“Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?”Revit Multi-Discipline Collaboration

Chris Link, BIM ManagerFarnsworth Group, Inc.

Ellen Smith, Director of TechnologyChristner Architects

Aaron Gipperich, BIM ManagerFGM Architects

Tom Colyer, BIM TechnicianKJWW Engineering

Merriam Webster defines Collaborate as:

1. to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor

Synonyms - band (together), cooperate, concert, concur, conjoin, conspire, join, league, team (up), unite

Major Concept for Collaboration:Collaboration = Communication!!!

Project StakeholdersOwner TeamDesign Team – Architects, ConsultantsContractor TeamManufacturer / Supplier Team

Non-StakeholdersAuthorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)Government Officials

Internal TeamProject Management to Delivery TeamPerson to Person

Project Planning MeetingsDetermine Project Delivery MethodDetermine BIM uses

Project/BIM Execution Plan (PxP)Roadmap to establish collaboration strategyIdentify all relevant project goals and information

Project Kick Off MeetingVenue to make sure all project participants understand project goals and answer questions upfrontAttendance from all project participants is a must – Project Managers, BIM Managers, BIM Coordinators, etc.Absolutely a must if there is no PxP for the Project – Suggest a BIM FAQ to identify and address BIM related workflow concerns

BIM Coordination MeetingsVerify that project goals are being met during design and constructionVenue to discuss design and construction coordination issues

Suggested InformationProject InformationKey Project ContactsBIM Goals and UsesOrganizational RolesInformation Exchange ProceduresLevel of Development (LOD) and Model Element Author (MEA) Matrix & DefinitionsBIM Facility Management Requirements

BIM Goals and UsesOrganizational RolesCollaboration ProceduresQuality Control ProceduresTechnological Infrastructure NeedsModel StructureProject Deliverables

Frequently asked Questions Answered with Best Practice Suggestions

Q: All –

Why, whenever I link in other models, do I see four (4) copies of all the grids and levels in all my views?

This question involves three related concepts:Model Element Authoring

Who owns the Grids/Levels?Could change depending on phase (SD, DD, etc.)

Copy/Monitor StrategyWho should Copy/Monitor what and when?

Workset StrategyWhat Workset are Elements placed on?If all disciplines are consistent with Grid/Level Worksetplacement, then all Teams can unload the “Shared Grids and Levels” Workset in each linkConsider Workset control of other elements as well – Reference Lines/Planes, Scope Boxes, Furniture/FF&E items, etc. In addition Each Linked model should be on its own workset.

Document in PxP!!

Q: All –

Why do other models not line up in the right place when I link them into my model?

There are multiple “base points” in Revit:Internal point (Origin)

Central location of model template by default.This point cannot be moved.

Project Base PointThis point can be moved by revealing the point under Visibility Graphics (Model – Site). Often it is placed at the intersection of a specific grid crossing.

Survey PointThis point can be used to coordinate “real world coordinates” with Civil Engineers and can also be revealed under “Site”.

Document this base point information in your PxP.

Architects:Always build your building near the starting point of the default template.Model it with Project North pointing directly up. (lay it out as you would have it appear on sheets)If you are using a .dwg based site, Link your site file Center To Center.Move or rotate the Site under your project until it is correctly positioned relative to the building. (do not move or rotate the project itself).Use the Acquire Coordinates tool and pick the site.This will set your project's shared coordinated to those of the .dwg'sWCS. True North will be the .dwg's Y axis. Now your building knows where the .dwg 0,0 is, but it can still record its own information in well behaving small numbers. It knows and can orient to either True North, or Project North. Once the Shared Coordinates are set, subsequent imports can be made origin to origin using Shared Coordinates.

Other Disciplines:Begin your model by referencing the architects model using “origin to origin”

Revit to Revit ReferencePoint:

Use “Origin to Origin”Based on the ArchitecturalModel Origin Point.

This point cannot be moved

AutoCAD to Revit ReferencePoint:

By default this point is locatedat the “Origin” of the model.This point can be used to move The world around your project.This point will reflect “AcquiredCoordinates” from AutoCADFiles.

This point can be moved

Q: MEP Engineer –

Can Architectural elements namely walls, ceilings and floors, be ‘adjusted’ as opposed to being ‘deleted’ and remodeled?

