© 2011 Autodesk

Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Fast Families for EngineersDavid ButtsBIM Specialist – Gannett Fleming

© 2011 Autodesk

Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Fast Families for Engineers

Getting Your Models Made FASTER!

Photo Courtesy of Gannett Fleming - Copyright 2011

© 2011 Autodesk

Class Summary

Let’s see how we create custom families in Revit MEP — and fast! You’ll gain understanding of the behavior of different engineering objects; you’ll learn the basics of creating custom content the most efficient way to save time and be consistent; you’ll learn how to add parameters for families and schedules; and you’ll review additional tools such as lookup tables, model review tools, and family guides.

© 2011 Autodesk

Learning Objectives

At the end of this class, you will be able to: Describe key family concepts for family types and categories Explain the four key starter concepts: reference planes, labels, solids, and

constraints Describe additional resources: lookup table review, Revit modeling guidelines,

shared parameter converter, and model review tools Assess when and how to use shared versus family parameters

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Class Rules

Class Format is LAB Style

Class Rules:

Set your phones to VibrateClass Participation is Required and RandomClass ID is MP2531-L

Now – let’s roll!

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Family Types and Categories

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Family Types and Categories

Two primary types of component families:

Non-Hosted – behaves like an AutoCAD block – placed anywhere, referenced to the level it’s placed on

Hosted – face-based family that associates with generic 3D faces, walls, ceilings, etc. – if the surface moves, the family moves

Our most common is NON-HOSTED – mechanical and electrical equipment, plumbing, light fixtures, etc.

Use hosted for electrical devices, data, communication etc.

All have to be defined by CATEGORY and PART TYPE

Category controls visibility, scheduling data, etc.

Part Type controls behavior (i.e. Electrical Panels)

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Family Types and Categories – Let’s see how this works…

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Four Starter Components – Reference Planes/Labels/Solids/Constraints

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Four Starter Components – Reference Planes/Labels/Solids/Constraints

These objects are the primary parts of parametric familiesCreating them in a repeatable and consistent sequence saves time!

- Place Reference Planes First!

- Next, add dimensions and labels to control the location of the reference planes

- Then add your solids, using the reference planes to control the shape and size

- And create additional constraints as needed to control how the solids are controlled by the planes

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Four Starter Components – Let’s see how this works…

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Shared Parameters vs. Family Parameters – When to Use

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Shared Parameters vs. Family Parameters

Two primary parameters for data used –

- Family parameters exist in the family itself, but can’t be used for schedules or tags- Shared parameters are defined in an external text file, and are added to families – can be used in schedules and tags

- Once a shared parameter is added to a family or project, it’s part of that item – no link is maintained to the shared parameters text file

- Use family parameters for items like dimensional parameters- Used shared parameters for any data you want to expose to schedules (i.e. voltage, number of poles, fluid flow)

- Make sure all of your families use the SAME shared parameters!

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Shared Parameters vs. Family Parameters – Let’s see how this works…

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Lookup Tables / Model Guidelines / Shared Parameter Convertor / Model Review

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Lookup Tables

- Lookup tables are used with parts that have large numbers of size combinations and options

- Piping/Duct/Conduit/Cable Tray all use .CSV tables that can be edited with Excel- Type Catalogs use .TXT tables that let a user pick through specific component

family sizes and load only what they need

- Lookup Tables for fittings are stored in the Lookup Tables folder under your content location

- Text File type catalogs are stored in the same folder as the part you define

- Both have to be in the right location before they can be used

- Parameters in the family must be spelled and case-matched to the parameter in the lookup table or type catalog -

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Lookup Tables – Let’s review an example…

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Revit Model Guidelines

- Published in 2009 by Autodesk, to help provide guidelines for the creation of families and content for Revit

- Great Planning resource to help you develop and maintain your standards for data- Includes spreadsheets listing default program parameters and parameters provided in shared parameter text files

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Revit Model Guidelines Shared Parameters File – Let’s review an example…

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Exporting Shared/Project Parameters

- Subscription Extension Program that helps you add parameters to your models- Works with your shared parameters file – copy/add to multiple files at once- Can replace family parameter with shared parameter- Family to Shared Parameters must be the same name, type and format in order to be updated or added to your models

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Exporting Shared Parameters – Let’s see how this works…

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Model Review – to Check your Data!

- Subscription Extension Program that helps you check your models and make sure the data is present, accounted for and correct!

- Customizable – create your reports or use the default checks- Use to test for items that can affect loads, sizing, and more

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Model Review – Let’s Review an Example…

© 2011 Autodesk

One more note – Check out Inventor Fusion

- Available from Autodesk Labs - http://labs.autodesk.com/technologies/fusion/- Available until May 1, 2012- Helps you work with and edit a variety of model format files, including .SAT, .STL, .IGES and more

- Leverage models you may have developed in the past to use in Revit

© 2011 Autodesk

Autodesk University Session Feedback

Your feedback is very important to Autodesk.

You can complete the session survey on your mobile device, PC, or at a survey station.

This Session ID is MP2531-L! Each completed session survey enters you in that day’s

drawing for a free AU 2012 pass. You can help make AU 2012 better!

Complete the AU Conference Survey at a survey station and receive an AU 2011 T-Shirt.

© 2011 Autodesk

Autodesk, AutoCAD* [*if/when mentioned in the pertinent material, followed by an alphabetical list of all other trademarks mentioned in the material] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2011 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.