Introducing Revit® Architecture 2010: BIM for Beginners

Introducing Revit® Architecture 2010: BIM for Beginners

Released July 2009
Publisher(s): Sybex
ISBN: 9780470473559

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Book description

Learn the leading BIM software quickly and easily with this book's detailed discussions and practical exercises

Introducing Revit Architecture 2010 presents the core features of this industry-leading building information modeling (BIM) software with focused discussions and practical exercises to get you up to speed quickly.

Real-world tutorials from the expert authors' extensive experience, along with straightforward explanations and examples, focus squarely on accomplishing vital Revit tasks. Fully illustrated and including a 16-page color insert, Introducing Revit Architecture 2010 explains BIM principles and thoroughly covers Revit's concepts, interface, tools, and process.

  • Teaches Revit's essential concepts with a no-nonsense, real-world approach

  • Explains the principles of BIM, then provides a thorough overview of Revit's concepts and interface conventions before delving into crucial Revit tools and tasks

  • Focuses on accomplishing vital Revit tasks, using practical explanations, real-world architectural scenarios, and in-depth, focused tutorials

  • Uses in-depth discussions reinforced by comprehensive, step-by-step exercises that demonstrate how to model, document, present, and share your designs

  • Written by Revit experts, this book is fully updated for Revit 2010 and features an inspirational 16-page color insert

