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Imperial Tutorial
March 2009
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Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
v
Placing a Multi-Level Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Viewing Zones in the System Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Creating Zones on a Single Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Creating Zones on Multiple Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Working with the Analytical Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Analyzing Heating and Cooling Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Creating a Zone Color Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Creating an Airflow Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
vi | Contents
Refining the Sanitary Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Creating the Cold Water System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Creating the Hot Water System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Contents | vii
viii
Introduction
In this tutorial, you learn how to use Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 to access the tutorial training files. You also learn how to
use the Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 user interface to perform common tasks. Finally, you learn how to create and set up an
MEP project.
1
2
Using the Tutorials
1
This lesson provides information on how to get started with the Revit® MEP 2010 tutorials, including an overview of the
building information model that you design in the tutorials, and where to find the training files required to complete the
exercises.
The Contents tab of the Revit MEP Tutorials window displays the available tutorial titles. Expand a title for a list of lessons
in the tutorial. Expand a lesson title for a list of exercises in the lesson.
NOTE You may find it helpful to print a tutorial to make it easier to reference the instructions as you work in Revit
MEP. The tutorials are also available in PDF format by clicking Help menu ➤ Documents on the Web in Revit MEP.
■ Add more detailed modelling elements, such as mechanical equipment, electrical panels, and plumbing
fixtures.
3
■ Analyze systems and refine MEP elements.
The tutorial exercises are designed to be basic and brief. You do not design entire systems, but only enough
of a system to learn how to use the tools and options in the product. For example, when you add ductwork,
you only draw the duct in one wing of the building.
When you open a training file, you may notice that MEP elements are included that were not specifically
added in an exercise. For example, to provide a richer and more finished design, elements such as additional
ductwork and equipment are incorporated into subsequent training files. These elements enhance the
exercises you complete.
■ Imperial: files for users working with imperial units. Imperial file names have an _i suffix.
■ Metric: files for users working with metric units. Metric file names have an _m suffix.
NOTE Depending on your installation, your Training folder may be in a different location. Contact your CAD
manager for more information.
IMPORTANT Content used in the tutorials, such as templates and families, is located and accessed in the training
files location. Although this content may be installed in other locations on your system, all content used in the
tutorials is installed in the training files location to ensure that all audiences access the correct files.
1 Click ➤ Open.
2 In the left pane of the Open dialog, scroll down, and click the Training Files icon.
3 In the right pane, double-click Imperial or Metric, depending on the instructions in the tutorial.
NOTE You are not required to save your work in a training file. A training file is provided as a starting
point for each exercise.
■ For Files of type, verify that Project Files (*.rvt) is selected, and click Save.
7 Click ➤ Close.
8 If you have made changes, you are prompted to save the changes. You may close the file with
or without saving changes.
■ The outside of a door frame is a fixed dimension on the hinge side from a perpendicular partition. If you
move the partition, the door retains this relationship to the partition.
■ Windows or pilasters are spaced equally across a given elevation. If the length of the elevation is changed,
the relationship of equal spacing is maintained. In this case, the parameter is not a number but a
proportional characteristic.
■ The edge of a floor or roof is related to the exterior wall such that when the exterior wall is moved, the
floor or roof remains connected. In this case, the parameter is one of association or connection.
7
How does Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 keep things updated?
A fundamental characteristic of a building information modelling application is the ability to coordinate
changes and maintain consistency at all times. You do not have to intervene to update drawings or links.
When you change something, Revit MEP immediately determines what is affected by the change and reflects
that change to any affected elements.
Revit MEP uses 2 key concepts that make it especially powerful and easy to use. The first is the capturing of
relationships while the designer works. The second is its approach to propagating building changes. The
result of these concepts is software that works like you do, without requiring entry of data that is unimportant
to your design.
■ Model elements represent the actual 3D geometry of the building. They display in relevant views of the
design. For example, sinks, boilers, ducts, sprinklers, and electrical panels.
■ Datum elements help to define project context. For example, grids, levels, and reference planes are datum
elements.
■ View-specific elements display only in the views in which they are placed. They help to describe or
document the design. For example, dimensions, tags, and 2D detail components are view-specific elements.
■ Model components are all the other types of elements in the building model. For example, sinks, boilers,
ducts, sprinklers, and electrical panels.
■ Details are 2D items that provide details about the building model in a particular view. Examples include
detail lines, filled regions, and 2D detail components.
Element: When creating a project, you add Revit MEP parametric building elements to the design. Revit
MEP classifies elements by categories, families, and types.
Category: A category is a group of elements that you use to model or document a building design. For
example, categories of model elements include mechanical equipment and air terminals. Categories of
annotation elements include tags and symbols.
■ System families include ducts, pipes, and wires. They are not available for loading or creating as separate
files.
■ Revit MEP predefines the set of properties and the graphical representation of system families.
■ You can use the predefined types to generate new types that belong to this family within the project.
For example, the behavior of a plumbing fitting is predefined in the system. However, you can create
different types of fittings with different compositions.
■ In-place families are custom families that you create in the context of a project. Create an in-place family
when your project needs unique geometry that you do not expect to reuse or geometry that must maintain
one of more relationships to other project geometry.
■ Because in-place families are intended for limited use in a project, each in-place family contains only
a single type. You can create multiple in-place families in your projects, and you can place copies of
the same in-place family element in your projects. Unlike system and standard component families,
you cannot duplicate in-place family types to create multiple types.
Type: Each family can have several types. A type can be a specific size of a family, such as a 30” X 42” title
block. A type can also be a style, such as default aligned or default angular style for dimensions.
Instance: Instances are the actual items (individual elements) that are placed in the project and have specific
locations in the design (model instances) or on a drawing sheet (annotation instances).
To move panels:
■ Click a panel label and drag the panel to a desired place on the ribbon.
■ Click a panel label and drag the panel off the ribbon to the desktop. To return the panel to the ribbon,
click the Return Panels to Ribbon button, or drag the panel back to its original ribbon tab.
TIP When you see a button that shows a line dividing it into two sides, you can click the top (or left) side to access
the tool you probably use most often. Click the other side to expose a list of other related tools.
The following table describes the ribbon tabs and the types of commands they contain.
There are a number of button types on the ribbon
Create (family files only) many of the tools you need to create and
modify a family of elements.
■ Placement Tools: contains the placement tools necessary for placing and connecting duct.
This contextual ribbon tab closes once you end the command.
The application menu provides access to many common file actions and also allows you to manage your
files using more advanced commands, such as Export and Publish.
NOTE Revit MEP options are set from Options on the application menu.
Click to access the application menu and perform the following actions:
(Save As)
(Export)
(Publish)
(Print)
While in an edit mode (such as Modify Electrical Fixtures), or the Family Editor, items that are added to the
Quick Access toolbar from the Create, Modify, Group, Clipboard, or View Graphics panels persist on the
toolbar for that mode. However, when you switch to another editing mode, these items do not display and
need to be re-added to the Quick Access toolbar.
NOTE There are some tools on contextual tabs that cannot be added to the Quick Access toolbar.
Status Bar
The Status Bar is located along the bottom of the Revit MEP application frame. When you are using a
command, the left side of the Status Bar provides tips or hints on what to do. When you are highlighting
an element or component, the Status Bar displays the name of the family and type.
Several other controls appear on the right side of the Status Bar
■ Press & Drag: Allows you to click and drag an element without it selecting first.
■ Active Only: Filters selections to select only active design option components.
■ Exclude Options: Filters selections to exclude components that are part of a design option.
■ Filter button: Displays how many elements are selected and refines the element categories selected in a
view.
To hide the Status Bar, click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ User Interface drop-down. Clear the Status Bar
check mark. To show the Status Bar again, repeat the command.
Options Bar
The Options Bar is located below the ribbon. Its contents change depending on the current command or
selected element.
Type Selector
The Type Selector is located on the Element panel for the currently invoked tool, for example, Place a Wall.
Its contents change depending on the current function or selected elements. When you place an element
in a drawing, use the Type Selector to specify the type of element to add.
To change existing elements to a different type, select one or more elements of the same category. Then use
the Type Selector to select the desired type.
■ Detail Level
■ Shadows On/Off
■ Show/Hide Rendering Dialog (Available only when the drawing area displays a 3D view.
■ Temporary Hide/Isolate
1 Click ➤ Open.
2 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Piping_08_i.rvt.
The 3D isometric view displays:
3 Click Navigation bar ➤ Zoom In Region drop-down to display the zoom menu. (The Navigation
bar is located in the top-right corner of the view.)
The zoom menu lists the zoom options.
6 Click in the drawing area, and enter the shortcut ZR to zoom in on a region.
The cursor becomes a magnifying glass.
7 Click the upper left corner and lower right corner of the region to magnify; this is referred to
as a crossing selection.
When you release the mouse button, the view zooms in on the selected area.
8 If you use a mouse that has a wheel as the middle button, you can roll the wheel to zoom the
view. Use the wheel mouse to zoom out to see the entire structure again.
If you do not have a wheel mouse, use a zoom menu command to zoom out.
NOTE As you zoom in and out, Revit MEP uses the largest snap increment that represents less than
2mm in the drawing area. To modify or add snap increments, click Manage tab ➤ Project Settings
panel ➤ Settings drop-down ➤ Snaps.
NOTE If the Navigation bar is not currently displayed click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ User Interface
drop-down and select Navigation bar.
As you move the mouse, the wheel follows the cursor around the drawing area.
10 Move the cursor over the Zoom wedge of the wheel so that it highlights.
11 Click and hold the mouse button.
The cursor displays a pivot point for the Zoom tool.
define settings for SteeringWheels, click ➤ Options, and click tin the Options dialog, click
the SteeringWheels tab.
You can use the View Cube in 3D views to spin the design or reorient the view
15 Place the mouse cursor over the South compass portion of the ViewCube to highlight the
direction indicator. Click and drag to orbit the design.
16 Click the Top compass direction indicator to switch to a Top view of the design.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor Plans,
and open Level 2 - HVAC Plan - Design.
When drawing or modifying an MEP design, it is important to understand how to adjust the
size of components in the drawing area. Small blue dots, called drag controls, display at the
ends of selected objects in a plan view. Similar controls, referred to as shape handles, display
along the ends, bottoms, and tops of selected elements in elevation views and 3D views.
2 Enter ZR, zoom in on the upper-left corner of the floor plan, and select the duct, as shown.
Notice the small blue dots that display at both ends of the duct. These are the drag controls.
Undo commands
5 On the Quick Access toolbar, click the drop-down menu next to (Undo).
All changes you make to a project are tracked. The Undo command allows you to reverse the
effects of one or more commands. In this example, you decide that you prefer to leave the duct
as is.
6 On the Undo menu, select the first item in the list, Move.
Selecting the second item in the list will undo the last 2 actions. All commands are canceled up
to and including the selected command.
NOTE To quickly undo the previous action, on the Standard toolbar, click the Undo command, or
press CTRL+Z.
Move an element
Some commands, such as the Modify Ducts command, stay active or current until you choose another
command or end the current command.
You can control the visibility of objects in a view to display objects in specific ways. For example, you can
specify visibility settings for specific elements in an HVAC plan in order to enable the display of supply duct
and disable the display of return duct.
14 Enter VG.
15 On the Filters tab of the Visibility/Graphics Override dialog, under Visibility:
■ Clear Mechanical - Return.
■ Click OK.
16 On the Quick Access toolbar, click the drop-down menu next to (Undo) to redisplay the
supply return air duct.
27
7 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) ➤ Elevations (Building Elevation), and open North.
8 In the drawing area, zoom to right side of the drawing area to view the level heads.
9 Close the file with or without saving it.
10 Using the same method, create another new project using the Construction template.
Some templates are simple with respect to the predefined views and schedules. Notice that
construction template is more complex than the default template and the view properties have
been modified to maximize the use of various tools.
■ In the Choose Template dialog, navigate to Imperial Templates, and select the
Systems-Default_Imperial.rte template and click Open.
TIP This template is the starting point for your new template. If you want to use a template other
than the default, you can select it now.
■ Click OK.
Project settings control the appearance of components and their subcomponents within a project. To
maintain office standards and reduce rework, you can establish settings that are common to most projects.
For example, you can select the materials commonly used in most projects. When you select the material,
you can dictate its appearance in all views and when rendered.
■ Click Cancel.
■ Click OK twice.
■ Click OK twice.
Revit MEP has discipline settings that define the appearance and behavior of the system components in a
project. Discipline settings can be defined for electrical and mechanical disciplines. After standard settings
have been established for an organization, they can be configured in a template file to avoid having to set
them for each project.
Mechanical settings determine the behavior and appearance of the ductwork and piping for mechanical,
piping, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
20 Click Manage tab ➤ Project Settings panel ➤ MEP Settings drop-down ➤ Mechanical Settings.
Duct sizes that are not commonly used are removed from the sizing lists to avoid having them created when
sizing or laying out ducts.
21 In the left pane of the Mechanical Settings dialog, under Duct Settings, click Rectangular.
22 In the right pane, for 3 1/2", 4 1/2", and 5 1/2", clear the check boxes under the Used in Size
Lists and Used in Sizing columns.
23 In the left pane, under Duct Settings, click Round.
24 In the right pane, for 3 1/2", 4 1/2", 5 1/2", 10 1/2", 11 1/2", and 12 1/2", clear the check boxes
under the Used in Size Lists and Used in Sizing columns.
25 In the left pane, under Pipe Settings, click Sizes.
26 In the right pane, for 3/4", clear the check boxes under the Used in Size Lists and Used in Sizing
columns.
27 Click OK.
Modify electrical settings
Electrical settings determine the voltage, power distribution systems, wiring, and demand factors for electrical
systems.
Define the tick marks that are used on wires by loading a family.
■ Holding CTRL, select I_Hook Wire Tick Mark.rfa and I_Long Wire Tick Mark.rfa and click
Open.
30 Click Manage tab ➤ Project Settings panel ➤ MEP Settings drop-down ➤ Electrical Settings.
31 In the left pane of the Electrical Settings dialog, click Wiring.
32 In the right pane:
■ For Hot Wire Tick Mark, ensure that Hook Wire Tick Mark is selected.
■ For Ground Wire Tick Mark, ensure that Long Wire Tick Mark is selected.
■ For Neutral Wire Tick Mark, ensure that Long Wire Tick Mark is selected.
33 Click OK.
The Project Browser lists all the views, families, sheets, and groups that are contained in a project. You can
customize the organization of project views and sheets in the Project Browser to group them into folders.
You can also set filters to determine the number of views and sheets that are displayed. In addition, you can
specify the order in which the views and sheets are displayed in the Project Browser.
34 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ User Interface drop-down and click Browser Organization.
35 On the Views tab of the Browser Organization dialog, select Type/Discipline and click Edit.
36 On the Folders tab of the Browser Organization Properties dialog:
■ For Group by, select Sub-Discipline.
■ Select Ascending
■ Click OK twice.
Linking Projects
In this exercise, you link a Revit Architecture project to a Revit MEP project, synchronize the two models
for monitoring changes, and adjust the display settings of the Revit Architecture project. An architect has
created a preliminary architectural model for a building project using Revit Architecture. You need to create
the MEP model for the project. Close coordination between the two models is essential because the building
envelope changes will directly affect the MEP design. To enable this coordination, you link the architectural
model with the MEP model.
Create a new project using the template created in the previous lesson
■ Click Open.
14 Expand Views (Type/Discipline) ➤ HVAC ➤ Elevations (Building Elevation) ➤ ??? and open
North - Mech.
15 Zoom to the right side of the building to view the levels.
Linking Projects | 31
16 Click Architect tab ➤ Levels & Grids panel ➤ Level.
17 On the Options Bar, click Plan View types.
18 In the Plan View Types dialog, verify that Ceiling Plan and Floor Plan are selected and click OK.
19 On the left side of the view, click the level line for 03- Floor.
20 Move the cursor to the right side of the view and click to insert the level line for Mechanical 3.
21 Repeat the previous steps to create another level line for the roof.
22 Click Place Level tab ➤ Selection panel ➤ Modify.
Adjust level lines
You can adjust the level lines in the MEP design to match the level lines in the architectural model.
23 Select the level line for Level 2 and click the value.
You can monitor the elements within a Revit MEP model, and when the monitored elements are not
synchronized, warnings notify you of any violations. These violations happen when the original monitored
element from the linked project has changed, a copied monitored element in the host project has changed,
or both original monitored and copied elements have changed. Warnings may also appear when the original
element in the linked file is deleted or the copied element in the host file is deleted.
Using the Copy/Monitor tool, you can copy elements within a current project or from a linked project to a
host project. This establishes a relationship between the copied and original elements, which helps monitor
changes to the original element and report differences. After copying, appears above the copied elements,
indicating that a relationship is established, and that the copied elements are monitored. If you modify a
monitored element, a warning message displays, indicating that an element has changed.
appears and the monitor tool ensures that both level lines remain coordinated.
30 Repeat the previous steps to monitor the level lines for level 2, level 3, and the level 4.
31 On the Copy/Monitor tab, click Finish to exit the Copy/Monitor tool.
Disable the display of architectural levels
Linking Projects | 33
■ Select Show categories from all disciplines.
■ Click OK.
36 Click OK.
1 Click View tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ View Templates drop-down ➤ Create template from current
view.
2 In the New View Template dialog, for Name, enter Mechanical View and click OK.
3 In the View templates dialog, under View Properties, for V/G Overrides RVT Links, click Edit.
4 On the Revit Links tab of the Visibility Graphics Override dialog, for the link file, click Custom.
5 On the Basics tab, of the RVT Link Display Settings dialog, click Custom.
6 On the Model Categories tab:
■ For Model Categories, select Custom.
