Introducing Revit® Architecture 2009: BIM for Beginners

Introducing Revit® Architecture 2009: BIM for Beginners

by Greg Demchak, Tatjana Dzambazova, Eddy Krygiel
Released May 2008
Publisher(s): Sybex
ISBN: 9780470260982

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Book description

You don't have to be a high-tech wizard to understand the Revit software using Introducing Revit Architecture 2009: BIM for Beginners, the perfect guide for architects of any generation. Start with an overview of BIM concepts before tackling the Revit interface, then move on to use Revit's suite of editing tools. Learn how to use Revit with other applications, document the model for construction, integrate annotations into the model, utilize worksets, and collaborate in a team environment from straightforward explanations, real-world examples, and practical tutorials.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. Dear Reader,
  3. Acknowledgments
  4. About the Authors
  5. Introduction
  6. 1. Understanding BIM
    1. 1.1. A Brief History of Architectural Documentation
    2. 1.2. Advantages of a BIM Approach
    3. 1.3. How BIM Is Different from CAD
      1. 1.3.1. Potential Hazards
    4. 1.4. Why Revit?
    5. 1.5. Revit Concepts
      1. 1.5.1. Parametric Objects and Parametric Relationships
      2. 1.5.2. Bidirectional Associativity
      3. 1.5.3. Embedded Relationships
      4. 1.5.4. User-Defined Rules
    6. 1.6. Types of Elements in Revit
      1. 1.6.1. How Revit Organizes Data
        1. 1.6.1.1. Model Categories
        2. 1.6.1.2. Annotation Categories
        3. 1.6.1.3. Subcategories
        4. 1.6.1.4. Controlling the Visibility of Elements in Revit
      2. 1.6.2. Families in Revit
        1. 1.6.2.1. System Families
        2. 1.6.2.2. Standard Families
        3. 1.6.2.3. In-Place Families
    7. 1.7. Tips for Getting Started in Revit
  7. 2. Getting Acquainted with the Revit Interface and File Types
    1. 2.1. Overview of the Revit User Interface
      1. 2.1.1. Starting Revit
      2. 2.1.2. The Basic Screen
      3. 2.1.3. Navigating Through a Project
        1. 2.1.3.1. Organization of the Project Browser
        2. 2.1.3.2. View Window
        3. 2.1.3.3. Communication Center
        4. 2.1.3.4. View Control Bar
          1. 2.1.3.4.1. SCALE
          2. 2.1.3.4.2. DETAIL LEVEL
          3. 2.1.3.4.3. MODEL GRAPHIC STYLE
          4. 2.1.3.4.4. ADVANCED MODEL GRAPHICS
          5. 2.1.3.4.5. CROP REGION
          6. 2.1.3.4.6. HIDE AND ISOLATE
          7. 2.1.3.4.7. REVEAL MODE
    2. 2.2. Modifying and Personalizing the Interface
    3. 2.3. Selection and View Navigation
      1. 2.3.1. Using the Mouse
        1. 2.3.1.1. Left Mouse Button
        2. 2.3.1.2. Right Mouse Button
      2. 2.3.2. Zooming, Panning, and Scrolling in a View
        1. 2.3.2.1. Mouse Scroll Wheel
        2. 2.3.2.2. SteeringWheels
          1. 2.3.2.2.1. ZOOM
          2. 2.3.2.2.2. PAN
          3. 2.3.2.2.3. REWIND
        3. 2.3.2.3. Navigation in 3D views
        4. 2.3.2.4. ViewCube
      3. 2.3.3. Selecting Objects
      4. 2.3.4. Manipulating Objects
        1. 2.3.4.1. Grip Editing
        2. 2.3.4.2. Move
        3. 2.3.4.3. Smart Constraints
        4. 2.3.4.4. Flip Controls
        5. 2.3.4.5. Manipulating Objects Using Dimensions
        6. 2.3.4.6. Padlocks
        7. 2.3.4.7. Keeping Objects from Moving—the Pin
        8. 2.3.4.8. Moving with Nearby Elements
        9. 2.3.4.9. Using Instance Parameters to Change Size
