Doing a Revit MEP Project Based on 2D CAD File

[pirit4]

I have imported 2D CAD files into Revit MEP so I could start doing the MEP CD's. The problem is, that most of the MEP tools in Revit need a model.Do I have to create an entire Architectural Model in Revit MEP in order to get the construction Document work done? Can I work from a 2D CAD File and not have to model the building all over again? How do most companies do their MEP work when they receive 2D AutoCAD Files?

[jvedio]

You can try creating levels in Revit MEP and then link each seperate floor of the drawing files to a particular level. You'll be able to see the dwg in 2D, but you'll still be able to create mep systems in 3D.

[sgermano]

Im doing the same, I have 2d floor plans that Ive imported at the correct levels in elevation. I was able to get a 3d steel file wich I imported, but a nice trick for laying out your diffusers, is to create some work planes at the ceiling elevations, helps to keep your diffusers and equipment at the correct elevations.

[pirit4]

So we should be able to build a whole 3D MEP system just by using planes to place our objects on them? If I run into any bumps, I'll repost, but I think that answers my question for now...Thanks

[brendan.upton]

a nice trick for laying out your diffusers, is to create some work planes at the ceiling elevations, helps to keep your diffusers and equipment at the correct elevations.

sgermano,

If you are using ceiling hosted diffusers, can they be placed on a work plane? This sounds like a good trick, I might try it out now.

[jpuck91372100]

I would need to try this to see for sure, but I think you'll run into issues with hosted items, such as diffusers. You might have to create a dummy ceiling somehow to make that work.

This is something I've done a bunch of times with Building Systems, and am currently trying to make the same thing work with Revit MEP since many of the clients I work with don't use Revit or put out projects with it yet.

[mhartmann]

i was going to try doing this on a new job that i'm getting background for in 2d acad. being electrical, i'm going to have to create all the walls, ceilings and rooms in revit to mount my devices on. i'm planning on importing the acads per level and plot with them on to show casework and other details in the arch drawing. i don't think i have enough time budgeted for the learning curve on this particular project, so i'll probably have to do it in dumb old acad... but i intend on trying this on a project soon. i'm hoping once it's modelled, that there won't be many changes, each time we get background updates, i'll have to check and adjust my walls to match, etc.

[sgermano]

Yes just create a workplane at the elevation of your RCP and it will host your diffusers.


sgermano,

If you are using ceiling hosted diffusers, can they be placed on a work plane? This sounds like a good trick, I might try it out now.

[sgermano]

A suggestion for hosting vertical objects is to open in cad your arch background. Isolate all wall layers. Select all then extrude to the height of your known cieling (a trick here if you have several ceiling elevations which is most likely, make all your extrudes around 7' tall) This enables you to host all wall fixtures in tricking Revit. Also is fast and looks perfect from a 2d plot standpoint.

/steve


i was going to try doing this on a new job that i'm getting background for in 2d acad. being electrical, i'm going to have to create all the walls, ceilings and rooms in revit to mount my devices on. i'm planning on importing the acads per level and plot with them on to show casework and other details in the arch drawing. i don't think i have enough time budgeted for the learning curve on this particular project, so i'll probably have to do it in dumb old acad... but i intend on trying this on a project soon. i'm hoping once it's modelled, that there won't be many changes, each time we get background updates, i'll have to check and adjust my walls to match, etc.