Approach to Modelling and Domestic House Extension

By

Peter McCarthy

Holy Mary Mother of God Or Wheres my Pot of Gold!

Modelling (M) Holds Its Own in the BIM Acronym

Clash Detection Accurate Quantities Visually Correct

Inaccurate Modelling Vs Accurate Modelling

Where Im At with BIM

Structural Shared Model Architectural Shared Model

Architectural Structural MEP Combined & Coordinated Shared Models

Years on Revit and BIM: Projects Size: Projects Team: Multi- Discipline BIM projects: Attempts to Achieve BIM:

5 years Largest 20 Million Usually 3 User in Model Worked on 4-5 6 and counting.....

HISTORY TO ACHIEVING B.I.M. BIM Attempt 1

3D Modelling in Revit Basic Annotation in Acad
Exported 2D slices, plans etc. from 3D Model and Annotate in Acad using Text, Dims, Hatches and 2D Line work, Some generic drawings were done completely in 2D Acad

2007

BIM Attempt 2
Advanced 3D Modelling in Revit Basic Annotation in Revit

All Plans and sections were taken from the 3D Model and Annotate in Revit using Text, Dims, Hatches and 2D Line work, Some generic drawings were done in Acad and imported / converted to Revit 2D Drafting view

BIM Attempt 3
Collaborative Linked Models B.I.M. Annotation in Revit.

Revised Method of modelling to allow the importing of structural geometry and collaboration. All Plans and sections were taken from the 3D Model and Annotate in Revit with the use of BIM Automatic annotation using Furniture/equipment Tags, Wall tages etc. Some Revit 2D Drafting views for generic drawings are used

BIM Attempt 4
Limited amount of Automated Schedules Advanced Phasing settings
Above Plus the introduction of Schedules. Starting to use phasing and phase filters to better effect.

BIM Attempt 5
Revised method of Advanced 3D Modelling in Revit More Automated Schedules
Use of revised method of modelling to allow more automated schedules to be generated.

BIM Attempt 6
FM COBIE Parametric / Adaptive modelling APIs

Feels like Im really far behind Where do I start? What colour should this box be, Red or Green?

2012

Modelling Approach
1. Converting from CAD to REVIT (Pre-Analysis) 2. Relationship Modelling 3. Other Approaches

Converting From CAD to REVIT

Pre-Analysis modelling approach, gathering all the information about the detail before starting to model.

Good for Converting from Acad but has its Cons!

Picking a detail to start the Conversion

Questions a Modeler Generally has: 1. Can the detail actually be built? 2. What does the detail look like/does it need to be worked out? 3. Can the software do what I want, How do I model it?

Model a detail youve already done before / complete. You know it works. You know how it looks likes. You can concentrate on your modelling skills

Pre-Analysis Step 1
- Draw detail and Annotate every object in the detail.

Can be freehand or an existing AutoCAD drawing

Pre-Analysis Step 2
- Mark a number beside each annotation on your sketch

Pre-Analysis Step 3
- Fill out a 5 column Table
Column 1 - # This is the number that links the number in the table with the number on your detail. Column 2 - Brief description Write a brief description of the object Column 3 - 2D/3D Review the brief description and consider weather you think you should model it or draft it. If the object will be seen in more than one view type it should probably be modeled. Column 4 - Modeling type Decide what revit tool you will use to create the proposed component, is it a oor or a wall or a custom generic model family, etc. Column 5 - Family type After you decide the method of modelling then gure out what family type within that revit tool your going to use, this also help you decide if you need to create a new family that is not already in your model or template

You now have a self-written tutorial to follow

Pre-Analysis
What other pieces of information can you get from your detail?
Grids / Levels / Ref Planes Object Position Detailed Components and Annotation

System Family Check

Draw as many rectangles as you can

Pre-Analysis
Conclusion Pros
Good to build up your modelling skills and introduction to the different tools, Allows you to make a plan of attack on the modelling side.
Items that could be listed 01 Worksets 02 Phases 02 Levels 03 Grids 04 Wall types 05 Curtain wall types 06 Floor types 07 Ceiling types 08 Column types 09 Beam types 10 Door types 11 Window types 12 Stairs types 13 Railing types 14 Roof types 15 Proles/Wall sweep 16 Furniture 17 Electrical Fixtures/Lights 18 Mechanical Components 19 Entourage 20 Site Components 20 2D components 21 2D Line work 22 Filled region

