Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. No distribution allowed without express authorization. SECTION. Create the Building Model

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1 SECTION II Create the Building Model

2 The first step toward reaping the benefits of Building Information Modeling is to construct a virtual building model in the software. This will often begin with a model from your Architect. Ideally the Architect will be working in Revit and will provide a Revit Architecture model complete with walls, floor, roofs, and other architectural elements. This section begins with an exploration of how to take such models and prepare them for use in your projects. We will explore the tools that Revit MEP offers for performing energy analysis on the building, and then over the course of several chapters we will begin adding the various systems required by a typical commercial office building project. The concepts discussed are not limited to this type of building only however, so at the completion of the topics in this section, you should have a very good feel for the potential that Revit MEP has to offer. Section II is organized as follows: Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup Chapter 4 Energy Analysis Chapter 5 Mechanical Systems Chapter 6 Piping Systems Chapter 7 Electrical Systems

3 CHAPTER 3 Basic Project Setup INTRODUCTION In this chapter, we will explore the common steps to setting up a project in Revit MEP (RMEP). There are two main workflows that may be implemented. The first is to include all model information in a single RVT file. This would include all architecture, structure, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing/piping. The other approach is to separate the single model into more than one model and then link the various models to one another for coordination of effort. Although the single-model approach is possible in Revit, performance issues can occur based on the overall size of the single model which will often render this approach impractical. Before making the final decision, the project team should consider the overall size of the project, the complexity of the team, and other related factors in an effort to determine if a single model is a viable solution. A single model is certainly the most straight forward approach and enables the greatest amount of functionality. However, in addition to file size considerations, project teams are rarely contained in a single firm or physical office. In many cases the MEP design team is a separate firm working as a consultant for the architectural firm. While current Internet and VPN technologies do make it possible to share files and servers among separate physical office locations, in most cases it is still not practical. As a result, most firms rely on the second method and use file linking to link Architecture and Structure models into their MEP models, and vice versa. As such, the focus of this chapter is on configuring an MEP project model to suit the linked file workflow. In the linked model workflow, the MEP user receives one or more architectural models for a project. For each architectural model, one or more linked MEP project models are created. In this chapter, you will learn the basic steps of setting up one such project model. At the time of this writing, Autodesk had just released the new Revit Server technology. This new extension to Revit is available to Revit subscription customers. The tool is designed to make sharing Revit projects over a WAN more practical by addressing many of the typical latency issues. This new technology offers exciting potential to address one of the most significant problems facing distributed project teams today. You are encouraged to visit Autodesk.com to learn more. You can find out more here: servlet/ps/dl/item?siteid=123112&id= &linkid= &cmp=otc-rsssup01 or simply visit Autodesk.com and search for Revit Server. Please note that to configure a Revit Server you require Windows Server 2008 OS or higher. NOTE 69

4 70 Section II Create the Building Model OBJECTIVES The workflow presented in this chapter assumes that the architect provides a worksetenabled file for the MEP team to link into their own project model. This is the most common current workflow in practice today. Learn how to open and process an architectural model Link an architectural model to a host MEP model. Configure an MEP model with links, levels and views Understand how to enable worksets Understand how to use Copy/Monitor to copy fixtures Set up project sheets PREPARING THE ARCHITECTURE MODEL This chapter will focus on a workflow where the MEP user receives a Revit architectural model file. In many cases, the architectural model will be a workset-enabled file, and, will have a reference to its original path. Your first step will be to detach the architectural workset-enabled file from its stored central path. Otherwise, the architectural model retains its original path and can cause the file to not load as a reference into your MEP model in some cases. Thus, it is advised that you open the architectural model and select the Detach from Central option. Then, resave the architectural model as a new central file. This will set the central file path for the architectural model to be on your local network or local machine, avoiding pathing problems. You will want to repeat this procedure to detach the architectural model and save it as a new central each time you get an updated background model, be it an architectural model or a structural model. It is incorrect to assume that the architect is sending you a detached model. The reason is that once a file is detached, and resaved, it becomes a new central file in the new save location. Thus, it is important that you detach the model and save it in a location from where you intend using the model as a reference. Install the Dataset Files and Open a Project The lessons that follow require the dataset included on the Aubin Academy Mastering Series Student companion. If you have already installed all of the files from this site, skip to step 3 to begin. If you need to install the files, start at step If you have not already done so, download the dataset files located on the CengageBrain website. Refer to Accessing the Student Companion site from CengageBrain in the Preface for information on installing the dataset files included in the Student Companion. 2. Launch Autodesk Revit MEP from the icon on your desktop or from the Autodesk > Autodesk Revit MEP 2011 group in All Programs on the Windows Start menu. TIP In Windows 7 or Vista, you can click the Start button and then begin typing Revit in the Start Search field. After a couple letters, Revit MEP should appear near the top of the list. Click it to launch the program. 3. On the QAT, click the Open icon.

5 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 71 The keyboard shortcut for Open is CTRL þ O. Open is also located on the Application menu. TIP In the Open dialog box, click the My Computer icon on the left side. Double-click on Local Disk (C:). Double-click on the MasterRME 2011 folder and then the Chapter03 folder. 4. Select (do not double-click) the Commercial-Arch.rvt file. 5. Check the Detach from Central option (see Figure 3.1). When you check this box, the message shown on the right side of Figure 3.1 will appear. You will not be syncing any changes with the architectural model; you will eventually be creating your own MEP model in which all your work will take place. Click Yes. FIGURE 3.1 Detach file from Central message If the Detach from Central option is disabled in a file you receive, then the architectural model is not workshare enabled. You can simply link it without the saving as central process. 6. Click Open. If you receive the Project Upgrade notification (see Figure 3.2), you should check with your extended project team to verify that the version of Revit you are using will be acceptable to the rest of the design team. For the purposes of this tutorial, the project files are all already Revit version 2011, so you will not see this message. NOTE If the entire project team is not working in the same version of Revit this could create problems when exchanging model files for project coordination. For example, if the architect is using an older version, it is possible for the MEP to use a newer version, however, the architect won t be able to reference back in the MEP s newer version model into their older version software. Similarly, if you are using an older version of the software than the architect, you will not be able to open/link their models. It is highly recommended that all members of the extended project team use the same version of Revit to avoid such issues. NOTE

6 72 Section II Create the Building Model FIGURE 3.2 A Project Upgrade message will appear if the file you are opening was saved in an older version of Revit When the architectural model opens, an Unsolved References message will appear (see Figure 3.3). This message is alerting you that other linked Revit models and/or CAD files are not available. This could be the cause for several considerations: Find out from the architect if you need the missing files. Obtain additional linked Revit models such as the structural engineer s model to link into your project. There may be unneeded linked CAD files that you can remove to reduce the overall file size of the linked model(s). FIGURE 3.3 The Unresolved references dialog will appear when linked files are missing during opening The Unresolved References dialog has two options: you can open the Manage Links dialog to fix the problem or simply ignore it; deferring the issue to next time. 7. In the Unresolved References dialog that appears, click the Open Manage Links to correct the problem option. Click the Revit tab (see Figure 3.4). The architectural model is dependent on two additional models: a Site model and a Structure model. The status column indicates that these models are not found. In some cases you may be able to ignore the missing file(s); check with the Architect to be sure. The Architect should be able to help you determine if there are any linked files that you need, and to find out if there are any that are unnecessary for your scope of work. If you need the files (perhaps they include important contextual information), be sure to get a copy from the Architect and place them in an appropriate folder on your network. Then use the Reload From button to point to the location on your local server.

