Revit Technical Manual

Table of Contents
Revit Technical Manual ............................................................................................................. 1
What is BIM? 3D modelling vs. 2D/3D CAD.............................................................................. 3
Type of projects envisaged to be most effective for Revit........................................................ 3
Revit Roles ................................................................................................................................. 3
Revit Interface ........................................................................................................................... 4
Basic Commands and Quick Keys .............................................................................................. 5
Levels and Views........................................................................................................................ 5
Revit file setup/template/general settings ............................................................................... 6
Project Setup ............................................................................................................................. 6
Importing/Exporting Filetypes (DWG, gbXML, IFC & images) ................................................... 7
Family hierarchy (Model/Annotative and Type/Instance) ........................................................ 7
Display of objects within Revit .................................................................................................. 9
Phases & Demolition ............................................................................................................... 10
Drafting standards within Revit............................................................................................... 11
Naming Conventions ............................................................................................................... 12
Issuing a model ........................................................................................................................ 13
Incoming Model Requirements ............................................................................................... 13
Systems/System Browser (Logical and Physical) ..................................................................... 14
Mechanical Design................................................................................................................... 15
Electrical Design ...................................................................................................................... 16
Hyd/Fire Design ....................................................................................................................... 17
Co-ordination........................................................................................................................... 17
Family Development................................................................................................................ 17
Tips and Tricks ......................................................................................................................... 17
To create complex linetypes.................................................................................................... 17
To Highlight System Browser equipment selection in model ................................................. 18
Error: Too short in model ........................................................................................................ 18
2 mile error .............................................................................................................................. 18
Connect up your systems! ....................................................................................................... 18
This manual is intended to be used as a basis for WSP Lincolne Scott Revit standards and
services modelling. It is expected that key stakeholders will contribute to this document by
adding requirements as Revit implementation is developed. This version has been
developed for use with Revit MEP 2010.

What is BIM? 3D modelling vs. 2D/3D CAD

BIM – Building Information Modelling – refers to the 3D modelling of parametric, database
oriented objects over the lifecycle of a building. In this environment, linework for objects will
act in concert to mimic the real life equivalent and have parameters (or properties)
associated with them. This is in contrast to the 3D representation of an object possible in
AutoCAD which is just a group of individual lines drawn to look like a 3D object.

Type of projects envisaged to be most effective for Revit

Revit is most efficiently used for a project whereby there are many instances of a few
common services objects, or where extensive co-ordination of services is required. For this
reason it is anticipated that large floor plate office buildings and services heavy projects will
be most effectively modelled to harness the power of the 3D environment, whereas small
tenancy work may not be as effectively modelled.

Revit Roles
There are two major roles within the modelling team in a BIM work process. The Model
Manager (MM) and the Design Modeller (DM).
The MM will be a similar role to that of a project drafter, and the role will entail:
• Project Setup including all sheets and required families
• File transfers and linking
• Management of the model data integrity
• Documentation of services within the model
• Family Development
The DM will be responsible for:
• Inputting the design into the model
• Using inbuilt or external tools to check the integrity of the design

The workflow should be as follows:

MM sets up model with sheets and families as required

DM models services as per design
MM creates Families as needed by DM
DM checks design with inbuilt or external calculation tools
MM finalises documentation sheets including appropriate detailing and annotations
Revit Interface

Quick Access Toolbar

Ribbon

Option Bar

Project Browser

• Quick Access Toolbar

Located at the very top of the Revit window, the Quick Access toolbar contains a few very
commonly used tools such as Open, Save, Synchonize with Central, Undo and 3D View.

• Ribbon bar

The Ribbon Bar (New to Revit MEP 2010) is where most commands can be found in Revit.
Commands are arranged according to type on Tabs at the top of the Ribbon so that they can
be easily located.
The Home Tab contains most of the MEP content. The Ribbon is also contextual, so certain
commands that are possible to manipulate for a specific object will only appear when that
object is selected.

• Option bar

The option bar will appear directly below the Ribbon when certain commands are activated.
For example if you choose to insert ductwork, the Option Bar will allow you to enter the size
of the ductwork you wish to use.

• Project browser

The Project Browser provides you with access to different views and objects within the
project. This is where you can open up floor plans, sections or RCP’s, access Sheets,
Families, Groups and Revit Links.