■ Click OK.
7 Click OK twice.
Apply a view template
1 Click ➤ Options.
2 In the Options dialog, click the Graphics tab.
3 Under Colors, select Invert background color, and click OK.
8 Click ➤ Options.
9 In the Options dialog, click the Graphics tab.
NOTE You can also specify the Alert Color. When an error occurs, the elements causing the error
display using this color.
14 Click OK.
15 Click Architect tab ➤ Build panel ➤ Wall drop-down ➤ Wall.
16 Sketch a straight horizontal wall in the center of the drawing area.
17 Press ESC to end the command.
18 Select the wall.
Notice the selected wall is yellow rather than the default red.
1 Click ➤ Options.
2 In the Options dialog, click the File Locations tab.
3 Under Default template file, click Browse.
TIP To view a template, you can start a new project with that template. Click ➤ New ➤ Project,
and click Browse to select a template.
4 Click Cancel.
5 Under Default path for user files, click Browse.
6 In the Browse For Folder dialog, select the folder to save your files to by default, and click Open.
7 In the Options dialog, under Default path for family template files, click Browse.
This path is set automatically during the installation process. These are the family templates
that you use to create new families. It is unlikely that you would ever want to modify this path.
However, there are some circumstances where you may need to modify the path, such as in a
large, centralized, MEP firm where customized templates reside on a network drive.
8 Click Cancel.
Specify library settings and create a new library
When you are opening, saving, or loading a Revit MEP file, you can click on the library folder
located in the left pane of the dialog. In the following illustration, notice that the libraries
display as icons in the left pane of the dialog.
TIP You may want to create a new folder first, and select it as the library path.
The new library displays in the left pane of all Revit MEP Open, Save, Load, and Import dialogs.
The library icons display in the order in which they are listed in the Options dialog.
16 Click (Move Rows Up) until My Library is at the top of the list, and click OK twice.
17 Click ➤ Open.
18 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the My Library icon.
19 Click Cancel.
20 Click ➤ Options.
21 On the File Locations tab, click Places.
22 Select My Library.
27 Click OK.
1 Click ➤ Options.
2 In the Options dialog, click the Spelling tab.
3 Under Settings, select Ignore words in uppercase.
4 Under Personal dictionary contains words added during spell check, click Edit.
The custom dictionary opens in your default text editor.
18 Click ➤ Options.
19 In the Options dialog, click the Spelling tab.
20 Under Settings, click Restore Defaults.
This command resets the spelling settings to their original configuration.
6 In the Snaps dialog, under Dimension Snaps, click in the Length dimension snap increments
box following the value 4’ ; and enter 1 ;.
Notice that the listening dimension snaps at 4’ increments. If it does not, zoom out until it does
so.
A listening dimension refers to the dimension that displays while you are sketching. This
dimension reacts to the movement of the cursor and numerical keyboard entries.
TIP To zoom while sketching, use the wheel button on your mouse. If you do not have a wheel
button, you can right-click and select a zoom option from the shortcut menu. While sketching, you
can also use the zoom shortcut keys, such as ZO to zoom out.
12 While sketching a generic straight wall, zoom in until the listening dimension snap increment
shifts to 1’.
This is the increment that you added previously.
13 While sketching the wall, enter the shortcut key SO to turn snaps off.
Notice that when snapping is turned off completely, the listening dimension reflects the exact
length of the wall as you move the cursor to the left or right.
Notice that snapping is once again active. When you use shortcut keys to control snapping, the
command is only active for one click of the mouse.
19 Enter SM.
This is the snap shortcut key that restricts all snapping to midpoints.
20 Notice that the cursor now snaps only to the midpoint of the wall.
25 Click OK.
26 Close the file, with or without saving it.
In this tutorial, you learn how to use Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 to plan mechanical systems. You also learn how to design
a mechanical air system and a mechanical piping system.
43
44
Planning Mechanical
Systems 4
In this tutorial, you design a mechanical system for an office building. This system consists of a cooling tower, water
source heat pump (WSHP), duct system and a hydronic piping system. As you create the mechanical system, you follow
a series of lessons and exercises that teach the recommended system design workflow for Autodesk Revit MEP 2010. This
workflow begins with system planning and concludes with system designing. By following the recommended workflow,
you learn best practices for system design while understanding how Revit MEP makes systems design more efficient.
The goal of this tutorial is to teach you to design a mechanical system using Autodesk Revit MEP 2010. At the end of the
tutorial, you will understand the process, methodology, and specific techniques for designing mechanical systems.
NOTE All exercises in this tutorial are designed to be completed sequentially; each exercise is dependent on the
completion of the previous exercise. After finishing each exercise, you can choose to save your work. However, it is
highly recommended that you always begin an exercise by opening the provided training file. This training file
includes the work from the previous exercise(s) and ensures a seamless training session. The training files that you
use to complete this tutorial are located in the Training Files ➤ Imperial directory. You can search this directory to
verify that the training files have been downloaded. If the tutorial training files are not present, go to
http://www.autodesk.com/revitmep-documentation and download them.
To create a mechanical system in Revit MEP, you first plan the system. In this lesson, you begin planning the system by
placing spaces in the building. Then you assign zones to the spaces in order to control the spatial environment. After
applying a color scheme to the zones, you perform a heating and cooling loads analysis to determine the heating and
cooling requirements for the building.
Preparing Spaces
Spaces allow you to calculate the volume of the areas in the building. They contain information about the
locations in which they are placed. This information is used for heating and cooling loads analysis. In this
exercise, you prepare a floor plan so that you can place spaces in later exercises. Because most MEP engineers
work with a linked model during system design, you first configure the linked architectural model, and then
you create a plenum level.
45
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Spaces_01_i.rvt.
The most common method of designing systems in Revit MEP is to work within a linked architectural
building model. In this section, you configure a linked model in order to begin designing systems in it.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Spaces ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level
2 - Space Plan is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Place the cursor over the linked model, and after the linked model highlights, click to select it.
The status bar located at the bottom of the window and the tooltip indicate the Linked Revit
Model.
3 Click Modify RVT Links tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Type Properties.
4 In the Type Properties dialog, under Constraints, select Room Bounding, and click OK.
This makes the architectural components (such as walls, ceilings, and floors) recognized as
boundaries for spaces.
NOTE When working with a linked file, make certain that architectural elements (such as walls, roof,
and ceiling) are defined as room-bounding. These components are defined in the architectural training
file, not in the MEP training file.
You create plenum levels so that you can place spaces in the unoccupied plenum areas (between the ceiling
and the floor above) of the building. You must place spaces in all areas (occupied and unoccupied) of the
building to create an accurate analytical model and achieve an accurate heating and cooling loads analysis.
■ Click Plan View Types, and in the Plan View Types dialog, verify that only Floor Plan is
selected, and click OK.
This creates only a floor plan after the level is added.
A black datum indicates a reference level (the level is not taken into account during the creation
of a view template), and a blue datum indicates that a plan view exists for the level.
A new plenum floor plan view named Level 2 Plenum is created, and is listed in the Project
Browser under Views (Discipline) ➤ ??? ➤ ??? ➤ Floor Plans. Because you have not yet specified
the view classification or sub-discipline properties, those categories in the Project Browser are
listed as question marks.
Preparing Spaces | 47
Modify plenum properties
17 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ ??? ➤ ??? ➤ Floor Plans, right-click Level 2
Plenum, and click Properties.
18 In the Instance Properties dialog:
■ Under Graphics, for View Scale, verify that 1/8" = 1'-0" is selected.
■ Under Identity Data, for Default View Template, select Plenum Plan.
■ Under Primary Range, for Top, select Level Above (Level 3), and for Offset, enter 0.
■ Under View Depth, for Level, verify that Associated Level (Level 2 Plenum) is specified
with an offset of 0.
■ Click OK twice.
The Level 2 Plenum floor plan is now listed under MEP - Plenum ➤ Floor Plans in the Project
Browser.
20 In the Project Browser, right-click Level 2 Plenum, and click Apply Default View Template.
The view graphics are modified based on the template applied.
NOTE After finishing each exercise, you can choose to save your work. However, it is highly
recommended that you always begin each exercise by opening the training file that Autodesk provides.
This training file includes the work from the previous exercise(s) and ensures a seamless training
session.
In this exercise, you created a plenum level and a corresponding floor plan view in preparation of placing
spaces. In the next exercise, you use space separation lines to create a new fully bounded area, and then
place spaces in various types of areas.
Placing Spaces
Spaces allow you to calculate the volume of the areas in the building. They contain information about the
locations in which they are placed. This information is used for heating and cooling loads analysis. In this
exercise, you place spaces in areas of the building model.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Spaces_02_i.rvt.
Place a space
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Spaces ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level
2 - Space Plan is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom to the empty room to the left of the corridor.
3 Click Analyze tab ➤ Spaces & Zones panel ➤ Space.
Spaces can be created automatically and numbered in sequence by using the Create Automatically
tool. You can also use the Highlight Boundaries feature to view boundary elements in the model.
4 Click Place Space tab ➤ Element panel, and select Space Tag With Volume from the Type Selector
drop-down.
5 On the Options Bar:
■ Verify that Tag on placement is selected.
6 Place the cursor in the room until the space snaps to the room-bounding elements (floor, walls,
and ceilings).
Placing Spaces | 49
7 Click to place the space.
8 Click Place Space tab ➤ Selection panel ➤ Modify to end the command.
9 Select the space, and click Modify Spaces tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Element Properties
drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
10 In the Instance Properties dialog:
■ Under Identity Data, for Number, enter 219.
■ Click OK.
20 Click in the Library to place the space, and then click Modify.
Notice that the space is created in the section view at the same time, demonstrating the
parametric functionality of the software.
21 Using the method learned previously, change the space name to Plenum and the number to
219P.
Placing Spaces | 51
22 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Energy Analysis, select Plenum and verify that Occupiable
is cleared.
23 Click OK.
24 Notice that the floor plan has updated with the changes.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Spaces_03_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Spaces ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 2 - Space Plan is highlighted,
indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom in to the central corridor near the stairs.
3 Click Analyze tab ➤ Spaces & Zones panel ➤ Space.
4 Click Place Space tab ➤ Element panel, and select Space Tag With Volume from the Type Selector
drop-down.
5 On the Options Bar, for Upper Limit, select Level 3, and for Offset, enter 0.
6 Click above the top stair to place the corridor space, and then press Esc.
11 Close the schedule view, and double-click the title of the plan view to maximize the view.
12 Click Analyze tab ➤ Spaces & Zones panel ➤ Space Separator.
13 To specify the start point of the separation line, click the endpoint of the lower wall in space
Instruction 221, as shown.
14 Click perpendicular to the opposite curtain wall to end the horizontal separation line.
16 Using the method learned previously, place a space in the lower area of the split space, with an
upper limit of Level 3 and an offset of 0.
The new space is numbered correctly (216B).
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Spaces_04_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Spaces ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level
2 - Space Plan is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom to the chase between the male (226) and female (225) restrooms in the north wing.
Shading is a visual indication of where spaces have been placed (shaded) and where they need
to be placed (empty).
3 Click View tab ➤ Create panel ➤ Section, and place a section in the view as shown:
■ Click in the Cafeteria space to specify the section start point.
■ Use the lower drag control to change the section boundary as shown.
■ In the plan view, click in the chase area to place the space.
12 Click in the section view, select the space, right-click, and click Element Properties.
13 In the Instance Properties dialog:
■ Under Constraints, for Upper Limit, select Roof Level.
14 Click OK.
15 Press Esc.
Tag spaces
16 Open Design ➤ Spaces ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 3 - Space Plan, and maximize the view.
17 Type ZF.
18 Click Annotate tab ➤ Tag panel ➤ Tag All.
19 In the Tag All Not Tagged dialog, under Loaded Tags, select Space Tag With Volume, and click
OK.
All spaces in the view are tagged.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Zones_01_i.rvt.
NOTE All space reference lines have been hidden in the training file to provide a clearer view of the floor plan.
Space shading and the space tags indicate spaces. To display space reference lines, on the Model Categories tab
of the Visibility/Graphics dialog, under Spaces, click Reference.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Design ➤ Zoning ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 2 - Zoning is
highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Click Analyze tab ➤ System Browser panel ➤ System Browser.
3 Right-click in the System Browser, click View ➤ Zones, and verify that All Disciplines is selected.
The System Browser opens and docks to the right of the drawing area. The browser is a hierarchical
list of spaces and the zones to which they have been assigned. Notice that Default is currently
the only zone.
NOTE A space cannot be placed into an area without being added to a zone. After a space is placed
in an area, it is automatically added to the Default zone. The recommended workflow is to add each
space to a zone that you create, which removes the space from the Default zone.
The different graphics in the System Browser indicate whether a space is occupiable ( ) or
unoccupiable ( ). You can change the Occupiable parameter for each space.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Zones_02_i.rvt.
NOTE All space reference lines have been hidden in the training file to provide a clearer view of the floor plan.
Space shading and the space tags indicate spaces. To display space reference lines, on the Model Categories tab
of the Visibility/Graphics dialog, under Spaces, click Reference.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Design ➤ Zoning ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 2 - Zoning is
highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Click Analyze tab ➤ Spaces & Zones panel ➤ Zone.
The Zone tool is active, the Edit Zone tab displays, and a new zone is created. The new zone is
listed in the System Browser.
NOTE The Edit Zone tab provides zone tools and information. You work with a single zone until you
click Finish. Using the Edit Zone tab, you can add or remove a space from the zone, and modify the
zone properties.
■ Expand HVAC Zones, and then select only Interior Fill and Reference Lines (clear Boundary
and Color Fill).
■ Click OK.
The new zone displays with color fill and a zone reference line. The zone reference line indicates
that the 3 spaces are in the zone.
7 Select the zone, and then click Modify HVAC Zones tab ➤ Edit Zone panel ➤ Zone Properties.
8 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Name, enter 2 - West - Area B, and
click OK.
The new zone name displays in the System Browser.
9 In the System Browser, expand 2 - West - Area B to confirm that the 3 spaces are in it.
10 On the Edit Zone tab, click Finish Editing Zone.
11 Close the System Browser.
12 Close the file with or without saving it.
In this exercise, you assigned zones to spaces that were on the same level of the building. You activated zone
visibility in the views, and verified the zones in both the floor plan views and in the System Browser.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Zones_03_i.rvt.
NOTE All space reference lines have been hidden in the training file to provide a clearer view of the floor plan.
Space shading and the space tags indicate spaces. To display space reference lines, on the Model Categories tab
of the Visibility/Graphics dialog, under Spaces, click Reference.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Design ➤ Zoning ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 2 - Zoning is
highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom in to Lounge 215 (to the right of the central stairs).
3 Open Design ➤ Zoning ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 1 - Zoning.
4 Enter WT to tile the 2 windows.
Tag a zone
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Analysis_01_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, under Design ➤ Zoning ➤ Floor Plans, double-click Level 1 - Zoning to
make it the active view.
2 Click Analyze tab ➤ Reports & Schedules panel ➤ Heating and Cooling Loads.
View a space
3 In the preview pane of the Heating and Cooling Loads dialog, on the ViewCube, click the corner
where the Top, Front, and Left corners converge to orient the model as shown.
NOTE Wireframe displays the volume of a space measured by the interior boundaries.
■ Click (Highlight).
The space for 109 Lounge highlights in red. Using the Highlight tool, you can verify that
the space boundaries are as you defined them. You can also view a space in relation to the
other spaces or architecture in the entire building.
TIP You can use the ViewCube to spin/reorient the view. Right-click in the preview pane to access
pan and zoom commands.
■ For Space Type, click , and in the Space Type Settings dialog, scroll down in the left
pane, select Lounge/Recreation, and click OK.
Revit MEP provides default settings for space types. You can use the Space Type Settings
dialog to adjust settings as necessary.
■ For People, click , and in the People dialog, verify that <Default> is selected for
Occupancy and Heat Gain (per person), and then click OK.
This specifies the number of people or the area per person for the space.
■ For Electrical Loads, click , and in the Electrical Loads dialog, verify that <Default> is
selected for Lighting Values and for Power Values, and then click OK.
This specifies the lighting and power loads for the space.
Next, you verify information that will be used during a heating and cooling loads analysis of
the zone.
9 Select 1_South_Lounge.
Below the list of spaces and zones, the zone information displays for the selected zone.
NOTE By not specifying values for the humidification set point and dehumidification set point,
you allow the values to be calculated by the loads engine. This is usually preferable to indicating
a particular percentage for those parameters.
■ For Outdoor Air Information, verify that N/A : N/A : N/A is specified.
This indicates the outdoor air per person, outdoor air per area, and air changes per hour.
Next, you use the Shading view to examine the inner volume of the model for voids.
NOTE Shading displays the inner volume of a space. The inner volume is bounded by interior surfaces
of walls, floors, roofs, and other room-bounding components.
12 Using the methods learned previously, highlight and isolate the space for 109 Lounge to view
its inner volume.
13 Deactivate the Isolate tool, and zoom to the corner of the building as shown.
18 Click in the empty plenum area to place the space, and then click Place Space tab ➤ Selection
panel ➤ Modify.
Modify space properties
19 Select the space, and click Modify Spaces tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Element Properties
drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
20 In the Instance Properties dialog:
■ Under Identity Data, for Number, enter 212P.
