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Advanced Autodesk® Revit® Families for Structural Engineering and Design: The Lab!Steven Mintz, P.E. – Autodesk Consulting

SE308-2L By popular demand, this class is now offered as a structural families shown in past years plus some new "mustsimplify everyday engineering tasks. You'll work with actual examples that have been used to overcome obstacles encountered on real projects.

About the Speaker: Steven is a professional engineer and BIM consultant specializing in structural engineering. After developing the Revit® Standards for a San Francisco design firm as a staff engineer, Steven ran his own independent consulting practice, joining Autodesk shortly thereafter. As a consultant, he helps engineering firms to manage the transition into Revit and adopt new tools to improve workflow and productivity. [email protected]

Advanced Autodesk® Revit® Families for Structural Engineering and Design: The Lab!

Autodesk Consulting

By popular demand, this class is now offered as a lab. You will focus on creating structural families shown in past years plus some new "must-haves" to help you meet deadlines and simplify everyday engineering tasks. You'll work with actual examples that have been used to overcome

real projects.

Steven is a professional engineer and BIM consultant specializing in structural engineering. After developing the Revit® Standards for a San Francisco design firm as a staff engineer, Steven ran his own

g practice, joining Autodesk shortly thereafter. As a consultant, he helps engineering firms to manage the transition into Revit and adopt new tools to improve workflow and

Structural Engineering and Design: The Lab!

lab. You will focus on creating haves" to help you meet deadlines and

simplify everyday engineering tasks. You'll work with actual examples that have been used to overcome

Steven is a professional engineer and BIM consultant specializing in structural engineering. After developing the Revit® Standards for a San Francisco design firm as a staff engineer, Steven ran his own

g practice, joining Autodesk shortly thereafter. As a consultant, he helps engineering firms to manage the transition into Revit and adopt new tools to improve workflow and

Advanced Autodesk® Revit® Families for Structural E ngineering and Design: The Lab!

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Table of Contents

Introduction to Families .............................................................................................................. 3

Class Format ............................................................................................................................. 3

Class Dataset ............................................................................................................................ 4

Exercise 1 - Opening Family ...................................................................................................... 4 Generic Opening (1).rfa ........................................................................................................................ 7 Generic Opening (2).rfa ........................................................................................................................ 8 Generic Opening (3).rfa ........................................................................................................................ 9 Generic Text.rfa .................................................................................................................................. 10 Generic Opening (4).rfa ...................................................................................................................... 11

Exercise 2 - Slab Depression ...................................................................................................13 Slab Depression (1).rfa ....................................................................................................................... 13 Slab Depression (2).rfa ....................................................................................................................... 14 Slab Depression (3).rfa ....................................................................................................................... 14 Fill (1).rfa ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Fill (2).rfa ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Fill (3).rfa ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Slab Depression (4).rfa ....................................................................................................................... 17

Exercise 3 - Column with Formwork .........................................................................................17 Concrete Column w Chamfer.rfa ......................................................................................................... 18 Formwork Chamfer.rfa ........................................................................................................................ 19

Exercise 4 - Built Up Column ....................................................................................................21

Exercise 5 - Kicker ...................................................................................................................24 Kicker (1).rfa........................................................................................................................................ 25 Kicker (2).rfa........................................................................................................................................ 25 Kicker (3).rfa........................................................................................................................................ 26 Kicker (4).rfa........................................................................................................................................ 27

Exercise 6 - Dam Block ............................................................................................................29 Dam Block (1).rfa ................................................................................................................................ 30 Dam Block (2).rfa ................................................................................................................................ 31 Dam Block (3).rfa ................................................................................................................................ 32 Shared Parameters.txt ........................................................................................................................ 32

Summarizing Key Concepts ......................................................................................................33

Additional Resources ................................................................................................................34 Valid Formula Syntax and Abbreviations ............................................................................................ 34 Conditional Statements in Formulas ................................................................................................... 35 Trigonometry ....................................................................................................................................... 36


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Introduction to Families Families are the basic building blocks of all Revit models. Whether you want it or not, every element in your model belongs to a family. A similar set of elements belong to a single Family . All members of this family must have similar geometries and constraints.

Properties such as the height or width of a family are called parameters . Parameters may apply to a single element in a model (instance parameters ) or to an entire type (type parameters ). Designating a parameter as shared allows it to be used in tags and schedules.

Parameters and types do not need to be entered manually into a family. A large group of them can be stored in a type catalog , which you are already familiar with. Recall that when you load a Wide Flange family, you select the sizes you want. This is the type catalog. Type catalogs are text files, stored in the same directory as a family, with the same name.

Class Format This lab is designed to help you create families which contain engineering design intent and perform common, repetitive design tasks with greater efficiency and standardization. It is assumed you have already mastered the art of creating family geometry; this class focuses on:

• Formula Driven Families • Nested Families • Linking Parameters • Type Catalogs

As you work through these tutorials, you will see a number of icons:

This represents a break-point in the self-paced tutorial. The instructor will provide additional information and instruction not contained in the tutorial. If you do not stop here, your family may not function properly.

The tutorials are broken down into a series of stand-alone blocks. If you get behind, or your family does not function properly, you may open the file indicated by the detour and continue the tutorial.