7 In addition to the path status, also note that the Reference Type is currently set to: Overlay. When a link is overlaid, it only loads into the link it is directly attached to. Take for instance that we will have an MEP model that links in the Architectural model. Since the Site is overlaid in the Architectural model, the overlaid Site/Structure in the Architectural model will not load into the MEP model. If you need the Site/Structure models loaded into the MEP model, you can create a new link and link them directly into the MEP model, or you can change the Reference Type to Attach. Attach reference types link to all the nested references. Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 73 FIGURE 3.4 Two linked Revit files are not loaded. Keep in mind that each linked file may also need to be processed in a fashion similar to the process we have outlined here for the Architectural model (detach from central, upgrade, and save as). Therefore, you might need to perform the steps outlined here on the linked file(s) first before you can update the link paths in the architectural model. Should such preparations be required on the link file(s), simply click OK in the Manage Links dialog to postpone any action on the link path. Open the link file in Revit following the steps outlined above. Once you have completed the required steps on any linked files, return to the Manage Links dialog and fix the paths in the architectural model. Be sure to check with your Architect before processing nested links like these. You may decide that they are not needed for the MEP work to proceed. If you receive a warning telling you that permission to edit the element cannot be granted, this means that you did not choose the Detach from Central checkbox prior to opening the file. Cancel the command, close the file and start the exercise again being sure to Detach from Central. NOTE PURGING THE ARCHITECTURAL MODEL Removing unreferenced families and unneeded CAD data from the architectural Revit model can reduce its file size, and subsequently improve file open times.

8 74 Section II Create the Building Model Many architectural Revit models will contain dozens of CAD files. Many will not be needed for your MEP tasks. For the purposes of this tutorial, a single CAD file link appears in the Manage Links dialog. After a call to the Architect, where we asked them to send us a copy of the missing CAD file, it is determined that we do not need this file for our work. So instead, we will remove the link in our copy of the Architect s model. 1. On the Insert tab, on the Link panel, click the Manage Links button. The CAD Formats tab appears first. Select the Partitions.dwg file (click right on its name) and then click the Remove button. Click OK to dismiss the Manage Links dialog. NOTE Even if the linked CAD files were not sent with the.rvt file, an image is cached within the views where they are visible, thereby contributing to the overall file size. You should find out from the Architect if there is any linked CAD files that will be necessary for you to work with. In some cases, the Architect may be working with a hybrid workflow. For example, if they are working with a consultant that is providing furniture or equipment layout plans in AutoCAD, and linking to their model for reference, it may be important for you to keep such CAD files available for use in your view for lighting air terminal layout. 2. On the Manage tab, on the Settings panel, click the Purge Unused button. By default, all unreferenced Families are selected to be purged. The number of checked items that will be purged is reported at the bottom of the window (see Figure 3.5). You can uncheck Families that you don t want to have purged if desired. For example, you may want to uncheck any titleblock Families (under the Annotation node) that you may need later. (See the Copying Titleblocks topic below for more information). You will need to complete these steps for each model you receive and wish to use as a link within your MEP model. This procedure is recommended each time you receive an updated background project. FIGURE 3.5 The purge unused window indicates the number of Families/Types that are checked and will be purged NOTE The process outlined here is representative of standard best-practices. Your firm may have a policy/procedure for how to process files from Architects and other collaborators. Typically the steps will be similar to the ones covered here. Furthermore, it is common to retain the originally transmitted architectural model, and perform the processing steps on copies of the original files. Be sure to check with your CAD/BIM Manager for the specifics of your office s procedures. 3. From the Application menu, choose Save As > Project. In the bottom right corner of the dialog, click the Options button.

9 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 75 Verify that the Make a Central File after save checkbox is selected, and then click OK (see Figure 3.6). This will reset the central file path on the file to your server (instead of the Architect s) and ensure that it will properly resolve as a reference in the MEP model we will create. FIGURE 3.6 Save the file as a new Central File Leave the file name set to Commercial Arch and be sure you are working in the Chapter03 folder and then click Save. 4. From the Application menu, choose Close. CREATING A NEW PROJECT Templates are used to establish a common starting point for a variety of settings and content. For example, default duct, pipe, conduit, and cable tray fittings are loaded into the template. MEP specific settings, such as available sizes for duct, pipe, conduit, and cable tray are defined in the template. Tags and other annotation elements are preloaded into the template. Thus, it is important to start with a proper template when beginning a project. There are several templates that ship with Revit MEP, by default these are installed to the C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RME 2011\Imperial Templates folder. Revit project file templates have an RTE file extension. As we progress through this book, we will assume you are using the Systems-Default.rte template that ships with the product. We will be making a variety of changes and settings to the project as we go, and when we finish, you may want to use the resulting project file as the basis of your company standard template. 1. From the Application menu, choose: New. Project. For this exercise, be sure to use the Application menu to create a new file. If you click the New link on the Recent Files screen, Revit will not show the New Project dialog. Since we want to be sure that we use the Systems-Default.rte template, use the Application menu to ensure that the New Project dialog displays. NOTE

10 76 Section II Create the Building Model In the New Project dialog, click the Browse button to choose a template. Select the Systems-Default.rte file, and then click Open. TIP You can define the default template in the Options dialog (Application menu) on the File Locations tab. The setting is stored in the Revit.ini file. Some firms maintain separate Mechanical and Electrical central files, and as such, there are separate templates provided for each. The Systems-Default template contains settings and views for both mechanical and electrical. 2. Verify the Create new Project option is selected, and then click OK. From the Application menu, choose: Save As. Project. Browse to the Chapter03 folder. Type the name: MEP Commercial and then click Save. The default template contains a number of predefined plan and elevation views. However, since we will be utilizing a linked architectural Revit model as the basis of our project, the predefined levels and associated views are not necessary. As such, we will first delete the levels, which will also delete the associated views. Some firms opt to predefine plan views within their template. Note that in doing so you will not want to delete the levels that are in the template, as this will also delete the associated views. If you opt to utilize predefined levels and views, you will need to associate the predefined levels with the levels in the linked architectural model. However this procedure is not covered in this text. Utilizing View Templates makes it quick and easy to define discipline-specific views. Since you never know how many levels you will need, or what elevation they will be, utilizing the following workflow ensures a consistent method by which all levels are associated with the architectural levels, and subsequently provides a consistent method by which you define your views using View Templates. 3. On the Project Browser, under Views > Mechanical > HVAC > Elevations (Building Elevation), double-click on the view named: East Mech. Double-clicking on a view opens the view and activates it. You will note that the active view is shown in bold in the Project Browser. 4. In the model canvas, click and hold down the mouse button, then drag up and to the left to define a crossing selection box across the two predefined levels (see Figure 3.7). We are going to actually delete all the levels. As such, it is important that you select all levels at once as Revit will not otherwise allow you to delete a single remaining level. FIGURE 3.7 Select all levels 5. On the Modify Levels tab, click the Delete button (small red X ).

