Better Together: Best Collaboration Practices for

Architects and Structural Engineers Using Autodesk®

Revit®
Sampie Goosen – PROKON Software Consultants
Johann Kriel – PROKON Software Consultants

SE4100
This class is for those who have experienced challenges when collaborating with other design disciplines
using Revit®. In this class, you will discover techniques for Revit® modeling, document creation, model
management, and communication to facilitate the cross-discipline project workflow. The class will be co-
presented by an Autodesk Technical Consultant and a Structural Engineering. Their unique perspectives
on Revit® workflow will give attendees a broader understanding of the design process and BIM uses
outside of their own discipline. Participants should have intermediate Revit® knowledge.

The class audience should be

Architects, structural engineers, project managers, design team leaders, BIM managers, and modeling
staff who seek stronger cross-discipline coordination.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this class, you will be able to:
• Take advantage of Revit tools to manipulate links, organize data, and access the information you
need
• Make informed decisions at project startup and maintain strong communication through
completion
• Develop a Building Information Model that implements proper Revit techniques for improved
design coordination
• Improve your workflow by understanding the perspectives and expectations of other disciplines

About the Speakers

Sampie Goosen is an Autodesk Technical Consultant at PROKON Software Consultants and an
Autodesk Certified Instructor specializing in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD Structural Detailing. Sampie is
also currently studying Civil Engineering on a part time basis through The University of South Africa.

Johann Kriel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Rand Afrikaans University (now
known as the University of Johannesburg). He began his career with PROKON in 2002 as a Technical
Consultant and steadily progressed to Director of Sales. He is a family man who loves the outdoors,
being a keen 4x4 enthusiast, pilot and cyclist. In addition to being the Director of Sales, Johann is also
involved in the research and development of new software as well as technical support.
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Better Together: Best Collaboration Practices for Architects and Structural Engineers Using Autodesk Revit

BIM Philosophy
1. Integrated Practice
a. BIM is a powerful tool and a workflow, but it is only a small part of integrated
practice.
2. BIM can do more, so more is expected of the design team now. It’s changed the game.
3. BIM requires a shift in technology, workflow, AND approach.
a. An AutoCAD workflow applied to the BIM technology is not an optimized
approach.
b. This session will discuss not only the technology, but the workflow and approach
to improve collaboration within the BIM environment.

The BIM Project Kickoff Meeting

1. Who?
a. A facilitator must be established to lead the meeting.
b. Attendees should be project managers and model managers from each
discipline.
c. Who should answer design questions and who should answer the BIM
questions?
2. Why?
a. Manage expectations and set goals.
i. Make sure all decisions are made between the disciplines are best for the
project.
b. Prevent sudden surprises
c. Set timeline for workflow.
i. BIM projects require more collaboration, especially across the fourth
dimension – time.
3. What?
a. Articulate the BIM usages and expectations
i. Usages
1. Design documentation
2. Presentation material
a. For example, extra care may be needed for disciplines to
model areas that will be the subjects of renderings.
3. As-built 3D model
4. Analysis (structural, energy, etc.)
a. For example, more specific material assignments may be
needed for more accurate analysis results.
5. Etc.
ii. Expectations
1. AIA E202 BIM Protocol Exhibit can be included in the contract
documents.
a. It establishes process for model ownership, conflicts, and
model management procedures.
b. The Model Element Table of this document describes who
will model what when.

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Better Together: Best Collaboration Practices for Architects and Structural Engineers Using Autodesk Revit