■ Under Energy Analysis, notice that Condition Type is Heated and Cooled.
Because this is an unoccupied space, it doesn’t need to be included in the heating and cooling
loads analysis.
■ Click OK.
21 In the drawing area, select the zone that includes all plenum spaces for Level 2 (named 2_Plenum).
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Analysis_02_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, under Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Spaces ➤ Floor Plans, double-click
Level 2 - Space Plan.
2 Click Manage tab ➤ Project Settings panel ➤ Project Information.
3 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Energy Analysis, for Energy Data, click Edit.
4 In the Type Properties dialog:
■ For Building Type, select School or University.
■ On the Weather tab, verify that Use closest weather station (Manchester Airport) is
selected, and click OK.
■ In the Type Properties dialog, for Building Service, verify that Water Loop Heat Pump is
specified.
■ For Export Complexity, verify that Simple with Shading Surfaces is selected.
■ Click OK twice.
5 Click Architect tab ➤ Room & Area panel drop-down ➤ Area and Volume Computations.
6 On the Computations tab of the Area and Volume Computations dialog, under Volume
Computations, verify that Areas and Volumes is selected (default setting), and click OK.
NOTE The Areas and Volumes option must be selected in order to perform an accurate heating and
cooling loads analysis. If, after opening the Heating and Cooling Loads tool, you receive a message
that the Areas and Volumes option is not checked and that the space volumes will be approximate,
you need to select this option.
■ For Space Type, click in the Value column, and then click .
■ In the Space Type Settings dialog, select Library - Audio Visual, and click OK.
■ Click OK twice.
10 Click Analyze tab ➤ Reports & Schedules panel ➤ Heating and Cooling Loads.
11 On the General tab of the Heating and Cooling Loads dialog, verify the settings specified earlier:
■ For Building Type, verify that School or University is selected.
■ For Building Service, verify that Water Loop Heat Pump is selected.
You can view the building materials for this construction type by clicking (opens the
Building Construction dialog).
IMPORTANT The Heating and Cooling Loads dialog contains building information that only affects
the heating and cooling loads analysis. Revit MEP stores this information as project information.
You have verified the building information. Next, you view the space and zone volumes in the
building model.
If a (Warning) displays for any space in the building, it should be corrected before you
calculate loads. Select the space associated with the warning, and click to learn the cause
for the warning. If you have made changes to settings in the Heating and Cooling Loads dialog,
click OK to save your changes and close the dialog. You should correct the space error in the
building model, and then re-open the Heating and Cooling Loads dialog to begin calculations.
There should be no warnings displayed.
■ In the Heating Information dialog, verify that Heating Set Point is 70°F , and click OK.
15 Review the loads report for project, weather, space, and zone information for the building model.
NOTE You must perform a new heating and cooling loads analysis each time you modify building,
space, or zone information, or make any changes to the model, otherwise the loads report or schedules
will not reflect your changes.
16 After you review the loads report, you can rezone the model as necessary to optimize equipment
usage in the building.
TIP You can find all generated Loads Reports in the Project Browser under Reports.
17 In the loads report, under the zone summary for 2_Middle_Library, click the blue hyperlink for
219 Library.
You are taken to the place in the report where the space information is displayed for review.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Analysis_03_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Zoning ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level
1 - Zoning Load Fill is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Click Architect tab ➤ Room & Area panel ➤ Legend.
3 In the drawing area, click to the right of the building to place the legend.
4 In the Choose Space Type and Color Scheme dialog:
■ For Space Type, select HVAC Zones.
■ Click OK.
10 In the Project Browser, open Design ➤ Zoning ➤ Sections (Building Section) ➤ Section 26.
11 Using the method learned previously, add a Cooling Load by Zone color scheme to the HVAC
zones of the section view.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Analysis_04_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Design ➤ Spaces ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 1 - Space Fill is the
active view.
2 Click Analyze tab ➤ Report and Schedules panel ➤ Schedule/Quantities.
3 In the New Schedule dialog:
■ Under Category, select Spaces.
If you select Show categories from all disciplines, more category options are available.
■ Click OK.
■ Number
■ Name
■ Select Formula.
■ In the Fields dialog, select Calculated Supply Airflow, and click OK.
■ In the Calculated Value dialog, for Formula, enter - (minus sign) after Calculated Supply
■ Using the method learned previously, add Actual Supply Airflow to the formula.
■ Click OK.
In the Schedule Properties dialog, the calculated value named Airflow Delta displays under
Scheduled fields and will display as a column in the schedule.
■ For Fields, select Airflow Delta, and then click Conditional Format.
You format the Airflow Delta field to display as red when the difference between calculated
and actual airflow is outside an acceptable range.
■ Click OK twice.
The schedule displays, and you can manipulate the display of columns as with any spreadsheet.
Double-click the column boundary to expand the column to the width of the text, right-click
to access schedule properties, or right-click a column to hide or unhide it. When you select a
field and click Modify Schedule/Quantities tab ➤ Schedule panel ➤ Highlight in Model, a view
opens that contains the selected space.
6 On the Modify Schedule/Quantities tab ➤ Filter Unplaced or Unenclosed Items panel, verify
that Show is highlighted.
Because no air terminals have been placed in the model, all the Actual Supply Airflow values
are 0, and all Airflow Delta fields are red for occupiable spaces. In later exercises, you use the
airflow schedule when adding system components to satisfy the required airflow.
IMPORTANT It is highly recommended that you complete Designing Mechanical Air Systems before starting
Designing Piping Systems. After completing the air systems lesson, you will have been introduced to concepts and
practices that you will use to design the piping systems.
79
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Air_Systems_01_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Ceiling
Plans ➤ Level 2 - HVAC Ceiling is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Double-click Schedules/Quantities ➤ Space Airflow Schedule, and then click View tab ➤ Windows
panel ➤ Tile.
3 In the ceiling view, zoom in to space Lounge 223 in the upper left corner.
When you highlight a space using the cursor, the space crossing lines display, and the tooltip
and status bar display the space name.
4 Click in the schedule view to make it active, and scroll to space 223.
5 Select space 223 in the schedule, and notice that the space is selected in the plan view as well.
NOTE Hosted air terminals are placed at the height of the host, which in this case is the ceiling grid.
If the host element is modified or moved, the hosted elements are updated as well.
11 Click Place Air Terminal tab ➤ Selection panel ➤ Modify to end the command.
Notice that the lounge’s Actual Supply Airflow field in the schedule updates after the terminal
is placed. Also, the Airflow Delta is calculated accordingly.
14 With the diffuser still selected, click Modify Air Terminals tab ➤ Modify panel ➤ Copy.
15 On the Options Bar, verify that Constrain is cleared, and then select both Copy and Multiple.
Multiple allows you to place multiple copies of the diffuser without reactivating the Copy tool
after each placement.
16 Select the upper left corner of the diffuser as the copy start point.
17 Move the cursor down, type 12, and press Enter.
18 Repeat to add a third diffuser.
19 Place 2 additional diffusers as shown, and then press Esc to end the command.
30 In the drawing area, select one of the return diffusers, and click Modify Air Terminals tab ➤ Family
panel ➤ Edit Family.
31 In the alert dialog, click Yes.
32 In the Project Browser, open Views (all) ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Ref. Level.
33 Highlight one of the symbolic lines, press Tab to highlight the chain of lines, as shown, and
click to select the lines.
36 Click Modify Lines tab ➤ Family Editor panel ➤ Load into Project.
38 In the ceiling plan, zoom in to the return diffuser at the bottom left of the Lounge.
39 Click Modify tab ➤ Edit panel ➤ Align.
40 In the drawing area, select the vertical grid line as shown.
43 Using the same method, align the other return diffuser, as shown, and then press Esc twice.
44 While pressing Ctrl, select both return diffusers, and on the Options Bar, for Flow, enter 650
CFM310 CFM, and press Enter.
Modify the airflow display arrows
45 Select the return diffuser at the lower left, right-click, and click Element Properties.
46 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Mechanical, clear LeftArrow, and click OK.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Air_Systems_02_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand HVAC - Design ➤ Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1 - HVAC
Plan - Design to make it the active view.
2 On the View Control Bar, for Scale, click 1/8" = 1'-0".
3 Zoom in to space Instruction 115, at the lower left corner of the building.
When you highlight a space using the cursor, the space crossing lines display, and the tooltip
and status bar display the space name.
The schedule was automatically updated with the actual supply airflow capacity of the diffuser.
Also, the diffuser was tagged as it was placed.
NOTE The software assigns sequential numbers to components in the order in which they are placed
in a drawing. If you delete a component and subsequently place more of the same component in
the same drawing, the number assigned to the deleted component will not be used. As a result, your
components may be numbered differently than those in the training files.
11 Select the diffuser, and then click Modify Air Terminals tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Element Properties
drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
12 Modify the diffuser properties:
■ In the Instance Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Offset, enter 8'.
Because non-hosted components are associated with a level, the offset value is the height of
the diffuser from the level.
■ Click OK.
16 Using the same method, select both air terminals and copy them 14' to the right.
You enhance the schedule by creating an embedded schedule to show data (system type, type, mark, and
flow) for individual diffusers in each space.
20 Double-click the title bar of the Space Airflow Schedule to maximize it, and then right-click in
the schedule, and click View Properties.
21 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Other, for Embedded Schedule, click Edit.
22 In the Schedule Properties dialog:
■ Select Embedded Schedule.
■ For Category, select Air Terminals, and then click Embedded Schedule Properties.
23 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available Fields, double-click System
Type, Type, Mark, and Flow.
24 On the Sorting/Grouping tab, for Sort by, select Mark.
25 Click OK 3 times.
The schedule is updated and lists the data for individual air terminals in each space.
Although the Airflow Delta value is within an acceptable range, it is a negative value. Next, you
modify the airflow capacity of the diffuser in the lower left corner of the space to offset the
increased heat gain of the southwesterly exposure.
The Airflow Delta value for the space updates to a positive number.
30 Close the Space Airflow Schedule, and maximize Level 1 - HVAC Plan - Design.
31 In the drawing area, select the zone (2-West-Area T) that includes space 115.
As you highlight the zone, pay attention to the tooltip and the status bar to be sure you’re
selecting the zone and not the space. The zone indicator has a line that spans all spaces in the
zone, as shown.
32 Open the Instance Properties dialog, and under Energy Analysis, verify that the Calculated
Heating Load value is 33807 Btu/h and the Calculated Cooling Load value is 3.9 ton
(approximately 1.5 times the heating load).
33 Click OK.
34 Click Home tab ➤ Mechanical panel ➤ Mechanical Equipment.
35 In the Type Selector, select WSHP - Horizontal - High Efficiency - 2-5 Tons - Left Return - Right
Discharge : 4 Tons.
36 In the drawing area, zoom and pan to the double door for space 115.
37 Press Spacebar twice to change the rotation of the pump so that the supply faces the space and
the return faces away from the space.
38 Click to select an insertion point so that the supply is at the approximate center of the doorway.
39 Press Esc twice to end the command.
■ For the start point, click to select the midpoint of the bottom of the WSHP.
IMPORTANT Unlike logical connections, physical connections (ductwork) are not required for systems designing.
However, they are necessary to perform calculations (such as sizing) that reference the physical geometry.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Air_Systems_03_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 2 - HVAC
Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom in to space Lounge 223 at the upper left of the building.
When you highlight a space, the space crossing lines display, and the tooltip and status bar
display the space name.
6 Keep the System Browser open, and drag it to the bottom of the screen so that it displays
horizontally below the floor plan.
Create a secondary air system
7 In the drawing area, select the supply diffuser at the upper left of space 223.
Notice that there are layout and system tools (Generate Layout, Connect Into, and Create
Systems) available on the Modify Air Terminals tab. These tools vary depending on the equipment
used to create a system.
9 Click Modify Duct Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit System.
10 Click Edit Duct System tab ➤ Edit Duct System panel ➤ Add To System.
Only mechanical equipment components can be highlighted and selected when you are using
the Add To System tool.
11 In the drawing area, select the 3 supply diffusers shown in red and circled.
On the Options Bar, the number of elements is updated.
12 In the System Browser, expand Mechanical ➤ Supply Air ➤ Mechanical Supply Air 1.
13 Click Edit Duct System tab ➤ Edit Duct System panel ➤ System Properties.
14 In the Instance Properties dialog, review the Number of Elements, System Name, and Flow value.
Note that the Flow value (1700 CFM) is equal to the sum of the flow values for the 4 diffusers
you added to the system.
15 Click Cancel.
16 Click Edit Duct System tab ➤ Edit Duct System panel ➤ Add To System, and then select the last
supply diffuser in space 223.
NOTE The organization of the Mechanical folder in the System Browser has changed so that the
WSHP is the parent, the air terminals are the children, and the system connects them.
Next, you rename the system to match the identifying data (Mark) of the equipment properties, which
updates the name in the System Browser.
20 Click Edit Duct System tab ➤ Edit Duct System panel ➤ Equipment Properties.
21 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Mark, highlight the value (WSHP
2-45) and click Ctrl+C to copy it.
22 Click OK.
23 Click Edit Duct System tab ➤ Edit Duct System panel ➤ System Properties.
24 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Mechanical, for System Name, highlight the value and
click Ctrl+V to paste over the selection.
25 Click OK.
The system name is updated from Mechanical Supply Air 1 to WSHP 2-45 in the System Browser.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Air_Systems_04_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 2 - HVAC Plan- Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom in to space Lounge 223 in the upper left corner.
When you highlight a space using the cursor, the space crossing lines display, and the tooltip
and status bar display the space name.
3 If the System Browser isn’t displayed, click Analyze tab ➤ System Browser panel ➤ System Browser
to display it.
4 In the drawing area, select the upper left diffuser, and then click Modify Air Terminals
tab ➤ Layout panel ➤ Generate Layout.
A Generate Layout tab displays, which provides various layout tools. Also, the software recognizes
the system components and sketches a temporary layout path connecting them. Lines indicate
the proposed duct layout (blue signifies a main duct line and green signifies a branch).
6 Use the Next Solution and Previous Solution arrows to scroll through the available solutions,
and display solution 1.
■ Select Branch.
■ For Flex Duct Type, select Flex Duct Round : Flex - Round.
■ Click OK.
WARNING Be careful not to drag the main duct too close to the diffusers. If there is not enough
room for the software to create the necessary fittings, you’ll get an error in a later step.
NOTE Errors may occur while attempting to create duct geometry as a result of converting a layout
or during sizing. The most common cause of these errors is that the duct usually has insufficient space
to be created, or offset elevations are incorrect. Either relocate the system components, select a
different layout solution, or manually modify the duct. Remember to always check duct connectivity
after modification.
The sketch lines are converted to ductwork. All fittings required to connect the duct system to
system components are automatically added. For example, a transition connecting the elbow
is automatically added, as is the elbow itself.
12 In the drawing area, highlight a segment of the main duct, press Tab twice to highlight the
entire system, and click to select it.
NOTE When multiple ducts and fittings are connected, you check connectivity by moving the cursor
over a segment of ductwork so that it highlights and then pressing Tab. The first time you press Tab,
the branch to which the duct is connected highlights. Press Tab a second time to highlight the entire
network of connected ducts up to the first piece of connected equipment. Press Tab a third time to
highlight the entire network of connected ducts, fittings, and equipment. If the entire network does
not highlight, a disconnection exists. This disconnection will be located at the point where the
highlighting stops. Usually, you can repair the connection by dragging the duct segment end point
away from its current connection point and then dragging it back again to reconnect. Typically the
disconnect results from not having enough room between the components that make the connection.
Notice that the legend includes all possible values for the color scheme, but not all values are
used in this view.
16 Select the color scheme legend, and click Modify Duct Color Fill Legends tab ➤ Element
panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Type Properties.
17 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Values Displayed, select By View, and then
click OK.
18 In the drawing area, select the WSHP, and click Modify Mechanical Equipment tab ➤ Element
panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
19 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Mechanical - Airflow, note the Air Flow value (2125
CFM), and click OK.
20 In the drawing area, select one of the diffusers in the system, and on the Options Bar, for Flow,
decrease the flow value by 100 CFM, and press Enter.
Notice that the color fill for the connected ductwork has updated.
21 Access the instance properties for the WSHP, and notice that the flow value has updated with
the change.
The outflow for the WSHP is calculated as the sum of the airflows for all downstream air terminals.
27 In the drawing area, highlight a segment of the duct, press Tab 3 times to highlight the entire
system (including the WSHP), and then click to select it.
28 Click Multi-Select tab ➤ Analysis panel ➤ Duct/Pipe Sizing.
29 In the Duct Sizing dialog:
■ Under Sizing Method, select Friction, and enter .08 in-wg/100ft.
■ Select Only.
■ Click OK.
If you get an error that there is not enough room to place the required fittings, you need to
modify the layout:
■ In the warning dialog, click Cancel.
■ Select the upper segment of main duct, and drag it to the right.
■ Repeat the steps necessary to select the entire system and then size it.
The ductwork and fittings are updated. The flow information graphically represents the properties
of duct systems so that you can easily identify problems with the system.
The System Inspector is a tool that lets you place the cursor over each system to inspect it for airflow, pressure,
and pressure loss. Using this tool, you can target problem areas directly in your design and resolve them.
The selected system components or duct must be logically and physically connected for you to use the
System Inspector to inspect airflow and pressure inside ductwork. Ductwork and system components must
be connected to a system (logical connection), and a system must contain ductwork (physical connection).
