Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Revit : Modelling Best practise tip
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Friday, July 19, 2013
Revit OpEd: Three Laws - Family Content
Revit OpEd: Three Laws - Family Content: This is repost of a post that I wrote in September 2008. I thought of it as I was working through some content tasks. Not to be confused ...
Working with DWG files in Revit
It might not seem obvious, but it is very important clean up
DWG files before importing or linking into AutoCAD. Revit is not AutoCAD and it
is important to note that Revit will not behave like AutoCAD. So we need to
take this into account when working with DWG files. Spending a few minutes
cleaning up a DWG file before importing or linking that file can prevent real
problems from occurring down the road.
Here are some items to consider when working with DWG files
in AutoCAD.
1.
Be aware how far the CAD geometry is from 0,0,0.
Different versions of Revit get squirrelly if the geometry is either greater
than 2 miles or 20 miles from 0,0,0 in AutoCAD. While you are checking this,
look for scratch or unnecessary geometry that might just be hanging out
somewhere. If you don’t need it, get rid of it. Use Zoom extents in AutoCAD to
see the extents of the geometry.
2.
Review the layers in AutoCAD. Make sure you are
aware of what is on/off or frozen / thawed. If there is geometry on layers that
are hidden or frozen, consider deleting that geometry and purging the layers.
Put the DWG file on as much of a diet as you can.
3.
Be aware of blocks that are using in the DWG. If
you are experiencing display issues in Revit, the issue might be with the
block. It’s only been a problem for me a couple of times and exploding the
blocks in AutoCAD corrected the issue. The simpler the CAD file, meaning few
blocks, xrefs, etc that are in the DWG file, the better.
4.
Put the DWG on a Diet. Purge ANY and ALL unused
layers, blocks, styles, etc from the DWG. The less Revit has to track the
better.
5.
Verify your units of the DWG file before
importing.
6.
Watch out for really small geometry. Revit will
generate a warnings for lines that are smaller 1/32” or 0.75mm.
7.
Consider linking or importing DWG files onto a
separate workset.
8.
If you only need to see a DWG in a single view,
always use the Link to Current View Only option.
9.
I think this goes without saying, but worth
repeating. To everything possible to avoid exploding imported DWG files.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Network Deployments - Include Additional Software
If you are working with Revit then you at some point must have dealt with the issues of installing these add-ons. For the Revit 2014 releases, I decided to incorporate the installation of several add-ons such as:
- DB Link
- Model Review
- Batch Print
- Worksharing Monitor
- Revit Extensions
The documentation on how to incorporate this information into the network deployment is a little weak. I initially went down the road of determining how to create silent installs for each of these add-ons, but I was was over thinking it.
As you are creating your network deployment, you will notice that one of the sections is to "Include additional software" (see below).
This allows you to add additional .msi and .exe software to your deployment. If you adding the Autodesk Revit add-ons (with the exception of Revit Extensions), you just need to click the "Add..." button and select the add-on. You do not need to specify any Command Line Parameters.
For Revit extensions, you first need to extract the install package from the executable zip file that you downloaded from the subscription site. If you accept the defaults, the files will be extracted to C:\Autodesk\REX_2014_dlm\. Back in your network deployment, Include additional software, you want to add either the REX_x64.msi (64-bit) or REX_x86.msi (32-bit) depending on the Revit deployment you are creating. You do not need to add and Command Line parameters.
When you are done adding your additional software to include in your deployment, you can close the "Include additional software" and complete your network deployment. As your network deployment is being created, the add-ons that you have selected will be copied from the location you selected to the ...\Img\ADDONS\ folder of the network deployment. Once the network deployment has finished copying all the files, hold off on performing a test installation.
The Revit Extension addon only copied over the .msi file of the installation.We need to copy over the rest of the required installation folders from C:\Autodesk\REX_2014_dlm\REX\ to ...\Img\ADDONS\ADDON_REX_X64_0\
Your ...\Img\ADDONS\ADDON_REX_X64_0\ directory should now look as follows
Revit OpEd: Copy Then Paste a Level
Revit OpEd: Copy Then Paste a Level: Ever have someone want to use Copy to Clipboard and then Paste Aligned to create a new level? I haven't but it is technically possible t...