(Chicken aka check-in) You are encouraged to flex your family often. This icon indicates specific times for you to flex your family and/or have a lab assistant check your work before you continue the tutorial.

This icon highlights steps of particular importance or value. In some cases, these steps may not have been included in the dataset.


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Class Dataset The “Completed Families” folder contains the finished families you will build in this class, saved in Revit 2010 format; included are also two projects which demonstrate the families built in this class. These families are for you to take home, but please do not distribute them.

The “Family Building Blocks” folder contains copies of the necessary family templates and family files for these tutorials. These files can be found in the default family locations on your lab computer; if you cannot find this location, please use these files.

The “In-Progress Families” folder contains periodic saves of families you will be building in this lab. You can revert to these files if you get lost during class or your family does not function properly. You can use these files when indicated as a Detour in the tutorial.

The batch routine “_removeBackups.bat” will delete any backup families and projects created in this directory and sub-directories. Use this routine to clean up the Dataset when you are done with class.

The “In-Progress Families” folder also contains a Shared Parameters file. This file will be used once in the class. In addition, the Completed Families have been modified to include a number of shared parameters from this file so that they can be scheduled and tagged. Instructions to do this are generally not called out in the tutorial, however you may substitute these shared parameters when you have completed the family.

Exercise 1 - Opening Family The opening tool in Revit works very well – you can make openings of any shape in nearly any object; however, because of this high range of freedom, you must enter an “Edit” mode before you change the size of the opening. This family improves upon this behavior by allowing you to create a generic rectangular opening which can be stretched or aligned – without entering a sketch mode. It also schedules, draws its own X, and labels itself as “OPEN”.

This family automates a common and repetitive task – creating rectangular openings. It also standardizes the graphical appearance of openings. Normally, this family would be created as a Face Based family so that it can be used to cut both Walls and Floors. In this tutorial, the family is created as a Floor Based family so that it can be quickly transformed into a second family: a Slab Depression. It can also be transformed to create a Thickened Slab family and a Depressed Slab family – four families for the price of one!

This may be a relatively simple family geometrically, but it quickly demonstrates the use of formulas which drive a family to function with engineering design intent.


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Generic Model floor based.rft <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\

Use this file if the standard Imperial Template directory cannot be found

1. Select Revit Icon >> New >> Family

2. Choose the Generic Model floor based.rft family template

The family must be hosted (“based”) because this family will cut an opening in the floor

This family is usually made with the face based template so that it can cut floor or walls

The floor based template is selected instead so that this family can be copied to quickly create the family in Exercise 2

3. This is the Generic model floor based.rft template

It has two reference planes and a host floor. Operations modifying the floor in this interface will be done to the floor when this family is placed in a model.

4. Save the family as Generic Opening ( <your initials>).rfa

5. Assign the family to the Specialty Equipment category Create >> Family Properties >> Category and Parameters

6. Enable Show Categories from all disciplines

7. Select Specialty Equipment

The In-Progress families are left as Generic Model. This is OK; the only difference is that a Generic Model will not schedule.

8. Select the two existing reference planes

9. Pin the planes Multi-select >> Modify >> Pin We pin the two planes so that we do not accidentally move or drag them as we create the family

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10. Create four new reference planes as shown Create >> Datum >> Reference Plane

The “top” plane will be referred to as BACK

The “bottom” plane will be FRONT

The left plane will be LEFT

The right plane will be RIGHT

11. Select the four reference planes you drew

12. Open the Element Properties

13. Assign Is Reference to Weak Reference

14. Activate the dimension tool Detail >> Dimension >> Aligned

15. Click the Back reference...

16. … then the Center reference…

17. … then the Front reference…

18. … then click a fourth time to place the dimension

19. Press the equality constraint

20. Repeat steps 14 through 19 to make a string dimension for the vertical reference planes

21. Create two overall dimensions as shown on the next page

Wait for instructor

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FRONT

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Generic Opening (1).rfa <Dataset>\2 In-Progress Families\1 Opening Family\

Begin here if you were not able to complete the above steps before the class

22. Select the horizontal dimension…

23. … choose <Add a Parameter>

24. Name = X Dim Group parameter under = Dimensions Instance

25. Repeat to label the vertical dimension Y Dim

26. Flex your family

Check-in

27. Activate Create >> Forms >> Void >> Extrusion

28. Draw four lines in a generic fashion as shown

29. Activate the Align tool

30. Click a reference plane…

31. … then click a sketch line and lock

32. Align the remaining sketch lines to the outside reference planes

33. Press Finish Extrusion

34. Open the Front Elevation

35. Hide the Reference Level

36. Draw a Reference Plane along the bottom of the floor

37. Align to the bottom of the floor and lock the reference plane FIRST the floor THEN the reference plane

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38. Hide the floor

39. Drag the void extrusion shape handle…

40. … to the reference plane

41. Lock

42. Open the 3D View

43. Activate the Cut Tool Modify >> Edit Geometry >> Cut

44. Click the Floor…

45. … then the Void

46. Check that the floor is cut by switching to a Shading with Edges view


Wait for instructor


Use this file if directed to by the instructor or a lab assistant

48. Hide the floor

49. Draw two symbolic lines as shown Detail >> Detail >> Symbolic Line

50. Snap to intersection when drawing SI

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51. Add new object styles Manage >> Family Settings >> Settings >> Object Styles

