412.0] error'

This was resolved by firstly, installing Novell Client 2 SP1 for Windows (IR5). This dealt with the BSOD error. To sort the license issue, make sure Revit is exited. Browse to C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Adlm and rename the 'cascadeinfo.cas' file to something else. Restart Revit; the program will now re-aqcuire a fresh license file

So far, fingers crossed, everything seems to be running ok. If we get any more issues, I'll append this post. (Apparently, there are still ongoing issues according to Novell). Next post, no more network stuff; normal service will resume.

Create a Manhole - A Method

2011-02-22T18:28:00.001Z

This post describes a method for creating a manhole cutout for a slab. Whilst this is not a particularly complex family, the aim is to demonstrate nested families, reporting parameters and formulas working together

Brief:

Create a manhole cutout for a slab, complete with recess for a cover. Add symbolic representation that will automatically change from a Pit to a Hole when the void punches through the slab

Shopping List:

Detail Item Family for Hole Symbol
Detail Item Family for Pit Symbol
Profile Family for Recess Void
Generic Model Family for Manhole

Detail Item Family for Hole Symbol

Create a new Detail Item Family from the Metric Detail Component template
Add Reference Lines in a box and dimension to the Reference Planes. Use of Reference lines in this way is neater with shape handles than Reference Planes
Add 'Width' & 'Depth' parameters and set to 'instance'.
Draw Symbolic Lines corner to corner and lock off to the Reference Lines

Detail Item Family for Pit Symbol

Open the 'HoleSymbol' Detail Item Family and save a copy as 'PitSymbol'. This is because the parametric 'rig' is identical. Delete the Symbolic Lines
Add a triangular Filled Region and lock of to the Reference Lines as shown. Whilst in sketch mode, dimension the short edge and add the parameter 'Symbol Depth'. Set parameter to 'instance'. Finish the Filled Region
Mirror the Filled Region across the diagonal as shown. Select the copy and hit 'Edit Boundary'. Select the dimension and add the parameter 'Symbol Width'. Set parameter to 'instance'. Lock the sketch lines off to the Reference Lines
Create a new number parameter called 'PLock' and group under 'Constraints. In the formula box, enter 1.
In the 'Symbol Width' parameter formula box, enter (Width*0.2)*PLock. While not strictly necessary in this example, this is a good method for preventing the values looping back. It is desirable for the 'Symbolic Width' to be driven by the 'Width' value. Without the second 'PLock' parameter, the value for Symbolic Width is left open, making the reverse true, which may produce an undesirable result. Do the same for the 'Symbolic Depth' parameter

Profile Family for Recess Void

Create a new Profile family from the Metric Profile template
With the centre origin to the top left, add two new Reference Planes for the bottom and right of the rectangle. Dimension and add parameters 'Width' & 'Depth'. Set parameters to 'type'
Use the pick tool to add the Profile lines to the Reference Planes and lock off
Save as 'Rectangle'

Generic Model Family for Manhole

Create a new Generic Model family from the Metric Generic Model Floor Based template
On the plan view, create a rectangular Reference Line 'rig' in the same way as the Detail Item symbolic families earlier. In this case however, add the 'Width' and 'Depth' parameters as 'shared' and set to 'type'. This is to allow the manhole to be scheduled/tagged
In an elevation view, add a Reference Plane and set to 'Bottom'. Dimension and add a shared parameter 'Thickness'. Set as 'instance'
Add a void extrusion. Lock the void off to the Reference Lines/Plane. Hit the 'Cut' command and cut away the slab
Load the 'Rectangle' Profile family. Add two new shared parameters, 'Rebate Width' & 'Rebate Depth'. On the type properties of the Profile Family, link the 'Width' & 'Depth' to these respectively
Create a new Void Sweep. For the path, select 'Pick Path', then select 'Pick 3D Edges' and pick the edges of the hole. For 'Profile', select the 'Rectangle' Family. Finish the sweep, then use the 'Cut' command to cut away the slab

Now to the symbol parameters. In an elevation view, dimension the slab and add a parameter, 'Floor Thickness'. Set to 'instance' and check the 'reporting parameter' box. This will report the in-place thickness of the slab for use in the formulas to follow
Create 2 new Yes/No parameters named 'Hole' and 'Pit. Set to 'instance'
Load the Detail Item families 'HoleSymbol' and 'Pit Symbol'. Insert the 'HoleSymbol' and lock off to the Reference Planes. Pick the symbol and under the instance properties, connect the 'Width' and 'Depth' to their respective parameters in the family, and connect the 'visible' parameter to 'Hole'. Repeat the process for the 'PitSymbol', connecting the 'visible' parameter to 'Pit'
Add a new text parameter 'Penetration Type' and set to instance. In the formula box, enter if(Hole,"HOLE","PIT"). In plain english, this says 'If 'Hole' is checked, the text is Hole, otherwise its Pit'. The text value returned can be tagged and scheduled.
To determine whether the cut goes right through the slab or not, in the 'Hole' formula box enter or(Thickness>Floor Thickness,Thickness=Floor Thickness). In plain english, this says 'If the hole is equal to or greater than the slab depth, tick the box'
In the 'Pit' parameter formula box, enter not(Hole). In plain english, 'if 'hole' isn't checked, check this box'
As the visibilty parameters of the symbolic families are linked to the 'Hole' and 'Pit' parameters, they will display respectively depending on the formula result. This can be seen in action in the final video below:

Create an Angled Wall End - A Method

2011-02-05T13:56:00.005Z

This outlines a method for creating an angled wall end. This involves creating a wall-based Generic Model family which cuts away the end of the wall. The video is broken down into 3 parts:

Creating the Profile family for the cut-out
Creating the Wall-Based Generic Family
Applying the family to the project

Creating the Profile Family for the Cut-Out

Go to 'R' Button and select 'New', 'Family' and select 'Metric Profile'
Draw a right-angled triangle. align and lock the vertical and horizontal lines to the reference planes
Dimension the vertical line and add an angle dimension between the horizontal and the angled line
Select the vertical linear dimension. Select 'add parameter' from the options bar and create a new type parameter 'Wall Thickness'
Select the angular dimension. Select 'add parameter' from the options bar and create a new type parameter 'Angle'

Creating the Wall-Based Generic Family

Go to 'R' Button and select 'New', 'Family' and select 'Metric Generic Model Wall Based'
Load the Profile family onto the Generic Model family
Add a reference plane over the top of the wall. Name the 'Top' and set 'Is Reference' to 'Top'
Add a reference plane at the bottom of the wall. Name the 'Bottom' and set 'Is Reference' to 'Bottom'. Align this to the reference level and padlock.
Add a reference line from the bottom to the top. Align and padlock the end points
Pick the reference line. Select 'Edit Workplane' and set to 'Reference Plane: Back'
Select 'Void Sweep'. For the path, select 'Pick Path' and click the reference line. Under 'Select Profile', pick the profile family
Run a dimension across the width of the wall. Select 'add parameter' from the options bar and create a new instance parameter 'Wall Thickness'. Set this as a reporting parameter.
Go to the profile family in the project browser and select properties. Link the 'Wall Thickness' parameters together.
Go to family parameters and create an instance parameter called 'Angle'. Link the 'Angle' parameter from the profile family (note: in the video, this stage is shown at the start of part 3; I'd forgotten it when I was recording)
Add a dimension between the 'Top' and 'Bottom' reference planes. From the options bar, select 'add parameter' and create a new instance parameter 'Wall Height'
Under the 'Annotate' tab, pick 'Symbolic Line' and select 'Invisible Line' type. Use the pick line command and select the angle line on the void cut and padlock. This is required so the angle can be dimensioned
Go to the 'Modify' tab and select 'Cut' and cut the wall to the void sweep

Applying the family to the project

Load the family into the project
Insert a new wall
From the project browser, under 'Generic Model', pick the family and drag onto the required face of the wall in a 3D view
In a section view, align the top and bottom and padlock. Align the vertical to the end of the wall and padlock. Now when the wall is adjusted, the cut will adjust to suit

Profile Families & Reference Lines

2011-01-30T16:52:00.003Z

When building a complex Profile family, sometimes this can be hampered by the fact that Reference Lines are not available and you are limited to Reference Planes. One thing you can do however, is nest a Detail Item family in a Profile family. Using this fact, you can build a 'rig' of Reference Lines in a Detail Item family. This can then be loaded in and lines can be traced over and locked to this. The Detail Item family is flexed by through-linking its type parameters to identical parameters in the Profile family. The concept is demonstrated in the video below:

I understand that the example can be perfectly achieved directly in a profile family, but I wanted to keep the example simple for the purpose of this post

Steel Weight - A Conversation, Further Thought and Another Method

2011-01-26T22:12:00.006Z

A Conversation

Mike: "So, the Revit weight schedule calculates using volume?"

Me: "Yes"

Mike: "So when you put a service hole in a beam, it subtracts it from the volume?"

Me: "Yes"

Mike: "But when you buy steel, it doesn't come with holes in. Shouldn't the weight takeoff reflect this?"

Me: "Ahh... Good point"

Further Thought

In order to overcome this, the weight can be calculated using kg/m multiplied by length. In my mind, this presents a couple of issues:

How to get a steel length from a column
How to make it multi-category, so it all appears on one schedule

Fortunately, our families all contain cross-sectional area figures 'A', calculated automatically by formula based on the parametrics of the profile. The kg/m value 'M' is calculated from this:

Another Method

The solution to both problems is to introduce a new shared parameter, 'Section Length' to all the steelwork families. This is set to 'instance' and set as a reporting parameter. A dimension is then run from one end of the beam/column to the other and is set to this parameter. Because it is a reporting parameter, whatever length the beam/column is, its value is fed back to 'Section Length'. This can then be used to calculate the weight. The following video demonstrates this concept

Steel Weight - A Method and Some Thoughts

2011-01-23T21:32:00.015Z

There are a lot of bit and pieces online regarding steel weights in Revit Structure. The aim of this post is to pull some of it together and to add my own thoughts. The video goes through the procedure for creating the schedule and the information below discusses the finer points

Before You Start, Content is Critical

We abandoned the OOTB steel families early on and generated our own family content. This allowed us to take a much more holistic approach to the content. In the video example, there are 'Universal Beam' members of both 'Structural Column' and 'Structural Framing' Categories. These families are driven by identical parameters, profiles and most importantly, Type Catalogues. All our steelwork families contain two parameters, 'Section Type' and 'Section Name'. These are only ever used in Steel Families and they allow us to isolate steelwork in schedules. In the case of the example, the values of these two parameters are consistent in both 'Universal Beam' of 'Structural Column' and 'Structural Framing' categories. This allows us to consolidate all 'Universal Beam', regardless of family category, together in a multi-category schedule

Some Points on Volume

In the 'Material Take-Off' schedule, the parameter 'Material : Volume' is used to calculate the weight. The material parameters in Revit Structure are only available for the following family categories:

Revit will calculate volume based on the medium level of visibility. Another reason we abandoned the OOTB families is that for all rolled sections, the root radii are omitted in the medium level of detail, so the weights were coming out incorrect. Hence our content shows a full profile for both medium and fine detail to get the correct volume.

