In coordination with the Ideate, Inc. video on Autodesk Revit Architecture 2013 – Construction Modeling, this post describes a few improvements with the Revit Architecture 2013 Construction Modeling tools. Last year introduced new tools for the Construction Modeling industry, specifically Parts and Assemblies. With the new Revit Architecture 2013 these new tools have been improved for greater flexibility.
One such area is that Parts now have the capability of being merged/joined together with other parts, whether they were derived from the same host or not. Another improvement is that parts can now be excluded from the model. Excluded parts are not included in material takeoffs or schedules. Excluded parts will highlight when the cursor is over the part. To bring the part back, highlight the excluded part and use the Restore Parts tool.
For those of you working with parts, you know that you have had the ability to divide parts into smaller pieces. This was accomplished by sketching the division lines, or by using intersecting references such as levels or grids. With the Revit Architecture 2013 release, not only can divisions be made, but the division edited to include a gap between the parts as well as a division “split profile.” Figure 1. A new division profile family is available now so that new division edges may be created to fit your construction methods.
Previously the only type of elements that could be turned into parts were layered systems such as Walls, Floors, Roofs, and Ceilings. With the release of Revit Architecture 2013, Structural Beams and Columns can now have parts derived from them and modified with standard tools such as dividing, excluding, and restoring. Figure 2. Additionally, shape handles along the edges of all parts are now available to manipulate the size of and shape of your parts.
Revit Architecture 2013 has also expanded the capabilities of the assemblies’ tool. When generating views from an assembly, six new elevation views are available for inclusion to the assembly view package.
Another improvement made is that views generated within an assembly can now be placed on standard sheets or the assembly sheet making it easier to organize your drawing set. Additionally assembly views now include the Rotation on Sheet parameter allow you to rotate the view on a sheet in order to better arrange the views on your sheets.
I invite you to start looking at the new features and enhancements for the parts and assemblies tools as these tool sets can aid in creating an accurate model. Have Fun!
For more information on the software solutions, training and consulting Ideate provides, please visit the Ideate, Inc. homepage.
Ron Palma
AEC Application Specialist
Ron has 25+ years of experience in the architectural industry as a drafter, designer, lead project designer, trainer, and a CAD manager implementing Autodesk Architectural Solutions for residential design firms. His instructional accomplishments include: Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), trainer, support technician, educator at Portland and Clackamas Community Colleges, as well as a U.S. Army certified instructor. Ron holds a BA in Instructional Design suma cum laude, is a member of the Oregon Army National Guard, where he is a First Sergeant of an Infantry Company, specializing in training and mentoring soldiers in their careers, and has been deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. Ron is a published author and continues to write professional technical training manuals and shorts for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit. As an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Professional, Ron continues to provide Revit Architecture and AutoCAD training and support for various AEC firms. Find Ron on Twitter.