MSF21377 The Optimal Revit to Fab Workflow Gabriel Hernandez Applied Software David Ronson Applied Software Learning Objectives Design to Fabrication workflows General modification of Fabrication parts Annotating Views and Construction Documents Export to Fabrication Description Revit to Fabrication is a fairly, new process and is currently being developed to help bridge the gap between Engineers and Detailers. The current workflow allows users to convert engineer s Revit design models into a fabrication model for detailers. Autodesk has also provided a workflow to convert existing Revit models systems families into Fabrication parts within the Revit environment. This process will teach the class how to bridge the gap between the engineer s and fabrication detailers. You will take full advantage of the native Revit capabilities, adding and modifying layouts. The best part is this entire process revolves around Autodesk products. You do not have to be in an unfamiliar workspace and learn how to make the transition from design to detailing. This session will feature Revit, CADmep, and the Autodesk Revit to Fabrication extension. Your AU Experts: David Ronson Fabrication Enthusiast David has spent the past five years supporting, training, and implementing the Fabrication products. During that time, he opened the Fabrication Groups on LinkedIn where he strives to bring likeminded professionals together for networking, product updates, and problem solving. David spent three years as a Database Administrator supporting 10-15 virtual construction modelers on multiple high-rise projects. He has since moved into a support roll where he is met daily with challenging product questions that require creative problem solving. Gabe Hernandez - Senior AEC Technical Advisor - Specializes in the MEP and Architectural products and provides training, implementation and product support services. Gabe is an expert in designing and implementing BIM processes and workflows. He is an Autodesk Certified Instructor and a Certified Product Support Professional. He has also achieved Autodesk Technical Sales Professional status in multiple categories. He previously worked for architectural firms and MEP consulting engineers on various project types and workflows. Page 1
Introduction Fabrication in Revit has not gone without its controversy. We will not focus on the controversy, but rather learn about the features we that can be taken advantage of in order to increase profits. Attendees will range from beginner to advanced Revit users. They will learn how to start a project, get Fabrication services into Revit, why fittings disappear when a configuration is reloaded, and best Revit practices and procedures. Attendees will also learn how to import/export fabrication parts, model using fabrication parts, annotate fabrication, and build a schedule for fabrication. Attendees will become more familiar with the unique aspects that Revit brings to fabrication (detailing) workflow. They can use Revit to design projects and convert design intent models to fabrication for estimating, detailing, and spooling with a better understanding of the fundamentals and concepts discussed. Automation of the documenting tools in Revit allows for a more streamlined process. Attendees will develop an initial level of comfort and confidence through learning terminology and handson experience. Tips! It s possible to Trim/Extend from a fabrication Item Tap to segment of duct to connect, as well as use the Trim/Extend branch duct to connect into the main trunk lines. The Align tools works to align centerlines of duct and fittings to make sure users have the best possible connections. Use the TAB key to select a single or entire system runs to convert to fabrication. If the MEP Fabrication Parts palette is visible, users can also click the Settings button to open the dialog. Use the Check Systems and Disconnects tools to review any disconnected systems. This should be done early on with design build models to see how well the models are connected. This will give you a chance to adjust to make a better conversion to CADmep. Schedules allow users to find issues with your services. Use the Highlight in model and conditional formatting formulas in fields to flag or highlight problematic areas. To create a riser, hold the CTRL key and press the SPACEBAR. When creating the riser, a user must place the part by itself in free space. Use the Show Service tool to quickly select the service and group while placing additional parts. To add insulation or lining to duct or pipe, in the Properties palette, under Mechanical, click the drop-down list for Insulation Specification. Show disconnect markers for connectors that are not currently connected. Press the SPACEBAR to flip the hanger to the other side of its host before placing it. Hangers are attached to the closest structure element. Structure categories include floor, roof, structure framing (such as beam or truss), stairs, and slabs. If no structure is available, Revit uses the default rod length as set in the ITM file definition. Be sure to turn (On) your MEP Fabrication Parts palette for your Route & Fill options to display. Page 2