Cons
You have to know a lot before your can start, this can be offputting and generally the time luxury is not available. The list of Items you have to know before starting could be as long as this;

Relationship Modelling
This method identies which are the primary objects, secondary objects, etc. and in which order they should be modelled. In this detail the general rules are 1. The curtain Wall must be 50mm from slab edge 2. The slab edge is to line up with the edge of steel beam 3. The Steel Beam is to be Centred on the Grid line These rules gives us a modelling order of 1. Grid line is place rst 2. Beams are placed 3. Floor outline is drawn with edges to align with beam 4. Curtain wall to be drawn with an offset of 50mm
1

1.
50

4. 3.

2.

Other Approaches to Modelling

1. Pre Analysis 2. Relationship Modelling 3. Post Analysis (review the detail after primary objects are placed) 4. Modelling by Trade 5. ????

Working Building Information Model

To produce full construction drawings from a slice of a 3D model with minimal 2D work carried out took an extra level of detailing within the model. This also started to setout the guidelines for collaborative work with consultants in regards to responsibility and ownership of different parts of individual buildups. The Structural floors were seperated from the finishes to allow the architect and structural engineer to

Working Construction Site

Construction developing on site similar to the BIM model with different sub-contractors taking responsibilities for different elements within the construction. An example is the main precast structural concrete slab by one contractor and terrazzo floor finish and rigid insulation installed by another.

The House Extension

Approach to the Project

PLANNING MODEL CONSTRUCTION MODEL

A)

1
SETUP

2
BASIC MODELLING

3
BASIC ANNOTATION

4
ADVANCED MODELLING

5
ADVANCED ANNOTATION

OR B) 1
SETUP

2 4
ADVANCED MODELLING

3 5
ADVANCED ANNOTATION

PLANNING & CONSTRUCTION MODEL

Stage 1
Preparation (2-3 Hours (Max))
1. Prep Autocad les for importing, clean, explode, purge etc. 2. Save Autocad les into the same import folder (near where the revit central le folder will be located on the server) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Stage 2
External Walls, Using place holder generic walls types, model in the basic external walls. (windows and curtain walls will come later, just enclose building to begin with); Floors, Using place holder generic oor types, model in the basic oor outline using the external walls as the boundary. (Floor nishes will come later, just the basic shape to begin with); Roofs, Using place holder generic roof types, model in the basic Roof outline using the external walls as the boundary. If it is a pitch roof type generally set the boundary 300mm from the outside edge of the external walls. Place a section in the model and move roof height into the correct location; Columns, Using place holder generic column types, place the main columns / structure, check the top of columns meet the correct oor slab or roof level above; Internal Walls, Using place holder generic wall types (usually 100, 140 or 200mm) model in the internal layout, trace autocad plan if available, check the top of walls meet the correct oor slab or roof level above; Doors, Using place holder generic door types, place the doors to each room in the model. Duplicate the basic door and create alternative sizes if the size you require is not in the template; Rooms, Place rooms into the project and rename as you move around the plan. Windows / Curtain Walls, Generally all windows will be drawn as curtain walls to start off with as they are very exible in their shape and divisions and do not require advanced window families to be available in the server library. We will generally use 100mm deep mullions for small windows and 150mm or 250mm deep mullions for shopfronts to begin with until we know actual size. The curtain wall type should be set to automatically embed so it cuts its own shape out of the external walls; Sweeps, proles custom canopies, Add any extra features, gutter, reveals or proles to the external walls and roofs. Canopies are usually a roof or oor with a special edge prole; Ceilings, Place default ceiling height across the project using external walls and internal walls as the outline. If there are bulkheads, use a generic 50mm or 100mm wall type as vertical part of the bulkhead (if the bulkhead is curved us a custom sweep; Furniture (this may be done after site plan works depending on the type of project, the deliverables requested and deadlines);

Modelling - Stage 1 (5 Days) Building

Modelling - Stage 1(Cont..) Site Plan

Setup (1 Day (Max))