Never delete, Edit the element:

Face based elements will lose associations if the original element face they are associated to is removed or deleted. Edit/Change element types and locations using the Properties menu to retain relationships.

If a host is deleted in the Architectural model, significant re-work will be required to re-host MEP content once the Architectural model is updated/reloaded into the MEP Revit model. Examples include: lighting fixtures, ceiling diffusers, receptacles, light switches, etc… In addition, avoid deleting any Level after MEP content has been added. MEP content could be based off of the Level that has been deleted, and if a Copy/Monitor relationship was established with the Level, it will provide a warning and if deleted, all content associated with that Level will also be deleted.

Q: MEPT Engineer –

Why should an Architect avoid rotating or changing elevation of their model after significant MEPT work has been completed?

Establish the buildings final location and orientation before MEPT work begins:

Physically moving the building in a Revit model or changing Project Base Point or Survey Point coordinates will disrupt established relationships.Hosted items will be disrupted, things such as duct connections and pipe fittings will be broken. Also: views, elevations and section cuts placed on sheets and in the model itself may need significant re-work. Changes are inevitable, and if they are indeed needed, establish and communicate a plan between all clients involved.

Q: Architect –

When I link in Mechanical and Plumbing Engineering models why do the pipes, ducts, etc. show in different colors? Adjusting the Object Styles does not change them. How do I show them in black for printing?

Look familiar?

ReasonMEP models typically assign the separate systems their own color for easier coordination. Object Styles do not affect the System based color schemes when the model is linked. Changing these color settings is very complex and time consuming for the Architect each time a new model is received.

SolutionThe simplest and most efficient way to override these settings is with graphic Filters. Filters can be added for model categories, with colors and line weights assigned.

Add filters for various model categories to override them in the view.

Add the filters to view templates for faster rollout across the project.

Q: Structural Engineer –

When I link in the Architects model and setup my Structural views why do I not see any Walls?

Walls in Revit

Structural Property of WallsWalls have a Structural Instance Parameter. Views set to Structural Discipline only show walls with Structural Parameter checked.Typically a Structural engineers would want to see Exterior Walls and Interior Load Bearing Walls in their plansAdditional walls should be coordinated between Architect and Structural

Copy/Monitor Issues with WallsTypically a Structural engineer only wants to show the load bearing component of a compound wall (i.e. CMU, not the furring and Gyp. Bd.)When walls are Copy/Monitored, they are aligned by center line of the wall, if Structural substitutes the wall to just load bearing element, walls will be different thicknesses and have different centerlines and will not alignRecommended procedure (Autodesk) is for Structural to remodel structural component of walls and establish a monitor only relationship between new walls and Architectural linked walls after components are aligned

Discuss, decide and document in PxP!!

Q: All Team members–

How can scope boxes assist with setting up your drawing set?

Ahhh, the Scope Box.

Most information you read about scope boxes illustrates how they work with column grids and section/elevation views. They are useful for this, but…An often overlooked feature of the scope box is that its extents can be assigned to the crop region of multiple views, thus creating a simple way to match crop regions across your large projects.

The process is simple!

Create scope boxes around the areas you want to assign for plan areas (areas A, B, C and D). Name the scope box accordingly.In the view’s properties, under the “Scope Box” setting assign the scope box for that area.Done! Your view is now automatically cropped to that scope box.If the scope box extents change, so does the crop region to all views associated to it.Be sure to pin scope boxes, ideally place them on a workset and turn them off when not being adjusted.Consultants can copy/paste the Architect’s scope boxes.

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Q: Architect –

Why do my Engineers complain about our use of Design Options?I am just trying to provide my client with the Alternates they requested!

Design OptionsDesign Options are a great Revit tool that allows Architects to provide alternate design ideas in the same area within the same modelHowever, MEP Systems (Duct, Pipe and Electrical) in Revit cannot be connected to elements within a Design Option. (i.e. – an Air Terminal placed in a Design Option can not be connected to the branch ductwork system not in the Design Option)Design Options should be resolved (if possible) before the MEP Engineers begin work in the affected area. If Design Options are intended to be used to convey Alternates in the document set, MEP Systems cannot be completed until Alternates are accepted and resolved in model. Systems can still be shown in Options but final connections and calculations for Systems cannot be completed until Options are accepted into Main Model.Other Solutions???

Q: All–

Why does my system slow to a crawl when linking models from other disciplines?