2. Because the AIA E202 document has limitations, a custom in-

house Model Element Table may be needed.
a. List more specific element types, more precise terms for
display, and more exact descriptions of allowable uses.
b. Establish collaboration procedures.
i. Designate the Revit origin, coordinates, elevation datum, north, and
sectors.
1. These are Revit decisions that have a long-range effect on the
model throughout the design process.
ii. Set the model-sharing timeline.
1. How often will the models be shared across disciplines?
2. Tip: stagger the model-sharing. Architects can share on the
weeks that the consultants do not.
a. This solution gives the design team a chance to catch up
to progress the design AND coordinate with the models
from other disciplines.
iii. Refrain from “throwing the model over the fence.”
1. Discuss verbal/graphic methods for communicating changes.
a. Graphic communication also provides a record of design
decisions.
iv. Establish milestone coordination meetings.
1. Face-to-face communication is invaluable.
c. Determine post-design process.
i. Discuss Revit’s role in the Construction Administration process.
1. Using the Revit model as part of the CA record requires
continuous update of the model.
ii. Clarify as-built or record drawing requirements.
1. An as-built 3D model requires a lot more information and care
than an:
2. As-built 2D drawing set.

Using the Model: The Architects’ Perspective

1. The Revit Architecture Environment
a. The Architecture interface and tools similar to those of Revit Structure.
i. The Home tab contains our basic modeling elements; it does not
include any structural model categories.
ii. In the rare case we need to create structural model elements, we use
the Structure tab.
b. Available model categories
i. Some families (like Walls and Floors) are identically named in Revit
Architecture and Revit Structure. The difference is that the structural
families are loadbearing and the architectural ones are not.
ii. In-place components are a likely place to cause confusion with
consultants.
1. Be mindful to assign to the most logical model category to the
in-place component.

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Better Together: Best Collaboration Practices for Architects and Structural Engineers Using Autodesk Revit

2. There are fewer element property options when compared to

regular components.
2. Coordination and clash detection
a. Architects coordinate across several disciplines.
i. We rely on 3D views to understand the space.
ii. We use section boxes to maneuver through the model and
understand how building systems relate to each other.
iii. View templates help with graphic clarity when checking for conflicts.
3. Presentation graphics
a. We may create presentation materials straight from Revit.
b. We cannot manipulate the materials of linked models
i. It is helpful if the consultants apply accurate and specific materials in
their model.
ii. We may have to copy and paste elements from linked models to edit
materials.
1. This creates duplicate elements in the same place. It may be
confusing if they are accidentally not deleted before the model
is shared with consultants.
4. Construction documents
a. In addition to standard 2D drawings we will sometimes to generate 3D views
from the model for construction documents.
i. 3D drawings clarify design intent for the contractor.
ii. They may require extra attention to detail for modeling accuracy.

Using the Model: The Structural Engineers’ Perspective

1. The Revit Structure Environment
a. Interface
i. The Home tab contains frequently used structural tools, among
others.
ii. The Architect & Site tab for non-load bearing massing, architectural,
and site tools.
b. Model Categories
i. Beam
1. When a beam attached to a column is initially drawn, Revit will
insert a gap between the face of the beam and column. That
gap is controlled by the Start/End Extension value in the
element properties. By default it is ½”.
ii. Wall
1. Structural Walls are controlled like the Wall tool in Revit
Architecture.
2. They have reinforcement parameters available
3. Structural Usage is by default Bearing.
iii. Floor and Slab Foundation
1. They are both controlled like the Floor tool in Revit
Architecture.
2. Both have reinforcement parameters.
3. Both Structural Usages are by default Bearing.
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Better Together: Best Collaboration Practices for Architects and Structural Engineers Using Autodesk Revit

4. They behave exactly alike – except for the Model

Categorization.
a. Floor is categorized as “Floor.”
b. Slab Foundation is categorized as “Foundation.”
5. No loadbearing Roof option – structural engineers must model
roofs as Floors.
iv. Column
1. Structural Column is loadbearing and contains the other
structural analysis properties.
a. Categorized under “Structural Column.”
2. Architectural Column has none of those characteristics.
a. Categorized under “Column.”
v. Isolated and Wall Foundations
1. Both have a set dimension per type.
2. They move with their associated Structural Columns and
Walls, respectively.
vi. Analytical Model
1. It is a simplified 3D representation of the full engineering
description of a structural physical model.
2. Revit creates it automatically as the physical structural model
is built.
3. The lines of the Analytical Model can be turned off in
Visibility/Graphics
a. Up to Revit 2011: Analytical Models are listed under
each structural model category
b. Revit 2012: Analytical Models are controlled within their
own tab in Visibility/Graphics.
2. Coordination and Clash Detection
a. Process
i. We turn off everything in the architect’s model but the elements that
affect our design. The model categories we generally leave visible
are:
1. Walls
2. Floors and floor openings
3. Roofs
4. Grids
5. Levels
ii. Then, we take a look at the changes that have been made that affect
our design – slab edges differences, opening dissimilarities, modified
bay sizes, etc.
b. Challenges
i. Roof Slopes (or anything sloped)
1. Sloped framing is an involved task to model anyway.
2. We have not yet discovered an easy way to update sloped
framing
a. Slabs and reference planes cannot maintain their
constraints when rotated to match a new slope.

