AutoCAD P&ID - A couple of quick tips...

We're going whole-hog (for those folks not from the South, this means that we are ardently pursuing a course of action - it just takes a lot less typing to say it) into AutoCAD P&ID, and really gaining the benefits over the old-school lisp and vanilla AutoCAD methods we used before.

But like any other Autodesk application, you've got to follow some rules. Here's a couple of tips that will help with some of the errors.

Off-page connectors - Autodesk released a fix for these not too long ago, but there's a better way to screw this up. If your pipe line segments between the connected drawings are not the same type - for example, you used the Primary Line Segment in one drawing, and then used Secondary Line Segment in the other drawing, where you wanted to make a connection - you won't get the tag properly labeled. We did this with several lines, just not paying attention. Off page connectors require the same line segment type to properly connect, so check this in both drawings before you implode.

The other good one relates to Validation. We've been using the Validate tools on P&ID objects, but we also place all of our geometry in paper space - since we're not working at scale. If you configure the Validate tools to check for Base AutoCAD objects, you might not get anything to show up as an error - even if you've added all kinds of cheatin' shortcuts.

The Base AutoCAD Objects check only looks at model space - so if you are importing old P&ID's to convert to intelligent objects, do your work in Model space, and then check. You'll find all of your random linework and be able to edit them right out of your shiny new diagram.

I've got more, but fixing all this has made me tired...time for a nap...

Later - David B.

Drawing Yard Piping in Revit MEP

In some projects, you might want to add the piping that connects between buildings and structures as Revit pipe instead of Civil 3D. I do this when I'm trying to maintain a connected system that doesn't go out beyond a campus, or scope of a project.

It can get a little tricky, so here's a few tips. First, make sure you have your site file linked in to your view. You need that as a point of reference. In our case, we have a project that is based on shared coordinates (site is linked center to center, then we acquired the coordinates from the site file to line our project up to those coordinates).

Next, get your levels added. You can either work from an overall relative level elevation of 0, which we do include on some of our projects. When you have this level in your project, you can use the actual invert elevations from the existing or proposed pipe.

If not, you need to do a little math - for example, you have a level defined at 303'. The pipe invert is 322.43'. You need to do the math, subtracting the level from the true invert, so our pipe is at 19.43'. You don't need to do any conversion if your project is in feet and inches instead of decimal feet - typing this value in will do the conversion for you.

You also need to know if the invert elevation is to the top, middle or bottom of pipe. That will come in handy as you start to draw the pipe.

Next up - calculating slope. This is why I decided to add this post - for the life of me, I couldn't do the basic math to convert slope to inches, so being the geek I am, I did a Google search and found a great table from a book called Basic Engineering for Builders, written by Max Schwartz. Here's the conversion table:

Before you add the pipe make sure you have the right fittings, such as the ductile iron mechanical joint library. We use a modified version of an old CADWorks library based on Clow for ours, but make sure your outside diameters are correct.

Now you're ready to add the pipe. From the home tab, select the Pipe command. Set the size and invert elevation for the offset, after doing the math. Next, select Justification to bottom, middle or top based on what you have as you invert elevation.

If the pipe is sloped, make sure you turn slope on. The direction you're drawing determines whether you use slope up or slope down. If you're starting from the highpoint, select slope down. Set the slope to the right value - if the values you were given were based on percentage, use the table to find the inch to 12 inch value (re: .5% = 1/16"/12" slope).

After you review this, pick your second point. And this is where the fun begins. Sometimes, Revit doesn't want to add a right angle to the pipe, especially if the view is not at right angles. What you want to do, when this happens, is rotate your view based on a pipe segment. Make sure your view crop region is turned on.

Select the crop region, and then pick the Rotate tool from the Modify tab. The center of rotation will show up in the middle of the view. Move your mouse over the center, pick it and drag it to the end of your pipe. After you've moved the center, you can rotate the view around this point. You can either pick a line that is orthographic first, then the center line of the pipe. That usually works, but sometimes you have to pick the first line for the rotation as the centerline of the pipe, then pick an orthographic line relative to your view. Either way, get the pipe in view flat.

Once it's flat, the fittings should work as designed. If you want to see this solution live, then join me at Autodesk University this year in Las Vegas, for my class, Revit MEP - On Steroids. We're going to have a lot of stuff revolving around site based projects in that class. If you can't make it to AU, it will be available after the event if you're signed up as an AU member. You'll have a handout with pretty pictures, and they may even have a recording of the class.

Hope this helps - happy BIM'ing...David B.

Hitting Benchmarks...and a great read...

Happy to announce we just passed 100,000 hits on the blog - I'm sure it's not as prolific as other sites, but hopefully in all the hits, I've added information and tips that have helped people out. So for all the people who hit this site and found information that was helpful, thanks for dropping by and tuning in. For all those who hit it by accident, maybe you learned a few things about what me and my geek friends really care about.

