Standing Seam Metal Roof

Here is a trick to create the look of a true standing seam metal roof in Revit.

First start by creating the roof with generic roofs that are thin I use 2". I was then able to duplicate each of my roofs in their same locations. I changed one of my roof types to "slopped glazing", this is a roof type that is a curtain system.

Second I set up our roof types. Start with the easy one, customized the type "Generic 2 inch" to "Seams" with correct material settings for the metal roofing (we will come back to this roof later). Then "Sloped Glazing" to "Metal Roof", this one will take some modifications. You will need to created a curtain panel that is 1/4" thick to use for the main field of the metal roof. We will also need a profile shape that is the size and shape of our standard field seams. I used a simple rectangle with type parameters to adjust width and height as needed. Then go to your new "Metal Roof" type and edit the type properties. Set Grid 1 Pattern to spacing for seams. Set Grid Mullions - Interior Type to Metal Roof Seam Profile. (You may have to adjust the profile insertion location up and down to have it site on top of the roof.

Now you should have two roofs with in each other. The final touch was to use "Opening by Face" tool on each of the roof faces or the Seams roof "the basic roof" to cut out for the Metal roof to show through. This will give you both the seamed in-field and the ridge/hip/valley pieces.

Tip: Monday means make a new local file.
On Friday afternoon the BIM manager will have done the entire cleanup necessary for CentralFile maintenance. After going through all these maintenance methods or if it is just Mondaymorning make a new Local File. By creating a new Local File every Monday morning the userwill not bring any old problems back into the Central File.

*Now I have created a Central File, where do I go next?

You do not actually work in the Central File, you work on local copies. Local copies are created by copying or saving the project to a your workstation. When this happens a data link is created to help check and reference data between the local copy and the central file.

*What is the best way to create a local copy and is there any suggestions?

The two main ways are to save as and copying while in windows explorer. Copying with window explorer is my preferred option. First, it takes less time, you do not have to open it and and then re-save. Second, most people open the Central file and forget to save it to their local workstation.

*Is there some best practices for file name to reduce confusion.

Yes, always add in all caps CENTRAL to the end of the central file when naming and as users create there local copies they should remove CENTRAL and add there user name in all caps.

Revit Workshare Post 2

As I discussed in the previous post workshare in Revit is more of a process than a command.

This first step in this process is to enable Worksets. You do this by going to the File Pulldown Menu and selecting Worksets. This will bring up a dialog box for Worksharing. You will see that all levels and grids will go to one workset and all other items go to another workset. Note: This step can not be undone. Then you will have the Workset dialog box come up for creating additional worksets.

So, what does this mean? We need to start by understanding worksets. Worksets are collections of elements, such as walls, windows doors or even levels. Okay, why? Originally the concept that Revit used to allow multiple users to work on a project at the same time was through allowing users to check out and work on one workset at a time, which prevented other users from using those items (preventing confilicting objects). This concept as evolved in the programing to become more automated and can now be done in what we refer to a "Borrow As You Go." With that in mind we can leverage worksets still for other means. Worksets can be used to subdivide the project in to managable pieces. Example, when working with a 3D exterior we would like to turn off the interior elements, this is where we could divide the elements into two worksets for interiors and exteriors.

By grouping elements into related worksets we can find easier ways to manage the project.
1. Checking out a workset(s) due to major design change can prevent and signal other users that changes are being made on a larger scale and may effect what they are about to work on.
2. Turning off worksets that are not needed. This is can greatly improve system performance.
3. Change visibility of categories from one workset to another.
4. Checking out a workset to work on that area outside the office and not need to communicate to the central file on the server.

These are just examples of the areas that can be managed by using worksets.

What worksets did I need to create? This varies greatly between project sizes, number of users in the project and the number of disciplines in the project.

