It's back...and I'm back, after taking a hiatus from the blog. Been a busy summer, with our continuing migration into BIM and newer applications at Gannett Fleming. I've also been busy working as an author/content creator for 4D Technologies' CADLearning online training. In addition to updating AutoCAD MEP, P&ID and Plant 3D, we also updated Green Building Studio in time for this year's AU.
So this is one of my lightest years teaching, with two classes:
MP1573 Managing BIM Projects Without Going CrAzY is going to be broadcast live at AU Online this year, with a review of what you need to know on the front end of a BIM implementation, and then some tips on how to keep things moving after you're rolling. I'm actually going to demo some of the new Inventor BIM Exchange tools, in addition to showing some tips on sheets and views. We're also covering how Revit disrupts CAD tasks, and how to adapt to the change. It'll be a fun, so watch out for the crazy guy in the room. Look for it at au.autodesk.com/au-online/live-stream at 1:00 EST, Dec. 3rd.
MP6393 Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP covers some new features in 2015, including how to use an ADSK file in AutoCAD MEP to make an Multi-view part. We'll also cover the in-drawing conversion tool, how to make custom catalogs, and how to add 2D symbols to other planes in a part. This one's a fast one - we have 60 minutes to knock all this out, so it'll be hot, hot, hot in the room...
I'm also going to be meeting up with a lot of speakers and Autodesk folks, and am getting to take some cool classes finally. If you want to get certified for AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor or Civil 3D, the tests are free - but get there early, this is a really popular option.
So stay tuned, I've got some tips and tricks to post - see you in Vegas!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Monday, September 8, 2014
Get Some Serious Help for your Revit MEP - the kBIM Template!
Emy McGann, one of my former co-workers, who help me co-author several Revit MEP training manuals, and is one of the best BIM Managers I know, and Karpinski Engineering, have teamed up to release a Revit MEP template and content to help the small engineering firm get started in Revit.
From their press release through the ASHRAE website:
"kBIM Template and Library for Autodesk Revit includes a Revit template, customized Revit library, and supporting help documentation, all designed to enhance the building information modeling (BIM) process for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology disciplines.
From their press release through the ASHRAE website:
"kBIM Template and Library for Autodesk Revit includes a Revit template, customized Revit library, and supporting help documentation, all designed to enhance the building information modeling (BIM) process for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology disciplines.
Developed by Karpinski Engineering for use with Revit 2013, 2014, or 2015, kBIM Template and Library provides large-firm capabilities to smaller firms.
$5,500 ($5,000 ASHRAE Member) / CD / 2014Available Now
|
Features include:
- Custom view templates to enhance drawing set-up for each discipline. See a sample
- Standard symbols for devices that represent regularly used drafting items such as valves, pipe fittings, duct fittings, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, fire protection devices and data/telecommunication devices
- Equipment and fixture schedules with corresponding Revit families that enable automatic schedule population
- Custom schedules and tags to aid in electrical circuiting
- Standard pipe designations and line type
- Design checks as visibility and graphical settings (device indication of circuit inclusion)
- Custom drawing annotation styles and device tags
- Equipment clearance representation
- Device annotation offset for drawing clarity"
To get a copy and get off to a great start, follow this link:
http://www.karpinskieng.com/Contact
Ask for Emy McGann, and she'll get you hooked up. You can also order it through the ASHRAE bookstore if you're a member:
https://www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/bookstore/kbim-template-and-library
Happy Modeling! David B.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Summer's Up...Conference Time! Misc. Rambles...
The fall is upon us…man, where did summer go? And it didn’t
even get hot here until this week…so much for local warming...