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Better Together: Best Collaboration Practices for Architects and Structural Engineers Using Autodesk Revit

3. When an update is required, the solution remains to re-align

each element of framing (or framing system) individually or re-
attach each 3D-snapped column individually.
ii. Copy/Monitor
1. Structural engineers may have copy/monitored grids and
levels among other things. (First, of course, communicate
between the two disciplines which elements will be
copy/monitored.)
2. When these elements are deleted and re-drawn, the
copy/monitored relationship is broken and it must be re-
established. This presents a challenge.

Modeling Well: Tips for the Structural Engineers

1. Work heavily in 3D
a. Structural framing can look correct in plan but may be accidentally offset in
the Z-direction, thus creating conflicts.
b. Exposed structural connections may need to be modeled.
i. When structural items become architectural features, we want to see
the design of the beam cope, gusset plates, stair stringers, etc. in 3D.
2. Indicate clearances required around structural elements.
a. Represent clearances not modeled with model lines.
b. The result is improved coordination with other disciplines.
3. Create components using the correct model categories and tools.
a. It is easier to manipulate the Visibility/Graphics of the linked model if the
structural elements are of the same category as architectural elements.
b. For example, compare the Wall Opening tool to the Blank Door family.
i. The Blank Door component requires more work to manipulate. We
need to edit the Visibility/Graphics of the linked model, not just the
host model.

Modeling Well: Tips for the Architects

1. At the start
a. Refer to the decisions made during the BIM Project Kickoff Meeting
i. Especially critical is the Level of Development/Allowable Uses Matrix.
1. This ensures that the model and drawings are sent to the other
disciplines with the expected information.
ii. Reviewing the collaboration procedures is equally important.
1. Model with the agreed-upon Revit origin, coordinates, sectors, and
north orientation.
a. Origins
i. Revit has two origins, both found inside
Visibility/Graphics under the Site model category:
1. Project Base Point (circular icon)
a. It is a file-specific origin that cannot
be “shared” with other links, but can
be manually aligned. It is what is
snapped together when the “Origin-
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Better Together: Best Collaboration Practices for Architects and Structural Engineers Using Autodesk Revit

to-Origin” option is chosen when

linking a Revit file.
2. Survey Point (triangular icon)
a. It can be shared across files. Once
acquired or published, it becomes
the “shared coordinate”. It is what is
snapped together when “By Shared
Coordinates” is chosen.
3. Project Base Point is a good and simple
option for single buildings and there is no
need to export to other file formats.
4. Survey Point is best for linking multiple
buildings across a campus and for the
situations requiring export to other file
formats.
2. Throughout the design
a. Continue to maintain the same Revit origin, elevation datum, sectors and north.
b. Modify instead of deleting and redrawing Copy/Monitored elements.
c. Maintain clean dimensions.
i. Revit has a myth of precision associated with it – irrational numbers can
frustrate the team.
d. Model critical objects (from Level of Development agreement)
i. Avoid detail lines and other 2D annotations – remember that structural
engineers generally turn everything off but the 3D objects that greatly
impact our work.
e. Use logical tools for modeling.

You’ve Got Their Model: Now What?

