Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Systems? Filters? Layouts? I …aucache.autodesk.com/au2011/sessions/3726/lab_handouts/v1_MP372… · Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Systems? Filters? Layouts? I

Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Systems? Filters? Layouts?

I Need Help!

David Butts – Gannett Fleming

MP3726-L

Autodesk Revit MEP 2012 fine-tuned the use of systems so life is easier for the designer and user—but

how do I tell what I should be using versus the way I used to do it? In this hands-on lab, we will look at the

new systems tools. You will learn how to create custom ones, how systems are created during layout,

how filters fit into the new system, and how to check for errors. While the class will focus on HVAC and

piping, there is a lot to learn here for electrical users too. Get your hands on this new process and make

your Revit MEP work for you!

Learning Objectives

At the end of this class, you will be able to:

• Create and modify engineering systems

• Explain how filters apply in this new environment and how to apply them to views and schedules

• Use the system checking tools to catch missed connections

• Assess when to define systems and determine whether to connect equipment or use element

layout

About the Speaker

David is an energetic, highly motivated BIM specialist with Gannett Fleming, a large engineering and

architectural firm based in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. His Autodesk® product expertise extends to Revit®

MEP, AutoCAD® MEP, Revit Architecture, AutoCAD Architecture, Navisworks®, Green Building Studio®,

Plant 3D and more. David's responsibilities include managing the implementation of BIM for the

engineering aspects of the firm, providing training, customization, and programming for the Autodesk

MEP product lines. He also works as BIM manager for several projects (including water and wastewater

treatment, transit, and pharmaceutical), and has also worked as a project manager for Autodesk-related

specialty projects. Prior to joining Gannett Fleming, David worked in the Autodesk reseller channel as a

training manager and applications engineer for the Autodesk building design and construction product

line. He is based in the firm's Raleigh, North Carolina, office and has been speaking at AU for many

years.

Email: [email protected]

Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Systems? Filters? Layouts? I Need Help!

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Introduction

Revit MEP 2012 represents a major step in the right direction for Autodesk. It gives the designer more

control over the creation of modeled components, and makes the creation of project views much easier.

One of the more powerful tools are the new systems types – but there’s a lot more to systems than just

controlling the color of objects in a view. In this lab, we’re going to review the systems process in Revit

MEP projects – and help you get the most out of these tools.

Creating and Modifying Systems

In previous releases of Revit MEP, and at classes taught over the past several years, we focused on

teaching users a four-step process for approaching projects. The steps are:

1. Add Equipment – the targets and sources that define a system;

2. Define the System – creating the system that connects the equipment together;

3. Add the connecting geometry;

4. Annotating views for construction documents.

The logic in this approach was to create a consistent, repeatable method of approaching work. The

second step, defining the system, was the one task we never had to do in plain AutoCAD or AutoCAD

MEP. It wasn’t needed, since we were manually drafting lines.

The system is what links the sources – end of line equipment that provide air, fluid and power – to the

targets – the other end of the line. The other end of the line equipment, such as air terminals, motors,

sinks, and more, are what was used to define the system – so these items had to be in place first.

But, in a lot of projects, things simply don’t go this wall all the time. You may have the source equipment

placed, but are still coordinating items located in a ceiling - so defining systems becomes more difficult. In

our office, we didn’t even focus on systems, since a lot of ours were completely open – for example a

pipe entering the building would simply terminate into a basin. It would have inline accessories such as a

valve, but those items don’t define systems.

So, Autodesk revised how systems worked, and added features that made the tools easier to use. We’re

going to start by looking at how systems are defined, and learn the difference between system

classifications and system types.

1. Begin by opening the project file, 3726-1.rvt.

2. Once the file is open, go to the Families section of the project browser – expand the pipe systems

area:


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3. Since this project was started from the

it’s a good place to start with your template. Note that there are several examples of systems

listed. Double-click on the Hydronic Supply

Systems? Filters? Layouts? I Need Help!