The calculated value in full is Volume multiplied by Density. The syntax is:
(Material : Volume/1)*7.85

The parameter 'Material : Volume' must be divided by 1 to neutralise m³ to a number to avoid an 'Inconsistent Units' error.

7.85g/cm³ is the metric density value of mild steel (in old money, this is 0.284 lb/in³).

Elements must have physical material applied to them in order to appear in the schedule. I'd recommend that a generic steel material is applied in the family by default so they will show up regardless

So that pretty much sums it up. Hopefully this will be of some help

When Shared Parameters Lose their Way

2011-01-19T09:56:00.011Z

On occasion, a shared parameter that is under one group in a family will mysteriously end up in the 'Other' group, when loaded into a project. In this case,the parameter 'Section Name'

In order to fix this, do the following:

On the 'Manage' tab, click 'Project Parameters' on the 'Settings' panel
Now select the shared parameter from the shared parameter file and set the 'group under' to the match the correct group in the family. Click 'Ok'

Now go back into the Project Parameter dialogue, select the parameter and hit 'remove'

Now you'll be left with the shared parameter in the family under the correct group

I've no idea why Revit does this, but its clearly a bug. It will do it with the same shared parameter used in multiple families, but once you apply this fix, all the families that contain the offending parameter will then be correct.

Hide those Unreferenced View Tags

2011-01-18T10:46:00.012Z

This is a quick tip for hiding unreferenced section, elevation and callout tags in a view in Revit 2011:

Go to 'Filters' on the 'View' Tab

Create a new filter called 'Model Views' and set 'Define Criteria'

Under Categories, check 'Callouts', 'Elevations' & 'Sections'

Under Filter Rules, set Filter by 'Sheet Number'. Select 'does not contain' from the drop down box and leave the box under that blank

Click apply & ok. Now go to the view you want to hide the tags. Go to Visibility/Graphics, select the 'Filters' tab and add the filter. Uncheck the 'Visibility' box and click ok. To switch the unreferenced tags back on, simply go into v/g again and check the box

Rotating Tags - YouTube Link

2011-01-05T17:40:00.002Z

A few teething problems with the video, so the video is now linked on YouTube. Apologies and enjoy!

Happy New Year & Rotating Tags

2011-01-05T13:32:00.008Z

A Happy New Year to all.

The video here demonstrates a method for Rotating Tags. This method employs the use of a rotating array, in which the elements you don't want are excluded. This offers an alternative to using reference planes, where the rotation can be a little unpredictable.

The key stages to build the tag are as follows

Create a label and rotateto vertical. Position the tag as near to the reference plane and a preferred distance from the centre origin. Make sure the label is set to vertical align 'middle', horizontal align 'centre' and 'keep readable' is checked.
Put in another element. Where this goes and what it is doesn't matter. This is required so that the group created in the next step contains more than one element. In the example, this is a vertical line. (This is necessary as the group exclude outlined below will not work if the group contains only one element)
Select both elements and create a group called 'Label'. Drag the group origin point to the reference plane intersection
Select the group, go to Array, Rotation. Ensure 'Group and Associate' is checked. Check the 'Last' radio button. Drag the rotation point to the reference plane intersection point and enter the required rotation angle into the box
To hide the elements not required, Tab into the groups and select the element. Right click and hit 'Exclude'. Do this for all elements until left with only the required label
Now put an angular dimension to lines of the array. (on the line over the vertical reference plane, make sure you tab through to get the correct line)
Pick the dimension and add a parameter called 'Tag Angle'

As is sometimes the way with Revit, youdon't get something for nothing! If an angle of 0 or 360 is entered, the array breaks. To overcome this, some control is required through the use of a formula. This will get us as close to vertical as we can (in this case 0.11)

Create a new angle parameter'Angle Adjust'
In the formula box, enter if(or(Tag Angle=0,Tag Angle=360),0.11,Tag Angle)
Now amend the array dimension parameter to 'Angle Adjust'

Now to have different angle tags, simply duplicate type and enter a new angle. Or you can create a pre-defined set of angles quickly using a type catalogue. Enjoy!

Starter for 10 - Radius v Diameter

2010-12-14T15:23:00.007Z

This is my first contribution to the Waterman Revit Blog, which will form the basis of a dialogue of our experience with Revit, particularly in implementation and family creation. This will specifically cover Revit Structure and UK based content, but we hope that all flavours will gain something.

So, introduction over and onto business

Radius v Diameter

If you've ever done anything in a family involving a circular object; pipes, tubular columns etc and wished you didn't have to put in Diameter/2 to drive a radius parameter, then the following video is for you

This outlines a method for creating the parametrics for a tube, using only Diameter and Thickness to drive it, taking your family from this (OOTB example):

To this:

A much neater solution

We now have a Tapered Concrete Beam Family.

2009-10-09T09:46:00.005+01:00

Which can be found in \MasterDocs\Cad\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Structural Framing and is called W_FRA_C-Rectangular Taper Beam

As you would expect it is fully parametric and allows you to enter the Haunch details and adjust the end angle if it is sloping.

We have created a new Multi Category tag

2009-09-21T11:34:00.002+01:00

that looks at comments. So any object be it a beam, column or even a filled region can have it's comments tagged. So rather than putting in ordinary text add some comments and use W_T-MCA_[Comments] which can be found in \Masterdocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Annotations

There is now a Concrete Circular Column Family

2009-09-18T11:19:00.002+01:00

in the Waterman Library. It's called W_COL_C-Circular and is where you would expect.
We have also tweaked the other Concrete column families. so if you are already using them you may want to reload the latest.

We have added a new Schedule to our Template.