Speaking of caring about stuff, I just finished reading the AUGI "BIM is a Tool" article -

http://www.augi.com/library/bim-vs-communication - written by Damon Socha and Jennifer Lanzetti. They couldn't have been more right - it doesn't matter how cool or efficient the tool is if you can't communicate your design intent clearly. The one thing I'd add is that BIM tools do help you find the issues more clearly than in traditional 2D documentation process. It's all about the quality of the response - do you take advantage of the information, and use it to make a better design, reduce conflicts and improve quality.

One other thing - registration for AU members for Autodesk University starts August 28th - if you're planning on attending, and aren't currently a member of the site, go ahead and get signed up. That way, you're more likely to get into the venue's hotel (Mandalay Bay) and get better rooms. You'll also get a better pick of the classes. If you're a first timer, look me up - I'm planning on being one of the mentors for newbies this year.

Have a great day! David B.

Autodesk Fabrication - Yikes!

Now this I can't wait to see - Autodesk has released Autodesk Fabrication, a set of tools that works with Revit MEP models. You start with a Revit model including pipe, duct, etc. Export the model to a .RIF file, and import it into FABmep.

Fabrication lets you break the model down into modular systems, spools, etc. I noticed it contains libraries for pipe from Victaulic for fittings - but I'm real curious to see if the covered any others, like Charlotte or ACIPCO ductile iron...if they did, I'm really keen on looking into this.

Check it out at www.autodesk.com, and then search for Autodesk Fabrication - a free trial is available.

thanks - David B.

Small Groups, Large Groups, Red Crowd, Blue Crowd… AU Conference Presentation and Teaching Tips

Now that I know I’m headed back to Las Vegas for Autodesk University this year, it’s time to pass off some ideas about how to have a successful class. Whether you’re a first timer or an old dawg, you’ve got to understand that presenting at a conference isn’t the same as a regular training class, or presenting to your buddies in the office. So let’s start with a few things that help your classes get high marks.

1.       Know Your Audience

If you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced instructor, this is the most common mistake. Don’t teach symbiotic quantum physics to first year AutoCAD users…and it may sound silly, but keep it simple. You’re not there to impress them with your prowess or command of the English language. You’re there to communicate ideas, instill excitement and passion, and motivate the learner.

The AU crowd, for example is a little different. They’re a highly technical bunch, but they also are in Vegas…yes, Vegas has them now. And in most cases, they have a fairly good understanding of how the tools they’re using work, but are looking for the gems and tips they can’t find in the books or help file. When they signed up for classes, they were looking at your description and skill levels. So whatever you’re teaching, you need to stay in that general playground.

The key is to make sure your topic is something that is valuable to them. Cruise the discussion groups, talk to coworkers and check out the blogs to see what people are looking for. Since you’ve already submitted your class, make sure you tune it as needed so the information is relevant. Even if it’s advanced class, you’ll always get a few lost souls that probably didn’t mean to sign up for your class, but could really benefit from the topic.

                                                                                                                                                       

Know the Audience, Part 2

If you’re presenting for a first time, it can be daunting. I was so nervous in my first AU class, I kept tripping over the screen stand legs, which unfortunately stuck out about 3 feet in front of the screen (appropriately the class was about interference conditions in AutoCAD MEP). Get out and literally get to know your audience. If all you do is stand in front of the podium, your first contact occurs when you begin to speak. I like to walk around the room, introduce myself, talk to the users, even meet some outside the door (I’ve also been known to take tickets and charge admission…oops, probably shouldn't have said that). Ever notice how it’s easier to talk to friends than a large crowd?

This requires that you make sure you get into your presentation earlier, so have everything setup and ready to go well before the presentation. Make sure the software is open to files you’re using, your presentation is loaded. If you’re speaking at an event where there’s dinner or lunch being served, don’t sit by yourself – or even with friends. Sit at a table with people you don’t know and at least introduce yourself. You’ll find it’s easier to connect with people before the presentation than during.

2.       Preparation - Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice, etc.

There’s a big difference between knowing something and owning something. As much as I present, even the same things, it’s still a good idea to go through the presentation – night before, etc. I used a short script prompter, which contains the key points and sections. I leave it on the table where my laptop is, if I’m driving, since this helps me stay on course.  But no script keeps you from flubbing if you haven’t gone through everything. I had updated my computer before AU, but didn’t run through the steps in the exercise – my path to the lookup tables for pipe fittings in Revit was wrong…boom – but we turned it into a teaching moment, and showed the class why it broke. That’s rare, but sometimes you have to make quick adjustments. Try standing in front of the mirror – watch your facial expressions, hand movement, body posture – but nothing exudes confidence like owning the material. And never, ever, ever rewrite material the night before. Make sure you deliver exactly what you say you’re going to deliver – set the right expectation for the class.