Since this project was started from the Systems-Default template that ships with Revit MEP 2012,


Hydronic Supply system first, to open it up:

template that ships with Revit MEP 2012,



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4. There are several parts to a system:

• Graphic overrides, which control how pipe systems appear in a view;

• Materials, which control the rendering material for the system;

• In the case of piping, mechanical settings cover calculations, system classification and

fluid settings;

• Identity data covers abbreviations, type comments, URL’s and descriptions that apply to

every pipe component belonging to the system;

• And rise/drop symbols, for single and double line pipe display in views.

We’ll start by talking about the differences between a system classification and the system type.

The system classification represents the method used in previous releases to group pipe, and to

define the behavior of a pipe connector in a family. These settings were hard-coded into Revit

MEP (as they are now), because the classification also determines how a pipe would be sized.

The classifications are still here – and you still have to set them at the pipe connector – but 2012

includes this new system type, which gives you control over the items covered above.

Here’s a list of the current pipe system classifications:

- Hydronic Supply (for HVAC supply piping)

- Hydronic Return (for HVAC return piping)

- Domestic Cold Water (for plumbing)

- Domestic Hot Water (for plumbing)

- Sanitary (for plumbing waste)

- Vent (for plumbing vent)

- Fire Protection Wet

- Fire Protection Dry

- Fire Protection Pre-action

- Fire Protection Other

- Other

The system classification also determines whether or not a user can perform calculations – for

example, the hydronic and domestic systems allow for all calculations, but the others allow for

flow only or none, depending on the classification. The main purpose of the system type is to

control how things look.

5. Since the hydronic system isn’t specific enough, let’s use it to make a more defined system. From

the type properties dialog, make sure Hydronic Supply is selected – pick duplicate:


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6. Create a new system named Chilled Water Supply.

7. Next, go to the Edit icon for the graphics overrides – select it:

When the line graphics dialog appears, pick the No Override icon for the color – pick a nice shade

of blue, then pick OK twice to exit out of both dialogs.

8. The Chilled Water Supply system is now ready to use. Select OK to close the type properties.

9. Next up – let’s place a pipe and connect it to the pumps. From the home tab, select the pipe tool:


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10. Outside of the building, to the left of the double doors on the front, select a point to start the pipe:

11. Before taking another click, review the options bar – we want the pipe diameter to be 10”, and the

offset 9’. Review the properties palette – make sure the Carbon Steel Flanged type is current.

Also note the system classification and system type – both a grayed out at this point:

12. Pull your mouse straight up until you’re aligned with the center of the last pump – pick that point:


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13. On the options bar, change the pipe size to 8” – then move across the pump to the top connector

(the supply connector):

14. Select that point, and the pipe will connect to the pump (and notice how the elbow and reducer

are placed, all nice and pretty). Select Modify to complete the command.


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15. The connection was made, with no problems, because the system classification was the same for

the pipe and the connector on the pump. If you select a connector that belongs to another

system, it will let you make the connection, but give you a warning (so go back and pick the right

connector).

16. Since you’re out of the command, go back and pick one of the pipes:

17. Notice the system type is available for editing – change it to the Chilled Water Supply:


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18. The pipe has now changed color, based on the change we made to the graphic overrides. This

step is much simpler than what we had to do in previous releases.

The same action applies to duct work. Let’s create a new duct system, then apply it to ductwork.

19. From the project browser, go to the duct systems section – expand it to see the examples:

20. Double click on supply air – when the type properties dialog opens, select Duplicate. Create a

new system named Makeup Air.


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21. Pick the edit icon for the graphic overrides


graphic overrides – change the color to cyan:


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22. For the abbreviation, type in MKUP:

23. Select OK to close the dialog. Next, pick the supply air fan in the tank room:

24. In 2012, Autodesk added a graphic representation for the grip, to help you see what system

classification is – so the crossed box is supply air. Similar icons appear for exhaust and return.

Right click on the supply air icon, and choose Draw Duct:


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25. The duct will appear – change the offset to 11’, and check the duct type in properties – it should

be Rectangular Duct, with Mitered Elbows and Tees:

26. Pick the second point to place the duct. Select Modify to complete the command, and select the

duct you just placed:

27. Change the system type to Makeup Air, and note the change to the color:

You can see how the duct system behaves the same way as the pipe.


