Duct and Pipe Systems in Revit MEP 2012

One of the biggest changes in Revit MEP 2012 is the addition of Duct and Pipe System Families.  Although it appears to be a small change, it actually creates a major improvement in how projects can be set up.  Prior to 2012, MEP Engineers relied heavily on View Filters to control the graphics of different duct and pipe systems.  For example, a View Filter would be created to distinguish the difference between Domestic Cold Water pipes and Domestic Hot Water pipes.  Ducts and pipes were simply ducts and pipes, and not part of a system until they were connected to a connector.  The connector contained all the information about the system.

In Revit MEP 2012, we have the ability to create duct and pipe systems before modeling and connecting to connectors with the addition of System Families.  The new System Families can now be configured prior to the project start to indicate graphical differences in the systems.  In addition to presetting up the System Families, as ducts and pipes are being modeled, the System is specified in the Properties palette before connecting to fixtures or equipment.  This change will all but eliminate the need to rely on View Filters to control the graphics.  System Families can now be configured in the Revit Templates so that all views will represent the correct graphics no matter if View Filters are used or not.  If View Filters are still desired, they will override any graphical settings that are set in the System Family settings.

This new approach will also make it easier to switch if needed from one system to another.  Although this is typically not the desired result, it is very useful when trying to switch from Sanitary piping to Vent piping.  Prior to this release it was difficult to make this switch with in the same run of pipes.

Another plus to this added feature is that we can now create additional System types.  In prior releases we were stuck with the out of the box system types.  If we were trying to create a system for Gas, we had to use the 'Other' system.  Now, with System Families, we can simply duplicate an existing System Family and name it anything we want.  This allows us to have system names that actually match our systems.

I see this as a major improvement in how we create our systems.  Now we are defining our systems as we model our pipes as opposed to first modeling everything and then having to go back and create our systems.

Applied Software's New Blog!

I am excited to announce Applied Software has a new Blog!  It will be updated by all of the technical gurus at Applied Software.  It should be full of information on the vast array of Autodesk products.  Here is the link to the blog.

http://appliedsoftwareblog.blogspot.com/

Bookmark it today!  I will be posting to it regularly.  For all of my loyal followers, my Knowing What You Don't Know blog will continue.  I will try to duel post or at least make mention of when I make a new post on the Applied Software blog.

I just posted my first blog over on the new site.  It is about cutting walls int walls. Check it out!

Revit 2012 SP2

Revit 2012 Update 2 is now available.  This update is required to install the add-in for Cloud Rendering.  Here is the link to download. - Revit Architecture 2012 Update 2

Taking BIM to the Cloud

Autodesk Cloud is now available to all Autodesk subscription customers.  Autodesk Cloud is a collection of web-based features, products, and services that currently includes the following.

• Autodesk Cloud Documents
• Autodesk Design Review Mobile App
• AutoCAD WS
• Autodesk Seek
• Autodesk Cloud Rendering
• Autodesk Inventor Optimization
• Autodesk Revit Conceptual Energy Analysis
• Autodesk Green Building Studio
• Autodesk Buzzsaw

Autodesk Cloud brings a new way of working and sharing documents to the BIM arena.  Users can now create 2D or 3D dwf's and save them to the Cloud where they can be accessed through a web browser or by a mobile devices by anybody, anytime, at any place.  

The Design Review Mobile App is available for the iPhone and iPad.  Hopefully it will be available for the Android systems soon. 

The Cloud Rendering will allow users to produce compelling, photorealistic visualizations in the cloud—without tying up the desktop or requiring specialized rendering hardware.  The installation of the Revit add-in to render directly from within Revit, requires Update 2 to be installed. As of the time this is being written, update 2 is not available. I am assuming it will be available soon.

To get started customers, who do not have an Autodesk ID and password, can create an account by clicking the "Sign In" button (shown below) in their Autodesk product.  After creating an account, customers can use their Autodesk ID and password to access the Autodesk Cloud services they're entitled to use.  

For more information on subscription and Autodesk Cloud click here.  