2009-09-17T12:00:00.004+01:00

This new Schedule will give a total weight of steelwork as long as you have used the Waterman Families in the model. I'ts also dependant on a material being assigned to the steel ( i.e. not left to be ).
You can also copy and paste this schedule into existing projects from \Masterdocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Schedules but, again I would point out it will only work correctly if using Waterman Families and Materials are assigned.

We have added an A3 Portrait drawing sheet.

2009-07-16T16:58:00.004+01:00

This can be found in the usual place MasterDocs\Cad\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Drawing Sheets and is named in accordance with our naming convention W_TBL_X_A3PGroup.

We have changed the way our Drawing Sheets are named.

2009-06-10T09:17:00.003+01:00

Basically bought them in line with the rest of the Waterman Naming Convention.

They can be found in MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Drawing Sheets and for example an A0 sheets is called W_TBL_X_A0Group.

We Have also changed the way you select your office address. These can now be changed via the Instance Properties and a drop down list.

They have been loaded into the Waterman Template.

We have changed the way the drawing banner works.

2009-06-10T08:59:00.004+01:00

It no longer needs to be a Legend and you change the text to suit. As we have made it an Annotation Symbol and it's Instance Properties can be change the usual way via the drop down.

It can be found in Masterdocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Annotations and is called W_ANO_X_Banner.

It is also loaded into the Waterman Template

It seems that there is a Network Licensing "bug" in RS2010.

2009-06-01T10:03:00.002+01:00

Which kicks in if you leave the software idle for 10 minutes or so ( which is easy to do without even realising it ), after which time Revit will give back the license. Then when you carry on working you won't be able save as you will have entered Demo Mode.
The only way to get the license back is to exit Revit and fire it up again.

The answer until Autodesk sort this problem out ??
Save regularly.

Turning off individual elements in a linked Revit model

2009-05-21T14:57:00.004+01:00

We often have the need to link Revit models to each other and then "Hide in View" certain bits and pieces.

As you will know if you hover over the linked model Revit will put a box around it and display some information about it.

If you hover over the item you wish to hide and hit the tab key to will be able to select it and then hide in view.

Ever wanted to stop two walls joining in RS2010 ?

2009-05-08T09:29:00.006+01:00

This is still an operation that needs doing prior to modelling the second wall. Unless someone out there knows how to do it after the event ?

So .... Draw your wall then go to the Modify Tab and find the Wall Joins icon.

Then hover over the end of the wall you want to stop joining wait for the box to appear and select the end of the wall.This will wake up the Disallow Join button.

You now also get a nice little icon showing wich walls have been stopped from joining.

Rotating an individual view is very straight forward in Revit.

2009-03-17T09:48:00.002Z

Select the Crop Region and then just use the rotate tool.

Showing hidden lines of in-place Families.

2009-03-10T14:52:00.005Z

Quite often In-place Families families don't show their hidden lines and the show and remove hidden line tools are disabled when the graphics style is set to hidden line.

Strange but true.

If you switch the view discipline from Structural to Architectural then these tools are enabled.

Apply the hidden lines by first clicking the object you want to see through, then the object you want to see under.

Remember to switch your view back to Structural afterwards.

Detail View: Detail as opposed to a Section: Bulding Section.

2009-03-02T09:33:00.004Z

If you want a view on sloping roof and have been stumped by the fact that normally Section Marks are restircited to Vertical or Horizontal. just change them to Detail View: Detail
and you can then draw them at any angle.

After setting up a work plane etc.. this can help enormously when trying to set out bracing.

Service Holes Through Beams ....

2009-02-25T15:12:00.017Z

We have developed a Family to help with showing Service Holes through Beams and these can be found in \Masterdocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Steel\Service Holes and it is fairly evident from the name of the Family as to the shape of the hole. Using these Face Based Families along with Opening By Face you can achieve something approaching the Waterman standard in Coarse, Medium and Fine. The lines on plan ( which come with the Family ) depicting the hole are locked to the hole tself. Therefore change the size or move either and both will stay together. I will now try and explain the procedure required to obtain the results shown above.

Let's start with the circular hole ( W_GEN_Beam Service Hole Circ.rfa ). When loaded this can be found under Generic Models.

Go to an elevation of the beam and drag and drop the circular hole family onto it. In this view the outline of the hole is shown in invisible lines, although you can still see and select them when you hover over them as is normal in Revit.Then using Opening By Face cut a hole directly on top of the invisible lines. Use the Pick Lines for the top half and lock the two together.Draw the bottom half using the Line Arc tools.Finish sketch. You now have your opening locked and aligned to the invisible lines in the family.

Change the Service Hole Diameter in the Element Properties and the physical hole will also change.
Thus ensuring the two are always in sync.

If you look on plan the result should be similar to the example at the beginning.

I would also recommend grouping the two together. Then you can be confident when deleting or moving the hole that you get everything.

Now the Slotted hole ( W_GEN_Beam Service Hole Slot.rfa ). When loaded this can be found under Generic Modles.

As you expect the first part is identical to the Circular Hole. After placing the slotted hole go to the Openning by Face nd use the pick lins for the two semi circular ends and lock them.Then draw in the connecting lines without locking and aligning them. This is important because if you do you will over constrain the hole and start getting error messages. Finish sketch. You now have your opening locked and aligned to the invisible lines in the family.

Change the Service Hole length or depth in the Element Properties and the physical hole will also change.

Now the Rectangular hole ( W_GEN_Beam Service Hole Rect.rfa ). When loaded this can be found under Generic Models.

As you would expect the first part is identical to the previous two holes.

After placing the rectangular hole go to the Opening by Face and use the Pick Lines for the four sides and lock them. Finish sketch. You now have you pening locked and aligned to the invisible lines in the family.

