Revit 2009 Tutorial

Revit MEP 2009
Imperial Tutorial
April 2008
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Third Party Software Program Credits ACIS Copyright 1989-2001 Spatial Corp. Portions Copyright 2002 Autodesk, Inc. Flash is a registered trademark of Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. International CorrectSpell Spelling Correction System 1995 by Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products, N.V. All rights reserved. InstallShield 3.0. Copyright 1997 InstallShield Software Corporation. All rights reserved. PANTONE Colors displayed in the software application or in the user documentation may not match PANTONE-identified standards. Consult current PANTONE Color Publications for accurate color. PANTONE Color Data and/or Software shall not be copied onto another disk or into memory unless as part of the execution of this Autodesk software product. Portions Copyright 1991-1996 Arthur D. Applegate. All rights reserved. Portions of this software are based on the work of the Independent JPEG Group. 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Portions relating to JPEG Copyright 1991-1998 Thomas G. Lane. All rights reserved. This software is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group. Portions relating to TIFF Copyright 1997-1998 Sam Leffler. Copyright 1991-1997 Silicon Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved. The Tiff portions of this software are provided by the copyright holders and contributors as is and any express or implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are disclaimed. In no event shall the copyright owner or contributors of the TIFF portions be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of the TIFF portions of this software, even if advised of the possibility of such damage. Portions of Libtiff 3.5.7 Copyright 1988-1997 Sam Leffler. Copyright 1991-1997 Silicon Graphics, Inc. Permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and sell this software and its documentation for any purpose is hereby granted without fee, provided that (i) the above copyright notices and this permission notice appear in all copies of the software and related documentation, and (ii) the names of Sam Leffler and Silicon Graphics may not be used in any advertising or publicity relating to the software without the specific, prior written permission of Sam Leffler and Silicon Graphics. Portions of Libxml2 2.6.4 Copyright 1998-2003 Daniel Veillard. All Rights Reserved. Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the Software), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions: The above copyright notices and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software. Government Use Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in FAR 12.212 (Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights) and DFAR 227.7202 (Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software), as applicable.
Contents
Getting Chapter 1
Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using the Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Accessing Training Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Understanding the Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Navigating the User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Performing Common Tasks in Revit MEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Express Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Chapter 2 Express Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Creating a Supply Air System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating a Secondary Supply Air System . . . . . . . . . Creating Ductwork for the Secondary Supply Air System . Creating the Primary System Ductwork . . . . . . . . . . Adding the Primary System Equipment . . . . . . . . . Inspecting and Color Coding the System . . . . . . . . . Creating Electrical Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Lighting Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Switch Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tagging Lighting Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Power Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balancing Electrical Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 . 26 . 31 . 35 . 39 . 45 . 47 . 47 . 57 . 60 . 63 . 72
Developing Your MEP Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Chapter 3 Mechanical Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Planning Mechanical Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Placing Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assigning a Color Scheme to Zones . . . . . . . . . Performing a Heating and Cooling Loads Analysis .
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Chapter 4
Mechanical Systems: Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Designing Air Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placing Air Terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using a Schedule as an Air Systems Design Tool . . . . . . . . . Creating Secondary Supply Air Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Views to Validate Duct Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drawing the Primary Supply Air Duct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sizing the Primary Duct: Velocity Method . . . . . . . . . . . . Assigning a Color Scheme to Duct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sizing the Secondary Air System Duct: Equal Friction Method . Inspecting Air Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placing Air Conditioning Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Completing the Supply Air Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checking Air Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 . 101 . 108 . 112 . 136 . 141 . 148 . 153 . 156 . 160 . 162 . 168 . 185
Chapter 5
Mechanical Systems: Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Designing Piping Systems . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Piping Views . . . . . . . . . . Placing Radiators and a Boiler . . . . . . Creating the Piping Systems . . . . . . . Creating Pipe Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . Resolving Pipe Interference . . . . . . . Connecting the Boiler . . . . . . . . . . Sizing the Pipe Runs: Friction & Velocity Placing Circulator Pumps . . . . . . . . Inspecting Piping Systems . . . . . . . . Checking Piping Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 . 189 . 196 . 200 . 204 . 217 . 230 . 249 . 252 . 260 . 263
Chapter 6
Electrical Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269

Planning Electrical Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preparing the Electrical Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defining Required Lighting Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assigning Space Color Fills According to Required Lighting Levels . Creating a Space Schedule to Check Required Lighting Levels . . . Designing the Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding Lighting Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placing Lighting Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placing Power Receptacles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Power & Lighting Usage Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placing Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Power Circuitry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Lighting Circuitry and Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Switch Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Multi-Circuit Wire Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checking Your Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defining Circuit Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 . 269 . 274 . 280 . 281 . 284 . 284 . 291 . 296 . 303 . 304 . 309 . 314 . 320 . 325 . 331 . 338
Chapter 7
Plumbing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

Planning Plumbing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . Preparing the Plumbing Plan . . . . . . . . . Configuring Plumbing and Piping Systems . Designing Plumbing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344 . 344 . 345 . 346
vi | Contents
Add Plumbing Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . Begin Creating the Sanitary System . . . . Connecting Sinks to the Sanitary System . Refining the Sanitary Stack . . . . . . . . . Refining the Urinal Lines . . . . . . . . . . Adding Vents to the System . . . . . . . . Create the Cold Water System . . . . . . . Create the Hot Water System . . . . . . . .
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Chapter 8
Fire Protection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405

Designing Fire Protection Systems . . . . . . . . . Starting the Fire Protection Project . . . . . Placing Sprinklers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the Sprinklers . . . . . . . . . . Completing the Fire Protection Wet System . Creating the Fire Protection Dry System . . . Modifying Pipe Diameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405 . 406 . 410 . 432 . 445 . 451 . 458
Chapter 9
Creating Revit MEP Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469

Modifying Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying a Fan Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying Fan Powered VAV Box with Electric Heat Family . Modifying Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying a Water Closet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying a Diffuser Annotation Tag Family . . . . . . . . . Modifying a Light Fixture Annotation Tag Family . . . . . . Creating Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating a Light Fixture Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flange Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating an Elbow Pipe Fitting Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating an Annotation Symbol Family . . . . . . . . . . . . Revit MEP Family Editor Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hosts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lookup Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parameter Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Light Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470 . 470 . 474 . 483 . 488 . 491 . 493 . 498 . 498 . 507 . 518 . 555 . 561 . 561 . 568 . 568 . 568 . 569 . 570 . 571 . 571
Documenting Your Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575 Chapter 10 Adding Views and Sheets to a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 577
Creating Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Duplicating Plan Views . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Elevation and Section Views . . . . Creating Callout Views . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying View Tag Appearance . . . . . . . Setting Visibility and Graphics Options in Views . Creating a View Template . . . . . . . . . . View Range and Plan Regions . . . . . . . . Using Filters to Control Visibility . . . . . . Masking Portions of a View . . . . . . . . . Working with Visual Overrides . . . . . . . . Creating Drawing Sheets in a Project . . . . . . . Creating Drawing Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 577 . 577 . 582 . 589 . 595 . 599 . 599 . 602 . 605 . 607 . 610 . 615 . 615
Contents | vii
Adding Views to Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 619 Modifying the Building Model from a Sheet View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 623 Creating and Modifying a Title Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 626
Chapter 11
Tagging and Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631

Tagging Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sequentially Placing and Tagging Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tagging Doors and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tagging Other Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defining Schedules and Color Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating a Window Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding Project Parameters to a Window Schedule . . . . . . . . . . Creating a Unit-Based Door Schedule with a Filter . . . . . . . . . . Creating a Room Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scheduling Rooms from a Program List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating a Room Color Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating a Material Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scheduling Shared Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating a Shared Parameter File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding Shared Parameters to a Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placing, Tagging, and Scheduling a Family with Shared Parameters . Scheduling Uniformat Assembly Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scheduling Uniformat Assembly Codes and Descriptions . . . . . . . Exporting Project Information with ODBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exporting Schedule Information to Microsoft Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631 . 631 . 637 . 641 . 644 . 644 . 649 . 651 . 654 . 656 . 662 . 670 . 673 . 673 . 675 . 678 . 682 . 682 . 684 . 684
Chapter 12
Annotating and Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 687

Changing the Base Elevation of a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Relocating a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Automatic Wall Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controlling Witness Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating an Office Standard Dimension Type from Existing Dimensions . Creating Text Annotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding Text Notes to the Floor Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 687 . 688 . 692 . 692 . 702 . 704 . 709 . 712 . 713
Chapter 13
Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719
Creating a Detail from a Building Model . . . . Detailing the View . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding Detail Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding Text Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Detail Components . . . . . . . . Adding Keynotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Line-based Detail Components . Modifying a Keynote Database . . . . . . . Creating a Drafted Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . Importing a Detail into a Drafting View . . Creating a Reference Callout . . . . . . . . Creating a Detail in a Drafting View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 . 720 . 727 . 731 . 732 . 735 . 737 . 741 . 742 . 742 . 743 . 745
Chapter 14
Finishing the Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 761

Using Note Blocks . . . . . . . Creating a Note Block . . Using Drawing Lists . . . . . . Creating a Drawing List . Using Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 761 . 761 . 767 . 767 . 769
viii | Contents
Creating a Symbol Legend . . . . Creating a Component Legend . Using Revision Tracking . . . . . . . . Setting Up a Revision Table . . . Sketching Revision Clouds . . . . Tagging Revision Clouds . . . . . Working with Revisions . . . . . Importing from Other Applications . . Importing Image Files . . . . . . Importing Text Documents . . . Importing Spreadsheets . . . . .
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Chapter 15
Using Dependent Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 795

Using Dependent Views in Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 797 Using Dependent Views for Floor Plan Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 797 Using Dependent Views for Elevation Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 808
Using Advanced Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813 Chapter 16 Grouping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815

Creating, Modifying, and Nesting Groups . Creating and Placing a Group . . . . Modifying a Group . . . . . . . . . . Nesting Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . Working with Detail Groups . . . . . . . . Creating a Detail Group . . . . . . . Using Attached Detail Groups . . . . Saving and Loading Groups . . . . . . . . Saving and Loading Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815 . 815 . 823 . 827 . 830 . 830 . 833 . 836 . 836
Chapter 17
Sharing Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Worksharing in a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Understanding Worksharing Fundamentals . . . . . . . Enabling Worksharing and Setting Up Worksets . . . . Working Individually with Worksets . . . . . . . . . . . Using Worksets with Multiple Users . . . . . . . . . . . Borrowing Elements from the Worksets of Other Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839 . 840 . 840 . 844 . 848 . 851 . 856
Chapter 18
Creating Multiple Design Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 861

Creating Multiple Design Options in a Project . Creating the Structural Design Options . . Creating the Roof System Design Options . Managing Design Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 861 . 862 . 872 . 879
Chapter 19
Project Phasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 883

Using Phasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 883 Phasing Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884 Using Phase-Specific Room Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 890
Chapter 20
Linking Building Models and Sharing Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 893

Linking Building Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linking Building Models from Different Project Files . Repositioning Linked Building Models . . . . . . . . Controlling Linked Building Model Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 894 . 894 . 903 . 906
Contents | ix
Managing Linked Building Models . . . . . . . Sharing Coordinates Between Building Models . . . Acquiring and Publishing Coordinates . . . . Relocating a Project with Shared Coordinates . Working with a Linked Building Model . . . . Managing Shared Locations . . . . . . . . . . Scheduling Components of Linked Files . . . .
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Customizing Project Settings and Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 923 Chapter 21 Modifying Project and System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 925
Modifying System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying General System Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specifying File Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specifying Spelling Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying Snap Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying Project Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating and Applying Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating and Applying Fill Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controlling Object Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying Line Patterns and Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying Annotations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specifying Units of Measurement, Temporary Dimensions, and Detail Level Options . Modifying Project Browser Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating an Office Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choosing the Base Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying Project Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loading and Modifying Families and Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying Views and View Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying Import/Export Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting up Shared and Project Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Named Print Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 925 . 925 . 927 . 929 . 930 . 933 . 933 . 937 . 939 . 942 . 947 . 949 . 950 . 953 . 953 . 954 . 959 . 961 . 964 . 965 . 967
x | Contents
Getting Started
Introduction
This introduction helps you get started with the Revit MEP 2009 tutorials and presents the fundamental concepts of the product, including:

how Revit MEP works. the terms used when working with the product. how to navigate the user interface. how to perform some common tasks in the product.
Using the Tutorials

In this lesson, you learn how to use the Revit MEP tutorials, including where to find the training files and how to create a new Revit MEP project from a template file. 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.
Accessing Training Files

Training files are Revit MEP projects, templates, and families that were created specifically for use with the tutorials. In this exercise, you learn where the training files are located, as well as how to open and save them.
Where are the training files located?

Training files, by default, are located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2009\Training. Training files are grouped into 3 folders within the training folder:
Common: generic files often used to teach a concept. These files are not dependent on imperial or metric units. Common file names have a c_ prefix.
Imperial: files for users working with imperial units. Imperial file names have an i_ prefix. Metric: files for users working with metric units. Metric file names have an m_ prefix.
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 included in the training files location to ensure that all audiences access the correct files.
What is a training file?

A training file is a Revit MEP project that defines a building information model and views of the model that are used to complete the steps in a tutorial. Many tutorials include a Training File section that references the training file to be used with the tutorial. In other tutorials, you create a project from a template, rather than opening an existing training file. Open a training file 1 Click File menu 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 Common, Imperial, or Metric, depending on the type of training file.
4 Click the training file name, and click Open. Save a training file 5 To save a training file with a new name, click File menu Save As. In many cases, the work you do in a project during a tutorial exercise becomes the starting point for the next exercise. In many tutorials, you create a project or modify an existing project, save the changes, and use the saved version of the file to begin the next exercise or lesson. 6 Complete the information in the Save As dialog:
For Save in, select the folder in which to save the new file. You can save the file in the appropriate Training Files folder or in another location. Note where you save the file so you can open it for additional exercises as required.
4 | Chapter 1 Introduction
For File name, enter the new file name. A good practice is to save the training file with a unique name after you have made changes. For example, if you open c_settings.rvt and make changes, you should save this file with a new name such as c_settings_modified.rvt. For Files of type, verify that Project Files (*.rvt) is selected, and then click Save.
Create a project from a template 7 To create a project from a template, rather than using an existing training file, click File menu New Project.
8 In the New Project dialog, under Create new, select Project. 9 Under Template file, verify the second option is selected, and click Browse. 10 In the left pane of the Choose Template dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Templates. 11 In the Choose Template dialog, review the Revit MEP templates. Templates are available for specific building types: commercial, construction, and residential. Each template contains predefined settings and views appropriate for the corresponding building type. For most tutorial projects, you will use the default template, and customize the project as necessary. 12 Select default.rte, and click Open. 13 Click OK.
Understanding the Basics

In this lesson, you learn what Revit MEP is and how its parametric change engine benefits you and your work. You begin with the fundamental concepts on which Revit MEP is built. You learn the terminology, the hierarchy of elements, how to navigate the user interface, and how to perform some common tasks in the product.
What is Revit MEP 2009?

The Revit MEP platform for building information modelling is a design and documentation system that supports the design, drawings, and schedules required for a building project. Building information modelling (BIM) delivers information about project design, scope, quantities, and phases when you need it. In the Revit MEP model, every drawing sheet, 2D and 3D view, and schedule is a presentation of information from the same underlying building model database. As you work in drawing and schedule views, Revit MEP collects information about the building project and coordinates this information across all other representations of the project. The Revit MEP parametric change engine automatically coordinates changes made anywherein model views, drawing sheets, schedules, sections, and plans.
Understanding the Basics | 5
What is meant by parametric?

The term parametric refers to the relationships among all elements of the model that enable the coordination and change management that Revit MEP provides. These relationships are created either automatically by the software or by you as you work. In mathematics and mechanical CAD, the numbers or characteristics that define these kinds of relationships are called parameters; hence, the operation of the software is parametric. This capability delivers the fundamental coordination and productivity benefits of Revit MEP: Change anything at any time anywhere in the project, and Revit MEP coordinates that change through the entire project. The following are examples of these element relationships:
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.
How does Revit MEP 2009 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.
Element behavior in a parametric modeler

In projects, Revit MEP uses 3 types of elements:
Model elements represent the actual 3D geometry of the building. They display in relevant views of the model. For example, walls, windows, doors, and roofs are model elements. 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 model. For example, dimensions, tags, and 2D detail components are view-specific elements.
There are 2 types of model elements:
Hosts (or host elements) are generally built in place at the construction site. For example, walls and roofs are hosts. Model components are all the other types of elements in the building model. For example, windows, doors, and cabinets are model components.
There are 2 types of view-specific elements:
Annotation elements are 2D components that document the model and maintain scale on paper. For example, dimensions, tags, and keynotes are annotation elements. 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.
This implementation provides flexibility for designers. Revit MEP elements are designed to be created and modified by you directly; programming is not required. If you can draw, you can define new parametric elements in Revit MEP. In Revit MEP, the elements determine their behavior largely from their context in the building. The context is determined by how you draw the component and the constraint relationships that are established with other components. Often, you do nothing to establish these relationships; they are implied by what you do and how you draw. In other cases, you can explicitly control them, by locking a dimension or aligning 2 walls, for example.
Understanding Revit MEP 2009 terms

Most of the terms used to identify objects in Revit MEP are common, industry-standard terms familiar to most architects. However, some terms are unique to Revit MEP. Understanding the following terms is crucial to understanding the software. Project: In Revit MEP, the project is the single database of information for your designthe building information model. The project file contains all information for the building design, from geometry to construction data. This information includes components used to design the model, views of the project, and drawings of the design. By using a single project file, Revit MEP makes it easy for you to alter the design and have changes reflected in all associated areas (plan views, elevation views, section views, schedules, and so forth). Having only one file to track also makes it easier to manage the project. Level: Levels are infinite horizontal planes that act as a reference for level-hosted elements, such as roofs, floors, and ceilings. Most often, you use levels to define a vertical height or story within a building. You
Understanding the Basics | 7
create a level for each known story or other needed reference of the building; for example, first floor, top of wall, or bottom of foundation. To place levels, you must be in a section or elevation view.
Level 2 work plane cutting through the 3D view with the corresponding floor plan next to it
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 walls and beams. Categories of annotation elements include tags and text notes. Family: Families are classes of elements in a category. A family groups elements with a common set of parameters (properties), identical use, and similar graphical representation. Different elements in a family may have different values for some or all properties, but the set of propertiestheir names and meaningis the same. For example, 6-panel colonial doors could be considered one family, although the doors that compose the family come in different sizes and materials. Families are either component families or system families:
Component families can be loaded into a project and created from family templates. You can determine the set of properties and the graphical representation of the family.
System families include walls, dimensions, ceilings, roofs, floors, and levels. 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 wall is predefined in the system. However, you can create different types of walls with different compositions. System families can be transferred between projects.
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 or a 32" x 84" door. 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 building (model instances) or on a drawing sheet (annotation instances).
Navigating the User Interface

One of the advantages of Revit MEP is its ease of use, specifically its clear user interface. The Revit MEP window is arranged to make navigation easy. Even the toolbar buttons are labeled, making it easy to understand what each button represents. Revit MEP uses standard Microsoft Windows conventions. If you have used any other product that follows these conventions, learning Revit MEP is much easier. In the following illustration, the user interface is labeled. In the steps that follow, you navigate and become familiar with the user interface.
Navigating the User Interface | 9
Start a new project 1 On the Standard toolbar, click (New).
This creates a new project based on the default template. The Title Bar 2 Place the cursor at the top of the user interface. The title bar contains the name of the project and the view that is currently open.
By default, new projects are numbered consecutively until saved with a new name. In addition, the Level 1 floor plan view is the default open view. TIP The view opened and the view names are dependent on the template on which the project is based. The Menu Bar 3 The menu bar across the top of the window includes standard menu names such as File, Edit, and View. Click View menu Zoom.
Many of the commands have shortcut keys, which are listed on the menu. For example, the shortcut key for Zoom in Region is ZR. While working in the drawing area, you type the required key combination to perform the command. Another time-saving tool for selecting commands is to place the cursor in the drawing area and right-click. A shortcut menu displays a list of available commands, depending on the function you are performing and what is currently selected. The Toolbar 4 Click Window menu Toolbar. There are several toolbars across the top of the window beneath the menu bar. The toolbar buttons represent common commands. You can control the visibility of the toolbars and turn
the text labels on or off using the Window Toolbar menu. You can use the toolbar grips to resize and move each toolbar.
The Options Bar 5 Click Modelling menu Wall. The bar beneath the toolbars contains wall design options. The Options Bar is context-sensitive and varies depending on the tool or selected component.
6 Click Modelling menu Door. The design options available on the Options Bar are now applicable to doors. On the left side of the Options Bar, a door type is specified. The Type Selector 7 The drop-down list on the left side of the Options Bar is called the Type Selector. Select the drop-down list to view the list of doors.
The Type Selector is a context-sensitive drop-down list. When you select the Door tool, the Type Selector displays a list of doors available in the project. The list of elements in the Type Selector is identical to the elements listed in the Families branch of the Project Browser under the respective category.
8 Click Modelling menu Wall. 9 In the Type Selector, select the drop-down list to see the walls that are available. You can use the Type Selector in 2 ways:
You can select an element type before you add the element to the building model. For example, when you add a door, the door type that displays in the Type Selector is the door type that will be added to the building model. You can use the Type Selector to change an element type after it has been added to the building model. In the drawing area, you can select any element and then change its type using the Type Selector.
The Design Bar 10 Click Window menu Design Bars. The Show Design Bars dialog displays.
The Design Bar is located on the left side of the interface, immediately below the Type Selector. There are 10 tabs in the Design Bar, containing buttons grouped by function. You can control which tabs display by selecting them in the Show Design Bars dialog.
11 Click OK. Each tab contains frequently used commands that are also available from the menu bar.

Basics tab: commands for creating most basic building model components View tab: commands for creating different views in the project Modelling tab: commands to create model elements Drafting tab: commands for adding annotation symbols and creating sheet details for construction documents Rendering tab: commands for creating rendered images Site tab: commands for adding site components and producing site plans Massing tab: commands for creating conceptual designs with masses Room and Area tab: commands for making room and area schemes and plans Structural tab: commands for adding structural components to the project Construction tab: commands for creating construction industry information
To access the commands in a tab, click the tab in the Design Bar. The respective commands display on the Design Bar.
TIP You can control the visibility of each tab by right-clicking on the Design Bar and selecting the tab from the shortcut menu.
The Project Browser 12 To the right of the Design Bar is the Project Browser. In the Project Browser, select Views (all).
You can use the Project Browser to quickly manage the views, schedules, sheets, reports, families, and groups of your current project:
Right-click in the browser to add, delete, and rename views, families, and groups.
The browser is organized by view type (floor plans, elevations, 3D), family category (doors, walls, windows), and group name. Expand or collapse the browser list by clicking the + or next to the name. To open a view, double-click its name. You can also drag and drop from the browser into the drawing area, making it easy to add a family or group to the project or add a view to a sheet. The browser is dockable, so you can reposition it by dragging the Project Browser title bar to a new location.
13 In the Type Selector, scroll through the sorting options available for the Project Browser.
14 Click Settings menu Browser Organization. You can create and modify Project Browser organization schemes for views and sheets. After creating a browser organization scheme, you can instantly change the sorting within the Project Browser by selecting the scheme in the Type Selector. 15 In the Browser Organization dialog, click Cancel. The Status Bar 16 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Wall. 17 Place the cursor near the center of the drawing area. Do not click. The cursor displays as a pencil.
In the bottom left corner of the window, the status bar provides information regarding what you should do next. In this case, it tells you to "Click to enter wall start point." TIP The tooltip that displays is identical to the note in the status bar. 18 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the Wall command. You can control the status bar visibility from the Window menu. The status bar also provides information, in conjunction with tooltips, regarding selected elements in a view. When you place the cursor over an element, it highlights and the status bar displays the element name. 19 Place the cursor over the elevation symbol arrow on the left side of the drawing area. The elevation symbol consists of two parts: the main symbol and the elevation directional arrow (a triangle). Make sure you place the cursor over the elevation directional arrow. It highlights when the cursor is over it.
In the status bar, notice that the name of the highlighted element is Views : Elevation : West. 20 Press TAB, and notice that the highlighted element switches to the main elevation symbol, Elevations : Elevation : Elevation 3. When attempting to select a specific element in a complex or crowded view, you can use the status bar and TAB to switch between elements and select the desired element. Revit MEP 2009 Help 21 Click Help menu Revit MEP 2009 Help. Help is available online at all times during a Revit MEP session. You can use this tri-pane, HTML help window to search for information and quickly display it to read or print. There are several tools that help you find information. You can select a topic on the Contents tab, find a keyword on the Index tab, search for all instances of a word or phrase on the Search tab, or save commonly used pages on the Favorites tab.
In addition, context-sensitive help is available for many parts of the user interface. You can access context-sensitive help in the following ways:
Dialogs: Many dialogs include Help buttons. Click the Help button, and the topic specific to the dialog opens. If no Help button displays, press F1 for context-sensitive help. Windows: From any window, press F1 for help. Toolbar: From the toolbar, click on the Standard toolbar, and then click a specific menu command or button for help. You can also press SHIFT+F1. Tooltips: To see tooltips, rest the cursor over the Toolbar button until the tooltip displays. TIP You can control the level of tooltip assistance using Settings menu Options.
22 Close the Revit MEP Help window.
Performing Common Tasks in Revit MEP

In this exercise, you learn to perform some of the common Revit MEP tasks that are included in the tutorials. After you are familiar with these tasks, it will be easier to work in Revit MEP and focus on the lessons of each tutorial. Use zoom commands to adjust the view In the tutorials, you are instructed to use a zoom command to adjust the viewable area in the window. For example, you may be asked to zoom to a specific region of a view or to zoom to fit the entire building or floor plan in the view. Understanding how to adjust the view will make it easier to work with the building model in the window. There are several ways to access zoom options. In the following steps, you open a training file and practice adjusting the view with the different zoom commands. 1 Click File menu Open. 2 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Cohouse.rvt. The 3D isometric view displays:
3 Click View menu Zoom to display the zoom menu.
Performing Common Tasks in Revit MEP | 17
The zoom menu lists the zoom options and their shortcut keys.
4 Click Zoom Out (2x). In the drawing area, the view zooms out from the building model. 5 On the View toolbar, click the drop-down menu next to the Zoom command to display the zoom options.
NOTE Clicking the Zoom icon itself activates the Zoom In Region command. 6 Click Zoom To Fit. The view of the building model is sized to fit the available window. 7 Click in the drawing area, and type the shortcut ZR to zoom in on a region. The cursor becomes a magnifying glass. 8 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.
9 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 building again. If you do not have a wheel mouse, use a zoom menu command or the toolbar option 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 Settings menu Snaps. Zoom is also available using SteeringWheels. SteeringWheels provide 2D and 3D navigation tools. 10 To display SteeringWheels, on the View toolbar, click The Full Navigation wheel displays in the drawing area. .
As you move the mouse, the wheel follows the cursor around the drawing area. 11 Move the cursor over the Zoom wedge of the wheel so that it highlights. 12 Click and hold the mouse button. The cursor displays a pivot point for the Zoom tool.
13 Drag the cursor down or left to zoom out. 14 Drag the cursor up or right to zoom in. You can change the pivot point by releasing the mouse button, moving the wheel to the desired location, and then using the Zoom tool again. For more information about SteeringWheels, click the pull-down menu on the Full Navigation wheel, and click Help. To define settings for SteeringWheels, click Settings menu Options, and click the SteeringWheels tab. 15 To exit the wheel, press ESC.
Resize elements using drag controls 16 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click 2nd Flr. Cnst. When drawing or modifying a building model, 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 lines and walls in a plan view. Similar controls, referred to as shape handles, display along the ends, bottoms, and tops of selected walls in elevation views and 3D views. 17 Type ZR, zoom in on the upper-left corner of the floor plan, and select the wall, as shown. Notice the small blue dots that display at both ends of the wall. These are the drag controls.
18 Click and drag the left control, moving the cursor to the left horizontally, to lengthen the wall. 19 Click in the drawing area to deselect the wall. Move an element 20 Scroll the view down so you can see the couch and table in the floor plan.
21 Select the Craftsman02 table, and on the Tools toolbar, click
(Move).
Some commands, such as Move and Copy, require 2 clicks to complete the command. After selecting the element to move, for example, click to specify the starting position, and click again to specify the ending position. In this case, you want to move the table closer to the wall. 22 Click the lower-left endpoint of the table.
23 Click next to the lower wall, as shown. The table moves down, and the lower-left corner is placed at the move endpoint.
Another way to move an element is to select it and drag it to a new location. 24 Select the plant, and drag it on top of the table.
Undo commands
25 On the Standard 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 the table in its original position. 26 On the Undo menu, select the second 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. The table and plant are returned to their original locations. NOTE To quickly undo the previous action, on the Standard toolbar, click the Undo command, or press CTRL+Z. End a command 27 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Lines. Some commands, such as the Lines command, stay active or current until you choose another command or end the current command. 28 Click in the drawing area to start the line, and click again to end it. Notice that the Lines command is still active and you could continue to draw lines. 29 To end the command, use one of the following methods:

Choose another command. On the Design Bar, click Modify. Press ESC twice.
30 Close the file without saving your changes.
Express Workshop
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Express Workshop
The Express Workshop tutorials focus on specific areas of Revit MEP functionality and highlight powerful features that are integral to the most common MEP workflows. Each tutorial demonstrates tools you can use to complete tasks that are common to an overall workflow. When you have finished these tutorials, you will have a basic understanding of Revit MEP design and documentation tools, as well as some of the best practices that help you efficiently design and develop an MEP project.
Creating a Supply Air System

In this lesson, you create a supply air system that consists of 2 low pressure, secondary supply air systems and a primary, high pressure system. In Revit MEP, an HVAC system is a logical connection between air terminals and HVAC mechanical equipment. After air terminals and mechanical equipment are placed in a model, you can create supply, return, and exhaust systems using these components. The systems are used to perform calculations and analysis, and to place and size ductwork, which is the physical representation of the system.
The model you use in this lesson contains the secondary system Mechanical Supply Air 1. To create Mechanical Supply Air 2, you place the variable air volume (VAV) box, connect it to existing air terminals, and size the ductwork. You then create the main trunk line for Mechanical Supply Air 3 and connect it to the 2 secondary systems. Finally, you add and connect the air handler, creating the primary supply system.
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Creating a Secondary Supply Air System

In this exercise, you place a parallel, fan-powered, VAV box in the model. You then define a logical connection between the VAV box and 4 existing air terminals, creating a secondary supply system.
At the beginning of this exercise, the model contains one completed secondary supply air system. In this exercise, you create the logical system shown above on the left. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files.
If necessary, scroll until the folder is displayed.
Open the i Express Workshop Supply Air System.rvt file located in the Imperial folder.
Display the Mechanical commands 1 On the Design Bar in the lower-left corner of the screen, click the Mechanical tab.
The Mechanical commands are displayed. 2 If the Mechanical tab is not displayed on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Mechanical.
26 | Chapter 2 Express Workshop
In this tutorial, when you are instructed to click a command on the Design Bar, you find the command at the far left of the screen. Adjust the zoom for the model 3 Type ZE to zoom out to the extents of the model.
The entire model displays on the screen. 4 Type ZR, which is the keyboard shortcut for the Zoom in Region command. The cursor displays as a magnifying glass. 5 Click as shown to specify the upper-left corner of the zoom region.
6 Click to specify the lower-right corner of the zoom region.
The model zooms to the specified area. In this tutorial, when you want to change the area of the model you are working on, you can enter ZE to zoom out. Then, enter ZR and specify a zoom region to zoom in. You can also zoom and pan using the mouse wheel. To zoom in and out, roll the wheel. To pan, hold the wheel down and drag. Add a VAV box 7 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment.
Creating a Secondary Supply Air System | 27
Directly above the Design Bar, on the Options Bar, the Type Selector displays the mechanical equipment that is pre-loaded in the model.
8 In the Type Selector, select Parallel Fan Powered VAV : Size 3 - 8 inch Inlet. 9 Move the cursor to the area near the interior door of the room between grid lines 3 and 4, but do not click.
The cursor displays as the VAV box outline. 10 Press SPACEBAR once to rotate the VAV box 90 degrees.
11 Click to place the VAV box in the location shown.
12 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command.
13 Right-click the VAV box, and click Element Properties. 14 In the Element Properties dialog:
Under Constraints, for Offset, enter 10' 0". You do not need to enter the units; you can enter 10 0 without units, or just 10. This value places the VAV box in the plenum space (between the Level 1 ceiling and the Level 2 floor.)
Under Mechanical - Airflow, verify that SupplyAirFlow is set to 900 CFM. This value is built into the family type for the VAV box. After the system is created, this value is automatically updated to reflect the supply airflow requirement. Verify that the PrimaryToSupplyRatio is 0.200000 (20%). This value is built into the family type for the VAV box.
15 Click OK. 16 Press ESC to clear the selection of the VAV box. Create the system 17 Move the cursor over the leftmost supply air terminal in the model to highlight it.
18 Click to select the air terminal.
19 Move the cursor off the air terminal.
The air terminal turns red, indicating that it has been selected.
Creating a Secondary Supply Air System | 29
20 While pressing CTRL, move the cursor over the supply air terminal to the right, and click to select it.
21 While pressing CTRL, select the 2 supply air terminals to the right. When you release CTRL and move the cursor away from the 4 selected air terminals, the air terminals display in red, indicating that they are selected.
22 On the Options Bar directly above the drawing area, click 23 On the Options Bar, click (Select Equipment For System).
(Create Supply Air System).
24 Select the VAV box you just placed.
The red sketch graphics show the logical connection between the components of the system. 25 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command. You have created a secondary supply air system that includes 4 air terminals and a VAV box. Verify the elements of the system 26 Select an air terminal that is an element of the system you just created.
27 On the Options bar, click
(Edit System).
The Options Bar displays system information such as the system name, the equipment supplying the system, and the number of elements that make up the system.
Revit MEP automatically named the system Mechanical Supply Air 2. You could change the name by overwriting it. In this tutorial, however, you leave it unchanged. 28 In the Supply Air : Mechanical Supply Air 2 dialog, click Finish. Verify the connections between the system elements 29 Move the cursor over an air terminal in the system to highlight it. Do not click. 30 Press TAB.
The sketch graphics highlight, showing the logical connection between the components of the system. 31 Move the cursor off the air terminal. Next, you complete the secondary system by adding ductwork.
Creating Ductwork for the Secondary Supply Air System

The model now contains the logical connection for Mechanical Supply Air System 2, the secondary supply air system shown below on the left. In this exercise, you create the physical connection for the system, the ductwork.
Dataset Continue to use the dataset you used in the previous exercise, i Express Workshop Supply Air System.rvt. Specify the layout 1 Select an air terminal in the system you created.
2 On the Options Bar, click
(Layout Path).
3 On the Options Bar, for Solution Type, select Network.
Creating Ductwork for the Secondary Supply Air System | 31
A network layout solution displays with main segments in blue and branch segments in green. 4 On the Options Bar, click solutions. (Show Next Solution) to display other suggested network
5 Click until the network solution shown below displays.
Specify the layout path settings 6 On the Options Bar, click Settings. Configuring the layout path settings is usually a one-time process unless you need to change them during the project. The layout path settings determine the behavior and appearance of the ductwork and piping for mechanical, piping, plumbing, and fire protection systems, thus maintaining the consistency of these systems within the project. 7 In the left pane of the Duct Conversion Settings dialog, select Main. 8 In the right pane of the Duct Conversion Settings dialog:

Under System Type: Supply Air, for Duct Type, verify that Round Duct: Tees is selected. Verify that Offset is 10' 0".
9 In the left pane of the Duct Conversion Settings dialog, select Branch.

Under System Type: Supply Air, for Duct Type, verify that Round Duct: Tees is selected. Verify that Offset is 10' 0". Verify that Flex Duct Type is set to Flex Duct Round : Flex - Round. Verify that the Maximum Flex Duct Length is 2 0.
10 Click OK. 11 On the Design Bar, which is located to the far left of the drawing area, click Finish Layout.
Revit MEP automatically creates and initially sizes all of the ducts and fittings required to connect the components of the system. 12 If the ductwork displays in wireframe instead of with shading, click View menu Shading with Edges, or click in an empty part of the drawing area, and type SD. Check the connectivity of the system You can check the connectivity of ducts and fittings using the TAB key. 13 Highlight a segment of the newly created ductwork by moving the cursor over it. Do not click. You will use TAB to examine the hierarchy of the system components. 14 Press TAB.
The branch to which the duct is connected highlights. 15 Press TAB again to highlight the next level of connections. 16 Press TAB until the entire hierarchy of connected ducts, fittings, and equipment is highlighted.
If the entire network does not highlight, the system has not been created properly, and a disconnection exists at the point where the highlighting stops. A disconnection will negatively impact calculations involving this system. 17 Click to select the highlighted system. 18 On the Options Bar, click 19 In the Filter dialog:

(Filter Selection).
Click Check None. Select Duct Fittings. Select Ducts. Select Flex Ducts.
20 Click OK. Size the duct system 21 On the Options Bar, click Sizing. Revit MEP supports 4 of the most common sizing methods: Friction, Velocity, Equal Friction, and Static Regain. 22 In the Duct Sizing dialog:
Under Sizing Method, select Friction, and enter .08 in-wg/100ft.
Creating Ductwork for the Secondary Supply Air System | 33
Verify that Only is selected. Under Constraints, for Branch Sizing, select Calculated Size Only.
23 Click OK. The ductwork is sized using the friction method at .08 inches of water column per 100 feet of ductwork. The ductwork is automatically updated with all the necessary fittings. 24 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command. Verify the sizing 25 In the system you created, select the segment of duct shown.
(Element Properties).
27 In the Element Properties dialog, scroll to Mechanical - Airflow. The Flow value of 150 CFM matches the required flow for the air terminal. 28 Click OK. 29 Press ESC to clear the selection. 30 Select the segment of duct shown.
32 In the Element Properties dialog, scroll to Mechanical - Airflow. The Flow value of 300 CFM is the sum of the 2 air terminals. 33 Click OK. 34 Press ESC to clear the selection. Verify the calculated airflow value for the VAV box. 35 Select the VAV box in the system. 36 On the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
In the Element Properties dialog, under Mechanical - Airflow, the adjusted SupplyAirFlow value of 625 CFM for the VAV reflects the supply airflow values calculated for the system. 37 Click OK. 38 Press ESC to clear the selection. Next, you create the ductwork for the primary system and connect it to the 2 secondary systems.
Creating the Primary System Ductwork

In this exercise, you create the main trunk line for the primary system and connect the 2 secondary systems.
Dataset Continue to use the dataset you used in the previous exercise, i Express Workshop Supply Air System.rvt. Create the primary air duct 1 On the Design Bar, click Duct. 2 On the Options Bar:

In the Type Selector, select Round Duct : Taps. For D:, select 12". This specifies the duct diameter. For Offset, select 10' 0".
The cursor displays as a pencil. 3 To start the duct run, click near the door in the room to the left of the secondary systems, in the location shown by the pencil.
4 Click in the location shown to end the first segment of ductwork.
5 Move the cursor past the rightmost VAV, and click to place the second segment of ductwork and end the run.
Creating the Primary System Ductwork | 35
6 Press ESC twice to end the command. The ductwork and the proper fittings are automatically created.
7 If your trunk line does not match the above illustration and you want to draw it again, do the following:
On the toolbar above the Options Bar, click
(Undo) to undo the last segment of duct.
Click
again to undo to first section of duct.
Draw the main trunk line again, as described above.
Add an end cap Before you size the ductwork for a system, you must place end caps on all open ends of the ductwork except for the end that connects to the air source. This determines airflow direction and ensures accurate duct sizing. 8 Type ZR, and specify a zoom region at the end of the trunk line.
The model is zoomed to the end of the duct.
9 On the Design Bar, click Duct Fitting. 10 In the Type Selector, select Round Duct Endcap : Standard. 11 Place the cursor over the end of the duct to display an endpoint snap point.
12 Press TAB until the point snap graphic shown below displays.
In addition to the graphic at the cursor, the type of snap point is also identified in the tooltip and on the status bat at the lower-left corner of the screen. 13 Click to place the end cap. This connects the end cap to the ductwork, closing the right end of the duct run. 14 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command. 15 Type ZP to zoom to the previous view. Connect one secondary system You will use 2 methods of drawing a duct from a VAV box to the trunk line. First, you use the Connect Into tool to automatically draw the duct. 16 Select the leftmost VAV.
17 On the Options Bar, click 19 Click OK. 20 Select the primary air duct.
(Connect Into).
18 In the Select Connector dialog, select Connector 0 : Supply Air: Round : 8" Primary Air Connector.
Creating the Primary System Ductwork | 37
Ductwork is automatically created to connect the VAV to the primary air flow supply with a tap connection.
Connect the other secondary system Next, you manually draw the connecting duct. 21 Type ZR, and zoom in on the rightmost VAV box.
22 Select the VAV box.
23 Right-click the 8 inlet supply connector, and click Draw Duct.
24 Click on the center of the primary duct in the location where the intersection snap (an X) displays.
The ductwork is created with a tap connection.
25 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command. 26 Type ZP to zoom to the previous view. Next, you add and connect the air handler for the primary system.
Adding the Primary System Equipment

In this exercise, you place an air handler and connect it to the main trunk line to complete the high pressure, primary system.
Dataset Continue to use the dataset you used in the previous exercise, i Express Workshop Supply Air System.rvt. Place the air handler 1 On the Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment. 2 In the Type Selector, select Air Handler : 10 ton. 3 Move the cursor to the location shown. Do not click.
Adding the Primary System Equipment | 39
The cursor displays as the air handler outline. 4 Press SPACE BAR as needed to rotate the air handler 90 degrees. Do not click.
5 Move the air handler to the location shown.
6 Click to place the air handler. 7 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command. Create a vertical section of duct 8 Move the cursor over an edge of the air handler to highlight it.
9 Click to select the air handler.
The connectors on the top of the unit are displayed. These are the connectors for the air handler supply, return, intake, and exhaust. The connectors on the front of the unit, for the hydronic supply and return, are also visible. 10 Move the cursor over the 24" x 24" supply connector.
11 Right-click the connector, and click Draw Duct. 12 On the Options Bar:

In the Type Selector, select Rectangular Duct/Radius Elbows Tees. Under Offset, select 10' 0". On the Options Bar, click (Apply Current Offset).
A vertical section of duct is created. 13 Press ESC. 14 In the Project Browser, which is located directly to the left of the drawing area, expand Mechanical 3D Views.
15 Double-click 3D HVAC.
The vertical section of duct you just created is visible. 16 Close the 3D HVAC view. Attach a rectangular duct 17 Select the vertical duct you just created.
18 Right-click the center point of the duct, and click Draw Duct. 19 Move the cursor to the right, past the end of the primary duct, and click.
20 Press ESC twice to end the command.
Create the main system logical connection 21 While pressing CTRL, select the leftmost VAV box, and then select the rightmost VAV box.
22 On the Options bar:
Click Click
(Create Supply Air System). (Select Equipment for System).
23 Select the air handler.
The sketch graphics show the logical connection between the components. 24 Press ESC. 25 Select the air handler. 26 On the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
In the Element Properties dialog, under Mechanical - Airflow, notice that the value for SupplyAirFlow is 32,815 CFM. This is the capacity of the air handler. 27 Click OK. 28 Click in an empty part of the drawing area to clear the selection. Connect the ductwork
29 On the Tools toolbar located above the Options Bar, click
(Trim/Extend).
30 On the Options Bar, verify that
(Trim/Extend to Corner) is selected.
31 Select the 24" x 24" rectangular supply duct by clicking a point on the duct between the air handler and the primary trunk line.
32 Select the primary 12" round duct.
The ducts are trimmed and connected with the proper fittings.
33 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command. 34 Select the air handler. 35 On the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
In the Element Properties dialog, under Mechanical - Airflow, the value for SupplyAirFlow has been updated based upon the primary to supply ratio you specified in the element properties of the 2 VAV boxes. 36 Click OK. 37 Press ESC to clear the selection. View the system components 38 On the Design Bar, click System Browser.
The System Browser is a tool that displays a hierarchical, discipline-specific list of all the components in the model. Elements are listed by the system they belong to. Elements that do not belong to a system are listed as unassigned elements.
The browser displays 3 mechanical systems: the primary system that you just created, the secondary system that you created in an earlier exercise, and the secondary system that was already in the model when you opened it. 39 In the System Browser, expand Mechanical (3 systems). 40 Expand any Supply Air system to view its HVAC components. 41 When you are done, close the System Browser. Next, you inspect the system and color code the ductwork.
Inspecting and Color Coding the System

In this exercise, you inspect part of the system you created. You then add a legend to automatically color code the ductwork based on specific calculated values. Dataset Continue to use the dataset you used in the previous exercise, i Express Workshop Supply Air System.rvt. Inspect the completed supply air system 1 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical 3D Views, and double-click 3D HVAC.
2 Select a section of a secondary system.
(System Inspect).
Inspecting and Color Coding the System | 45
The selected system maintains its appearance; the other systems are displayed in half tone. 4 On the Design Bar, click Inspect. 5 Move the cursor over a section of the system.
The inspection tag describes the section that is being inspected, including flow, static pressure, and pressure loss. The flow arrows indicate flow direction; the red arrows indicate critical flow path. 6 On the Design Bar, click Cancel Inspector. 7 Close the 3D HVAC view. Place a legend and color code the ductwork Color coding the ductwork provides a quick, visual indication of a systems air flow. 8 On the Design Bar, click Duct Color Scheme Legend. 9 Click in the drawing area to place the legend to the left of the air handler.
10 In the Choose Color Scheme dialog, under Color Scheme, select Duct Color Fill - Flow. 11 Click OK.
The legend is added and the ductwork is automatically color coded based on the actual flow values. Delete the legend and remove color coding from the ductwork 12 Select the legend.
13 On the Options Bar, click 15 Click OK.
14 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, under Schemes, select none.
The color is removed from the ductwork, and the color scheme is removed from the legend. The legend remains selected.
16 On the Standard toolbar at the top of the window, click 17 Click File menu Close. 18 When prompted to save the model, click No.
(Delete) to delete the legend.
You have completed the first Express Workshop lesson, Creating a Supply Air System.
Creating Electrical Systems

In this lesson, you create electrical systems (including lighting circuits, power circuits, and switch systems) by establishing logical connections between electrical components. After creating the logical connections, you create the physical connections between the components: the wiring. You then automatically balance the electrical loads on a panelboard. The model already contains the electrical components you use to create the systems, including power panels, lighting fixtures, junction boxes, receptacles, and switches. Electrical settings have already been specified for the model. Wiring types (including material, temperature rating, and insulation type), voltage definitions, distribution systems, and demand factors have been defined. As you create circuits, Revit MEP ensures that components are compatible with the specified voltages and distribution systems.
Creating Lighting Circuits

In this exercise, you create 2 lighting circuits using lighting fixtures, junction boxes, and a 480V panelboard that have already been placed in the model. One circuit connects the 4 lighting fixtures on one side of a room in the model; the other circuit connects the 4 lighting fixtures on the other side of the room. You use the System Browser to view the created circuits.
Creating Electrical Systems | 47
Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files.
If necessary, scroll until the folder is displayed.
Open the i Express Workshop Electrical Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial folder.
Display the Electrical commands 1 On the Design Bar in the lower-left corner of the screen, click the Electrical tab.
The Electrical commands are displayed. 2 If the Electrical tab is not displayed on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Electrical. In this tutorial, when you are instructed to click a command on the Design Bar, you find the command at the far left of the screen.
Adjust the zoom for the model 3 Type ZE to zoom out to the extents of the model.
The entire model displays on the screen. 4 Type ZR, which is the keyboard shortcut for the Zoom in Region command. The cursor displays as a magnifying glass. 5 Click as shown to specify the upper-left corner of the zoom region.
6 Click to specify the lower-right corner of the zoom region.
The model zooms to the specified area. In this tutorial, when you want to change the area of the model you are working on, you can enter ZE to zoom out. Then, enter ZR and specify a zoom region to zoom in. You can also zoom and pan using the mouse wheel. To zoom in and out, roll the wheel. To pan, hold the wheel down and drag. Create a lighting circuit 7 Move the cursor over the lighting fixture in the upper-left corner of the large room in the model.
Creating Lighting Circuits | 49
The lighting fixture highlights. 8 Click to select the lighting fixture.
9 Move the cursor off the lighting fixture.
The lighting fixture turns red, indicating that it has been selected. 10 While pressing CTRL, move the cursor over the lighting fixture below the selected lighting fixture, and click to select it.
11 While pressing CTRL, select the 2 lighting fixtures that are located immediately to the right of the previously selected 2 lighting fixtures. When you release CTRL and move the cursor away from the 4 selected lighting fixtures, they display in red, indicating that they are selected.
12 On the Options Bar directly above the drawing area, click
(Create Power Circuit).
The red sketch graphics show the created circuit, which is the logical connection between the elements.
13 On the Options Bar, click 14 Select lighting panel LP-1.
(Select a Panel for the Circuit).
The red sketch graphics show the logical circuit with the home run pointing toward the selected panel.
15 Press ESC to clear the sketch graphics. Create a second lighting circuit 16 Place the cursor above and to the left of the 4 lighting fixtures on the right side of the room, and then drag diagonally to create a selection window that includes all 4 lighting fixtures as shown.
17 When you release the mouse button, all the elements within the window are selected.
18 On the Options Bar, click 19 In the Filter dialog:

(Filter Selection).
Click Check None. Select Lighting Fixtures. Click OK.
The lighting fixtures remain selected. 20 While pressing CTRL, click the junction box located among the lighting fixtures to select it.
The sketch graphics show the created circuit, which is the logical connection between the elements.
22 On the Options Bar, click 23 Select lighting panel LP-1.
The sketch graphics show the logical circuit with a home run. The components include the 4 lighting fixtures and the junction box.
24 Press ESC to clear the sketch graphics. Modify a circuit At this point, you have created 2 lighting circuits. 25 Move the cursor over a lighting fixture in the leftmost circuit so that the lighting fixture highlights. Do not click.
26 Press TAB to display the circuit.
The circuit includes 4 lighting fixtures. 27 Click to select the highlighted circuit. 28 On the Options Bar, click (Edit Circuit).
29 In the Power : 1 dialog, click
(Add To Circuit).
30 Select the junction box located among the lighting fixtures.
31 In the Power : 1 dialog, click Finish. Verify the modified circuit 32 Highlight the junction box in the circuit and press TAB.
The modified circuit is highlighted. 33 Move the cursor away from the circuit to remove the highlighting. Display the electrical systems The lighting circuits you created are called electrical systems in Revit MEP. At this point, only the logical connections between the elements exist. The circuits become visible when the physical connections, the wiring, are created. You can display the logical connections using the TAB key, and you can view the system components using the System Browser. 34 Select lighting panel LP-1. 35 On the Design Bar, click System Browser. The System Browser is a tool that displays a hierarchical, discipline-specific list of all the components in the model. Elements are listed by the system they belong to. Elements that do not belong to a system are listed as unassigned elements. 36 In the System Browser, expand Electrical (7 Systems) Power LP-1. 37 Expand the 2 circuits to view their electrical components.
38 When you are done, close the System Browser. Next, you assign switches to control the lighting fixtures.
Creating Switch Systems

In this exercise, you create switch systems to define switching behavior. The 4 lighting fixtures on the left of the room are controlled by one switch, and the 4 lighting fixtures on the right are controlled by another switch. The switches have already been placed in the model.
Dataset Continue to use the dataset you used in the previous exercise, i Express Workshop Electrical Systems.rvt. Create a switch system 1 Select the lighting fixture in the upper-left corner of the room.
(Create Switch System).
The sketch graphics show the only currently selected component of the system.
(Edit Switch System).
All elements in the drawing except the selected lighting fixture display in halftone.
4 In the Switch System dialog, click 5 Select the switch as shown.
(Select Switch).
Creating Switch Systems | 57
The Options Bar displays the selected switch and the number of lighting fixtures currently selected (1).
6 In the Switch System dialog, click
(Add to System).
7 One by one, select the 3 remaining lighting fixtures on the left side of the room.
As you select each lighting fixture, the Number of Fixtures count on the Options Bar is updated, and the lighting fixture displays in full tone in the drawing area.
Assign an identifier to the switch
(Switch Properties).
9 In the Element Properties dialog, under Electrical - Lighting, for Switch ID, enter A. The identifier A is assigned to the switch for reference purposes. 10 Click OK. 11 In the Switch System (A) dialog, click Finish. Verify the switch system 12 Move the cursor over the switch to highlight it. 13 Press TAB.
The switch system highlights.
14 Move the cursor away from the switch system to remove the highlighting. Create a second switch system 15 Drag to draw a selection window that includes the 4 lighting fixtures on the right side of the room.
16 On the Options Bar, click 17 In the Filter dialog:

(Filter Selection).
Click Check None. Select Lighting Fixtures. Click OK.
The selection is filtered. The 4 lighting fixtures remain selected. 18 On the Options Bar, click 19 On the Options Bar, click (Create Switch System). (Edit Switch System). (Select Switch).
20 In the Switch System dialog, click 21 Select the switch as shown.
Assign an identifier to the switch
23 In the Element Properties dialog, under Electrical - Lighting, for Switch ID, enter B. The identifier B is assigned to the switch for reference purposes. 24 Click OK. 25 In the Switch System (B) dialog, click Finish.
Verify the switch system 26 Move the cursor over the switch and press TAB to highlight the switch system.
Next, you define lighting fixture types and tag the lighting fixtures.
Tagging Lighting Fixtures

In this exercise, you define the lighting fixture types for the room. Then, you add a tag to each lighting fixture that identifies its type and the switch that controls it. The lighting requirements for the left side of the room are different from the lighting requirements for the right side of the room, so each side of the room requires a different lighting fixture type.
Dataset Continue to use the dataset you used in the previous exercise, i Express Workshop Electrical Systems.rvt. Tag the lighting fixtures 1 On the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 2 On the Options Bar, clear Leader.
3 Select the upper-left lighting fixture.
The lighting fixture is labeled with an automatically generated tag.
The bottom part of the tag displays the identifier (A) for the switch that controls the lighting fixture. The top part of the tag displays the identifier for the lighting fixture type, which you have not yet defined. 4 One by one, select the remaining 7 lighting fixtures in the room.
The selected lighting fixtures are tagged. 5 Press ESC to end the command. Create a new lighting fixture type 6 Select the upper-left lighting fixture.
7 On the Options Bar, select
8 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 9 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 10 In the Name dialog:

Enter 2x4 3Lamp A. Click OK.
11 In the Type Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Type Mark, enter A. 12 Click OK. 13 In the Element Properties dialog, click OK. 14 Press ESC to clear the selection.
Tagging Lighting Fixtures | 61
The top part of the tag for the lighting fixture with the new type (Troffer Corner Insert - Hosted : 2x4 3Lamp A) is automatically updated to display type mark A. Change the type for some lighting fixtures 15 On the Tools toolbar, click (Match Type).
The cursor displays as an eyedropper. 16 Select the lighting fixture shown to specify the lighting fixture type to be matched.
17 Select the other 3 lighting fixtures on the left side of the room. For each lighting fixture, the type is changed, and the tag is updated.
18 Press ESC twice to end the command. Change the type for the remaining lighting fixtures 19 While pressing CTRL, select the 4 lighting fixtures on the right side of the room.
20 On the Options Bar, in the Type Selector, select Troffer Corner Insert - Hosted : 2x4 3Lamp B.
The 4 selected lighting fixtures are changed to the specified type, and their tags are automatically updated.
21 Press ESC to clear the selection. Turn off the tags 22 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 23 In the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog, on the Annotation Categories tab, scroll to Lighting Fixture Tags. 24 Clear Lighting Fixture Tags. 25 Click OK. The lighting fixture tags are no longer displayed in the model. Next, you create electrical circuits with wiring.
Creating Power Circuits

In this exercise, you use electrical receptacles and a 208 volt panelboard that have already been placed in the model to create 2 electrical circuits with arc type wiring. One circuit connects 2 electrical receptacles in a small room, while the other connects the 8 receptacles in the adjoining large room. You then connect the 2 circuits to create a multi-circuit home run.
Dataset Continue to use the dataset you used in the previous exercise, i Express Workshop Electrical Systems.rvt. Create a power circuit with wiring 1 While holding down CTRL, select the 2 receptacles in the small room.
Creating Power Circuits | 63
The sketch graphics show the logical created circuit.
3 On the Options Bar, click 4 Select power panel PP-1.
The sketch graphics show the created circuit home run.
5 In the drawing area near the created circuit, click
as shown to create arc type wiring.
The circuit wiring with a homerun is created.
6 Press ESC to clear the selection. View conductor information 7 Type ZR, which is the keyboard shortcut for the Zoom to Region command. The cursor displays as a magnifying glass. 8 Click to specify the upper-left and lower-right corners of the zoom region shown. You can also specify the zoom region by clicking in one corner and dragging to the other corner.
9 Select the wire shown.
The tick marks indicate the number of conductors (3) for the wire.
11 In the Element Properties dialog, under Electrical - Loads, verify the number of conductors of each type (hot, neutral, and ground).
12 Click OK. 13 Press ESC to clear the selection. 14 Type ZP to zoom to the previous view. Create a second circuit with wiring 15 In the large room, select the receptacle as shown.
16 While pressing CTRL, select the remaining receptacles in the large room, for a total of 8 receptacles. 17 On the Options Bar, click (Create Power Circuit).
The sketch graphics show the circuit.
18 On the Options Bar, click 19 Select power panel PP-1.
The sketch graphics show the circuit and home run.
20 In the drawing area near the created circuit, click
as shown to create arc type wiring.
The circuit wiring with a homerun is created.
The single arrow at the end of the home run wire indicates a single-circuit home run.
21 Press ESC to clear the selection. Rewire a circuit 22 Select the home run wire for the small circuit.
23 Right-click, and click Delete.
The wire is deleted. 24 Type ZR, and zoom in on the region shown.
25 On the Design Bar, click Wire. The cursor displays as a pencil with arc type wiring.
26 Move the cursor to the location shown.
The cursor is correctly positioned when the point snap graphic displays. If the cursor is positioned as shown, but the point snap graphic is not displayed, press TAB until the graphic displays. In addition to the graphic in the drawing, the displayed snap point is also identified in the tooltip and on the status bar at the lower-left corner of the screen. 27 With the point snap graphic displayed, click to place the end of the wire. 28 Move the cursor to the location shown.
If the cursor is positioned as shown, but the point snap graphic is not displayed, press TAB until the graphic displays. 29 With the point snap graphic displayed, click to place the end of the wire.
The two circuits are automatically connected, creating a multi-circuit home run. 30 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command. View the multi-circuit home run 31 Type ZP to zoom to the previous view.
The 2 arrows on the large circuit home run indicate that it is now a multi-circuit home run. The wires in the circuit have been automatically resized to accommodate the demand created by the new multi-circuit home run. Tag the wires 32 On the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 33 On the Options Bar, select Leader. 34 Highlight a wire in the small circuit as shown.
The temporary label shows the circuit the circuit number (5) and the power panel name (PP-1). 35 Click to place the label. 36 Highlight a wire in the large circuit as shown.
The temporary label shows the 2 circuits (5 and 6) and the power panel name (PP-1). 37 Click to place the label. 38 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command. Next, you balance the electrical loads on panelboard PP-1.
Balancing Electrical Loads

In this exercise, you view the panel schedule report for panelboard PP-1 and balance the electrical loads on this panel. Dataset Continue to use the dataset you used in the previous exercise, i Express Workshop Electrical Systems.rvt. View the panel schedule report 1 Select power panel PP-1.
(Panel Schedule Report).
The Panel Schedule Report view opens. 3 In the Project Browser, which is located directly to the left of the drawing area, scroll down as needed, and expand Reports Panel Schedule.
PP-1 is highlighted to show that it is the currently displayed view.
4 In the Project Browser, under Panel Schedule, right-click PP-1, and click Properties. 5 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Appearance on Sheet, click Edit. The Panel Report Appearance dialog displays. This dialog allows you to control how the panel schedule report displays when it is included on a sheet. 6 In the Panel Report Appearance dialog, click OK. 7 In the Element Properties dialog, click OK. 8 Close the Panel Schedule Report view. Balance the loads on the panel 9 Select power panel PP-1.
10 On the Options Bar, click The Edit Circuits dialog displays.
(Edit Circuits on Panel).
All the circuits connected to the panel are listed, and the current loads on phases, A, B, and C, are shown. 11 In the Edit Circuits dialog, click Rebalance Loads.
The loads are balanced across each phase, and the circuit structure is automatically reorganized. 12 Click OK.
Balancing Electrical Loads | 73
The reorganized circuit structure is reflected in the wire labels. 13 Click File menu Close. 14 When prompted to save the model, click No. You have completed the Express Workshop lesson Creating Electrical Systems.
Developing Your MEP Designs
75
76
Mechanical Systems
In this tutorial, you design a mechanical system for an office building. This system consists of a VAV 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 Revit MEP 2009. This workflow begins with system planning and concludes with system designing. By following the recommended workflow, you learn system design best practices 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 Revit MEP 2009. At the end of this 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 dataset. This dataset includes the work from the previous exercise(s) and ensures a seamless training session. The datasets that you use to complete this tutorial are located in the Training Files Imperial directory. You can search this directory to verify that the datasets have been downloaded. If the tutorial datasets are not present, go to http://www.autodesk.com/revitmep-documentation and download them.
Planning Mechanical Systems

To create a mechanical system in Revit MEP, as with any design project, you first carefully plan the system. In this lesson, you plan the system by first placing spaces in the building. Then you assign zones to the spaces in order to control the spacial environment. After applying a color scheme to the zones, you perform a heating and cooling load analysis to determine the heating and cooling requirements for the building.
Placing Spaces
Spaces allow you to calculate the volume of the areas in the building, and contain information about the locations in which they are placed. This information is used for heating and cooling load analysis. In this exercise, you place spaces in the areas of the building model. First, you configure the linked architectural model, as most MEP engineers work with a linked model during system design. Then, you create a plenum level and place various types of spaces. Dataset
Click File menu Open.
77
In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Spaces.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Configure the linked model 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, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans 1 Mech. The level 1 floor plan of the linked model displays.
2 Place the cursor over the linked model, and after the linked model highlights, right-click, and click Element Properties. The Status Bar located below the Design Bar and a tooltip indicate the Linked Revit Model. 3 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 4 In the Type Properties dialog, select Room Bounding, and click OK twice. This makes the architectural components (such as walls and floors) room-bounding so that they are recognized as boundaries for spaces. NOTE When working with a linked file, make certain that the roof is defined as room-bounding, and that the ceiling is defined as non room-bounding. These components are defined in the architectural dataset, not in the MEP dataset. 5 On the Basics tab of the Design bar, click Modify. The linked model is configured. Next, you add a level for plenums. Add a Plenum level You create plenum levels to place spaces in the plenum areas (between the ceiling and the floor) of the building. You must place spaces in all areas (occupied and unoccupied) of the building to achieve an accurate heating and cooling load analysis. 6 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical HVAC Elevations (Building Elevation), and double-click East - Mech. The elevation view opens.
78 | Chapter 3 Mechanical Systems
7 On the Basic tab of the Design Bar, click Level. 8 In the Type Selector, verify that Level : Plenum is selected. 9 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that
(Draw) is selected.
Verify that Make Plan View is selected. Click Plan View Types, and in the Plan View Types dialog clear Ceiling Plan, and click OK. This creates only a floor plan after the level is added. For Offset, verify that 0' 0" is specified.
10 Draw a plenum level 8' 6" above Level 1.
A new plenum floor plan view named Level 7 is created, and its listed in the Project Browser under Mechanical ???. 11 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical ??? Floor Plans, right-click Level 7, and click Properties. 12 In the Element Properties dialog, do the following:

Under Graphics, select HVAC for Sub Discipline. Under Identity Data, enter Level 1 Plenum for View Name, and press ENTER. If asked to rename the corresponding level and views, click Yes. Scroll down to the Extents category, and click Edit for View Range. In the View Range dialog, do the following:
Under Primary Range, for Top, select Level Above (Level 2), and enter an Offset value of 0 0. For Cut plane, enter an Offset of 1' 0" For Bottom, verify that Associated Level (Level 1 Plenum) is specified with a 0' 0" offset. Under View Depth, for Level, verify that Associated Level (Level 1 Plenum) is specified with a 0' 0" offset.
Click OK twice.
Placing Spaces | 79
The Level 1 Plenum floor plan is now listed under HVAC Floor Plans in the Project Browser. Notice that the level is renamed in the elevation view.
Place a space in an office area and in an open area 13 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 1 - Mech, and maximize the window. 14 Click Windows menu Close Hidden Windows to close the elevation view. If Close Hidden Windows is unavailable, the 1 - Mech view is not maximized or the elevation view was closed. 15 Use the mouse scroll wheel, and zoom the office area located in the upper-left corner of the building. 16 On the Basic tab of the Design Bar, click Space. The Space tool is also on MEP-specific Design Bar tabs. 17 Verify that Space Tag is selected in the Type Selector. 18 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that Tag on placement is selected. For Upper Limit, select Level 1 Plenum. This action specifies the vertical extent of the space. For Offset, enter 0' 0" . Verify that Horizontal is selected in the tag location box. Verify that Leader is cleared. In the Space box, verify that New is selected. The Space box contains all unplaced spaces (spaces that were placed in unbounded areas). New indicates that a new space is being placed.
19 Place the cursor in the office area located in the upper-left corner of the building until the space snaps to the room-bounding elements.
20 Click to place the space.
Only the space tag displays because the visibility for the interior fill and reference lines is not activated.
You activate this visibility later in this exercise. 21 With the Space tool open, enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the drawing area. This displays the entire floor plan and centers it in the drawing area. TIP You can also right-click in the drawing area, and click Zoom to Fit. 22 Move the cursor to the large open area in the center of the floor plan, and after the space snaps to the room-bounding elements, click to place a space as shown. Make certain that you place the space to the center-right of the open space as shown. Later in the exercise, you will separate the open space near the entrance and place a space there.
Placing Spaces | 81
23 Click Modify.
Next, you rename the 2 spaces. 24 Zoom in on the space tag in the upper left hand corner office. 25 Click the space tag name. A text box appears.
Enter Office, and press ENTER. 26 Double-click the space tag number, enter 101 in the text box, and click in the drawing area.
27 Repeat this method, and rename the space in the open area, Open 104. Next, you activate spaces visibility. 28 With the view active, enter VG on the keyboard. 29 On the Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics Overides dialog, expand Spaces, and select Color Fill, Interior, and Reference. The Interior option displays space shading. Reference displays space reference lines (cross hairs). Color Fill displays space color fill when it is applied. You apply color fill to spaces in a later exercise. 30 Click OK. The 2 spaces display in the floor plan view.
Placing Spaces | 83
Place a space in the entrance area You need to place a space in the area next to the building entrance becaue this entrance area will be heated and cooled more often than the rest of the open space. The entrance area is bound only by the radius wallthis area is considered semi-bounded. To place a space in the entrance area, you need to make this area fully-bounded by drawing space separation lines. 31 With the 1 - Mech view active, enter ZR, and draw a zoom region around the upper-corner of the radius wall as shown.
32 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Space Separation. NOTE If the Mechanical tab is not available on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Mechanical. 33 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that
(Draw), Chain, and
(Line) are selected.
For Offset, verify that 0' 0" is specified.
Verify that Radius is cleared.
34 Place the cursor over the upper-corner of the radius wall, and after the end point snap displays, click to specify the start point for the first space separation line segment.
35 Use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom out the view. 36 Draw the line up, and type 4' 0" (notice the text entry box called a dimension listener that pops up), and press ENTER to specify the end point for the first line segment. The Draw tool remains open. 37 Move the cursor to the right to draw a horizontal line 32' 0", and click to specify the end point for the second line segment. 38 Draw the line down 32' 0", and click to specify the end point of the third line segment. 39 Move the cursor to the left 4' 0" (which is located over the lower-end of the radius wall), and after the end point snap displays, click to specify the end point for the last line segment. If you see a warning that the space tag is outside of its space, click Move to Space. 40 Press ESC twice to close the Draw tool. Notice that the Open 104 space adjusted its boundaries so that it is not in the new area. The space separation line created a new fully-bounded area within the large open area. NOTE If the space or the space tag is inside the smaller area, select the space (reference line) or the space tag, and drag it to the larger open area. If the space and space tag are inside the new area, select and drag both of them.
Placing Spaces | 85
NOTE Space separation lines are MEP-specific room-bounding lines that separate areas where a wall is not desired or not possible. After the areas are separated, spaces can be placed in them. Although room separation lines are recognized in Revit MEP, space separation lines are not recognized in Revit Architecture. Next, you place a space in the entrance area. 41 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Space. 42 On the Options Bar, select Level 1 Plenum for Upper Limit, enter 0 0 for Offset, verify that Horizontal is selected in the tag location box, verify that Leader is cleared, and verify that New is slected in the Space box. 43 Place a space in the entrance area.
44 Click Modify. 45 Place the cursor over the space, after the space reference lines highlight, right-click and click Element Properties. 46 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, do the following:

For Number, enter 121. For Name, enter Entrance.
47 Click OK. The space is renamed Entrance 121. Place a space in a chase area 48 Zoom in on the chase that is located to the right of the Mechanical room.
49 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Space. 50 On the Options Bar, select Roof for Upper Limit, and enter 2 0 for Offset. All other Option Bar settings are the same as when you placed the other spaces. Roof is specified for the upper limit because the chase area spans multiple levels and ends at the roof level. The offset places the space 2 feet above the roof. 51 Place a space in the chase area. 52 Press Esc. 53 Rename the space, Chase 118. Place a space in a plenum area 54 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1 Plenum. 55 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Space. 56 On the Options Bar, select Level 2 for Upper Limit, and enter 0 0 for Offset. All other Option Bar settings are the same as when you placed the other spaces. 57 Place the cursor in the plenum area, and click to place a space. 58 With the Level 1 Plenum view active, click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 59 On the Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics Overides dialog, expand Spaces, and select Interior and Reference. 60 Click OK. The plenum space displays in the floor plan view. Notice that the plenum space is not in the mechanical room or in the stairwell. This is because the walls prevent space placement.
Placing Spaces | 87
61 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. Otherwise, close the file. 62 In the Save As dialog, enter Spaces Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. 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 dataset that Autodesk provides. This dataset 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. You used space separation lines to create a new fully-bounded area that was part of a larger area, and you placed spaces for various types of areas. Finally, you modified the spaces visibility for the views. In the next exercise, you add spaces to zones in order to control the spacial environment and perform an accurate heating and cooling loads analysis.
Creating Zones
After spaces are placed in the building, Revit MEP immediately adds them to the Default zone. When you add a space to a zone, that action removes the space from the Default zone. In this exercise, you assign spaces to zones in the building, and verify the zones in the System Browser. Zones allow you to control the spacial environment and to perform an accurate heating and cooling loads analysis. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Zones.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
NOTE All space reference lines have been hidden in the dataset to provide a clearer view of the floor plan. Space shading and the space tags indicate spaces. You can click Reference under Spaces on the Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics dialog (View menu Visibility/Graphics) to display space reference lines. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Mech to make it the active view. 2 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click System Browser. The System Browser opens and docks to the right of the drawing area.
NOTE You can also press F9 (with the drawing area active) or click Window menu System Browser to open the System Browser. 3 Right-click in Systems Browser, and click View Zones. 4 Double-click Default to display a list of the spaces in the building model. This 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. This removes the space from the Default zone.
Next, you assign spaces to a zone. As you do this, you will use the System Browser to confirm that the spaces are in the new zone. Assign a zone to spaces on the same level 5 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Zone. The Zone tool opens, the Zone toolbar displays, and a new zone is created. The new zone is listed in the System Browser. NOTE The Zone toolbar provides zone tools and information. The title bar displays the name of the new zone. You work with one zone until you click Finish. Using the Zone toolbar, you can add or remove a space from the zone, and modify the zone properties.
6 On the Zone toolbar, verify that
(Add a Space to the Zone) is selected.
7 In the drawing area, place the cursor on Office 101 located in the upper-left corner of the building until the space highlights.
Creating Zones | 89
8 Click the space to add it to the zone. In the System Browser, expand the new zone and notice that the Office 101 space is added to it and removed from the Default zone. To view the zone in the drawing area, you need to activate the zone visibility which you do next. 9 With the drawing area active, enter VG. 10 On the Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics Overides dialog, expand HVAC Zones, click Interior Fill and Reference Lines, and click OK. The new zone displays. 11 With the Zone toolbar open, add the Office 102 and Office 103 spaces to the zone. Notice that the zone reference line indicates that the 3 spaces are in the zone.
TIP You can drag the zone reference line to relocate it and better view the spaces that are in the zone. Next, you rename the zone.
12 On the Zone toolbar, click
(Zone Properties).
13 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Name enter 1 - West Offices, and click OK. The new zone name displays in the Zone toolbar and the space is renamed in the System Browser. 14 Expand the 1 - West Offices zone in the System Browser to confirm that the 3 spaces are in it.
15 On the Zone toolbar, click Finish. Assign a zone for spaces on different levels 16 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1 Plenum to open the view. Next, you activate zones visibility for the view. 17 With the drawing area active, enter VG. 18 On the Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics Overides dialog, expand HVAC Zones, click Interior Fill and Reference Lines, and click OK. 19 Click Windows menu Floor Plan: 1 - Mech to make it the active view. 20 Enter WT to tile the 2 windows. 21 Zoom in on each floor plan.
22 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Zone. 23 On the Zone toolbar, verify that

(Add a Space to the Zone) is selected.
24 On the 1 - Mech floor plan, add the following level 1 spaces to the zone: Open 104 Mens Room 105 Mech/Elec 106 Ladies Room 107.
25 With the Zone toolbar open, click in the Level 1 Plenum view to make it active. 26 Add the L1 Plenum 122 space to the zone. 27 On the Zone toolbar, click Finish.
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You need to rename the zone. However, you cannot open the Zone tool as this will create a new zone. Next, you edit the zone to rename it. 28 In either view, select the reference line to the zone that you created.
29 On the Options Bar, click Edit Zone. The Zone tool opens. Notice that the Zone toolbar displays the name of the zone that you are editing.
30 On the Zone toolbar, click
(Zone Properties).
TIP You can also access zone properties by right-clicking the zone in the System Browser, and click Properties. 31 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Name, enter 1 - Open Offices, and click OK.
The new zone name displays in the Zone toolbar and the space is renamed in the System Browser. You can expand the 1 - Open Offices zone in the System Browser to view the 5 spaces in it. 32 On the Zone toolbar, click Finish. Complete the zones for the building 33 For additional practice, use the methods that you learned and assign zones for all the spaces in the building. The table below lists all spaces and the zones. Make certain that you verify the spaces in the floor plan views and in the System Browser If you prefer not to continue with this practice, proceed to the next step. All zones will be provided in the dataset for the next exercise. Spaces
Offices 111, 112, 113 Entrance 121 Offices 108, 109, 110 Open 104, Mens Room 105, Elec/Mech 106, Ladies Room 107, L1 Plenum 122 Offices 115, 116, 117 Offices 101, 102, 103 Stairwells 114, 213 Conference 214 Offices 210, 211, 212 Lounge 208, Office 209 Open 204, Mens Room 205, Elec/Mech 206, Ladies Room 207, L2 Plenum 217 Offices 215, 216 Offices 201, 202, 203 Chases 118, 119, 120
Zones
1 - East Offices 1 - Entrance 1 - North Offices 1 - Open Offices
1 - South Offices 1 - West Offices Stairwells 2 - Conference Room 2 - East Offices 2 - North Offices 2 - Open Offices
2 - South Offices 2 - West Offices Chases
34 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. Otherwise, close the file. 35 In the Save As dialog, enter Zones Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you assigned zones to the spaces that were on the same level and on different levels of the building, You activated zone visibility in the views, and verified the zones in both the floor plan views and
Creating Zones | 93
in the System Browser. In the next exercise, you assign a color scheme to these zones in preparation for laying out a VAV duct system.
Assigning a Color Scheme to Zones

In this exercise, you apply a color scheme to the zones that you created in the previous exercise. A color scheme allows you to communicate and identify parameters visually and spatially rather than you using space schedules or accessing element properties. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Zone Color Scheme.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
NOTE All zone reference lines and shading have been hidden in this dataset to provide a clearer view of the floor plan. You can click Reference Lines and Interior Fill under HVAC Zones on the Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics Overides dialog (View menu Visibility/Graphics) to display zone reference lines and shading. The zones are also listed in the System Browser. Create a new color scheme legend type 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Mech to make it the active view. 2 Enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the drawing area. 3 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Color Scheme Legend. NOTE If the Drafting tab is not available on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Drafting. 4 In the Type Selector, verify that Color Scheme Legend : 1 is selected. Apply the color scheme 5 Move the cursor in the drawing area and notice that the color scheme legend outline indicates that no color scheme has been assigned to the view. The color scheme outline follows the cursor movement to help you accurately position the legend. 6 Position the color scheme legend outline at the top-right corner of the floor plan, and click to place the legend. 7 In the Choose Space Type and Color Scheme dialog, do the following:

Select HVAC Zones for Space Type. Verify that Schema 1 is selected for Color Scheme. Click OK.
The color scheme is applied to the zones in the 1 - Mech view.
8 For additional practice, use the method that you learned and add a color scheme for the zones on the 2 - Mech, Level 1 Plenum, and Level 2 Plenum floor plan views. If you prefer not to continue with this practice, proceed to the next step. All color schemes will be provided in the dataset for the next exercise. 9 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save As. 10 In the Save As dialog, enter Zone Color Scheme Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you applied a color scheme to the zones in your building. In the next exercise, you perform a heating and cooling loads analysis to determine the heating and cooling demands of the building.
Performing a Heating and Cooling Loads Analysis

In this exercise, you verify the building, space, and zone information, and view the spaces in the preview pane to verify space boundaries and volumes. You then perform a heating and cooling loads analysis on your building to determine the heating and cooling demands of the building, and view the loads report. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Energy Analysis.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Specify Project Settings 1 Click Settings menu Project Information. 2 In the Element Properties dialog under Energy Analysis, click Edit for Energy Data. 3 In the Type Properties dialog, do the following:

Verify that Office is specified for Building Type. For Postal Code, enter 03101.
Click for Location, and on the Place tab of the Manage Place and Locations dialog, select Manchester, NH for City, and click OK.
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Verify that VAV - Single Duct is specified for Building Service. For Ground Plane, select Level 1. Verify that <Building> is specified for Building Construction. Verify that Shading surfaces is selected. Verify that New Construction is selected for Project Phase. Verify that 1' 0" is specified for Sliver Space Tolerance. Click OK twice.
Verify area and volume setting 4 Click Settings menu Area and Volume Computations. 5 On the Computations tab of the Area and Volume Computations dialog, verify that Areas and Volumes is selected (default setting), and click OK. NOTE The Areas and Volumes option must be selected to perform an accurate heating and cooling loads analysis. After opening the Heating and Cooling Loads tool, if 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. Verify building information 6 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Heating and Cooling Loads. A preview pane displays the model and 2 tabs contain heating and cooling information for the building. 7 Click the Building tab of the Heating and Cooling Loads dialog, and do the following:

For Building Type, verify that Office is selected. For Building Construction, Default Space Construction, verify that <Building> is selected. You can view the building materials for this construction type by clicking Construction Settings). (Building
For Building Service (Default Space Service), verify that VAV - Single Duct is selected. For Place and Location, verify that Manchester, NH is selected.
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 can also access the building information by clicking Settings menu Project Information. Then, under Energy Analysis, click Edit for Energy Data. You have verified the building information. Next, you view the space and zone volumes in the building model.
View a space 8 In the preview pane, while pressing SHIFT and the mouse scroll wheel, spin the model as shown.
9 In the Heating and Cooling Loads dialog, click the Spaces/Zones tab. The Spaces and Zones tab contains a hierarchical list of spaces and the zones that have been assigned to them. 10 On the View Selector (located below the preview pane), verify that Wireframe is selected (default setting). NOTE Wireframe displays the analytical volume of a space. The analytical volume is bounded by the center plane of walls and the top plane of roofs and floors. 11 Expand the 1 - East Offices zone, and select Office 111. 12 Click (Highlight).
The space for Office 111 highlights in red. The Highlight tool allows you to 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 View Cube mouse to spin, pan, and zoom the model to better view the space.
13 Click
to deactivate the Highlight tool.
Next, you isolate a space.
14 With Office 111 selected, click
(Isolate).
The space displays while all other spaces are hidden. The Isolate tool allows you to verify one or more spaces that normally would be obstructed by other spaces or by the architecture which would normally make it difficult to view.
15 Click
to deactivate the Isolate tool.
Next, you view the volume of the space differently.
16 On the View Selector ,
click Shading.
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. 17 Using the methods that you learned, highlight and isolate the space for Office 111 to view its inner volume.
18 Next, you verify space information. Verify space information 19 On the Spaces/Zones tab of the Heating and Cooling Loads dialog, select Office 111. Below the list of spaces and zones, the space information displays for the selected space, Office 111. This space information will be used during a heating and cooling loads analysis of the space.
20 Under the list of spaces and zones, verify the following space information:
<Building> is specified for Space Type and Construction Type. These specify the space usage and construction materials for the space. <Default> is specified for People Data. This specified the number of people or the area per person for the space. Lighting Loads: <Default> : Power Loads: <Default> is specified for Electrical Data. This specifies the lighting and power loads for the space.
View a zone and zone information
21 On the View Selector
, click Wireframe.
This displays the analytical volume of the spaces in the selected zone. 22 On the Spaces/Zones tab, select 1 - East Offices. This zone contains 3 spaces, including Office 111.
23 As you did earlier, use the (Highlight) and volume of the spaces in the selected zone.
(Isolate) tools to view the analytical
24 Click (Shading), and repeat the above steps to view the inner volumes of the spaces in the 1 -East Offices zone. Next, you verify the zone information. 25 Click 1 - East Offices. Below the list of spaces and zones, the zone information displays for the selected zone, 1 - East Offices. This zone information will be used during a heating and cooling loads analysis of the spaces in the zone. 26 Verify the following zone information for the 1 - East Offices zone:

<Building> is specified for Service Type. 70.00 F : 90.00 F : N/A for Heating Information. This specifies the heating set point, heating air temperature, and humidification set point. 74.00 F : 54.00 F : N/A for Cooling Information. This specifies the cooling set point, cooling air temperature, and dehumidification set point. N/A : N/A : N/A is specified for Outdoor Air Information. This specifies the outdoor air per person, outdoor air per area, and air changes per hour.
IMPORTANT The Heating and Cooling Loads dialog contains space and zone information that only affects the heating and cooling loads analysis. Revit MEP stores this space and zone information as space and zone properties, respectively. You can also access the space and zone information by selecting a space or zone in the drawing area or System Browser, right-clicking, and clicking Element Properties. You can also click (Zone Properties) on the Zone toolbar to access the zone information. The space and zone information is located under Energy Analysis in the Element Properties dialog. View other spaces and zones 27 Using the methods that you learned, view other spaces and zones in the building model, and verify the space and zone information.
You may need to spin, pan, or zoom the view to see the selected space or zone. TIP You can select multiple spaces or zones by pressing CTRL and selecting them, or by pressing SHIFT to select a range of spaces or zones. NOTE If you select multiple spaces or zones that contain different information, that information does not display. For example, if 2 spaces are selected each having different people data, the People Data option becomes blank. Now that the project, building, space, and zone information has been verified, you can perform a heating and cooling loads analysis. Perform a heating and cooling loads analysis 28 On the Heating and Cooling Loads dialog, click Calculate. Revit MEP performs a heating and cooling loads analysis using the integrated heating and cooling loads analysis tool that was developed in partnership with IES (Integrated Environmental Solutions). Various factors are analyzed including analytical and inner volumes of the spaces. See Help for more information about the integrated heating and cooling loads analysis tool and its calculation methods. RELATED <Virtual Environment> allows you to either export the building and space information to the IES <Virtual Environment> program to perform an energy analysis and create an IES model, or import the IES model that has already been created. You must have IES <VE> installed. This product is not included with Revit MEP. After the heating and cooling loads analysis is completed, the Heating and Cooling Loads dialog closes, and a loads report displays. 29 Review the loads report, this report includes 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. TIP You can find all generated Loads Reports in the Project Browser under Reports. 30 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. Otherwise, close the file. 31 In the Save As dialog, enter Energy Analysis Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you verified building, space, and zone information, and viewed the spaces in the preview pane to verify space boundaries and volumes. You then performed a heating and cooling loads analysis on your building and viewed the loads report. This concludes the planning stage of the systems project. In the next lesson, you begin the designing phase by placing air terminals in the spaces.
Mechanical Systems:Air
Designing Air Systems

Designing air systems in Revit MEP is a straightforward and intuitive process. In this lesson, you will create supply air systems. You begin your supply air systems design by placing air terminals in rooms and adding the VAV boxes. Then, you create the secondary and primary supply air system and ductwork to connect the components that you added. After system creation, you continue designing by resolving routing conflicts, sizing ductwork, adding AC units, and then you validate your air system design. IMPORTANT It is highly recommended that you complete Designing 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.
Placing Air Terminals

In this exercise, you place air terminals in the ceiling of the rooms. As you place the air terminals, you create new views, modify air terminal parameters, and learn a method to precisely place air terminals into the ceiling plan. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Air Terminals.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Modify a ceiling plan view 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Ceiling Plans, and double-click 1 - Ceiling Mech to make it the active view. 2 Right-click in the drawing area, and click View Properties. You can also select the 1 - Ceiling Mech view in the Project Browser and click (Properties).
101
3 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, do the following:

Select Level 1 for Underlay. Verify that Reflected Ceiling Plan is selected for Underlay Orientation.
4 Scroll down to the Extents category and click Edit for View Range. 5 In the View Range dialog, specify the following:
Under Primary Range, for the Top parameter, verify that Associated Level (Level 1) is selected, and enter 8' 7" for Offset. You specify 8' 7" so that your view captures the air terminals (which will be located at the ceiling height of 8' 6") and not other system components that may be above the air terminals and in the same level. These components would obstruct your view of the air terminals. Under Primary Range, for the Cut plane parameter, enter 0 for Offset. Under View Depth, for the Level parameter, verify that Associated Level (Level 1) is selected, and enter 8 7 for Offset.
TIP When entering a value, you do not need to type measurement symbols instead, separate the value with a space. For example, you can enter 8 7 and press Tab for 8' 7", or enter 12 3 1/2 for 12' 3 1/2". 6 Click OK twice. You will now use this ceiling plan to place the level 1 air terminals. Add a supply air terminal 7 Verify that 1 - Ceiling Mech is the active view. 8 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Air Terminal. 9 In the Type Selector, select Supply Diffuser - Hosted: Workplane-based Supply Diffuser. 10 On the Options bar, make sure that Place on Face is selected. 11 Click to place the supply air terminal in the upper left office as shown. NOTE The ceiling hosts the diffuser.
102 | Chapter 4 Mechanical Systems:Air
12 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Modify. TIP When you click Modify, the command in progress terminates. You can also press Esc to accomplish this result. Modify the supply air terminal flow and offset parameters 13 Select the supply air terminal that you just placed. Notice that the selected air terminal turns red. 14 On the Options Bar, enter 300 CFM for Flow. Move the supply air terminal
15 With the air terminal selected, click
(Move) on the Edit toolbar.
TIP To use the Move tool, you first specify a start point on the component that you want to move and then you specify an end point for the destination. The start point aligns with the end point when the move is completed. 16 Move the cursor to the bottom right corner of the air terminal, and after the (geometry) end point snap displays, click to specify the move start point. 17 Move the air terminal to the location shown. Move the diffuser so that it fits squarely inside a ceiling tile. Since snaps are not available here, you may have to move it to center it -- use the arrow keys for fine movement control.
Copy the supply air terminal
18 With the Office 101 air terminal selected, click
(Copy) on the Edit toolbar.
TIP You use the same procedure with the Copy tool as with the Move tool. First specify a copy start point on the component that you want to copy and then specify the copy end point (or destination). 19 On the Options Bar, verify that Constrain is cleared and Copy is selected, then select Multiple. Multiple allows you to place multiple copies of the air terminal without reactivating the Copy tool after each placement. 20 Select the bottom-right corner of the air terminal as the copy start point, and then click the midpoint of the Office 102 and then of the Office 103 ceiling grids to specify copy end points, and then click Modify.
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Copies of the air terminal are placed immediately after you specify each end point. Notice that after you specify the copy start point, listening dimensions display to aid placement.
TIP You can enter SM to override all other snaps and display midpoint snaps only. Note that snap overrides deactivate after you make a selection. Add exhaust air grills and return air terminals 21 On the Mechanical tab on the Design Bar, click Air Terminal. 22 In the Type Selector, select Exhaust Diffuser - Hosted: Workplane-based Exhaust Diffuser. 23 Using the add-move-copy placement method, place an exhaust air grill in the Ladies Room (upper restroom), and then copy it to the Mens Room (lower restroom) as shown.
Before you copy the exhaust diffuser, make certain that you specify the airflow parameter to 250 CFM.
24 In the Type Selector, select Return Diffuser - Hosted: Workplane-based Return Diffuser. 25 Using the same placement method, place 3 return air terminals in the open space to the left of the restrooms, and specify a 325 CFM airflow for each of them.
26 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Modify. TIP Notice that each air terminal type is identified by a different symbol. Modify the airflow display arrows 27 Select the Office 101 supply air terminal and use the Copy tool to place a copy below the Mens Room in the Open 1 area.
28 Select the air terminal that you just placed, right-click, and click Element Properties. 29 In the Element Properties dialog, under Mechanical, clear the UpArrow check box, and click OK.
Optional: Complete the level 1 supply air terminal layout For additional practice of the techniques you have learned so far, continue laying out the level 1 supply system. You can safely skip this section if you have mastered the design process. The next exercise starts with a completed drawing. 30 Select the Office 101 air terminal, click on the Edit toolbar.
31 Place copies of this supply air terminal at the ceiling grid intersections as shown below. After you place the supply air terminals, remember to modify the airflow display arrows for air terminals that need 2-way and 3-way blow patterns.
Optional: Create the level 2 air terminal layout For additional practice of the techniques you have learned so far, create the level 2 supply system. You can safely skip this section if you have mastered the design process. The next exercise starts with a completed drawing. 32 Using the placement method that you learned for level 1, do the following for level 2:
Make 2 - Ceiling Mech the active view.
In the Element Properties dialog, specify the same view parameters as 1 - Ceiling Mech but use Level 2 as an Underlay and verify that Associate Level (Level 2) is set for the view range parameters. Use the add-move-copy placement method to place the same type of air terminals on level 2 that you did on level 1. Specify 325 CFM airflow for the supply and return diffusers, and 250 CFM airflow for the exhaust diffusers. Modify the airflow display arrows for air terminals that need 2-way and 3-way blow patterns.
After you finish the level 2 air terminal layout, collapse the ceiling plan views in the Project Browser. You will be using different views to design the systems. The completed level 2 air terminal layout is as shown.
33 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 34 In the Save As dialog, enter Air Terminals Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you placed air terminals in the ceiling of the rooms, modified the air terminal parameters, and learned a method for precise placement. In the next exercise, you create the air systems. In the next exercise, you create schedules and use them as not only as documents but as design tools.
Using a Schedule as an Air Systems Design Tool

Schedules allow you to document the mechanical system components and heating and cooling requirements. More importantly, you can modify this information directly within a schedule making the schedule a design tool. The schedule as a dynamic design tool is a very powerful method to monitor system requirements, and to quickly and accurately make real-time system modifications across the entire Revit MEP project. In this exercise, you create a schedule for the supply air system project. Instead of placing this schedule on sheets as a construction document, you use it as a design tool to determine whether the correct amount of airflow is being supplied to each of the rooms in the model. You then use the schedule to adjust the air terminal airflow properties to more closely meet design requirements. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon.
Open the i Air System Schedules.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities.
Define schedule type 2 In the New Schedule dialog, do the following:
Under Category, select Air Terminals. Notice that the schedule name and the phase is automatically added. Verify that Schedule building components is selected, and that Show categories from all disciplines is cleared. Click OK.
Define columns 3 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available fields, select Flow, and click Add to add the Flow field to the list of scheduled fields to include in the schedule. 4 Add Mark and System Type. 5 Under Select available fields from, select Space. Notice that the content of the Available fields list changes to fields associated with spaces. 6 While pressing Ctrl, select the following fields from the Available fields list:

Space: Actual Supply Airflow Space: Calculated Supply Airflow Space: Name Space: Number
7 Click Add to add them to the Scheduled fields list. 8 Select a field and click Move Up and Move Down to arrange the Scheduled fields list as follows:

Space: Number Space: Name Mark System Type Flow Space: Actual Supply Airflow Space: Calculated Supply Airflow If you need to remove a field, select the field and click Remove.
Create a calculated value parameter 9 Click Calculated Value. 10 In the Calculated Value dialog, do the following:

Enter Actual Calculated Airflow for Name. Verify that Formula is selected. Select HVAC for Discipline. Select Air Flow for Type.
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Use the button on the right to enter Space: Actual Supply Airflow - Space: Calculated Supply Airflow for Formula.
11 Click OK. The Actual Calculated Airflow calculated value is added to the scheduled fields (at the bottom of the list) and will display as a column in the schedule. Format the calculated value parameter 12 On the Formatting tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, in the Fields list, select Actual Calculated Airflow, and click Conditional Format. 13 In the Conditional Formatting dialog, do the following:

Verify that Actual Calculated Airflow is selected for Field. Select Not Between for Test. Enter -35 CFM and 35 CFM for Value. Notice that the conditions that you specified display under Conditions to Use. Click the Background Color and select Red in the Color dialog. Click OK twice.
The Actual Calculated Airflow calculated value parameter allows you to immediately determine what rooms do not meet the design requirements as they are red in the schedule. Organize the data 14 On the Sorting/Grouping tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, do the following:

Select Space: Number for Sort by. Verify that Ascending is selected. Select Footer, and Count and totals. Select Blank line. Verify that (none) is selected for Then by. Verify that Grand totals is cleared, and Itemize every instance is selected. On the Filter tab, select System Type for Filter by, equals, and select Supply Air. Click OK.
A new view opens called Air Terminal Schedule and is located under Schedules/Quantities in the Project Browser. Notice that the data is sorted according to room number. The red values in the Actual Calculated Airflow column immediately report that the actual amount of air being supplied to the room does not yet meet the design airflow requirements within the range of plus or minus 35 CFM. This schedule is not only a construction document but also a design tool. You can change one or more entries in the schedule to modify your system. Each change is dynamic and immediately propagates throughout your project. This is because you are modifying the digital database of building information. This digital database information source is the integral concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Next, you use the schedule as a design tool to modify the airflow for an air terminal to satisfy the design requirements. Use the schedule as a design tool 15 With the Air Terminal Schedule view active, click Window menu Close Hidden Windows.
This closes all open windows that are hidden by the schedule. NOTE If a different project is also open, click Window menu and select the project to make it the active view, and click File menu Close to close the project. 16 In the Project Browser, under Views Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, double-click 1 Mech to make it the active view. 17 Enter ZR, and draw a zoom region around Office 101 located on the left outer wall of the floor plan. 18 Enter WT to tile the 2 views. The schedule and the floor plan display simultaneously in the drawing area. 19 In the schedule, select the 300 CFM Flow parameter (in the Flow column) for the Office 101 air terminal. A cursor displays in the selected cell in the schedule enabling you to modify the parameter, and if you click in the floor plan to make it active, the selected air terminal displays in red. Notice that the Flow column parameters are the only parameters that you can define in the schedule. The other parameters are design or calculated parameters. 20 Delete 300 CFM enter 250, and press Tab. The Actual Calculated Airflow value displays in white indicating that it now complies with the Office 101 airflow design requirements. NOTE After you select and modify data in a schedule, the associated system component is immediately selected and modified in the project as if you used the Element Properties dialog. This allows you to use schedules to make multiple modifications in one view. These changes dynamically propagate throughout your project because you are changing the digital database of building information. Tagging an Air Diffuser 21 Select Tag from the Mechanical tab on the Design bar. 22 Select By Category. 23 On the Options bar, click Leader to clear this option. 24 Click on a diffuser to add a tag.
TIP Editing diffuser tags in schedules, rather than one by one in a drawing, speeds the design process. Optional: Modifying Other Parameters The drawing for the next exercise provides completed values. 25 Modify the other supply air terminal Flow parameters for both floors so that the airflow design requirements are met.
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NOTE Do not modify the return or exhaust air terminals as these are not supply air terminals and do not affect the supply airflow. After you modify the airflow parameters, all Actual Calculated Airflow parameters display in white. IMPORTANT By modifying each supply air terminal airflow parameter, you are changing the air terminal connector size. Air terminal connector sizes are used to calculate airflow but are also used to calculate ductwork sizing. 26 Close the schedule view, and maximize the 1 - Mech floor plan view. 27 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 28 In the Save As dialog, enter Using Schedules Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you created a schedule to assess airflow for each room in the building. You then used this schedule as a design tool to modify the airflow so that it meets the design requirements. You modified the airflow parameters directly in the schedule and all changes occurred dynamically and propagated throughout the project. This occurred because you were modifying the digital database of building information that the project sources. This is the power of BIM. In the next exercise, you create air systems.
Creating Secondary Supply Air Systems