30 Select one of the ducts in the supply air system.
31 Click Modify Ducts tab ➤ Analysis panel ➤ System Inspector.
Notice that the ribbon now displays a System Inspector tab.
34 Zoom in to various parts of the system and verify that the flow arrows are correct.
35 Click Finish.
36 Close the file with or without saving it.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Air_Systems_05_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 1 - HVAC Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom in to space Instruction 115 in the lower left corner, and select the WSHP.
3 Right-click the supply air connector (the connector facing the room’s double doors), and click
Draw Duct.
4 Click Place Duct tab ➤ Element panel, and select Rectangular Duct : Mitered Elbows / Beveled
Taps from the Type Selector drop-down.
5 Press Spacebar to make the new duct match the WSHP duct size and location.
6 Click midway between the 2 top light fixtures to specify the end of the first segment of the main
duct.
7 Move the cursor to just below the lowest set of diffusers, and click to specify the end of the main
duct.
9 To begin branch duct, select the top right diffuser, right-click the connector grip, and click Draw
Duct.
NOTE When drawing duct, use the connector grip to quickly and accurately locate a connector.
10 Select Rectangular Duct : Mitered Elbows/Taps from the Type Selector drop-down.
11 On the Options Bar, for Offset, select 9' 10 1/2".
The software accounts for the difference in height from the diffuser connector to the specified
offset height.
12 End the branch by clicking at the intersection of the branch duct and the main duct.
The Connect Into tool is used to add or connect components to an existing air system.
22 Using the same method, connect the remaining diffusers to the main duct.
23 Click Home tab ➤ HVAC panel ➤ Convert to Flex Duct, and select the top left diffuser.
A portion of the rigid ductwork is converted to Flex Duct. Revit MEP displays a warning that
the flex duct that was created exceeds the Maximum Flex Duct setting in the Mechanical Settings
dialog. You can ignore the warning.
Add an endcap
26 In the plan view, zoom in to the open end of the main duct.
Size ductwork
34 Highlight a section of the main duct (which is now split), press Tab to highlight the entire main
duct run, and click to select it.
38 In the drawing area, select a segment of the main duct, and click Modify Ducts tab ➤ Element
panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
39 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Mechanical - Airflow, for Flow, verify that the value is
the total of the diffusers supplied by that segment of duct, and then click OK.
40 Using the same method, verify the flow rate for the remaining segments of the main duct.
41 Close the file with or without saving it.
109
Level 3 mechanical piping system
Training File
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Piping_01_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 3 - HVAC Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom in to the right side of the shorter building wing.
NOTE Although space tags are not included in this view, you can identify a space by placing the
cursor over the space component. A tooltip and the status bar (located at the lower left of the window)
confirm the space name and number.
12 Click Home tab ➤ Mechanical panel ➤ Mechanical Equipment, and in the Type Selector, verify
that the WSHP is still selected.
13 Place another WSHP to the left of the one you just placed, as shown. (Use the alignment sketch
graphics to position the second WSHP the same distance from the corridor wall as the first.)
15 While pressing Ctrl, select the 2 WSHPs, and click Modify Mechanical Equipment tab ➤ Element
panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
■ Click OK.
Training File
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Piping_02_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 3 - HVAC Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom in to the shorter wing of the building (Space - Mech 330).
3 Click Analyze tab ➤ System Browser panel ➤ System Browser.
4 Click the titlebar for the System Browser window, and drag the window down so it displays
along the bottom of the screen, where it is easier to review the information.
5 In the System Browser, right-click the Systems column heading, and click View ➤ Piping.
This display option allows you to simplify the browser view by showing only the Piping discipline.
6 Expand the Unassigned folder, and expand the Default Hydronic Supply 1 and the Default
Hydronic Return 1 systems to view the mechanical equipment placed in the building.
After you placed the WSHPs and boiler, Revit MEP immediately assigned them to the Default
Hydronic Return and Default Hydronic Supply systems category located in the Unassigned
folder. They remain in the Default systems category until you assign them to a system. As you
assign equipment to systems, the assigned equipment moves from the Unassigned folder to the
respective assigned system folder.
IMPORTANT All mechanical equipment in the project should be assigned to a system other than a
default system. Equipment that remains in a default system is included in heating and cooling loads
calculations. Therefore, leaving a large number of components in a default system can hinder
performance and prevent accurate calculations for the systems where they should have been assigned.
Keep the System Browser open and refer to it as you create systems.
9 Click Modify Piping Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit System.
TIP If you clicked outside of the drawing area, and the Edit System tool is not active, select one of
the WSHPs that you added to the system to activate this tool and the other options on the Piping
Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel.
10 On the Options Bar, for System Name, enter CHWR to represent Chilled Water Return.
11 Click Edit Piping System tab ➤ Edit Piping System panel ➤ Select Equipment.
12 In the drawing area, select the boiler.
Notice that on the Options Bar, the System Equipment is Condensing Boiler: 500 MBH.
16 Click Modify Piping Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit System.
17 On the Options Bar, for System Name, enter CHWS to represent Chilled Water Supply.
18 Click Edit Piping System tab ➤ Edit Piping System panel ➤ Add To System, and select the second
WSHP to add it to the supply system.
19 In the Project Browser, under Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor Plans, double-click Roof - HVAC
Plan - Design.
20 Click Edit Piping System tab ➤ Edit Piping System panel ➤ Add To System.
21 Zoom in to the shorter wing of the building, and select the cooling tower.
IMPORTANT The new system named CHWS is now listed in the System Browser under Hydronic
Supply ➤ Condensing Boiler: 500 MBH.
27 In the System Browser, right-click the Hydronic Supply system category, and click Expand All.
28 Using the same method, expand the Hydronic Return system category.
You can now view the systems hierarchy: CHWR and CHWS logically connect the boiler (parent)
with the WSHPs (children).
31 In the Column Settings dialog, expand Piping, select Fluid Type and Fluid Temperature, and
click OK.
32 In the System Browser, right-click the Flow value for one of the WSHPs in the CHWS system,
and click Properties.
33 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Mechanical, for Water Flow, enter 18 GPM, and click
OK.
The CHWS Flow value is updated in the System Browser.
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Piping_03_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 3 - HVAC Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Beginning outside the building at the upper left corner, drag the cursor to the lower right corner
to draw a selection box around the floor plan.
Notice that all components within the Level 3 - HVAC plan view range are highlighted.
TIP Instead of selecting all components and filtering, you can place the cursor over a system
component, press Tab to highlight the system, and click to select it.
7 Select a WSHP.
8 Click Modify Mechanical Equipment tab ➤ Layout panel ➤ Generate Layout.
A system preview displays in red.
IMPORTANT If you select system components to create a pipe layout, and the selected system
components are already connected to more than one system (because they have multiple system
connectors), then the Select a System dialog displays. You select a system in the dialog to view it in
the drawing, and then click OK to create a layout for the currently selected system.
IMPORTANT The branch offset lets you automatically create branches that run above or below the
main and other obstacles. This functionality is useful for avoiding interference with pipes, duct,
structural beams, or architectural components.
12 In the Pipe Conversion Settings dialog, verify that the Offset value for the Main and for the
Branch is 10' 0''.
13 Click Cancel.
14 On the Generate Layout tab, verify that Solutions is selected.
15 On the Options Bar:
■ For Solution Type, select Perimeter.
The perimeter solution creates a layout that runs parallel (along a perimeter) to the connectors
of the selected system components. It does not reference the architecture.
17 Optionally, to display the path with thinner lines, click View tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ Thin
Lines.
18 Place the cursor over the piping, and press Tab 3 times. With each Tab, the Status Bar displays
the components being highlighted:
■ Branch in a pipe network.
View the Status Bar to verify the branch option currently displayed.
In a previous exercise, you modified the flow value for the WSHPs; the flow for one WSHP is 18, and the
flow for the other is 12.
19 In the drawing area, select the pipe connecting the WSHP on the right to the boiler.
20 Click Modify Pipes tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
21 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Mechanical, verify that the value for Flow is 30 GPM,
and click OK.
This value indicates the total of the flow for the 2 WSHPs (18 GPM + 12 GPM).
23 Under Mechanical, notice that the Water Flow is 30 GPM, and click OK.
The flow from the 2 WSHPs travels into the boiler.
24 Press Esc.
Add the Level 1 WSHPs to the return system
Previously, you logically added Level 1 WSHPs to the CHWR System. Next, you physically close the CHWR
loop, which propagates flow throughout the system.
33 Zoom in to the piping that comes from the floor below.
35 Using the drag control, extend the pipe to the left until it connects to the center line of the
existing pipe at the horizontal and nearest snap, as shown.
The fittings are automatically created to connect to the return piping coming from below.
39 In the drawing area, select a WSHP, and then click Modify Mechanical Equipment tab ➤ Layout
panel ➤ Generate Layout.
NOTE For the purposes of this tutorial, the 6 WSHPs from Level 1 have already been added to the
chilled water supply system (CHWS).
41 Click OK.
42 On the Options Bar:
■ For Solution Type, select Perimeter 1 of 5.
■ Click Settings.
■ In the Pipe Conversion Settings dialog, enter 9' 6'' for both the Main Offset and the Branch
Offset, and then click OK.
46 Click Modify.
47 In the drawing area, select the right vertical green sketch line in the path, as shown.
48 While pressing Ctrl, select the vertical sketch line just above the one you already selected. (Both
sections are at the same elevation.)
49 Select the 4-way arrow control, and drag it to the left (just to the right of the double door in the
underlay), as shown.
NOTE Errors may occur while you are attempting to create pipe geometry as a result of converting
a layout or during sizing. The most common cause of these errors is that there is insufficient space
to create the pipe, or offset elevations are incorrect. Either relocate the system components, select a
different layout solution, or manually modify the pipe. Remember to always check pipe connectivity
after modification.
■ Connect the cooling tower into the supply system to maintain the closed loop.
Training File
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Piping_04_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 3 - HVAC Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Under Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ 3D Views, double-click 3D HVAC Building.
3 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ Tile.
4 Adjust the view in both windows (use the ViewCube and Zoom tools) to see the connections
on the boiler, as shown.
Sometimes (such as during vertical alignment) it’s easier to select components in 3D. You may
find it helpful to view the system in both plan and 3D during design and validation.
5 In the 3D view, draw a selection window around the elbow fitting and the small piece of pipe
connecting into the boiler return connector.
6 Press Delete.
■ Click to move the piping, and press Esc to clear the selection.
11 In the Select Connector dialog, click Connector 2 : Hydronic Return : Round : 2'' : Cold Water
In, and click OK.
12 In the 3D view, select the return pipe riser.
The connections are automatically created, and the boiler is connected to the return piping.
Using the Connect Into tool ensures that if the connection is successful, flow will propagate
through the connecting pipe and be assigned to the appropriate system based on the connector
to which it is connected.
Plan view of return piping connection to the
boiler
Two base mounted pumps are included in the system. The top base mounted pump in the plan view is
primary, and the lower one is secondary. An automatic flow valve will be used to direct the flow from the
boiler to the 2 pumps.
13 In the plan view, select the boiler.
14 Right-click the grip that represents the supply connector (top), and click Draw Pipe.
15 Click Place Pipe tab ➤ Element panel, and select Pipe Types: Standard from the Type Selector
drop-down.
16 Press Spacebar to acquire offset and pipe diameter values from the connector.
17 Draw the piping:
■ Move the cursor to the right, enter 2', and press Enter.
You can input dimensions as you draw pipe to ensure specific length segments.
■ Move the cursor down, and click just before the midway point on the primary base mounted
pump.
Upgrade a fitting
NOTE To downgrade from a tee fitting to an elbow, you select the tee fitting, and click the minus
symbol.
25 Select the tee fitting, right-click the bottom connector, and click Draw Pipe.
26 Move the cursor down until the Status Bar indicates that the alignment is at the intersection of
the base mounted pump, and click to draw the pipe.
27 Move the cursor to the right, and when the connector point displays, click to connect to the
pump.
28 Press Esc.
29 If necessary, zoom out in the 3D view to see the new connections.
30 In the plan view, select the primary base mounted pump, right-click the discharge connector,
and click Draw Pipe.
33 Press Esc.
34 In the 3D view, zoom in to the elbow fitting on the left (secondary) base mounted pump, as
shown.
35 Using the method learned previously, upgrade the fitting to a tee connector.
■ Move the cursor down until the status bar indicates that the alignment is at the intersection
and vertical with the pipe shown, and click to create the pipe.
38 In the plan view, select the pipe from the secondary base mounted pump to the supply pipe,
right-click, and click Element Properties.
40 Click Cancel.
41 Using the same method, view the properties for the secondary pump.
In the Instance Properties dialog, under Mechanical, notice that the Flow Factor is a parameter
that is .50 or 50% of the Flow, which is rounded up to 63 GPM (1/2 of 125 GPM).
The Flow Factor for the primary pump is set to 50% also. When you create the pumps in parallel,
you can specify the Flow Factors for the 2 pumps as any combination that adds up to 100%.
42 Click OK.
43 Press Esc.
Connect the cooling tower
Next, you physically connect the cooling tower piping to propagate flow.
44 In the 3D view, select the cooling tower, right-click, and click Element Properties.
45 In the Instance Properties dialog, notice that under Mechanical, for Cooling Water Flow, the
value is 0 GPM, and click OK.
Flow is not currently passing through the cooling tower because it is not yet connected to the
hydronic piping system.
46 Press Esc.
47 Click Modify tab ➤ Edit panel ➤ Extend drop-down ➤ Trim/Extend Multiple Elements.
The cooling tower propagates flow through the inlet and outlet connectors.
Both pipes for the cooling tower are automatically connected to the piping system.
49 Press Esc.
Adding Valves
In this exercise, you add valves to model the piping for 2 modes: cooling mode and heating mode. You add
a bypass valve to stop the flow and direct it to the cooling tower (cooling mode). When the valve is open,
the water bypasses the cooling tower, and is heated by the boiler. You also add shut-off valves to control
the flow to and from the cooling tower.
Training File
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Piping_05_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 3 - HVAC Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom in to the shorter wing of the building.
3 Click the section of pipe between the supply in and supply out pipes to the cooling tower, as
shown.
NOTE Be careful to select a bypass valve in this step. The bypass valve is closed by default.
9 Select the valve, and click the top Rotate control to rotate the valve to a horizontal position.
14 Using the same method, place another Ball Valve - 2-6 Inch Bypass : 4'' valve on the return pipe
for the cooling tower, parallel to the previously placed valve.
16 Click the top Rotate control to the left of each valve to rotate the valve as shown.
17 Select the small piece of pipe above the bypass valve, right-click, and click Element Properties.
18 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Mechanical, verify that Flow is 0 GPM, and click OK.
19 Using the same method, validate the following flow values:
■ For the pipe below the bypass valve, validate that the Flow value is 0 GPM.
■ For the top horizontal pipe (flow to the cooling tower), validate that the Flow is 125 GPM.
■ For the bottom horizontal pipe (flow from the cooling tower), validate that the Flow is 125
GPM.
Currently the system is designed to run in cooling mode. You add valves to the cooling tower to enable the
system to alternately run in heating mode. In heating mode, you want to shut off the flow of water into the
cooling tower. You bypass the cooling tower with hot water coming from the boiler.
20 Select the bypass valve, and select Ball Valve - 2-6 Inch : 3'' from the Type Selector drop-down.
(This valve allows the water to flow through it.)
21 Select the 2 regular valves (in open position), and select Ball Valve - 2-6 Inch Bypass : 3'' from
the Type Selector drop-down.
■ The flow traveling through the bypass section of pipe is 125 GPM.
Sizing Pipe
In this exercise, you verify automatically calculated pipe size and flow parameters. Initially, you use the pipe
color scheme legend as a color-coded reference to view the flow within the pipes and the sizing. The
color-coded display allows you to quickly see differing sizes and flow of piping. You then use a combination
of friction and velocity to size the pipes appropriately.
Training File
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Piping_06_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 3 - HVAC Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Click Analyze tab ➤ Color Schemes panel ➤ Pipe Legend.
3 Click to place the color scheme legend in the area to the right of the piping system, as shown.
5 Compare the legend to the color coding in the drawing to verify that the flow values are as
expected.
6 Select the Color Scheme Legend, and click Modify Pipe Color Fill Legends tab ➤ Scheme
panel ➤ Edit Scheme.
7 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, for Schemes, click Pipe Color Fill - Size, and click OK.
This display will help you size the pipe using friction and velocity sizing methods.
9 Zoom in to the section of pipe connecting the boiler to the parallel base mounted pumps.
10 Move the cursor over the pipe between the primary and secondary base mounted pumps, press
Tab 3 times (so that the status bar indicates that you’ve highlighted a branch in a pipe network
up to a piece of equipment), and click to select the branch.
IMPORTANT The Pipe Sizing dialog displays the sizing settings that were last used. It does not report
the sizing settings of the selected pipe segment or pipe run.
■ Under Constraints, for Branch Sizing, select Larger of Connector and Calculated.
■ Click OK.
The piping increases in diameter based on the friction and velocity values specified.
13 Press Esc.
Training File
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\02_Mechanical
Systems\RME_Mech_Piping_07_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ 3D Views, and
double-click 3D HVAC Building.
2 Select the section of the return piping (magenta) between the 2 water source heat pumps on
the upper level.
NOTE To use the System Inspector to inspect flow and pressure inside pipe, the selected system
components and pipe must be logically and physically connected. The pipe and the system
components must be connected to a system (logical connection) and a system must contain pipe
(physical connection).