Status Bar

View Control Bar

• Status bar

The Status bar appears at the very bottom of the Revit window, and gives real time
information on objects as you move the mouse over them and commands as you activate
them.
 • View control bar

The View Control Bar appears at the bottom of any particular view you have open. It allows
you to change the display of objects within that particular view as alter the scale at which the
drawing is shown.

Basic Commands and Quick Keys

• Selection methods
Using selection Windows left-right and right-left
Using shift and CTRL to add or subtract from your selection.
• Use of TAB key
The TAB key will allow you to select objects under other objects, or objects
connected to the object you are hovering over.
• Selection Filter
The selection filter allows you to fine tune a group selection you have made.
• Modify commands
• Clipboard options (copy paste)
• Quick Keys
Quick keys are shortcuts to common commands accessed by typing in two letters
consecutively. Beware: You are not required to press enter after entering the two
letter shortcut commands as you would in AutoCAD. This may activate another
command!
Commonly used quick key commands are:
MV – Move
CO – Copy
TR – Trim
AL – Align
AR - Array
OF – Offset
ME – Place Mechanical Equipment
EE – Place Electrical Equipment
DT – Place ductwork
PI – Place pipework
VG – Visibility Graphics
VP – View Properties

Other recommended additions are:

DS – Draw Section
TS – Trim/extend Single
TM – Trim/extend Multiple
MR – Measure between two points
AD – Apply default View Template

Shortcut keys can be changed or reviewed under View Tab -> User Interface ->
Keyboard Shortcuts.

Levels and Views

• Datum controls
o Grid lines
 o Level lines
o Reference plane
• Views
The display of information in any particular view is controlled by
a) Object Styles (project wide)
b) Visibility Graphics (View Specific)
c) Filters (View Specific)
d) View Control Bar settings (View Specific)

Revit file setup/template/general settings

• File extensions

Revit file extensions are as follows:

.RVT – Revit Project file
.RTE – Revit Template file
.RFA – Revit Family file
.RFT – Revit Family Template file

• Project settings
• Option
• Units
All units should be set to SI metric standards
• Transfer project standards

Transfer Project Standards can be used to transfer any particular settings from one
project to another. For example standard linetypes can be transferred from a new
template file to an existing project.
• Categories
•

Project Setup
For a workshared project.
To be completed by the Model Manager (MM).
1. Start new project using WSP LS Project Template 201x.rte
2. Convert architectural model to appropriate file format via IFC if necessary
3. Set current View Instance Properties -> Orientation to True North
4. Use command Insert -> Link Revit to link architectural Revit model using Auto –
Origin to Origin setting for positioning.
5. Use command Manage TAB -> Coordinates -> Aquire Coordinates and select the
linked model.
6. Set View Instance Properties -> Orientation to Project North
7. Use command Manage TAB -> Position -> Rotate Project North to set project north
as appropriate.
NOTE: From this point on linking in additional or altered models can be done with View
Instance Properties -> Orientation set to Project North, and using position setting Auto –
By Shared Coordinates in the Import/Link dialogue box.
8. Open an elevation view.
9. Use command Collaborate TAB -> Copy/Monitor -> Select Link and select the linked
model
10. Select Options -> Levels TAB -> Reuse Matching Levels -> Reuse if within offset.
The offset should be set to 0.0.
11. Select Copy and select each of the levels within the elevation that you wish to
duplicate within your project. Hit Finish.
 12. Use View TAB -> Plan Views to create Floorplan or RCP views as appropriate.
13. Right click on each view in the Project Browser to set View Purpose, Subdiscipline
and to rename as appropriate (View Templates may automatically assign some of
these parameters).
14. Use Collaborate TAB -> Worksets to setup worksets for each of the services or as
appropriate.
15. Save file to Project Directory on the network using Save as and use Options... in the
save dialogue to check that it is being saved as a central file. File name should be
<project directory>/Revit/<project number> CENTRAL.rvt. Relinquish all mine,
save and close file.
16. All DMs copy the central file via windows explorer to their local hardrive and rename
<project number> <initials> LOCAL.rvt. All work completed on project should now
be done within the local copy of the file which is linked back to the central file. ONLY
THE MM SHOULD TOUCH THE CENTRAL FILE.

