Newbie FAQ - Revit Structural

[missingfingers298549]

I've just started trying Revit Structural and coming from a AutoCAD background, it's driving me nuts. I've used Revit Architecture and my company is considering to switch to Revit Structure as well to work more smoothly with the architects. Anyway here goes nothing.

I can't seem to snap onto walls in a Imported Revit model in Revit Structure. Beam snapping onto walls works but only walls created in the file and not the imported walls. External walls have been nominated as structural and I've tried it on both "overlay" and "attachment".

Branching off from the above question. Is it advisable to do the structural and architectural in one file since there's so much issues importing?

Beams are not visible in my plan view. It shows in 3D view, beam is set so that the top of the Flange is touching the first floor but even the first floor doesn't show it.

Is the detailing, should you model it or just import CAD and do Revit linework? (just for small residential projects)

[cdatechguy]

If your working in the same office.....I would totally suggest working in the same model. But you will have to use a lot of filters as you may show different lineweights and fill patterns vs what architectural shows. And as for importing, its usually easier to trace or copy/paste from the architects model as usually copy/monitor doesn't translate the wall locations correctly.

[tedg]

I work in an office where we do complete buildings in Revit.
We have an Arch base, Structural base, and MEP base (separate central files, that are linked together)
And of course we "work" in local copies of the central files and sync with central when needed.

This works great for us, we try not to duplicate anything if we can, but sometimes we need to.
I work in Revit Structure and do all the columns, grids, foundations, floor slabs, bearing walls such as CMU or concrete whatever framing etc.

The Archies do all the exterior facades, interior partitions, roof materials (over the roof structure) everything else that isn't needed in the structural model.

MEP does all the plumbing, mech, electrical etc.

We use copy monitor for things such as the column grids, levels etc.

It's not perfect yet.. but it works for our office... so far.

[missingfingers298549]

Well here's the dilemma, separating the 3 disciplines will allow for 3 disciplines to work concurrently but now you have to co-ordinate between each file to make all changes, including minor changes. Say you want to move the wall in line with an upper floor wall, you can't if you're in structural. You have to open the Architectural drawings. change, save, exit and continue working. Or perhaps there's a better way to do things?

[tedg]

Well here's the dilemma, separating the 3 disciplines will allow for 3 disciplines to work concurrently but now you have to co-ordinate between each file to make all changes, including minor changes. Say you want to move the wall in line with an upper floor wall, you can't if you're in structural. You have to open the Architectural drawings. change, save, exit and continue working. Or perhaps there's a better way to do things?
I guess we work with different procedures.

I suppose if you're a one-man shop, and/or work with small projects what you're asking works great.

In our shop, I really have no business moving architectural elements, and the archies have no business moving structural elements.
I work with structural engineers, and we are in charge of all the structure, and our model kicks out all the structural drawings.

I don't necessarily *want* the arch model in my model, just referenced so I can shut the whole thing off.
By keeping the bases separate but linked, I can move, update, control all the structural elements.


And the same with the Architectural department, they reference the structure, it is NOT in their model.
They are in charge of all the architectural elelments, and NOT the structure, it's departmentalized.

We all work concurrently on a project.

Yes this takes coordination, and copy-monitor helps.
We're pretty good at "give and take", and letting eachother know about changes needing to be made.

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But if keeping everything in one model works for you and your office, than who am I to argue?
:beer:

[clintonc]

I Suggest you get some training videos and maybe some training from your vendor. If there is a Revit user group close to you they would also be great a resource. I have traveled the road your taking and you will save your self a lot of trouble and hair.