REVIT STRUCTURE 2009 Export to RAMSTEEL

[robin.156592]

I have a Revit Structure 2009 model that I am attempting to export to an .RSS file using the RAM export link. I just downloaded the most current link from Bentley.
The Revit model was created 'from scratch' - basically built using a linked architectural model - so the .RSS export is to create a file, not update an existing file.

I am getting the following error log:

START>8/5/2009 11:34:59 AM - Begin export to "C:\Documents and Settings\catenaadmin\Local Settings\Temp\2x4a3ine.20x.rss"
8/5/2009 11:34:59 AM - Exported using RAMDataAccess v14
8/5/2009 11:34:59 AM - Setting up Shared Parameters
8/5/2009 11:34:59 AM - Reading data from Revit model
8/5/2009 11:34:59 AM - Error: Unexpected exception occured!
8/5/2009 11:34:59 AM - Extended Description: Unable to cast object of type 'Autodesk.Revit.Geometry.Arc' to type 'Autodesk.Revit.Geometry.Line'.


8/5/2009 11:34:59 AM - Export Failed. See log for details.<END

At first I thought that this was related to some curved beams, but after deleting them I got the same message.

If anyone has had similar problems and knows how to remedy the situation, your expertise will be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Robin Best
Catena Consulting Engineers
Portland, OR

[robin.156592]

UPDATE:

After deleting any elements containing or created using arcs, I have successfully exported the Revit Model, creating a working .rss model.

I had to create a dummy Revit model with no elements containing arcs, retaining the working Revit model under a different name.

I doubt that the import from RAM will work, but I'll probably give it a go at some point.

If anyone has experienced similar issues and has a better solution, I'd love to know.

[mburke.54112]

Thats good info to know about the arc'd entities. We have limited experience exporting/importing between Revit & RamSteel; we have found out that the RAM/Revit Link works the best at the start of the project. We'll design it in RAM and inport into Revit or design it in Revit and export it to RAM. RAM doesn't support Worksets, so it'll import into Revit all on the current workset. I also recommend to set the log file messages to "all" under import settings.
We are using Revit Structure 2009 Webupdate 3 and RAM/Revit Link version 3.0.0.0
Not much here, but hope it helps.

[robin.156592]

Thanks for the info Michael.
After viewing some related threads elsewhere in the forum, I gathered that it will always work better to build the model in RAM first and export to Revit. Well now we know better for next time.

Robin

[captjim]

After viewing some related threads elsewhere in the forum, I gathered that it will always work better to build the model in RAM first and export to Revit.
Robin

Our understanding is that the best practice is to build the model in Revit first to establish grid and level locations, make a rudimentary model (no need to size anything), and export this to RAM. Size stuff in RAM, then import it back into Revit. If you move or add a lot of stuff, it is better to do this in Revit. We're new to this import/export game too, always having relied on paper for the link, but this is the practice all of our experts are recommending.
We have a lot to learn, a nugget like this curved member issue is a prize to find. BTW, the latest link works with RS2010.

[djn]

Thanks for the info Michael.
After viewing some related threads elsewhere in the forum, I gathered that it will always work better to build the model in RAM first and export to Revit. Well now we know better for next time.

Robin

We have found just the opposite. We build and use the Revit model to control the Ram model. I have found that if you are going to make changes to the model going from Revit to Ram will give you better results. For instance if you want add a grids or add a levels I would do it in Revit. Also Ram rigid interface (although getting better) sometimes doesn't allow for easy adjustments. In some cases it is faster to delete elements in Ram and put new ones in then it is to move existing elements. Revit seems to be easier to make adjustments in. Also another benefit with Revit is you can link arch backgrounds (also snap to these elements) correctly location openings ect.

[bellz]

Our understanding is that the best practice is to build the model in Revit first to establish grid and level locations, make a rudimentary model (no need to size anything), and export this to RAM. Size stuff in RAM, then import it back into Revit. If you move or add a lot of stuff, it is better to do this in Revit. We're new to this import/export game too, always having relied on paper for the link, but this is the practice all of our experts are recommending.
We have a lot to learn, a nugget like this curved member issue is a prize to find. BTW, the latest link works with RS2010.

jjenkins: How much experience do you have w/ the latest RAM link & RS2010? We are getting a little bit of pressure to upgrage to 2010, but are hesitant for various reasons; the biggest being the RAM link compatability. Bentley's site says the latest link has not been tested w/ RS2010, so any information you can give us would be extremely helpful.

Thanks!

[captjim]

jjenkins: How much experience do you have w/ the latest RAM link & RS2010? We are getting a little bit of pressure to upgrage to 2010, but are hesitant for various reasons; the biggest being the RAM link compatability. Bentley's site says the latest link has not been tested w/ RS2010, so any information you can give us would be extremely helpful.

Not much experience yet. Steve Crabtree at Bentley sent us a link to the installation file last Wednesday (Aug 5th) which we've kicked the tires on. It was named RAMSSLinkToRST_3-1_080409.EXE. We found that though the link is supposed to be able to handle the difference in decimal places in naming conventions, that part was broken so you have to edit families' txt files to make it work (as I recall that only affected round hss members). Steve said that should be fixed by the next release which he estimated will be in about a month. Other than that it seems to work the way it should, but again we're very new to using the link.
Sounds like you have more experience using the link, have you found it to significantly improve your workflow?
Jim

[jdougherty.136090]

Any chance someone can share the contact details for Steve Crabtree at Bentley or ask him/Bentley to post the current RSTR 2010 link .EXE on this thread, or create a URL for the link on the Bentley site? Many thanks!

[bellz]

I don't know if they actually have a RAM Revit Link for RS2010, yet. That being said, I heard it through the grapevine (of sorts) that the current available link is compatable w/ 2010. I'm still hesitant to make the switch to RS2010 until we get the go ahead from Bentley. The latest on their website says this:

"RAM Structural System Link to Revit Structure 2009. (Not compatible with Revit Structure 2010.)"

Steve's contact info is below. Maybe you can get a more definitive answer.

Steve Crabtree
Senior Technical Product Support Specialist
The Bentley Structural Team
Steve.Crabtree@bentley.com
1-800-726-7789 x127