Navisworks 2012 SP1

Navisworks 2012 service pack 1 is now available.  Here is the link to download - Navisworks 2012 SP1

Beyond Design has more information about this service pack. 

AU 2011 - Let the Frenzy Begin

Autodesk University 2011 registration is now open!  I am registered and ready to go.  From what I hear classes are filling up fast.  Lynn Allen twittered yesterday that over 1200 had signed up after the first few hours aftter registration had open.  Here is the link to register for the event.

Autodesk University 2011

I will be presenting again this year.  This year I am co-presenting with Rabi Sidawi , a co-worker of mine at Applied Software.  I am excited about the class we have put together.  It will focus on working with Systems inside of Revit Architecture.  We will look at how Revit has both the Uniformat and the Master-Format Assembly codes built into the program and how users can take advantage of using them in all phases of the project.  Here are the details on our class:

Class ID: AB2485


Title: All Systems Go with Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2012

Description: Asking an architect to create systems inside of Revit is like asking him or her to speak a foreign language. BIM encompasses the whole building into the design process, so why do we still think about and process our designs one element at a time? Design intent, code constraints, functional requirements, and aesthetic proportions are some of the factors contributing to the building systems hierarchy integration and performance. Creating systems is an everyday task for MEP engineers when modeling inside of Revit MEP. Just like MEP systems, architectural and structural systems are now more interconnected than ever before. Curtain systems, beam systems, and furniture systems are few examples of building systems that capture design intent and streamline productivity. This class is an in-depth quest for order, systems hierarchy integration, and efficiency in a design environment. As BIM continues to evolve, we need to evolve our thinking process and begin designing with systems as opposed to single elements.

My New Toy.... umm I mean Tool!

Emerging trends in the AEC world indicats that mobile devices are taking over. Well, I recently became part of the numbers and purchased my first iPad. I have to say that I am impressed with this device. I was not exactly sure how I would use the iPad, and I am still trying to figure it all out, but I have found some cool apps and thought I would wipe the dust off of my blog and share some of my favorite AEC related apps that I have found for the iPad.

Apps by Autodesk


Autocad WS - (FREE) View, Edit, and Share your AutoCAD files on your iPad.










SketchBook Express - (FREE) A fun and intuitive drawing application. Use professional-grade tools and brushes to create doodles, quick sketches or artwork on-the go.









Inventor Publisher Mobile Viewer - (FREE) Allows you to interactively view animated 3D assembly instructions created with Inventor Publisher.









Bluestreak - (FREE) Lets users of Project Bluestreak easily collaborate with their AEC project teams from anywhere.







Buzzsaw - (FREE) Lets Buzzsaw users securely access AEC project documents and designs from anywhere.








Fluid FX - ($0.99) A special effects photo editing application that brings the fun and excitement of Hollywood visual effects to your iPad.













Time FX - (FREE) An amazing sculptural fluid dynamic alarm clock.








TinkerBox - (FREE) A fun, free-to-play physics puzzle game. While it is full of interesting science facts and teaches basic engineering concepts, TinkerBox is more than just educational!





Non-Autodesk Apps





McDwiff - ($6.99) Lets you open and view DWF and DWFx files on your iPad.






goBIM - ($5.99) Allows you to view BIM models on your iPad. Using a goBIM exporter for your favorite BIM application, you can now create a .gbz file. Load the model through iTunes file sharing or post the file onto a web server and you have your models whenever, wherever you want them. Currently works with Revit 2011 not Revit 2012.




I am interested in what apps others have found that are AEC related. This list is by no means complete, so feel free to comment to add your favorite apps to the list.

Revit MEP Pipe Rise/Drop Symbols

I recently had a support call asking about piping rise/drop symbols in Revit MEP. I thought I would share to help explain why Revit MEP shows a rise symbol versus the drop symbol.

First of all, users can change the desired symbol to be used in the Piping Setting dialog box. The defaults are set to a closed circle for rises and a 3/4 circle with a line for drops.