6 Place the cursor over the section of pipe (Section 6) between the 2 WSHPs on the lower level,
as shown.
Note that the Flow is 80 GPM, the Static Pressure is 7.67 psi, and the Pressure Loss is 1.89 psi.
■ Click ➤ Open.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor Plans,
and double-click Level 3 - HVAC Plan - Design.
2 Click Analyze tab ➤ Check Systems panel ➤ Check Pipe Systems.
Revit MEP checks both the logical (system) and the physical (pipe) connections of each piping
system throughout the project.
Warnings display. Notice that these warnings indicate that the Default systems are not empty.
NOTE The check systems warnings contain a system type and a description. These warnings can
refer to both physical connection issues (such as a disconnected or problematic pipe) or logical
connection issues (such as an improperly assigned system). Remember that after you create pipe to
physically connect a system, the pipe is associated with that system. Pipe geometry is used for system
flow and pressure calculations, and for pipe sizing. Note that only physical connections associated
with an assigned system are checked. Pipe that is associated with a default system (located in the
Unassigned folder) is not checked.
IMPORTANT The most common check systems warning is: default system is not empty. As you
learned when placing components, all system components must be assigned to a system after they
are placed. If you place components without assigning them to a system, Revit MEP creates a default
system and assigns them to it in order to perform system calculations. The default system is placed
in the Unassigned folder until you select the system components and create a system for them, thus
assigning the components to a system. After you assign components to a system, Revit MEP moves
them from the Unassigned folder to their assigned systems folder. After you have assigned all
components to systems, the Unassigned folder will be empty and Check Pipe Systems will no longer
display not empty warnings. Note that a system component may be listed in both its assigned system
and in the Unassigned folder. This occurs when the assigned system component can be connected
to multiple systems (it contains different system connectors), and you have not yet assigned the
component to the other systems. For example, you assigned a water source heat pump to a supply
hydronic system, but the same component has a sanitary system connector that you have not assigned
to a system. In the System Browser, the water source heat pump is listed in the assigned system and
assigned to the Default Hydronic Sanitary system in the Unassigned folder.
6 In the Project Browser, under Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor Plans,
double-click Level 1 - HVAC Plan - Design.
7 In the System Browser, expand the Hydronic Supply folder and notice that the Condensing
Boiler: 500 MBH is listed.
8 Expand Condensing Boiler: 500 MBH; notice the CHWS (Chilled Water Supply System) is listed,
under which the mechanical equipment that was assigned to the system is listed.
9 Right-click CHWS, and click Show to view all of the system components.
The dashed red lines represent the logical connection. A dialog lets you click Show multiple
times for different views.
10 Using the same methods, expand the Unassigned folder, and confirm unassigned system
components.
11 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ Switch Windows drop-down, and select Level 3 - HVAC
Plan - Design floor plan.
12 In the System Browser, right-click Hydronic Return, and click Expand All.
The return system that you created (CHWR) is listed along with the boiler and the water source
heat pumps (WSHPs) that you assigned to this system.
13 Right-click CHWR, and click Select to confirm this system and the assigned system components.
14 Using the methods that you learned, confirm the system and the system assignments for the
Hydronic Supply system.
You have confirmed and validated both unassigned and assigned system components and their
systems.
In this tutorial, you learn how to use Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 to plan and design an electrical system.
155
156
Planning an Electrical
System 7
In this lesson, you complete the planning tasks associated with creating an electrical system. You learn to:
157
Specifying Electrical Settings
Electrical settings determine the voltages, wiring, distribution systems, and demand factors that are applied
in the design. As you place components and create circuits, Revit MEP checks to ensure that components
are compatible with the specified voltages and distribution systems, speeding up the design phase.
In this exercise you review electrical settings. You also add a wiring type.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\RME_Elec_Planning_01_i.rvt.
1 Click Manage tab ➤ Project Settings panel ➤ MEP Settings drop-down ➤ Electrical Settings.
2 In the Electrical Settings dialog:
■ In the left pane, expand Wiring - Wire Sizes.
■ Click OK.
■ Click Split.
■ Click OK.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\RME_Elec_Planning_02_i.rvt.
■ Click OK twice.
The Required Lighting Level project parameter has been added and will appear as an instance
parameter for all spaces, under the Electrical - Lighting group in the space element properties.
4 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Lighting - Design ➤ Floor Plans, and
double-click Level 2 - Lighting Plan.
5 In the drawing area, zoom in on the lower left corner and use the crosshair as a guide to select
Space 218.
6 Click Modify Spaces tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
■ Select Schedule Keys, and for Key Name, enter Lighting Levels.
■ Click OK.
10 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available Fields, double-click Required
Lighting Level, and click OK.
The schedule displays and includes a title and column headings.
11 Double-click the column boundary to the right of each column to adjust the column to fit the
text.
16 Click Modify Schedule/Quantities tab ➤ Schedule panel ➤ New to add 13 more rows.
17 Complete the table by entering the following:
The fc value is automatically applied as the parameter is based upon illuminance parameter
type, which is mapped to project units.
Notice that as you enter the data, the rows are automatically sorted by Key Name. You can
change the sort/grouping to sort by Required Lighting Level.
21 Click OK twice.
The entries in the schedule are sorted by Required Lighting Level.
22 Using the same method, change the sort order back to the default setting.
The entries in the schedule are sorted by Key Name.
23 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Lighting - Design ➤ Floor Plans
and open Level 2 - Lighting Plan.
24 Zoom to Space 218 and select the space element.
25 Click Modify Spaces tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
Note that under Electrical-Lighting, that Required Lighting Level is blank.
26 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Lighting Levels, select
Instruction-Standard.
Notice that the Required Lighting Level now has a value of 50 fc and the field is dimmed, since
the Lighting Level is set to use the value assigned to the Instruction-Standard key value. The
27 Click OK.
You can apply a key schedule to multiple spaces at the same time by selecting the spaces and
specifying the lighting levels in the Electrical properties dialog.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\RME_Elec_Planning_03_i.rvt.
1 Click Architect tab ➤ Room & Area panel drop-down ➤ Color Schemes.
2 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog:
■ Under Schemes, for Category, select Spaces.
3 In the New Color Scheme dialog, for Name, enter Required Lighting and click OK.
4 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog:
■ Under Scheme Definition, for Title, enter Required Lighting Levels.
■ For Color, select Required Lighting Level, and click OK to dismiss the alert message.
■ With the scheme for At Least 20. 00 fc still selected, click (Add Value) again.
■ Select the scheme for At Least 40.00 fc, and click (Add Value).
■ Select the scheme for 30.00 fc, and click (Add Value).
■ Select the scheme for 50.00 fc, enter 75.00, and press ENTER.
■ Select the scheme for 40.00 fc, enter 50.00, and press ENTER.
■ Click OK.
6 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Lighting - Design ➤ Floor Plans, and
double-click Level 2 - Lighting CF.
7 Click Architect tab ➤ Room & Area panel ➤ Legend.
8 In the drawing area, click to place the legend to the right of the drawing.
9 In the Choose Space Type and Color Scheme dialog:
■ For Space Type, select Spaces.
■ Click OK.
The color fill plan displays the required illuminance levels based on the key values previously
created.
12 In the Schedule Properties dialog, for Available Fields, double-click Number, Name, Level, Average
Estimated Illumination, and Required Lighting Level.
13 Click Calculated Value.
14 In the Calculated Value dialog:
■ For Name, enter Lighting Delta.
■ Click OK.
■ In the Calculated Value dialog, for Formula, at the end of Average Estimated Illumination,
press the spacebar, type a hyphen, and click Browse.
■ Click OK twice.
The lighting delta values that are not within the conditional value of -5 fc and 5 fc are highlighted
in red.
■ Add devices and fixtures using schedule to satisfy required lighting levels.
■ Create circuits (with and without wire) to create the logical connections between devices and fixtures.
■ Create power loads.
■ Use the System Browser to check your design.
■ Balance wire sizes and breaker service.
■ Create a panel schedule.
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Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\03_Electrical
Systems\RME_Elec_Design_01_i.rvt.
3 Click Modify Color Fill Legends tab ➤ Scheme panel ➤ Edit Scheme.
4 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog:
■ Under Schemes, for the Spaces Category, select Average Estimated Illumination.
You can create additional color schemes, then modify the color scheme legend to use the
color fill plan as a design tool for many tasks.
■ Under Scheme Definition, select the color for Less Than 20.00 fc.
■ Click OK.
5 Click OK.
Notice that the Library has an average estimated illumination less than 20.00 fc. By using orange
as the color for this range, we can quickly identify those areas of the building that do not meet
the specified lighting requirements.
The order of the tiled windows is determined by the order in which the windows were activated.
Windows are arranged in a counter-clockwise order, with the last activated window appearing
in the upper-left corner.
As you add lighting fixtures to the Library, the illumination values in the color fill plan and schedule analysis
will automatically update. The schedule indicates the Average Estimated Illumination as yellow for values
of 0 fc (conditional format), and the Lighting Delta as red for values out of the +/- 5 fc range specified in
the conditional format of this field. The color fill plan also indicates in orange an illumination value below
20 fc, which is the lowest value in the specified range. As you add lighting fixtures to the Library, all three
of these colored fields will clear to white, indicating a value greater than 0 fc. The red field will clear once
the +/- 5 fc range is satisfied. The color fill will change colors as lighting fixtures are placed that raise the
illumination level above 20 fc. The colors will coincide with the values in the color fill legend. Note that
the lighting delta can be cleared, however the color fill plan can display within the range below the specified
value because of the +/- 5 fc range. All of this works as a visual aid for the designer to insure design
requirements are met.
In the Space Lighting Analysis view, the lighting delta and average estimated illumination for
space Library 219 are updated.
NOTE This option must be selected in order for lighting information to be updated in the color fill
plan and schedule.
23 Click OK.
24 Click Modify Lighting Fixtures tab ➤ Modify panel ➤ Copy.
25 On the Options Bar, select Multiple.
26 Use the Copy command to place 2 more fixtures as shown.
33 Click to activate the Schedule window. Note the value in red for the space Library 219.
Modify multiple fixture instances
38 Click to activate the Color Fill_Lighting Plan view. Note the changes for the space Library 219.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\03_Electrical
Systems\RME_Elec_Design_02_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Lighting - Design ➤ Floor Plans
and open the Level 2 - Lighting Color Fill plan. Expand Views (Discipline) ➤
Design ➤ Lighting ➤ Floor Plans and open Level 2 - Lighting Plan. Expand Schedules/Quantities
and open Space Lighting Analysis.
2 Tile the views as shown.
3 In the Space Lighting Analysis schedule view, scroll to view space space Library 219.
Note the Average Estimated Illumination value of 46 fc.
4 In the Level 2 Lighting Plan view, zoom to space Library 219 and select the lighting fixture
shown.
5 Click Modify Lighting Fixtures tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Instance
Properties.
6 In the Instance Properties dialog:
■ Click Edit Type.
■ Click Duplicate.
■ In the Name dialog, for Name enter 2’x4’ (3 Lamp) T5_HO_54W - 277V and click OK.
■ In the Light Loss Factor dialog, for Ballast Loss Factor, enter .93.
■ Click OK.
■ Click Apply.
Note that in the Space Lighting Analysis Schedule, the Lighting Delta for the Library is
updated.
■ Under Photometrics, click the value for Photometric Web File and click Browse.
■ In the Initial Intensity dialog, select Luminous Flux, specify 15000.00 lm, and click OK.
■ In the Initial Color dialog, for Color Preset, select Xenon and click OK.
■ Click OK twice.
8 Select all the fixtures in the center column in the Library as shown.
13 Select the 3 lighting fixtures in the center column of the Library as shown.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\03_Electrical
Systems\RME_Elec_Design_03_i.rvt.
Because the switch requires a wall to serve as the host, it is only previewed when the cursor is
over a wall.
NOTE When entering values, you can enter a space to separate the unit values.
■ Click OK twice.
19 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Power - Design ➤ Floor Plans and open the
Level 2 Power Plan view.
20 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ Close Hidden to close other views that may be open.
21 In the drawing area, zoom to space Library 219.
NOTE If necessary, dock the System Browser at the bottom of your window.
23 In the System Browser, right-click the a column heading and click View ➤ Systems. Right-click
the column heading again and click View ➤ Electrical.
24 For any column, right-click and click Column Settings.
25 In the Column Settings dialog:
■ Click Check None.
■ Expand General.
■ Expand Electrical.
■ Click OK.
26 In the System Browser, expand Unassigned and scroll space Library 219.
This list displays connectors and circuits that have not been assigned to a panel. Note that the
values for the space Library 219 are currently blank.
34 Drag the grip to move the witness line to the receptacle on the left as shown.
37 Repeat the previous steps to place a third receptacle in space Library 219 as shown.
42 Move the cursor down, enter 12’ and press ENTER to place another receptacle.
In this exercise you also become more familiar with the wiring settings, then create lighting circuitry and
add wiring as the circuits are created. Adding wiring to a project is optional.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\03_Electrical
Systems\RME_Elec_Design_04_i.rvt.
Add panelboards
1 Verify that the Level 2 Power Plan view is open.
2 In the drawing area, zoom to the space Electrical 220.
■ Click OK.
■ Click OK.
19 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Lighting ➤ Floor Plans and open
Level 2 Lighting Plan view.
20 In the drawing area, zoom to space Instruction 221.
The red sketch graphics show the logical circuit with the home run pointing toward the selected
panel.
32 Press ESC.
33 Select the switch on the right.
35 Select the left three-way switch, right-click the connector and click Add to Circuit.
36 Click the top-left lighting fixture to add to the circuit.
■ Click OK.
10 Click Edit Circuit tab ➤ Edit Circuit panel ➤ Finish Editing Circuit.
Check circuits
■ Expand Electrical, and verify that Load, Distribution System, Voltage, Rating, and Voltage
Drop are selected.
■ Click OK.
■ Click Tags.
■ Click OK.
42 Select a tag and click Modify Lighting Fixture Tags tab ➤ Family panel ➤ Edit Family. Click Yes.
43 Select the label name and click Modify Label tab ➤ Label panel ➤ Edit Label.
44 In the Edit Label dialog, note the label parameters and click Cancel.
45 Click Modify Label tab ➤ Create panel ➤ Create Similar.
46 Click Place Label tab ➤ Alignment panel ➤ Horizontal ➤ Center and Vertical ➤ Top.
47 In the drawing area, click below the first one to place it.
to label .
■ Click Apply and note the label parameters are divided into 2 lines in the drawing area.
■ Deselect Break and for Suffix, enter a comma, and click Apply.
■ Click OK.
49 Click Place Label tab ➤ Selection panel ➤ Modify to end the command.
50 Drag the handle on the right side of the tag to resize it by dragging it to the left.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\03_Electrical
Systems\RME_Elec_Design_06_i.rvt.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\03_Electrical
Systems\RME_Elec_Design_07_i.rvt.
Add a circuit
1 Verify that the Level 2 Power Plan view is open.
2 In the drawing area, zoom to space Instruction 221 and draw a pick box to select all the
components in the space.
3 Click Multi-Select tab ➤ Filter panel ➤ Filter.
4 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, and for Category, select Electrical Fixtures. Click OK.
5 Click Modify Electrical Fixtures tab ➤ Create Systems panel ➤ Power.
6 Click Modify Electrical Circuits ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Select Panel.
7 In space Electrical 220, select the PP-2B panel.
13 Select the wire again, and in the drawing area, click the minus symbol to delete a tick mark.
14 Click Insert tab ➤ Load from Library panel ➤ Load Family.
15 In the Load Family dialog, navigate to Imperial Library ➤ Electrical Components ➤ TickMarks,
select Hook Wire Tick Mark.rfa, and click Open.
16 Click Manage tab ➤ Project Settings panel ➤ MEP Settings drop-down ➤ Electrical Settings.
17 In the left pane of the Electrical Settings dialog, select Wiring, and in the right pane, for Ground
Wire Tick Mark, select Hook Wire Tick Mark.
18 For Neutral Wire Tick Mark, select Long Wire Tick Mark.
19 Click OK.
20 Highlight one of the receptacles in space Computer Lab 222, press Tab to display a preview of
the circuit wiring, and click to select the circuit.
29 In space Instruction 221, add another wire between the connector on the last receptacle in 221,
and the connector on the nearest receptacle in space Computer Lab 222, as shown.
Notice that there are now 4 tick marks on the homerun and the wiring for space Instruction
221 and a double arrowhead to indicate the multi-circuit homeruns. There are only 3 tick marks
30 Add wiring to space Electrical 220, and connect its wiring to a receptacle in space Instruction
221.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\03_Electrical
Systems\RME_Elec_Design_08_i.rvt.
Circuit loads should be balanced to present as nearly as possible an equal load to each phase. This will reduce
neutral current as well as prevent an excess voltage drop due to one phase being overloaded. Balancing loads
begins with adjusting the loads at the panels farthest from the power source.
6 Click OK.
Verify and adjust wire sizes
7 With panel LP-2B still selected, click Electrical Circuits tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Circuit
Properties.
8 In the Instance Properties dialog for the circuit:
■ Scroll down and note the current value for the Wire Size parameter is 3-#12, 1-#12, 1-#12.
■ Scroll down, and note the value for the Wire Size parameter is now 3-#10, 1-#10, 1-#10.
■ Click OK.
23 With panel PP-2B still selected, click Electrical Circuits tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit Circuit.
