lf5038 - location, location, location-handout

8/3/2019 LF5038 - Location, Location, Location-Handout

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Location, Location, Location: 50 Models, 50Contributors, 20 Companies, 5 Buildings, and 1 Site

Jon Anunson URS CorporationMarla Caserta URS Corporation

LF5038 Location can become a big issue in an Autodesk Revit project. How do we collaboratebetween multiple offices? How do we exchange data, coordinate building position, link models, and keepthe chaos away when everyone is working in multiple companies, locations, platforms, and units? Wewill look at lessons learned, and the management tools and techniques used to settle issues of modellinking, central file sharing, shared coordinate systems, Revit Server, and model content.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this class, you will be able to:

List the capabilities of Revit Server and Autodesk Project Bluestreak Mobile to aid with inter-company communication

Plan model contributions for multiple offices to collaborate successfully on a multi-firm project

Explain how the shared locations and other file formats are affected by the use of Revit Server

Describe how Revit Server can function within a multi-location company to help share models

This is a big-picture topic, concentrating on the options, the pros & cons, and some advice from

experience. While the support materials include specifics regarding technical approach, the true focus

will be on the decisions made while planning a project and their effect on the teams success.

About the Speakers

Jon Anunson, AIA, NCARB, BIM Coordinator, URS Corporation. [email protected]

A registered architect and database programmer/software engineer, Jon has 30 years of experience incomputer graphics, 3D Modeling and programming and 20 years of experience in architectural designand production. He's worked with enriching 3D design models and documents with client, design, andconstruction data for over 15 years, and has been an active Autodesk Revit user since version 1.0.Jon has coordinated BIM implementations of complex architectural and engineering projects such ashospitals, airports, and secure and federal projects ranging in size up to millions of Square Feet. Heconsults on projects with a variety of special needs including 3, 4, and 5-D construction coordination,complex delivery methods, the utilization of IPD Protocols and model collaboration, and the integration of

specialty data and computational needs. He has presented BIM concepts and techniques to variousnational and international trade & industry groups, local and regional AIA meetings, and at university andcollege lectures and symposiums.

Marla Caserta, AIA, Cleveland OH BIM Leader, URS Corporation. [email protected]

Marla is a registered architect and BIM manager for the URS Cleveland office with 13 years ofprofessional experience. As project architect she has produced and managed BIM deliverables fromschematic design through construction administration on projects ranging from small renovations up to 1
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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LF5038 Location, Location, Location, Location:50 Models, 50 Contributors, 20 Companies, 5 Buildings, 1 Site

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million square feet of new construction. As BIM manager she has helped develop plans to integrateproject standards and execution plans for projects of all sizes.

URS Corporation www.urs.com

URS uses Building Information Modeling (BIM) to deliver better documents and design better facilities.BIM gives us the tools to understand project and program requirements, to visualize, test, and evaluateour designs, and to lead the construction effort to the best possible conclusion. Because our BIMmodels are three-dimensional, this also allows us to create more comprehensive and better coordinateddocuments. Building architecture and systems can be evaluated in 3D space, and in simulations tobetter enhance the synergy and coordination between systems. Construction conditions that areunaddressed in 2D documentation are made more visible, and fewer coordination issues need to beaddressed during construction. A 3D BIM model also enhances our ability to communicate andcollaborate with you, the client, so that we can be more efficient in understanding your requirements andgaining your approval. By using BIM we ensure our ability to create successful, beautiful and functionalbuildings and satisfy our clients.

URS has years of experience delivering BIM-based design and construction data for a wide variety ofproject types and sizes, up to millions of square feet, including Hospitals, schools, and manufacturing.We have delivered BIM deliverables to private, public and government agencies with a broad range ofdata and integration requirements. We can meet your requirements for modeling, interoperability,delivery and coordination for your BIM or Integrated Delivery project.


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Session Outline;Subject Start Duration

Introductions 0:00 0:10

Location 4; Why Location is still so critical in a digital project

Location 1 (Where is your team?) 0:10 0:10

Understand how the team will communicate and collaborate on models from different locations,

networks and cultures.