11 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 77 You can also press the DELETE key on your keyboard or right-click and select Delete from the menu. TIP You will receive a warning that several floor plan and ceiling views will be deleted, including those for Plumbing, Mech, Power, and Lighting. Plans and Ceiling Plans cannot exist without an associated level! 6. Click OK to delete the Levels and associated Views. The Views branch of Project Browser updates and now only shows elevations and 3D views. We will later create new Plans and Ceiling Plans based on the levels copied from the linked architecture model. In the next sequence, we will link the architectural model and then use the Copy/ Monitor tool to copy the levels from the architectural model. This maintains a link back to the levels in the architectural model that can be updated should the level height or name change. If you decide not to delete the levels in your MEP model in order to keep all the predefined plan views, be aware that you will need to manually move them to coincide with the architect s levels after you link the architectural model. Furthermore, the manually moved levels will not be monitored, and thus any changes in the architectural model s level location/name will not be identified by the Coordination Monitor/Review functionality. It is possible to manually establish monitoring of the pre-existing levels with non-copied levels from the architectural model, but that approach will not be covered here. Linking an Architectural Model Linking a model allows you to see that model as a reference, and you may even host certain elements on objects in the linked model. For example air terminals and lighting fixtures may be hosted on the linked model s ceilings, and receptacles may be hosted on the linked project s walls. If the elevation of the ceilings change or the location of the walls change, the hosted objects will move accordingly. The position of elements in a ceiling grid does NOT change with the grid if the ceiling grid adjusts. This is potentially a very complex operation, especially once ductwork is in place, as Revit may not be able to reconcile all components, and thus, user intervention is necessary. The decision whether to use hosted content that will react to architectural changes, or unhosted content which does not react to changes, comes with various pros and cons to consider. These will be covered in the appropriate topics in the chapters that follow. 7. On the Insert tab, on the Link panel, click the Link Revit button. Browse to the location of the Commercial Arch.rvt file (the one you processed and saved above). At the bottom of the Import/Link RVT dialog, set the Positioning option to: Auto Origin to Origin. Unless the architect provides a separate model containing a site plan that defines the shared coordinates, you should generally use the Auto - Origin to Origin option. If you do receive a separate site model, you would link the site using Auto - Origin to Origin, acquire its coordinates, and then link in the Architecture model using Auto - Shared Coordinates. Select the Positioning option first. Otherwise, you may have a tendency to double-click the file, thereby opening it without first specifying the Positioning option. TIP Select the Commercial Arch.rvt file and then click Open.

12 78 Section II Create the Building Model You may receive a message that nested links will not be displayed because their Reference Type is set to Overlay (see Figure 3.8). Similar to other CAD applications, Revit has an Attach and an Overlay option for linked reference files. NOTE FIGURE 3.8 Overlay links will not appear in the model 8. Click Close to dismiss the Nested Links message if it appears. On the Navigation bar, click Zoom to Fit (or type ZF on the keyboard). After linking your project file it may not be oriented as it was in the original architectural file. You may need to rotate your project north. If you find yourself in this situation, you should verify the project rotation with the Architect. Some Architects work at a non orthogonal angle or rotate their viewports in lieu of rotating the entire project. Pin the Linked Model Pinning the model helps prevent unintended relocation of the linked file. Additionally, you will be warned if you inadvertently attempt to delete a pinned element. 9. Click on the linked model to select it. On the Modify RVT Links tab, on the Modify panel, click the Pin button (see Figure 3.9). FIGURE 3.9 Pinned elements cannot be moved and warn you if you try to delete them

13 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 79 The pin control appears (see the middle of Figure 3.9). The Pin tool is used generally to keep elements from inadvertently being moved. The pin control may be used to toggle if the element is locked in place. Alternatively, it may be removed by clicking the Unpin tool on the Modify panel. 10. On the Ribbon, click the Move tool. Pick any base point, and then pick any second point. An error appears Can't move pinned element. In the error dialog, click the Cancel button (see the left side of Figure 3.10). FIGURE 3.10 Pinned elements cannot be moved and warn you if you try to delete them 11. Reselect the linked model. Press the DELETE key on the keyboard. A warning appears. It is possible to delete a pinned element even though it is not possible to move it. Thus, later we will use a workaround using worksets to make it not possible to delete the element. In the error dialog, click the Cancel button (see the right side of Figure 3.10). The linked model reappears. Copy / Monitor Levels Next we will define levels in the model. The Copy/Monitor functionality achieves two tasks. Not surprisingly, the first is copying the elements from the linked model. The monitor portion of the task establishes a sentinel in the project so that if/when the Architect changes the elevation of a level, you will be notified, and given the opportunity to react accordingly. 12. On the Collaborate tab, on the Coordinate panel, click the Copy Monitor dropdown button and then choose Select Link. Pre-highlight the linked model and then click to select the link. On the Copy/Monitor tab, click the Copy button. On the Options bar, check Multiple. 13. Drag a crossing selection (drag left to right) across the levels. Take care to not select any other model elements. In some cases, it may be difficult to select all the levels without selecting building geometry. In such cases, you can click the Filter tool on the Options Bar to assist in selection. To use the Filter tool, first make your selection using the crossing method. Next click the Filter icon on the Options Bar. In the dialog that appears, clear all checkboxes except the Levels checkbox and then click OK. 14. On the Options Bar, click the Finish button (see item 1 in Figure 3.11).

14 80 Section II Create the Building Model FIGURE 3.11 Click Finish on the Copy/Monitor Options Bar and then click Finish on the Copy/ Monitor tab. You will likely receive a warning regarding the Level Head family and types have been renamed. You can safely close this box. These warnings are received because the Families/Types in your host model match those in the linked model. When copying, Revit renames them to ensure they remain unique. FIGURE 3.12 Renamed Family and Type warnings On the Copy/Monitor tab, click the Finish button (see item 2 in Figure 3.11). 15. Click on one of the Levels to select it. FIGURE 3.13 Select a monitored element to see the monitored element icon When the level is selected an icon indicating that the level is monitored is displayed (See Figure 3.13). If the associated level in the linked model is moved or renamed, you will be notified that you need to use Coordination Review when you open your host MEP model. Press the ESC key to deselect the Level. 16. Save the file. It is also possible to copy/monitor walls however, it is not advised that you do this in Revit MEP. The copy/monitor functionality for walls is primarily intended for collaboration between Architecture and Structure. You can also copy/monitor the grid lines. This provides you additional control on the extent of the grid lines and the location of the grid bubbles. For example, Figure 3.14 shows a condition where the Architect was inconsistent with the creation of the grid lines. To achieve consistency in your views you can copy/monitor the grids, and then toggle the location of the bubbles in your views as desired.

