© 2012 Autodesk

Rapid-Fire Autodesk Revit Data Extraction:

Best Practices in Construction Data Extraction

James McKenzie, Director-Center For Excellence, Swinerton Incorporated

Trent Miskelly, VP of Development, Assemble Systems

Wendy Titus, Territory Manager, Assemble Systems

© 2012 Autodesk

James McKenzie

Director-Center For Excellence, Swinerton Incorporated

Trent Miskelly

Founder & VP of Development, Assemble Systems

Wendy Titus

Territory Manager, Assemble Systems

© 2012 Autodesk

Class Summary

BIM Overview and Business Value

Revit Data Structure

Need for Rapid Revit Data Extraction

BIM Collaboration

Revit Data Extraction

Downstream Uses of Revit Data (interactive)

© 2012 Autodesk

Learning Objectives

At the end of this class, you will be able to:

Insert learning objective 1

Insert learning objective 2

Insert learning objective 3

Insert learning objective 4

Guidelines for Mutually

Beneficial Model

Optimize Revit Data Managment

External Databases and

Revit Data Mapping

Delivery Process Affects BIM

Learning Objectives

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BIM Overview

Process and “mindset” is first and

foremost

3D object-based, parametric

model is the best known aspect

of BIM

Parametric technology allows

objects to relate to each other

The objects within a 3D model

have “attributes” or “properties”

embedded within them

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BIM is Not.………

Single building model or a single

database

A replacement for people

Perfect

Revit (or any other software

application)

3D

Have to be 3D

Complete

A “pushbutton” solution

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Big BIM Data vs. Little BIM Data

Really Big BIM

Big BIM

Research, Historical Data & Human

Experiential Knowledge

Processes

Tools (Little BIM)

• Revit 3D Modeling

•BIM Tools Such as Revit can:

• Accelerate response time to potential

project issues

• Automate and Streamline tedious

information gathering and decision-

making process

• Focus on optimal solution

• Identify and remove building system

redundancy

• Establish building performance

metrics resulting in lower initial costs

and long-term operational costs

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The Power of Revit Depends on How Well it is

Used

Links project activities with the client’s

business goals

Allows project team to interface with the

business of the client resulting in a

greater understanding of their culture,

values, and organizational business

drivers

Defines what is unclear and provides a

roadmap through uncharted territory

Provides a higher level of client service

that emphasizes value to the client much

sooner and with a higher level of detail

than 2D CAD tools

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BIM Knowledge Acquisition Progression

DATA

INFORMATION

KNOWLEDGE

WISDOM

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Database Basics-To Fully Understand BIM it Helps

to Understand Database Design Fundamentals

Database=“collection of interrelated data

items that are managed as a single unit.”

Single File vs. Multiple Files

File=Collection of related records stored

in a single unit

Database Object=named data structure

that is stored in a database. Types of

objects can vary.

User data views=allows different users of

the database to use customized

presentations of the same data

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Need for Revit Rapid Data Extraction

•What do we have?

•Avoid GIGO!

•Data abstraction:

• Data is stored once

• Multiple users

• Multiple distinct views of tabular

data

•Data quality/quantity depends on

project delivery being used

•Find Revit’s “hidden” data

•Speed of Business

• Quick resolution of problems

• Discovery of new opportunities

•Downstream activities depend on

quality of the Revit file

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Middleware Concept for Data Extraction

Assemble Systems

Middleware

External Database(s) and related applications

Revit BIM

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Revit Data Management-Its All About the Data

How is data entered ?

Does data sit in a silo ?

Analyze where there are data

“overlaps”

Examine what data is not electronic &

whether it can digitized

Where is data stored ? Multiple

locations ?

Evaluate how data is transmitted and

in what format

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Revit Modeling Success

•Planning

•Requires Design+Construction

Integration

•BIM Execution Plan

•Integrated Project Leader (IPL)

•Rigorous Questioning

•Continuous Collaboration & Feedback

•Big Room Co-location

•Multi-location (BIM 360 Glue)

•Combination

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Revit Data Structure

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Revit Morphology

•Single, unified representation of the building (full

description not just a 3D model) in one project file

•All changes occur immediately in all views

•All elements retain their relationships to each

other(bi-directional coordination)

•Generates all necessary documentation

•Modeling instead of drawing using building

components such as walls, windows, floors,

ceilings, etc.

•Revit recognizes form (geometry) and behavior of

building components

•Object based

•Parametric relationships

•Objects, parameters and values

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Revit Hierarchy

Category

Family

Type

Instance

Parameters

Family

Type

Instance

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Revit Elements

View Elements

Floor plans, elevation,

sections, 3D view, schedules

Datum Elements

Levels, gridlines, reference planes

Model Elements

Host Elements

(built on site)

Floors, walls, roofs, etc

Component Elements

(products brought on site)

Doors, windows, furniture, etc.

View Specific Elements

Detail Elements

Detail lines, filled regions, 2D

details

Annotation Elements

Dimensions, text notes, loaded tags, symbols

Figure Adopted from “Revit 2013” by Paul Aubin

© 2012 Autodesk

Model Progression Specification and Level of

Detail Gets Everyone on the Same Page

LOD 100: Conceptual

LOD 200: Approximate Geometry

LOD 300: Precise Geometry

LOD 400: Fabrication

LOD 500: As-built

Modeled elements will need to be at least

LOD 300 if used for construction

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Levels of Detail

LOD 100 Model Elements indicative of area, height,

volume, location, and orientation may be

modeled in three dimensions or represented by

other data. (ie., a pump would be a cube)

Uses Total project duration

Phasing of major elements

Conceptual cost allowance ($/sf of floor area)

Cost assumptions on future content

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Levels of Detail

LOD 200 Model Elements are modeled as generalized

systems or assemblies with approximate

quantities, size, shape, location, and

orientation. Non-geometric information may

also be attached to Model Elements. (ie., a

pump would be a generic pump of

approximate size.)