Location 2 (Where are your Files?) 0:20 0:10

Understand how the files will be transferred and/or shared. How the whole projects data must

be assembled from information from multiple locations

Location 3 (Where is the Data?) 0:30 0:10

Creating data that is compatible across multiple files from multiple sources, and with the end

deliverable can be a challenge. Understand how data must be organized within individual files.

Location 4 (Where is the Building?) 0:40 0:10

Locating model data relative to other model data when involving multiple software/file formats,

coordinate spaces, units, and size/flatness limitations can be very tricky!

Conclusion, Location (Where is your plan?) 0:50 0:05

Q&A 0:55 0:05

Thank you for attending! 0:00 1:00

Complete the AU Conference Survey at a survey station and receive an AU 2011 T-Shirt.

You (attendees) will receive a link (via email) for to evaluate this session, and surveys can also be

completed on a survey station here at the event.

Contact me with follow-up questions, suggestions, or other requests @[email protected].
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Session Materials

Introductions

Session Overview

Speaker Introductions

Location 4

(Location hyper-cubed) Why Location can still become so critical in a digital project.

In the digital age, weve become accustomed to being able to ignore location. We can email

drawings, IM or Skype conversations, post documents to web portals for collaboration we

dont need to worry about location!

Until a project reaches a certain size, in terms of team, site, model, file, and / or distance... then

location becomes thecritical factor.

We have standards for delivery, talented architects and engineers, dedicated partners, and this

is enough until the location factor becomes a critical element. Then we need a plan.

Project Examples

The following (real) projects describe situations where location becomes critical in a number of

different ways.

Hospital Project: URS Engineers of Record, Separate Design Architect, Models delivered to

contractors, 2 Million Square Feet.

Models: All Revit, All Disciplines, 6 Buildings, 7 Sections, 6 Floors, 9 model disciplines

Team: Seattle, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Grand Rapids, New Orleans, Baton

Rouge

Convention Center and Office Tower

Project: URS Record documents, separate Design Architects, Historical preservation

architects, Landscape architects, Models delivered to CM, 1+ Million Square feet, 3 City

blocks, sub roadway, connecting to historical structures.

Models: DGN, Revit, DWG, STL, IFC

Team: 25 Model contributors, multiple staged authorship handoffs; design,

record/construction documents, design-assist contractors, fabrication.


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High-rise Development

26 story, 2-tower, 1 city block, split level with parking structure under landscaped plaza

on extreme fast-track. Separate firms for Architecture, Engineering, Landscape, Civil,

with fabrication models for steel, foundations, and curtain walls. URS Architects of Record, with separate design architects.

Models: STL and RVT, MEP in RVT to DWG + Civil 3D. Phased fast-track delivery

meant combining design models with fabrication and/or as-built models.

Team

Light Rail Transit System

Project: 8 rail stations/renovations by 2 different designers, documented by 4 offices,

Civil in DWG + Track alignments,

Models DGN track alignment, DWG topography, RVT structures, DWG Deliverable,

located in real coordinates along some 20 KM of track. Team: Each station designed and documented in separate RVT file in 3 locations, Civil

in a fourth, rails in a 5 th.


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Location 1 (Where is your team?)

Understand how the team will communicate and collaborate on models from

different locations, networks and cultures.

When planning a project that involves model collaboration from multiple locations, take into

account time zones, drafting/model setup standards, Titleblocks and shared parameters. These

are things that can be handled up-front, or become a continuous time-sink for the project if

everyone starts with differing assumptions. Consider creating a Standards model that includes

the schedules and shared parameters, materials, title blocks, symbols, text styles and line

weights you expect everyone to use. This can be created before a project begins to eliminate

the setup lag on a complex project.

Where areyouremployees?

Even inside the firewall, you still need to know where your data needs to go!

On-Site and remote workers

o How do they connect to, modify, and return with the data?

Multiple departments Will they talk? How can you ensure it?

Multiple Addresses They may as well be consultants!

Implications

Communication is required during model collaboration, more communication than a traditional

project. BIM does not solve communication problems, it exposes them.

Always-On communications are a must (Instant Messaging, Skype)

Consider ProjectHoteling

Provide project-based workspaces that users occupy for specific projects. Include in the project

hotel space the computers, and interactive equipment to best facilitate design and construction

conversations that include all disciplines, and consultants and contractors as well. This is an

excellent way to build up a SWAT team, and supports the interaction and collaboration needed

to succeed in BIM and/or Integrated delivery.