Importing/Exporting Filetypes (DWG, gbXML, IFC &

images)
DWG:
DWG files can be linked into Revit for use as backgrounds, as 2D details previously drawn in
CAD and to assist in tracing such as building up an architectural model when one has not
been provided by the architect. This can be done by either importing or linking the DWG file.
It is highly recommended to use the link option.
DWG files should be cleaned to WSP LS standards before being linked into a Revit model.

Importing:

Linking:

Family hierarchy (Model/Annotative and Type/Instance)

Families are a way for Revit to group together similar objects. Any Revit model is made up of
several instances of different families. Families are stored separate to the project file as .rfa
files. These files are then loaded in to the project by selecting ‘load family’ on the insert tab of
the ribbon. As families are for grouping similar objects together families are broken down into
their various types. These types may also have multiple instances within the one family.
An example of this for a particular project is the following;

Here, the family is ‘generic exhaust air grille’. There are four different types of this family,
each differing by their physical size. There eight instances where this family is used in this
project, i.e. there are eight ‘generic exhaust air grilles’ of varying sizes.

Families in Revit are broken into three categories, model families, view families and
annotation families, as shown in the hierarchy diagram below. Model families comprise the
physical objects drawn within a model. View families comprise the different views which can
be created in a project. Annotation families comprise the different symbols lines and wording
which are not physical objects but are used to annotate the views. Model and annotation
families are further subdivided into ‘system families’ and ‘component families’. System
families are families built into Revit and cannot be changed such as a duct. Component
families are families that can be built or edited by any Revit user, such as a light fitting or
FCU.
Properties for a particular object are broken into type and instance properties. These can be
seen by selecting the object and selecting element properties in the modify tab of the ribbon.
Changing the instance properties of an object will only affect that instance of the object.
Changing the type properties of an object will affect all objects of that family type within the
project.

Display of objects within Revit

The display of all objects within Revit can be controlled by Object Styles, Visibility Graphics
and Filters as well as overridden via direct controls.
Object Styles controls the display of all objects by category at a project level. These
settings should be controlled by the MM and set within the project template.

Visibility Graphics (VG) is used to control how objects are displayed in any particular view
by category. All objects are categorised (e.g. Duct, Air Terminals, Light Fixtures, Data
Devices, Pipes, Sprinklers and so on) and can be turned on and off, or have lineweights and
patterns overridden via the Visibility Graphics dialogue box. Note that this will override
standard project display settings in the Object Styles dialogue box.

Filters will override Visibility Graphics settings by creating parameter based rules to apply to
a particular category within any particular view. For example pipework can have different line
patterns associated with them based on parameter settings. Filters can be set via the Filters
tab in the Visibility Graphics dialogue box.

Display of individual objects (not by category or parameter settings) in a particular view can
be controlled in three ways.
The View Control Bar at the bottom of the view window can turn on/off any individual objects
temporarily. Note that these objects will still print!
Selecting an object will give Hide and Overide objects commands on the contextual Ribbon
under the View Graphics panel. These commands can also be accessed by right-clicking on
an object.
Hiding an object by element will turn off the particular object permanently in that view.
Overriding the object by element will allow control of line weight, colour and patterns for an
individual object in that view.
Phases & Demolition
Phasing is Revit’s way of incorporating information about staged construction into the model,
for example existing/demolition/proposed or stage 1/stage 2/ stage 3. Different views of the
model can then be setup to view particular phases. With this we distinguish between
demolition and proposed drawings while still having the one live model.

The phases for any project are found in the ‘Manage’ tab of the ribbon, these are show in
sequential order. The default phases in a new project are existing/new construction. The
default of any view will be new construction. This can be changed in the phasing section of
the view properties. To draw objects in a particular phase simply ensure the view in which
you draw the object is set to the correct phase.

Demolishing an object is done from the modify tab on the ribbon. Select demolish, note the
cursor change to include the hammer symbol, you are now in demolish mode. To demolish
an object simply drag the cursor over the object to be demolished, and then left click. The
instance properties of the object will be changed such that the object is demolished in the
phase of the view (see above). The phase demolished of an object can be viewed in the
instance element properties of the object (select object, right click mouse, and select
element properties). If the object is never demolished, this will show ‘none’.