In this exercise, you create low pressure secondary supply air systems. A system is the logical connection between system components such as air terminals and mechanical equipment. This logical connection allows Revit MEP to perform various analyses including energy analysis. You create air systems by placing air terminals and mechanical equipment, and then create the logical connection between the system components. After creating the logical connection, you then create ductwork to physically connect the system components. This is the Revit MEP recommended workflow or best practice for systems creation. During this exercise, you also use the System Browser to validate your systems. IMPORTANT All system components are logically connected either to a system that you create or to a default system. Unlike logical connections, physical connections (ductwork) are not required for systems designing. However, they are necessary to perform calculations that reference the physical geometry such as sizing. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Creating Secondary Supply Air Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Modify a floor plan view 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Mech to make it the active view. 2 Right-click in the drawing window, and click View Properties. 3 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, click Edit for View Range. 4 In the View Range dialog, do the following:

Verify that Associated Level (Level 1) is selected for the view range parameters. Under Primary Range, for the Top parameter, enter an Offset value of 10 0.
5 Click OK twice. 6 Type VG on the keyboard. 7 On the Annotation Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics Overides window, uncheck Air Terminal tags, and click OK. You use multiple views to clearly and effectively communicate different systems information. Different building professionals use different views during the course of the building project. You will create the level 1 supply air systems in the 1 - Mech view. Explore the System Browser 8 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click System Browser. TIP You can also press F9 (Window menu System Browser) to open or close the System Browser. If the System Browser does not respond, click in the drawing area to make it active, then press F9. 9 If the System Browser title says Zones, right-click the title and select View Systems. 10 Expand the Unassigned systems folder, and expand each default systems to view all of the air terminals that you placed in the building. IMPORTANT In the System Browser, all system components are organized in a folder tree hierarchy according to the system that you assigned to them. You assign a system component (mechanical equipment, air terminals, and so on) to a system either by creating a logical connection (or system) between the system components or by assigning a system component to an existing system. You will learn more about systems in this exercise. For now, notice that all of the diffusers (air terminals) that you added are located under default systems categories in the Unassigned folder. This assignment occurred because each system component must be assigned to a system after it is placed. So, after you placed the diffusers, Revit MEP immediately assigned them to the Default Supply Air system category located in the Unassigned folder. They remain in the default systems category until you assign them to their proper system. As you assign diffusers to systems, the assigned diffusers move from the Unassigned folder to their respective assigned system folder. Thus, if all system components are assigned, each default system category would not contain any system components and would be considered empty. The System Browser is a powerful tool that allows you to validate and confirm air systems. Keep the System Browser open and refer to it as you create your systems. Place a VAV (variable air volume) box 11 With the view active, enter ZR, and sketch a zoom region around Office 101 located in the top-left corner of the floor plan. The cursor changes to a magnifying glass when Zoom in Region is activated.
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TIP Although this view does not contain room tags, you can identify a room by placing the cursor over the room component. A tooltip and the Status Bar (located at the lower left under the Design Bar) confirm the room name and number. If desired, you can add room tags to the mechanical floor plans using the Room Tag tool on the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar. 12 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment. 13 In the Type Selector, select VAV Unit - Parallel Fan Powered : Size 3 - 8 inch Inlet. 14 Move the cursor to the right of the office door, press Spacebar twice to rotate VAV box 180 degrees, click to place the VAV box, and press Esc twice.
Modify VAV box parameters 15 Right-click the VAV box, and click Element Properties. 16 In the Element Properties dialog, do the following:
Under Constraints, enter 9 6 for Offset. Note that the VAV will detect the downstream airflow when connected to diffusers. Click OK.
The offset value places the VAV box in the plenum space (between the level 1 ceiling and the level 2 floor and above the level 1 air terminals). This VAV box services only Office 101 so the VAV airflow equals that of the air terminal. Notice that the VAV box listing is placed in the Unassigned folder under the Default Supply Air system in the System Browser. This is because you have yet to assign it to a system. Create a secondary air system containing one diffuser 17 Select the Office 101 rectangular diffuser. 18 On the Options Bar, click (Create Supply Air System).
You created a system that includes the air terminal. Next, you add the VAV to this system. IMPORTANT After you select a system component, system specific tools display on the Options Bar.
(Select Equipment for System), and select the VAV box.
Notice that only mechanical equipment highlight and can be selected when using the Select Equipment for System tool.
TIP If you clicked outside of the drawing area, and cleared from the Options Bar, select an air terminal that you added to the system. This system tool displays along with the other Options Bar system tools. The newly created system that logically connects the air terminal to the VAV box displays in red. This display indicates that the new system is selected. It does not indicate a ductwork layout path.
Next you create the ductwork to physically connect the air system components (air terminal and VAV). IMPORTANT The new system named Mechanical Supply Air 1 is now listed in the System Browser under Supply Air in the Mechanical folder. The organization is from upstream, the VAV (the parent) to downstream, the air terminal (the child) with the system between (connecting) them. Notice that the air terminal listing moved to the assigned system but the VAV box is also listed under Unassigned. This is because you have yet to assign the VAV primary and return air connections to their systems. They remain assign to their respective default systems, Default Supply Air and Default Return Air. TIP If you click in the drawing area and the highlighted system clears, place the cursor over the Office 101 air terminal and press Tab, and select the system. You can also right-click the Mechanical Supply Air 1 listing in the System Browser, and click Select to select the system. Create the ductwork
20 With the new system selected, click
(Layout Path) on the Options Bar.
The Layout Path tab appears on the Design Bar providing various layout tools. Notice that Solutions is selected. 21 On the Options Bar, do the following: 22 Verify that Network is selected for Solution Type.
Click (Next Solution), and select solution 2. The layout path solution displays with the main in blue and the branch in green.
You can also view possible layout path solutions by pressing the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard. 23 On the Options Bar, click Settings. 24 In the left pane of the Duct Conversion Settings dialog, select Main. 25 Under System Type: Supply Air, do the following:

Verify that Rectangular Duct: Radius Elbows / Taps is selected for Duct Type. Enter 9' 6" for Offset.
26 In the left pane of the Duct Conversion Settings dialog, select Branch. 27 Under System Type: Supply Air, do the following:

Verify that Rectangular Duct: Radius Elbows / Taps is selected for Duct Type. Enter 9' 6" for Offset. Select Flex Duct Round : Flex - Round for Flex Duct Type. Verify that 6' 0" is selected for Maximum Flex Duct Length.
28 Click OK. NOTE Configuring the duct conversion settings is usually a one-time process unless you need to change them during your project. You can also configure these settings in the Mechanical Settings dialog by clicking Mechanical Settings on the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar (or Settings Mechanical Settings) before beginning your project. For more information, refer to Help. 29 On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Layout.
The physical connection composed of ducts and fittings is created.
NOTE All fittings required to connect the duct system to system components are automatically added. For example, a transition connecting the elbow was automatically added, as was the elbow itself. IMPORTANT Notice that the ductwork is not listed in the System Browser. This is because the System Browser lists system components and systems. The ductwork is a physical not a logical connection, thus it is not part of the system. For example, you can delete ductwork and the system remains. Change the geometry display 30 On the View Control Bar located below the bottom left of the drawing area, select Medium for Detail Level. The duct geometry now displays in 2-line enabling you to better view the ductwork. TIP You can easily change the duct geometry representation. On the View Control Bar, select Coarse detail level for single line, and Medium or Fine detail level for 2-line.
Note that the arrow over the duct is the diffuser airflow display arrow and not the supply airflow direction in the duct. Check duct connectivity 31 Place the cursor over the VAV box and after it highlights, and press Tab twice.
The system components and ductwork highlight indicating that they are physically connected. IMPORTANT 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 press 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, then you know that a disconnection exists. This disconnection will be located at the point where the highlighting stops. 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. Rerouting usually correct this issue. Size the duct 32 Place the cursor over the duct, and press Tab twice to highlight the duct and the air terminal, and click to select them. Do not highlight or select the VAV box. 33 On the Options Bar, click Sizing. 34 In the Duct Sizing dialog, under Sizing Method, do the following:

Select Friction, and enter .08 in-wg/100ft. Verify that Only is selected. Under Constraints, verify that Calculated Size Only is selected for Branch Sizing, and that Restrict Height and Restrict Width are cleared. Click OK.
The Office 101 low pressure secondary air system ductwork is sized using the Friction method at .08 inches of water column per 100 feet of ductwork. Other sizing methods and values can also be used as well.
IMPORTANT The Duct Sizing dialog displays the sizing settings that were last used. It does not report the sizing settings of the selected duct.
35 With the VAV selected, right-click and select Element Properties. Note that the airflow is set to 250 CFM , the required airflow for the space and the airflow assigned to the diffusers. 36 Click Cancel. Create a secondary air system containing 2 diffusers 37 Click in the drawing area, enter ZR, and sketch a zoom region around Offices 102 and 103 (the offices immediately below Office 101). 38 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment. 39 In the Type Selector, select VAV Unit - Parallel Fan Powered: Size 3 - 8 inch Inlet. 40 Move the cursor to the right of the Office 102 door, press Spacebar twice to rotate VAV box 180 degrees, click to place the VAV box, and click Modify on the Basics tab of the Design Bar.
41 In the left column of the System Browser, in the Unassigned folder under Default Supply Air, double-click the second VAV box listed. You can also right-click the second VAV box listed, and click Element Properties.
IMPORTANT Remember that all system components that you have not assigned to a system are placed in the Unassigned folder in the System Browser. TIP To locate a system component in the System Browser, right-click the component in the left column, and click Select from the context menu. The component highlights in the drawing area. Note that the correct view must be active to see the highlighted component. If not, click Show from the context menu to open the appropriate window and zoom in on the selected system component. 42 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, enter 9' 6" for Offset, and click OK. TIP You can verify the airflow for the air terminals by opening the Air Terminal Schedule that you created in a past exercise, or select an air terminal and the airflow displays on the Options Bar. 43 Select the Office 102 rectangular diffuser. The selected diffuser and its connector highlights.
NOTE After you select a system component, the selected component and its connector(s) highlight. 44 Place the cursor over the diffuser connector, right-click, and click Create Supply Air System from the context menu.
You can also select the diffuser and click
(Create Supply Air System) on the Options Bar.
NOTE Remember that after select Create Supply Air System from the context menu or click on the Options Bar, a new system is immediately created. This system includes the selected system component(s). You can verify this new system in the System Browser.
45 Click
(Edit System).
The Edit System tab appears on the Design Bar providing various 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 active being edited. 46 On the Edit System tab of the Design Bar, click Add To System. System components that were not selected for this system are grayed out. 47 Place the cursor over the Office 103 rectangular diffuser.
48 Notice that the cursor changes to indicate that Add To System is active.
49 Select the Office 103 rectangular diffuser. The bottom diffuser is no longer grayed out as it is now part of the system. On the Options Bar, the number of elements has increased to 2. 50 On the Edit System tab of the Design Bar, click (Select Equipment).
51 Place the cursor over the VAV box located outside Office 102. Notice that the cursor changes indicating that Select Equipment is active.
52 Select the VAV box.
On the Options Bar, the selected VAV is listed for System Equipment. 53 On the Edit System toolbar, click Finish. 54 Place your cursor over the Office 102 rectangular diffuser and press Tab to display the new system.
If you leave the mouse stationary, a tooltip displays the system name as Duct Systems : Mechanical Supply Air 2. 55 Click to select the system. The system displays in red.
Modify the layout path and create the ductwork 56 On the Options Bar, click Layout Path. 57 On the Options Bar, verify that Network is selected for Solution Type. 58 Use the left or right arrow keys on your keyboard to view the various layout solutions, and select solution 3.
The layout path solution displays with the main in blue and the branch in green. You already configured the duct conversion settings for the first system. These settings remain the same and do not need to be changed. 59 On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Layout. Ignore the warning reporting that no auto-route solution was found. You can click in the drawing area to close the warning.
The ductwork physically connecting the system components is created.
Notice that the main is open and an endcap is needed to close the duct. This was the reason for the warning message. IMPORTANT When creating layouts, you are creating the physical duct and not altering the logical system. So, if a layout solution causes errors (not warnings) while attempting create duct, it is because the duct usually has insufficient space to be created. You can either relocate the VAV box, select or modify a different layout solution using the Layout Path tool, or modify the duct manually. Remember to check duct connectivity after modifying ductwork. If a warning occurs, you can review it and take action if necessary, or click in the drawing area to close the warning and continue your work. Add an endcap 60 Zoom in on the open (left) end of the main duct in Office 102. NOTE It is highly recommended to zoom the view to accurately place an endcap. 61 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Duct Fitting. 62 In the Type Selector, select Rectangular Duct Endcap : Standard. 63 Move the cursor over the end of the main, and after the end point snap displays, click to place the endcap.
Notice that the centerline snap displays to aid in fitting placement.
64 Click Modify on the Design Bar to deactivate the Duct Fitting tool. 65 With the VAV selected, right-click and select Element Properties. Notice the airflow value of 530 CFM. 66 Click Cancel. Size the duct 67 Place the cursor over the duct, and press Tab twice to highlight the duct and the air terminals, and click to select them. Do not highlight or select the VAV box. 68 On the Options Bar, click Sizing. 69 In the Duct Sizing dialog, under Sizing Method, do the following:

The low pressure secondary air system ductwork for Offices 102 and 103 is sized using the Friction method at .08 inches of water column per 100 feet of ductwork.
IMPORTANT Remember that the Duct Sizing dialog displays the sizing settings that were last used. It does not report the sizing settings of the selected duct. Check duct connectivity 70 Place the cursor over the VAV box and after it highlights, and press Tab twice. The VAV box, air terminals, and ductwork highlight indicating that they are physically connected.
Next, you create a low pressure secondary air system in which you modify the layout path and add a new system component to it. However, this time you will add the component after the ductwork has been created. Create and modify a secondary supply air system containing multiple diffusers 71 Right-click in the drawing area, click Zoom in Region from the context menu. 72 In the 1 - Mech view, sketch a zoom region around the air terminals in Open 1 (the large open space).
73 Use your mouse scroll wheel to adjust the view as shown below.
74 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment. 75 In the Type Selector, select VAV Unit- Parallel Fan Powered: Size 3 - 8 inch Inlet. 76 Move the cursor to the left of the air terminals, and click to place the VAV box.
77 Click Modify on the Basics tab of the Design Bar. 78 Select the VAV, and on the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
79 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, enter 9' 6" for Offset, and click OK, and click again to deselect the VAV. 80 While pressing CTRL, select the 4 air terminals above and to the right of the VAV. Do not select the air terminal in the upper-right corner. You will add this later. The selected diffusers highlight in red (shown here as circled).
(Create Air Supply System).
The new supply air system displays in red.
The new system named Mechanical Supply Air 3 is now listed in the System Browser under Supply Air in the Mechanical folder. Notice that the selected diffusers are included in the system. TIP If you clicked outside of the drawing area, and the red system display cleared, place the cursor over one of the air terminals in the system, and press TAB once to highlight the system. Then, click to select the system.
(Select Equipment for System).
83 Select the VAV to add it to the system. The system displays in red and now includes the VAV. Remember that this display indicates that the new system is selected. It does not indicate a ductwork layout path.
You have logically connected the air system components. Next, you create the ductwork to physically the system components. Modify the layout path and create the ductwork 84 With the system selected, click Layout Path on the Options Bar. 85 On the Options Bar, do the following:
Verify that Network is selected for Solution Type. Click , and select solution 1. The layout path solution displays with the main in blue and the branch in green.
86 On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, click Modify.
87 In the drawing area, select the left section of the branch.
After you select the branch, notice that drag controls display. IMPORTANT Layout Path provides 2 drag controls enabling you to modify the layout. The parallel control (horizontal and vertical arrows) move the layout horizontally and vertically. The end control points (dots) moves the layout ends in any direction. 88 Click the parallel drag control and drag the left section of the branch to the right until it snaps creating a straight path to the VAV. 89 Repeat this procedure and move the connection to the upper right branch, and then snap and move down the right section of the main to create a straight main to the VAV.
90 On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Layout.
The ductwork is created. Remember that all duct and fittings are created automatically according to the duct conversion settings that you configured earlier. The system components are now physically connected.
A change has occurred in the air system design, and you will need to add an air terminal to this system and connect it to the existing ductwork. Add a diffuser to a system containing ductwork 91 Select the main duct, and (Edit) on the Options Bar.
IMPORTANT After system components (air terminals, mechanical equipment, and so on) are logically connected by a system and ductwork is created, you can select the duct or component to display system controls on the Options Bar. This allows you to modify the system (logical connection). 92 On the Edit Systems tab of the Design Bar, click Add to System. 93 Select the upper-right diffuser to add it to the system. Notice that on the Options Bar, the Number of Elements increased to 5. This number verifies the added diffuser. You can also verify the added diffuser by referring to the system in the System Browser. 94 On the Edit Systems tab of the Design Bar, click Finish. TIP You can also add a system component (air terminal, VAV, and so on) to a system by right-clicking the system component connector and selecting Add to System from the context menu. Then, select a system component that is already part of a system. The new system component is now part of the same system. 95 Place the cursor over the new diffuser and press TAB once to highlight the logical connection.
Next, you need to manually modify the ductwork to physically connect the diffuser. 96 Use the mouse scroll wheel and zoom in on the end of the ductwork.
97 While pressing CTRL, and working from the end of the main, select the flex duct and the transition on the diffuser. 98 With the duct work selected, right-click and select Delete to remove the unwanted duct work. 99 Zoom out the view, and select an air terminal in the system to display the system tools on the Options Bar. 100 Click Layout Path on the Options Bar. 101 On the Options Bar, do the following:
Verify that Network is selected for Solution Type. Click , and select solution 1.
102 On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Layout. The new ductwork is created.
Now that the duct work is in place, you need to check that all the parts are connected. Check duct connectivity 103 Place the cursor over the VAV box and after it highlights, and press Tab twice.
The system components and ductwork highlight indicating that they are physically connected.
TIP Depending on your ductwork layout, you may need to press TAB 2 or 3 times to check connectivity. Size the duct 104 Place the cursor over the main duct, and click TAB twice to highlight the duct and diffusers but not the VAV, and click to select them. The selection displays in red.
105 On the Options Bar, click Sizing. 106 In the Duct Sizing dialog, under Sizing Method, do the following:

This low pressure secondary air system ductwork is sized using the Friction method at .08 inches of water column per 100 feet of ductwork. Other sizing methods and values can also be used as well.
IMPORTANT Remember that the Duct Sizing dialog displays the sizing settings that were last used. It does not report the sizing settings of the selected duct. Next, you complete the low pressure secondary supply air systems for level 1. Optional: Complete the level 1 secondary supply air systems (See the next exercise for a completed drawing.) 107 In the Project Browser, under Mechanical, double-click 1 - Mech floor plan to make it the active view. 108 Using the systems creation methods that you learned, complete the level 1 system layout according to the following specifications and floor plan layout:
VAV Unit - Parallel Fan Powered: Size 3 - 8 inch Inlet with a 9' 6" offset. Reposition and rotate if necessary. Select and modify a Network layout path solution. You may experience cases where you need to modify the duct manually such as a drag flex duct segment to connect it. Do not change the duct conversion settings. Review the no auto-route solution warnings as some may be caused by disconnected diffusers due to proximity issues and others due to the need for endcap fittings. If you receive errors, see the note below. Add Rectangular Duct Endcap : Standard fittings where needed. Remember to zoom the view for accurate placement. Size the duct using the Friction sizing method at 0.08 in-wg/100ft and select Only. Select Calculated Size Only for Branch Sizing. Verify that all Other options are cleared. If you receive errors, see the note below. Use TAB to check duct connectivity after creating ductwork and after performing sizing.
IMPORTANT Remember that when creating layouts and sizing duct, you are creating and sizing the physical duct and not altering the logical system. So, if a layout solution or duct sizing causes errors or it seems incorrect, it is because either the duct usually has insufficient space, an offset elevation is incorrectly specified, or the duct or duct fittings are not connected properly. You can either relocate the VAV box, modify the layout, select a different layout solution using the Layout Path tool, modify the duct manually, or reinsert duct fittings. You should always check duct connectivity after modifying ductwork.
The completed level 1 secondary supply air systems are shown below. Note that created ductwork may vary slightly from the illustration.
Next, you create the low pressure secondary supply air systems for level 2. Optional: Create the level 2 secondary supply air systems 109 Use the 2 - Mech mechanical floor plan view. Verify that Associate Level (Level 2) is selected for all View Range parameters, set the Primary Range Top Offset to 10' 0" and the Detail Level to Medium. 110 On the Annotations tab of the Visibility Graphics window, turn off Air Terminal tags. 111 Using the systems creation methods that you learned for level 1, create the level 2 system and duct layout according to the following specifications and floor plan layout:
VAV Unit - Parallel Fan Powered: Size 3 - 8 inch Inlet with a 9' 6" offset. Reposition and rotate if necessary. For VAV airflow, specify the air terminal airflow. If multiple air terminals are connected to a system, specify the total air terminal airflow for VAV airflow. Select and modify a Network layout path solution. You may experience cases where you need to modify the duct manually such as a drag flex duct segment to connect it. Do not change the duct conversion settings. Review the no auto-route solution warnings as some may be caused by disconnected diffusers due to proximity issues and others due to the need for endcap fittings. If you receive errors, see the note above. Add Rectangular Duct Endcap : Standard fittings where needed. Remember to zoom the view for accurate placement. Size the duct using the Friction method at 0.08 in-wg/100ft and select Only. Select Calculated Size Only for Branch Sizing. Verify that all Other options are cleared. If you receive errors, see the note above. Use TAB to check duct connectivity after creating ductwork and after performing sizing.
The completed level 2 secondary supply air systems are shown below. Again note that the created ductwork may vary slightly from the illustration.
112 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 113 In the Save As dialog, enter Creating Secondary Supply Air Systems Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you created low pressure secondary supply air systems for the building. You used the Create Supply Air Systems tool to logically connect the air terminals to the VAV boxes. You also modified a system by adding an air terminal to an existing system. After creating each system, you used the Layout Path tool to create and modify duct layouts to physically connect the system components. You also specified VAV airflow, checked duct connectivity, sized the ductwork, and validated the systems in the System Browser. In the next exercise, you create 2 different views to validate the ductwork geometry.
Using Views to Validate Duct Geometry

In this exercise, you use 2 different types of views to validate the duct geometry of the secondary supply air systems that you created. Although you already checked duct connectivity, it is recommended to validate the duct geometry to confirm that the geometry corresponds to your design intent. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Using Views for Duct Validation.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Mech to make it the active view.
Create and use a section view to validate duct geometry 2 Right-click in the empty space of the drawing area, and click Zoom to Fit. This zooms the view to fit the drawing area. 3 Place the cursor in the drawing area, enter ZR, and sketch a zoom region around Offices 101 103. TIP Although room tags were not copied when you created this view, you can identify a room by placing the cursor over the room component. A tooltip and the Status Bar (located at the lower left under the Design Bar) confirm the room name and number. 4 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Section. Adding a section view is a 2-click process. The first click specifies the section head, and the second click specifies the section tail. After you add the section, you can flip the view direction or modify the extents of the view. 5 Place the cursor just above the Office 101 air terminal and click to set the start point for the section, move the cursor down and click just below the Office 103 air terminal to set the end point.
A new section view named Section 1 is created and located in the Project Browser under ???. 6 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical ??? Sections (Building Section), right-click Section 1, and click Properties. 7 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, select HVAC for Sub Discipline, and click OK. The section relocates under HVAC. 8 In the drawing area, click the section. The selected section displays in red. 9 Using the shape handles (triangles) on the far right, drag the clip planes of the view so that you capture only the systems that you created and set the depth just past the VAV boxes as shown.
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You many need to zoom out to view the shape handles.
10 On the Design Bar, click Modify. The section head displays in blue, similar to the level heads in the elevation view. All section heads are linked directly to their corresponding section view. 11 Double-click the section head to open the Section 1 view. 12 On the View Control Bar, select Medium for Detail Level, and Shading with Edges for Model Graphics Style. The system geometry displays with shading and outlined edges.
13 Use the mouse scroll wheel and zoom in on the bottom-right duct servicing offices 102 and 103, and verify that the geometry and location of the duct that you created is as you expect it to be.
14 Continue to validate the duct geometry of the other secondary supply air systems in the Section view. 15 Sections are extremely useful in visualizing the detailed connections between ductwork and equipment in a vertical space. They offer easy and immediate accessibility to all floors. You will create a number of sections to both inspect and modify the duct layouts that you create. Modify and use a 3D view to validate duct geometry 16 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 17 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC 3D Views, and double-click {3D} to make it the active view. 18 On the View Control Bar, select Shading with Edges for Model Graphics Style. Notice that in the 3D view, all of the mechanical elements display as shaded with edges but all architectural elements displays as halftone underlays that highlight when you move the cursor over them. This allows you to quickly and easily target your mechanical systems without the architecture obstructing the mechanical design.
19 Right-click in the drawing area, and click View Properties. 20 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, select Section Box, and click OK. A section box displays around the building model.
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NOTE A section box allows you to limit the view so that you can target only the geometry that you want to view. It is especially helpful in 3D views in which the three dimensional space makes it difficult to view some geometry. 21 In the drawing area, click the section box and locate the top center drag handle. 22 Zoom in on the view and slowly drag the top center drag handle down to adjust the crop boundary until the plenum space for the level 1 ceiling is exposed.
TIP Release the drag handle at certain points to see a preview of the section at the current crop boundary position. 23 Click in the drawing area to deactivate the crop boundary. 24 Use the ViewCube in the upper right corner of the drawing area to rotate the image so that you can verify that the Office 101, 102, and 103 duct geometry is as you expected.
25 Zoom in on each air system to verify that the geometry and location of the systems that you created are as you expect them to be. 3D views allow you to validate geometry of multiple duct runs in a three dimensional space by using the zoom and spin controls. You will use both section and 3D views during your systems designing. 26 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save.
27 In the Save As dialog, enter Using Views for Duct Validation Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise you created a section view and used a 3D view to validate the secondary supply air system duct geometry. In the next exercise, you draw the primary supply air system ductwork.
Drawing the Primary Supply Air Duct

In this exercise, you draw the high pressure primary supply air ductwork and connect the primary to the VAV boxes. Unlike the previous exercise in which you created the systems first and then selected from a series of duct layouts, you manually draw the primary duct and connect to the VAVs. You will create the primary systems in a later exercise. This exercise allows you to become familiar with manually drawing and modifying ductwork which is very important for resolving duct layout errors caused by insufficient space. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Drawing Primary Supply Air Duct.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Draw the primary duct 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Mech to make it the active view. 2 Enter ZR, and sketch a zoom region around Mechanical/Electrical room.
3 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Duct. 4 In the Type Selector, select Round Duct : Taps. 5 On the Options Bar, do the following;

Verify that 12" is selected for diameter (D:). Verify that Auto Connect is selected. Enter 9' 6" for Offset.
6 Place the cursor in the Mechanical/Electrical room in the approximate location shown, and click to specify the start point.
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7 Draw duct as shown in the following image. After placing the duct, you can select individual segments and use the arrow keys to adjust location.
Connect the VAV boxes to the primary duct 8 Enter ZR, and sketch a zoom region around the VAV box outside of Office 101. 9 Click on the VAV, right-click on the air connection, and click Draw Duct.
NOTE You must place the cursor over the connector to connect to the VAV primary. When drawing duct, use the connector snap to quickly and accurately locate a connector. If you pause briefly, a tooltip appears confirming the connector. 10 Move the cursor to the right to begin drawing duct, and press Spacebar to automatically change the duct diameter and offset to match the 8" VAV primary connector diameter. You can also change the duct diameter from the Options Bar. TIP When drawing duct, press the Spacebar after you specify your start point and move the cursor to begin drawing duct. This automatically specifies the duct diameter or width and height, and offset parameter to match that of the selected start point object. If a warning appears informing you that the line is too short, you pressed Spacebar before you began drawing duct. Note that the Spacebar does not automatically specify the duct type. You should always verify the duct type in the Type Selector. 11 Draw the first duct segment 2' 0" to the right, and click to specify the end point.
12 Move the cursor down and draw an approximate 8' 0" vertical second duct segment, and click or press Enter to specify the end point.
13 Move the cursor to the right and over the primary duct, and click after the centerline snap displays to specify the end point for the third duct segment.
TIP When connecting duct to the centerline of another duct, the centerline snap makes the process quick and easy. After you click to specify the end point, the duct run connecting the Office 101 VAV to the primary is complete.
14 With the Draw tool open, zoom in on the VAV box outside of Office 102.
TIP When zooming or reorienting a view that uses Medium or Fine for Detail Level, you may experience performance issues depending on the size and complexity of the system geometry. On the View Control Bar, change the Model Graphics Style to Wireframe to improve performance. This allows you to continue to use the 2-line display. You can also specify the Detail Level to Coarse for viewing a single line display 15 Place the cursor over the Office 102 VAV box supply air connection, and after the connector snap displays, click to specify the start point. 16 Draw the duct to the right and connect it to the centerline of the primary.
17 Connect the other three VAVs to the primary duct as shown. 18 Using the draw duct methods that you learned, zoom the view to the right of the primary, and connect the 2 VAVs in Open 1 to the primary duct as shown.
Check connectivity 19 Place the cursor over the primary duct and press Tab twice to check connectivity up to but not including the VAV boxes.
You can press TAB 3 times to check connectivity including the VAVs and secondary system ductwork. 20 Validate the primary duct geometry using the Section 1 and 3D views. NOTE Do not size the primary at this time, you will do that in a later exercise. IMPORTANT Notice that the VAV boxes are still listed in the Unassigned folder under Default Supply Air because you physically connected the VAVs to the primary duct, but you have not logically connected the VAVs with a system. You will create a system for the primary and add the VAVs to it in a later exercise. Optional: Complete the level 1 primary duct (See next exercise for a completed drawing.) 21 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 1-Mech to make it the active view. 22 Using the duct drawing methods that you learned, complete the level 1 primary duct according to the following specifications and floor plan layout:
Draw the primary duct using Round Duct : Taps. The main has a 12" diameter and the connections to the VAV boxes have a diameter of 8". On the Options Bar, specify a 9' 6" offset, and verify that Auto Connect is selected, and Angle is cleared. Use approximate duct segment lengths from the layout below. Do not size the primary. You will size the primary in a later exercise. Check connectivity, and use the Section 1 and 3D views for duct geometry validation.
IMPORTANT Remember that when drawing duct, you may encounter errors when connecting to the primary duct or a VAV. This is usually caused by insufficient space preventing duct creation or fitting insertion. Modify the duct length or relocate the VAV box to make sufficient space, and use the Draw Duct tool to reconnect. Finally, remember to always check connectivity and validate the duct geometry.
The completed level 1 air system layout is shown below.
Optional: Draw the level 2 primary duct 23 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Mech to make it the active view. 24 Using the duct drawing methods that you learned, complete the level 2 primary duct according to the following specifications and floor plan layout:
Draw the primary duct using Round Duct : Taps. The main has a 12" diameter and the connections to the VAV boxes have a diameter of 8". On the Options Bar, specify a 9' 6" offset, and verify that Auto Connect is selected, and Angle is cleared. Use approximate duct segment lengths from the layout below. Do not size the primary. You will size the primary in a later exercise. Check connectivity, and use the Section 1 and 3D views for duct geometry validation.
The completed level 2 air system layout is shown below.
25 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 26 In the Save As dialog, enter Drawing Primary Supply Air Duct Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you used the Duct tool to manually draw the high pressure primary supply air duct and physically connect the VAV boxes to the primary duct. You will connect the primary duct to AC units in a later exercise. While drawing duct, you learned how to use connectors to create ductwork. Finally, you checked duct connectivity and validated duct geometry using different views. In the next exercise, you resolve routing conflicts with the primary duct.
Sizing the Primary Duct:Velocity Method

In a previous exercise, you created the high pressure primary duct that supplies air to the VAV boxes, but you have yet to size the primary. In this exercise, you size the primary to meet airflow requirements using the same sizing tool that you previously used to size the low pressure secondary supply air ductwork. However, you use the Velocity sizing method rather than the Friction method. Before sizing the primary, you must first determine the direction of the airflow in the primary duct. The airflow direction inside the primary must be determined to accurately size the primary duct run. Considering that both ends of the primary are open, you place an endcap where no further connections are planned. This determines the airflow direction. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Duct Sizing - Velocity.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Place an endcap on the level 1 primary to determine airflow 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Mech to make it the active view. 2 Zoom in on the lower end of the left primary located near the wall between Offices 117 and 116. The upper end of the primary duct run will connect to a rooftop AC unit.
NOTE It is highly recommended to zoom the view to accurately place the endcap. 3 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Duct Fitting. NOTE If the Mechanical tab is not available on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Mechanical. 4 In the Type Selector, select Round Duct Endcap : Standard. 5 Move the cursor over the end of the left primary duct run, and after the end point snap displays, click to place the endcap. Notice that the centerline snap displays to aid in fitting placement.
6 Click Modify on the Design Bar to deactivate the Duct Fitting tool. IMPORTANT When sizing duct that has multiple open ends, you must place endcaps to close all open ends except the one that connects to the air source. This determines the airflow direction and the duct will size accurately. 7 Enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the drawing area.
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Size the level 1 primary duct 8 Place the cursor on the left primary duct run and press Tab twice to highlight the entire run including the VAV connections but not the VAV boxes, and click to select it. The selected primary displays in red.
9 On the Options Bar, click Sizing. IMPORTANT Remember that the Duct Sizing dialog displays the sizing settings that were last used. It does not report the sizing settings of the selected duct. 10 In the Duct Sizing dialog, under Sizing Method, do the following:

Select Velocity, and enter 2500 FPM. Verify that Only is selected. Under Constraints, verify that Calculated Size Only is selected for Branch Sizing, and that Restrict Height and Restrict Width are cleared. Click OK.
The sized left primary is shown below.
IMPORTANT Remember that when creating layouts and sizing duct, you are creating and sizing the physical duct and not altering the logical system. So, if a layout solution or duct sizing causes errors or it seems incorrect, it is because either the duct usually has insufficient space, or duct or duct fittings are not connected properly. You can either relocate the VAV box, modify the layout, select a different layout solution using the Layout Path tool, modify the duct manually, or reinsert duct fittings. You should always check duct connectivity after modifying ductwork. 11 Place the cursor over each left side of the primary duct run, and press TAB twice. The primary and the connections to the VAVs highlight indicating that they are physically connected. Next, you place an endcap on the right side of the primary in order size the duct. 12 Zoom in on the lower end of the right primary duct run located outside Office 117.
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13 Using the process that you just learned, place a round duct endcap at the lower end of the right primary duct run, and size this primary using the same sizing method and parameters that you used for the left primary. The sized right primary is shown below.
14 Using the method you have learned, check the connectivity of the right side of the primary duct run. Optional: Size the level 2 primary duct run (See the next exercise for a completed dawing.) 15 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Mech to make it the active view. 16 Using the process that you learned for the level 1 primary duct run, place a round duct endcap on the lower end of the left and right side of the primary duct run to determine airflow direction. As in level 1, the upper ends of the primary duct run will connect to a rooftop AC unit. 17 Size both the left and right sides of the primary duct run using the same sizing method and parameters that you used for the level 1 primary duct run. 18 Check connectivity for both sides of the primary duct.
The completed level 2 primary duct run is shown below.
19 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 20 In the Save As dialog, enter Duct Sizing - Velocity Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you sized the primary duct for the building. First, you placed an endcap at the end of each side of the primary duct run where no connection was planned. This determined the airflow direction inside the primary. Then, you used the Duct Sizing tool to size the primary using the Velocity sizing method. In the next exercise, you assign a color fill to the ductwork.
Assigning a Color Scheme to Duct

In this exercise, you assign a color scheme to the ductwork in your project. This procedure is similar to the one that you used for rooms in a previous exercise. Like room color scheme, duct color scheme can help you communicate your design immediately and effectively. This makes it much easier to determine whether the plan meets your requirements. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Duct Color Scheme.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Create a new view 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, right-click 1 - Mech, and click Duplicate View Duplicate. A new floor plan view called Copy of 1 - Mech is created and becomes the active view. 2 In the Project Browser, right-click Copy of 1 - Mech, and click Rename. 3 In the Rename View dialog, enter 1 - Mech Duct Classes for Name, and click OK.
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Apply the color scheme 4 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Duct Color Scheme Legend. NOTE If the Mechanical tab is not available on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Mechanical. 5 In the Type Selector, verify that Color Scheme Legend : 1 is selected for color scheme legend type. 6 Move the cursor in the drawing area and notice that an outline of the color scheme legend indicates that no color scheme has been assigned to the view displays. 7 Position the color scheme legend outline at the top-right corner of the floor plan, and click to place the legend. The color scheme outline follows the cursor movement to help you accurately position the legend. 8 In the Choose Color Scheme dialog, verify that Duct Color Fill - Flow is selected for Color Scheme, and click OK.
Next, you change the color scheme. NOTE Elevations have been hidden for legend clarity. Edit the color scheme 9 In the Drawing area, select the duct color scheme legend that you placed, and on the Options Bar, click Edit Color Scheme. 10 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, do the following:

Select Velocity for Color, and click OK after a warning indicates that colors are not preserved. Select By range. In the At Least column, click in the second row, and enter 2000 FPM. In the Caption column, delete the existing text, and enter low velocity for the first row, and enter high velocity for the second row. In the Color column, click in the first row and select Green from the Basic colors in the Color box. In the Color column, click in the second row and select Red from the Basic colors in the Color box.
TIP Color names are displayed under Name in the Color box.
Click OK.
The duct color scheme legend now identifies the duct by velocity. Notice that duct fittings do not have color scheme applied to them.
Assign color scheme to the level 2 duct 11 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, right-click 2 - Mech, and click Duplicate View Duplicate. A new floor plan view called Copy of 2 - Mech is created and becomes the active view. 12 In the Project Browser, right-click Copy of 2 - Mech, and click Rename. 13 In the Rename View dialog, enter 2 - Mech Duct Classes for Name, and click OK. 14 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Duct Color Scheme Legend. 15 In the Type Selector, verify that Color Scheme Legend : 1 is selected for color scheme legend type. 16 Position the color scheme legend outline at the top-right corner of the floor plan, and click to place the legend. 17 In the Choose Color Scheme dialog, verify that Duct Color Fill - Flow is selected for Color Scheme, and click OK. The same velocity-based color scheme that you created for level 1 is automatically applied to the level 2 duct. Using the same color scheme allows you to quickly assign consistent color throughout your design. The completed level 2 duct color scheme legend is shown below.
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18 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 19 In the Save As dialog, enter Duct Color Fill Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you added duct color scheme legends to both levels of ductwork in your project. You edited the color scheme by associating colors to velocity parameters and changed the caption text. In the next exercise, you size one of the secondary supply air system duct runs using the Equal Friction sizing method.
Sizing the Secondary Air System Duct: Equal Friction Method

In 2 previous exercises, you sized the secondary air system ductwork using the Friction sizing method and then you sized the primary duct run using the Velocity method. In this exercise, you size the duct for one of the secondary air systems that you previously sized. This allows you to more closely meet airflow requirements for that system. First, you split the duct main into multiple pieces, and then you size the duct run using the Equal Friction method. Finally, you tag the main duct of the secondary air system to annotate the duct segment sizes. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Duct Sizing - Equal Friction.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Locate the secondary air system 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Mech to make it the active view. 2 In the System Browser, expand the Mechanical systems folder. TIP If the System Browser is closed, press F9 (or Window menu System Browser) to open or close it. If the System Browser does not respond, click in the drawing area to make it active, then press F9. All mechanical systems that have been created for the project are organized by system type in the Mechanical folder. Remember that only systems (logical connections) and the assigned system components are in the System Browser, not ductwork (physical connections).
3 Right-click Supply Air, and click Expand All. Every supply air system that you created is listed. Notice that each system listing consists of a system name and number, such as Mechanical Supply Air 6, and a hierarchy of system components that you assigned to each system, such as a VAV box and diffusers. 4 Right-click Mechanical Supply Air 3, and click Show. The 1 - Mech view automatically zooms on the selected system, and the system including the assigned components and the ductwork displays in red. 5 In the Show Element(s) In View dialog, click Close to deactivate the Show tool. Notice that the main duct connecting the VAV box to the diffusers is one size.
You need to reduce the size of the main to ensure that the air pressure meets airflow requirements. To accomplish this reduction, you split the main into multiple duct segments and then size each segment. Split the main
6 On the Tools toolbar, click
(Split).
7 Move the cursor along the top edge of the main and to the right of the 2 middle diffusers. 8 Watch the listening dimensions, and split the main about 11' 0" from the end of the main.
TIP When splitting duct in 2-line display, move the cursor along the top or bottom edge of the duct to view the split line and the listening dimensions. 9 With the Split tool open, split the main to the right of the second branch as shown.
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10 Press Esc twice to deactivate the Split tool. Notice that a Rectangular Duct Union fitting is automatically inserted to connect the duct at each split. You can place the cursor over the union and both a tooltip and the Status Bar confirm the fitting. Size the system 11 Move the cursor over the main, and press Tab twice to highlight the ductwork and air terminals located downstream from the VAV box, and click to select them. Note that the VAV box is not selected.
12 On the Options Bar, click Sizing. 13 In the Duct Sizing dialog, under Sizing Method, do the following:

Select Equal Friction, and enter 0.08 in-wg/100ft. Under Constraints, verify that Calculated Size Only is selected for Branch Sizing, and that Restrict Height and Restrict Width are cleared. Click OK.
IMPORTANT Equal Friction sizing is an iterative process. The completion time varies according to the speed of your computer. NOTE If a Warning dialog opens alerting you that there is no loss defined, ignore this warning. You can click anywhere in the drawing area to close it.
The low pressure secondary air system ductwork is sized using the Equal Friction method at .08 inches of water column per 100 feet of ductwork.
Notice that as the airflow decreases, transitions are automatically added to reduce duct size and maintain air pressure. Next, you tag the main to annotate the duct segment sizes. Tag the main 14 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 15 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that Horizontal is selected. Clear Leader. Click Tags.
16 In the Tags dialog, under Category, for Ducts, verify that Duct Size Tag is loaded, and click Cancel. 17 Move the cursor over the 3 segments of the main, and notice that the tag outline dynamically displays the size of each segment. 18 Position the tag outline in the center of each segment, and click to place each tag. TIP To reposition a tag, select the tag and drag it to a new location. You may want to zoom the view for accurate placement.
19 Click Modify on the Mechanical tab to deactivate the Tag tool. The low pressure secondary air system duct run is sized and tagged. 20 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 21 In the Save As dialog, enter Duct Sizing - Equal Friction Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you sized low pressure secondary air system ductwork to more closely meet airflow requirements. First, you used the Split tool to split the main into multiple segments, and then you sized the duct run using the Equal Friction sizing method. Finally, you tagged the main to annotate the duct segment
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sizes. In the next exercise, you use the System Inspector to check flow and pressure in the secondary air system that you just sized.
Inspecting Air Systems

In this exercise, you use the System Inspector to inspect the low pressure secondary air systems. The System Inspector is a unique tool enabling you to inspect each system for airflow, pressure, and pressure loss by placing the cursor over it. Using this tool, you can target problem areas directly in your design and resolve them. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Inspecting Air Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Mech to make it the active view. 2 Right-click in the view, click Zoom in Region from the context menu. 3 Draw a zoom region around the lower-right secondary air system in Open 2.
You will inspect this system. 4 Select the VAV box that you assigned to the secondary air system. IMPORTANT To select a system, select any duct segment, duct fitting, diffuser, or mechanical equipment that you have assigned to a system. System tools display on the Options Bar.
5 On the Options Bar, select
(Inspect).
The System Inspector tab opens providing system inspection tools on the Design Bar. RELATED If you select a system component that has been assigned to more than one system such as an AC unit or a VAV box and click , the Select System dialog opens enabling you to select a system to inspect. Each selected system highlights in red enabling you to preview it.
6 On the System Inspector tab of the Design Bar, click Inspect. NOTE You can also use System Inspector from in the System Browser. Right-click a system from the System Browser, and click Inspect from the context menu. After the System Inspector opens, click Inspect from the System Inspector tab on the Design Bar. 7 Place the cursor over the upper-left flex duct branch of the secondary air system to highlight it. An inspection flag dynamically reports the airflow, pressure, and pressure loss in the highlighted duct segment. Arrows display on the duct indicating the airflow direction for both the main and the branches in the air system. A tooltip also displays the system information.
IMPORTANT As you inspect a system, remember that all information is color coded according to pressure. Red information and arrows indicate the highest percentage of pressure loss due to friction, also known as the critical path. Notice that the secondary air system and the assigned system components highlight and can be selected, but you cannot select other secondary air systems or the primary duct run. These are not logically connected to this system. Next, you inspect 2 areas of the air system to compare information. Compare system information 8 With the cursor over the upper-left duct segment, click to temporarily place the inspection flag on the segment. 9 Place the cursor over the middle duct segment to compare the airflow and pressure information with that of the upper-left duct segment.
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10 Click to place the current inspection flag and close the prior one. 11 Move the cursor over the upper-right air terminal to compare its information with that of the middle duct segment. You can continue to use this method to compare inspection information for system components or duct across the selected system. 12 Click a blank space in the view to close the current inspection flag. 13 Continue to inspect the remaining secondary air systems in the building. TIP You can also inspect systems in a 3D view. 14 On the System Inspector tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Inspector to deactivate the System Inspector. 15 Use the System Inspector to inspect other secondary air systems in the project. NOTE To use the System Inspector to inspect airflow and pressure inside ductwork, the selected system components or duct must be logically and physically connected. Ductwork and system components must be connected to a system (logical connection) and a system must contain ductwork (physical connection). For example, you cannot inspect the primary high pressure duct run because you have not created a system for it. The primary is physically but not logically connected. In a later exercise, you will create a system for the primary and then you can inspect the primary duct run. 16 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 17 In the Save As dialog, enter Inspecting Air Systems Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you used the System Inspector to inspect the airflow direction, airflow, and pressure information for various systems in the project. You learned that airflow and pressure information is specific to the selected system component, and that all system information is color-coded for either the duct main or the branch. You also compared system information across a system. In the next exercise, you place 2 AC units.
Placing Air Conditioning Units

In this exercise, you place 2 air conditioning roof top units (RTU) on the building. You also use create and use new views to precisely locate the AC units.
Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Placing AC Units.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Create a new roof plan view 1 Click the View menu New Floor Plan. 2 Select Roof and click OK. 3 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans Roof. 4 Right-click Roof, and click Rename. 5 Enter Roof Mech for Name, and click OK. 6 Click Yes to rename corresponding views. Ignore the warning about the name changing. 7 Right-click in the drawing area of the new view, and click View Properties. 8 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, select Mechanical for Discipline, and HVAC for Sub-Discipline. 9 Under Extents, click Edit for View Range and select Level 2 for View Depth: Level. Click OK twice. 10 Change the Graphics Style to Wireframe. 11 Set the Detail Level to Medium. This action specifies halftone for all architectural elements in the Roof Mech view. Notice that the level 2 system components and ductwork display as an underlay. Also notice that the Roof Mech view is now located under the Mechanical HVAC floor plans in the Project Browser.
Add the AC Unit that services level 2 12 In the Roof Mechanical view, enter ZR, and sketch a zoom region around Mens Room (located below the Mechanical/Electrical room). You need to place the AC unit that services level 2 on the roof above the Mens Room. 13 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment. 14 In the Type Selector, select Rooftop AC Unit 15 - 25 Ton - Bottom Return Connection : 15 Ton.
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15 Move the cursor over the Mens Room, and press Spacebar 3 times to rotate the unit. The AC unit supply connection is now located at the top. 16 Place the unit in the approximate location shown below.
17 Click to place the AC unit, and then click Modify on the Design Bar.
Next, you create a section view to precisely relocate the AC unit. Create a new section view 18 Enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the drawing area. 19 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Section. 20 Place the cursor below the AC unit and over the Office 203 VAV box, and click to specify the section start point.
21 Move the cursor to the right, and after the cursor is past the AC unit, click to specify the section end point.
A new section view named Section 2 is created and located in the Project Browser under ???. 22 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical ??? Sections (Building Section), right-click Section 2, and click Properties. 23 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, select HVAC for Sub Discipline, and click OK. The section relocates under HVAC Sections (Building Section). 24 Select the section tail to display the drag handles. 25 Drag the top shape handle to adjust the depth view clip plane just past the AC unit. You may need to scroll the view up to access the top shape handle.
The section should partially capture the VAV on the left. 26 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Relocate the AC unit to the roof surface 27 Double-click the section head to open the Section 2 view. 28 On the View Control Bar, click Medium for Detail Level. This changes the duct display from single line to 2-line. You may need to adjust the top border to see all of the AC unit.
29 Zoom in on the AC unit and watch the level indicators, notice that the unit is located on the roof level and not on the roof surface.
NOTE As with air terminals and VAV boxes, AC units are level-based components. Notice that the roof level is not referencing the roof surface but the underside of the roof. To place the AC unit on the roof surface, you must relocate it.
30 Select the AC unit, and click
(Move) on the Edit toolbar.
31 Move the cursor over the bottom-left corner of the AC unit, and after the end point snap displays, click to specify the move start point.
32 Move the cursor up along the left edge of the AC unit, and after the intersection and centerline snaps display at the roof surface, (1' 0" directly above the start point), click to specify the move end point.
This specifies the AC unit offset level of 1' 0" which moves the AC unit to the roof surface.
TIP You can also specify the offset level in the Element Properties dialog. Place the level 1 AC unit 33 Using the methods that you learned, place an AC unit for the level 1 supply air system according to the following specifications and procedures (see the next exercise for approximate locations):
Work in the Roof Mech view, and place a Rooftop AC Unit 15 - 25 Ton - Bottom Return Connection : 15 Ton above the Mechanical/Electrical room. First rotate the unit so that the return connection is at the top. TIP You can copy the first AC unit you placed. Copying eliminates the elevation adjustment. Note that you must locate this AC unit above the Mechanical/Electrical room to allow the supply and return air duct riser to pass through the level 2 Mechanical/Electrical room and into the level 1 plenum space below.
The 2 AC units and the section headers are as shown.
34 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 35 In the Save As dialog, enter Placing AC Units Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you added 2 rooftop AC units to the design. You created 2 section views and used the Move and the Align tools to relocate the AC units to the roof surface. In the next exercise, you connect the AC units to the high pressure primary supply air ductwork.
Completing the Supply Air Systems

In this exercise, you complete the supply air systems that you began in previous exercises. First, you draw the duct to physically connect AC units to the high pressure primary supply air ductwork. Then, you create the systems to logically connect the VAV boxes to the AC units. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Completing Supply Air Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Modify the 3D view 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC 3D Views, and double-click {3D} to make the view active. 2 Select the section box, and drag the center drag handle up to move the crop boundary past the roof.
The entire building including the AC units display.
If you like, you can drag the bottom set of drag handles up above the level 1 system to hide that system. Remember that, if you do this, you will need to reset this boundary to validate the level 1 supply air system later. 3 Use the ViewCube in the upper right corner of the drawing area to rotate the image so that it displays as shown below.
Next, you tile the Roof Mech and the 3D views so that you can work on and validate your system design simultaneously. Tile the views 4 With the 3D view active, click Window menu Close Hidden Windows. This closes all windows that you previously opened during the current design session. Note that if this option is unavailable, the active view is the only open window. 5 In the Project Browser, under Mechanical, double-click Roof Mech to make it the active view. 6 Enter WT to tile both windows. TIP When tiling 2 views, the active view is tiled to the left. 7 Zoom the view in both windows as shown.
You are ready to create the duct riser for the level 2 supply air system. Draw the supply duct riser from the AC Unit to the level 2 plenum space 8 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Duct. 9 In the Type Selector, select Rectangular Duct : Mitered Elbows / Taps. 10 In the Roof Mech view, place the cursor over the center of the level 2 AC unit (lower unit) supply duct connection, the connector snap displays.
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11 Click to specify the duct riser start point. 12 On the Options Bar, do the following:
Enter 68" for W: (width), and 20" for H: (height). This specifies the proper dimensions for the duct. Verify that Auto Connect is selected. Enter -2 6 for Offset, and press Tab.
The -2' 6" offset creates the supply duct riser from the Roof reference level down into the level 2 plenum space and places the riser at the same level as the level 2 supply air system, 9' 6". Notice that the duct riser is offset from the Roof reference level and not from the roof surface which is the location of the AC unit. IMPORTANT When setting offset parameters for system components, Revit MEP offsets the selected component from the reference level and not its location. If the 2 are different, connections are automatically created. Note that Auto Connect must be selected on the Options Bar. 13 Move the cursor up, and after listing dimensions display, enter 3' 6" and press Enter to specify the end point.
The duct riser is drawn down from the AC unit to 9' 6" from level 2, and then the duct continues horizontally for 3' 6".
Notice that a green supply duct riser symbol displays to indicate that a supply duct riser exists. 14 Click Modify on the Design Bar. 15 Validate the duct riser geometry in the 3D view.
Notice that the mitered elbow fitting is automatically inserted.
16 Close the Roof Mech view. You now switch to the 2 - Mech view to more accurately draw the duct in order to connect the primary supply duct to the duct riser. Connect the primary duct to the duct riser 17 In the Project Browser, double-click 2 - Mech to make it the active view. 18 Click Window menu Tile to tile the 2 views, and zoom in on the duct riser in the 2 - Mech view. TIP When zooming or reorienting a view that uses Medium or Fine for Detail Level, you may experience performance issues depending on the size and complexity of the system geometry. On the View Control Bar, change the Model Graphics Style to Wireframe to improve performance. This allows you to continue to use the 2-line display. You can also specify the Detail Level to Coarse for viewing a single line display.
Notice that only the duct riser displays. This is because the AC unit is beyond the top view range of the 2 - Mech view. You can change the Top view parameter to see the AC unit, but for this exercise you only need to see the riser. You can also validate the duct riser geometry in the 3D view.
19 Zoom out the view to show the duct riser and the left primary duct segment.
The horizontal primary duct segment needs to be removed as it was an approximate location and it is no longer needed. 20 In the 2 Mech view, select the horizontal primary segment, and while pressing CTRL, select the adjoining elbow. The selected items display in red. 21 Press DELETE to delete the selected duct segment and elbow.
22 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Duct. 23 In the Type Selector, select Round Duct : Taps. 24 On the Options Bar, do the following:

For D: (diameter), select 9". Verify that Auto connect is selected. For Offset, verify that 9' 6" is specified.
25 Place the cursor over the left edge of the duct riser, and after the mid point snap displays, click to specify the start point.
26 Move the cursor over the primary, and after the centerline snap displays, click to specify the end point.
The left primary is connected to the AC unit.
27 Press ESC to deactivate the Draw tool. 28 Validate the geometry in the 3D view.
Next, you connect the right primary duct to the AC unit. 29 Spin the 3D view around and zoom as shown to validate the right primary connection.
You will also use this view to validate endcap placement. 30 In the 2 - Mech view, pan the view to the right to show the duct riser and the right primary segment. 31 Select the right primary duct, and place the cursor over the end connector.
32 Drag the connector down and to the right, and past the Mechanical/Electrical room wall. Notice that the Draw tool opens (pencil icon) as you drag the duct and closes after you release the mouse button to specify the end point.
33 Select the right primary duct, right-click and select Draw Duct. 34 Draw a short run of duct with a downward 30 degree angle and click to set the endpoint. 35 With the draw tool still active, draw a horizontal run and connect it to the midpoint snap of the riser
. 36 Click Modify on the Design Bar to deactivate the Draw Duct tool. 37 Validate the geometry in the 3D view.
You physically connected the primary duct to the AC unit. However, you still need to check connectivity to make certain that all duct and duct fittings are connected. Check connectivity 38 In the 2 - Mech view, place the cursor over the duct riser and press Tab twice.
The entire primary supply air duct run including the VAV box connections highlight indicating that they are connected. You may want to zoom out to see the entire primary duct run. You now need to add endcaps to the left primary and to the duct riser to close the ductwork. Add endcaps 39 In the 2 - Mech view, zoom in on the duct riser. 40 On the Mechanical Tab of the Design Bar, click Duct Fitting. 41 In the Type Selector, select Rectangular Duct Endcap : Standard.
Notice that the endcap snap follows the cursor.
42 Place your cursor over the top edge, after the endcap snap aligns to the duct edge and the centerline snap displays, click to add the endcap.
43 With the Duct Fitting tool open, move the view to the left to show the end of the primary where you deleted the duct segment and elbow. 44 In the Type Selector., select Round Duct Endcap : Standard. TIP It is a best practice to zoom in close for accurate endcap placement. The endcap snap aligns with the duct edge to indicate proper placement.
45 Place the cursor over the end of the primary duct segment and after the endcap snap aligns and the centerline snaps displays, click to add the endcap.
46 Press Esc twice to deactivate the Duct Fitting tool. Verify endcap placement 47 Place the cursor over the primary duct round endcap to verify endcap placement. A tooltip and the Status Bar (located at the lower left under the Design Bar) confirm the endcap. Additionally endcap edges display enabling you identify the endcap.
48 In the 3D view, use the same method to validate the endcap geometry.
49 Using the 2 views, verify the duct riser endcap, and then validate its geometry.
50 Press Tab to check connectivity. You physically connected the AC unit to the level 2 VAV boxes by drawing ductwork. Next, you finish the level 2 supply air system by creating a system to logically connect the level 2 VAV boxes to the AC unit. Create the high pressure supply air system. 51 With the 2 views tiled, click in the 2 - Mech view to make it active, and enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the window. 52 Place the cursor outside of the building at the upper left corner, drag the cursor to the lower right corner to draw a pick box around the entire level 2 floor plan. Notice that all of the selected elements highlight.
(Filter Selection) to filter the selected elements.
54 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, and then select Mechanical Equipment, and click OK. All level 2 VAV boxes are selected. This is because they are the only mechanical equipment on level 2. You can verify the selected VAV boxes in the 3D view. Remember that when drawing a pick box or using cross-picking (right to left dragging) all elements visible in the view range of
the current view are selected. In this case, only the level 2 VAV boxes are within the 2 - Mech view range.
55 On the Options Bar, click (Create Supply Air System) to create a supply air system and assign the selected VAV boxes to it. 56 Click (Select Equipment for System) to assign the AC unit to the system.
57 Click the 3D view title bar to make the window active, and select the level 2 AC unit.
You just created the high pressure primary supply air system to logically connect the level 2 VAV boxes to the rooftop AC unit. 58 Press Esc or click in the drawing area to deactivate the Create Supply Air System tool. IMPORTANT Although you can draw duct to physically connect system components, all system components must be logically connected by a system. Remember that systems can be created before or after you draw ductwork, or even without ductwork. However, ductwork must exist for Revit MEP to perform system calculations such as airflow and pressure. These calculations are used during duct sizing and can be viewed using the System Inspector.
Validate the primary supply air system 59 Press F9 to open the System Browser. 60 In the System Browser, expand Mechanical, Supply Air, and notice that the rooftop AC unit is listed. 61 Expand Rooftop AC Unit 15 -25 Ton - Bottom Return Connection : 15 Ton to display the Mechanical Supply Air 25 system listing. This is the system that you just created. 62 Expand Mechanical Supply Air 25 to view the VAV boxes. IMPORTANT The system components (air terminals and VAV box) that you assigned to a system are organized in a hierarchy from upstream (parent) to downstream (child). In the Unassigned folder, notice that only level 1 VAV boxes are listed in the Default Supply Air category. This is because you have assigned all level 2 VAV supply air connectors to the secondary and primary supply air systems. After you assign the level 1 system components to a primary supply air system, all supply air system components will be assigned and the Default Supply Air category will be empty. 63 Right-click Mechanical Supply Air 25, and click Select. The new level 2 primary supply air system highlights in red.
Next, you inspect the system. Inspect the primary supply air system 64 In the System Browser, right-click Mechanical Supply Air 25, and click Inspect. IMPORTANT Another way to select a system is to select any duct segment, duct fitting, diffuser, or mechanical equipment that has been assigned to a system. You can then use system tools from the Options Bar. Ductwork must exist to access the System Inspector. If you select a system component that has been assigned to multiple systems such as an AC unit or a VAV box, the Select System dialog opens enabling you to select the system to inspect. 65 On the System Inspector tab of the Design Bar, click Inspect. The System Inspector tool opens. 66 On the System Inspector tab of the Design Bar, click Inspect. 67 Click a blank space in the 2 - Mech drawing area to make the view active. 68 Move the cursor over the primary supply air system duct run to inspect the air flow and pressure within the duct. Remember that you can click to place a temporary inspection flag in the view enabling you to compare inspection information. 69 Make the 3D view active and continue to inspect the primary supply air system.
70 On the System Inspector tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Inspector to deactivate the tool. 71 You have completed the level 2 high pressure primary supply air system. Next, you complete the level 1 primary supply air system. Optional: Complete the level 1 supply air system 72 Using the methods that you learned in this exercise, complete the level 1 primary supply air system to the following specifications:
In the Roof Mechanical view, draw the supply duct riser using Rectangular Duct : Mitered Elbows / Taps and specify a 68" width, and a 20" height. Specify the offset to -14' 6". This offset routes the duct through the level 2 Mechanical/Electrical room and into the level 1 plenum space terminating at the same level as the level 1 supply air system, 9' 6". Click the supply connector, move the cursor down, and enter 3' 6", and press Enter to specify the duct end point. Verify the duct riser geometry in the 3D view.
This is the opposite of what you did with the level 2 AC unit. This is because the location of the supply and return connections are reversed due to rotating the AC units at placement.
Notice that the duct riser passes through level 2 as confirmed by the green supply riser symbol in the 2 -Mech view.
Close the Roof Mech view and the 2 - Mech view (if open), open the 1 - Mech view, and tile it to the left of the 3D view. In the 1 - Mech view, select the left primary horizontal duct segment and elbow, and drag them down to align with the centerline of the right primary duct. Watch for the centerline snap as shown.
Connect the primary to the AC. Instead of drawing duct, select the left primary duct segment, and drag the end connector over the left edge of the duct riser to open the Draw tool. The edge snap displays when the connector is over the edge.
Drag the right primary duct connector to the right edge of the AC duct riser, and after the edge highlights, release the mouse button.
The level 1 primary duct run is connected to the AC unit.
In the 1 - Mech view, add an endcap on the end of the duct riser. Use Rectangular Duct Endcap : Standard, and remember to zoom the view. Use Tab to check duct connectivity, and validate the duct geometry in the 3D view.
Create a system for the level 1 primary supply air system, and assign the VAV boxes and the AC unit to it. Validate the system using the System Browser, and inspect the system with the System Inspector.
The completed level 1 primary supply air system is as shown.
73 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 74 In the Save As dialog, enter Completing Supply Air Systems Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you connected the level 1 and level 2 high pressure primary supply air duct runs to separate rooftop AC units. Using tiled windows, you drew the AC duct risers and then you physically connected each AC unit to its respective primary duct run. You then created 2 systems to logically connect the AC units to their VAV boxes, and validated these logical connections. These systems allow Revit MEP to perform calculations such as flow and pressure on the primary supply air systems. You have completed the high and low pressure (primary and secondary) supply air systems for the building. In the next exercise, you check the systems in your project.
Checking Air Systems

Revit MEP uses both the duct geometry and logical system to perform calculations such as airflow and pressure, and for duct sizing. Because both the logical (system) and physical (ductwork) connections play a vital role in the overall systems design, you need to validate them. In this exercise, you use the Check Duct Systems tool to immediately check these connections for all systems throughout your project, and quickly target those systems that need attention. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Checking Air Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Perform a systems check 1 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Check Duct Systems. Revit MEP checks both the logical (system) and the physical (duct) connections of each system throughout the project. Warnings report that the Default Exhaust Air and Default Return Air systems (for levels 1 and 2) and are not empty. These warnings direct you to check the Unassigned folder in the System Browser. As you view the warnings, Revit MEP lists the system components
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that are associated with each warning. Notice that no warnings refer to the supply air systems indicating that they are valid. NOTE The Check Duct Systems warnings contain a system type and a description. These warnings can refer to both physical connection issues (such as a disconnected or problematic duct) or logical connection issues (such as an improperly assigned system) in a system. Remember that after you create ductwork to physically connect a system, the duct is now associated with that system. The duct geometry is used for system airflow and pressure calculations, and for duct sizing. Note that only physical connections associated with an assigned system are checked. Ductwork that is associated with a default system (located in the Unassigned folder) is not checked. IMPORTANT The most common Check Duct Systems warning is the default system is not empty warning. As you learned when placing air terminals and VAV boxes, all system components must be assigned to a system immediately after placement. If you place air terminals and VAV boxes 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 the system components to a system, Revit MEP places them in their assigned systems folder and removes them from the Unassigned folder. After you have assigned all system components for the project to their systems, the Unassigned folder will be empty and Check Duct 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 because the assigned system component can be connected to multiple systems (it contains different system connectors), and you have not assigned the component to the other systems. For example, you assigned a VAV to a supply air system but the same VAV has a return air and another supply air connector that you have not assigned to system. In the System Browser, the VAV is listed in the assigned system and associated with the Default Return Air system in the Unassigned folder. These Check Duct System warnings refer to different systems that you have yet to design. So, you can click in the drawing area to close the message window and continue designing other systems. However, as a tutorial exercise, you open the System Browser to view the unassigned system components in the Unassigned folder. Then, you confirm that the assigned system components are in their proper systems. Use the System Browser to confirm duct system assignments 2 Click Window menu System Browser to open the System Browser. 3 Expand the Unassigned folder and notice that both Default Return Air and Default Exhaust Air systems are listed. 4 Expand Default Return Air and notice the air terminals and mechanical equipment that were automatically assigned to the Default Return Air system. 5 Right-click Default Return Air, and click Select to view all of the unassigned system components.
The red lines represent the default logical connection.
TIP If you have multiple views open, you can click Show in the Show Element(s) In View dialog to switch between views, otherwise click Close. 6 Using the same methods, confirm the unassigned system components in the Default Exhaust Air system. You confirmed all of the unassigned default systems in the Unassigned systems folder. You now confirm the systems that you created. 7 Collapse the Unassigned folder and expand the Mechanical systems folder. 8 Right-click Supply Air, and click Expand All to view all systems that you created including their assigned diffusers (air terminals) and mechanical equipment. Notice that each system contains a system type and an assigned number, such as Mechanical Supply Air 3. 9 Right-click a system, and click Select to view it and its assigned system components. You have validated both the unassigned and the assigned system components and their systems. 10 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 11 In the Save As dialog, enter Checking Air Systems Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you used the Check Duct Systems tool and the System Browser to validate the supply air systems that you created. You also confirmed that the air terminals and mechanical equipment for the return and exhaust air systems were unassigned as they were located in their respective default systems in the System Browser and not empty warnings were generated by Check Duct Systems. Depending on your air systems design, you may need to assign these system components to their proper systems. You have completed the supply air systems for the building. To view the completed mechanical systems for this tutorial including the supply air system, open the i Completed Mechanical Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder under Training Files. In the next lesson, you design a hydronic piping system for the building.
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Mechanical Systems: Piping
Designing Piping Systems

As with designing air systems, designing piping systems in Revit MEP is a straightforward and intuitive process. You will use many of the same methods and practices that you learned while designing the air systems. In this lesson, you create hydronic piping systems. You begin your piping systems design by placing fin-tube radiators in rooms and adding a boiler. Then, you create the systems and pipe runs to logically and physically connect the system components. You continue designing by resolving pipe interference, placing a circulator pump, and inspecting the piping system. IMPORTANT It is highly recommended that you complete the air systems part of this tutorial before creating hydronic piping systems. After completing the air systems lesson, you will have been introduced to concepts and practices that you will use to design the hydronic piping systems.
Creating Piping Views

In this exercise, you begin designing the level 2 hydronic piping systems for the building. The hydronic piping systems consist of wall mounted hydronic fin-tube radiators, a boiler, circulator pump, pipes, and the systems to logically connect the system components. First, you create new views in which to design the piping system. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Creating Piping Views.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Create the level 2 piping floor plan view 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, right-click 2 - Mech, and click Duplicate View Duplicate. A new view called Copy of 2 - Mech is created and becomes the active view.
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2 In the Project Browser, right-click Copy of 2 - Mech, and click Rename. 3 In the Rename View dialog, enter 2 - Piping for Name, and click OK. Modify the view properties 4 With the 2 - Piping view selected in the Project Browser, click view properties. 5 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, do the following:

(Properties) to modify the
Verify that Mechanical is specified for Discipline. Delete HVAC and enter Piping for Sub-Discipline.
Next, you change the view range. 6 In the Element Properties dialog, scroll down to the Extents category, and click Edit for View Range. 7 In the View Range dialog, under Primary Range do the following:

For Top, verify that Associated Level (Level 2) is selected, and enter 1' 0" for Offset. Enter -3 1 for Cut plane Offset. For Bottom, verify that Associated Level (Level 2) is selected, and enter -11' 6" for Offset. Under View Depth, for Level, verify that Associated Level (Level 2) is selected, and enter -11 6 for Offset.
This specifies the top view range above the radiators on level 2 and a bottom view range below the return connection of the boiler on level 1. This allows you locate the boiler and connect to it from one view. TIP When entering a value, you do not need to type measurement symbols, just separate the value with a space. For example, you can enter 8 7 and press Tab for 8' 7", or enter 12 3 1/2 for 12' 3 1/2". 8 Click OK twice. The 2 - Piping view displays all architectural elements in halftone and it displays the level 1 air systems. Also notice that 2 - Piping is now located under Mechanical Piping Floor Plans in the Project Browser.
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You use this view to create the pipe run that services level 2. You can use the level 1 ductwork as a reference to avoid interference with the level 2 pipe run. However, the pipe run will be located near the outer walls, and the vertical pipe run from the boiler will be routed in the Mechanical /Electrical room. So the pipe will not interfere with the duct. Considering this, you can hide the level 1 duct and system components to make it easier to view the pipe run. Next you create a series of filters to hide the level 1 duct and system components. You can then use these filters to hide or show objects in other views. Create and define filters 9 In the 2 - Piping view, click in the drawing area to make the view active, and enter VG. 10 In the Visibility Graphics dialog, click the Filters tab. On the Filters tab, you can add and activate filters. Notice that some predefined filters are listed under Name. 11 Click Edit/New. IMPORTANT You can create and define filters in the Filters dialog. Notice that filters are already created and listed under Filters. These system filters show or hide certain system elements that share the same system type. You could use the system filters to filter some duct and duct fittings, however, they will not filter all system elements needed. So, it will be best to create filters. You can use the system filters for tasks such as color-coding your systems. In this lesson, the system filters are not used.
12 In the Filters dialog, under Filters, click 13 Enter VAV Boxes for Name, and click OK.
(New).
14 Under Categories, select Mechanical Equipment. 15 Under Filter Rules, do the following:

Select Family Name for Filter by, and verify that equals is selected. Select VAV Unit - Parallel Fan Powered for the family name. Verify that none is selected for And. Click Apply.
IMPORTANT You can filter by many types of criteria, such as family name, type name, system type, or even a description that you define. You can create filters that are either general or specific in scope depending on the filter criteria. Note that if you are filtering multiple categories or multiple types in one category, you must select filter criteria that is common and shared by all selected components that you want to filter. A quick way to determine common filter criteria is to draw a pick box around all components in a view, and click on the Options Bar to view certain components. Then you can view the common filter criteria from the Element Properties dialog. Note that if at least one type parameter is different amongst the selected components, then no type parameter will display in the Type Properties dialog. However, common (shared) instance parameters will display even if other instance parameters are different (the different instance parameters do not display). Depending on the filter criteria, you may want to select each component type separately. The new VAV Boxes filter is listed in the Filters list. This filter will hide all parallel fan powered VAVs in the view after it is added and activated. Next, you create a filter to hide all 3 types of air terminals. To do this, you need a define common filter criteria.
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16 In the Filters dialog, under Filters, click 17 Enter Air Terminals for Name, and click OK. 18 Under Categories, click Air Terminals.
19 Under Filter Rules, select Description for Filter by, and verify that equals is selected. You do not have common filter criteria for the supply, return, and exhaust air terminals but they all have a Description type parameter. So, you create a description as the common filter criteria. NOTE The Description type parameter is applied to all components of that type. This is different from the Comment instance parameter which only affects the selected component (or instance). 20 Enter Air Terminal for the description, and click OK twice. Next, you need to assign the new description to all 3 air terminal types that you use in the project. 21 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Air Terminal. 22 In the Type Selector, select Exhaust Diffuser Hosted: Workplane-based Exhaust Diffuser. 23 On the Options Bar, click (Properties).
24 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 25 In the Type Properties dialog, under Identity Data, enter Air Terminal for Description. 26 Click Apply. This action adds a description for all Exhaust Diffuser air terminals. It also creates common criteria that associates all of these exhaust air terminal types to the Air Terminal filter. NOTE When entering filter criteria and assigning it to a family, you must spell both verbatim, otherwise the filter will not work. This is the same rule for using formulae. Next, you add a description for the supply air diffusers. 27 In the Type Properties dialog, do the following:

For Family, select Supply Diffuser - Hosted. For Type, select Workplane-based Supply Diffuser.
28 Under Identity Data, click in the Value column for Description, and select Air Terminal, and click Apply. Because you already entered the description, you can select it. 29 Repeat the method that you learned to add a description to the Return air diffusers. Remember to click Apply. 30 Click OK twice. 31 Click Modify on the Design Bar to deactivate the Air Terminal tool. NOTE If you drew a pick box and filtered to select all air terminals, you will not see the Description type parameter. This is because the selected supply, return, and exhaust air terminals have at least one different type parameter. Remember, if differences exist in the selected elements, then the type parameters will not display. By selecting each air terminal type separately, you can view the Description type parameter and identify it as common to all air terminal types. Next, you continue to create and define the filters. 32 Click in the 2 - Piping view to make it active, and enter VG.
33 In the Visibility Graphics dialog, click the Filters tab. 34 On the Filters tab, click Edit/New. 35 Using the methods that you just learned, create the following new filters according to the specifications, and remember to click Apply in the Filters dialog after you define each filter to create it:
Supply Air - Duct Fittings. Category: Duct Fittings; Filter by: System Type, verify that equals is selected, and enter Supply Air for system type name. To filter multiple duct fitting types, you need a common filter criteria. All duct fittings in your project have a System Type instance parameter defined as Supply Air in the element properties. So, you filter duct fittings by system type. Flex Ducts - Round. Category: Flex Ducts; Filter by: Family Name, verify that equals is selected, and select Flex Duct Round for the family name. Round Ducts. Category: Ducts; Filter by: Family Name, verify that equals is selected, and select Round Duct for the family name. Next, you have 2 types of rectangular duct. You want to view only the rectangular duct with mitered elbows because this the duct riser which is in the Mechanical /Electrical rooms and you want to avoid it when routing the pipe from the boiler. So, you specify a family and a type name. Rectangular Ducts Radius Elbows/Taps. Category: Ducts, Filter by: Family Name, verify that equals is selected, and select Rectangular Duct for the family name; And: Type Name, verify that equals is selected, and select Radius Elbows / Taps for the type name. Rectangular Ducts Mitered Elbows/Taps. Category: Ducts, Filter by: Family Name, verify that equals is selected, and select Rectangular Duct for the family name; And: Type Name, verify that equals is selected, and select Mitered Elbows / Taps for the type name.
Remember that you must click Apply after defining each filter and before defining the next one in order to create the filter. If you did not click Apply, you need to define the filter again. 36 Click OK. You defined and created all of the filters that you will need to create the hydronic piping system. Notice that the Filters tab in the Visibility Graphics dialog does not list the new filters even though you created them. This is because you have not added them. Next, you add and activate the filters. Add and activate filters 37 In the Visibility Graphics dialog, click Add. 38 In the Add Filters dialog, select all of the filters that you created, and click OK. The new filters are listed on the Filters tab of the Visibility Graphics dialog. Notice that you have visibility controls similar to visibility categories on other Visibility Graphics dialog tabs. Next, you activate the filters. 39 Under Visibility, clear all check boxes except for Mechanical - Supply and Rectangular Ducts Mitered Elbows/Taps. You used this duct to create the duct riser. You will use the duct riser as a reference to avoid interfering with it when routing the pipe run from the boiler. 40 Click OK twice.
All filtered components hide from view except for the duct riser in the Mechanical/Electrical room.
TIP Filters allow you hide geometry making visibility clearer. It also improves viewing performance because geometry that would normally be regenerated is hidden. You can also set the Detail Level to Wireframe to increase viewing performance. Next, you create the level 1 piping view in order to place the boiler. Create the level 1 piping view 41 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, right-click 1 - Mech, and click Duplicate View Duplicate. A new view called Copy of 1 - Mech is created and becomes the active view. 42 In the Project Browser, right-click Copy of 1 - Mech, and click Rename. 43 Enter 1 - Piping for Name, and click OK. You now define the view properties. 44 Right-click in the drawing area, and click View Properties. 45 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, do the following:

Verify that Mechanical is specified for Discipline. Select Piping for Sub-Discipline.
Next, you change the view range. 46 In the Element Properties dialog, scroll down to the Extents category, and click Edit for View Range. 47 In the View Range dialog, under Primary Range, verify that Associated Level (Level 1) is selected and that 10' 0" is specified for Top Offset. 48 Click OK twice. The 1 - Piping view displays the new view settings. Unlike the 2 - Piping view, this view only displays ducts and pipes on its level. The 10 foot top offset prevents the level 2 pipes (except
for the boiler pipe connection), ducts, and fin-tub radiators from displaying. You use this view to place the boiler that services level 2, and to create the level 1 piping system.
As you create the pipe runs, you will want to validate the geometry. Next, you create the 3D piping view to be able to validate this geometry. Create the 3D Piping view 49 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC 3D Views, right-click 3D, and click Duplicate View Duplicate. The new view is created using the view properties from the 3D Mech view, such as halftone architecture. 50 In the Project Browser, right-click Copy of 3D Mech, and click Rename. 51 Enter 3D Piping for Name, and click OK. 52 Right-click in the drawing area, and click View Properties. 53 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, do the following:

Verify that Mechanical is selected for Discipline. Select Piping for Sub-Discipline. Click Edit for Visibility/Graphics Overrides. You need to use the filters that you created earlier so that you can view only the pipes and the level 1 duct riser. If you turn off ducts visibility, you will be unable to view the duct riser.
54 In the Visibility Graphics dialog, click the Filters tab. 55 On the Filters tab, click Add. 56 In the Add Filters dialog, select all of the filters that you created, and click OK. The selected filters are listed on the Filters tab. 57 Under Visibility, clear all check boxes except for Rectangular Ducts Mitered Elbows/Taps. You used this duct to create the duct riser. You want to view it to avoid interfering with it when routing the pipe run from the boiler. 58 Click OK. 59 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, clear Section Box to turn it off.
60 Click OK.
The duct risers and AC units display in the view. The AC units display because you did not create a filter to hide them. Notice that the duct fittings are filtered. This is fine because you are using the riser as a reference to avoid interference with the boiler piping. 61 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 62 In the Save As dialog, enter Creating Piping Views Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you created and modified 2 floor plans and a 3D view. You also created filters to display certain system components. In the next exercise, you place the radiators and a boiler.
Placing Radiators and a Boiler

In this exercise, you place the fin-tube radiators on level 2 and the boiler on level 1 that services the level 2 radiators. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Placing Radiators and Boiler.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Piping to make it the active view. 2 Enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the drawing area. 3 On the Piping tab of the Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment. NOTE If the Piping tab is not available on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Piping. 4 In the Type Selector, select Hydronic Fin-Tube Radiator : 1" NPT. 5 Move the cursor over a wall and notice that an outline of the radiator and listening dimensions display only if the cursor is over the wall. This is because the fin-tube radiator is a wall-hosted family and can only be placed on a wall. 6 Zoom in on Office 201 located in the upper-left corner of the floor plan. TIP Although room tags were not copied when you created this view, you can identify a room by placing the cursor over the room component. A tooltip and the Status Bar (located at the lower left under the Design Bar) confirm the room name and number.
7 Place the cursor over the top exterior wall, and center a fin-tube radiator under the upper-right window as shown.
8 Click to place the radiator, and notice that the connectors display.
To place the radiator precisely under the window, select it and use the arrow keys to move it into position. 9 Continue placing radiators centered under all windows on level 2 as shown, except for the windows on the radius wall.
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You may need to move the Section 1 head and tail to place the Office 6 upper-left radiator. If so, drag the section tail. Do not delete the section as you will reuse it later in this lesson. TIP Remember to zoom the view to accurately place the radiators. 10 Click Modify on the Design Bar to deactivate the Mechanical Equipment tool. Next, you modify the radiator flow rate. Modify radiator flow rate 11 In the drawing area, right-click a radiator, and click Select All Instances. All level 2 radiators display in red. NOTE Note that Select All Instances selects all components of the same type in the entire model. If the same type of component exists on another level, and you do not want to include it, then it would be better to use other selection methods such as drawing a pick box.
13 In the resulting dialog, under Mechanical Loads, for Flow, verify that 20 GPM is specified for all of the selected radiators. IMPORTANT If you select multiple objects and then view their properties, the parameters that display are common to all of the selected objects. If parameters are blank, then these are different across the selected objects. Your design specification recommends a flow rate of 4 GPM for all fin-tube radiators in the building. The existing radiator flow rate needs to be changed. 14 Enter 4 for Flow, and click OK. The flow rate changes for all radiators on level 2. You selected all instances of the level 2 radiators because Flow is an instance parameter and must be applied to each instance that you want to modify. Next, you place the boiler. Place the boiler 15 In the Project Browser, double-click 1 - Piping to make this the active view. The boiler that services the level 2 radiators will be located on level 1.
16 Enter ZR, and sketch a zoom region around Mechanical/Electrical room.
17 On the Piping tab of the Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment, and select Boiler : Standard from the Type Selector. 18 Move the cursor to the right of the duct riser, watch the listening dimensions, and click to place the boiler approximately as shown.
Notice that the connectors display after you place the boiler.
19 Press Esc twice to deactivate the Mechanical Equipment tool. Next, you verify the boiler flow rate.
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20 In the drawing area, right-click the boiler, and click Element Properties. 21 In the Element Properties dialog, under Type Parameters, verify that 230 GPM is set for Max Flow. The boiler maximum flow rate complies with the design specification. 22 Click OK. 23 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 24 In the Save As dialog, enter Placing Radiators and Boiler Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you placed wall mounted fin-tube radiators on level 2, and the boiler that services those radiators on level 1. You also modified the radiator flow rate and verified the boiler flow rate so that they complied with design specifications. In the next exercise, you create the systems to logically connect the system components.
Creating the Piping Systems

In this exercise, you create the supply and return piping systems. A system is the logical connection between system components such as fin-tube radiators and a boiler. This logical connection allows Revit MEP to perform various analyses including flow and pressure. You create piping systems by placing mechanical equipment and other system components, and then create the logical connection between these system components. After creating the logical connection, you then create pipes to physically connect the system components. This is the recommended workflow or best practice for systems creation. During this exercise, you also use the System Browser to confirm your systems. 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 (pipes) are not required for systems creation. You can create pipes to connect system components but without a corresponding system, analyses cannot be performed. It is not a pipe system but only a physical connection. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Creating Piping Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Piping to make it the active view. 2 Enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the window.
Explore the System Browser 3 On the Piping tab of the Design Bar, click System Browser. TIP You can also press F9 (or Window menu System Browser) to open or close the System Browser. If the System Browser does not respond, click in the drawing area to make it active, then press F9. 4 Expand the Unassigned folder, and expand the Default Hydronic Supply and the Default Hydronic Return systems to view the level 2 radiators and the boiler that you placed in the building.
IMPORTANT In the System Browser, all system components are organized in a folder tree hierarchy according to the system that you assigned to them. You assign a system component (mechanical equipment, and so on) to a system either by creating a logical connection (or system) between the system components or by assigning a system component to an existing system. Notice that all of the mechanical equipment that you added are located under Default systems categories in the Unassigned folder. This occurred because each system component must be assigned to a system after it is placed. So, after you placed the radiators and boiler, Revit MEP immediately assigned them to the Default Hydronic Supply and Default Hydronic Return system category located in the Unassigned folder. They remain in the Default systems category until you assign them to their proper system. As you assign radiators to systems, the assigned radiators move from the Unassigned folder to their respective assigned system folder. Thus, if all system components are assigned, each Default system category would not contain any system components and would be considered empty. The System Browser is a powerful tool that allows you to validate and confirm systems. Keep the System Browser open and refer to it as you create your systems. Create the supply hydronic piping system 5 Select a fin-tube radiator, right-click, and click Select All Instances. All level 2 radiators display in red.
(Create Hydronic Supply System).
Notice that after you click , the hydronic supply system is immediately created and listed in the System Browser along with the fin-tube radiators that were assigned to it.
7 On the Options Bar, click it to the supply system.
(Select Equipment for System), and select the boiler to assign
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TIP If you have trouble selecting the boiler, click the Edit Systems button and then choose Boiler: Standard from the System Equipment drop-down list on the Options bar.
Notice that you can select only valid system components, all other components are unavailable. The supply system that logically connects the radiators to the boiler displays in red. This display indicates that the new system is selected. It does not indicate a pipe layout path.
TIP If you click in the drawing area and the red system display clears, place the cursor over a radiator or the boiler, press Tab, and select the system. You can also right-click the Hydronic Supply 1 listing in the System Browser, and click Select to select the system. IMPORTANT The new system named Hydronic Supply 1 is now listed in the System Browser under Hydronic Supply in the Piping folder. The organization is from upstream, the boiler (the parent) to downstream, the radiator (the child) with the connecting system between them. Notice that the Default Hydronic Supply category no longer displays. This indicates that you have assigned all hydronic supply system components in the model. Thus, the Default Hydronic Supply system is empty and does not display. Next, you create the return piping system.
Create the return hydronic piping system 8 Select a radiator, right-click, and click Select All Instances to select all level 2 radiators. Remember that the only radiators that exist in the project are on level 2. So, Select All Instances is an appropriate selection tool. 9 On the Options Bar, click (Create Hydronic Return System) to create the hydronic return system and assign the selected fin-tube radiators to it. Notice that (Create Hydronic Supply System) does not display because the selected components already have a hydronic supply system assigned to them.
10 On the Options Bar, click it to the return system.
(Select Equipment for System), and select the boiler to assign
TIP If you have trouble selecting the boiler, click the Edit Systems button and then choose Boiler: Standard from the System Equipment drop-down list on the Options bar. 11 The return system displays in red.
TIP If you clicked outside of the drawing area, and cleared from the Options Bar, select one of the radiators that you added to the system to display this tool and the other Options Bar system tools. Confirm and validate the systems 12 In the System Browser, expand Piping, and notice that Hydronic Supply and Hydronic Return systems categories are listed. 13 Right-click each category, and click Expand to view the boilers and the Hydronic Supply 1 and Hydronic Return 1 system listings. These listings represent the systems that you just created. 14 Expand Hydronic Supply 1 to view the radiators. You can now view the supply system hierarchy: Hydronic Supply 1 logically connects the boiler (parent) with the radiators (children).
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15 Right-click Hydronic Supply 1, and click Select. The hydronic supply system highlights in red indicating the logical connection. IMPORTANT Although you can draw pipe to create the physical pipe connections, you must create a system for Revit MEP to perform calculations such as flow and pressure. Remember that systems can be created before or after pipe, or even without pipe being drawn. 16 Repeat this method to validate the Hydronic Return System logical connection. 17 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 18 In the Save As dialog, enter Creating Piping Systems Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you created the supply and return piping systems to logically connect the radiators and boiler. You learned how the System Browser organizes system components and systems, and you used the System Browser to confirm and validate the newly created systems. Now that you logically connected the piping system components, in the next exercise, you create the level 2 pipe runs to physically connect the system components.
Creating Pipe Runs

In this exercise, you design 2 pipe layouts and then create the supply and return pipe runs based on these layouts. The pipe runs physically connect the level 2 radiators. In a later exercise, you connect the boiler to the pipe runs. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Creating Pipe Runs.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Piping to make it the active view.
Create the level 2 supply pipe layout 2 Place the cursor outside of the building at the upper left corner, drag the cursor to the lower right corner to draw a pick box around the entire floor plan.
Notice that all components that are in the 2 - Piping view range highlight.
(Filter Selection) to filter the selected elements.
4 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, and then select Mechanical Equipment, and click OK. The level 2 radiators and the level 1 boiler are selected (and display in red). This occurs because when you draw a pick box to select components, you are selecting all components within the view range of the active view. (You can see the level 1 boiler in the 2 - Piping view).
TIP Instead of selecting all components and filtering, you can place the cursor over a radiator, press Tab to highlight the system and select it. Then, you can click Layout Path on the Options Bar. 5 On the Options Bar, click Layout Path. The Layout Path tool and the Select a System dialog open. Notice that the radiators, the boiler, the return system that logically connects the components display in red. You can click each system in the Select a System dialog to view it.
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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 will open. You will need to select a system to create the layout. You can select each system in the dialog to view it. 6 In the Select a System dialog, select Hydronic Supply 1 and click OK. The system displays in red. The Layout Path tool activates providing various layout tools.
7 On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, verify that Solutions is selected. 8 On the Options Bar, do the following:
Select Perimeter for Solution Type. You want the pipes to run along the perimeter of the radiators. NOTE 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.
Click (Next Solution), and select solution 4 of 4. You can also view all possible layout path solutions by pressing the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard. The layout path solution displays with the main in blue and the branch in green.
Verify that 0" is specified for Slope. This option slopes the entire pipe layout. Enter 1 0 for Inset.
The inset is the distance from the pipe to the connection on the selected system component. Using this inset, you create the supply pipe run 1 foot from the radiator pipe connections (not from the outside wall).
NOTE Notice that the Perimeter layout solution inset modifies the layout path. Later in this exercise, you modify the layout segments that are tangent to the radius wall. Next, you specify the pipe conversion settings that you use to convert the layout path to a pipe run. 9 On the Options Bar, click Settings. 10 In the left pane of the Pipe Conversion Settings dialog, verify that Main is selected. 11 Under System Type: Hydronic Supply do the following:

Verify that Pipe Types: Standard is selected for Pipe Type. Enter -1' 3" for Offset. This negative offset elevation places the pipe main at 10' 9" in the level 1 plenum space. Remember that you are working in the level 2 piping view.
12 In the left pane of the Pipe Conversion Settings dialog, select Branch. 13 Under System Type: Hydronic Supply, do the following:

Verify that Pipe Types: Standard is selected for Pipe Type. Enter -1 3 for Offset. IMPORTANT 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 architecture.
14 Click OK. NOTE Configuring the pipe conversion settings is usually a one-time process unless you need to change them during your project. You can also configure these settings by clicking Mechanical Settings on the Piping tab of the Design Bar (or Settings Mechanical Settings). For more information, refer to Help. After configuring the pipe conversion settings, you now modify the layout path.
Modify the level 2 supply pipe layout 15 On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, click Modify. You now modify the layout paths that are tangent to the radius wall. The layout path is located under the radiators.
16 In the drawing area, zoom the view, and select the lower layout path main that is tangent to the radius wall. A drag control displays.
17 Using the drag control, drag the main to the right at approximately the same inset as the layout path.
18 Repeat the process to modify the upper layout path tangent to the radius wall. TIP Use the Ctrl key to select both the main and the branch line.
19 On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Layout. Ignore the no auto-route solution warning. You will address the cause of this warning later in this exercise. The supply pipe run (main and branches) is created and all required pipe fittings
are automatically inserted. This pipe run physically connects the supply side (supply connectors) of the system components.
Notice that the pipes are not listed in the System Browser. This is because the System Browser lists system components and systems. Pipes are a physical not a logical connection, and is not part of the system. For example, you can delete pipes and pipe fittings and the system remains unaffected. IMPORTANT Errors may occur while attempting to create pipe geometry as a result of converting a layout or during sizing. The most common cause of these errors is that the pipe 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 pipe. Remember to always check pipe connectivity after modification. Change the geometry display 20 Enter ZR and draw a zoom region around the Office 201.
Notice that the pipes and symbolic fittings display in single line. Also notice that a rise/drop symbol displays indicating the pipe riser. Some pipes are hidden causing a gap. This is caused by the hidden line setting.
IMPORTANT Creating Hydronic Piping Systems uses a hidden (haloed) line display. If a pipe is hidden by an object, a gap displays indicating the hidden geometry. To turn off hidden lines, click Mechanical Settings on the Piping tab of the Design Bar (or click Settings menu Mechanical Settings). In the Mechanical Settings dialog, select Hidden Line and specify the inside and outside gap to 0. The Hidden Line mechanical setting is not to be confused with the Hidden Lines Model Graphics Style located on the View Control Bar. 21 On the View Control Bar (located at the lower left of the drawing area), select Fine for Detail Level. The pipe geometry displays in 2-line enabling you to better see it.
22 Zoom the view and notice that the symbolic fittings and rise/drop symbol have been replaced by fitting geometry and a green pipe riser symbol.
You use the 2-line display to design the piping system.
TIP You can easily change the pipe geometry representation by changing the Detail Level. On the View Control Bar, select Coarse for single line display, Medium for 2-line duct display, or Fine for 2-line pipe display. If you experience slower viewing performance while using the higher detail settings, change the Model Graphics Style to Wireframe and/or turn off component visibility in the Visibility Graphics dialog. Next, you modify the pipe run so that it better fits in with the design. The design requires 2 zones. So, you will need 2 pipes connecting the boiler to the supply pipe run. A single pipe does not conform to the hydronic piping design. Instead of moving the pipe, it is easier to delete the pipe and fittings and draw a new one later. The deletion also divides the pipe run into left and right sides. Additionally, the pipe run needs to be changed to a 1 inch diameter. Modify the pipe run 23 Zoom in on the pipe connecting the boiler to the supply pipe run. 24 Place the cursor over the pipe, and press TAB twice to highlight the pipe and the adjacent pipe fittings, and click to select them. The selected pipe and pipe fittings display in red.
25 Press Delete to delete the selection.
Remember that although the physical connection from the boiler to the radiators has been deleted, the logical connection (or system) is still intact. Next, you modify the supply pipe run diameter. 26 Enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the drawing area. 27 Place the cursor over the left side of the supply pipe run (left of the split that occurred after deleting the boiler connecting pipe), and press TAB twice to highlight the pipe run (main and branches but not the radiators), and click to select it.
28 On the Options Bar, select 1" for D: (diameter), and click Modify on the Design Bar. The diameter of the main and branches change to 1 inch. 29 Repeat this method to change the right side of the supply pipe run to the same diameter. NOTE It is important to recognize that changing the diameter, width, or height of pipe on the Options Bar is not sizing. Sizing is performed using the Sizing tool (Sizing dialog) and sizes the pipe based on a series of parameters and calculations. 30 Verify the diameter changes by pressing TAB twice to highlight, the pipe run and click to select each side of the pipe run. The diameter on the Options Bar displays as 1" indicating that all pipe for the selected pipe run have been modified to the specified diameter. If the pipes had different diameters, the diameter
would not display. Next, you check to make certain that the pipe run is physically connected to the radiators. Check connectivity 31 Right-click in the view and click Zoom to Fit from the context menu. 32 Place the cursor over the right side of the supply pipe run and after it highlights, press Tab 3 times. All radiators and pipe highlight indicating that they are physically connected.
IMPORTANT When pipes and fittings are connected, you check connectivity by moving the cursor over a segment of pipe so that it highlights and then press Tab. The first time you press Tab, the branch to which the pipe is connected highlights. Press Tab a second time to highlight the entire network of connected pipe and pipe fittings up to the first piece of connected equipment. Press Tab a third time to highlight the entire network of connected pipes, fittings, and equipment. If the entire network does not highlight, then you know that a disconnect exists. This disconnect will be located at the point where the highlighting stops. You can repair the connection by dragging the pipe segment end point away from its current connection point and then dragging it back again to reconnect, or you may need to convert a fitting and draw pipe. Typically the disconnect results from not having sufficient room to make the connection.
After the pipe run and radiators are highlighted, you can click to select them. This allows you to better see disconnects.
33 Repeat this method to check the connectivity of the left supply pipe run.
Next, you create the return pipe run. Create the level 2 return pipe run 34 Using the methods that you learned to create the supply pipe run, create the level 2 return pipe run according to the following specifications:

In the 2 - Piping view, create a layout for the Hydronic Return 1 system. Select Perimeter solution 4. Enter 2' 0" for Inset. Verify that 0" is specified for Slope. For pipe conversion settings, verify that Pipe Types: Standard is selected, and enter -1' 9" for both the main and branch offsets. This places the pipes at a 10' 3" elevation in the level 1 plenum space.
In the Layout Path tool, modify the 2 layout path mains that are tangent to the radius wall to approximately the same inset as the other sides of the return layout path. Delete the pipe and the 2 fittings that connect the boiler to the return pipe run. The deleted pipe divides the return pipe run into left and right sides. Change the diameter of each return pipe run side to 1". Remember, do not select the radiators when selecting the return pipe runs. Check connectivity and inspect the corner connections for disconnects. Use the same method to correct any disconnects. Validate the pipe geometry using the 3D Piping view.
The level 2 return pipe run is as shown.
35 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 36 In the Save As dialog, enter Creating Pipe Runs Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save.
In this exercise, you used the Layout Path tool to design the supply and return pipe layouts. You then converted these layouts to create the supply and return pipe runs that physically connect the radiators. You also modified the pipe runs so that they were a better fit with the systems design. You checked connectivity, converted fittings, corrected disconnects, and validated the pipe geometry in the 3D view. In the next exercise, you resolve interference issues with the new pipe runs.
Resolving Pipe Interference

The supply and return pipe runs that you created seem to interfere with the 2 staircases in the building. In this exercise, you create new views to confirm this interference and then modify the pipe run to resolve it. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Resolving Pipe Interference.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Piping to make it the active view. Notice that the supply and return pipe runs seem to interfere with the 2 staircases.
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Resolve pipe interference with the lower staircase 2 Right-click in the drawing area, click Zoom in Region, and draw a zoom region around the right stairwell.
You need to create a section view to confirm pipe interference. Create a section view to confirm interference 3 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Section. Adding a section view is a 2-click process. The first click specifies the section head, and the second click specifies the section tail. After you add the section, you can flip the view direction or modify the extents of the view. 4 Place the cursor over the left wall of the room that is below the stairwell and click to specify the section head location.
5 Move the cursor to the right and click just past the exterior wall of the building to specify the section tail.
A new section view named Section 3 is created and located in the Project Browser under ???. 6 Use the drag handles to modify the clip planes so that you capture the pipe run and the stairwell. NOTE Make certain that the clip planes do not capture the pipe branch above.
7 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
The section head and tail display, similar to the level heads in the elevation view.
8 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical ??? Sections (Building Section), right-click Section 3, and click Properties. 9 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, select Piping for Sub Discipline, and click OK. The section relocates under Piping. 10 Double-click the section head to open the Section 3 view. All section heads link directly to their corresponding section view. You can also open the section view from the Project Browser under Sections. 11 On the View Control Bar, select Fine for Detail Level, and Wireframe for Model Graphics Style. The geometry displays with shading and outlined edges. 12 Draw a zoom region around the staircase.
The section view confirms that the pipe runs do interfere with the right staircase.
TIP Sections are very useful in visualizing and validating your designs. They offer immediate accessibility to all floors and areas. You will usually create many sections to both inspect and modify pipe runs, mechanical equipment placement, and other aspects of your systems design. Next, you modify the pipe runs around the staircase. Modify the pipe runs around the staircase 13 Click Window menu Floor Plan: 2 - Piping to make it the active view. 14 Zoom in on the stairwell. 15 Click the return pipe segment that is interfering with the stairs, and after the connectors display, place the cursor over the top connector. These connectors connect to the tee fittings. The tees connect the radiator return branches to the return pipe run. 16 Zoom in on the top pipe connector to view the tee fitting. 17 Drag the top pipe connector down and notice that the cursor changes to a pencil to indicate that the Draw tool is active.
18 Drag the pipe connector up to the tee fitting, and after the fitting end point snap displays, release the mouse button to reconnect it.
This is another way to use the Draw tool to create pipe. NOTE When modifying pipe, always connect to pipe segments, fittings, or mechanical equipment after a snap displays. Usually a connector snap displays but other snaps may display such as an end point snap. Remember to always check connectivity after connecting. 19 Zoom out, and select the return pipe segment again. 20 Drag the top pipe segment connector down to the area outside the stairwell as shown.
You drag the pipe segment instead of splitting it because you will convert the vertical tee fitting to a horizontal tee fitting. If you split the pipe, a small pipe segment will be created that will need to be removed. Next, you split the supply pipe segment.
21 On the Edit toolbar, click
(Split).
The cursor changes to a knife to indicate that the Split tool is open. 22 Place the cursor over the supply pipe run above the stairwell. 23 Watch the listening dimensions, and click to split the pipe approximately as shown. You may need to zoom the view to get the correct snap dimensions.
Zoom the split and notice that a line displays across the pipe. This indicates that a pipe fitting was automatically inserted at the split. You can place your cursor over the fitting and a tooltip and the Status Bar confirm the pipe fitting. Zoom out the view.
24 Click Modify on the Design Bar to deactivate the Split tool. 25 Select the pipe segment that is over the staircase, and press Delete to delete it. Notice that the fittings that were inserted at the splits have been deleted.
Next, you convert a tee fitting, and draw the pipe around the stairs. 26 Zoom in the return tee fitting above the stairs.
27 Select the tee, right-click and select Delete. 28 Select Trim, and then select the two adjacent pipes to add an elbow, and then click Modify. 29 Select the elbow and click on the upper plus (+) sign to convert the elbow to a tee. The new tee has a horizontal, not vertical, orientation.
30 Notice that the return pipe is hidden under the supply pipe due to the hidden (haloed) line mechanical setting. On the Piping tab of the Design Bar, click Pipe to open the Draw tool. 31 In the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Types : Standard is selected. 32 Place the cursor over the end of the return tee fitting that you just converted, and after the end point connector snap displays, click to specify the start point for the first pipe segment.
33 Zoom out the view, and move the cursor to the left, and press Spacebar to automatically specify the pipe diameter and offset to that of the pipe run.
34 Draw the pipe 12 0" to the left outside the stairwell, and click to specify the pipe segment end point and specify the start point for the second pipe segment.
35 Draw the pipe down, and after a snap displays aligning with end of the return pipe run, click to specify the end point and the start point of the third segment.
NOTE When drawing pipe, always make certain that you provide sufficient space for segment and fitting geometry, especially when connecting to mechanical equipment. Consider that pipe geometry may be larger and additional fittings may be inserted after performing sizing. 36 Draw the pipe to the return pipe run on the right, and after the connector snap displays, click to specify the segment end point.
The return pipe run is connected as shown.
37 Press Esc to deactivate the Draw tool. 38 Select the supply pipe segment above the stairs to display its connectors. 39 Right-click the lower connector, and click Draw Pipe from the context menu.
This activates the Draw tool, and automatically matches the pipe diameter and offset of the selected pipe. 40 In the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Types : Standard is selected. NOTE If you right-click a connector and click Draw Pipe on the context menu, the pipe diameter, or width and height, and offset automatically match that of the selected connector. However, you should always verify the pipe type in the Type Selector. 41 Using the pipe drawing methods that you learned, draw the supply pipe run around the stairs as shown.
If necessary, use the arrow keys to move pipes to the exact location required. The amount of movement that these keys provide depends upon the zoom factor. Optional: Resolve pipe interference with the upper staircase 42 Click the Section 1 tail (located on the upper-left of the building). The section displays in red. 43 Drag Section 1 to the left of the stairwell, and adjust the view clip planes as shown.
Although this section was used for air systems, you reuse it to confirm pipe interference with the stairs instead of creating a new section. NOTE If you use a section view to check pipe interference, you must adjust the section view clip planes to capture only the stairs and not the pipes beyond the stairs. Otherwise, you may get a false positive result. 44 Press ESC, and double-click the section head to open the section view. 45 On the View Control Bar, select Fine for Detail Level. 46 Zoom in on the staircase and notice that the pipes do interfere with the stairs.
47 Click Window menu Floor Plan: 2 - Piping to make it the active view. 48 Zoom in on the stairwell. 49 On the Edit toolbar, click (Split).
50 Move the cursor to the left of the stairs and over the supply pipe, watch the listening dimensions, and split the supply pipe at 12' 0" from its left connector. 51 Use the same procedure to split the return pipe run at 5' 0" from its left connector. 52 Using the methods that you learned, modify the supply and return pipe segments as shown.
You can either drag the pipe segments to the right past the stairs or split and delete them.
53 Again, using the methods that you learned, draw the supply and return pipe segments as shown. Remember to watch for connector snaps.
54 The level 2 supply and return pipe runs are as shown.
IMPORTANT You have learned 3 different methods to create pipe using the Draw tool. You can click Pipe from the Design Bar and press Spacebar to match the diameter (or width and height), and offset elevation to that of the selected pipe connector. You can right-click a connector and click Draw Pipe from the context menu. You can also drag a pipe connector to modify a segment. Using these 2 methods, the start point, diameter (or width and height), and offset are automatically specified. Another method to create pipe is to select the pipe to create, and click (Create Similar) on the Edit toolbar. Using Create Similar, the pipe type is also matched. Remember that after you create pipe, always: (1) Provide sufficient space for segment and fitting geometry, (2) Connect to a snap, preferably a connector snap, (3) Verify the pipe type in the Type Selector (not necessary with Create Similar), and (4) Check connectivity after making a connection. 55 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 56 In the Save As dialog, enter Resolving Pipe Interference Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you used section views to confirm pipe interference with the stairs. Then, you used the Split, Draw, and Move tools to modify the pipes that interfered with the stairs, and rerouted pipes to resolve the interference. In the next exercise, you connect the boiler to the pipe runs.
Connecting the Boiler

In this exercise, you connect the boiler to the level 2 supply and return pipe runs. You also tile 2 views to simultaneously create the pipe connections and validate the pipe geometry. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Connecting Boiler.rvtfile located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping 3D Views, and double-click 3D Piping to make it the active view.
Tile the views 2 With the 3D Piping view active, click Window menu Close Hidden Windows. This closes all windows that you previously opened during the current design session. Note that if this option is unavailable, the active view is the only open window. 3 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Piping to make it the active view. 4 Enter WT to tile both windows. TIP When tiling 2 views, the active view is tiled to the left. 5 Adjust the view in both windows to view the boiler and the pipe runs as shown.
You will design in the 2 - Piping view and validate the pipe geometry in the 3D Piping view. You are ready to connect the boiler to the supply and return pipe runs. Connect the boiler to the supply pipe run 6 Zoom in on the split supply and return pipe runs located above the boiler.
Remember that these pipe runs split as a result of deleting the pipe that connected the boiler to the pipe runs. 7 Click each pipe segment and drag the connectors to adjust the pipe segments to provide ample space to connected the boiler connector pipes as shown.
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8 Zoom in on the boiler. 9 On the Piping tab of the Design Bar, click Pipe. 10 In the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Types : Standard is selected. 11 Place the cursor over the supply connection on the boiler, and after the connector snap displays, click to specify the first pipe segment start point.
12 Draw the pipe to the left, and press Spacebar to match the pipe diameter and the offset elevation to that of the boiler connector. 13 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that 3" is specified for D: (diameter) Verify that Auto Connect is selected. Enter -5 0 for Offset. This offset places the horizontal pipe segment at 7 feet from level 1.
14 Move the cursor to the left, watch the listening dimensions, and click to specify the pipe segment end point at approximately 1' 6" from the boiler connection.
A green pipe riser symbol displays to indicate a pipe riser. TIP If the exact dimension snap increment does not display, zoom the view and try again. You can also add a dimension snap increment in the Snaps dialog (click Settings menu Snaps). Remember to always use a semi-colon (;) to separate snap increments. 15 Draw the pipe up to 3 0", and click to specify the end point.
In a later exercise, you will place a circulator pump on this pipe segment. TIP When drawing pipe, after listening dimensions display, you can enter a dimension and press Enter instead of drawing to the preferred dimension. 16 On the Options Bar, enter -1 3 for Offset. This creates a pipe segment at the same offset as the supply pipe run, 10' 9" from level 1. TIP After entering a value in Options Bar, you may need to press TAB to make the drawing area active.
17 Draw the pipe segment straight up toward the supply pipe run, and after the centerline and intersection snaps display, click to specify the pipe segment end point.
The boiler supply connector pipe is created.
18 Click Modify on the Design Bar. 19 Zoom in on the left supply pipe run segment and the boiler connector pipe. 20 Click the left supply pipe run segment to display the connectors. 21 Drag the right connector toward the boiler connector pipe, and after the connector snap displays, release the mouse button to connect to it.
The boiler is connected to the left supply pipe run.
22 Place the cursor over the boiler connector pipe and press Tab. The connector pipe and the left supply pipe run segment highlight indicating that they are physically connected.
23 Validate the geometry in the 3D Piping view.
Next, you connect the boiler to the right supply pipe run. 24 With the windows tiled, click in the 3D Piping view to make it active. 25 Zoom in on the elbow fitting above the boiler.
26 Use the selection tool to draw a box around the tee to select it. 27 Click on the lower of the two plus (+) signs to convert the elbow to a horizontal tee.
28 In the 3D Piping view, select the tee to display the connectors. 29 Click in the 2 - Piping view to make it active. Notice that the fitting is selected in the floor plan view and remains selected in the 3D view.
30 Zoom in on the tee, right-click the right connector, and click Draw Pipe from the context menu. The pipe diameter and offset are specified to that of the selected connector, and the start point is automatically specified. 31 In the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Types : Standard is selected. 32 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that Auto Connect is selected. Verify that -5' 0" is specified for Offset.
33 Draw the pipe 2' 0" to the right and click to specify the segment end point. 34 Draw the pipe up, and after listening dimensions display, enter 3 0 and press Enter.
This creates a 1 foot pipe segment. In a later exercise, you will place a circulator pump on this segment.
35 On the Options Bar, enter -1 3 for Offset. 36 With the Draw tool activated, draw the pipe segment straight up toward the supply pipe run, and after the intersection and centerline snaps display, click to specify the end point.
37 Press ESC twice to deactivate the Draw tool. 38 Using the same method that you used to connect the left supply pipe run, connect the right supply pipe run.
The right supply pipe run is connected to the boiler.
39 Check connectivity.
40 Validate the pipe geometry.
Next, you connect the boiler to the return pipe run. Optional: Connect the boiler to the return pipe run 41 With the windows tiled, and the 2 - Piping the active view, zoom in on the boiler. 42 Select the boiler, and right-click the return connector, and click Draw Pipe.
43 In the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Types : Standard is selected. 44 On the Options Bar, verify that 3" is specified for D: (diameter), and that Auto Connect is selected. Notice that the return connection is at an offset elevation of -11' -2" from level 2. This places the return connection 10 inches above level 1. Next, you draw a 6 inch pipe segment at this elevation and then create a pipe riser. 45 Move the cursor up, and enter 0 4 and press Enter. 46 On the Options Bar, enter -1 9 for Offset. This places the next pipe segment at an elevation of 10' 3" from level 1. 47 Draw the pipe to the left, and after pipe segment aligns with end of the left return pipe run located above, click the specify the end point.
48 Draw the pipe up toward the return pipe run, and after the connector snap displays, click to connect to the left return pipe run.
The boiler is connected to the left side of the return pipe run.
49 Press ESC to deactivate the Draw tool. 50 Zoom in on the boiler, and click the elbow fitting on the return pipe above the boiler to display the fitting conversion controls. 51 Using the fitting conversion methods that you learned, convert the elbow to a tee with a horizontal orientation.
52 Select the tee fitting, right-click the right connector, and click Draw Pipe. 53 Draw the pipe 1' 0" to the right, and click to specify the end point.
54 Draw the pipe toward the return pipe run, and after the intersection and centerline snaps display, click to specify the end point.
55 Using the method that you learned, drag the right return pipe segment and connect it to the boiler connector pipe.
The boiler is connected to the right side of the return pipe run. Remember that hidden lines display when the pipe display is obstructed. 56 Click Modify on the Design Bar. Check connectivity and validate pipe geometry 57 Place the cursor over the return pipe before the tee fitting, and press TAB 3 times to check connectivity for both sides of the return pipe. The return pipes highlight indicating that they are physically connected.
58 Validate the return pipe geometry in the 3D Piping view.
Next, you align the boiler return connector pipes with the supply connector pipes. Align the boiler supply and return connector pipes. 59 With the 2 - Piping and the 3D Piping views tiled, in the 2 - Piping view, zoom in on the boiler and supply and return connector pipes. 60 On the Tools toolbar, click (Align).
If the Tools toolbar is not available, click Window menu Toolbar Tools. IMPORTANT Using the Align tool is a 2-click process. First, select the reference point where you want to align, and then you select the point to align. 61 Place the cursor over the left supply pipe, and after highlights, click to specify the alignment reference point.
NOTE Make certain to click the supply pipe and not the return.
62 Move the cursor over the left return pipe, and after the centerline highlights, click to specify the point to align.
The left return pipe is aligned with the left supply pipe. Notice that the return pipe parametrically adjusts.
63 Using the alignment method you just learned, align the right return pipe with the right supply pipe.
64 Click Modify on the Design Bar to deactivate the Align tool.
The aligned return pipes are as shown. Notice that the return pipe runs also are parametrically adjusted. This situation results because they are connected to the return boiler connector pipes that you aligned.
65 Place the cursor below the tee fitting, and press Tab 3 times to check connectivity.
66 Validate the geometry in the 3D Piping view.
The boiler is physically connected to the radiators and the hydronic piping system is now a closed loop. 67 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 68 In the Save As dialog, enter Connecting the Boiler Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, connected the boiler to the supply and return pipe runs. You used the Split tool to create 2 separate supply and return pipe runs. You then drew pipes that had different offset elevations to connect the boiler to the supply and return pipe runs. You worked in 2 tiled views enabling you to design and validate geometry simultaneously. It also allowed you to better understand the Auto Connect behavior. Finally, you used the Align tool to align the return pipes to the supply pipes. In the next exercise, you size the supply and return piping runs.
Sizing the Pipe Runs: Friction & Velocity Methods

You created the level 2 supply and return pipe runs to physically connect the boiler to the radiators. Next, you size the pipe runs using both Friction and Velocity sizing methods. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Pipe Sizing - Friction & Velocity.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Piping to make it the active view. 2 Place the cursor over the boiler, and after it highlights, press Tab 4 times to highlight both the supply and return pipe runs including the radiators and the boiler, and click to select them.
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The selected pipe runs and mechanical equipment display in red.
3 On the Options Bar, click Sizing. IMPORTANT Remember that 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. 4 In the Pipe Sizing dialog, do the following:

Under Sizing Method, select Friction, and enter 2.50 FT/100ft. Select And, and enter 8 FPS for Velocity. Under Constraints, select Match Connector Size for Branch Sizing, and that Restrict Size is cleared. Match Connector Size matches the pipe to the connector size of the mechanical equipment to which the branch is connected. Click OK.
The sized pipe runs are sized. IMPORTANT Errors may occur while attempting to create pipe geometry as a result of converting a layout or during sizing. The most common cause of these errors is that the pipe usually has insufficient space to be created. Either relocate the system components, select a different layout solution, or manually modify the pipe. Remember to always check pipe connectivity after modification. 5 Zoom in and confirm the pipe sizing.
Notice that the branch sizing used the size information from the connector on the fin-tube radiator and not from the connector on the main pipe. This is because you selected Match Connector Size for branch sizing.
6 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping 3D Views, and double-click 3D Piping to make it the active view. 7 Validate the sized pipe geometry.
8 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 9 In the Save As dialog, enter Pipe Sizing - Friction & Velocity Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you sized the supply and return pipe runs using both the Friction and Velocity sizing methods. You also specified branch sizing that was different than the main pipe sizing. In the next exercise, you place the circulator pumps for the supply pipe runs.
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Placing Circulator Pumps

In this exercise, you place 2 in-line circulator pumps on the hydronic supply pipe runs that you sized. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Placing Circulator Pumps.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping 3D Views, and double-click 3D Piping to make it the active view.
Tile the views 2 With the 3D Piping view active, click Window menu Close Hidden Windows. This closes all windows that you previously opened during the current design session. Note that if this option is unavailable, the active view is the only open window. 3 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Piping to make it the active view. 4 Enter WT to tile both windows. TIP When tiling 2 views, the active view is tiled to the left. 5 Adjust the view in both windows to view the boiler and connecting pipes as shown.
You place the pumps in the 2 - Piping view and validate the geometry and rotate the pumps in the 3D Piping view. Place in-line circulator pumps 6 In the 2 - Piping view, zoom in on the boiler and the 2 supply pipes to the left and right of the boiler. 7 On the Edit toolbar, click (Split).
8 Watch the listening dimensions, and make 2 splits on the left pipe 0' 3" from the upper and the lower elbow fittings as shown.
Notice that a pipe fitting is automatically inserted at each split. You can place your cursor over one and a tooltip and the Status Bar confirm the fitting.
9 Click Modify on the Design Bar to deactivate the Split tool. 10 Click the pipe segment between the 2 splits. The selected pipe segment displays in red. 11 Press Delete to delete the pipe segment. Notice that the pipe fittings that were automatically inserted are also deleted.
12 On the Piping tab of the Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment. 13 In the Type Selector, select In-line Circulator : Standard. 14 Place the cursor between the pipe openings and click to place the circulator pump. 15 Select the pump and click Rotate on the toolbar. 16 Flip the pump so that the motor is on the left. 17 Click Align on the toolbar and select the middle of the pipe above and the middle of the circulator connector. NOTE You must align the pump correctly in order to connect it to the pipes above and below.
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18 TIP If you need to reposition the circulator pump, drag the pump away from the pipe, and then move it over the pipe opening, and watch for the centerline snaps. You can also use the cursor keys or the Move tool for precise placement. 19 Press ESC twice. 20 In the 3D Piping view, notice that the pump is not located near the selection point.
Actually, the pump is on the selection point but at the default offset elevation. You need to specify the pump offset. 21 In the 2 - Piping view, click the pump. The selected pump displays in red. 22 On the Options Bar, click .
You can also right-click the pump, and select Element Properties. 23 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, enter -5 0 for Offset. This is the offset elevation of the horizontal pipe on which you are placing the pump. TIP To quickly view the pipe offset value, click the pipe segment. The offset appears on the Options Bar and in the drawing area. You can also open the Element Properties dialog to view the offset.
24 Click OK. The circulator pump is placed at the same offset as the horizontal pipe segment.
If the pump remains selected, click in the drawing area to clear the selection. Next, you connect the pump. TIP Sometimes a selected object remains selected (displays in red) after an action upon it has finished. To clear the selection, you can click in the drawing area, click Modify on the Design Bar, or press ESC. 25 In the 2 - Piping view, click the upper pipe segment to display the connectors. 26 Drag the pipe connector down toward the pump, and after the connector snap displays, release the mouse button to connect the pipe to the pump.
Notice that the necessary pipe fittings are automatically inserted. Also notice that the modified pipe segment remains selected after connecting to the pump. 27 Press ESC to clear the selection.
28 Repeat this method to connect the lower pipe segment to the pump above.
After connecting the pump, you need to check connectivity. 29 Place the cursor over the pump, and press TAB. The pump and the pipe segments highlight indicating that they are physically connected.
30 Using the methods that you just learned, connect the circulator pump the services the right side of the supply pipe, and check connectivity. Make certain that you align the right pump to the left.
Next, you rotate the pumps so that the motor is located as the top.
31 With the 2 - Piping and the 3D Piping views tiled, click in the 3D Piping view to make it active. 32 Adjust the view so that both circulator pumps are in the view.
33 Click the left pump to display rotation controls.
34 Click the rotation control on the right.
The pump rotates 90 degrees to the right.
35 Using the method that you just learned, rotate the right pump so that motor is at the top. The in-line circulator pumps are rotated.
Assign the pumps to the supply system 36 On the Piping tab of the Design Bar, click System Browser. You can also press F9. 37 In the System Browser, do the following:

Expand the Unassigned folder. Expand the Piping folder, right-click Hydronic Supply and click Expand All to view all of the system components assigned to Hydronic Supply 1 system.
Notice that the 2 circulator pumps are in the Unassigned folder. As you learned in previous exercises, you must assign all system components (mechanical equipment, and so on) that you placed to a system. Immediately after placement, Revit MEP associates the unassigned components with a default system in order to perform calculations. These unassigned components are located
in the Unassigned folder in the System Browser. After you assign the components to a system, they move to their respective system folder. You need to assign the 2 circulator pumps to the hydronic supply system. 38 In the 3D Piping view, select the left supply pipe riser.
System tools display on the Options Bar. TIP You can select any system component or piping that has been assigned to a system to access system tools on the Options Bar.
(Edit System).
The Edit System tab appears on the Design Bar providing various system editing tools.
NOTE Do not click . You use this tool to add mechanical equipment that is located upstream in a system, such as VAV boxes, boilers and AC units. If you use this tool, the boiler will be considered unassigned and it will move to the Unassigned folder. 40 On the Edit System tab of the Design Bar, click Add To System. System components that were not assigned for this system are grayed out. Notice that the cursor changes to indicate that Add To System is active. 41 Click the left and right circulator pumps to add them to the supply hydronic system.
Notice that the pumps moved from the Unassigned folder in the System Browser to the Hydronic Supply 1 system listing in the Piping folder. This indicates that the pumps have been assigned to the supply hydronic system. They are now logically connected to the boiler and radiators. 42 On the Edit System tab of the Design Bar, click Finish System. 43 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 44 In the Save As dialog, enter Placing Circulator Pumps Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you used tiled floor plan and 3D views to place 2 in-line circulator pumps for the hydronic supply piping system. You used the Split tool to open the pipe segments to accommodate the pumps and then you connected the pumps. You rotated the pumps in 2 different ways by pressing the Spacebar, and by clicking the rotation controls. Finally, you assigned the circulator pumps to the supply hydronic system and confirmed the assignments in the System Browser. In the next exercise, you inspect the hydronic piping systems for flow and pressure.
Inspecting Piping Systems

In this exercise, you use the System Inspector to inspect the level 2 hydronic piping system. The System Inspector is a unique tool enabling you to inspect each piping system for flow, pressure, and pressure loss by placing the cursor over a pipe or mechanical equipment that you assigned to the system. Using the System Inspector, you can immediately target problem areas directly in your design and resolve them. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Inspecting Piping Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Piping to make it the active view. 2 Right-click in the view, click Zoom in Region from the context menu. 3 Draw a zoom on the boiler in the Mechanical/Electrical room. You will inspect the hydronic supply system. 4 Select the boiler. System tools appear on the Options Bar. You select the boiler because you assigned it to the hydronic supply system. NOTE To select a system, select any pipe segment, fitting, mechanical equipment, and so on that you have assigned to a system. System tools display on the Options Bar.
(Inspect).
6 In the Select a System dialog, select Hydronic Supply 1, and click OK. The System Inspector tab opens providing inspection tools on the Design Bar. IMPORTANT If you select a system component that has been assigned to multiple systems such as a boiler, the Select System dialog opens enabling you to select the system to inspect. You can click a system in the dialog and the system highlights in red enabling you to preview it. 7 On the System Inspector tab of the Design Bar, click Inspect.
NOTE You can also use System Inspector from within the System Browser. Right-click a system from the System Browser, and click Inspect from the context menu. After the System Inspector activates, click Inspect from the System Inspector tab on the Design Bar. 8 Place the cursor over the boiler to inspect system information pertaining to the boiler. The boiler highlights and an inspection flag dynamically reports the section number, flow, and pressure information including pressure loss. A tooltip also displays this system information. Arrows display on the pipe indicating the flow direction for both the main and the branches in the pipe system.
IMPORTANT As you inspect a system, remember that all information is color coded according to pressure. Red information and arrows indicate the highest percentage of pressure loss due to friction, also known as the critical path. As you inspect, notice that the assigned system components highlight and can be inspected but you cannot inspect system components that have not been assigned to the selected system. Next, you inspect 2 areas of the selected piping system to compare system information. Compare system information 9 Place the cursor over the left pipe segment above the pump, and click to temporarily place the inspection flag on the segment. 10 Move the cursor over the right pipe segment above the pump to compare the flow and pressure information with that of the left pipe segment.
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11 Click to place the current inspection flag and close the prior one. 12 Move the cursor over one of the circulation pumps, click and compare its information with that of the right pipe segment. 13 Click in the view to close the current inspection flag. You can also inspect systems in a 3D view. 14 With the System Inspector activated and the Hydronic Supply 1 system selected, double-click the 3D Piping view, and inspect a fin-tube radiator.
Continue to use this method to inspect and compare inspection information for system components and pipe across the selected Hydronic Supply 1 system. Remember that you can switch between the floor plan and 3D views without closing the System Inspector.
15 On the System Inspector tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Inspector to deactivate the System Inspector. 16 Using the methods that you learned, use the System Inspector and inspect the return piping systems in the project. 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). 17 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 18 In the Save As dialog, enter Inspecting Piping Systems Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you used the System Inspector to inspect the flow direction, flow, and pressure information for the hydronic supply system in the project. You noticed that flow and pressure information is specific to the selected system component, and that all system information is color-coded for either the main or the branch. You also compared system information across a system. In the next exercise, you check the piping systems.
Checking Piping Systems

Revit MEP uses both the pipe geometry and the system to perform calculations such as flow and pressure, and for pipe sizing. Because both the logical (system) and physical (pipe) connections play a vital role in the overall systems design, you need to validate them. In this exercise, you use the Check Pipe Systems tool to immediately check these connections for all systems throughout your project, and quickly target those systems that need attention. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Checking Piping Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder.
Perform a systems check 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Piping Floor Plans, double-click the 2 - Piping to make it the active view. 2 On the Piping tab of the Design Bar, click Check Pipe Systems. Revit MEP checks both the logical (system) and the physical (pipe) connections of each piping system throughout the project. A warning appears, but does apply to the piping system. The piping system is logically and physically valid. However, check system warnings may occur. As a tutorial exercise, you check the air systems to view check systems warnings. NOTE If the Piping tab is not available on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Piping. 3 On the Mechanical tab of the Design Bar, click Check Duct Systems. Warnings display. Notice that these warnings indicate that the default systems are not empty.
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4 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 now 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 the default system is not empty warning. As you learned when placing fin-tube radiators, all system components must be assigned to a system immediately after placement. If you place radiators 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 the system components to a system, Revit MEP places them in their assigned systems folder and removes them from the Unassigned folder. After you have assigned all system components for the project to their 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 because 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 fin-tube radiator to a supply hydronic system but the same radiator has a return system connector that you have not assigned to a system. In the System Browser, the fin-tube radiator is listed in the assigned system and assigned to the Default Hydronic Return system in the Unassigned folder. Next, you open the System Browser to view the unassigned air system components and the associated default air systems. Then, you confirm the validity of the assigned piping system components and systems. Next, you confirm the system component assignments. Use the System Browser to confirm piping system assignments 5 Click Window menu System Browser to open the System Browser. TIP You can press F9 (or Window menu System Browser) to open or close the System Browser. If the System Browser does not respond, click in the drawing area to make it active, then press F9. Because you assigned all piping components, you will check the unassigned air system components to learn how to use the System Browser to confirm default system assignments. 6 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, double-click 2 - Mech to make it the active view. 7 Expand the Unassigned folder and notice that both Default Return Air and Default Exhaust Air systems are listed. 8 Expand Default Return Air and notice the air terminals and mechanical equipment that were automatically assigned to the Default Return Air system. 9 Right-click Default Return Air, and click Show to view all of the unassigned system components.
The red lines represent the default logical connection. A dialog lets you click Show multiple times for different views.
TIP If you have multiple views open, you can click Show in the Show Element(s) In View dialog to switch between views, otherwise, click Close. 10 Using the same methods, confirm the unassigned system components in the Default Exhaust Air system. Now that you confirmed all of the unassigned component for the default air systems, you confirm the piping system assignments. 11 Click Window menu Floor Plan: 2 - Piping to make it the active view. 12 In the System Browser, collapse the Unassigned folder and expand the Piping folder. 13 Right-click Hydronic Supply, and click Expand All. The supply system that you created, Hydronic Supply 1 is listed along with the boiler, fin-tube radiators and the circulator pumps that you assigned to this system. Notice that the system contains a system type and an assigned number.
14 Right-click Hydronic Supply 1, and click Select to confirm this system and the assigned system components.
15 Using the methods that you learned, confirm the system and the system assignments for the hydronic return system. You have confirmed and validated both unassigned and assigned system components and their systems. 16 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save. 17 In the Save As dialog, enter Checking Piping Systems Training for File name, navigate to the folder of your choice, and click Save. In this exercise, you used the Check Pipe Systems tool and the System Browser to validate the level 2 supply and return hydronic piping systems that you created. You also confirmed that the air terminals and mechanical equipment for the return and exhaust air systems were unassigned as they were located in their respective default systems in the System Browser and not empty warnings were generated by Check Duct Systems. Depending on your air systems design, you may need to assign these system components to their proper systems. The piping system that you designed did not return any check system warnings; it is a valid system without problems. You have completed the level 2 piping systems for the building. To view the completed mechanical systems for the tutorial including the level 2 hydronic piping system, open the i Completed Mechanical Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder under Training Files. For additional practice, use the methods that you learned and create the level 1 hydronic piping system. Design the system in the 1 - Piping view and filter the visibility of objects as needed. Use the same piping system components that you used for level 2. For pipe offset, specify 9' 9" for the supply and 9' 3" for the return pipe offset elevation. In the lesson, you created a hydronic piping system consisting of a supply and return pipe runs, circulator pumps, a boiler, and fin-tube radiators. You validated rigid pipe connections and geometry using floor plan, 3D, and section views. You inspected the logical systems using System Inspector and the System Browser. Finally, you checked the logical and physical connections for the system using Check Pipe Systems. This completes the Designing Piping Systems lesson. In this tutorial, you created a supply air system and a hydronic piping system, Each was a completely different mechanical system that consisted of different system components however, the creation and modification methods remained the same. You also learned the difference between creating rigid physical duct or pipe
connections and creating logical systems. The completed mechanical systems are included in the i Completed Mechanical Systems.rvt file located in the Imperial Mechanical folder under Training Files. Feel free to modify the systems or create entirely new mechanical systems. Explore different system designs, parametrically modify those designs, and see the results dynamically in views and design documents. This is the power BIM (Building Information Modeling). This is the future of systems designingRevit MEP 2009.
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Electrical Systems
In this tutorial, you learn to create electrical systems using a linked architectural model of a building project. The building contains a variety of spaces where you will design lighting and power systems. The first lesson consists of exercises that prepare your project for the types of systems that you will design in the following lesson.
NOTE The architectural model used with this tutorial is in the Architectural folder. You should maintain the relative path to the architectural model. However, if the link is lost, you can click File menu Manage Links to reload the linked model. On the Revit tab on the Manage Links dialog, click Reload From, navigate to Training Files Imperial Architectural, and select i Office Building.rvt.
The datasets that you use to complete these exercises are located in the Training Files directory. You can search the Training Files Imperial directory to verify that the datasets have been downloaded. If the tutorial datasets are not present, go to http://www.autodesk.com/revitmep-documentation and download them.
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 dataset that Autodesk provides. This dataset includes the work from the previous exercise(s) and ensures a seamless training session.
Planning Electrical Systems

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 specify electrical settings, load the families containing the electrical components that will make up your electrical system, and create schedules that you will need to design the electrical systems for your project.
Preparing the Electrical Plan

In this exercise you define the basic parameters for your electrical system, and select the component families that you will use in the plan.
269
The electrical settings determine the voltages, wiring, distribution systems, and demand factors that are applied in the design. Lighting, power, and ceiling plans for each have been prepared by duplicating architectural views, then applying the appropriate template to each plan:

Power plans where you will place electrical devices and equipment and design power circuits. Electrical Ceiling Plans where you will place lighting fixtures. Lighting Plans where you will design lighting circuits.
Revit MEP provides families of common electrical components that you place in your power and lighting plans. You load the families that comprise the specific components that will be used in your electrical system. As you develop more advanced skills working with Revit MEP, you can customize components and expand the library of electrical families. All of Revit MEPs electrical (and mechanical) components are designed with connectors. Connectors allow Revit MEP to maintain information about the systems that you create, and make it possible for Revit MEP to perform calculations to assist you with your design. It is important that the connectors associated with components that you place in a view are within the View Range or level offset. For example, the connectors for the ceiling-hosted lighting fixtures that you will place in spaces are above the ceiling level. For this reason, the Limit Offset, in the Element Properties dialog for Spaces, has been set to 10' 6" for the building used with these exercises. This allows the illuminance of the lighting fixtures to be considered when calculating required lighting levels. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Creating Electrical Views.rvt.
Specify Electrical Settings 1 Electrical settings let you specify the voltages, power distribution systems, wiring, and demand factors that you will use in your project. Later, as you place components and create circuits in your electrical plan, Revit MEP checks to assure that those components are compatible with voltages and distribution systems that you specify here. Click Settings menu Electrical Settings. 2 In the Electrical Settings dialog, in the left pane, expand Wiring. 3 Click Wiring Types, and in the right pane, click Add (below the table). 4 Specify the following parameters for this wire type as follows: Parameter
Name Material Temperature Rating Insulation Max Size
Value
CU-THWN Copper 75 THWN 500
270 | Chapter 6 Electrical Systems
Parameter
Neutral Multiplier Neutral Required Neutral Size Conduit Type
Value
1.0 selected Hot Conductor Steel
5 In the tree view, click Voltage Definitions. 6 The Voltage Definitions table is where you specify a range of voltages that will be used with your Voltage Definitions. By specifying a range, you allow circuits to be created between components with rated voltages that do not precisely match the voltage definition value. For example, many components intended for use in a 120V circuit are rated anywhere from 110V to 130V. Regardless of the Name value for a voltage definition, the numeric value in the Value column is the actual voltage used for calculations involving this definition. Verify that voltage definitions have been specified with the following parameters: Name
120 208 240 277 480
Value
120.00 V 208.00 V 240.00V 277.00 V 480.00 V
Minimum
110.00 V 200.00 V 220.00V 260.00 V 460.00 V
Maximum
130.00 V 220.00 V 250.00V 280.00 V 490.00 V
Preparing the Electrical Plan | 271
Voltage definitions can be deleted only if they are not currently in use with any distribution system. NOTE Revit MEP does not prevent specifying unfeasible voltage values. For example, you could specify a distribution system with a L-L Voltage value of 120 and an L-G Voltage value of 480, even though this is physically impossible. 7 In left pane of the Electrical Settings dialog, click Distribution Systems. 8 In the right pane, verify that distribution systems have been specified with the following parameters: Name
120/208 Wye 120/240 Single 480/277 Wye
Phase
Three Single Three
Configuration
Wye None Wye
Wires
4 3 4
L-L
208 240 480
L-G
120 120 277
Distribution systems can be deleted only if they are not currently assigned to any devices.
NOTE Although it is possible to specify a distribution system with a Configuration value of Delta and a Wire value of 4, this type of system (High, Red, or Wild leg) is currently not supported in Revit MEP because there is no way to specify the high leg voltage. 9 Click Demand Factors. Demand factors let you adjust the rating of the main service for a building based on the expectation that, at any given time, only a portion of the electrical equipment will be drawing at its full rated load. You can specify one or more Demand Factors, applying different Demand Factors to Lighting, Power, HVAC, or Other systems in your project based on their load. The particular system for which Demand Factors are applied is selected from the Load Classification drop-down list. More Than and Less Than values define the range for the associated Demand Factor:

More Than specifies the lower limit of a range of loads. Less Than specifies the upper limit of a range of loads. Demand Factor (%) specifies the anticipated a percentage of full rated load that will exist at any given time for the specified range.
You can Split the default range to create several load ranges for a particular system and apply a different demand factor to each range. For example, you can specify the following parameters for a building lighting system: More Than Less Than
3,000VA 3,000VA 10,000VA 10,000VA
Demand Factor
100% 50% 30%
The settings in this example apply a 100% demand factor to loads less than 3000VA, a 50% demand factor to loads between 3000VA and 10,000VA, and a 30% demand factor for loads greater than 10,000VA. For this exercise, leave the default settings as shown here.
10 Click OK.
Preparing the Electrical Plan | 273
Load component families 11 NOTE The components used throughout this tutorial have been copied from the Imperial Library to the i families sub-folder. As an alternative, you can load from the components from that location. Click File menu Load from Library Load Family. 12 In the Open dialog, expand Electrical Components Lighting Devices. 13 Select Lighting Switches.rfa, and click Open. 14 Using the same method, reopen Electrical Components Power Devices, and load Duplex Receptacle.rfa. 15 Click Open. 16 In the Project Browser, expand Families. An Electrical Fixtures Duplex Receptacle folder containing receptacles has been added to the families currently available for your design. A Lighting Devices Lighting Switches folder, containing several switch types, has also been added under Lighting Device. 17 Using the same method, reopen Electrical Components Electrical Equipment Panelboard folder, and load the following families:

Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - 480V MCB - Surface.rfa Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - 208V MLO - Surface.rfa
18 Using the same method, reopen Electrical Components Electrical Equipment Transformer folder, and load Dry Type Transformer - 480-208Y120 - NEMA Type 2.rfa. 19 Open the Electrical Components Lighting Fixtures folder and load the Troffer Corner Insert.rfa family. As you loaded each of the component families, they were added to the Families in the Project Browser. 20 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 21 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 22 Proceed to the next exercise, Defining Required Lighting Levels on page 274. In this exercise, you prepared views specifically for your power and lighting plans, selected components for your electrical systems, and established the parameters for your wiring, voltages, distribution systems, and demand factors.
Defining Required Lighting Levels

In this exercise you specify the lighting levels that are required for the different spaces within the building. Particular lighting levels are generally specified for different types of spaces (offices, restrooms, conference rooms, and so on). You begin by adding a new Project Parameter (Required Lighting Level), then you create a Key Schedule that links your new parameter to the various types of spaces in your project. Key schedules provide an efficient way to create an instance parameter that can be used to map specific parameter values to particular key styles. In this case the key style is the type of space and, because the key is linked to your new project parameter, its value becomes to the Required Lighting Level. Later, in the Creating a Space Schedule to Check Required Lighting Levels exercise, you will use the new parameter again to compare the value for Required Lighting Level against the actual illumination provided by fixtures that you place in the plan.
Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Defining Lighting Levels.rvt.
Before you can specify a lighting requirement for the spaces within your project, you must first create a parameter that will hold the value for the lighting requirement. Create a Required Lighting Level parameter 1 Click Settings menu Project Parameters. 2 In the Project Parameters dialog, click Add. 3 In the Parameter Properties dialog:

Verify that Project parameter is selected for Parameter Type. Under Parameter Data, enter Required Lighting Level for Name. For Discipline, select Electrical. For Type, select Illuminance. For Group, select Electrical-Lighting. Select Instance. Under Categories, select Spaces.
4 Click OK twice. The new Required Lighting Level parameter is added to the list in the Project Parameters dialog and is now an instance parameter for Spaces under Electrical - Lighting in the Space Element Properties dialog. The new parameter you have just created applies to all spaces in the project. To verify this, you can look at the properties for one of the spaces. Verify the new parameter 5 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Lighting Floor Plans, double-click 1 - Lighting to make it the active view. 6 Zoom in on the upper-left corner of the plan, move the cursor over the office in the upper-left corner, and when the cross-hairs display, click to select the space.
Defining Required Lighting Levels | 275
(Properties).
In the Element Properties dialog, your new Required Lighting Level parameter is now listed under Instance Parameters in the Electrical - Lighting category. You could use your new parameter to enter a Required Lighting Level value in the Element Properties dialog for each space. However, there are many spaces in this project that have similar lighting requirements, and it is more efficient to create a key schedule and use it to assign Required Lighting Level values based on space type. 8 Click Cancel. Create a key schedule 9 Click View menu New Schedule/Quantities. 10 In the New Schedule dialog:

Select Spaces for Category. For Name, enter Space Lighting Requirements. This name will appear as the title for the resulting schedule. Click Schedule keys. For Key Name, enter Lighting Levels. Lighting Levels is added as a new instance parameter for the space component. The value that you specify for each Key Name in the schedule will be used to determine the required lighting level for each space type. Click OK.
The Shedule Properties dialog displays. NOTE Schedules can be used as a design interface (Key schedule) as well as a documentation tool (Schedule building components). You determine the type of schedule by clicking Schedule building components or Schedule keys in the New Schedule dialog when creating a new Schedule/Quantities view. 11 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, select Required Lighting Level from the Available fields list, and click Add to add this field to the Scheduled fields (in order) list. 12 Click OK. The key schedule displays in the drawing area. 13 Drag column borders horizontally to the desired column width. NOTE You can double-click column dividers to auto-fit column width to its content.
Enter lighting level requirements in the key schedule 14 On the Options Bar, click New 8 times to add 8 rows in the key schedule, one for each type of space in the building. The new rows are added with 1 through 8 as the default Key Names.
Enter a space type in the Key Name column and a corresponding lighting level in the Required Lighting Level column for the different types of spaces in the project, according to the values in the following table:
Space Type Private Office Open Office Main Entrance Lounge Restroom Conference Elec/Mech Stair/Circulation Required Lighting Level (fc) 30 45 45 25 30 35 20 20
When completed, the Key Schedule should looks like this:
TIP Your entries are automatically sorted alphabetically by Key Name. You can change the sort keys for the schedule. In the Project Browser, right-click in the Space Lighting Requirements schedule, click View Properties and, in the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters edit the Sort/Grouping parameter. Assign space keys to the spaces in the project 15 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Lighting Floor Plans, double-click the 1 - Lighting floor plan to make it the active view. 16 Zoom in on the large open area (not the main entrance) in the center of the floor plan. 17 Move the cursor over the space until a cross-hair displays, then right-click, and click Element Properties. 18 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, scroll down to the Identity Data category, and for Lighting Levels parameter, click , and select Open Office.
19 Scroll up to the Electrical - Lighting category, and notice that the value for Required Lighting Level is now 45 fc, the value that you entered for this space type in the key schedule. The value is grayed out and cannot be edited because you associated this parameter with the Key Name specified by the Space Lighting Requirements key schedule. 20 Click OK. 21 Using the same method, continue applying Lighting Level keys to the remaining spaces in 1 - Lighting, then open 2 - Lighting and apply Lighting Level keys to the remaining spaces in the project according to the following table: TIP You can select multiple spaces of the same type and set the Lighting Level parameter from the same Element Properties dialog. While pressing Ctrl, select multiple spaces of the same type (for example, Office), then right-click one of the selections, and click Element Properties to open the Element Properties for the selected spaces. Level
1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting 1 - Lighting
Number
101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117
Name
Office 101 Office 102 Office 103 Open 104 Mens Room 105 Elec/Mech 106 Ladies Room 107 Office 108 Office 109 Office 110 Office 111 Office 112 Office 113 Stairwell 114 Office 115 Office 116 Office 117
Key Name
Private Office Private Office Private Office Private Office Restroom Mech/Elec Restroom Private Office Private Office Private Office Private Office Private Office Private Office Stair/Circulation Private Office Private Office Private Office
Level
1 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting 2 - Lighting
Number
121 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216
Name
Main Entrance 121 Office 201 Office 202 Office 203 Open 204 Mens Room 205 Elec/Mech 206 Ladies Room 207 Lounge 208 Office 209 Office 210 Office 211 Office 212 Stairwell 213 Conference Room 214 Office 215 Office 216
Key Name
Main Entrance Private Office Private Office Private Office Private Office Restroom Mech/Elec Restroom Lounge Private Office Private Office Private Office Private Office Stair/Circulation Conference Private Office Private Office
22 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 23 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 24 Proceed to the next exercise, Assigning Space Color Fills According to Required Lighting Levels on page 280. In this exercise you created a new project parameter and used it in a key schedule to specify a parameter value (Required Lighting Level) for the spaces in your project. You can use a key schedule to specify more than one parameter for a component, if required. For example, you could create a key schedule named Space Variables, and select both Required Lighting Level and Temperature as parameters. Now the key schedule will have one column for Required Lighting Level and another for Temperature where you can specify values
according to space type. Consequently, selecting a space type for your new Space Variables parameter in a spaces Element Properties dialog will specify values for both parameters according to the key schedule.
Assigning Space Color Fills According to Required Lighting Levels

Revit MEP lets you add color fills to spaces based on specific space parameters. Space color fills can be helpful as a design tool and as a design communications document. In this exercise you will create a space color fill using the lighting levels that you specified in the previous exercise. Space color fills can be used with any parameter that exists on the space components. Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Space Color Fills.rvt.
Activate color fill 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Lighting Floor Plans, double-click the 1 - Lighting floor plan to make it the active view. 2 Click Settings menu Color Fill Schemes. 3 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, select Spaces for Category, and click 5 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, for Title, enter Required Lighting Levels. 6 For Color, select Required Lighting Level, and click OK to dismiss the alert message. 7 Click OK. 8 On the Drafting tab on the Design Bar, click Color Scheme Legend, and place it in the drawing. 9 In the Choose Color Scheme dialog:

(Duplicate).
4 In the New Color Scheme dialog, for Name, enter Required Lighting, and click OK.
For Space Type, select Spaces, For Color Scheme, select Required Lighting
10 Click OK. 11 Right-click the color scheme legend, and click Element Properties. 12 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 13 In the Type Properties dialog, specify the following Type Parameters:

Under Graphics, select Show Title. Under Title Text, select Underline.
14 Click OK twice. 15 Drag the color scheme legend preview to the lower-left corner of the plan. The color scheme for the Level 1 floor plan should now look something like the image below.
16 Make the 2 - Lighting floor plan the active view. 17 Using the same method, activate the color scheme as you did for 1 - Lighting. Notice that the color scheme you created is still in effect. This is because the color scheme is a type within the project. You can have more than one color scheme in the project, but only one per view. 18 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 19 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 20 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Space Schedule to Check Required Lighting Levels on page 281. Color fill plans can be useful as design documents and as communication documents to show other team members design intent while the project is in the design phases. Color fills can be applied for any parameter that already exists for spaces, or for any parameter that you want to create for a space (such as the Required Lighting Level parameter you created in the previous exercise).
Creating a Space Schedule to Check Required Lighting Levels

In this exercise you create a space lighting analysis schedule that you will use as a check document rather than as a construction document. Your schedule will compare the actual lighting levels in each space against the required lighting levels that you specified in the Defining Required Lighting Levels exercise. As you place lighting fixtures in the spaces in your project, you will refer to the schedule to assure that the lighting level falls within the +/- 5 fc range specified in the schedule. Open the provided dataset, as described below.
Creating a Space Schedule to Check Required Lighting Levels | 281
Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Space Schedule Lighting Requirements.rvt.
Create space lighting analysis schedule 1 Click View menu New Schedule/Quantities. 2 In the New Schedule dialog:

Under Category, select Spaces. For Name, enter Space Lighting Analysis Verify that Schedule building components is selected. Click OK.
3 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, scroll down the Available fields list, double-click the following fields to add them to the Scheduled fields (in order) list:

Number Name Required Lighting Level Average Estimated Illumination Ceiling Reflectance Wall Reflectance Floor Reflectance Lighting Calculation Workplane
Create a new schedule parameter 4 In the middle of the Schedule Properties dialog, click Calculated Value. 5 In the Calculated Value dialog:

For Name, enter Lighting Delta. For Discipline, select Electrical. For Type, select Illuminance. For Formula, enter Average Estimated Illumination - Required Lighting Level.
NOTE Formulas are case sensitive 6 Click OK. The Lighting Delta parameter is added to the Scheduled fields list. 7 On the Sorting/Grouping tab:

For Sort by, select Number. Verify that Ascending is selected. Verify that Itemize every instance is selected.
8 On the Formatting tab, under fields, select Lighting Delta. 9 Click Conditional Format. 10 In the Conditional Formatting dialog:

For Field, select Lighting Delta. For Test, select Not Between. For Value, enter -5 fc and +5 fc in the text boxes.
11 Click the Background Color chip. 12 In the Color dialog, under Basic colors, click the red color chip. 13 Click OK twice. 14 On the Formatting tab, under Fields, select Ceiling Reflectance, and click Field Format. 15 In the Format dialog:

Clear Use default settings. For Units, verify that Fixed is selected. For Rounding, select 2 decimal places.
16 Click OK. 17 Using the same method, specify rounding to 2 decimal places for the Wall Reflectance and Floor Reflectance fields. 18 Click OK.
19 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise.
Creating a Space Schedule to Check Required Lighting Levels | 283
20 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 21 Proceed to the next lesson, Designing the Electrical System on page 284. The schedule that you have just created shows the Average Estimated Illumination level for all of the spaces as 0. This is because you have not yet added lighting fixtures to any of the spaces. You can also see that the Lighting Delta has been calculated for each of the occupied spaces, and in every case the Lighting Delta field is red. This is because the value is not within the +/- 5 fc range that you specified in the Conditional Formatting dialog. NOTE Space components are placed in chases and plenums to permit reliable heating and cooling load analysis. As a result, these spaces appear in the Space Lighting Analysis schedule. However, there is no required lighting level specified, and these areas will not be lighted. In this exercise, you created a schedule that you will refer to as you add lighting fixtures to the project. The schedule will be used to check the actual design against the design requirements that were specified in a previous exercise. This type of schedule can be useful as a method for checking design components in the project.
Designing the Electrical System

In this lesson you use the views and schedules that you created in Lesson 1 to place electrical devices, electrical equipment, and lighting fixtures throughout your building project. Once the equipment is in place, you will create power and lighting circuits, and make connections to electrical equipment.
Adding Lighting Fixtures

In this exercise you add lighting fixtures throughout your project. As you select and place lighting fixtures, the key schedule that you created in the previous lesson serves as a tool to verify that the design meets each spaces lighting requirement. Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Adding Lighting Fixtures.rvt.
Place the initial lighting fixture 1 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, and double-click Space Lighting Analysis to open the schedule created in the previous lesson. 2 Right click in the Required Lighting Level column, and click Hide Column(s) to hide that column. 3 Repeat the previous step to hide the Ceiling Reflectance, Wall Reflectance, Floor Reflectance, and Lighting Calculation Workplane columns. Only the Number, Name, Average Estimated Lighting, and Lighting Delta columns should remain visible in the schedule. NOTE Right-click a heading, and click Unhide All Columns to restore the hidden columns.
4 On the Windows menu, click Close Hidden Windows. 5 Resize the view containing the schedule to show only the 4 remaining columns. 6 In the Project Browser, under Electrical Lighting Ceiling Plans, double-click 1 - Ceiling Elec to make it the active view. You need to add lighting fixtures in a ceiling plan because you want to align the lighting fixtures to the ceiling grid, and the ceiling grid is not visible in a floor plan view. 7 On the Windows menu, click Tile, and arrange the windows as shown.
8 In the 1 - Ceiling Elec view, zoom in to the upper-left corner of the plan. 9 On the Electrical tab on the Design Bar, click Lighting Fixture. 10 In the Type Selector, select Troffer Corner Insert : 2x4 3 Lamp, and move the cursor into the ceiling plan view. NOTE A preview of the lighting fixture is not displayed until you move the cursor over a ceiling. You cannot place this type of lighting fixture in a non-ceiling location. 11 With the cursor in the space in the upper-left corner of the plan, click to place the lighting fixture in the ceiling as shown. It is not necessary to align the lighting fixture to the grid in this step. In the next step you will use the Move command to snap the fixture to a ceiling grid intersection.
Adding Lighting Fixtures | 285
12 Click Modify. 13 Zoom in on the lighting fixture, select it, and on the Toolbar, click (Move).
14 Move the cursor over the lower-left corner of the lighting fixture, and when Endpoint displays, click to specify the start point.
15 Move the cursor over an intersection of the ceiling grid lines where you want to place the fixture, and click when Intersection displays.
In the Space Lighting Analysis schedule, the Lighting Delta for Office 101 is closer to the required +/- 5 fc. Copy and place additional lighting fixtures 16 Select the lighting fixture, and on the toolbar, click 17 On the Options Bar, select Multiple. This will let you place multiple copies of the lighting fixture after selecting a start point. 18 Select the lower-left Endpoint of the lighting fixture as the start point, and then select ceiling grid intersections as the destination move endpoints to place 5 copies of this fixture in the 3 offices in the upper left area of level 1, as shown. (Copy).
Check the illumination levels against the Space Lighting Analysis schedule 19 Check the Average Estimated Illumination and Lighting Delta in the Space Lighting Analysis schedule. The Average Estimated Illumination for Office 101, 102, and 103 is now nearer the required lighting level target of 30 fc, but is still not within the +/- 5 fc range, so the Lighting Delta column remains red for these spaces. To adjust the illumination level downward, you decide to replace one of the 3-lamp fixtures in each space with a 2-lamp fixture.
NOTE Average Estimated Illumination levels are calculated using the lumen method for lighting calculations. Point by point analysis is not currently supported. Change lighting fixture type 20 In 1 - Ceiling Elec, select one of the lighting fixtures in each space, and in the Type Selector, select Troffer Corner Insert : 2x4 2Lamp. TIP You can select multiple components by pressing Ctrl while selecting components in a drawing. If you select a component inadvertently, press Shift while clicking the component to remove it as a selection.
21 Again, check the Average Estimated Illumination and Lighting Delta in the Space Lighting Analysis schedule, and verify that the lighting levels are now within the specified range.
The Average Estimated Illumination is now within the +/- 5 fc range. You can perform the following steps to complete this exercise, placing lighting fixtures in the remaining Level 1 and Level 2 spaces or you can close this dataset, and go on to the next exercise. The lighting fixtures are all placed in the next dataset. 22 Using the same method, continue placing 2-lamp and 3-lamp lighting fixtures in the remaining spaces in the 1 - Ceiling Elec and 2 - Ceiling Elec views. Use the Space Lighting Analysis schedule to determine when the lighting levels are within the specified range. When you are finished, only the Mechanical/Electrical spaces (without ceilings) will have a red background in the Space Lighting Analysis schedule. Plenum and chase spaces will be blank. Completed lighting layouts for Level 1 and Level 2 should appear similar to those shown below along with the Space Lighting Analysis schedule.
Level 1
NOTE Lighting fixtures were not added to the Mechanical/Electrical spaces.
Level 2
23 In the Space Lighting Analysis schedule, right-click one of the headings, and click Unhide All Columns.
With the exception of the 2 Mechanical/Electrical spaces, your Lighting Delta column for all of the spaces should be white. 24 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 25 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 26 Proceed to the next exercise, Placing Lighting Switches on page 291. In this exercise, you learned how to place lighting fixtures in ceiling plans, and how to verify the lighting layout using the schedule that you created as a design tool in Creating a Space Schedule to Check Required Lighting Levels on page 281.
Placing Lighting Switches

In this exercise you add switches for the lighting fixtures in your project. The procedure for placing switches is the same as for placing any hosted components in Revit MEP. Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Placing Switches.rvt.
Turn off the color scheme 1 In the Project Browser, right-click 1 - Lighting, and click Properties. 2 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, click in the Value column for Color Scheme. 3 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, under Schemes for the Spaces Category, click (none). 4 Click OK twice. 5 Using the same method, turn off the color scheme on level 2. Place switches in spaces 6 In the Project Browser, double-click 1 - Lighting to make it the active view. 7 On the Electrical tab on the Design Bar, click Device. 8 In the Type Selector, select Lighting Switches : Single Pole. 9 On the Options Bar, verify that (Place on Vertical Face) is selected.
10 Zoom in on the upper-left corner of the building and move the cursor along the right wall of space 101. Because the switch requires a wall to serve as the host, it is only previewed when the cursor is over a wall. 11 Position the switch preview on the interior wall of the space as shown, and click to place the switch.
Placing Lighting Switches | 291
12 Continue placing switches of this type in the remaining spaces in the 1 - Lighting view as shown.
Level 1
13 On the Electrical tab on the Design Bar, click Device, and in the Type Selector, select Lighting Switches : Three Way. 14 Zoom in on the upper-left corner of the plan, and place a 3-way switch on the open office side of the upper restroom wall as shown.
15 Zoom in on the stairwell at the lower-right corner of the plan, and place one 3-way switch on the wall inside the stairwell near the door to the open office, and place another 3-way switch on the wall of the open office outside of the stairwell, as shown.
16 In the Type Selector, select Lighting Switches : Four Way. 17 Place a 4-way switch near the exit door on the right side of the stairwell as shown.
18 In the open office area, place a 4-way switch near each end of the curved wall as shown.
19 Click Modify. 20 In the Project Browser, double-click 2 - Lighting to make it the active view. 21 On the Design Bar, click Device, and in the Type Selector, select Lighting Switches : Three Way. 22 Place a 3-way switch on the open office wall near the stairwell in the upper-left corner of the plan as shown.
23 Zoom in on the stairwell at the lower-right corner of the plan, and place a 3-way switch on the wall inside the stairwell near the door to the open office, and place another 3-way switch on the wall of the open office outside of the stairwell, as shown.
24 You can perform the following steps to complete this exercise, placing lighting switches in the remaining Level 1 and Level 2 spaces or you can close this dataset, and go on to the next exercise. The lighting switches are all placed in the next dataset. On the Electrical tab on the Design Bar, click Device, in the Type Selector, select Lighting Switches : Single Pole, and place single pole switches in second-floor offices and restrooms as shown.
Level 2
25 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 26 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 27 Proceed to the next exercise, Placing Power Receptacles on page 296.
Placing Power Receptacles

In this exercise you will be placing receptacles that will be hosted by architectural components in the project. The process is similar to placing switches as you did in the previous exercise. Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Placing Receptacles.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Power Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Power to make it the active view.
Hide lighting components and specify view ranges 2 Right-click in the drawing area, and click View Properties.
3 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Properties, for Visibility/Graphics Overrides, click Edit. 4 In the Visibility Graphics dialog, on the Model Categories tab, scroll down and, clear Lighting Devices and Lighting Fixtures. 5 Click OK. 6 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, scroll down to View Range, and click Edit. 7 In the View Range dialog, under Primary Range, for Top, select Associated Level (Level 1), and for Offset, enter 10' 0". 8 Click OK twice. 9 In the Project Browser, right-click 2 - Power, and click Properties. 10 Using the same method, edit the Visibility/Graphics Overrides for the view to hide lighting fixtures and lighting devices, and edit the View Range to select Associated Level (Level 2), and specify the top of the view range as 10' 0". Place wall-hosted receptacles 11 In the 1 - Power plan view, zoom in to the upper-left corner of the view. 12 On the Electrical tab on the Design Bar, click Device. 13 In the Type Selector, select Duplex Receptacle : Standard. 14 On the Options Bar, verify that (Place on Vertical Face) is selected.
15 In the left side of the plan, place receptacles along the walls in the offices as shown.
16 Continue placing receptacles throughout the offices on Level 1 and Level 2 approximately as shown, including the wall-based receptacles in the open office areas.
Placing Power Receptacles | 297
1-Power
2-Power
Place floor-hosted receptacles 17 In the Project Browser, double-click 1 - Power. 18 On the Electrical tab on the Design Bar, click Device. 19 In the Type Selector, select Duplex Receptacle : Standard. 20 On the Options Bar, click for Plane. (Place on Work Plane), and verify that Level : Level 1 is selected
NOTE You can select a work plane from the Plane drop-down list on the Options Bar. The current level is selected by default. 21 Zoom in on the upper-right corner of the Open Office, and place a receptacle on the floor as shown.
22 Click Modify. When placing a receptacle on a work plane, its connector is located below the level of the work plane. Just as it was for ceiling hosted lighting fixtures, it is important that the connector be within the space to allow Revit MEP to maintain information about the electrical system and perform calculations for spaces in your design. In the next steps, you will flip the work plane of the receptacle to locate the connector above the work plane. Then you will create copies of the flipped receptacle to place the remaining floor-based receptacles. 23 Select the receptacle and click plane (within the space). 24 On the Toolbar, click (Copy). (Flip WorkPlane) to locate the connector above the work
25 On the Options Bar, select Multiple. This will let you place multiple copies of the receptacle after selecting a start point. 26 Select an Endpoint on the receptacle as the start point, and then place 3 copies of the receptacle in the upper right area of the first floor, as shown.
27 Draw a pick box around the 4 floor-based receptacles, click , select Multiple on the Options Bar and using the previous procedure, place 2 copies of the flipped receptacles along the right side of the Level 1 open office, as shown.
28 Draw a pick box around the 2 floor-based receptacles, as shown, and click on the Options Bar.
, select Multiple
29 Using the previous procedure, place 2 copies of the flipped receptacles below, and to the left of the mens restroom, as shown.
30 Using the same procedure, place receptacles on the floor of the open office in 2 - Power as shown. TIP You can select all of the floor-hosted receptacles in the 1 - Power view, then copy and paste them in the 2 - Power view. Select all 1 - Power floor receptacles, click Edit menu Copy to Clipboard, open 2 - Power, and click Edit Paste Aligned Current View.
31 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 32 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 33 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Power & Lighting Usage Reports on page 303.
In this exercise you placed wall-hosted receptacles on the walls and floor-hosted receptacles on the floor. It is good to be familiar with this concept of placing hosted components, because it is quite common in Revit MEP.
Creating Power & Lighting Usage Reports

In this exercise you will create a consumption usage report for power and lighting in this project. With the introduction of local energy codes, the amount of electricity consumed by different systems within the building is becoming increasingly important to the design. When the HVAC designer asks what the wattage/SF amounts are for different spaces, you can refer to this report rather than having to measure spaces and count fixtures. Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Creating Usage Reports.rvt. 1 Click View menu New Schedule/Quantities. 2 In the New Schedule dialog, scroll down the Category list, and select Spaces. 3 Verify that Schedule building components is selected, and for Name, enter Power & Lighting Usage. 4 Click OK. 5 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available Fields, select and add the following fields to the Scheduled fields (in order) list in the order shown:

Number Name Area Actual Lighting Load Actual Power Load Actual Lighting Load/Area Actual Power Load/Area
6 Click OK. A schedule is created similar to the one shown.
Creating Power & Lighting Usage Reports | 303
7 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 8 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 9 Proceed to the next exercise, Placing Electrical Equipment on page 304. In this exercise you created a schedule that can be used as input for the HVAC engineers or as input for energy analysis and code review. The information in this schedule was produced using the data that you entered into the model.
Placing Electrical Equipment

In this exercise you add the electrical equipment for the distribution systems in your plan. Although the connections between this type of equipment are not typically shown on plans, you need to create logical connections to define the topology. The following diagram shows the connectivity for your electrical equipment. You start at the low voltage panels (L-1 and L-2), and work toward the higher voltage, main distribution panels (H-2 and MDP).

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Placing Electrical Equipment.rvt.
Add a panel 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Power Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Power. 2 Zoom in on the Mechanical/Electrical space between the 2 restrooms. 3 On the Electrical tab on the Design Bar, click Electrical Equipment. 4 In the Type Selector, select 480V MCB Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - Surface : 250A, and click to place the panel as shown.
5 On the Design Bar, click Modify and select the panel you just placed. 6 On the Options Bar, for Distribution Sys, select 480/277 Wye. TIP The Distribution System Types parameter is also accessible in the Element Properties dialog. Right-click the panel, click Element Properties, scroll down the Instance Parameters and, under Electrical - Loads, select 480/277 Wye for Distribution System Types. Name the new panel 7 With the panel still selected, click .
8 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, scroll down to the Electrical - Loads category, and for Panel Name, enter MDP to indicate Main Distribution Panel. This will be where the primary electrical service enters the building. 9 Click OK. Add a transformer 10 On the Electrical tab on the Design Bar, select Electrical Equipment. 11 In the Type Selector, select 480-120-208V Dry Type Transformers : 45kVA, and place the transformer in the Mechanical/Electrical space to the right of the panel as shown.
Placing Electrical Equipment | 305
12 Click Modify 13 Select the transformer, and on the Options Bar, for Distribution Sys, select 480/277 Wye. 14 On the Options Bar, click .
Since this is a transformer, you must also specify a Secondary Distribution System parameter. 15 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, scroll down to the Electrical - Loads category, and specify the following:

For Secondary Distribution System, select 120/208 Wye. For Panel Name, enter T1.
16 Click OK. Add another panel 17 On the Design Bar, select Electrical Equipment. 18 In the Type Selector, select 208V MLO Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - Surface : 100A, and place the panel to the right of the transformer.
19 Click Modify. 20 Select the panel you just placed, and on the Options Bar, for Distribution Sys, select 120/208 Wye. 21 On the Options Bar, click .
22 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, scroll down to the Electrical - Loads category, and for Panel Name, enter L-1. 23 Click OK.
Add panels and a transformer to second floor 24 Using the same method, add the following components in the Mechanical/Electrical space in the 2-Power view:

480V MCB Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - Surface : 250A named H-2 480-120-208V Dry Type Transformers: 45kVA named T2 208V MLO Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - Surface : 100A named L-2 NOTE Remember to select the appropriate Distribution System Types parameter values for each equipment component, including the Secondary Distribution System for T2.
Create logical circuits between equipment 25 In the 2-Power view, select panel L-2. 26 On the Options Bar, click (Create Power Circuit).
A Bounding Box displays as a dashed box surrounding the components that make up the circuit. 27 Click (Select Panel).
In this case you are going to select something other than a panel, because the circuit on the mains of this panel is connected to a transformer rather than to another panel. 28 On the Options Bar, select T2 for Panel to establish the connection between the L-2 panel and T2 transformer. The Bounding Box expands to enclose the transformer and panel L-2 and you will see temporary circuit indicating that the panel has been connected to the transformer.
29 Select the transformer T2, and click 30 On the Options Bar, click as shown.
, and select panel H-2 for Panel. The temporary circuit displays
Placing Electrical Equipment | 307
31 Close all open views except 1-Power and 2-Power 32 Click Window menu Tile to display both views in the drawing area. 33 Zoom in on each view and scroll as necessary to display the Level 1 and Level 2 Mechanical/Electrical spaces side-by-side. 34 In the 2-Power view, select the H-2 panel, and on the Options Bar, click 35 On the Option Bar, click . .
36 Click anywhere in 1-Power view to make it the active view, and select the MDP panel. The temporary circuit is displayed as shown, indicating that a connection has been made between H-2 and MDP.
A circuit is created between H-2 and MDP. 37 Close the 2-Power view, and maximize the 1-Power view to make it easier to work with. 38 On the Options Bar, select the L-1 panel, and click 39 Click , and select the T1 transformer as the panel. .
40 Select the T1 transformer, and click 41 On the Options Bar, click
, and select the MDP panel.
42 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 43 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 44 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Power Circuitry on page 309. In this exercise you placed the electrical distribution equipment required for the project. You also defined how the pieces of electrical equipment are connected by creating logical connections between the different pieces of equipment.
Creating Power Circuitry

In this exercise you will learn methods for creating power circuits (circuit groups). Circuits are used for power, lighting, and data systems. The concept of grouping similar functions into systems is used to show logical connections between different components in the system. Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon.
Creating Power Circuitry | 309
Open Imperial Electrical i Creating Power Circuitry.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Power Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Power to make it the active view. 2 Zoom in on the upper-left corner of the plan. Creating an electrical circuit to connect the devices (receptacles) in this view is similar to creating the electrical circuits in the previous exercise. The difference here is that you will have several components in the circuit. 3 While pressing Ctrl, select all the receptacles in the corner office.
Temporary circuits are display as dashed lines between the components to indicate the interconnection of the devices that you selected for this circuit.
The generate wiring controls ( ) let you create permanent wiring for the circuit. For now, leave the circuit as a temporary logical circuit. You will add permanent wiring in a later exercise. 5 Select one of the receptacles in the corner office, and observe that the information displayed indicates the number of poles (#1), load (180 VA), and voltage (120 V).
A question mark is displayed for this receptacle because no Label has been specified in the Type Properties for this particular receptacle type.
Revit MEP will only let you make a connection between compatible components. You cannot connect components having a different number of poles or a different voltage specified for the distribution system types. NOTE When all of the devices for the circuit have their distribution system specified as instance parameters, the Specify Circuit Information dialog is displayed. You use the Specify Circuit Information to specify the distribution system parameters for the circuit. 6 Click Modify. 7 Move the cursor over one of the receptacles in the corner office so that it is highlighted, press Tab, and click to select the circuit again. 8 On the Options Bar, click for this circuit. (Select a Panel for the Circuit), and select panel L-1 as the panel
NOTE You can click a panel in the drawing area or select the panel name from the drop-down list on the Options Bar. The drop-down list on the Option Bar lists only those panels that are compatible with the circuits distribution system and have an available circuit.
9 Highlight one of the receptacles in the office, and press Tab.
10 Click to select the circuit and all of the devices on the circuit.
(Edit Circuit).
The Edit Circuit tab is activated on the Design Bar. When editing a circuit, all but the components in the circuit are dimmed, making it easy to identify the components that are part of the circuit group.
12 On the Edit Circuit toolbar, click
(Circuit Properties).
In the Element Properties dialog for this circuit, notice that most of the Instance Parameter values are grayed out. They cannot be edited because they are calculated according to the components in the circuit. The Voltage value for the circuit is 120V because all the receptacles and the panel in the circuit are 120V components. The editable parameters, Wire Type and Rating, will be discussed in a later exercise. In the next 2 steps you will see how parameters interact as Revit MEP calculates values for the circuit. 13 Scroll down to the Wire Size parameter. The currently specified values are 1-#12, 1-#12, 1-#12, which are the wire sizes for the load, neutral, and ground wiring, respectively for this circuit. These values are calculated based on the Rating and Voltage Drop values. 14 Scroll back up to the Rating parameter, change the value from 20A to 50A, and then scroll back down to Wire Size. Notice that the Wire Size values have changed to 1-#6, 1-#6, 1-#10.
15 Click Cancel to close the Element Properties dialog and cancel your changes. 16 On the Edit Circuit toolbar, click Cancel. 17 Continue selecting receptacles, creating power circuits, and assigning them to panel L-1 on a space-by-space basis for all of the offices around the perimeter of the building. 18 Select the receptacle in the stair well, click , click , and try to select panel L-1.
Panel L-1 is not listed on the drop-down list. If you select L-1 in the drawing, Revit MEP displays a warning message indicating that adding this circuit group exceeds the number of available slots on panel L-1. 19 Close the warning message. Add additional slots to panel 20 Right-click panel L-1, and click Element Properties. 21 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, scroll down to the Electrical - Loads category, and change the value for Max #1 Pole Breakers from 12 to 18. 22 Click OK. You should now be able to create the circuit for the stairwell, and add it to panel L-1. 23 Select the receptacle in the stairwell again, click The circuit is created. 24 After circuits have been created and assigned for all of the individual offices, zoom in to the upper part of the large open office, and select the 4 floor-mounted receptacles as shown. , and select panel L-1.
, click
, and then select panel L-1.
26 Continue creating circuits, as previously described, for the remaining groups of 4 floor-hosted receptacles. NOTE Do not create a circuit for the 5 wall-hosted receptacles on the walls in the large open area at this time. These will be connected in a later exercise.
27 Using the same procedures, create circuits in the 2 - Power view and assign them to panel L-2. Increase the number of circuits on panel L-2 to 18. NOTE Do not create a circuit for the 5 wall-hosted receptacles on the walls in the large open area of Level 2 at this time. These will be connected in a later exercise. 28 Double-click 1 - Power to make it the active view. 29 Select the L-1 panel, and on the Options Bar, click (Edit Circuits on Panel).
In the Edit Circuits dialog, notice that circuit descriptions have been automatically created based on information from the devices themselves. Notice also that all the circuits have been assigned to a location on the panel. Although this panel is currently capable of supporting 18 circuits, you have assigned only 17. 30 Click OK. 31 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 32 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 33 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Lighting Circuitry and Wires on page 314. In this exercise you learned how to create circuit groups (circuits) and assign the circuits to panels. You also learned how voltage definitions and distribution systems determine the kinds of electrical systems that you can define for your project. Finally, you learned how to add slots to a panel to accommodate circuits.
Creating Lighting Circuitry and Wires

In this exercise you 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. As you saw in the previous exercise, you can create circuits and maintain the information associated with them without adding wiring to the project.

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Creating Lighting Circuitry and Wires.rvt.
Create an Electrical Lighting Plan template for Lighting Views 1 Click Settings menu View Templates. 2 In the View Templates dialog:

For Show Type, select <all>. For Names, select Electrical Plan , and in the New View Template dialog, enter Electrical Lighting Plan.
Click
3 In the right pane, under View Properties, for View Range, click Edit in the Value column. 4 In View Range dialog:

Under Primary Range, for Top, select Level Above, and for Offset, enter -1' 0" For Bottom, select Associated Level, and for Offset, enter 3' 0" Under View Depth, for Level, select Associated Level, and for Offset, enter 3' 0"
5 Click OK. 6 Scroll down to Sub-Discipline, in the Value column, select Lighting, and click OK. 7 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Lighting Floor Plans, right-click 1 - Lighting, and click Apply View Template. 8 In the Apply View Template dialog, under Names, select Electrical Lighting Plan, and click OK. Create lighting circuits 9 In the Project Browser, double-click 1 - Lighting to make it the active view. 10 Zoom out so that the entire plan is visible. 11 Draw a pick box around the plan to select everything. 12 On the Options Bar, click (Filter).
13 In the Filter dialog, click Check None to clear all the check boxes, re-select Lighting Devices and Lighting Fixtures, and click OK. Only the lighting fixtures and switches on Level 1 should now be selected, as shown.
Creating Lighting Circuitry and Wires | 315
This should generate a Warning message indicating that the load for the circuit exceeds 80% of the defined rating (20A). 15 Close the message window and, click (Undo) to undo the circuit creation.
16 Select all the light fixtures and switches in the large open office (Open 1) as shown.
17 On the Options Bar, click circuit. 18 On the Options Bar, click
, click
, and then select panel MDP as the panel for the
This changes the temporary wiring graphics into permanent wiring graphics as shown.
When creating wires, as in this step, you can choose to create either arc or chamfered wiring. Arc wiring is sometimes used to indicate wiring that is concealed within walls, ceilings, or floors. Chamfered wiring can be used to indicate wiring that is exposed. In this step, you created arc type wiring. Later, when you create wiring manually, you can specify splined wiring. Splined wiring is similar to arc, but with an additional vertex. You can add or remove vertices from wires by right-clicking the wire and clicking Insert Vertex or Delete Vertex. Tick marks (the short lines that intersect a wire run) indicate the number and type of conductors (load, neutral, ground) in the wire run. The meaning for each tick mark varies according to the style of the tick mark selected on the Wiring panel in the Electrical Settings dialog. In the next steps, you add a conductor in the wiring path between the 3-way and 4-way switches to allow switching the lights on or off from any of the switches in the open office area. Adjust the number of conductors in a path between switches 19 Select the 4-way switch at the left end of the curved wall, move the cursor to highlight the 4-way switch at the right end of the curved wall, press Tab, and click the switch to select the switches, lighting fixtures, and wire segments on the path between the 2 switches. 20 On the Options Bar, click (Filter).
21 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Wires, and click OK. Only the wire segments are selected in the path between the switches.
23 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, for Hot Conductors, enter 2, and click OK.
Notice that there are now 4 tick marks on the wire segments on the path between the switches (2 hot conductors, one neutral conductor, and one ground conductor). 24 Using the same method, add a hot conductor to the wire segments between the remaining switches in the open office and between the 2 switches in the Level 1 stairwell. NOTE The Hot Conductors parameter value will be blank if the path being selected contains wire segments with a combination of both 1 and 2 specified as the value for Hot Conductors. When this occurs, enter 2 as the value, and click OK. 25 In the Mech/Elec space, right-click the MDP panel, and click Element Properties. 26 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, scroll down to the Electrical - Loads category, change the value for Max #1 Pole Breakers from 12 to 22, and click OK. 27 Create lighting circuits for the private offices, restrooms and stairwell on Level 1, and assign each circuits to panel MDP. 28 Create permanent wiring for each circuit. The wiring layout should look similar to the following:
29 For more practice, continue performing the steps in this exercise using the procedures and tools described previously to create another lighting circuit for the rest of the lighting fixtures and switches on the 1 - Lighting view, then creating lighting circuits in 2 - Lighting. Otherwise, close the dataset and go on to the next exercise, Creating Switch Systems on page 320. 30 Right-click panel H-2, and in the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, scroll down to the Electrical - Loads category, change the value for Max #1 Pole Breakers from 12 to 18, and click OK. 31 Create a lighting circuit for the open area on Level 2, assign the circuit to panel H-2. 32 Create lighting circuits and wiring for the private offices, lounge, conference room, and restrooms in the 2 - Lighting view, and assign each circuit to panel H-2. NOTE Do not include the two lighting fixtures and 3-way switch in the stairwell in either circuit. These will be connected in a later exercise. The wiring layout should look similar to the following:
33 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 34 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 35 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Switch Systems on page 320. In this exercise you learned how to create lighting circuitry and used the basic methods for adding and editing wires. You also learned about the settings that control how Revit MEP performs wire sizing. You also saw that the Revit MEP warns you when you try to put too much load on a circuit, but does not prevent you from doing so.
Creating Switch Systems

You create switch systems to specify switches that control groups of lighting fixtures in a project. In this exercise you will create switch systems on Level 1 and Level 2, assign lighting fixtures to switches, and specify switch IDs for switches. After creating the switch systems on Level 1, you will create a space schedule with an embedded schedule listing switch IDs, fixtures, and panel information. Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Creating Switch Systems.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Lighting Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Lighting to make it the active view.
2 Select all the lighting fixtures in the large open office (Open 1). TIP Because all of the lighting fixtures in the open office are part of the same lighting system, you can highlight one of the lighting fixtures, press Tab, and click to select everything in the system. Then, click (Filter) to select only the lighting fixtures.
(Create Switch System).
4 Click (Select Switch for System), and click the 4-way switch at the left end of the curved wall to designate the switch controlling the fixtures.
After creating the switch system, you decide to assign several fixtures to a different switch in the large open area. 5 With the switch system still selected, on the Options Bar, click The Switch System toolbar is activated. (Edit Switch System).
6 On the Switch System toolbar, click Multiple.
(Remove From System), and on the Options Bar, select
The Options Bar provides the following information about the currently selected switch system.

Switch ID: the identifier for the switch that is currently assigned to the system. Number of Fixtures: the number of components in the system (excluding switches).
With Multiple selected on the Options Bar, you can use a pick box to select several fixtures. When you have selected as many fixtures as you want, click Finish to confirm your selections.
7 Draw a pick box around the 6 lighting fixtures to the left of the restrooms.
8 On the Options Bar, click Finish. The Number of Fixtures field now displays 27 fixtures remaining in the system.
9 Click
10 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Properties, for Switch ID, enter Main Entrance - West, and click OK. The Switch ID is updated on the Options Bar. 11 On the Switch System toolbar, click Finish. 12 Select the 6 lighting fixtures to the left of the restrooms. 13 On the Options Bar, click . (Select Switch), and select the switch on the wall
14 On the Switch System toolbar, click outside the ladies restroom.
15 Click 16 Click
. (Switch Properties).
17 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Properties, for Switch ID, enter North Stairwell - 1st Floor, and click OK.
18 On the Switch System toolbar, click Finish. 19 Zoom in on the upper-left corner of the plan, select both lighting fixtures in the corner office, and on the Options Bar, click .
20 Click , and click the single-pole switch on the right wall of the office to designate the switch controlling the fixtures in the office.
21 Using the same method, create switch systems for the remaining private offices, stairwell, and restrooms in the 1 - Lighting view. Create a switch system schedule 22 Click View menu New Schedule/Quantities. 23 In the New Schedule dialog:

Under Category, select Spaces. For Name, enter Switch Systems. Verify that Schedule building components is selected. Click OK.
24 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, scroll down the Available fields list, double-click the following fieldsin the order shownto add them to the Scheduled fields (in order) list:

Number Name
25 On the Sorting/Grouping tab:

For Sort by, select Number. Verify that Ascending is selected. Verify that Itemize every instance is selected.
26 On the Formatting tab, select Number from the Fields list, and for Heading, enter Space Number. 27 On the Embedded Schedule tab:

Select Embedded Schedule Under Categories, select Lighting Fixtures Click Embedded Schedule Properties.
28 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, scroll down the Available fields list, double-click the following fieldsin the order shownto add them to the Scheduled fields (in order) list:

Switch Id Type Panel Circuit Number
29 Click OK twice.
The Switch System schedule displays in the drawing area, and is added to the Project Browser under Schedules/Quantities. The embedded lighting fixture content is arranged so that the information about a switch system displays below the space containing that system. 30 For more practice, continue creating switch systems in the 2 - Lighting view. Create separate systems for the lounge, restrooms, conference room, and private offices. Create a system for all the lighting fixtures in the large open area and assign them to the switch near the east stairwell. Specify Open Area - 2nd Floor for the switch ID. The Switch Systems schedule is automatically updated as you specify switch IDs or make changes to the lighting. Otherwise, close the dataset and go on to the next exercise, Creating Multi-Circuit Wire Runs on page 325. 31 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 32 Click File menu Close.
NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 33 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Multi-Circuit Wire Runs on page 325.
Creating Multi-Circuit Wire Runs

In this exercise you will see how Revit MEP deals with wiring runs that contain more than a single circuit. You will design the power wiring for the 3 offices in the upper-left portion of 1-Power view to serve as an example of the multi-circuit wiring run. Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Creating Multi-Circuit Wiring.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Power Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Power to make it the active view. 2 Zoom in on the office at the upper-left corner of the plan. 3 In the corner office, move the cursor over one of the receptacles to highlight it, press Tab to highlight the entire circuit, and click to select the circuit and all of the components connected to it.
to generate arc type wiring for the selected circuit.
5 Using the same method, generate permanent wiring for the circuits in the remaining spaces along the left side of the plan.
Creating Multi-Circuit Wire Runs | 325
6 Select the home runs that extend out into the open office from the 2 upper offices, and delete both home runs. 7 Adjust the view so that the 2 upper offices are visible. 8 On the Electrical tab on the Design Bar, click Wire. 9 On the Options Bar, verify that (Arced Wire) is selected.
10 Click the connector for the receptacle on the east wall of the top office to specify the start point for the wire.
11 Click in the open area near the door for the office to specify the second point for the wire, as shown.
12 Click the connector for the receptacle on the east wall of the middle office to specify the endpoint for the wire.
NOTE When neither of the 2 groups of components on the circuit has a free home run, Revit MEP temporarily assigns a direction to the home run. The direction will be corrected, if necessary, when the wiring is completed. 13 Adjust the view so that the 2 lower offices are visible, and using the same method, create wiring between receptacles in the 2 lower offices. When completed, your layout should look similar to the following:
Home run arrows are used to indicate that a wiring run is returning to a panel. Multi-circuit wiring runs appear with multiple arrows on the home run. As wiring runs are collected into a multi-circuit wiring run, the number of tick marks is increased to show the increase in the
number of hot conductors. In the previous steps, as the circuits in each office was added to the wiring run, the number of tick marks and home run arrows is increased such that the final home run has 3 home run arrows and 5 tick marks (3 hot conductors, a shared neutral, and a shared safety ground). 14 Click Modify. Adjust the home run routing 15 Select the home run extending from the lower office, and notice the vertex controls at each end of the wire and another in the center.
16 Drag the center vertex to the left so that it is closer to the receptacle in the lower office as shown.
17 Right click the wire run, select Insert Vertex, drag the new vertex along the wire run to a point midway between the other vertex and the connector, and click. 18 Drag the vertex at the end of the home run toward the lower restroom, and drag the new vertex up and to the left to arrange the wire run so that it looks similar to the following image.
Vertices let you route wires in your project views. The wire behaves like a spline, adjusting its shape according to the vertex location. 19 For additional practice, you can continue creating permanent wiring for the circuits in the 1 - Power and 2 - Power views, or you can close this dataset and go on to the next exercise. Examples of completed plans are provided below for reference.
Completed 1-Power
Completed 2-Power
20 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 21 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 22 Proceed to the next exercise, Checking Your Design on page 331. In this exercise, you created wiring runs from the circuits that you created in a previous exercise and combined these to form multi-circuit wiring runs. You also learned how to adjust the layout of wiring runs and interpret tick marks and home run arrows.
Checking Your Design

In this exercise you learn how to use the System Browser to examine the circuitry that you created in previous exercises. The System Browser is a useful tool for checking the design and locating components in your project. You also learn to use the Check Circuits tool to verify that all of the circuits in your plan are connected. Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Checking Your Design.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Power Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Power to make it the active view.
Checking Your Design | 331
2 Zoom in on the upper-left corner of the drawing so that the corner office is visible. 3 Click Window menu Systems Browser. The System Browser is displayed to right of the drawing area. 4 Click and hold the Title Bar of the System Browser, drag it to the bottom of the drawing area, and when the preview expands to the width of the window, release the mouse button. 5 Right-click a column heading, and click View Electrical to limit the information displayed to the electrical discipline.
6 Right-click a column heading in the System Browser, and click AutoFit All Columns to resize the columns in the System Browser. 7 In the System Browser, expand Power L-1 circuit 1. The System Browser provides another way of viewing information about the circuits that are connected to panel L-1. There are 4 devices connected to circuit 1, each with a load of 180VA. The System Browser also provides the name and number of the space in which the devices are located. 8 In the System Browser, right-click one of the devices under circuit 1, and click Select.
The device you selected in the System Browser is also selected in 1 - Power. Resolve unassigned electrical components 9 In the System Browser, collapse Power, and expand Unassigned.
This list displays connectors and circuits that have not been assigned to a panel. The list includes the main distribution panel (MDP), a 3-way switch and 2 lighting fixtures in the Level 2 stairwell, 6 receptacles in the open area of Level 1, and 6 receptacles in the open area of Level 2. 10 Open the 1 - Lighting and 2 - Lighting views and close any windows. 11 Click Window menu Tile to display both these views in the drawing area. 12 Zoom in on the stairwells in both lighting plans as shown.
The lighting fixtures and 3-way switch in the 2 - Lighting view have not yet been connected. You need to add the switch and lighting fixtures in the upper level to the same circuit as the switches and lighting fixtures in the lower level. Add Level 2 components to the existing Level 1 lighting circuit. 13 In the 1 - Lighting view, select one of the lighting fixtures in the stairwell, and on the Options Bar, click . (Add to Circuit).
14 On the Edit Circuits toolbar, click 15 On the Options Bar, clear Multiple.
16 Click the title bar of the 2 - Lighting view, and select both lighting fixtures and the 3-way switch in the Level 2 stairwell. 17 On the Edit Circuits toolbar, click Finish.
In the System Browser, the 2 lighting fixtures and 3-way switch have been moved from the Unassigned folder to Power MDP Circuit 2. 18 Highlight one of the lighting fixtures in the Level 2 stairwell, press Tab several times, until the power circuit is previewed, click to select the circuit, and on the Options Bar, click create permanent wiring. to
Add a Hot Conductor to the wiring for the stairwell lighting circuit. 19 In the 1 - Lighting view, select the 3-way switch in the stairwell, click the title bar of the 2 - Lighting view, highlight the 3-way switch in the Level 2 stairwell, press Tab, and click to select all of the components in the path between the 2 switches. 20 On the Options Bar, click .
21 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Wires, and click OK. Only the wire segments are selected in the path between the switches. 22 Click .
23 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, for Hot Conductors, enter 2, and click OK.
In the System Browser, the only remaining unassigned components should be the MDP and the receptacles in the 2 open areas. Assign remaining receptacles to circuits 24 In the Project Browser, double-click 1-Power to make it the active view, arrange the view so that the System Browser and the 5 unassigned receptacles are visible. 25 In the drawing area, select the unassigned receptacles in the open area. 26 On the Options Bar, click 27 On the Options Bar, click to create a power circuit for these receptacles. , and in the Mechanical/Electrical space, select panel L-1.
28 Click
to create permanent wiring.
29 Using the same method, create a power circuit for the 6 unassigned receptacles in Open 2 in the 2-Power view. The MDP panel is now the only component listed in the Unassigned category. Check Circuits 30 On the Electrical tab on the Design Bar, click Check Circuits. 31 In the warning window that is displayed indicating an unconnected power connector.
32 Click
to view details of the warning.
33 Expand the warning categories until you can see that the piece of equipment that is not connected is the MDP panel.
This warning refers to the feed from the outside power service and can be ignored. 34 Close the Warning dialog. 35 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 36 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 37 Proceed to the next exercise, Defining Circuit Loads on page 338. In this exercise, you learned how to use the System Browser to examine electrical components in your project and resolve unassigned and unnamed circuits. You also learned how to use the Check Circuits tool to verify that all of the circuits in your project were connected.
Defining Circuit Loads

In this exercise you begin by balancing the loads at the Level 1 and Level 2 panels, then you examine the loads presented at the panels to set your final breaker sizes. Finally, you verify and adjust wire sizes that Revit MEP recommends for handling the loads on those circuits. Open the provided dataset, as described below. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Electrical i Defining Circuit Loads.rvt.
Balance circuit loads 1 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. In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Power Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Power.
2 In the Mechanical/Electrical space, select panel L-2. 3 On the Options Bar, click .
Examination of the loads on Phase A, B, and C shows an imbalance with the heaviest load 5040 VA on Phase B, while Phase A provides 4860 VA, and Phase C provides 3780 VA. 4 In the Edit Circuits dialog, click Rebalance Loads.
The loads are now more evenly distributed over the three phases (Phase A - 4500 VA, Phase B 4860 VA, and Phase C - 4320 VA). 5 Click OK.
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6 Select panel H-2, and on the Options Bar, click 8 In the Project Browser, double-click 1 - Power.
7 Click Rebalance Loads to adjust the loads on panel H-2. 9 Repeat the previous procedures to balance the loads on the Level 1 panels, L-1 and MDP. Adjust circuit breaker sizes 10 Select panel MDP, and on the Options Bar, click .
The MDP panel feeds the lighting circuits for Level 1, the H-2 panel, and the T1 transformer. After the loads are balanced, the 3 circuits feed transformer T1, and present a load of 12960 VA. The 3 circuits that feed panel H-2 present a load of 18844 VA. The remaining circuits feed the lighting circuits on Level 1, and present a load 6496 VA. Although the load from panel H-2 is approximately a 40 A load at 480V, H-2 is a 100A panel. Therefore, the rating for the breaker feeding panel H-2 should be increased to 100 A. NOTE If you have continued to save and use your own dataset throughout these tutorials, you may see different values for the loads. This is because you may have selected a different mix of lighting fixtures to attain the required lighting levels. Transformer T1 was specified as a 45kVA transformer but, the actual load connected to it (12960 VA) is less than 15kVA. Therefore, you can use a 30kVA transformer, which will require a 40A circuit breaker. 11 In the Edit Circuits dialog, for panel H-2, enter 100A for the Trip value, and for T1, enter 40A for the Trip value.
The lighting circuits connected to MDP are already specified as 20A circuits, so no further changes are required. 12 Click OK. 13 In the 1 - Power view, in the Mechanical/Electrical space, select the T1 transformer. 14 In the Type Selector, select 480-120-208V Phase Dry Type Transformer: 30kVA.
Now that you have specified transformer T1 as a 30kVA transformer and restored it to the circuit, you should verify that the wire sizes for panel L-1 is set correctly. Verify/adjust wire sizes 15 Right-click panel L-1, and click Element Properties. 16 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, scroll down to the Electrical-Loads category, and notice that the current value for Mains is 100.00A. 100.00A is the correct size panel for a 30kVA transformer. 17 Click OK. 18 With panel L-1 selected, on the Options Bar, click (Circuit Properties).
19 In the Element Properties dialog for the circuit, scroll down and verify that the current value for the Wire Size parameter is 3-#12, 1-#12, 1-#12. 20 Under Electrical-Loads, enter 100A for Rating. Revit MEP automatically calculates wire sizes based on circuit rating. 21 Scroll down, and click the value for the Wire Size parameter. Notice that it changes to 3-#1, 1-#1, 1-#8. 22 Click OK. 23 In the Project Browser, double-click 2 - Power to make it the active view. 24 In the Mechanical/Electrical space, select panel H-2, and on the Options Bar, click .
Similar to the situation you observed for transformer T1, the load presented by T2 is less than 14kVA and you decide to change the transformer from 45kVA to 30kVA, which will require a 40A circuit breaker. 25 In the Edit Circuits dialog, for transformer T2, enter 40A for the Trip value.
26 Click OK. 27 In the 2 - Power view, in the Mechanical/Electrical space, select the T2 transformer. 28 In the Type Selector, select 480-120-208V Phase Dry Type Transformer: 30kVA.
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Now that you have set transformer T2 to be a 30kVA transformer and restored it to the circuit, you should verify that the size of panel L-2 is set correctly. 29 Right click panel L-2 and click Element Properties. 30 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, scroll down to the Electrical-Loads, and verify that the current value for Mains is 100.00A. 31 Click OK. Size the service entrance conductors 32 In the Project Browser, double-click 1 - Power to make it the active view. 33 With the MDP panel selected, click .
A warning indicates that the total connected load exceeds 80% of the defined value of 20A for the circuit you are creating. 34 Close the Warning. 35 On the Options Bar, click .
36 In the Element Properties dialog for the circuit, under Electrical Loads, enter 225A for the Rating parameter. Notice that the value for the Wire Size parameter changes appropriately. 37 You can save the open file if you wish. 38 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. This completes the Electrical Tutorial.
Plumbing Systems
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.
NOTE The architectural model used with this tutorial is in the Architectural folder. You should maintain the relative path to the architectural model. However, if the link is lost, you can click File menu Manage Links to reload the linked model. On the Revit tab on the Manage Links dialog, click Reload From, navigate to Training Files Architectural, and select i Office Building.rvt.
In this tutorial, you create the plumbing systems for the second floor mens room in an office building, including plumbing fixtures, hot and cold water piping, and sanitary piping. As you create the plumbing system, you follow a series of lessons and exercises that teach the recommended systems design workflow for Revit MEP 2009. By following this workflow, you learn system design best practices while understanding how Revit MEP makes systems designing more efficient. The goal of this tutorial is to teach you to design plumbing systems using Revit MEP 2009. At the end of this tutorial, you will understand the process, methodology, and specific techniques for designing plumbing systems. The datasets that you use to complete these exercises are located in the Training Files directory. You can search the Training Files Imperial directory to verify that the datasets have been downloaded. If the tutorial datasets are not present, go to http://www.autodesk.com/revitmep-documentation and download them.
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 dataset that Autodesk provides. This dataset includes the work from the previous exercise(s) and ensures a seamless training session.
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Planning Plumbing Systems

Creating plumbing systems in Revit MEP is similar to any design project; planning is critical to a successful design. In this lesson, you plan each system by loading the fixtures and fittings that you will need to design the plumbing system.
Preparing the Plumbing Plan

Revit MEP provides families of common plumbing components that you place in your plumbing plan. You load the families of components that comprise your plumbing systems. As you develop more advanced skills working with Revit MEP, you can customize components and expand the library of plumbing families. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Plumbing i Loading Plumbing Parts.rvt.
Load plumbing component families 1 Click File menu Load from Library Load Family. 2 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. 3 Expand Imperial Plumbing. 4 While pressing Ctrl select the following files:

Water Closet - Flush Valve - Floor Mounted.rfa Urinal - Wall Hung.rfa
5 Click Open.
344 | Chapter 7 Plumbing Systems
6 In the Project Browser, expand Families Plumbing Fixtures. Notice that 2 folders have been added to the families currently available for your design: Water Closet - Flush Valve - Floor Mounted and Urinal - Wall Hung. Load piping component families 7 Click File menu Load from Library Load Family. 8 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. 9 Expand Imperial Plumbing. 10 While pressing Ctrl select the following files:

Pipe Bend - DWV - Glued.rfa Pipe Reducing Short Tee - Sanitary - Glued.rfa
11 Click Open. The selected component families are loaded into the project. All of the loaded families, are added under Families in the Project Browser. 12 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 13 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 14 Proceed to the next exercise, Configuring Plumbing and Piping Systems on page 345.
Configuring Plumbing and Piping Systems

In this exercise, you create new PVC pipe types and specify the default fittings that will be used with them. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Plumbing i Configuring Plumbing and Pipe Systems.rvt.
Create new pipe types and specify default pipe fittings 1 In the Project Browser, expand Families Pipes Pipe Types. 2 Right-click PVC, and click Duplicate. 3 Right-click PVC 2, and click Properties. 4 In the Type Properties dialog, click Rename. 5 In the Rename dialog, for New, enter PVC Sanitary, and click OK. 6 Under Mechanical, do the following:

For Elbow, select Pipe Bend - PVC: Standard For Preferred Junction Type, select Tee For Tee, select Pipe Short Tee - Sanitary - PVC: Standard For Tap, select None For Cross, select Pipe Cross - PVC - Glued: Standard For Transition, select Pipe Transition - PVC: Standard
Configuring Plumbing and Piping Systems | 345
For Union, select Pipe Coupling - PVC: Standard
7 Click Apply, then click Duplicate. 8 In the Name dialog, for Name, enter PVC Sanitary Vent, and click OK. 9 Under Mechanical, do the following:

For Elbow, verify that Pipe Bend - PVC: Standard is selected For Preferred Junction Type, verify that Tee is selected For Tee, select Pipe Tee - Vent - PVC: Standard For Tap, select None For Cross, verify that Pipe Cross - PVC - Glued: Standard is selected For Transition, verify that Pipe Transition - PVC: Standard is selected For Union, verify that Pipe Coupling - PVC: Standard is selected
10 Click OK to close the Type Properties dialog. 11 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 12 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 13 Proceed to the next exercise, Add Plumbing Fixtures on page 346.
Designing Plumbing Systems

Designing plumbing systems in Revit MEP is a straightforward process. In this lesson, you add plumbing fixtures to physically connect them with piping. You then modify the piping. Finally, you create systems to logically connect the fixtures.
Add Plumbing Fixtures

In this exercise, you add 2 toilets, 3 urinals, 3 sinks, and a floor drain to the second floor mens room. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Plumbing i Adding Plumbing Fixtures.rvt.
Place floor-mounted toilets 1 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing Floor Plans, and double-click 2 Plumbing to make it the active view. 2 Enter the keyboard shortcut, ZR (Zoom Region), and draw a left-to-right pick box around the second floor mens room.
The mens room is partitioned for 2 toilet stalls, 3 wall-mounted urinals, and 3 sinks. 3 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Plumbing Fixture. 4 Select Water Closet - Flush Valve - Floor Mounted : Private 1.6 gpf in the Type Selector. 5 Move the cursor over the upper-right corner of the mens room, and click to place the toilet in the approximate location shown.
6 Click Modify. Position the first toilet 7 Position the toilet 6" from the upper wall, and 1' 6" from the right wall. a On the Design Bar, click Dimension.
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b On the Options Bar, verify that (Aligned) is selected, Wall faces is selected for Prefer, and Individual References is selected for Pick. c Click the face of the right wall, move the cursor over the center of the toilet, and click. d Move the cursor down, and click to place the dimension annotation. e Using the same method, place a dimension annotation between the upper wall and the back of the toilet. f Click Modify. g Select the toilet, click the value for the blue dimension to the right, enter 0' 6", and press Enter. The toilet is placed 6" from the upper wall of the toilet stall. h Click the value for the blue dimension below the toilet, enter 1' 6", and press Enter. The toilet is placed 1' 6" from the right wall.
i Click Modify. j Delete both dimension annotations. Add a second toilet 8 Select the toilet, and on the Edit toolbar, click 9 On the Options Bar, do the following:

(Copy).
Clear Constrain Verify that Copy is selected Clear Multiple
10 Click the center line of the toilet to establish a start point. 11 Move the preview of the toilet 5' 0" to the left (into the left stall), and when the alignment snap displays and the preview is from the original toilet, click to place the toilet as shown.
Place wall-mounted urinals 12 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Plumbing Fixture. 13 Select Urinal - Wall Hung : 3/4 Flush Valve in the Type Selector, and on the Options Bar, verify that (Place on Vertical Face) is selected.
14 Move the cursor over the upper-left corner of the mens room, and place 3 urinals approximately as shown.
15 Click Modify. 16 On the Design Bar, click Dimension, and on the Options Bar, do the following.