Tradeoffs

Flexibility in staffing and consultants versus fluid communications. The bandwidth of

communication for staff collaborating on a BIM project is very large.

Organizational Points

Project communications for distributed teams (Goals, Deadlines, and Deliverables) must

be as clear as possible from the outset.
http://www.wordspy.com/words/hotelling.asphttp://www.wordspy.com/words/hotelling.asphttp://www.wordspy.com/words/hotelling.asphttp://www.wordspy.com/words/hotelling.asp


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Utilize conference calls, web meetings, instant messaging and SharePoint

Connections and communication within the team cant be overvalued. Make everyone use their

instant messenger. Hold regular BIM progress meetings (at least weekly), and keep your files

accessible to everyone using Bluestreak and/or SharePoint or Buzzsaw/Constructware.

Manage remote workers differently.

Managers must utilize the same communications tools that the project team utilizes to stay in

touch when using Revit. Web Meetings can be used to share desktops and discuss current

progress. DWF Markups provide effective redline vehicles for remote workers. Instant

messaging applications keep workers talking to each other and to their manager, and all project

files must be made accessible to everyone. This may also require managers to involve IT at an

early project stage to prepare the project folder to accommodate remote workers.

Project Management: SCRUMFor a more complete definition of SCRUM, See the

SCRUM In under 10 Minutesvideo onYouTubeor

5min.com. The video does a nice job of quickly

explaining the SCRUM concept. SCRUM can apply

well to the concept of developing a set of

architectural documents and is also good for

managing a more iterative development process as

required by a BIM workflow.

Scrum is a rugby term, and is used to describe this

process as an analogy to a rugby scrum where players all bundle together and attempt to pushthe ball forward as a group

Product Backlog:

A well designed Product Backlog would be equivalent to an excellent set of best practices,

where each item that could potentially be included in a perfect document set is outlined; What a

finished product would look like, what tools to use, how to use the tools, and when it should be

done, by whom.

The Product Owner

The product owner roll equates to the project principal and/or project manager, selecting items

from the backlog that reflect our contract and the needs of the design.

Scrum Master

This is the Project manager, working to the plan, sometimes with the aid of a

facilitator/ communicator.

Release Backlog

The PM/Scrum Master places the desired project components into a plan by
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5k7a9YEoUIhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5k7a9YEoUIhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5k7a9YEoUIhttp://www.5min.com/Video/Scrum-in-under-10-minutes-244235609http://www.5min.com/Video/Scrum-in-under-10-minutes-244235609http://www.5min.com/Video/Scrum-in-under-10-minutes-244235609http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5k7a9YEoUI


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phase, each phase of the project equates to a 'release'. There would generally be 4 releases in

an architectural project, each divided into 4 Sprints, the last Sprint in each release being Quality

Control Review.

01 Programming

Sprint 1 - First Sketches, Initial Pass

Sprint 2 - Coordinated refinement

Sprint 3 - Redevelopment, Client

Approval

Sprint 4 - Re-Coordination, Defect

Log

Sprint 5 - Quality Control, Client

Approval

02 Schematic Design

Sprint 1 - First Sketches, Initial Pass



Approval


Log


Approval

03 Design Development Sprint 1 - New Information



Approval


Log


Approval

04 Construction Documents

Sprint 1 - New Information



Approval


Log


Approval

05 Construction

etc....

06 Occupancy

etc....


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Sprints

Here things diverge a bit. To be successful, a facility design must be iterated through multiple

times as information and coordination is refined. When he says in the video that each sprint

results in a 100% ready product, we would have to diverge and say that each sprint results in

the documentation of all the information available at the time. Many backlog items would be

revisited several times in the project, perhaps even in different sprints of the same phase.

Burndown Chart

Similar to how most firms currently watch project progress. The information-gathering technique

he describes at about 5:40 in the video for collecting the data for the burndown chart could be

built into the sheet schedule for a Revit file: As users re-define their time estimates per sheet,

the burndown rate can be projected and compared to the original estimate.

Defect Backlog

Code Issues, Client approval/input, etc. By keeping these items separate, we also have a tool

to show the owner what their actions do to impact project progress.

