Library Viewer for Revit - Thumbnail Explorer

I thought I would pass along a very inexpensive utility that allows users to quickly locate content in your Revit library. One of my favorite tools like I like is the Thumbnail Explorer from Raiz Labs.

Thumbnail Explorer is an easy to use tool for anyone who deals with graphics, and CAD files. The software indexes your library of Revit files and allows you to quickly and visually find any file across multiple folders without browsing or using Windows search. As you type a part of the file name Thumbnail Explorer will show a list of thumbnails and will enable you to work with corresponding files without resorting to Windows Explorer. You can then drag and drop from Thumbnail Explorer into Revit.

We have a fairly extensive library and unfortunately we have some duplicate families in there. While I have two other tools to manage our library, Thumbnail Explorer can also be used to do some very rudimentary management of our your library. For example, if you search for Windows, Thumbnail Explorer will list all families with the name Window in it. You can then delete the duplicates.

A free trial of the software is available and per user copies are just $10. The program was developed by Leonid Raiz one of the founders of Revit and is available for download at:http://www.raizlabs.com/software/thumbnailexplorer/

Revit Extensions for Revit MEP 2009

Release Date: 2009-01-27

Revit® Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of Revit® MEP 2009 software in key areas, including modeling, coordination, and documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are: Freeze Drawings, Compare Models, Text Generator, and Elements Positioning.

The file installs the Revit Extensions for Revit MEP 2009. It also includes the Extensions Engine, a platform that hosts each Extension within Revit MEP 2009.

Please note that the multi-language executable file contains content in English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese. Revit Extensions for Revit MEP 2009 are compatible with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Revit MEP 2009 software.

These new extensions are available to subscription customers.

Read this First
Q4 Features Summary - English (pdf - 19Kb)

Download
Multiple Languages (exe - 43266Kb)

Revit Extensions for Revit Structure 2009

Release Date: 2009-01-26

Revit® Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of the Revit® Structure 2009 software in key areas, including structural analysis, modeling, concrete reinforcement, interoperability, and construction documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are:

Structural Analysis:
Analysis Integration Enabler, Analysis Integration Enabler for Autodesk Concrete Building Structures 2009, Static Analysis of Beams, Static Analysis of Frames, Static Analysis of Slabs, Static Analysis of Trusses

Import/Export:
CIS/2 Export, CIS/2 Import

Reinforcement:
Automatic Reinforcement Generation, Reinforcement of Beams, Reinforcement of Columns, Reinforcement of Continuous Footings, Reinforcement Design, Reinforcement Drawings Enabler, Reinforcement of Parapets, Reinforcement of Piles, Reinforcement of Pile Caps, Reinforcement of Retaining Walls, Reinforcement of Slab Corners, Reinforcement of Slab Openings, Reinforcement of Spread Footings, Reinforcement of Walls, Reinforcement of Wall Corners

Modeling:
Excel-based Model Generation, Grids Generator, Bridge Modeling (NEW)

Miscellaneous:
Text Generator, Elements Positioning, Freeze Drawings, Compare Models

The file installs the Revit Extensions for Revit Structure 2009. It also includes the Extensions Engine, a platform that hosts each extension within Revit Structure 2009.

Please note that the multi-language executable file contains content in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, and Simplified Chinese. Revit Extensions for Revit Structure 2009 are compatible with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Revit Structure 2009 software (with the exception of Analysis Integration Enabler for Autodesk Concrete Building Structures 2009 and Reinforcement Drawings Enabler).

For more information, please visit www.extensions4revit.com.

Read this First
Q4 Features Summary - English (pdf - 20Kb)

Download
Multiple Languages (exe - 152252Kb)

Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture 2009

Release Date: 2009-01-27

Revit® Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of Revit® Architecture 2009 software in key areas, including modeling, coordination, and documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are: Grid Generator, Freeze Drawings, Compare Models, Text Generator, Elements Positioning, and Microsoft Excel®-based Model Generation.