Verify that
(Aligned) is selected
For Prefer, select Wall centerlines Verify that Individual References is selected for Pick
17 Click the centerline of the left wall, move the cursor over the center of the leftmost urinal, and click. 18 Move the cursor down, and click to place the dimension annotation. 19 Using the same method, place a dimension annotation for the rightmost toilet.
20 Working from left to right, click the centerline of each urinal in succession, then move the cursor up, and click to place the dimensions annotation.
21 Select the rightmost urinal, click the value for the blue dimension, and enter 1' 8". The urinal is placed 1' 8" from the wall of the toilet stall. 22 Using the same method, place the leftmost urinal 1' 8" from the left wall. 23 Select the dimension annotation above the urinals, and click the blue above the dimension values to space the urinals evenly along the wall. (Equal Control)
24 Press Delete to remove the dimension from the drawing, and click Unconstrain in the warning dialog. 25 While pressing Ctrl, select the 2 remaining dimension annotations, and press Delete. Place sinks 26 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Plumbing Fixture, and in the Type Selector, select Sink - Island - Single : 18"x18". 27 On the Options Bar click (Place on Face).
28 In the drawing area, select the counter top.
29 Move the cursor over the counter top in the lower-right corner of the mens room, and press the Space Bar twice to rotate the sink into the proper orientation. 30 Place 3 sinks, approximately as shown.
31 Click Modify. 32 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 33 Using the same method you used to evenly space the urinals, specify the distance between the center line of the outer sinks and the center line of the walls as 1' 10", specify the distance between the drain center line and the lower wall as 1' 6", then equalize the space between sinks. 34 Using the same method specify the distance between the center line of the wall below the sinks and the center line of each sink.
35 Delete the dimension annotations. Place the floor drain 36 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Plumbing Fixture, and in the Type selector, select Floor Drain - Round : 5" Stainer - 3" Drain. 37 On the Option Bar click (Place on Work Plane), and for Plane, select Level : Level 2.
38 Move the cursor to a point where the walls for the toilet stalls meet, as shown, and click to place the floor drain.
39 Click Modify. 40 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 41 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 42 Proceed to the next exercise, Begin Creating the Sanitary System on page 352.
Begin Creating the Sanitary System

This is the first of 3 exercises that will guide you through creating the piping for the mens room sanitary plumbing system. In this exercise, you create a sanitary system consisting of the toilets, urinals, and floor drain. You then use Revit MEPs Layout Path tools to create sloped piping to connect the fixtures to a sanitary outlet. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Plumbing i Starting the Sanitary Piping System.rvt.
Prepare for sanitary piping 1 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing Floor Plans, and double-click 2 Plumbing to make it the active view. Because most of the piping for the sanitary system will be placed below the floor level, you need to adjust the view depth to make the piping visible in the view. 2 Right-click in the drawing area, and click View Properties. 3 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, scroll down to View Range, and click Edit. 4 In the View Range dialog, verify the view range settings:

Under Primary Range, specify Associated Level (Level 2) and -5' 0" for Bottom Offset Under View Depth, specify Associated Level (Level 2) and -5' 0" for Level Offset
5 Click OK twice. 6 On the View Control Bar, specify Fine for Detail Level, and Wireframe for Model Graphics Style.
The fine setting displays 2-line piping and plumbing components, while coarse and medium display plumbing components as 1-line symbols. Specify mechanical settings for piping 7 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Mechanical Settings. 8 In the left pane of the Mechanical Settings dialog, expand Pipe Settings Conversion, and click Main. 9 In the right panel, select Sanitary from the System Type list. 10 In the table:

For Pipe Type, specify Pipe Types : PVC Sanitary For Offset, specify -1' 0"
11 In the left panel, click Branch, and select Sanitary from the System Type list. 12 In the table:

For Pipe Type, specify Pipe Types : PVC Sanitary For Offset, specify -1' 0"
13 Click OK. Create the sanitary plumbing system 14 When you are creating systems the System Browser can help you identify components that have not been added to a system. Click Window System Browser. TIP You can also access the system browser using the F9 keyboard shortcut. 15 Click the title bar for the browser, and dock it by dragging it to the bottom of the drawing area. 16 Right-click in the system browser table heading, click View Piping. 17 Expand the Unassigned folder, and notice that all of the plumbing fixtures are currently unassigned. 18 Zoom in on the mens room, and draw a left-to-right pick box around the urinals, toilets, and floor drain, as shown.
(Create Sanitary System).
The urinals, toilets and the floor drain are moved from the Unassigned folder to the newly created Sanitary Sanitary 1 folder in the System Browser.
Begin Creating the Sanitary System | 353
20 Zoom out to include the chase near the top-right corner of the second floor mens room in the view. 21 Click (Thin Lines) on the toolbar.
22 Select one of the components in the newly created sanitary system, and on the Options Bar, click (Layout Path).
23 In the Select a System dialog, click Sanitary 1, and click OK. The Layout Paths tab is activated on the Design Bar, and a preview of the piping layout displays. 24 On the Layout Paths tab on the Design Bar, click Place Base. 25 Move the cursor over the chase, and click to place the base approximately as shown.
26 On the Options Bar, for Offset, specify -4' 0" and for D, select 4". The elevation of the base with relation to the other components in the system is critical. The elevation is specified low enough to allow sloping the sanitary piping in the system.
27 On the Design Bar, click Solutions, and on the Options Bar, enter 1/8" for Slope. 28 Verify that Network is selected for Solution Type.
Up to 6 piping layout solutions are suggested on the Options Bar. You can click
(Previous)
and (Next Solution), as needed, to view them. The layout preview displays the main piping as blue lines and the branch piping as green lines. 29 Select solution 1, and on the Design Bar, click Modify.
Customize the layout 30 The alignment of segments is critical when customizing a layout. Its easier if each segment can be moved to a snap. Review the following steps prior to using them to customize the layout. Select the horizontal main segment above the rightmost urinals and toilets, and do the following: a Use the (Parallel Movement Control) control to drag the segment down into the middle of the chase above the urinals.
b Move the cursor to the left to the junction between the main and the branch to the rightmost toilet. This makes it easier to locate a snap. Snap the main in the middle of the chase.
c Using the same method, select the horizontal branch segment above the leftmost urinal, and drag the segment down into the chase. d Move the cursor to the right to locate the snap above the center urinal, and click to align the branch to the main segment. NOTE You press Ctrl to select multiple segments when you want to move more than one segment to the same location.
31 Click Finish Layout.
32 Examine the piping that was automatically created, checking for the proper connectivity, slope, and orientation of fittings: a Highlight one of the plumbing fixtures, and press Tab 3 times to check connectivity. The first tab highlights the fixture and the branch. The second tab highlights the fixture, branch and the fixture connecting it to the main segment. The third tab should highlight the entire system. b Select each pipe segment in the system, and check the slope control. The slope control for every segment should indicate that the slope is toward the sanitary outlet, as shown.
c Examine the sanitary tees to assure proper orientation. When a fitting is reversed, select the fitting and click (Flip) to reorient it.
33 In the Project Browser, expand Plumbing 3D Views, and double-click 3D Plumbing. 34 It is easier to work with Revit MEP components if model categories from other disciplines are hidden in the view. Enter the keyboard shortcut, VG (Visibility/Graphics). 35 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, click Show categories from all disciplines, and on the Model Categories tab clear the following categories:

Casework Ceilings Columns Curtain Panels Curtain Systems Curtain Wall Mullions Doors Floors Lines Railings Roofs Shaft Openings Stairs Walls Windows
36 Click OK. 37 On the View Control Bar, specify Fine for Detail Level, and Hidden Line for Model Graphics Style.
38 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 39 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 40 Proceed to the next exercise, Connecting Sinks to the Sanitary System on page 359 to continue creating the sanitary system.
Connecting Sinks to the Sanitary System

In this exercise you continue with the work from the last exercise, adding the sinks in the mens room, and creating the piping that connects them to the sanitary system. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Plumbing i Connecting Sink Drain Lines.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing Floor Plans, and double-click 2 Plumbing to make it the active view. 2 Zoom in on the piping to the right of the mens room. 3 Select the sanitary elbow to the right of the rightmost toilet, and click the plus sign below the fitting to upgrade the fitting to a tee.
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4 Select the tee, right-click the connector on the open leg, and click Draw Pipe.
5 Verify that Pipe Types : PVC Sanitary is selected in the Type Selector, and on the Options Bar, verify that 1/8" /12" is specified for the slope. 6 Drag the preview of the pipe down parallel to the wall, press the Space Bar once, enter 13, and press Enter. When you press the space bar, the pipe being drawn automatically assumes the size and elevation of the fitting. Entering a length dimension while drawing pipes activates Revit MEPs listening dimension tool, which automatically sets the length of the pipe to the value entered. Pressing Return completes the dimensioning. 7 Click Modify.
If you select the pipe, you can verify that the slope has been applied in the correct direction: toward the sanitary outlet. 8 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Pipe Fitting, and select Pipe Reducing Wye-DWV-Glued : Standard in the Type Selector. 9 Move the cursor over the open end of the pipe, and when the snap displays, click to place the fitting.
10 Click Modify. 11 Select the fitting, click the blue size control for the wye leg, enter 2", and press Enter. 12 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Pipe Fitting, and select Pipe Plug-PVC : Standard in the Type Selector. 13 Move the cursor over the straight leg of the reducing wye, and when the extension snap displays, click to place the fitting.
14 Click Modify. 15 Using the method learned earlier, highlight the wye, and press Tab 3 times to check connectivity. 16 Select the wye fitting, right-click the connector on the open leg, and click Draw Pipe. 17 Verify that the Pipe Types : PVC Sanitary is selected in the Type Selector, and on the Options Bar, verify that Auto Connect is selected, and that 1/8" /12" is specified for slope. 18 Drag the end of the pipe to the left and down to a point approximately even with the centerline of the wall below the sinks, press the Space Bar once so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the fitting, and when the end of the pipe is even with wall centerline, click to specify the end of the first segment of pipe.
19 Continue this section of pipe by dragging the preview along the centerline of the wall, and when the snap for the center point of the middle sink displays, click to specify the end of the pipe.
20 On the Options Bar, enter 0' 6" for Offset, click Apply, and click Modify. Changing the Offset while drawing pipe creates a vertical segment. In this case, the vertical pipe extends above the level of the floor. 21 In the Project Browser, expand Plumbing 3D Views and double-click 3D Plumbing to view the piping just added.
If necessary, clear unwanted components from the 3D view using the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog as described in the previous exercise. 22 In the 3D view, check the slope and connectivity for the added piping as described previously. 23 Zoom in on the vertical segment behind the middle sink. 24 On the Plumbing tab, click Pipe Fitting, and in the Type Selector select Pipe Double Wye - DWV - Glued : Standard. 25 Move the cursor near the open end of the vertical pipe, and when the Extension snap displays and the end is outlined in blue, press Space, and click to place the fitting.
The double wye is added to the vertical segment. If necessary, click shown above. 26 Click Modify.
to orient the fitting, as
27 Select the double wye fitting, and on the Options Bar, specify 0' 8" for Offset. 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 0 8 (zero space eight) to specify 8". Add pipe stubs to the double wye 28 Double-click 2 - Plumbing to make it the active view. 29 On the View tab Design Bar, click Section, and in the drawing area, place a section below the sinks as shown.
In the next steps you add 2 short pipe segments to the double wye. 30 Double-click the head of the section to open the section view. 31 On the View Control Bar, for Detail Level, specify Fine, and for Model Graphics Style, specify Hidden Line. 32 Enter the keyboard shortcut, VG (Visibility/Graphics) to hide architectural components that will interfere with selecting plumbing components.
33 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, do the following: a Click Show categories from all disciplines b Click All, and clear the check from any category c Clear Show categories from all disciplines, and click All again d Select any category, click None, then clear the check from Lines e Click OK
34 NOTE There is a known issue when connecting piping to the double-wye. The fitting moves to the left when pipe is connected to the left leg, then to the right when pipe is connected to the right leg. After adding the piping to the right and left leg, it is necessary to restore the offset for the fitting. On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Pipe. 35 Click the connector snap on the left leg, draw the pipe up to the left, in line with the angle for the leg, press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and enter 1 0 and press Enter. 36 Click Modify.
37 Using the same method, draw a 1' pipe from the right leg of the double-wye. 38 Click the connector snap on the center leg, draw the pipe up, press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and enter 0 6 and press Enter. 39 Click Modify. 40 Select the double-wye fitting again, and on the Options Bar, for Offset, specify 0' 6". 41 Click Modify.
42 In the Project Browser, expand Plumbing Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Plumbing. 43 Zoom to a level that lets you view all 3 sinks, and select the leftmost sink. 44 Right-click the connector for the sink drain, and click Draw Pipe, and in the Type Selector, select Pipe Types : PVC Sanitary. 45 Drag the pipe preview a short distance from the drain, press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the sink drain, and on the Options Bar, do the following:

For Offset, enter 1' 6", and click Apply Verify 1/8" /12" is specified for slope
46 Drag the pipe preview down to a point between the sink and the wall, and click to specify the end of the pipe.
47 Click Modify. 48 Using the same method, connect drain pipes to the other 2 sinks.
49 In the Project Browser, expand Plumbing 3D Views, double-click 3D Plumbing. 50 Zoom in to a level that allows you to view all 3 sinks and the double wye fitting.
Using Routing Solutions to finish the sanitary piping 51 Routing Solutions works best when the segments being routed are the same size. While pressing Ctrl, select the double-wye and the 3 short segments of pipe connected to it, and on the Options Bar, for D, specify 1 1/2". 52 Click Modify. 53 While pressing Ctrl, select the short pipe connected to the right leg of the double wye and the horizontal pipe from the drain of the rightmost sink. 54 On the Options Bar, click Routing Solutions. Routing Solution tools are activated on the Options Bar that let you (Add Control Points)
or (Remove Control Points), and select a proposed solution. You use the plus and minus buttons to add vertex controls to pipe segments. Transitions and fittings are automatically added to maintain connections. You use the proposed solutions. (Previous) and (Next) buttons to cycle through
55 Select solution 9 of 16, and click Finish to create piping for that solution. 56 While pressing Ctrl, select the short pipe connected to the center leg of the double wye and the horizontal pipe from the drain of the middle sink, and on the Options Bar, click Routing Solutions. 57 Select solution 7of 7, and click Finish to create piping for the middle sink. 58 Click Modify. 59 Using the same method, select the pipe from the left sink and the pipe connected to the left leg and create the piping by selecting solution 9 of 16. 60 Click Finish to create piping for the third sink. 61 Select the double-wye, and on the Options Bar, for D, specify 2".
Specify slope for the sink sanitary piping 62 Draw a right-to-left pick box to select the elbow and adjoining 2 pipes between the double wye and the sink drain for the rightmost sink as shown.
63 Click Window Toolbar Routing Modify to place the Slope and Justify tool on the toolbar. 64 On the toolbar, click (Slope) to activate the slope tools on the Options Bar.
65 On the Options Bar, for Slope, enter 1/8" / 12", and click Finish. A warning displays and the pipe from the leg of the double-wye is highlighted to indicate the segment where the slope could not be applied. This is to be expected. Close the warning.
66 Using the same method, specify the slope for the piping to the left sink. Since the routing solution applied to the middle sink used the existing pipe (without adding a segment), the piping to the middle sink is already sloped. NOTE In applications where the elevation of a sloped pipe is critical, you can specify the elevation of a pipes reference end in the Element Properties for the pipe. If necessary, click to select the reference end of the pipe. Then, right-click the pipe, click Element Properties, and under Instance Parameters, specify the exact Offset. This will set the elevation for the pipes reference end without changing the slope. 67 In the System Browser, expand Sanitary, right-click Sanitary 1, and click Select. 68 On the Options Bar, click 69 On the Edit System toolbar, click (Edit System). (Add to System), and on the Options Bar, click Multiple.
70 In the drawing area, while pressing Ctrl, select all 3 sinks, click Finish on the Options Bar, then click Finish on the Edit System toolbar.
The sinks are added to the Sanitary 1 system in the System Browser. With the piping created and the slope and connectivity properly defined, you can make minor adjustments to the system. You can move fixtures by dragging, modifying offset values, or by using the arrow keys on your keyboard. Make minor adjustments to the sanitary system 71 Zoom in and select the double wye fitting for the sink drains, and press the up arrow on your keyboard twice. The fitting moves up and at the same time the piping attached to its legs automatically adjusts and maintains connectivity. The amount of adjustment with each keystroke is proportional to the zoom level. When zoomed in close, there is a smaller movement. 72 Press the down arrow on the keyboard twice to return the fitting to its original location.
When the piping was created for the sink drains, Pipe Bend - PVC : Standard components were used because the shorter size of this fitting works well with the automated Routing Solutions. Now that the routing is completed, you can change these to the more commonly used Pipe Bend - DWV - Glued : Standard. 73 While pressing Ctrl, select the 2 bends connecting the 45-degree legs of the double-wye to the horizontal pipe segments, and in the Type Selector, select Pipe Bend - DWV - Glued : Standard.
74 Select the 2 elbows in the section of piping between the double wye fitting and the reducing sanitary wye, and select Pipe Bend - DWV - Glued : Standard in the Type Selector.
75 Using the method learned earlier, highlight the leftmost sink, and press Tab 3 times to check connectivity. (After the third tab, the entire system should be highlighted.)
76 If you want to save your work, click File menu Save As; otherwise, skip the next 2 steps. 77 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 78 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 79 Proceed to the next exercise, Refining the Sanitary Stack on page 371 to continue creating the sanitary system.
Refining the Sanitary Stack

In this exercise you continue with the work on the sanitary system, adjusting the sanitary stack. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Plumbing i Refining Waste Stack Connection.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing 3D Views, and double-click 3D Plumbing to make it the active view. 2 Zoom in on the elbow at the upper end of the vertical pipe connected to the sanitary outlet, and select the horizontal pipe. 3 Click the pipes connector snap at the elbow, and carefully drag it away from the elbow, while maintaining the same angle.
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4 Select the elbow, and press Delete.
5 Select the vertical pipe segment, and on the Options Bar, specify 6" for D (diameter). Add a reducing wye to the stack 6 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Pipe Fitting, and select Pipe Reducing Wye - DWV - Glued : Standard. 7 Move the cursor over the center of the open end of the vertical pipe, and when the Extension snap displays, press the Space Bar once (so that the fitting assumes the elevation of the end of the pipe), and click to place the fitting.
8 Click Modify. The wye is added to the vertical segment. If necessary, select the wye, and click the sanitary piping. to rotate the 45 degree leg until it is pointing toward
9 Select the wye, click the value for the 45 degree leg, enter 4 to change its size, and press Enter.
Create a Section view to complete the stack connections 10 Expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Plumbing Floor Plans, double-click 2 - Plumbing, and zoom in on the sanitary outlet. 11 On the View tab on the Design Bar, click Section, draw a section to the right of the sanitary outlet as shown, and click Modify.
12 Double-click the section view symbol in the drawing area to open the new section view. 13 On the View Control Bar, for Detail Level, specify Fine. 14 Zoom in, and select the reducing wye fitting. 15 On the Options Bar, enter -2' 6" for Offset, and press Enter. This places the wye at a level that will allow creating a routing solution that will not change the slope of the main segment.
16 Right-click the connector on the 45 degree leg, click Draw Pipe, press Space so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the fitting, and draw the pipe in line with 45 degree leg and when the center line for the main segment displays, click to specify the end of the pipe.
NOTE There is a known issue when connecting piping to the reducing tee. The fitting moves toward the pipe being added after the pipe is drawn. The exact position of the riser is not critical in this application. However, when the location is critical, it will be necessary to move the piping after making the connection. 17 Click Modify. This adds a short segment of pipe (from the wye). 18 While pressing Ctrl, select the short pipe segment and the main pipe, and on the Options Bar, click Routing Solutions. 19 On the Options Bar, select solution 3 of 3, and click Finish to create piping for that solution.
20 Select the bend created by the routing solution tool, and in the Type Selector select Pipe Bend - DWV - Glued : Standard. 21 Right-click the open connector on the reducing wye, click Draw Pipe, and in the Type Selector, select Pipe Types : PVC Sanitary Vent. 22 Move the cursor up and press Space to assume the size and elevation of the fitting, then enter 4 0 and press Enter to add a 4' 0" vertical vent pipe. 23 Click Modify. 24 Check slope and connectivity as described previously.
25 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 26 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 27 Proceed to the next exercise, Refining the Urinal Lines on page 376 to continue creating the plumbing system.
Refining the Urinal Lines

The waste piping from the urinal extends down through floor directly beneath the urinals before connecting to the sanitary main piping. In this exercise you change the routing for the waste piping from the urinals, running it inside the wall, then down to connect with the sanitary main. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Plumbing i Refining Urinal Waste Lines.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing Floor Plans, and double-click 2 Plumbing to make it the active view. 2 Zoom in on the piping behind the urinals, and draw a left-to-right pick box around the piping above the urinals as shown. (If necessary, use the Filter tool to select only piping and fittings.)
3 Press Delete.
4 Select the pipe connected to the wye above the leftmost toilet, click the connector snap, and drag it to the right to a point midway between the toilet and urinal.
The next 4 steps draw a series of pipe segments, starting at the level of the original pipe, then placing a vertical segment and continuing the run at 0' 6", and finally connecting to the sanitary drain on the left urinal. 5 Right-click the connector at the open end of the shortened pipe, click Draw Pipe, press the Space so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the existing pipe. 6 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that Pipe Types : PVC Sanitary is selected in the Type Selector For D, specify 2" Click (Auto Connect)
For slope, specify 1/8" /12"
7 Drag the preview to the left approximately 8", and click to specify the end of the pipe. 8 On the Options Bar, for Offset, enter 0' 6" and press Tab. 9 Continue drawing the pipe run to the left, and when the snap for the center line of the leftmost urinal displays, click to specify the end of the pipe. 10 Click Modify. 11 Select the leftmost urinal, and on the Options Bar, click 13 In the drawing area, click the pipe above the urinal. (Connect Into).
12 In the Select Connector dialog, click Connector 2 : Sanitary Round : 2" Out, and click OK.
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14 Using the same method, connect the remaining urinals to the sanitary main. 15 Draw a pick box around the 3 urinals and the horizontal 2" piping just added as shown, and on the Options Bar, click (Filter Selection). Do not include the riser and fitting.
16 In the Filter dialog, clear Plumbing Fixtures and click OK.
17 On the Routing Modify toolbar, click The slope is applied to the selected piping.
(Slope).
18 On the Options Bar, verify that 1/8" /12" for Slope, and click Finish.
19 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing 3D Views, double-click 3D- Plumbing to make it the active view, and check the slope and connectivity as described previously.
Resize pipes 20 In the Project Browser, double-click 2 - Plumbing to make it the active view. 21 Zoom in on the piping above the urinals, and draw a left-to-right pick box around only the main piping (including the short 4" segment) as shown.
22 On the Options Bar, specify 3" for D (diameter).
In the next steps you will change the elbow behind the left urinal to a tee to create the cleanout. However, you cannot upgrade an elbow to a tee unless all of the connections are the same size. So, first you must temporarily resize the pipe to the urinal.
Add a cleanout 23 Select the pipe between the 3" elbow and the left urinal, and on the Options Bar, specify 3" for D (diameter). 24 Select the elbow, and click the + control on the left to add a leg for the cleanout. 25 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Pipe Fitting, and in the Type Selector, select Pipe PVC Plug : Standard. 26 Move the cursor over the open connector on the sanitary tee above the leftmost urinal, and when the extension snap displays, click to place the plug on the tee. 27 Select the pipe to the urinal again, and on the Options Bar, specify 2" for D. Redefine fittings 28 Select the 3 sanitary tees behind the urinals, and in the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Reducing Short Tee - Sanitary - Glued : Standard is selected. 29 Select the 2" pipes connecting the urinal drains to the main, and on the Options Bar, for D, select 3", then select 2".
This eliminates the need for transitions between the pipes and the tees. 30 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing 3D Views, double-click 3D- Plumbing to make it the active view. 31 Click View menu Orient North, and zoom in on the area between the toilet and the leftmost urinal. 32 Select the vertical pipe segment between the toilets and the urinals, and drag it to a point midway between the 2 sanitary tees.
This will provide the space required to change the short elbows to the DWV Bends that allow better sanitary waste flow. 33 Click View menu Orient Northeast, and zoom in on the area between the toilet and the leftmost urinal. 34 Select the elbows at each end of the vertical pipe, and select Pipe Bend - DVW - Glued : Standard.
35 Check slope and connectivity as described previously.
36 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 37 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 38 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Vents to the System on page 382 to continue creating the plumbing system.
Adding Vents to the System

In this exercise you finish the work on the sanitary system, adding the vent piping at several points in the waste piping. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Plumbing i Creating Sanitary Vent Piping.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Plumbing 3D Views and double-click 3D Plumbing to view the piping just added. If necessary, clear unwanted components from the 3D view using the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog as described previously. 2 Click View menu Orient Northeast, and zoom in on the area between the toilets and the urinals. 3 Select the elbow at the upper end of the vertical pipe segment, and click the + control above it to change the fitting to a tee.
4 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Pipe, and in the Type Selector, select Pipe Types : PVC Sanitary Vent. 5 Click the connector at the upper end of the tee to specify the start of the pipe. 6 On the Options Bar, specify 2" for D (diameter), and specify 14' for Offset, specify 0" for Rise/12". NOTE You must press Tab or move the cursor into the drawing area for the new offset value to be recognized. 7 Click Apply.
8 Click Modify. Apply a filter to the vent piping 9 Enter the keyboard shortcut, VG (Visibility/Graphics). 10 On the Filters tab in the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, do the following: a Click Edit/New.
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b In the Filters dialog, select Sanitary from the Filters list, and click
(Duplicate).
c Right-click Sanitary 1, click Rename, rename the filter Sanitary Vent, and click OK. d Under the Filter Rules, specify Filter by as System Type contains Sanitary Vent, and click OK. e In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, click Add. f In the Add Filters dialog, select Sanitary Vent, and click OK. g For Sanitary Vent, click the Lines column, and click Override. h In the Line Graphics dialog, click the Color button, and in the Color dialog, select (green), and click OK. i In the Line Graphics dialog, for Pattern, select IMPORT-DASHED (2) j Click OK twice. Vent piping throughout the plan appear as dashed green lines.
Create additional vents 11 Double-click Plumbing Floor Plans 2 - Plumbing to make it the active view, and zoom in to view the urinals and toilets. 12 On the View tab on the Design Bar, click Section, and place a section above the urinals and toilets as shown.
13 Double-click the section symbol to open the section view, and enter the keyboard shortcut VG. 14 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, clear unwanted architectural components from the view as described previously. 15 On the View Control Bar, for Detail Level, specify Fine, and for Model Graphics Style, specify Wireframe. 16 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Pipe, and verify that Pipe Types : PVC Sanitary Vent is selected in the Type Selector. 17 On the Options Bar, verify the (Auto Connect) is selected, and enter 1/8" /12" for slope.
18 Click a point midway between the tees connecting the first toilet and floor drain to specify the start of the pipe.
19 Begin drawing the vertical pipe, and on the Options Bar, specify 2" for D (diameter). 20 At a point above the toilets, click to specify the end of the first pipe section, then drag the preview to the right and when the center snap for the previously created vent displays, click to make the connection to the vent as shown.
21 Click Modify. The vent is automatically created and connected with the earlier vent pipe. 22 Right-click the new horizontal pipe, and click Element Properties. 23 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, for Offset, enter 9' 6" to specify the elevation for the reference end of the pipe, and click OK. 24 Select the tee that was inserted when you connected the vents, and click the + control to update the tee to a cross. 25 Place another vent between the two rightmost urinals: a Click the midpoint of the pipe between the urinals. b Begin the vertical pipe. c For D, specify 2". d When the snap for the center line for the cross displays, draw the pipe to the left to the open leg of the cross. e If necessary, press Tab to display the connector, and click to make the connection. f Click Modify.
26 Double-click 3D - Plumbing to make it the active view.
27 If either of the tees that were added need to be reoriented according to the slope of the piping, use the Flip control to make the adjustment.
Add a vent to the sinks 28 Click View menu Orient Southeast, and zoom in on the area of the double wye behind the sinks. 29 Select the elbow above the double wye for the drain section to the middle sink, and click the + control above the elbow to change it to a tee. 30 While pressing Ctrl, select the tee and the short pipe segment that connects it to the double wye, and on the Options Bar, specify 2" for D (diameter). 31 Right-click the tee, click Draw Pipe, verify that Pipe Types : PVC Sanitary Vent is selected in the Type Selector, and begin drawing a vertical vent pipe. 32 On the Options Bar, specify 2" for D (diameter), and specify 9' 6" for Offset, move the cursor into the drawing area, then click Apply. 33 Click Modify.
34 Zoom out to view the vents from the toilets and urinals and the new vent from the sinks. 35 Select the vent, right-click the connector at the open end, click Draw Pipe, and press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the vent pipe. 36 On the Options Bar specify 0" /12" for slope. 37 Drag the pipe preview, while maintaining a 90 degree angle, toward the horizontal vent segment between the toilets and urinals, and click the snap at the horizontal vent pipe to specify the endpoint for the pipe.
A tee is automatically inserted at the joint. 38 Select the horizontal vent pipe, and on the Routing Modify toolbar, click 39 Enter 1/8" /12" for slope, and click Finish. (Slope).
40 Highlight any component in the system and press Tab 3 times to check the connectivity of the system as described previously. 41 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 42 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 43 Proceed to the next exercise, Create the Cold Water System on page 390 to continue creating the plumbing system.
Create the Cold Water System

In this exercise you create the cold water system and add piping to connect all of the fixtures in the mens room to the system. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Plumbing i Creating Cold Water Piping.rvt.
Create new pipe types and specify default pipe fittings 1 In the Project Browser, expand Families Pipes Pipe Types, right-click Standard, and click Duplicate. 2 Right-click Standard 1, click Properties. 3 In the Type Properties dialog, click Rename. 4 In the Rename dialog, for New, enter Cold Water, and click OK.
5 In the Type Properties dialog, in the Type Parameters under Mechanical, verify that the following default fittings are specified:

For Elbow, specify Pipe Elbow : Standard For Preferred Junction Type, specify Tee For Tee, specify Pipe Tee: Standard For Tap, specify None For Cross, specify Pipe Cross: Standard For Transition, specify Pipe Transition : Standard For Union, specify Pipe Straight Coupling: Standard
6 Click Apply, then click Duplicate, and in the Name dialog, for Name, enter Hot Water, and click OK twice. The default fittings for the hot water pipe are the same as those specified for the cold water pipe. Specify Mechanical Settings for the cold and hot water systems 7 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Mechanical Settings. 8 In the left pane of the Mechanical Settings dialog, expand Pipe Settings Conversion, click Main, and in the right pane, select Domestic Cold Water from the System Type list. 9 In the table, specify Pipe Types : Cold Water for Pipe Type and 9' 3" for Offset. 10 In the left pane, click Branch, in the right pane, select Domestic Cold Water from the System Type list, and specify Pipe Types : Cold Water for Pipe Type and 9' 3" for Offset. 11 In the left pane, click Main, and in the right pane, select Domestic Hot Water from the System Type list. 12 In the table, specify Pipe Types : Hot Water for Pipe Type and 9' 0" for Offset. 13 In the left panel, click Branch, in the right pane, select Domestic Hot Water from the System Type list, and specify Pipe Types : Hot Water for Pipe Type and 9' 0" for Offset. You now have the cold water piping at 9' 3" and the hot water piping at 9' 0", which places the piping above the ceiling, and avoids potential obstructions and conflicts between systems. 14 Click OK. Create the cold water system 15 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Plumbing to make it the active view. 16 Press F9 to open the System Browser, click the title bar for the browser and dock it by dragging it to the bottom of the drawing area. 17 Right-click a table heading in the system browser, click View Piping. 18 Draw a left-to-right pick box around all of the plumbing fixtures in the mens room, and on the Options Bar click (Filter Selection).
19 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, then select Plumbing Fixtures, and click OK. 20 While pressing Shift, click the floor drain. The floor drain has neither a hot or cold water connector, and as long as there is a fixture without a common connector type, the Options Bar will not have active tools for creating a system. 21 On the Options Bar, click (Create Domestic Cold Water System).
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The Domestic Cold Water folder is added in the system browser and all of the fixtures have been added to the Domestic Cold Water 1 system. Create piping for the cold water system 22 Zoom in on the area below the sinks. 23 On the Plumbing tab on the Design Bar, click Pipe, and in the Type Selector, select Pipe Types : Cold Water. 24 On the Option Bar, specify 0" /12" for Slope. 25 Move the cursor over the cold water connector on the leftmost sink, click to specify the starting point for the pipe, and press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the connector. 26 On the Options Bar, specify 2' 6" for Offset, click a point between the sink and the wall to specify the endpoint for the pipe. 27 Drag the preview to the right until the snap for the cold water connector for the rightmost sink displays, and click to specify the end the segment. 28 Move the preview up to the cold water connector on the sink, and click to end the run as shown.
29 Click Modify. 30 Enter the keyboard shortcut VG. 31 In the Visibility/Graphic dialog, click Show categories from all disciplines, clear Casework, and click OK. 32 Select the middle sink in the view, and on the Options Bar, click (Connect Into).
33 In the Select Connector dialog, select the domestic cold water connector, click OK, and click the cold water pipe behind the sinks.
Piping is added to connect the sink to the cold water system. 34 Zoom in on the area between the middle and rightmost sink. 35 On the Plumbing tab, click Pipe.
36 Move the cursor over the cold water pipe at a point between the sinks. 37 Click to specify the starting point for the pipe as shown, drag the preview into the center of the wall behind the sinks, press Tab to avoid connecting to the sanitary piping, and click to end that segment. 38 On the Options Bar, specify 9' 3" for Offset, drag the preview up and into the mechanical room above the mens room, and click to specify an endpoint for the pipe.
39 Click Modify. 40 Zoom in on the area between the toilets, and verify that the cold water pipe is not obstructed by the vertical vent. (If necessary, select the cold water pipe, and use the keyboard left arrow to move the pipe to the left.) 41 On the Plumbing tab, click Pipe. 42 Move the cursor over a point on the cold water pipe in the chase, just above the wall, click the snap on the cold water pipe, and press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the existing pipe. 43 Drag the preview to the left, and at a point near the vent that rises between the toilets and urinals, click to specify the end of the pipe. 44 On the Options Bar, specify 1' 2" for Offset, press Tab, and click Apply.
45 Click Modify. 46 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing 3D Views, double-click 3D- Plumbing, and click View menu Orient Northeast. 47 Zoom in on the area behind the toilets, select the rightmost toilet. 48 On the Options Bar click (Connect Into), and then click the vertical cold water pipe.
Piping is automatically created between the vertical pipe and the toilet cold water connector.
49 Select the elbow behind the toilet, and click the + control to change it to a tee. 50 On the Plumbing tab, click Pipe. 51 Select the tee, right-click the open connector, click Draw Pipe, and press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the fixture. 52 Drag the preview to the left while maintaining the same angle, and when the center line for the left toilet displays, click to specify the endpoint as shown.
53 Click Modify. 54 Select the leftmost toilet, and on the Options Bar click water pipe that you added to the tee. , and click the horizontal cold
Piping is automatically created between the vertical pipe and the toilet cold water connector. 55 Select the rightmost urinal, and on the Options Bar click pipe. , and click the vertical cold water
Piping is automatically created between the vertical pipe and the toilet cold water connector.
56 Use the same method, connect the remaining urinals to the horizontal cold water pipe.
All of the cold water piping is in place. The final steps in this exercise adjust the size of several sections of the piping. Adjust cold water pipe sizes 57 Use the View Cube in the upper-right corner of the view to spin the 3D - Plumbing view as shown.
58 Select the main cold water piping from the mechanical room, the tee, and the horizontal segment to the sinks, as shown.
59 On the Options Bar, specify 2" for D (diameter). 60 Select the cold water branch piping from the main, feeding the toilets and urinals (including the tees, but leaving the branch to the urinals as is), as shown.
61 On the Options Bar, specify 1 1/2" for D (diameter). 62 Spin the 3D Plumbing view as needed to see the piping behind the sinks. 63 Select the main and branch pipe segments as shown (including the tee behind the middle sink).
64 On the Options Bar, specify 3/4" for D (diameter). 65 Highlight a segment of cold water pipe in the system and press Tab to check the connectivity of the system as described previously. 66 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 67 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 68 Proceed to the next exercise, Create the Hot Water System on page 398.
Create the Hot Water System

In this exercise you add a water heater, create the hot water system, and add piping to connect the sinks in the mens room to the system. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Plumbing i Creating Hot Water Piping.rvt.
Create the hot water system 1 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing Floor Plans, double-click 2 - Plumbing, and zoom in on the sinks.
2 Press F9 to open the System Browser, click the title bar for the browser, and dock it by dragging it to the bottom of the drawing area. 3 Right-click a table heading in the System Browser, and click View Piping. 4 Draw a left-to-right pick box around the 3 sinks in the mens room, and on the Options Bar, click (Filter Selection).
5 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Plumbing Fixtures, and click OK. 6 On the Options Bar, click (Create Domestic Hot Water System).
The Domestic Hot Water folder is added in the system browser and all of the fixtures have been added to the Domestic Hot Water 1 system. Add a water heater to the hot and cold water systems 7 Click File menu Load from Library Load Family. 8 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. 9 Expand Imperial Plumbing. 10 Double-click Water Heater.rfa. 11 Zoom in on the mechanical room above the mens room. 12 On the Mechanical tab on the Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment, and in the Type Selector, select Water Heater : 40Gallon. 13 Move the water heater preview into the mechanical room, to the left of the main cold water pipe, press the Space Bar 3 times to orient the water heater with the electrical connections to the left, and click to place the water heater as shown.
14 In the System Browser, expand Domestic Hot Water, right-click Domestic Hot Water 1, and click Select. 15 On the Options Bar, click (Edit System).
The Edit System toolbar is activated.
16 On the Edit System toolbar, click System toolbar, click Finish.
(Add to System), click the water heater, and on the Edit
17 In the System Browser, expand Domestic Cold Water, right-click Domestic Cold Water 1, and click Select.
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(Edit System).
19 Using the same method, add the water heater to the cold water system. 20 Select the water heater in the view, and on the Options Bar, click (Connect Into).
21 In the Select Connector dialog, select the domestic cold water connector, click OK, and click the main cold water pipe.
A segment of pipe is added connecting the water heater to the cold water system. 22 Select the open end of the main cold water pipe, right-click the connector, click Draw Pipe, and add 2 segments extending the main cold water piping into the chase.
23 On the Plumbing tab, click Pipe, and in the Type Selector, select Pipe Types : Hot Water. 24 Move the cursor over the water heater, click when the hot water connector displays, and press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the connector. 25 On the Options Bar, specify 8' 6" for Offset. 26 Specify an end point for the pipe between the water heater and the cold water pipe to the right, and then drag the pipe preview down to a point to the right and just above the middle sink.
27 Click Modify. 28 On the Plumbing tab, click Pipe, and in the Type Selector, select Pipe Types : Hot Water. 29 Move the cursor over the hot water connector on the leftmost sink, click to specify the starting point for the pipe, and press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the connector. 30 On the Options Bar, specify 2' 8" for Offset. 31 Click a point between the cold water piping and the wall to specify the endpoint for the pipe, drag the preview to the right until the snap below the hot water connector for the rightmost sink displays, and click to specify the end of the segment. 32 Move the preview up to the hot water connector on the sink and click to end the run as shown.
33 Click Modify.
34 Select the middle sink in the view, and on the Options Bar, click click the hot water pipe below the sinks.
(Connect Into), and
In this case, the Select Connector dialog was not displayed because the only possible connection was to the hot water system. 35 Select the hot water piping from the water heater. 36 Right-click the open connector, click Draw Pipe, and press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the connector. 37 Drag the preview down into the center of the wall below the sinks, and click to end that segment. 38 On the Options Bar, specify 2' 8" for Offset, click Apply. 39 Click Modify. 40 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing 3D Views, double-click 3D- Plumbing, click View menu Orient Southeast, and zoom in on the area behind the sinks.
41 On the Plumbing tab, click Pipe, click the connector at the open end of the vertical hot water pipe, press the Space Bar so that the pipe assumes the size and elevation of the connector.
42 While maintaining a 90 degree angle, drag the preview to the piping connecting the hot water connectors for the sinks, and click.
43 Click Modify. 44 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Plumbing Floor Plans, double-click 2 - Plumbing. 45 Highlight a fixture in the view, press Tab 3 times to check connectivity as described previously. 46 You can save the open file if you wish. 47 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. This concludes the tutorial for plumbing systems.
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Fire Protection Systems
In this tutorial, you create a wet and dry fire protection system using a linked architectural model of a building project. As you create the systems, you follow a series of exercises that teach the recommended systems design workflow for Revit MEP 2009. By following the recommended workflow, you learn the best practices for designing systems with Revit MEP. The goal of this tutorial is to teach you to create a fire protection system using Revit MEP 2009. At the end of this tutorial, you will understand the process, methodology, and specific techniques for designing fire protection 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 dataset. This dataset includes the work from the previous exercise(s) and ensures a seamless training session. The datasets that you use to complete this tutorial are located in the Training Files Imperial directory. You can search this directory to verify that the datasets have been downloaded. If the tutorial datasets are not present, go to http://www.autodesk.com/revitmep-documentation and download them.
Designing Fire Protection Systems

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. NOTE The architectural model used with this tutorial is in the Architectural folder. You should maintain the relative path to the architectural model. However, if the link is lost, you can click File menu Manage Links to reload the linked model. On the Revit tab on the Manage Links dialog, click Reload From, navigate to Training Files Imperial Architectural, and select i Office Building.rvt. In this lesson, you will create both wet and dry fire protection systems for the second floor of an office building. You begin each fire protection system design by placing sprinklers in the rooms. Then, you create a system to logically connect the sprinklers, and finally, you create piping to physically connect the sprinklers. During the fire protection design process, you create views and pipe types, manually modify the pipes and fittings, insert fittings, create schedules, and size and tag the pipes.
405
Starting the Fire Protection Project

In this exercise, you begin work on the project that contains both the wet and dry fire protection systems. You create new pipe types, and then you configure conversion settings that you will use when you create piping to physically connect the sprinklers. You will also check a Space Schedule that you can use to assess the coverage for the fire protection systems. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Starting the Fire Protection Project.rvt file located in the Imperial Fire Protection folder.
Create new pipe types 1 In the Project Browser, expand Families Pipes Pipe Types. 2 Right-click Standard, and click Duplicate. A copy is made of the Standard pipe type. 3 Right-click the copy, and click Properties. 4 In the Element Properties dialog, click Rename. 5 In the Rename dialog, for New, enter Fire Protection Wet, and click OK. The new pipe type is created based on the Standard pipe type. Next, you modify the pipe type properties. 6 In the Type Properties dialog, under Mechanical, for Material, select Carbon Steel. Next, you create another pipe type based on the new pipe type that you created. 7 With the Type Properties dialog open, click Duplicate, and enter Fire Protection Dry for the new pipe type name, and click OK. Notice that the new dry pipe type inherits the same type properties from the wet pipe type, including the new material property. 8 Click OK twice to create the new wet and dry pipe types. 9 In the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Types : Fire Protection Wet and Pipe Types : Fire Protection Dry are listed. Next, you need to configure the pipe conversion settings. Configure pipe conversion settings 10 On the Fire Protection tab of the Design Bar, click Mechanical Settings. NOTE If the Fire Protection tab is not available on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Fire Protection. You can also click Settings menu Mechanical Settings. 11 In the left pane of the Mechanical Settings dialog, under Pipe Settings Conversion, select Main. 12 For System Type, select Fire Protection Wet. The conversion settings for the Fire Protection Wet system type display. 13 Under System Type, do the following:
For Pipe Type, select Pipe Types : Fire Protection Wet.
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For Offset, verify that 9' 0" is selected. This offset elevation places the pipe main at 9 feet above the referenced level for the views. Level 2 is the referenced level for the views where you will be designing. So, the pipe main will be offset from level 2. You now specify the conversion settings for the pipe branches.
14 In the left pane of the Mechanical Settings dialog, select Branch. 15 For System Type, select Fire Protection Wet. 16 Under System Type, do the following:

For Pipe Type, select Pipe Types : Fire Protection Wet. For Offset, verify that 9' 0" is specified. This offset elevation places the pipe branches at 9 feet above the referenced level for the views.
IMPORTANT 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. 17 Using the same method, for System Type Fire Protection Dry, for Offset verify 9' 0", and specify Pipe Types : Fire Protection Dry for the Main and Branch piping. 18 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. You can also configure these settings by clicking Settings on the Options Bar when the Layout Path tool is open. Create a Space Schedule 19 On the Fire Protection tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. 20 In the New Schedule dialog, do the following:
Under Category, select Spaces. Notice that the schedule name and the phase are automatically added. Verify that Schedule building components is selected. Click OK.
Define columns 21 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available fields, select Area, and click Add. This adds the Area field to the list of scheduled fields to include in the schedule. Scheduled fields display as columns in the schedule. 22 While pressing Ctrl, select the following fields from the Available fields list:

Level Name Number
23 Click Add to add the fields to the Scheduled fields list. To remove a field, select it, and click Remove.
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24 Select a field, and use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to arrange the Scheduled fields list as follows:

Number Name Level Area
Next, you create a calculated value parameter to indicate the minimum number of sprinklers required for each space. This information is based on the project specification and the fire protection codes. Create a calculated value parameter 25 Click Calculated Value. 26 In the Calculated Value dialog, do the following:

For Name, enter Minimum Sprinklers. Verify that Formula is selected. For Discipline, verify that Common is selected. For Type, verify that Number is selected. For Formula, enter Area/130. The fire protection code requires one sprinkler for every 130 square feet. NOTE Formulas are case sensitive.
27 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 and code requirements. Organize the data 28 On the Filter tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, do the following:

For Filter by, select Level. Verify that equals is selected. Under Level, select Level 2. For And, verify that (none) is selected.
29 On the Sorting/Grouping tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, do the following:

For Sort by, select Number. Verify that Ascending is selected. For Then by, verify that (none) is selected. Verify that Grand totals is cleared and Itemize every instance is selected.
30 On the Formatting tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, do the following:

Under Fields, select Minimum Sprinklers. For Field formatting, click Field Format.
31 In the Format dialog, do the following:

Clear Use default settings. For Units, select Fixed. For Rounding, select 2 decimal places. Click OK twice.
A new view called Space Schedule opens and is located under Schedules/Quantities in the Project Browser. Notice that only the data for the level 2 spaces displays, sorted according to space number. You can refer to the minimum number of sprinklers per space data as you place sprinklers in order to satisfy the design and code requirements. Although you rounded the data to 2 decimal places, you will want to round all decimals up to the next whole number.
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). Next, you place the wet system sprinklers in the level 2 spaces. 32 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 33 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 34 Proceed to the next exercise, Placing Sprinklers on page 410. In this exercise, you created new views and modified view properties. You then created 2 new pipe types for the wet and dry fire protection systems and modified their type properties. The conversion settings for both wet and dry fire protection systems were also configured. Finally, you created a Space Schedule for fire protection systems. In the next exercise, you place the wet system sprinklers.
Starting the Fire Protection Project | 409
Placing Sprinklers
In this exercise, you place the fire protection wet system sprinklers in the ceilings of the spaces on level 2. You will use the schedule that you created in the previous exercise to identify the required number of sprinklers per room. As you place the sprinklers, you will learn various methods to quickly and precisely place sprinklers into the ceiling plan. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Placing Sprinklers.rvt file located in the Imperial Fire Protection folder.
Place a sprinkler 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Fire Protection Ceiling Plans, and double-click 2 - Ceiling Fire Prot to make it the active view. 2 Enter ZR, and sketch a zoom region around Office 201 (located in the upper-left 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 or 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. 3 On the Fire Protection tab of the Design Bar, click Sprinkler. 4 In the Type Selector, select Sprinkler-Pendent-Hosted : 1/2" Pendent. 5 On the Options Bar, click (Place on Face) to place the sprinkler on the ceiling tile face.
6 With the view zoomed, place the cursor over the approximate center of the ceiling tile as shown, and click to place the sprinkler.
7 Click Modify on the Design Bar. You copy this sprinkler to place the other sprinklers. Continue placing sprinklers 8 In the drawing area, select the sprinkler that you placed. The selected sprinkler displays in red. 9 On the Edit toolbar, click (Copy).
Notice that a border displays to indicate the copy selection. Also the cursor changes indicating that the Copy tool is open. TIP Using the Copy tool is a 2-click process. First specify the start point on the element that you want to copy and then specify the end point (or destination). You can also enter CO to activate the Copy tool. 10 On the Options Bar, verify that Constrain and Multiple are cleared, and that Copy is selected. 11 Select the upper-left corner of the ceiling grid, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify the copy start point.
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12 Move the cursor diagonally to the lower-right as shown, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify the copy end point.
The copy selection border follows the cursor, and listening dimensions display to aid in placement. TIP If you have difficulty displaying an intersection snap because of other snaps interfering, you can enter SI to override all other snaps and display only intersection snaps. Note that snap overrides deactivate after you make a selection. You can also deactivate snaps in the Snaps dialog (click Settings menu Snaps).
A copy of the sprinkler is immediately placed after you specify the end point. Next, you copy and array sprinklers in Office 202. Copy and array sprinklers 13 Zoom out to view the region around Office 201 and Office 202 (Office 202 is located immediately below Office 201). 14 Select the lower-right sprinkler in Office 201. 15 On the Edit toolbar, click (Copy).
16 On the Options Bar, verify Constrain is cleared, Copy is selected, and select Multiple. This allows you to place multiple copies of an object without reactivating the Copy tool after each placement. 17 In Office 201, place the cursor over the upper-left ceiling grid intersection immediately above the sprinkler that you selected, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify the copy start point.
18 Move the cursor down and to the right into Office 202, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify the copy end point for the first sprinkler.
19 Move the cursor directly down, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify the copy end point for the second sprinkler.
The sprinklers are placed.
20 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Next, you array the other Office 202 sprinklers. Rather than copy and place the rest of the sprinklers, you can use the Array tool to finish the job. Furthermore, because all of the sprinklers in Office 202 are equally spaced, it is an ideal situation to use an array. 21 While pressing CTRL, select the 2 sprinklers that you placed in Office 202. 22 On the Edit toolbar, click (Array).
A border displays around the 2 sprinklers. TIP You can also enter AR to activate the Array tool. 23 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that
(Linear) is selected for a linear array.
Clear Group And Associate. Verify that 2 is specified for Number (of arrays). For Move To, select Last. Verify that Constrain is cleared.
NOTE Similar to the Move or Copy tool, creating an array is a 2-step process. You first specify an array start point, then you move the cursor to the second or last location (if you have more than 2 arrays), to specify array end point. 24 Move the cursor over the upper-left ceiling grid intersection directly above the upper Office 202 sprinkler, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify the array start point.
25 Move the cursor to the left along the same horizontal ceiling grid, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify the array end point as shown. An outline follows the cursor to aid in placement.
The Office 202 sprinklers are placed.
Next, you place sprinklers in Office 203. 26 Zoom out to view all 3 offices along the left wall. 27 While pressing Ctrl, select both sprinklers in the corner office (Office 201). 28 On the Edit toolbar, click (Copy).
A border displays around the selected sprinklers indicating the copy selection. 29 On the Options Bar, clear Multiple. 30 Place the cursor in the center of the selection border, and after the mid point snap displays, click to specify the copy start point.
31 Move the cursor directly down along the same vertical ceiling grid and into the center of Office 203, and after the mid point snap displays, click to specify the copy end point.
NOTE If you have difficulty locating the mid point snap, enter SM to override all other snaps and display only mid point snaps.
You have now placed the sprinklers for 3 offices. Next, you place sprinklers in the large common space, Open 204. 32 Click Modify. Create multiple sprinkler arrays 33 Zoom in to view Office 203 and part of the adjacent common area, Open 204. 34 Select the lower-right Office 203 sprinkler. You copy this sprinkler to Open 204 and use it to create a sprinkler array. 35 On the Edit toolbar, click (Copy).
36 On the Options Bar, verify that Multiple is cleared. 37 Specify the copy start point at the upper-left ceiling grid intersection directly above the sprinkler.
38 Move the cursor to the right into Open 204 as shown, and after the intersection snap displays, click to place the sprinkler.
The Office 203 sprinkler is copied to Open 204.
39 Click Modify. Next, you array this sprinkler to place multiple sprinklers in the lower section of Open 204. You could copy sprinklers, but creating an array is quicker. 40 Select the sprinkler that you copied. 41 On the Edit toolbar, click (Array).
42 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that
Verify that Group And Associate is cleared. For Number, enter 6 for the number of arrays. For Move To, select 2nd. Verify that Constrain is cleared.
43 Specify the ceiling grid intersection to the upper-right of the sprinkler as the array start point.
44 Move the cursor along the same horizontal ceiling grid to the right, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify the array end point as shown.
The array is created. Zoom out to display the array.
IMPORTANT When specifying array start and end points make certain that the array is placed accurately. Any misplacement has a multiplier effect as the array propagates. If you make a mistake placing the array, undo the step and try again. Next, you create multiple arrays based on this array. 45 While pressing CTRL, select all the sprinklers except for the far left sprinkler in the Open 204 space. 46 On the Edit toolbar, click (Array).
47 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that
Verify that Group And Associate is cleared. For Number, enter 4 for number of arrays. For Move To, verify that 2nd is selected. Verify that Constrain is cleared.
48 Specify the array start point at the ceiling grid intersection directly to the upper-left of the left sprinkler as shown.
49 Move the cursor directly down along the same vertical ceiling grid, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify end point for the second array.
The arrays are created, and an error message displays informing you that 3 sprinklers do not lie on the host face (ceiling tiles). Notice that 3 sprinklers are located outside of the building. You need to remove these sprinklers to resolve the errors.
50 In the Revit MEP 2009 dialog, click Expand. 51 Expand the 3 Warnings, click the check box associated with each warning, and click Delete Checked to delete the 3 sprinklers. Sprinkler placement for the lower section of Open 204 is complete
Next, you place a sprinkler in the Mechanical/Electrical space. Because this space does not have a ceiling, you will use a non-hosted sprinkler. However, first, you need to load them in the project. Load a new sprinkler family 52 Click File menu Load from Library Load Family. 53 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. 54 Open the Sprinkler -Upright.rfa file located in the Imperial Fire Protection folder. The sprinkler family loads into the project. IMPORTANT A family contains one or more family types (different sizes, and so on) in the RFA (Revit Family) file. These family types can be selected in the Type Selector or under Families in the Project Browser. Families are loaded and saved in the current project (dataset). To modify a family type, select an instance of the family type in the drawing area, click Edit Family on the Options Bar, and then to edit the family in the Family Editor. Place non-hosted sprinklers 55 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Fire Protection Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Fire Prot to make it the active view. 56 Enter ZR, and sketch a zoom region around the Mechanical/Electrical space (located between the Mens and the Ladies rooms). 57 On the Fire Protection tab of the Design Bar, click Sprinkler. 58 In the Type Selector, select Sprinkler-Upright : 1/2" Upright. 59 In the Mechanical/Electrical space, move the cursor to the approximate center of the space, click to place the sprinkler, and click Modify.
The sprinkler is added to the space at an offset of 0' 0". Next you adjust the offset. 60 Right-click the sprinkler, and click Element Properties. 61 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, for Offset, enter 10' 6". This specifies an elevation for the sprinkler that makes it visible in the 2 - Ceiling Fire Prot view, and because this is an upright sprinkler with its connector facing down, it must be positioned above the piping to which it will be connected. 62 Click OK. 63 In the Project Browser, double-click 2 - Ceiling Fire Prot, and notice that the sprinkler displays in the Mechanical/Electrical space. 64 On the Design Bar, click Dimension, and on the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that
(Aligned) is selected
For Prefer, select Wall Faces
65 Click the upper wall face, click the center of the sprinkler, then click the wall face of the lower wall, and move the dimension to the left. NOTE Click the center of the sprinkler, and when a dot displays click to specify the center. Do not click the vertical line that displays as the reference. 66 Click to center the sprinkler between the upper and lower wall, as shown.
67 Select the dimension, and press Delete. Unconstrain the sprinkler when deleting the dimension.
68 Using the same method, center the sprinkler between the right and left walls, then click Modify.
Complete the level 2 sprinkler placement 69 Using the placement methods that you have learned, complete the level 2 sprinkler placement according to the following criteria and floor plan:
Refer to the room schedule to verify the required number of sprinklers for each room. Round decimals up to the next whole number. Use sprinkler type: Sprinkler-Pendent-Plane_Hosted : 1/2" Pendent for all rooms. Click to place the sprinklers on ceiling tile faces.
NOTE When placing sprinklers, snap to the ceiling grid intersections rather than entering placement dimensions. Grid snapping ensures accurate placement. NOTE Do not place sprinklers in the stairwell or Server Room 215. You will create a Fire Protection Dry System in Server Room 215 in a later exercise.
70 In the Project Browser, double-click 2 - Fire Prot. 71 Draw a pick box around the entire model, and click (Filter). (Pin)
72 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, then select Sprinklers, and on the toolbar, click to prevent further movement of the sprinklers that would cause misalignment.
73 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise.
74 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 75 Proceed to the next exercise, Connecting the Sprinklers on page 432. In this exercise, you placed 2 types of sprinklers using various placement methods and loaded a new sprinkler family into the project. In the next exercise, you connect the sprinklers both logically by creating a system, and physically with piping.
Connecting the Sprinklers

In this exercise, you create a wet sprinkler system and add piping to connect the sprinklers that you placed. A system is the logical connection between system components such as sprinklers. This logical connection allows Revit MEP to perform various analyses including flow and pressure. You create fire protection systems by placing sprinklers, and then creating the logical connection between these system components. After creating the logical connection, you use the Layout Path tools to create the initial layout for the piping. Then you simplify the layout using tools from the Layout Paths tab on the Design Bar to modify pipe branches after converting the initial layout to piping. This is the recommended workflow or best practice for systems creation in Revit MEP. 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.
Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Connecting Sprinklers.rvt file located in the Imperial Fire Protection folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Fire Protection Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Fire Prot to make it the active view. 2 Enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the window.
Explore the System Browser 3 On the Fire Protection tab of the Design Bar, click System Browser. TIP You can also press F9 (or click Window menu System Browser) to open or close the System Browser. If the System Browser does not respond, click in the drawing area to make it active, then press F9. 4 Expand the Unassigned Default Fire Protection Wet system to view the level 2 sprinklers that you placed in the building. 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 your systems. Connect sprinklers with a system 5 Draw a pick box (from left to right) around the lower half of the building as shown. Make certain to include the lower sprinklers in Office 203 and Office 211. You select only half of the sprinklers on level 2 because it makes connecting the sprinklers more manageable, and provides more layout path solutions to choose from when creating pipes. 6 On the Options Bar, click (Filter Selection) to filter the selected elements.
7 In the Filter box, click Check None, select Sprinklers, and click OK. All sprinklers in the lower half of the building are selected, and display pinned and in red.
Notice that system tools display on the Options Bar. 8 On the Options Bar, click (Create Fire Protection Wet System) to create a fire protection wet system, and assign the selected sprinklers to it.
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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 sprinklers in the system have been moved from the Default Fire Protection Wet folder to the new system folder, named Fire Protection Wet 1, under Fire Protection Wet in the Piping folder. Now that the sprinklers are logically connected, you use the System Browser to confirm and validate the system. 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 or select the Fire Protection Wet 1 again in the System Browser. Confirm and validate the system 9 In the System Browser, expand Piping, right-click Fire Protection Wet, and click Expand to view the Fire Protection Wet 1 system listing. 10 Double-click the Fire Protection Wet 1 system listing to view the sprinklers. You can now view the fire protection system hierarchy: the Fire Protection Wet 1 system logically connects the sprinklers. 11 Right-click Fire Protection Wet 1, and click Select. The selected fire protection wet system highlights in red indicating the logical connection. Next, you create piping to physically connect the sprinklers. Create the initial layout 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. 12 With the Fire Protection Wet 1 system selected, click (Layout Path) on the Options Bar.
The Layout Paths tools are activated on the Design Bar and Options Bar, and a piping layout preview displays.
NOTE The is selected.
(Layout Path) button is available on the Options Bar whenever a system component
13 On the Design Bar, click Solutions, and on the Options Bar, click Settings. 14 In the left pane of the Pipe Conversion Settings dialog, verify that Main is selected. 15 Under System Type: Fire Protection Wet, do the following:

For Pipe Type, verify that Pipe Types: Fire Protection Wet is selected. For Offset, verify that 9' 0" is specified. This offset elevation places the pipe main at 9 feet above level 2.
16 In the left pane of the Pipe Conversion Settings dialog, select Branch. 17 Verify that the above pipe type and offset settings are the same for Branch. IMPORTANT The branch offset allows you to automatically create branches that run above or below the main and other obstacles. 18 Click OK. 19 On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, click Place Base. 20 Zoom in on the stairway at the right side of the model. 21 Move the cursor over the lower-left corner of the stairwell, and click to place the base component as shown.
The base component provides a source for the fire protection system. 22 On the Options Bar, verify that 6"150 mm is specified for D, and for Offset, enter -12' 0". When the layout is finished, these settings will convert the base component to a 6" riser that extends from the bottom of Level 1 up to the connection with the level 2 sprinklers (9' 0"). 23 On the Design Bar, click Solutions, and on the Options Bar, do the following:
Verify that Network is selected for Solution Type. Click (Previous Solution), and select solution 4. You can also view possible layout path solutions by pressing the left and right keyboard arrow keys. The main piping preview connects to the base component in the stairwell. The layout path solution displays.
Next, you modify the selected layout. Modify the layout 24 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 displays at the junction.
(elbow control)
Move each end separately when either a (tee junction control) or (cross junction control) displays at the junction. First drag the tee or cross junction control to the desired location, then drag the (elbow junction control) to merge the piping preview.
On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, click Modify. 25 Zoom in on the vertical main. 26 Select the vertical layout path segment. A (parallel movement control) displays.
27 Drag the parallel movement control to the left to a point to the right of the doorway for Office 216, and midway between the sprinklers above the office as shown.
28 Select the horizontal branch pipe to the lower sprinkler in Office 211.
29 Drag the parallel movement control down until the pipe merges with the horizontal piping to the left. 30 Select the horizontal branch pipe, feeding the sprinkler in Office 203, as shown.
31 Drag the it.
(tee junction control) down to the intersection with the main piping just below
32 Scroll to the left, select the horizontal branch again, and drag the down to merge it with the horizontal piping below.
(elbow junction control)
The piping for Office 203 is reconnected to the branch in the open area.
33 Zoom in on the 3 offices at the bottom of the model. 34 Select the piping feeding the lower sprinkler in the left office.
Drag the lower branch piping up to merge it with the branch piping, as shown.
So far, you have been using parallel movements to combine piping. Next you combine the piping for the sprinklers in Office 216 by dragging each end of the pipe separately. In general, whenever there is a branch feeding a single sprinkler, it is an opportunity to merge the piping into a shared branch. You can make many of these modifications using the Layout Paths tools. However, there are situations where you must make modifications outside of the Layout Paths. 35 On the toolbar, click (Thin Lines). Thin lines make it easier to see the various drag controls when using junction and elbow controls. 36 Select the horizontal branch feeding the lower sprinkler in Office 211. 37 Drag the (tee junction control) up to the intersection of main and the branch above.
38 Select the horizontal branch again, and drag the the branch piping.
(elbow junction control) up to combine
39 On the Layout Paths tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Layout. The pipe run geometry (main and branches) is created. All of the fittings required to connect the pipes to the system components are automatically inserted. This pipe run physically connects the wet system sprinklers for the lower half of level 2.
IMPORTANT Errors may occur when you attempt to create pipe geometry during layout path conversion or pipe sizing. The most common causes of these errors are that there is insufficient space to create a pipe or a fitting, or that offset elevations are incorrect. Either relocate the system components, select a different layout solution, or manually modify the pipe.
Continue combining piping 40 Zoom in on Office 211, draw a pick box to select the piping feeding the lower sprinkler in Office 211, and the sprinkler in the open area, including the cross and transitions from the main piping, as shown.
41 On the Options Bar, click (Filter). 42 In the Filter dialog, clear Sprinklers, and click OK. 43 Press Delete. 44 Select the horizontal pipe, as shown, right-click the connector at the open end, click draw pipe, and verify that (Auto Connect) is selected on the Options Bar.
45 Draw the pipe to the right and when the snap below the sprinkler in Office 211 displays, click to specify the end point, then continue drawing the pipe up to connect the sprinkler.
46 Select the sprinkler that was disconnected in the open area when the piping was deleted, on the Options Bar, click in Office 211. (Connect Into), and click the horizontal pipe feeding the sprinkler
47 Drag the open end of the main piping up to connect with the horizontal piping as shown.
48 Zoom in on the 3 offices at the bottom of the model. 49 Draw a pick box around the horizontal piping and fittings between the sprinklers in Office 216 and the main in Server Room 215, as shown, and press Delete.
50 While pressing Ctrl, select all the piping to the 2 lower sprinklers in Office 214, including the pipe and the tee as shown. 51 Press Delete.
Reconnect the sprinklers in Office 214 and 216 52 Select the vertical pipe in Office 216, and drag the top connector up to connect with the horizontal piping in the open area. 53 Select the horizontal pipe in Office 216, and drag the connector to the right to connect with the vertical pipe as shown.
54 Zoom in on the office in the lower-right corner. 55 On the Design Bar, click Pipe, and do the following:

On the Options Bar, verify that
(Auto Connect) is selected.
Click the horizontal pipe between the left wall of Office 214 and the upper-left sprinkler. Drag the preview down, and press Space to assume the size and elevation of the horizontal pipe.
Continue dragging the preview down until aligned with the 2 lower sprinklers, click to specify the end point for the pipe, then drag the preview to the connector snap on the right-most sprinkler, and click to make the connection to the sprinkler. Click Modify.
Select the sprinkler to the left. On the Options Bar, click (Connect Into), and click the horizontal pipe as shown.
Reconnect the piping for Office 214 to the main
56 Zoom in on the open piping above Server Room 215, and on the toolbar click 57 Click each of the open-ended pipes.
(Trim/Extend).
An elbow is inserted to complete the connection. 58 Click Modify. Check pipe connectivity 59 Highlight a pipe in the main for the system, and press Tab twice. The entire system should be highlighted, indicating connectivity throughout the system. 60 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 61 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 62 Proceed to the next exercise, Completing the Fire Protection Wet System on page 445. Next, you complete the level 2 wet fire protection system. You add the remaining sprinklers to the current wet system to logically connect them, and then you create piping to physically connect them. In this exercise, you created a system to logically connect the sprinklers. You confirmed the system and the assigned sprinklers in the System Browser. After creating the system, you created piping to physically connect the sprinklers, checked connectivity, and converted pipe fittings. In the next exercise, you create the dry fire protection system.
Completing the Fire Protection Wet System

In this exercise, you add the sprinklers in the upper half of the model to the existing wet system. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Completing the Wet System.rvt file located in the Imperial Fire Protection folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Mechanical Fire Protection Floor Plans, and double-click the 2 - Fire Prot view. 2 Zoom in, and select the tee fitting connecting the main to the upper horizontal branch piping.
Completing the Fire Protection Wet System | 445
3 Click the plus sign to upgrade the fitting to a cross.
The cross provides an open connector that will serve as a base when laying out the piping for the sprinklers in the upper half of the model. 4 In the 2 - Fire Prot view, select a pipe segment, fitting, or sprinkler in the current wet system. System tools display on the Options Bar. 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 on the Options Bar. This allows you to modify the system (logical connection).
5 Click
(Edit System) to edit the selected system.
The Edit System toolbar 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 Do not click (Select Equipment for System). You use this tool to add mechanical equipment that is located upstream in a system, such as VAV boxes, boilers, and AC units.
6 On the Edit System toolbar, click 7 On the Options Bar, do the following:

(Add To System).
For System Name, verify that Fire Protection Wet 1 is specified. For System Equipment, verify that None is specified. For Number of Elements, verify that 30 is specified. Select Multiple.
This information reports that there are 30 sprinklers currently connected to the wet system. You are going to select multiple elements to include into the wet system. Notice that system components that are not connected to the Fire Protection Wet 1 system display as an underlay (they are grayed out).
8 Place the cursor outside Office 201 in the upper-left corner of the building. Notice that the cursor has changed to indicate that Add To System is active. 9 Draw a pick box from upper-left to lower-right around all of the sprinklers that need to be connected. Do not worry about including sprinklers that are already connected. You cannot select them.
The selected sprinklers display in red. 10 NOTE When you use multiple selections, you must click Finish on the Options bar to complete the selections. This is separate from the Finish for the System Editor. On the Options Bar, click Finish to finish your selection of the sprinklers being added to the system. The sprinklers in the upper half of the building are assigned to the Fire Protection Wet 1 and no longer display as an underlay. On the Options Bar, Number of Elements now displays as 65 (sprinklers) in the system. You can confirm the sprinkler system assignment in the floor plan view or in the System Browser. 11 On the Edit System toolbar, click Finish to finish editing the system. 12 Select a sprinkler in the upper half of the model, and on the Options Bar, click Paths). 13 On the Layout Paths tab on the Design Bar, verify that Solutions is selected. 14 On the Options Bar, for Solution Type, select Network, solution 1 3, and click Modify. (Layout
The layout automatically provides a path from the upper layout to the cross created earlier. 15 Zoom in on the upper left corner of the model. 16 Select the vertical pipe to the lower sprinkler in the corner office (201), and drag the tee junction control to the intersection to the left as shown.
17 Select the vertical branch again, and drag the elbow junction control to the left to combine the branch piping as shown.
18 Scroll to the right and select the branch to the lower-right sprinkler in Office 208. 19 Using the same method, drag each end of the branch to the left to combine it with the piping to the sprinkler just to above, as shown. The tee junction control will stop at the junction of the tee from the main piping. Click the tee junction control again and continue the adjustment.
20 On the Design Bar, click Finish Layout. The piping for the upper half of the model displays.
Check pipe connectivity 21 Highlight the pipe from the riser in the stairwell, and press Tab 3 times. The entire system should be highlighted, indicating connectivity throughout the system. 22 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 23 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 24 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Fire Protection Dry System on page 451. In this exercise, you added the remaining wet system sprinklers and logically connected them to the existing system. After creating the system, you created piping to physically connect the sprinklers, and checked connectivity. In the next exercise, you create the dry fire protection system.
Creating the Fire Protection Dry System

In this exercise, you create a dry fire protection system for Server Room 215. The dry system prevents any water discharge onto sensitive computer equipment. In an actual dry system, a valve would isolate the dry system from the wet system, and the pipes for this system would not contain water until a valve opens enabling water flow through the pipes to the sprinklers in order to extinguish the fire. For this exercise, it is enough show how the system is created without adding a valve. As with the wet system, you create the dry system by placing sprinklers, and then you create a system and piping to logically and physically connect the sprinklers.
Creating the Fire Protection Dry System | 451
Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Creating the Dry System.rvt file located in the Imperial Fire Protection folder. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Fire Protection Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Ceiling Fire Prot to make the view active.
Place sprinklers 2 Zoom in to view the 3 spaces at the bottom of the model.
3 Select the lower sprinkler in Office 216. Be careful to select only the sprinkler. If necessary, press Tab until the sprinkler displays on the status bar at the lower left corner of the window.
(Copy).
Notice that a border around the selected sprinklers displays indicating the copy selection. TIP You can also enter CO to activate the Copy tool. 5 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that Constrain is cleared. Verify that Copy is selected. Select Multiple to place multiple sprinkler copies in the ceiling.
6 Move the cursor to the upper-left corner directly above the sprinkler, and after the ceiling grid intersection snap displays, click to specify the copy start point.
7 Move the cursor to the right into Server Room 215, along the same horizontal ceiling grid, click to specify the copy end point for the first sprinkler, then move the cursor diagonally to the upper-right, and click to specify the copy end point for the second sprinkler, as shown.
8 Click Modify. The sprinklers are placed in the ceiling.
Next, you change the sprinkler type. Create the dry system 9 While pressing CTRL, select both Server Room 215 sprinklers. 10 In the Type Selector, select Sprinkler - Dry - Pendent - Hosted : 1/2" Dry Pendent. 11 On the Options Bar, click (Create Fire Protection Dry System) to create the dry system and assign the sprinklers to it. The system is created and listed in the System Browser. The dry system that logically connects the sprinklers displays in red. Confirm and validate the system 12 On the Fire Protection tab of the Design Bar, click System Browser. The System Browser opens. 13 In the System Browser, expand Piping Fire Protection Dry. 14 Right-click the Fire Protection Dry 1 system category, and click Select The selected system displays in red. Create the dry system piping 15 In the Project Browser, double-click 2 - Fire Prot to make it the active view. 16 Zoom in on Server Room 215. 17 On the Fire Protection tab of the Design Bar, click Pipe. 18 In the Type Selector, select Pipe Types : Fire Protection Dry. 19 On the Options Bar, do the following:

For D: (diameter), verify that 1/2" is selected. For Offset, verify that 9' 0" is specified. Verify that Auto Connect is selected. For Slope, enter 1/8" / 12".
This creates a slight slope for the dry system pipe run.
20 Click the horizontal pipe directly above the upper-right sprinkler, as shown, to specify a starting point for the piping
21 Draw the pipe preview straight down to a point even with the lower-left sprinkler, and click. Do not connect to the upper right sprinkler.
22 Continue to draw the pipe to the left and, when the snap for the lower-left sprinkler displays, click to connect the pipe.
23 Press ESC to exit the Draw tool. The pipe passed over but did not connect to the upper-right sprinkler. You can confirm this in the 3D view or by checking connectivity. Next, you connect the upper sprinkler to the pipe. 24 In the Project Browser, expand Fire Protection Floor Plans 3D Views, and double-click 3D. 25 Right-click an empty area in the drawing area, and click View Properties. 26 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, for Visibility/Graphics Overrides, click Edit. 27 In the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog, on the Model Categories tab, select Show categories from all disciplines, click All, and clear a check mark from any category. All categories are cleared. 28 Clear Show categories from all disciplines, click All, select any category, click None, and clear the Lines category. All categories are selected except the Lines category. Click OK twice. Only the sprinklers and piping are visible in the view. 29 Click View menu Orient Southwest, and zoom in on the dry fire protection system, as shown.
30 Select the unconnected sprinkler. 31 On the Options Bar, click , and select the pipe segment above the sprinkler.
The sprinkler connects into the pipe, and all pipe fittings are automatically added. 32 Zoom the view, and select each pipe segment to verify the slope.
The slope value displays next to the slope control. You can click the slope control to change the reference end for the slope. To follow good design practice, the pipe is sloped toward the main for drainage purposes.
Check connectivity and validate pipe geometry 33 Zoom out to display the entire model, highlight a pipe segment in the dry system, and press TAB 3 times. The dry system pipe run and the wet system pipe run highlight, indicating that they are connected. You have completed the dry fire protection system. 34 You can save the open file if you wish; a new dataset is supplied in the next exercise. 35 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. 36 Proceed to the next exercise, Modifying Pipe Diameters on page 458. In this exercise, you created the fire protection dry system that services Server Room 215. First, you placed dry system sprinklers. Then, you created the dry system and a pipe run to logically and physically connect the sprinklers. Additionally, you confirmed the systems in the System Browser, checked pipe connectivity, and validated the pipe geometry in the 3D view.
Modifying Pipe Diameters

In this exercise, you modify the diameter of the pipes so that the pipes are a better fit with the design specifications. Because the pipe diameters depend on the number of sprinklers, you also create a sprinkler schedule to report the number of level 2 sprinklers. Dataset

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open the i Modifying Pipe Diameters.rvt file located in the Imperial Fire Protection folder.
Tile the views 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Fire Protection 3D views, and double-click 3D to make the view active. 2 If necessary, click Window menu Close Hidden Windows. This closes all windows previously opened during the current design session. 3 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical Fire Protection Floor Plans, and double-click 2- Fire Prot to make the view active. 4 Enter WT to tile both windows. TIP When you tile 2 views, the active view is tiled to the left. 5 Adjust the view in both windows to view the entire fire protection pipe run as shown.
You will work mainly 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. Modify the diameter of the fire protection pipe run 6 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, its more efficient to specify 1 inch diameter for all pipe runs, and then adjust branches servicing more than 2 sprinklers separately. In the 2- Fire Prot view, starting at the upper-left corner of the building, draw a pick box around the entire level 2 fire protection piping. 7 On the Options Bar, click .
8 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Pipe Fittings and Pipes, and click OK. This selects the entire level 2 pipe run.
Modifying Pipe Diameters | 459
9 Click in the 3D view to make it active, zoom in on the supply pipe in the stairwell, and while pressing SHIFT, select the supply pipe in the stairwell, the elbow and the horizontal pipe to the main piping to remove them from the selection.
10 On the Options Bar, for D: (diameter), select 1". All pipes and pipe fittings change to a 1 inch diameter except for the supply piping. 11 Select any pipe segment and verify the 1 inch diameter on the Options Bar. 12 Place the cursor over a main pipe segment, and press TAB twice. The entire fire protection pipe run highlights, verifying that it is connected.
Modify the diameter of the main 13 In the 2 -Fire Prot view, draw a narrow pick box around the main pipe. NOTE Do not include branch pipe segments. If branch segments are selected, you can SHIFT-select to remove them from the selection. TIP If you have difficulty selecting piping segments without moving the linked architectural model, select the model, and on the toolbar, click (Pin) to prevent the linked model from moving.
14 With the main selected, while pressing CTRL, draw a pick box around the horizontal main, the pipe fittings, and the supply pipe.
The main piping is selected and displays in red.
NOTE If you select sprinklers with the pipes and pipe fittings, use the pipes and pipe fittings. 15 On the Options Bar, for D, select 4". The diameter of the fire protection main piping changes.
(Filter) to select only
16 Double-click the 3D view, and on the View Control Bar, for Detail Level, select Fine, and for Model Graphics Style, select Shading with Edges. 17 In the 3D view, select the tee connecting the supply piping to the main.
18 On the Options Bar, for D: 6". 19 Validate the pipe run geometry, especially around the pipe fittings. Modify the diameter of branch pipes 20 The number of sprinklers serviced by a branch determines the pipe size used for that branch. The following table shows the pipe diameter that will be used for each branch in the fire protection systems. Sprinklers Serviced
1, 2 3 4, 5 6-10
Pipe Diameter
1" 1 1/4" 1 1/2" 2"
21 Click in the 2 - Fire Prot view to make it active. 22 Enter ZR, and draw a zoom region around the lower 3 offices in the building.
Notice that some branch pipe segments service more than 2 sprinklers. You need to change the diameters of these segments to conform to the requirements. 23 On the View Control Bar, for Detail, select Fine and for Model Graphics Style, select Shading with Edges. 24 Select the pipe segments and fittings that connect Office 214 and 215 directly to the main as shown. Be sure to include the tee at the right end of the pipe run in your selection.
This piping services 6 sprinklers (4 in the corner office, and the 2 dry sprinklers in Office 215). The specifications requires a diameter of 2" for this pipe segment. 25 On the Options Bar, for D:, select 2". The pipe diameter is modified. 26 Select the next pipe segment and tee to the right.
This segment services 4 sprinklers. 27 On the Options Bar, for D:, select 1 1/2".
Next, you continue to modify the pipe branch. 28 Double-click 3D to make it the active view, zoom in on the piping to Office 216. Its easier to select the fitting above the first sprinkler in this branch from a 3D view. 29 Select the pipe and tee that connects the first sprinkler on the branch, and on the Options Bar, for D: select 1 1/2".
30 Select the segment and fitting to the remaining sprinklers on this branch, and on the Options Bar, for D: select 1 1/4".
Tag the pipes 31 In the 2 Fire Prot view, zoom in on the branch that you modified in the preceding step. 32 On the Fire Protection tab of the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 33 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that Horizontal is selected. Clear Leader. Click Tags.
34 In the Tag dialog, under Category, for Pipes, verify that Pipe Size Tag is loaded. 35 Click OK. 36 Place the cursor over the first pipe segment that connecting the branch to the main, and after the segment highlights, click to place the tag. Notice that an outline of the tag displays and follows the cursor for accurate placement.
NOTE Tags are view specific. They display only in the view in which they were placed. Next, you place a tag and include a leader line. 37 On the Options Bar, select Leader. 38 Place the cursor over the vertical supply pipe in the stairwell, press Tab until the pipe is highlighted place a tag on the supply pipe in the stairwell.
39 Click the tag to display end controls (blue dots) and horizontal controls (arrows). 40 Drag the horizontal control to the upper-left to relocate the tag.
Next, you finish modifying the pipe run diameters, and finish placing the pipe tags. Complete pipe diameter modification and tag placement 41 For more practice use the methods that you learned in this exercise to finish modifying pipe run diameters according to the following criteria, and finish tagging the pipes. Sprinklers Serviced
1, 2 3 4, 5 6-10
Pipe Diameter
1" 1 1/4" 1 1/2" 2"
42 This completes the Fire Protection tutorial. You can save the open file if you wish. 43 Click File menu Close. NOTE Do not overwrite the original dataset. In this exercise, you used various selection methods to modify the level 2 fire protection pipe run diameters. You added tags the pipes, allowing you to immediately verify the pipe diameters. The pipe run now complies with the design criteria. You learned the difference between pipe sizing and manually changing the diameter of a pipe. For additional practice, use the methods that you learned and create the level 1 fire protection wet and dry systems. Use the same system components and parameters as you did for level 2. In this tutorial, you created a wet and a dry fire protection system. You also learned the difference between creating rigid physical pipe connections and creating logical systems, and sizing as opposed to manually modifying a pipe diameter. The completed fire protection system is included in the i Completed Fire Protection System.rvt file located in the Imperial Fire Protection folder under Training Files. Feel free to modify the systems or create entirely new fire protection systems. Explore different system designs and discover the power of Revit MEP.
Creating Revit MEP Content
This tutorial expands your knowledge of the Family Editor by introducing several unique features in Revit MEP. Before using this tutorial, you should have a working knowledge of Revit MEP and experience with the actual components that you will be modeling. Revit MEP operation and the behavior of your components depends to a great extent on how you create specific components. In this tutorial, you begin by modifying existing families to create new types. After learning to modify an existing family, you create a new lighting fixture and 2 pipe fittings. In the third lesson, you use the Family Editor to modify and create tags and annotation symbols.
Revit MEP Content

The primary difference between content for Revit MEP and content for Revit Architecture or Revit Structure is the concept of connectors. All Revit MEP content requires connectors for to be intelligent Revit MEP components. Components created without connectors cannot participate in a system topology. Three disciplines can be assigned to connectors that are added to a family.
Duct connectors are associated with ductwork, duct fittings, and other elements that are part of the air handling systems. Electrical connectors are used for any type of electrical connections, including power, telephone, alarm systems and others. Pipe connectors are used for piping, pipe fittings, and other components that are meant for transmitting fluids.
NOTE The term fluid does not necessarily limit the use of piping systems to liquids. Steam, medical gases and other non-fluid materials are often transmitted using piping systems. The discipline assigned to a connector determines its behavior and the types of systems with which it can interact. Connectors are primarily logical entities that allow calculating loads within the building. Selecting the correct discipline is critical to the content working correctly, as after this selection is made, it cannot be changed without first deleting the connector and adding it again with the correct discipline.
Family Editor
Creating a family requires careful thought, not only for the geometry, but also to understand how the settings in the Family Editor affect the family. Although the exercises in this tutorial describe settings that are specific to a particular
469
mechanical, electrical, or plumbing component, it is important to recognize how components interact to affect the overall design. For example, the heat released by a light fixture affects the cooling requirements for a space. There are several ways to create a family with the Family Editor. You can modify an existing component. You can create a component from scratch. At times, it is easier to modify a component, instead of creating a new one. If you can find a component that is similar to the family that you want, open it in the Family Editor, modify it as needed, and then load it into the project. If a family you are creating is very similar to an existing family, you may want to create multiple types within the existing family instead of creating a new family. The process you use to create the family will determine how a part flexes as geometric parameters are modified. Finally, although it may be easier to modify an existing family, there are times when it is best to create a new family instead of attempting to create a single family with types to address every application.
Modifying Families
In this lesson, you modify existing components to create new types and build custom component families.
Modifying a Fan Family

In this exercise you:

Modify an existing family. Define shared parameters. Create formulas for parameters. Place connectors. Map parameters Create multiple types within a family.
Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Family Editor Exhaust Ventilator - Downblast.rfa.
Save a copy of the family 1 Click File Save As. 2 In the Save As dialog, navigate to a folder of your choice, and save the family as Exhaust Ventilator - Downblast .rfa. Set project units 3 Click Settings menu Project Units. 4 In the Project Units dialog, for Discipline, select Electrical, and for Current, click the Format column. 5 In the Format dialog, for Rounding, select 1 decimal place, and click OK. 6 Click OK to close the Project Units window. 7 Save the family.
470 | Chapter 9 Creating Revit MEP Content
Create Shared Parameters 8 On the Design Bar, click Family Types 9 In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. 10 In the Parameter Properties dialog, click the Shared parameter option, and click Select. 11 If you have not already created a shared parameter file, you will be prompted to choose a file from another project or to create a new file. Click Yes. 12 In the Edit Shared Parameters dialog, and click Create. 13 Browse to a folder, enter a File name (for example, Shared_Parameters) for the shared parameter file, and click Save. NOTE The parameter values stored in the shared parameter file will remain after completing this tutorial. To reuse this tutorial, you must remove the shared parameter text file created in the previous step. 14 In the Edit Shared Parameters dialog, under Groups, click New. 15 For Name, enter MEP, and click OK. 16 Under Parameters, click New. 17 In the Parameter Properties dialog, specify the following:

For Name, enter Motor HP For Discipline, enter Common For Type, enter Text
18 Click OK. 19 Using the same method, create additional shared parameters with the following properties: Name
Voltage Motor FLA Power Phase Number of Poles
Discipline
Electrical Electrical Electrical Common Electrical
Type
Electrical Potential Current Power Integer Number of Poles
20 Click OK. Add shared parameters to the Family Type 21 In the Shared Parameters dialog, under Parameters, select Motor FLA, and click OK. 22 In the Parameter Properties dialog, for Group parameter under, select the Electrical Engineering, select the Type option, and click OK. The new parameter is added to the Family Types dialog under the Electrical Engineering category. 23 In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. 24 In the Parameter Properties dialog, select the Shared parameter option, and click Select.
Modifying a Fan Family | 471
25 In the Shared Parameters dialog, for Parameter Group, select MEP, under Parameters, select Voltage, and click OK. 26 In the Parameter Properties, under Parameter Data, for Group parameter under, select Electrical Engineering, select the Type option, and click OK. 27 Using the same method, add the following shared parameters to the family type, as defined below: Parameter
Phase Number of Poles Motor HP Power
Group
Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Electrical Engineering
Instance/Type
Type Type Type Type
Create a parameter formula to calculate power 28 In the Formula column for Power, enter the following formula:
Voltage * Motor FLA * sqrt(if(Phase = 3, 3, 1))
NOTE Formulas are case sensitive make sure you use the same case as the names of the parameters you created. Create New Family Types 29 Under Family Types, click New. 30 For Name, enter 1/6 HP - 115 V - 1 Ph. 31 Click OK. 32 Specify the following values for the shared parameters in the Family Types dialog:

Voltage = 115 Phase = 1 Number of Poles = 1 Motor FLA = 4.4 Motor HP = 1/6
The value for Power is calculated from the parameter values specified. 33 Using the same method, create additional Family Types with the following parameter values: Name
1 HP - 208 V - 1 Ph 2 HP - 208 V - 3 Ph 3 HP - 460 V - 3 Ph
Voltage
208 208 460
Phase
1 3 3
Number of Poles Motor FLA

2 3 3 8.8 7.5 4.8
Motor HP
1 2 3
34 Click OK. 35 Save the family.
Add an electrical connector 36 Electrical connectors are used for a variety of electrical systems, including power, telephone, alarm systems and others. The electrical connector that you add here will ultimately be used in a power system. Connections between components in a power system must have connectors with the same, system type, number of poles and the same voltage specified. See Connectors on page 561. Click and drag the View Cube at the upper right corner of the view to spin the ventilator as shown. TIP You can also hold the right mouse button, while pressing Shift, and dragging the cursor to spin a model.
37 On the Design Bar, click Electrical Connector. 38 On the Options Bar, select Power - Balanced, and verify that is selected.
Connectors can be placed on a Face or on a Work Plane. See Connector Placement on page 567. 39 Highlight the narrow face at the base of the fan housing and click to place the connector on the center of the face. NOTE If necessary, press Tab to cycle through the active faces until the narrow face at the base of the fan is highlighted.
40 Click Modify
Modifying a Fan Family | 473
Map Parameter Values to Connector 41 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 42 In the Family Types dialog, for Name, select 3 HP - 460 V - 3 Ph, and click OK. 43 Select the Electrical connector created in the previous section. 44 On the Options Bar, click . in the = column.
45 In the Element Properties dialog, for Voltage, click
46 In the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select Voltage, and click OK. 47 Using the same method, specify an associated family parameter for the following parameters: Parameter
Number of Poles Apparent Load
Associated (shared) Parameter

Number of Poles Power
48 Under Electrical Loads, for Load Classification, select HVAC. 49 Click OK. 50 Save the family. Flex the part 51 Click File menu Open. 52 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. 53 Open Imperial Family Editor i Sample Project.rvt. 54 Click Window menu Exhaust Ventilator - Downblast.rfa to make the family the active view. 55 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 56 The i Sample Project.rvt displays in the drawing area. 57 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 2 - Mech. 58 On the Mechanical Design Bar, click Mechanical Equipment, and in the Type Selector, select Exhaust Ventilator Downblast : 1/6 HP-115 V-1 Ph. 59 Move the cursor into the drawing area and click to add the Exhaust Ventilator Downblast : 1/6 HP-115 V-1 Ph. (The exact location is not important.) 60 Click Modify. 61 Select the fan, and on the Options Bar, click list. , and observe the values in the Type Parameters
62 For Type, select 1 HP-208V-1 Ph, and again observe the Type Parameter values. The values should correspond to the values entered when you created the new family types. 63 Click OK. 64 Save the family. (It is not necessary to save the i Sample Project.rvt file.)
Modifying Fan Powered VAV Box with Electric Heat Family