The phase filter allows further control over what is shown in a particular view. This is found in
the ‘phase filters’ tab of the phasing menu (Select phases on the manage tab of the ribbon).
The filter can be used to select what objects from the current and previous phases are shown
in any particular view. The phase filter applied to a view can be altered in the phasing section
of the view properties. The default view will always be ‘show all’.

Each of the filters has three options (by category, not displayed, overridden) for how new,
existing, demolished and temporary (both created and demolished in the same phase)
objects are shown in the view.
By Category – Will display the object as defined by the visibility graphics (see visibility
graphics)
Not Displayed – Will not display the object
Overridden – Will display the object with line types as defined by filters as defined below

The ‘graphics overrides’ in the in the phasing menu operate in the same way as the ‘visibility
graphics overrides (see visibility graphics). However, these will only apply to views where a
phase filter is applied.
Drafting standards within Revit
All documentation should comply with WSP Lincolne Scott drafting standards including
Lineweights, Linepatterns, Hatch Patterns etc.

Plotted penweights in Revit are based on 16 model lineweights. Settings for standard
penweights are shown below.

It should be noted that Model Lineweight 1 has preset control over some materials and cut
line weights and has therefore been isolated for possible future use.
Standard WSP Lincolne Scott penweights are hence assigned to Model Lineweights 2-10.
11-16 are not to be used.

Standard Linestyles are assigned as follows:

Plotted Model Lineweight

Line Style Name Lineweight Number Line Pattern
Extra Fine Lines 0.09 2 Solid
Fine Lines 0.18 3 Solid
Thin Lines 0.25 4 Solid
Medium Lines 0.35 5 Solid
Wide Lines 0.5 6 Solid
Extra Wide Lines 0.7 7 Solid
XX Wide Lines 1 8 Solid
 Standard Fill Patterns (hatches) are...
ACAD Hatch
Pattern Name Structure Used For Revit Fill Region Pattern
38mm int duct insulation/data cable
INS-4 2mm 45deg angle tray WSP LS Diagonal Up 2mm
50mm int duct insulation/power cable
INS-2 2mm 45d crosshatch tray WSP LS Crosshatch 2mm
WSP LS 100mm Int Duct
INS-7 Double crosshatch 100mm int duct insulation Insulation
WSP LS 38mm Ext Duct
INS-6 Double angle 38mm ext duct insulation Insulation
WSP LS 50mm Ext Duct
INS-5 Triple angle 50mm ext duct insulation Insulation
WSP LS Fire Rated Duct
INS-F Broken crosshatch Fire rated duct insulation Insulation

Naming Conventions
Model Naming

For our services Model the following naming convention should be followed.

[Project Number]_[Service]_<Central/Local>_[Revit Version].rvt

MEL1111234_Mechanical_11.rvt - Mechanical revit file in Revit MEP 2011

MEL1111234_MEF_Central_12.rvt - Mech, Elec, Fire Services, central file, 2012

MEL1111234_MEF_Local_SAG_12.rvt - Mech, Elec, Fire local file, user SAG, 2012

When issuing externally, a date should be appended to the file name.

Eg. MEL1111234_MEF_12_300811.rvt for a standalone file or

MEL1111234_MEF_Central_12_300811 for a work shared central file.

Family Naming

WSP_[Units]_[Type]_[Sub-Type]_[Functionality].rfa

Where Functionality defines hosting functionality.

LB – Level Based
FH – Face Hosted
WB – Workplane Based i.e. A Level Based family with the Workplane Based box checked
LB – Line Based
WH – Wall Hosted <Generally Not to be Used!>
CH – Ceiling Hosted <Generally Not to be Used!>

Units is either:
M – Metric
I - Imperial
Issuing a model

When sending models to external design team members the following procedures should be
followed:

1. Open the central file from within Revit checking ‘Audit’ box and the ‘Detach from
Central’ option if it is a shared project.
2. From the Manage->Manage Links dialogue box, remove all linked files (CAD and
Revit)
3. Delete all sheet views
4. Delete all design validation views
5. Delete all schedules and reports where necessary
6. Delete all section views that are not in use
7. Delete any other views you deem unnecessary
8. Select the Manage Tab->Purge Unused option->Check All->Ok
9. ‘Save as’ to the appropriate transfer out directory

Provide the following disclaimer in transmittal or email form:

“This file has been produced using the data provided to WSP Buildings Pty Ltd up to the date
identified on the transmittal. WSP Buildings Pty Ltd. accepts no liability for the use of the file
other than for the purpose of spatial co-ordination and visualisation. It is a condition
precedent of the provision of this data that the recipient indemnifies WSP Building Pty. Ltd.
against any and all claims whether in contract or in tort, in negligence, for breach of statutory
duty or otherwise arising from any other use of the model file.