The file installs the Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture 2009. It also includes the Extensions Engine, a platform that hosts each Extension within Revit Architecture 2009.

Please note that the multi-language executable file contains content in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, and Simplified Chinese. Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture 2009 are compatible with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Revit Architecture 2009 software.

These new extensions are available to subscription customers.

Read this First
Q4 Features Summary - English (pdf - 19Kb)

Download
Multiple Languages (exe - 48875Kb)

Metal Wood Framer for Revit Structure

If anyone has used the following tool, I would appreciate your feedback

From StrucSoft Solutions

First wall panelizer running on Autodesk Revit Platform for wood and Light Guage metal construction. MWF is a template driven application that recognizes Revit walls, doors, windows and openings. Automatically generates Stud arrangements, shop drawings, Cut List and CNC output. Integrated engineering option available.

* Runs on Revit Structure 2009 platform.
* Rules based template driven software.
* Auto detects Revit walls, windows, doors and openings.
* Internal, external, bearing, nonbearing and curtain walls.
* Rectangular and gabled roof lines.
* Horizontal and vertical wall sectioning.
* Models panel stud arrangements based on user defined preferences.
* Models extra studding around openings based on user defined preferences.
* Models internal and external sheathing based on user defined preferences.
* Models bearing beams based on user defined preferences.
* Models internal and external bracing base on user defined preferences.
* Automatically assigns panel numbering and shape labeling.
* Automatically generates NC output for StudMeister and Howick roll former machines.
* Automatically generates 2D layout views dimensioned and annotated.
* Automatically generates B.O.M./cut list.
* Engeineering option available

Performance Brief: Autodesk Revit Architecture and Riverbed Steelhead

Revit Brief - V3

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Technology revit

Testing: Revit Architecture 2008 and 2009 with Riverbed Steelhead Appliance and Steelhead Mobile

For those that are interested, here is the application performance tests of Revit Architecture using Steelhead and Steelhead mobile. I have been using the Riverbed Steelhead appliance and Steelhead Mobile on my laptop and they have been performing extremely well.

These results were presented at Autodesk University 2008.
Revit 2008 and 2009 Performance Tests_SH and SHM_12.01.08

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Technology revit

Revit Assessment Test

Yesterday at Autodesk University I had the pleasure of getting a demo if the CADSmart Revit Assessment or Skills testing tool. The test essentially has the user complete a series of Revit tasks, be it modeling, annotating, etc. The models that the testee generates a report. The testing modules in the tool today are rather elementary, but the great thing about this software is the ability to customize the tests.

Another nice feature of the tool is that the reporting mechanism is linked to a tool from CADLearning. Based on the users score from the assessment test, a list of lessons from the CADLearning library will be presented to help direct the student to lessons they should focus on.

For anyone interested, I think the CADSmart tool has an incredible amount of potential. It will definately help us deliver better training. I like the technology and structure of the CADLearning tools, but I am not so impressed with the course material, but you do have the ability to remove CADLearning lessons and load your own.

Revit Structure Extensions Update

From BIM and Beam

The fall vintage of the Revit Extensions is now available

This is time again for our new set of Extensions. We have 5 new pretty cool free of charge Extensions for our dear customers on subscription:

Static Analysis of 2D frames
Static Analysis of continuous beams
Retaining wall reinforcement
Slab corner reinforcement
Automatic reinforcement for multiple elements together
These Extensions plus all of the others are available in English, French, Italian, Polish, German and Chinese and you can learn more about them at http://www.extensions4revit.com/

In order to download these Extensions please go to our subscription portal at http://subscription.autodesk.com/

The Static analysis of 2D frames and continuous beams Extensions are in the spirit of the slab analysis and the truss analysis. We like to call them simulation analysis. They allow our users to do quick analysis inside Revit Structure instead of doing hand calcs or to reenter the info in other small analysis tools. The reason why we call them simulation analysis is because our users will be able to easily simulate multiple options and create "what if" scenario. By making better decisions early in the design process, our customers will be able to produce better designs.