This exercise demonstrates using various settings on the electrical connector to define a fan powered box with variable power requirements for electric heat and motor size. It also demonstrates the use of shared parameters and parameter mapping.
Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Family Editor i Sample Project.rvt.
NOTE If you have not already completed the previous exercise, you will need to complete that exercise to create shared parameters that are used in this exercise. See Modifying a Fan Family on page 470. Open the family and create parameters 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Power Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Power. 2 Select the VAV box.
3 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family. 4 Click Yes when prompted to open the family for editing. 5 Click Family Types. 6 In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. 7 In the Parameter Properties dialog, select the Shared parameter option, and click Select. 8 In the Shared Parameters dialog, for Parameter group, select MEP. The MEP group was created in the Modifying a Fan Family exercise and the parameters created in that exercise are listed under Parameters. It this is not the case, go back and complete the previous Modifying a Fan Family exercise. 9 Click Edit. 10 In the Edit Shared Parameters dialog, for Parameter group, select MEP. 11 Under Parameters, click New. 12 In the Parameter Properties dialog:

For Name, enter Apparent Power Phase 1. For Discipline, select Electrical. For Type, select Power.
Modifying Fan Powered VAV Box with Electric Heat Family | 475
13 Using the same method, create the following additional shared parameters as defined below: Name
Apparent Power Phase 2 Apparent Power Phase 3 Electric Heat Power Motor On Phase
Discipline
Electrical Electrical Electrical Common
Type
Power Power Power Integer
14 Click OK. 15 In the Shared Parameters dialog, select Apparent Power Phase 1, and click OK. 16 In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Data, for Group parameter under, select Electrical Engineering, select the Instance option, and click OK. Apparent Power Phase 1 is added as an instance parameter under the Electrical Engineering group in the Family Types dialog. Instance parameters have (default) appended to the parameter name. 17 In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. 18 In the Parameter Properties dialog, select the Shared parameter option, and click Select. 19 In the Shared Parameters dialog, select Apparent Power Phase 2, and click OK 20 In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Data, for Group parameter under, select Electrical Engineering, select the Instance option, and click OK. 21 Using the same method, add the following shared parameters to the family type, as defined below: Name
Apparent Power Phase 3 Electric Heat Power Motor FLA Motor HP Motor On Phase Number of Poles Phase Voltage
Group parameter under

Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Instance/Type
Instance Instance Type Type Instance Type Type Type
22 In the Family Types dialog, verify that Size 2 - 6 inch Inlet is selected for Name. 23 In the Formula column, specify formulas for the following parameters:

For Voltage, enter 480. For Phase, enter 3.
For Apparent Power Phase 1, enter Electric Heat Power / 3 + if(Motor On Phase = 1, Motor FLA * 277 V, 0 VA). For Apparent Power Phase 2, enter Electric Heat Power / 3 + if(Motor On Phase = 2, Motor FLA * 277 V, 0 VA). For Apparent Power Phase 3, enter Electric Heat Power / 3 + if(Motor On Phase = 3, Motor FLA * 277 V, 0 VA).
NOTE Formulas are case sensitive. Use the same case for the names in formulas as the names entered when you created the parameters. 24 Under Electrical Engineering, in the Value column, specify the following parameter values for the Size 2 - 6 inch Inlet VAV:

For Number of Poles, enter 3. For Motor On Phase, enter 1. For Motor HP, enter 1/6. For Motor FLA, enter 1.3.
25 Under Family Types, click new. 26 In the Name dialog, enter Size 3 - 8 inch Inlet, and click OK. 27 In the Family Types dialog, specify the following parameters for the Size 3 - 8 inch Inlet type:

For Number of Poles, enter 3. For Motor On Phase, enter 1. For Motor HP, enter 1/4. For Motor FLA, enter 2.2.
28 Using the same method, create additional types, and specify the parameters for each size listed below: Name Number of Poles
3 3 3
Motor On Motor HP Phase (Default)

1 1 1 1/3 1/2 3/4
Motor FLA
Size 4 10 inch Inlet Size 5 12 inch Inlet Size 6 14 inch Inlet
2.9 3.2 5.4
29 Click OK to close the Family Types dialog. 30 Save the family as Parallel Fan Powered VAV.rfa. Place connector and map parameters 31 Click and drag the view cube to spin the model around so you can see the controls box as shown.
32 On the Design Bar, click Electrical Connector. 33 On the Options Bar, select Power - Unbalanced, and verify that is selected.
34 Highlight the large face on the controls box, and click to add the connector on the face.
35 Click Modify. 36 Select the connector, and on the Options Bar, click .
37 In the Element Properties dialog, specify values for the following parameters:
For Number of Poles, click in the column, and in the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select Number of Poles, and click OK. For Voltage, click in the Voltage, and click OK. column, and in the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select
For Apparent Load Phase 1, click in the column, and in the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select Apparent Power Phase 1, and click OK. For Apparent Load Phase 2, click in the column, and in the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select Apparent Power Phase 2, and click OK.
For Apparent Load Phase 3, click in the column, and in the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select Apparent Power Phase 3, and click OK. For Load Classification, enter HVAC. For System Type, verify that Power - Unbalanced is selected.
38 Click OK to close the Element Properties dialog. 39 Save the family. Flex the family 40 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 41 If prompted, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes. The Sample Project is activated in the drawing area. 42 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Power Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Power. 43 Select the VAV box, and on the Options Bar, click 44 Click (Create Power Circuit).
, and on the Options Bar, for Panel, select panel HA.
45 Click Modify. 46 Select the VAV box, and click .
47 Verify that Parallel Fan Powered VAV : Size 2 - 6 inch Inlet is selected in the Type Selector. 48 In the Element Properties dialog, specify the following parameters:

For Motor On Phase, enter 1. For Electric Heat Power, enter 3000.
49 Click OK. 50 Select panel HA, and on the Options Bar, click (Edit Circuit on Panel).
The loads on phases A, B, and C are 2512, 1000, and 1000, respectively. 51 Click OK. 52 Select the VAV box, and click .
53 In the Element Properties dialog, for Type, select Size 6 14 inch Inlet, and specify the following parameters:
For Motor On Phase, enter 2.
For Electric Heat Power, enter 11000.
54 Click OK. 55 Click Modify. 56 Select panel HA, and on the Options Bar, click .
The loads on phases A, B, and C have updated to 4819, 4027, and 3667, respectively. 57 Click OK. Specify Flow Configuration for the VAV 58 Click Window menu Parallel Fan Powered VAV.rfa. 59 Use the view cube in the upper right corner of the view to spin the model around so you can see the air supply connector, as shown.
60 Select the supply air connector, and on the Options Bar, click
61 In the Element Properties dialog, under Mechanical, verify that Calculated is selected for Flow Configuration. When the Flow Configuration for the connector is set to Calculated, the air flow value for SupplyAirflow is the aggregate air flow for the downstream components. 62 Click OK. 63 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 64 If prompted, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes. The Sample Project is activated in the drawing area. Create a supply air system 65 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Mech. 66 Select the 4 supply air terminals in the left room, and on the Options Bar click Supply Air System). 67 On the Options Bar, click the VAV box. (Create
(Select Equipment for System), and in the drawing area, select
68 Click
(Layout Paths), and click Settings.
69 In the Duct Conversion Settings dialog, verify the following Main and Branch settings: Main

For Duct Type, verify that Rectangular Duct: Mitered Elbows/Taps is selected. For Offset enter 9' 0".
Branch

For Duct Type, verify that Rectangular Duct: Mitered Elbows/Taps is selected. For Offset enter 9' 0". For Flex Duct Type, verify that Flex Duct Round : Flex - Round is selected. For Maximum Flex Duct Length, enter 6' 0".
70 Click OK 71 Verify that Network is selected for Solution Type, click Design Bar, click Finish Layout. Ductwork is created for the selected solution. to select layout 6 of 6, and on the
72 Click Window menu System Browser. 73 In the System Browser, expand Mechanical (1 systems) Supply Air Parallel Fan Powered VAV: Size 2 - 6 inch Inlet VAV. 74 Right-click Mechanical Supply Air 1, and select Properties. 75 In the Element Properties dialog, scroll down to Mechanical Airflow, and notice that the SupplyAirFlow parameter value is 600 CFM. Because the Flow Configuration for the connector is set to Calculated, the air flow value for SupplyAirflow is the sum of the air flow for the downstream air terminalsin this case 600 CFM (4 X 150 CFM). 76 Click OK. 77 Double-click a tag associated with one of the air terminals supplied by the VAV, enter 300, and press Enter to modify the air flow for the air terminal. 78 Again, right-click Mechanical Supply Air 1, and select Properties. 79 In the Element Properties dialog, scroll down to Mechanical Airflow and notice that the SupplyAirFlow parameter value is updated to 750 CFM, the new sum of the air flow for the downstream air terminals. 80 Click OK. The Preset and System settings for Flow Configuration are used together to allow specifying a percentage of the system flow to be allocated to each downstream component. This allows specifying a different portion of the system flow to each downstream subsystem. When Flow Configuration is set to System the Flow Factor parameter is active. The Flow Factor parameter is specified as a value between 0 and 1, with the total for all downstream components equal to 1. For example, a boiler may have its supply preset to 20 gpm (system supply = 20 gpm) and the connectors at 2 downstream zone valves set to System, but one with 0.4 specified for Flow and the other with 0.6 specified for Flow. In this case the first downstream zone would receive a flow of 8 gpm (0.4 X 20 gpm), and the other would receive a flow of 12 gpm (0.6 X 20 gpm). Using the combination of Preset and System settings on connectors lets you distribute flow according to the demands of a particular space.
NOTE Because Flow Factor and Flow Configuration are properties of the connector, all instances of the family in a project will have the same factor. To create unequal percentages for several downstream subsystems, you must create 2 additional instance parameters for the component family, and then map the Flow Factor to the value specified for each instance of the component used in the project. 81 Close the Family and Sample Project files.
Modifying Electrical Equipment

In this exercise, you modify existing electrical equipment families to create new families, and then you use the new families in a project. In the first section, you modify a 208V/3Ph panel to create a 240V/3Ph family, and in the following section you modify a 480V/3Ph primary transformer to create a 480V/1Ph to 240V/1Ph secondary transformer. The final section demonstrates how to load, insert, and connect components of the newly created families in a simple project. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Family EditorLighting and Appliance Panelboard - 208V MCB - Surface.rfa.
Modify an existing panel family 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) 3D Views, and double-click {3D} to make it the active view. 2 In the drawing area, select the connector.
4 In the Element Properties dialog, under Electrical - Loads, specify values for the following parameters:

For Number of Poles, enter 2. For Voltage, enter 240.
5 Click OK. 6 Click File menu Save As. 7 In the Save As dialog, navigate to a folder of your choice and save the family as Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - 240V MCB - Surface.rfa.
Modifying Electrical Equipment | 483
8 Click File menu Close. Modify an existing transformer family 9 Click File menu Open. 10 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. 11 Open Imperial Family EditorDry Type Transformers - 480-208-120V - NEMA Type 2.rfa. 12 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Family Types. 13 For Name, select 112.5 kVA. 14 Under Family Types, click Delete. 15 Using the same method, delete all of the remaining types, except for 15 kVA. Next, you modify an existing family type. 16 In the Family Types dialog, for Name, verify that 15 kVA is selected. 17 Under Electrical, for Primary Number of Poles, enter 2. 18 Click Apply. Next, you create a new family type. 19 Under Family Types, click New. 20 In the Name dialog, for Name, enter 3 kVA, and click OK. Notice that the new family type is selected for Name. 21 Under Electrical, verify the following:

Primary Voltage is 480.00 V. Primary Number of Poles is 2.
22 Under Dimensions, do the following:

For Length, enter 0' 6 1/2" For Height, enter 0' 10 1/2" For Width, enter 0' 8 5/8"
NOTE You must enter 0 for the foot value. Otherwise, the inch value will be applied to the foot value. 23 Click OK. 24 Click File Save As. 25 In the Save As dialog, navigate to a folder of your choice and save the family as Single Phase Transformer - 480V Primary.rfa. 26 Click File menu Close. In the following sections, you use the modified families in a project. Load the new panel and transformer families into a project 27 Click File menu Open. 28 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. 29 Open Imperial Family Editor i Simple Room.rvt. 30 On the Electrical tab of the Design Bar, click Electrical Equipment. NOTE If the Electrical tab is not available on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Electrical.
31 On the Options Bar, click Load. You can also click File menu Load from Library Load Family. 32 In the Open dialog, navigate to the folder where you saved the new families, then while pressing CTRL, select Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - 240V MCB - Surface.rfa and Single Phase Transformer - 480V Primary.rfa, and click Open. The new families are loaded into the project. TIP You can verify that the electrical families were loaded by expanding Families Electrical Equipment in the Project Browser. Test the new electrical equipment in a project 33 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Power Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Power to make it the active view. 34 On the Electrical tab of the Design Bar, click Electrical Equipment. 35 In the Type Selector, select Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - 240V MCB - Surface : 100A. 36 Move the cursor over the wall, and after panel snaps to the inside face of the wall, click to place the panel on the wall as shown.
NOTE The panel is a wall-hosted familyit can only be placed on a wall. 37 Using the same method, do the following:
Place a Lighting and Appliance Panelboard 480V MLO : 125A panel on the wall to the right of the first panel.
TIP You can press Spacebar to rotate a family if placement seems difficult.
Place a Single Phase Transformer - 480V Primary : 15kVA transformer on the wall between the panels.
38 Click Modify. Next, you create a system to logically connect the panels to the transformer. Create a system 39 Select the Lighting and Appliance Panelboard 480V MLO : 125A panel. 40 On the Options Bar, for Distribution Sys, select 480/277 Wye. 41 With the panel selected, click .
42 In the Element Properties dialog, under Electrical - Loads, for Panel Name, enter DP, and click OK. Create a new distribution system 43 On the Electrical tab of the Design Bar, click Electrical Settings. You can also click Settings menu Electrical Settings. 44 In the left pane of the Electrical Settings dialog, select Distribution Systems. 45 Click Add. A new row is added in the right pane. 46 In the right pane, do the following:

For Name, enter 480 Wye. For Phase, verify that Single is selected. For Wires, select 3. For L-L Voltage, select 480. L-G Voltage, select 277.
47 Click OK. 48 In the drawing area, select the Single Phase Transformer, 49 On the Options Bar, click

50 In the Element Properties dialog, under Electrical - Loads, do the following: For Secondary Distribution System, select 120/240 Single. For Panel Name, enter T-LC. For Distribution System Types, select 480 Wye. Click OK.
51 In the drawing area, select the transformer. Notice that 480 Wye is selected for Distribution Sys on the Options Bar. This indicates that the transformer is associated with that distribution system. 52 With the transformer selected, on the Options Bar, click a new circuit. 53 On the Options Bar, do the following:

(Create Power Circuit) to create
Click
For Panel, select DP.
The DP panel is logically connected to the transformer
54 Click Modify. 55 Select the Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - 240V MCB - Surface : 100A panel. 56 On the Options Bar, do the following:
For Distribution Sys, select 120/240 Single. Click .
57 In the Element Properties dialog, under Electrical - Loads, for Panel Name, enter LC, and click OK. 58 Select the Lighting and Appliance Panelboard - 240V MCB - Surface : 100A (LC) panel. 59 On the Options Bar, click 60 On the Options Bar, click to create a new circuit. , and on the Options Bar, for Panel, select T-LC.
This creates a logical circuit between the LC panel to the transformer.
61 Close the Simple Room without saving.
Modifying a Water Closet

This exercise demonstrates adding piping connectors to a water closet family and setting typical connector properties for domestic cold water and sanitary systems. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Family EditorCommercial - Toilet - Wall Mount Flush Valve.rfa. 1 The toilet is a wall-hosted component, and the extrusion that represents the wall is visible in the view. However, you will be working at the back of the toilet, so you must hide the wall in the view.
Select the wall, and on the View Control Bar, click 2 On the View Control Bar, click
(Temporary Hide/Isolate) Hide Element.
(Model Graphics Style) Hidden Line.
3 Use the view cube in the upper right corner of the view to spin the model around so it is oriented as shown.
4 On the Design Bar, click Pipe Connector. 5 On the Options Bar, for System Type, select Sanitary, and verify that is selected.
6 Zoom in, and move the cursor over the larger of the 2 round extrusions at the back of the toilet as shown, highlight the round face, and click to add the connector.
7 Click Modify.
8 Select the connector. 9 If the arrow is pointing in toward the toilet bowl, click pointing away from the bowl. so that the connector direction is
The arrow indicates the connector direction, not the flow direction. The connector direction determines the direction from which it will accept connections from other components.
10 Click
Modifying a Water Closet | 489
11 In the Element Properties dialog, specify values for the following parameters:

For Radius, enter 0' 1 1/2". For Flow Direction, select Out. For Flow Configuration, select Fixture Units. Select Allow Slope Adjustments For Fixture Units, enter 4.
12 Click OK.
13 Using the same method, add a Domestic Cold Water system Piping Connector, in the location shown, and click Modify.
14 Select the connector, click 15 On the Options Bar, click

to specify connector direction. .
16 In the Element Properties dialog, specify values for the following parameters: For Radius, enter 0 3/4". For Flow Direction, select In. Clear Allow Slope Adjustments
For Flow Configuration, select Fixture Units. For Fixture Units, enter 2.5.
17 Click OK.
18 Click File Save As, and in the Save As dialog, navigate to a folder of your choice and save the family as Toilet - Commercial Wall Mount Flush Valve.rfa.
Modifying a Diffuser Annotation Tag Family

In this exercise, you modify a diffuser tag family to provide a type mark instead of the default instance mark. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Family Editor i Sample Project.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Ceiling Plans, and double-click 1 - Ceiling Mech. 2 In the drawing area, select a diffuser tag.
Modifying a Diffuser Annotation Tag Family | 491
3 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family, and click Yes when asked to open the diffuser tag for editing. The Family Editor opens. The diffuser tag is composed of two labels separated by a horizontal line. Each label is associated with a parameter. 4 Select the top label (1i), and on the Options Bar, click Edit Label.
5 In the Edit Label dialog, under Label Parameters, select Mark, and click from label). 6 Under Category Parameters, select Type Mark, and click 7 Click OK. The sample text changes to 1t.
(Remove parameter
(Add parameter to label).
8 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. If more than one project is open, in the Load into Projects dialog, select i Sample Project.rvt, and click OK. 9 When prompted to overwrite the existing Diffuser Tag, click Yes. The project becomes active and the diffuser tag updates to display the supply air terminal type, S-1, and the return air diffuser type, R-1.
10 Click File menu Close as you do not need to save the project. 11 Click File menu Close again to close the tag family, without saving.
Modifying a Light Fixture Annotation Tag Family

In this exercise, you modify a light fixture tag family to include panel and circuit information. Dataset:

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. Open Imperial Family Editor i Sample Project.rvt.
Modifying a Light Fixture Annotation Tag Family | 493
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Lighting Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Lighting. 2 In the drawing area, select a light fixture tag.
3 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family, and click Yes when asked to open the light fixture tag for editing. The Family Editor opens. The light fixture tag is composed of a label that is associated with a parameter. 4 In the drawing area, select the 1i label. 5 On the Edit toolbar, click (Copy).
6 On the Options Bar, click Multiple. 7 Click the midpoint of the label to specify the copy start point.
8 Move the cursor straight down, and after listening dimensions display, enter 0 1/8", and press Enter to specify the copy end point.
The label is copied.
9 Repeat the previous steps to create a second copy of the label.
10 Click Modify. Notice that the bounding box contains only the first label. You need to modify this box. 11 Select the bottom line of the box, and drag it down so that the box contains all 3 labels.
Next, you modify 2 labels. 12 Select the middle label, and on the Options Bar, click Edit Label. 13 In the Edit Label dialog, under Label Parameters, select Type Mark, and click parameter from label). 14 Under Category Parameters, select Panel, and click (Add parameter to label). (Remove
15 Under Label Parameters, for the Panel parameter, enter PNL in the Sample Value column. The sample value is the text that identifies this label in the Family Editor. 16 Click OK. The middle label text changes to PNL and the label is associated with the Panel parameter.
17 Using the same method, modify the bottom label with the following Edit Label dialog:
Under Label Parameters, select Type Mark, and click
(Remove parameter from label) (Add parameter to label).
Under Category Parameters, select Circuit Number, and click
For the Circuit Number parameter, enter CKT in the Sample Value column
The 3 light fixture labels are as shown.
Load the light fixture tag family into a project 18 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. If more than one project is open, in the Load into Projects dialog, select i Sample Project.rvt, and click OK. 19 If prompted, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes. The Sample Project is activated in the drawing are, and the light fixture tags update to display the panel and circuit information.
20 Click File menu Close as you do not need to save the project. 21 Click File menu Close again to close the tag family, without saving.
Creating Families
In this lesson you learn how features of the Family Editor allow you to build custom component families. The process of creating a component family includes the following steps: 1 Select the appropriate family template. The hosting of a component is defined by the template used when the family is originally created. Templates also define the type of family (annotation, model, titleblock, or profile). In some cases, the template also defines characteristics of how the family works, such as linear versus spot lighting characteristics. You cannot change these characteristics after you have created the family. For example, you cannot change a linear lighting fixture into a spot lighting fixture. 2 Define sub-categories for the family to aid in controlling visibility of the object. 3 Lay out reference planes to aid in drawing component geometry. 4 Add dimensions to specify parametric component geometry. 5 Add label dimensions to create type or instance parameters. 6 Flex the new model to verify correct component behavior. 7 Specify 2D and 3D geometry display characteristics with sub-category and entity visibility settings. 8 Define family type variations by specifying different parameters. 9 Save the newly-defined family, and then load it into a new project and see how it performs.
Creating a Light Fixture Family

In this exercise you create an 8 ceiling hosted recessed downlight. There are various light fixture family templates available in Revit MEP. If you expect to render your lighting designs, it is important that you start your lighting family with one of these templates, as they have reference
planes that define the location of the light source. For generic (Lighting Fixture*.rft) and linear (Linear Lighting Fixture*.rft) lighting templates, these planes are Light Source Axis (F/B), Light Source Axis (L/R), and Light Source Elevation. For spot light templates (Spot Lighting Fixture*.rft), these planes are Light Source Axis (L/R), Tilt Plane, and Light Source Elevation. Each family has additional parameters depending on whether it is a linear fixture, a spot fixture, or a generic fixture. When you use a spot light template, the family will have the additional parameters: Spot Beam Angle, Spot Spread Angle, Spot Tilt Angle. The Linear template contains a model line representing the light source along the F/B axis. This can be shortened or lengthened as necessary to model the linear lighting fixture. Additionally, there are lighting templates for non-hosted, ceiling hosted, and wall hosted objects. When working in a linked file environment, you may use a non-lighting family template, such as Generic Model face based.rft. Using this face hosted family provides the ability for the fixture to be hosted by, and move with, objects in the linked file. Using the generic face hosted and non-hosted lighting fixtures has the limitation that the hosting geometry cannot be cut. When creating a lighting family, you can also specify a .ies file. This file contains engineering data that can be used to calculate the coefficient of utilization of the fixture. The .ies file is not used for rendering. Lighting manufacturers often allow you to download .ies files from the Web for their fixtures. Locate IES data file 1 Using Windows Explorer, navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2009\Training\Imperial\Tutorials\Family Editor, and copy the Ltl9815.ies file, and paste it into the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2009\IES folder. (This is the location from which the .ies files are retrieved if Revit MEP is installed in the default path.) NOTE If Revit MEP was not installed in the default path, you must determine the correct path to the IES file as defined by the IESFileLocation parameter in the Revit.ini file (within the <install_path>\RME2009\Program folder). Create a new lighting family 2 Click File menu New Family. 3 In the New dialog, navigate to the Imperial Templates folder, select Linear Lighting Fixture ceiling based.rft, and click Open. 4 Click Settings menu Family Category and Parameters. 5 Under Family Category, select Lighting Fixtures. 6 Specify the following settings under Family Parameters:

Select the Always Vertical option Select Light Source For Part Type, select the Normal option Clear the Shared option
NOTE Family Category and Parameters settings determine the component type and provide a set of parameters that affect its behavior within Revit MEP. See Part Types on page 571 and Category on page 570 for a complete list of Revit MEP categories and parameters. 7 Click OK. 8 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Elevations (Elevation 1), and double-click Front.
Creating a Light Fixture Family | 499
TIP You may want set the scale to 6" = 1' - 0" and zoom in very close to create the Solid Form Solid Revolve. 9 Select the Light Source Elevation Plane, and drag it up to a point 4" above the Basic Ceiling and Ceiling Plane as shown.
10 Click File menu Save As. 11 In the Save As dialog, for File name, enter 8 inch Open Downlight 42w TRT.rfa, and click OK. Define the fixture geometry 12 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Revolve. 13 On the Sketch tab on the Design Bar, click Lines. 14 On the Options Bar, click , , and Chain, and for Offset, specify 0' 0".
15 Zoom in on the Light Source Elevation, and sketch the shape of the fixture as shown. Start at the Center (Left/Right) vertical reference plane, 4" above the Light Source reference plane, and draw a 4" horizontal line to the left of the center, then draw a vertical line segment down to the ceiling (8"), and finish with a 1" horizontal line segment to the left.
Next you will duplicate the original outline, offset by 1/16" to define the thickness of the light fixture housing. 16 Click Lines. 17 On the Options Bar, click , and for Offset, enter 1/16".
18 Click just above the upper horizontal line to add a line 1/16" above the existing line as shown.
19 Using the same method, click just to the left of the vertical line and just above the lower horizontal line to define the thickness for the fixture as shown. NOTE If you have difficulty selecting the short horizontal line at the base, move the cursor over the line, press Tab to highlight the short line, then click just above the line.
20 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 21 On the Options Bar, click and , clear Chain, and for Offset, enter 0' 0".
22 Draw lines to close the outline at the top right and lower left as shown.
23 Click Modify. 24 On the toolbar, click (Trim), and clean up the inside corner as shown.
25 On the Design Bar, click Axis, and sketch the axis line for the revolve as indicated below by the dark line.
The length of the line and its exact location are not important, but make sure it is coincident with the vertical plane. 26 Click Finish Sketch.
27 Save the family. Define family and connector properties 28 In the drawing area, select the (yellow) Light Source, and on the Options Bar, click Light Source Definition.
29 In the Light Source Definition dialog, for Emit from Shape, click
(Point), for Light
distribution, click
(Photometric Web), and click OK.
30 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 31 In the Family Types dialog, specify values for the following parameters: Under Electrical - Lighting
For Calculate Coefficient of Utilization, select true (green check, not grey)
Under Electrical Loads
For Apparent Load, enter 44.21 VA
Under Electrical
For Lamp, enter CF42TRT
Under Photometrics

For Tilt Angle, enter 90 For Photometric Web File, click the Value column, click file browser , and select Ltl9815.ies in the
For Light Loss Factor, click the Value column, and in the Light Loss Factor dialog, click Simple for Method, enter 0.85 for Value, and click OK. For Initial Intensity, click the Value column, and in the Initial Intensity dialog, click Luminous Flux, enter 3200, and click OK. For Initial Color, click the Value column, and in the Initial Color dialog, for Color Preset, select <Custom>, for Color Temperature, enter 3000 K and click OK.
A fixtures Coefficient of Utilization may be calculated based on the geometry of the space, or a static value may be entered. Lighting objects in a space contribute to the rooms Average Estimated Illumination. This illumination is based on the lumen method using the total lumen output of the lighting fixtures in the room, and is affected by the following fixture properties:

Coefficient of Utilization (Instance) Initial Intensity (Type) Light Loss Factor (Type)
32 Click OK.
33 In the Project Browser, expand View (All) 3D Views, and double-click View 1. 34 Use the view cube in the upper right corner of the view to spin the model to view the top of the fixture. 35 On the Design Bar, click Electrical Connector, and on the Options Bar, select Power - Balanced, and verify that (Place on Face) is selected.
36 Highlight the face at the top of the fixture, and click to place the connector on the top of the fixture.
37 Click Modify, select the connector, and click

38 In the Element Properties dialog, specify values for the following parameters: For Power Factor, enter 0.95 For System Type, verify that Power - Balanced is specified For Apparent Load, click in the column, and in the Associated Family Parameter dialog, select Apparent Load from the list, and click OK. For Voltage, enter 277 For Load Classification, enter Lighting
39 Click OK. 40 Save the family Cut a hole in the ceiling 41 Next you cut a hole in the ceiling. Although the hole is not necessary for construction documents, it permits light to function as expected in renderings. (Light at the intersection of planes is able to pass through the ceiling.) In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) 3D Views, and double-click View 1. 42 Spin the model to view the bottom of the ceiling. 43 Select the yellow Light Source, and on the View Control Bar, click and select Hide Element. 44 On the Design Bar, click Opening. 45 On the Options Bar, click ring as shown. , and select the 2 arcs that make up the outside edge of the trim (Temporary Hide/Isolate),
46 Click Finish Sketch.On the View Control Bar, click 47 On the View Control Bar, click Hide/Isolate. 48 Save the family. Flex the light fixture 49 Click File menu Open. 50 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. 51 Open Imperial Family Editor i Simple Room.rvt. 52 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Electrical Lighting Ceiling Plans, and double-click 1 - Ceiling Elec. The space tag indicates 22 fc and 135 W. 53 Click Window menu 8 inch Open Downlight 42w TRT.rfa to make the family the active view. 54 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. The new lighting fixture is loaded into the project. 55 Select the 4 downlights in the room, and in the Type Selector, select 8 inch Open Downlight 42w TRT. The lighting level increases to 33 fc, and the wattage increases to 168. In this exercise, you learned:

(Temporary Hide/Isolate), and select Reset Temporary
The basics of how lighting families work How to create a lighting family from a template Where to place IES files for use by lighting families
Flange Family
In this exercise, you will create a flange connector to model pipe flanges for model coordination. The flange will be based on a 150 pound pressure class slip on flange, and use a Lookup Table to define several sizes for the flange. Lookup tables are used to define parameter values in an external .csv file. This lets you specify multiple part sizes that are based on a table without creating a separate family type for each size. Revit MEP provides a
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text_file_lookup function that can be used to read the necessary values from a comma-separated values (.csv) file. The location of Lookup Table files is defined by the LookupTableLocation parameter in the Revit.ini file. The Generic 150 psi Slip Flange.csv file defines multiple sizes for this flange. When installed in the default path, Revit MEP looks in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2009\LookupTables to retrieve size information. See Lookup Tables on page 568 and CSV File Structure on page 569. 1 Click File menu New Family. 2 In the New dialog, navigate to the Imperial Templates folder, select Generic Model.rft, and click OK. 3 Click Settings menu Family Category and Parameters. NOTE Family Category and Parameters settings determine the component type and provide a set of parameters that affect its behavior within Revit MEP. See Part Types on page 571 and Category on page 570 for a complete list of Revit MEP categories and parameters. 4 Under Family Category, select Pipe Fittings. 5 Specify the following settings under Family Parameters:

Clear the Work Plane-Based option. Select the Always Vertical option. For Part Type, select the Transition option. Clear the Shared option.
6 Click OK. 7 Click File Save, and in the Save As dialog, navigate to a folder of your choice and save the family as Generic 150 psi Slip Flange.rfa. 8 Using Windows Explorer, navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2009\Training\Imperial\Tutorials\Family Editor, and copy the Generic 150 psi Slip Flange.csv file, and paste it into the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2009\LookupTables folder. (This is the location from which the LookupTable files are retrieved if Revit MEP is installed in the default path.) NOTE If Revit MEP was not installed in the default path, you must determine the correct path to the Lookup Table file as defined by the LookupTableLocation parameter in the Revit.ini file (within the <install_path>\RME2009\Program folder). Create parameters 9 Click Family Types. 10 Under Parameters, click Add. 11 In the Parameter Properties dialog, verify that Family parameter is selected for Parameter Type and specify the following parameter data:

For Name, enter NR For Discipline, select Piping For Type, select Pipe Size For Group parameter under, select Dimensions Select Type
12 Click OK. 13 Using the same method, create Instance parameters named D1, D2, LenA1, LenA2, LenA3, ND, R1, R2 and specify the following parameters for each one:

For Parameter Type, select the Family parameter option For Discipline, select Piping. For Type, select Pipe Size. For Group parameter under, select Dimensions. Select the Instance option
14 In the Family Types dialog, specify values for the following parameters:

For NR, enter 2" For Lookup Table Name = Generic 150 psi Slip Flange.csv Click Apply.
15 Specify formulae for the following parameters:

ND, enter NR * 2 For R1, enter D1 / 2 For R2, enter D2 / 2 For LenA3, enter LenA2 LenA1 For D1, enter text_file_lookup(Lookup Table Name, "D1", 0, ND) For D2, enter text_file_lookup(Lookup Table Name, "D2", 0, ND) For LenA1, enter text_file_lookup(Lookup Table Name, "LenA1", 0, ND) For LenA2, enter text_file_lookup(Lookup Table Name, "LenA2", 0, ND)
16 Click OK. 17 Save the family. Define work planes 18 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Floor Plans, and double-click Ref. Level. 19 Click the scale on the View Control Bar, and select 3 = 1'- 0". 20 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 21 On the Options Bar, click , and for Offset, enter 0' 2".
22 Click to the right of the Center (Left/Right) reference plane to add a reference plane 2" to the right of the center line. 23 Click again to the left of the Center (Left/Right) reference plane to add a reference plane 2" to the left of the center line as shown.
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24 Click Modify 25 Select the left plane and, click .
26 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Name, enter Pipe. 27 Using the same method, enter Connector for the Name of the right plane. 28 On the Design Bar, click Dimension, and on the Options Bar, click (Aligned).
29 Create a dimension between the Center (Left/Right) plane and the Connector (right) plane. 30 Create another dimension between the Center (Left/Right) plane and the Pipe (left) plane.
31 Click Modify.
32 Select the dimension between the Center (Left/Right) plane and right plane (Connector) and click . , and select
33 In the Element Properties, under Other, click the Value column for Label, click LenA1 from the list.
34 Using the same method, select the dimension between the left (Pipe) plane and Center (Left/Right) plane, and label it LenA2. 35 Select the horizontal reference plane and the 3 vertical reference planes. 36 Click .
37 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Is Reference, click the Value column, and select Not a Reference. This option disables grips at the intersection of reference planes and specifies that the reference plane cannot be dimensioned to when you place a family into a project. 38 Click OK. 39 Save the family. Define geometry 40 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 41 On the Model Categories tab, click Object Styles, and set the Projection Line weight of each category to 5. 42 Click OK twice. 43 On the Design Bar, click Model Lines, and on the Options Bar, clear Chain, click . The length is not important, but be careful to sketch them on the reference planes. 45 Draw a horizontal line on the horizontal plane, between the intersections with the right and left vertical planes as shown. and
44 Draw a vertical line on both the left (Pipe) and the right (Connector) vertical reference planes.
46 Click Modify. 47 Select the 3 model lines, and on the Options Bar, click Visibility. 48 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog, clear Fine, and click OK.
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NOTE Piping objects generally show as linework in Coarse and Medium view, and in Fine view the solid model elements are shown. Thus, we shut off the linework in Fine view.
49 With all 3 lines still selected, click
50 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Reference, click the Value column, and select Not a Reference. 51 Click OK. 52 On the Design Bar, click Dimension, and on the Options Bar, click .
53 Move the cursor over an endpoint on the left vertical line, press Tab to highlight the endpoint, and click to specify the endpoint for the dimension. 54 Select the horizontal reference plane, then select the other endpoint, move the cursor to the left, and click to place the dimension.
55 Click
56 Using the same method, create dimensions for the right vertical line. 57 On the Design Bar, click Dimension, and on the Options Bar, click .
58 Using the same method, create dimensions for the overall length of each vertical line, from endpoint to endpoint.
59 Click Modify. 60 Select the dimension for the overall length of the left line, and on the Options Bar, click . 61 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Label, click the Value column, and select D2. 62 Using the same method, select the dimension for the right line and label it D1.
Create the first extrusion 63 In the Project Browser, expand Elevations (Elevation 1), and double-click Left. 64 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 65 On the Sketch tab on the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 66 In the Work Plane dialog, specify Reference Plane : Pipe, and click OK. 67 Click Lines. 68 On the Options Bar, click and , click Radius, and enter 0' 5".
69 Place the circle on the intersection of the horizontal and vertical reference planes.
70 Click Modify. 71 Select the circle, and in the drawing area, click 72 Select the dimension line, and click . .
73 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Label, click the Value column, and select R2.
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74 Click OK.
75 Click Extrusion Properties. 76 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Extrusion End, click column. 77 In the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select LenA2, and click OK. 78 Under Graphics, for Visibility/Graphics, click Edit. 79 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog, clear Coarse and Medium, and click OK twice. 80 Click Finish Sketch. Create the second extrusion 81 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Extrusion. 82 On the Sketch Editor tab on the Design Bar, click Set Work Plane. 83 In the Work Plane dialog, specify Reference Plane : Center (Left/Right), and click OK. 84 Click Lines. 85 On the Options Bar, click and , click Radius, and enter 0' 10". in the
86 Place the circle on the intersection of the horizontal and vertical reference planes.
87 Click Modify. 88 Select the circle, and in the drawing area, click 89 Select the dimension line, and click 91 Click OK. . .
90 In the Element Properties, under Other, for Label, click the Value column, and select R1.
92 Click Extrusion Properties. 93 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Extrusion End, click column. 94 In the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select LenA1, and click OK. 95 Under Graphics, for Visibility, click Edit. 96 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog, clear Coarse and Medium, and click OK twice. 97 Click Finish Sketch. 98 Save the family. Add connectors 99 In the Project Browser, expand 3D Views, and double-click View 1. 100 Click the scale on the View Control Bar, and select 6 = 1'- 0". 101 On the View Control Bar, click extrusions. (Model Graphics Style), and select Wireframe to view both in the
102 Spin the flange to view the face of both extrusions as shown. 103 On the Design Bar, click Pipe Connector. 104 On the Options Bar, verify that is selected, and for System Type, select Fitting.
105 Highlight the large diameter face of the flange, where the 2 extrusions meet.
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106 Click to add the connector.
107 Click Modify. 108 Select the connector, click and, if necessary, to change the direction of flow. The arrow indicating the connector direction should be pointing toward the smaller diameter face. 109 With the connector selected, click .
110 In the Element Properties dialog, under Dimensions, for Radius, enter 5", and click OK.
111 Spin the flange to view the back of the larger extrusion. 112 Click Pipe Connector, and using the same method, add a connector to the larger extrusion.
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113 Click Modify. 114 Select the connector, click and, if necessary, to change the direction of flow. The arrow indicating the connector direction should be pointing toward the smaller diameter face. 115 Select the first connector, click Link Connector on the Options Bar, and click the second connector. 116 Click Modify. 117 Select both connectors, and on the Options Bar, click . in the column.
118 In the Element Properties dialog, under Dimensions, for Radius, click 119 In the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select NR, and click OK twice.
120 Save the family
Creating an Elbow Pipe Fitting Family

In this exercise, you create an elbow pipe fitting family. First, you create the physical fitting geometry by using reference planes and lines, and by defining fitting size parameters. You then create single line geometry for the elbow, test the fitting geometry, and set the object visibility. After completing the pipe fitting family, you can use the same method to create a duct fitting family for air systems.
NOTE Fittings are among the most complex families to create. It is recommended that you methodically follow the steps and periodically check your work against the exercise. It may take a longer to complete this exercise as compared to other exercises in this tutorial. Even if you have created parametric families before, creating system families typically takes more time to complete. 1 Click File menu New Family. 2 In the New dialog, do the following:

For Look in, verify that Imperial Templates is selected. Select Generic Model.rft. Click Open.
A new family file is created and new views open. Configure the elbow pipe fitting family 3 Click Settings menu Family Category and Parameters. 4 In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, under Family Category, select Pipe Fittings: 5 Under Family Parameters, do the following:

Verify that Work Plane-Based is cleared. Verify that Always vertical is selected. For Part Type, select Elbow. Verify that Shared is cleared.
6 Click OK. 7 Click File Save. You can also press CTRL+S. 8 In the Save As dialog, navigate to a folder of your choice, and save the family as Threaded Generic Elbow. Define reference planes Reference planes are used to define relationships between the geometric components within the Family Editor. They are not displayed when the family is used in a building model. 9 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Floor Plans, and double-click Ref. Level to make it the active view. 10 Maximize the Ref. Level floor plan window. 11 Click Window menu Close Hidden Windows. Close Hidden Windows closes all of the hidden windows for a project. However, if you have other projects open during a session, one window for each open project remains open. 12 Enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the window. 13 On the View Control Bar, click the current scale value, and select 6" = 1'-0". 14 Select the 2 reference planes, and verify that both reference planes have been pinned. If necessary, on the Edit toolbar, click .
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Pinning prevents accidentally moving the reference planes. 15 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 16 On the Options Bar, click , and for Offset, enter 0' 1".
17 Click to the left the vertical Center (Left/Right) reference plane to place a new reference line to the left of the vertical Center (Left/Right) reference plane. TIP You can identify an object in the drawing area by placing the cursor over the object. A tooltip and the Status Bar (which is located below the Design Bar) displays the objects name. 18 Click Modify. 19 Select the left plane, and on the Options Bar, click .
20 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Name, enter Fitting, and click OK. 21 Using the same method, add another vertical plane 2" to the left of the left (Fitting) plane, and in the Element Properties dialog, for Name, enter Coupling. 22 Select the horizontal Center (Front/Back) reference plane. 23 Add new reference plane 2" above the Center (Front/Back) reference plane as shown.
24 Click Modify. 25 Right-click the new reference plane, and click Element Properties. 26 In the Element Properties dialog, for Name, enter Radius, and click OK. 27 Click File menu Save to save the family. Create reference lines and dimension them Reference lines are used to define the basic geometry of the family. They are not displayed when the family is used in a project. You create reference lines in order to create sweeps for the fitting geometry. 28 On the Design Bar, click Reference Lines. 29 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that Verify that
(Draw) is selected. (Line) is selected.
For Offset, verify that 0' 0" is specified. Verify that Radius is cleared.
30 In the drawing area, draw a horizontal line of the approximate length and location as shown.
(Align).
32 Select the middle vertical reference plane (Fitting), and click the right end of the reference line to align the right end of the reference line to the Fitting reference plane. 33 Click to lock the end of the reference line to the Fitting plane.
34 Using the same method, align and lock the left end of the reference line to the left vertical reference plane (Coupling). 35 Align and lock the reference line to the Center (Front/Back) reference plane as shown.
36 Using the same method, draw another reference line to the right of the Center (Left/Right) reference plane as shown.
37 Align and lock the left end of the right reference line to the Center (Left/Right) reference plane. 38 Align and lock the right reference line to the Center (Front/Back) reference plane as shown.
Next, you draw an arced reference line.
39 On the Design Bar, click Reference Lines. 40 On the Options Bar, do the following:
Verify that Select
(Draw) is selected. (Arc from center and endpoints). and, select this sketching option from the list.
You may need to click

41 In the drawing area, click the intersection of the Fitting and the Radius reference planes to specify the center of the arc.
42 Move the cursor directly down, and after the endpoint snap displays, click the right end of the left reference line to specify the first endpoint of the arc.
43 Move the cursor to the right to begin drawing the arc, enter 45, and press Enter to specify a 45 degree radius for the arc.
44 Click Modify. 45 Select the arc reference line, and zoom out to view 2 dimension controls ( ).
NOTE Temporary dimensions have two dimension controls that allow you to convert the temporary dimension to a permanent dimension. By default, dimensions are temporarythey only display when selected. The dimension control that is located perpendicular to the line being dimensioned represents the overall length of that line. The dimension control located near the reference plane represents the projected length of that line relative to the reference plane. 46 Click the dimension control that controls the overall dimension (located to the lower-right of the arc). 47 Drag the permanent dimension annotation away from the arc reference line, and adjust the length of the witness lines as shown.
Next, you draw a diagonal reference line. 48 On the Design Bar, click Reference Lines. 49 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that Verify that
(Draw) is selected. (Line) is selected.
50 Click the right end of the arced reference line to specify the diagonal reference line start point. 51 Draw a diagonal reference line to extend the arc at a 45 degree angle toward the Radius reference plane, and click to specify the reference line end point at an approximate line length as shown.
While drawing the diagonal reference line, the Tangent Extension tooltip may display to indicate that the diagonal reference line is tangent to the arced reference line.
52 Click Modify. 53 Select the diagonal reference line, zoom the view to display the 2 dimension controls. 54 Using the same method, convert the temporary dimension for the overall length of the diagonal reference line to a permanent dimension. 55 Drag the dimension line down and to the right to move it out of the way, and clean up the witness lines as necessary. 56 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 57 In the Type Selector, verify that Linear Dimension Style : Default linear style is selected. 58 On the Options Bar, verify that

(Aligned) is selected.
59 Add the following aligned dimensions: Between the Radius and the Center (Front/Back) horizontal reference planes. Between the Coupling and the Fitting vertical reference planes. Between the Fitting and the Center vertical reference planes.
60 With the Dimension tool active, on the Options Bar, click (Angular), and add an angular dimension between the diagonal reference line and the right horizontal reference line (which is located below the diagonal reference line). 61 Position the dimension annotations and witness lines as shown.
62 Click File menu Save to save the family. Create family parameters and assign them to dimensions 63 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 64 In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. 65 In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Type, verify that Family parameter is selected. 66 Under Parameter Data, do the following:

For Name, enter LenA1. For Discipline, select Piping. For Type of Parameter, select Pipe Size. For Group parameter under, select Dimensions. Select Instance to create an Instance Parameter.
67 Click OK. The new family parameter, LenA1, is listed under Dimensions in the Family Types dialog. 68 Using the same method, create the following family parameters: Name Discipline Type of Parameter Group parameter under
Pipe Size Pipe Size Pipe Size Pipe Size Pipe Size Angle Dimensions Dimensions Dimensions Dimensions Dimensions Dimensions
Instance/Type
Instance Instance Instance Instance Instance Instance
LenA2 BdyRad CplRad NomDia NomRad Ang
Piping Piping Piping Piping Piping Common
Next, you specify values and formulae for the family parameters that you added. 69 In the Family Types dialog, specify that following values and formulae:

For CplRad, in the Value column, enter 1.25". For NomRad, in the Value column, enter 2". For LenA2, in the Formula column, enter LenA1 * tan(Ang / 2). NomDia, in the Formula column, enter NomRad * 2.
NOTE When specifying formulae, the calculated length defines the geometry. Fittings must have their connectors (which you place later in this exercise) on lines that intersect the Center (Left/Right) and Center (Front/Back) reference planes. 70 Click OK. 71 In the drawing area, select the (left) dimension that is dimensioning the Center (Front/Back) and Radius reference planes. 72 On the Options Bar, for Label, select the LenA1 family parameter. The dimension is associated and controlled by the LenA1 family parameter. Notice that the parameter name displays as part of the dimension annotation. 73 Using the same method, select each dimension and associate it to a family parameter as shown. NOTE Associate each dimension separately. Do not select multiple dimensions and associate them to a parameter as this will cause errors.
74 Press CTRL+S. Use a lookup table file to define multiple sizes A lookup table file is a CSV (comma separated value) text file that contains pipe size information. Revit MEP uses this pipe size information to define pipe fitting size after you specify a pipe diameter. Lookup tables are not used to determine pipe sizes as a result of using the Pipe Sizing toolthese pipe sizes are determined by various project-specific factors. 75 Using Windows Explorer, navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2009\Training\Imperial\Tutorials\Family Editor, and copy the Threaded
Generic Elbow.csv lookup table file, and paste it into the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2009\LookupTables folder. This is the default path. NOTE If Revit MEP was not installed in the default path, you must determine the correct path to the Lookup Table file as defined by the LookupTableLocation parameter in the Revit.ini file (within the <install_path>\RME2009\Program folder). Next, you specify formulae that use the lookup table file to determine pipe size. 76 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Family Types. 77 In the Family Types dialog, in the Value column, for Lookup Table Name, enter Threaded Generic Elbow.csv and click Apply. 78 In the Formula column, enter the following formulae:

For LenA1, enter text_file_lookup(Lookup Table Name, "LenA1", 0, NomDia). For CplRad, enter text_file_lookup(Lookup Table Name, "CplRad", 0, NomDia). For BdyRad, enter text_file_lookup(Lookup Table Name, "BdyRad", 0, NomDia).
79 Click OK. The formulae are applied and the dimensions are adjusted.
80 Press CTRL+S to save the family. RELATED During fitting creation, if specific pipe sizes that you need are not present in the lookup table file by default, you can add them according to manufacturers specifications. However, you must save the lookup table file in a plain text format. If the file is saved in a proprietary format, Revit MEP may not be able to read it and any family type parameter formulae that refer to that lookup table will most likely return a value of 0 and errors will occur. If you encounter this type of issue, copy the lookup table data from the problematic lookup table file and paste it into a new text file. Save the text file with the file name including the .csv file extension and copy it to the LookupTables folder. Next, you begin creating the fitting geometry. Create a fitting profile You create a fitting profile in order to provide a geometrical shape for the sweep extrusion. This sweep uses the profile and the reference lines to create the elbow fitting geometry. 81 Click File menu New Family. 82 In the New dialog, select Profile.rft, and click Open. 83 In the Project Browser, verify that the Ref. Level floor plan is the active view.
84 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Lines. 85 In the Type Selector, verify that Profiles is selected. 86 On the Options Bar, do the following:
Verify that Select
(Draw) is selected.
(Circle).

and select this sketching option from the list.
87 In the drawing area, draw a circle with any radius in the approximate location as shown.
88 Click Modify. 89 Select the circle, and on the Options Bar, click .
90 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, select Center Mark Visible, and click OK. The center mark displays allowing you to align the circle to the reference planes. 91 On the Edit toolbar, click (Align).
92 Click the Center (Front/Back) reference plane, and then click the circle center mark to align the circle horizontally. 93 Click to lock the circle to the horizontally.
94 Using the same method, align and lock the circle vertically. 95 Select the circle, zoom out, and click the dimension control ( The temporary dimension converts to a permanent dimension. 96 Click the dimension value, enter 1", and press ENTER. 97 On the View Control Bar, click the current scale, and select 6" = 1'- 0". 98 Zoom in to view the sketch. ).
99 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 100 In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. 101 In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Data, do the following:

For Name, enter Rad. For Discipline, select Piping. For Type of Parameter, select Pipe Size. For Group parameter under, select Dimensions. Verify that the Type option is selected to create a Type parameter. Click OK.
The new family parameter is listed under Dimensions. Next, you create a new family type. 102 In the Family Types dialog, under Family Types, click New. 103 Name the new family type, Fitting, and click OK. The new family type is listed in the Name list. 104 Using the same method, create a family type named Coupling. 105 In the Family Types dialog, click OK. 106 In the drawing area, select the dimension. 107 On the Options Bar, for Label, select Rad. The dimension is now associated to and controlled by the Rad family parameter. Notice that the parameter name displays as part of the dimension annotation.
108 Click File Save, and save the family as Threaded Pipe Profile.rfa. Next, you load the fitting profile into the project. 109 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects to load the Threaded Pipe Profile into the Threaded Generic Elbow family. Notice that the Threaded - Generic Elbow project becomes active. Associate family parameters to a profile parameter You associate family parameters to the Rad profile parameter for each family type in order to control the radius of the elbow fitting geometry. This allows for parametric changes in the fitting geometry to occur. 110 In the Project Browser, expand Families Profiles Threaded Pipe Profile, right click Coupling, and click Properties. 111 In the Type Properties dialog, under Dimensions, for Rad, click .
112 In the Associate Family Parameter, under Existing family parameters of compatible type, select CplRad, and click OK. 113 In the Type Properties dialog, click Apply. 114 For Type, select Fitting. 115 Under Dimensions, for Rad, click .
116 In the Associate Family Parameter, under Existing family parameters of compatible type, select BdyRad, and click OK twice. 117 Click File menu Save to save the family. Next, you create the fitting geometry. Create sweeps using reference lines The elbow fitting geometry consists of 2 couplings connected by the fitting body. You create sweeps using the reference lines as sweep paths to create the fitting geometry. Each sweep is based on the profile that you created and loaded into the project. 118 In the drawing area, cross-pick (drag from right to left) to select everything in the drawing. TIP Remember that when you use cross-picking (drag right to left) to select an object, the cross-picking border only needs to intersect an object in order to select it. The object does not need to be fully contained within the border. In contrast, an object must be fully contained when using a pick box (drag left to right).
(Filter Selection).
120 In the Filter dialog, clear Reference Lines and Reference Planes, and click OK. 121 On the View Control Bar, click Temporary Hide/Isolate Hide Element. Only the reference lines and reference planes display.
122 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Sweep. 123 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Pick Path. 124 In the drawing area, select the left horizontal reference line.
125 On the Pick Path tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Path. 126 In the drawing area, click the red dot on the horizontal reference line. 127 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Select Threaded Pipe Profile: Coupling from the profile list. Verify that the X, Y, and Angle options are specified at 0.
128 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Sweep.
The geometry for the left coupling is created.
Next, you create the geometry for the fitting body. 129 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Solid Form Solid Sweep. 130 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Pick Path. 131 In the drawing area, select the arced reference line.
132 On the Pick Path tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Path. 133 In the drawing area, click the red dot on the arced reference line. 134 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Select Threaded Pipe Profile: Fitting from the profile list. Verify that the X, Y, and Angle options are specified at 0.
135 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Sweep.
The geometry for the fitting body is created.
Next, you create the right coupling geometry for the elbow fitting. 136 Using the same method, add a solid sweep, and select Threaded Pipe Profile: Coupling from the profile list to the right reference line to create the geometry for the right coupling.
The elbow fitting geometry is created. Next, you verify the fitting geometry. 137 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) 3D Views View1 to make the 3D view active. 138 With the 3D view active, enter VG. 139 On the Annotation Categories tab of the Visibility Graphics Overrides dialog, clear all annotation categories, and click OK. The fitting geometry displays.
140 While pressing SHIFT and the middle mouse button, drag the cursor to spin the model, and verify the fitting geometry. 141 In the Project Browser, double-click Floor Plans Ref. Level to make it the active view. 142 Press CTRL+S to save the family. Create detail level geometry Detail level geometry is the geometry that displays when you select a detail level. In Revit MEP, Coarse and Medium detail levels display pipe and pipe fittings as single line. The Fine detail level displays pipe and pipe fittings as double line. In this section, you draw model lines to create the single line fitting geometry. This fitting geometry displays when the Coarse and Medium detail level settings are used. First, you need to hide some of the geometry in the family to make it easier to create model lines for the single-line display. 143 In the drawing area, cross-pick (drag from right to left) to select everything in the drawing. 144 On the Options Bar, click The 3 sweeps are selected. 146 On the View Control Bar, click Temporary Hide/Isolate Hide Element. (Filter Selection).
145 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Other, and click OK.
Only the reference planes and reference lines display.
147 On the Design Bar, click Model Lines. 148 In the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Fittings is selected. 149 On the Options Bar, do the following:
For Plane, verify that Level : Ref Level is selected. Select (Pick Lines).
For Offset, verify that 0' 0" is specified. Verify that Lock is cleared.
150 In the drawing area, select the left horizontal reference line.
A model line is created over the reference line.
151 With the model line selected, click
to lock the model line to the reference line.
TIP You can identify objects that are located under other objects by placing the cursor over an object and press Tab. Each time you press Tab, you highlight through the vertical hierarchy of objects (from top to bottom). A tooltip and the Status Bar display the name of the object. 152 With the Model Lines tool active and using the same method, select the arced reference line to create an arced model line, and lock the model line to the arced reference line. 153 Click Modify. 154 Select the arced model line to display its temporary dimension. 155 Zoom out, and click the dimension control ( ) that is located at the lower-right.
This converts the overall angle temporary dimension to a permanent dimension. 156 Click Modify. 157 Select the permanent dimension, and on the Options Bar, for Label, select Ang. This associates the angle dimension of the arced model line to the Ang family parameter.
158 Relocate the dimension annotation, and modify the witness lines as shown.
159 Using the same method, create a diagonal model line by picking the diagonal reference line (located at the right end of the arced model line). NOTE Do not lock the diagonal model line. If you lock it, Revit MEP warns you that locking the alignment would over constrain the sketch. 160 Click Modify. 161 Select the diagonal model line. 162 Using the same method, convert the diagonal model line overall length temporary dimension to a permanent dimension, and associate it to the LenA1 family parameter. Next, you dimension the diagonal model line. 163 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Dimension. 164 On the Options Bar, click (Angular).
165 In the Type Selector, verify that Angular Dimension Style : Linear angular style is selected. 166 In the drawing area, click the diagonal model line, then click the Center (Front/Back) reference plane, and finally move the cursor and click to place the dimension. NOTE Make certain that you select the model line and not the reference line. If necessary, press Tab to locate the model line. 167 Click Modify. 168 Using the same method, associate the new angular dimension to the Ang family parameter. 169 Relocate the dimension annotations, and modify the witness lines as shown.
170 On the View Control Bar, click Temporary Hide/Isolate Reset Temporary Hide/Isolate. 171 Press CTRL+S. Next, you flex the part to validate the design. Flex the part 172 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. 173 In the Family Types dialog, under Dimensions, for Ang, enter 90, and click Apply. The part flexes to become a 90 degree elbow fitting.
NOTE If the part does not flex and errors occur, this is usually caused by a constraint issue. Check all constraints and verify that model lines were created and properly constrained. 174 Restore the Ang parameter to 45, and click OK. Next, you create tick marks. Add tick marks and dimension them You create tick marks to indicate the end of the fitting when viewing the fitting in either the Coarse or Medium (single line) detail level. 175 In the drawing area, cross-pick (drag from right to left) to select everything in view. 176 On the Options Bar, click (Filter Selection).
177 In the Filter dialog, clear Lines (Pipe Fitting) and Reference Planes, and click OK. Everything except for model lines and reference planes are selected. Lines (Pipe Fittings) are the model lines. 178 On the View Control Bar, click Temporary Hide/Isolate Hide Element.
Only model lines and reference planes display.
179 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Model Lines. 180 In the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Fittings is selected. 181 On the Options Bar, do the following:
For Plane, verify that Level : Ref Level is selected. Verify that (Draw) and (Line) are selected.
182 At the left end of the fitting, draw a model line that is perpendicular and tangent to the end of the horizontal model line as shown. Line length is approximate. TIP You draw this model line on top of the Coupling reference plane.
183 At the right end of the fitting, draw another model line that is perpendicular and tangent to the end of the diagonal model line as shown.
Again, length is approximate.
The 2 tick marks are drawn.
Next, you dimension each side of the 2 tick marks. 184 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 185 In the Type Selector, verify that Linear Dimension Style : Linear is selected. 186 On the Options Bar, verify that (Aligned) is selected.
187 On the left end of the fitting, click the Center (Front/Back) reference plane and click the top end point of the model line (tick mark), then move the cursor to the left and click to place the dimension. NOTE You must click the reference plane first to dimension this model line. The top half of the model line (tick mark) is dimensioned. 188 Using the same method, dimension the bottom half of the left model line. 189 Using the same method, dimension both halves of the right model line (tick mark) by clicking the diagonal model line first, and then clicking an endpoint of the model line (tick mark).
You place 2 dimensions for the right model line. 190 Click Modify. 191 Select the lower dimension for the left model line, and on the Options Bar, for Label, select CplRad This associates that dimension to the CplRad family parameter. 192 Using the same method, associate the other 3 model line dimensions to the CplRad parameter. NOTE You must associate each dimension separately. You cannot select multiple dimensions and associate them to a parameter. The dimension are as shown.
Next, you create an angular dimension between the diagonal model line and the right model line tick mark. 193 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Dimension. 194 On the Options Bar, click (Angular).
195 Click the diagonal model line and then click the right model line tick mark, move the cursor down and click to place the dimension. 196 Click Modify. 197 Select the angular dimension, and lock it to 90 degrees. You may need to zoom out to locate the lock. 198 Relocate the dimension annotations, and modify the witness lines as shown.
199 On the View Control Bar, click Temporary Hide/Isolate ,Reset Temporary Hide/Isolate. 200 Press CTRL+S to save the family. Flex the part 201 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Family Types. 202 In the Family Types dialog, for Ang, enter 90, and for NomRad enter 1 1/2", and click Apply. The elbow fitting flexes into a 90 degree elbow that has a 3 inch diameter.
203 Continue to flex the fitting by changing the Ang and NomRad parameter values. NOTE If errors occur while flexing the fitting, the NomRad value that you specified required a pipe diameter that is not included in the lookup table file. You may want to refer to the Threaded Generic Elbow.csv lookup table file for the valid pipe diameters or add new pipe diameters based on the manufacturers specifications. You created the detail level geometry for the elbow fitting and flexed this geometry to validate it. Next, you set object visibility. Specify object visibility You specify object visibility to determine the type of elbow fitting geometry that displays for each detail level setting. 204 In the drawing area, cross-pick (drag from right to left) to select everything in the drawing. 205 On the Options Bar, click (Filter Selection).
206 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Lines (Pipe Fittings), and click OK. Only model lines are selected. Next, you specify this single line geometry to a detail level setting. 207 With the model lines selected, on the Options Bar, click Visibility. 208 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog, verify that Coarse and Medium are selected, clear Fine, and click OK. This specifies that the single-line fitting geometry will display when only the Coarse and Medium detail level settings are selected. Next, you specify the 2-line geometry for the Fine detail level setting.
209 In the drawing area, cross-pick (drag from right to left) to select everything in the drawing. 210 On the Options Bar, click (Filter Selection).
211 In the Filter dialog, click None, select Other, and click OK. Only the 3 sweeps are selected. 212 With the sweeps selected, on the Options Bar, click Visibility. 213 In the Family Element Visibility Settings dialog, clear Coarse and Medium, verify that Fine is selected, and click OK. The 2-line fitting geometry will display only when the Fine detail level setting is selected. 214 Press CTRL+S. Next, you add connectors to the elbow fitting family. Add connectors 215 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) 3D Views View1 to make the 3D view active. 216 In the drawing area, cross-pick (drag from right to left) to select everything in the view. 217 On the Options Bar, click (Filter Selection).
218 In the Filter dialog, click None, select Dimensions, and click OK. 219 On the View Control Bar, click Temporary Hide/Isolate Hide Element.
The fitting displays. 220 Spin the model to view the faces at the ends of the fitting. 221 On the Design Bar, click Pipe Connector.
222 On the Options Bar, select Fitting from the system type list, and verify that Face) is selected. You begin by placing the primary connector.
(Place on
223 Place the cursor on the edge of the right face of the fitting, and after the edge highlights, click to place the primary connector.
The primary connector is placed.
You place the primary connector on the right face because this face is on the X-axis. Notice that crosshairs display indicating that this is the primary connector. NOTE When you place fitting connectors, the primary connector must be placed on the face that is on the X-axis. You can verify this by viewing the face in a floor plan view. Unexpected behavior can result if the primary connector is not properly placed relative to the other connectors, and that if all connectors are not properly rotated and linked. 224 Using the same method, place a connector on the left face of the fitting.
225 Click Modify. Next, you link both connectors. 226 Select the primary connector (indicated by crosshairs). 227 On the Options Bar, click Link Connector, and click the other connector. The 2 connectors are linked. Next, you specify connector properties. 228 In the drawing area, select the 2 connectors. The 2 selected connectors display in red. 229 On the Options Bar, select
230 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, do the following: For System Type, verify that Fitting is selected. For Angle, click , in the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select Ang, and click OK.
For Radius, click , in the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select NomRad, and click OK. The connector angle constraint and radius dimension are now associated to parameters. This allows the fitting radius to change after you specify a pipe diameter or perform pipe sizing. It also allows the fitting angle to change as a result of modifications to the pipe layout. Notice that values are assigned to both associated parameters, and that these parameters cannot be edited in the Element Properties dialog. In the Element Properties dialog, click OK.
The connector radii change.
Next, you rotate the connectors. Rotate connectors 231 In the 3D view, enter ZF to zoom the view to fit the window. Notice that the connectors are oriented horizontally.
Although the connectors are round, it is the recommended that you rotate them so that they are oriented vertically.
IMPORTANT Connector rotation is a critical part of connector placement. The connector orientation determines the correct orientation of the objects that are automatically inserted on the part. Although this is not as important for round connectors, it is extremely important for rectangular connectors such as those on rectangular duct fittings. Remember that for rectangular connectors, the rectangular connector must be oriented so that the width is assigned to the face that is on the X and Y axes. The height is not on these axes. If rectangular connectors are not rotated properly, the rectangular duct fitting will be inserted improperly, creating an unexpected result. You may find it easier to rotate connectors in a 3D view, where the part geometry is clearly visible. 232 Spin the fitting to view the entire primary connector.
233 Select the connector, and on the Options Bar, click
(Rotate).
234 Move the cursor over the model line and to the left of the connector arrow, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify the rotation start point.
235 Move the cursor clockwise 90 degrees, and click to specify the rotation end point.
NOTE Do not use the flip arrows to flip the connector with respect to its reference plane. This also flips the connector arrow. You will learn more about connector arrows in the next section. The primary connector is rotated and now has a vertical orientation.
236 Using the same method, rotate the secondary connector so that it has a vertical orientation.
237 Press CTRL+S to save the family. Next, you verify the connector arrow direction.
Verify connector arrow direction 238 In the 3D view, verify that each connector arrow indicates an outward direction from its connector as shown.
IMPORTANT Connector arrows indicate the direction of a duct or pipe (extrusion) when it is being created to complete a connection. It does not indicate flow direction. In most instances, a connector arrow points outward away from the object to which the connector is associated. Otherwise, the duct or pipe when created will pass through the object geometry instead of away from it. You can modify the connector arrow direction by selecting the connector and clicking the flip arrows. 239 Press CTRL+S. Test the elbow fitting in a project 240 Click File menu New Project.
NOTE If you click on the Standard toolbar, a new project is created based on the current project template. This template may not be the Systems-Default template. The Systems-Default template creates views for all system types allowing you to model different systems in one project. 241 In the New Project dialog, do the following:

Under Template file, verify that the path points to the Systems-Default.rte template file. Under Create New, verify that Project is selected. Click OK. If the template file path does not point to the Systems-Default.rte template, then click Browse, and locate this template file.
TIP You can also set the project template file path for all new projects on the File Locations tab of the Options dialog (click Settings menu Options). Next, you load the threaded elbow family into the new project. 242 Click Window menu Threaded Generic Elbow.rfa - 3D View to switch back to the threaded coupling family. 243 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. If more than one project is open, select the project that you just created from the Load into Projects dialog, and click OK. The elbow family is loaded into the new project and the new project becomes active. 244 In the Project Browser, verify that the 1 - Mech mechanical floor plan is the active view. This is the default view when a project, based on the systems default template, opens. The 1 - Mech view is located under Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans in the Project Browser. Because
it is associated with the mechanical discipline, both ducts and pipe can be created in the 1 - Mech view. 245 On the Piping tab of the Design Bar, click Pipe. NOTE If the Piping tab is not available on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Piping. Next, you assign the new threaded generic elbow fitting to a pipe type. 246 In the Type Selector, verify that Pipe Types: Standard is selected. 247 On the Options Bar, click .
248 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 249 In the Type Properties dialog, under Mechanical, for Elbow, select Threaded Generic Elbow: Threaded Generic Elbow, and click OK twice. 250 On the Options Bar, do the following:

For D: (diameter) select 3. Verify that Auto Connect is selected. Verify that the Offset elevation is specified at 9' 0"
251 In the drawing area, draw some piping, using various angles and offset elevations. NOTE Remember that if errors occur during fitting insertion, it is usually because the specified pipe diameter was not in the Threaded Generic Elbow lookup table file. 252 On the View Control Bar, for Detail Level, click Coarse, Medium, and Fine to see how the new elbow fitting geometry displays in both the floor pan and the 3D views.
You have verified that the threaded elbow fitting was correctly inserted, that the pipe was created in the correct direction away from the elbow, and that the detail level geometry displayed properly. Next, you check connectivity. Check connectivity 253 Place the cursor over the piping, and press Tab to check connectivity. The piping highlights indicating that it is connected. 254 Click Modify. Hide shape handles 255 In the Project Browser, double-click the 1 - Mech view to make it the active view. 256 In the drawing area, select an elbow from your test piping layout.
257 Enter ZR, and draw a zoom region around the elbow. Notice that triangular and dot shape handles display on the elbow along with the 2 connectors.
258 Drag the upper triangular shape handle upward as shown.
Notice that this shape handle modified the fitting geometry.
Other shape handles can modify aspects of the fitting such as location. These modifications can violate the design intent of the elbow fitting.
IMPORTANT Shape handles are not used for Revit MEP system families but they display by default when you create a new family. If shape handles are not hidden and they are inadvertently dragged during your modeling session, the geometry or placement of the family will be adversely affected. This can create unexpected results, especially for duct fittings. This is because, unlike pipe fittings, duct fittings use formulae that reside in the family rather than in an external lookup table file to determine size. It is highly recommended that you hide all shape handles for Revit MEP families before using them in a project. To hide the shape handles in a system family, you need to open the family in the Family Editor and specify the Is Reference instance parameter as Not a Reference for all reference lines and all reference planes that are used for that family. 259 Press CTRL+Z to undo the modification. 260 Click Window menu Threaded - Generic Elbow.rfa - Floor Plan: Ref. Level to switch to the elbow family floor plan view. 261 In the drawing area, cross-pick (drag from right to left) to select everything in the drawing, including reference planes.
(Filter Selection).
263 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Reference Planes, and click OK. Only the reference planes are selected. 264 On the Options Bar, click .
265 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Is Reference, select Not a Reference, and click OK. 266 Using the same method, specify Not a Reference for all reference lines. 267 Press CTRL+S to save the family. 268 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. If more than one project is open, in the Load into Projects dialog, select the test project in which you tested the elbow fitting, and click OK. 269 After a message informs you to overwrite the existing version of the threaded generic elbow, click Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes. The test project becomes active. 270 In the 1 - Mech floor plan view, zoom in and select an elbow from your piping layout. Notice that all shape handles are hidden.
The threaded elbow is ready to be used in a project. RELATED Although the physical geometry of this fitting is accurate, it is inconsistent with a real-world threaded elbow in that the connectors on this elbow fitting are on the outer face of the threaded portion of the fitting. This prevents the pipe from engaging the fitting. You can use the Hidden Line model graphics style to verify this. If the part were modeled so that the pipe engaged the fitting, proper performance of Revit MEP would be impacted due to the way hidden lines are calculated and drawn.
Creating an Annotation Symbol Family

It is likely that you will need to create annotation symbols that are not part of a building model. For example, a common symbol in MEP drawings is a New to Existing Connection callout. In this exercise, you create such an annotation. 1 Click File menu New Annotation Symbol. 2 In the New dialog, select Generic Annotation.rft, and click Open. 3 Maximize the window, and in the drawing area, zoom in to view the note (located near the intersection of the reference planes). This note contains key points to remember when creating an annotation family. 4 Select the note and delete it. 5 Enter ZR, and draw a zoom region around the intersection of the 2 reference planes. Draw lines 6 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 7 In the Type Selector, verify that Generic Annotations is selected. 8 On the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that Clear Chain.
(Draw), and
(Line) are selected.
9 Click the intersection of the 2 reference planes to specify the line start point, move the mouse to the right, and after listening dimensions appear, enter 0 1/8, and press Enter. This creates a 1/8" line to the right of the intersection. The line is over the reference line. 10 Using the same method, draw 3 more 1/8" lines located above, below, and to the left of the intersection as shown.
Creating an Annotation Symbol Family | 555
TIP You can also mirror the opposite lines instead of drawing them. 11 In the drawing area, while pressing CTRL, select the 2 reference planes. 12 On the View Control Bar (located at the lower-left under the drawing area), click Temporary Hide/Isolate Hide Element. This hides the reference planes allowing you to better view the lines.
Next, you create the filled regions. Create filled regions
13 On the toolbar, click
(Fine Lines).
14 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Filled Region. 15 On the Sketch tab of the Design, verify that Lines is selected. 16 In the Type Selector, verify that Generic Annotations is selected. 17 On the Options Bar, do the following:
Verify that Select
(Draw) is selected.
(Arc from center and endpoints). and, select this sketching option from the list.
Click Radius, and enter 3/32".
18 Zoom the view, place the cursor over the intersection of the 4 lines, and after the end point snap displays, click to specify the center of the arc.
19 Move the cursor directly up and over the end of the upper vertical line, and after the end point snap displays, click to specify the start point of the arc.
20 Move the cursor over the right horizontal line, and after the intersection snap displays, click to specify the end point of the arc.
An arced line is drawn.
21 With the Lines tool active, on the Options Bar, do the following:

Verify that Click
(Draw) and Chain are selected.
(Line).
22 In the drawing area, click the upper end point of the arced line, then click the intersection of the 4 lines, and finally click the lower end point of the arced line.
A chain of 2 lines is drawn. 23 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. This filled region is created.
24 Using the same method, draw a filled region on the opposite lower-left quadrant.
Next, you draw a circle around the 2 filled regions. 25 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Lines. 26 On the Options Bar, do the following:
Verify that Click
(Draw) is selected.
(Circle).
For Offset, verify that 0' 0" is specified. Click Radius, and verify that 0' 3/32" is specified.
27 In the drawing area, place the cursor over the intersection of the 4 lines, and after the end point snap displays, click to specify the center of the circle. 28 Click Modify.
29 Click File Save, and save the family as New to Existing.rfa Test the annotation symbol in a project 30 Click File menu Open. 31 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the Training Files icon. 32 Open Imperial Family Editor i Sample Project.rvt. 33 Click Window menu New to Existing.rfa - Drawing Sheet to switch to the new annotation symbol family. 34 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 35 In the Project Browser, expand Views (Discipline) Mechanical HVAC Floor Plans, and double-click 1 - Mech to make it the active view. 36 On the Drafting tab on the Design Bar, click Symbol. 37 In the Type Selector, verify that New to Existing is selected. 38 On the Options Bar, click .
39 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 40 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Leader Arrowhead, select Arrow Filled 15 Degree, and click OK twice. 41 On the Options Bar, for Number of Leaders, enter 1. 42 In the drawing area, zoom in, and click to place the annotation symbol in the project. 43 Press ESC twice. Next, you modify the symbol leader. 44 Select the leader to display shape handles.
45 Drag the middle shape handle up to modify the middle of the leader.
46 Drag the end shape handle to modify the annotation symbol as shown.
47 Select the symbol, and drag the cross-arrows to relocate the symbol. 48 Click File menu Close. You do not need to save the project.
Revit MEP Family Editor Concepts

A defining feature of Revit MEP content is the concept of connectors. Connectors allow Revit MEP content to participate in specific systems and facilitate calculations for a variety of parameters.
Connectors
The primary difference between content for Revit MEP and content for Revit Architecture or Revit Structure is the concept of connectors. All Revit MEP content requires connectors for to be intelligent Revit MEP components. Components created without connectors cannot participate in a system topology. Three disciplines can be assigned to connectors that are added to a family.
Duct connectors are associated with ductwork, duct fittings, and other elements that are part of the air handling systems. Electrical connectors are used for any type of electrical connections, including power, telephone, alarm systems and others.
Revit MEP Family Editor Concepts | 561
Pipe connectors are used for piping, pipe fittings, and other components that are meant for transmitting fluids.
The discipline assigned to a connector determines its behavior and the types of systems with which it can interact. Connectors are primarily logical entities that allow calculating loads within the building. NOTE The term fluid does not necessarily limit the use of piping systems to liquids. Steam, medical gases and other non-fluid materials are often transmitted using piping systems. Selecting the correct discipline is critical to the content working correctly, as after this selection is made, it cannot be changed without first deleting the connector and adding it again with the correct discipline.
Connector Properties
The discipline assigned to a connector determines the connectors properties. The following tables show the different connector parameters, by property group, for each discipline and a brief description of their functionality.
Electrical Constraints Edge loop centered Graphics Size on screen Electrical - Loads True Load Phase 3 Calculated based on (Apparent Load Phase 3) x (Power Factor). Calculated based on (Apparent Load Phase 2) x (Power Factor). Calculated based on (Apparent Load Phase 1) x (Power Factor). Percentage of power attributed to this connector. Active only when Power is specified as System Type. Calculated based on (Voltage) x (Current - Phase 3). Active only when Balanced Load is False and System Type is Power, and Number of Poles >2. Calculated based on (Voltage) x (Current - Phase 2). Active only when Balanced Load is False and System Type is Power, and Number of Poles >1. Size of the connector display inside the Family Editor. Connector placement method (read only).
True Load Phase 2
True Load Phase 1
Power Factor
Apparent Load Phase 3
Calculated based on (Voltage) x (Current - Phase 1). Active only when Balanced Load is False and System Type is Power. Calculated based on (Voltage) x (Current). Active only when Balanced Load is True and System Type is Power. The voltage specified on the connector. Active only when the System Type is Power. Possible values are: Data, Power - Balanced, Power - Unbalanced, Telephone, Security, Fire Alarm, Nurse Call, Controls, Communication. Possible values are: HVAC, Lighting, Power, Other. Possible values are: Lagging, Leading. Possible values are: 1, 2, or 3.
Apparent Load
Voltage
System Type
Load Classification Power Factor State Number of Poles Identity Data Index Primary Connector
A unique identifier for a connector in a family (read only). Possible values are: True or False (read only). A single connector of each discipline is allowed to be primary in each family. The familys electrical data that displays in a schedule is derived from the primary connector. A description of the connector
Connector Description
Mechanical (HVAC) Constraints Edge loop centered Angle Connector placement method (read only) Used for adjustable angle families (such as elbows and adjustable tees) to push the angle value into the family from connected components
Graphics Size on screen Mechanical Flow Factor Percentage of the system flow attributed to this connector. Active only when the Flow Configuration is System. Size of the connector display inside the Family Editor.
Connectors | 563
Loss Coefficient Flow Configuration Flow Direction System Type
Active only when the Loss Method is Coefficient. Possible values are: Calculated, Preset, System. Possible values are: In, Out, Bidirectional. Possible values are: Supply, Return, Exhaust, Other, Undefined. Possible values are: Not Defined, Coefficient, Specific Loss.
Loss Method Mechanical - Airflow Pressure Drop Flow Dimensions Shape Height
Active only when the Loss Method is Specific Loss. The amount of air flowing at this connector.
Possible values are: Rectangular or Round. The height of the connector when the Shape is defined to be rectangular. The width of the connector when the Shape is defined to be rectangular. The radius of the connector when the Shape is defined to be round.
Width
Radius
Identity Data Index Primary Connector A unique identifier for a connector in a family (read only). Possible values are: True or False (read only). A single connector of each discipline is allowed to be primary in each family. The familys HVAC data that displays in a schedule is derived from the primary connector. The index of the linked connector, -1 if none. (read only) A description of the connector
Link Connector Index Connector Description
Mechanical (Piping) Constraints Edge loop centered Connector placement method (read only).
Angle
Used for adjustable angle families (such as elbows and adjustable tees) to push the angle value into the family from connected components
Graphics Size on screen Mechanical Fixture Units Active only when the System Type is Sanitary, Domestic Hot Water, or Domestic Cold Water and the Flow Configuration is Fixture Units. K Coefficient (K Factor) is only editable if Loss Method is specified as K Coefficient. Percentage of the system flow attributed to this connector. Active only when the Flow Configuration is System. Volumetric flow rate of fluid through connector. Active only when the Loss Method is Specific Loss Possible values are: Calculated, Preset, System. Possible values are: In, Out, Bidirectional. Bidirectional is active only when the Flow Configuration is Calculated. Possible values are: Not Defined, K Coefficient from Table, K Coefficient, Specific Loss. Possible values are: Checked or unchecked. Possible values are: Undefined, Hydronic Supply, Hydronic Return, Sanitary, Domestic Cold Water, Domestic Hot Water, Fire Protection, Other. Possible values are: Bell Mouth Inlet or Reducer, Inward Projecting Pipe, Outlet, Square Edged Inlet. Active only when the Loss Method is K Coefficient from Table. Size of the connector display inside the Family Editor.
K Coefficient
Flow Factor
Flow Pressure Drop Flow Configuration Flow Direction
Loss Method
Allow Slope Adjustments System Type
K Coefficient Table
Dimensions Radius Identity Data Index A unique identifier for a connector in a family (read only). The nominal size of the connector.
Connectors | 565
Primary Connector
Possible values are: True or False (read only). A single connector of each discipline is allowed to be primary in each family. The familys piping data that displays in a schedule is derived from the primary connector. The index of the linked connector, -1 if none. (read only). A description of the connector.
Link Connector Index Connector Description
System Types
When a Revit MEP component that is not a member in a system is selected in a building model, the Options Bar displays create system buttons. The specific buttons depend on the component and the type(s) of connectors in the family. If there are multiple connectors of the same type and you want to connect to a specific connector, you can right-click on the connector control to create the appropriate type.
Electrical
When a component with an electrical connector is selected, the Options Bar displays one or more of the following buttons, which allow you to create a specific electrical system (from left to right: Power, Data, Telephone, Fire Alarm, Nurse Call, Communication.
Duct
When a component with an Duct connector is selected, the Options Bar displays one or more of the following buttons, which allow you to create a specific HVAC system (from left to right: Air Supply, Air Return, Exhaust).
Pipe Connector
Pipe connectors are used with hydronic systems, plumbing systems, fire protection systems. When a component with a hydronic pipe connector is selected, the Options Bar displays one or more of the following buttons, which allow you to create a specific hydronic piping system (from left to right: Supply, Return, Other.
When a component with a plumbing (pipe) connector is selected, the Options Bar displays one or more of the following buttons, which allow you to create a specific electrical system (from left to right: Sanitary, Domestic Hot Water, Domestic Cold Water, Other).
When a component with a fire protection (pipe) connector is selected, the Options Bar displays one or more of the following buttons, which allow you to create a specific electrical system (from left to right: Wet Sprinkler, Dry Sprinkler, Other).
Load Classifications
Revit MEP maintains information about loads associated with the rooms in a project. As devices and equipment are placed in rooms, Revit MEP keeps track of the loads based on load type: HVAC, Lighting, Power, Other. The loads associated with the room can be view in the Element Properties for each room, and displayed in schedules.
Connector Placement
Connector placement options allow you to specify two basic connector placement methods:
Place on Face This option (Edge loop centered=true) will maintain its point at the center of the edge loop. In most cases this is the preferable method for placing a connector. Typically the Place on Face option is easier to use, and is suitable for most cases. Place on Work Plane This option allows placement of the connector on a selected plane. For many cases it would be possible to imitate the place on face option by specifying a plane and using dimensions to constrain the connector to the desired location. However, this method generally requires additional parameters and constraints to be used effectively.
Connectors | 567
NOTE Fittings (pipe and duct fittings) expect the instance origin of the family to be the intersection of the connectors. In most cases for fittings, there is a point on the fitting where all of the connectors (if extended into the fitting) will collide. Fittings expect this collision to be placed at the original intersection of the Center (Front / Back), Center (Left / Right), and Reference Level work planes. For this reason, it is good practice to pin these reference planes before beginning to build the family. Do this by selecting the reference plane(s) and clicking the Pin icon on the Edit toolbar.
Hosts
Objects that are placed in a model are often hosted by other components. Hosting components include ceilings, floors, roofs, and walls, as well as lines, and faces. Even components that are not hosted by one of these components are still hosted by the level on which they reside. When creating a family from a template, it is important that you consider what type of hosting behavior you want for the family. For example, you may intuitively think that a new light fixture should be ceiling hosted. However, there may be cases where you want to use that family in a wall mount configuration, or even freely suspended. You cannot change the hosting of a family after it is created; the hosting setting is hard-set based on the template from which the family originated. Plane hosting provides the ability for the family to be hosted by walls, floors, or ceilings, and provides a high level of flexibility. Plane hosted elements will even move with their hosting elements through linked models. Non-hosted families are actually hosted by the level they are inserted on and provide the ability for the element to be placed anywhere. Their height is defined relative to their level, but there is no association established with elements, linked models or otherwise. When using linked files, only face-hosted families will be able to be hosted by the linked files geometry.
Templates
As described above, the hosting of an element is defined based on the template that is used when the family is originally created. Templates also determine the type of family as an annotation family, model family, titleblock family, or a profile family. In some cases, the template also defines particular characteristics of how the family works, such as linear versus spot lighting characteristics. NOTE You cannot change these characteristics once you have created the family. For example, you cannot change a linear lighting fixture into a spot lighting fixture, or redefine an annotation symbol to be a model element. You must start the family with the appropriate template.
Lookup Tables
Lookup tables are used to define parameter values in an external .csv file. This lets you specify multiple part sizes that are based on a table without creating a separate family type for each size. Revit MEP provides a text_file_lookup function that can be used to read the necessary values from a comma-separated values (.csv) file. The location of Lookup Table files is defined by the LookupTableLocation parameter in the Revit.ini file. The syntax for the text_file_lookup function uses the following format:
result=text_file_lookup(LookupTableName, LookupColumn, DefaultIfNotFound, LookupValue) Where: Is:
result LookupTableName LookupColumn
the returned value. the name of the CSV file to lookup. the name of the column from which the result value is to be returned. the value that will be returned if LookupValue is not found. the value to find in the first column of the table.
DefaultIfNotFound LookupValue
CSV File Structure

The first row of values in the CSV file is for header information, to describe the contents of subsequent columns. The headers are of the format ParameterName##ParameterType##ParameterUnits Acceptable parameter types are: NUMBER, LENGTH, AREA, VOLUME, ANGLE, and OTHER For example, a column may have the following header: TotalArea##AREA##INCHES to represent the total area in square inches. The first column in the file contains a description. The Lookup Function processes the information in the file starting with column 2.
Parameter Mapping
Many properties for objects, such as the depth of an extrusion and the voltage of a connector, can be mapped (associated) to a family parameter or to a shared parameter to provide flexibility to the family. The associated parameter can be defined as an instance parameter or a type parameter. Parameters are mapped by clicking (small button) in the column in the Element Properties dialog for the object. When an objects parameter is mapped to another parameter, its Value column cannot be edited. The example below shows that the Power Factor and Number of Poles parameters are currently not mapped to a parameter. Their values can be edited directly in the Value column. The Apparent Load Phase 1 and Voltage parameters are mapped to other parameters, and their values assume the values specified for the parameters to which they have been mapped.
Parameter Mapping | 569
Category
Revit MEP components fall into general categories (pipe fittings, lighting fixtures, and so on). The Family Category specified when a family is created determines which Family Parameters are activated. The settings for these family parameters affect the behavior for the part and identifies the type of component. In Family Editor, the Family Category and Parameters settings are found in the Settings menu. Depending on the Family Category and the type of template that the family was derived from (host-based, generic model, detail component, generic tag, and so on), different Family Parameters apply. The following table lists each Family Category, and indicates the applicable Family Parameters. Family Category Family Parameter Work Plane Always Ver- Light Based tical ** Source Part Type Maintain Annotation Orientation Shared
Air Terminals Communications Devices Data Devices Duct Accessories Duct Fittings Electrical Equipment Electrical Fixtures Fire Alarm Devices Generic Models Lighting Devices Lighting Fixtures Mechanical Equipment Nurse Call Devices Pipe Accessories Pipe Fittings Plumbing Fixtures Security Devices
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X X
X X
Family Category
Family Parameter Work Plane Always Ver- Light Based tical ** Source Part Type Maintain Annotation Orientation
X X X
Shared
Sprinklers Telephone Devices
X X
X X
X X
Family Parameters

Light Source: See Light Source on page 571. Part Type: See Part Types on page 571. Maintain Annotation Orientation: Use this option when the family has a nested annotation family, as is the case with receptacles and switches.
Light Source
A light source is the part of a lighting fixture that emits light (such as a light bulb). In general, each lighting fixture family has one light source. To create a lighting fixture that uses multiple light sources (such as a chandelier or a set of track lights), create a nested family. When light source is selected in the Family Category and Parameters dialog, you can specify the shape of the light element (point, line, rectangle, circle), and the light distribution (spherical, hemispherical, spot, or photometric web). You can also define photometric characteristics, such as Light Loss Factor, Initial Intensity, and Initial Color Control. In a project, you can adjust the position and brightness of each light source to achieve the desired lighting effects.
Part Types
The Part Type parameter provides additional subclassification of a family category, and determines the behavior for the parts in the family. The part type serves 2 functions:
To only allow replacing a particular part with a similar part in a building project. Generally the Type Selector allows you to replace a family of one category with any other family of the same category. However, there are times when this is not appropriate. For example, for fittings it would not be valid to replace a cross with a transition. So there is a level of filtering built into the Type Selector for Revit MEP. To determine the part type family. The ASHRAE Duct Fitting database is integrated with Revit MEP. This allows calculating fitting losses based on a loss table. To accurately look up the correct fitting in the database, the part type must be defined.
If a family category provides a Part Type parameter, the Part Type values available depends on the family category. The following table shows which part types apply to which family categories: Family Categories
Air Terminals, Duct Accessories, Duct Fittings, Mechanical Equipment, Pipe Accessories, Pipe Fittings, Plumbing Fixture
Part Types
Damper, Duct Mounted Equipment, Elbow, Entry, Exit, Equipment, Fan and System Interaction, Hood, Junction, Obstruction, Transition, Undefined, Valve
Light Source | 571
Family Categories
Communication Devices, Data Devices, Electrical Equipment, Electrical Fixtures, Fire Alarm Devices, Lighting Devices, Lighting Fixtures, Nurse Call Devices, Security Devices, Telephone Devices
Part Types
Normal, Panelboard, Transformer, Switchboard, Data Panel, Switch Junction Box
Damper: Used to control flow volume. Duct Mounted Equipment: Smoke detectors, steam generators Elbow: A bend or elbow type fitting Entry: Point at which fluid enters the system: louvers, grills, grates Exit: Point at which fluid leaves the system Equipment: Generic equipment Fan and System Interaction AHUs, inline fans Hood: Kitchen, lab or other exhaust hoods Junction: Intersection of 3 or more segments (tee, cross, wye) Obstruction: Anything that causes a pressure drop, such as an inline filter Transition: Shape or size change Undefined: No specific functionality Valve: Valves and similar accessories Data Panel: Panels used to connect devices with connectors of System Type Data, Telephone, Security, Fire Alarm, Nurse Call, Controls, and Communication. Normal: Devices such as receptacles, fire alarm components, and light fixtures. Panelboard: Used to connect devices/equipment with connectors with a System Type value of Power and to generate branch circuit type schedules. Switch: Control device such as a switch where wiring is typically not drawn through the devices. As indicated in the image, the automatically generated wiring branches to the switch. Junction Box: Wire management devices through which wiring is generally drawn through the device. As indicated in the image, the automatically generated wiring branches through the junction box.
Switchboard: Used to connect devices/equipment with connectors with a System Type value of Power and to generate branch circuit type schedules. Transformer: Used to interconnect Panelboards and/or Switchboards of differing voltages.
Part Types | 573
574
Documenting Your Projects
In this section of the tutorials, you learn to create construction documentation in Revit MEP 2009. We wish to thank BNIM Architects, a Kansas city based architectural firm for providing their Freighthouse Flats renovation project to use for the tutorial datasets in this section. Located in Kansas Citys popular Crossroads Arts District, the Freighthouse Flats project is an exciting renovation of an historic three-story warehouse into new urban luxury loft living spaces. BNIM Architects was selected to convert the existing building into a 22-unit condominium featuring concrete floors, lofty ceilings, balconies, and a roof garden. As the building is slated to receive historic tax credits, the existing building shell will be maintained and restored. The additional 4th floor and non-historic north facade will be modernized to include a 4th floor penthouse, exterior fire stairs, and north facing balconies for the 2nd and 3rd floor units.
NOTE For training purposes, slight modifications to the building design have been made.
575
576
Adding Views and Sheets to a Project
10
In this tutorial, you begin the construction documentation for the Freighthouse Flats project. You learn to:

Create new project views, including plan, elevation, section, and detail views Modify the appearance of tags and other annotation on plans Set visibility and graphic controls in views to produce different presentation effects Create projects sheets that contain project views
Creating Views
In this lesson, you learn how to create views from a building model. You learn how to create new views from existing views, how to create section and elevation views, and how to create views from callouts that you place in other views.
Duplicating Plan Views

In this exercise, you create new plan views of the building model by copying existing views and then modifying the copied views. You duplicate the Level 1 and Level 2 floor plans to create Level 1 and Level 2 furniture plans. You also duplicate the project site plan to create a vicinity plan.
577
Level 1 Furniture Plan created from the Level 1 floor plan
Vicinity Plan created from the Site plan
Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating Views.rvt.
578 | Chapter 10 Adding Views and Sheets to a Project
Duplicate the Level 1 floor plan to create a Level 1 furniture plan 1 In the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and right-click Level 1 Duplicate View Duplicate. 2 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Copy of Level 1 Rename. 3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Level 1 Furniture Plan, and click OK. 4 In the Project Browser, double-click Level 1 Furniture Plan.
Use an alternate method of view duplication to create a Level 2 furniture plan 5 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, select Level 2. 6 Click View menu Duplicate View Duplicate. 7 In the Project Browser, right-click Copy of Level 2 Rename. 8 In the Rename View dialog, enter Level 2 Furniture Plan, and click OK. 9 In the Project Browser, double-click Level 2 Furniture Plan.
Duplicating Plan Views | 579
Duplicate a view and change the scale as required 10 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Site Duplicate View Duplicate. 11 Under Floor Plans, right-click Copy of Site Rename. 12 In the Rename View dialog, enter Vicinity Plan, and click OK. 13 In the Project Browser, double-click Vicinity Plan.
14 On the View Control Bar, click the current scale, and click 1''= 80'-0''. Next, hide the display of the elevation markers in the view. 15 Select the body of the south elevation marker.
Duplicating Plan Views | 581
16 Right-click, and click Hide in view Category. All of the elevation markers on the plan are hidden.
17 Click File menu Save As. 18 Save the file as Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating Views_in _progress.rvt.
Creating Elevation and Section Views

In this exercise, you create an additional section and elevation view of the building model.
South East elevation view
Section view
Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating Views_in_progress.rvt. Add an elevation marker to the Level 1 floor plan 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 2 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Elevation. 3 In the Type Selector, select Elevation: Building Elevation. 4 On the Options Bar, for Scale, select 1/8''=1'-0''. 5 Specify a point in the drawing in front of the angular wall to place an elevation marker. NOTE Elevation markers are context sensitive and will automatically try to align parallel to model geometry.
Creating Elevation and Section Views | 583
Modify the elevation extents 6 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the head of the elevation marker that you just placed. 7 Select and drag the upper horizontal line of the elevation until it extends past the upper-left corner of the building.
Rename and view the new elevation 9 In the Project Browser, under Elevations (Building Elevation), right-click Elevation 1-a Rename. 10 In the Rename View dialog, enter South East, and click OK. 11 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click South East.
Draw a section line on the Level 1 floor plan 12 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1. 13 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Section. 14 In the Type Selector, select Section: Building Section. 15 On the Options Bar, for Scale, select 1/8''=1'-0''. 16 Draw a section line through the building:
Specify a point above the top wall of the building between grid lines 2 and 3.
Move the cursor down, and specify the section line endpoint between the endpoints of grid lines 2 and 3.
Modify the section line 17 Click the blue arrows below the section line head to reverse the direction in which the section is cut through the building.
18 Select the blue triangular grips on the left side of the section extents, and move them to just outside of the left side of the building.
19 Click the blue arrows below the section tail twice to cycle through the section tail options and add a section head to the section line endpoint.
20 Add a jog to the section line:

On the Options Bar, click Split Segment. Click the midpoint of the section line, drag it to the right (keeping it below the split) until it cuts through the stair, and click to place it.
21 On the Design Bar, click Modify. View the new section 22 In the Project Browser, expand Sections (Building Section), and double-click Section 1. 23 On the View Control Bar, click Detail Level: Coarse Medium.
24 Select gridline F, select the blue break mark that displays under the grid bubble, and drag the top segment of gridline F to the right, using the blue circular drag grip.
25 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 26 Click File menu Save.
Creating Callout Views

In this exercise, you create new views: an enlarged stair plan view and a detail view. To create each view, you draw a callout around the geometry in another view to specify the contents of each new callout view.
Stair callout on the Level 1 floor plan
Creating Callout Views | 589
Resulting callout view - Enlarged Stair Plan
Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating Views_in_progress.rvt. Create a floor plan callout 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 2 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Callout. 3 In the Type Selector, select Floor Plan. 4 On the Options Bar, for Scale, select 1/4"=1'-0''. 5 Draw the callout around the large stairs in the center of the plan:
Click to specify a point to the upper-right of the stair.
Move the cursor to the lower-left of the stair, and click to specify a point to complete the callout.
6 Modify the callout leader:

On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the callout boundary. Select the grip on the leader line that is closest to the callout head, and move it to the left side of the callout boundary.
Select the middle grip, and drag it down slightly to create a jog in the leader line.
7 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 8 In the Project Browser under Floor Plans, right-click Callout of Level 1 Rename. 9 In the Rename View dialog, enter Enlarged Stair Plan, and click OK. Open the callout view 10 Double-click the callout head. The Enlarged Stair Plan view displays.
Create a detail view callout 11 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Building Sections), double-click Section 1. 12 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Callout. 13 In the Type Selector, select Detail View: Detail. 14 On the Options Bar, for Scale, select 1 1/2''=1'-0''. 15 Create the callout:
Zoom in to the upper-left corner of the building, and click to specify a point above and to the right of the roof overhang.
Move the cursor diagonally down, and click to specify a point to the left and below the roof overhang.
16 Modify the callout leader as shown.
17 In the Project Browser, expand Detail Views (Details), and right-click Detail 0 Rename. 18 In the Rename View dialog, enter Roof Overhang Detail, and click OK. Open the detail callout view 19 In the Project Browser, under Detail Views (Details), double-click Roof Overhang Detail.
20 Click File menu Save.
Modifying View Tag Appearance

In this exercise, you modify the appearance of tags in a view so that they conform to office CAD standards. You change the appearance of the section mark head, the elevation markers, and the callout head and boundary that you placed in previous exercises.
Existing stair callout head and boundary
Modifying View Tag Appearance | 595
Modified stair callout head and boundary
Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating Views_in_progress.rvt. Modify the section mark head 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 2 Click File menu Open. 3 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, open Imperial\Families\Annotations, select Custom-Section Head.rfa, and click Open. The new section mark head that you want to apply to either endpoint of the section line displays.
4 On the Design Bar, click Load into Project. 5 In the Load into Projects dialog, select the current project, clear any others, and click OK. The Custom-Section Head family is now loaded in the project, and can be applied to the section line. 6 Click Settings menu View Tags Section Tags. 7 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 8 In the Name dialog, enter Section Head Custom, Section Tail Filled, and click OK. 9 In the Type Properties dialog, for Section Head, select Custom-Section Head: Section Head Open, and click OK. 10 On the floor plan, select the section line, and click 11 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 12 For Section Tag, select Section Head - Custom, Section Tail - Filled, and click OK twice. .
Modify the line weight of the section line and mark 13 Click Settings menu Object Styles. 14 In the Object Styles dialog, click the Annotation Objects tab. 15 Under Category, scroll to Section Line. 16 Click in the Line Weight/Projection field, and select 3. 17 Under Category, scroll to Section Marks. 18 Click in the Line Weight/Projection field, and select 2. 19 Click OK. On the floor plan, notice the updated section marks that display at each endpoint of the section line.
Modify the shape and weight of the elevation markers 20 Click Settings menu View Tags Elevation Tags. 21 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 22 In the Name dialog, enter 3/4'' Circle, and click OK. 23 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics:

For Shape, select Circle. For Line Weight, select 3. For Dimensions Width, enter 3/4''. Click OK.
24 Select an elevation marker in the drawing, and on the Options Bar, click 25 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 26 In the Type Properties dialog, for Elevation Tag, select 3/4'' Circle. 27 Click OK twice. On the floor plan, notice the circular elevation markers that display. Modify the callout head 28 Click File menu Open.
29 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, open Imperial\Families\Annotations, select Custom-Callout Head.rfa, and click Open. The new callout head that you want to apply to the callout displays.
Modifying View Tag Appearance | 597
30 On the Design Bar, click Load into Project. 31 In the Load into Projects dialog, select the current project, clear all others, and click OK. 32 Click Settings menu View Tags Callout Tags. 33 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 34 In the Name dialog, enter Custom Callout Head w/ 1/4'' Corner Radius, and click OK. 35 In the Type Properties dialog:

For Callout Head, select Custom Callout Head: Callout Head. For Corner Radius, enter 1/4''. Click OK.
36 In the drawing, select the callout, and on the Options Bar, click 37 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New.
38 In the Type Properties dialog, for Callout Tag, select Custom Callout Head w/ 1/4'' Corner Radius. 39 Click OK twice. 40 Press ESC. The custom callout head displays on the floor plan.
Modify the callout boundary 41 Click Settings menu Object Styles. 42 In the Objects Styles dialog, click the Annotation Objects tab. 43 Under Category, scroll down to Callout Boundary. 44 Click in the Line Weight/Projection field, and select 7.
45 For Line Pattern, select Dash. 46 Under Category, expand Callout Boundary. 47 Select Callout Leader Line. 48 Click in the Line Weight/Projection field, and select 4. 49 Click OK. The new callout boundary displays on the floor plan.
Setting Visibility and Graphics Options in Views

In this lesson, you learn how to control the visibility and graphic characteristics of elements in views. You learn to create view templates, view regions, filters, masking regions, and visual overrides.
Creating a View Template

In this exercise, you create presentation views that feature elevations of the building. To accomplish this, you create a view template containing specific presentation quality visibility settings, and apply it to multiple elevation views. View templates provide an easy way to transfer visibility settings to multiple drawings.
Presentation view
Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-VG.rvt.
Setting Visibility and Graphics Options in Views | 599
Set a crop region for the view 1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, and double-click East.
2 Select the outer crop region that displays around the view. The crop region displays as red, and features blue triangular grips and break marks.
3 Select and move the blue triangular grips to resize the crop region as shown.
4 On the View Control Bar, click
(Hide Crop Region).
5 On the View Toolbar, click Zoom to Fit.
Create and apply a view template to an elevation drawing 6 On the View Control bar, click Detail Level: Coarse Medium. 7 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 8 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, under Visibility, clear Entourage. 9 Click the Annotation Categories tab.
10 Under Visibility, clear:

Callouts Elevations Grids Levels Sections
11 Click OK. Callouts, elevation markers, grids, levels, and section lines are now hidden in the view.
12 On the View Control bar, click Shadows Off Shadows On.
13 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, right-click East, and click Create View Template From View. 14 In the New View Template dialog, enter Black and White Presentation Elevation, and click OK. 15 In the View Templates dialog, click OK. 16 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click North.
Creating a View Template | 601
17 In the Project Browser, right-click North, and click Apply View Template. 18 In the Select View Template dialog, select Black and White Presentation Elevation, click Apply, and click OK. 19 Using the same method, edit the crop region as before. The settings in the view template create a presentation-quality elevation view.
20 Click File menu Save As. 21 Save the file as Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-VG_in_progress.rvt.
View Range and Plan Regions

In this exercise, you modify the view range and create view plan regions to adjust the display of elements in the building Penthouse and Roof Plan. You want to display the exterior roof terraces from Level 4 on the penthouse and roof plan, and the exterior area on the south side of the building, as this structure has not yet been documented in any of the views. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-VG_in _progress.rvt. Adjust the view range of the Penthouse plan 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Penthouse.
2 In the Project Browser, select Penthouse, right-click, and click Properties. 3 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, for View Range, click Edit. 4 In the View Range dialog:

Under Primary Range, for Bottom, select Level Below (Level 4). Under View Depth, for Level, select Level Below (Level 4). Click OK twice.
NOTE The Penthouse plan now shows the level below to provide additional context to the view.
Adjust the view range of the Roof plan 5 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Roof Plan.
View Range and Plan Regions | 603
6 In the Project Browser, select Roof Plan, right-click, and click Properties. 7 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, for View Range, click Edit. 8 In the View Range dialog:

Under Primary Range, for Bottom, select Level 4. Under View Depth, for Level, select Level 4. Click OK twice.
Create a plan region to show exterior space on the south side of the building 9 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Plan Region. NOTE A Plan Region allows you to modify the view range of a specified area defined by the extents of the Plan Region. 10 On the Design Bar, click Lines.
11 On the Options Bar, click 12 Sketch a plan region:

(Rectangle).
In the left corner of the building, select the left endpoint of the outer wall. Move you cursor diagonally, and select the endpoint the gridline shown below.
13 On the Design Bar, click Region Properties. 14 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, for View Range, click Edit. 15 In the View Range dialog:

Under Primary Range, for Bottom, select Unlimited. Under View Depth, for Level, select Unlimited. Click OK twice.
16 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. 17 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Using Filters to Control Visibility

In this exercise, you visually audit the drawing to make sure the fire-rated walls are placed correctly. You use a filter to quickly apply visual changes to the walls based on defined parameters, in this case, the fire
Using Filters to Control Visibility | 605
rating of the walls. After you apply the filter, the fire-rated walls on the floor plan display with a solid red fill.
Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-VG_in _progress.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1. 2 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 3 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Filters tab. 4 At the bottom of the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click Edit/New. 5 In the Filters dialog, under Filters, click (New).
6 In the Filter Name dialog, enter Rated Walls, and click OK. 7 In the Filters dialog, under Categories, select Walls. 8 Under Filter Rules:

For Filter by, select Fire Rating. Select contains. Enter Hr.
9 Click OK. 10 On the Filter tab, click Add. 11 Select Rated Walls, and click OK. 12 On the Filter tab, for Rated Walls, under Projection/Surface, click Override under Patterns. 13 In the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog, for Color, click <No Override>. You click the current color value to open the Color dialog, and apply a color. 14 In the Color dialog, under Basic colors, select the red color, and click OK. 15 In the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog, for Pattern, select Solid Fill. 16 Click OK. 17 Using the same method, apply the red solid fill override to Cut Patterns as well.
18 In the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog, click OK.
19 Remove the filter:

Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. On the Filters tab of the Visibility Graphics dialog, click Remove, and click OK.
The fire-rated walls now display without the solid red fill. The Rated Walls filter can be reapplied to the drawing at any time, but the overrides associated with the filter must be reapplied as well. 20 Click File menu Save.
Masking Portions of a View

In this exercise, you obscure geometry in portions of a view. To accomplish this, you use masking regions that you sketch over the areas that you want to hide.
Masking Portions of a View | 607
Masking regions sketched over the upper corners of a view
Unit plan view with upper corners masked
Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-VG_in _progress.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 1 Duplicate View Duplicate. 2 Select Copy of Level 1, right-click, and click Rename. 3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Unit 18 Plan Level 1, and click OK. 4 On the View Control Bar, click Show Crop Region. 5 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom to Fit. 6 Modify the crop region to get close to the desired view at the bottom left, as shown.
7 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom to Fit. 8 Select the crop region, and adjust the view again until it displays as shown.
9 On the View Control Bar, click Show Crop Region Hide Crop Region. Use a masking region to hide additional model geometry that does not need to be shown 10 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Masking Region. 11 In the Type Selector, select Invisible lines. NOTE This specifies the line type for the border of the masking region.
(Rectangle).
13 Sketch 2 masking regions as shown.
Masking Portions of a View | 609
14 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. 15 View the effects of the masking regions on the floor plan.
Working with Visual Overrides

In this exercise, you create a presentation plan of one of the residential units on the Level 1 floor plan, and apply different visual overrides to create presentation effects. You create poche for the walls and you hide and modify the display of certain elements on the presentation plan. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-VG_in _progress.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 1, and click Duplicate View Duplicate with Detailing. NOTE Duplicate with Detailing is selected so that the masking regions are retained in the new view.
2 Select the Copy of Unit 18 Plan Level 1, right-click, and click Rename. 3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Presentation Unit 18 Plan Level 1, and click OK. 4 On the View Control Bar, click the current scale, and click 1/4''=1'0''.
Create poche for walls 5 Select the diagonal bottom wall, right-click, and click Override Graphics in View By Category. 6 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, under Visibility, select Walls. 7 Under Cut, click in the Patterns field, and click Override. 8 In the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog, under Pattern Overrides, for Color, click <No Override> to apply a color. 9 On the left side of the Color dialog, click black, and click OK. 10 In the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog, for Pattern, select Solid fill. 11 Click OK twice.
Working with Visual Overrides | 611
Set the visibility and graphics of other categories in the view 12 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 13 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 14 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, under Visibility, clear Floors. 15 Click the Annotation Categories tab. 16 Under Visibility, clear Grids, and click OK.
Hide elements in the view by category 17 Select the lamp on the table on the floor plan as shown.
18 Right-click, and click Hide in View Category.
19 Select 1 of the chairs around the long table on the floor plan as shown.
20 Right-click, and click Override Graphics in View By Category. By using the previous method to make the selection, the Visibility/Graphics dialog opens to the category of the object (Furniture) selected by default. 21 Under Projection/Surface, under Lines, click Override. 22 In the Line Graphics dialog, for Color, click <No Override> to apply a color. 23 In the Color dialog, click a purple color, and click OK. 24 In the Line Graphics dialog, for Pattern, select Dash 1/16''. 25 Click OK twice.
Working with Visual Overrides | 613
Modify visibility and graphics by element 26 On the floor plan, select the sofa, right-click, and click Override Graphics in View By Element. 27 In the View-Specific Element Graphics dialog, click Projection Lines. 28 For Color, click By Category Override. 29 In the Color dialog, select a bright green color, and click OK twice. 30 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Reveal hidden elements in a view 31 On the View Control Bar, click .
The lighting fixtures and grid lines that you hid previously display in a dark red color.
32 Select one of the lamps, right-click, and click Unhide in view Category. 33 On the View Control Bar, click .
Creating Drawing Sheets in a Project

In this lesson, you learn how to create sheets within a Revit MEP project, how to add views to the sheets, and how to make changes to the building model from a view on a sheet.
Creating Drawing Sheets

In this exercise, you create project drawing sheets that report the project information in the sheet titleblocks.
Creating Drawing Sheets in a Project | 615
Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating Sheets.rvt.
Create a project sheet 1 On View tab of the Design Bar, click Sheet. TIP If the View tab is not displayed in the Design Bar, right-click, and click View. 2 In the Select a Titleblock dialog, select E1 30 x 42 Horizontal : E1 30x42 Horizontal, and click OK. A title block and drawing borders are displayed on the drawing sheet.
The title block that you selected is a family that has already been loaded into the project. The text fields in the titleblock family (shown below) contain labels that associate the project information parameters with the appropriate text fields.
NOTE The vertical time and date stamp in the lower-right corner of the sheet view automatically updates every time the project file is saved.
3 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets (all). The new sheet is displayed in the Project Browser with the name A102 - Unnamed. Change the sheet name and number 4 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the title block. 5 When the title block highlights, on the Options Bar, click 6 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data:

(Properties).
For Sheet Name, enter Site Plan. For Sheet Number, enter A101. Click OK.
7 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 8 Zoom in to the lower-right corner of the title block. Site Plan displays in the title block as the sheet name and is appended to the sheet name in the Project Browser. The Sheet Number has been updated to display A101.
Creating Drawing Sheets | 617
Display additional project information in the sheet title block 9 Click Settings menu Project Information. 10 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Project Address, click Edit. 11 In the Edit Text dialog, enter the following address:

123 Main Street Anytown, MA 12345
12 Click OK. 13 In the Element Properties dialog, continue to add project information:

For Project Issue Date, enter 15 May, 2009. For Project Status, enter For Approval. For Client Name, enter J. Smith. For Project Name, enter Freighthouse Flats. For Project Number, enter 2009-1.
14 Click OK. The new project information displays in the titleblock. NOTE Text size is determined within the sheet family.
Create a floor plan sheet 15 In the Project Browser, right-click Sheets (all) New Sheet. 16 In the Select a Titleblock dialog, select E1 30 x 42 Horizontal : E1 30x42 Horizontal, and click OK. 17 In the Project Browser, select the new sheet name, right-click, and click Rename. 18 In the Sheet Title dialog, for Name, enter Floor Plan, and click OK. Create additional sheets 19 Using the same method as you did in the previous steps, create the following new project sheets:

A103 - Layout Plan A104 - Elevations A105 - Elevations A106 - Elevations A107 - Sections A108 - Stairs
In the following exercise, you add views to these sheets. 20 Click File menu Save As. 21 Save the file as Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating Sheets_in_progress.rvt, and click Save.
Adding Views to Sheets

In this exercise, you add views to the sheets that you created in the previous exercise. Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating Sheets_in_progress.rvt.
Adding Views to Sheets | 619
Drag the Level 1 floor plan onto a sheet to create a floor plan 1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A102 - Floor Plan. 2 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, select Level 1, and drag it to the sheet. 3 Move the cursor to position the lower-right corner of the view in the lower-right corner of the sheet, and click to place the view. The border of the view displays as red to indicate that you can reposition it on the sheet. 4 On the Design Bar, click Modify. The red border around the view no longer displays.
Add elevation views to the A104-Elevation sheet 5 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A104 - Elevations. 6 In the Project Browser, under Elevations (Building Elevation), drag East to the upper-right corner of the sheet, and click to place it.
7 Drag the North elevation to the lower-right corner of the sheet, align it with the East elevation, and click to place it. 8 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Add the Building Section view to the A107-Sections sheet 9 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A107 - Sections. 10 Under Sections (Building Sections), drag Building Section to the upper-right corner of the sheet, and click to place it. 11 Under Detail Views (Detail), drag Roof Overhang Detail to the left of the Building Section view on the sheet, and click to place it. 12 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Adding Views to Sheets | 621
Change the scale of the detail view
13 Select the Roof Overhang Detail on the sheet, and on the Options Bar, click 14 In the Element Properties dialog, for View Scale, select 1-1/2'' = 1'0'', and click OK. 15 Drag the view to reposition it next to the Building Section view. Notice the title bar also needs to be resized.
16 Select title bar, and use the blue endpoint grips to resize it so that it spans the length of the view. NOTE If you find it difficult to select the left grip on the title bar, zoom in to the grip, move the cursor over it, and press TAB until it highlights.
Create a sheet with stair and stair detail views 17 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A108 - Stairs. 18 Under Floor Plans, drag Enlarged Stair Plan to the upper-right corner of the sheet, and click to place it. 19 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
View updated annotation on referenced views 20 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 21 Zoom to the stair callout. Notice that the callout tag has been automatically updated to reference the correct sheet.
22 Zoom in to the section line heads and the east and north elevation markers, and notice they also reference the correct sheet numbers. 23 Click File menu Save.
Modifying the Building Model from a Sheet View

In this exercise, you learn how to modify a building model directly from the drawing sheets that you created from its views. In order to do this, you must first activate the view on the sheet, and then make changes and deactivate the view.
Modifying the Building Model from a Sheet View | 623
Training File
Change the roof elevation 1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A107 - Sections. 2 Select the building section view, right-click, and click Activate View. 3 At the right end of the Roof level line, zoom in to the name and elevation of the level. 4 Double-click the Roof elevation height, enter 54', and press ENTER. 5 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
6 Right-click, and click Deactivate View. 7 In the Project Browser, under Elevations (Building Elevation), double-click North. Notice that the Roof Plan elevation has been updated.
Modifying the Building Model from a Sheet View | 625
Creating and Modifying a Title Sheet

In this exercise, you create a title sheet for your drawing set. After you create the sheet, you create a perspective view of the building and place it on the sheet. You modify the view to hide the view title, as it is not necessary to display it on the title sheet. Training File
Create a new sheet 1 In the Project Browser, right-click Sheets (all) New Sheet. 2 In the Select a Titleblock dialog, select E1 30 x 42 Horizontal : E1 30x42 Horizontal, and click OK. 3 In the Project Browser, select the new sheet name, right-click, and click Properties. 4 In the Element Properties dialog:

For Sheet Number, enter T. For Sheet Name, enter Title Sheet. Click OK.
Create a view of the building to place on the title sheet 5 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 6 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Camera. 7 Place the camera as shown.
The camera view displays.
8 On the Options Bar, click 9 In the Element Properties dialog:

Under Extents, select Far Clip Active. For Far Clip Offset, enter 420'. Under Camera, for Eye Elevation, enter 60'. For Target Elevation, enter 5'. Click OK.
10 Select the crop region and adjust the view to fit the building. 11 On the View Control Bar, click Shadows off Shadows on. 12 On the View Control Bar, click Show Crop Region Hide Crop Region.
Creating and Modifying a Title Sheet | 627
13 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click T - Title Sheet. 14 Under 3D Views, drag 3D View 1 onto the sheet, and click to place it in the center of the sheet.
15 With the view selected, on the Options Bar, click Size. 16 In the Crop Region Size dialog:

Under Change, select Scale (locked proportions). Under Model Crop Size, for Height, enter 25''. Click Apply, and then click OK.
17 Reposition the view on the title sheet. Remove the title bar on the view 18 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 19 Select the view on the sheet, and on the Options Bar, click 20 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 21 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 22 In the Name dialog, enter Viewport/no title mark, and click OK. 23 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Show title, select No. 24 Click OK twice. 25 On the Design Bar, click Modify. The title bar no longer displays on the sheet. .
26 Click File menu Save, and close the exercise file.
Creating and Modifying a Title Sheet | 629
630
Tagging and Scheduling
11
In this tutorial, you learn how to tag rooms and other components of floor plans, such as doors and windows. You also learn to create different types of schedules, such as room and window schedules, in your Revit MEP 2009 projects.
Tagging Objects
In this lesson, you learn how to use some of the annotation features included in Revit MEP. You learn how to

Sequentially tag rooms on a floor plan Tag doors and windows Modify tag placement and mark text Tag other objects, such as furniture
Sequentially Placing and Tagging Rooms

In this exercise, you sequentially place and tag the rooms on the floor plan. Because of the open style floor plan, you need to create room separation lines to define the rooms to be tagged. The Room command with the Tag on placement option selected allows you to place and tag rooms with one command. Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Tagging Objects.rvt.
Add room separations 1 In the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 1.
631
2 Zoom in to the upper area of the floor plan.
3 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Room Separation. Adding room separation lines breaks up an open space to make it easier to add rooms. NOTE If the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar is not active, right-click in the Design Bar, and click Room and Area. 4 Click the endpoint of the short horizontal wall on the left, move the cursor to the right, and click the opposite wall to create a horizontal room separation dividing the kitchen from the dining area (top area of the drawing), as shown:
5 Using the same method, create a vertical separation to divide the kitchen from the entry area on the right, as shown:
632 | Chapter 11 Tagging and Scheduling
6 Using the same method, create a horizontal separation above the stair to divide the dining area from the living area.
Load room tag annotation family 8 Click Settings menu Annotations Loaded Tags. 9 In the Tags dialog, click Load.
Sequentially Placing and Tagging Rooms | 633
10 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Families\Annotations\Room Tag.rfa. 11 In the Tags dialog, click OK. Tag rooms sequentially 12 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Room. 13 On the Options Bar, verify that Tag on placement is selected. 14 For Offset, type 8'. 15 Move the cursor to the room at the upper right of the plan view, and click to place the room and tag. The crosshair graphic represents the room area being tagged, and the rectangle contains the room tag.
16 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the room tag. The room tag number displays in blue, indicating that it can be edited. 17 Zoom in on the tag number, click it, type U18-1, and press ENTER.
18 Click the room text label, type Entry, and press ENTER.
19 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 20 Place another room and tag:

On the Design Bar, click Room. Move the cursor into the room to the left of the one previously tagged. Align the tags by moving the cursor until a dashed green line displays between the placed tag and the one that displays at the tip of the cursor. Click to place the new room and tag. NOTE The second tag that you place displays the sequential number U18-2. Sequential letters are also supported.
21 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 22 Click the room text label, type Kitchen, and press ENTER. 23 Using the same method, place rooms and tags, and edit the tags as shown (Toilet, Dining, and Living):
Sequentially Placing and Tagging Rooms | 635
Hide the room separations 24 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 25 In the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog, on the Model Categories tab, expand Lines, clear Room Separation, and click OK.
Tag rooms on upper level 26 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 2. 27 On the Design Bar, click Room Tag. The rooms are already placed, but they need to be tagged. 28 Starting with the Balcony (area near the stair), and moving clockwise, click to place a room tag in each of the 5 rooms. 29 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
30 Click File menu Save As. 31 Save the file as Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Tagging Objects_in_progress.rvt.
Tagging Doors and Windows

In this exercise, you learn how to place door and window tags. You learn how to add tags to the floor plan and how to simultaneously tag multiple untagged doors and windows. Training File Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Tagging Objects_in_progress.rvt. Tag Level 1 doors 1 If necessary, in the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 1. 2 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 3 On the Options Bar, clear Leader. 4 Select 5 doors in the upper area of the floor plan:

Entry door Kitchen pantry door Pocket door in toilet Closet door in dining room
Tagging Doors and Windows | 637
Closet door in living room
5 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 6 Click the door tag for the entry door, type U18-1, and press ENTER. NOTE The tag symbol and text size are determined by the tag family.
7 Select the kitchen pantry door to the left, and on the Options Bar, click Properties).
(Element
8 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identify Data, for Mark, type U18-2, and click OK.
9 Using one of the methods you just learned, rename the other 3 door tags to match the corresponding room tags.
10 Select the tag for the pocket door on the right, and drag it down to center it in the doorway.
11 Select the tag for the closet door and move it to the right of the door.
Tagging Doors and Windows | 639
Tag Level 2 doors 12 In the Project Browser, double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 2. 13 On the Design Bar, click Tag All Not Tagged. 14 In the Tag All Not Tagged dialog, verify that All objects in current view is selected. 15 Under Category, select Door Tags, and click OK. 16 Move the door tags to center them in the doorway. 17 Edit the numbers of the door tags as shown:
Place window tags 18 In the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1.
19 Click Settings menu Annotations Loaded Tags. 20 In the Tags dialog, click Load. 21 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Families\Annotations\Window Tag.rfa. 22 In the Tags dialog, click OK. 23 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Tag All Not Tagged. 24 In the Tag All Not Tagged dialog, select Window Tags, and click OK.
25 Zoom to the lower-right area of the drawing to view the window tags.
26 Under Floor Plans, double-click Level 2. 27 Zoom to the drawing extents. 28 Using the same method, tag all untagged windows. 29 Save the file.
Tagging Other Objects

In this exercise, you learn how to tag furniture objects, and modify the tag placement and display. Training File Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Tagging Objects_in_progress.rvt. Add furniture tags 1 In the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 1. 2 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 3 On the Options Bar, select Leader. 4 Select a dining room chair. 5 At the confirmation prompt, click Yes to load a tag. 6 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Families\Annotations\Furniture Tag.rfa. 7 Select each of the chairs and the table to place tags; select the edge to which the leader connects.
Tagging Other Objects | 641
8 Select the furniture in the living room.
9 Click Modify. Modify tag placement 10 Zoom to the dining table. Notice that the chair and table tags overlap.
11 Select the tag for the table, and drag it above the chair tag. 12 Click the elbow control, and drag it up to form an angled leader.
13 Optionally, modify the position of the chair tags to move them closer to the chairs. 14 Click Modify. 15 Select the tag for the table (TBL-1), and on the Options Bar, clear Leader.
16 Drag the table tag to the center of the table, and on the Design Bar, click Modify.
Tag furniture on Level 2 17 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 2. 18 On the Design Bar, click Tag All Not Tagged, select Furniture Tag : Standard, and click OK. All furniture in the floor plan is tagged.
Change tag style 19 Draw a selection box around the top area of the drawing to select the furniture.
Tagging Other Objects | 643
(Filter Selection).
21 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Furniture Tags, and click OK. 22 In the Type Selector, select Furniture Tag: Boxed, and click Modify.
23 Save the file.
Defining Schedules and Color Diagrams

In this lesson, you learn to add schedules. You also learn to add schedule keys to a project by creating a room schedule and room color diagram. Schedule keys allow you to define common items that can be used by multiple objects within a schedule.
Creating a Window Schedule

In this exercise, you create a window schedule for the building model shown below.
You begin by creating a window instance schedule; that is, a schedule that lists every window in the building.
You then select a window in the instance schedule and use the Show command to locate it in a view of the building model.
Next, you group and sort the windows in the instance schedule. Finally, you change the window instance schedule to a type schedule, in which windows are listed by window type.
Training File
Click File menu Open.
Creating a Window Schedule | 645
In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color Diagrams.rvt.
Create a window schedule 1 In the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1. 2 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. TIP If the View tab of the Design Bar is not active, right-click in the Design Bar, and click View. 3 In the New Schedule dialog, under Category, select Windows. 4 For Name, type Building Window Schedule, and click OK. Define the fields to display as columns in the window schedule 5 In the Schedule Properties dialog, click the Fields tab. 6 Under Available fields, select Comments and click Add. The Comments field is moved under Scheduled fields. 7 Using the same method, add the following fields to the schedule:

Count Height Level Type Mark Width
8 Under Scheduled fields, order the fields as shown in the following illustration by selecting them and clicking Move Up or Move Down.
9 Click OK.
A schedule is created that contains every window in the building model.
Select a window in the schedule and locate it in the building model 10 Select a cell in the window schedule with the C14 Type Mark, and on the Options Bar, click Show. If no open view shows the selected element, you are prompted to open one that does. 11 If the confirmation dialog displays, click OK to search through relevant views of the building model. The window that corresponds to the information in the schedule row is displayed in a relevant view of the building model.
12 In the Show Element(s) in View dialog, click Close. NOTE By clicking Show, you can display other views of the building model that include the selected window. However, in large building models with many views, this can be a time-consuming process. 13 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, and double-click Building Window Schedule to redisplay the window instance schedule. Group and sort the window schedule by type mark 14 In the drawing area, right-click the schedule, and click View Properties.
Creating a Window Schedule | 647
15 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Sorting/Grouping, click Edit. 16 On the Sorting/Grouping tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, for Sort by, select Type Mark 17 Click OK twice. The window schedule is displayed, sorted by type mark.
Change type mark from the schedule 18 In the window schedule, change the Type Mark in the first row from 10 to A, and press ENTER. 19 Click OK to confirm that you want to change the type mark for all windows of this type. The type mark is changed to A and the schedule is resorted. Change the schedule from an instance schedule to a type schedule 20 Right-click on the schedule, and click View Properties. 21 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Sorting/Grouping, click Edit. 22 In the Schedule Properties dialog, clear Itemize every instance. 23 Click OK twice. The window type schedule is displayed.
24 Change the Type Mark for the other window types, so that the types are sequentially named from A to H, as shown:
25 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 2. 26 Zoom to the lower area of the floor plan to see that the window tags have changed.
27 Click File menu Save As, and save the exercise file as i_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color Diagrams_in_progress.rvt.
Adding Project Parameters to a Window Schedule

In this lesson, you add schedule columns for parameters that are not standard for the scheduled object. In this case, you want to add columns to the window schedule to describe the detail where head, jamb, and sill conditions for a window can be found. These parameters cannot be shared with other projects and, unlike shared parameters, you cannot use them to tag objects.
Training File Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color Diagrams_in_progress.rvt. Create project parameters 1 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, and double-click Building Window Schedule. 2 Click Settings menu Project Parameters.
Adding Project Parameters to a Window Schedule | 649
3 In the Project Parameters dialog, click Add to create the new parameter. 4 In the Parameter Properties dialog:

Under Categories, select Windows to associate the parameter with the Windows category. Under Parameter Data, for Name, type Head Detail. For Group parameter under, select Construction. Select Type.
5 Click OK. The new project parameter Head Detail is displayed in the Project Parameters dialog. 6 Using the same method, create 2 more window parameters: Jamb Detail and Sill Detail. 7 In the Project Parameter dialog, click OK. Add project parameters to the schedule 8 In the Project Browser, right-click Building Window Schedule, and click Properties. 9 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Fields, click Edit. 10 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available fields, select the following fields, and click Add to add them to the schedule in order:

Head Detail Jamb Detail Sill Detail
11 Use the Move Up control to move the new parameters up in the list, so that they are listed before Comments.
12 Click OK twice.
Group headers in the schedule 13 In the schedule, select Head Detail, Jamb Detail, and Sill Detail. TIP To select all 3 headers, click in the Head Detail header, and without releasing the left mouse button, move the cursor over the Jamb Detail and Sill Detail headers. 14 On the Options Bar, click Group. 15 In the grouping field above the detail headers in the schedule, type Window Details. 16 You can add values for the new project parameters directly in the schedule. For example, under Type Mark A, for Head Detail, type 1/A107; for Jamb Detail, type 2/A107; and for Sill Detail, type 3/A107.
17 Save the file.
Creating a Unit-Based Door Schedule with a Filter

In this exercise, you create a unit-based door schedule and use a filter to limit the selection of doors to a single unit. You then hide the column used for the filter, and place the unit-based door schedule on a sheet with the unit plans. Training File Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color Diagrams_in_progress.rvt. View Level 1 of the building 1 In the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 1. Create a new door schedule for Unit 18 2 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. 3 In the New Schedule dialog:

Under Category, select Doors. Under Name, type Unit 18 - Door Schedule. Verify that Schedule building components is selected.
Creating a Unit-Based Door Schedule with a Filter | 651
For Phase, verify that New Construction is selected.
4 Click OK. 5 In the Schedule Properties dialog, click the Fields tab. 6 Under Available fields, select the following fields, and click Add to add them to the schedule in order:

Count Family and Type Head Height Sill Height Width Mark
7 Click the Filter tab, and specify the following values for Filter by:

Select Mark in the first field. Select contains in the second field. Type U18 in the third field.
This filter checks each door in the project to see which unit it is associated with, and produces a schedule that includes only the doors in Unit 18. 8 Click the Sorting/Grouping tab, and specify the following options:

For Sort by, select Family and Type. Clear Itemize every instance (to group the like door types into one row).
9 Click the Formatting tab. 10 Under Fields, select Mark. 11 Under Field formatting, select Hidden field, and click OK. The schedule includes the count and type for doors in Unit 18 only. The Mark field is used to filter the entries in the schedule, but is not included as a column in the schedule.
Place the schedule on a sheet 12 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets (all), and double-click A102 - Unit 18.
13 In the Project Browser, click Unit 18 - Door Schedule, and drag it to the sheet.
14 Click to place the schedule in the upper left corner of the sheet. 15 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 16 Zoom in to see the details of the door schedule.
Modify the width of a schedule column on the sheet 17 Select the door schedule on the sheet. 18 Select the control at the top of the schedule for the Family and Type column and drag it to the right to expand the column width. The wider column makes it easier to read the door descriptions.
Creating a Unit-Based Door Schedule with a Filter | 653
20 Save the file.
Creating a Room Schedule

In this exercise, you create a room schedule for the first floor plan. You also add programmed rooms to the schedule for the public spaces in the building. NOTE In some cases in this tutorial, partial schedules are shown for illustration purposes. Training File Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color Diagrams_in_progress.rvt. Create a room schedule 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. Notice that several rooms have been defined in the floor plan. 2 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. TIP If the View tab of the Design Bar is not active, right-click in the Design Bar, and click View. 3 In the New Schedule dialog, under Category, select Rooms, and click OK. Select the fields to display as columns in the room schedule 4 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available fields, select Number, and click Add. The Number field is moved under Scheduled fields. 5 Using the same method, add the following fields to the schedule in order:

Name Level Area
6 Click the Appearance tab. 7 Under Text, to the right of Header text, select Bold. 8 Click OK. NOTE The Appearance settings only take effect when the schedule is placed on a drawing sheet. The bold header is not noticeable until you place the schedule on a drawing sheet.
Add new rooms to the schedule 9 On the Options Bar, next to Rows, click New. A new row is displayed at the bottom of the schedule. The room Number is U17-46, and the Level and Area values are displayed as Not Placed because the room is not placed in the floor plan.
10 Edit the number to be 101. 11 Using the same method, add 5 more rooms. The rooms are displayed at the bottom of the list and numbered sequentially, 101-106.
12 Edit the room names in the schedule:

In the schedule, for room 101, for Name, type Building Entry, and press ENTER. For 102, type Storage, and press ENTER. For 103, type Corridor, and press ENTER. For 104, select Corridor. For 105, select Storage. For 106, type Stair, and press ENTER.
Creating a Room Schedule | 655
13 Save the file.
Scheduling Rooms from a Program List

In this exercise, you add room separation lines, place rooms from a program list, and modify room names. You also change the bounding behavior of walls in the storage areas of the plan. Training File Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color Diagrams_in_progress.rvt. Specify style for room separation lines 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 2 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 3 Change the display of room separation lines:

On the Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics dialog, under Visibility, expand Lines. For Room Separation, under Projection/Surface, click the Lines field. In the Lines field, click Override. In the Line Graphics dialog, click the Color field. Under Custom colors, click the bright green swatch, and click OK. For Weight, select 9.
4 Click OK twice.
Add room separation lines 5 Zoom in to the center of the building. 6 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Room Separation. 7 Click to add 2 room separation lines in the corridor at the right side of the drawing. First, draw the horizontal line.
8 Draw a vertical separation line from the wall endpoint to the new corridor separation line.
9 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Place rooms from a program list 10 On the Design Bar, click Room.
Scheduling Rooms from a Program List | 657
Placed rooms are indicated with a crosshair graphic in the drawing.
11 On the Options Bar, for Room, select 101 Building Entry. 12 Click to place the room in the newly defined entry area (lower right).
13 On the Options Bar, for Room, select 102 Storage. 14 For Offset, type 8'.
15 Click to place the room in the area to the left of Building Entry.
16 Using the same method, place the following rooms, as shown:
Place 103 in the space above room 101. Place 104 in the space to the left of 103. Place 105 in the lower space to the left of the kitchen. Place 106 in the space with the stairs (to the left of room 105).
17 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Change the room bounding behavior of walls 18 In the Project Browser, under Schedules/Quantities, double-click Room Schedule. Notice the area values for the Storage rooms in the schedule. These values will change after you change the room bounding behavior of walls in the storage areas.
19 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1, and zoom in to the Corridor. 20 While pressing CTRL, select the 3 small walls (in or adjacent to the storage areas), as shown:
21 On the Options Bar, click 23 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 24 Open the Room Schedule.
22 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, clear Room Bounding, and click OK.
Notice that the area for the storage rooms has increased as a result of the change in the room bounding behavior of the walls.
Create key schedule 25 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. 26 In the New Schedule dialog, under Category, select Rooms. 27 Select Schedule keys, and click OK. 28 In the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available fields, while pressing CTRL, select Base Finish, Floor Finish, and Wall Finish, and click Add. 29 Click OK to create the new room style schedule. The Room Style Schedule displays without data.
30 On the Options Bar, for Rows, click New. 31 For Key Name, type Units, and for all 3 finishes, type As Selected.
32 Using the same method, add 2 more key names: Service and Public.
33 In the Project Browser, under Schedules/Quantities, right-click Room Schedule, and click Properties. 34 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Fields, click Edit. 35 In the Schedule Properties dialog, for Available fields, select Room Style, and click Add. 36 Click OK twice. 37 Open the Room Schedule. The Room Style column is added to the Room Schedule. 38 Under U17-8, for Room Style, select Units. Specify the Room Style for Level 1 rooms 39 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 40 Zoom to the drawing extents. 41 Draw a selection box around floor plan.
(Filter Selection).
43 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Rooms, and click OK. All rooms are selected in the floor plan.
45 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Room Style, select Units, and click OK.
46 Open the Room Schedule. Notice that the Room Style is Units for all rooms on Level 1. 47 Edit the Room Style for rooms 101 through 106:

For rooms 101, 103, 104, and 106, select Public. For rooms 102 and 105, select Service.
All rooms on Level 1 now have the room style defined. The Room Style specification will be used later to determine color fill in a room color diagram. 48 Save the file.
Creating a Room Color Diagram

In this exercise, you create a room color scheme (based on the type of the rooms in the floor plan), and apply it to the Level 1 view. You also edit the colors used in the color scheme and modify the properties of the color scheme legend.
Training File Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color Diagrams_in_progress.rvt. Create a room color scheme 1 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1. 2 Click Settings menu Color Fill Schemes.
3 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, click 5 For Title, type Room Type.
(Duplicate).
4 In the New color scheme dialog, for Name, type Room Type, and click OK. 6 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, for Color, select Room Style. 7 Because you are creating a new color scheme, at the warning prompt, click OK. 8 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, click OK. 9 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 1, and click Properties. 10 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, click the Color Scheme field.
11 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, under Schemes, select Room Type, and click OK. 12 In the Element Properties dialog, for Visibility/Graphics Overrides, click Edit. 13 In the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog, under Visibility, expand Lines, and clear Room Separation. 14 Click OK twice.
Add a color scheme legend 15 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Color Scheme Legend. When you move the cursor over the drawing area, a legend displays at the tip of the cursor. 16 Click in the lower right of the drawing area to place the legend. 17 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Change the fill colors applied to the rooms 18 In the drawing area, select the color legend. 19 On the Options Bar, click Edit Color Scheme. 20 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, in the first row of the Scheme Definition table (none), clear Visible. 21 In the second row of the table (Public), click the value in the Color column.
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22 In the Color dialog, under Custom color, select blue, and click OK. 23 Using the same method, change the colors for Service and Units to cyan and gray, respectively.
24 Click OK.
Specify properties for the legend colors and title
25 With the legend still selected, on the Options Bar, click 26 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New.
27 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Swatch Width, type 1'', and select Show Title. 28 Under Title Text, for Size, type 1/4''. 29 Click OK twice. 30 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Create a section color diagram 31 In the Project Browser, under Sections, double-click Building Section. NOTE In order for color fills to be displayed in section, volume computations must be enabled from Settings menu Area and Volume Computations. Calculation of room volumes can affect project performance. Turn on the visibility of rooms in the building section view 32 In the Project Browser, under Sections, right-click Building Section, and select Properties. 33 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Visibility/Graphics Overrides, click Edit. 34 On the Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, under Visibility, select Rooms. 35 Click OK twice. Place the color scheme legend on the section 36 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Color Scheme Legend. As you move the cursor over the drawing area, the legend displays at the tip of the cursor.
37 Click to place the legend on the drawing. 38 In the Choose Space Type and Color Scheme dialog, for Color Scheme, select Room Type, and click OK. 39 Using the grip at the bottom of the legend, position the legend horizontally across the bottom of the section view.
40 Draw a selection box around the entire drawing. 41 On the Options Bar, click Assign all rooms the Units room style 43 On the Options Bar, click . (Filter Selection).
42 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Rooms, and click OK.
44 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Room Style, select Units, and click OK.
45 While pressing CTRL, select all the rooms in the stairwell, and the room to the right of the stair on level 1 (Corridor 104). 46 Click .
47 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Room Style, select Public, and click OK.
Assign the penthouse room the service room style 48 Select the penthouse, and click .
49 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Room Style, select Service, and click OK.
Add suites as a new room style in the Room Style Schedule 50 In the Project Browser, under Schedules/Quantities, double-click Room Style Schedule. 51 On the Options Bar, for Rows, click New. 52 In the Room Style Schedule, under Key Name for the new row, type Suites. Assign the Suites room style to all rooms on levels 3 and 4 53 Open the Building Section. 54 While pressing CTRL, select all the rooms on levels 3 and 4, excluding the stairwell spaces. TIP You may need to use TAB to select the room in the upper right with the entertainment center.
55 Click
56 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Room Style, select Suites, and click OK. A new Suites key is added to the color scheme legend.
Use volume calculations to control color fills 57 Click Settings menu Area and Volume Computations. 58 In the Area and Volume Computations dialog, under Volume Computations, select Areas and Volumes. 59 Under Room Area Computation, verify that At wall finish is selected, and click OK. The color fill will extend to the roof, but not beyond it. Change room heights 60 In the drawing area, select the room on the left side of the top floor. 61 Drag the top Control grip above the bounding roof. The color fill extends to the roof.
62 Repeat this process for all rooms that are bounded by the sloping roof: the remaining suites and the public stairs on the top floor.
Assign the correct heights to the rooms on the first level 63 On the first level, select the stairwell room, and click 65 For Limit Offset, type 0 0 . 66 Click OK. 67 On the first level, select the public room next to the stairs (Corridor 104), the dining room, and the living room. .
64 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Upper Limit, select Loft.
68 Click
69 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Upper Limit, select Level 2. 70 For Limit Offset, type -10. 71 Click OK. 72 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
73 Save the file.
Creating a Material Takeoff

In this exercise, you have already determined the roof configuration for the building. You learn to change the roof family type and create a material takeoff schedule for the roofing materials. You then add formulas to the material takeoff to produce cost estimates. Training File Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color Diagrams_in_progress.rvt. Create a material takeoff 1 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click {3D}.
2 Zoom in to the roof area of the building. 3 While pressing CTRL, select the roof of the building and the smaller roof for the elevator penthouse.
4 In the Type Selector, select Basic Roof : Wood Joist - Insulation on Plywood Deck - EPDM. 5 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 6 Click View menu New Material Takeoff. 7 In the New Material Takeoff dialog, under Category, select Roofs, and click OK. 8 On the Fields tab of the Material Takeoff Properties dialog, under Available fields, click Family and Type, and click Add. 9 Using the same method, add Material: Description and Material: Area to the Scheduled fields. 10 On the Sorting/Grouping tab:

For Sort by, select Family and Type. For Then by, select Material: Description. Select Grand totals. Clear Itemize every instance.
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11 On the Formatting tab:

Under Fields, select Material: Area. Under Field formatting, select Calculate totals.
12 Click OK. The Roof Material Takeoff Schedule displays.
13 Expand the column widths to see all of the information. TIP Double-click the column dividers to expand the columns to fit the text.
Add cost information and a formula to calculate estimated cost 14 In the Project Browser, right-click Roof Material Takeoff, and click Properties. 15 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Fields, click Edit. 16 In the Material Takeoff Properties dialog, under Available fields, select Material: Cost, and click Add. 17 Click Calculated Value. 18 In the Calculated Value dialog, for Name, type Estimated Cost. 19 For Type, select Currency. 20 For Formula, type Material: Area*Material: Cost /(1'^2). The /(1'^2) is required to remove the formatting of the fields so that the cost estimate value can be calculated. 21 Click OK. 22 In the Material Takeoff Properties dialog, click the Formatting tab, and under Fields, click Estimated Cost. 23 For Field formatting, select Calculate totals, and click OK twice. 24 In the Roof Material Takeoff, for Material: Cost, type the following values: Material: Description
EPDM Plywood Rigid Insulation
Material: Cost
1.50 1.25 4.75
Material: Description
Wood Joist
Material: Cost
.50
The Estimated cost is calculated.
Add currency formatting to the schedule 25 Click Settings menu Project Units. 26 In the Project Units dialog, for Currency, click the Format value. 27 In the Format dialog, for Rounding, verify that 2 decimal places is selected. 28 For Unit symbol, select $. 29 Select Use digit grouping. Digit grouping, which inserts commas after every three digits, can be used for any number-based parameter, not just for currency. 30 Click OK twice. The cost fields are formatted correctly.
31 Save the file.
Scheduling Shared Parameters

In this lesson, you learn how to use shared parameters to define additional parameters that are not included in predefined instance and type parameters, either within family components or within the project template. These shared parameters can be added to any family, regardless of category, and are defined and stored in an external file, ensuring consistency across families and projects. Their values may also be aggregated and reported within Revit MEP multi-category schedules. An example of the use of shared parameters is the need to add specific parameters to a family component for scheduling and tagging when those parameters are not present by default. This lesson demonstrates the solution for this situation and covers the process of setting up shared parameters, adding the shared parameters to a family, creating a generic tag to tag the family, and reporting the shared parameters. In this lesson, you create an exiting plan for the building. You draw a travel path line, tag the line, and schedule the total distance of each path. Adding shared parameters to a family allows you to create a tag and schedule to track this specific information.
Creating a Shared Parameter File

In this exercise, you create a shared parameter file.
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Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Shared Parameters.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Exiting Plan-Level 1.
2 Click File menu Shared Parameters. 3 In the Edit Shared Parameters dialog, click Create. 4 In the left pane of the Create Shared Parameter File dialog, click Training Files, for File name, type OfficeStandardsParameters.txt, and click Save. NOTE Shared parameter files are typically stored at a network location for use in all projects. 5 In the Edit Shared Parameters dialog, under Groups, click New. 6 In the New Parameter Group dialog, for Name, type Exiting, and click OK. 7 Under Parameters, click New. 8 In the Parameter Properties dialog, for Name, type Path ID, and click OK. 9 Under Parameters, click New. 10 In the Parameter Properties dialog, for Name, type Travel Distance, for Type of Parameter, select Length. 11 Click OK twice. 12 Click File menu Save As, and save the exercise file as i_Freighthouse_Flats-Shared Parameters_in_progress.rvt.
Adding Shared Parameters to a Family

In this exercise, you add the shared parameters you created to a family file. You then create a generic tag to tag the family. Training File Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Shared Parameters_in_progress.rvt. 1 Click File menu Open. 2 In the Left pane of the Open dialog, Click Training Files, and open Imperial\Families\Annotations\Travel Line.rfa.
3 On the Design Bar, click Family Types. The Family Types dialog displays the parameters that are currently available for this family category. 4 In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. 5 In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Type, select Shared parameter, and click Select. 6 In the Shared Parameters dialog, verify that Parameter group is Exiting and that Path ID is selected, and click OK. 7 In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Data, for Group parameter under, select Constraints. 8 Select Instance, and click OK. 9 In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. 10 Using the same method, add Travel Distance as a shared parameter, group it under Dimensions, and select Instance. 11 Click OK. 12 In the Family Types dialog, under Dimensions, for Travel Distance Formula, following the equals symbol (=), type Length. 13 Click Apply, and click OK. 14 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. If you have multiple projects open, the Load into Projects dialog displays for you to select the project, otherwise the family loads into the current project. 15 If necessary, in the Load into Projects dialog, select i_Freighthouse_Flats-Shared Parameters_in_progress.rvt, and click OK.
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Create a tag using shared parameters 16 Click File menu New Annotation Symbol. 17 In the left pane of the New Annotation Symbol dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Templates\Generic Tag.rft. 18 Zoom in to the intersection of the reference planes.
19 On the Design Bar, click Label. 20 Click the intersection of the reference planes. 21 In the Edit Label dialog, click (Add Parameter).
22 In the Parameter Properties dialog, click Select. 23 In the Shared Parameters dialog, under Parameters, select Travel Distance. 24 Click OK twice. 25 In the Edit Label dialog, under Category Parameters, select Travel Distance, click parameter(s) to label), and click OK. (Add
26 On the Design Bar, click Label. 27 Click above the intersection of the reference planes, and use the same method to select the Path ID parameter.
28 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 29 In the drawing window, select Path ID, and move it down, so that it is positioned just above Travel Distance.
30 Select the Note in the upper left area of the drawing window, and press DELETE.
31 Click File Save As. 32 In the Save As dialog, for File Name, type Travel Distance Tag.rfa, and click Save. 33 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 34 On the Load into Projects dialog, verify that i_Freighthouse_Flats-Shared Parameters_in_Progress.rvt is selected, and click OK. 35 Save the file.
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Placing,Tagging, and Scheduling a Family with Shared Parameters

In this exercise, you place the travel line family in the Level 1 and Level 2 exiting plans. You then tag the travel lines and give them a path ID. After the lines are tagged, you create a schedule that totals the travel distances in each exiting plan for each path ID. Training File Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Shared Parameters_in_progress.rvt. Create Level 1 exiting travel path 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Exiting Plan - Level 1. 2 Zoom in to the corridor.
3 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Component. 4 On the Options Bar, select Chain. 5 Specify a start point for the path at the left end of the corridor as shown.
6 Move the cursor to the right, and click in the center of the corridor, above the exterior door as shown.
7 Move the cursor down, through the door, and click outside of the building.
8 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 9 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 10 On the Options Bar, clear Leader. 11 Select each of the travel path lines. 12 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 13 While pressing CTRL, select the 2 dashed travel lines, and click (Element Properties).
14 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Path ID, type 1-1, and click OK.
Create Level 2 exiting travel path 15 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double click Exiting Plan - Level 2. 16 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Component. 17 On the Options Bar, verify that Chain is selected. 18 Click in the horizontal corridor below the door on the right side of the floor plan, move the cursor near the right corner, and click to specify the first segment of the path as shown.
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19 Move the cursor up through the door, and click.
20 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 21 On the Design Bar, click Component. 22 Click at the starting point of the previous path, move the cursor to the left, and click above the door to the stair. 23 Move the cursor down, and click in the stair.
24 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 25 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 26 Select each of the travel path lines. 27 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
28 While pressing CTRL, select the 2 dashed travel lines for the left exit path, and click 29 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Path ID, type 2-1, and click OK. 30 Using the same method, specify the Path ID for the right exit path to 2-2.
Create a schedule to total the paths on each plan 31 Click View menu New Schedule/Quantities. 32 In the New Schedule dialog, under Category, verify that <Multi-Category> is selected. 33 For Name, type Level 1 Exit Distance, and click OK.
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34 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available fields, while pressing CTRL, select Path ID and Travel Distance, and click Add. 35 Click the Filter tab. 36 For Filter by, in the first field, select Path ID; in the second field, select contains; and in the third field, type 1-. 37 Click the Sorting/Grouping tab. 38 For Sort by, select Path ID. 39 Clear Itemize every instance. 40 Click the Formatting tab. 41 Under Fields, select Travel Distance, and under Field formatting, select Calculate totals. 42 Click OK. The Level 1 Exit Distance schedule displays.
43 In the Project Browser, under Schedules/Quantities, right-click Level 1 Exit Distance, and click Duplicate View Duplicate. 44 In the Project Browser, right-click Copy of Level 1 Exit Distance, and click Rename. 45 In the Rename View dialog, type Level 2 Exit Distance, and click OK. 46 In the Project Browser, right-click Level 2 Exit Distance, and click Properties. 47 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Filter, click Edit. 48 In the Schedule Properties dialog, for Filter by, in the third field, type 2-. 49 Click OK twice. The Level 2 Exit Distance schedule displays.
50 Save the file.
Scheduling Uniformat Assembly Codes

In this lesson, you schedule Uniformat Assembly Codes as they are applied to Revit MEP components.
Scheduling Uniformat Assembly Codes and Descriptions

In this exercise, you create a wall schedule that includes columns for the Uniformat Assembly Codes and assembly descriptions of the scheduled walls. Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Uni-Format.rvt.
Create a wall schedule 1 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. TIP If the View tab of the Design Bar is not active, right-click the Design Bar, and click View. 2 In the New Schedule dialog, under Categories, select Walls, and click OK. 3 In the Schedule Properties dialog, click the Fields tab. 4 Under Available fields, select the following fields, and click Add to add them to the schedule in order:

Area Volume Width Length Assembly Code Assembly Description
5 Click OK to complete the schedule.
Assign an assembly code to a wall type in the project 6 In the Project Browser, expand Families Walls Basic Wall, right-click Generic - 6'', and click Properties. 7 In the Type Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Assembly Code, click the Value field, and click . 8 In the Choose Assembly Code dialog, expand C - Interiors C10 - Interior Construction C1010 - Partitions C1010100 - Fixed Partitions, and select C1010145 - Partitions - Drywall w/ Metal Stud. 9 Click OK twice. 10 In the schedule, expand the Assembly Description column to see the description.
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11 Close the exercise file.
Exporting Project Information with ODBC

In this lesson, you learn how to export project information to an ODBC (Open DataBase Connectivity) compatible database.
Exporting Schedule Information to Microsoft Access

In this exercise, you learn how to export project information into a Microsoft Access 2000 database. The process that you use to export the database is similar for any other ODBC-compliant database. Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Uni-Format.rvt. 1 On the File menu, click Export ODBC Database. 2 In the Select Data Source dialog, click the File Data Source tab. 3 Click New. 4 In the Create New Data Source dialog, select the Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb), and click Next. 5 Type RevitDSN for the name of the file data source, and click Next. 6 Click Finish. 7 In the ODBC Microsoft Access Setup dialog, under Database, click Create. 8 In the New Database dialog, for Database Name, type Revit_Project.mdb. 9 Under Directories, select a location for the database file, and click OK to create the database. 10 When the confirmation dialog displays, click OK. 11 Click OK 3 times. 12 Open the database in Microsoft Access. NOTE Depending on your version of Microsoft Access, the database display may be different than that shown.
Revit MEP creates 2 tables for the following categories of elements (see below): one that lists all of the element instances in a project and one that lists all of the element types in a project. Additionally, tables that list instances only are created for levels and rooms because these categories do not have types. A unique element ID is used to identify exported elements, so that each table of elements includes an Id column. Elements IDs are also used to establish relationships between elements in different tables. For example, instance tables include a TypeId column containing the ID of the instances type, and some instance tables include a RoomId column containing the ID of the room that the instance is in. In addition to the tables for instances and types in a category, a table is also created for each key schedule in a project, as long as the category is one of the categories that Revit MEP exports. The exported columns are the same as the columns in the key schedule, in addition to the Id column. Each key schedule gives elements in its category a new parameter, which is used for choosing one of the keys from the key schedule. These parameters are also exported and contain the ID of the key element. One final table is also exported: Assembly Codes. This table contains one row for each Uniformat Assembly Code. The columns of the table are Assembly Code and Assembly Description. The table of types includes an Assembly Code column that references the Assembly Codes table.
13 Close the exercise file.
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686
Annotating and Dimensioning
12
In this tutorial, you learn how to change the base elevation of a project, and how to annotate and dimension your Revit MEP 2009 projects.
Changing the Base Elevation of a Project

In this lesson, you learn how to relocate the base elevation of a project, as the base elevation of most projects is rarely at 0'. You can change the base elevation without changing the elevation value of every other level in the project, or you can change the base elevation and add its value to the levels above it. You accomplish this in Revit MEP by defining levels as either project or shared levels.
Project levels report elevation relative to other levels in the project
687
Shared levels report elevation relative to the base height
Relocating a Project
In this exercise, you relocate the base elevation of a building from 0' to 325'. After you define the building levels as shared and relocate the project, the height of the elevations above Level 1 report height relative to Level 1.
688 | Chapter 12 Annotating and Dimensioning
Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Anno_Dim.rvt.
Define Level 1 as a shared level 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Elevations (Building Elevation), and double-click South. Level 1 displays an elevation value of 0'. The levels in the project are not shared, so changing the height Level 1 would change it only in relation to the other levels in the project.
2 Select the Level 1 line to display it as red. 3 On the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
4 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. In order for the levels to report height relative to the new base elevation after the project is relocated, you must set the Elevation Base parameter to Shared. If you did that now, the parameter for all the levels in the project would change. However, to better demonstrate how shared levels work, only the Elevation Base parameter of Level 1 is shared at this time, and you create a new shared level type for only Level 1. 5 In the Type Properties dialog:

Click Duplicate. In the Name dialog, type 1/4'' Head - Shared Elevation, and click OK. Under Constraints, for Elevation Base, select Shared.
6 Click OK twice. Relocate the project 7 Click Tools menu Project Position/Orientation Relocate this Project. 8 Select the Level 1 line.
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By selecting the Level 1 line, you specify the point (0') from which you want to relocate the project. 9 Move the cursor above the elevation line, type 325', and press ENTER. By typing 325' in this step, you specify the new location of the project. 10 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom All To Fit. The south elevation is displayed. The base elevation now reads 325'. The elevation of the other levels remains the same.
Define the remaining project levels as shared 11 Select the Loft level line. 12 In the Type Selector, select Level : 1/4'' Head - Shared Elevation. 13 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
The reported value of the Loft level changes to take the new base elevation value into consideration.
14 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click North. The changes in elevation have propagated to this view, as well as other views of the building model.
15 Define the remaining levels as shared:
While pressing CTRL, select Levels 2-4, the Penthouse level, and the Roof Plan level.
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In the Type Selector, select Level : 1/4'' Head - Shared Elevation. On the Design Bar, click Modify. All the building levels now report elevations relative to the base elevation.
16 If you want to save your changes, click File menu Save As, and save the exercise file with a unique name. 17 Proceed to the next lesson, Dimensioning on page 692.
Dimensioning
In this lesson, you learn how to create permanent dimensions to control and document your building models. In Revit MEP, there are 2 types of dimensions: temporary and permanent. Temporary dimensions display automatically when you create and insert components. Permanent dimensions must be explicitly created, except when you sketch profiles to complete families. In this case, permanent dimensions are created automatically, although you must turn on their visibility to view them.
Creating Dimensions
In this exercise, you learn how to use dimensioning tools and constraints in Revit MEP to dimension and space planter boxes on the north side of the building. You place linear, multi-segmented, radial, and angular dimensions, and learn to work with dimensioning constraints to control placement of elements in the model.
Linear and multi-segmented dimensions
Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Anno_Dim.rvt Place an overall linear dimension 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1.
2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Dimension. The default dimensioning options display on the Options Bar. By default, dimensions are aligned, snap to wall centerlines, and are created by selecting individual reference points.
3 Move the cursor over the curtain wall on the top left side of the view, and when a blue dashed line displays along the left side of the curtain wall, select it.
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4 Move the cursor over the curtain wall on the top right side of the view, and when a blue dashed line displays along the right side of the curtain wall, select it.
5 Move the cursor above the view, and click to place the dimension.
6 Click the lock that displays on the dimension string to lock the dimension. The lock displays as locked, indicating that you cannot change the distance between the curtain walls without first unlocking the dimension. Only aligned and angular permanent dimensions can be constrained in this way.
7 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Place a multi-segmented dimension 8 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 9 Select the left side of the left curtain wall as you did in a previous step, and move the cursor over the left endpoint of the first planter to the right.
10 Press TAB until the left endpoint of the planter displays, and select it.
11 Using the same method, select the right endpoint of the planter.
12 On the Options Bar, for Prefer, select Wall Faces. 13 Move the cursor to the planter on the right, and select its left exterior face.
14 Move the cursor to the right, and continue to select the endpoints and faces of the planters. 15 After you select the reference points on the final planter, select the right side of the curtain wall. 16 Move the cursor up, above the plan view of the building, but below the first dimension that you placed, and click to place the multi-segmented dimension.
Make the dimension segments equal to space the planters at equal distances 17 With the multi-segmented dimension selected, click to make all the dimension segments equal and reposition the planters equal distances apart from one another.
18 On the Basics tab, click Modify. Create a baseline dimension style 19 Select the dimension string, and on the Options Bar, click 20 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 21 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 22 In the Name dialog, enter Linear - 3/32" Arial - Baseline, and click OK. 23 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Dimension String Type, select Baseline. Create an ordinate dimension style 24 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 25 In the Name dialog, enter Linear - 3/32" Arial - Ordinate, and click OK. 26 In the Type Properties dialog, for Dimension String Type, select Ordinate. 27 Click OK twice. View and apply the new dimension styles 28 Zoom in to the dimension string. The dimensions start from 0' 0" and increase moving away from the origin. .
29 Select the dimension string, and in the Type Selector, select Linear - 3/32" Arial - Baseline. The dimensions are stacked and measure from the same baseline.
30 In the Type Selector, select Linear - 3/32" Arial to return to the original dimension style. Add text below a permanent dimension You can add supplemental text above, below, to the left, or to the right of a permanent dimension value. 31 Click the dimension value to which you want to add text, for example Text dialog displays. 33 Under Text Fields, for Below, enter Planter. 34 Click OK. . The Dimension
32 In the Dimension Text dialog, under Dimension Value, verify that Use Actual Value is selected.
35 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Place a radial dimension with a Typ. suffix 36 Zoom to the planter between grid lines 3 and 4.
37 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 38 On the Options Bar:

Click
(Radial).
For Prefer, select Wall faces.
39 Move the cursor over the left exterior curved face of the planter until it highlights, and select it. 40 Move the cursor outside the wall, and specify a point to place the dimension. 41 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Modify.
42 Select the radial dimension. 43 Select the blue square grip that displays under the dimension value and drag it slightly up and to the right.
44 With the dimension still selected, click the dimension text. 45 In the Dimension Text dialog, for Suffix, type Typ., and click OK. 46 On the Basics tab, click Modify.
Place an angular dimension 47 Zoom to the planter near grid line 5.
48 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Dimension. 49 On the Options Bar:

Click
(Angular).
For Prefer, verify that Wall faces is selected.
50 Select the horizontal line. This line is the edge of a mass that represents the neighboring building.
51 Select the left exterior face of the planter.
52 Move the cursor to the left to resize the dimension arc, and click to place the dimension. 53 On the Basics tab, click Modify.
54 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Automatic Wall Dimensions on page 702.
Creating Automatic Wall Dimensions

In this exercise, you learn to automatically dimension a linear wall and its openings (windows) on the Level 3 floor plan of the building. When you dimension the wall, you select only the wall, instead of the wall and each individual opening reference point. This automatic dimensioning option provides a convenient way to quickly dimension walls with multiple openings.
Automatic wall dimension
Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Anno_Dim.rvt Open the Level 3 floor plan view 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 3. You will dimension the short bottom horizontal wall that includes 3 windows.
Select automatic dimensioning options 2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Dimension. 3 On the Options Bar:

For Prefer, select Wall centerlines. For Pick, select Entire Walls. Click Options.
4 In the Auto Dimension Options dialog:

Under Select references, select Openings, and select Widths. Click OK. These options ensure that the wall dimension includes the openings, and that the opening widths are referenced in the overall dimension string.
Place the dimension 5 Select the bottom exterior wall.
6 Move the cursor down below the plan view, and click to place the automatic dimension string.
Creating Automatic Wall Dimensions | 703
7 On the Basics tab, click Modify.
8 Proceed to the next exercise, Controlling Witness Lines on page 704.
Controlling Witness Lines

In this exercise, you learn to override dimension witness line settings as you place dimensions, and learn how to change the location of witness lines after you place dimensions. When you place dimensions, you specify their origin on the Options Bar. However, in some cases, you may need to override their settings on an instance basis. For example, for a multi-segmented dimension, you may want to locate the two outermost witness lines on the exterior face of each wall, where the witness lines referring to interior walls would be located on the centerline of each wall. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Anno_Dim.rvt Override default dimension witness lines 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1. 2 Zoom to the planter on which you placed a radial dimension.
3 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Dimension. 4 On the Options Bar:

For Prefer, verify Wall centerlines is selected. For Pick, select Individual References.
5 Move the cursor over the left side of the planter.
6 Press TAB to cycle through the selection options until the left face of the planter highlights, and select it.
Controlling Witness Lines | 705
7 Using the same method, select the right edge of the planter, move the cursor down, and click to place the dimension.
8 Move the cursor over the bottom of the planter on which you placed the angular dimension. 9 Press TAB until the bottom left endpoint is highlighted, and select it.
10 Using the same method, select the bottom right endpoint.
11 Move the cursor down, and specify a point to place the dimension.
Dimension the partition walls to centerlines 12 On the Basics tab, click Dimension. 13 On the Options Bar, for Prefer, select Wall centerlines. 14 Move the cursor over the left partition wall in the top left corner of the plan, and when the wall centerline highlights, select it.
Controlling Witness Lines | 707
15 Moving the cursor to the right, select the centerline of each of the 6 remaining partition walls, and click to place the dimension.
16 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Adjust the witness line location on the end dimensions to align them to the faces of wall 17 Select the dimension that you just placed, and zoom in on the right end of the dimension. 18 While pressing SHIFT, select the green grip that displays in the middle of the tick mark, and drag the dimension down the wall.
19 Release SHIFT, select the top blue grip and drag it up to create a witness line gap.
20 Click the blue middle grip, drag it to the right, and press TAB until the dimension aligns with the outer face of the partition wall.
21 Zoom to the partition wall on the left side of the plan, and using the same methods, create a witness line gap and align the dimension to the outer left face of the wall. 22 On the Basics tab, click Modify. 23 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating an Office Standard Dimension Type from Existing Dimensions on page 709.
Creating an Office Standard Dimension Type from Existing Dimensions

In this exercise, you learn how to duplicate the dimension family type of dimension on the floor plan and then modify its parameters to create an office standard dimension style. After you create the new family type, you change the dimension tick mark, text font, and text size parameters to create dimensions that better conform to your office standards.
Creating an Office Standard Dimension Type from Existing Dimensions | 709
Angular and linear dimensions with office standard text and arrows
Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Anno_Dim.rvt Duplicate an existing dimension type 1 On the Level 1 floor plan, zoom to the planter between grid lines 3 and 4, and select the lower dimension.
2 Click
3 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 4 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 5 In the Name dialog, type Office Standard, and click OK. Modify the parameters of the new Office Standard type 6 In the Type Properties dialog:
Under Graphics, for Tick Mark, select Arrow 30 Degree.
Under Text, for Text Size, type 1/8. For Text Font, select CityBlueprint. NOTE Fonts that are available in this list are the Windows fonts installed on your system. If CityBlueprint does not display in the list, select another font.
Click OK twice.
7 On the Basics tab, click Modify. The dimension that you selected previously now displays the new Office Standard family type.
8 Move the cursor to the planter on the right, and select the bottom dimension.
9 In the Type Selector, select Linear Dimension Style: Office Standard. 10 On the Basics tab, click Modify.
Creating an Office Standard Dimension Type from Existing Dimensions | 711
11 Using the same method, select the angular dimension on the planter, create a new angular dimension type, and modify it to use the office standard parameters.
12 Proceed to the next lesson, Creating Text Annotation on page 712.
Creating Text Annotation

In this lesson, you add text notes on the Level 1 floor plan of the building. You create a new office standard text note type by duplicating the family type of a note on the floor plan. You learn how to change the text font and size of text notes, and how to add leaders to the text notes.
Adding Text Notes to the Floor Plan

In this exercise, you add text notes to the Level 1 floor plan. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Anno_Dim.rvt Add a text note 1 On the Level 1 floor plan, zoom to the planter near grid line 5.
2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Text. 3 On the Options Bar, for Leader, click (None).
4 Move the cursor above grid line 4, but below the upper dimension string, and click and drag to create a text box.
Adding Text Notes to the Floor Plan | 713
5 In the text box, type EXISTING BUILDING.
Create a new text note family type by duplicating the existing type 6 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 7 Select the text box, and click .
8 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New. 9 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 10 In the Name dialog box, type 1/4'' Arial Notes, and click OK. 11 Under Text, for Text Size, type 1/4'', and click OK. 12 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, select Arc Leaders, and click OK. You may have to move the text box to avoid overlapping other elements on the floor plan. If so, select and drag the top left blue symbol to relocate the text box.
Create a text box with leaders 13 On the Design Bar, click Text. 14 Create another text box to the right of grid line 4, and type Planting Bed. 15 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
16 Select the Planting Bed text box. 17 On the Options Bar:
Click (Add Right Arc Leader). A downward pointing leader displays on the right side of the Planting Bed text box. Click (Add Left Arc Leader). Another leader displays on the left side of the Planting Bed text box.
Reposition the leaders 18 Select the blue grip at the end of the right leader, and drag it down to point to the bottom of the planter.
19 Select the blue grip at the end of the left leader, and drag it down to point to the bottom of the planter. 20 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
21 Select the Planting Bed text box to select both the text and leaders, and click 22 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 23 In the Type Properties dialog:

Click Rename. In the Rename dialog, for New, type Standard Notes, and click OK. Under Text, for Text Font, select CityBlueprint. Under Graphics, for Leader Arrowhead, select Arrow Filled 15 Degree. Click OK twice.
Add another note using the Standard Note type 25 On the Design Bar, click Text. 26 In the Type Selector, select Text: Standard Notes. 27 On the Options Bar, for Leader, click (Arc).
28 Click the inside bottom face of the rounded planter near grid line 3.
29 Move the cursor up and to the right, over the Planting Bed text. 30 When blue dashed lines that indicate it is aligned with the Planting Bed text, click to place the text box.
31 Click in the text box, and type 18'' Conc. Wall, and click Modify.
32 If you want to save your changes, click File menu Save As, and save the exercise file with a unique name. 33 Close the exercise file without saving your changes.
Detailing
13
In this tutorial, you learn how to create details in Revit MEP 2009. You can detail directly in a view of the building information model, using detail components to represent materials like lumber, plywood, and metal studs. These components display at the required scale. For a detail that you do not want to associate with the model, like a standard door header condition, you use a separate drafting view in which to create the detail. The "drafted" detail that you create is not parametrically linked to the building model.
Creating a Detail from a Building Model

In this lesson, you detail the roof overhang of a project building.
In order to detail from the building model, you must define the view in which you want to create a detail. You define that view by creating a callout view within a section view. In the callout view, you trace over the building model geometry, add detail components, and then complete the detail by adding break lines and text notes.
719
Detailing the View

In this exercise, you detail the view of the roof edge. You load detail components, and use the model as an underlay for the detail. After you add components, you add notes and dimensions to the detail view. The detail components that you add to the view are two-dimensional family objects. They are also view specific, which means that all detail components, as well as detail lines, region objects, and insulation objects, that you add to the view are visible only in this view. Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt.
Display a detail view 1 In the upper left corner of the building model, double-click the detail callout head. The roof overhang detail displays. 2 Click View menu View Properties. 3 In the Element Properties dialog, for Graphics Display Model, select As underlay, and click OK. Load and place a detail component 4 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 5 In the alert dialog, click Yes to load a Detail Items family. 6 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Imperial\Families\i_Corrugated Metal.rfa, and click Open. 7 In the drawing area, click in the space below the roof overhang to place the component. Exact location is not important.
720 | Chapter 13 Detailing
8 Delete the component. You load and place the component so that it is in the project to use in a repeating detail. Place a repeating detail 9 On the Design Bar, click Repeating Detail. 10 On the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
11 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 12 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 13 In the Name dialog, enter Corrugated Metal Siding, and click OK. 14 In the Type Properties dialog, for Pattern Detail, select Corrugated Metal. 15 For Spacing, enter 1' 4". 16 Click OK twice. 17 In the drawing area, click the bottom of the exterior wall to select the start point.
18 Move the cursor up to generate the graphics for the repeating detail. Specify a point high enough so the siding reaches the underside of the roof overhang. NOTE The detail component endpoint may not coincide with the geometry extents.
Detailing the View | 721
19 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 20 Move the component end point:

Select the corrugated metal component, and on the Edit toolbar, click
(Move).
Select the endpoint of the geometry of the corrugated metal component as the move start point. Select the bottom edge of the roof joist as the move end point.
Click Modify.
Add lumber detail components 21 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 22 On the Options Bar, click Load. 23 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Imperial\Families\Detail Components\Div 06-Wood and Plastic\06100-Rough Carpentry\06160-Sheathing\Plywood-Section.rfa, and click Open. 24 In the Type Selector, verify that Plywood-Section : 3/4" is selected. 25 Place the plywood component to the right of the metal component as shown in the following illustration. TIP You may need to use the Move command to adjust the position of the plywood.
Because you still have several components to load, you load them as a group from a single file. Load components as a group 26 Click File menu Load from Library Load File as Group. 27 In the left pane of the Load File as Group dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Imperial\Families\Detail Components\i_Roof Edge Components.rvt, and click Open. 28 In the Duplicate Types dialog, click OK. 29 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 30 In the Type Selector, select Nominal Cut Lumber-Section : 2x6. 31 To properly orient the component, press SPACEBAR 3 times. 32 Click the top right corner of the plywood to select the insertion point.
33 In the Type Selector, select Nominal Cut Lumber-Section : 2x8, and place it in the detail view as shown.
Add wallboard detail component 34 In the Type Selector, select Gypsum Wallboard-Section : 5/8". 35 On the Options Bar, select Chain. 36 Place the wallboard component as shown.
37 Click Modify. 38 Select the horizontal segment, click the Flip instance arrows, and click Modify. The wallboard segment is now on the underside of the roof joist. NOTE You can also press SPACEBAR as you place the component to flip the justification.
Add insulation 39 On the Design Bar, click Insulation. 40 On the Options Bar:

For Width, enter 5 1/2". For Offset, select to near side.
41 Place 2 segments of insulation, as shown.
42 Click Modify. 43 Move the upper segment:

Select the upper segment of insulation, and on the Edit toolbar, click Select the left midpoint of the 2x8 component as the move start point. Select the right midpoint of the 2x8 component as the move end point.
(Move).
Click Modify.
Add lumber components 44 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 45 In the Type Selector, select Nominal Cut Lumber-Section : 2x12. 46 Click to place the component at the lower left corner of the roof overhang as shown.
47 In the Type Selector, select Plywood-Section : 3/4". 48 Place the component directly above the 2x8 component, as shown.
Add rigid insulation 49 In the Type Selector, select Rigid Insulation-Section : 2 1/2". 50 Add the insulation above the plywood you just placed, and lock the component.
51 Click Modify.
52 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Detail Lines on page 727.
Adding Detail Lines

In this exercise, you add lines to your detail. Like detail components, they are view specific, meaning they display only in this view. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt. Add detail lines 1 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines. 2 In the Type Selector, select Thin Lines. 3 Sketch a detail line from the lower right corner of the 2x12 component to the lower left corner of the 2x8 component.
4 Click Modify. 5 Select the vertical plywood component; drag the endpoint up to the top of the 2x8 component.
Add offset lines 6 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines. 7 In the Type Selector, select Thin Lines. 8 On the Options Bar:

Click
(Pick Lines).
For Offset, enter 1/4", and press ENTER.
9 Select the lines at the top of the 2x12 component and the roof joist, as shown. Trim and extend the lines as necessary to get the desired result.
Adding Detail Lines | 727
10 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines. 11 In the Type Selector, select Medium Lines. 12 On the Options Bar:

Click
(Pick Lines).
13 Add detail lines around the 2x12 component, as shown.
Draw detail lines 14 On the Options Bar, click (Draw), and clear Chain.
15 Draw a small diagonal line at the bottom left corner of the 2x12 component, as shown.
16 On the Options Bar, select Chain, and draw the detail lines as shown.
17 Draw a horizontal line as shown.
18 In the Type Selector, select Thin Lines. 19 Zoom in to the area where the roof joist and the corrugated metal component abut; draw the detail lines as shown.
20 Move the top horizontal line down so that it overlays the Penthouse level line. Modify display properties 21 In the drawing area, select the Penthouse level line, right-click, and click Hide in view Elements. 22 In the Project Browser, under Views Detail Views (Detail), right-click Roof Overhang Detail, and click Properties. 23 In the Element Properties dialog, for Graphics Display Model, select Do not display, and click OK. When you turn the display model off, the model elements such as walls and floors no longer display in this view. What remains are the detail components and lines that you added. 24 On the View Control Bar, click Hide Crop Region.
Adding Detail Lines | 729
Add a vapor barrier 25 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines. 26 In the Type Selector, select Vapor Barrier. 27 On the Options Bar:

Click
(Pick Lines).
28 Select the interior edge of the vertical segment of gypsum wallboard, and then select the interior edge of the horizontal segment.
29 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 30 In the Type Selector, select Break Line. 31 Add break lines at the bottom and the right of the detail. TIP To rotate the break line as you place it, press SPACEBAR as necessary.
32 Click Modify. 33 If a break line does not completely mask the portion of the detail that it is intended to mask, select the break line and use the shape handle grips to modify it. 34 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Text Notes on page 731.
Adding Text Notes

In this exercise, you add text notes to complete the detail. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt. Add text notes to the detail 1 On the View Control Bar, specify 3/4" = 1'-0" for the scale. 2 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Text. 3 On the Options Bar, click

(Arc) to create an arced leader.
4 Add the leaders and notes as shown: Click in the detail to specify the location of the arrow. Click again to specify the location of the text box. Enter the text. Click in the drawing area to end the text insertion command.
Add a dimension to the detail 5 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 6 Click the left outer edge of the 2x12 component, click the left edge of the corrugated metal component, and click to place the dimension.
Adding Text Notes | 731
7 Click Modify. 8 Select the dimension line, and click the dimension text. 9 In the Dimension Text dialog, under Text Fields, for Suffix, enter Typ., and click OK.
10 Click File menu Save, and save the exercise file. 11 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Detail Components on page 732.
Creating Detail Components

In this exercise, you modify the previously drawn detail so that you can annotate it with keynotes rather than text notes. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt. Create a duplicate drawing 1 In the Project Browser, under Views (all) Detail Views (Detail), click Roof Overhang Detail, right-click, and click Duplicate View Duplicate with Detailing. 2 Select Copy of Roof Overhang Detail, right-click, and click Rename. 3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Roof Overhang Detail - Keynotes, and click OK. Remove text notes 4 In the drawing area, select a text note, right-click, click Select All Instances, and press DELETE. Convert detail lines to components 5 Use a window to select the entire roof detail; on the Options Bar, click 6 In the Filter dialog, clear Detail Items and Dimensions, and click OK. (Filter Selection).
The selected lines need to be replaced with detail components in order for them to accept a keynote.
7 Click Modify. 8 Zoom in to the metal coping; while pressing CTRL, select all the coping linework. You can also select all the linework by highlighting a segment, pressing TAB, and selecting the chain.
9 Click Edit menu Copy to Clipboard. 10 Click File menu New Family. 11 In the left pane of the New Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Imperial\Templates\Detail Component.rft, and click Open. 12 Click Edit menu Paste from Clipboard. 13 Click the intersection of the reference planes to place the linework.
14 Click Modify. 15 Use a window to select all linework; in the Type Selector, select Medium Lines. 16 Click Modify.
Creating Detail Components | 733
17 Click File menu Save As. 18 In the Save As dialog, navigate to your preferred location; for File name, enter Roof Edge, and click Save. Add components to the detail 19 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. The component family is now part of the roof overhang detail, and the component can be placed in the detail. NOTE If the Roof Overhang Detail - Keynotes view is not the open view, double-click it in the Project Browser. 20 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 21 To place the component, click the bottom left endpoint of the metal coping. 22 Click Modify. 23 Using a window, select the coping. While pressing SHIFT, deselect any extraneous lines that are also selected. 24 On the Options Bar, click .
25 In the Filter dialog, clear Detail Items, and click OK. The original linework remains selected.
26 Press DELETE. The underlying linework is deleted and the detail component remains in the drawing. 27 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 28 On the Options Bar, click Load. 29 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Imperial\Families\Detail Components\i_Metal Fascia w_Drip Edge.rfa, and click Open. 30 In the drawing area, click on the upper end point of the drip edge to place the component. 31 Using the same method used previously, delete the underlying linework. 32 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Keynotes on page 735.
Adding Keynotes
In this exercise, you place keynotes on objects, and add keynote data to components that do not have data associated with them. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt. Add keynotes to components 1 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Keynote Element. 2 In the alert dialog, click Yes to load a Keynote Tag family to the project. 3 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Imperial\Families\Annotations\Keynote Tag.rfa, and click Open. 4 Add the tag:

In the drawing area, select the rigid insulation as the object to tag. Click to place the leader arm. Click the rigid insulation on the roof to place the tag. In the Keynotes dialog, navigate to 07000 07200 07210 07210.B5, 2-1/2" Rigid Insulation, and click OK.
5 Tag additional components:

For the plywood decking, use keynote 06160.D11, 3/4" Plywood. For the metal coping, use keynote 07645.C1, Roof Edge4.
Adding Keynotes | 735
6 Click Modify. Assign keynote parameter to a component 7 In the drawing area, select the metal fascia with drip edge, and click 8 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 9 In the Type Properties dialog, for Identity Data Keynote, click in the Value column, and click . 10 In the Keynotes dialog, navigate to 07645.F1, FasciaProfile_1. 11 Click OK 3 times. 12 On the Design Bar, click Keynote Element. 13 Tag components:
Tag the metal fascia with drip edge. Because you defined the keynote parameter as part of the component properties, the keynote is automatically read when you place the tag. For the 2x12, use keynote 06110.I1. For the 2x8, use keynote 06110.G1. For the 2x6, use keynote 06110.F1. For the 3/4" Plywood Siding, use keynote 06160.D11. For the 2 instances of the 5/8" Gypsum Wallboard, use keynote 09250.D1.
14 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 15 In the Type Selector, select Corrugated Metal. 16 Place an instance of the component directly on top of the bottom segment of the corrugated metal repeating component. You do this in order to keynote the component; a repeating detail cannot be keynoted. 17 Keynote the component, using keynote 07460.A8, 7/8" Corrugated Steel - 20 Ga. 18 Save the file. 19 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Line-based Detail Components on page 737.
Creating Line-based Detail Components

In this exercise, you convert detail lines to detail components so that you can add keynotes to them. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt. Create a detail component 1 Click File menu New Family. 2 In the left pane of the New Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Imperial\Templates\Detail Component line based.rft, and click Open. 3 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Lines. 4 In the Type Selector, select Medium Lines. 5 In the drawing area, select the left end point of the reference line, and select the right end point. 6 Lock the line, and click Modify. 7 Click File menu Save As. 8 In the Save As dialog, navigate to your preferred location; for File name, enter i_Medium Line Detail Component, and click Save. 9 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. Convert detail lines to components 10 In the drawing area, select the horizontal line under the roof overhang as shown.
11 Press DELETE. 12 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Detail Component. The deleted line needs to be replaced with a detail component in order for it to accept a keynote. 13 In the Type Selector, select Medium Line Detail Component. 14 Add the component in the location of the previously deleted horizontal line. 15 Click Modify. 16 Select the component, and click (Element Properties).
17 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 18 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 19 In the Name dialog, enter Prefinished Metal Soffit Panel. 20 Click OK 3 times. Load line-based detail components 21 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 22 On the Options Bar, click Load.
Creating Line-based Detail Components | 737
23 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Imperial\Families\Detail Components. 24 While pressing CTRL, select i_Hidden Line Detail Component, i_Invisible Line Detail Component, and i_Light Line Detail Component, and click Open. 25 Next, you create line-based detail components for other line weights (light, invisible, and hidden) used in the view. You add the components to the project and keynote them. Add light line components 26 Zoom to the roof overhang. 27 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 28 In the Type Selector, select i_Light Line Detail Component. 29 In the drawing area, click the end points of the long detail line above the roof. 30 Click Modify. 31 Select the component, and click .
32 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 33 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 34 In the Name dialog, enter EPDM Membrane, and click OK. 35 In the Type Properties dialog, for Identity Data Keynote, click in the Value column, and click . 36 In the Keynotes dialog, navigate to 07000 07500 07530 07530.A1, Single-Ply Membrane Roofing. 37 Click OK 3 times. 38 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 39 Add the Light Line Detail Component to the underside of the overhang.
40 Click Modify. 41 Select the component just added, and click .
42 Using the same method used previously, name the component 2 x 8 Framing, and assign it keynote 06110.G1. 43 Zoom to the repeating component. 44 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 45 Click the upper end of the repeating detail, and click the lower end at the break line. 46 Click Modify. 47 Select the component, and click .
48 Using the same method used previously, name the component Air Barrier, and assign it keynote 07260.A5. 49 With the component selected, on the Edit toolbar, click 50 Move the air barrier to the right, against the 3/4" plywood. (Move).
Add a vapor barrier component 51 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 52 In the Type Selector, select i_Hidden Line Detail Component. 53 On the Options Bar, select Chain. 54 Create the component by drawing over the vertical and horizontal dashed detail lines that represent the vapor barrier.
55 Click Modify. 56 Delete both dashed detail lines, leaving the detail component lines. 57 Select the vertical hidden line component, and click .
Creating Line-based Detail Components | 739
58 Using the method used previously, name the component Vapor Barrier, and assign it keynote 07260.A4. Add keynotes 59 Zoom to the drawing extents. 60 On the Design Bar, click Keynote Element. 61 In the drawing area, add keynotes for the EPDM Membrane, Air Barrier, 2 x 8 Framing, and Vapor Barrier.
Create an invisible line component 62 Click Window menu i_Medium Line Detail Component.rfa. 63 In the drawing area, select the component; in the Type Selector, select Invisible Lines. 64 Save the file as i_Invisible Line Detail Component.rfa. 65 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 66 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 67 In the Type Selector, select i_Invisible Line Detail Component. 68 In the drawing area, draw a line in the center of the large vertical segment of insulation.
69 Select the component, and click
70 Using the method used previously, name the component Batt Insul., and assign it keynote 07210.A4. 71 In the drawing area, add a keynote for the component. 72 Save the file. 73 Proceed to the next exercise, Modifying a Keynote Database on page 741.
Modifying a Keynote Database

In this exercise, you add keynote information for a detail component to the database text file. You are then able to assign the keynote to the component in the drawing. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt. Add information to the text file 1 In Windows Explorer, navigate to Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RAC 2008\Training\Imperial, and double-click i_Example_RevitKeynotes.txt. The database file opens in a text editor. 2 Add keynote information for the metal soffit:

Position the cursor at the end of the line that begins with 07460.A9, and press ENTER. Enter 07463.A1, and press TAB. Enter Pre-Finished Metal Soffit, and press TAB. Enter 07460.
3 In the text editor, click File menu Save, and close the text editor. Update keynote settings 4 In Revit MEP, click Settings menu Keynoting. 5 In the Keynoting Settings dialog, under Keynote Table, click Browse. 6 In the Browse for Keynote File dialog, navigate to i_Example_RevitKeynotes.txt, and click Open. 7 In the Keynoting Settings dialog, under Path Type, select Absolute, and click OK. Work with keynotes 8 On the Design Bar, click Keynote Element. 9 In the drawing area, select the metal soffit (horizontal line under the overhang); click to place the leader, and click to place the note. 10 In the Keynotes dialog, navigate to 07463.A1, and click OK. 11 Click Modify. 12 Apply various keynote styles:

In the drawing area, select all the keynotes. In the Type Selector, select Keynote Tag : Keynote Number. Each keynote displays as a simple number. Select Keynote Tag : Keynote Text. The descriptive text for each keynote displays.
Modifying a Keynote Database | 741
Change the keynote style back to the boxed number type.
13 Click Modify. 14 Save the file.
Creating a Drafted Detail

In this lesson, you learn how to create a drafted detail. Drafted details are created in drafting views and are not directly based on building model geometry. These details do not update with changes to the building model, as there is no parametric linkage to any building model components. You can create details in drafting views when you do not need to create callout views from the building model. You can create drafted details using the drafting tools in Revit MEP or by importing details from an existing detail library. After you create a drafting view, you can reference it within the model and place it on a sheet.
Importing a Detail into a Drafting View

In this exercise, you place an existing detail in a new drafting view to create a drafted detail. The detail that you import is in DWG format. Training File Use the training file you used in a previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt. Create a new drafting view 1 Click View menu New Drafting View. 2 In the New Drafting View dialog, for Scale, select 3" = 1'-0", and click OK. Import a complete detail in DWG format 3 Click File menu Import/Link CAD Formats. 4 In the Import/Link CAD Formats dialog:

In the left pane, click Training Files. Navigate to Imperial\i_Roof Edge Detail.dwg. For Colors, select Black and White. For Positioning, verify that Auto - Center to Center is selected.
Click Open.
5 Enter zf to zoom to the detail. The detail is imported as an import symbol.
6 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) Drafting Views (Detail), right-click Drafting 1, and click Rename. 7 In the Rename View dialog, enter EPDM Metal Coping, and click OK. 8 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Reference Callout on page 743.
Creating a Reference Callout

In this exercise, you create a callout in the section view of the building model to reference the metal coping detail that you previously imported. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt. Create the callout view 1 In the Project Browser, under Views (all) Detail Views (Detail), double-click Roof Overhang Detail to open it in the drawing area. 2 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Callout. 3 On the Options Bar, select Reference other view, and select Drafting View: EPDM Metal Coping. 4 Add the callout bubble by dragging a rectangular bubble around the metal coping.
5 Click Modify. 6 Select the callout, and use the callout grips to move the callout head.
Creating a Reference Callout | 743
Modify detail view properties 7 In the Project Browser, right-click EPDM Metal Coping, and click Properties. 8 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 9 In the Type Properties dialog, click Rename. 10 In the Rename dialog, for New, enter Detail - No Reference, and click OK. 11 In the Type Properties dialog, for Graphics Reference Label, delete the existing value. 12 Click OK twice. The callout head no longer displays a reference label.
Display the reference view 13 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and double-click the callout. The metal coping detail that you imported previously displays. Add the drafting view to a sheet 14 In the Project Browser, under Views (all) Sheets (all), double-click A105 - Elev./Sect./Details. 15 Under Drafting Views (Detail - No Reference), drag EPDM Metal Coping onto the sheet. 16 Click on the sheet above the Roof Overhang Detail to place the drafting view. 17 Click Window menu Detail View: Roof Overhang Detail. The callout is updated with the sheet information.
18 Save the file. 19 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Detail in a Drafting View on page 745
Creating a Detail in a Drafting View

In this exercise, you create a door head condition in the new drafting view. There is no existing DWG file for this door detail. Modeling elements at this level of detail may be time consuming and can reduce the overall performance of the product, so you use Revit MEP tools to draft the detail.
Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt. Create a drafting view 1 Click View menu New Drafting View. 2 In the New Drafting View dialog, for Name, enter Header @ Sliding Door, and click OK. 3 On the View Control Bar, verify that the scale is 3" = 1'-0". Add a detail component 4 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Detail Component.
Creating a Detail in a Drafting View | 745
5 In the Type Selector, select Nominal Cut Lumber-Section : 2x6. 6 Click in the drawing area to place 2 instances as shown. Press SPACEBAR to rotate the component as you place it.
Create a filled region 7 On the Design Bar, click Filled Region. You sketch filled regions to represent gypsum wall board. 8 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Region Properties. 9 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 10 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 11 In the Name dialog, enter Gyp. Board, and click OK. 12 In the Type Properties dialog, for Graphics Fill Pattern, click 13 In the Fill Patterns dialog, for Name, select Gypsum-Plaster. 14 Click OK 3 times. 15 Draw the region:

On the Options Bar, click
Select the lower left corner of the 2x6 lumber as the start point. Draw a rectangle as shown.
16 Select the left edge of the region, select the width dimension, and enter 5/8". 17 Click Modify. 18 While pressing CTRL, select the left and bottom edges of the region. 19 In the Type Selector, select Wide Lines. 20 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch.
Mirror the region 21 Select the filled region, and on the Edit toolbar, click 22 On the Options Bar, click 23 Draw the mirror line:

(Mirror).
(Draw).
Select the midpoint of the upper 2x6 as the start point. Move the cursor up, and click above the top of the region as the end point.
24 Select the mirrored region, and drag the bottom up to just below the top of the upper 2x6.
25 Click Modify. Add wood filled regions 26 On the Design Bar, click Filled Region. 27 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Region Properties. 28 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 29 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 30 In the Name dialog, enter Wood - Finish, and click OK. 31 In the Type Properties dialog, for Graphics Fill Pattern, click 32 In the Fill Patterns dialog, for Name, select Wood - Finish. 33 Click OK 3 times. 34 Draw the region:

On the Options Bar, click
(Rectangle).
Select the lower left corner of the left gypsum board region as the start point. Draw a rectangle as shown; verify that the thickness is 3/4".
35 Select all the linework for the wood region; in the Type Selector, select Medium Lines. 36 Align the wood region to the 2x6:

On the Tools toolbar, click
(Align).
Select the right edge of the lower 2x6, and select the right edge of the wood region.
37 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch.
38 On the Design Bar, click Filled Region. 39 In the Type Selector, select Medium Lines. 40 On the Options Bar, click .
41 Beginning at the lower right of the wood region, sketch the new region as shown; verify that the width is 3/4" and the height is 2 1/2".
42 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. Add a reference plane 43 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane. 44 On the Options Bar:

Click
(Pick Lines).
45 Select the top of the vertical wood region to place the reference plane above it. You use the reference plane as an alignment reference for the gypsum board region above it.
46 On the Tools toolbar, click 48 Click Modify.
(Align).
47 Click the reference plane, and click the bottom of the gypsum board region.
Add a door panel 49 On the Design Bar, click Filled Region. 50 On the Options Bar:

Click
(Pick Lines).
51 Select the left edge of the horizontal wood region. 52 On the Options Bar:

Click
(Draw).
For Offset, enter 0, and press ENTER. Select Chain.
53 Draw the door panel outline:

Click the top endpoint of the offset line. Move the cursor left 1", and click to select the point. Move the cursor down 1', and click to select the point. Move the cursor right 1", and click to select the point.
(Trim/Extend).
55 Select the small vertical line of the door panel sketch, and select the bottom horizontal line. 56 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch.
Add detail lines for mounting/sliding hardware 57 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines. 58 In the Type Selector, select Medium Lines. 59 On the Options Bar:

Click
(Pick Lines).
60 Select the left, top, and right edges of the door panel region.
61 Click Modify. 62 Select the left detail line, select the height dimension, enter 3", and press ENTER. 63 Repeat for the right detail line.
Add mounting/sliding hardware 64 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 65 On the Options Bar, click Load. 66 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Imperial\Families\Detail Components\Div 05-Metals\05090-Metal Fastenings\A307 Bolts-Side.rfa, and click Open. 67 Add the bolt to the right side of the lower wood region as shown. TIP Press the SPACEBAR as necessary to rotate the bolt to the correct orientation.
68 Click Modify. 69 Select the bolt; drag the left shape handle until the nut is against the detail line.
70 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 71 On the Options Bar, click Load. 72 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Imperial\Families\Detail Components\Div 05-Metals\05090-Metal Fastenings\Expansion Bolts-Side.rfa, and click Open. 73 Add the component to the left side of the lower 2x6. NOTE Exact sizes and positioning are not critical when creating the remainder of the detail; use the images as a guide.
74 Select the expansion bolt; drag the right shape handle until the bolt end is just past the midpoint of the 2x6. Add detail lines 75 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines. 76 In the Type Selector, select Wide Lines. 77 Draw a line at the base of the bolt head as shown.
78 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines. 79 In the Type Selector, select Thin Lines. 80 On the Options Bar, click .
81 Draw the rectangle to the left of the wide line as shown.
82 Select the rectangle, and on the Edit toolbar, click 83 Select the wide detail line as the axis of reflection. 84 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines. 85 On the Options Bar, click .
(Mirror).
86 Draw a small rectangle between the mirrored rectangles as shown.
87 Click Modify. 88 Select the detail line to the left of the lower wood region; drag the top end above the mirrored rectangles as shown.
89 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines. 90 In the Type Selector, select Medium Lines. 91 Draw a small line from the midpoint of the left mirrored rectangle to the left, as shown. Do not extend the line to the vertical detail line.
92 Select the line, and on the Edit toolbar, click
(Mirror).
93 Select the wide detail line as the axis of reflection.
94 Select the mirrored line on the right, select the length dimension, enter 1/8", and press ENTER. 95 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines. 96 Beginning at the end of the 1/8" line, draw a line up to the height of the other detail line. 97 On the Options Bar, click .
98 Click the end of the detail line on the left, and click to place the arc as shown.
99 Click Modify. Add two break lines 100 Zoom to the drawing extents. 101 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component. 102 In the Type Selector, select Break Line. 103 Add two break lines as shown. TIP Rotate and move the break lines as necessary to adjust the masking elements.
Add dimensions 104 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 105 In the drawing area, select the left edge of the horizontal wood region, and select the right edge of the adjoining vertical region. 106 Click to place the dimension, and click Modify.
107 Select the dimension line, and on the Options Bar, click 108 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New.
You create a dimension style for detailing that rounds to a more precise measurement than the default. Because detail measurements are typically less than a foot, the new style displays only inches. 109 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 110 In the Name dialog, enter Detail Linear - 3/32" Arial, and click OK. 111 In the Type Properties dialog, for Text Units Format, click in the Value column. 112 In the Format dialog:

Clear Use project settings. For Rounding, select To the nearest 1/16". Select Suppress 0 Feet.
113 Click OK 3 times. The dimension display is updated. 114 On the Design Bar, click Dimension.
115 In the Type Selector, select Linear Dimension Style : Detail Linear 3/32" Arial. 116 Add a multi-segment dimension line as shown, and click Modify.
117 Select the dimension line; using the Drag Text grip, drag the text for the smaller dimension.
Add dimension overrides to represent different wall types 118 Select the wall dimension, and then click the dimension text. 119 In the Dimension Text dialog, under Dimension Value, select Replace With Text, and enter Varies. 120 Under Text Fields, for Below, enter See Schedule. 121 Click OK.
Add dimension strings based on the wall type 122 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 123 In the Type Selector select Linear Dimension Style: Detail Linear - 3/32Arial. 124 Click to place additional dimensions on the wall as shown.
125 Select Modify to end the command. Add dimension overrides to represent different wall types. 126 Select the topmost of the 3 wall dimensions, and click the dimension text. 127 In the Dimension Text dialog, under Dimension Value, select Replace With Text, and enter 6 7/8" @ Type A. 128 Click OK. 129 Repeat this process for the next 2 dimensions:

Enter 7 " @ Type B. Enter 9 " @ Type C.
130 Click OK.
Add text notes to complete the detail 131 On the Design Bar, click Text. 132 In the Options Bar, click to create an arced leader.
133 In the drawing area, select the gypsum board region on the left, and click to place the text. 134 Enter Gyp. Board, and click Modify.
135 Select the note, and on the Options Bar, click
(Add Right Arc Leader).
136 Drag the end of the new leader to the other gypsum board region.
137 Add leaders and text notes to the detail as shown.
138 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command. 139 Save the file.
Finishing the Sheets
14
In this tutorial, you perform tasks to provide finishing touches on your project documentation, including:

Creating a note block that contains typical construction notes Creating a drawing list that is automatically populated based on filter selections Creating the 2 most common types of legends produced for construction: annotation legends and building component legends Tracking and documenting revisions in the project Importing resources (images and text) from other applications into project sheets
Using Note Blocks

In this lesson, you create a typical note block to annotate repairs and renovations to the exterior of the building.
Creating a Note Block

In this exercise, you add typical construction notes to sheets and then create a note block to expose the note text. The note block can be used to schedule parameters assigned to a generic annotation family. Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets.rvt.
Load a generic annotation family 1 In the Project Browser, expand Elevations (Building Elevation), and double-click East.
761
2 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Symbol. 3 Click Yes to load a generic annotation family into the project. 4 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Families\Annotations\Sheet Keynote - Hexagon.rfa. 5 On the Options Bar, for Number of Leaders, type 1. 6 Click in the drawing area to the right of the building to place a hexagon tag.
7 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 8 Select the keynote, and drag the endpoint of the leader to position it on the right front door.
762 | Chapter 14 Finishing the Sheets
9 Drag the midpoint of the leader to position it as shown:
Create annotation marks for items requiring notes
10 With the tag selected, on the Options Bar, click
11 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Text, type Seal existing doors and insulate, and click OK. 12 On the Edit toolbar, click (Copy).
13 Select the tag, and click above the tag to place the copy.
Creating a Note Block | 763
14 With the copy selected, on the Options Bar, click
15 For Text, type Repair existing door surround. Contact Historic Preservation District official for specific requirements. 16 For Tag, type B. 17 Click OK. 18 Using the same method, make another copy of the tag and place it on the left side of the building.
19 With the tag selected, on the Edit toolbar, click Copy.
(Mirror), and on the Options Bar, clear
20 To create a vertical mirror image of the tag so the leader points toward the building, position the cursor over the hexagon tag until a vertical bar displays, and click.
21 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 22 Optionally, using the table as a reference, and moving counter-clockwise, continue tagging the building as shown in the following illustration: Tag
A B
Text
Seal existing doors and insulate. Repair existing door surround. Contact Historic Preservation District official for specific requirements. Clean and repair stone parapet cap as required. Clean and repair existing stone trim as required. Remove all existing windows. Clean opening and repair as required for new window installation. Clean exterior brick wall. Tuckpoint as required. Clean existing concrete loading dock. Repair as required.
Creating a Note Block | 765
Tag
H
Text
Saw cut existing brick wall. Clean cut and repair wall as required.
Create, format, and place a note block on a sheet 23 Click View menu New Note Block. 24 In the New Note Block dialog, for Note block name, type Exterior Construction Notes, and click OK. 25 Specify values in the Note Block Properties dialog:

On the Fields tab, under Available fields, select Tag, and click Add. Select Text, and click Add. On the Sorting/Grouping tab, for Sort by, select Tag. On the Formatting tab, for Heading, type Mark, and for Alignment, select Center. On the Appearance tab, for Header text, verify that Arial is selected, for the value, type 1/4'', and select Bold.
26 Click OK. The Exterior Construction Notes block displays.
27 In the column header (text), type Description. 28 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets (all), and double-click A103 - Elevations. 29 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, select Exterior Construction Notes, and drag it to the sheet. 30 Click to place the block in the upper left corner of the sheet, and drag the right column control to expand the column to display the note text.
31 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 32 Zoom in to see the note block.
33 Save the file as Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt.
Using Drawing Lists

In this lesson, you quickly create a drawing list that is automatically generated from the drawings available in the project.
Creating a Drawing List

In this exercise, you create an automatically populated drawing list for placement on the title sheet of the project. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click T - Title Sheet.
Using Drawing Lists | 767
2 Click View menu New Drawing List. 3 Specify values in the Drawing List Properties dialog:

On the Fields tab, under Available fields, select Sheet Number, and click Add. Select Sheet Name, and click Add. On the Filter tab, for Filter by, in the first field, select Sheet Number, in the second field, select does not equal, and in the third field, type T. On the Sorting/Grouping tab, for Sort by, select Sheet Number.
4 Click OK. The drawing list displays.
5 In the list title field, change Drawing List to Sheet Index. 6 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click T - Title Sheet. 7 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, select Sheet Index, and drag it to the sheet. 8 Click to place it on the sheet in the lower right corner, and expand the right column to accommodate the text.
9 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 10 Zoom in to the drawing list.
11 Save the file.
Using Legends
Legends provide a way to display a list of the various building components and annotations used in a project. The two most common types of legends produced for construction documents are annotation legends and building component legends. Annotation legends are made up of components (such as section markers and door tags) that are paired with text that identifies them. On construction documents, annotation legends are often referred to as symbol legends. Building component legends list and identify components such as walls, windows, doors, and door frames. On construction documents, building component legends are often called schedules (wall type schedule, door frame schedule, and so on). NOTE A component that is placed in a legend does not count as an additional instance of the component in the Revit MEP building model, and thus is not added to the number of instances of that component listed on a schedule or note block.
Creating a Symbol Legend

In this exercise, you create a legend view and add symbols and text to it. For the text, you use a text type you create by duplicating an existing text type and modifying the type properties. Finally, you add the completed symbol legend to multiple sheets for easy reference. Training File
Using Legends | 769
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Imperial\i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt. Create a legend view 1 Click View menu New Legend. 2 In the New Legend View dialog, for Name, type Typical Symbol Legend, and click OK. Add symbols to the legend 3 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Symbol. 4 Add the following symbols to the legend view, selecting each from the Type Selector and placing it in the legend as shown.