    4. 2.4. Using Keyboard Shortcuts
    5. 2.5. Setting Up Your Project Environment
      1. 2.5.1. Project Units
        1. 2.5.1.1. Slope
        2. 2.5.1.2. Currency
        3. 2.5.1.3. Additional Formatting
      2. 2.5.2. Snaps
      3. 2.5.3. Close
      4. 2.5.4. Line Weights
      5. 2.5.5. Object Styles
      6. 2.5.6. Options
    6. 2.6. Revit File Formats
      1. 2.6.1. RVT: Revit File
      2. 2.6.2. RFA: Revit Family
      3. 2.6.3. RVG: Revit Group
      4. 2.6.4. RFT: Family Template
      5. 2.6.5. RTE: Revit Template
  8. 3. Views
    1. 3.1. Visualizing a Revit Model
    2. 3.2. Creating Views
      1. 3.2.1. Navigating Views
    3. 3.3. Working with Views
      1. 3.3.1. Creating New Plan Views with Levels
        1. 3.3.1.1. Creating Levels
      2. 3.3.2. Adding a Plan View
      3. 3.3.3. Duplicating Views
      4. 3.3.4. Types of Views in Revit
        1. 3.3.4.1. Plans
          1. 3.3.4.1.1. FLOOR PLANS
          2. 3.3.4.1.2. CEILING PLANS
          3. 3.3.4.1.3. SITE PLANS
          4. 3.3.4.1.4. AREA PLANS
          5. 3.3.4.1.5. CALLOUTS
        2. 3.3.4.2. Elevations
        3. 3.3.4.3. Sections
        4. 3.3.4.4. Drafting Views
      5. 3.3.5. Legends
      6. 3.3.6. 3D View—Axonometric Views
      7. 3.3.7. 3D View—Perspective (Camera) Views
      8. 3.3.8. Walkthroughs
    4. 3.4. Schedules
      1. 3.4.1. Not All Schedules Need to Appear on Sheets
        1. 3.4.1.1. Creating Schedules
        2. 3.4.1.2. Making a Simple Schedule
  9. 4. Modeling Basics
    1. 4.1. Levels and Grids
      1. 4.1.1. Creating Levels and Grids
        1. 4.1.1.1. Graphical Editing Controls
      2. 4.1.2. Grids and Structural Elements
    2. 4.2. Basic Walls
      1. 4.2.1. Curtain Walls
      2. 4.2.2. Creating Walls
    3. 4.3. Floors, Roofs, and Ceilings
      1. 4.3.1. Creating Floors, Roofs, and Ceilings
    4. 4.4. Doors and Windows
      1. 4.4.1. Creating Doors and Windows
    5. 4.5. Components
    6. 4.6. Stairs and Railings
    7. 4.7. Getting Started with a Project
      1. 4.7.1. Wall Options Bar
      2. 4.7.2. Exterior Walls: Drawing Exterior Walls
      3. 4.7.3. Drawing the Fireplace Walls
      4. 4.7.4. Changing Wall Types
      5. 4.7.5. Exterior Walls: Level 2
      6. 4.7.6. Interior Walls: Level 1
      7. 4.7.7. Wall Join and Face Resolution
      8. 4.7.8. Interior Walls: Level 2
      9. 4.7.9. Adding a Floor to Level 1
      10. 4.7.10. Copying Floors from Level 1 to Level 2
      11. 4.7.11. Adding the Main Roof
      12. 4.7.12. Creating Additional Roofs
        1. 4.7.12.1. Modifying an Existing Roof
      13. 4.7.13. Attaching Interior Walls to the Roof
      14. 4.7.14. Making Curtain Walls
        1. 4.7.14.1. Adding Curtain Walls to the North Façade
        2. 4.7.14.2. Changing the Grid Pattern
      15. 4.7.15. Adding Doors and Windows
      16. 4.7.16. Adding Doors to Level 2
      17. 4.7.17. Placing Windows
        1. 4.7.17.1. Resizing Windows Dynamically
      18. 4.7.18. Getting Additional Content Online
      19. 4.7.19. Placing Components
        1. 4.7.19.1. Placing Furniture
        2. 4.7.19.2. Placing Plumbing Fixtures
      20. 4.7.20. Stairs and Railings
        1. 4.7.20.1. Creating a Stair
      21. 4.7.21. 3D Sectional View of the Stair
      22. 4.7.22. Railings
        1. 4.7.22.1. Creating a Railing in the Model
        2. 4.7.22.2. Modifying Existing Railings
      23. 4.7.23. Setting Hosts
      24. 4.7.24. Your Model Is Started ... Now Have Some Fun!