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The system can do more than help color the pipe and duct. Let’s check out the system browser to

see if the analytical system is correctly defined.

28. From the View tab, go to the User Interface panel – check the box for the System Browser:

29. The system browser displays how items are connected in a project. At the top, make sure View is

set to Systems, and the discipline is set to Piping:

30. Items are grouped into two categories – unassigned and assigned. If an item is assigned to a

system, it shows up under the discipline. Select the chilled water supply system:


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The system is highlighted in the view – so this system is correctly defined. In previous releases,

you have to pick a target (such as a pump, light or air terminal) to define a system, and then

select the objects you want to be part of the system. The pipe routing took care of this for us,

saving production time.

31. You can still define systems, even if there’s no connecting geometry. Pick the pump that’s already

in the system – on the ribbon, select the Piping Systems tab:

32. The system is already named, with a 1 added – the numbers are added incrementally, but can be

changed as needed. Select the Edit System tool on the ribbon, and then select the rest of the

pumps:


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33. Select Finish Editing System to complete the command:


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The remaining pumps have been moved from the Unassigned area to the Chilled Water Supply 1

system – but only the Hydronic Supply Connection portion of the pump. The return part of the

system will remain unassigned until they have pipe connected, or are manually added to a

system.

So that’s how a system works in Revit. Circuits are similar to air and water systems, with the exception

being that you don’t need to define system types, but the behavior is the same.

Working with Filters

There are two types of filters in Revit – view filters and schedule filters. Each one is used to narrow down

the selection and behavior of objects. View Filters can override the graphic display of objects in 2D or 3D

views, and control the visibility of elements that have common properties. Schedule filters limit what data

is shown in a schedule.

In this exercise, we’re going to focus on defining filters as they relate to views.

1. You can start from the project, 3726-2, or continue with your current project. From the View tab,

select the Filters tool:

2. Select the New icon at the bottom left of the dialog:


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3. For the filter name, type in Chilled Water Supply

pipes, pipe fittings and pipe accessories

the rule to Begins with, and then type in the name

4. Select OK to complete the filter. To apply the filter, type in

the view. Select the Filters tab:


Chilled Water Supply. In the categories section of the dialog, choose

pipe accessories, and then set the filter rules to use System Name

, and then type in the name Chilled Water Supply.

to complete the filter. To apply the filter, type in VG to open the Visibility Graphics in

tab:

section of the dialog, choose

System Name. Set

to open the Visibility Graphics in


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5. Select Add to apply the filter to the view:

6. Select the Chilled Water Supply filter, and then pick OK. You can also add filters from this dialog

as well – select the Edit/New icon to add another filter:

7. Create another new filter – name this one Other, and apply it to pipes, pipe fittings and pipe

accessories. Set the filter rules to system classification, and choose Equals for the rule. Type in

Other for the system classification name:


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8. Select OK to exit the dialog. Choose

9. The order of the filters also sets priority, so select the

at the top of the list:

10. Move Other up to just below

11. Now that you’re back in the view, note how the pipe and fittings are now set to the color of the

filter – in most cases, filter overrides


to exit the dialog. Choose Add, and then select the Other filter.

The order of the filters also sets priority, so select the Chilled Water Supply filter. Pick

up to just below Chilled Water Supply, and then select OK to close the dialog.

in the view, note how the pipe and fittings are now set to the color of the

overrides system type:

filter. Pick Up until it is

to close the dialog.

in the view, note how the pipe and fittings are now set to the color of the


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12. Zoom into the lower right corner of the building where three feed pumps are located:

13. Select one of the pumps, right click and then pick draw pipe. Set the offset to 9’ to place a riser,

and select the PVC pipe type.

14. Pick a point to place the pipe, and then pick modify. Notice how the pipe picks up the information

in the connector. If the connector is set to a specific system classification, then that’s what used

to define the pipe system. If the connection is set to global, it selects the last system placed.


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15. Select the system type – the system type will only be applied to items of the same classification,

so you’d have to define other system types in order to apply them to this pipe.