When drawing Pipe, Revit MEP looks at the View Range, the Level Heights, and the height of the pipe to know what to show. If the pipe is drawn between the bottom and the top of the view range, the pipe will show a drop symbol. If the pipe is drawn through the top range, the pipe will show a rise symbol.

You will need to verify what the height of the levels are and the height of the pipe, and then set your top range to be below the upper pipe to show the riser symbol.

A Plan Region can also be used to allow you to have a different View Range around a particular pipe.

Hope this helps clear up the rise versus drop debate.

Mike

Applied Software

I am excited to announce that as of 9/23/2010 I will be employeed at Applied Software. The move to Applied Software will enable me to continue to serve my customers in the TN, GA, AL, and MS regions as well as expanding my area to cover NC and SC. Applied Software has been providing solutions to the Commercial marketplace for more than 25 years.

AU Registration - Decisions, Decisions...

AU 2010 registration is open. Go get the good classes while you can!

I am all registered. It was difficult selecting my classes to attend. Three are a lot of great ones.

If you can not decide on a classes for the Wednesday 1:30 time slot, look for mine.

Here We Go Again... AU 2010!

Just got my acceptance email notifying me that I will be presenting once again at AU 2010! My proposal was one of 747 that were selected out of 3,100 proposals. Looking forward to AU 2010!

Look for registration to begin in late August, and of course look for my class.

Webcast of my What's New in Revit MEP 2011

Revit MEP 2011 is loaded with new features. Check it out by watching my recorded webcast.

Enjoy!

What's New in Revit MEP 2011

Using Filters to Hatch Duct in Revit MEP

I was asked today by one of my customers, "What is the easiest way to hatch duct work in Revit MEP to indicate which duct work has been installed on a project." There are several ways this could be accomplished. You could simply use the Filled Region to manually hatch the duct work. This is simple, but is tedious and time consuming.

Method 2 would be to use Phases inside of Revit MEP. You could set up some phases and change the graphics of the phases to indicate the hatching. This is easy enough, but almost an over kill.

The method I ended up recommending is to just use View Filters. You can simply create a new filter and change the graphics of the filter to have the hatch pattern.

I created a short video to share with my customer and thought it might be helpful for others.

Enjoy!

What's New in Revit Architecture 2011 Webcast

Here is a link to view the recording of my What's New in Revit Architecture 2011 webcast.

What's New in Revit Architecture 2011

Enjoy!

Release Day for Revit

You can now download the 2011 version of Revit from your subscription site. Get it while it is hot.

Also, don't forget to look at the Subscription Product Enhancements that are available to download.

Inside the Revit Extensions are a couple of new tools. One for converting parameters to Shared Parameters, and one to work with Land XML files on roads and bridges. I have not had a chance to play with either, but they sound promising.

Have Fun!

Revised #1 New Feature in Revit 2011

I know that I listed a tie between my favorite new features in Revit 2011, but I am bumping both of those for another new feature. This one is not that much of a 'wow factor,' but I think it will save time and make documenting your project so much easier.

What is this new found love?

It is the ability to locate tag placement while Tagging By Category. In previous releases, when tags were placed, you either could choose for it to draw a leader to the tag or accept the default location (which was usually right, smack in the middle of the item you were trying to tag). Then you had the tedious process of moving all the tags to a place where they were actually readable. With Revit 2011, when you choose to tag by category, Revit gives you the opportunity to move the tag right after placing the item, before picking the next item to tag. Revit does this without ending the command so you can continue placing tags on additional items.

I believe this will save time and allow users to place tags in the appropriate location so they are all readable. Even with this nice new feature, there is always room for improvement. It would have been nice for Revit to remember where you have place the tag in adjacency to the item being tagged, and automatically put the next tag in the same place for the next item. Oh well, maybe in 2012?

Below is a quick video showing how this works.

Revit Architecture 2011 - My Favorite New Features!