15 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 81 FIGURE 3.14 Grid bubbles on varying ends of the grid lines Create Views for Each Discipline Next, we will define floor plan views for each of the copied and monitored levels in the project. 17. On the View tab, on the Create panel, click the Plan Views drop-down button and then choose Floor Plan. In the New Plan dialog, click Level 1 to select it. Hold down SHIFT key and then click Stair Roof Low to select all Levels (except for Street Level). Verify that Scale is set to 1/8 Click OK. 00¼ By Default, the newly created views have names that match the name of the Level, and can be found in Project Browser under Views > Mechanical > HVAC > Floor Plans. 18. Repeat the above procedure, however this time, prior to selecting Level 1, uncheck the box labeled Do not duplicate existing views. You will now have two plan views for each Level. The second set of views will be named with a (1) suffix. 19. On the Project Browser, select Level 1 (1). Hold down the CTRL key down, and then click to select each of the other six views with the (1) suffix. Right-click on one of the selected view names in Project Browser, and choose: Apply View Template. A View Template defines a variety of characteristics of a view, such as the scale, detail level, and what types of objects are visible. For example, the default Mechanical Plan view template hides electrical equipment and lighting fixtures, and the default Electrical Plan view template hides ducts and air terminals. In the Apply View Template dialog, select Mechanical Plan If you do not see Mechanical Plan listed, make sure the Show Type box is set to: Floor, Structural, Area plans. Note that at the bottom of the dialog, the Apply automatically to new views of same type box is checked. This is why all of the plan views created above were created as Mechanical views. From the Names list, select Electrical Plan and then click OK. In the Project Browser all of the selected views have moved to the Electrical > Power > Floor Plans grouping. Project Browser automatically organizes views based on their properties. It isn t possible to manually drag a view from the Mechanical branch to an Electrical branch. But applying a View Template changed not only the visibility settings of the view but also its location in the Project Browser.

16 82 Section II Create the Building Model Rename Views You may want to establish a standard naming convention within your organization. This will make it easy to identify the intent of a given view and maintain consistency between projects. As projects grow in size, careful and consistent view naming becomes even more critical. 20. On the Project Browser, beneath Mechanical > HVAC > Floor Plans, right-click Level 1 and choose Rename. Append the suffix: HVAC to the existing view name, and then click OK. When prompted to rename corresponding level and views, click No. If you click Yes at the prompt, Revit will rename the level to match the new name, i.e., Level 1 HVAC. You don t want to do this since we are monitoring the levels from the linked architectural model. 21. Repeat the rename process on each of the Mechanical plans. 22. Rename all of the Power plan views (under Views > Electrical > Power > Floor Plans). When renaming the power plans, remove the (1) suffix, and replace with Power. When renaming the Power views, you are not prompted about renaming the corresponding levels, because the names of the views and the names of the levels don t match. We will define Plumbing, Lighting, and other plans in future chapters. 23. Save the file. WORKSETS It is likely that multiple designers will need to work in your Revit model at the same time. A typical design project typically consists of at least one mechanical designer, one electrical designer, and one plumbing designer. Of course, there may be other specialties involved, and some disciplines may actually have multiple users editing different parts of the model at the same time; particularly on large projects. As such, enabling Worksets from the project kickoff should be a given. Worksets allow multiple users to make edits to the same Revit project file simultaneously in a collaborative workflow environment. The main project (RVT) file, called the Central File, resides in a shared location, such as on a network drive. When users browse to open a workset-enabled file, Revit recognizes that the file is a Central File, and will instead create a copy of the file to the user s local machine. This file is referred to as a Local File. NOTE You can define the location that your Local File is copied and saved to in the Options dialog. From the Application menu, choose Options, and then select the File Locations tab. Change the setting for Default path for user files. The settings are stored in the Revit.ini file. The file opened in your Revit session is the Local File, but the file actually resides in at least two locations: on the server and on your local machine. If there are two users working on the same project, there will be three copies of the file, one on the server, and one on each of the user s machines. Thus, each user has their own copy of the file locally, and there is a built-in association back to the Central File (there is only one Central File).

17 As with all computer applications, it is advisable to save periodically. Generally, every 30 minutes is recommended. In a workshare-enabled environment, there will actually be two distinct saving actions. The normal saving operation to which you are already accustomed (CTRL þ S) will actually save only the Local File. If does not save the Central File, nor does it show elements added or edited by other users. To update the Central File with changes that you have made locally, you must Synchronize with Central. This procedure will not only save any changes you have made to the Central File but will also retrieve changes made by other users; thus the name synchronize. Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 83 If each user on the project were only to add new elements to the file there would be no chance for a sharing conflict between users. However, as users start to make modifications to existing elements, or delete elements, Revit manages any potential conflicts by ensuring that only one user has permission to edit a particular element at a time. A workflow exists within Revit by which elements are automatically borrowed and relinquished. This is called transparent borrowing. As soon as you attempt to make a change to an element, such as by deleting it, moving it, or changing any of its properties, Revit first checks the Central File to make sure no other users are editing the same element. If the element is available, the element is then borrowed by you at the Central File. This prevents other users from editing the same element. If another user attempts to make a change to the same element, Revit will notify the second user that the element is being edited by you and that they cannot proceed with the modification until the element is relinquished. When you subsequently synchronize with central, any edited elements are relinquished and no longer marked as borrowed so that other users are then free to make changes. A Brief History of Worksets In releases of Revit prior to the existence of Revit MEP, the functionality of worksets was not quite so transparent. Historically, users would have to carefully plan their workflows and segregate elements into explicit worksets. For example, a designer focused on furnishings would create a workset named: Furniture, and someone focused on the exterior of the building may have created a workset called: Building Shell. Users would generally work within their own workset in order to avoid conflict with other users. However, there were of course occasions where there was overlap in who needed to edit what. This was the impetus for the borrowing mechanism. In general, the workset concept caused some anxiety in how to get started in a Revit project. There were many common questions at the start of new projects such as: What if I don t set them up right? How should I set them up? Do I have too many worksets, or not enough? What exactly should go in what workset? Recommended Worksharing Workflow Thus, to minimize anxiety, and to alleviate the quandaries associated with users owning entire worksets, the recommended method of working in Revit MEP is to utilize a single workset, and the transparent borrowing functionality instead of multiple dedicated worksets. This functionality of Revit is unique to typical desktop applications. With other applications, generally only one user can open a file for editing at a time. Revit s worksharing paradigm provides a unique mechanism by which multiple users can work and collaborate simultaneously on the same central model.