Key ideas is to break down the project into related areas "not related elements that is what categories do." Take a hotel project for example;
Exterior - for all exterior elements
Building Core - for major elements spanning multiple floors; stair and elevator shafts
Lobby - elements making up the main lobby and store ares
Structural - for structural columns and beams

Revit Workshare, Post 1

I have noticed Worksharing is an area that many people are looking for information on in Revit. I have decided to do a series of post to revolve around worksharing, in Revit.

First we need to understand the need or concept of worksharing. Revit project files typically consist of an entire plan set and model for a particular discipline. Instead of breaking the drawings down into multiple files we work with one file. Just like many other softwares this can be an issue when multiple people need to access the file and make changes simultaneously. Revit developed the Workshare concept to resolve this issue.

I have had several people ask me where do I find the command workshare. Workshare is not a command in Revit it is process. Here is a basic outline of the process;

1. The process of work share starts from a basic Revit Project file.
2. You enable or create worksets.
3. Finally save the file, this will create a central file, workshare is setup
4. Loacl copies can be made at this time.

At this point workshare is setup and ready go. I want to look at this process a little more indepth on my next post.

Door Family with Jambs

I have had several request for a door family that has jambs included in the rough opening. This is something Revit does not have out of the box. It is made for walls that are either concrete or block construction that we need to be able to dimension to the door rough opening. So, I have put together a basic door to get you started with. Select link at bottom of post to download.

It is basically a single hung flush door. The Jamb and door together make up the open size. In the type settings you can change door height and width along with jamb depth (all three sides) jamb width for sides and jamb width for head jamb. Under the instance or Element you can change the door inset (this controls the offset of the door from wall face on the non-swing side. The rough opening also automatically reports the correct width and height by adding Jambs and width/height.

Single-Flush-Jamb-RR.rfa

Upgrading Families in Revit

Although it is not necessary to upgrade all families before using them in a new version, it may be desirable to upgrade your family files (especially your larger ones) to avoid upgrade delays when you add families to projects.

The utility is located on the installation dvd for Revit. You will need to look in the Install Tools and Utilities area and then utilities from the left hand margin be directed to the utilities on the dvd. Files are designed to first find any existing family that you have, then upgrade them to the current release.

1. Copy the files into a directory common to your family files
2. Double click on the Batch Family File Generator (upgrade_rfa.bat). After a moment a file named famlist.txt will be created.
3. Drag and drop the Family File Upgrade Utility (upgrade_rfa.txt) onto the Revit Icon (or shortcut). Revit will now start, open and save all of the family files found in the family.txt file.

NOTE: Be sure that the file identified in the "family.txt" files should be upgraded before running the "upgrade_rfa.txt" utility. It is advisable to review the files found in the "family_rfa.txt" before proceeding. Once a file is upgraded it cannot be brought back to the previous release.

NOTE: Also note that family files marked as "read only" cannot be upgraded and will cause the upgrade_rfa.txt file to "run out of sequence" and the process will be stopped.

DO NOT modify these downloads to upgrade project files ! ! !

Site Analysis- Permeable vs Non-permeable

How about using the AREA tool to create a visual analysis of Permeable vs Non-permeable surfaces on a site plan. Revit can easily be used to compare the areas in both numerical view (Schedule) or visual with a color fill plan. An idea is to create a permeable parameter. You can then create a new view change view settings to see the site objects. Create some spaces and fill the parameter for permeable with Permeable or Non-permeable. Apply color fill based on permeable parameter. Finally create a schedule to extract information for square footage of each.

Green Building Studio

Well, in case you have not notice Green Building Studio has been officially acquired by Autodesk. I noticed the Autodesk logo on the website this weekend and the site was temporally down for maintenance www.greenbuildingstudio.com. I ma looking forward to see what kind of software interaction we will see from this acquisition.

HVAC zones

New feature to Revit MEP 2009 is Zones. Zones will allow engineers break up the rooms in the building in to, based on engineering volumes. This adds another great tool that is part of the typical mechanical design work flow for system equipment selection as well as to perform accurate heating and cooling loads calculations.