Change the Service Hole length or depth and the physical hole wil also change.

There are also accompanying Tags for use with these Service Holes and they can be found in \Masterdocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Families\Annotation and they are called W_T_GEN[Comments][Service Hole Width][Service Hole Depth].rfa W_T_GEN[Comments][Type Name].rfa W_T_GEN[Comments][Service Hole Diameter].rfa They will Tag the holes as shown in the example at the beginning.

Section Marks show up at 1:100 but not at 1:200

2009-02-19T10:05:00.004Z

even though the plan area shown is exactly the same !!

This question seems to come up every now and then and the answer is easy. Once you know it.

If you look at the element properties of the section mark you will see " Hide at scales coarser than " if the value is 1:100 then they won't show at 1:200.

Ever considered a career as a steel erector ?

2009-02-17T08:51:00.002Z

Just putting the final touches to the worlds tallest building.
The "Burj Dubai" @ 2,260 ft / 801m !!!

Ever wanted to stop two walls joining ?

2009-01-21T08:43:00.003Z

We have two walls that have a 75mm expansion joint betwen the ends. When trying to model this initially we couldn't get the walls to stop joining "automatically" until we noticed the Edit Wall Joins button which wakes up the Disallow Join button.

Easy now we know !!!!

Thanks to Simon Jones for showing me this.

Changing CAD files to a new workset ...

2009-01-19T16:19:00.003Z

We have probably all done this.

When creating a workset for our Cad models if you forget to uncheck the box that says "visible by default in all views". Every time you create a view all the Cad files come in with it.
There is a fix.

Create a new workset making sure you uncheck the "visible by default in all views".
Then make the old workset editable by picking the button towards the bottom of the right of the window.
Then close the window and reopen it.
Highlight the old workset and pick the delete button on the right.
You will then be prompted where to move the information on the old workset.
Select the new workset.
The old workset disappears and you can then rename the new workset to whatever you like.

Thanks to Mike Jones for this tip.

Following on from the "Re-Branding" post yesterday.

2009-01-13T09:37:00.002Z

I received a couple of comments on the way I had done things and after looking into it I've changed the drawing sheets and templates slightly.
So if you re-loaded the drawing sheets yesterday you will have to do so again to be up to date.

Thank you to those that took the time to point out a better way.

We have been re-branded and as a consequence our logo has changed.

2009-01-12T09:19:00.003Z

I have updated our Revit template, but, any projects that are already up and running will need the new drawing sheet loaded in. Unfortunately in Revit you will have to do this manually.
The new sheets can be found in \masterdocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Drawing Sheets
If you are using any project specific drawing sheets these will also need updating to show the new logo. If you require any assistance doing this then please contact me.

We have a new Family for putting recesses in slabs.

2009-01-09T08:56:00.005Z

It can be found in \masterdocs\cad\revit\Waterman Library\Families\Slabs and is called W_GEN_Square Recess.rfa

Once loaded it will appear in your project browser under Geneeric Models.

Once loaded you can drag and drop it onto your slab, but, the trick is to select Place on Face from your options menu.

Once in place you can resize it by using the drag handles or via element propertes.

Lining up the outside flange of columns and keeping them in line ..

2008-12-22T15:03:00.006Z

When modelling portal frames for example and you want the flanges of the columns to line up regardless of the column size or if the column size changes.
The trick is to use a reference plane and lock the flange of the column to this reference plane.

Let me try and explain.

Put in a reference plane, say, 160 off of grid ( the trick is to PIN the reference plane in place ) and then place your column and align and lock the flange to the reference plane.

Now if you change the size of the column the flange will stay aligned and locked to the reference plane.

We now have a Slimflor Beam Family ...

2008-12-17T15:10:00.002Z

Which can be found in \MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Steel and is called W_FRA_SFB.rfa

While we are on the subject of Section Marks ....

2008-12-15T09:27:00.004Z

To get a "jogged" Section Mark. Selecting the Section Mark makes the Split Segment button wake up.Pick Split Segment then select the Section Mark. you can then drag one part of the Section Mark around.

Revit Stucture !!! You sure ??

2008-12-10T15:14:00.002Z

Yes. All done in Revit Structure.
Thanks to Nick Stokes for sharing.

Section Marks can at times be quite over powering ...

2008-12-08T16:52:00.004Z

One way to trim them down a bit so that they don't cover up to much of your drawing.

Just click on the break in the middle of the section mark. You can then also grab the drag points to make the section marks lines even smaller.

Another option to Label Viewports.

2008-11-24T16:32:00.002Z

Following on from my post of the 3rd October I have added an Enlarged Detail ...This is again to get something more like we are used to ...

Colour, colour, colour and a bit of 3D makes all the difference.

2008-11-21T09:28:00.004Z

Another example of the work our clever chaps in Sustainable Energy are producing in Revit.

Angle section Columns ..

2008-11-13T14:37:00.003Z

I ( with help ) have created some Angle section columns and these can be found in the normal place masterdocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Columns and are called W_COL_EA.rfa ( for equal angles ) and W_COL_UEA.rfa ( for unequal angles ).

How to show "Hatch" patterns in coarse detail.

2008-11-13T09:38:00.003Z

I have been asked this a couple of times recently.

There are people out there that like to show steel beams in coarse mode ( single lines ), but, when they do the fill ( hatch to us old draughtsman ) in core walls doesn't display.

This is easily remedied.

Select the wall and go to its element properties --> Edit/New and under Graphics you will see Coarse Scale Fill Pattern. Select this via the three little dots and choose the desired fill pattern.

A couple of Workset Tips that you should take heed of ..