SCRUM is a management model that can help with projects that have common properties for

building design: One-of-a-kind solutions, created by many authors, collaborating on many

integrated tasks with difficult to measure progress.

Technical points

Hoteling is expensive, but solves many technical problems with file sharing and access

as well as team communication issues.


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A Model scope document, like a LOD requirement, or model progression matrix will help

prepare the team, define the coordination issues that will need to be addressed, and

plan the technical solutions required in Location 2.


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Location 2 (Where are your Files?)

Understand how the files will be transferred and/or shared. How the whole

projects data must be assembled from information fro m multiple locations

Implications

If team members must collaborate between multiple locations on Revit files, you have to decide

where the files will reside relative to the team members.

Single Shared Location

Ideally everyone shares a single file store (lets try to go back to forgetting about location!).

There are some viable options for this strategy, but they too have drawbacks.

Cloud

Autodesk Cloud has potential to allow this kind of collaboration. Questions remain as to how

effective access controls and user administration will be for large teams. Security is always aconcern when storing sensitive client data on someone elses servers subject to someone elses

security and service agreements.

Revit Server

Revit server virtually in the same place, but not exactly. Always-On connections are still

required between all locations for borrowing and auto sync streams. Theres no solution yet for

crossing firewalls or providing project or file level access controls.

VPN

If you can legally and technically provide a VPN connection to your consultants, they can

effectively map a drive to match your internal users, thereby allowing direct collaboration, butyour bandwidth had better be HUGE.

Remote Workstations

You can also provide VPN access and remote desktops. If the VPN hurdle can be overcome,

then consultants can locate their own equipment and licenses, or you can provide equipment

and maybe licenses so that consultants work in remote desktop on a local copy of Revit. This is

less bandwidth intensive.

Citrix

Solve the Bandwidth problem inherent in the VPN solution by having the software literally

hosted from the same server. Users remote into a server where the software runs and the filesare all local. Great concept, as long as you can get past providing your consultants and team

members with VPN connections (are theirsecurity protocols sufficient?) The EULA for

Autodesk 2012 products allows for this use, but you still need licenses on the server. Are you

providing your consultants with free licenses, or are they willing to pay? The other drawback

here is the cost of a server, cluster or blade server of sufficient power to support the

simultaneous use of Revit and/or other hardware-intensive applications by the entire project

team.


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Local Working files, Duplicated reference files

We can try and work just like with AutoCAD. We will use relative paths in links, and local copies

of other files for reference. The question here is how much time will you be willing to spend

downloading 300 MB files, opening (Detach from Central) and placing in your local projectdirectory. You can add scripting to accomplish much of this, but its still a management issue,

especially enforcing the relative paths, and uniform directory structure at each location that will

be required for this to work smoothly.

Buzzsaw, SharePoint/FTP/etc., Copy/synchronization scripts

All of these techniques share the same drawback; You have to balance the bandwidth/time

required to download the files, the management required to remove UNC paths from

workshared Revit files, and consider how long youre willing to go between updates. Its

possible on a large project to be talking about a full-time employee doing uploads, downloads,

detachments and updates.

Local Working Files, Remote reference files

This goes back to the single location idea kind of. We could let everyone work locally, and

reference everyone elses files where they sit.

WAN/VPN connections

This works best behind a firewall (within a single, multi-location company). With multiple

companies, a technical solution that allows direct file access between networks must be

developed. This is generally either a separate secure WAN for the project, or a VPN that can

be shared by multiple organizations.

TradeoffsFile location decisions mean finding a balance between

File Control/Management

o User Access Control

o File locking, history

o Naming, Directory structures, links

File Accessibility, currency

o Age of reference files

o Availability of new files

System/infrastructure cost

o Servers (Citrix, Revit Server)

o Bandwidth (all)

o WAN Acceleration (WAN, Revit Server)

o Services (collaboration websites)


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Rating Replication Collaboration

websites

WAN Revit

Server

Citrix

Complexity and UserInteraction

Worst

1

OK

3

OK

2

Better

4

Best

5

Works Outside Firewall NO YES NO NO YES

Minimal Infrastructure

Requirements (cost)

Best

1

Better

2

OK OK Worst,

but

5

Operational Speed Best

(all Local)

Best

(all Local)

Worst (?)