Custom-Section Head: Section Head - Open Level Head - Circle Door Tag Window Tag Sheet Keynote - Hexagon : Tag
Create a text type 5 On the Design Bar, click Text. Because the text size for the symbol legend is not available in the Type Selector, you create a text type with the necessary size. You do this by duplicating the standard text type and modifying the type properties.
7 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 8 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate, for Name, type Legend Text, and click OK. 9 For Text Font, select Arial. 10 For Text Size, type 1/8'', and click OK twice.
Add text to the legend
11 In the Type Selector, verify that Text : Legend Text is selected, and for Leader, verify that is selected. 12 Click to the right of the first symbol to specify the text start point. 13 Type Detail Callout for the text note. 14 Working from the top down, type the following text for the remaining symbols in the legend:

Level Indicator Door Tag Window Tag Sheet Keynote
Place the symbol legend on a sheet 15 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets (all), and double-click A101 - Site Plan/Floor Plan. 16 In the Project Browser, expand Legends, click Typical Symbol Legend, drag it to the lower right corner of the sheet, and click to place it.
Creating a Symbol Legend | 771
17 In the Type Selector, select Viewport : Viewport /no titlemark. 18 On the Design Bar, click Modify. The symbol legend is added to the project sheet. 19 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, double-click A102 - Unit 18. 20 Drag Typical Symbol Legend to the lower right corner of the sheet, and click to place it.
21 In the Type Selector, select Viewport : Viewport /no titlemark. 22 On the Design Bar, click Modify. A legend view is unlike any other view and can be placed onto multiple sheets for reference where required. 23 Save the file.
Creating a Component Legend

In this exercise, you create a building component legend for the wall types in the building model. You use the text type that you created in a previous exercise to create annotations that identify the material used in each wall component. You then add the completed legend to a project sheet. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt. Create a legend view 1 Click View menu New Legend. 2 In the New Legend View dialog, for Name, type 4th Floor Wall Types. 3 For Scale, select 3/4'' = 1'-0'', and click OK. Add components to the legend 4 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Legend Component. 5 On the Options Bar:

For Family, select Walls: Basic Wall: 4th Floor Balcony Divider. For View, select Section. For Host length, type 3', and press ENTER.
6 Click near the top left of the drawing area to specify the insertion point for the wall. 7 Click directly below the first wall to place a second wall.
8 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 9 Select the second wall, and on the Options Bar, for Family, select Walls : Basic wall : 4th Floor Exterior.
Creating a Component Legend | 773
Add titles to the legend components 10 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Text. 11 In the Type Selector, verify that Text : Legend Text is selected. 12 On the Options Bar, for Leader, click to add text without a leader.
13 Click below the upper wall component to specify the start point for the text, and type Wall Type 1 Patio Divider. NOTE Press ENTER to force the text to start on the next line, for example to force a line break between ''Wall Type 1'' and ''Patio Divider.'' 14 Click below the lower wall and type Wall Type 2 Exterior Wall.
Add text to the legend
to add text with a single-segment leader.
16 Click the right side of the Wall Type 1 component to specify the leader start point. 17 Click to the right of the wall to end the leader and specify the text start point. 18 Type the following text, pressing ENTER between component descriptions, and click Modify on the Design Bar: 1'' Decking 2x4 Stud 1'' Decking. The text note with leader is added to the legend.
19 Use the following illustration as a guide for entering the text annotations on the lower wall component.
Place the legend on a sheet 20 In the Project Browser, right-click Sheets (all), and click New Sheet. 21 In the Select a Titleblock dialog, click OK to accept the default titleblock. 22 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, select Level 4, and drag it to the new sheet. 23 Click to place the floor plan on the right side of the sheet.
24 In the Project Browser, under Legends, select 4th Floor Wall Types, drag it onto the sheet, and click to place it in the upper left corner of the sheet.
25 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command. The floor plan and legend are added to the new sheet. Tile views in the drawing window 26 In the Project Browser, double-click 4th Floor Wall Types. 27 Click Window menu Close Hidden Windows. 28 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 4. 29 Click Window menu Tile. The open drawings are both visible, allowing you to select a component type in one drawing and then apply the type in the second drawing.
Match a component type
(Match Type).
31 In the 4th Floor Wall Types Legend view, select the Wall Type 2 component. Notice that the eyedropper changes to filled, indicating that it captured the wall type properties.
32 In the floor plan view, zoom to the lower right area of the floor plan including the patio divider wall.
33 Select the patio divider wall. 34 On the View Control Bar, select Detail Level: Medium. Changing the detail level displays the hatching for each material of the wall component. The wall type in the floor plan matches wall type 2 from the Wall Type Legend.
35 Optionally, click 36 Save the file.
if you do not want to save the change to the wall type.
Using Revision Tracking

Revit MEP provides tools that enable you to track revisions to your project. You can create a sequence of revisions, and you can draw revision clouds around elements in your project that have changed. You can use revision tags to notate the revision clouds, and can then display the revisions in schedules that appear in the titleblock of each project sheet.
Setting Up a Revision Table

There are likely to be changes to your construction documents after you have issued the original set of documents for bid or after you have received a signed contract. These changes can be due to owner requests, contractor inquiries, unanticipated changes in construction conditions, or changes in building material availability. In this exercise, you open a revision table in which you can add rows that represent a sequence of revisions. Using the table, you can specify the numbering method for revisions in a project, and you can add data such as release date and description to each revision. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt. Specify a revision numbering method 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 4.
Using Revision Tracking | 779
2 Click Settings menu Revisions. 3 On the right side of the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog, for Numbering, verify that Per Project is selected. When you use this option, the revisions are numbered according to the sequence of revisions in the Revisions dialog. For example, if the active revision is number 1, all tags and schedules display the numeral 1. If you select Per Sheet, the revisions are numbered according to the sequence in which they are added to a sheet. Add a revision to the project 4 For Date, type a date. This is the date the revisions are sent out for review. 5 For Description, type Relocate 4th floor partition dividing walls. In general, revision descriptions should be comprehensive, yet as concise as possible. 6 Verify that Issued is cleared. When Issued is selected, the revision is locked and issued to the field. 7 Under Show, verify that Cloud and Tag is selected. If Visible is not selected, any revision cloud you draw to indicate this particular revision is not visible in the view in which you create it. In most instances, you would turn off visibility only after a revision was issued.
8 Click OK. 9 Save the file.
Sketching Revision Clouds

In this exercise, you make changes to the project floor plan, and then indicate the changes graphically with a revision cloud. Revision clouds have read-only properties, including revision number and revision date, which are inherited from the revision table you created for the project. You can sketch revision clouds in all views except 3D views, but each cloud is visible only in the view in which it is sketched. You can draw multiple revision clouds for each revision. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt. Modify a wall 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 4. 2 Zoom in to the left area of the drawing to see the 4th Floor Balcony Divider.
3 Select the divider. 4 On the Edit toolbar, click (Move).
5 Select the divider, move the cursor up, and click to reposition the divider closer to the upper wall. 6 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Sketching Revision Clouds | 781
Add a revision cloud 7 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Revision Cloud. Revit MEP is now in sketch mode. NOTE To turn off snaps when drawing a revision cloud, click Settings menu Snaps. In the Snaps dialog, select Snaps Off, and click OK. 8 In the drawing area, click near the partition you moved, and move the cursor clockwise to create a segment of the revision cloud.
9 Click to end that segment and begin a new segment. 10 Continue adding segments until the cloud encompasses the area that you changed. 11 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. The revision cloud is displayed around the modified partition.
Modify revision cloud style 12 Select the revision cloud. 13 Click Settings menu Object Styles. 14 In the Object Styles dialog, click the Annotation Objects tab. 15 Under the Revision Clouds category, for Line Weight, select 6. 16 Click OK.
17 Save the file.
Tagging Revision Clouds

In this exercise, you load a revision tag into the project, and then apply the tag to the revision cloud in the current drawing. The tag number that is displayed in the drawing is based on the numbering method you specified when you set up the revision table in a previous exercise. Training File
Tagging Revision Clouds | 783
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt. Load a revision tag 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 4. 2 Zoom in to the area with the revision cloud. 3 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 4 On the Options Bar, click Tags. 5 In the Tags dialog, scroll down to Revision Clouds. Because there are no tags loaded for revision clouds, you need to add one. 6 Click Load. 7 In the left pane of the dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Families\Annotations\Revision Tag.rfa. 8 In the Tags dialog, notice that Revision Tag is the loaded tag for Revision Clouds; click OK. Tag a revision cloud 9 On the Options Bar, select Leader. 10 In the drawing area, position the cursor just outside the revision cloud to the left. If the cursor is just inside the cloud, the tag is displayed inside the cloud. 11 Click to place the tag. The tag displays the revision number of the cloud. The number is based on the numbering method you specified when you set up the revision table. Because you chose to number by project, and because the revision is the first in the project, the cloud is tagged as number 1.
12 Save the file.
Working with Revisions

In this exercise, you view a sheet on which you place a revised view. You then issue a revision, which creates a record of the revision and locks it from further changes. Because a real-world project can undergo several revisions before it is completed, you create additional revisions in the revision table. Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt. View the revision schedule on a sheet 1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, double-click A107 - Unnamed. 2 Zoom to the revision schedule in the sheet titleblock. The information you added to the revision table in a previous exercise is displayed in the revision schedule. After you make the necessary changes to the project and add the revised views to a sheet, you prevent further changes to the revision. You do this by issuing the revision.
Issue a revision 3 Click Settings menu Revisions. 4 For the Sequence 1 revision, select Issued, and click OK. NOTE After you issue a revision, you can no longer modify it. You cannot add revision clouds to the revision in the drawing area, nor can you edit the sketch of the existing clouds. Create additional revisions 5 Click Settings menu Revisions. Your project may have several revisions before it is completed. You can continue to add revisions. 6 In the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog, click Add. A new row is added below the existing rows in the revision table. 7 For Description, type Modify Paving Area, and enter a date for the revision. 8 Add another revision row, with the description Relocate Door, and enter a date. 9 Click OK.
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Change revision scheme from numeric to alphabetic You place the new revisions on a sheet, and then specify the revision table sequence to alphabetic. 10 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 4. 11 On the Drafting tab, select Revision Cloud. 12 In the drawing area, click to add a revision clouds.
13 Click Finish Sketch. Apply revisions to revision clouds 14 In the drawing area, select the revision cloud. 15 On the Options Bar, for Revision, select Seq. 2 - Modify Paving Area. 16 Add another revision cloud as shown.
17 Using the same method learned previously, apply Seq. 3 - Relocate Door to the revision cloud. Tag the revision clouds 18 On the Drafting tab, select Tag By Category. 19 To add tags, in the drawing area, click outside each of the two revision clouds you just drew. 20 On the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A107 - Unnamed. 21 Zoom in to the revision schedule in the titleblock. Information for all tagged revisions displays in the schedule.
Change the sequencing of revision to use alpha characters 22 Click Settings menu Revisions. 23 In the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog:
For Sequence 1, clear Issued. You do this so that the revision can be changed. You want to change the numbering value from numeric to alphabetic for all sequences. For each revision, for Numbering, select Alphabetic. Click Options. You can modify the sequence of characters used for the alphabetic numbering scheme.
24 In the Sequence Options dialog, for Sequence, delete the first 3 characters. 25 Click OK twice. The revision schedule now uses alphabetic characters, beginning with "D".
Edit the titleblock family The revision schedule is part of the titleblock family. In order to make formatting changes (appearance, height, and rotation) to the revision schedule, you edit the titleblock family. 26 In the drawing area, select the titleblock.
27 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family. 28 In the alert dialog, click Yes, and then zoom in to the revision schedule. Modify the revision schedule properties 29 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) Schedules, right-click Revision Schedule, and click Properties. 30 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Appearance, click Edit. 31 In the Revision Properties dialog, on the Appearance tab:

Under Graphics, for Build Schedule, select Bottom-up. Select Grid lines. Grid lines will now be dynamically added as the revision schedule is built. Select Outline, and select Wide Lines for the outline type. Clear Blank row before data.
32 Click OK twice. Relocate revision schedule You relocate the revision schedule to the bottom of the revision area, and delete the schedule lines because the table will be dynamically built. 33 Select the schedule header, and drag it above the schedule area.
34 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 35 Select the existing schedule lines, and press DELETE. 36 Drag the header to the bottom of the revision schedule area.
Reload the titleblock family into the project Because you changed the titleblock family, all sheets that use this titleblock in the project will be affected. 37 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 38 In the Reload Family dialog, click Yes.
The revision schedule is now shown in a bottom-up format.
Rotate revision schedule to display it vertically 39 Using the same method learned previously, open the titleblock family for editing. 40 Select the revision schedule header, and on the Options Bar, for Rotation on Sheet, select 90 Counterclockwise. 41 Drag the header to the right side of the titleblock.
Modify the properties of the revision schedule 42 In the Project Browser, right-click Revision Schedule, and click Properties. 43 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Formatting, click Edit. 44 On the Formatting tab of the Revision Properties dialog, for Heading, enter Rev.. 45 On the Appearance tab, for Height, select User defined. When the height property is variable, the schedule continues to add rows as revisions are created. With a user-defined height, the schedule is restricted to a specific size, and the most current revisions display in the available rows. 46 Click OK twice. Use grip editing to resize the revision schedule 47 In the drawing area, select the revision schedule. 48 Click the circular grip and drag it so that the schedule fills the revision area.
Load revised schedule into the project 49 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Load into Projects. 50 In the Reload Family dialog, click Yes. The modified revision schedule displays on the project sheet.
51 Save the file.
Importing from Other Applications

In this lesson, you learn to import information (such as images, text, and spreadsheets) from other applications into a project.
Importing Image Files

In this exercise, you import a logo image in JPG format into a project, and place it on a sheet. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, double-click T - Title Sheet. 2 Click File menu Import/Link Image. 3 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\Freighthouse Logo.JPG. 4 Click in the upper right area of the sheet to place the logo. 5 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Importing Text Documents

In this exercise, you import text from another application using a cut and paste function to populate a text object on a sheet. Training File Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt. Create a text element on the title sheet 1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, double-click T - Title Sheet. 2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Text. 3 On the Options Bar, for Leader, click to add text without a leader.
4 Click and drag to place a text box on the right side of the sheet.
Importing Image Files | 791
Copy the text 5 Open the Training Files\Common\Bidding Statement.doc text file in another window. 6 Select the text. 7 Click Edit menu Copy. Paste the text on the sheet 8 In the Revit MEP window, with the new text box still selected, click Edit menu Paste from Clipboard. The text is pasted into the new text box on the sheet.
9 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 10 Zoom in to view the pasted text. NOTE Some formatting may be required after the text is placed in Revit MEP. 11 Save the file.
Importing Spreadsheets
In this exercise, you have existing information in a spreadsheet format and would like to use it in the project. The only way to do this is to convert the spreadsheet file to a raster format (JPG or BMP) and import it as an image. Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, i_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt. 1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, double-click A102 - Unit 18. 2 Open the Microsoft Excel worksheet, Training Files\Common\Lighting Fixtures.xls. NOTE You need to print/export the spreadsheet to a raster format. This process may vary from system to system. This exercise demonstrates a common method. 3 In Microsoft Excel, click File menu Print. 4 Under Printer, for Name, select the document writer. 5 Click OK. 6 In the left pane of the Save the file as dialog, click Desktop, for File name, type Fixture Schedule.mdi, and click Save. Now that you have the worksheet in a raster format, you could use a screen capture utility to save the worksheet in BMP or JPG format. This step has been completed for you, and saved as Fixture Schedule.JPG. 7 In the Revit MEP window, click File menu Import/Link Image. 8 In the left pane of the Import Image dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\Fixture Schedule.JPG. 9 Click to place the image on the sheet. 10 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 11 Zoom in to see the Fixture Schedule.
12 Save the file.
Importing Spreadsheets | 793
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Using Dependent Views
15
In this tutorial, you work with a large project for a bird sanctuary.
The drawings include the aviary and observation area of the site, as well as a large lab building.
The large floor plan, or footprint, for the sanctuary will not fit onto a plotted sheet as one plan. To effectively document this project, you break up the plan into sections, called dependent views.
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Dependent view of lab building
Dependent view of aviary and observation platforms
Dependent views can be placed on sheets for documentation purposes.
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Using Dependent Views in Documentation

In this lesson, you

Create split dependent views of a large floor plan and elevation Annotate the primary view to indicate where the view is split and to provide links to the dependent views Apply the specifications of the dependent views to other views in the project Add dependent views to sheets for documentation
Using Dependent Views for Floor Plan Views

In this exercise, you

Create split dependent views of a large floor plan view Add a matchline to the primary view to indicate where the view is split Place dependent views on sheets Add view references to the primary view to link to dependent views Apply dependent view specifications to other views
Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Dependent_Views.rvt
Using Dependent Views in Documentation | 797
Create dependent views 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 2.
2 In the Project Browser, right-click Level 2, and click Duplicate View Duplicate as a Dependent. The dependent view opens. 3 In the Project Browser, under Level 2, right-click Dependent on Level 2, and click Rename. 4 In the Rename View dialog, for Name, enter Level 2 - Aviary, and click OK. 5 Click in the drawing area, and on the Zoom flyout of the View toolbar, click Zoom To Fit. 6 In the drawing area, select the crop region. The following image shows a plan view with the model and annotation crop regions visible. The annotation crop is the exterior crop region, and the model crop is the interior crop region.
7 Select the inside (model crop) control on the right and drag it toward the center of the view to crop out the lab building.
8 Click the inside control on the bottom and drag it up, confining the view to the upper-left area of the drawing (the aviary).
(Hide Crop Region).
Using Dependent Views for Floor Plan Views | 799
10 Click in the drawing area, and on the Zoom flyout, click Zoom To Fit. 11 In the Project Browser, right-click Level 2, and click Duplicate View Duplicate as a Dependent. 12 In the Project Browser, right-click Dependent on Level 2, and click Rename. 13 In the Rename View dialog, for Name, enter Level 2 - Labs, and click OK. 14 Click in the drawing area, and on the Zoom flyout, click Zoom To Fit. 15 Select the crop region. 16 Use the inside controls to crop the view to the lower-right building (the labs).
17 Select the outside control on the left and drag it to the left to reveal the notes.
The outside controls adjust the annotation crop region.
18 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 19 On the View Control Bar, click (Hide Crop Region).
20 Click in the drawing area, and on the Zoom flyout, click Zoom To Fit. Add matchline to indicate split view 21 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 2. 22 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Matchline. Matchlines are annotation lines that you add to a view to indicate where a view is split for dependent views. 23 Draw the matchline by specifying the following points:
Click above and to the right of the intersection of the lab building and the aviary. (Align with the second column of lab cubicles.)
Move the cursor down and click just above the lab building. Click above the left corner of the lab building. Click just below the lower intersection of the lab building and the aviary. Move the cursor left about 16', and click.
24 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch.
25 Click Settings menu Object Styles. 26 In the Object Styles dialog, click the Annotation Objects tab. 27 Under Matchline, for Line Weight, select 9. 28 For Line Pattern, select Double Dash 5/8'', and click OK.
Create sheets and place dependent views 29 Click View menu New Sheet. 30 In the Select a Titleblock dialog, click OK to accept the default titleblock. 31 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets, right-click A101 - Unnamed, and click Rename. 32 In the Sheet Title dialog, for Name, enter Level 2 Aviary, and click OK. 33 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, click Level 2 - Aviary, and drag it onto the sheet. 34 Click to place the view in the center of the sheet.
35 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 36 Use the same method to create another sheet, rename the sheet Level 2 Labs, and place the Level 2 - Labs dependent view on the sheet.
Add reference annotations to sheets 37 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 2. 38 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click View Reference. You add view references near the matchline to annotate and link to the dependent views. 39 On the Options Bar, for Target view, verify that Floor Plan: Level 2 - Aviary is selected. 40 Click to the left of the top of the matchline.
The Sheet number of the dependent view displays to the left of the matchline.
41 On the Options Bar, for Target view, select Floor Plan: Level 2 - Labs. 42 Click to the right of the top of the matchline.
43 Use the same method to add View References above (A101) and below (A102) the lower-left end of the matchline. NOTE Double-clicking a view reference opens the dependent view that it references.
44 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 45 On the Zoom flyout, click Zoom To Fit.
46 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 2 - Aviary. 47 On the View Control Bar, click (Show Crop Region).
48 Select the crop region, click the far right control, and drag it slightly to the right to expand the annotation region so you can see the view reference. NOTE View references display in all views except for the view that it is referencing. Notice that the view reference for the aviary does not display in the aviary dependent view.
49 If, after modifying the annotation crop region, the tags for Cubicles 3 and 14 display, select the room tag for Cubicle 3 (upper-right room tag) in the annotation area, right-click, and click Hide in view Elements.
50 Use the same method to hide Cubicle 14 (directly below Cubicle 3), leaving 4 rooms visible in the view.
51 On the View Control Bar, click Apply dependent view settings to other plans
(Hide Crop Region).
52 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 2, and click Apply Dependent Views. After you have set up dependent view configuration for one view, you can apply the view and crop region specifications to parallel views of the same scale. 53 In the Select Views dialog, select all views in the list, and click OK. New dependent views display in the Project Browser under the primary view, but are not placed on sheets. 54 In the Project Browser, expand Level 1, and double-click Dependent (2) on Level 1. 55 On the Zoom flyout, click Zoom To Fit. Notice that the matchline and crop regions from Level 2 are applied to Level 1.
56 Double-click Dependent on Level 1.
57 On the Zoom flyout, click Zoom To Fit.
Using Dependent Views for Elevation Views

In this exercise, you

Create dependent split views of an elevation view Annotate the primary view to indicate where the view is split Place dependent views on a sheet Add view references to the primary view to link to dependent views
Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Dependent_Views.rvt
Create dependent views 1 In the Project Browser, expand Elevations (Building Elevation), and double-click South Elevation. The matchline is already placed in the view.
2 In the Project Browser, right-click South Elevation, and click Duplicate View Duplicate as a Dependent.
The dependent view opens. 3 In the Project Browser, expand South Elevation, right-click Dependent on South Elevation, and click Rename. 4 In the Rename View dialog, for Name, enter South Elevation - Left, and click OK. 5 In the drawing area, select the Crop Region.
6 Select the inside crop region control on the right, and drag it toward the center of the view, cropping the view to the aviary.
(Hide Crop Region).
8 In the Project Browser, right-click South Elevation, and click Duplicate View Duplicate as a Dependent. 9 In the Project Browser, right-click Dependent on South Elevation, and click Rename. 10 In the Rename View dialog, for Name, enter South Elevation - Right, and click OK. 11 Select the crop region. 12 Select the inside crop region control on the left, and drag it toward the center of the drawing, cropping the view to the lab building.
Using Dependent Views for Elevation Views | 809
(Hide Crop Region).
Create a sheet and place both dependent views on the sheet 14 Click View menu New Sheet. 15 In the Select a Titleblock dialog, click OK to accept the default titleblock. 16 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, right-click A103 Unnamed, and click Rename. 17 In the Sheet Title dialog, for Name, enter South Elevation, and click OK. 18 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, click South Elevation - Left, and drag it onto the sheet. 19 Click to place the elevation view at the top of the sheet.
20 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, click South Elevation - Right, and drag it onto the sheet. 21 Click to place the elevation view at the bottom of the sheet.
22 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 23 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click South Elevation. 24 On the Views tab of the Design Bar, click View Reference. 25 On the Options Bar, for Target view, verify that Elevation: South Elevation - Left is selected. 26 Click to the left of the top of the matchline at the center of the elevation. 27 Click to the left of the bottom of the matchline.
28 On the Options Bar, for Target view, select Elevation: South Elevation - Right. 29 Click to the right of the top and the bottom of the matchline.
Using Dependent Views for Elevation Views | 811
30 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 31 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A103 - South Elevation. NOTE If the view references are not visible, you can modify the annotation region for the dependent view from the sheet. Right-click the view, and click Activate View. Select the crop region, and use the annotation crop controls to modify it.
Using Advanced Features
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Grouping
16
Using the grouping functionality in Revit Architecture 2009, you can create reusable entities that represent layouts common to many building projects. By grouping objects, you not only simplify their placement, you also simplify the modification process. For example, when you make changes to a single instance of a model group, all instances in the building model are updated, and all new instances that you place contain the modifications. You can also nest groups within other groups. In this tutorial, you create a model group for a typical kitchen, and then you nest the kitchen in a 2 bedroom condominium unit group. Modifications to the nested group are automatically included in the host group. Saving a group to a library gives you the ability to share the group with other team members working on the same project, or with those working on a different project. This functionality ensures consistency within and across projects. It also gives all those with access to the library the ability to load any group from the library into their project drawing. Because existing groups can be duplicated and then customized for another purpose, creating a library of groups for your office can reduce the amount of work needed to create, place, and modify repetitive units.
Creating, Modifying, and Nesting Groups

In this lesson, you learn how to use model groups to collect related elements to simplify placement of repetitive units. Examples of the types of units for which groups are intended include condominium units, hotel rooms, and typical office layouts. After you create a model group, you can place instances of the group in the building model using various methods. You can also update all instances of a group in the building model by editing a single instance of the group and saving the changes. In another exercise, you add the new model group to a previously created group. The new group is considered nested within the host group, and is contained in every instance of the host group that you place in the building model. When you make changes to a nested group, the host group is also updated automatically.
Creating and Placing a Group

In this exercise, you create a model group for a typical kitchen for a condominium unit. You create the group by selecting drawing objects and grouping them as a single entity. In this exercise, you place 2 new instances of the kitchen group in the floor plan. You mirror one instance of the group, and rotate the other instance to modify the layout position.
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Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Groups-Condominium.rvt. NOTE You may need to scroll the left pane to see the Training Files folder.
Create a group for the typical kitchen layout 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click First Floor.
2 Click in the drawing area, enter ZR, and zoom to the kitchen in the upper-left area of the floor plan.
816 | Chapter 16 Grouping
3 Draw a selection box (lower-right corner to upper-left corner) around the kitchen.
(Group).
5 In the Create Model Group dialog, enter Typical Kitchen, and click OK. The objects are now grouped and can be placed in the drawing as a single entity.
Creating and Placing a Group | 817
Change the origin point for the group 6 In the drawing area, select the center control for the group origin, and drag it to the upper-right corner of the kitchen.
7 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 8 Click View menu Zoom Zoom To Fit.
Place instances of the group 9 In the Project Browser, under Groups, expand Model, right-click Typical Kitchen, and click Create Instance. 10 Zoom to the center of the floor plan, and click the upper-left corner of the lower unit to place the kitchen group.
11 Click in the upper-right corner of the stairwell to place a second instance.
12 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 13 Select the first instance of the Typical Kitchen group that you just placed.
(Mirror).
15 On the Options Bar, clear Copy. 16 Select the adjacent wall near the sink as the axis of reflection.
The kitchen is now positioned correctly in the floor plan. NOTE If the kitchen is not placed exactly as shown in the following image, select the group and use the arrow keys on your keyboard to make any minor adjustments.
17 Select the kitchen in the stairwell, and on the Edit toolbar, click
(Rotate).
18 Click in the drawing area to the left of the kitchen.
19 Click above the right area of the kitchen to rotate the placement.
NOTE If the kitchen is not placed exactly as shown in the following images, select the group and use the arrow keys on your keyboard to make any minor adjustments.
21 Click View menu Zoom Zoom To Fit. You should now have three instances of the Typical Kitchen group in your model: one with the original orientation, one mirrored, and one rotated, as shown.
Save the training file 22 On the File menu, click Save As. 23 Navigate to your preferred directory, name the file i_Groups-Condominium_in_progress.rvt, and click Save.
Modifying a Group
In this exercise, you make changes to an instance of a group. When you finish editing, all instances of the same group in the drawing are updated. Training File Continue using the training file saved at the end of the previous exercise, i_Groups-Condominium_in_progress.rvt. Modify visibility of elements in a group 1 Zoom in to the kitchen on the right above the stair. 2 Move the cursor over the wall to the left of the kitchen, press TAB to highlight the wall, and click to select it.
Modifying a Group | 823
3 Click
(Group Member. Click icon to exclude in this group instance.).
This element remains in the group but is not visible in the project view for this group instance. NOTE To display an excluded element, select the element, and click member to group instance.). 4 Move the cursor over the door, press TAB, and click to select the door. (Restore excluded group
5 Click
6 Move the cursor over the horizontal wall, press TAB, and click to select the wall.
7 Click
Add elements for a unique condition 9 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Wall. 10 Click at the endpoint of the short vertical wall in the kitchen entrance, move the cursor to the left, and click to draw a horizontal wall that extends to the left vertical wall.
11 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 12 On the Design Bar, click Door. 13 In the Type Selector, select Bifold-4 Panel : 48'' x 84''. 14 On the Options Bar, clear Tag on Placement. 15 Click in the new wall on the left and on the right to place 2 sets of folding doors for a closet.
Modifying a Group | 825
16 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 17 Click View menu Zoom Zoom To Fit. Modify geometry of a group and have changes display in all group instances 18 Zoom in to the kitchen in the left area of the floor plan. 19 Select the Typical Kitchen group. 20 On the Options Bar, click Edit Group. In edit group mode, the background color of the drawing area is pale yellow, and the group editor toolbar initially displays in the upper left corner. The elements in this instance of the group remain displayed in their object style. All other elements in the model are grayed out.
21 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, select Opening Wall Opening. 22 In the drawing area, select the vertical wall to the left of the long counter top. 23 Click near the bottom corner of the wall, move the cursor up, and click near the top corner of the wall to create an opening.
24 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 25 Select the opening, and on the Options Bar, click 27 For Base Offset, enter 3' 4'', and click OK. 28 On the group editor toolbar, click Finish. All instances of the Typical Kitchen are updated to reflect the change. (Element Properties).
26 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Unconnected Height, enter 7'.
Nesting Groups
In this exercise, you add the Typical Kitchen group, created in an earlier lesson, and the wall and folding doors for the closet, to the 2 Bedroom Unit group. The kitchen group is then nested within the 2 bedroom unit group, which acts as the host. When you nest the kitchen in the 2 bedroom unit, all instances of the host group are updated to contain the nested group.
Nesting Groups | 827
Training File Continue using the training file saved at the end of the previous exercise, i_Groups-Condominium_in_progress.rvt. Add elements to an existing group 1 If necessary, in the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click First Floor. 2 Select the 2 Bedroom Unit group in the top area of the floor plan.
3 On the Options Bar, click Edit Group. 4 On the group editor toolbar, click (Add to Group).
5 In the drawing area, select the Typical Kitchen group.
6 Press TAB, select the wall between the folding doors, and each of the bifold doors.
7 On the group editor toolbar, click Finish. 8 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Second Floor. 9 Select the 2 bedroom group. Notice that the Typical Kitchen and pantry are nested within the 2 bedroom group.
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Working with Detail Groups

In this lesson, you work with groups in order to use them in the most efficient manner within and across projects. Detail groups are created when you group view-specific elements, such as text, and filled regions. You create a detail group in the First Floor plan and add the group to the Second Floor plan of the building model. Attached detail groups are created when you group view-specific elements that are associated with a specific model group, such as door and window tags. In the next exercise, you add door tags to a group, and create an attached detail group containing the tags. You work with the attached detail group in a different way than you had previously worked with host and nested groups because attached detail groups require more manual manipulation.
Creating a Detail Group

In this exercise, you sketch and annotate a rectangular filled region that represents an area of tiled flooring in front of the elevators in the building model. You then save the region and the text note as a detail group. You can add the detail group to other views of the building model. Training File Continue using the training file saved at the end of the previous exercise, i_Groups-Condominium_in_progress.rvt. Draw a filled region 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click First Floor. 2 Zoom in to the stair area in the center of the floor plan.
3 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Filled Region. 4 On the Options Bar, click to draw a rectangular region.
5 Click the upper-right endpoint below the elevators as the start point of the rectangle.
6 Move the cursor down and to the left, and select a point below the left elevator.
7 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. A rectangular region with a diagonal cross hatch pattern is added in front of the elevator doors.
Creating a Detail Group | 831
Add a text note 8 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Text. 9 On the Options Bar, click to add an arc leader.
10 Click in the filled region to specify the leader start point. 11 Click below the filled region to end the leader and specify the text start point. 12 Enter Tile, and on the Design Bar, click Modify. The text note with arc leader is added to the building model.
Create a detail group 13 Press and hold CTRL, and select the text note and the filled region. 14 On the Edit toolbar, click (Group).
15 In the Create Detail Group dialog, enter Elevator Lobby Tile, and click OK. 16 In the drawing area, select the instance of the Elevator lobby tile group. 17 Move the origin of the group to the corner of the elevator shaft, as shown.
18 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Add a group instance to a different view 19 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Second Floor. 20 In the Project Browser, under Groups, expand Detail, right-click Elevator Lobby Tile, and click Create Instance. 21 In the drawing area, click to place the detail group in front of the elevators.
22 On the Design Bar, click Modify 23 Click View menu Zoom Zoom To Fit. 24 Click File menu Save.
Using Attached Detail Groups

In this exercise, you add door tags to the 2 Bedroom Unit group, and then use the door tags to create an attached detail group. Because the detail group contains variables, it cannot be added to a group in the same
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manner that a drawing component can be added; you must manually attach it to each instance of the 2 Bedroom Unit group. Training File Continue using the training file saved at the end of the previous exercise, i_Groups-Condominium_in_progress.rvt. Place door tags 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click First Floor. 2 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 3 On the Options Bar, clear Leader. 4 Place door tags (10 total) in the original instance of the 2 Bedroom Unit, as shown. NOTE Your door tag numbers may be different.
5 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Create an attached detail group 6 In the drawing area, draw a selection box (lower-right corner to upper-left corner) around the right area of the floor plan including the door tags.
(Filter Selection).
8 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Door Tags, and click OK. 9 On the Edit toolbar, click (Group).
10 In the Create Model Group and Attached Detail Group dialog, for Attached Detail Group Name, enter 2 Bedroom Door Tags, and click OK.
11 In the Project Browser, expand Groups\Model\2 Bedroom Unit, and view that Floor Plan: 2 Bedroom Door Tags is attached. Place a detail group in another group instance 12 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Second Floor.
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13 Select the model group 2 Bedroom Unit. 14 On the Options Bar, click Place Detail. 15 In the Attached Detail Group Placement dialog, select Floor Plan: 2 Bedroom Door Tags, and click OK. Door Tags are placed on the Second Floor instance of the 2 Bedroom Unit group. NOTE Component instance numbering is sequential; therefore, the doors are numbered based upon the order in which you placed each group. 16 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Saving and Loading Groups

In this lesson, you save a typical condominium layout to a library where it can be accessed by other team members for use in other projects. When you load the group from the library into a new project, you can then work with it in the context of the new project. You also convert the group instance to a linked file to replace the group with an alternative unit layout.
Saving and Loading Groups

In this exercise, you save a group to a library so that you can use the group in a new project. This enables you to create a library of groups that can be shared with other team members and used on multiple projects. Using groups from a library ensures consistency and increases productivity for projects that reuse similar typical layouts for repetitive units. Training File
Continue using the training file saved at the end of the previous exercise, i_Groups-Condominium_in_progress.rvt. Save a group to a library 1 In the Project Browser, under Groups\Model, right-click 2 Bedroom Unit, and click Save Group. 2 In the left pane of the Save Group dialog, click Desktop. 3 For File name, verify that Same as group name is selected, and click Save. You can save a group as a Revit project file (RVT) if you are working in a project, or a Revit family file (RFA) if you are working in the Family Editor. In this case, the file is saved as a Revit project file (RVT). Load the group in a new project 4 Click File menu New Project. 5 In the New Project dialog, accept the default template file, for Create new, verify that Project is selected, and click OK. 6 Click File menu Load from Library Load File as Group. 7 In the Load File as Group dialog, browse to the Desktop, select 2 Bedroom Unit.rvt, and click Open. 8 In the Duplicate Types dialog, click OK. A warning dialog displays, explaining that duplicate types were found and the types from the new project will be used. Place an instance of the loaded group 9 In the Project Browser, expand Groups, and expand Model. 10 Right-click 2 Bedroom Unit, and click Create Instance. 11 Click in the drawing area to place the group instance. 12 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
13 Zoom in to the 2 Bedroom Unit group.
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Convert group instance to a linked file 14 Select the group, and on the Options Bar, click Link. 15 In the Convert Group to Link dialog, click Use Existing. When a group is converted to a link, either the selected group can be used to make a new linked file, or the group instance can be replaced with an existing linked file. 16 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\c_2 Bedroom Unit-Alternate.rvt. 17 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
18 In the Project Browser, expand Revit Links. The 2 Bedroom Unit-Alternate.rvt file is added as a link to the project. Convert the linked model to a group 19 In the drawing area, select the linked Revit model. 20 On the Options Bar, click Bind. 21 In the Bind Link Options dialog, verify that Attached Details is selected only, and click OK. 22 In the Duplicate Types dialog, click OK. 23 In the confirmation dialog, click Yes to replace the existing Typical Kitchen group with the alternate Typical Kitchen group. 24 In the message dialog, click Remove Link. This message indicates that all instances of the linked model will be deleted from the project, but the linked model file will still be loaded in the project. You can remove the linked file from the project by clicking Remove Link, or you can remove it at a later time from the Manage Links dialog. 25 The linked file is converted to a new model group stored in the project, and the link is removed. 26 Close the file with or without saving it.
Sharing Projects
17
When working with large building projects, architects commonly work in teams with each person assigned to a specific functional area. This involves simultaneously working on and saving different portions of the project at the same time, called Worksharing. In this tutorial, you learn how to use Worksharing to divide a project into worksets so multiple users can access the project and have all their changes coordinated by Revit MEP 2009. You can enable Worksharing for any project. A workset is a collection of building elements, such as walls, doors, floors, stairs, and so on. Only one user can edit each workset at a given time. All other team members can view this workset; however, they cannot make changes to it. This prevents possible conflicts within the project. If you need to modify an element that belongs to a workset that someone else is actively working on, you can borrow that element without requiring the workset owner to relinquish control of the entire workset. Using Worksharing, team members adding and changing elements in worksets can save their work to a local file on the network or their own hard drive and publish work to a central file whenever they choose. They can update their local files at any time in order to see the changes other team members have published.
Overview
Sharing a project for the first time
To share a project, you must first enable Worksharing. The first time you activate worksets within a project, a dialog displays allowing you to set up the initial sharing of the project. After the project is shared, each building element in the project is contained in exactly one workset. You can change the workset assignment of any modeling element within the property dialog for that element.
Working in a shared project

In a shared project, you can only make changes to the worksets that are editable by you. To make a workset editable, go to the Worksets dialog, select the desired workset, and click Editable. Each workset can only be editable by one user at a time. If you only need to modify a single element within a workset that someone else has checked out, use Element Borrowing. When you are working on a shared project, you specify an active workset. Any new model elements are automatically assigned to the active workset. Elements specific to a view, such as annotations and dimensions, are automatically assigned to the view workset of the current view.
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Increasing performance using selective open

When opening a Worksharing-enabled project, you can select which worksets are open or closed. Elements in closed worksets are not read from disk until they are required. This reduces the time it takes to open the file and the amount of memory it uses. You can close or open worksets at any time using the Worksets dialog. You can improve the display-related performance of Revit MEP by opening only those worksets required for your work. In the lessons and exercises that follow, you learn some of the strategies that maximize your use of worksets. You gain valuable practical experience setting up a project for worksets and working within that project.
Using Worksharing in a Project

In this lesson, you learn the fundamentals of Worksharing. This includes how to plan and execute the use of worksets in a project in order to maximize project and team performance. After learning the fundamentals, you enable Worksharing within a project and set up the initial workset environment. In the next exercise, you learn how to work as an individual with the central and local project files. You then learn how to work within a Worksharing-enabled project with multiple users and borrow particular elements from other users.
Understanding Worksharing Fundamentals

In this conceptual exercise, you learn the fundamentals of Worksharing application. You learn what to consider before enabling and using Worksharing. You learn the basic steps of project sharing as well as tips for dealing with common workplace scenarios.
When planning a Worksharing-enabled project

The decisions you make when sharing a project and setting up its worksets can have long-lasting effects on the project team. When setting up Worksharing, you should take several considerations into account: General Considerations:

Project size Team size Team member roles Default workset visibility
You can maximize long-term project performance more easily if you plan Worksharing appropriately and use the feature correctly. Establishing practical policies on how all team members access and create new worksets in the project will maintain performance for existing users and ease the process of introducing new team members to the project. Project size The size of your building may affect the way you decide to segment the worksets for your team. Unlike AutoCAD Xrefs, you do not need to make separate worksets for each floor of the building. Instead, you should separate the project into worksets that allow team members to work without interfering with each other. In a multi-story structure, you could create separate worksets for a set of building elements that will only appear on one floor, such as a tenant interior. If the project floor plan is so large that you need to split it with match lines to fit it on sheets, you may want to create separate worksets for each portion. Team size
840 | Chapter 17 Sharing Projects
You should take into consideration the size of the project team at the time you enable Worksharing. You should have at least one workset for each person, not including the Project Standards, Shared Levels and Grids, and View worksets. In most projects, greater subdivision improves workflow by reducing interference between team members. Experience has shown that, for a typical project, the optimum number of worksets is approximately four for each team member. Team member roles Typically, designers work in teams, with each assigned a specific functional task. By subdividing the project based on these task roles, each team member has control over a portion of the design. A typical scenario for a multi-story commercial building is shown in the following illustration. Notice that the workset names refer to functional roles.
TIP As new team members create new worksets for their own use, make sure visibility defaults are set appropriately. Default workset visibility After a project has been shared, a Worksets tab displays on the Visibility/Graphics dialog. On this tab, you control workset visibility on a per view basis. If you are sure that the elements of a particular workset should not appear in a view, you can turn off the visibility of that workset within that view. This allows Revit MEP to display the view faster because computing time is not spent figuring out if the element belongs to a workset that should be displayed. When you create a new workset, you decide whether or not the elements in that workset are visible by default in each view. Regardless of the default setting, you can change the visibility setting in the Visibility/Graphics dialog. Long-term performance is improved if new worksets are not visible by default unless they need to be. Team size usually increases as the project progresses from the design stage to the documentation stage. As new members create worksets for their own use, the worksets they add often do not need to be visible by default.
Conceptual stages of project sharing

The following steps explain the basic stages of project sharing.
Step 1: Start the project with one user

One user starts to work on the project. This project file should incorporate as many office/project standards as possible and it should include many of the families required by the project. The building model should also reach a reasonable point of development before you enable Worksharing.
Step 2:Activate Worksharing

After the building model is ready for multiple user access, the project coordinator should enable Worksharing.
Step 3: Create additional worksets

After enabling Worksharing, the project coordinator should create the additional worksets required by the team. When creating the new worksets, remember to create worksets for functional roles and properly assign default visibility.
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Step 4: Subdivide the building model into worksets

After you have created the initial worksets, you must assign building model elements to their respective workset. For example, if a workset named Interior was created, you would want to assign the interior walls and other interior components to that workset.
Step 5: Create the central file

The first time you save a project after Worksharing has been enabled, the file is saved as the central file. The central file coordinates and propagates the changes of each user and keeps track of which worksets are available. Therefore, it is essential that you save the central file to a location accessible to all team members. Generally, the central file is not a file that a team member would open and work in directly.
Step 6: Create local files

Each team member creates a local file that makes it possible to check out worksets and work on their respective portion of the building model. When finished or at regular intervals, each user saves their changes back to the central file where the changes can be propagated to all team members. You create a local file by opening the central file and using Save As to create a local copy of the central file. Local files are user-specific and can only be accessed by the users that created them.
Step 7: Open worksets

Whenever you open a central or local file, you have the option to choose which worksets to open. This is called Selective Open. When opening a Worksharing-enabled project, you can shorten the time required to open the file by selecting to open only the worksets required to complete your assigned tasks.
Step 8: Check out worksets from the central file

When you check out a workset, you make that workset editable by you. This gives you the right to make changes to the elements in the workset and to add to the workset. There is no limit to the number of worksets you can have editable at one time. However, no other users can make modifications to any elements in those worksets until you check them back into the central file.
Step 9:Work on the project

Work on the project, within the local file, proceeds as usual. As you work, new building elements are assigned to the workset that is active at the moment. On the Options Bar, you can select which workset is active. You can make a workset active only if it is editable by you.
Step 10: Saving your changes

As you work on the project throughout the day, you should save the file locally and to the central file at regular intervals. When you save locally (to your local file), your changes are saved; however, they are not propagated to the rest of the team. When you save to the central file, your changes propagate to the entire team. When you save to the central file, you should relinquish any worksets that you no longer need. This makes them available to other team members. Any changes that other users have made to the building model become visible to you after you save to the central file or when you select Reload Latest.
Step 11: Closing a local file

At the end of a work session, you should save to the central file and relinquish control of all worksets that you set as editable. After saving to the central file, you should then save to your local file. This ensures that your local file is synchronized with the central file.
Tips and common scenarios 1 When working on a Worksharing-enabled project, you can still work remotely as an individual and as a team. The tips discussed below provide useful information for working creatively with worksets. Taking your computer to a remote location with the project 2 You do not need to have access to the central file in order to work on the project. You can work on the project from a remote location by doing the following:
Before leaving the office and disconnecting from the networked access to the central file, make any required worksets editable, save to the central file, and then save the local file. When working remotely, you work no differently then you would in the office. You can modify any elements in an editable workset and all new elements are added to the active workset. You can also add new elements to any View or Project Standards workset even if they are not editable.
If you realize that you need to modify elements in a workset that you did not make editable before going remote, you can make the workset Editable at Risk. In this situation, you will not be able to save your changes back to the central file if another user has changed the same workset and already published those changes back to the central file. In this instance, if you know who checked out the required workset, you may want to phone them and make arrangements rather than waste valuable work time. If you choose Editable at Risk and the owner of the at-risk workset has already published their files to the central file, you will not only lose the changes to that workset, you will lose the changes you made to all your worksets. If the owner of the at-risk workset agrees to relinquish editability of the contested workset, you can save your changes back to the central file but then the other owner loses all their work. Since making a workset Editable at Risk carries a high risk that work will be lost, you should use it only when:

You do not intend to save your changes back to the central file, or You are very confident that no other user will make that workset editable in your absence. If you have a colleague who is in the office with access to the central file, you may want to request that someone start a session of Revit MEP, change the username to your name under Settings Options, and make that workset editable. This will guarantee that no other user can make it editable during the remainder of your absence.
WARNING You should avoid editing a workset at risk whenever possible. Multiple users working remotely 3 Users can work remotely provided the remote users have high-speed network access to the central file; for instance, using VPN. Alternatively, a user can transfer a local file to someone with network access who can then publish the changes back to the central file, reload the latest changes from the central file, and transfer the updated local file back to the remote user. Remote rendering 4 While rendering remotely is supported, it is not recommended unless you understand the implications for the rest of the team. If you intend to render the building model while away from the office, you will probably be changing material definitions and other project settings. To do this, you should check out the Materials workset. This means that other team members will not be able to change any materials while you have the Materials workset checked out. In this conceptual exercise, you learned what to consider before enabling Worksharing. You learned the basic steps of project sharing as well as tips for dealing with common workplace scenarios.
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In the next exercise, you enable Worksharing in a project and set up some initial worksets.
Enabling Worksharing and Setting Up Worksets

In this exercise, you enable Worksharing within an existing project. You subdivide the project into worksets and save the project as the "Central File." Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\c_Worksets.rvt.
Enable Worksharing 1 On the File menu, click Worksets. A confirmation dialog displays indicating that you are about to enable Worksharing. It also informs you that existing elements in your project move to a default workset. 2 Click OK to accept the default workset names. The Worksets dialog displays.
Notice that all worksets are open and editable by you. Your username displays as the present owner. TIP You can change your username by selecting Options under the Settings menu. You cannot change your username with an unsaved Worksharing-enabled project open. Do not change your username during this exercise unless explicitly instructed to do so. 3 In the Worksets dialog, under Show, select:

Families Project Standards Views
4 Scroll down the list of workset names, and notice all are editable by you.
When you enable worksharing, Revit MEP creates new worksets and moves project elements and settings into the new worksets:

Families: Loaded families in the project move into separate worksets. Project Standards: All project-wide settings defined from the Settings menu move to Project Standards worksets. Views: Each view moves into a separate View workset. For example, Floor Plan Level 1 view moves into a workset called View: "Floor Plan Level 1".
5 Under Show, clear Families, Project Standards, and Views. Only User-Created worksets should display. In this simple training project, a small number of team members are working on the building model. For training purposes, imagine four users including yourself. The project must be subdivided in such a way as to reflect the tasks of each user. In this case, one user is assigned to the development of the exterior, another is assigned the interior layout, a third team member is assigned furniture placement, and the remainder of the team must work on wall section details. Therefore, you must create worksets that allow each team member to work independently. Creating new worksets 6 In the Worksets dialog, click New. 7 Enter the name Interior Layout. Notice that Visible by default in all views is checked. Because the interior walls appear in many views, it is better to make them visible by default. 8 Click OK. The next workset you create is for the furniture layout. Because furniture should only be visible in specific views, you should turn off Visible by default in all views. This improves performance since fewer components need to be generated in each view. 9 Click New. 10 Enter Furniture Layout, clear Visible by default in all views, and click OK. The final new workset is for the exterior shell of the building model. Rather than create a new workset for these elements, you can rename the default workset, currently named Workset1. 11 In the Worksets dialog, select Workset1. 12 Click Rename. 13 In the Rename dialog, type the name Exterior Shell, and click OK You have created the required worksets for each team member working on this project. The next step is to assign elements within the building model to specific worksets. This is why all worksets are editable immediately after you enable worksets. 14 In the Worksets dialog, click OK. When you initially activate Worksharing, all building model elements are placed into Workset1 by default. Because you renamed Workset1 to Exterior Shell, all building model elements are assigned to that workset. In this training file, furniture components have not been added to the building model and therefore do not need to be moved to the respective workset. You do, however, need to reassign the interior elements to the Interior Layout workset. Subdividing the project into worksets 15 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1. 16 In the drawing area, select any of the exterior walls of the building model.
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18 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, notice that the Workset parameter is set to Exterior Shell. 19 Click OK. 20 Select one of the interior walls. 21 On the Options Bar, click .
22 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, select Interior Layout for Workset, and click OK. 23 Select all of the interior elements, including the interior doors, stairs, and walls. The easiest way to do this is to drag a pick box beginning inside the lower right corner and up to the upper left corner.
TIP You can also hold CTRL down to select multiple elements. Hold Shift down to deselect an element.
25 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, select Interior Layout for Workset, and click OK. You can verify that all interior elements have been reassigned to the Interior Layout workset by turning off the visibility of that workset. 26 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 27 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Worksets tab. Notice that the visibility of the Furniture Layout workset is turned off in this view. This is because you turned off Visible by default in all views when you created the workset. 28 Clear Interior Layout to turn off the visibility of that workset in the view. 29 Click OK.
The Level 1 floor plan should display with only the exterior shell visible. If any interior elements remain, select them and change their workset assignment to Interior Layout.
30 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 31 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Worksets tab. 32 Select Interior Layout, and click OK. 33 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), under Floor Plans, double-click Level 2. 34 In the drawing area, select all of the interior elements of the building model. 35 On the Options Bar, click .
36 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, select Interior Layout for Workset, and click OK. Create the central file 37 On the File menu, click Save As. The central file is created automatically the first time you save the project after enabling worksets. Navigate to a location on a network drive that all team members have access to, but be sure not to save the file in the training files location. This is imperative if you and another user intend to complete the multi-user exercise later in this tutorial. If you do not have access to a network and still want to complete that exercise, this can be accomplished by saving the central file to your hard drive and changing your user name before accessing the project. 38 In the Save As dialog, enter Worksets Project-Central as the file name. 39 Click Save. Now that you have created the central file, you must relinquish workset editability so that other users can have access to the worksets they need. Checking in the worksets 40 On the File menu, click Worksets. 41 In the Worksets dialog, select all the User-Created worksets by pressing CTRL + A. 42 On the right side of the dialog, click Non Editable. Notice that your name has been removed as the owner of the worksets and all Editable values are set to No. 43 Click OK. 44 On the File menu, click Close. If you intend on completing the remaining exercises in this tutorial, make sure you remember the location of this central file. You must access it in each of the remaining exercises. In this exercise, you enabled Worksharing on a project, created new worksets to accommodate each team member, and then assigned building model elements to the worksets. You then created the central file and checked in all worksets. This project is now ready for individuals to access it and check out their required worksets.
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Working Individually with Worksets

In this exercise, you create your local file, check out worksets, make modifications to the building model, and publish your changes back to the central file where other team members can see them. This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercise and access to the resulting central file. If you have not yet completed the exercise, Enabling Worksharing and Setting Up Worksets on page 844, please do so before continuing. Creating a local file 1 On the File menu, click Open, and navigate to the location where you saved the central file created in the previous exercise. 2 In the Open dialog, select the central file. 3 Click the arrow next to the Open button, and select Specify. 4 Click Open. Using selective open allows you to choose which worksets you want to open. Only the worksets you select and any worksets already editable by you are opened. In addition, any referenced workset is opened but hidden. This reduces the amount of time required to open very large project files and increases performance while you work. 5 In the Opening Worksets dialog, select all the User-Created worksets, and click OK. 6 On the File menu, click Save As. 7 In the Save As dialog, click Options. 8 In the File Save Options dialog, verify that Make this a Central File after save is not selected, and click OK. 9 Navigate to a directory on your hard drive, name the file Worksets Project_Local-User1, and click Save. You have created a local file which is for your use only. Next, you check out worksets so you can modify the building model. Checking out worksets 10 On the File menu, click Worksets. The project sharing environment allows you to choose which worksets are opened during a working session. Only the worksets that are opened are visible during that session. In this case, you are assigned the task of designing the interior layout of the building model. 11 In the Worksets dialog, select Interior Layout for Name, and select Yes for Editable. Your name displays as the owner of the Interior Layout workset. 12 Click OK. You are now ready to modify the interior layout of the building model. Before working on the model, you should activate the Worksets toolbar. 13 On the Window menu, click Toolbar Worksets. The Worksets toolbar displays with a drop-down list that allows you to specify the active workset.
14 On the Worksets toolbar, select Interior Layout. Any new elements that you add to the building model are automatically assigned to the active workset. 15 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1.
16 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Modify. On the Options Bar, notice the Editable Only option. If this is selected, you can only select editable elements within the drawing area. Verify that it is cleared. 17 Select the upper exterior wall and notice a symbol displays indicating that the element belongs to a workset that is not currently editable.
19 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, notice that this element is assigned to the Exterior Shell workset and that the Edited by value is blank. Even though you have not checked out the Exterior Shell workset, you can still edit this wall. 20 Under Constraints, select Finish Face: Exterior for Location Line, and click OK. Because this element is not owned by another user, Revit MEP borrows it for you and applies your changes. If it was owned by another user, a message would display and you would have the option to cancel the change or make the element editable. The upper exterior wall should still be selected. 21 On the Options Bar, click .
Notice that the wall still belongs to the Exterior Shell workset; however, the Edited by value is now assigned to you. 22 Click OK. 23 On the File menu, click Worksets. In the Worksets dialog, notice that you do not own the Exterior Shell workset, but you are listed as a borrower of that workset. In this case, you have borrowed the ownership of the upper exterior wall. 24 Click OK.
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Modify the building model 25 Select the door on the right side of the corridor.
26 Delete the door. 27 Select the wall that hosted the deleted door, and modify the length so that the corridor is open.
28 On the Architectural tab of the Design Bar, click Wall. 29 In the Type Selector, select Basic Wall: Interior - 126mm Partition (2-hr). 30 Using the following illustration as a guide, add a horizontal wall in the lower right corner. The precise location is not important.
31 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 32 Select the vertical interior wall in the upper right corner, and extend the lower end until it intersects the horizontal wall you added previously.
33 On the Architectural tab of the Design Bar, click Door. 34 In the Type Selector, select M_Sgl Flush: 864 x 2032mm.
35 Using the following illustration as a guide, add two door openings into the rooms you created.
All of the new elements that you added were automatically assigned to the Interior Layout workset. If you click Modify on the Design Bar and then place the cursor over any of the new elements, a tooltip, which matches the information in the Status Bar, displays the workset as well as the element type. When working in your local file, you should perform regular saves. It is recommended that you locally save your work approximately every 30 minutes and save to central every 1-2 hours. Saving your work 36 On the File menu, click Save to Central. The Save to Central dialog displays with the path to the central file automatically filled in. Whenever you save, you can relinquish the user-created worksets as well as any borrowed elements. By default, Borrowed Elements is selected. In this particular case, you borrowed the upper exterior wall in order to modify it. You should check this element back into central so that others can use it if necessary. In addition, notice that there is an option to save the local file immediately after the save to central. Although this is not a necessary option if you are in the middle of a work session, it is recommended. At the end of a work session, you should relinquish all worksets, save to central, and save locally immediately afterward. 37 In the Save to Central dialog, select:

Borrowed Elements User-created Worksets Save the Local File after Save to Central
38 Click OK. If you intend to complete the remainder of this tutorial by proceeding to the multi-user exercise, leave this file open in its current state. In this exercise, you created your local file, checked out worksets, and borrowed an element from a workset you did not own. You modified the building model, and published your changes back to the central file where other team members can see them.
Using Worksets with Multiple Users

In this exercise, two users access the central file through a network connection. For training purposes, they are referred to as User 1 and User 2. Each modifies the building model within their local file and publishes it back to the central file where the other user can see the changes. Throughout the process, each user must check out worksets, make elements editable, and reload the latest changes. This exercise requires the completion of the previous workset exercises and access to the resulting local and central files. If you have not yet completed these exercises, please do so before continuing.
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Although this exercise is designed specifically for two separate users with network access to the central file, a single user can complete this exercise by opening up an additional session of Revit MEP and setting the username to User 2. In the following section of this exercise, instructions are provided on how to accomplish this. NOTE If you are working with a second user (User 2), skip the following section, and proceed to Creating a local copy. Using a second Revit MEP session to mimic User 2 1 Minimize the current Revit MEP window. 2 Start a new Revit MEP session by double-clicking the Revit MEP icon on the desktop or by selecting it from the Start menu. 3 On the Settings menu, click Options. 4 Click the General Tab and, under Username, enter User 2, and click OK. WARNING After completing this tutorial and closing the project file, return to the Settings dialog, and reset the Username to your computer login name. This is a system setting. Creating a local copy 5 In this exercise, two users work on the building model residing in the central file you created and saved in a previous exercise. If both users have completed the previous worksets exercises and created central files on the network, select one of those central files to be used in this exercise. Regardless of which central file you choose to use, one user has already created a local file. For training purposes, consider that person to be User 1. The user who has not yet created a local file for the chosen central file is User 2. The next series of steps create a local file for User 2. Throughout the remainder of this exercise, instructions are staggered, specifically sequenced, and refer explicitly to User 1 and User 2. User 2: Create a local file, and check out worksets 6 On the File menu, click Open, and navigate to the location where you saved the central file named Worksets Project-Central.rvt. 7 In the Open dialog, select the central file. 8 Click the arrow next to the Open button, and select Specify. 9 Click Open. Using selective open allows you to choose which worksets you want to open. Only the worksets you select and any worksets already editable by you are opened. In addition, any referenced workset is opened but hidden. This reduces the amount of time required to open very large project files and increases performance while you work. 10 In the Opening Worksets dialog, select all the User-Created worksets, and click OK. 11 On the File menu, click Save As. 12 In the Save As dialog, click Options. 13 In the File Save Options dialog, verify that Make this a Central File after save is not selected, and click OK. 14 Navigate to your preferred location on the hard drive, name the file Worksets Project_Local-User2, and click Save. You now have a local copy of the project. This file is for your use only. 15 On the File menu, click Worksets. 16 Select the Exterior Shell workset, and select Yes for Editable.
You are now the owner of that workset. 17 Click OK. User 1: Check out worksets, modify the building model, and publish changes 18 User 1 should still have the local file open. If it is not open, open it now. 19 On the File menu, click Worksets. Notice that the Exterior Shell workset is checked out by User 2. 20 Try to change the Editable status for Exterior Shell to Yes. A warning is displayed informing you that you cannot check out this workset because it is already checked out by another user. 21 Click OK to return to the Worksets dialog. 22 Select the Interior Layout workset, and select Yes for Editable. Notice that you own this workset and the active workset is now Interior Layout. If you only have one workset checked out, it becomes the active workset. 23 Click OK. 24 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1. 25 Select the vertical interior wall shown in the following illustration, and move it to the left until it approaches the centerline of the exterior double door on the south wall.
A warning is displayed informing you that a conflict exists. 26 Click anywhere in the empty drawing area to ignore the warning. 27 On the File menu, click Save to Central. 28 In the Save to Central dialog, select Save the Local File after Save to Central. 29 Click OK. User 2: Modify the building model and publish changes 30 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1. Notice that the changes made by User 1 do not immediately display in the local file of User 2. That is because changes made to the central file display in local files only when the worksets are explicitly updated. 31 Using the following illustration as a guide, select the lower exterior wall, and move it upward approximately 2 meters.
A message displays warning you that several windows are not cutting anything. This is because windows are wall-hosted components and cannot float in the air without a wall to host them. 32 Click Delete Instances to delete the windows. 33 On the File menu, click Save to Central. 34 In the Save to Central dialog, select Save the Local File after Save to Central. 35 Click OK. When you save to central, you publish your changes and load the changes other users have made to the building model. The wall conflict with the door opening that User 1 introduced now displays. 36 Using the following illustration as a guide, delete the left window on the lower exterior wall, and move the door to the right in order to avoid the conflict.
37 On the File menu, click Save to Central. 38 In the Save to Central dialog, select Save the Local File after Save to Central. 39 Click OK. User 1: Reload latest worksets, and check out additional worksets 40 On the File menu, click Reload Latest. The changes User 2 made are apparent. 41 On the File menu, click Worksets. 42 Select Furniture Layout, select Yes for Editable, and click OK. Because you now have more than one workset checked out, you are asked if you want to make the Furniture Layout workset the active workset. Click Yes. Even though the Furniture Layout workset is active, you still have complete access to the elements belonging to the Interior Layout workset. However, any elements added to the building model are automatically assigned to the active workset. Before adding any furniture, you should create a furniture plan view. 43 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), under Floor Plans, right-click Level 1, and click Duplicate View Duplicate. 44 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Copy of Level 1, and click Rename. 45 In the Rename View dialog, enter Level 1 Furniture Plan, and click OK. 46 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1 Furniture Plan.
47 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Component. 48 In the Type Selector, choose any desk, and click inside any room. A message displays informing you that the component you are trying to place is not visible in that view. This is because when the Furniture Layout workset was created, the Visible by default option was not selected. Therefore, the visibility of the workset is not turned on even though it is checked out and is the active workset. You should turn on the visibility before adding furniture. 49 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 50 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 51 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Worksets tab, select Furniture Layout to turn on its visibility, and click OK. 52 Notice that the desk you added previously now displays.
53 On the File menu, click Save to Central. 54 In the Save to Central dialog, select Save the Local File after Save to Central. 55 Click OK. User 2: Make an element editable on the fly 56 On the File menu, click Reload Latest. Notice the new Level 1 Furniture Plan view in the Project Browser. 57 Right-click the upper exterior wall, and click Element Properties. 58 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 59 In the Type Properties dialog, click Rename. 60 In the Rename dialog, enter Exterior Wall - 200mm, and click OK. 61 Click OK 2 times. 62 On the File menu, click Worksets. 63 In the Worksets dialog, under Show, select Project Standards. 64 Scroll down to the bottom of the list until you see Wall Types. Notice you have borrowed a portion of the workset. NOTE System families, such as Wall Types, are placed under Project Standards, rather than Families. 65 Click OK. 66 On the File menu, click Save to Central. 67 In the Save to Central dialog, select:

Borrowed Elements User-created Worksets Save the Local File after Save to Central
68 Click OK.
If you intend to complete the final portion of this tutorial by proceeding to the Element Borrowing exercise, leave this file open in its current state. User 1: Reload latest, and save 69 On the File menu, select Reload Latest. 70 On the File menu, select Save to Central. 71 In the Save to Central dialog, select the following, and click OK.

User-created Worksets Save the Local File after Save to Central
In this exercise, two users worked on the same building model using worksets. Each user checked out worksets, modified the building model, and published their changes back to the central file. In the final exercise of this tutorial, you learn how to borrow elements from worksets that other users are actively working on. If you intend to complete the final exercise of this tutorial, Borrowing Elements from the Worksets of Other Users on page 856, leave this file open in its current state. This exercise also requires two users and you can skip the first sections of the exercise and proceed directly to the section, Checking out worksets.
Borrowing Elements from the Worksets of Other Users

In this exercise, two users are working on the same project with separate local files. As each of you work, you must borrow elements that belong to worksets that the other user has checked out. You learn how to make borrowing requests and how to grant them. This exercise requires two users and, throughout this training, they are referred to as User 1 and User 2. There are specific instructions for each user. Each user must have network access to the central file. Although this exercise is designed specifically for two separate users with network access to the central file, a single user can complete this exercise by opening up an additional session of Revit MEP and setting the username to User 2. At the appropriate point in this exercise, instructions are provided on how to accomplish this. NOTE If you are working with a second user (User 2), finished the previous workset exercises, and still have your local files open, proceed directly to the section Checking out worksets. If you have not completed the previous workset exercises, you need to set up your central and local files. Only one user needs to open the training file and save the central file to a network location. NOTE When you open the training file for this tutorial, you may receive a message informing you that the central file has been relocated. Click OK to this message and subsequent messages. These messages are a result of the central file being relocated (to your PC). In subsequent steps, you save the training file as a central file, and these problems are rectified. Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\c_Worksets Project-Central.rvt.
Save the training file as the central file on the network 1 On the File menu, click Save As. 2 Navigate to a directory on the network that both users have access to. 3 In the Save As dialog, click Options.
4 In the File Save Options dialog, select Make this a Central File after save, and click OK. 5 Click Save. You have created a new central file for User 1 and User 2. User 1: Create local file For the sake of simplicity, the user that saved the central file should be User 1. The central file should still be open. 6 On the File menu, click Save As. 7 Navigate to a directory on your hard drive. 8 In the Save As dialog, click Options. 9 In the File Save Options dialog, verify that Make this a Central File after save is not selected, and click OK. 10 Name the file Worksets Project_Local-User1, and click Save. This is the local file for User 1. User 2: Create local file 11 If you are a single user and want to replicate the multi-user experience, perform the following steps to create a session for User 2:
Start a second session of Revit MEP by double-clicking the icon on the desktop or by selecting it from the Start menu. On the Settings menu, click Options. Click the General tab of the Options dialog. Set the Username to User 2, and click OK.
This Revit MEP session is now set up for User 2. WARNING After completing this tutorial and closing the project file, return to the Settings dialog, and reset the Username to your computer login name. This is a system setting. 12 On the File menu, click Open, and navigate to the network location where User 1 saved the central file. 13 In the Open dialog, select the central file. 14 Click the arrow next to the Open button, and select Specify. 15 Click Open. Using selective open allows you to choose which worksets you want to open. Only the worksets you select and any worksets already editable by you are opened. In addition, any referenced workset is opened but hidden. This reduces the amount of time required to open very large project files and increases performance while you work. 16 Select all the User-Created worksets, and click OK. 17 On the File menu, click Save As. 18 In the Save As dialog, click Options. 19 In the File Save Options dialog, verify that Make this a Central File after save is not selected, and click OK. 20 Navigate to a directory on your hard drive, name the file Worksets Project_Local-User2, and click Save. You have created a local file which is for your use only. Next, you check out worksets so you can modify the building model.
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Checking out worksets Both User 1 and User 2 can check out their worksets at the same time. Afterwards, the steps for each user have to be followed in sequence. User 1: Check out worksets 21 On the File menu, click Worksets. 22 In the Worksets dialog, if any User-Created worksets are not open, select them, and click Open. 23 Select the Exterior Shell workset, and select Yes for Editable. You are now the owner of that workset. 24 Under Active Workset, select Exterior Shell, and then click OK. User 2: Check out worksets 25 On the File menu, click Worksets. 26 In the Worksets dialog, select the Interior Layout workset, and select Yes for Editable. You are now the owner of that workset. 27 Under Active Workset, select Interior Layout, and then click OK. User 2: Borrow an element from User 1 28 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 29 On the Options Bar, verify that Editable Only is cleared. This allows you to select elements that belong to worksets that you do not own. 30 On the left exterior wall, select the second window from the top.
A symbol appears letting you know that it belongs to a workset you do not own. 31 Move the window 500 mm toward the upper exterior wall. You can do this by dragging the window or by modifying one of the temporary dimension values. A warning message informs you that you must obtain permission from User 1. 32 Click Place Request to ask User 1 for permission to edit the window. After you submit the request, a message informs you that you are waiting for permission from User 1. At this point, you should inform User 1 that you are waiting for permission to edit a borrowed element. Leave this dialog open until User 1 grants permission. User 1: Grant User 2 permission to borrow element 33 When User 2 contacts you and informs you that a borrowing request is pending your authorization, click the File menu, and click Editing Requests.
34 In the Editing Requests dialog, select the request submitted by User 2.
35 Click Grant. 36 Click Close. User 2: Check for editability grant 37 In the Check Editability Grants dialog, click Check Now. A message informs you that your request has been granted. 38 Click OK, and notice the window is in the new location. User 1 and 2: Save to Central, to Local, and close 39 On the File menu, select Save to Central. 40 In the Save to Central dialog, select the following, and click OK.

User-created Worksets Borrowed Elements (User 2 only) Save the Local File after Save to Central
41 On the File menu, click Close. In this multi-user exercise, you learned how to borrow elements from another workset even though that workset was actively being edited by another user. In this case, you requested permission to edit the element, and the other user granted it.
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860
Creating Multiple Design Options
18
When working with a building model, it is common to explore multiple design schemes as the project develops. These schemes can be conceptual or can be detailed engineering designs. Using design options, you create multiple design schemes within a single project file. Because all design options coexist in the project with the main model (the main model consists of elements not specifically assigned to a design option), you can study and modify each design option and present the options to the client.
In this tutorial, you learn how to create and manage multiple design sets and options within a single building model.
Creating Multiple Design Options in a Project

You can use design options to explore multiple design schemes as the project develops. At any time in the design process, you can have multiple sets of design options, and each option set can have multiple schemes. For example, you can have an option set called roofing with multiple subordinate roofing schemes. In addition, you can have an option set for the roof structure with multiple subordinate structural design schemes. After you and the client agree on the final design, you can designate a primary design scheme for each option set.
861
In this particular case, the task is to develop two roof schemes for an addition to an existing house. The client is interested in a pergola and sunshade for the roof terrace but is not sure of the specific layout or materials. The client has asked you to create various options.
In the first exercise in this lesson, you set up the design option names and add the modeling elements to the structural design option set. In the second exercise, you create two roof system design options that work with the structural options. In the final exercise of this lesson, you learn how to manage and organize the design options, make your final design decision, and delete the unwanted options from the project. These three exercises are designed to be completed sequentially with the second and third exercises dependent on the completion of the previous exercise.
Creating the Structural Design Options

In this exercise, you set up multiple design option sets, each with multiple design options. After setting up the design option sets and their subordinate options, you design each of the structural options. The first option is a simple combination of columns and beams. With the second option, you create a unique in-place family as the structural system. Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Urban_House.rvt.
Create first design option 1 On the Tools menu, click Design Options Design Options. The first time you open the Design Options dialog within a project, the only available command is to create a new option set. There is no limit to the number of option sets you can create. Each option set represents a portion of the building model wherein design alternatives are being considered. After you create a design option, you can edit it. Any new elements introduced at that time become part of that option. 2 In the Design Options dialog, under Option Set, click New. Notice Option Set 1 has been created with a design option: Option 1 (primary). This option will be the first structural scheme consisting of 3"round columns and 2" round bars. TIP In this exercise, the roof and structure systems must work together; therefore, each is constructed for interchangeability.
862 | Chapter 18 Creating Multiple Design Options
3 Select Option 1 (primary), click Edit Selected, and click Close. Any new elements introduced to the building model are added to this option. 4 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click ROOF TERRACE. 5 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom in Region, and zoom in on the upper half of the building model. 6 On the Architectural tab of the Design Bar, click Column. 7 In the Type Selector, select Round Column: 03" Diameter. 8 Using the following illustration as a guide, add three columns. Arrows and the dimension lines have been added for training purposes only. The left column should be centered at the intersection of the notch and the wall, the second column directly across from it at the intersection of the two walls, and the third column centered between the two. TIP To center the middle column, either add a centered reference plane and snap the column to it, or add a dimension string between the columns, and click the EQ symbol to equalize the segments. You should delete the dimension and unconstrain after adding the column.
9 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 10 Select the three columns either by dragging a pick box around them or by selecting them individually while holding CTRL. 11 On the Edit toolbar, click 12 On the Options Bar, select:

Constrain Copy Multiple
The Copy command is a two-click process. The first click specifies the reference point on the element to be copied, and the second click specifies the point on the building model the reference point is copied to. In this case, the three columns need to be copied three times to create a 3 x 4 grid of 12 columns. By selecting Multiple, you can continue adding new copies without reselecting the reference point (the first click). Selecting Constrain limits the movement and helps ensure the post-copy alignment of the columns. 13 Zoom in around the left column that is embedded in the notch. 14 Click at an identifiable part of the notch construction. Because it is important that you select the same location on the notches you copy to, make sure you select a point that is easily recognizable. In the following illustration, the midpoint of the lower notch line is selected.
Creating the Structural Design Options | 863
TIP You can zoom in and out easily during this process using the wheel on your wheel mouse.
15 Zoom out and move downward to the notch just below this one.
16 Zoom in around the notch construction, and click in the same location as you did for the previous notch.
A copy of the three selected columns is added. 17 Zoom out and, using the same technique, add a copy of the columns to the next two notches below this one. When you are finished, click Modify on the Design Bar to end the copy process. Because of the size of the columns, they are difficult to see in this view. 18 On the View toolbar, click .
Notice the 12 columns that you added.
Next, you add the beams that span the columns. 19 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click TOP OF CORE. 20 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Beam. Adding a beam is a two-click process. The first click specifies the beam start point. The second click specifies the end of the beam. 21 In the Type Selector, select Round Bar : 2". 22 Add the first beam between the upper left and right columns by using the following steps:

Zoom in on the upper-left column, and click at its center to set the beam start point. Zoom out and move the cursor over the upper right column. Zoom in on the upper right column, and click on the center to set the beam endpoint.
Use the following illustration as a guide. In it, two callouts with thin lines have been added to clarify the location of the start and end points of the beam.
23 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 24 Select the Beam you added previously. The beam needs to be added between the remaining columns. You can do this manually or use the Copy command.
25 On the Edit toolbar, click 26 On the Options Bar, select:

Constrain Copy Multiple
27 Zoom in around the upper left column that is embedded in the notch, and click the center point. This is the reference point for the subsequent copies.
28 Zoom out, move down to the next set of columns, zoom into the left column, and select the center of the column to add a copy. 29 Repeat this step twice more until a beam is added to each set of columns.
30 On the View toolbar, click
Notice that the beams complete the bracket structure for the proposed roof.
Organize design option sets and subordinate options 31 On the Tools menu, click Design Options Design Options. 32 In the Design Options dialog, notice that you are still editing Option Set 1: Option 1 (primary). 33 Click Finish Editing. 34 In the Design Options dialog, under Option, click New. NOTE Be sure you are creating a new option, not a new option set. 35 Select Option 1 (primary) and, under Option, click Rename. 36 In the Rename dialog, enter Brackets for New, and click OK. 37 Select Option 2 and, under Option, click Rename. 38 In the Rename dialog, enter Beam for New, and click OK. 39 Select Option Set 1 and, under Option Set, click Rename. 40 In the Rename dialog, enter Structure for New, and click OK.
Logically naming the option sets and relative options allows you to more easily manage them. 41 Under Option Set, click New. 42 Select Option Set 1 and, under Option Set, click Rename. 43 In the Rename dialog, enter Roofing for New, and click OK. 44 Select the option set Roofing and, under Option, click New. There should now be two roofing design options. 45 Under Roofing, select Option 1 (primary). 46 Under Option, click Rename, name the option Louvers, and click OK.
47 Under Roofing, select Option 2. 48 Under Option, click Rename, name the option Sunscreen, and click OK. You have completed the initial setup of the design option sets and their subordinate design option names. This allows you to more easily manage the project. Design the second structural design option 49 In this section of the exercise, you create the second design option. When finished, it will resemble the following illustration.
50 In the Design Options dialog, under Structure, select Beam. 51 Under Edit, select Edit Selected. Under Now Editing, notice that Structure: Beam is displayed. 52 Click Close. Notice that the columns added to the Brackets design option do not display.
53 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click ROOF TERRACE. 54 Zoom in toward the top of the roof terrace near the stairs.
55 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Component. 56 In the Type Selector, select Roof Beam. 57 Place a roof beam into the drawing area as shown.
58 On the Tools menu, click Align. Using the Align tool requires two clicks. The first click sets the plane that the object will be aligned to. The second click represents the plane that is moved. 59 Align the roof beam by clicking the lower edge of the adjacent horizontal wall and then clicking the lower edge of the roof beam. Refer to the following illustration.
60 After aligning the beam, click the padlock that displays to lock the alignment. 61 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 62 Select the beam and, on the Edit toolbar, click 63 On the Options Bar:

Clear Group and Associate Enter 4 for number Select 2nd for Move To: Select Constrain
Using the Array tool requires two clicks. The first click sets the move start point. The second click represents the move end point. 64 Click the start point at the alignment of the beam and wall as shown.
65 Move the cursor down to the next intersection of the lower edge of the horizontal wall and the beam. Click to indicate the end point of the move.
Three more roof beams are placed at the same intersection as the first beam.
Notice the new design option for the structural elements supporting the roof system.
67 On the Tools menu, click Design Options Design Options. 68 In the Design Options dialog, click Finish Editing. Notice that even before you close the dialog, the 3D view has reverted back to the brackets rather than the structural beams you just created. That is because the brackets option is set to primary, which is visible by default. Design option visibility is covered in more detail later in the tutorial. 69 Click Close. 70 On the File menu, click Save As. 71 Navigate to your preferred directory, name the file, i_Urban_House-in progress.rvt, and click Save. NOTE If you intend to continue with the next exercise, you need this file in its current state. You can leave it open and proceed immediately to the next exercise.
In this exercise, you set up multiple design option sets, each with multiple design options to pick from. After setting up the design option sets and their subordinate options, you designed each of the structural options: one for brackets, the other for beams. The first option is a simple combination of columns and beams. With the second option, you created a unique in-place family as the structural system. In the next exercise, you create the roof systems that compliment these structural design options.
Creating the Roof System Design Options

In this exercise, you design each of the roofing options. The first option, a Louver system, is constructed of 2" x 10"rafters and 2" x 6" louvers. The second roofing system, Sunscreen, is a simple fabric roof created using an extrusion. Both of these options are designed to work in conjunction with each of the structural design options. This exercise is designed to work in conjunction with the other exercises in this tutorial. All are sequential and dependent on the previous exercise. If you have not completed the first exercise in this tutorial, do so now. Create the first roofing design option 1 If you do not have the project file that you saved at the end of the previous exercise open, open it now. You should have named it i_Urban_House-in progress.rvt.
2 On the Tools menu, click Design Options Design Options. 3 In the Design Options dialog, under Roofing, select Louvers (primary). 4 Under Edit, click Edit Selected. Under Now Editing, Roofing: Louvers (primary) should display. 5 Click Close. 6 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click TOP OF CORE. 7 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Component. 8 In the Type Selector, select Rafter 2 x 10. 9 Zoom in on the lower half of the building model until you can see the bottom set of columns and the beam traversing the span. 10 Referring to the following illustration, place the rafter 3' 0" inside the wall shown and overlap the horizontal beam 3'. The dimensions shown are for training purposes. If you need to add dimensions, delete them after the rafter is in place.
11 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Modify. 12 Select the rafter you added previously. 13 On the Options Bar, click .
14 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, enter 38' 6" for Length, and click OK. The rafter should now span the entire vertical length of the proposed roof system.
15 On the Edit menu, click Array. 16 On the Options Bar, specify the following:

Clear Group and Associate. Enter 5 for Number. Select 2nd for Move To. Select Constrain.
You are creating an array of five rafters that are 3' 3" apart. 17 Zoom in on the intersection of the lower end of the rafter and the intersecting beam; click in the center of the intersection to specify the array start point.
Creating the Roof System Design Options | 873
18 Move the cursor horizontally to the right and, when the listening dimension displays, enter 3' 3", and press ENTER. TIP When entering a dimension value, you do not need to type the foot and inch markers. For example, rather than entering 3' 3", you can enter 3 3. The space separates feet and inches.
Zoom out to see that the rafter array is created.
Add the louvers to the design option 19 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Component. 20 In the Type Selector, select Louver 2 x 6. 21 Place the first horizontal louver in the upper left corner according to the following illustration.
22 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the louver you just placed. 23 On the Options Bar, click .
24 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, enter 17' 6 1/2" for Length, and click OK. The louver now spans the horizontal plane of the roof system.
25 With the louver still selected, click the Edit menu, and click Array. 26 On the Options Bar, specify the following:

Clear Group and Associate. Enter 34 for Number. Select 2nd for Move To. Select Constrain.
27 For the array starting point, click in the center of any intersection between the louver and the beam. 28 Move the cursor vertically downward, and, when the listening dimension displays, enter 1, and press Enter.
Zoom out to see that the 34 louvers array 1' 0" apart.
The louver roof system is complete.
30 On the Tools menu, click Design Options Design Options. 31 In the Design Options dialog, under Edit, click Finish Editing. The louver roof system still displays in the 3D view because it is the primary option.
Create sunscreen roof system 32 In the Design Options dialog, under Roofing, select Sunscreen. 33 Under Editing, click Edit Selected, and then click Close. Notice that the louver roof system no longer displays. 34 In the Project Browser, expand Elevations, and double-click West. 35 Zoom in on the upper level where the roof design is taking place.
36 On the Architectural tab of the Design Bar, click Roof Roof by Extrusion. 37 In the Work Plane dialog, select Reference Plane : Roof Extrusion for Name, and click OK. The roof extrusion reference plane has been added to the training file specifically for this purpose and is hidden in all views. 38 You are prompted to verify the roof level and offset. Click OK. Because an extruded roof has a roof type associated with it, you only need to sketch a single line or a string of lines to define the shape of the extruded roof. In this case, you must create a draped canvas sunscreen. Therefore, the sketch should be a series of arcs connected at the ends where they connect to the columns. 39 On the Design Bar, click Lines. 40 On the Options Bar, click .
This tool allows you to sketch an arc line using three points. The first two points define the ends of the line, and the third point defines the arc. 41 Select the top of the left column, the top of the next column on the right, and then adjust the dip of the arc until it is 60 degrees. You can adjust the degrees by clicking the blue temporary dimension value immediately after you create the line.
42 Repeat the previous step and create two more arcs between the columns.
NOTE As you sketch the arcs, try to get the angle value as close to 60 degrees as possible, then you can modify it through the dimension. Do not be too concerned if your sketch lines do not exactly connect. You will fix this in a later step. 43 On the Design Bar, click Properties.
44 In the Element Properties dialog, specify the following:

Select Sunscreen Fabric for Type. Under Constraints, enter 1' 0" for Extrusion Start. Under Constraints, enter -19' 0"for Extrusion End.
45 Click OK. The roof sketch must be a continuous line. You must make sure the arcs are connected where they connect to the columns. The easiest way to accomplish this is to use the Trim tool. 46 On the Tools menu, click Trim/Extend. 47 Select the left arc and then the center arc. Select the right arc, then the center arc. The arcs should connect.
48 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. 49 On the View toolbar, click .
The louver roof system is complete.
You have completed the sunscreen roof system. 50 On the Tools menu, click Design Options Design Options. 51 In the Design Options dialog, under Edit, click Finish Editing, and then click Close. 52 On the File menu, click Save. NOTE If you intend to continue with the final exercise, you need this file in its current state. You can leave it open and proceed immediately to the next exercise. In this exercise, you designed each of the roofing options. The first option, a Louver system, was constructed of 2" x 10"rafters and 2" x 6"louvers. The second roofing system, Sunscreen, was a simple fabric roof created using an extrusion. Both of these options are designed to work in conjunction with each of the structural design options.
Managing Design Options

In this exercise, you explore how to present each of the design options by creating multiple views to display the various combinations. After exploring the combinations, you select a design, make it part of the building model, and delete the discarded design options. This exercise is designed to work in conjunction with the other exercises in this tutorial. All are sequential and dependent on the previous exercise. If you have not completed the previous exercises in this tutorial, do so now. Create new views for each design option 1 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), expand 3D Views. Because the client wants to see 3D building models of each of the designs, you must create a named 3D view for the primary, secondary, tertiary, and last options. 2 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), under 3D Views, right-click {3D}, and click Rename. 3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Primary Option, and click OK. 4 In the Project Browser, right-click the 3D View Primary Option, and click Duplicate. Repeat this step two more times until you have three copies of the view. 5 Right-click each of the copies, and click Rename. Rename the three copies as follows:

Secondary Option Tertiary Option Last Option
6 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), under 3D Views, double-click Primary Option. 7 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 8 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Design Options tab. Notice that both option sets are set to automatic. This ensures that the primaries (currently bracket and louver) are visible. 9 Click OK.
10 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), under 3D Views, double-click Secondary Option. 11 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 12 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Design Options tab.
Managing Design Options | 879
13 Specify Beam for the Structure design option, and click OK.
14 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), under 3D Views, double-click Tertiary Option. 15 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 16 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Design Options tab. 17 Specify Brackets for the Structure design option, specify Sunscreen for the Roofing design option, and click OK.
18 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), under 3D Views, double-click Last Option. 19 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 20 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Design Options tab. 21 Specify Beam for the Structure design option, specify Sunscreen for the Roofing design option, and click OK.
At this point, all isometric views are ready to be placed on a titleblock or exported and e-mailed to the client. In this case, the client has reviewed the design options and has decided that the beam system coupled with the louver roofing system is the preferred design. In your design options, the beam and the louver roofing should be selected as primary. 22 On the Tools menu, click Design Options Design Options. 23 In the Design Options dialog, under Structure, select Beam. 24 Under Option, select Make Primary. This was the client choice for structural. Because the client has selected the design option, the current primaries are no longer options; but should be accepted as part of the building model. 25 Select Structure. 26 Under Option Set, click Accept Primary. An alert is displayed, asking if you are sure you want to delete all elements of secondary options in this option set and remove the option set. 27 In the alert dialog, click Yes. The set is deleted, the beam option becomes part of the model, and you get a dialog asking if you want to delete dedicated option views. 28 In the Delete Dedicated Option Views dialog, click Delete to remove the views that used options, since you no longer need them. 29 Select Roofing. 30 Under Option Set, click Accept Primary to take the louvers into the model, delete the other design option geometry and any dedicated option views. 31 In the alert dialog, click Yes. 32 In the Delete Dedicated Option Views dialog, click Delete. 33 In the Design Options dialog, click Close. 34 In the Project Browser under 3D Views, double-click Primary Option. The other options were removed along with any dedicated option views.
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The beam and louver systems are now part of the building model.
35 On the File menu, click Save. In this exercise, you learned how to present each of the design options by creating multiple views to display the various combinations. After exploring the combinations, you selected a design, made it part of the building model, and deleted the discarded design options.
Project Phasing
19
In any project, you or the client may want to view the model according to phases. Phases represent distinct time periods over the duration of a project. You can create as many phases as necessary and assign building model elements to specific phases. You can use phase filters to control the flow of building model information into views and schedules. This allows you to create phase-specific project documentation, complete with schedules. For the client, you can create a visual time line of phase-specific 3D views. In the lesson and exercises that follow, you work in a simple building model that requires renovation. You create new phases, demolish existing construction, and then add new building model elements. In the second exercise, you apply phase-specific room tags to rooms that vary with each phase.
Using Phasing
In the lesson and exercises that follow, you work in a simple building model that requires renovation. You create new phases, demolish existing walls and doors, then add new walls and doors in a different location. This changes room definition and total building model area.
In the second exercise, you apply phase-specific room tags to rooms that vary with each phase and observe the differences in the phase-specific room schedules.
883
Phasing Your Model

In this exercise, you work in a simple model that requires renovation. You create new phases and phase filters and modify graphic overrides. During the demolition and renovation process, you create new phase-specific views in order to visualize the changes that you make to the model. Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\c_Phasing.rvt.
NOTE The units of measurement in this project file are imperial. Because units of measurement have little bearing on the goals of this tutorial, you do not need to change the project units to metric. If you wish to do so, go to the Settings menu, click Project Units, define the units, and click OK. View current phase conditions 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1.
When you create a new project, two phases exist by default: Existing and New Construction. As you add new elements to the building model, they are assigned to the New Construction phase by default. This phase assignment is controlled by a setting within the view properties. You can control the default phases and view phase setting by changing the settings within a template. If you change the view property settings and the phase definitions within a template file, then new building model elements are assigned to a phase according to those settings. 2 Click View menu View Properties. 3 In the Element Properties dialog, under Phasing, notice that Show All is selected for Phase Filter and New Construction is selected for Phase. This means that all building model elements, regardless of phase, are visible in this view. Any new elements that you add to the building model are assigned to the New Construction phase. 4 Click Cancel. 5 Select any of the exterior walls. 6 On the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
In the Element Properties dialog, under Phasing, notice that New Construction is selected for Phase Created, and None is selected for Phase Demolished. 7 Click Cancel. 8 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Modify.
884 | Chapter 19 Project Phasing
Change the phase of the existing building model elements 9 In the drawing area, draw a selection window around the entire building model to select all of the elements in it. TIP If this were a multi-story building, you may want to select the building model in a 3D view to ensure you capture all of the components.
After you release the mouse button, all of the building model elements, including the door tags, are highlighted in red. Door tags are not phase-specific and must be filtered from the selection. 10 On the Options Bar, click (Filter Selection).
11 In the Filter dialog, clear Door Tags, and click OK. 12 On the Options Bar, click .
13 In the Element Properties dialog, under Phasing, for Phase Created, select Existing, and click OK. 14 On the Design Bar, click Modify. Notice that the line style of the walls and doors is displayed as gray rather than black because of the phase and phase filter settings in the view properties. Because this is a renovation project, it requires a plan view for demolition and for new construction. After you create the views, you modify their view properties to make each view phase specific. Create phase-specific views 15 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 1, and click Rename. 16 In the Rename dialog, enter Level 1 - Existing, and click OK. You are asked if you want to rename corresponding level and views. This refers to the ceiling plan and the level line visible in any of the elevation views. Because this is a phase-specific view, you do not want to rename the corresponding views and level. 17 Click No. 18 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 1 - Existing, and click Duplicate View Duplicate. 19 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Copy of Level 1 - Existing, and click Rename. 20 In the Rename dialog, enter Level 1 - Demo, and click OK.
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You should now have a separate floor plan for the existing building model and the planned demolition.
21 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1 - Existing. 22 Click View menu View Properties. 23 In the Element Properties dialog, under Phasing, for Phase, select Existing, and click OK. The line style of the walls and doors returns to black. 24 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1 - Demo. Notice that the line pattern is still gray. You may need to zoom in to see this. This view uses a different line style because the phase property of this view is set to New Construction. On a logical time line, new construction occurs after existing construction, to which all the building model elements belong. Because of this time relationship, a graphic override is used to make older elements use the gray line style. Later in this exercise, you modify these settings. Next, you use phase filters to define which building model elements display in a particular view. Define phase filters 25 Click Settings menu Phases. 26 In the Phasing dialog, click the Phase Filters tab. There are five default phase filters. In this case, however, you need a filter that takes all of the phases into account with a particular graphic override.
27 Click New. A new phase filter is displayed at the bottom of the Filter Name list. 28 Under Filter Name, enter Composite Plan. 29 For Composite Plan, under New, select Overridden. This new filter uses graphic overrides to set the display of all building model elements: New, Existing, Demolished, and Temporary. View graphic overrides 30 Click the Graphic Overrides tab. Graphic Overrides define the appearance of building model elements according to their phase status. Phase status is time-dependent. You can change the cut and projection line color for a demolished object.
31 Under Phase Status, select Demolished. 32 In the Demolished row, under Cut Lines, select the line style. 33 In the Line Graphics dialog, click the value for Color. 34 In the Color dialog, select red. 35 Click OK twice. 36 Using the same method, specify red for the Projection/Surface line style for the Demolished phase. Change cut lines and patterns for new objects 37 Change the line style for New Cut Lines to blue. 38 For New Cut Patterns, select a lighter blue. 39 In the Phasing dialog, click OK. Next, you begin demolition. There are two ways to demolish an element. You can select it and change its Phase parameter to Demolished, or you can use the demolish tool. Demolish building model elements
(Demolish).
The cursor is displayed as a hammer. 41 Referring to the walls that display as dashed lines in the following illustration, select the interior walls one at a time. As you click each wall, its display changes to a red dashed line. This was the display override that was set for demolished objects in the previous steps.
Notice that the doors display as demolished even though you did not specifically demolish them. That is because doors are wall-hosted elements. When you demolish the host, you demolish all elements hosted by it. 42 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1 - Existing. Notice that the demolished walls continue to display. This is because the view phase filter is set to Show All. Add new construction 43 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1 - Demo.
44 Click View menu View Properties. 45 In the Element Properties dialog, under Phasing, for Phase Filter, select Show Previous + New, and click OK. The demolished walls no longer display.
46 On the Architectural tab of the Design Bar, click Wall. 47 In the Type Selector, select Basic Wall: Interior - 4 7/8" Partition (1-hr). 48 Using the following illustration as a guide, add a long horizontal wall, and then add four short vertical walls between it and the upper exterior wall.
49 On the Design Bar, click Door. 50 In the Type Selector, select Sgl Flush: 34" x 84". 51 Add a door leading into each room. Click the control arrows to adjust the opening and face directions.
52 Open Level 1 - Existing. Notice this view still displays the original walls and doors. 53 Open Level 1 - Demo. 54 Click View menu View Properties. 55 In the Element Properties dialog, under Phasing, for Phase Filter, select Composite Plan for Phase Filter, and click OK.
The composite plan phase filter uses graphic overrides and shows demolished as red dashed, new is shown in blue, and existing shows as half-tone. Notice that all building model elements display using the composite filter. Create a new construction view 56 Change the Phase Filter to Show Previous + Demo. 57 In the Project Browser, right-click Level 1 - Demo, and click Duplicate View Duplicate. 58 Rename the copy to Level 1 - New. 59 Open Level 1 - New, and change the Phase Filter to Show Previous + New. The renovated building model plan is displayed. This filter displays all original components that were not demolished (Show Previous) and all new components added to the building model (+ New).
(Default 3D View).
61 On the View Control Bar, click Model Graphics Style Shading with Edges. All elements are displayed in this view, regardless of phase, because the phase filter is set to Show All. You could create multiple 3D views that display each phase just as you did with the floor plans. 62 If necessary, spin the building model so you can see the demolished walls, which are displayed as red.
Notice that all the elements are displayed using the material defined by the graphic overrides.
63 Close the file. If you wish to save this file, you can do so at this time. In this exercise, you created a building model with three distinct phases and created views with appropriate phase filters to display each phase. In the next exercise, you learn how to use phase-specific room tags.
Using Phase-Specific Room Tags

In this exercise, you add room tags to a building model that has multiple phases. Floor plans have been created to display each phase of the project: existing conditions, demolition, and new construction. As the renovation process continues, the rooms change in both definition and size, and the information that each room tag reports adjusts accordingly. Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\c_Phase_Specific_Room-tags.rvt.
NOTE The units of measurement in this project file are imperial. Because units of measurement have little bearing on the goals of this tutorial, you do not need to change the project units to metric. If you wish to do so, go to the Settings menu, click Project Units, define the units, and click OK. Add room tags 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1 - Existing. Notice that this view is the original building model. 2 Open Level 1 - Demo. In this view, the walls marked for demolition display using a dashed line style. They are the same walls that display as red in the 3D view. 3 Open Level 1 - New. In this view, you can see the new walls added to the building model. The three level 1 floor plan views show the progression of the renovation. You can also see that the room quantities, sizes, and locations change depending on the phase of the project. All room boundaries are phase-specific; therefore, room tags report information based on the phase of the view in which the rooms were added.
4 Click Settings menu Phases. In the Phasing dialog, notice that there are two phases defined in this project. Phase 0 is for existing conditions and Phase 1 is for demolition and new construction. 5 Click OK. 6 Open Level 1 - Existing, and maximize the view. 7 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Room. 8 Using the following illustration as a guide, click in each room to create a room and place a room tag.
9 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 10 Open Level 1 - New. 11 On the Design Bar, click Room. 12 Starting in the room in the upper left corner, click in each room as you move to the right. Use the following illustration as a guide.
Notice that the two rooms in the lower corners are identical to both the existing phase and the new phase, yet they have different room numbers. 13 Open Level 1 - Demo. 14 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Room Tag.
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15 Using the following illustration as a guide, add a room tag to the three rooms adjacent to the lower exterior wall. The room tag command allows you to tag existing rooms. Notice the room tags in this view get the same room tag numbers as the tags in the view displaying new construction. That is because the same phase is assigned to both views. In this case, both views are assigned the same phase yet have different phase filters.
View phase-specific room schedules. 16 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, and double-click Room Schedule - Existing. 17 On the Window menu, click Close Hidden Windows. 18 Open Room Schedule - New Construction. 19 On the Window menu, click Tile. The two schedule views tile.
Notice that in each phase-specific schedule, room information differs based upon the phase of the view the tags are in. In addition, notice the new construction has 25 less total square feet than the original building model. This is because the additional interior walls in the new construction occupy more space than the original. 20 Close the file. In this exercise, you added room tags to various floor plans that are assigned different phases. You also opened two schedules to observe how the room information is reported by phase.
Linking Building Models and Sharing Coordinates
20
Many projects consist of disparate buildings in an overall campus, or of a group of related but semi-independent sub-projects. In these situations, you can use model linking and shared coordinates to create the campus within one project file while allowing work to proceed on the individual building models in other project files. This maximizes efficiency, performance, and productivity by working in a smaller project file while retaining the ability to place that building model into a larger context. Specific examples when you may want to use model linking and shared coordinates:

A campus plan that contains links to several structures. A residential development in which a few different prototypes are configured differently in an area. Comparison of alternatives on a site.
In this tutorial, you link several building models within a single project file in which only a site plan has been developed. You position the building models on the site plan, modify their visibility, and manage the links throughout the project. In the final lesson, you share the coordinates so that the linked files remember their location within the host project.
893
Linking Building Models

In this lesson, you work within a project in which only the site components have been developed. You link multiple instances of one building model and a single instance of another. You position the building models on the site, modify their visibility, and manage their locations in coordination with their originating project files. NOTE You must complete the exercises in this lesson in sequence.
Linking Building Models from Different Project Files

In this exercise, you open a project in which only site components have been developed. You link two building models to the project. One building model is a condominium, and the other is a townhouse.
Placement options when linking building models

When you link a building model in a project, you have the option to manually place the linked building model or allow Revit MEP 2009 to automatically place it. Automatic placement options:
Auto - Center to Center: Revit MEP places the center of the imported geometry at the center of the model. NOTE The center of a Revit MEP model is the center of the model geometry. This center changes as the footprint of your model changes.
894 | Chapter 20 Linking Building Models and Sharing Coordinates
Auto - Origin to Origin: The origin of the imported geometry is placed at the invisible origin of the Revit MEP model. Auto - By Shared Coordinates: When using Model Linking in conjunction with Shared Coordinates, this option will place the link at a predefined location. RELATED See the lesson, Sharing Coordinates Between Building Models on page 911.
Manual placement options:
Manual - Origin: The origin of the linked document is centered on the cursor. NOTE Revit MEP projects have an internal coordinate system; however, this system is not exposed to the user.
Manual - Base Point: Not applicable for linked Revit MEP Files. This option is grayed out. Manual - Center: The geometric center of the linked document is at the cursor location.
This tutorial requires write permission to all the training files used. Because training files are used in multiple tutorials and are normally installed as read-only, you need to copy the three training files to a different directory and make them writable. If you are comfortable doing this using Windows Explorer, you can do so. The required files can be found in the Common folder of the Training files: c_Site, c_Townhouse, c_Condo_Complex. Otherwise, use the following steps to copy the training files to a new location. Save training files to different folder 1 Create a new folder on your hard drive called Model Linking. 2 On the File menu, click Open. 3 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\c_Site.rvt. NOTE You may need to scroll down in the left pane to see the Training Files folder. 4 On the File menu, click Save As, navigate to the Model Linking folder you created in the first step, and save the file there. 5 On the File menu, click Close. 6 Repeat the previous five steps for the following files:

c_Townhouse c_Condo_Complex
7 Open the Model Linking folder, select the three files, right-click, and click Properties. 8 Clear Read-only, and click OK. All three files now reside, with write permission, in the Model Linking folder that you created. Link condo complex into site project 9 On the File menu, click Open.