52. Select New Subcategory

53. Name it Opening X

54. Assign it to Specialty Equipment (or Generic Model)

55. Choose a Dash Line Pattern

56. Select the two Symbolic Lines

57. Select Opening X [projection] as the line style Modify Lines >> Element >> Line Style


Check-in


Use this file if your family does not flex appropriately

59. Create a new Generic Annotation Family Revit Icon >> New >> Family >> (Annotations)

Generic Annotation.rft <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\


60. Create a label Create >> Annotate >> Label

61. Click once on the intersection of the reference planes

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62. Create a new parameter

63. Name = Text Group parameter under = Text Instance

64. Add it to the label parameters

65. Change the sample text to X. Click OK.

66. Select the label and nudge it using the arrow keys to center it on the reference planes

67. Press Types. Set the value of Text to OPEN.

68. Save the family as Generic Text.rfa

Wait for instructor

Generic Text.rfa <Dataset>\2 In-Progress Families\1 Opening Family\

Use this file if you did not complete the above steps 59 through 68

69. Load the Generic Text into the Opening Family and place two instances as shown Some geometry is hidden for clarity

70. Align and lock the horizontal text to the two center reference planes

71. Align and lock the vertical text to the center reference planes

72. Select both instance of the Generic Text

73. Press Visibility Settings Visibility >> Visibility Settings

74. Deselect Coarse and Fine

75. Select both diagonal lines

76. Press Visibility Settings

77. Deselect Fine

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78. Load and place your family in a project

79. Cycle the view between Coarse, Medium, Fine

80. Return back to the family

81. Select the horizontal piece of text

82. Click Element Properties

83. Find the object parameter named Visible and click the button to link it to a parameter of the Opening Family.

84. Add a parameter…

85. … called X Text Visible. You’ll see that it has already been defined as a Yes/No parameter.

86. Leave it grouped under Other

87. Change it to an instance parameter. A type parameter could not be driven by instance parameters in its formula.

88. Repeat the steps 81 through 87 for the vertical piece of text

Wait for instructor From this point forward, pause after each set of steps and wait for instructor


89. Select both instances of the Generic Text

90. Click Element Properties

91. Find the parameter named Text Click the button to link it to a parameter

92. Add a parameter named Open Text Group parameter under = Text Instance

93. Load and place the family in a project Use the properties to turn the text on and off Return to the family

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94. Enter the Family Types

You should notice that this looks very similar to the properties of the family which you’d see in the project

95. Find the two parameters which you just created

You see that they can be driven by formulas

96. The formula for X Text Visible shall simply be X Dim > 4’ Re-load and flex the family

This is a Boolean statement.

If the statement is true (meaning the parameter X Dim is greater than four feet) it will set the parameter X Text Visible equal to “Yes”.

Otherwise it will set it equal to “No”.

97. Set the formula for Y Text Visible to Y Dim > 4’

Re-load and flex the family

The formula for Y Text Visible is a little more complicated

In English, it should NOT be visible when the X Text is Visible

AND it should also be visible only if the Y Dim is greater than four feet

98. Set the formula for Y Text Visible to and(not(X Text Visible), Y Dim > 4’)

NOT is a function in the form of NOT(condition)

AND is a function in the form of AND(condition1, condition2)

condition1 shall simply be NOT(X Text Visible) condition2 shall be Y Dim > 4’

Thus the final formula is: AND(NOT(X Text Visible), Y Dim > 4’)

99. Re-load and flex the family

This family can easily be stretched to the openings from an architectural linked file. Its size can be changed by simply activating the dimensions. The next exercise will modify this family so that we can easily create slab depressions; without this family, the only way to show this design condition is with a time and resource consuming In-place family.

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Exercise 2 - Slab Depression

Slab Depression (1).rfa <Dataset>\2 In-Progress Families\2 Slab Depression\

1. Open Slab Depression (1).rfa

This is a continuation of the Generic Opening family. The symbolic lines, open text, associated parameters, and associated objects styles have been removed.

2. Go to the Front Elevation view Hide the reference level and the floor

3. Dimension from the Top Reference Plane… Detail >> Dimension >> Aligned

4. … to the Bottom Reference Plane

5. Select the dimension

6. Choose Label >> <Add parameter…>

7. Name = Depression Depth Group parameter under = Dimensions Type

8. Press Types to access the parameters

9. Set Depression Depth = 2”

10. Press Apply, then OK.

11. Load and place the family in a project

12. Flex the family

Check-in

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13. Return to the family Press Types to access the parameters

14. Make a New type Name it 2 in

15. Make a second type Name in 1.25 in Set Depression Depth = 1.25”

16. Make a third type Name it 3.5 in Set Depression Depth = 3.5”

17. Re-load your family and flex types

Wait for instructor If family did not flex or switch properly, switch to the Detour below



18. Create a new Detail Component Family Revit Icon >> New >> Family

We will now create fill patterns to graphically differentiate depression depths in plan. Filled regions cannot be made in a modeling component.

