Creating beams from 3D AutoCAD linework

[colmag6]

I've got an AutoCAD model which defines the centrelines of a stadium roof, and need to create a Revit Structure model from this

Using RS 2008 I can create beams by picking lines, and I am allowed to pick lines from the AutoCAD model, but the resulting beams are placed flat onto the active plane, which is a level. What I need is for the beams to completely ignore the levels and be placed along the original line in 3D space.

I've tried aligning the work plane to one of the AutoCAD lines without success.

The attached screenshot illustrates what's happening.

Any suggestions?

[jmctamney]

What happens if you just draw the beams by tracing the line in the acad drawing?
Instead of changing the work plane, try creating a named reference plane to match the linework of the ACAD dwg and then use that as your current workplane when adding the beam in Revit.

Edit: I just looked at your screenshot a little closer and it looks like your work plane is set to level 1, not the workplane you created to match the acad linework.

[colmag6]

I couldn't find a way of creating a work plane to match any of the linework. It seems you can create a workplane from linework, but I think this has to be Revit linework. If I try to draw Revit linework along the AutoCAD linework, the snaps won't pick up the endpoints, so tracing over with Revit linework doesn't seem to be an option.

I'd like to avoid creating a reference plane for each member if possible, as the screenshot shows a very small portion of a very big roof!

[Thomas Maleski]

I'm currently working on a Stadium project as well. The Arch provided AutoCAD files. You need to use Braces and trace over the AutoCAD geometry. I ended up creating a program to help in the process.

[colmag6]

Hi Thomas,

Apologies for the delay in responding. Thanks for the suggestion, but have tried RS4 and 2008 and neither allows the linework to be converted to bracing, or draw new bracing snapping in 3D to the linework. The original model was done in CATIA, and we can get that into our analysis package, so we'll probably try and go from there to Revit.

[Thomas Maleski]

It can be done.

Also, you might want to look at RAND / IMAGINiT.

Rand is a Catia and IMAGINiT is a Revit servicer, they might be able to help in creating a link.