5

Better

2

Best

(all Local,

as far as

the

software

knows)

Management Required Manual Manual Little Better Best

Reliability & Fault

Tolerance

Bad OK Bad Better Best

Scalability Bad OK Bad Best

Security and tracking on

models

None Best N/A Nice user-

based

History

avail. No

controls.

None on

models,

(VPN-

dependent

for user

control)

About Revit Server

Revit Server is an Autodesk application provided as a subscription advantage tool (free with

subscription). Revit server is a connector between Revit models, not a modeling application.

Think of Revit server as a communications manager for projects and models that are worked on

by teams with members distributed between multiple locations.


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What it does

Revit server is designed to take a Revit project

that uses worksharing and make it practical for

users in multiple locations to share the samecentral file. It does this by streaming information

to a local central file cache on a LOCAL REVIT

SERVER in each office from a single central file located on the CENTRAL REVIT SERVER.

This allows users in each office to work as-if the central file was located in their office, and still

stay in sync with team members working on the same data in other locations.

Why we use it

We use Revit server when we have multiple users in multiple locations. It virtually eliminates

the lag time experienced when borrowing elements or Synchronizing with the Central file

(SWC/STC/saving to central) over the WAN (Wide Area Network between offices) and provides

an extra layer of protection against file corruption that can happen when people save to central

over a slow WAN connection.

Without Revit Server This is what

Happens. Any delays in the WANconnection create longer delays for users

borrowing elements or synchronizing to

central. STC times can increase more than

10-fold when someone is trying to save over

a slow WAN connection and others attempt

to save as well.

We attempt to fix this by having users

remote into a local desktop using RemoteDesktop Connection. This is an effective

way to reduce lag and eliminate the

problems of working over the WAN,

however it requires extra hardware at the

host location for users to remote into. Revit

2012 now allows for virtualization in the

EULA, but there are still technical problems

"Change before you have to."- Jack Welch


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with Revit working in multiple sessions on

the same hardware. With Revit Server, the

server provides a replica of the file on each

LAN and mediates the stream of information

between all LAN locations and the Central

server over the WAN.


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Performance Improvements

Revit Server provides definite and noticeable performance improvements over working directly

through the WAN. The following test speeds were collected during Business hours, on a 69.5

MB Revit model. The model was workset enabled. The Open commandwas to Open the Central file and create a new local. The Synchronize to

Central command was triggered after copying all building elements

visible in the default 3D view 300 feet to the south, and was run with the

option of saving a local copy before and after, as is standard for users

doing production work.

For medium and large projects, where synchronizing files from the LAN can take 5-6 minutes

and more, and users must synchronize a MINIMUM of twice a day, Revit server can save a

medium-large project an HOUR per user per day!

6 minute LAN STC *6.0 = 36 Minute WAN STC6 minute LAN STC *1.45 = 8.7 minute RS STC = 27.6 Minutes Saved Per STC

What Revit Server doesnt do

Revit Server doesnt work with files that arent workshared (workset-enabled centralfiles).

Revit Server doesnt automate Save-to-Central or Sync-With-Central operations.

Revit Server doesnt change the fact that you need borrow permissions on elements,and sometimes need to sync with central when others need an element. It also wont

File/Open type (Fastest to Slowest) File Open Synchronize with

Central

Elapsed

Time

Time

Savings

Elapsed

Time

Time

Savings

From Local Disk (C:\) 0:23.5 N/A 0:18.9 N/A

From LAN 0:29.3 1.0 N/A 0:22.5 1.0 1:52.4

(83%)

From Revit Server 0:48.8 1.67 0:04.0 0:32.6 1.45 1:42.3

(76%)

From WAN, with Riverbed

Acceleration (cached)

0:52.8 1.80 0.0

(baseline)

2:14.9 6.00 0:0

(baseline)

From Revit Server, First Load in

Location

1:28.7 +32.4

(157%)

N/A

From WAN, no acceleration (1st load,

not Cached)

0:56.3 N/A N/A


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increase the upper limit of how many people can effectively work simultaneously in asingle file. This is still around 6.