However we can make a new family containing filled regions and nest it in.

Detail Component.rft <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\


19. Make Left, Right, Back, and Front reference planes

20. Place horizontal and vertical equality constraints

21. Label the overall horizontal dimension X Dim Group Under = Dimensions Instance

22. Label the overall vertical dimension Y Dim Group Under = Dimensions Instance

Fill (1).rfa <Dataset>\2 In-Progress Families\2 Slab Depression\

If you DO NOT take this detour, your Filled Region types will be slightly different

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23. Create a filled region Create >> Detail >> Filled Region

24. Select Line Style = <Invisible Lines>

25. Pick and lock to the outside references

26. Trim the corners

27. Finish

28. Select the Filled Region

29. Copy to Clipboard

30. Paste Aligned >> Same Place

31. Paste Aligned >> Same Place again

32. Press Types

33. Flex X Dim and Y Dim

Check-in

34. Select a Filled Region

35. Choose Element Properties

36. Choose Type = Triple Diagonal (or Aluminum)

37. Link the Visibility to a new parameter

38. Name = Triple Diagonal Group Under = Graphics Type

39. Leave the filled region selected!

40. Hide Element

41. Repeat steps 34 → 40 for the next filled region Type = Cross Hatch (or Concrete Block) Name = Cross Hatch

42. Repeat steps 34 → 40 for the last filled region Type = Single Diagonal (or Brick) Name = Single Diagonal

Wait for instructor

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If you had difficulty completing the previous section, switch to this detour


44. Make a New type Name = Triple Diagonal Check on Triple Diagonal only

45. Make a New type Name = Single Diagonal Check on Single Diagonal only

46. Make a New type Name = Cross Hatch Check on Cross Hatch only

47. Make a fourth and final type Name = None

48. Check all Graphics off!

49. Load and place the Detail Component in the Slab Depression Family

50. Flex and switch the Detail Component



Use this file if your Detail Component did not flex or switch properly

51. Switch to the Slab Depression Family

52. Hide the floor

53. Drag the Detail Component shape handles to the reference planes and LOCK

54. Select the Detail Component

55. Label it Hatch Pattern Group Under = Graphics Type

56. Flex the Hatch Pattern in the family Types

Wait for instructor

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Slab Depression (4).rfa <Dataset>\2 In-Progress Families\


58. Select the 1.25 in Type Set Hatch Pattern = None

59. Select the 2 in Type Set Hatch Pattern = Single Diagonal

60. Select the 3.5 in Type Set Hatch Pattern = Cross Hatch

61. Re-load your family and flex typesIf you switched to one of the detours, make sure to use your new family

This family easily creates rectangular slab depressions without need for an inget the added benefit that it can be stretched in plan or section, and that different depths are called out automatically with different hatches.

Exercise 3 - Column with Formwork Many contractors and engineers who do cost estimating have height of the column. Unfortunately, it is not a simple solution to dimension and label the height; this would over-constrain the family.

When asked “WHY?”, the answer is often so that we can determine the amount of formwork needed, especially the block-outs for corner chamfers. Luckily, the answer is simple: why not model the formwork so that we can schedule and dete

We have shifted from the old CAD paradigmRather than limiting ourselves to do tasks as they were always done, we should first stop to ask what we are trying to accomplish.


\2 Slab Depression\

Use this file if your Detail Component did not flex properly

to access the parameters

Single Diagonal

Cross Hatch

load your family and flex types If you switched to one of the detours, make

This family easily creates rectangular slab depressions without need for an in-place family. We can be stretched in plan or section, and that different depths are

called out automatically with different hatches.

Column with Formwork

Many contractors and engineers who do cost estimating have inquired how height of the column. Unfortunately, it is not a simple solution to dimension and label the height;

constrain the family.

When asked “WHY?”, the answer is often so that we can determine the amount of formwork outs for corner chamfers. Luckily, the answer is simple: why not

can schedule and determine quantities of THAT family.

CAD paradigm to a new method of BIM construction documents. Rather than limiting ourselves to do tasks as they were always done, we should first stop to ask what we are trying to accomplish.

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your Detail Component did

place family. We can be stretched in plan or section, and that different depths are

to schedule the height of the column. Unfortunately, it is not a simple solution to dimension and label the height;

When asked “WHY?”, the answer is often so that we can determine the amount of formwork outs for corner chamfers. Luckily, the answer is simple: why not

AT family.

construction documents. Rather than limiting ourselves to do tasks as they were always done, we should first stop to ask

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Structural Column.rft <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\


1. Create a new Structural Column Family

2. Create four new reference planes inset 2”

3. Dimension and label the overall Widths (x2) and Edge Chamfers (x4)

4. Create a Solid >> Extrusion as shown

5. Select the extrusion and link the material parameter to a family parameter Material

6. Flex your family

7. Open an elevation view

8. Lock the extrusion to the Upper Ref Level

Concrete Column w Chamfer.rfa <Dataset>\2 In-Progress Families\3 Column with Formwork\