Uses Time-scaled, ordered activities

Estimated cost based on generic elements

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Levels of Detail

LOD 300 Model Elements are modeled as specific

assemblies accurate in terms of quantity, size,

shape, location, and orientation. Non-

geometric information may also be attached to

Model Elements. Accurate to contract

documents. (ie., a pump would be a generic

pump of accurate size complete with

connections and clearances for a complete

system.)

Uses Time-scaled, ordered assemblies

Estimated cost based on specific assemblies

(i.e., specific wall type)

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Collaboration Using BIM

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BIM Usage Spectrum by Project Delivery Method

Design-Bid-Build

CM as Risk/GMAX/Design Assist

Design-Build

IPD-ish

Integrated Project Delivery

Integrated practice starts here

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Design Intent vs. Construction Models

Level of Detail

From Generic Objects to well-defined objects

Scale

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BIM Execution Plan

Successful use of BIM

on a project requires

a strong framework

and management

plan that aligns, roles,

responsibilities,

expectations and

deliverables.

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Importance of a BIM Execution Plan

Define BIM Goals & Uses

Design Project Process &

Responsibilities

Develop Model Requirements

Implement Quality Control

Image courtesy of Penn State CIC

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BIM Execution Plan-Design Constraints Matrix

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Revit Data Extraction Powered by Assemble

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Publish Models and Revisions

Complete inventory of

100MB model in 5 minutes

Opening a model and publishing to Assemble takes

minutes. Assemble tracks each version for side-by-

side comparisons.

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Leverage Comprehensive Model Inventories

Average 5-10 minutes

Components can be quickly isolated into specific studies or

complete model takeoffs can be compiled. Navisworks

Search Sets are created representing each item in the model

for easy visualization.

Complete Model Inventories

Variance Reports

Excel Exports

Navisworks Search Sets

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Make Sense of your Building Information

Group by ANY property

Built-in or User-defined

Examples

By Level & Category

By Room, Space

By Occupancy

By MEP System

By Work Breakdown

Assembly Code

Keynote

Omniclass

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Use Smart Filters to Focus and Collaborate

Focus on specific studies of your project

Filter on any property or value range

Create custom views for reference

Quality Check your models

Create custom reports you can share

Produce search sets that simplify clash

detection and coordination

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Within 10 minutes of opening a design model…

One person can QA/QC the model

Quick Model Check with Assemble

BIM Managers make an average

of $1,500 - $2,000 (pre-tax)

Rapid Data Extraction pays for

itself in 2 weeks time

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Visually Compare Model Versions

Side-by-side comparison of

updated Walls

4-20-2012 Version

5-14-2012 Version

Navisworks Search Sets created by

Assemble help visualize where Adds &

Deducts occur within minutes.

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Overlay Versions to Reveal Changes

Focus on exactly where changes are located in the project

Added Walls shown

in green

Deducted Walls shown

in red

Previous version

Walls shown in grey

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Within 1 hour of opening a design model…

One person can quantify and report adds and deducts of an entire building model

4-20-2012 5-14-2012 Overlay Versions

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Take Advantage of Revit Shared Parameters

Naming Conventions

Used for QA\QC

Classification Systems

Used for Cost and Schedule

UniFormat (Assembly Code)

MasterFormat (Keynote)

Omniclass

Scheduling

Activity Codes

Actual Start

Actual Complete

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Working with the Revit API

Easy to learn, hard to master

Why?

Not thoroughly documented

No documentation for what parameters

exist for each category

Must support dozens of project units

Our approach is heuristic

Our approach is comprehensive

Includes built-in parameters

Includes user-defined parameters

Take advantage of Autodesk

Developer Network!

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Downstream Uses

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University of California,

San Diego Housing & Dining

Administration Building

2012 SCUP Pacific Regional Conference-Stanford University

Clash Detection, Constructability and Coordination

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Model QA/QC

•Improperly named

objects

•Improperly located

objects

•Find model anomalies

•Find hidden objects

•Identify generic objects

•Eliminate redundant

building systems

© 2012 Autodesk

“By integrating design, analysis,

manufacture, and the assembly of

building around digital technologies,

architects, engineers, and builders

have an opportunity to

fundamentally redefine the

relationships between conception

and production.” From “Architecture in the Digital Age and

Manufacturing” by Branko Kolarevic

Pre-fabrication &Digital Fabrication

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5D Estimating •Continuous Estimating

•Target-based Design

•LOD 100 Gross Square

Footage

•LOD 200 Systems

Estimating

•LOD 300 Counting

•Consider “senior”

estimators

•Estimating Templates or

database by building types

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4D Scheduling, Sequencing, and Phasing

2012 SCUP Pacific Regional Conference-Stanford University

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Historical Trend Analysis

Nov. 13, 2011

Production Trend Analysis Earned Value Analysis

Work In Place Analysis

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Energy analysis can be performed on a 3D

model during conceptual design

Design changes can be made early in order to

optimize energy usage

Architect and MEP engineer work collaboratively

early in the design process rather than later

Energy analysis is now a science

Different building systems and loads impact each

other and overall building performance.

Building design and energy analysis data can

now be linked

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Energy Modeling & Analysis

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6D BIM-Operations

2012 SCUP Pacific Regional Conference-Stanford University

Revit Modeling Strategies

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Scenario-Based Planning & Pro Forma Validation

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Conclusion and Summary

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Thank you

© 2012 Autodesk

Autodesk, AutoCAD* [*if/when mentioned in the pertinent material, followed by an alphabetical list of all other trademarks mentioned in the material] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and

services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2012 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.