Start new revit le base on the Template; Create Worksets, (apply list in Revit standards document); Save Central le (Naming convention per Revit standards document) Save Local le (Naming convention per Revit standards document); Create Levels (main plans), Enter elevation to create. Organise browser by applying user parameter; 6. Next step is to Link base Autocad Plan/Site plan (done in ground oor plan), Pin drawing; 7. Set Project North using the Scope box Tool and rotating it 8. Set Extents, move elevations so that they are clearly around intended building/zone. Draw reference planes of out edges of building/zone, enter East elevation and drag the levels so that they start/stop on these reference planes, Repeat for the South elevation; 9. Set Grids, Either trace from the Autocad le or draw new ones over the acad le; 10. Now Import remaining Autocad les and move into correct location, using grid lines as the guides to help locate the plans properly (if you have no grids, reference planes must be drawn to help you align the different Autocad plans); 11. Setup Working views (duplicate original levels) rename the copy view with your initials at the front of the level name, organise browser by applying user parameter; 12. The le is now ready to start modelling;

Toposurface, Model Toposurface by importing the survey Acad le, then place individual points over each level until the surface is built; Roads, Dene roads outside of the site by adding a sub-region to the toposurface; Building Pads, Cut the building shape and car park shape out of the toposurface by using Building Pads; Car park surface, Place the car park surface by using generic oor types. Slope the car park by adding a sloped arrow to the oor; Car park components, Using the component tool place items such as car spaces, road marking signs, note the components should be hosted by the main slab (oor); Walkways and custom road markings, These are created by modelling a 5mm oor type (usually white for marking, green for walkways). If the main car park surface is sloped you should copy the sloped arrow from the main slab and paste it into the sketch of the walkway. Set the oor 5mm offset from level so it is above the main slab; Kerbs, Model Kerbs or planter walls by using generic wall types usually 150mm or 215mm thick. Edit prole if required; Grass/Planter, Model Grass/Planter areas with a generic oor type with grass nish; Site furniture, place bollards, bins, benches etc. by placing components loaded from the library; Site entourage, Add for rendering and visuals, place trees and cars to the site, note the entourage should be hosted by the main slab (oor); The initial modelling stage is complete, now it is time to setup views for printing and perspectives for rendering;

Stage 3
Setup Printing Views (duplicate original levels or working views) rename the copy with to the appropriate printing title, organise the browser by applying 01 Printing Views to user parameter; Create and apply Scope box to view, Alternatively drag the crop region to desired extents; Apply View Templates to plan views to get suitable graphics. If required change Visible Graphics (VG), Overwrite Elements in view or use the Linework Tool for visual clarity; Annotate plan views with planning key notes, levels and dimensions as required; For presentations Colour & Shadows are added to plan views. These are generally to be in addition to black and white plans; Place new Elevations/Elevation marker into the model if new elevation views are required. Rename with to the appropriate printing title, organise browser by applying 01 Printing Views to user parameter; Move elevation Extents and Depth to suit each elevation; Apply View Templates to Elevation. Set shadows and sunlight to get suitable graphics. If required change Visible Graphics (VG), Overwrite Elements in view or use the Linework Tool for visual clarity; Annotate Elevations views with planning key notes, spot elevations and dimensions as required. Use 2D entourage Detail Components such as planting and people to show more context; For presentations Colour & Shadows are added to elevation views. These are generally to be in addition to black and white elevations; Place new Sections into the model if new section views are required. Rename with to the appropriate printing title, organise browser by applying 01 Printing Views to user parameter; Move elevation Extents and Depth to suit each section; Apply View Templates to section. If required change Visible Graphics (VG), Overwrite Elements in view or use the Linework Tool for visual clarity; Annotate Sections views with planning key notes, spot elevations and dimensions as required. Use 2D entourage Detail Components such as planting and people to show more context; For presentations Colour & Shadows are added to elevation views These are generally to be in addition to black and white elevations;

Stage 4
Site Plans
Duplicate (-without detailing) the oor plan. Change the cut level to show the roof plan if required; Create and apply Scope box to view, Alternatively drag the crop region to desired extents; Annotate plan views with planning key notes, levels and dimensions as required; For presentations Colour & Shadows are added to plan views. These are generally to be in addition to black and white plans;