Static Analysis of 2D frames:

This extension lets you perform static analysis of a 2D frame defined in a Revit Structure model. It uses information from Revit Structure such as: frame geometry, frame members, constraints/supports, load cases, load combinations and loads. Results are displayed in both graphical (diagrams) and tabular form. Additionally, results may be presented in the form of a report (in the HTML format). The report for a frame can be printed, saved to a file or sent to a MS Excel© or MS Word© document.

Static Analysis of continuous beams:

This extension allows you to perform static analysis of a single or multi-span beam defined in a Revit Structure model. It uses information directly from Revit Structure such as: beam geometry, constraints/supports, load cases, load combinations and loads. Results are displayed in both graphical (diagrams) and tabular form. Additionally, results may be presented in the form of a report (in the HTML format). The report for a beam can be printed, saved to a file or sent to a MS Excel© or MS Word© document.

Reinforcement of slab corners:

This extension allows you to define both simple and complex reinforcement patterns for slab corners. It creates true 3D "intelligent" rebar data in Revit® Structure. It lets you define various types of reinforcement in corners with angles between 45 and 135 degrees. Just like any other Extension reinforcement macros, the model could be sent to AutoCAD Structural Detailing for automatic shop drawings

Reinforcement of retaining walls:

This extension creates true 3D "intelligent" rebar data in Revit® Structure. It lets you define reinforcement for a wall, footing, key and shelves, including inclined walls.

Just like any other Extension reinforcement macros, the model could be sent to AutoCAD Structural Detailing for automatic shop drawings

For this Extension, you need to make sure to download the right retaining wall profiles on the subscription site as well.

Automatic Reinforcement Generation:

Last but not least, this is a great Extension that you can consider as an umbrella Extension that drives all of the other Reinforcement Extensions

This extension lets you automatically generate reinforcement for a complete building or a selection of elements in the current project. The reinforcement is generated using default values of parameters for each typical reinforced concrete element, based on templates previously stored in data files, or defined by the user on an ongoing basis.

We have now a large library of reinforcement macros that you can use for many projects. They will allow you to populate rebar in Revit Structure, get quantities and specific details. As these Extensions allow you to communicate with AutoCAD Structural Detailing, you can also produce the shop drawings for these typical components (learn more)

Enjoy these new tools and get even more productive!

Nicolas

ADAPT-Builder link for Revit Structure

From BIM and Beam

ADAPT-Builder - integration link for Revit Structure is now available!

Revit Structure 2009 meets ADAPT-Builder.

The 3rd generation of the integration link is now available.

The bi-directional integration offers ease-of-use by directly transferring model information from Revit Structure to ADAPT and back at the basic physical model level.

Carry out your detailed slab and foundation system design using ADAPT's powerful 3D finite element analysis engines (ADAPT-Floor Pro and MAT) that automatically create analytical models from your imported Revit Structure model. Transfer potential geometry changes as well as reinforcement objects from ADAPT-Builder back into Revit Structure.

This saves hours in redundant model manipulation, data entry and dramatically reduces coordination errors.

View ADAPT-Revit integration video…

For more information, please go visit ADAPT

Revit Structure Plug-In

SI Tools for Revit® Structure is a Revit Structure add-in that provides advanced selection capabilities for structural members. Use the toolbar buttons to quickly select all beams, columns, or walls on a single level or in the entire model, regardless of type or material. Or use the Advanced Selection options to select a custom combination of beams, columns and walls.

Want to identify all 8X10 members, both beams and columns? Or select all concrete members, regardless of size? Or do you need to quickly find all members designated “not for analysis”? It is easy with SI Tools for Revit Structure.

I have not had the time to install or use this tool, but would be interested to here some comments from those who have.

Revit Global Light Utility for Max

As I am sure most of you know, a couple of the Autodesk resellers are developing custom tools for Revit and providing them to you at no charge. Yes you will have to register and yes a salesperson will probably call you, but some of these tools are useful. Imaginit is now doing this and offering their first tool, Revit Global Light Utility for Max. I have not used this tool but would be interested in getting any feedback from anyone who has. And be sure to visit Avatech for their free Revit Utilities.