2008-11-07T14:01:00.002Z

Never Work in the Central File
Save often! Both locally and to Central
Always relinquish all borrowed elements and Worksets before leaving work for any extended period of time ie Going to lunch, going home, going on holiday etc.
Recreate your Local file regularly. You can create it as often as you like, but do it at least once a week.

Over the last couple of weeks we have been updating

2008-10-23T10:40:00.003+01:00

our Beam and Column Families. I have now made these available and they are in the usual place MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Columns & MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Steel

The new Column ones are called W_COL_??? and the Framing ones W_FRA_??? and all include the Waterman Reference number.

We have also created some Advanced Steel Families ( UKB , UKC etc ).

If you are using the old versions I have put these in a sub folder called superceded.

Using the Linework tool ...

2008-10-22T14:16:00.004+01:00

Something that was pointed out to me recently and has just floated back to the top of my memory.

Each time you click an edge, the new linework will be applied to the edge and it will remain selected with editable handles at each end of the line. You can stretch these handles to confine the effect of the edit to a portion of the edge.

As you can see by the image I have changed the lines to Hidden and pulled the handles down so only part of the line is shown as hidden

I have found this very useful in getting those sections and details looking just right.

I have created a mapping file for when you need to export

2008-10-21T10:04:00.005+01:00

your views / sheets out to AutoCAD dwg files. The mapping file can be found in \MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library and is called WGPLC-exportlayers-dwg.txt

To do this go to --> file --> Export --> CAD Formats

Then go to Layer SettingsIf not already loaded you can Load and Browse to the file ..

As always if you find anything I have missed or got wrong please let me know.

As most of you already know ..... I do make mistakes.

I have taken the liberty of doing a cut & paste

2008-10-15T11:30:00.000+01:00

from Bim&Beam and an interview with Ericksen Roed & Associates which sums up exactly why you should all be looking at using Revit.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone in the field of structural engineering who is NOT using Revit Structure today, what would it be?
Do absolutely nothing – your clients will find us! But, seriously, don't wait any longer! Revit Structure is a mature tool capable of producing higher quality Construction Documents than 2D CAD and providing better information for downstream use. Much of the content we had to develop internally in the early releases is now available right out of the box. Ignore this industry trend at your own peril (I am serious about that!).

Our Sustainable Energy Department in Leeds

2008-10-07T11:08:00.000+01:00

is now producing some good looking work in Revit.

Bits shown in grey are existing and the red is proposed. A bit of colour and a couple of 3D images make all the difference.

Thanks to Roger Starkey for sharing.

Close Hidden Windows .....

2008-10-06T09:12:00.000+01:00

I posted about this on the 16th September. If you remember ???Scott Davis of Autodesk added a comment to this post regarding adding a "Keyboard Shortcut" to this command. Excellant tip thanks Scott.

To do this go find the file called KeyboardShortcuts.txt it should be located in your C:\Program Files\Revit Structure 2009\Program folder. Open up the file and scroll down to the window menu section and add a xx in.
Close and open Revit. Then all you have to do is type xx to close all of your hidden windows.

We have added a couple of options to help label Viewports

2008-10-03T10:40:00.000+01:00

in a way we are more used to seeing.

For example this will enable you to call up sections as :-

You can also take advantage of these on current projects by loading W_View Title families. Which can be found in MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Annotation

Having learnt a bit more at the AUGI Design Academy

2008-10-01T15:18:00.000+01:00

last week I have managed to rationalise the number of drawing sheets we had. I've done this using a " Visibility " parameter. Never even considered it before.

So when you start a new project using our Template 5 different drawing sheets will be loaded. A0-WGroup, A1-WGroup, A2-Wgroup, A3-WGroup & A4-Wgroup.

To turn on your particular address and Company name. Select the drawing sheet and go to the Element Properties and turn on the relevant bits.

A couple of us attended the AUGI Design Academy

2008-09-29T10:19:00.000+01:00

last week and found it a very worthwhile event.
As we were leaving we were handed a CD containing the class handouts I've copied the Revit ones into MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\ADA Handouts. Even though some of them are titled Revit Architecture a lot of the content is relevant to Revit Structure as well.

We now have a Secant Piled Wall Family

2008-09-18T12:21:00.000+01:00

It's called W_SecantPile.rfa and can be loaded from MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Foundations.
This family allows you to have different depths for the Male and Female piles and you can adjust the angle. along with turn the Female pile off.You can also obviously change the Diameter and Centers of the piles.As both the female and male piles are made from the same material you have to unjoin them after placing to get them to show correctly.

Close Hidden Windows .....

2008-09-16T09:45:00.000+01:00

This has been mentioned to me a couple of times recently so I thought I would let you all know about it.

When you come to close your Revit project and you realise you have several views open you don't have to close each one individually.

You can go up to the Window pulldown and select "Close Hidden Windows" this will do what it says on the tin. Then all you have to do is close the one view left open.

Rotating Column Tags.

2008-09-08T10:19:00.000+01:00

I found a good tip regarding Rotating Column Tags in the AUGI Forums and I've changed our tags to incorporate this.

A parameter has been added so that you can define any angle you require within the tag. So you don't have to make a new family with a different angle.

I have also added these tags into our standard template.

You can change the line type bounding Filled Regions.

2008-09-04T14:16:00.000+01:00

Once you have selected Filled Region just go to the pulldown just above and select the line type you require. Very easy but quite a few people forget.

Want to change the Material of an already created Mass ?

2008-09-02T10:04:00.000+01:00

If you have ever tried to do this via the Element Properties you would get the dialogue boxes shown below: As you can see no hint of how to change it's material ....