24 Select the transformer TP-2B.
Panel PP-2B is now reconnected to transformer TP-2B.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\03_Electrical
Systems\RME_Elec_Design_09_i.rvt.
■ Select PP-2B.
■ Click OK.
11 Click OK twice.
12 Close the file with or without saving it.
Next you use the System Browser to check your design.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\03_Electrical
Systems\RME_Elec_Design_10_i.rvt.
■ Expand Unassigned.
Note the receptacle in space Lounge 212.
7 Move the cursor over the receptacle on the right side wall and press TAB once.
In the System Browser, note that the receptacle is not connected to any circuit.
8 Move the cursor over the receptacle on the bottom wall, press TAB once, and then click the
receptacle to select the circuit.
9 Click Modify Electrical Circuits tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit Circuit.
10 Click Edit Circuit tab ➤ Edit Circuit panel ➤ Add to Circuit.
11 Select the receptacle on the right side wall.
12 Click Edit Circuit tab ➤ Edit Circuit panel ➤ Finish Editing Circuit.
In the System Browser, notice that PP-2C for circuit 2 is updated.
Check circuits
In this tutorial, you learn how to use Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 to plan and design a plumbing system.
217
218
Planning a Plumbing
System 9
Creating plumbing systems in Revit MEP is similar to any design project; planning is critical to a successful design. In this
lesson, you prepare to design the plumbing system by:
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open
Imperial\04_Plumbing\RME_Plumb_Planning_01_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Plumbing - Design ➤ Floor Plans,
and verify that Level 1 - Plumbing Plan - Design is open.
2 In the Project Browser, expand Families ➤ Pipes ➤ Pipe Types, right-click PVC - Sanitary, and
click Properties.
3 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate.
4 In the Name dialog, type PVC - Vent, and click OK.
219
5 In the Type Properties dialog, under Mechanical, for:
■ Preferred Junction Type, select Tee.
■ Cross, select Tee Reducing Double Vent - PVC - Sch 40 - DWV: Standard.
6 Click OK.
In the Project Browser, under Pipe Types, PVC - Vent is listed.
NOTE For additional information on the Mechanical Settings, refer to Revit MEP Online Help.
221
Adding Sanitary Plumbing Fixtures
In this exercise, you add 2 toilets, 1 urinal, and a floor drain to the level 1 men’s room. You place 3 sinks in
a later exercise.
Training File
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\04_Plumbing
Systems\RME_Plumb_Design_01_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Plumbing - Design ➤ Floor Plans,
and verify that Level 1 - Plumbing Plan - Design is open.
2 Zoom in to the bottom middle area of the floor plan, including the men’s room (space Male
107), as shown.
NOTE To identify a space name and number, move the cursor over a space and refer to the tooltip
or the Status Bar for information.
9 In the Type Selector, under Urinal - Wall Hung, select 3/4'' Flush Valve.
10 Click to place the urinal in the space above the 2 toilet spaces, and press Esc.
NOTE If it is difficult to align the urinal to the reference line, zoom in closer.
11 In the Type Selector, under Floor Drain - Rectangular, select 5''x5'' Strainer - 2'' Drain.
12 On the Placement panel, click Place on Face.
In placing the fixture, you select the floor as the face because this is a floor mounted drain.
13 Click to place the drain above and to the right of the accessible toilet (at approximately 6'' and
6'' from the intersection of the reference lines for the 2 toilet areas).
14 Click Modify.
19 Expand Default Sanitary, and review the components listed under this system.
20 Expand the Default Domestic Cold Water folder, and notice that the drain is not included
because it does not have a cold water connector.
21 Close the file with or without saving it.
Training File
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\04_Plumbing
Systems\RME_Plumb_Design_02_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Plumbing - Design ➤ Floor Plans,
and verify that Level 1 - Plumbing Plan - Design is open.
2 In the Project Browser, open Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Plumbing - Design ➤ 3D Views ➤ 3D
Plumbing.
3 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ Tile.
4 Zoom in to the plumbing fixtures in both views.
5 Click Analyze tab ➤ System Browser panel ➤ System Browser, and position the browser window
at the bottom of the screen.
6 In the plan view, starting in the lower left and moving to the upper right corner, draw a selection
box around the fixtures in the men's room.
10 Click Modify Piping Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit System.
11 On the Options Bar, for System Name, enter Sanitary 107.
You include the bathroom space number in the name.
14 In the plan view, select one of the components in the system, for example, a toilet.
15 Click Modify Plumbing Fixtures tab ➤ Layout panel ➤ Generate Layout.
16 In the Select a System dialog, select Sanitary 107, and click OK.
A preview of the piping layout displays.
18 Click to select a point to the left of the accessible toilet, at the midpoint of the detail lines, as
shown.
22 In the left pane of the Pipe Conversion Settings dialog, select Main.
23 For Offset, enter -1' 0''.
24 In the left pane, select Branch, for Offset, enter -1' 0'', and click OK.
The default settings are automatically modified. When laying out a number of different systems
with different offset requirements, it is helpful to be able to change the defaults as you work.
26 On the Options Bar, click (Next Solution) until Solution Type 2 of 7 is selected.
You accept this suggested solution, and modify it to meet project requirements.
27 Click Modify.
29 Click the move parallel control (4-way arrow), and move the cursor to the left to align all 4
segments to the base point.
31 Click Modify.
32 Select the vertical branch line for one of the toilets, and drag the line to the left to snap
perpendicular to the main, as shown.
36 Click to select the fitting to the drain, and examine the sanitary tee to verify proper orientation.
When a fitting is reversed, select the fitting and click to reorient it.
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\04_Plumbing
Systems\RME_Plumb_Design_03_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Plumbing - Design ➤ Floor Plans,
and verify that Level 1 - Plumbing Plan - Design is open.
2 Zoom in to the men’s room (Space Male 107).
■ Click the right endpoint of the placement reference line for the sink to establish a start point.
■ Move the cursor up above the top reference line, enter 2' 4'', and press Enter to create a second
sink.
TIP When entering dimensions, you can enter a space to separate the value for feet and inches,
without having to enter ' and '' symbols. For example, in this step you can enter 2 4 (two space
four) to specify 2' 4''.
■ Press Esc.
10 Click Analyze tab ➤ System Browser panel ➤ System Browser, and position the browser window
at the bottom of the screen.
11 In the System Browser, expand Sanitary ➤ Sanitary 107.
12 In the drawing area, select a component of the Sanitary 107 system.
13 Click Piping Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit System.
14 On the Edit Piping System panel, click Add To System.
15 Click the 3 sinks.
16 On the Edit System panel, click Finish Editing System.
17 In the Project Browser, under Design ➤ Plumbing - Design ➤ 3D Views, double-click 3D Plumbing.
18 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ Tile.
19 In the 3D view, use the ViewCube to orient the view, as shown, and zoom in to the elbow fitting
for the urinal.
20 Select the fitting, and click the + control on the left to upgrade the fitting to a tee.
22 In the plan view, with the tee fitting selected, right-click the top connector (sanitary connector),
and click Draw Pipe.
26 On the Options Bar, for Offset, enter 2' - 6'', and click Apply.
27 Click Modify.
NOTE Piping is displayed according to color filters specified in the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog.
In this example, piping connected to the sanitary system displays in olive green.
31 Click Modify.
32 Select the double wye fitting, and click the lower rotate control to align the fitting parallel to
the sinks.
35 In the plan view, double-click the section head to open the section view.
37 Select the fitting, right-click the right connector, and click Draw Pipe.
38 Click Place Pipe tab ➤ Placement Tools panel ➤ Automatically Connect to switch on this option.
39 Draw the pipe as shown:
■ Draw at a 45 degree angle up and to the right, enter 1', and press Enter.
■ Move the cursor horizontally to the right until the end of the pipe segment intersects with
the centerline of the right sink, and click to place the pipe.
40 Click Modify.
41 Using the same method, draw similar piping for the left sink (the first segment angled at 135°),
as shown.
42 Click Modify.
43 Select the center vertical pipe in the double wye fitting.
45 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ Tile so you can see all 3 views.
46 In the section view, draw a selection box around the left sink to select it, right-click the bottom
connector, and click Draw Pipe.
47 Move the cursor down, press Spacebar, enter 6'', and press Enter to create the segment of pipe.
48 Click Modify.
49 Using the same method, draw a 6'' pipe for the other 2 sinks.
You can see in the 3D view that it is connected. You adjust the orientation after placing all 3
P-Traps.
56 Using the same method, rotate the P-Trap for the other 2 sinks.
58 Using the same method, connect the right sink to the double wye.
59 Connect the middle sink using a routing solution:
■ In the 3D view, click to select the P-Trap for the middle sink.
■ In the plan view, right-click the left connector on the P-Trap, and click Draw Pipe.
■ Move the cursor to the left, enter 6'', and press Enter.
■ Click Modify.
■ On the Routing Solutions panel, click Finish to select the recommended solution.
■ Press Esc.
Specify a slope
60 In the 3D view, while pressing Ctrl, select the 3 horizontal pipes from the sinks, as shown.
64 Select a pipe that you just modified, and verify the slope.
65 Close the file with or without saving it.
Training File
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\04_Plumbing
Systems\RME_Plumb_Design_04_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Plumbing - Design, and open the
following views:
■ Floor Plans ➤ Level 1 - Plumbing Plan - Design.
2 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ Tile, and adjust the views as necessary to view the plumbing.
3 In the Section view, select the elbow fitting on the right, as shown.
Training File
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\04_Plumbing
Systems\RME_Plumb_Design_05_i.rvt.
Specify mechanical settings for the hot and cold water systems
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Plumbing - Design ➤ Floor Plans,
and verify that Level 1 - Plumbing Plan - Design is open.
6 In the left pane, select Branch, for System Type, select Domestic Hot Water, and specify the
same settings for the Branch Domestic Hot Water system.
7 In the left pane, select Main, and for System Type, select Domestic Cold Water.
8 Specify options for the Main cold water piping:
■ For Pipe Type, select Pipe Types: Water.
9 In the left pane, select Branch, and specify the same settings for the Branch Domestic Cold
Water system. (Remember to specify Domestic Cold Water as the System Type.)
10 Click OK.
Create the cold water system
11 In the Project Browser, under Design ➤ Plumbing - Design ➤ 3D Views, double-click 3D Plumbing
- Overall.
12 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ Tile.
13 Click Analyze tab ➤ System Browser panel ➤ System Browser, and position the browser at the
bottom of the screen.
14 In the System Browser, minimize the Sanitary system, if necessary, expand Unassigned, and
notice that Default Domestic Hot Water and Default Domestic Cold Water systems are listed.
These categories include all of the components placed earlier that have relevant connectors.
15 In the plan view, draw a selection box to select the toilets, urinal, and sinks. (Do not select the
floor drain because it does not have a hot or cold water connector.)
16 Click Multi-Select tab ➤ Filter panel ➤ Filter.
17 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Plumbing Fixtures, and click OK.
■ For Flow Conversion Method, verify that Predominantly Flush Valves is selected.
22 In the 3D view, select the toilet closest to the vertical soil stack.
23 Click Modify Plumbing Fixtures tab ➤ Layout panel ➤ Connect Into.
24 Click the horizontal water main above the toilets.
Notice that the water main displays in blue, indicating that it is now part of the cold water
system.
30 In the plan view, click to the left of the urinal, at the intersection of the water main pipe, as
shown.
33 Click Modify.
34 In the plan view, select the sink above the urinal, right-click the top DCW connector, and click
Draw Pipe.
35 In the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Types: Water is selected.
36 Move the cursor to the left, press Spacebar so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the
existing pipe, enter 7'', and press Enter.
37 On the Options Bar, for Offset, enter 4'0”, and press Enter.
38 Move the cursor up to the top of the third sink, and click to place the pipe.
41 Select the top sink, and click Modify Plumbing Fixtures tab ➤ Layout panel ➤ Connect Into.
42 In the Select Connector dialog, select Connector 1 : Domestic Cold Water : Round : 1'' : In, and
click OK.
43 Click the branch cold water pipe.
■ Click ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\04_Plumbing
Systems\RME_Plumb_Design_06_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Plumbing - Design ➤ Floor Plans,
and verify that Level 1 - Plumbing Plan - Design is open.
2 In the Project Browser, open Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ Plumbing - Design ➤ 3D Views ➤ 3D
Plumbing - Overall.
3 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ Tile.
4 Click Analyze tab ➤ System Browser panel ➤ System Browser, and position the browser at the
bottom of the screen.
5 In the System Browser, expand the Unassigned folder, and expand the Default Domestic Hot
Water system. Notice that the 3 sinks (lavatories) are listed.
6 In the plan view, while pressing Ctrl, select the 3 sinks.
10 In the System Browser, the Domestic Hot Water 107 system is listed along with the 3 sinks
(lavatories).
When designing systems, a best practice to maximize operation is to assign all components to
the appropriate system and clear the default folders.
14 Click Modify.
15 In the System Browser, in the Unassigned folder. Default Domestic Hot Water, Default Domestic
Cold Water, Default Other folders are created and the Water Heater is listed. (The folders are
created according to the connectors available on the hot water heater.)
Add the water heater to DCW 107
17 Click Piping Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel, verify that DCW 107 is selected, and click Edit
System.
20 In the plan view, select the water heater, right-click the middle left connector, and select Draw
Pipe.
■ Slope: 0''/12''.
24 Move the cursor up, enter 1' 6'', and press Enter.
25 On the Options Bar, for Offset, enter 10’.
26 Move the cursor to the right, and click the water main line, as shown.
27 Click Modify.
The tankless water heater is connected to the cold water supply.
34 Select the water heater, right-click the bottom connector (domestic hot water), and click Draw
Pipe.
35 On the Options Bar, for Diameter, enter 1'', and for Offset, select 4'-6''.
36 Move the cursor down, enter 1' 6'', and press Enter.
37 On the Options Bar, for Offset, enter 9' 0'', and on the Placement Tools panel, click Automatically
Connect to switch it off.
38 Move the cursor to the right, and click just to the left of the cold water pipe, as shown.
42 Click Modify.
45 Using the same method and the Connect Into tool, connect the other 2 sinks to the hot water
pipe.
In this tutorial, you learn how to use Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 to plan and design a fire protection system.
265
266
Planning a Fire Protection
System 11
The most common method of designing systems in Revit MEP is to work within a linked architectural building model. In
this tutorial, you will use a project file that has already been linked to an architectural model, with Space components
placed in the areas throughout the model. To learn more about linking and preparing an architectural model, see Planning
Mechanical Systems in the Mechanical Systems tutorial.
In this lesson, you will create a wet fire protection system for the second floor of an office building.
NOTE All exercises in this tutorial are designed to be completed sequentially; each exercise is dependent on the
completion of the previous exercise. After finishing each exercise, you can choose to save your work. However, it is
highly recommended that you always begin an exercise by opening the provided training file. This training file
includes the work from the previous exercise(s) and ensures a seamless training session. The training files that you
use to complete this tutorial are located in the Training Files ➤ Imperial directory. You can search this directory to
verify that the training files have been downloaded. If the tutorial training files are not present, go to
http://www.autodesk.com/revitmep-documentation and download them.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\05_Fire Protection
Systems\RME_FP_Planning_01_i.rvt.
267
3 Right-click the copy (Standard 2), click Rename, and enter Fire Protection Wet.
4 Right-click Fire Protection Wet, and click Properties.
The new pipe type is created based on the Standard pipe type. Next, you modify the type
properties of the pipe.
5 In the Type Properties dialog, under Mechanical, for Material, select Carbon Steel, and then
click OK.
6 In the Project Browser, verify that Pipe Types : Fire Protection Wet is listed.
Configure pipe conversion settings
7 Click Manage tab ➤ Project Settings panel ➤ MEP Settings drop-down ➤ Mechanical Settings.
8 In the Mechanical Settings dialog:
■ In the left pane, under Pipe Settings ➤ Conversion, select Main.
NOTE The branch offset allows you to automatically create branches that run above or below the
main and other obstacles. This is useful for avoiding interference with pipes, duct, structural beams,
or architectural components.
9 Click OK.
NOTE Conversion settings are applied when you convert the pipe layout path to physical piping.
You can configure the Conversion settings at the beginning or during your project. However, you
should configure or verify the Conversion settings before you convert a layout path. Configuring the
Conversion settings is usually a one-time process unless you need to change them during your project.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\05_Fire Protection
Systems\RME_FP_Planning_02_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ FP - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 2 - Fire Protection Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Click Manage tab ➤ Project Settings panel ➤ Project Parameters.
3 In the Project Parameters dialog, click Add.
4 In the Parameter Properties dialog:
■ Under Parameter Data, for Name, enter Sprinkler Zone.
5 Click OK twice.
6 In the drawing area, select space Instruction 221 as shown, right-click, and click Element
Properties.
When you highlight a space using the cursor, the space crossing lines display, and the tooltip
and status bar display the space name.
7 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Fire Protection, for Sprinkler Zone, enter Zone 1, and
then click OK.
8 Using a crossing window, select the upper half of the building.
You draw a crossing window from the lower left to the upper right of the area you want to
enclose.
14 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Fire Protection, for Sprinkler Zone, enter Zone 2, and
then click OK.
15 Press Esc to clear the selection.
16 Close the file with or without saving it.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\05_Fire Protection
Systems\RME_FP_Planning_03_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ FP - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 2 - Fire Protection Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Click Analyze tab ➤ Reports & Schedules panel ➤ Schedule/Quantities.
3 In the New Schedule dialog:
■ Under Category, select Spaces.