Revit Server doesnt allow for project-specific access permissions. There is one list of

projects on the server. All users see all projects. A network of Revit servers can only have one Central server, and local machines can

only connect to 1 local server.

When to use Revit Server

Revit Server should NOT be used for every Revit project. Only certain projects are right for

Revit Server. These are:

Projects where many team members from offices other than the primary office will workin Revit long term.

Projects where multiple users need to work on the same Revit file from multiple locationssimultaneously.

Projects with other special communication needs across multiple locations.

Note that Revit server is SLOWER than working together over the LAN in the same office.

Consider how many people will be remote versus local and whether the savings for remote

users will outweigh the slowdown for local users. Also consider the history of the project for file

corruption. Revit Server eliminates (in testing so far) central file corruption caused by saving to

central across the WAN. Once a project has been moved to Revit Server, Everyone must use

Revit server; it is no longer an option to have 1 team member work across the WAN. If they

dont have a Revit server in their local office, they must connect to one across the WAN. This is

the slowest possible option for working on a Revit file.

Organizational Points What mechanisms allow files to be accessed by a distributed team?

Controlling Access will be important who has permission and how is it enforced?

Model communication, borrowing, updating, and linking.

Security Concerns

Managing versions

Technical points

UNC and Mapped Paths,

Bandwidth

Saving to Central

Firewalls and VPNs

Hardware Requirements


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Location 3 (Where is the Data?)

Creating data that is compatible across multiple files from multiple sources, and

with the end deliverable can be a challenge.

Understand how data must be organized within individual files.

Planning Shared Parameters, Titleblocks, and schedule formats

Graphic Standards still happen.

Data fields, Model contents, database connections

Defining the deliverable, Enforcing Compliance.

Implications

Architectural models like to be contiguous for a building, Shell and Core divisions work

most often.

MEP models like to be contiguous per system.. so that connections can be easilymaintained.

Structural models like to be contiguous to expansion/seismic joints, so that loads are

analyzed without skyhooks.

Workstations require nearly 20X the TOTAL LOADED FILE SIZE in RAM. This means

that the project must be divided into sections small enough to fit within that threshold,

while allowing the user to (at least sometimes) load all of the other models they must be

coordinating with.

Sheets are easiest to manage when they reside in the same file that the model content

theyre displaying is located.

Some content must be aggregated from multiple, or all linked files.

Users need to find the data they have to develop and maintain.

External Keynote files provide a data management solution, and a multi-lingual project

solution.

Tradeoffs

More models are harder to manage, but smaller segments run faster

Project dividing lines need to line-up between disciplines and consultants, or its difficult

to load all of 1 area of the building.

Sheets are managed best in multiple files, but printing becomes time consuming.

Its nice when everyone can use their best-native applications for documentation, but its

easy to underestimate the budget and schedule impact of file translation for largeprojects.

Organizational Points

Early definition of deliverables is a huge help in planning the location for all of the project

data.

Clients need to be prompted to consider and define their database delivery needs early,

so that consistent data field definitions can be maintained for all parties.


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Allowing a team member to backslide on their file format or data obligations has the

potential to cost everyone more money. If a consultant suddenly requires DWG exports

for base files because theyve failed to keep up in Revit, this can mean constant

maintenance of hundreds of additional files from that point on. It is always cheaper and more efficient to capture data as its handled (during the design

process) than to go back and integrate it later. Its not the same expense for the same

deliverable if the decision is made late.

Technical Points

Define Shared parameters early and distribute before a project starts.

You can create the same shared parameter name, but unless you literally copy the text

from one shared parameters file to another, the two parameters will have different

GUIDs and never fall into the same column in a schedule.

Add any analysis that is intended for the project to the early technical plan. Many

modeling techniques affect the potential for analysis later. The team needs to know

early if GBXML will be used for energy models, or if Structural analysis will be done in

RAM or Robot.


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Location 4 (Where is the Building?)

The importance of Shared Coordinates.

o How to ensure everyone gets them right.

o Shared Coordinates and DWGsNavisworksIFC other Platforms

Experiences

o 21 Miles away

o IFC files

Solutions

o Establish and coordinate early in process

o Locking down coordinates

o Adding Coordinates to other files

o The alignment cube

o Site reference files

Implications

Revit still has usable coordinate space issues

Shared parameters are often misunderstood, easy to mess up, and can create domino-

effect problems in many linked files.