Revit Fabrication Detailing Getting started with Fabrication Services This session will discuss the MEP fabrication detailing tools enhancements for Revit 2017. It will explain what information can be scheduled and utilized for the MEP fabrication parts. Follow this workflow to use Revit and create a model that reflects the fabrication intention and collaborate with construction detailers. Create a fabrication intent model in Revit or convert a design-intent model to a fabrication model in Revit. 1. Open (Revit MEP-Fab Model_17.rvt) to start this journey through optimizing the use of fabrication parts in Revit. Configure and Load Services Start by specifying a fabrication configuration and profile. Load your fabrication services and Connection Indicators. 1. Switch to the Systems tab > Fabrication panel > click, the Fabrication Services button. 2. In the Fabrication Settings dialog, select a fabrication configuration from the drop-down list of configurations. Some out of the box databases exist, but it s recommended to utilize your current database if available. (Revit MEP Imperial Content V2.0) Page 3
3. Select a configuration, and fabrication profile (Global) to view all services. 4. To add a service, select a service in the Unloaded services section. Highlight a service in the list on the left, and click the Add button to move it to the right Loaded services. 5. To update the services used in the current model click Reload Configuration, and add/remove services as needed. 6. Click OK when all Loaded services have been added to the project. The Fabrication parts palette should popup or populated with the services and parts. Place Fabrication Parts (Workflow 1) 1. In the MEP Fabrication Parts palette, select a service and group from the drop-down lists. 2. Click on a fabrication part button. 3. In the Group: drop-down list change groups to explore the different parts that are available in your configuration database. 4. Some parts buttons have multiple types. By selecting on the arrows to select from the list available for that part. If the button/icon are greyed out the part is not currently supported. 5. To select what size, length, offset and product information. In the properties palette, under Constraints set your Offset. 6. Under Dimensions in the properties palette, click Auto in the Length Options parameter cell. Change it to Value to specify a length that fits your layout. 7. Under Mechanical you can modify your Service and Edit parts. 8. Click Edit Part > the edit part viewer opens and give you options for dimensions and connectors. Page 4
Place Fabrication Hanger Supports 1. In the MEP Fabrication Parts palette, Group: > select Hangers from the drop-down lists the parts button changes to the available supports in your configuration. 2. Click on a hanger part type in your parts palette. 3. Hover over the centerline of a segment of duct or pipe or edge. Click to place the hanger. Use the <TAB> key to highlight and select to review its properties. 4. Select and place hangers on pipes by selecting a Round Hanger in the MEP parts palette. Note: You may need to change the diameter of a hanger support rod (bearer) when increasing load on the bearer. If your configuration contains a support hanger with multiple rod sizes you can now use them in Revit 2017.1 Convert Generic Parts to Fabrication services (Workflow 2) 1. In the Project Browser, Double click on Mechanical > HVAC > Floor Plans > HVAC Finish Floor. 2. Hover over the Supply Air ductwork at the bottom of this view. Use the <TAB> key to select the entire duct network. 3. In the Ribbon > Selection panel (green) click on the Filter button. 4. In the Filter dialog, Check None. Selecting ONLY Duct Fittings and Ducts. Click OK to finalize the selection. Page 5
5. In the Ribbon> Fabrication panel > click Design to Fabrication to convert the Revit system families into fabrication ITM parts. 6. In the Design to Fabrication dialog box select the service to use in the conversion. Ductwork: Supply Air 2wg and click OK to finish. 7. If an error pops up on the bottom right of your screen. Click on the X to dismiss for you to review in the plan view. 8. When the conversion finalizes, hit the <ESC> key or Cancel to deselect the duct network to continue to modify and adjust the layout. 9. Zoom into (Office 103) and notice the ductwork did not connect to the VAV Unit. 10. Click on the Straight and drag the connector away from the VAV Unit. 11. With the Straight still selected, Click, on the Route and Fill tool to add parts between the two open connectors as seen in the image below. Click Finish on screen or on the Ribbon. Page 6