9. Open Concrete Column w Chamfer.rfa

Generic Model.rft <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\


10. Create a new Generic Model Family

11. Set Family Category to Structural Stiffeners Any tab >> Category and Parameters

12. Enable Shared

13. Create a Solid >> Extrusion as shown

14. Dimension and label inside the sketch

15. Set the LOD of the Extrusion to Fine only Modify Extrusion >> Form >> Visibility Settings

16. Sketch symbolic lines inset 1/4”

17. Dimension and lock the diagonal line

18. Set the LOD of the lines to Fine only


20. Create a new reference plane

21. Lock the extrusion to the reference plane


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22. Create a new Shared Parameter Manage >> Shared Parameters

23. If a file is not found, Create… a new file and create a New… parameter group

24. Create a New… parameter Name = Length.readonly Type of Parameter = Length

See Exercise 6 for an additional trick with this parameter

25. Label the dimension…

26. … <Add parameter…>

27. Choose Shared parameter

28. Press Select…

29. Select Length.readonly

30. Group Under = Dimensions Instance

31. Save the family as Formwork Chamfer.rfa

Formwork Chamfer.rfa <Dataset>\2 In-Progress Families\3 Column with Formwork\

32. Load the Formwork Chamfer.rfa family Insert >> Load from Library >> Load Family

33. Place an instance of the Formwork Chamfer Create >> Model >> Component

34. Switch the view to Fine

35. Align and lock to the outside reference planes

36. Place three additional components Rotate as necessary Align and lock


38. Align and lock the tops of each component to the Upper Ref Level (x4)

39. Tab/select the shape handle in the above step

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40. Select all four Formwork Chamfers

41. Access the element parameters

42. Link Chamfer Edge …

43. … to Edge Chamfer

44. Load and place the column with a few different heights in a project

Check-in


45. Create a schedule of the Formwork View >> Create >> Schedules >> Schedule/Quantity

46. Category = Structural Stiffeners Name = Formwork Schedule

47. Add Count Add Length.shared

48. Press OK

49. Rename Length.shared to Unit Length

50. Right click in the gray zone of the schedule

51. Select View Properties…

52. Press Sorting/Grouping

53. Choose Sort by: Length.shared

54. Uncheck Itemize every instance

55. Press OK

56. Re-enter View Properties…

57. Press Fields

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58. Add a Calculated Value…

59. Name = Total Length Type = Length Formula = Length.shared

60. Re-enter View Properties…

61. Press Formatting

62. Select Total Length

63. Enable Calculate Totals

We can now directly determine the quantity of formwork needed. Furthermore, this method has many advantages over the old estimating method which simply used the column height: formwork is not all placed at the same time; the first stories are formed and cast, then the formwork is re-used!

Now that each piece of formwork is physically modeled (automatically, I might add), it can be phased to account for this re-use. Mark numbers could be assigned to track where each piece of formwork is used for each phase. This data could even be passed to Navisworks timeliner! The opportunities are endless once we allow ourselves to address old problems in new ways.

Exercise 4 - Built Up Column The previous exercise demonstrated the power of shared nested components: they are placed automatically, but schedule as unique items. They can be constrained by complex geometric rules.

This exercise explores “built up columns”: columns made from many sub-components which are often stitched together. These types of columns are common in bridge design, and are finding their way into prefabricated buildings.

Complex geometric relationships are not explored in this example (that task is left up to the imagination of the user), however the strength of Revit Structure is its ability to coordinate an analytical model with the construction documents. How, then, would the analytical model of a built up column be represented and transferred to a structural analysis program? Would it be one stick? Four sticks? Would stitching also be transferred?

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Structural Column.rft <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\


1. Create a new Structural Column Family

2. Save it as Built Up Column.rfa

W-Wide Flange-Column.rfa <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\

Use this file if the standard Imperial Library cannot be found

3. Open W-Wide Flange-Column.rfa [Imperial Library]/Structural\Columns\Steel

4. Make the family Shared Category and Parameters

5. Load into Built Up Column.rfa Load into Project

6. Place four instances of the Column Create >> Model >> Component

7. Align and lock the centers to the four border reference planes

8. Dimension and label the out-to-out dimensions

9. Select all four columns

10. Label the column instance with a new parameter named Column Size

11. With all four columns selected, enter the Element Properties

12. Set Top Level = Upper Ref. Level

13. Set Top Offset = 0’

14. Load and place this family in a new project

15. If prompted, selected “Overwrite the shared sub-component family with the Built Up Column version” (first option)

Wait for instructor

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16. Open up the 3D Analytical View

17. Observe that each column has its own analytical model. This could be quite useful for analyzing components like the built-up columns used on the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

18. Note also the extraneous 5th analytical model in the middle of the assembly. This is generated by the Built Up Column family

19. Select the Built Up Column instance

20. Press Element Properties

21. Change Analyze As to Not for analysis

22. Create a new Structural Column Schedule View >> Create >> Schedules

23. Add the parameter Type to the schedule

24. Notice that the nested columns schedule individually

25. You can also use the schedule to delete one

We see that the built up column generates its own analytical model, however this can easily be turned off. It is not possible to set the “Analyze As” of the nested columns in the project; they will use the “Analyze As” defined in the family editor.

The fact that the four sub-columns have their own analytical model is promising: structural analysis programs might read and use that information. At the time of this paper, RAM does not process the Built Up Column; ETABS and RISA have not been tried.