16. Go back to Visibility Graphics for the view – go to the Filter tab, and uncheck Other. Select OK to

close the dialog:

While the overall setting for pipes and fittings is to be visible, the filter also allows you to turn on

or off any systems you don’t want to display.

17. Let’s do a filter for the electrical users – switch to the 1 - Power plan view. Type in VG for the

view, and go to the Filters tab:


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18. This view already has a filter applied

tool, and review the settings:

19. Let’s make the high voltage panels have a solid fill. Pick the

Duplicate. Rename the new filter


This view already has a filter applied – so let’s look at how this is defined. Select the

tool, and review the settings:

Let’s make the high voltage panels have a solid fill. Pick the 120V Panels filter, and the pick

w filter 277V Panels. Change the filter rule so the option is set to

so let’s look at how this is defined. Select the edit/new

filter, and the pick

. Change the filter rule so the option is set to HP:


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20. Select OK. On filters tab, select

Red, and the pattern to solid:

Select OK, and exit the dialog.

21. The panel has to be modified so the filter will be applied. Select the high voltage panel shown,

and change the Panel Name


. On filters tab, select Add, and pick the 277 Panels filter. Set the Pattern

solid:

, and exit the dialog.

The panel has to be modified so the filter will be applied. Select the high voltage panel shown,

Panel Name to HP1:

Pattern to the color

The panel has to be modified so the filter will be applied. Select the high voltage panel shown,


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22. Select Apply. The panel will now be filled with a red solid pattern.

Filters are the highest form of view control. They can be applied to everything in a view or model, and

they override any other view settings, controlling color, line pattern, lineweight, visibility and more.

BONUS TRACK

Don’t let all this work setting up how you want the views to look go to waste. Save your changes to a View

Template, and apply them to new views. The best place to build view template is in your project template,

but we can transfer the ones we create here as needed.

1. Start by setting the 1 – Mech view current. In the Project Browser, right click on the 1 – Mech

view, and choose Create View Template from View:


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2. Name the new view template

3. Select the edit icon for V/G Overrides Filters


template Plan – Process. The View Template dialog will appear:

V/G Overrides Filters:

dialog will appear:


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4. Notice how the settings we applied for

the dialog. You can now right click on any view, and apply the view template to use the same V/G

settings.

One tip – you can turn and off features that are applied when the view template is set to

uncheck view range, since you may not want the template to set view depth automatically

might be mixed.

Using the System Check Tools

Here’s a real quick exercise that helps you make sure you have items connected correctly to

1. Go to the 1-Mech view in your current project.

2. Select the Analyze tab. Pick the


Notice how the settings we applied for the view are now set into this template. Select

You can now right click on any view, and apply the view template to use the same V/G

you can turn and off features that are applied when the view template is set to

uncheck view range, since you may not want the template to set view depth automatically

Using the System Check Tools

Here’s a real quick exercise that helps you make sure you have items connected correctly to

view in your current project.

Pick the Show Disconnects tool:

the view are now set into this template. Select OK to exit

You can now right click on any view, and apply the view template to use the same V/G

you can turn and off features that are applied when the view template is set to a view. I

uncheck view range, since you may not want the template to set view depth automatically – the results

Here’s a real quick exercise that helps you make sure you have items connected correctly to systems.


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3. You can select any one or more of the following items:

4. Select Duct and Pipe for this view. Select


You can select any one or more of the following items:

for this view. Select OK to continue.


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5. Everywhere an item has an open connection, or is not properly connected, will display a yellow

marker. To see what the problem is, and how to fix it, move your mouse over a marker and select

it:

The warning is displayed, describing the problem. In this case, you either need to add more duct,

an endcap, or a diffuser, to eliminate the error.

This comes in handy when you’re getting ready to size duct – since duct systems can’t be sized

with open connections, you’ll need to resolve all warnings first. Return to the Show Disconnects

tool, and uncheck all options.

6. Next up, pick the Check Pipe Systems tool from the Analyze tab:


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This focuses strictly on piping systems. Pick the warning at the center of the pumps:

This shows a system error – where the pipe may be going in the wrong direction, so you’ll need to

fix this before sizing pipe.