Model Efficiency

Be Selective about Worksets loadedWhen creating Worksets, consider categories of elements other disciplines will not need to open

Close Hidden Views FrequentlyEvery open view will regenerate with every change in your model

Overlay vs AttachAlways select “Overlay” instead of “Attach”

Keep a clean room scheduleRedundant Rooms, unnecessary unplaced Rooms, unenclosed Rooms all create more overhead in your models

Address WarningsPeriodically go through your project “Warnings” and fix as many items as you can.

Limit CAD file linking and avoid CAD file inserts if possibleIf you must reference a CAD file, first “wblock” only the necessary elements in the file in AutoCAD. Link the CAD file in “current view only”. Copy/Paste to other views as needed.

Purge UnusedPurge unused elements and views before sharing your model

Specify upon inserting:

After inserting reference go to “Manage Worksets”:

Efficiency Tips:

Overlay Links

Address WarningsClose Hidden Windows Link CAD not Import CAD

Q: Architect –

Why does my Plumbing Engineer leave furniture turned on in his plans?

Linked Views and View Templates:

A Revit model is a database. Views are a means in which we can look into and manipulate the project's database in a visual manner.Collaboration between consultants is necessary to achieve a cohesive set of drawings. An Engineering View linked to an Architectural View creates a ‘shared’ floor plan, section or detail view. View Templates can be used to manipulate the look of the views even further. The result: No Furniture on a plumbing view and plans that match.The Linked View technique can also be used for Section Views that contain Detail Components that need to be shown in other disciplines views (i.e. – Detail Components added in a Section in a Structural Model could show in the Architectural Sections)

Q: Architect–

What are the expectations of the model?

There is no simple answer to this, as expectations can vary greatly based on contracts, client requirements, budget, and the Team’s capabilities.

Expectations of the client should be discussed in early Programming phases. Their requirements can have a big impact on fees. Ideally a savvy client should be publishing their model requirements in RFQs prior to selecting their A/E team.Requirements of Consultant’s should be outlined in early BIM kick-off meetings. Certain requirements (such as Facilities Management deliverables) need to be implemented from the get-go.Discuss, decide and document in PxP!!

What is involved in a minimum BIM deliverable?

Assuming a client has no set requirements, and all consultants are using Revit (BIM), below is a guideline of what should be modeled in a BIM:

Architectural ModelAll walls/partitions All roofsAll floors All vertical circulationAll ceilings, soffits and bulkheads All doors, windows and curtain walls/storefrontsAll millwork / caseworkAll equipment / fixtures that would be identified on a floor plan or RCP and appear in a schedule or legend

Structural ModelAll Footings and FoundationsAll Structural slabs, floors All ColumnsAll Bearing and shear wallsAll Beams, joists, major horizontal membersAll Lateral bracingMiscellaneous steel members larger than X”Kickers

Mechanical ModelAll RTUs, AHUs, MAUs, Boilers, all other large equipment on roofs and in Mech. roomsAll plenums, shafts, vertical transitionsAll non-flex ductsAll air terminals (diffusers)All stand-alone heating/cooling unitsAll Piping larger than X”

Plumbing ModelAll plumbing fixturesAll major equipmentAll gravity piping (roof drain piping, waste piping)Vertical ventingAll piping larger than X”

Electrical ModelAll lighting fixturesAll major equipment (panel boxes, generators, transformers etc.)All wall and ceiling devices such as strobes, horns, exit signs, speakers, etc.Conduit / piping larger than X”

Q: Architect –

Why do my Engineers models/documents not reflect some of the work in other phases of my multi-phased project?

Phase Collaboration

Phase DefinitionsPhases for a Project should be discussed as early in the process as possible, especially if the Phases involve a Fast Track Project delivery method (i.e. Core and Shell, and Interior Fit-Out, etc.)Decisions should be made as to how to handle the Phases (Separate models or Phasing in Revit)Phases should be documented in the PxP and must be defined in each disciplines model

Phase MappingAfter Linking in each disciplines model, Phases should be mapped in each link to the corresponding Phase in the host modelThis is accomplished in the Phase Mapping dialog in the Type Properties for each Linked Model

Discuss, decide and document in PxP!!

Q: MEP & S Consultants –

Why do the Architects sometimes split their models between Shell/Core and Interior fit-out?