Speakin’ time…
I’m up to my ears and elbows the next few weeks. First up is
a trip to ASHRAE’s IBPSA conference in Atlanta, GA. The conference runs from
Sept. 9-12th, and covers how BIM, analysis and simulation affects
today’s engineering firms and designers. I got lucky and will be speaking at
the conference on Wednesday, Sept. 10th at 3:30. The session I’m
doing is titled BIM Integration Best
Practices for Today’s Engineering Firm. I’m covering these four topics:
• Planning
for and addressing staff issues for effective use of new technology, and
preparing a training program
• Reviewing
current hardware/software assets, and how to choose between traditional local
hardware configurations and cloud based services
• Understanding
the impact of BIM software on project schedules, standards, content and
deliverables
• Leveraging
BIM projects, associated engineering data and content beyond the typical
construction documentation deliverables
All of these came about as we moved into the more advanced
stages of our implementation of Revit. In some areas, we’re exceeding
expectations while others we seem to be falling off. The idea is to help users
address these issues to keep a firm from losing momentum, when it comes to the
culture changes and shock that accompany a BIM project.
While focus is on BIM in regards to using it for simulation,
analysis and more, the content can be relative to all users. I’ll get the
powerpoint available as soon as possible – since it’s an ASHRAE conference, you
want see anything specific to reference Revit, AutoCAD MEP or anything else we
use, but the points are still applicable.
Vegas Baby!
AU 2014 at Mandalay Bay – Las Vegas, Baby! It’s coming fast,
and this year marks more than a decade for me. The load is light,
unfortunately, for what may be one of my last AU conferences as a speaker. I’ve loved doing
these, but the direction and content is getting spread a little thin. I’m not
mad at Autodesk for it – it’s tough to press 175 applications into 700 plus
classes in 3 days, so I don’t envy the schedule. The only issue I would have is
the reduction in “tips and tricks” classes and labs that can really push the
user to the next level, in favor of the more “firm oriented” classes that
showcase specific projects. It’s almost like we need to break AU up into two
conferences now, since it’s gotten so big. I’m looking to present at other
conferences in addition to AU with a lighter load if possible, so let’s see
what happens this year.
But don’t think for a minute it’s not worth going – in fact,
only having two classes this year is giving me a chance to spend some time with
other instructors, something I haven’t been able to do much of. I’ve signed up
for a lot of classes this year, and am also planning on renewing my Revit
certification as well. Here’s my classes, in case you haven’t signed up yet:
MP5173 - Managing BIM Projects Without Going CRAZY
This
course (which is being recorded LIVE and will be broadcast as a part of AU
Virtual) covers effective practices for project managers, engineers, and
designers working on Building Information Modeling (BIM) projects for heating,
ventilating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, water/wastewater, and
other engineering practices. Learn how BIM and Revit software alter the
traditional design workflows and processes, and discover how to manage the
disruptive changes. The course will cover pre-project planning, dealing with
project components and content and understanding what tools can really help the
project bottom line. We will also cover where Revit software alters typical
project tasks. The course is well suited for the first-time manager and
experienced user. If you're ready for an energetic, fast-paced class that packs
in a lot of information, then sign up early and often.
MP6393 - Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
AutoCAD
MEP 2015 software, a world-class design and drafting application, is the Zen
master of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design software. The software
continues to lead the way in everything from design to fabrication to owner for
excellent workflows. In this fast-paced hands-on lab we will take a look at
creating custom content. We will start by using Inventor software to create a
more detailed model. Next, we will use this model to create a new multiview
part. Once the part is defined you will learn a quick way to use the new symbol
and annotation planes to add line-based symbols, and then you’ll create a new
catalog to store your custom content. Every AutoCAD MEP software user should
learn how to use the overwhelming volume of manufacturer’s 3D content; this lab
will help you learn how to do that.
So,
no labs this year – but that makes it easy for me…tell you what, I’ll have some
other stuff available for the masses as well – if you can track me down this
year, tell me you want the “good stuff – the really, really good stuff”…and I
promise I won’t send you outside to the street hawkers! Bring your own USB key,
that’ll be the only way to get it…sign up at au.autodesk.com, the early
registration period ends soon!