Views & Annotation - Stage 1 (3 Days) Plans

Modelling - Stage 2 (20 Days) Develop Design

Create Sheets

Elevations

Create New Sheets for each plan, section & elevation views. Title and number each sheet according to the standards document; Place Views onto sheets. For plan views turn on sheet grids in the properties and align each view to the same space; Add keynotes, project notes and legends to sheets as required. Print and review drawings;

Print and Review

Print Sheets and review. Make changes and additions as required; Issue drawings for design review or planning as needed; At this stage the model should be backed up and recorded as a le separate from the central le model;

Sections

Develop grid and pin it; Identify key sections, elevations and part plans. Create location plans and locate them; Detail and develop the fabric of the building, develop the structural scheme along side; Identify wall types, oor types and roof types needed in the project. Create these new type and number sensibly in line with standards document; Walls, Roofs and Floors that will become structural elements and eventually part of the structural model should be modelled separately. Eg. Lift cores, structural oor slabs. These element will be turned off later; Replace generic walls with developed wall types. Similarly this should be done for roofs; Floors should be separated into structural oors and architectural build ups. Floor nishes (except large nishes such as terrazzo or concrete screed) should not be included; Structural model should be developed by engineers and linked to your model; Mechanical model should be developed by engineers and linked to your model; Initial ceiling design should be settled, and Mechanical & Electrical object should be developed inconjunction with M+E engineers; Update curtain wall window glazing types to correct sizes of frames etc as the design develops; Model detail elements such as copings, ashings and cills as identied in sections where practical with wall sweeps and reveals. (Some ner detail will be done in 2D detail components later); The site layout should be checked: Updated wall locations and changing thicknesses can effect car parking spaces and clear widths; Where no consultant model is to be provided, link consultants Autocad information and update your model as required to show information eg. Condensate upstands etc.;

Stage 5
This is a general overview of the workow for developing annotated drawings. Setup Printing Views (duplicate original levels or working views) rename the copy view with to the appropriate printing title, organise browser by applying 01 Printing Views to user parameter; Create and apply Scope box to view, Alternatively drag the crop region to desired extents; Apply View Templates to all views to get suitable graphics. If required change Visible Graphics (VG), Overwrite Elements in view or use the Linework Tool for visual clarity; Copy blank keynotes onto views. Print view and write down notes. Fill in the notes in the schedule view and place in correct location in the views as required; Use tags, dimensions, spot levels, keynotes, lled regions and detail components to annotate views; Use Filled regions and detail lines to create site conditions over topography that does not show any buildup; Fill out and check schedules: door schedules, window schedules and room nish schedules in particular. Furniture schedules should be checked that the items on the schedule are activated properly; To accompany the door schedule elevations in drafting views should be created. These are done in drafting lines and 2D annotation. To accompany the curtain wall schedule, elevations of the glazing should be created. These elevations should be hidden at large scales; To accompany the Window & Louvre schedule, a legend view of the window blocks should be created; Generic details should be created in drafting views. These should be annotated and referenced in sections and plans. They should be placed on sheets; Sheets should be created and the views should be added to them. plans should be placed on sheets using sheet grid guides where possible. For sections and elevations the reference number should match that section number/letter; Schedules, legends, key notes, project risk notes should be added to each page; A construction legend should be created that references every element that are only described with automated tags. Also on this page there should be symbol legends, key notes legends and anything else that is referenced in the drawing set; Sheets should be printed, checked and reviewed;

Views and Annotation - Stage 2 (15 Days)

Introduction
To Do List; Existing Building Modelling 1. Paint Materials 2. Existing Windows 3. Power of Objects 4. Demolition of Patio Door New Extension 1. Review the Details before Modelling 2. Walls 3. Foundations 4. Floors 5. Windows & Doors 6. Roofs / Proles 7. Ceiling / Walls Dry Lining 8. Rafters 9. Modelling Complete 10. Views and Annotation 11. Annotation Types 12. Parts

Modelling Existing House

PAINT TOOL
USE THE PAINT TOOL TO APPLY DIFFERENT INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FINISHES, SPLIT FACE IS ALSO USEFUL FOR SUB-DIVIDING LARGE WALLS

KEEP IT SIMPLE
IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW IT WAS CONSTRUCTED DONT SHOW ASSUMED BUILDUPS. USE THE SAME CORE MATERIAL FOR FLOORS, WALLS, ROOFS AND CEILINGS. SET THE VIEW PHASE FILTER TO EXISTING BEFORE PLACING

Existing Windows
APPROXIMATELY 26 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS IN THE UK.......