Introducing Revit Architecture 2010 is the essential resource for both students and professionals in the architecture and construction fields.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. Acknowledgments
  3. About the Authors
  4. Foreword
    1. The Revit Guy and Blogger
    2. The Book
      1. The Team
        1. Tatjana
        2. Eddy
        3. Greg
    3. Enjoy!
  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. Component 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
        1. 2.1.2.1. Application Frame Overview
    2. 2.2. Modifying and Personalizing the Interface
      1. 2.2.1. Customizing the Ribbon
        1. 2.2.1.1. Project Browser
      2. 2.2.2. Keyboard Shortcuts
      3. 2.2.3. Keytips
      4. 2.2.4. Other Important Tools
        1. 2.2.4.1. Element Properties
        2. 2.2.4.2. Type Selector
      5. 2.2.5. Options Bar
      6. 2.2.6. Status Bar
      7. 2.2.7. Count Selection Tool
      8. 2.2.8. Project Browser
        1. 2.2.8.1. Views
        2. 2.2.8.2. Families
        3. 2.2.8.3. Revit Links
      9. 2.2.9. Navigating Through a Project
        1. 2.2.9.1. Organization of the Project Browser
      10. 2.2.10. View Window
      11. 2.2.11. View Control Bar
        1. 2.2.11.1. Scale
        2. 2.2.11.2. Detail Level
        3. 2.2.11.3. Model Graphic Style
        4. 2.2.11.4. Graphic Display Options
        5. 2.2.11.5. Crop Region
        6. 2.2.11.6. Hide and Isolate
        7. 2.2.11.7. Reveal Hidden Elements Mode
    3. 2.3. Selecting Objects and Navigating Views
      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
        3. 2.3.2.3. Rewind
        4. 2.3.2.4. Navigation in 3D views
        5. 2.3.2.5. 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. Constraints (locks)
        7. 2.3.4.7. Setting Constraints with 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 Between 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
        2. 3.3.4.2. Understanding View Range
        3. 3.3.4.3. Callouts
        4. 3.3.4.4. Elevations
        5. 3.3.4.5. Sections
        6. 3.3.4.6. 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. Uses of Schedules
        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. The Place Wall Tab and 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. Adding Stairs
        1. 4.7.20.1. Creating a Stair
        2. 4.7.20.2. 3D Sectional View of the Stair
      21. 4.7.21. Adding Railings
        1. 4.7.21.1. Creating a Railing in the Model
        2. 4.7.21.2. Modifying Existing Railings
        3. 4.7.21.3. Setting Hosts for Railings
      22. 4.7.22. 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
      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. Scale
    2. 5.2. Additional Editing Tools
      1. 5.2.1. Aligning Elements
        1. 5.2.1.1. Auto-alignment
        2. 5.2.1.2. Manual Alignment
      2. 5.2.2. Split
      3. 5.2.3. Trim and Extend
    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. Extending Wall Material Components
        3. 6.1.3.3. Reveals
        4. 6.1.3.4. Wall Sweep Returns
      4. 6.1.4. Creating Special Walls Using the Create Tool (Walls In-Place)
    2. 6.2. Curtain Walls: Advanced Design Techniques
      1. 6.2.1.
        1. 6.2.1.1. Selecting the Elements within the Curtain Wall
      2. 6.2.2. Designing a Curtain Wall
      3. 6.2.3. Curtain Panels
        1. 6.2.3.1. Doors and Windows in Curtain Walls
      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 Floors: Advanced Shape Editing
      1. 6.3.1. Sloped Roofs
      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. DWF
      3. 7.1.3. Building Site
      4. 7.1.4. Images and Animations
        1. 7.1.4.1. Exporting Images
      5. 7.1.5. Exporting Animations
      6. 7.1.6. ODBC Database Tables
      7. 7.1.7. Reports
        1. 7.1.7.1. Schedules
        2. 7.1.7.2. Room/Area Report
      8. 7.1.8. FBX
      9. 7.1.9. gbXML
      10. 7.1.10. Industry Foundation Class (IFC)
    2. 7.2. Exporting DWG Drawings
      1. 7.2.1. The View/Sheet Set tab
      2. 7.2.2. DWG Properties
    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 – Pros and Cons
      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. Explode
        3. 7.4.2.3. 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 BIM 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 Gradient Backgrounds
      4. 8.2.4. 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 Filenaming 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. Using Drafting Views
    4. 11.4. Understanding Drafting Tools
      1. 11.4.1. Detail Line
      2. 11.4.2. Model Line
      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. Export Your BIM Data
      1. 12.3.1. Design Web Format (DWF)
        1. 12.3.1.1. DWF Export Options
        2. 12.3.1.2. Exporting to 2D DWF
        3. 12.3.1.3. Exporting to 3D DWF
        4. 12.3.1.4. Marking Up Drawings with Design Review
        5. 12.3.1.5. Marking Up 3D DWF files
      2. 12.3.2. Printing to PDF
  18. 13. Advanced Topics
    1. 13.1. Understanding Families
      1. 13.1.1. System Families
      2. 13.1.2. In-Place Families (Model In-Place)
      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 and Type Catalogs
      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 Multiuser 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. Worksharing Workflow
      4. 13.3.4. Saving Shared Work
      5. 13.3.5. Loading Work from Other Team Members
  19. 14. Conceptual Modeling
    1. 14.1. Understanding the Conceptual Design Tools
      1. 14.1.1. Massing Workflows
      2. 14.1.2. Revit's Conceptual Massing Tools
        1. 14.1.2.1. Visibility/Graphics Overrides
      3. 14.1.3. Creating a Mass: The Basics
        1. 14.1.3.1. Creating Forms
        2. 14.1.3.2. Creating Your Initial Lines
        3. 14.1.3.3. Finishing the Mass Editing Session
        4. 14.1.3.4. Direct Manipulation
        5. 14.1.3.5. Joining and Cutting Forms
    2. 14.2. Understanding Form Making and Rationalization
      1. 14.2.1. Making a Parametric Extrusion
      2. 14.2.2. Making a Parametric Material
      3. 14.2.3. Making a Revolve
      4. 14.2.4. Making a Loft
      5. 14.2.5. Making a Sweep
    3. 14.3. Rationalization of Surfaces
      1. 14.3.1. Divide Surface Tool
        1. 14.3.1.1. Applying a Pattern to the Surface
    4. 14.4. Applying Building Elements to the Massing Form
      1. 14.4.1. Mass Floors
      2. 14.4.2. Verifying Your Design and Validating Its Program Fit
        1. 14.4.2.1. Model by Face: Walls
        2. 14.4.2.2. Model by Face: Floors
        3. 14.4.2.3. Model by Face: Roofs
        4. 14.4.2.4. Model by Face: Curtain System
  20. 15. Tips and Troubleshooting
    1. 15.1. Optimizing Performance
    2. 15.2. Using Best Practices
    3. 15.3. Dealing with File Corruption
    4. 15.4. Getting Started in Revit
    5. 15.5. Finding Additional Resources

Product information

  • Title: Introducing Revit® Architecture 2010: BIM for Beginners
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: July 2009
  • Publisher(s): Sybex
  • ISBN: 9780470473559