Coming soon…
If
you didn’t know this, I’ve been working in my off-time as an author for 4D
Technologies’ CADLearning series, which provides online training videos for
Autodesk products. My sessions for AutoCAD MEP 2015 and AutoCAD P&ID 2015
are already finished, and I’m working hard on AutoCAD Plant 3D 2015 right now,
with lots of new stuff included. I had a lot of people ask about the Plant 3D
series last year at AU, so check it out – you can find all kinds of cool stuff
at www.cadlearning.com. Check it out, and let me know what you think!
Happy
modeling! DB
Monday, August 4, 2014
Fixing Branch Panel Load Issues in Revit
Now that I've actually had some time to stop, here's a couple of tips on making sure you panel loads are correct. This came up when we were trying to connect a 120/240v single phase panel to a 277/480 3 phase panel.
The correct steps are to add the panels first, and make sure their distribution system is set to the correct type.
Next, create the circuit between the lower voltage panels to the transformer.
The secondary distribution setting for the transformer must match the distribution system of the lower voltage panel. 120/208 3 phase panels should match, and the transformer needs to include 3 single pole breakers.
For the 120/240 to work correctly, set the max number of single pole breakers to 2, so only two slots are used to define the circuit. When creating a single phase panel, the Panel Schedule template tools don't correctly display the example as a true A/B circuit, so don't get hung up on how it looks in the template - the panel schedule will skip showing the 3rd phase (c) when it's added to the project.
Once the circuit between the lower voltage panel is defined to the transformer, create the circuit between the transformer and the 3 phase panel. The loads between common three phase panels will show up correctly on the same A/B/C phase as in the panel, but totaled.
Here's where we ran in to a problem - the A/B loads didn't appear on the three phase panel, but instead only 0's showed up.
If this happens, try this:
1. Add some wiring to devices on a few circuits for the low voltage panel. This helps you check to make sure the circuits are correctly defined. I used the tab selection to pick a circuit, and then use the grip to add wiring, so it does it all at once.
2. Check the connection between the 120/240 panel and the transformer. Sometimes, you need to edit the electrical circuit, and reselect the panel. Not sure why, but this worked better after I added wires.
3. Check the connection between the transformer and the three phase panel - make sure the distribution systems are both set to 480/277.
Sometimes just re-establishing the connections works, and you can always go back and delete the wire.
And if it still fails after that, then just go back to using spreadsheets for your schedules - now that's definitely not the right thing to do...audit the project, and make sure you don't have any errors, and make sure you're on the latest updates for your Revit release.
When all else fails, punt...
thanks - David B.
The correct steps are to add the panels first, and make sure their distribution system is set to the correct type.
Next, create the circuit between the lower voltage panels to the transformer.
The secondary distribution setting for the transformer must match the distribution system of the lower voltage panel. 120/208 3 phase panels should match, and the transformer needs to include 3 single pole breakers.
For the 120/240 to work correctly, set the max number of single pole breakers to 2, so only two slots are used to define the circuit. When creating a single phase panel, the Panel Schedule template tools don't correctly display the example as a true A/B circuit, so don't get hung up on how it looks in the template - the panel schedule will skip showing the 3rd phase (c) when it's added to the project.
Once the circuit between the lower voltage panel is defined to the transformer, create the circuit between the transformer and the 3 phase panel. The loads between common three phase panels will show up correctly on the same A/B/C phase as in the panel, but totaled.
Here's where we ran in to a problem - the A/B loads didn't appear on the three phase panel, but instead only 0's showed up.
If this happens, try this:
1. Add some wiring to devices on a few circuits for the low voltage panel. This helps you check to make sure the circuits are correctly defined. I used the tab selection to pick a circuit, and then use the grip to add wiring, so it does it all at once.
2. Check the connection between the 120/240 panel and the transformer. Sometimes, you need to edit the electrical circuit, and reselect the panel. Not sure why, but this worked better after I added wires.
3. Check the connection between the transformer and the three phase panel - make sure the distribution systems are both set to 480/277.
Sometimes just re-establishing the connections works, and you can always go back and delete the wire.
And if it still fails after that, then just go back to using spreadsheets for your schedules - now that's definitely not the right thing to do...audit the project, and make sure you don't have any errors, and make sure you're on the latest updates for your Revit release.