Many file types dont support shared coordinates at all.

Multi-unit dimensions arent available in all applications.

Tradeoffs

Visible topography in Revit for very large sites will require significant file translation.

Organizational Points Pick a single Coordinate Master file that everyone will acquire coordinates from.

Determine file types early so you can plan for other unit and location systems.

Technical Points

DWGs store shared coordinates as UCSs. Revit can read these, but graphics on linked

3D DWGs are poor. IFC translation improves graphics for 3D elements in Revit, but

IFCs dont support shared coordinates or UCSs.

DGN files dont support shared coordinates.

NWC files will support shared coordinates, so long as everyone uses the correct export

settings.

If you dont have a 100% Revit project, its likely youll need to use the reference-cube

workaround.

Workarounds

DWG Files

Exported UCS


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Other Formats

Embedded link

Reference Cube

Understanding Shared Coordinates

Concepts and Definitions

Revit contains several Cartesian coordinate systems. Project and Shared Coordinates are

visible and editable in Revit, The third is the built-in internal coordinates.

Coordinate Systems

Cartesian Coordinates

All CAD systems use Cartesian coordinates to locate objects and describe shapes. Cartesian

coordinates are just X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis distances from a theoretical "Origin" or center

point. Coordinates are usually notated as (X,Y,Z) or (X,Y) when Z=0. Any object can be

positioned in space by the distance and rotation from the Origin, (0,0,0)

UCS (User Coordinate System)

http://www.dailyautocad.com/2008/10/understanding-ucs-part-1.html

User coordinate systems are set in AutoCAD when you wish to work on a grid that is in a

different position relative to the origin, or at a different elevation or rotation. UCSs in AutoCAD

are often used to document true and project north for drawings. Views can be oriented to a

UCS to document a consistent alignment in multiple viewports.

Shared Coordinates are just Revits version of the UCS tool for the management of alternatecoordinate systems

Revit Coordinates

Internal Coordinates

Like AutoCAD, Revit has a built-in default set of coordinates, similar to the World UCS. These

are not visible or changeable in Revit 2009. The only real way to find them is to import a DWG

marker with the world origin notated. Try ORIGIN.DWG in a plan or sheet view, Origin-to-origin

to see the actual internal origin in Revit 2009. Revit files become error prone if the model is

placed a large distance from 0,0, so it's wise NOT to try to match survey coordinates in plan.

Draw buildings in a convenient location near the origin. Matching the survey can be done laterwith shared coordinates.

Project Coordinates

Project coordinates are those that Revit displays to the user. In Revit 2009 and older, the

project coordinates are linked to the Internal coordinates, and can be treated as the same thing.


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Shared Coordinates

Shared coordinates are a separate coordinate system. You could think of these as Custom

UCSs in AutoCAD terms. When file A is linked into File B in Revit, the position of file A within

File B can be modified. The actual location of File A relative to B becomes a shared position.You can have more than 1 shared position for each file. By using shared coordinates, it is

possible to link File B back into File A and have them line up, even though File A was moved in

File B.

Relative Positions

Because Internal Coordinates never move, we never actually MOVE elements in a model to

align them to linked files. Instead, we define Shared Coordinates that record the difference

between the internal coordinates in 1 file and the internal coordinates in another.

Project Base Point(internal, Project Coordinates) Reads the difference between the model position where drawn, and it's shared position, or real-world

location.

Project Survey Point (Shared Position)


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Creating Revit Toposurfaces from Civil Data

You have a civil document that includes contours that youd like to reference in Revit. Use the

following steps to create a Revit file that has a toposurface that you can use in your project.

1. Update the BIM Plan recommended to create a separate file for the toposurface andassociated slabs. This allows you to update the references and files from consultantswithout the overhead of the rest of the project, and to manage, update, and redefinelinks without having to deal with visibility issues in multiple 3D views.

a. For large sites, break DWG reference files into multiple pieces that fit withinRevits coordinate space, and create a separate RVT file for each.

2. Get Points or Contours3. For Points

a. Import directly into Revitb. Delete and recreate when updated.