To change the Material you need to set up a parameter in your Mass which is easily done. Select your Mass then choose the Edit buttonThen go to the Extrusion Properties where you will see the Material defined as . Just to the right is a little button to "add a parameter". Select this button and you will get the Associate Family Parameter dialouge.

Select Add Parameter and fill in the Dialouge box as below:

Then OK a few times and Finish Family.

If you now look at the properties of you Mass you will have an option to change the Material

Turn a Ramp into a Slab.

2008-08-22T14:49:00.000+01:00

Use the Ramp macro to define the ramp.Define a level slab using the same plan profile. This will give identically vertical corresponding points, which can then be snapped onto the ramp using the warping function.Snap by clicking the either the blue down or up arrow (but not the square grip though) and dragging onto the corresponding point.Don’t worry about the following warning message. Once all the points are done, it will correct itself.Delete the ramp to leave the slab only.Now walls can be attached to the warped slab, openings can be cut and floor finishes added.

A very big thank you to Darren Snook for putting this together.

Using Revit to produce impressive scheme drawings.

2008-08-22T09:00:00.000+01:00

The Leeds office as their first venture into Revit are producing scheme drawings showing some shopping mall roofs with pretty impressive reults.
Thanks to Gary McMahon & Andrew Cullen for sharing.

Ever wanted the same section / Callout / Detail referenced in more than one place.

2008-08-18T15:28:00.000+01:00

It does happen quite regularly that you have a typical section or detail and you want to show the section marks or detail number in more than one place. The problem with Revit is that it names and numbers it automatically for you. So how do you get round this ?

After putting in your first section marks , any subsequent ones before you actually place them put a tick in "Reference other view:" and select the view from the pulldown list.

Then place your section mark and Revit will name and number it the same as the original.

The use of 3D Renderings to help others understand.

2008-08-15T11:57:00.000+01:00

As you know it's very easy to create a smart looking 3D image in Revit. It also helps those that are not experts in reading 2D drawings enormously.Thanks to Nick Stokes for sharing.

Holes in slabs and Lift Shafts etc ......

2008-08-11T11:26:00.000+01:00

If you need to create a similar hole in your slab on several levels ie. a shaft the tool to use is Opening --> Shaft Opening

You can define the bottom and top levels of the shaft in the Properties.

One of the big benefits though is that you can draw in some "Symbolic Lines" ie: a cross representing a hole in the slab.
These "Symbolic Lines" will then appear everywhere your shaft cuts through a slab.

The ability to not show something in a Schedule.

2008-08-06T10:18:00.000+01:00

Sounds a bit daft I know, but, you never know. You may want to schedule all your steelwork at a certain level but not the trimming/secondary steel. The following steps will help you acheive this.

1. Choose a parameter that you wish to use as your Filter ( for this example I will use the Type Comments Parameter ).

2. Add the Type Comments field to your schedule.

3. Give the Type Comments parameter a value for the items you don't wish to see in your schedule ( for example: Hide Me ).

4. On the Filter Tab of the schedule set the following: Filter by: Type Comments -> does not equal -> Hide Me

Another view I thought was worth sharing ....

2008-08-04T16:51:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Yeldo for sharing .

Autodesks take on Worksets ...

2008-08-01T09:59:00.000+01:00

The Revit platform originally implemented Worksets as a mechanism to enable multiple users to collaborate on a single model by taking temporary ownership of user-defined element groups. Making an entire Workset editable, or “Checking out” a Workset, prevented other users from editing any part of that Workset until control was relinquished on a Save to Central operation.

Revit® Architecture 8.0 implemented transparent element borrowing, which automatically assigns ownership of an edited element to a user, allowing more intuitive interaction with the model in a multi-user environment. Using element borrowing, users select the elements to edit, allowing the Revit platform to silently grant and manage ownership of the elements until the user’s next Save to Central makes the edited elements available to all other users of the model.

Worksets remain extremely valuable for data segregation and managing workflow, since they enable selectively opening and closing portions of a project across all project views. This level of control can represent an advantage over view dependent features such as View Filters or Visibility / Graphics in certain workflows.

While the capability to check out a Workset remains valuable under certain circumstances outlined below, in general the best practice is to utilize Element Borrowing rather than checking out entire worksets. The Revit platform team recommends that Worksets should be employed most often to segregate conceptual areas of a project, such as:
o Separate buildings
o Grid and levels
o Building core
o Building shell
o Spatially identifiable areas of a single building (wings, for example)
o Linked RVT and DWG files
o Room or Space Separation Lines (see Volumes - Rooms and Spaces section)

Checking out a Workset may occasionally be of use if certain model elements, such as the building grid or linked files, need to be protected from accidental change. In that event, BIM managers or team leaders will sometimes check out a Workset containing project elements that should not be casually edited or relocated.

Dwg into Revit recommendations by Autodesk.

2008-07-31T09:46:00.000+01:00

a. Minimize the number of linked or imported DWG files.

b. Avoid importing unnecessary data like hatching or AutoCAD®-specific linework such as construction lines. Delete unnecessary parts and layers of the DWG file within AutoCAD and import only the cleaned, smaller DWG.

c. Avoid exploding the geometry imported from DWG files. The exploding operation within a Revit-based application can change a DWG from a single managed element to hundreds or thousands of additional elements depending on the number of entities in the imported DWG.

d. Only link essential DWG files into necessary views.

e. Switch off visibility of 2D AutoCAD DWGs in perpendicular views. A 2D AutoCAD file linked into a plan view will show as collinear lines in elevation, causing performance degradation.

Asymmetric Plate Girder ....

2008-07-25T10:08:00.000+01:00

There were some issues with the Asymmetric Plate girder ( W_ASPG) these have now been resolved and it's also been given an overhaul. So it now works a lot better.