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Revit OpEd: Revit MEP - Free Size Parameter
Revit OpEd: Revit MEP - Free Size Parameter: If you use the Free Size parameter instead of Size you might notice a subtle anomaly. In elevation views where we only see one dimension o...
Monday, July 15, 2013
Autodesk Labs - Project Falcon
Project Falcon is a new way to investigate aerodynamic performance.
Its speed and accuracy work in concert with physically intuitive
controls for defining wind direction and speed. At the heart of Falcon
is a cutting-edge approach to CFD simulation that removes barriers to
meshing coupled with a unique numerical method that allows a broader
design audience to benefit from simulation early in the design process.
The technology preview can be used as a standalone application with no other license required or as an add-on for Inventor or Revit.
Autodesk Labs: Project Falcon YouTube videos
The technology preview can be used as a standalone application with no other license required or as an add-on for Inventor or Revit.
Autodesk Labs: Project Falcon YouTube videos
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Invitation to complete BIM for FM survey
From Linkedin:
We are conducting research to assess the
challenges and opportunities that BIM presents for the FM community. The
study forms part of an MSc thesis for the University College London
(UCL) and will explore the following areas:
• FM Software (CAFM/ CMMS/ IWMS): take-up and awareness levels
• BIM: take-up and awareness levels
• Drivers and barriers to full FM participation in BIM development and application
• Integration and exchange of information between FM Software and BIM
Your input will provide real world opinions on BIM for FM and help to identify how important BIM is for the industry.
The survey will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Simply click on the link below, or cut and paste the entire URL into your browser to access the survey:
https://kwiksurveys.com/s.asp?sid=znj7ggyrmo40sh5181153
Your input is very important to us and will be kept strictly confidential (used only for the purposes of research for this project).
If you have any questions or would prefer to complete a paper survey please contact us at r.williams.12@ucl.ac.uk
• FM Software (CAFM/ CMMS/ IWMS): take-up and awareness levels
• BIM: take-up and awareness levels
• Drivers and barriers to full FM participation in BIM development and application
• Integration and exchange of information between FM Software and BIM
Your input will provide real world opinions on BIM for FM and help to identify how important BIM is for the industry.
The survey will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Simply click on the link below, or cut and paste the entire URL into your browser to access the survey:
https://kwiksurveys.com/s.asp?sid=znj7ggyrmo40sh5181153
Your input is very important to us and will be kept strictly confidential (used only for the purposes of research for this project).
If you have any questions or would prefer to complete a paper survey please contact us at r.williams.12@ucl.ac.uk
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Autodesk 2014 Product Keys
Product Name | Product Key |
AutoCAD 2014 | 001F1 |
AutoCAD Architecture 2014 | 185F1 |
AutoCAD Civil 3D 2014 | 237F1 |
AutoCAD Design Suite Premium 2014 | 768F1 |
AutoCAD Design Suite Standard 2014 | 767F1 |
AutoCAD Design Suite Ultimate 2014 | 769F1 |
AutoCAD ecscad 2014 | 562F1 |
AutoCAD Electrical 2014 | 225F1 |
AutoCAD Inventor LT Suite 2014 | 596F1 |
AutoCAD LT 2014 | 057F1 |
AutoCAD LT Civil Suite 2014 | 545F1 |
AutoCAD Map 3D 2014 | 129F1 |
AutoCAD Mechanical 2014 | 206F1 |
AutoCAD MEP 2014 | 235F1 |
AutoCAD P&ID 2014 | 448F1 |
AutoCAD Plant 3D 2014 | 426F1 |
AutoCAD Raster Design 2014 | 340F1 |
AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite 2014 | 241F1 |
AutoCAD Revit LT Suite 2014 | 834F1 |
AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2014 | 257F1 |
AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite 2014 | 256F1 |
AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2014 | 587F1 |
Autodesk 3ds Max 2014 | 128F1 |
Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2014 | 495F1 |
Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2014 | 774F1 |
Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2014 | 661F1 |
Autodesk Alias Automotive 2014 | 710F1 |
Autodesk Alias Design 2014 | 712F1 |
Autodesk Alias Surface 2014 | 736F1 |
Autodesk Animation Academy 2014 | 548F1 |
Autodesk AutoCAD Utility Design 2014 | 213F1 |
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2014 | 765F1 |
Autodesk Building Design Suite Standard 2014 | 784F1 |
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2014 | 766F1 |
Autodesk Design Academy 2014 | 200F1 |
Autodesk Display Cluster Module for Autodesk VRED Design 2014 | 889F1 |
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2014 | 651F1 |
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite For Education 2014 | 656F1 |
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2014 Exclusives | P02F1 |
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2014 Exclusives | P01F1 |
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate 2014 | 793F1 |
Autodesk Fabrication CADmep 2014 | 839F1 |
Autodesk Fabrication CAMduct 2014 | 842F1 |
Autodesk Fabrication CAMduct Components 2014 | 844F1 |
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep 2014 | 841F1 |
Autodesk Fabrication RemoteEntry 2014 | 845F1 |
Autodesk Fabrication Tracker 2014 | 843F1 |
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Premium 2014 | 757F1 |
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Standard 2014 | 789F1 |
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2014 | 760F1 |
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Premium 2014 | 786F1 |
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Standard 2014 | 787F1 |
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Ultimate 2014 | 785F1 |
Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server 2014 | 796F1 |
Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server 5 Activations 2014 | 877F1 |
Autodesk InfraWorks 2014 | 808F1 |
Autodesk Inventor 2014 | 208F1 |
Autodesk Inventor Engineer-to-Order Series 2014 | 805F1 |
Autodesk Inventor Engineer-to-Order Server 2014 | 752F1 |
Autodesk Inventor LT 2014 | 529F1 |
Autodesk Inventor Professional 2014 | 797F1 |
Autodesk Maya 2014 | 657F1 |
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2014 | 775F1 |
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2014 | 660F1 |
Autodesk MotionBuilder 2014 | 727F1 |
Autodesk Mudbox 2014 | 498F1 |
Autodesk Navisworks Manage 2014 | 507F1 |
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2014 | 506F1 |
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Premium 2014 | 763F1 |
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Standard 2014 | 788F1 |
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Ultimate 2014 | 764F1 |
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2014 | 654F1 |
Autodesk Product Design Suite Premium 2014 | 782F1 |
Autodesk Product Design Suite Standard 2014 | 783F1 |
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2014 | 781F1 |
Autodesk Raytracing Cluster Module for Autodesk VRED 2014 | 890F1 |
Autodesk Real-Time Ray Tracing Cluster 2014 | 692F1 |
Autodesk Revit 2014 | 829F1 |
Autodesk Revit Architecture 2014 | 240F1 |
Autodesk Revit LT 2014 | 828F1 |
Autodesk Revit MEP 2014 | 589F1 |
Autodesk Revit Structure 2014 | 255F1 |
Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional 2014 | 547F1 |
Autodesk Showcase 2014 | 262F1 |
Autodesk Showcase Professional 2014 | 295F1 |
Autodesk Simulation CFD 2014 | 809F1 |
Autodesk Simulation CFD 2014 Advanced | 810F1 |
Autodesk Simulation CFD 2014 Connection for NX | 815F1 |
Autodesk Simulation CFD 2014 Connection for Parasolid | 824F1 |
Autodesk Simulation CFD 2014 Connection for Pro/E | 822F1 |
Autodesk Simulation CFD 2014 Design Study Environment | 812F1 |
Autodesk Simulation CFD 2014 Motion | 811F1 |
Autodesk Simulation DFM 2014 | 837F1 |
Autodesk Simulation Mechanical 2014 | 669F1 |
Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Adviser Premium 2014 | 571F1 |
Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Adviser Standard 2014 | 570F1 |
Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Adviser Ultimate 2014 | 572F1 |
Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Insight Premium 2014 | 574F1 |
Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Insight Standard 2014 | 573F1 |
Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Insight Ultimate 2014 | 575F1 |
Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Synergy 2014 | 579F1 |
Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics 2014 | 667F1 |
Autodesk SketchBook Designer 2014 | 741F1 |
Autodesk SketchBook Pro for Enterprise 2014 | 871F1 |
Autodesk Softimage 2014 | 590F1 |
Autodesk Softimage Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2014 | 662F1 |
Autodesk Vault Collaboration 2014 | 549F1 |
Autodesk Vault Collaboration AEC 2014 | 801F1 |
Autodesk Vault Office 2014 | 555F1 |
Autodesk Vault Professional 2014 | 569F1 |
Autodesk Vault Workgroup 2014 | 559F1 |
Autodesk VRED 2014 | 884F1 |
Autodesk VRED Design 2014 | 885F1 |
Autodesk VRED Presenter 2014 | 888F1 |
Autodesk VRED Professional 2014 | 886F1 |
Autodesk VRED Server 2014 | 887F1 |
CADdoctor for Autodesk Simulation 2014 | 577F1 |
mental ray Standalone 2014 | 718F1 |
RealDWG 2014 | 151F1 |
T1 Enterprise Multi-flex 2014 | 535F1 |
T1 Enterprise Multi-flex Standard Bundle 2014 | 891F1 |
Revit OpEd: Revit MEP 2014 - Reapply Type
Revit OpEd: Revit MEP 2014 - Reapply Type: This button snuck past me in my reading about what's new. I don't see anything at all about it in the What's New documentation a...
Friday, July 12, 2013
Redlining & Revit
Regardless what you think about Revit, you’ll
probably agree that Revit is disruptive technology. You can push rope and try
to adapt CAD functionality to Revit or you can adapt/change your workflow to
accommodate Revit’s workflow. This process change, good or bad is disruptive. The
choices you make can mean the difference between profit and lose on a project.
One area that Revit provides that opportunity
for process change is with Redlines. With Revit and Design Review we have an
opportunity to create and manage redlines differently than what has been done
in the past. This does not mean that the
Revit/Design Review process is better or worse, it’s just different.
Pen & Paper / Redlined PDF
Traditionally redlines have been created using
red pen on paper and that gets passed off to someone to get picked up. Those
redlines can be scanned and a PDF created or electronic documents can be marked
up electronically and passed onto someone to get picked up. As the person picks
up the redlines they may or may not highlight which items have been picked up. At
some point, we hope that someone then back checks to make sure that the
redlines were picked up and addressed correctly.
There are many pros and cons to this
workflow. On the Pro side, it is a workflow that is familiar to most users and
good or bad, familiarity makes people more comfortable. The Cons to this
workflow is that the redline is not integrated into Revit like an overlay, it’s
external.
Revit / Design Review
An Alternate workflow to creating and
managing redlines is to utilize the Deisgn Web Format (DWF) as a distribution
and communication of redlines. DWF files are in many like PDF files, but you
use the Design Review application to markup the documents electronically and
those redlines/markups can then be linked back into Revit as an overlay. As the
markups are addressed, comments can be added.
Before I go into the process, let’s talk
about the CONS to this approach. The BIG CON is that DWF markups have to be
created digitally using Design Review. It’s been my experience that the
drawback is with people learning to digitally markup drawings rather than using
pen on paper. In fact, I’m guilty of it. If I have a choice, pen on paper is my
preferred method as marking up with the mouse sucks. There is an improvement
though when working with a tablet, especially one of the higher end models like
the Wacom Cintiq pen displays.
Workflow
The first thing we need to have to create
markups in Design Review with DWF files is Sheets in our Revit model. Revit
allows you to export sheets and views to either a DWF or DWFx file type. Now is
probably as good a time as any to explain the difference between a DWF and DWFx
file. DWFx allows you to export the 3D model and any associate parameter data
associated with the objects. DWF/DWFx can be used to export sheets and views to
a file.
If you want to use the DWF file to roundtrip
redlines (Revit to Design Review to Revit) then you have to export sheet. When
we have sheets, we can then export DWF file. From the Revit application button
(Big R) select Export > DWF/DWFx.