18 84 Section II Create the Building Model ENABLE WORKSHARING Since it is such a fundamental concept to the Revit based project workflow, worksets are introduced early in this text. The following exercise will walk you through the process of enabling worksets, and will even demonstrate the transparent borrowing mechanism described above. Enabling worksets is actually quite simple. NOTE Continue in the MEP Commercial.rvt file. 1. On the Collaborate tab, on the Worksets panel, click the Worksets button. The Worksharing dialog appears. By default, datum elements consisting of Levels and Grid objects are placed in a workset named Shared Levels and Grids. All other model elements are placed in a workset named Workset1. Generally, these defaults are acceptable and don t require modification. Click OK. After a few moments, the Worksets dialog opens. The amount of time it takes for the Worksets dialog to open varies by how much data exists in the host file. For large files, wait time might be longer. We will come back to the Worksets dialog later to describe some of the main aspects of its functionality. For now, we will simply accept the defaults and click OK to complete the process. Click OK to dismiss the Worksets dialog. 2. On the Quick Access Toolbar, click the Save icon. A message notifying you that the current file will become a Central file is displayed (see Figure 3.15). FIGURE 3.15 The Save File as Central File appears the first time you save the central file. 3. In the Save File as Central File dialog, click Yes. 4. On the Collaborate tab, click the Worksets button again. Note that the Editable column indicates Yes for both worksets, and both worksets are owned by you. If left in this state, you would own all elements placed in the Revit model. To utilize the transparent borrowing mechanism described previously, we are going to relinquish ownership of the two worksets. 5. In the Name column, select the Shared Levels and Grids workset. Hold down the SHIFT key and then click on Workset1. This selects both worksets. 6. Click the Non Editable button on the right.

19 Note that both worksets now indicate No in the editable column, and your user name no longer shows in the Owner column. This is somewhat misleading that the worksets are marked as not editable. In fact, the worksets are editable using the transparent borrowing mechanism described previously. Note, however, that even if a user happens to own a workset, any other user can still add new elements in that workset. Click OK. 7. From the Application menu, choose: Close. This closes the project. We do not need to save here because the settings related to workset ownership are applied immediately and not actually stored in the central file itself, but in separate files maintained by Revit. Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 85 Simulating a Worksharing Scenario To get a tactical sense of the transparent borrowing mechanism, we are going to open a second session of Revit to simulate having two users working on the same Central File at the same time. If you happen to have a second computer with Revit installed, or a coworker who can perform this tutorial with you, you can have them play the part of the second user for an even more authentic experience. Generally, it is not recommended that you have two sessions of Revit running on the same machine, however, for the purposes of demonstrating how worksharing works between multiple users, we will make an exception in order to simulate the worksharing experience. 1. Open another session of Revit MEP. (Double-click the Revit MEP icon on your desktop again). You may get some warnings; simply click OK to dismiss them. 2. Tile the two application windows side by side. If you happen to have two monitors, you can place one session of Revit on each screen (see Figure 3.16). FIGURE 3.16 Launch a second session of Revit and tile both side by side

20 86 Section II Create the Building Model 3. For the Revit session on the left: From the Application menu, choose: Options. On the General tab, make note of the Username (you will need to change it back later). Set the Username to: Left. Click OK. 4. For the Revit session on the right: From the Application menu, choose: Options. On the General tab, set the username to: Right. Click OK. The procedure of specifying different user names is critical as the worksharing functionality is dependent on this username. Every user in your project team must have a unique username. The default Revit username (in the Options dialog) matches the Windows login. 5. In the left Revit session: From the Application menu, choose: Open. Project. Browse to and then select MEP Commercial.rvt. (do not double-click) Note that at the bottom of the Open dialog the Create New Local option is checked by default (see Figure 3.17). This will copy the file (to the default path for user files) and create a new Local File for you. The file will be automatically renamed to include a suffix indicating the user name, in this case: MEP Commercial_Left.rvt. FIGURE 3.17 When you select a Central File to open, Revit automatically creates a new Local File Click Open to complete the operation (create and open your Local File). Notice as the file loads and when finished, on the titlebar, that the new file is named: MEP Commercial_Left.rvt. The next time you open the project file in this manner, you will already have a Local File with this name, so you will be prompted to overwrite the existing Local File or to rename the existing file using a timestamp. Generally, it is a good idea to open from the Central File in this manner at least once a day in order to create a new Local File. You can overwrite or use the timestamp option; whichever is your preference. Refer to the Revit Model Performance Technical Note at: files/revit_tech_note.pdf for more information 6. In the right Revit session: From the Application menu, choose: Open. Project. Browse to and select MEP Commercial.rvt. Click Open to create a new Local and open it in the right session. In this case, another Local File titled MEP Commercial_Right.rvt was created and opened. 7. Continue in the right Revit session: On the Project Browser, under Views > HVAC > Floor Plans, double-click to open the Level 1 HVAC view.

21 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 87 On the Home tab, on the Build panel, click the Duct tool. Pick two points to place a Duct segment anywhere on screen. Press ESC twice to cancel the command. On the Quick Access Toolbar, click the drop-down button on the Synchronize tool, and choose: Synchronize Now (see Figure 3.18). FIGURE 3.18 Synchronize Now on the Quick Access Toolbar This will save the local copy of the file, and push changes (namely the added Duct) to the Central File using the default settings. If you wish to change the settings used during synchronization, you choose the first option: Synchronize and Modify Settings instead. We will see this command below. 8. In the left Revit session: On Project Browser, under Views > HVAC > Floor Plans, double-click to open the Level 1 HVAC view. Notice that the Duct created by the Right user is not yet synchronized to your model on the left. On the Quick Access Toolbar, click the drop-down button on the Synchronize tool, and choose: Synchronize Now. Notice that the Duct now appears on the left side. Select the Duct segment. On the Modify Ducts tab, click the Move tool. Pick any base point and then pick another point to move the Duct (the exact amount is not important). Notice that the Duct has not yet moved in the session on the right. Do not synchronize with Central yet. 9. In the right Revit session: Select the Duct segment. On the Modify Ducts tab, click the Move tool. Pick any base point and then pick another point to move the Duct. You receive an error message indicating: Can't edit the element until 'Left' resaves the element to central and relinquishes it and you Reload Latest (see Figure 3.19). FIGURE 3.19 Revit will not allow two users (Right and Left in this case) to edit the same element at the same time

22 88 Section II Create the Building Model In the error dialog, click the Cancel button. 10. In the left Revit session: Click the Synchronize Now button again. This resaves the element to Central and also relinquishes the element. When you relinquish the element, you are basically placing back in the pool of elements that are available for any user to edit. 11. In the right Revit session: Attempt to move the Duct again. You receive another error message indicating You now own the element, but your file is out of date. You must Reload Latest before editing the element (see Figure 3.20). FIGURE 3.20 Before you can edit a modified element, you must relaod the latest state of the model Click the Cancel button. Choose the Synchronize Now button again. This reloads the latest changes from the Central File. Note that the Duct segment moves to reflect the location specified by the Left user. In this case, it was not completely necessary to do a full Synchronize Now, which saved the Local File and pushed any changes to the Central File, because, in fact, there were no local changes. Alternatively, we could have utilized the Reload Latest tool (Collaborate tab) which would download any changes from the Central File, but not upload any changes. Move the Duct again. You are now successfully able to modify the Duct. Select the Duct, and press the DELETE key. Click the Synchronize Now button. From the Application menu, choose: Close. 12. In the left Revit session. Click the Synchronize Now button. Notice that the Duct disappears in the left session following the synchronize. From the Application menu, choose: Close. From the Application menu, choose: Exit Revit. Leave the Right session open to continue with the next exercise. All model elements belong to a workset. In the workflow described above, we are utilizing a single workset called Workset1. We could utilize additional worksets if desired for a variety of reasons, but generally, Revit has been retooled to make a single workset and transparent permissions the most straightforward way to work on a