  10. 5. Modifying Elements
    1. 5.1. Standard Editing Tools
      1. 5.1.1. Copy, Paste, and Cut
        1. 5.1.1.1. Paste Aligned
          1. 5.1.1.1.1. CURRENT VIEW
          2. 5.1.1.1.2. SAME PLACE
          3. 5.1.1.1.3. PICK LEVEL GRAPHICS
          4. 5.1.1.1.4. SELECT LEVELS BY NAME
          5. 5.1.1.1.5. SELECT VIEWS BY NAME
      2. 5.1.2. Move
        1. 5.1.2.1. Nudge
      3. 5.1.3. Copy
      4. 5.1.4. Rotate
        1. 5.1.4.1. Rotate Tool
        2. 5.1.4.2. Spacebar
      5. 5.1.5. Array
      6. 5.1.6. Mirror
      7. 5.1.7. Resize
    2. 5.2. Additional Editing Tools
      1. 5.2.1. Aligning Elements
        1. 5.2.1.1. Autoalignment
        2. 5.2.1.2. Manual Alignment
      2. 5.2.2. Split
      3. 5.2.3. Trim and Extend
      4. 5.2.4. Offset
    3. 5.3. Graphic and Visual Overrides
      1. 5.3.1.
        1. 5.3.1.1. Categories
        2. 5.3.1.2. Visibility
        3. 5.3.1.3. Line and Pattern Overrides
        4. 5.3.1.4. Halftone and Transparent
        5. 5.3.1.5. Detail Level
        6. 5.3.1.6. Override Host Layers
      2. 5.3.2. Element Overrides
      3. 5.3.3. Unhiding Elements and Categories
  11. 6. Extended Modeling
    1. 6.1. Walls: Advanced Modeling Features
      1. 6.1.1. Layer Join Cleanup
        1. 6.1.1.1. Editing Wall Joins
        2. 6.1.1.2. Disjoining Walls
      2. 6.1.2. Stacked Walls
      3. 6.1.3. Walls with Integrated Sweeps and Reveals
        1. 6.1.3.1. Sweeps and Reveals
        2. 6.1.3.2. Reveals
        3. 6.1.3.3. Wall Sweep Returns
      4. 6.1.4. Creating Special Walls Using the Create Tool (In-Place Walls)
    2. 6.2. Curtain Walls: Advanced Design Techniques
      1. 6.2.1.
        1. 6.2.1.1. Selecting the Elements within the Curtain Waall
      2. 6.2.2. Designing a Curtain Wall
      3. 6.2.3. Curtain Panels
        1. 6.2.3.1. Doors and Windows
      4. 6.2.4. Parametric Behavior
        1. 6.2.4.1. Attaching the Curtain Wall to a Roof
      5. 6.2.5. Complex Curtain-Wall Panel Possibilities
    3. 6.3. Roofs and Slabs: Advanced Shape Editing
      1. 6.3.1. Shape Modification Tools
      2. 6.3.2. Warped Surfaces
  12. 7. Working with Other Applications
    1. 7.1. Exporting Your Data
      1. 7.1.1. CAD Formats
        1. 7.1.1.1. DWG
        2. 7.1.1.2. DXF
        3. 7.1.1.3. DGN
        4. 7.1.1.4. SAT
      2. 7.1.2. Exporting Animations: Walkthroughs and Solar Studies
      3. 7.1.3. ODBC Database Tables
      4. 7.1.4. Schedules
      5. 7.1.5. gbXML
      6. 7.1.6. Room/Area Reports
      7. 7.1.7. Industry Foundation Class (IFC)
      8. 7.1.8. 3ds Max (FBX)
    2. 7.2. Exporting DWG Drawings
      1. 7.2.1.
