Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File.
Glenn Jowett, National Revit Structure Leader
Opus International Consultants
Opus International Consultants Ltd
Hamilton Office, Opus House, Princes Street
Private bag 3057, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Tel (Direct): (07) 8586718
Email: [email protected]
1.0. What is multi-discipline collaboration on a single central file?
2.0. Why use a multi-discipline ‘central file’ rather than a multi-discipline linked file?
3.0. Considerations.
4.0. Maintaining the projects central file.
5.0. What to avoid.
6.0. Communication is the key to success.
7.0. Our first multi-discipline central file project.
8.0. The future.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Overview.
Definition.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a single central file, requires multiple disciplines within a design team to utilize one central file split into worksets to produce a BIM model and construction documents, rather than using the link and copy/monitor method.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
What is Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File?
Advantages and limitations of a multidiscipline central file.
Revit Structure Advantages.
• Host based elements will automatically move as the model is updated.
• Visibility can be controlled with the use of view templates.
• Interference check can still be used.
• Regular saves to central mean users are almost working in a “live model.”
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Why use a multi-discipline ‘central file’ rather than a multi-discipline linked file?
Advantages and limitations of a multi-discipline central file.
Revit Structure Advantages.
• Using permanently checked out worksets ensure no user can edit another user’s elements.
• Remote assistance from other offices.
• A single model can reduce the risk of human error.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Why use a multi-discipline ‘central file’ rather than a multidiscipline linked file?
Advantages and limitations of a multi-discipline central file.
Revit MEP Advantages.
• Host based elements will automatically move as the
model is updated.
• Visibility can be controlled with the use of view templates.
• Interference check can still be used.
• Architect’s ceilings can be used to host grills.
• Architect’s room names can be used in schedules.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Why use a multi-discipline ‘central file’ rather than a multidiscipline linked file?
Advantages and limitations of a multi-discipline central file.
Revit Architecture Advantages.
• Architect can use all other discipline’s elements; this will enable the architect to produce accurate details around structural members and building services.
• All structural and services elements can be used in the architect’s model to give an accurate representation of the final building.
• Visibility can be controlled with the use of view templates.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Why use a multi-discipline ‘central file’ rather than a multidiscipline linked file?
Advantages and limitations of a multi-discipline central file.
Multi-discipline central file limitations.
• Regular saves and reloads need to be done manually to keep the model “live.”
• Users could edit other discipline’s elements that are not in a checked out workset.
• The central file could become unstable if managed poorly.
• Finding an appropriate server for the central file to reside on if working remotely with other offices.
• Large file size could decrease model performance.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Why use a multi-discipline ‘central file’ rather than a multidiscipline linked file?
Advantages and limitations of a multi-discipline linked file file.
Revit Structure Limitations.
• Copy Monitor is limited.
• New elements are not detected when using the copy/monitor tool.
• Deleting and replacing elements can cause problems.
• Unable to copy building services that penetrate structural members – this can cause frustration when detailing.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Why use a multi-discipline ‘central file’ rather than a multidiscipline linked file?
Advantages and limitations of a multi-discipline linked file file.
Revit MEP Limitations.
• Unable to copy/monitor architect’s ceilings to host grills.
• Unable to copy/monitor architect’s room names and numbers.
• Unable to copy/monitor structural beams.
• Unable to copy/monitor architect’s room objects E.g. furniture.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Why use a multi-discipline ‘central file’ rather than a multidiscipline linked file?
Advantages and limitations of a multi-discipline linked file file.
Revit Architecture Limitations.
• Unable to copy/monitor structural beams.
• Unable to copy/monitor building services.
• Unable to copy structural foundations
• The architectural model must be constructed correctly.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Why use a multi-discipline ‘central file’ rather than a multidiscipline linked file?
Multi-discipline linked file advantages
• Copy/Monitor can be used as a coordination tool
• Interference check can be used with linked models
• Users are unable to edit other discipline’s elements
• View templates for the linked .RTV files
• Improved model performance
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Why use a multi-discipline ‘central file’ rather than a multidiscipline linked file?
Worksets within a multi-discipline central file.
• Worksets should be set up for at least each individual discipline
• It maybe necessary to have a number of different worksets for each individual discipline, depending on the number of people within the ‘Revit team’
• Keeping worksets “checked out” will ensure no user can edit an element that is owned by a different discipline.
• Worksets are not a form of layer control
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Considerations.
Usernames.
• A naming convention for usernames under the ‘settings’ tab can be useful when coordinating a project. At Opus we have opted for name + internal extension number. E.g. Glenn Jowett – xt. 7218.
Multidiscipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Considerations.
Working remotely with other offices.
• The use of a single central file allows simultaneous collaboration between offices, and across regions.
• Opus have used this approach on a recent project with the architect being in an Opus office approx 110km away.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Considerations.
Where should a multi-discipline central file reside?
• The multi-discipline central file should reside on a server with a good connection speed for all users.
• If the project is “in house” (under one roof) the central file will reside on a local server that can be accessed by all disciplines within the office.
• When working remotely with another office it may be better for the central file to reside on a server located in an office outside of the design team.
• It is important that each member of the design team has a good connection into the server where the central file is stored.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Considerations.
Different title sheets within a multi-discipline central file.
• Each discipline may have different values for the parameters within the title sheet.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Considerations.
• It is important to create new shared parameters within the title sheet family that are specific to each discipline. E.g. Structural drawing number, Architectural drawing number, and Services drawing number.