The system check tools help you locate and correct errors on duct, pipe, circuits, conduit and cable tray –

and let you use even more tools in the Revit MEP toolbox.


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Assessing the Use of Systems in a Project

For the last part of this lab, we’ll look at another way to use systems in our project. Defining systems

before you added connecting pipe and duct was the practice prior to the 2012 release. As we’ve seen

system types, it’s not hard to assign systems, but we can also define the systems first. Once they are

assigned, we can use them to create out duct, pipe and wiring layouts for us.

Let’s look a couple of examples. Start by opening the 1 – Power view in your current project.

1. Zoom into the Mechanical room area:

2. Select all of the receptacles in the room:

3. Pick the Power tool on the Create Systems panel, from the Modify Electrical Fixtures tab:


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4. The receptacles are all connected to the same circuit – from the Modify Electrical Circuits tab,

choose the Select Panel tool:

5. From the options bar, pick the Panel tool and select panel LP1:

6. The view now shows the devices that are connected – and it looks a lot like a wiring layout.

Select the arc grip in the view:


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7. The wiring is now added – and now you can see how defining a system or circuit first can help

you add connecting geometry.

Let’s try this with piping and define a new layout

8. Go to the 1 – Mech view. Select the two feed pumps on the right, since we didn’t add a pipe to

those:

9. Select the Piping tool on the

Chemical Feed 2, and check the box for


and now you can see how defining a system or circuit first can help

you add connecting geometry.

and define a new layout.

view. Select the two feed pumps on the right, since we didn’t add a pipe to

tool on the Create Systems panel. When the dialog appears, name the system

, and check the box for Open in System Editor:

and now you can see how defining a system or circuit first can help

view. Select the two feed pumps on the right, since we didn’t add a pipe to

panel. When the dialog appears, name the system


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10. Select Connector 1 for the Liquid In

selected in the system):

11. From the Edit Piping System

12. Select the tank on the right:


Liquid In connection on both pumps (you have to do this for each

ystem tab, make sure the Add to System icon is highlighted:

Select the tank on the right:

onnection on both pumps (you have to do this for each item

con is highlighted:


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13. Select the Liquid In Connection, and the tank is now part of the system. Select Finish Editing

System to complete the task.

14. Next, place your mouse over one of the pumps in the new system – don’t select it, but press the

tab key. The system will be highlighted:

15. Left click to select the system. From the Modify Piping systems tab, select the Generate Layout

tool.

16. A preliminary layout tool will appear. The blue line indicates the main run of piping, and the green

line represents the branch. But we’re not ready yet – select the Settings tool on the ribbon:


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17. Change the offset elevation for the main and branch to 13’, and make sure the pipe type is set to

PVC:

18. Select OK – now you can cycle through the different layout options. Right now there are 5 for the

network solution type:

19. Select the Finish Layout tool. You may not see the new pipe – remember, we turned off the piping

that belongs to the Other system classification – so go to VG, the filters tab, and check the box for

other so they can be seen. You can also go to the 3D view as well and see the pipe:


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In this case, we leveraged the system we defined to help us draw the pipe. I don’t recommend using the

automatic layout tools all the time, but for most simple layouts – as this was – it’s a pretty fast tool for

doing the job. Another advantage is that this method properly makes all connections – so it’s possible to

use the pipe sizing tool on this system.

As long as you check the parameters (such as the pipe settings), review the locations of the connections,

and do a quick review to make sure the program can do what you’re telling it, then this method can help

out your production – but it’s just like anything else in Revit. If you try to tell it to do something it can’t,

then this won’t work.


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Conclusion

While systems have been around for a little while, Autodesk continues to improve this tool. The system

adds more detail and design consistency to the model, and helps users and owners understand how

equipment is tied together. Take the time to define your systems – you’ll be glad you did!

For more tips and trick, refer to my blog, The MEP CAD Engineer, at http://mep-cad.blogspot.com.

Thanks for attending!

Documents

Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Systems? Filters? Layouts? I …aucache.autodesk.com/au2011/sessions/3726/lab_handouts/v1_MP372… · Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Systems? Filters? Layouts? I