Face Based Model Text Component

Trying to place model text on a curved wall has always been something that has bothered me.  The idea of creating multiple reference planes and trying to make sense out off all of it when placing text is a real pain.  Awhile back I created a face based model component and then placed model text in that component.  I then tied all the parameters of the model text to type parameters within the component.  I can then just drop one letter on my wall and then polar array the rest.  I did make the letter an instance parameter to help save some time.  This seems to work very well for us. 

Partial Demolition

It seems to never fail that in our remodeling projects we need to demolish part of an existing building.  Be it walls or roofs, part of something always needs to be demolished.  In the past we have just copied and split the roof or wall apart.  Today I built a Generic Model - Face Based component that is strictly a void.  I can then just snap this to the face of my object that I want to remove.  I can phase it then and everything appears or does not, as is should. 

Key Plans

When trying to create key plans I find it extremely handy to reference a blog by Doug Bowers.  Here is a link to the article.  He provides step by step instructions on how to create a parametric key plan.  There is also an article by Paul Aubin in the summer 2010 issue of AEC EDGE, which can be found here on page 45.  Both are well written and easy to follow, but are slightly different from one another. 

Component Library Searching

As our content library continues to grow at an astonishing rate, finding components seems to be getting more and more difficult.  Very rarely do I use the "Load Family" button anymore.  I have found it much simpler to use windows explorer and use "The search box."

Just navigate to the content root directory and type what you're looking for.  Windows will then search the entire folder structure for anything containing that name.  Then just simply drag and drop the components from the explorer window into Revit.  This will automatically load it in and you will be ready to place it.  You can also select multiple components and bring those in all at once.

Naming Conventions

Here are some typical naming conventions our office currently uses.  We try to follow this as much as possible.  The first letter of each word is generally capitalized.

Project Files:
Project Name - Current Phase - Central
Project Name - Current Phase - Central - User
Example: West Elem - WD - Central
Phases are as follows:

·         SD - Schematic Design

·         DD - Design Development

·         WD - Working Drawings

·         BN - Bidding and Negotiations

·         CA - Construction Administration

Families
Family Name - Manufacturer - Model
Sizes & Materials should only be used for the types
Example: Desk - KI - Intellect

Materials
Material - Type of Material - Description - Manufacturer - Model
Example: Masonry - Brick - Running Bond - Glen Gery - Economy

Parameters
Short informational descriptions are best.
Do not put symbols in names (Such as - or /)

Working with Consultants Revit Files

Step 1.  Open their files with the "detach from central" option checked.

Step 2.  File save as and place the file in the consultants folder on the project server.

Step 3.  Close out of everything

Step 4.  I recommend creating an additional workset and setting it to not visible in every view.

Step 5.  Open your Revit project and select "Link Revit" under the "Insert Tab"

Step 6.   Select the Revit file to be linked in.

Additional Notes:

1.       If shared coordinates is being used, be sure to select Auto - By Shared Coordinates.  Otherwise I recommend Manual - Base Point.  Manual - Base Point will require one additional step to actually place the model.

2.       If you only need to load specific worksets from the linked model, select the down arrow to the right of the Open button.  And then specify which worksets should be loaded. 

3.       Be sure to insert the link on the proper workset.  If you get a warning about it not being visible, be sure to check your VG settings and turn on that workset. 

4.       Keep in mind that you if want to see the consultant's model in any other view; you will have to turn on that workset within your current view.

5.       Warning!  Setting up the consultant's model as a central file on your server will allow users the ability to access/change things in that model.  I recommend NEVER syncing and always relinquish when you close out.  This is only in regards to the consultant's model and should not be confused with the model being linked into the Architectural model.  The linked model inside the architectural model cannot be changed. 

Revit Wall Assemblies

Inevitability when a new user first learns Revit, one of the first challenges they will face is creating a wall type.  In most cases a good Revit template file will have all the wall types you should need, but when drawing an existing model, you're bound to run into some different ones.  Creating these different wall types can be a little challenging, but most seem to do quite will.  The one part that I think gets overlooked when creating new walls types is the fact that the top is Exterior and the bottom is Interior.
This is critical to pay attention too.

There's also is some confusion on which "Function" to use.  The following table describes each function.

Function/Priority	Description
Structure (priority 1)	Supports the remainder of the wall, floor, or roof.
Substrate (priority 2)	Consists of materials such as plywood or gypsum board, which act as a foundation for another layer.
Thermal/Air layer (priority 3)	Provides insulation and prevents air penetration.
Membrane Layer	Prevents water vapor penetration.  The membrane layer should have zero thickness.
Finish 1 (priority 4)	Used as the exterior layer.
Finish 2 (priority 5)	Used as the interior layer.

Copied from Learning Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010

Following these simples rules should help anyone create new wall types with ease.