Reasons to split models for Shell/Core and Interior Fit-Out

Separate Bid PackagesIt simplifies documentation when separate bid packages are required

Multiple Design FirmsSeparate model responsibilities

Smaller File SizeModel size managementAutodesk recommends splitting the model if you cannot keep it under 200MB

Q: Architect–

Contractors and Construction Managers are frequently requesting our models for construction use. We are happy to share them as we understand the benefits of them using models. However, we are not keen on handing over our 100% CD models. What’s the best way to approach this?

Quantities and take-offs (data extraction)Generating shop drawings / fabrication drawingsConstruction sequencing / phasingField coordination and layoutIdentifying field changesAssist in creating O&M manualsFacilities Management deliverables (if contracted by Owner). This is a separate topic…

Answer/Best Practice #14

First and foremost, require a signed BIM release form stating that the Construction Documents take precedence over anything in the BIM. The BIM is for information only and they use it at their own risk!Remove all sheets from the modelsLeave all Construction Document views and details in the BIM.Delete non-relevant views, details and settings (such as Design Options, working views, etc.)Purge the model

This answer assumes that contractually the Architect is not required to deliver a BIM to the Construction Team.

Q: Architect –

Why do my Engineers Grids / Levels not align with mine? I know we established a Copy/Monitor procedure! And why are their fixtures just floating out in space in my model?

Coordination Review AlertsDon’t ignore Coordination Monitor alerts!!This indicates that an object that has a Copy/Monitored relationship has been changed in the host model, and should be reviewed and addressed as soon as they become apparent.The Coordination Review dialog allows you to accept and automatically adjust the Copy/Monitored object to align with the host object. You can also reject the change which will notify the host model author the next time he reloads your model after a Coordination Review, facilitating communication to decide on a course of action.

Reconcile Hosting ToolMEP Engineers can and should utilize the Reconcile Hosting Tool to identify objects that have lost their host due to objects being deleted in the linked model. (i.e. – Walls, Ceilings, Floors, etc.) (Face Based Objects)The Reconcile Hosting tool identifies objects that have lost their host in a list, and allows you to change the color of the objects and quickly locate the objects.These objects can then be re-hosted to the new objects in the host model or re-hosted to another adjacent host object. However, Architects should minimize deletion of objects. Modify instead.

Q: Architect –

Should ‘linked’ MEP content, specifically lights and plumbing fixtures be visible in the Architect’s model? Or should content be duplicated in the Architect’s model?

Determine the best Strategy on a per Project basis:

Either the Lighting/Plumbing consultant can provide the fixture families to the Architect to insert into their model. Lights will cut the ceilings, and can be coordinated based upon lighting design. Plumbing fixtures can be similarly placed in restroom groups. Or the Engineer places the fixtures and the Architect copy/monitors them (Revit One Box only - 2013 and up) to cut their ceilings and floor plans. Ceiling grids should still be coordinated based on light locations determined by the lighting designer. (Document in PxP)There is no one answer to this question. The solutions given above may not work for every project. Ultimately good communication and defined roles between consultants will garner the best results.

Q: All–

Why do contractors create separate models for their purposes and how are they different?

Construction Model

FabricationCurrently steel fabrication systems are not compatible with Revit models

Additional Coordination ElementsHangers for ventilation and ductInsulations for duct and pipesClearances for electrical fixtures and VAV box maintenance

SequencingThe design is typically not created with sequencing in mind

Design Model vs Fabrication Model:

Additional Coordination Elements:

Q: Architect–

Is there a guide available with recommendations when certain objects should be placed in the model for best collaboration workflow?

The short answer:

No, there is not an industry standard guideline.

What is available:

BIM Forum – Level of Development Guide. In early 2013, a think-tank group called “BIM Forum” released the most comprehensive guide in the industry outlining model level of development (LOD) based on Uniformat codes. While this guide does NOT tell you what to place in your model and when, it does allow the project team to communicate clearly the expected LOD for various objects. The team can decide “what and when” for a project using this guide.

Discuss, decide and document in PxP!!

General Guidelines for entering model data

Architects – Get the MEP and Structural consultants involved early in the process. The end of Schematic Design phase should have major systems modeled for coordination. Promote a collaborative relationship amongst the team early.Decide which models host what items (column grids, structural foundation walls, etc.)The more decisions you can make and information you can place early the better.Try to break the “We’ll figure it out in Construction Documents” mentality. By then it will take twice as long to work out.