When all else fails, punt...
thanks - David B.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Get to KNOW your Status Bar in Revit
Not sure why, but the status bar has some of the most overlooked - and cool - tools to help you be more productive in Revit. The 2014 release added more features, and they could really help some of my users out. Let's take a look at the other guys...
Starting in the lower left corner, you'll see the reigning champeen, and ongoing command line for Revit - the Tips/Hints/Progress Bar Area!
 |
| I'm thinking, I'm thinking, I'm thinking....get me some gum-gum! |
The Progress Bar – displays the progress in percentage for loading a
file, or regenerating a view - and lets you know just how slow your computer really is! And if gets stuck at 90%, don't panic - there's only 30 minutes more to go!
Hints – like a kid at Christmas, these guys let you know what they really want - they display available program options for a view, but only if you're paying attention:
 |
| Put it there! No, that's no gonna work...put it here! |
The Selection Hint - No objects are selected, no command in progress, this nugget displays selection tools by default - if you don't know how to use TAB to cycle through elements for selection, you're going to really be frustrated in tight and congested areas! And it doesn't work like AutoCAD - you have to use CTRL or SHIFT to make multiple element selections!
The Placement Hint – he provides suggestions and/or directions for
placing objects - if it's non-hosted, you get to place an instance and set it free! And if you want to spin it in circles, tap the spacebar really fast - there's not place like home!
 |
| What the he** is that? |
The Object Preview Hint – when the cursor is placed over an object without
selecting it, the family name and type are displayed. It looks like a light...it might be a light...it IS a light! Where's the layer?
 |
| Yes, you must connect your devices! |
The System Hint – when an object has be defined as part of a
mechanical system or electrical circuit, the tab selection tool displays any
system or circuit the element is associated with. I watched a post where a user said systems are useless...tell that to somebody sizing pipe or duct, or wanting to see quickly what lights belong to a circuit. Winning!
Now to the center ring! Once you get past the hints, you start getting more useful stuff...
Worksets – icon opens the Worksets dialog, selector allows you to choose active workset...if I had a dime for every time I had user forget to set their workset current, I'd have ten dollars. Can you say lottery winner?
 |
| Hello...anyone home? |
Editing Requests –
displays if requests have been made, and number of requests. I said, I want to edit the electrical data for your air handling unit. Are you there? Can anyone here me?
 |
| Like a client ever changes their mind...meh... |
Design Options –
icon for enabling and setting design options, selector for choosing current
options, and toggle to exclude options from being applied. Like this works with MEP objects...snicker...oh wait...does it?
 |
| Only select the tasty ones... |
Editable Only toggle
– limits selection to items in active worksets. Like I said...I could be rich...maybe I'll start secretly turning this one to really mess 'em up...
 |
| Turn me off and I'll never move again! |
Select Linked Files – Like the smelly, messy roommate that won't go away...this is the toggle that allows you to select linked
files when using window selections or picking by mouse click in a view. I like to pin mine, but I still wind up picking this things...argh...
 |
| Go ahead,,,try to pick me... |
Select Underlay Items
– Like grabbing your underwear through your jeans...this is the Toggle that allows you to select elements in underlay files in a view. Unless you really don't want to grab these...or anyone else's...
 |
| Go ahead..pick me...ain't moving... |
Select Pinned Items
- Toggle that allows you to select pinned elements in a view. I pinned you for a reason, since I don't want you to move. So...stay! Good boy...
 |
| Not the Face! |
Select Elements by
Face - Toggle that allows you to select elements such as a wall or duct by
face instead of edge in a view. Now I like this...how many times have I been training someone, and tell them to pick a duct. What do they pick? The blank space between the lines. OK, I give...you win.
 |
| What a drag... |
Drag Elements by
Selection - Toggle that allows you to drag elements in a view without
selecting them. I'm not sure I like this. Go ahead, get a good grip on that chew toy, then drag that dog all over the place. Let go? Naw, I don't think it works that way...come to think of it, why'd I add this in here?