Recommended Hardware.
• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40 GHz Processor• 4GB of RAM• 512MB Graphics card
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Considerations.
WAN Optimization.
• WAN Optimization will speed up wide area network connections and improve and accelerate model performance when collaborating with other offices on the network.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Considerations.
It is important to maintain the central file.
• Users should try and use the same release and build of Revit to reduce the risk of errors.
• Remove any unused data that is stored
in the database.
• Keep file size down.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Maintaining the central file.
Purge.
• One user should access the central file once all worksets have been relinquished, and purge out any unused data from the model.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Maintaining the central file.
• Unused families are taking up hard disk space and having a negative impact on model performance!
Audit.
• It is important to audit the central file to remove errors.
• This should be done on rare occasions, perhaps at key design stages?
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Maintaining the central file.
“Save as.”
• The best way to keep file size down is to perform a save as on the central file (compacting the file in the process).
• Save the central file as a new name, this will allow Revit to rebuild the project database, removing redundant space that has been allocated to elements and element definitions that no longer exist.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Maintaining the central file.
Before ‘save as.’ File = 42.3MB After ‘save as.’ File = 19.6MB
Back up your files!
• Each user should create a detached copy of the central file every evening onto a group server.
• This will avoid loosing information if the central and local file becomes corrupt, or your computer crashes.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Maintaining the central file.
Working directly in the central file.
• Users should not work directly in the central file at any point during design and documentation.
• The central file should only be accessed directly for file maintenance, ensuring all users have relinquished worksets and closed local files.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
What to avoid.
Multiple users maintaining the central file.
• The Revit team should appoint one person to be responsible for all maintenance on the central file.
• If the file is accessed by more than one person at any one time this could corrupt the file, resulting in loss of data. (and plenty of late nights and long weekends!!)
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
What to avoid.
Worksets
• Avoid creating unnecessary worksets; this will only increase file size and give you more to manage!
• Be cautious when un-checking “visible by default in all views” when creating worksets.
• Revit is not AutoCAD, worksets should not be used as a form of ‘layer control.’
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
What to avoid.
A large amount of line work.
• Using drafting lines when detailing is sometimes the ‘easy way’ to do things. 3D components are quicker and more accurate.
• This will increase the database within Revit and could lead to fatal errors.
• The advised method is to use 3D components. If that is not an option, use 2D detail components. Line work should only be used as a last resort!
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
What to avoid.
Communication.
• Communication within the design team is critical to improving the coordination process, and the workflow.
• Revit is the future, but communication between disciplines has been going on since the use of drawing boards and tablets!
• Revit can improve communication but will never replace it.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Communication is the key to success.
• The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behaviour.
Produce accurate models.
• We rely on each others work, so all users should take the time and go that extra mile to get things right!
• If we share inaccurate models what chance do we have of producing accurate construction documents?
• Revit is not AutoCAD, you can’t “fudge” things to make it look right.
• It may look correct on paper at 1:100, but when we use the model to produce 1:10 construction details ….... Hits the fan!!
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Communication is the key to success.
Only model what belongs to you.
• Architects should not model columns, foundations and framing.
• Engineers should only model structural walls, columns, beams, etc. Modelling discipline specific elements will increase the accuracy of all documentation.
• If this can be done then your model has to be coordinated or your documentation will not be correct.
• You can depend on each others model as long as you communicate.
• If there is a lack of communication within the design team, the model and documentation will suffer.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Communication is the key to success.
Get involved from the start.
• Revit users should sit in on early design team meetings, discuss how the models will be transferred (ftp site, email, CD-R) and how often.
• Identify when each discipline should start to model. Should the architect have finalized grids, levels, and building footprint before the structural model is started?
• Make the design team aware of the workflow, the model comes before the details!
1. Produce an accurate model.
2. Cut long sections.
3. Callouts, detailing and documentation.
• Allow more time at the start of a project to get the model correct!
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Communication is the key to success.
Talk to each other.
• All Revit users within the design team should be in regular contact throughout the design stage.
• If you are going to make a major change to the building pick up the phone, call the architects or engineer and let them know!
• Architects….. Don’t drop all the building levels without warning, issue a Revit model and expect us to be happy when we link the latest file!
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Communication is the key to success.
Mount Maunganui College Redevelopment.
• A fairly small project consisting of both new build blocks and refurbishment of existing buildings, as well as a complicated roof over a new block and a walkway canopy around the perimeter of the new and existing buildings.
• Opus Architecture, Structure, and Building Services were all involved from the start.
• All users were fairly new to Revit.
• We felt coordination and communication was improved.
• This can only lead to improved productivity.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Our first multi-discipline single central file project.
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
Our first multi-discipline single central file project.
Ask yourself…..
• Is linking and copy/monitor a short term solution to multidiscipline collaboration?
• Does the workflow need to change?
• Will ‘Multidiscipline collaboration on a single central file’ open up lines of communication in the AEC industry?
Multi-discipline Collaboration on a Single Central File
The Future.
BUILDINGINFORMATION
MODELING
ARCHITECTS
STRUCTURALENGINEERS
SERVICESENGINEERS
BUILDERS
OWNERS
Glenn Jowett
Questions?
Opus International Consultants Ltd
Hamilton Office, Opus House, Princes Street
Private bag 3057, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Tel (Direct): (07) 8586718
Email: [email protected]