EXISTING WINDOWS ARE GENERALLY MODELLED AS CURTAIN WALLS

....NOT 1 OF THEM HAS THE SAME WINDOWS

Power of Objects
Floors / Walls/ Roofs
04 Ridge Level 7671

1.
03 Eaves Level 5232

5?

4. 2.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Roof cuts... External Walls cuts... Floors cuts... Internal Walls... Ceilings(Sometimes)...

02 First Floor Level TOW 2794 2515

3.

01 GL Ground Level 0 -102

00 Foundation Level -1219

Demolitions
Step 1 - Demolish Tool

Step 2 - Reference Planes

Step 3 - Wall Opening

Review Details of New Construction

Make a Plan of Attack

Walls
Use Reference Planes to help setout walls if needed

Method 1 - Stacked Walls

Method 2 - Two Walls Aligned

Foundations
Seek Alternative Option Where Required

Method 1 - Foundation Tool

Method 2 - Modelled using a Floor

Floors

Dealing with the over accuracy of Revit

01 Ground Level 0

Windows & Doors

Extra modications required for corner windows

Standard Opeing Cut in Window Family

Use Void Extrusion cut out of wall instead of the standard Opening Cut inside the window family

Roofs / Proles

Roofs / Proles

Know the tools available to you

Rafters Really??

Learn when to stop modelling

Ceiling / Wall Dry Lining

Modelling Stage Complete

Finish all Modelling before starting Annotation stage

Views and Annotation

View Before Annotation

View After Annotation

I aim for about 80-85% Modelling

Annotation

A command bar that rivals Autocad

AutoCAD vs Revit
Dimensions Dynamic Blocks Lines Hatch Block Rev Cloud Text Text Dynamic Blocks Dimensions Spot Elevation/Coordinates Detailed Lines Region Component Rev Cloud Text Tag by Category Keynotes Symbols

Notation
Text
Standard text, can get outdated and updates can be missed, the Human Error factor is much higher.

Sheet Key notes

Done a symbol with a Note Block Schedule, useful, the information is all in one location (the schedule) but the symbols could be pointing at the wrong object or position my not be updated with model changes

General Workow (Sections)

Generally sections and detail views have the most 2D work. To make a more presentable section we add; Wide Dashed drafting lines for DPM and DPC Repeating detail for block work joints in section Filled region for the foundation trench inll(connects with the hardcore in the base of the oor slab) Import autocad hatch patterns that are not available in revit, some good download sites are http://www. cadcorner.ca/hatch.php and http://www.autocadhatch. com/ Wide drafting lines for the steel lintel Thin drafting lines for the X inside of the cut ceiling joist and rafters Spot elevation makers Insulation tool for roof insulation Splitting the section marker lines Text notes and Leaders

Automatic Tags
Use Tag by Category Requires a Legend with a list of each component buildup, Really Useful

Key notes
Can be great but you need a full understanding of the NBS specication codes, Can be limiting for details as it only allows you to enter one code per item, walls might have 4-5 layer in them etc.

Complete Annotation on all Views and Sheets

Parts Tool

Step 1 Select Object and Create Parts

Step 2 Set Visibility of Parts, (must be every view)