Navigate to the Model Linking folder. Select c_Site.
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Click Open.
10 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1. Notice the blue detail lines. These represent the footprint outlines of the three building model sites.
11 On the File menu, click Import/Link Revit. 12 In the Import/Link RVT dialog:

Navigate to the Model Linking folder and select c_Condo_Complex. For Positioning, select Auto - Origin to Origin.
13 Click Open. The condo complex building model is placed approximately at the center of the site model.
Move the condo complex building model 14 Select the linked building model. After you select it, Linked Revit Model: c_Condo_Complex.rvt displays in the Type Selector. Standard move commands work with linked building models. The linked model moves as one object, similar to the behavior of imported DWG objects. 15 On the Edit toolbar, click (Move).
The Move command requires two clicks. The first click specifies the move start point. The second click specifies the move endpoint. 16 For the move start point, click the upper-left corner of the linked condo complex building model.
17 For the move endpoint, click the upper-left corner of the matching blue detail lines above it.
After you specify the location to move to, the linked file displays within the confines of the blue detail lines.
18 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom To Fit. Link the townhouse building model 19 On the File menu, click Import/Link Revit. 20 In the Import/Link RVT dialog:

Navigate to the Model Linking folder, and select c_Townhouse. For Positioning, select Auto - Origin to Origin.
21 Click Open. The townhouse building model displays above the site model.
Rotate the townhouse 22 Zoom in around the townhouse model and select it.
(Rotate).
To rotate an object, you first specify the rotation start point, and then click to specify the end of the rotation. In this case, the townhouse must be rotated 90 degrees clockwise. 24 Place the cursor just north of the townhouse and, when the vertical line displays, click to specify the rotation start point.
25 Move the cursor 90 degrees clockwise, and click to specify the end of the rotation.
The rotated townhouse should resemble the following illustration.
Move the townhouse 26 On the Edit toolbar, click (Move).
This townhouse building model needs to be moved inside the blue detail lines in the lower-left corner of the site model. Do not be concerned if the detail lines do not match the exact footprint of the townhouse. 27 Click the lower-left corner of the townhouse building model as the move start point.
28 Select the lower-left corner of the lower-left set of blue detail lines as the move endpoint.
The townhouse is located within its required footprint.
Copy the townhouse 29 On the Edit toolbar, click (Copy).
The Copy command works much like the Move command. The first click specifies the start point, and the second click specifies the copy-to point. 30 For the starting point, select the upper-right corner of the townhouse. 31 Select the upper-right corner of the blue detail lines on the right to specify the copy-to point.
A copy of the townhouse displays on the right side of the site project.
32 On the Edit menu, click Rotate, and rotate the townhouse 180 degrees.
NOTE After you rotate the townhouse, if it does not fit reasonably well within the detail lines, use the Move command to make any adjustments. 33 Click the first instance of the townhouse on the left. 34 On the Options Bar, click .
35 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity data, for Name, enter Townhouse A, and click OK. 36 Use the same technique to name the instance of the Townhouse on the right to Townhouse B. 37 On the View toolbar, click (Default 3D View).
38 On the File menu, click Save. NOTE If you intend to complete the next exercise of this tutorial, you need this project file open and in this view. In this exercise, you linked two separate Revit MEP 2009 models into a site model. After linking the files, you rotated and moved the building models to fit them into their designated positions within the site development. In the next exercise, you modify the elevation of the townhouses.
Repositioning Linked Building Models

In this exercise, you reposition the townhouses in respect to their elevation. When you originally linked the files, they were placed too low within the site topography. In this exercise, you modify their vertical position so that the townhouses sit correctly on the site.
NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercise in this tutorial and the resulting project files. If you have not completed the previous exercise, do so before continuing. Modify the vertical position of the townhouses 1 On the View toolbar, click (SteeringWheels).
2 On the SteeringWheels, click and hold Orbit, and then spin the model until it resembles the following illustration. NOTE If this is the first time you are using the SteeringWheels, click Try Me for the Full Nav Large Wheel.
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Notice that the townhouse is not at the proper elevation in relationship to the site toposurface. This is apparent because there is a planter below ground level that was designed to sit on top of the site surface. 3 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), expand Elevations, and double-click South.
4 Zoom in around the townhouse on the left. 5 Place the cursor over the townhouse and notice that, when it highlights, the status bar displays the name of the linked file. 6 Zoom in closer on the lower half of the townhouse and notice the ground floor level of the townhouse is 11 feet below Level 1 of the site project.
In the steps that follow, you use the Align command to reposition the linked model within this project. When using the Align command, you first select the plane you want to align to, and then select the plane that you want to align. In this case, you align the Ground Floor level to Level 1 of the site plan. 7 On the Tools toolbar, click (Align).
8 Select the Level 1 line of the Site project, move the cursor over the Ground Floor level of the Townhouse project, and click to select it. TIP Place the cursor over the Level 1 line of the Site project, press TAB until Level 1 : Reference displays in the status bar, and click to select the line. This process ensures that you are aligning to the level marker in the site project and not to the linked condo complex project. If you experience difficulty finding the Level1 : Reference, you may want to hide the Condo Complex from the view. To do this, click View menu Visibility/Graphics. Click the Revit Links tab, clear Visibility for the c_Condo_Complex.rvt, and click OK. Remember to turn on visibility of the Condo Complex after you have completed this task.
Notice that the townhouse is now at the proper height within this project. Also notice the option displays for you to lock the alignment. Do not lock the alignment of the linked file. This would over-constrain the model. 9 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click North. 10 Using the same technique learned in the previous steps, align the Ground Floor level of the remaining townhouse to Level 1 of the Site project.
11 Return to the South elevation view. Both townhouses should be at the proper level.
12 On the View toolbar, click 13 On the View toolbar, click
(Default 3D View). (SteeringWheels).
14 On the SteeringWheels, click and hold Orbit, and then spin the model until it resembles the following illustration.
15 On the File menu, click Save.
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NOTE If you intend to complete the next exercise of this tutorial, you need this project file open and in this view. In this exercise, you changed the elevation of the townhouses relative to the host project. As you can see, each linked file can have a separate set of levels and relative heights and you can accommodate those differences within the host project. In the next exercise, you modify how the linked files display within the host project.
Controlling Linked Building Model Visibility

In this exercise, you modify the visibility settings of the linked files within the site project. After you link a Revit MEP 2009 project file within another project, you can independently control the visibility settings, detail level, display settings, and the halftone settings for each linked project. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercises in this tutorial and the resulting project files. If you have not completed the previous exercise, do so before continuing. Modify visibility settings 1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click South. 2 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 3 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Revit Links tab. 4 Under Visibility, expand c_Townhouse.rvt. Notice that you can change visibility settings of an entire linked file or selected instances of a linked file. NOTE You have three options for controlling visibility settings of a linked file. By host view matches the display to the settings of the current active project view. By linked view matches the display to the settings of the linked project view. Custom allows you to override specific visibility settings for a linked project or an instance of the linked project. When you link a file, the defaults are set to By host view for all options. 5 Under Display Settings for c_Townhouse.rvt, click By Host View. 6 On the Basics tab of the RVT Link Display Settings dialog, click Custom. If the Basics page is set to Custom, then the other pages on the RVT Link Display Settings dialog may be set to By host View, By linked view, or Custom. 7 Click the Annotations Categories tab. 8 For Annotation Categories, select <Custom>. 9 Under Visibility, scroll down and clear Levels. 10 Click OK. 11 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click OK. Notice the Level lines for both townhouses no longer display.
NOTE Changes to Visibility/Graphics are per view only. The townhouse level lines still display in the remaining elevation views.
12 Using the same technique learned in the previous steps, clear the Levels display for c_Condo_Complex.rvt.
Apply halftone 13 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1. 14 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 15 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Revit Links tab. 16 Under Visibility, expand c_Townhouse.rvt. Notice the option to halftone individual instances of the townhouse model. 17 Select Halftone for the Townhouse project, and click OK. Halftone displays objects with half their normal darkness. With linked files, you can apply halftone to the entire linked project or individual instances of the model. Using the Custom option, you can also apply halftone to individual categories. Notice both townhouses display in halftone.
Detail levels of a linked file 18 On the View menu, click Visibility/Graphics. 19 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Revit Links tab. 20 For c_Townhouse.rvt, under Display Settings, click By Host View. 21 In the RVT Link Display Settings dialog, on the Basics tab, select Custom. 22 Click the Model Categories tab. 23 In the Model categories list, select <Custom>. By default, the detail level for the linked townhouse project is set to By Host View. This means that the detail level of the linked file is matched to the detail level of the current active project view. By selecting custom under Model Categories, you can independently set the detail level for each model category for each link on a per view basis. You can click the value for Detail Level, and then set the detail level to coarse, medium, or fine. In this case, no detail level changes are required. 24 Click OK.
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Modify display settings of linked files You can use display settings to control the view range, phase, and phase filter of a specific link. 25 On the Revit Links tab, under Visibility, select c_Townhouse.rvt. Notice that the Custom button displays under Display Settings.
26 Under Display Settings, click Custom for the Townhouse link. 27 In the RVT Link Display Settings dialog, select Floor Plan: Ground Floor for Linked view. By default, the view range of a linked project uses the current view of the host project to define its view range. In most cases, this is preferable. However, there are situations, on a sloped site for instance, where you need to specify a different view range so that all the building model plan views cut at the same height. In this case, the townhouse view range now uses the same view range defined within the Floor Plan: Ground Floor of the original linked file. 28 Select By linked view for View range. Notice the Phase and Phase filter specified are By host view. In this case, the host view specifies New Construction for the Phase and Show All for the phase filter. This means that the phase named New Construction for the linked building model is displayed, with Show All as the phase filter applied to the link. With the Show All filter applied, all new, existing, demolished, and temporary components in that particular phase (New Construction) are displayed. All other components are grayed out. 29 Click OK. 30 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click OK. 31 On the File menu, click Save. NOTE If you intend to complete the next exercise of this tutorial, you need this project file open and in this view. In this exercise, you modified the visibility settings of the townhouse link by turning off the visibility of the level lines and applying halftone in a plan view. You also changed the view range of the townhouse so it would cut through the building model at the same height as the other linked building model. In the next exercise, you manage the linked files.
Managing Linked Building Models

In this exercise, you manage the links within the host project by unloading and reloading the linked projects. After you link a Revit MEP 2009 project into another project, a connection to the linked project continues to exist. If the host file is closed and one of the linked files is modified, those modifications are reloaded into the host project when it is reopened.
NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercises in this tutorial and the resulting project files. If you have not completed the previous exercise, do so before continuing. Unload and reload links 1 On the File menu, click Manage Links. 2 In the Manage Links dialog, click the Revit tab. Notice the Loaded, Locations Not Saved, and Saved Path fields are read only. They supply information regarding the links. NOTE The Locations Not Saved field is only relevant for links with shared coordinates. In a shared coordinate environment, any changes made to the locations of a linked file are saved within the linked file rather than the host project. As links are moved to new locations in the host project, you can use the Save Locations command to save the new locations to the linked project. You learn more about this in the next lesson, Sharing Coordinates Between Building Models. 3 Under Path Type, notice that you have a choice between Relative and Absolute. The default path type is Relative. In general, you should use a relative path rather than an absolute. If you use a relative path and move the project and linked file together to a new directory, the link is maintained. If you use an absolute path and move the project and linked file to a new location, the link is broken because the host project continues to look for the link in the absolute path specified. The most common scenario for using Absolute is when the linked file is on a network where multiple users need access to it. 4 Under Linked File, select c_Condo_Complex.rvt. The buttons at the bottom of the dialog are now active. 5 Click Unload. NOTE Unloading linked projects may increase performance by reducing the quantity of components that must be opened and drawn. 6 At the confirmation prompt, click Yes. The Loaded option for that linked file is now clear. 7 Click OK. Notice that the condo complex link no longer displays in the host project.
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TIP In the Manage Links dialog, you can also remove a link completely or reload the link from a different location. Linking building models with Worksharing enabled In some cases, you may need to link projects that have Worksharing enabled. In these cases, you should consider the following:
Selective open of worksets: When linking a Worksharing-enabled building model, you can specify which worksets to open after the link is made. In the Import/Link RVT dialog, click the arrow next to the Open button, and select Specify. This enhances performance by reducing the quantity of components that must be opened and drawn. Changing the linked worksets: While working in a host file with Worksharing-enabled linked files, you may decide that you need to see additional worksets of one of those linked files. To do this, go to the Manage Links dialog and use the Reload From command. You can then specify the additional worksets you need opened. Linking a building model into multiple host projects: Although the same Worksharing-enabled building model can be linked within multiple host projects, the specific worksets opened in each host project must be identical. The user who creates the first link determines the status for all other linked files. Host files with Worksharing enabled: When the host file has Worksharing activated, you must keep in mind which workset the link is placed in. Links consist of two parts: the link symbol and the link instance. When you initially place the link, both the link symbol and the link instance are placed in the active workset. However, link instances can be reassigned to different worksets. In general, you should try to keep all instances of a link on the same workset.
TIP When opening a Worksharing-enabled host file, it is possible to specify which links are loaded when the host file opens. A link is only loaded if the workset that the link instance is assigned to opens. If you choose not to open that workset, the link is not loaded. 8 In the Project Browser, expand Revit Links, right-click c_Condo_Complex.rvt, and click Reload. NOTE Some of the more frequently-used commands from the Manage Links dialog can be accessed by right-clicking the link in the Project Browser. Notice the condo complex building model has been reloaded into its previous location.
9 On the File menu, click Save As.
10 In the Save As dialog, navigate to the Model Linking folder you created in the first exercise, name the file Site_Project, and save it as an RVT file. NOTE If you intend to complete the next lesson, Sharing Coordinates Between Building Models, it is important that this file exist in the same directory as the condo complex and townhouse projects. In this exercise, you managed the linked files by unloading and reloading the townhouse project. In the next lesson, you learn how to share the coordinates between the host and linked projects. If you intend to complete the next lesson now, leave the project file open in its current view.
Sharing Coordinates Between Building Models

In this lesson, you learn how to share coordinates between project files so that you can correctly locate building models with respect to each other. When used in conjunction with model linking, you can keep track of the multiple locations in which a linked building model may reside. When you share coordinates between projects, you are deciding which coordinate system will be used by the two files. In essence, you are establishing a shared origin point. TIP You can also use shared coordinates with linked DWG files. When Revit project views are exported to DWG, project or shared coordinates can be specified in the Export Options dialog. This lesson requires the completion of the lesson Linking Building Models on page 894, and the resulting project files. If you have not completed the previous lesson, do so before continuing.
Acquiring and Publishing Coordinates

In this exercise, you publish the coordinates from a host project file to two different buildings that are linked to that project. The host file consists primarily of site components. When you link a Revit MEP 2009 project into another project (the host project), you can choose to use the coordinates of either the host project or the linked project. In most cases where the host project consists primarily of site components and the linked projects contain the building models, the host project coordinates are used. This ensures all the linked building models define their position with respect to the site data.
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When you are working in the host project, you can publish the coordinates of the linked files. This sends the coordinate information to the linked project so that its internal coordinate system matches the host project. You can also acquire coordinates when working in the host project. In this case, the host file acquires the coordinates of a specified linked file. You may want to do this in a case when the link refers to a DWG that has an established coordinate system that you want the host project to adopt. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous lesson, Linking Building Models on page 894, and the resulting project files. If you have not completed the lesson, do so before continuing. If you have closed the project, open it before continuing. Training File

On the File menu, click Open. Navigate to the Model Linking folder you created in the first exercise of this tutorial. Select Site_Project.rvt and click Open.
Publish coordinates 1 Verify that the floor plan Level 1 is the active view.
2 On the Tools menu, click Shared Coordinates Publish Coordinates. As indicated in the Status Bar, you must now select a linked project to publish coordinates to. 3 In the drawing area, click the Condo Complex. It is the building model in the upper center of the host project.
4 In the Manage Place and Locations dialog, select Location 1, and click OK. On the Status Bar, notice you are still in Publish Coordinates mode and Revit MEP is waiting for you to select another link. 5 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the Publish Coordinates process. NOTE If you intend to complete the next exercise of this lesson, you need this project file open and in this view. You have published the coordinates of the host project to the linked project. Both projects now share a coordinate system and can be linked to one another using this common coordinate system.
Relocating a Project with Shared Coordinates

When a Revit MEP 2009 model is linked into a host project, it is placed at a specific location. Until coordinates are shared between the link and the host, this location is not saved outside of the host project. However, if coordinates are published from the host to the linked project, then the location becomes saved in the linked file. This location is defined as being a specified location with respect to the origin of the Host. Linked files using shared coordinates must have at least one defined location, but can have multiple additional locations. An example of a linked file with many locations is a prototype model of a house that is placed on 3 different lots. These three locations can be named Lot A, Lot B, and Lot C. Each of these lots is simply a different position for the same house design. Each of the locations can then be saved within the linked file for reference. This makes it possible to use the same building file to represent identical buildings on a site. In this exercise, you specify and save the two townhouse locations, even though both models originate from one linked file. You also relocate the shared origin of the project. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercise within this lesson and the resulting project files. If you have not completed the exercise, do so before continuing. Specify a townhouse location 1 In the drawing area of the floor plan Level 1, move the cursor over the left townhouse and, when the edges highlight, click to select it.
Relocating a Project with Shared Coordinates | 913
3 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, notice the Shared Location value is Not Shared. 4 Under Value, click Not Shared for Shared Location. Because this is the first time you are setting up the shared coordinates between the host and the linked models, a dialog displays telling you to reconcile the coordinates. This means that you need to choose which coordinate system will be shared by both files. This is a one-time operation. 5 In the Share Coordinates dialog:

Select Publish the shared coordinate system. Under Record selected instance as being positioned at location, click Change.
6 In the Manage Place and Locations dialog, click Rename. 7 In the Rename dialog, enter Lot A for New, and click OK. 8 In the Manage Place and Locations dialog, click OK. 9 In the Select Location dialog, click Reconcile. 10 In the Element Properties dialog, notice the Shared Location value is now Lot A, and click OK. Constrain a link to a specific location 11 Select the townhouse building model on the right side of the host project. After a link instance is assigned a shared location, changing the position of that instance can affect the definition of the location that is saved with the linked file. When constraining a link to a location, you have only two choices:

Move the instance to an existing location that is not already in use. Record the current position as a location. .
13 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, click Not Shared for Shared Location. In the Choose Location dialog, notice that you do not have an option to acquire or publish coordinates. This is because the coordinates for this linked file have already been shared. It is only necessary to reconcile coordinates once. 14 In the Choose Location dialog, select Move instance to. Notice the OK button is not active. This is because you cannot choose a location where an instance link already exists. You created the Lot A location in previous steps, and the left townhouse resides at that location. 15 In the Choose Location dialog, select the second option, Record current position as. Notice the OK button is still not active. Because Lot A is currently in use, you cannot redefine its location. 16 Click Change. 17 In the Manage Place and Locations dialog, click Duplicate, enter Lot B for Name, and click OK. 18 In the Manage Place and Locations dialog, make sure Lot B is selected, and click OK. 19 In the Select Location dialog, click OK. 20 In the Element Properties dialog, click OK. You now have two different locations for the townhouse building model: Lot A and Lot B. Save locations 21 On the File menu, click Manage Links. 22 In the Manage Links dialog, click the Revit tab, and then select the townhouse project.
23 Click Save Locations. 24 In the Save Modified Linked Model dialog, select Save, and click OK. When you create a location, it is not automatically saved within the linked file. To explicitly save a location, you must go to the Manage Links dialog and save the locations there. NOTE If you attempt to close a host file without saving location changes made to linked files, you are prompted to save the locations to the linked files. 25 In the Manage Links dialog, notice the Locations Not Saved option for the townhouse project is no longer selected. 26 Click OK. 27 Select the townhouse on the right in Lot B and drag it a short distance in any direction. When you release the mouse button, a warning displays. You are informed that you have attempted to move a linked file that has been saved to a specific location. You are given the opportunity to save the new location, ignore the warning, or cancel the action. 28 Click Cancel to return the townhouse to Lot B. You can relocate an entire project with respect to all the linked files that are shared with it. When you relocate a project, the active location position is moved, although it may appear that the linked files are moving. By relocating a project, you essentially move the origin of the shared coordinates. Relocate a project 29 On the View menu, click Zoom Zoom to Fit. 30 On the Tools menu, click Project Position/Orientation Relocate this Project. This is a two-click process. The first click specifies the move start point. The second click specifies the move endpoint. 31 Click just north of the site topography and just below the North elevation symbol.
32 Move the cursor horizontally to the left approximately 40' and click to relocate the shared origin.
Relocating a Project with Shared Coordinates | 915
Notice the site topography and the linked building models no longer line up, and the linked projects are offset the distance that you moved the origin.
33 On the Edit menu, click Undo to return the origin to its original position. 34 On the File menu, click Save. 35 In the Save Modified Linked Model dialog, select Save, and click OK. 36 On the File menu, click Close. NOTE In the following exercise, you work in one of the linked projects. You cannot work on a host file and one of its linked files simultaneously in the same session of Revit MEP. In this exercise, you created and saved the locations of each townhouse. You have also learned how to relocate the host project with respect to the linked projects.
Working with a Linked Building Model

After a file has been linked into a host and its coordinates are shared, the linked file contains information about its location with respect to the host. When opening the linked file, you can select which of the defined locations is the active location that you would like to work on. Also, if other models were linked into the same host, you could link them in and have them retain their correct position. In this exercise, you work on the townhouse building model and modify its location. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercises within this lesson and the resulting project files. If you have not completed the exercises, do so before continuing. Training File
On the File menu, click Open.
Navigate to the Model Linking folder you created in the first exercise of this tutorial. Select c_Townhouse and click Open.
Link a project 1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 1st Floor. This project is currently linked to the Site_Project.rvt file. It is located in Lot A and Lot B within that project file. In addition, the condo complex is linked within the Site_Project.rvt file. 2 On the File menu, click Import/Link Revit. 3 In the Import/Link RVT dialog:

Navigate to the Model Linking folder you created in the first exercise of this tutorial. Select c_Condo_Complex. For Positioning, select Auto - By Shared Coordinates. Click Open.
Because this building model only has one named location, it is placed automatically within the host project. 4 Zoom out to see the condo complex building model.
The condo complex is positioned relative to the active location of the townhouse building model. The current active location is Lot A. Change the active location 5 On the Settings menu, click Manage Place and Locations. Notice that Lot A is the current active location. 6 Select Lot B, and click Make Current. 7 Click OK. Notice that the condo complex link has repositioned itself as though the townhouse was on Lot B.
Working with a Linked Building Model | 917
NOTE If you intend to complete the next exercise of this lesson, you need this project file open and in this view. In this exercise, you worked within a project that is linked within another project. You loaded a linked file into the townhouse project and then changed the active location to see how the project reacts to the changes. In the next exercise, you manage the shared locations.
Managing Shared Locations

The Manage Place and Locations command allows you to quickly create new location names or rename existing ones. These new locations can be assigned later within a host file. In this exercise, you create a new location, orient a view to true north, and use the Report Shared Coordinates tool. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercises within this lesson and the resulting project files. If you have not completed the exercises, do so before continuing. Manage locations 1 On the Settings menu, click Manage Place and Locations. 2 In the Manage Place and Locations dialog, click Duplicate. 3 In the Name dialog, enter Lot C, and click OK. 4 In the Manage Place and Locations dialog, click OK. Lot C now exists as a location although it has not been specified as an instance. In the host file, you can select Lot C if necessary. Orient a view to true north 5 On the View menu, click View Properties. 6 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, select True North for Orientation, and click OK. 7 Click View menu Zoom Zoom to Fit. Notice that the orientation of the model resembles the site project.
Report shared coordinates 8 On the Tools menu, click Shared Coordinates Report Shared Coordinates. This command allows you to determine the location of elements and points in the model with respect to the shared coordinate origin. 9 Click any component or in any location on the drawing area. On the Options Bar, notice the coordinates display in regards to the direction and distance to the origin. 10 On the File menu, click Close. You can save the file if you wish. In this exercise, you created a new location using the Manage Place and Locations tool. You rotated a view to true north and used the Report Shared Coordinates tool to locate components in regards to the origin.
Scheduling Components of Linked Files

In this exercise, you schedule components of the host file and of all linked files. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercises within this lesson and the resulting project files. If you have not completed the exercise, do so before continuing. Training File

On the File menu, click Open. Navigate to the Model Linking folder you created in the first exercise of this tutorial. Select Site_Project.rvt and click Open.
Create a door schedule 1 Verify that the floor plan Level 1 is the active view.
Scheduling Components of Linked Files | 919
2 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. 3 In the New Schedule dialog, under Category, select Doors, and click OK. Select the fields to display in the door schedule 4 In the Schedule Properties dialog, click the Fields tab. 5 Under Available fields, select Count, and click Add. 6 Add the remaining fields in the following order:

Family and Type Comments Cost
7 Select Include elements in linked files.
8 Click OK.
In order to see a concise listing of all the doors in the campus project, you can sort the schedule data and display a single table entry per door type. Sort schedule data 9 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, right-click Door Schedule, and click Properties. 10 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, click Edit for Sorting/Grouping. 11 In the Schedule Properties dialog, select Family and Type for Sort by. 12 Select Grand totals, clear Itemize every instance, and then click OK twice.
Because you did not itemize every instance of each door type, the schedule lists the total count for each door type, and a grand total for the number of doors in the project buildings. 13 On the File menu, click Save. 14 On the File menu, click Close. In this exercise, you created a schedule of doors in the host file and all linked files of a project. You also sorted the schedule data to produce a consolidated listing of the components. You have completed this tutorial.
Scheduling Components of Linked Files | 921
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Customizing Project Settings and Templates
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Modifying Project and System Settings
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In this tutorial, you learn how to modify your Revit MEP 2009 working environment. In the first lesson, you modify the system environment, which is independent of the project settings. In the second lesson, you modify project settings to control the appearance of components and subcomponents within that project. Finally, you create an office template, and set it as your default template.
Modifying System Settings

In this lesson, you learn how to control the system settings for Revit MEP. System settings are local to each computer and applied to all projects; they are not saved to project files or template files.
Modifying General System Options

In this exercise, you modify the settings that control your local Revit MEP working environment. These settings control the graphics, selection default options, notification preferences, journal cleanup options, and your username when using worksets. Set graphics settings 1 Click File menu Close to close all open projects. 2 Click Settings menu Options. 3 In the Options dialog, click the Graphics tab. 4 Under Colors, select Invert background color, and click OK. 5 Click File menu New Project to open a new Revit MEP project. 6 In the New Project dialog, under Template file, click Browse. 7 In the left pane of the Choose Template dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Templates\i_Tutorial_Default.rte. 8 In the New Project dialog, click OK. Notice that the drawing area is black. 9 Click Settings menu Options.
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10 In the Options dialog, click the Graphics tab. 11 Under Colors, click the value for Selection color. 12 In the Color dialog, select yellow, and click OK. NOTE You can also specify the Alert Color. When an error occurs, the elements causing the error display using this color. 13 Click the General tab. 14 Under Notifications, specify the following options:

For Save reminder interval, select One hour. For Tooltip assistance, select None.
15 Click OK. 16 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Wall. 17 Sketch a straight horizontal wall in the center of the drawing area. 18 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the wall.
Notice the selected wall is yellow rather than the default red. 19 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 20 Place the cursor over the wall but do not select it. Notice that a tooltip is not displayed. However, the status bar displays information about the highlighted element. 21 Click File menu Close. 22 When prompted to save changes, click No. 23 Click File menu Open. 24 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Settings.rvt. Notice that the system settings apply to this project. 25 Click Settings menu Options. 26 In the Options dialog, click the Graphics tab, and make the following changes:

Under Colors, clear Invert background color. For Selection color, select red.
926 | Chapter 21 Modifying Project and System Settings
27 Click the General tab, and make the following changes:
Under Notifications, select your preferred Save reminder interval. For Tooltip assistance, select Normal. Under Username, enter the name you want to use during worksharing. Your login name displays by default. Under Journal File Cleanup, select values for When number of journals exceeds and Delete journals older than (days). Journal files are deleted automatically after their number exceeds the value you specify. Journal files are text documents that record each step during your Revit MEP sessions. These files are used in the software support process. Journals can be run to detect a problem or recreate lost steps or files. They are saved at the termination of each Revit MEP session.
28 Click OK. Notice that the drawing area background colors are no longer inverted and that tooltips display when you place the cursor over any building component. 29 Click File menu Close. If prompted, do not save the changes. 30 Proceed to the next exercise, Specifying File Locations on page 927.
Specifying File Locations

In this exercise, you specify default file locations. These settings control locations of important Revit MEP files, including your default project template, family template files, and family libraries. Set file locations 1 Click Settings menu Options. 2 In the Options dialog, click the File Locations tab. 3 Under Default template file, click Browse. Notice that you can choose an industry-specific template as your default template. TIP To view a template, you can start a new project with that template. Click File menu 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, architectural firm where customized templates reside on a network drive. 8 Click Cancel. Specify library settings and create a new library 9 In the Options dialog, click Places. 10 In the Places dialog, notice the list of library names. The list is dependent on the options that you selected during installation. Each library path points Revit MEP to a folder of families or training files. You can modify the existing library
Specifying File Locations | 927
names and path, and you can create new libraries. An icon for each library displays in the left pane of all Revit MEP Open, Save, Load, and Import dialogs.
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.
11 In the Places dialog, under Libraries, click
(Add Value).
12 Click in the Library Name field of the new library, and change the name to My Library. 13 Click in the Library Path field for My Library, and click the icon side of the field. that displays on the right
14 Navigate to C:\My Documents or a folder where you want to create a personal library of Revit MEP projects, templates, or families, and click Open. 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. 15 Under Library Name, click My Library. 16 Click (Move Rows Up) until My Library is at the top of the list, and click OK twice.
17 Click File menu Open. 18 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click the My Library icon. Notice that Revit MEP navigates directly to the library path. If you work in a large office, you may want to set up an office library on a network path to increase productivity and maintain office standards. 19 Click Cancel. 20 Click Settings menu Options. 21 Click the File Locations tab. 22 Click Places. 23 Select My Library. 24 Click 25 Click OK. Specify rendering settings 26 Click the Rendering tab. 27 Under Render Appearance Library Location, view the current path. This path specifies the location of the Render Appearance Library. This path is determined during installation. If you want to relocate this path, specify the new location here. Under Additional Render Appearance Paths, you can specify the locations of other files used to define render appearances, such as bump maps, custom color files, and decal image files. 28 Click OK. 29 Proceed to the next exercise, Specifying Spelling Options on page 929. (Remove Value) to delete the library.
Specifying Spelling Options

In this exercise, you modify the spelling settings and the custom dictionaries for Revit MEP. Modify spelling settings 1 Click Settings menu 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. 5 In the text editor, enter sheetmtl-Cu. 6 Click File menu Save. 7 Click File menu Exit. 8 Under Building industry dictionary, click Edit. 9 In the text editor, scroll down the list of building industry terms. 10 Click File menu Exit.
Specifying Spelling Options | 929
11 In the Options dialog, click OK. 12 On the Standard toolbar, click template. (New) to open a new Revit MEP project using the default
13 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Text. 14 Click in the drawing area, and enter This is sheetmtl-Cu and SHTMTL-CU. 15 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Modify. 16 Click Tools menu Spelling. Notice that the spell checker allowed sheetmtl-Cu because you added it to the custom dictionary. It allowed SHTMTL-CU because you set the spelling options to ignore words in uppercase. 17 Click Settings menu Options. 18 In the Options dialog, click the Spelling tab. 19 Under Settings, click Restore Defaults. This command resets the spelling settings to their original configuration. 20 Under Personal dictionary, click Edit. The custom dictionary opens in your default text editor. 21 In the text editor, delete sheetmtl-CU. 22 In the text editor, click File menu Save, and then click File menu Exit. 23 In the Options dialog, click OK. 24 Click File menu Close. If prompted, do not save the changes. 25 Proceed to the next exercise, Modifying Snap Settings on page 930.
Modifying Snap Settings

In this exercise, you modify snap settings. Snap settings are system settings that are applied to all projects and not saved within a project file. You can turn snap settings on and off, or use the shortcut keys to force a particular snap method. In this exercise, you modify snap increments, work with snapping turned off, and use shortcut keys to control snapping on an instance basis. Modify snap increments 1 Click File menu New Project to open a new Revit MEP project. 2 In the New Project dialog, under Template file, click Browse. 3 In the left pane of the Choose Template dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Templates\i_Tutorial_Default.rte. 4 In the New Project dialog, click OK. 5 Click Settings menu Snaps. Notice that you can modify both length and angular snap increments. As you zoom in and out within a view, Revit MEP uses the largest increment that represents less than 2mm in the drawing area. You can add an increment by entering the value with a semicolon after it.
6 Under Dimension Snaps, click in the Length dimension snap increments box following the value 4 ; and enter 1 ;.
7 Under Object Snaps, notice the 2-letter acronyms next to each object snap option. You can use these shortcut keys at any time when working on the design. For example, if you want to snap an object to a wall midpoint, enter SM, and only midpoint snaps are recognized until you commit an action. After you click to place the object at the midpoint, snapping reverts to the system default settings. 8 In the Snaps dialog, click OK. 9 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Wall. 10 On the Options Bar, clear Chain. 11 Click in the center of the drawing area, and move the cursor to the right.
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.
Modifying Snap Settings | 931
This is the increment that you added previously. Sketch without snapping 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. 14 Click to set the wall endpoint. 15 Click in the drawing area to start a second wall, and move the cursor to the right. Do not set the wall end point.
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. Use snapping shortcut keys 16 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and click Wall. 17 Place the cursor over the horizontal wall you added previously. Notice that the cursor snaps to various points on the wall. If you move the cursor along the wall, it will snap to the endpoints, the midpoint, and the wall edges. 18 Enter SM. This is the snap shortcut key that restricts all snapping to midpoints. 19 Notice that the cursor now snaps only to the midpoint of the wall.
20 Click to start the wall at the midpoint. 21 Move the cursor downward, and specify the wall endpoint. 22 Click Settings menu Snaps. 23 Under Dimension Snaps, click in the Length dimension snap increments box, and delete the value 1 ;. Make sure you also delete the semicolon. 24 Click OK. 25 Click File menu Close, and do not save the file. 26 Proceed to the next lesson, Modifying Project Settings on page 933.
Modifying Project Settings

In this lesson, you learn how to control the project environment by using the options available on the Settings menu. Using these options, you modify the appearance of components and subcomponents in a project. You create and modify materials, annotations, lines, fill patterns, and object styles. Finally, you modify the way the Project Browser organizes the project. The exercises in this lesson should be done sequentially using the same project file. If you cannot complete the exercises in their entirety, save the project file with a unique name, and use it to complete the remaining exercises.
Creating and Applying Materials

In this exercise, you create a new material and apply it to a model element. When you apply a material to an element, it defines the appearance of that element in shaded and rendered views. Well designed materials provide the foundation for photorealistic renderings. In the steps that follow, you begin with a simple building model consisting of brick on CMU exterior walls.
This building model has a generic roof and generic floor. After you create a new fieldstone material and apply it to the exterior wall face, you render a region to observe the changes.
Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\i_Settings.rvt.
Create a new material 1 Click Settings menu Materials.
Modifying Project Settings | 933
Notice the materials listed on the left side of the dialog. This list includes all materials available for use on model elements. When a model element is loaded into a project, all materials that are part of that family are also loaded into the project. 2 Scroll down the materials list, and select Masonry - Stone. Notice that no surface pattern is defined for this material. However, this material provides a starting point for the new material, Masonry - Fieldstone. 3 Click (Duplicate).
This command creates a new material using the selected material settings as the starting point. 4 In the Duplicate Revit Material dialog, enter Masonry - Fieldstone, and click OK. You have created a new material that can be applied to any model element in this project. Notice that the material settings have not changed from the material that you duplicated. In the steps that follow, you modify the material so that it displays correctly in a shaded or rendered view. Change the render appearance 5 Click the Render Appearance tab. The properties describe the color, scale, and texture of the material. These details will display in rendered images. 6 Click Replace. The Render Appearance Library is a local, read-only library for render appearances. When you change properties of a render appearance, the modified render appearance is stored as part of the project file. It is not stored in the read-only Render Appearance Library. 7 In the Render Appearance Library dialog, for Class, select Stone. The list displays only render appearances that belong to the stone class. 8 Select Riverstone Blue, and click OK. In the Materials dialog, the Render Appearance tab updates to display properties for the selected stone. 9 Click Apply. 10 Click the Graphics tab. Notice that the surface pattern is still blank. In the next exercise, you create a fieldstone pattern and apply it to the Masonry - Fieldstone material. 11 Click OK. Apply the new material 12 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) Floor Plans, and double-click 02 Entry Level. 13 Select the lower exterior wall, and click (Element Properties).
14 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 15 Click Duplicate. 16 Enter the new wall name, Fieldstone on CMU, and click OK. 17 For Structure, click Edit. 18 For Finish 1, click in the Material field. Layer #1 is the exterior finish of the wall. It is currently assigned the material Masonry - Brick. 19 On the right side of the Material field, click This is the material that you created. 21 Click OK three times. When you render a 3D view that includes the lower wall, the wall will display the render appearance specified for Masonry - Fieldstone. 22 Select the left exterior wall. 23 While pressing CTRL, select the rear exterior wall. 24 In the Type Selector, select Basic Wall: Fieldstone on CMU. All of the exterior walls of this project are now Fieldstone on CMU. 25 On the View toolbar, click (Default 3D View). .
20 In the Materials dialog, select Masonry - Fieldstone, and click OK.
26 On the View Control Bar, click Model Graphics Style, and verify that Shading with Edges is selected.
Creating and Applying Materials | 935
Notice that the exterior walls are no longer brick, and there is no stone pattern applied in this view. This is because a surface pattern was not selected when the fieldstone material was defined. In the following exercise, Creating and Applying Fill Patterns on page 937, you create a fieldstone pattern and apply it to this material. 27 On the Rendering tab of the Design Bar, click Rendering Dialog. TIP If the Rendering tab is not available on the Design Bar, right-click the Design Bar, and click Rendering. 28 In the Rendering dialog, select Region. 29 In the 3D view, select the render region (a red rectangle), and drag its blue grips to adjust the render region around the building.
30 Zoom in on the render region so you can see the building more clearly in the drawing area. 31 In the Rendering dialog, under Quality, for Setting, select Low or Medium. Higher quality renderings require more time to generate. 32 In the Rendering dialog, click Render. The rendering process begins. When finished, the rendered image displays fieldstone walls.
TIP If you want to see the material in greater detail, in the Rendering dialog, click Show the model. Zoom into the model, and adjust the boundaries of the render region to describe a smaller area. Then click Render again. 33 In the Rendering dialog, click Show the model, and clear Region. 34 Close the Rendering dialog. 35 Click File menu Save As. 36 Navigate to a folder of your preference, and save the file as i_Settings-in progress.rvt. 37 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating and Applying Fill Patterns on page 937.
Creating and Applying Fill Patterns

In this exercise, you create a new pattern called Fieldstone and apply it to the material you created in the previous exercise. There are 2 types of fill patterns: model and drafting. Model patterns represent actual element appearance on a building, such as brick coursing or ceramic tile on a wall. Model patterns are fixed and scale with the model. Drafting patterns represent material in symbolic form, such as steel, which consists of a double-diagonal hatching pattern. Drafting pattern density is fixed. Both pattern types are created and applied in a similar way. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercise. Use the project file that you saved at the end of that exercise, i_Settings-in progress.rvt. Create a new fill pattern 1 In the Project Browser, expand Elevations, and double-click West.
Creating and Applying Fill Patterns | 937
Notice that no model surface pattern displays on the fieldstone wall. 2 Click Settings menu Fill Patterns. 3 Under Pattern Type, choose Model. 4 Scroll down the list of patterns. Notice that a fieldstone pattern is not available. 5 Click New. 6 In the Add Surface Pattern dialog, select Custom. 7 Under Custom, click Import. 8 In the left pane of the Import Fill Pattern dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\Fieldstone_Model.pat. 9 Under Custom, select fldstn, and for Import scale, enter .56. 10 For Name, enter Fieldstone, and click OK. The new model pattern is available in the Fill Patterns dialog. 11 Click OK. Apply the fieldstone pattern 12 Select the west exterior wall with windows.
13 On the Options Bar, click 15 For Structure, click Edit.
14 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 16 In the Edit Assembly dialog, for Finish 1, click in the Material field. Finish 1 is the exterior finish of the wall. It is currently assigned the material Masonry - Fieldstone.
17 On the right side of the Materials field, click
In the Materials dialog, notice that no surface pattern is applied to the Masonry - Fieldstone material. 18 Under Surface Pattern, click to select a fill pattern.
19 In the Fill Patterns dialog, under Pattern Type, select Model. 20 Select the Fieldstone model pattern, and click OK. 21 In the Materials dialog, click OK. 22 Click OK three times. The west wall of the building displays as solid fill. 23 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 24 Zoom into the model until the fill pattern appears.
(Default 3D View).
TIP If the pattern does not display, adjust your zoom settings as needed. 26 Click File menu Save. 27 Proceed to the next exercise, Controlling Object Styles on page 939.
Controlling Object Styles

You can use object styles to control the appearance of components and subcomponents. Object styles are applied in every view and can be overridden in a particular view by modifying the Visibility/Graphics settings. Object styles allow you to control the appearance of multiple component types. For example, there are often multiple window types within a project. The client may not be certain of the exact window frame color to use and may want to see renderings of various options. Rather than continually modify the type properties of each window type, you can set the window frame material to By Category. You can then change the material in the Object Styles dialog and apply it to all window types. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercise. Use the project file that you saved at the end of that exercise, i_Settings-in progress.rvt. Apply object styles by category 1 In the Project Browser, expand 3D Views, and double-click 3 Windows.
Controlling Object Styles | 939
2 On the keyboard, use the shortcut keys ZR (Zoom in Region), and drag a rectangle around the 3 windows facing you.
3 On the View Control Bar, click Model Graphics Style Shading with Edges. 4 Select one of the rectangular windows. 5 On the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
6 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 7 In the Type Properties dialog, under Materials and Finishes, for Trim Exterior Material, click in the Value column, and click .
8 In the Materials dialog, click By Category (located under the materials list). This means that the material is assigned by the Object Styles setting. 9 Click OK twice. 10 Select the arched window. 11 On the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
12 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 13 In the Type Properties dialog, under Materials and Finishes, for Trim Exterior Material, click in the Value column, and click 15 Click OK twice. 16 On the Design Bar, click Modify. .
14 In the Materials dialog, click By Category.
Notice the exterior frames of all the windows are now gray.
Change the render appearance 17 Click Settings menu Object Styles. 18 On the Model Objects tab, expand Windows, and select Trim. 19 For Trim, click in the Material column, and click 20 In the Materials dialog, select Trim, and click 22 Click the Render Appearance tab. 23 Click Replace. 24 In the Render Appearance Library dialog, for Class, select Paint. 25 In the search field, type red. The list displays render appearances that belong to the Paint class and whose names, descriptions, or keywords include the word red. . (Duplicate).
21 In the Duplicate Revit Material dialog, for Name, enter Trim - red paint, and click OK.
Controlling Object Styles | 941
26 Select Paint Dark Red Glossy, and click OK. When you render a 3D view, the rendered image will show dark red paint for the window trim. Change the color in shaded views 27 Click the Graphics tab. 28 Under Shading, select Use Render Appearance for Shading. Revit MEP determines the average color for the render appearance. It uses this color to represent the material in 2D and 3D views whose model graphics style is Shading or Shading with Edges. 29 In the Materials dialog, click OK. 30 In the Object Styles dialog, click OK. Notice that the red paint trim material is applied to all windows regardless of their type. 31 On the View toolbar, click 32 Click File menu Save. 33 Proceed to the next exercise, Modifying Line Patterns and Styles on page 942. (Default 3D view).
Modifying Line Patterns and Styles

In this exercise, you create a new line pattern and apply it to the fascia of the roof. You then create a new line style to mark the zoning setback from the property line. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercise. Use the project file that you saved at the end of that exercise, i_Settings-in progress.rvt. Create a new line pattern 1 Verify that the project from the previous exercise, i_Settings-in progress.rvt, is open with the 3D view active. 2 Click Settings menu Line Patterns. 3 In the Line Patterns dialog, click New. 4 In the Line Pattern Properties dialog, for Name, enter Roof Line. 5 Enter the Types and Values shown in the following illustration:
6 Click OK twice. Now that you have created a line pattern, you can apply it using either of the following methods:

Use Visibility/Graphics settings to modify the roof appearance in a specific view. Use object styles to apply the change to all views.
7 On the View Control Bar, click Model Graphics Style Hidden Line. 8 Click Settings menu Object Styles. 9 In the Object Styles dialog, under Category, select Roofs. 10 For Line Color, select Red. 11 For Line Pattern, select Roof Line.
12 Click OK. The line style is applied to the roof in the view.
Modifying Line Patterns and Styles | 943
13 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click to Building. 14 On the View Control Bar, click Model Graphics Style, and verify that Hidden Line is selected. Notice that the line color displays in this view, but not the line pattern.
NOTE The line pattern is most appropriate in plan views. The pattern is not applied in a perspective or camera view where you expect to see a solid line. Plans, sections, elevations, and orthogonal 3D views show line color and pattern. 15 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 03 Roof.
16 Click Settings menu Object Styles. 17 In the Object Styles dialog, under Category, select Roofs. 18 For Line Color, select Black. 19 For Line Pattern, select Solid. 20 Click OK. 21 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 22 On the Model Categories tab, for Visibility, select Roofs. 23 For Projection/Surface Lines, click Override. This setting overrides the appearance of the roof only in the current view. 24 In the Line Graphics dialog, specify the following options:

For Weight, select 5. For Color, select Blue. For Pattern, select Roof Line.
25 Click OK twice.
Create a new line style 26 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Site. Notice the site topography and the property lines. 27 Click Settings menu Line Styles. 28 In the Line Styles dialog, under Modify Subcategories, click New. 29 For Name, enter Zoning Setback, and click OK. 30 For the Zoning Setback category, specify the following values:

For Line Weight Projection, select 2. For Line Color, select Red. For Line Pattern, select Double Dash 5/8" .
31 Click OK. 32 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Lines. 33 In the Type Selector, select Zoning Setback. 34 On the Options Bar, specify the following:
For Plane, select Level: 02 Entry Level. This places the line above the topography. Click (Draw).
Modifying Line Patterns and Styles | 945
Click
(Line).
35 Draw lines for the setback approximately as shown:
NOTE If you only want the setback to display on the site view, use the Detail Lines command on the Drafting tab of the Design Bar. Detail lines only show in the view where they are created, as if they are placed on an overlay of the view.
(Default 3D View).
Notice that the Zoning Setback lines display in this view. 37 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 38 On the Model Categories tab, expand Lines, and clear Zoning Setback. This turns off the visibility of the Zoning Setback lines only in this view. 39 Click OK. 40 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 02 Entry Level. 41 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 42 On the Model Categories tab:

Expand Lines, and clear Zoning Setback. Expand Site, and clear Property Lines. NOTE If Site is not selected, select it, and then clear Property Lines.
43 Click OK. 44 On the View toolbar, click 45 Click File menu Save. 46 Proceed to the next exercise, Modifying Annotations on page 947. (Default 3D View).
Modifying Annotations
In this exercise, you create a new dimension style using units of measurement that differ from the project settings. You also load a new window annotation symbol and apply it to show the window instance number rather than the window type. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercise. Use the project file that you saved at the end of that exercise, i_Settings-in progress.rvt. Create a new dimension style 1 Verify that the project from the previous exercise, i_Settings-in progress.rvt, is open with the 02 Entry Level floor plan active. 2 Click Settings menu Annotations Dimensions Linear. 3 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 4 Enter the name Linear - Metric and click OK. 5 Under Text, for Units Format, click the default value. 6 In the Format dialog:

Clear Use project settings. For Units, select Millimeters. For Unit suffix, select mm.
7 Click OK twice. You have created a new dimension style. 8 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Dimension. 9 In the Type Selector, select Linear - Metric, and place a dimension on the floor plan. To place a dimension, click one wall, click another wall, and then click outside the second wall. 10 On the Standard toolbar, click Load a new window tag 12 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 02 Entry Level. (Undo).
11 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Modify.
Modifying Annotations | 947
Notice that the windows on the west wall are tagged, and that the tags display the window type rather than the window instance number. 13 Select a tagged window in the west wall. 14 On the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
15 In the Element Properties dialog, notice the Mark value differs from the window tag value. The window tag used in this project is designed to display the type. In the steps that follow, you load a new window tag that displays the window instance mark. 16 Click Cancel. 17 Click Settings menu Annotations Loaded Tags. 18 In the Tags dialog, under Category, scroll down to Windows. Notice that there is a window tag loaded and applied to windows. 19 Click Load. 20 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Families\Annotations\Window Tag - Number.rfa. In the preview image, notice that the label displays 1i. This indicates this tag is designed to display the window instance value rather than the type value. 21 In the Tags dialog, scroll to Windows and notice that Window Tag - Number is now the assigned tag. This tag is used when tagging windows By Category. 22 Under Loaded Tags, click Window Tag - Number, and select the drop-down arrow that displays. Notice that you can choose between the two window tag types loaded into this project. Leave Window Tag - Number as the assigned tag. 23 Click OK. 24 While pressing CTRL, select the 3 window tags. Then press Delete. 25 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Tag By Category. 26 On the Options Bar, clear Leader. 27 On the west wall, click the bottom window. A window instance tag displays on the selected window.
28 On the Design Bar, click Tag All Not Tagged. Under Category, notice Window Tags appears twice. Each Window Tag category has a different loaded tag: one displays the type value, the other displays the instance value. 29 Select the Window Tag category with the loaded tag, Window Tag - Number. 30 Under Leader, verify that Create is clear, and click OK.
The remaining untagged windows are tagged by instance value. Both window tag types can coexist within the same view. 31 On the Design Bar, click Modify. TIP Using the techniques learned in the previous steps, you can have multiple views: one displaying window type tags and the other displaying window instance values.
32 On the View toolbar, click 33 Click File menu Save.
(Default 3D View).
34 Proceed to the next exercise, Specifying Units of Measurement, Temporary Dimensions, and Detail Level Options on page 949.
Specifying Units of Measurement,Temporary Dimensions, and Detail Level Options

In this exercise, you modify 3 settings that have a broad impact on the project. In the first section, you specify the project units of measurements. Unless overridden, dimension values display using this setting. In the second section, you modify the temporary dimension settings. In the final section, you modify the detail level assignments. NOTE This exercise requires the completion of the previous exercise. Use the project file that you saved at the end of that exercise, i_Settings-in progress.rvt. Set units of measurement 1 Click Settings menu Project Units. 2 In the Project Units dialog, for Length, click the default value. 3 In the Format dialog, for Rounding, select To the nearest 1/16", and click OK. 4 In the Project Units dialog, for Area, click the default value. 5 In the Format dialog:

For Rounding, select 0 decimal places. For Unit symbol, select SF. Click OK.
Modifications to area rounding are displayed in schedules and area tags. 6 Click OK. Unless overridden, dimensions use these project settings. Specify temporary dimension properties 7 Click Settings menu Temporary Dimensions. 8 Under Walls, select Faces. 9 Under Doors and Windows, select Openings, and click OK. In this project, temporary dimensions now snap to the wall faces and to the door and window openings. The location of temporary witness lines can be changed by clicking their controls. Specify detail levels 10 Click Settings menu Detail Level.
Specifying Units of Measurement,Temporary Dimensions, and Detail Level Options | 949
When you create a new view and specify its view scale, the detail level is specified automatically according to the arrangement in the table. TIP You can override the detail level at any time by specifying the Detail Level parameter in the View Properties dialog or the Detail Level icon on the View Control Bar. In this table, you use the arrows between the columns to move view scales from one detail level to another. You do not select a view scale to move it. The view scale moves either from the bottom or the top of the column based on the direction. 11 Between the columns Coarse and Medium, click .
Notice the 1/4" = 1 0" view scale moved to the Medium column. Any new view created using this scale is automatically assigned the detail level Medium. 12 Click OK. 13 Click File menu Save. 14 Click File menu Close. 15 Proceed to the next exercise, Modifying Project Browser Organization on page 950.
Modifying Project Browser Organization

In a typical project, you often produce multiple packages of related drawings. These drawings and sheets can become so numerous that navigating a lengthy Project Browser list can be cumbersome. To organize the views and sheets into sets of deliverables, you can use the Project Browser settings to instantly modify how the Project Browser groups and sorts. In this exercise, you modify the Project Browser organization and create new methods of grouping and sorting the views and sheets. Training File

Click File menu Open. In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\c_Project_Browser.rvt.
Organize the Project Browser by views 1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and expand 3D Views.
Notice that the views are listed alphabetically.
2 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets (all). Notice that the sheets are listed alphanumerically based on the sheet number. 3 Open each of the 3D views in the following order, and notice the progression of each view:

Main Bldg - Phase 1-Structure East Wing - Phase 2-Structure West Wing - Phase 3-Structure Completed Project-Structure Completed Structure w/ Roof&Floors Completed Project
Each of the 3D views varies by phase and discipline. 4 Click Settings menu Browser Organization. 5 On the Views tab, select Discipline, and click OK. In the Project Browser, notice that Views are divided into Architectural and Structural disciplines. 6 In the Project Browser, expand both the Architectural and Structural views. 7 Click Settings menu Browser Organization. 8 Select Phase, and click Apply. In the Project Browser, notice that views are grouped by phase. 9 In the Browser Organization dialog, select Type/Discipline, and click OK. 10 In the Project Browser, expand each view type, and notice that each is grouped by discipline.
Organize Project Browser by sheets 11 Click Settings menu Browser Organization. 12 Click the Sheets tab. 13 Select Sheet Prefix, and click OK. 14 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, expand each sheet set.
Modifying Project Browser Organization | 951
Create a new browser organization name 15 Click Settings menu Browser Organization. 16 Click the Views tab, and click New. 17 Enter Phase/Type/Discipline, and click OK. 18 In the Browser Organization Properties dialog, click the Folders tab, and specify the following:

Group by: Phase Then by: Family and Type Then by: Discipline
19 Click OK. 20 In the Browser Organization dialog, select Phase/Type/Discipline as the current browser organization, and click OK. 21 In the Project Browser, under Views, expand Complete, expand 3D Views, and expand both Architectural and Structural. Notice that the Project Browser has reorganized all the views within this project according to Phase, View Type (Family and Type), and Discipline. 22 Click File menu Close. If you want to save this file, navigate to your preferred directory, enter a unique file name, and click OK. Proceed to the next lesson, Creating an Office Template on page 953. In this lesson, you modified various project settings that affect project appearance and organization. All the settings that you changed in this lesson are saved with the project. You can also save these settings in a template file. By saving these settings as a template and using it throughout the office, you maintain consistent standards and reduce the amount of repetitive work. In the lesson that follows, you create an office template.
Creating an Office Template

In this lesson, you create a Revit MEP template file and specify it as your default template. When you create new projects, the project template is used to provide the initial project settings such as materials, dimensions styles, levels, and view names. You can save Project Browser organization schemes and named print settings in a template. Although Revit MEP provides many templates to choose from, you may decide to modify one or more of these templates to the specific needs of your company. A well designed template will ensure that office standards are maintained and will reduce repetitive work. The lesson begins with choosing the correct base template and progresses through many of the most common modifications that you should consider to make a template unique to your situation.
Choosing the Base Template

In this exercise, you select the starting point for your office template. Whenever you create a new project or template, a group of settings is used to specify the project environment. For example, when you create a new project, you can select an existing template or begin the project with no template. Even if you choose not to base that project on a template, certain baseline settings are still assigned to the new project. When you create a new template based on an existing template, the same rules apply. You can use an existing template as the baseline or use no template at all. You should choose the option that will help you develop the best template with the least amount of work. Review existing templates 1 Click File menu New Project. 2 Under Template file, click Browse. 3 In the left pane of the Choose Template dialog, click Training Files, and open Imperial\Templates. You can choose from several templates. The template selection may vary depending on your installation. The first step in creating your office template is deciding which template to use as your starting point. You may need to have a variety of office templates if your work requires it. In that case, you can modify one template and use Transfer Project Standards to copy the changes to other templates. 4 Select the Construction-Default.rte template, and click Open. 5 In the New Project dialog, for Create new, select Project. 6 Click OK. 7 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) Elevations, and double-click North. 8 Click View menu Zoom Zoom in Region and, in the drawing area, drag a zoom region around the level heads. Notice that there are more predefined levels than you normally see in the default template. 9 In the Project Browser, navigate throughout the various views and schedules. Notice that the construction template is more complex than the default template. Other templates are simple in respect to the predefined views and schedules, but the view properties have been modified to maximize the use of various tools. 10 Click File menu Close. If you have additional projects open, close them. 11 Click File menu New Project. 12 Under Template File, click Browse.
Creating an Office Template | 953
13 Select the default template. 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. 14 Click Open. 15 Under Create new, select Project template, and click OK. 16 Proceed to the next exercise, Modifying Project Settings on page 954.
Modifying Project Settings

In this exercise, you modify the project settings for your new template. These 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 create the materials commonly used in most projects. When you create the material, you can dictate its appearance in all views and when rendered. In this exercise, you modify the following:

Materials Fill patterns Object styles Line styles, weights, and patterns Annotations Project units Temporary dimensions Detail levels Project Browser organization
In addition to the list above, there are additional commands under the Settings menu that allow modifications that can be saved in a template. The specifics regarding each of these are addressed at the end of this exercise. During this exercise, specific modifications are not dictated. You are merely pointed to each area where you can adapt the template to your needs. For more details on modifying these settings, see the previous lesson, Modifying System Settings on page 925, or refer to the online help. Create and modify materials 1 Click Settings menu Materials. 2 Scroll down the materials list. Observe the materials that are already defined. You may want to rename or modify some of the existing materials. If certain materials are commonly used in your office or industry, create and modify them as needed. TIP For more information about creating new materials, see Modifying Project Settings on page 933, or refer to the online help. When you create or modify a material, you can specify its appearance in rendered images, including color, texture, transparency, and similar attributes. You do this by defining the render appearance.
3 Click the Render Appearance tab. You can assign a different render appearance to a material, see a preview of the rendered material, and change render appearance properties. 4 Click Replace. If you change render appearance properties, the changes are saved as part of the project template, not in the read-only Render Appearance Library. Any related files (such as image files or bump maps) should be stored in a location that is accessible to all users of the template. For more information, see Specifying File Locations on page 927. 5 Click OK twice to close the Render Appearance Library and Materials dialogs. Create and modify fill patterns 6 Click Settings menu Fill Patterns. 7 Scroll through the list of model patterns and drafting patterns. Drafting patterns represent materials in symbolic form. Model patterns represent actual element appearance on a building. You can align, rotate, and move model patterns. You can also dimension to model pattern lines. 8 Create new fill patterns as needed, or modify existing patterns. See Modifying Project Settings on page 933 for more information on creating new fill patterns. 9 Click OK when finished. Specify object styles 10 Click Settings menu Object Styles. In the Object Styles dialog, you can set line weights, line colors, line patterns, and materials for model objects, annotation objects, and imported objects. TIP When the material of an object is set to by category, it adopts the material assigned to its object styles category. 11 Click the Model Objects tab, and scroll through the list of categories. 12 Modify the properties of any existing categories as needed. 13 If necessary, create new subcategories. 14 Click the Annotation Objects tab. 15 Modify categories, and create new subcategories as needed. 16 Click OK to close the Object Styles dialog. Modify line styles 17 Click Settings menu Line Styles. 18 For existing line categories, modify the line weight, line color, or line pattern as needed. 19 If necessary, create new line subcategories. 20 Click OK. Modify line weights 21 Click Settings menu Line Weights. The Line Weights command controls the display of line widths for each scale of a view. You can add and delete view scales.
The dialog has 3 tabs:
The Model Line Weights tab controls the line width of model elements (such as walls and windows) in orthographic views. The widths are dependent on the scale of the design. You can define the widths of 16 different pens for 6 different drawing scales. The Perspective Line Weights tab controls the line width of model elements in perspective views. The Annotation Line Weights tab controls the line width of annotation symbols, such as section lines and dimension lines. Annotation line widths are independent of the view scale.
22 Click the Model Line Weights tab. 23 Modify existing line weights as needed. 24 Add and delete view scales as needed. 25 Click the Perspective Line Weights tab. 26 Modify existing line weights as needed. 27 Click the Annotation Line Weights tab. 28 Modify existing line weights as needed. 29 Click OK. Modify line patterns 30 Click Settings menu Line Patterns. 31 Scroll through the list of line patterns. 32 To modify a line pattern, select it, and click Edit. 33 Add and delete line patterns as needed. 34 Click OK. Modify arrowheads 35 Click Settings menu Annotations Arrowheads. The arrowheads configured within this dialog can be applied to text notes, tags, and dimensions. 36 Select the Type drop-down list, and notice the list of existing arrowhead styles. To see the details of a particular style, select it from this list. 37 Modify the properties of existing arrowhead styles if necessary. 38 Click Rename if you want to rename an existing arrowhead. 39 If you need to create a new arrowhead style, click Duplicate, name the style, and specify the properties. 40 Click OK. Modify dimension styles 41 Click Settings menu Annotations Dimensions Linear. Linear, angular, and radial dimensions are modified separately. 42 Select the Type drop-down list, and notice the list of existing linear dimension styles. To see the details of a particular style, select it from this list. 43 Modify the properties of existing linear dimension styles if necessary. 44 Click Rename if you want to rename an existing style. 45 If you need to create a new linear dimension style, click Duplicate, name the style, and specify the properties. 46 Click OK.
47 Repeat the previous 5 steps for angular and radial dimensions.

Click Settings menu Annotations Dimensions Angular. Click Settings menu Annotations Dimensions Radial.
Modify loaded tags 48 Click Settings menu Annotations Loaded Tags. The tag assignments in this dialog dictate the default tag for each category. For example, when you add a door with the tag option selected, the door is tagged using the tag assigned to the Doors category in this dialog. You can override tag assignment using the Type Selector. 49 Scroll through the list of loaded tags. Notice many categories do not have loaded tags. You can have multiple tags loaded for any category. When more than one tag has been loaded for a category, the last loaded tag becomes the default tag. In the Tags dialog, you can override the assignment by selecting a different tag from the drop-down list. 50 To load new annotation tags, click Load. 51 After you have loaded the necessary tags, make sure each category is assigned the desired tag, and click OK. Specify project units 52 Click Settings menu Project Units. 53 For Length, click Format. 54 Modify the unit settings if necessary. 55 Click OK. 56 Repeat the previous two steps for the Area, Volume, and Angle settings. 57 Specify the Slope option, and choose a decimal symbol. 58 Click OK. Specify temporary dimensions 59 Click Settings menu Temporary Dimensions. 60 Under Walls, specify where you want the temporary dimensions to measure from by default. TIP In the drawing area, you can modify the location of temporary dimension witness lines. 61 Under Doors and Windows, specify the default location for temporary dimensions. 62 Click OK. Specify detail levels 63 Click Settings menu Detail Level. When you create a new view, the detail level of that view is automatically assigned using this table. The detail level is based on view scale. You can override the detail level at any time by specifying the Detail Level parameter in the View Properties command. View scales are organized under the detail level headings Coarse, Medium, or Fine. Using the arrows between the columns, you can move view scales from one detail level to another. 64 Review the table, and move view scales as needed. NOTE You cannot select specific scales in this dialog. To move the view scales, click the arrows between columns. The view scales move from the lower-left to the upper-right and vice-versa. 65 Click OK.
Modify project browser organization 66 Click Settings menu Browser Organization. In a typical project, you often produce multiple packages of related drawings. These views and sheets can become so numerous that navigating a lengthy Project Browser list can be cumbersome. To organize the views and sheets into sets of deliverables, you can use the Project Browser settings to instantly modify the grouping and sorting within the Project Browser. If you routinely create the same documentation sets, you may want to modify the browser organization settings within the template. RELATED For more information on modifying browser organization, see Modifying Project Browser Organization on page 950. 67 In the Browser Organization dialog, click the Views tab. 68 Delete, rename, or edit existing organization types. 69 If necessary, create new browser organization types. 70 Click the Sheets tab. 71 Delete, rename, or edit existing organization types. 72 If necessary, create new browser organization types. 73 Click OK. Additional project settings 74 The Settings menu offers several additional commands that control the project environment. Although these settings can be saved within a template, you should consider each carefully before applying changes to a template. For example, you can save phases or named print settings in a template. However, you may only want to add generic settings that would be applicable to most projects. In such a case, you must decide if the time investment is offset later by the reduction in repetitive work. Each of these areas is covered later in this lesson or in other tutorials. Use the table below as a checklist, and make modifications in each area as necessary. Links to associated tutorials are provided. You can find additional information in Help. Each command is available on the Settings menu. Settings Menu Command
Project Parameters
Associated Tutorial
Considerations
This command is covered in an exercise later in this lesson. See Setting up Shared and Project Parameters on page 965. Project Phasing on page 883
If necessary, you can add project (and shared) parameters to a template. This could be useful for things such as hardware, furniture, or electrical fixtures. If necessary, you can set up the phases, phase filters, and graphic overrides applicable to most projects. Create and modify the view templates to control the appearance of default views and rendered images.
Phases
View Templates
This command is covered in an exercise later in this lesson. See Modifying Views and View Templates on page 961.
75 Proceed to the next exercise, Loading and Modifying Families and Groups on page 959.
Loading and Modifying Families and Groups

In this exercise, you load and modify families or groups into the template started in the previous exercise. If you have not completed the previous exercise, do so before starting this exercise. Depending on the intended use of this template, you may want to load families into the template to save time later or ensure consistency throughout the office. You can load any family or group into a template. You should only load components that tend to be used in every project and are not likely to change. For example, you could load detail components, title blocks, and electrical fixtures. You may want to modify wall types to add a more diverse selection within the template. Although the options are endless, there are some important thoughts to consider. You should not load every conceivable family into a template file. Although this is possible, it is not recommended because it would increase the file size significantly before the first component was added to the project. In addition, each component loaded will add to the length of the relative Type Selector list. For example, if you load every available window type, you must scroll through a lengthy list of windows every time you change a window in a project. This would be cumbersome and counterproductive. You should think very carefully about what families or groups to load and modify within a template. Load and modify families 1 Use the project started in the previous exercise, and in the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Door. 2 In the Type Selector, notice the list of doors already loaded. If this selection is satisfactory, you can move onto the next component type. However, you may want to delete, modify, or add to this selection. You can do this in several ways: select a component type and click Properties, or use the Project Browser. In the steps that follow, you do both. 3 To modify, create, or load a new door type, click Bar. (Element Properties) on the Options
Use the instructions in the table below to load, create, or modify a door. Goal:
Load new door type
Steps:
In the Element Properties dialog, click Load. Navigate to the directory containing the door type. Select it, and click Open. In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. Make modifications, and click OK. In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. Click Duplicate. Enter a name, and click OK. Modify type properties, and click OK.
Modify door type
Create new door type
4 Click OK. 5 Repeat the process for any component type that you want to modify. You may want to open other Design Bar tabs and make modifications to components not available on this tab. You can also load families and groups from the File menu. 6 Click File menu Load from Library. Notice that you have the option to Load Family or Load File as Group. Loading from the library is the quickest when you know exactly what families you want to load.
Loading and Modifying Families and Groups | 959
7 Press ESC twice to return to the template. Use the Project Browser to modify families 8 In the Project Browser, expand Families.
Notice that each family category is listed. You can use the Project Browser to modify family types. 9 Expand Annotation Symbols. Notice that a title block symbol is loaded. (The title block name may vary depending on the template you started with.) 10 Expand the title block, and select the title block type.
11 On the Options Bar, click 12 Click Preview.
This title block is currently part of the template. Notice it has Autodesk Revit in the upper-right corner. You may want to load a title block applicable to your office and then delete this title block. To load a title block, click Load. For more information, see Working with Revisions on page 784. 13 Click OK. You can use the Project Browser to delete a component from the project or template. To do so, right-click the component, and click Delete. 14 Using any of the techniques learned in previous steps, load, create, or modify any component families or groups as necessary. 15 Proceed to the next exercise, Modifying Views and View Templates on page 961.
Modifying Views and View Templates

At the beginning of this lesson, you created new projects using different templates, and you noticed that each template had a unique set of predefined views. In this exercise, you create the views required for your template. In addition, you create and apply the underlying view templates that control their initial appearance. View templates help standardize the look of all views by providing the initial settings for a view. In addition, you can apply a template to an existing view at any time using the Apply View Template command. The view inherits view properties such as View Scale, View Range, Discipline, Detail Level, and the visibility settings of categories and subcategories. In this exercise, you will first modify view templates, and then create new views that will automatically use those templates.
Modifying Views and View Templates | 961
Create and modify view templates 1 Click Settings menu View Templates. 2 Under Names, select Architectural Plan. These settings are applied when you create a new plan view by adding a new level. At any time, you can apply a view template to any view. These values represent the starting point for each plan view. By modifying the view templates according to your specific needs, you reduce rework and increase consistency across projects. 3 Specify each value according to your needs. Keep in mind that these settings are the default settings for this view type. 4 If necessary, rename or duplicate the view template and make modifications. 5 Repeat the steps above for each of the view templates in the list. 6 Click OK. Apply view templates 7 In the Project Browser, expand Views Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1. 8 Click View menu Apply View Template. Applying a view template to a view is a one-time action. The view properties of the target view are instantly reset to match those of the template. After applying the template, the view is not linked to the template in any way. Subsequent modifications to the view template do not affect any current views unless you reapply the view template. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply a view template to a view. In addition, there is no limit to the number of view templates that you can apply. 9 Select the Architectural Plan template. 10 Select Apply automatically to new views of same type. Every time a new plan view is created, it will use this view template to set the initial view properties. 11 Click Apply, and click OK. 12 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 2. 13 Click View menu Apply View Template. 14 Select the Architectural Plan template, click Apply, and click OK. 15 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Site. 16 Click View menu Apply View Template. 17 If you made modifications to the Site Plan template, select Site Plan, click Apply, and then click OK. NOTE Do not select Apply automatically to new views of same type. This would result in the Site Plan view template becoming the default template for all new plan views. 18 If you modified any other view templates, open the view from the Project Browser, and apply the appropriate template. Create and modify views 19 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click South. Notice the level names. Blue level heads have associated plan views. Black level heads have no associated views.
20 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, review the existing floor plans. 21 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 1, and, in the shortcut menu, notice that you have the option to rename, duplicate, or delete this view. 22 In the Project Browser, review the floor plans, ceiling plans, and elevations. Rename, duplicate, or delete them as needed. 23 To add more levels to the template, on the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Level. Make sure you are still in the South elevation view. 24 On the Options Bar, select Make Plan View. 25 Add the new level within the elevation view. The associated floor plan will use the Architectural Plan view template to set its initial view properties. 26 Rename and reposition the level as needed. 27 Create additional levels as needed. Create 3D views 28 To add 3D views to the template, on the View toolbar, click 29 In the Project Browser, expand 3D Views. 30 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click {3D}, and click Rename. 31 Rename the 3D View. If you want to modify view properties, in the Project Browser, right-click the view name, and click Properties. 32 (Optional) To change the orientation of the 3D view, use the ViewCube. By default, the ViewCube displays in the upper right corner of the drawing area for 3D views. If it does not display, click Window menu ViewCube. (Default 3D View).
You can change the view orientation in many ways:

Click a corner, a face, or an edge of the ViewCube. To orient the 3D view to another view, right-click the ViewCube, click Orient to View, and select the desired view. To orient the 3D view to a direction, right-click the ViewCube, click Orient to a Direction, and select the desired direction.
33 To save the re-oriented view, right-click the ViewCube, and click Save View. If prompted, enter a view name. The view is listed in the Project Browser under Views (all) 3D Views. Create and modify schedules 34 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. You can add schedules to a template. You may want to consider adding the schedules that you use most often, and modify their properties accordingly. This can save significant time and ensure that office standards are maintained.
Modifying Views and View Templates | 963
35 If you want to add schedules to your template, select the category type, and click OK. 36 In the Schedule Properties dialog, make the following modifications as needed:

On the Fields tab, select and order required fields. On the Filter tab, assign filters. On the Sorting/Grouping tab, modify settings as needed. On the Formatting tab, modify settings as needed. On the Appearance tab, modify settings as needed.
37 Click OK. 38 Repeat the steps above for each schedule type you add to the template. Add sheets to the template 39 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Sheet. You are prompted to select a title block. If you have already loaded your office title blocks into the template, select one, and click OK. TIP You can add sheets to the template and delete the title block. To do so, select the default title block, and click OK. After the sheet is created, select the title block and delete it. You can still add views to the sheet. To later add a title block to a sheet, click View menu New Place Titleblock. 40 To add views to the sheet, on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Add View. Select a view, and click Add View to Sheet. TIP You can also drag and drop views directly from the Project Browser onto the sheet. 41 To rename or renumber the sheet, in the Project Browser, expand Sheets (all). Right-click the sheet name, and click Rename. 42 Create new sheets as needed. Subsequent sheets are numbered consecutively based on the previous sheet. 43 Proceed to the next exercise, Modifying Import/Export Settings on page 964.
Modifying Import/Export Settings

In this exercise, you modify the export layer settings for DWG/DXF and DGN files. You then set the import line weights for DWG/DXF. When you import a DWG or DXF file, each layer in the file is assigned a line weight based on the pen number/line weight settings you created. Modify export layers for DWG and DXF 1 Click File menu Import/Export Settings Export Layers DWG/DXF. The Export Layers command maps Revit MEP categories and subcategories to specific layer names that are available after exporting to other CAD programs. Revit MEP presets the layer names to American Institute of Architects (AIA) industry standards. The layer names are stored in a text file (exportlayers.txt for AutoCAD, or exportlayersdgn.txt for MicroStation), and then are exported along with your project into the appropriate CAD program. The layer mapping files reside in the Data folder of the Revit MEP program installation directory. TIP In the Export Layers dialog, Color ID corresponds to an AutoCAD or MicroStation color ID. Layer name corresponds to level name for MicroStation.
2 For each category, specify the following:

Projection Layer name and Color ID Cut Layer name and Color ID
3 If you modified the settings in this dialog, click Save As, name the file, and click Save. Modify export layers for DGN 4 Click File menu Import/Export Settings Export Layers DGN. 5 For each category, specify the following:

Projection Level Number and Color ID Cut Level Number and Color ID
6 If you modified the settings in this dialog, select Save As, name the file, and click Save. Modify import line weights 7 Click File menu Import/Export Settings Import Line Weights DWG/DXF. You can import pen numbers from a DWG or DXF file and map them to a Revit MEP line weight. You can save these mappings to a text file, and they become the set mappings for the project. These settings are retained within the project template; therefore, you do not need to worry about where the text file is saved. 8 In the dialog, match the pen (DWG/DXF Color Number) to the appropriate line weight, for example, Pen Number 1 to Line Weight Number 1, Pen Number 2 to Line Weight Number 2, and so on. Set as many pen-line weight mappings as desired. 9 Click Save As, name the file, and click Save. When you import a DWG or DXF file, each layer in the file is assigned a line weight based on the pen number/line weight settings you created. 10 Proceed to the next exercise, Setting up Shared and Project Parameters on page 965.
Setting up Shared and Project Parameters

In this exercise, you continue the refinement of the template by setting up shared parameters, project parameters, and related multi-category tags and schedules. Using shared parameters, you can define additional parameters that are not included in the pre-defined instance and type parameters within family components or within the project template. You can add these shared parameters to any family regardless of category. Their definitions are stored in an external file ensuring consistency across families and projects. Their values may also be aggregated and reported using multi-category schedules. For example, you can use shared parameters to add specific parameters to an existing family component for scheduling and tagging when those parameters are not initially present by default. Project parameters are parameters (either instance or type) that are used within a single project for the purposes of scheduling information specific to that project. They cannot be shared with other projects, and they cannot be used to tag objects (as with shared parameters). Multi-category tags use shared parameters to permit tagging of any family component regardless of category. When scheduling, you normally schedule a single category: rooms, doors, windows, and so on. When you create a multi-category schedule, it lists components regardless of category by using an external parameter as a filter. This exercise does not provide detailed instructions, because each office has a unique set of needs. If you are unfamiliar with shared parameters, project parameters, and the creation of multi-category tags and schedules, see Scheduling Shared Parameters on page 673 or Adding Project Parameters to a Window Schedule
Setting up Shared and Project Parameters | 965
on page 649. If you do not need to make changes to shared or project parameters, you can skip this exercise and move onto the last exercise of this lesson, Creating Named Print Settings on page 967. Set up shared parameters 1 Click File menu Shared Parameters. NOTE This procedure is for creating a new shared parameter file. If a file already exists, you can browse to that file and modify it as needed. 2 Click Create. 3 Name and save the file. If this template will be used by multiple team members, you may want to save the file to a network location. Create parameter groups 4 In the Edit Shared Parameters dialog, under Groups, click New. 5 Enter the group name, and click OK. 6 Create as many groups as needed. For each parameter group, you can create a list of parameters. Create shared parameters 7 Under Parameter group, select a group to add parameters to. 8 Under Parameters, click New. 9 Name the parameter, and specify its discipline and type. 10 Click OK. 11 For each parameter group, add required parameters. 12 Click OK when you have finished creating shared parameters. Set up project parameters 13 Click Settings menu Project Parameters. 14 Click Add. 15 In the Parameter Properties dialog, select Project parameter. 16 Under Parameter Data, for Name, enter a parameter name. 17 Under Discipline, select a parameter discipline type. 18 Under Type of Parameter, select a parameter value type. 19 Under Group parameter under, select the group you want the parameter to be listed with in the Element Properties dialog. 20 Choose whether the parameter is stored by instance or type. 21 Under Categories, select the element categories to which this parameter applies. 22 Click OK. 23 Add project parameters as needed. 24 To add a shared project parameter, click Add, and select Shared Parameter. 25 Click Select, and choose a shared parameter. 26 Click OK. 27 Choose whether you want the shared parameter to be an instance parameter or a type parameter, indicate the group to which the parameter belongs, and assign the categories to which this parameter applies. 28 Click OK.
29 Add shared project parameters as needed. Click OK. Create and load multi-category tags 30 Create required multi-category tags in the Family Editor. For information on creating multi-category tags, see the tutorial referenced in the introduction of this exercise, or refer to the online help. After you have created the multi-category tags in the Family Editor, you can load them into the template. 31 Click File menu Load from Library Load Family. 32 Navigate to the directory, select the tag, and click Open. The tag is now part of the template. Create multi-category schedules 33 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. 34 For Category, select Multi-Category. 35 For Name, enter a name for the schedule, and click OK. 36 Create the schedule as you did in the previous exercise. Notice that the shared parameters created in previous steps are available within the list of available fields. 37 When you have completed the schedule, click OK. 38 Create additional multi-category schedules as needed. 39 Proceed to the final exercise, Creating Named Print Settings on page 967.
Creating Named Print Settings

Depending on your office environment, you may find it beneficial to add named print settings to the template. This is especially true if you have numerous printers in a large networked office. For each printer, you can set options such as sheet sizes, paper placement, and the percent of actual size. You can also create named settings for printing to DWF and to a PDF writer. By creating named settings within the template, you need only select a setting, make minor modifications if necessary, and print. In this exercise, you create named print settings, save the file as a template, and make it your default template file. Create named print settings 1 Click File menu Print. By going first to the Print command, you can select the printer for each set of named settings in the Print Setup dialog. 2 Under Printer, for Name, select a printer for which you want to create named settings. 3 Under Settings, click Setup. 4 Modify the printer settings. 5 Click Save As. 6 In the New dialog, enter a name for the print setting and click OK. 7 If you want to have multiple settings for this printer, modify the printer settings, click Save as, enter a new name for the printer, and click OK. Create additional settings as needed. 8 Click OK when you have finished creating named settings for this printer. 9 In the Print dialog, select a different printer, click Setup, and create new settings for this printer.
Creating Named Print Settings | 967
10 Repeat these steps as needed. TIP You can also create named settings for your DWF and PDF writer. 11 Click Close when finished. Your template is complete. The only remaining task is to save it. Save the template 12 Click File menu Save. 13 Navigate to the directory where you want to save the template. If you need to share this file with others, save it in a network location. 14 Under Save as type, select Template Files (*.rte). 15 Name the template, and click Save. 16 Click File menu Close. Use the template 17 Click File menu New Project. 18 Click Browse, and navigate to the location where you saved the template. 19 Select the template, and click Open. 20 Click OK. The changes you made to the template are now the starting point for this project. You can also set this template as your default template. Set the template as your default template file 21 Click Settings menu Options. 22 Click the File Locations tab. 23 For Default template file, click Browse. 24 Navigate to the template location, select it, and click Open. 25 Click OK. TIP There are other ways you can create a template. If you have a project, you can delete the model geometry and save the empty project as a template file. This can provide a good starting point for a template. In addition, you can use the Transfer Project Standards tool to move standards from one project to another. In this lesson, you modified settings, loaded components, and saved them to a template. By investing the time to individualize your template, you ensure that office standards are maintained. In addition, you significantly reduce the amount of repetitive work that would be done by each employee for each project.

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Revit MEP 2009

Express Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Chapter 2 Express Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Developing Your MEP Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Chapter 3 Mechanical Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Mechanical Systems: Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Mechanical Systems: Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Electrical Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269

Plumbing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

. 346 . 352 . 359 . 371 . 376 . 382 . 390 . 398

Fire Protection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405

Creating Revit MEP Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469

Tagging and Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631

Annotating and Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 687

Finishing the Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 761

Using Dependent Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 795

Using Advanced Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813 Chapter 16 Grouping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815

Sharing Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839

Creating Multiple Design Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 861

Project Phasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 883

Linking Building Models and Sharing Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 893

. 908 . 911 . 911 . 913 . 916 . 918 . 919

Using the Tutorials

Accessing Training Files

Where are the training files located?

What is a training file?

Understanding the Basics

What is Revit MEP 2009?

Understanding the Basics | 5

What is meant by parametric?

How does Revit MEP 2009 keep things updated?

Element behavior in a parametric modeler

There are 2 types of model elements:

There are 2 types of view-specific elements:

Understanding Revit MEP 2009 terms

Understanding the Basics | 7

Navigating the User Interface

Navigating the User Interface | 9

Start a new project 1 On the Standard toolbar, click (New).

Navigating the User Interface | 11

Navigating the User Interface | 13

Navigating the User Interface | 15

22 Close the Revit MEP Help window.

Performing Common Tasks in Revit MEP

3 Click View menu Zoom to display the zoom menu.

Performing Common Tasks in Revit MEP | 17

Performing Common Tasks in Revit MEP | 19

21 Select the Craftsman02 table, and on the Tools toolbar, click

Performing Common Tasks in Revit MEP | 21

25 On the Standard toolbar, click the drop-down menu next to

30 Close the file without saving your changes.

Creating a Supply Air System

Creating a Secondary Supply Air System

If necessary, scroll until the folder is displayed.

26 | Chapter 2 Express Workshop

6 Click to specify the lower-right corner of the zoom region.

Creating a Secondary Supply Air System | 27

11 Click to place the VAV box in the location shown.

12 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command.

28 | Chapter 2 Express Workshop

18 Click to select the air terminal.

19 Move the cursor off the air terminal.

Creating a Secondary Supply Air System | 29

(Create Supply Air System).

24 Select the VAV box you just placed.