Much of the same functionality can be accomplished instead with Groups. RAM, ETABS, and RISA will export the individual members of a group and analyze them in the desired fashion. However, these groups cannot include complex geometric rules. As with all design: you as the engineer must decide on the proper trade-off.

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Exercise 5 - Kicker To locate clashes between structural steel and ductwork, many engineers have begun to model steel angle kickers and bottom flange bracing. It can be time consuming to properly locate the end of the steel angle at the bottom of a wide flange beam. The family built in this exercise will adjust the end offset parametrically; this allows us to adjust many kickers at once, or even schedule and tag the offset!

Some attentive readers might realize that what has been mentioned so far offers few workflow benefits beyond what can be done with the out-of-the-box family. The advantage this family has is that it can be locked to the bottom of a wide flange beam; when the beam changes depth, the kicker automatically adjusts!

Structural Framing – Beams and Braces.rft <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\


1. Create a new Structural Framing family

2. Delete the extrusion and the symbolic line

3. Open Family Category and Parameters Always Vertical = Yes Symbolic Representation = From Family Structural Material Type = Steel

4. Add a bottom reference plane

5. Add two additional reference planes as shown

6. Add the following instance parameters as lengths under Construction : Weld Length Frame Member Depth = 24”

7. Add the following type parameters under Structural : W [Text] A [Area]

8. Add the following type parameters as lengths under Dimensions : • y • x • t • k • d • b

9. Add the following parameters as lengths under Other : horiz profile offset [type] vert profile offset [type] Overlap [instance]

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Kicker (1).rfa <Dataset>\2 In-Progress Families\5 Kicker\

10. Open Kicker (1).rfa

11. Add a diagonal reference line drawn from the short reference plane to the other short reference plane

12. Add three dimensions as shown

Check-in

13. Add additional parameters, listed as follows: Name [instance/type] (group) {= value} End Offset [instance] (Construction) = 1” Right End Offset [instance] (Other) = 1” Projected Depth [instance] (Other)


14. Draw a model line as shown Use Line Style: <Defined by Instance>

15. Set Visibility Settings Modify Lines >> Visibility >> Visibility Settings Plan/RCP = Yes Front/Back = Yes Left/Right = No When cut in plan… = No Coarse = Yes Medium = No Fine = No

16. Label Frame Member Depth

17. Label End Offset

18. Label Right End Offset

19. Open the Floor Plan View

20. Draw an X on the right using Symbolic Lines. Use Line Style: Stick Symbols. The X is about 8” as shown

Check-in

Wait for instructor

11

14

16

17

18


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21. Load a Profile Family Insert >> Load from Library >> Load Family

22. Load L-Angle-Profile [Imperial Library]\Profiles\Structural\Steel\

23. Select L4x3x1/2

L-Angle-Profile.rfa <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\


24. Create a Solid Sweep Create >> Forms >> Solids >> Sweep

25. Sketch an unconstrained generic path Sweep >> Mode >> Sketch Path

26. Align and lock the sketch to the reference line

27. Stretch the line endpoints past the second reference plane on each side

28. Dimension from the reference plane to (tab to highlight) the line endpoint

29. Label the dimension Overlap

Check-in

30. Press Finish Path

31. From the Profile drop down box, select L-Angle-Profile: L4x3x1/2

32. Press Finish Sweep

33. Flex Frame Member Depth

Check-in

Wait for instructor

28 28

31

26

27 27


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34. Rename the profile type: typ

35. Right click on typ . Select Properties.

36. Link the profile parameters: y, x, t, k, d, b to their respective family parameters

37. Press OK. Select the Solid Sweep.


39. Set Angle = -90

40. Set Profile is Flipped = Yes

41. Link Horizontal Profile Offset and Vertical Profile Offset to their respective family parameters

42. Set Visibility/Graphics Overrides to: Plan/RCP = No Front/Back = Yes Left/Right = Yes When cut in plan… = Yes Coarse = No Medium = Yes Fine = Yes

43. Press Types

44. Create a new length parameter named: Weld Length [Instance] = 3” (Group Under = Construction)


Wait for instructor

34

42 41


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45. Set the following formulas:

46. horiz profile offset = -y 47. vert profile offset = -x 48. Right End Offset = Projected Depth + End Offset 49. Projected Depth = d 50. Overlap = Weld Length + 1/2”

Flex your family

51. Load and place your family in a project

Wait for instructor

52. Delete your family from the project

53. Save your family

54. Copy L-Profile.txt to the same director as your family Imperial Library >> Profiles >> Structural >> Steel

L-Angle-Profile.txt <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\


55. Rename the text file to match the name of your family (sans *.rfa)

56. Switch back to your project

This file is the type catalog. It will allow us to choose any shape of steel angle without having to manually enter the parameters defining its size and properties.

57. Load the family from the directory Insert >> Load from Library >> Load Family

58. Place and flex your family

The shape handle which controls the tilt of the kicker can be aligned and locked to the bottom flange of a framing beam. When the beam changes depth, the kicker will follow it!