Liability: Any use of, or reliance on, a Model Element inconsistent with the Level of
Development or Building Information Model definition described in the Contract by
subsequent Model Element Authors and Model Users shall indemnify WSP Buildings Pty Ltd.
from and against all claims arising from or related to modification of the Model without WSP
Buildings Pty Ltd. input or participation, or the use of a Model Element inconsistent with the
Level of Development”

Incoming Model Requirements

There are standards we should be requesting from ‘upstream’ models which affect our
modelling and ability to implement BIM workflows. As a minimum we require:
• A single shared co-ordinate system (survey point) – usually dictated by the architect
unless otherwise agreed and maintained throughout the project. This allows efficient
linking of both Revit models and AutoCAD drawings.
• Agreed responsibility for level designation and grids i.e. R.L.s and naming
conventions
• Incoming models should be stripped in a similar manner to our processes for
exporting models. Documentation views should be kept! See Issuing a model.
• An agreed Revit version including Web Update number or otherwise agreed transfer
protocol (i.e. IFC)

From the Architectural model we expect:

• Completely enclosed rooms with room objects
• All rooms named and numbered
• All ceilings modelled
• Occupancy of rooms
 • Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing categories are not to be used for model
components by the Architect unless agreed in writing.
• Generic Model components are to be avoided where possible.
• Where Phasing is to be used: Phase Naming and Phase Filtering to be agreed prior
to commencement of documentation to allow phase mapping b/w models

In addition all Wall, Floors and Ceilings when modified by the Architect should be moved or
adjusted rather than deleted and remodelled to avoid losing reference objects where we are
using face based families.

Size: All models should be limited to 150-200mb in size. Where models are to exceed this
limit a procedure for allowing efficient use should be met. This may mean splitting the
models or utilising worksets.

Format: If models are not in native Revit format, extensive testing may be required to ensure
we can achieve efficient data transfer and element integrity. IFC will be a solution in many of
these cases.

If heat load modelling is to be utilised directly from the Revit model then the following data
should be included:
• Walls – construction, materials and thermal values
• Glass – U-values, shading co-efficient and frame type
• Façade – shading devices
NOTE: These may need to be included via custom parameters.

Additional incoming model requirements (including structural):

• Model should be cleaned as per our ‘Issuing a model’ procedure
• Model should have common shared location as based on the Architectural model
(unless precedence otherwise agreed)

Systems/System Browser (Logical and Physical)

There are both logical and physical systems in Revit MEP.
- A physical system consists of connected duct or pipework reticulation.
- A logical system consists of system components and system equipment which is
usually also connected via the physical system.

As a general rule there is one piece of upstream system equipment and multiple system
components in the logical system.

E.g. An AHU may be the system equipment and 8 air terminals may be the system
components in a Supply Air system.

Whilst a physically connected system will calculate flow within the reticulated duct or
pipework, you will need to connect up the logical system before you get calculated values in
the upstream system equipment.
Mechanical Design
All mechanical modelling should comply with WSP Lincolne Scott drafting standards.

Commonly used Filters:

View Templates:

WSP LS M Mechanical Floor Plan – Working

Standard Working view
WSP LS M Mechanical Floor Plan Documentation
Standard Documentation View
WSP LS M Mechanical RCP Documentation
Note: This is not technically for an RCP view, but for RCP services in plan.
WSP LS M Mechanical Sections
For use with mechanical sections. Once you have linked in your architectural model,
it is good practice to turn off linked model levels to avoid double up.

Ductwork

All ductwork should be appropriately connected in Supply Air, Return Air, Exhaust Air or
Other Air systems.

Systems:

All supply, return and exhaust air systems should be connected up with appropriate airlfows
assigned.
System names should follow the following naming convention:-

[Equipment Type] [Equip level-Equip no.] [Air system]

Eg.
AHU 1-1 SA
FCU G-2 RA etc.

