Analyze This! New and updated Apps...

One big theme I've got this year in my classes at Autodesk University relates to interoperability between Revit, AutoCAD MEP and other external applications. Autodesk has made some strides in this area, and having tools that help us make better design decisions is always a good thing.

It's not just Autodesk - there's a lot of other vendors that have tools you can leverage with your BIM model - even some that don't need it. I'll start with my old friends at IES - Virtual Environment is still one of the best and most comprehensive building analysis tools that you can import and link your Revit model to, and we're getting ready to start learning more. The ASHRAE and LEED Navigators make studying designs easy, giving you step by step directions to make sure your designs meet their criteria. The lighting and HVAC analysis tools are easy to use, and the graphic outputs are first class. Find out more by visiting their booth at AU 2013 this year, and by visiting http://www.iesve.com/.

Since I'm a glutton for punishment, I've been taking Autodesk's Building Performance Analysis course, at http://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/bpac. This course runs you through all of science and topics regarding sustainable design practices, and how building analysis tasks such as psychometric charting, building enegy loads, thermal loads, solar radiation and more, are completed. One tool they've included is a little old school, but fairly neat. The Climate Consultant tool, from UCLA (http://www.energy-design-tools.aud.ucla.edu/) uses psychometric chart tools to determine what design strategies, based on local climate data, can give you the best results when designing for human comfort and more.

The BPA course also leverages the latest version of Autodesk's Project Vasari, which is currently in Beta 3 form and available at http://autodeskvasari.com/. This beta only runs through May, 2014 - after that, we'll see what happens next. Vasari uses a Revit style interface to bring in models, from conceptual (where it works best) to detailed building element models. The same energy modeling tools in Revit are also available here - add to it wind tunnel and wind rose tools that make for great air motion study and presentation materials, and a solar analysis tool that helps create data tables that include the tool's results.

Speaking of the energy analysis tools - Revit 2014 allows you to perform energy studies based on conceptual constructions or building elements directly from the program. The Building Elements version leverages the Green Building Studio tools to perform climate and energy costs studies, without having to go and manually define the project. This is a great time saver, and is helping our users use this tool more frequently. gbXML import is still accepted, you just need to follow the same steps that have been there for a while now - allowing you to also leverage your AutoCAD Architecture models as well.

A recent addition to the Autodesk lineup are the Simulation tools, including SIM Pro 360. This tool, which can be locally installed, or cloud-based, allows you to link architectural models directly into a project tool. This tool then allows you to perform CFD studies on the model. While it's better suited to very early conceptual models, you can use Revit models as well - just keep them broken up into chunks, and use the cloud based version as much as possible. Local crunches can get a little slow, so why waste your computer's time? Check out the offerings at http://www.autodesk.com/products/sim-360/overview.

Getting more out of your BIM model is one of the reasons why we've pushed our firm in this direction for the past few years. As the tools get faster and easier to use, they reduce the need to repeat steps during the design process - saving us time and money. Check them out - and for more detail, check out my AU courses, MP1304 - Autodesk Revit in the Process World, MP1523-L, Fast Track for AutoCAD MEP Power Users, and MP1507 - it's a MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD Autodesk Revit MEP World.

One other shout out - one class I wish I could attend but can't due to scheduling conflicts is the MP2845 - Virtually Human: Modeling the Human Body Inside and Out Using BIM Platforms. Andrew Duncan and the guys from Arup use Revit tools to model the human body. Man...talk about analysis tools...instead of just structural analysis, can we get Autodesk to add these apps?

- The Carb/Fat balancing tool
- The Alcohol Consumption Stabilization app
- The Decision Making Rectification Analysis Module
- The "What Happened to my Hair" Correction Tool

I'm sure there's more - add your own here...

See you at AU 2013!

David B.

Rising back up...and getting ready for AU 2013!

I just realized it's been about 4 months since I posted anything. It's mainly due to the fact that we've been pretty busy, with a lot of new work, different software packages and new work processes we're trying to get out to the masses.

So, it's time for my annual Autodesk University pre-game show (twitter: #au2013; au.autodesk.com). This year, I've got three classes, plus two that I'm helping with.

First up - Wednesday, Dec. 4th, 8:00AM PST, is MP1523-L, Fast Track for Autodesk AutoCAD MEP Power Users, takes an out-of-the-box look at how to leverage projects that are designed using AutoCAD MEP, and how to get more detailed models for better results. We'll be looking at traditional and non-traditional methods to build MEP models, using custom UCS features in addition to the project level controls.

IFC compatibility is becoming a larger issue in the design industry, and this class looks at IFC functionality both ways - coming into an AutoCAD MEP project, and heading out for use with other tools such as Revit. We also will be examining space and zone usage to go with the model, which is leveraged to build gbXML files for external analysis tools like Green Building Studio. The class wraps up with a couple of quick lessons for leveraging manufacturer's 3D content, editing a part directly from a drawing, and adding custom symbology to inline accessories such as valves. The class goes by fast, needless to say...and should help you do the same with your AutoCAD MEP models.

Immediately following this lab on Wednesday, Dec. 4th at 10am PST  is MP1304, Autodesk Revit MEP in Process and Water Resource World, is mid to high level course about how we, Gannett Fleming, are using BIM tools to work on this particular types of projects. This class reviews some examples of water treatment projects that we've recently been working on, and discusses how we defined the models to get the most benefit for our design teams.

We're also looking at tips on working with various, non-traditional BIM suppliers of content, and how we work with and convert file types into something usable on our projects. The class also covers how we leverage our design models with different analysis tools, such as Autodesk's Simulation CFD and Green Building studio products, and others. We wrap up on the long term benefits to the client and contractor. This includes ideas for where our Design Build team can leverage the work we've done to keep control of project costs and deadlines, and where the owner gets more value from a BIM model that supplements traditional 2D documentation.

Thursday, Dec. 5th at 8:00am PST is one of my favorite classes to teach, MP1507, It's a MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD Autodesk Revit MEP World. This out-of-control tip sand tricks class is here to make sure your last day at AU starts with a bang, and gives you valuable help for solving MEP secrets. We start off talking about customizing templates for maximum efficiency. and move right into family customization tips. We spend some time talking about view control with templates and custom views for non-traditional (re: not flat) plans, sections and elevations. The course wraps up with examples of how leverage your BIM model for Simulation CFD, Fusion 360 and more. It's my chance to have fun with my fellow BIM fans and friends, and give you junk to fill up your bag for the ride home.

One recent addition is a panel discussion I was asked today to participate in. Joshua Benoist, a senior support specialist with Autodesk that's had to put up with all my challenging (and sometimes dumb) support questions about the Autodesk BIM products, has asked me to help offer some insights on Autodesk's 360 products. MP3174, Come Fly with Us in the Cloud: BIM Panel Discussion is Thursday, Dec. 5th at 2:30 pm PST. I'll be joining some long-time cohorts to offer up our opinions and advice on how to use the Autodesk Cloud services in a BIM collaborative workflow. This one should be really entertaining and interesting, and gives you a chance to interact with your peers in a wide open discussion. Get there early - this could get packed!

I'm really looking forward to this years event - with fewer classes to teach, I'm really looking forward to attending some sessions on really interesting topics this year. And the best part of AU is the networking, so hunt me down - and let's talk shop this year!

See you in a month! David B.