        1. 7.2.1.1. Export Options
      2. 7.2.2. Exporting Images
        1. 7.2.2.1. Creating a Browsable Website from the Revit Model
        2. 7.2.2.2. Image Size
        3. 7.2.2.3. Format
    3. 7.3. Importing and Linking
      1. 7.3.1. Linking
        1. 7.3.1.1. Linking CAD Formats
        2. 7.3.1.2. Linking Other Revit Models
        3. 7.3.1.3. EDITING A LINKED FILE
      2. 7.3.2. How to Link Files in Revit
        1. 7.3.2.1. Positioning
        2. 7.3.2.2. Open Worksets
      3. 7.3.3. Importing or Linking CAD Formats
        1. 7.3.3.1. Import or Link
          1. 7.3.3.1.1. CURRENT VIEW ONLY
          2. 7.3.3.1.2. LAYERS
          3. 7.3.3.1.3. LAYER/LEVEL COLORS
          4. 7.3.3.1.4. IMPORT UNITS
          5. 7.3.3.1.5. POSITIONING
      4. 7.3.4. Importing Images
    4. 7.4. Working with Imported Files
      1. 7.4.1. Managing Layers
      2. 7.4.2. Modifying a CAD File
        1. 7.4.2.1. Delete Layers
        2. 7.4.2.2. Full Explode
        3. 7.4.2.3. Partial Explode
        4. 7.4.2.4. Query
    5. 7.5. Working with Civil Engineering DWG Files
      1. 7.5.1. Transforming DWG Site Info into Topography
      2. 7.5.2. Other Ways to Create Topography
        1. 7.5.2.1. Importing a Points File
        2. 7.5.2.2. Creating Topography from Scratch: Drawing Points
    6. 7.6. Converting 2D Drawings into a 3D Model
    7. 7.7. Starting a New Project
      1. 7.7.1. Converting DWG Gridlines into Smart Revit Gridlines
      2. 7.7.2. Working with Scope Boxes
        1. 7.7.2.1. Using DWG Lines to Create Revit Walls
        2. 7.7.2.2. Using DWG Lines as a Reference to Create Revit Floors
      3. 7.7.3. Working with Imported Library Components in DWG Format
      4. 7.7.4. Importing Library Components in SketchUp (.skp) Format
    8. 7.8. Starting a Model from a Scanned Drawing
  13. 8. Preparing Documents for Clients
    1. 8.1. Color-Coded Drawings
      1. 8.1.1. Defining a Color Scheme
        1. 8.1.1.1. Adding a Color Scheme to a View
      2. 8.1.2. Area Plans
      3. 8.1.3. Color-Coded Section Views
    2. 8.2. Creating Presentation Graphics
      1. 8.2.1. Floor Plans: Accentuating Walls
      2. 8.2.2. Making Elevation Graphics
      3. 8.2.3. Using Images in Elevation Views
    3. 8.3. Shadows and Solar Studies
      1. 8.3.1. Creating a Solar Study
      2. 8.3.2. 3D Views
    4. 8.4. Rendering a Perspective
      1. 8.4.1. The Camera
      2. 8.4.2. Quality Settings
      3. 8.4.3. Output Size
      4. 8.4.4. Lighting
      5. 8.4.5. Foreground and Background
        1. 8.4.5.1. Saving Your Image
      6. 8.4.6. Materials
  14. 9. Sheets
    1. 9.1. Documentation Trends
    2. 9.2. Preparing Views
      1. 9.2.1. View Properties
      2. 9.2.2. View Templates
        1. 9.2.2.1. Creating and Applying a View Template
    3. 9.3. The Sheet
      1. 9.3.1. Adding a Title Block to a Sheet
        1. 9.3.1.1. Adding a Revision Schedule to a Title Block
      2. 9.3.2. View Titles
      3. 9.3.3. Placing Views on Sheets
        1. 9.3.3.1. Splitting Views across Multiple Sheets
        2. 9.3.3.2. Use Case Scenario
        3. 9.3.3.3. Match Lines and View Tags
        4. 9.3.3.4. View References
  15. 10. Annotations
    1. 10.1. Annotating Your Project
    2. 10.2. Tags
      1. 10.2.1. Loading Tags
      2. 10.2.2. Placing Tags
      3. 10.2.3. Changing a Tag Value
      4. 10.2.4. The Tag All Not Tagged Tool
    3. 10.3. Dimensions
      1. 10.3.1. Dimensioning Your Model
      2. 10.3.2. Baseline and Ordinate Dimensions
        1. 10.3.2.1. Baseline Dimensions
        2. 10.3.2.2. Creating a Baseline or Ordinate Dimension Style
        3. 10.3.2.3. Ordinate Dimensions
      3. 10.3.3. Modifying Dimension Appearance
      4. 10.3.4. Dimensioning a Floor Plan
    4. 10.4. Text and Keynotes