3.       Relevant Topics – Stay on them.

As much as you may want to teach lisp programming that sets layers to an Architecture crowd at AU, that may not be what the crowd is really interested in. Find something that’s current and fresh – don’t dwell on how you did things in the past, unless you’re using it to define context. For example, a great expression is “I used to do this way, but then I learned a better way”.  And always credit the person who taught you – it shows humility, and respect.

4.       Presentation is everything!

At Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, in the Bellagio hotel, it’s all about presentation – getting the fries to be fluffed up a specific way so they look enticing.  A former co-worker of mine, David Garrigus, was a big inspiration – the ball and chain demo on ACAD 2000 was one of the best. You may have a style, but you can’t rest on it. You can keep the style, but change it up – do something different at every event. I may have fishing videos before the class, but every year I bring different props.

One of the things that drives me nuts is a presenter who hides behind a podium or desk, and doesn’t stop and step out. Engaging the audience is mission critical at an event like AU. You want them to share how you feel about what you’re teaching, but say it a little gently.

We even did the dating game once – but I won’t ever do it again. Judge the response – if it works, tweak it. If it doesn’t, run away from it. Don’t be afraid to ask people what they think – but also don’t be depressed if your presentation gets trashed by one or two people. There’s always a critic that thinks they can do better, or wants a specific presentation. Most important – be yourself.

5.       What to do when Things Break Down – and They Will!

Beware – if some disagrees with you, and they will, never trash them or their idea. Say something like, “I hadn’t thought of that, but it sounds interesting.” Many times, and unfortunately, there will be someone in the group that wants to bring you down a notch. Don’t ever play into it – better yet, try to deal with it after the class, and stay on track, so you can finish what you need to cover.

If something crashes, don’t dwell on it – even in a lab, you can still step out, and talk about what you’re trying to accomplish. One of the things I do is keep presentation or lab files saved at critical points, so a user can pick up and keep moving if they get behind, or worse, if something breaks.

And I’m a little superstitious – I always bring two laptops with me, just in case. But Autodesk is great about providing powerful desktop systems that you can use. One of the reasons I get to AU on Sundays is so I can spend time in my labs on Monday, and make sure all of the datasets are current and correct. I don’t recommend trying to customize the AutoCAD or other software on these computers, as not everyone who teaches will share your ideas about how menus suck and keyboard shortcuts are the only way to go. That’s when the dual laptop method works best. All it takes is a little static – and you’re talking about your kids for the next 75 minutes… and getting a crappy score.

To wrap it up, understand that AU is not a traditional training event, so you can’t approach it with the chalk and talk method. Be creative – engage the audience – know your subject – but most of all, have a great time and enjoy the privilege. Not everyone is crazy…excuse me, qualified enough to teach at AU, so make the most of it!

Later - David B.

AU 2012 - Time to get loaded up!

You'd think I would have learned by now, don't offer to do too much...but if it wasn't so much fun...

For AU 2012, held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas this year, November 27-29, 2012 (au.autodesk.com), I've got six classes:


Class ID: MP1414
Class Title: Revit MEP 2013 - On Steroids!
Class Type: Lecture

Class ID: MP1461
Class Title: You did WHAT? Revit MEP and AutoCAD PID? Amazing!
Class Type: Lecture

Class ID: MP1465-L
Class Title: Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2013
Class Type: Hands-on Lab

Class ID: MP1470
Class Title: Supercharge your AutoCAD MEP 2013!
Class Type: Lecture

Class ID: MP1477-L
Class Title: FASTER Families for Revit MEP!
Class Type: Hands-on Lab

Class ID: MP1478-L
Class Title: Perfecting the System for the Revit MEP Project
Class Type: Hands-on Lab

Usually the labs fill up first, so make sure you sign up early. I'm also volunteering to be a mentor to newbies and first timers, so I'll be in Vegas on Sunday, November 25 around midday.

Registration starts in early August, so if you haven't created an AU account, get online and do it today - it's going to be a blast this year!

Later - David B.

Piping, Worksets and Large Projects in Revit

Came across a little tidbit about changing connected systems (in this case, piping) on a good sized project. It appears that if you have worksets defined by building or structure, and you have connected geometry that is in more than one workset, you need to make sure that you're the owner of all worksets the connected pipe or duct belongs to.

In our case, we've set up an overall site model, that contains worksets based on building and discipline. We had a group of pipe we needed to shift down about a foot. When the tech went to move the pipe, he got an ownership warning (along with the editing request). In this case, the pipe that was being stretched was connected to a pipe in another workset the tech didn't have enabled, so the command fails. enabling the workset eliminated the dialog and allowed the move, even though the pipe being edited wasn't in the disabled workset.

We've discussed doing workset by systems, but this seems to be a little more trouble...so let me know how you're dealing with it - is it better to have a system that's connect across a longer distance in one workset, or do it all by building? (By they way, we also have the yard piping in its own workset, too.)

Ain't this BIM stuff fun...later - dab