Modify / Fix Fabrication conversion and layouts (Route & Fill tool) Select an Open fitting in your layout. You can then select Route and Fill tool to see what options are available to connect two open ends of your layouts. In Update 2017.1 you can now exclude auto-fill options. 1. In the Project Browser, Double click on Mechanical > HVAC > Floor Plans > HVAC - Finish Floor (Route_Fill Duct) view if you are not already in it. 2. Zoom into top right of the plan view to (Mech Room 100). 3. Click on a fitting and click, on the Route & Fill tool in the Ribbon. 4. To Fill in the gaps with Quick Connect, select an open connector that is offset or disconnected and misaligned with the connecting duct run. 5. Click on a fabrication part fitting and drag the connector to an open connector to quickly connect runs that are misaligned and disconnected. Annotate views to create CD s Users can use the same tools in Revit for annotating fabrication parts. Revit has been updated with new tags and schedules to tag and collect your fabrication parts data. Page 7
Tag All Not Tagged 1. Switch to the Annotation tab> and on the Tag panel (name) to Load Tags and Symbols. 2. In the Loaded Tags and Symbols dialog box, scroll down in the Category of elements to the MEP Fabrication category. 3. On the top right of the dialog box, click Load Family to load the out of the box tag. Annotation / Mechanical / Duct / Fabrication Duct -.rfa 4. Highlight Fabrication Duct Size Tag.rfa and click Open to load into our project. 5. Scroll back to MEP Fabrication Ductwork and confirm Fabrication Duct Size Tag is listing in the Loaded Tags area. 6. You can do this for Fabrication Containment, Pipework and Hangers**. 7. Click OK to finish loading all Fabrication parts tags. 8. In the Annotation tab> Tag panel> Click Tag All. Scroll down to MEP Fabrication Ductwork Tags and highlight. 9. Click Apply and OK to review tag placement. 10. Change the scale and/or modify and remove any tags not needed. Convert a design intent model into a fabrication intent model (Workflow 3) Export a fabrication job (.MAJ) from Revit and open it in an Autodesk Fabrication product. This process exports fabrication parts from Revit to Fabrication. 1. In the HVAC Finish Floor (Route_Fill Duct) view, press the <TAB> key to select the entire Return Air System. You can use a crossing window from right to left selecting every element in the view. Page 8
2. In the Ribbon on the Selection panel click on the Filter to filter out just the duct and duct fittings. 3. Click on Check None to just select Revit ductwork element 4. On the Add-ins tab, click RMEP to FAB panel select Store design elements. Once the Out button activates. 5. Save the (*.RIF) Revit Export File to the project for importing into your Fabrication CADmep software for Estimating, Manufacturing, Detailing your projects. 6. Open Fabrication CADmep, when prompted to select a configuration pick on the (Revit MEP Imperial Content v2.0) if available. Click OK to open CAD. 7. In Fabrication CADmep set your Service & Section window to a Ductwork (+2 in WG) 8. In the command line type (PROCESSRUN) and navigate to your class folder. Select the exported (*.RIF) file. (RVT_CADMEP.RIF). Click Open to import into CADmep. 9. In the Mappings - RevitProcessMappings.map dialog box. The services need to be configured. Page 9
10. In the Services tab make sure you set the Service Name (+2in WG) and Specification (+2WG). 11. Switch to the Fitting Ignores tab and change all Fitting/Ignore set to (Yes). 12. Click OK to import and convert the Revit model into CADmep. Page 10
Summary We have loaded a configuration and understand that if we have a custom database in place that is configured to your company standards this will make your workflow more streamline and efficient. The three workflow options are an essential part of understanding what direction you and your firm need to head in. Converting design build models from the engineer in the quickest workflow, but needs a good amount of rework to make your layouts correct. You can convert these models directly in Revit and make modifications prior to exporting to the current fabrication CAD products and workflow. Lastly, build the fabrication model within Revit and maintain the deliverable with an exchanged between CADmep and Revit to meet project requirements. What does the future have in store for Revit for Fabrication? Stay tuned and up to date on your subscriptions to find out. Page 11
Thanks for attending! If you have any questions or comments about this session contact me at ghernandez@asti.com; dronson@asti.com http://asti.com/ http://asti.com/news-events/blogs Follow us on: https://twitter.com/applied_sw https://www.facebook.com/appliedsoftwaretechnologyinc https://www.youtube.com/user/enceptiachannel/videos https://www.linkedin.com/company/applied-software http://asti.com/livelabcourses Page 12