      1. 10.4.1. Text
        1. 10.4.1.1. Text Properties
        2. 10.4.1.2. Model Text
      2. 10.4.2. Keynotes
        1. 10.4.2.1. Keynote Behavior and Editing
        2. 10.4.2.2. Keynote File-Naming Conventions
        3. 10.4.2.3. Keynote Settings
        4. 10.4.2.4. Adding Keynotes to a View
        5. 10.4.2.5. Keynote Legends
        6. 10.4.2.6. The Keynote Family
        7. 10.4.2.7. Adding Notes to a Wall Section by Material
        8. 10.4.2.8. Adding Notes to a Wall Section by Element
        9. 10.4.2.9. Predefining Keynotes
  16. 11. Construction Documentation
    1. 11.1. Formatting Your Documents
      1. 11.1.1. Laying Out Sheets
    2. 11.2. Schedules
      1. 11.2.1. Create and Customize a Schedule
        1. 11.2.1.1. Additional Formatting
      2. 11.2.2. Finding Elements in the Model
      3. 11.2.3. View Templates for Schedules
      4. 11.2.4. Placing and Handling Schedules on Sheets
    3. 11.3. Drafting Views
    4. 11.4. Drafting Tools
      1. 11.4.1. Detail Lines
      2. 11.4.2. Lines
      3. 11.4.3. Detail Groups
      4. 11.4.4. Detail Components
      5. 11.4.5. Masking Regions
      6. 11.4.6. Adding to the Detail
      7. 11.4.7. Creating a Repeating Detail
        1. 11.4.7.1. Custom Line Types
      8. 11.4.8. Insulation
        1. 11.4.8.1. Adding Insulation
      9. 11.4.9. Filled Region
        1. 11.4.9.1. Filled-Region Type Properties
      10. 11.4.10. Show/Remove Hidden Lines
    5. 11.5. Importing CAD Details
    6. 11.6. Reusing Details from Other Projects
      1. 11.6.1. Exporting Details from Revit Projects
        1. 11.6.1.1. Importing Views into Revit Projects
  17. 12. Printing
    1. 12.1. Printing Your Documents
      1. 12.1.1. Print
        1. 12.1.1.1. Print to File
        2. 12.1.1.2. Print Range
      2. 12.1.2. Print Setup
        1. 12.1.2.1. Hidden Lines Views
        2. 12.1.2.2. Options
    2. 12.2. Revit Printing Tips
    3. 12.3. Publishing Your BIM Data
      1. 12.3.1. Design Web Format (DWF)
        1. 12.3.1.1. DWF Publishing Options
          1. 12.3.1.1.1. DWF EXPORT OPTIONS
          2. 12.3.1.1.2. EXPORTING A VIEW OR SHEET AS A SINGLE FILE
        2. 12.3.1.2. Publishing to 2D DWF
        3. 12.3.1.3. Publishing to 3D DWF
        4. 12.3.1.4. Marking Up Drawings with Design Review
          1. 12.3.1.4.1. A WORKFLOW SCENARIO: MARKING UP A 2D DWF FROM A REVIT MODEL
        5. 12.3.1.5. Marking Up 3D DWF files
      2. 12.3.2. Publishing to PDF
  18. 13. Advanced Topics
    1. 13.1. Understanding Families
      1. 13.1.1. System Families
      2. 13.1.2. In-Place Families
      3. 13.1.3. Component Families
      4. 13.1.4. Family Templates
      5. 13.1.5. Parametric and Nonparametric Family Types
      6. 13.1.6. Levels of Detail and View Visibility
      7. 13.1.7. Family Types
      8. 13.1.8. Visual Control
      9. 13.1.9. Nested Families
      10. 13.1.10. Upgrading Families
    2. 13.2. Using Design Options
      1. 13.2.1. The Design Options Interface
        1. 13.2.1.1. Setting Your Views
        2. 13.2.1.2. Creating the Elements in the Options
    3. 13.3. Worksharing—the Multi-User Environment
      1. 13.3.1. Borrowing Elements
      2. 13.3.2. Worksharing Using the Worksets Methodology
        1. 13.3.2.1. Worksharing Basics
      3. 13.3.3. Workset Organization
        1. 13.3.3.1. Workflow
      4. 13.3.4. Saving Shared Work
      5. 13.3.5. Loading Work from Other Team Members
  19. 14. Tips and Troubleshooting
    1. 14.1. Optimizing Performance
    2. 14.2. Best Practices
    3. 14.3. File Corruption

Product information

  • Title: Introducing Revit® Architecture 2009: BIM for Beginners
  • Author(s): Greg Demchak, Tatjana Dzambazova, Eddy Krygiel
  • Release date: May 2008
  • Publisher(s): Sybex
  • ISBN: 9780470260982