23 project. A user can get started with Revit without having to make decisions as to what goes into which workset. We will touch on some of the considerations to make if utilizing additional worksets, and will even present some reasons you may want to utilize additional worksets in a handful of scenarios. Typically, this is done to control the visibility of objects. USE A WORKSET TO LOCK AN ELEMENT Revit MEP will retain relationships between objects in the linked model and the host model. For example, face hosted content such as receptacles and air terminals will automatically move to stay adjacent to their host face. Thus, if a wall or ceiling moves, such components don t end up floating in space. Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 89 Note, however, that air terminals and lighting fixtures do not adjust to account for changes in a shift in a ceiling grid. In a variety of cases, say if air terminals were ducted, or lighting fixtures were wired, such adjustment would be difficult to automatically adjust. Certainly in some cases it may be possible to make up a few inches here or there, but there are too many cases to account for, and therefore such changes need to be made manually. If the linked architectural model were to be deleted or inadvertently detached, it could be detrimental to the association of host and linked model elements. We can avoid accidental moves or deletions of the architectural model with a simply workaround involving worksets. We will create a separate workset for the linked model. Then, by using a temporary username to take (and keep) ownership of the linked model, it is much less likely that the linked model will become inadvertently moved or deleted. Revit should have no projects open, and you should see the Recent Files screen following the previous exercise. If you still have a file open, be sure to close it before continuing. 1. From the Application menu, choose: Options. On the General tab, set the Username to: Admin. Click OK to close the Options dialog. 2. From the Application menu, choose: Open. Project. Browse to and open the MEP Commercial.rvt file. As in the previous exercise, Revit MEP will automatically create a new Local File since the Create new Local checkbox is selected. This time, the file will have the name: MEP Commercial_Admin.rvt reflecting the change we just made to the username. 3. On the Status Bar (bottom of the application frame) click the Worksets button. In the Worksets dialog, click the New button. For the name, type: Links and then click OK (see Figure 3.21).

24 90 Section II Create the Building Model FIGURE 3.21 Create a new Workset Note the option Visible in all views. Each view can independently control which worksets are visible. When you enable this option, you are ensuring that this workset is visible by default in all views (both existing and new). If you disable this option, you will make the default for this workset invisible. You would then be able edit the properties of any view and turn the workset on in just the view(s) that need to see it. Note that the new Links workset is owned by the Admin user by default. This is always the case when you create a new workset. Until you synchronize with Central, the newly created workset cannot be relinquished. 4. Click OK to close the Worksets dialog. Moving the Link to a Different Workset 5. Select the linked architectural model onscreen. Click the Make Element Editable icon at the middle of the selected element (see Figure 3.22). This small icon appears whenever you select an element in a workset-enabled project. Clicking it makes the element editable (it borrows the element). Certain modifications can be made without first clicking this icon. For example, above, we were able to move the Duct directly without first having to make the element editable. If you try to modify an element directly and it does not work, try clicking this icon first. You can also right-click and choose: Make Element Editable.

25 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 91 FIGURE 3.22 Make the link editable by clicking the Make element editable icon On the Properties Palette, under Identity Data, set the Workset to: Links. 6. Click Synchronize Now. 7. From the Application menu, choose: Close. You will be prompted that you still have editable elements. Typically you would want to choose to Relinquish these elements and worksets before closing your file. In this case, we want the Admin user to keep ownership of the Links workset. This is the workaround here. By having the Admin user keep ownership of the Links workset we prevent other users from inadvertently editing the linked model. 8. Click the Keep ownership of elements and worksets option (see Figure 3.23). FIGURE 3.23 Keep ownership of the Links workset as the Admin user 9. From the Application menu, choose: Options. On the General tab, set the Username back to your original username (you made note of it at the start of the Simulating a Worksharing Scenario topic above). Click OK to close the Options dialog. 10. From the Application menu, choose: Open. Project. Browse to and open the MEP Commercial.rvt project. Ifyou are prompted tocreate anew Local File, click the Overwrite existing file option. 11. Select the linked Revit model. Press the DELETE key.

26 92 Section II Create the Building Model An error appears reading: "Can't edit the element until 'Admin' resaves the element to central and relinquishes it and you Reload Latest." Thus, unless the Admin user relinquishes the element, the linked model is safely and securely positioned, and cannot be inadvertently moved or deleted. Naturally if you find it necessary to move or change the linked file to respond to project changes, you simply repeat the process to log back in as Admin, modify the linked file as required and then close out again. Again, remember to keep ownership of the Links workset each time you make such a modification to ensure that it stays locked from other users. 12. In the error dialog, click the Cancel button. Note that this locking mechanism is not necessarily how worksets were intended to be used, but it can be a useful side effect nonetheless. LINKED PROJECT SETTINGS There are a few settings on the linked project that define its general behavior. Of primary importance are settings related to phasing and settings related to the linked file s room bounding behavior. Revit project can occur across multiple phases. This effectively introduces the fourth dimension to your Revit models. The default templates include two phases: Existing and New Construction. All projects have at least these two distinct points in time. In other words, what was on the site before we started the project is the Existing, and what we propose to add as improvements, be it a simple renovation or an entirely new structure, this is the New Construction. We will not go into the details of using the phasing parameters in this topic, but since the models you receive from your Architect may contain more than just the two default phases, you should know how to map them to the phases you intend to utilize in your MEP model. In other words, the Architect might perform their work in one set of phases, and your firm may not be involved in all of these phases. In this case, you can map the phases that you will participate in (and the names you want them to have) with the phases in the appropriate phases defined in the architectural model. 1. Select the linked model onscreen. On the Properties Palette, click the Edit Type button. In the Type Properties dialog, click the Edit button next to Phase Mapping. In the Phases dialog, the phases for the MEP model are listed on the left with the corresponding phases in the architectural model listed on the right. If you get an architectural model that has more phases than the two default ones, you can either map your MEP New Construction to an appropriate phase in the architectural model, or define additional phases required by the project and then map them here. To define additional phases, cancel out of this dialog, go to the Manage tab, on the Phasing panel and click the Phases button. In the dialog that appears, you can add any additional phases required by your project. When finished, return to the properties of the linked file to map them appropriately. In addition to phase mapping, you also want to ensure that the linked file can be used to generate spaces in the MEP model. For Spaces to be constrained to the linked model geometry, we need to modify a property of the linked model.