Extra Optional

59. Draw a symbolic line along the lower surface of the horizontal leg

60. Dimension from the reference line to the symbolic line

61. Label the dimension t

62. Lock the endpoints to the solid sweep

63. Set the Line Style = Hidden Lines [projection]

51

51

59

60

62


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Exercise 6 - Dam Block A number of customers are now beginning to use Revit Structure to model Dams. The Dams could simply be modeled as one large mass of concrete (and this is typically done in conceptual phases), but as the design becomes more detailed it is important to consider each batch of concrete to be poured at one time – or concrete lift. The Dam is broken down into a series of lifts based on the batch plant capacity, thermal stresses, and a number of other factors.

It can become rather time consuming to divide the concrete mass in this fashion: because the blocks slope on both the inside and outside face, they will need to be shifted in section to line up appropriately. Given the number of blocks, this can be a massive task.

This family simplifies the task by making it a simple copy and paste operation. The insertion point of the block is designed so that it always lies on the same vertical plane no matter how high the block is in the Dam. The user no long has to shift the blocks left and right to line up!

Generic Model line based.rft <Dataset>\1 Family Building Blocks\


1. Create a new Generic Model line based Family

2. Create two new reference planes

3. In the element properties, name the back plane Outside Edge

4. Name the front plane Inside Edge

5. Open Family Category and Parameters Any Tab >> Category and Parameters

6. Set Category = Structural Foundations Structural Material Type = Concrete

7. Create two new length parameters: [Type] Inside Face Slope per ft [Type] Outside Face Slope per ft

8. Create a new material parameter: [Type] Material

9. Create two new angle parameters: [Type] Inside Face Angle = atan(Inside Face Slope per ft / 1’) [Type] Outside Face Angle =atan(Outside Face Slope per ft / 1’)

Outside Edge

Inside Edge


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10. Open the Left Elevation

11. Create two Reference Planes Create >> Datum >> Reference Plane

12. Name and set Is Reference to Top and Bottom

Dam Block (1).rfa <Dataset>\2 In-Progress Families\6 Dam Block\

13. Open the Left Elevation

14. Create two Reference LINES Create >> Datum >> Reference Line

15. Create an angular dimension between each reference line and the outside plane

16. Dimension from the center plane to the left plane

17. Dimension from the left plane to the right plane

18. Dimension from the lowest reference plane to the Bottom reference plane

19. Label the dimension Bottom Elevation as an instance parameter

20. Dimension from the lowest reference plane to the Top reference plane

21. Label the dimension Top Elevation as an instance parameter

22. Create a Solid Extrusion Create >> Forms >> Solid >> Extrusion

23. Lock it to the Top , Bottom , and two reference lines

24. Open the Floor Plan view

25. Lock the Extrusion to the Left and Right planes

26. Link the Material parameter

Top

Bottom

14

15 15

16

17

18

20


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27. Label the dimensions as follows:

28. Outside Face Angle

29. Inside Face Angle

30. Outside Face to Centroid (Instance)

31. Base Thickness (Instance)

32. Access the Family Types

33. Set Bottom Elevation = 0

34. Add… a new parameter Name = Outside Face to Centroid Ratio Group parameter under = Other Type Type of Parameter = Number

35. Set the parameter =

If( IFA = OFA, 0.5, If( IFA > OFA,

sin(OFA)/(sin(OFA)+sin(IFA)), 1 – sin(IFA)/(sin(OFA)+sin(IFA))

) ) where IFA → Inside Face Angle and OFA → Outside Face Angle

Flex your family

Case Ratio

IFA > OFA sin ��

sin�� sin ��

IFA = OFA 0.5

IFA < OFA 1 sin ��sin�� sin ��

Wait for instructor

28 29

30

31


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36. Set Outside Face to Centroid = Base Thickness * Outside Face to Centroid Ratio

37. Set Inside Face Slope per ft = 6” and Outside Face Slope per ft = 3”

38. Load the family in a project

39. Draw a Dam Block (choose Place on Work Plane)

40. Set Top Elevation = 2’ and Bottom Elevation = 0’

41. Cut a section of the Dam Block

42. Select the Dam Block

43. Copy / Paste Aligned Same Place Clipboard >> Copy Clipboard >> Paste Aligned >> Same Place

44. Leave the new object selection


46. Set Top Elevation = 4’ and Bottom Elevation = 2’

Wait for instructor

47. Set the Shared Parameter file to <Dataset>\2 In-Progress Families\Shared Parameters.txt Manage >> Family Settings >> Shared Parameters

48. Add… a parameter

49. Choose Shared Parameter

50. Press Select…

51. Choose Length.shared

52. Group Under = Constraints Instance

53. Set Length.shared = Length

54. Re-load the family into a project. The length can now be scheduled.

40 40

49

50

52

52


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Summarizing Key Concepts

Opening Family

• Hosted Families are necessary to cut objects • Conditional Formulas • Linking Parameters connect a component

parameter to a family parameter • Object Styles & Sub-categories • Level of Detail & View Specific Display

Slab Depression

• Tricks to include detail components and annotations by Nesting Families

• Parameterizing Family Instances allows you to switch the family

• Overlapping many items and using Visibility Parameters allows many symbols in one family