Notice that the schedule name and the phase are automatically added.
■ Click OK.
■ Click OK.
6 Using the same method, create a parameter named Maximum Coverage Area that is an Area
type and is grouped under Fire Protection.
7 Click OK.
8 In the Schedule Properties dialog, click the Formatting tab.
9 On the Formatting tab, select Maximum Spacing, and click Field Format.
10 In the Format dialog, do the following:
■ Clear Use project settings.
11 Click OK twice.
The schedule displays.
12 Select the header in the Key Name column and enter Protection Area Type as the new header.
13 To resize the column widths in the schedule, double-click on each column separator.
14 Select the new header, and on the ribbon, click Modify Schedule/Quantities tab ➤ Schedule
panel ➤ Rows: New.
15 In the new row:
■ In the Protection Area Type column, enter Light, Obstructed-Combustible.
NOTE The units of measure display automatically, based on the parameter settings you specified
previously.
■ Click OK.
■ Name
■ Sprinkler Zone
■ Level
■ Area
■ Maximum Spacing
■ Enter the formula operator / after Area, and then use the method learned previously
to select Maximum Coverage Area from the Fields dialog.
The resulting formula is Area/Maximum Coverage Area.
Click OK.
The Minimum Sprinklers calculated value is added to the scheduled fields (at the
bottom of the list). This calculated value parameter allows you to immediately
determine what spaces meet the sprinkler design requirements.
22 Click OK twice.
The Sprinkler Schedule displays.
■ At the bottom of the dialog, select Grand totals, and select Totals only.
■ For Fields, select Minimum Sprinklers, and then click Field Format.
26 Click OK 3 times.
The schedule is arranged and sorted as specified.
27 In the drawing area, right-click the schedule, and click View Properties.
28 In the Instance Properties dialog, for Filter, click Edit.
29 In the Schedule Properties dialog, for Filter by, select Level equals Level 2.
30 Click OK twice.
31 In the drawing area, use click and drag to select the last 4 schedule column headers.
32 Click Modify Schedule/Quantities tab ➤ Schedule panel ➤ Headers: Group.
33 Click in the grouped header cell, and enter Maximum Sprinkler Spacing and Area Coverage.
34 In the Maximum Coverage Area column and in the Maximum Spacing column, delete the word
Maximum.
■ For Category, select Sprinklers, and then click Embedded Schedule Properties.
■ On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, for Available fields, double-click Type,
System Name, and Count.
■ On the Sorting/Grouping tab, select Grand totals, and select Totals only.
38 Click OK 3 times.
39 In the Project Browser, double-click FP - Design ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 2 - Fire Protection Plan -
Design.
40 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ Tile to tile the floor plan and the Sprinkler Schedule.
41 In the plan view, select space 221 Instruction, and click Modify Spaces tab ➤ Element
panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
42 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Identity Data, notice that there is nothing specified for
Protection Area Construction Type. Notice also that the Maximum Spacing and Maximum
Coverage Area parameters that you created are listed under Fire Protection, but their values are
not determined.
43 Click Cancel.
44 In the schedule, select space 221 Instruction.
45 For Protection Area Construction Type, select Ordinary, Unobstructed.
46 With the space still selected, click in the floor plan to make it the active view, and access the
instance properties.
Notice that the selection you made in the schedule displays in the dialog, and the spacing
parameter values are evident.
47 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Protection Area Construction Type,
select Light, Unobstructed, and click OK.
The parameter change is evident in the schedule.
48 In the floor plan, use a selection box to select the upper half of the building.
49 Filter the selection for spaces only.
50 Access the instance properties.
51 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Protection Area Construction Type,
select Ordinary, Unobstructed.
52 Click OK.
IMPORTANT A schedule in Revit MEP is not only a construction document but also a design tool.
When you change editable entries in the schedule to modify your system, you are actually editing
information in a database of building information. As a result, each change is dynamic and immediately
propagates throughout your project. This digital database information source is the central concept
of Building Information Modeling (BIM).
NOTE All exercises in this tutorial are designed to be completed sequentially; each exercise is dependent on the
completion of the previous exercise. After finishing each exercise, you can choose to save your work. However, it is
highly recommended that you always begin an exercise by opening the provided training file. This training file
includes the work from the previous exercise(s) and ensures a seamless training session. The training files that you
use to complete this tutorial are located in the Training Files ➤ Imperial directory. You can search this directory to
verify that the training files have been downloaded. If the tutorial training files are not present, go to
http://www.autodesk.com/revitmep-documentation and download them.
Adding Sprinklers
In this exercise, you place host-based sprinklers in a ceiling plan view, hosted to the linked architectural
ceiling family. You will use the sprinkler schedule that you created in a previous exercise as a design guide
for sprinkler placement. As you place the sprinklers, you will learn various methods to quickly and precisely
place sprinklers into the ceiling plan.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\05_Fire Protection
Systems\RME_FP_Design_01_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ FP - Design ➤ Ceiling Plans, and
double-click Level 2 - FP_Ceiling to make it the active view.
279
2 Zoom in to the spaces in the lower right corner of the building.
After placing the initial sprinkler, you copy and array sprinklers referencing the intersection of
ceiling grids. This action aligns sprinklers so that the piping layout is more efficient.
IMPORTANT The alignment of sprinklers is critical and will affect the conversion of a layout path to
physical piping in later exercises. Sprinklers should either be aligned to each other or sufficiently
separated to allow space for fittings. When there is a small misalignment, the layout path feature will
attempt to create separate piping paths to the sprinklers. When this happens, there is insufficient
space between the 2 branches to place fittings and the conversion will fail.
You copy the existing sprinklers to place other sprinklers in spaces 203 and 204, because the schedule
indicates that each of those spaces requires a minimum of 3 sprinklers.
11 In the drawing area, while pressing Ctrl, select the sprinklers that you placed.
13 On the Options Bar, verify that Constrain is cleared, and that Copy and Multiple are selected.
14 Select the upper left corner near the copy selection as the copy start point.
15 Select points in the 2 spaces to the left, as shown, and then press Esc.
Copies of the sprinklers are placed after you specify the end point. Next, you place non-hosted
sprinklers.
In this section, you place non-hosted sprinklers, specify a vertical offset, and array the sprinklers in the 3
spaces that comprise the Corridor (200A, 200B, and 200C). You place the system components based on the
design requirements (sprinkler count and spacing) indicated in the schedule.
16 Close the ceiling plan view.
17 In the Project Browser, open Design ➤ FP - Design ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 2 - Fire Protection Plan
- Design.
18 Type WT, and then tile the floor plan and schedule views horizontally.
19 In the floor plan, zoom in to the entire wing in the lower right of the building.
20 Click Home tab ➤ Plumbing & Piping panel ➤ Sprinkler.
21 Click Place Sprinkler tab ➤ Element panel, and select Sprinkler-Upright : 1/2" Upright from the
Type Selector drop-down.
22 In the 200A Corridor space, click to place a sprinkler at the beginning of the corridor as shown,
and then click Place Sprinkler tab ➤ Selection panel ➤ Modify.
Because the sprinkler is not hosted, it’s added to the space at an offset of 0' 0". Next, you adjust
the offset.
25 Click OK.
Array sprinklers
26 With the sprinkler still selected, click Modify Sprinklers tab ➤ Modify panel ➤ Array.
27 On the Options Bar:
■ Clear Group And Associate.
28 Click the center of the existing sprinkler as the start point, move the cursor to the right, enter
14' 6", and press Enter.
29 Press Esc.
Notice that the schedule updates, indicating that the design requirements for the corridor spaces
have been met.
IMPORTANT All system components are logically connected either by a system that you create or by a default
system. Unlike logical connections (systems), physical connections (piping) are not required for systems designing.
However, piping is necessary to perform calculations that reference the physical pipe geometry such as sizing.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\05_Fire Protection
Systems\RME_FP_Design_02_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ FP - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 2 - Fire Protection Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
IMPORTANT System components that you place are initially located under a default system category
in the Unassigned folder. This occurs because each system component must be assigned to a system
after it is placed in order to perform calculations such as flow. As you assign sprinklers to systems,
they are moved from the Unassigned folder to their respective assigned system folder.
Keep the System Browser open and refer to it as you create systems.
7 Draw a selection box (from left to right) around the sprinklers in the office spaces, as shown.
8 Click Modify Sprinklers tab ➤ Create Systems panel ➤ Fire Protection Wet to create a fire
protection wet system, and assign the selected sprinklers to it.
The Fire Protection Wet system is created and listed in the System Browser. The wet system that
logically connects the sprinklers displays in red to indicate that the new system is selected. It
does not indicate a pipe layout path.
In the System Browser, all of the selected sprinklers have been moved from the Default Fire
Protection Wet folder to the new system folder, named Fire Protection Wet, within the Piping
Systems folder.
TIP If you click in the drawing area and the red system display clears, place the cursor over a sprinkler,
press Tab, and select the system.
9 In the System Browser, double-click the Fire Protection Wet 1 system listing to view the list of
sprinklers.
You can now view the fire protection system hierarchy: the Fire Protection Wet 1 system logically
connects the sprinklers.
The Layout Paths tools let you specify a source for the system, select an initial piping layout, and make
preliminary modifications to simplify the piping layout. You also verify the pipe conversion settings that
you configured earlier in this tutorial. Revit MEP uses these settings to convert the preview layout path to
physical piping.
11 With the system still selected, click Piping Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit System.
The Edit Piping System panel displays, providing system editing tools. Notice that the Options
Bar allows you to verify or modify the system name, system equipment, and number of elements
in the system.
NOTE The Generate Layout feature is available whenever a system component is selected.
17 Click Generate Layout tab ➤ Generate Layout panel ➤ Solutions, and on the Options Bar, click
Settings.
18 In the Pipe Conversion Settings dialog:
■ In the left pane, verify that Main is selected.
■ For Pipe Type, verify that Pipe Types: Fire Protection - Wet is selected.
■ Verify that the above pipe type and offset settings are the same for Branch.
NOTE The branch offset allows you to automatically create branches that run above or below the
main and other obstacles.
19 Click OK.
The base component provides a source for the fire protection system.
■ Use the arrow keys to view all the solutions, and select solution 5.
The main piping preview connects to the base component in the stairwell. The layout path
solution displays (blue represents the main piping run, and green represents branch lines).
26 You use the Modify tool to customize and simplify the layout. In general, the method for moving
segments in a layout depends on the type of connection between a branch and the main piping:
■ Use (parallel movement control) to move the branch when an (elbow control)
displays at the junction.
location, and then drag the (elbow junction control) to merge the piping preview.
On the Generate Layout panel, click Modify.
27 Select the horizontal layout path segment connecting to the base point.
28 Drag the parallel movement control up to a point between the office/corridor walls and the
corridor sprinklers, as shown.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\05_Fire Protection
Systems\RME_FP_Design_03_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ FP - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 2 - Fire Protection Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom in, and select the elbow fitting as shown.
5 In the drawing area, select any sprinkler that is part of the FP Wet_Zone2 system.
System tools display on the Piping Systems tab.
IMPORTANT After system components (sprinklers, air terminals, radiators, mechanical equipment,
and so on) are logically connected by a system, and pipe or duct is created, you can select the pipe
or duct, or a system component to display system tools. This allows you to modify the system (logical
connection).
6 Click Piping Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit System so that you can add sprinklers to
the system.
7 On the Edit Piping System panel, click Add To System.
8 In the corridor, draw a selection box from lower left to upper right around the sprinklers as
shown (don’t include the last 3 sprinklers).
Notice that the number of system elements updates on the Options Bar.
10 Select a sprinkler in the corridor, and click Modify Sprinklers tab ➤ Layout panel ➤ Generate
Layout.
11 On the Generate Layout panel, verify that Solutions is selected.
12 On the Options Bar, for Solution Type, verify that Network is selected, and select solution 5.
13 Click Finish Layout.
The layout automatically creates a path connecting to the tee created earlier.
15 In the drawing area, select a sprinkler that is part of the FP Wet_Zone2 system.
16 Click Piping Systems tab ➤ System Tools panel ➤ Edit System.
17 Use a selection box to select the remaining 3 sprinklers.
18 Click Finish Editing System.
Connect the sprinklers with pipe
24 In the Piping Plan, pan and zoom to the next unconnected sprinkler.
25 Select the sprinkler, right-click, and click Draw Pipe.
26 Click Place Pipe tab ➤ Element panel, and select Pipe Types: Fire Protection - Wet from the Type
Selector drop-down.
27 On the Options Bar, for Offset, select 9'.
28 In the drawing area, click the intersection with the horizontal main pipe as the pipe endpoint,
and then press Esc.
29 Using the same method, draw pipe from the last unconnected sprinkler to the main pipe.
Layout in 3D
Verify connectivity
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\05_Fire Protection
Systems\RME_FP_Design_04_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ FP - Design ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 2 - Fire Protection Plan - Design is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom to the offices in the lower right corner.
3 Click View tab ➤ Create panel ➤ Section.
4 On the Options Bar, for Scale, select 1/4" = 1'-0".
5 Draw the section:
■ In the drawing area, click outside the corridor wall at the stairs to specify the section line
start point.
6 Press Esc.
Specify section properties
7 In the drawing area, double-click on the section head to open the section view.
■ Click OK.
10 In the Project Browser, right-click Design ➤ FP - Design ➤ Sections ➤ FP Section_Stair, and click
Apply Default View Template.
11 Zoom to the top near the horizontal pipe.
12 If necessary, drag the top section boundary line up.
13 Select the elbow fitting, and then click the top + grip to upgrade the elbow fitting to a tee.
14 Select the tee fitting, and then right-click the top connector, and click Draw Pipe.
15 Press Spacebar.
16 Click Place Pipe tab ➤ Element panel, and select Pipe Types: Fire Protection - Wet from the Type
Selector drop-down.
17 Move the cursor up, enter 7', and press Enter.
35 Open 3D Fire Protection, and zoom in to the cabinet to see the valve in 3D.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\05_Fire Protection
Systems\RME_FP_Design_05_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ FP - Design ➤ 3D Views, and
double-click 3D Fire Protection to make it the active view.
2 Enter WT to tile the 3D and floor plan views, and arrange them so that they’re tiled horizontally.
3 Adjust the view in both windows to view the entire fire protection pipe run as shown.
You will work primarily in the floor plan view and validate the pipe geometry in the 3D view.
NOTE It is important to recognize the distinction between sizing and manually changing the diameter,
height, or width. Changing the diameter, width, or height of pipe on the Options Bar is not considered
sizing in Revit MEP. Sizing is performed using the Sizing tool (Sizing dialog) to size the pipe based
on a series of parameters and calculations. The calculated size of a pipe is the result of the Sizing tool
and not the result of a manual change of diameter, width, or height.
The majority of the pipe segments service no more than 2 sprinklers, and because the design specifications
require a 1 inch diameter for pipes servicing 2 sprinklers, it’s more efficient to specify 1 inch diameter for
all pipe runs, and then adjust branches servicing more than 2 sprinklers separately.
4 In the floor plan view, starting at the lower left corner of the wing, draw a selection box around
the level 2 fire protection piping until just past the section line (don’t include the supply pipe
or hose reel cabinet).
9 In the floor plan view, zoom in to the right half of the wing (including the stairs).
10 Click Annotate tab ➤ Tag panel ➤ Tag by Category.
11 Click to select a segment of pipe in the corridor.
12 If necessary, click Yes to load tags in the alert dialog, .
13 Navigate to Training\Imperial\05_Fire Protection Systems\Pipe Size Tag.rfa, and click Open.
14 On the Options Bar:
■ Verify that Horizontal is selected.
■ Clear Leader.
15 Place the cursor over the pipe segments shown, and after each segment highlights, click to place
the tag.
The tags accurately display the size of the selected pipe segments.
NOTE Tags are view specific. They display only in the view in which they were placed.
Press Esc.
18 In the 3D view, select the vertical pipe below the hose cabinet.
19 Place the cursor over the section of main pipe feeding the last sprinkler, and when the section
highlights, press Tab.
This highlights the piping between the vertical pipe and the last segement.
The number of sprinklers serviced by a branch determines the pipe size used for that branch.
24 In the drawing area, select the top segment of branch pipe in space Instruction 202 (next to the
stairs), as shown.
26 Using the same method, change the diameter of the other top segments to 1 1/4" to accommodate
sprinklers, and then tag the piping as shown.
In this tutorial, you learn how to use Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 to create views, add annotations and dimensions, create
details, and create schedules for construction documentation for a project.
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Creating Documentation
Views 13
In this lesson, you begin the construction documentation for the building project. You learn to create:
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Views_01_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, under Views (Discipline) ➤ Design ➤ HVAC - Design ➤ Floor Plans,
right-click Level 1, and click Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate.
You select Duplicate because only model elements are included in the original view. If the view
included detail graphics, you’d select Duplicate with Detailing.
2 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Copy of Level 1, and click Rename.
3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Level 1 HVAC Duct Plan, and click OK.
Apply a view template
4 In the Project Browser, right-click Level 1 HVAC Duct Plan, and click Properties.
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5 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Identity Data ➤ Default View Template, select HVAC
Duct Plan-Documentation, and click OK.
6 In the Project Browser, right-click Level 1 HVAC Duct Plan, and click Apply Default View
Template.
The view is automatically updated with the defined graphical style, and the floor plan is moved
to its new location in the Project Browser hierarchy.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Views_02_i.rvt.