Figure 1 |
The DWF Export Settings dialog (Figure 2)
will open and this allows us to specify what sheets/views we want to export and
to adjust DWF/DWFx export settings. In the View/Sheets tab, select the
from the Export: dropdown. From the Show in
list: dropdown, select Sheets in the Model, this will allow you to select from
just the sheets in the model. Select all the sheets.
Figure 2 |
After you make your selection, you can save
your selection for future use by using the New Set button as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3
Click the Next button to save your file and export
your sheets. The exported DWF file can then be opened in Design Review and your
markups added.
Design Review is very similar to Acrobat or
Bluebeam. There are tools to make it comments, redlines, measure, query, etc.
They are very straightforward and simple enough to use.
Figure 4
As you make your redlines, Design Review
keeps track of those markups. Figure 5 shows an example of some markups. Notice
the second column of symbols that I have highlighted in Figure 5. These show
the status of the markup. The outline of a checkmark means no action has
occurred to that markup in Revit. A green checkmark means the markup has been
marked as Done. The question mark means that markup has been marked with a
question.
Figure 5 - Markup Tracking in Design Review
This markup tracking system helps everyone
associated with the redlines keep track of what has been done, what needs to be
done and what items need further clarification.
Once you have marked up the DWF file in
Design Review, we can link it back into Revit. We Link in a DWF markup set like
we would a Revit or CAD file. From the Inset tab, link panel, click on the DWF
markup button (Figure 6). This will open the Import/Link DWF file dialog.
Navigate to the location of your DWF file and then select Open.
Figure 6 - DWF Markup button
The Link Markup Page to Revit Sheets dialog
(Figure 7) will then open. On the left side (DWF View) of the dialog will be a
listing of those sheets that have markups from Design Review. It will only list
the sheets that have markups, sheets with no markups are not listed. The right
side (Revit View) of the dialog will display the Revit sheet that corresponds
to the DWF view.
You want to make sure that you review this
dialog very carefully. If you have renumbered, added or deleted sheets since
the DWF file was created, it is possible that Revit could list the wrong Revit
View for a DWF View. I have not had this occur, but something to keep in mind.
Also be aware that if you select a sheet on
the DWF View side and then click OK to the Link Markup Page to Revit Sheets
dialog, Revit will only link that single selected DWF View.
If your view(s) correspond correctly, you can
click OK to start the DWF linking process.
Figure 7 - Link Markup Page to Revit Sheets dialog
Once your DWF file(s) have been linked into
Revit, we need to find which sheets have them. Revit currently doesn’t allow us
to generate a schedule to easily locate and track them, so we have to do a
little digging if you don’t want to open the Design Review file.
The easiest method to find your markups is to
open Manage Links (Insert tab, Link Panel) as shown in Figure 8 and make the
DWF Markups tab active.
Figure 8 - Linked DWF files
Select anyone of the linked files. Then at the bottom of the
dialog, click on the Located In… button. This will open the Link Markup Page to
Revit Sheet dialog (Figure 7) and you can use that to make note of what Revit
sheets have markups. In this example, the project file I am using only have 5
sheets so tracking done the markups is not that difficult. However on a real
projects, you definitely do not want to go sheet-by-sheet looking for redlines.
We can now navigate to one of our markups in Revit. Figure 9
shows an example of a markup. When you select a markup the Properties palette
will provide you with some basic information about the markup as well as giving
you the options to change the status of the markup. In the example shown in
Figure 9, I clicked on the History button in the Properties palette and is
gives me basic information about the history of that particular redline.
Figure 9 - DWF markup in Revit
If I click on the Notes button in the Properties palette,
the Edit Text dialog will open (Figure 10). This allows you to add notes,
comments or questions that you might have regarding a particular markup. Figure
11 shows how that Note appears in Design Review.
Figure 10 - Associating a Note with a
Markup
Figure 11 – Note from Revit
When you save your Revit project file, any changes to the
status of the DWF is automatically saved to the DWF file.
The great thing about using DWF files for processing markups
is that they are easily tracked and they markups are an overlay to the Revit
sheets. If you can get over the hump of marking up digitally, then using DWF
files can make your life easier.
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