Column with Formwork

• Shared Families schedule as unique items • Nested Families place automatically • Schedules • Trick to schedule the length of objects using a

Shared Parameter

Built Up Column

• Shared Families schedule as unique items • Nested Families place automatically • Schedules can be used to delete an instance

of a Shared Family • Analytical Models of Shared Families;

Groups might be more appropriate

Kicker

• Reference planes of the Structural Framing Template

• Reference Lines can rotate • Sweeps work best along reference lines • Type Catalogs can be copied and renamed to

create sizes for new families

Dam Block

• Reference Lines can be labeled with angular dimensions

• Insertion Points are powerful and important • Math is very valuable…


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Additional Resources • http://au.autodesk.com/sessions

You can find recordings of the previous sessions at AU Online

• http://www.autodesk.com/consulting

• http://www.augi.com • http://www.revitalizeDesign.com

My Revit Structure blog with tips and tutorials (coming soon…)

• Check-out this session on the AU Website Dataset Color Tutorial Formula Derivation for Dam Block

Valid Formula Syntax and Abbreviations

Formulas support the following arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation, logarithms, and square roots. Formulas also support the following trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, tangent, arcsine, arccosine, and arctangent. The valid formula abbreviations for arithmetic operations and trigonometric functions are:

Arithmetic: Trigonometric: Addition + Sine sin( ) Subtraction - Cosine cos( ) Multiplication * Tangent tan( ) Division / Exponentiation x^y, x raised to the power of y

^ Arcsine

sin-1 asin( )

Logarithm log( ) Arccosine

cos-1 acos( ) Square root sqrt( ) e raised to an x power exp( ) Arctangent

tan-1 atan( ) Absolute value abs( )

You can enter integers, decimals, and fractional values in formulas, using normal mathematical syntax, as shown in the examples below: Length = Height + Width + sqrt(Height*Width) Length = Wall 1 (11000mm)+ Wall 2 (15000mm) Area = Length (500mm) * Width (300mm) Volume = Length (500mm) * Width (300mm) * Height (800 mm) Width = 100m * cos(angle) x = 2*abs(a) + abs(b/2) ArrayNum = Length/Spacing Parameter names in formulas are case sensitive. For example, if a parameter name begins with a capital letter, such as Width, you must enter it in the formula with an initial capital letter. If you enter it in a formula using lower-case letters instead, for example, width * 2, the software will not recognize the formula.

Adapted fr om Revit Structure 2008 Help Creating Your Own Components (Families) > Family Types > Using Formulas for Numerical Parameters


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Conditional Statements in Formulas

You can use conditional statements in formulas to define actions in a family that depend on the state of other parameters. With conditional statements, the software enters values for a parameter based on whether a specified condition is satisfied. Conditional statements are useful in certain circumstances; however, they make families more complex and should be used only when necessary. For most type parameters, conditional statements are unnecessary because the type parameter itself is like a conditional statement: If this is the type, then set this parameter to a specified value. Instance parameters are a more productive place to use conditional statements, particularly when they are used to set a parameter that does not vary continuously. Syntax for Conditional Statements A conditional statement uses this structure: IF (<condition>, <result-if-true>, <result-if-false>) This means that the values entered for the parameter depend on whether the condition is satisfied (true) or not satisfied (false). If the condition is true, the software returns the true value. If the condition is false, it returns the false value. Conditional statements can contain numeric values, numeric parameter names, and Yes/No parameters. You can use the following comparisons in a condition: <, >, =. You can also use Boolean operators with a conditional statement: AND, OR, NOT. Currently, <= and >= are not implemented. To express such a comparison, you can use a logical NOT. For example, a<=b can be entered as NOT(a>b).

Simple Boolean Operators: Logical Statements: < 3 < 4 returns TRUE not(cond1) not(false) returns TRUE = 3 = 4 returns FALSE and(cond1, cond2) and(true, false) returns FALSE > 3 > 4 returns FALSE or(cond1, cond2) or(true, false) returns TRUE Developed Statements: IF Statements: a >= b not(a<b) Resulting Parameter IF statement Returns a <= b not(a>b) if(check, true result, false result) a xor b exclusive or and(or(a,b),not(and(a,b))) Number or Integer If(3 > 4, 2.5, 3.5) 3.5

Lengths If(3 > 4, 100”, 200”) 200” Areas If(3 > 4, 100 SF, 200 SF) 200 SF roundup forums.augi.com/

showthread.php? t=46908

Volumes If(3 > 4, 100 CF, 200 CF) 200 CF rounddown Text If(3 > 4, “Good”, “Bad”) Bad roundfix Yes/No 3 > 4 No (False)

Adapted from Revit Structure 2008 Help Creating Your Own Components (Families) > Family Types > Conditional Statements in Formulas


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Trigonometry

In the image below, the lengths refer to the sides of the triangle OPPOSITE and ADJACENT to the angle in question. The diagonal is referred to as the HYPOTENUSE.

In general, just remember Soh-Cah-Toa:

�in��

os��

�an�� sin ��cos ��

��

More specifically:

�� 1 � �sin�� cos��

sin�� ! sin �� sin ��

cos�� "#� � � �� ! cos ��

cos ��

tan�� 1%�# � � �

��

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