About the Revit Global Light Utility for Max (from the Imaginit site)

This utility for 3ds Max, developed by IMAGINiT Technologies, globally turns ON lights coming from Revit. (These light are OFF by default from Revit.) In addition to 'All ON/All OFF', the utility allows you to separate each specific kind of light (Daylight, Photometric, etc.) or Selected Lights.

The powerful combination of Revit® Architecture and 3ds Max® Design enables designers to extend the building information modeling process, ease the aggregation of additional scene elements, enjoy advanced texturing and modeling tools for quick iterations of rendered images, animate objects, or add special effects.

3ds Max Design integrates the new Exposure™ daylight simulation and analysis system, helping architects and designers to better understand direct and indirect light intensity for both natural and artificial light. The ability to tune results based on latitude and longitude, orientation, time of day and year, even weather settings. 3ds Max Design 2009 helps quickly collect and export design data for further study against indoor environmental lighting quality requirements, such as LEED EQ Credit 8.1.

Extensions for Revit Architecture Released

Revit Architecture subscriptions customers can now download Revit Extentions for Revit Architecture. These extensions are a subset of the extensions that were previously available only to Revit Structure subscription customers.

Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture 2009

Revit Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of Revit Architecture 2009 software in key areas, including modeling, coordination, and documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are: Grid Generator, Freeze Drawings, Compare Models, Text Generator, Elements Positioning, and Microsoft Excel®-based Model Generation.

To access the new content, log into the Subscription Center, scroll down to "Product Information & Downloads" section and click on "Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC): Product Modules & Add-ons". Under "Architectural Solutions" click on "Revit Architecture 2009".

Calling all Revit Structure Users

Revit Structure subscription users can now download all 16 Robobat Extensions for Revit Structure with full functionality from your subscription site. I am sorry to report that these tools are not available to Revit Architecture & MEP users. For more information, visit BIM & Beam for all the details.

New Revit Subscription Tools - Part 2

For those Revit users that are also subscription customers, Autodesk has released several new tools that can be downloaded at the subscription site. The second of these tools is the Batch Print Utility for the Revit 2008 product line. The tool can be downloaded after logging into the subscription site and then go down to "Product Information & Downloads" section. There is a link for "AEC Product Modules & Add-Ons". This link will bring you to the download page.

The new Batch Print Utility for Revit 2008 subscription customers allows you to print a large number of drawings from you Revit project unattended.

For more information, David Light has done a great job documenting the Batch Print and Worksharing monitor and you can find that information on his Revit blog.

New Revit Subscription Tools - Part 1

For those Revit users that are also subscription customers, Autodesk has released several new tools that can be downloaded at the subscription site. The first of these tools is the Worksharing Monitor for the Revit 2008 product line. The tool can be downloaded after logging into the subscription site and then go down to "Product Information & Downloads" section. There is a link for "AEC Product Modules & Add-Ons". This link will bring you to the download page.

From the Revit Worksharing Monitor help file.

The Worksharing Monitor for Revit 2008 facilitates the use of Revit software in a worksharing environment, in which multiple people work on one project. For workshared projects, the Worksharing Monitor answers questions like the following:

Who is currently working on this project?
Is my local copy of the project up to date?
When will my Save to Central operation finish?
Has my request to borrow elements been granted?
Are any issues interfering with my work on a Revit project?

Note: The Worksharing Monitor is not useful for standalone Revit projects, which do not use worksharing to divide the work for a project among several people. The Worksharing Monitor works with all Revit products, including Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, and Revit Structure. If you are working on one or more workshared Revit projects, install the Worksharing Monitor on your computer. When you open a workshared project in the Revit software, also start the Worksharing Monitor. (Using the Worksharing Monitor with worksharing projects is not required, but it is strongly recommended.)

For information about setting up, using, and managing workshared projects, as well as terminology and concepts related to worksharing, see “Working in a Team” in the Revit help.