The new zones integrate seamlessly into the current tools of Revit MEP. Zones will have the ability to export the newly created HVAC zone datafor use in the IES. Heating and cooling loads reports have also been enhanced to reflect the powerful HVAC zones and spaces functionality.

AutoCAD's 2009 Ribbon Bar

If you have seen AutoCAD 2009 release you know that Autodesk has change the interface. I noticed that if you have been modifying the dashboard and setting that up in 2008, it is no long in the 2009 release. The new "Ribbon" interface has replaced the dashboard. You can see a screen shot of the Ribbon from a previous post below.

Some new commands that will help you with the new interface:

ribbon - this command turns on the ribbon bar
ribbonclose - this command turns off the ribbon bar
menubar - this is a new system variable <0> menus turned off and <1> menus turned on

Hope this helps you in setting up your new 2009 seats of AutoCAD.

Workshare in 2009

Revit users, are you on subscription? If you are on subscription, Revit has a new tool for monitoring worksharing in 2009. The Workshare monitor is avalible to suscription users to display instant inforation on project team members in the current project.

Have you ever wanted to know quickly; who was in the project, is my local copy up to date, when is my save to central going to finish, has my request to borrow elements been granted? The new Worksharing monitor does just that. Once you are ready start sharing projects in your office and you are subscrption member, you can go out to the Autodesk customer subscripton web page and download and install this exernal tool. Once installed you can open a Revit project, and select Tools menu -> External Tools -> Workshare Monitor.

The Workshare monitor will displays notifications when editing requests are made by other team members. When a user saves to the central file, a progress bar displays. A list of other users also displays, showing when they have last saved to central.

Dimensions in Revit 2009

I have to admit the guys over at Autodesk do listen to us. I was browsing the new features to Revit Architecture 2009 and found they finally implemented some of the wish list items we have been asking for.

First off, I know that we all need to override a dimension and place just text in locations, such as "varies." That is just one of many items you can do to the dimensions in 2009. Check out this dialog box;

As you can see we can modify our dimensions in several ways; from prefix to suffix, above and below and replace with text. Okay, now how do I get to that? That is simple select a dimension, and yes it can be a string or single dimension, then select the dimension number "text" that is now blue, then modify as needed. I will say that Revit does not want you to over ride a dimension with a different dimension that is incorrect. In this dialog box, I have a dimension reading 65'-4". I can change it to read "Varies" or "place bolts every 6" o.c." I know my first question with this override was "Can I change it to read "63'-10" now?" No, Revit will not allow you to do this you will receive a warning, as you see below:

AutoCAD 2009

Yes I know my blog says "BIMview" and my focus is going to be Revit and BIM ideas, but we can not pass up the release of AutoCAD 2009.

We have been anticipating the release of AutoCAD 2009 since AU 2007. Those who were there may have had the opportunity to see the software others just heard bits and pieces. Well the what is over or just about. The first shipments should be anytime now.

I had some time to Beta test the '09 product and get a feel for what was to come. I can say that the initial look as it launched for the first time was one of "shock and aw".



My Second thought was Microsoft Office 2007. Yes, the Ribbon Gui from Microsoft migrated to AutoCAD.

I had the opportunity to poll a large group of users on the new interface and talk about, thank you JAG User Group. I showed Word 2007 first and asked if anyone ahas used the new 2007 Office product line, about a third of the group now uses it or has used it. Their opinion was "I can not find anything." I asked was there any other opinions, several people spoke up and said that once they got use to using it it was easier to use and quick to find things.

In closing this post, I think that you need try new technology and give it a chance, before you jump to criticize it.

A New Blog

Welcome to a new log spot that will focus on Revit BIM technology along with some AutoCAD tips and tricks. My name is Rick Ross, I am out of Jacksonville, FL. I have been working with Autodesk products since 1991. Through my career I have seen many different products and ideas to achieve better building practices. My focus is to explore those ideas through Revit and still throw out some good AutoCAD tips and tricks for my readers.