27 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 93 If you canceled the Type Properties dialog, select the linked file again and then click the Edit Type button on the Properties palette. 2. Place a checkmark in the Room Bounding checkbox and then click OK. Now, when placing spaces in future topics, the Spaces will be bound by the linked floors, walls, ceilings, and other room-bounding architectural elements. Defining Spaces Many functionalities in Revit MEP are dependent on Spaces in the host model. Spaces track information such as lighting load and air flow. Additionally, Spaces can be tagged to identify the names and number that is utilized for analysis in thirdparty analysis tools and for identification on plans and sections. There are a few tools that greatly automate the placement and identification of Spaces. First is the Place Spaces Automatically tool, and second is the Space Naming tool available on the Autodesk Subscription website. Before using either tool, make sure that the Room Bounding option is enabled for the linked file. Make sure you have set the linked model as Room Bounding as described in the previous topic. 3. On Project Browser, under Views > Mechanical > HVAC > Floor Plans, doubleclick to open the Level 3 HVAC view. On the Analyze tab, on the Spaces & Zones panel, click the Space tool. On the Modify Place Spaces tab, click the Place Spaces Automatically button. A Space is placed for each region of the model that is bounded by building geometry. There may be Spaces in places where there are no rooms in the architectural model, such as column wraps, chases, and the like. 4. Click Close at the prompt reporting the quantity of Spaces created. 5. Type ZR on the keyboard to start the Zoom in Region command. Zoom in on the office at the top left corner of the plan (see Figure 3.24). FIGURE 3.24 Zooming in on a space

28 94 Section II Create the Building Model As you move the cursor around room, the reference graphics of the Space, represented by the bounding perimeter and an X through the Space will highlight. Click when the reference graphics (the X ) pre-highlights to select the Space (see the right side of Figure 3.25). Scroll down to the Identity Data grouping on the Properties palette. The Number and Name of the Space are automatically generated and displayed here along with the Room Number and Room Name as defined in the linked architectural model. When exporting to gbxml for analysis by third-party applications, and also on internal heating/cooling calculations, it is the Number and Name properties that are displayed on reports. As such, it is generally desired to match the Space s Name and Number to the Room Name and Number where possible. Edit the values of Name and Number to match the Room Name and Room Number from the linked architectural file (see the bottom of Figure 3.25). Repeat this process for each Space. FIGURE 3.25 Space name, number, and associated room name and number properties You can do this manually; or alternatively, this is easily accomplished with the Space Naming tool available on the Autodesk Subscription website. You must be a subscription member to access this website. Please contact your Autodesk Reseller for more information. If you haven t already downloaded and installed the Space Naming tool, browse to the Autodesk Subscription website, and do so now. The site can be found at: You may need to request permission from your technology group or CAD/BIM Manager for access to the site and/ or for permissions to install the utility. If you do not have access to this tool, then rename the Spaces manually as described in the previous steps.

29 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup On the Add-Ins tab, on the External panel, click the External Tools drop-down button, and then choose Space Naming Utility. Under Coordinate, make sure that Names and Numbers is selected Under Selection, choose the Specific Levels option. Select Level 3, and then click OK. The tags update to reflect the updated Number and Name of the spaces which were copied from the Number and Name of the Rooms in the linked architecture model. This helps to make sure that space name and numbers used for heating and cooling load calculations in third-party applications match the name and number of the associated architectural Room. You may want to re-run this tool each time you get an updated architectural model to keep your Space names consistent with the architect s Room names. ZONES Prior to computing a load, we need to first zone our Spaces. Prior to doing this, we will turn on the visibility of the Space s reference component (the X ) to make selecting the Spaces a bit easier. 1. On the Properties Palette, next to Visibility/Graphics Overrides, click the Edit button (or you can use the keyboard shortcut VG). On the Model Categories tab, scroll down to and expand Spaces. Check the Reference box, and then click OK to dismiss the Overrides dialog (see Figure 3.26). FIGURE 3.26 Turn on the visibility of space references There is now an X through each Space. Of course, you don t need to turn on the visibility of the Space s reference component to select them, however, this may make it a bit easier for you as you get used to working with Spaces. Use Figure 3.27 as a guide as you create the zones. The image contains a pattern in each zone to help you see which spaces are parts of which zones. The steps for creating these patterns are not included as part of the steps, so the display on your screen will be slightly different.

30 96 Section II Create the Building Model FIGURE 3.27 Zoned Spaces 2. On the Analyze tab, on the Spaces & Zones panel, click the Zone tool. On the Edit Zone tab, verify that the Add Space button is pressed (shaded blue). Click to select the Space that makes up the top-left corner Zone (Office 3109 in Figure 3.27). On the Edit Zone tab, click the Finish Editing Zone button. 3. Repeat the process to create the additional seven Zones shown in Figure In cases where there are multiple Spaces in a Zone, simply select the multipleelements one by one prior to clicking Finish Editing Zone. If you inadvertently select an incorrect Space, you can click the Remove Space tool on the Edit Zones tab. 4. Click Synchronize Now. COPY/MONITOR OF LIGHTING AND PLUMBING FIXTURES Frequently, Architects will layout some or all of the lighting in a project. However, it is typically the responsibility of the electrical engineer/designer to specify the fixture types, circuit the lighting, and convey to the contractor the type of fixtures to provide. To support this workflow, it is likely that you will want to copy/monitor the lighting from the architectural model into the MEP model to support circuiting and specification of load properties. Use the following procedures to Copy the lighting fixtures from the architectural model into the MEP model. 1. On the Collaborate tab, on the Coordinate panel, click Copy/Monitor > Select Link. Hover your cursor over a portion of the link such that you see the link border and/or tooltip to confirm you are picking the link as shown in Figure 3.28.

31 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 97 FIGURE 3.28 Selecting the link to copy/monitor from 2. On the Copy/Monitor tab, on the Tools panel, click the Coordination Settings button. In the Coordination Settings dialog, in the Category list, select Lighting Fixtures. Please note that the Copy/Monitor functionality provided is available to only Air Terminals, Lighting Fixtures, Mechanical Equipment, and Plumbing Fixtures. Copy/Monitor of Electrical Fixtures (such as receptacles), Lighting Devices (such as switches), and other model categories is presently not possible. Thus, it is important that you plan accordingly when establishing inter-discipline workflows for your projects. In the Behavior area, set Copy behavior to: Allow batch copy. Set Mapping behavior to: Copy original. Even when Copy original is selected, content that is wall, ceiling, or floor hosted will be converted to a face hosted Family. For example, in the architectural model, if the Family is ceiling hosted, a face hosted version will be created and placed in the host model. If you select the Specify type mapping option, you can specify a Family type in the host model to be placed instead of directly copying the linked Family for each fixture type. You can always change types of the copied fixtures later. For example, if the architectural model has 2x4 fixtures generically placed throughout the model, but you need to modify some to be 2, 3, or 4-lamp. Additionally, if the architectural types don t contain connectors, you can either add connectors after the copy, or swap for Families that do have connectors. Click the Copy button. 3. On the Project Browser, double-click to open the Level 3 Power plan view. Notice that all of the lights have been copied over to the host model. You can prehighlight or select any of the fixtures to investigate further if you like. 4. On the Copy/Monitor tab, on the Copy/Monitor panel, click the Finish button. In a later chapter, we will investigate what happens when we will modify some of the fixture types. Self Exercise Use the procedure outlined above to Copy/Monitor the plumbing fixtures from the linked architectural model.