Step 3 Modify Parts

Extra Tips and Tricks

1. TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1 Tips for beginners Work in multiple views. When you are working on your model make sure you completely understand the extents of what you are editing. I dont believe this can be done from any single orthogonal view. Working in 3D is great and should be done as much as possible as you can quickly see how the elements you are manipulating interact with elements around them (make use of section boxes to do this also). Too many times I see users trying to make changes only in a plan and then a week later discovering all the issues they have made for themselves in their sections... Plan your project! Sit down with pen and paper rst, especially for large projects or projects of an unfamiliar type, and work out exactly how you are going to document it. Are you going to use groups or links or design options? If so what are the issues in doing this and how are you going to resolve these? How is the project team going to work? Important questions that need to be resolved as soon as possible, preferably before the model is started. Make use of your model as much as possible for drafting and details. If you use your model as the basis for your details then you can identify issues before they get to site. Yes of course you should still draft over these for details, but using the model as the basis you know when your details need to be updated or re-looked at. Minimise number views in the project, delete any extra views that are not required to keep the browser clean Only model what you need, do not spend hours modeling vast detail if it is not required or seen Dont over constrain the model as you will get lots of error messages Purge / delete unused ACAD les Do not to hide Acad underlays with the hide element command, rather go into the VG and un-tick. Model correctly from the beginning Mind what workset you are on, Tune your shortcuts on the user interface in the view tab on the ribbon 10 Wall tips online http://revitclinic.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/08/10-wall-tips. html 5 Curtain wall tips online http://revitclinic.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/02/5-curtain-walltips.html 10 Visualisation tips online http://revitclinic.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/05/10-revit-2011visualization-tips.html 10 Render tips online http://revitclinic.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/07/10-renderingtips.html 10 tag tips online http://revitclinic.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/08/10-revit-tagtips.html 10 Conceptual mass tips online http://revitclinic.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/07/10-conceptualmass-editing-tips.html 10 Imported / Linked les tips online http://revitclinic.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/09/10-linkedimported-le-tips.html

Extra Tips and Tricks

2. BIM MODEL MANAGER - ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY
2. BIM Model Manager On each project there will be a 1. Senior Project Architect (Team Leader) and 2. Project team (Revit users) comprising of several people with varying experience in both architectural practice and software usage. The introduction of the BIM Model Manager role will be the responsibility of the most experienced Revit user in the Project team. The BIM Model Manager will make decisions of how certain objects are modelled and information is coordinated. They should be responsible for but not limited to; 1. File setup, correct template is used, the le is saved in the correct folders on the server 2. Decide on how certain families are created\modelled and how the folders are organised 3. Keep track of worksets and that object are in their correct worksets, 4. Keep track of design options and what is inside the design option. 5. Naming of groups, views, sheets, design options, custom families are consistent 6. Custom families parameters so they schedule correctly, Sheet Keynote numbers are linked to the correct text specication, Tags and type marks in object names match the type mark parameter. 7. Imported CAD le management, CAD le cleanup and renaming. 8. Coordinating / linking consultants les both REVIT & CAD. 9. Setting up Batch Printing sets 10. Setting up new Project Parameters 11. Opening other users local les incase there local les need to be checked or worksets relinquished.

3. COORDINATION BETWEEN CONSULTANT MODELS

3.1 Integrated models One of the most difcult task is to manage the coordination between our model and our consultants models. This can be especially hard as the accuracy of Structural and MEP drawings is far looser this inaccuracy tends to get copied across in to their Revit/BIM Models. 3.2 Importing/ Linking les. The Shared coordinates should be based on the architectural model which mean an import of Origin to Origin should import the models correctly without any moving or rotation of the consultants models. 3.3 Updating Files When updating the consultant models that have been previously placed in the model you should use the option reload from in the Manage Links Dialogue. This option keeps any graphic overwrites and lters that you may have previous placed and wish to retain, if you delete the model and load a new le these setting will be lost. 3.4 Overwriting Graphics of linked le To overwriting graphics of linked les, enter visible graphics (VG) then on the Revit Links tab, select the Display Setting and change from By host to Custom. Now select the custom setting in the rst tab that opens. Enter into either the model or annotation tab, select the drop down list to the right of Model Categories, Change from by host to Custom. Now all the options to overwrite the graphics become available for the linked le. Note these changes can be save to a view template and apply to other views. 3.5 Model review & coordination Review model coordination and accuracy, note that if any structural or MEP element is out by 25mm it will be noticeable in our drawings as we xref their object into our printing views, all in accuracies should be highlighted and a markup sent to the relevant engineer. 3.6 Design & Model Review Workshops It is now becoming standard practice to have Design & Model Review Workshops where the whole design team meets up and all models are overlaid and issues are talked through using 3D cut sections, perspectives, 2D plans, elevation and sections. A fast machine is required to show all the integrated models on screen at once.

Thanks Alan and Gang!!

Questions ???