1. How to share the model
a. Exporting
i. Detach the model from the central file.
1. This limits the amount of error messages when linking models.
ii. Purge unused elements.
1. This reduces file size and minimizes the time required to navigate
and regenerate views with linked models.
iii. Delete unused views.
1. Sort views with the project browser to make it faster to delete the
unused ones.
2. This reduces file size and makes it easier to find linked views.
iv. Remove links that cause circular references.

b. Communicate unique conditions in the model.

i. Changes to or the inclusion of worksets, phases, or design options are
not readily apparent to the model recipient.
2. Manage Links tab
a. Reference Type
i. “Overlay”: the nested links in the linked file are hidden.
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Better Together: Best Collaboration Practices for Architects and Structural Engineers Using Autodesk Revit

ii. “Attachment”: the nested links in the linked file are shown.
b. Path Type
i. “Relative”: the linked file’s path is relative to the host model file location.
ii. “Absolute”: the linked file’s path originates at the level of the network
drive.
c. Manage Worksets
i. Specified worksets can be individually opened or closed in the linked
model.
3. Controlling Visibility/Graphics
a. Revit Links tab
i. There are options to view the linked file model categories by host view,
linked view, or a custom view.
ii. Basics tab
1. This dialog box has the same options as the main model; view
filters, view range, phase, phase filter, detail level, discipline, color
fill, object styles, and nested links.
iii. Model Categories tab
1. “Show categories from all views” check box.
a. Expands the list of Model Categories to allow for viewing
and manipulating categories from all disciplines in the
linked model.
2. Make categories of elements uniquely-visible.
3. Edit the detail level, transparency, color, pattern, etc. of the linked
model without affecting elements in the host model.
iv. Other tabs
1. Visibility of annotations, design options, phases, and worksets
of linked models can be manipulated similar to Model
Categories.
v. New in Revit 2012 is the addition of Ghost Surface display and the
Analytical Model tab.
1. Visibility of analytical models now controlled globally in Analytical
Model tab. They are no longer located in the Model Categories
tab.
2. Ghost Surface visibility makes an element semi-transparent.
4. View Templates
a. After a view is set up properly from the Visibility/Graphics standpoint, a View
Template can be created from that view.
b. Allows pre-set Visibility/Graphics to be assigned quickly across multiple views.
5. Copy and paste from the linked model to make an element “live” in the host model.
a. Again, this creates duplicate elements in the same place which may become
confusing if they are not deleted before the model is shared with the consultants.
b. Use the Tab select method to highlight individual elements in a linked file.
6. Collaborate Toolbar
a. Copy/Monitor tool
i. Monitor changes to; levels, grids, columns, walls, floors, and openings.
1. When monitoring walls, Revit offers the choice of monitoring
hosted openings (including openings for doors and windows) as
well.
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Better Together: Best Collaboration Practices for Architects and Structural Engineers Using Autodesk® Revit®

2. When monitoring floors, Revit offers the choice of monitoring hosted

floor inserts and openings as well.
ii. It is not possible to Copy/Monitor design options, phases, or in-place
elements. If necessary to represent in-place elements from a linked model,
copy and paste them between projects.
b. Coordination Review tool
i. Shows warnings that a monitored element has changed, moved, been deleted or
a hosted element has changed, moved, or been deleted.
c. Reconcile Hosting
i. This tool creates a list of orphaned elements that need to be deleted or re-hosted
due to changes in the host model.
d. Interference Check
i. It is used for clash detecting within Revit and generating a report of clashes.
ii. In a large model, checking all categories against each other can be time
intensive and is not recommended. To reduce processing time, select a limited set
of elements or a limited number of categories.

Conclusions
1. There is more to BIM than modeling within your own discipline; in fact, there is more to
BIM than modeling itself.
2. The most important coordination tool we have is the BIM Project Kickoff Meeting.
3. Architects and Structural Engineers use the model differently – respect it.
4. Both Architects and Structural Engineers need to model accurately, logically, and to the agreed
Level of Development.
5. Autodesk Revit® has many tools to manipulate visibility and pull information from linked models –
don’t be afraid to use them.

Contact
Sampie Goosen
Email: sampie@prokon.com

Johann Kriel
Email: johann@prokon.com