32 98 Section II Create the Building Model SAVE AND CLOSE When you save a workset-enabled project, by default, you need to consider where you are saving. If you only save your Local File, other users will not see any additions or changes you made to the model. If you save only to Central, your Local copy will be out of date. The default synchronize process automatically saves your changes to the Central File and updates your Local copy. We will now synchronize and save our changes, then close the model. 1. On the QAT, click the drop-down button on the synchronize tool and choose: Synchronize and Modify Settings (see Figure 3.29). If you have any worksets set to Editable, you have the option of relinquishing them by checking the associated boxes. For example, the previous exercise checked out a Family Workset. This box is selected by default to relinquish it. By default, Borrowed Elements is also checked, relinquishing any elements that were borrowed transparently. There is also a Save Local File option that is also checked. This provides a level of protection if something happens during the synchronize process, such as a crash or hang, you can then re-open the locally saved file and re-synchronize to Central. The file is saved after the synchronize with Central option to store locally any changes that were imported from the Central File from other users. FIGURE 3.29 Synchronize with central and modify settings Be sure that you are relinquishing all items and saving locally and then click OK. From the Application menu, choose: Close. COPYING TITLEBLOCKS If the Architect has created sheets in the architectural model (see the left side of Figure 3.30), you can copy the titleblock by opening the titleblock Family for editing in Family editor. If there are no sheets setup, you may still be able to find the titleblock by reviewing the list of annotation symbols (Project Browser > Families > Annotation Symbols) (see right side of Figure 3.30) to find something that resembles a titleblock. 1. Re-open the Commercial Arch.rvt architectural model. On the Project Browser, scroll down and expand Families > Annotation Symbols.

33 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 99 FIGURE 3.30 Sheets and titleblocks in Project Browser 2. Select the MRAC E Horizontal titleblock Family. Right-click, and choose: Edit. From the Application menu, choose: Save As. Family. Browse to Chapter03 folder, and then click Save. You may want to make some edits to the titleblock family, such as adding in your company logo, address, or other such information. 3. From the Application menu, choose: Close. Another way to save Families from within an open project file is from the Application menu. Choose: Save As. Library. Family. Using this method allows you to select a Family from the project (see Figure 3.31) to save out a file to be later loaded into other project files. Opening the Family in Family editor first, however, lets you verify that you are writing out the intended Family and make any necessary edits. So both approaches are valid and useful. You should try both to get a sense of each. FIGURE 3.31 Saving a family from the project We will later load the titleblock Family into our MEP project model. You may find additional titleblocks in the Project Browser (different sheet sizes) that you will need. Repeat the above procedure for each. You may want to communicate with the Architect to verify you re using the correct titleblock Family, and remind them to alert you of any updates to the titleblock as the project progresses.

34 100 Section II Create the Building Model 4. Close the architectural model. When prompted to save changes, choose: Do not save the project. When prompted about checked out worksets and elements, choose: Relinquish all elements and worksets. LOAD A TITLEBLOCK FAMILY AND CREATE SHEET Let s now return to our MEP model and load the titleblock Family that we just copied from the architectural model. 1. From the Application menu, choose: Open. Project. Browse to and open the MEP Commercial.rvt project. Be sure to leave the Create New Local checked and overwrite the existing Local File. 2. On the View tab, on the Sheet Composition panel, click the Sheet button. 3. In the New Sheet dialog, click the Load button (see Figure 3.32). FIGURE 3.32 Load a titleblock family 4. Browse to the Chapter03 folder, select the MRAC E Horizontal.rfa file, and then click Open. 5. In the New Sheet dialog, make sure that the MRAC E Horizontal : E Horizontal titleblock is selected and then click OK. A new blank sheet is created and displayed onscreen. 6. On the Project Browser, scroll to and expand the Sheets (All) branch (see the left side of Figure 3.33). Right-click A101 Unnamed and choose: Rename.

35 Chapter 3 Basic Project Setup 101 FIGURE 3.33 Rename sheet from Project Browser Change the Number to: MEP 101, andthenameto:cover Sheet, andthen click OK. The titleblock updates accordingly. You can also double-click on the number or title directly on the titleblock to edit as well (see Figure 3.34). FIGURE 3.34 You can double-click on the number or name to update the sheet When you create additional sheets using a titleblock that is already loaded, you will not need to load the titleblock again; simply select the desired titleblock from the select titleblock list in the New Sheet dialog. You can also create new sheets from placeholder sheets. Placeholder sheets are sheets that you set up ahead of time so that they are ready for use when new sheets are needed. To predefine a sheet list you first need to create a sheet list and then add sheets to it. You can then subsequently create the actual sheets when necessary. 7. On the View tab, on the Create panel, click the Schedules drop-down button and then choose Sheet List. 8. From the Available fields list, double-click: Sheet Number Sheet Name Designed By Checked By Approved By. 9. Click OK to finish. This creates a Sheet List schedule. You can use this schedule to predefine the list of sheets you expect to use in the project. This also allows you to create place holder

36 102 Section II Create the Building Model sheets in the sheet list for sheets that you may be printing from AutoCAD (or other sources), such as details or other drawings not generated in Revit. 10. On the Modify Sheet List tab, on the Rows panel, click New three times. Three new sheets will appear in the schedule. 11. Rename and renumber the three new sheets as shown in Figure FIGURE 3.35 Modify the Sheet Number and Sheet Names 12. On the Project Browser, double-click to open MEP101 - Cover Sheet. 13. On the Project Browser, expand the Schedules/Quantities branch. Drag the Sheet List from the Project Browser and drop it on the sheet (see Figure 3.36). You may release the button when the cursor is in the model canvas. A preview of the schedule is attached to the cursor. You may position the cursor on the sheet where desired. Position the sheet list on the sheet and then use the triangle controls to resize the columns as appropriate. FIGURE 3.36 Click and drag the scheudle onto the sheet Notice that even though we have not yet created the actual sheets, they all appear on the sheet list. When we are ready to create them, we can create sheets from the placeholder sheets. 14. On the Project Browser, right-click on Sheets (all) and choose: New Sheet. You can create sheets using either the right-click method in Project Browser, as we did here, or you can use the Sheet tool from the View tab as we did previously. Select the MRAC E Horizontal : E Horizontal titleblock at the top. At the bottom, in the Select placeholder sheets list, select the three predefined sheets (see Figure 3.37). Note that the placeholder list excludes MEP101. This is because an actual sheet already exists for this sheet. Click OK.