Revit Architecture 2011 has many new features. Here are my favorite top 5 new features:

#5 - Sun Path Simulation
Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011 enables you to simulate the sun path, in order to better understand the impact of the sun in relation to your project and its surrounding context. The sun path is a visual representation of the sun's range of movement across the sky at the geographic location you specify for a project. The sun path displays in the context of your project and includes on-screen controls for positioning the sun at any point within its range of movement.

Along with this you can set the sun settings where changes have been made to how you select your project location. Included in the location dialog is a Google Map interface where you can search for your exact location.

#4 - Realistic View Style

Realistic is a shaded view with ‘live’ rendered materials and textures, including decals. It offers the ability to have a working view that looks almost like a rendering.

As part of the Graphic Display Options, Revit Architecture now offers an option to use Ambient Lighting (or Ambient Occlusion) in 3d views. Ambient occlusion approximates the way light radiates in real life, especially off what are normally considered non-reflective surfaces.

#3 - Sheet Place Holders

Sheets Lists can now include placeholder sheet rows for sheets that have not yet been created or will never be created in your project, for example, consultants’ sheets. Placeholder sheets can be converted to actual sheets in the project and this conversion can be done as a batch operation.

#2 - Temporary Dimension Improvements

You now have the ability to control temporary dimension font size and background display (transparent or opaque). Additionally, if temporary dimensions are moved to specific reference elements in the project, those references will be maintained throughout your working session.

And the #1 new feature...

A TIE between Floating Properties Palette and Custom Elevation Tags!

The new Properties Palette is “modeless,” so you have constant access to both view and element properties, without having to interrupt your design workflow. The new palette is dockable, resizable and supports multiple monitor configurations.

Elevation tags are now fully customizable and can be designed based on your company standards. They can contain any graphics you want and can align to any number of orientations necessary for your project.

What's New in Revit Architecture 2010 Recording

If you missed my recent webcast of What's New in Revit Architecture 2010, here is a link to the recording of my webcast. The recording is a little over an hour long.

http://209.16.228.54/webcast/WhatsNewInRevitArchitecture2010.swf

Enjoy!

Space Enhancements in Revit MEP 2010

Revit MEP 2010 has many new features. Here are just a couple when working with Spaces.

Spaces have been enhanced in two major areas. First the ability to create spaces has been improved with the addition of the Place Space Automatically tool. This will allow users to place all the spaces for the entire model with a single click. This is a huge time saver for creating spaces.

The new Place Space Automatically tool.

The second enhancement to spaces is found in the properties. The properties have been improved to give us the ability to further define the space type. The space type has been expanded to include Energy analysis settings. These include the ability to specify an Occupancy Schedule, Lighting Schedule, and Power Schedule. These schedules will dictate usage percentage factors. If the proposed building will be primarily used between the hours of 8:00-5:00, these can be specified and taken into account in analysis.

A custom Occupancy Schedule for a Space type with the hours set for the warehouse hours.

I will try to blog about more new features in Revit MEP 2010 soon.

Cool New Stuff in Revit Architecture 2010

It's that time of year again! Time to gear up for the new release of the Autdesk products. Revit Architecture 2010 has some nice new features. Here are some of my favorites that have not gotten much publicity. Enjoy!

1. Export Building Site Tool - This is a great addition to allow you to export your building site and model to your Civil engineer. It grabs the site, model, building footprint, property lines, and UTILITY Connections and groups them into a new .adsk file format. I especially love the ability to show the Civil engineer where the utility connections are located. Not only that, if they are using Civil 3D 2010, they can actually connect their pipes to our connections.



2. The Press & Drag check box on the bottom right corner of the screen. I have always hated how easy it was to accidentally pick and move something inside of Revit without meaning to. Now you can uncheck this check box and you have to first pick the item you want to move before you can move it. This will make my life so much easier!


3. The ability to include sheet revisions in a Drawing List. We are no longer limited to just showing revisions on the titleblocks. We now have the ability to add the Current Revision and Current Revision Description to a Drawing List.


4. The ability to label slopes. This was high on my wish list. I now can call out the slopes on my roofs and floors.


Those are my top 4 non-publicized new features inside of Revit Architecture 2010. More to come soon!