And, to wrap it up, in this corner...
 |
| Pick me! No - Pick me! |
Filter Tool –
allows you to refine the list of selected items by category. OK, so it's the same tool in more than one place. Don't care, I like it. It even counts for you on the button!
OK, so all of this is a little corny. But I'm so used to looking in the same places, that it's easy to miss new stuff they sneak in there. Check these tools out and make them work for you!
Happy Easter! David B.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Post #200 - A milestone, and review of AU 2013
First up, thanks to all the folks who've followed along. With close to 200,000 hits and 200 posts since we started, it's been an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to share ideas and opinions. Thanks for following along, and here's to 200 more...
AU 2013 – Ten Years in the Can…
And a great time was had by all. Thank you, good night!
It was definitely an interesting year, starting with the
infrastructure symposium and keynote address, right down to the labs and
lectures this year. Back at the Sands Convention Center (the Venetian by far is
my favorite venue), about 9600 of my colleagues made the trek to the desert.
The big focus continues to be on the cloud by Autodesk, but long terms apps
also got a lot of attention.
First up, my take on the cloud services. While some concepts
(such as running Revit or AutoCAD on a cloud machine as opposed to a local hard
drive) are ones I’m keenly interested in, I’m not convinced the security of
stored files and projects is where we need it to be. Since many firms like ours
are still doing a lot of high security work, we need to work on a better way to
wrap our firewall around Amazon’s servers (who Autodesk uses as their cloud
source). We had some good conversations on this, but newer tools such as Simulation
CFD are infinitely more productive in the cloud than on my laptop. I think we’re
getting closer, and as we move into 2014, I’m sure we’ll be giving this a much
harder look. If the costs work out better than upgrading systems every three
years, then it’s definitely a strong selling point.
One item I covered I was surprised more people didn't know about was Inventor 2014's ability to convert equipment models to RFA/ADSK files for easy use in Revit. I covered this in both of my Revit lectures (MP1304 and MP1507), so download these handouts. I also included a sample template and IFC conversion file for AutoCAD MEP to Revit MEP, so download these early and often. Thanks to the Pleasant Hills Water Authority and Mon Valley authority for letting me use their projects as great examples of our work.
Next, the crowd part. It was interesting to see how many
first timers there were this year. In my lab on AutoCAD MEP, as well as one I
assisted in for Matt Dillon, the overwhelming majority were new users to the
software. Concepts such as Project Navigator were some of the items they weren’t
familiar with, so covering “out of the norm” methods and features can easily
get lost. I think next year will be a good time to bring back some quick start labs
for this level of user, holding these labs early in the event, and holding the
intermediate/advanced topics on the later days.
Speaking of labs, we definitely needed to improve on this
year’s methods. Missing datasets, unzipped files…all are usually conquerable if
the instructor is aware they need to touch every system prior to the class.
After checking a couple of systems, I made the assumption the rest were OK, but
that was far from the truth. Scratch one up to losing my diligence – that won’t
happen again next year. I recommended that the instructor desktop Autodesk
provides serve as a lab backup just in case, with the datasets shared from that
box. If there’s an issue, it’s easy for the assistants to overwrite the local files
and catch everyone up. If files are missing or need to be added, it’s much
faster to use the share drive than running around with a bunch of USB keys.
There were definitely a lot of good classes this year – on families,
large projects, and newer tools. While I understand the desire to have a
greater quantity of classes, shortening the afternoon sessions to 60 minutes
left too little time. I think it’s viable to go back to the 3 ½ or 4 day event,
and offer sequential courses to help the users learn from beginning to end how
a program is supposed to work – even if it’s from a 5k foot view.
Next year, we’re back at Mandalay Bay from Dec. 2-4th,
along with several overseas events. Hopefully we can take some lessons learned
and continue to make AU one of the signature events in the world that everyone
wants to attend.
And for all my peeps that came to my classes and lab this
year, thanks! It was great fun, and I’m looking forward to sharing more secrets
(and crazy gifts) next year.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)