Matchlines are used with dependent views, to delineate splits in a large floor plan. You crop a dependent
view to show only the area marked by the matchline.
5 Make sure Level 1 HVAC Duct Plan is the active view.
6 Click View tab ➤ Sheet Composition panel ➤ Matchline.
7 Click Create Matchline Sketch tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Matchline Properties.
8 In the Instance Properties dialog, verify that the top and bottom constraints are Unlimited.
You can modify the visibility of matchlines in specific views. This is useful when breaking up
plans with varying geometries across levels.
9 Click OK.
10 In the drawing area, click to specify the first point of the matchline to the left of the plan and
below gridline C.
11 Click beyond the exterior wall of the wing to specify the second point, as shown, and then press
Esc.
■ Click OK.
20 Select the upper view reference and, on the Options Bar, for Target view, select Floor Plan: Level
1 HVAC Duct Plan_A.
21 Using the same method, apply Level 1 HVAC Duct Plan_B to the other view reference.
25 Using the same method, crop the dependent views for plans B and C.
Level 1 HVAC Duct Plan_B
26 Open Sheet M201, and drag Plan_A from the Project Browser onto the sheet.
27 Using the same method, drag Plan_B onto Sheet M202 and Plan_C onto Sheet M203.
28 Make Level 1 HVAC Duct Plan the active view, and zoom to each of the view references.
The view references in the primary view are automatically updated as the views are placed on
sheets, indicating the detail and sheet number of each view.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Views_03_i.rvt.
■ Click OK.
6 In the Project Browser, right-click Plumbing Isometric - Domestic Water, and click Apply Default
View Template.
The section crop lines no longer display.
11 Select the vertical segment of pipe coming off the tankless water heater, press Tab 3 times, and
click to select it.
12 Using the same method, change the line weight to 4 and the line pattern to Dash Dot 3/16".
■ In the drawing area, highlight a segment of the sanitary piping, press Tab 3 times, and
click to select it.
21 Click OK twice.
22 Click Annotate tab ➤ Dimension panel ➤ Spot Slope.
23 Click on the horizontal pipe below the sinks to select it.
24 Move the cursor above the pipe, and click to place the spot slope annotation, as shown.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Views_04_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Documentation ➤ HVAC-Duct ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 1 HVAC Duct Plan is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Zoom in to an office in Area C (the bottom section of the plan).
3 Click View tab ➤ Create panel ➤ Callout.
4 Click Callout tab ➤ Element panel, and select Floor Plan from the Type Selector drop-down.
5 On the Options Bar, for Scale, select 1/4"=1'-0''.
6 Draw the callout around the ductwork as shown, beginning at the upper left and ending at the
lower right.
■ Select the Drag Head control (the control on the leader line that is closest to the callout
head), and move it to the bottom right corner of the boundary.
■ Expand the Callout Boundary category and, using the same method, change the line weight
for the Callout Leader Line to 5.
■ Click OK.
12 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click M601 - HVAC Duct Plan & Sections.
13 In the Project Browser, select Callout of Level 1 HVAC Duct Plan, drag it to the sheet, and click
in the empty space at the top center to place it.
■ Click OK.
17 In the Project Browser, right-click the callout view, and click Apply Default View Template.
The display of the ductwork changes from coarse detail to fine.
Ductwork in coarse detail
19 Zoom in to the area near the central stairs and section markers.
20 Double-click the section head at the left of the stairs to open Room 214 Section.
■ add text notes, duct tags, and diffuser tags to an HVAC documentation plan.
■ create permanent dimensions in a lighting plan so that you can control the location of specific fixtures.
■ work with model-based components, linetypes, symbols, and annotation to create a legend.
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Creating Annotations
In this exercise, you work with tag and leader types to create an annotated HVAC documentation plan.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Annotations_01_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, under Documentation ➤ HVAC-Duct ➤ Floor Plans, double-click Level
2 HVAC Duct Plan to make it the active view.
2 Zoom in to the offices in the lower right corner of the building in Area C, as shown.
8 With the text still selected, use the drag grips to modify the text box width and position it so
that it doesn’t cross the ductwork or wall.
17 Click Modify.
Tag remaining diffusers
18 Using the same method, tag the remaining diffusers in the area. If necessary, move diffuser tags
off the ductwork.
In order to display additional information about an element, you can annotate the element with a second
tag type.
28 In the Project Browser, open Documentation ➤ HVAC-Pipe ➤ Floor Plans ➤ Level 1 HVAC Pipe
Plan ➤ Level 1 HVAC Pipe Plan_A.
29 Zoom in to the piping near the stairs in the upper right corner of the building in Area A.
30 Click Annotate tab ➤ Tag panel ➤ Tag by Category.
31 On the Options Bar, select Horizontal, Leader, and Attached End.
32 In the drawing area, select the select the large pipe on the right as shown.
35 Click above and to the right of the leader start point to place the leader as shown.
You edit the type properties for the pipe size tag so that you can specify a different leader style.
37 In the drawing area, select the last tag placed.
38 Click Modify Pipe Tags tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Element Properties drop-down ➤ Type Properties.
39 In the Type Properties dialog, for Leader Arrowhead, select Dot Open 1/16", and click OK.
40 Using the method learned previously, tag the bottom horizontal pipe as shown.
Notice that the new tags you place use the new style, and the tags placed previously have changed
to the new style as well. That’s because you changed a type property, not simply an instance
property, and all elements of that type are affected.
Creating Dimensions
In this exercise, you use temporary dimensions to locate, lay out, and lock lighting fixtures.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Annotations_02_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Documentation ➤ Lighting ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 1 Lighting Plan ➤ Level 1 Lighting Plan_A is highlighted, indicating that it’s the
active view.
2 Zoom in to the left side of the plan.
3 Select the upper left lighting fixture.
4 Using the Move Witness Line control, drag the witness line on the right to the face of the wall
on the left side of the selected lighting fixture.
8 Click Modify Dimensions tab ➤ Witness Lines panel ➤ Edit Witness Lines.
9 Select the reference line at the center of the next fixture to the right.
10 Repeat for the remaining 2 top fixtures, and then select the interior face of the wall.
11 Click in any empty space in the drawing area to finish.
12 Press Esc.
15 To lock the dimensions between the interior fixtures, click the 3 interior locks on the line.
16 Press Esc.
Modify dimensions to offset fixtures
19 Using the same methods, lock the dimensions of the interior fixtures for the remaining 2 rows,
and offset them 8' from the wall.
20 Close the file with or without saving it.
Creating a Legend
In this exercise, you create an HVAC Sheet Metal legend using model-based legend components, annotation
symbols, linework, and notes.
Training File
■ Click OK.
9 In the drawing area, click below the title to place the diffuser.
■ EXHAUST GRILL
16 Click Modify.
21 Press Esc.
22 Zoom in to the copied component.
23 Delete the arrow and the left 3 lines at the center of the component.
24 Select the component’s break line, and click Modify Detail Items tab ➤ Modify panel ➤ Mirror.
25 Select the center reference line as the mirror line.
26 Press Esc.
27 While pressing Ctrl, select the top and bottom detail lines on the left side of the component.
28 Click Modify Lines tab ➤ Element panel, select Thin Lines from the Line Style drop-down, and
then press Esc.
The selected detail lines are now thin.
34 Using the method learned previously, mirror the text on the center reference line of the
component.
35 Change the text on the right to N, and then change the text note to CONNECT NEW DUCT
TO EXISTING DUCT.
36 Click anywhere in the view to finish editing.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Detailing_01_i.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Views (Discipline) ➤ Documentation ➤ Power ➤ Floor
Plans ➤ Level 1 Power Plan ➤ Level 1 Power Plan_B is highlighted, indicating that it’s the active
view.
2 Double-click the right elevation head to open the Power Riser - 113 East elevation view.
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3 Click Annotate tab ➤ Tag panel ➤ Tag by Category.
4 On the Options Bar, clear Leader.
5 In the drawing area, select each of the 2 panelboards.
Next, you place both the North and East elevation views on a sheet, and then modify and align
the views.
6 In the Project Browser, double-click Sheets (all) ➤ E101 - Electrical Power Riser Diagram to make
it the active view.
7 Drag the Power Riser - 113 North elevation view from the Project Browser to the empty area at
the upper left of sheet E101, and click to place it.
Place the view close to the left edge of the sheet so that there is room in the same space for the
east elevation view.
8 Using the same method, place Power Riser - 113 East on the sheet.
Notice that the software displays a dashed line so that you can align the views as you place
them.
11 In the drawing area, select the 113 North view, right-click, and click Activate View.
12 Select the Level 1 line, and use the filled circle drag control on the right to drag the end of the
level line to the right.
Doing this enables you to later drag the 113 East view to the left, giving the appearance of a
single view.
14 Select the title of the 113 North view, and click Modify Viewports tab ➤ Element panel ➤ Element
Properties drop-down ➤ Instance Properties.
15 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Title on Sheet, enter Electrical Power
Riser Diagram, and click OK.
18 In the drawing area, select the 113 East elevation view, right-click, and click Activate View.
19 Select the Level 1 line, right-click, and click Hide in view ➤ Elements.
20 Select the 113 East elevation view again.
21 Using the drag control, move the view to the left so that it overlaps the 113 North view, as
shown.
You combine views in order to create a one-line diagram. In the next exercise, you add wiring
to the diagram.
22 Press Esc.
23 Close the file with or without saving it.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Detailing_02_i.rvt.
Create a linetype
1 In the Project Browser, verify that Sheets (all) ➤ E101 - Electrical Power Riser Diagram is
highlighted, indicating that it’s the active view.
2 Close the Project Browser.
This maximizes the drawing window so that you can more easily add wiring to the riser diagram.
3 Click Manage tab ➤ Project Settings panel ➤ Settings drop-down ➤ Line Styles.
4 In the Line Styles dialog:
■ Under Category, expand Lines.
■ In the New Subcategory dialog, for Name, enter Electrical Power, and click OK.
■ In the Line Styles dialog, for Line Weight, select 6, and then click OK.
5 In the drawing area, zoom in to the service transformer (T-SVC) located at the bottom left of
the Power Riser - 113 North view.
6 Click Annotate tab ➤ Detail panel ➤ Detail Line.
7 Click Place Detail Lines tab ➤ Element panel, and select Electrical Power from the Type Selector
drop-down.
8 On the Options Bar, verify that Chain is selected.
9 Beginning at the transformer, draw lines to represent the wiring to the switchboard (SWB), as
shown.
As you draw, notice that there are no snaps active. Zoom in as necessary and use the drag controls
to make sure the lines clean up properly.
TIP When you use the Trim tool, you select the portion of the line that you want to keep.
18 Select the vertical detail line that connects into MDP_2 as the first line to trim.
19 Select the horizontal line to the right of the first line, so that the result is as shown.
You create the break symbol and text note once, and then copy them to multiple locations in the diagram.
21 Zoom in to panel MP-1B.
30 Select the text, and use the drag controls to resize the text box and position it as shown.
35 Click the endpoint of each of the corresponding lines for the other 2 mechanical panels (MP-2B
and MP-3B) as the copy endpoints.
You use 3 detail lines to create a ground wire symbol. You enter exact values for each line length.
■ Using the same method, change the length of the bottom line to 0 0.125.
■ Press Esc.
By grouping the lines that represent the ground wire, you can ensure that they stay together. You can also
specify the origin point of the group so that it is placed accurately.
45 Click View tab ➤ Windows panel ➤ User Interface drop-down ➤ Project Browser to open the
browser view.
46 In the Project Browser, expand Groups ➤ Detail.
47 In the drawing area, while pressing Ctrl, select all 3 lines.
48 Click Modify Lines tab ➤ Create panel ➤ Create Group.
49 In the Create Detail Group dialog, for Name, enter Ground, and click OK.
Notice that the new Ground group displays in the Project Browser.
50 With the group selected, drag the Modify Group Origin control to the midpoint of the top detail
line, and then press Esc.
54 Select the group, and click Modify Detail Groups tab ➤ Create panel ➤ Create Similar.
55 Click below each of the transformers (TP-1B, TP-2B, and TP-3B) to place the ground wire group
in those locations.
56 Draw a detail line to connect each ground wire group to its transformer.
You pin the view and all detail lines so that they don’t get moved accidentally.
57 Using a crossing window (beginning at lower left and extending to upper right), select the entire
Electrical Riser Power Diagram viewport.
58 Click Multi-Select tab ➤ Modify panel ➤ Pin.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Detailing_03_i.rvt.
7 On the ViewCube, click Home, and then click the corner where the Top, Back, and Left sides
converge, and then press Esc.
8 In the Project Browser, right-click Typical Make Up Air Isometric Detail, and click Apply View
Template.
9 In the View Templates dialog:
■ For Show Type, select 3D Views, Walkthroughs.
■ Click OK.
This isolates the mechanical components by turning off the architectural components.
10 Select the long rectangular duct at the rear, right-click, and click Hide in view ➤ Elements.
You hide this duct because it’s not part of the detail being created.
■ Move the cursor down and to the left, and click to specify the second leader point.
■ Move the cursor to the left and click to specify the text insertion point.
15 Using the same method, label the connecting duct 8x8 Makeup Air to Return Plenum (Provide
Motorized Damper); Typical.
16 Select the text for the 8x8 duct, and drag the controls to resize the text box as shown.
17 With the text still selected, click Place Text tab ➤ Alignment panel ➤ Horizontal: (Right).
18 Press Esc.
20 In the drawing area, type VP to open the instance properties for the view.
21 In the Instance Properties dialog, under Extents, select Crop Region Visible, and then click OK.
22 Zoom out so that the isometric detail and the crop region are both visible.
23 Click on the crop region, and use the drag controls to position the boundaries around the detail,
as shown.
24 Access the instance properties for the view, and under Extents, select Crop View and clear Crop
Region Visible.
25 Click OK.
26 Zoom to the drawing extents.
Place the view on a sheet
27 In the Project Browser, open Sheets (all) ➤ M601-HVAC DUCT PLAN & SECTIONS.
28 Drag the new isometric view from the Project Browser onto the sheet.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Detailing_04_i.rvt.
■ Click OK.
The new view is listed in the Project Browser under Views (Discipline) ➤ ??? ➤ ??? ➤ Drafting
Views (Detail). By defining a Sub-Discipline and a View Classification, you can more accurately
locate the view in the Project Browser hierarchy.
3 In the Project Browser, right-click the view name, and click Properties.
■ Click OK.
14 Drag the cursor down and to the left so that the rectangle is 1' 8" x 5 1/2".
19 Click Annotate tab ➤ Detail panel ➤ Detail Group drop-down ➤ Place Detail Group.
20 Select 1.5 NR 18 from the Type Selector drop-down.
21 In the drawing area, click the bottom left corner of the filled region to specify the group insertion
point.
22 Click Modify.
You edit the boundary of the concrete slab so that it matches the contour of the metal deck.
23 In the drawing area, select the filled region.
24 Click Modify Detail Items tab ➤ Detail panel ➤ Edit Boundary.
25 Click Modify Detail Items > Edit Boundary tab ➤ Draw panel ➤ (Line).
26 Zoom to the lower left corner of the filled region.
27 Using the following illustration as a guide, click to select the indicated points in succession from
left to right to define the new boundary.
29 Highlight one of the lines you just drew, press Tab to highlight the chain of lines, and then click
to select them.
30 Click Modify Detail Items > Edit Boundary tab ➤ Modify panel ➤ Copy.
31 On the Options Bar, select Multiple.
32 Click point 1 to specify it as the start point, and then click point 6 as the endpoint.
33 Click the endpoint of the copied chain as the start point for the next chain.
34 Press Esc.
35 Draw a line from the end of the last copied boundary line down to the base of the slab.
36 Click Modify Detail Items > Edit Boundary tab ➤ Edit panel ➤ Trim.
37 Select the small vertical line you just drew, and then select the base of the slab to the right of
the line.
49 Click Modify.
50 Highlight one of the wide lines, press Tab to highlight the chain, and then click to select them.
51 Click Modify Lines tab ➤ Create panel ➤ Create Group.
52 In the Create Group dialog, for Name, enter Flashing Membrane_F.D., and click OK.
Modify the group origin point
54 Drag the origin point so that it snaps to the right endpoint of the detail lines, as shown.
61 Using the same method, add a breakline at the midpoint of the slab’s left edge.
63 Select the left breakline, and use the grips to resize the masking region, as shown.
You begin annotating the detail components by adding a keynote for the floor drain object.
77 Move the cursor up and to the left, and click to specify the second leader point.
78 Move the cursor to the left, and click to specify the text insertion point.
79 Enter Adjustable Nickel Bronze Strainer with 4” Flange, and then click anywhere in the view
to finish editing.
80 Press Esc twice.
81 Select the text note, and use the drag controls to resize and move the text box as shown.
Add dimensions
86 In the Project Browser, open P103 - Plumbing Part Plans & Details.
87 Drag Typical Floor Drain Detail from the Project Browser to the top center of the sheet, and
click to place it.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\06_Construction
Documentation\RME_Docs_Detailing_05_i.rvt.
■ Click Open.
6 Click Manage tab ➤ Project Settings panel ➤ Settings drop-down ➤ Object Styles.
7 On the Imported Objects tab of the Object Styles dialog:
■ Under Category, expand Roof Drains Overflow Imperial.
■ Click OK.
9 In the Project Browser, open P103 - Plumbing Part Plans & Details.
10 Drag Roof Drain Overflow Detail from the Project Browser to the upper right of the sheet.
11 Press Esc.