Pipework

All mechanical pipework should be connected in a Hydronic Supply or Hydronic Return

System.

Systems:
All system names should follow the naming conventions of ‘HHW F’, ‘HHW R’, ‘CHW F’,
‘CHW R’, ‘CCW F’, ‘CCW R’ etc. This will allow the predefined filters to pick up correct
linework.

Tips:

When modelling flexible ductwork, ensure you start or finish at the same level as the
ductwork you are tapping into.

Use a ductwork split (union) to stop downstream alteration of tight (non-standard) duct
fittings.

Electrical Design
All ceiling Lighting Fixtures should be either face hosted or workplane based objects.

Light Fixtures should include the following parameters which will interface with the
predefined luminaire schedule in the project template.

Parameter
Parameter Name Parameter Group Type Sample Input
Lamp Electrical System T5 Linear
Wattage Per Lamp Electrical - Loads WSP Shared 28W
Description Identity Data System Flourescent Troffer with louvres
Manufacturer Identity Data System Sylvania
Model Identity Data System Sylproof pro
High Frequency Electronic
Lamp Control Gear Identity Data WSP Shared Ballast
No. of Lamps Identity Data WSP Shared 2
Mounting Identity Data WSP Shared Surface Mounted
Equipment Type Identity Data Shared F1
Initial Color Photometrics System 4000K
Circuiting:
To circuit lighting:
• Select light fixtures to be circuited.
• Select Power (create power circuit)
• Select Arc Wire to create wiring

Hyd/Fire Design
All Hydraulic pipework should be connected in a Hydronic Supply or Hydronic Return
System

Co-ordination

Family Development
Family development is to be based on Revit Model Content Style Guide v2.1. All shared
parameters are to be as per included master parameter list where possible.

Tips and Tricks

Selecting objects or systems whilst holding CTL via the System Browser will select the
object(s) within the model.

Pre-2011 versions of Revit require utilising ductwork for cable tray and pipework for conduit.
These families should be set in the template file.

A method for aligning circles within Revit is not particularly obvious. Try the element
parameters of a circle and turning on centre mark. This will allow you to align the centre
mark to reference planes or objects.

When placing equipment, space will rotate equipment, space while hovering over an angled
wall or other equipment will align

To create complex linetypes

By drawing a repeating detail line (with imported text) on top of a simple detail line, you can
add text to linetypes to create utility lines for gas, electricity, phone, sewer, and storm drains.
To add text to linetypes:
1.Enter the text that you want in AutoCAD and save it as a DWG file.
2.In Revit, click File menu > New > Family and select a Detail Component family template.
Click Open.
3.Import the DWG file into your new Detail Component family by clicking File menu >
Import/Link > CAD Formats.
4.Place a Filled Region behind your imported text. Click the Region Properties button on the
Sketch tab of the Design bar.
5.In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New and specify No Pattern for the Fill
Pattern parameter.
6.Click Finish Sketch.
7.Click Load into Project on the Design bar.
8.On the Drafting tab of the Design bar, click Repeating Detail.
9.Click Properties on the Options bar.
10.In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New.
11.In the Type Properties dialog box, click Duplicate.
12.Enter a name your repeating detail (for example, phone line), and click OK.
13.Select the name of the new detail family for the Detail parameter.
14.Set Detail Rotation to 90° Counterclockwise.
15.Set Spacing to 1000mm.
16.Click OK to close each dialog box.
17.Using the Detail Line tool from the Drafting tab of the Design bar, draw a detail line in your
project.
Draw the Repeating Detail over the new detail line as if you were tracing the detail line.

To Highlight System Browser equipment selection in

model
Hold control while selecting system or equipment in system browser

Error: Too short in model

If you get this error please note that Revit has a lower limit of approx 0.7mm for
moving/drawing objects

2 mile error
This occurs largely when importing DWG files which have objects more that 2miles apart.
This could be as simple as a basepoint in a block being way off and is often hard to locate.
Revit will not succeed for any import in this case. Revit MEP 2011 has changed this limit to
20 miles

Connect up your systems!

Revit MEP reportedly has greatly improved performance if all systems are fully connected
and have suitable duct end pieces etc. Improve your model performance by finishing off all
systems!