To complement this Plate Girder Family we have also added a Schedule to our Template which which will list out all your plate Girders and their parameters.

Thanks to Darren Snook for helping with this.

Project North and Shared Co-Ordinates …

2008-07-24T15:39:00.001+01:00

This has been made a lot easier in RS2009. Meaning it behaves as expected and works.

First off import/link the Survey or Architects drawing you are going to use as the base as you would do normally using Centre to Centre.

Switch your view to Project North.

Then go to Tools --> Project Position/Orientation --> Rotate Project North ..
Then just follow the instructions in the dialogue box.

Then go to Tools --> Shared Coordinates --> Specify Coordinates at a point

Then fill in the dialogue box as required. The units depends on how you linked in your original drawing.

Your Revit model is now co-ordinately correct.

Right Mouse Click over View Cube ...

2008-07-23T10:17:00.000+01:00

You can quickly create 3D Sections, Plans and Elevations etc ... by Right Mouse Clicking over the View Cube in a 3D view then going to Orient to View and picking the view you wish to create a 3D view of. Then just shift+middle button to orbit as you would normally.
I have found this tool extremely useful and I'm sure you will.

Audit your Models regularly !!!!

2008-07-22T16:22:00.001+01:00

Via the open dialogue box ....

Break Lines ....

2008-07-22T14:53:00.000+01:00

A break line can be found in our template under Detail items ....

It can also be loaded from MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Annotation\SEA-Break Line.rfa

Thought I would share this with you....

2008-07-18T15:55:00.000+01:00

The image below is all created in Revit ....

Thanks to Michael Forrest for sharing.

Naming of Revit models !!!

2008-07-18T09:10:00.007+01:00

The naming of Revit model files should follow a similar pattern to the naming of any other CAD file.
So ... If you are not using worksets and therefore don't have a Central file the name should be along the lines of ... Job Number-Project Name.rvt for example 12345-a buliding.rvt and this file should reside in a folder called 3D ( The folder is called 3D and not just Revit in case you have any other 3D format files ie. Navis or 3ddwf ) under the Cad directory.
If you are using worksets and therefore have a Central file the name should be ..... Job Number-Project Name-Scentral.rvt ( the S before central meaning Structures ) and this file should reside in a folder called 3D under the Cad directory.
Your Local file name should be ... Job Number-Project Name-logon name.rvt for example 12345-a building-csmfh.rvt and this file should reside on your C: .

Any comments ????

Asymmetric Plate Girder & Asymmetric Plate Column

2008-07-17T09:12:00.000+01:00

We have developed two new families for Asymmetric Plate Girders ( W_ASPG.rfa ) & Asymmetric Plate Columns ( W_ASPC-Column.rfa ).
Once loaded their use should be self explanatory.

These can be found in MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Steel and MasterDocs\CAD\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Columns.

Have you discovered anything in Revit ?

2008-07-17T09:05:00.000+01:00

Have you found anything in Revit while I have been away enjoying myself on holiday that you would like to share with the rest of us ??
If so e-mail it to me and I will post it up here.

Project Browser ....

2008-06-26T15:26:00.000+01:00

You will notice when starting a new project using the Waterman Template the Project Browser has been customised slightly to help organise and find things quicker.

You can further customise it very easily to suit yours and the projects requirements. Just go to View Properties and scroll down to the bottom.

Under the parameter “Other” you will see “View Type” From the pull down you can change this. If what you require isn’t in the list you can just type it in.
This give you the ability to separate out, say, Steel Sections from Concrete Sections, or 1st floor sections from 2nd Floor Sections, Steel GA’s from Concrete GA’s from Stud Drawings as well as different reasons for 3D Views.

The same can be done on for Sheets. Once again giving you the ability to separate out Concrete from Steel etc …..

Waterman Reference Schedule

2008-06-26T10:34:00.000+01:00

In the Standard Template I have made a schedule for use with the Waterman Abbreviated Naming.
It is set up to schedule by level. The one that’s in the Template schedules all beams on Level 1.

To change it to schedule a different level …. Go to the properties of the schedule and the Filter Tab and change the Reference Level to suit your requirements.

New Beam and Column Families

2008-06-26T09:44:00.000+01:00

We have created some new Beam and Column Families that incorporate the Waterman abbreviated naming.

These can be found in Masterdocs\Cad\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Steel &
Masterdocs\Cad\Revit\Waterman Library\Families\Columns
They are the ones pre-fixed with a W_

To complement these there are a new set of Tags which can be found in Masterdocs\Cad\Revit\Waterman Library\Annotation
If you are using the Abbreviated naming then the Tag to use is W_Structural Column Schedule Tag-45.rfa

You will also notice that a couple of Tags have a “CO” or “CU” in their name. These can be used to tag a Column Under or Over.

Quality of RomanS in Revit ...

2008-06-19T11:56:00.000+01:00

This has been a fairly common issue with the old style SHX fonts from AutoCAD and the text is appearing something similar to the following:

There are a number of contributing factors in this one but I’d say the main one is that Revit only officially supports the use of TrueType fonts and the recognition of the SHX fonts is somewhat limited. The text display of these imported fonts is based on the defining SHX font lines and these are quite thin to begin with and not particularly easy to control.

Added to this is the fact that when these are output to a PDF they are normally printed as thin linework and not recognised or processed as fonts. Due to the accuracy limitations of the PDF format it becomes highly likely that it will fail to reproduce the thin defining lines of the font.

So, the upshot of this is that the Waterman standard font within Revit is Arial.

Hopefully this is just the start ....

2008-06-18T16:06:00.000+01:00

Welcome all ...... Watch this space.