Strive to keep “Design” in the design phases. Take the time to design a workable solution in the early phases. The extra time spend designing early will pay off on the back end (CDs).

Decide on major elements that affect consultants as early as possible:

Exterior & bearing wallsAll ceiling heights and typesLocations of shafts and fire-rated wallsFloor construction types.Roof drain locations that require interior drain piping.

Consider changing your typical SD / DD / CD percentages Successful BIM is highly dependent on quality collaboration early in the process. More time spent on development in SD and DD phases benefits the entire process. Allow more time to these phases while shortening the CD phase. It’s not creating more work, just re-arranging when you perform it!

Q: Architect –

Why do my Engineers complain about how I place my Ceilings and my Rooms?

RoomsBy default, Rooms come in with their Upper Limit set to the same Level that they are created on with a Limit Offset of 8’-0”MEP Engineers typically tag rooms for identification, but if the View Range Settings are above the Room then it cannot be tagged. (i.e. – RCP Plan with the Cut Plane set above 8’-0”)

Ceilings and SpacesMech Engineers place Spaces in order to perform energy and heat loss calculations in Revit. Typically, the engineers calculate the total volume from floor to floor for their calculations. Ceilings in Revit have a Room Bounding instance parameter. When the Arch model is linked in and Ceilings are set to room bounding, they also prevent spaces from calculating the full volume of space from floor to floor. Ceilings should always be set to non-room bounding if the Mechengineer is doing volume calculations from Revit.In addition, in order for Spaces to work in the MEP model, the Arch model must be set to Room Bounding in the Type Properties for the link.

Discuss, decide and Document in PxP!!!

Q: All–

What are my options for doing collision detection if I do not have Navisworks?

Collision Detection (Avoidance)

NavisworksAlthough it is expensive, Navisworks is the best tool for model coordinationIt is less expensive to upgrade to Design Suite Ultimate from an existing licenseLeasing also available per month/quarter/year

Inside of RevitRevit is able to detect collisions if all models are in Revit but it is not as useful as Navisworks

BIM 360 Glue (cost per month per user)New online, cloud based software for coordinationUsed on Ipads/Iphone and PCDesigned to compliment Navisworks and BIM 360 Field

Q: All Team members–

How early should clash detection occur? What should clash detection cover?

Clash Detection should occur first by the end of Schematic Design

A schedule for clash detection at project milestones should be outlined by the team (50% DD, 100% DD, 30% CD, etc.)

You don’t have to clash-detect everything!

Liberal use of clash detection can produce more information than a team can actually use. If time-crunched, focus on the items that typically give the greatest conflicts in the field. These conflicts are most common above ceilings where space gets tight. This would include (but not be limited to):

Structural beam/joist to ductworkStructural beam/joist to pipingCeilings to structural beam / joistCeilings to pipingCeilings to ductworkPiping to ductworkLight fixtures to beams / joists / ductwork / pipingDoors/windows to structural framing (especially lateral bracing)

Q: Electrical Engineer –

How do I power Mechanical Equipment that is in a linked model? When I copy monitor the Mechanical Equipment it moves in location or elevation.

Determine the best Strategy on a per Project basis:

Depending on how the mechanical content was made (face based, work-plane based, level based) depends on whether the content will copy monitor into the electrical model in the correct location. Alternate methods for circuiting mechanical equipment may be utilized. Using connector families hosted to the mechanical equipment in the linked file may prove to be easier.

Q: Architect –

Why can’t my Engineers notify me when they add sheets or change sheet titles so I can keep my sheet index updated?

Schedule Sheets Lists from Linked FilesSheets Lists can be scheduled from linked models allowing coordinated sheet indexes to be automatically updated when changes are made in the linked model.Add a Shared Project Parameter named “Discipline Index” to the Sheets category to assign a unique number to each discipline to order the sheets according to your company standard. Use Transfer Project Standards to transfer Project Parameters and Information. Discuss and document in PxP. Additional Shared Project Parameters can be added to all projects and scheduled to coordinate sheet issuances, specific drawings packages, and revisions.

Q: MEP & S Consultants –

Why does the Architect have so many different Room Tags?

Room TagsThe architectural model goes through many processes prior to design development. Different tags are used for different purposes

Programming/Early PlanningSchematic Design and PresentationDocumentation