4. For Contours

a. if 2D, Convert to 3Db. If Proxy objects, export to standard objects.

i. Open in Civil3D or AutoCAD with object enablers that make the contoursvisible (not just proxy boxes).

ii. Export to AutoCADc. Remove label text from contour layers

i. Select all, filter to text and mtext, move to a new layerii.

d. Link DWG into Revit in 3De. Create toposurface from linked filef. Update the reference and re-make the surface.

5. Managing sub regions and slabs Have a plan to handle re-creating subregions if you

are forced to recreate the topography because of updates from the civil designer.

For Contours

Revit will create topography from contour drawings; you dont need to manually place points.

Contours must be 3D polylines. Use the following steps to get there.

Note: Its probably helpful to detach all xrefs, audit, purge and possibly wblock out the contents

of a file from a consultant to strip away any invisible problems.

If 2D Contours, Convert to 3D contours

Join 2D lines into polylines. Set their elevation to be their literal height (535, for example)


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If Proxy Objects, convert to plane Plines.

Drawings created in Civil3D will often have the contours

as smart autocad objects. If you open the file and the

contours layer has just bounding boxes instead of theactual contours, these are

proxy objects. Proxy

objects are placeholders for

active content that you

dont have the tools

installed for.

You can tell that theyre

proxy objects because of

the name (AeccDbContour), and because they appear to connect with less intelligent lines and

splines that are also contours. Usually, youll see this message when opening a DWG

containnig Proxy objects you cannot read:

Identifying a proxy object


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Open the file in AutoCAD Civil3D to see the contours:

Isolate the contour layers. You may want to delete

any extra junk like the disjoined lines visible in thebottom of this image:

Often, height labels are on the same layer as the contour, especially in Civil3D files. Quickly fix

this by adding a new layer for contour labels, selecting all visible elements, using AutoCADs

filter option in the properties palate to isolate all TEXT and/or MTEXT, and switch it to a different

layer.

Then Export to DWG format. Civil3D drawings are DWG files, but they contain objects that

cannot be read without the AecCivilBase Object Enabler. Revit doesnt support Proxy Objects

and Object Enablers. By using Export, not Save As, you ensure the removal of these proxy

objects.


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If you dont have access to Civil3D, you will need the object enabler for the AutoCAD version

you have. See

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15131158&linkID=9240618

for 2011. You with this object enabler installed, you will be able to see and EXPLODE thetopoline objects and achieve the same ends.

When you open the file in plain AutoCAD, you will

likely see this message. You can ignore the missing

SHX file most times without concequence.

The file in AutoCAD will now show the contours.

Some other layers have been thawed to provide

other reference information from within Revit.

You may wish to check that no stray

lines are left at 0 elevation. Switch to a

side view with the view cube, select allof the 0 elevation items, and filter to the

contour layers. Move any elements

that should not be contours to another

layer. Move contours to the correct Z

elevation.
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15131158&linkID=9240618http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15131158&linkID=9240618http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15131158&linkID=9240618


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Link DWG into Revit in 3D

Link the drawing into the default {3D} View.

You may still see warnings about

ActiveX and proprietary components.

As long as the topography shows up,

its not too important that other Civil3D

elements arent brought in.

It is also likely that you will see a

warning about the file being a long

distance from the origin. Revit will

continue and use Center-To-Center

instead of Origin to Origin in order to fit

the file within the coordinate space

accommodated by Revit.

Once you have the topo lines visible in

Revit, You can attempt to align them to

the correct elevations.


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Select the DWG file, and retype the elevation to match the desired height. Use Internal

Coordinates, so that in your site file the project and shared coordinate systems are the same.

With the correct elevation specified, Rotate the file so that True North and Project North match.

Create toposurface from linked file

With the topography in the correct location, create topography

Start the Toposurface Command from the Model Site panel of the Massing & Site Ribbon.

Choose to select Import Instance to generate the topography. You will need to select only the

layers that have contours on them. (This is why we removed the text from these layers.)


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When you click OK Revit will create the topography almost instantly.

Check it for major errors. If some lines were exploded flat

you may see large dips in the surface. Check that only the

correct elements were on the layers; you may need to returnto AutoCAD to revise.

Revit will place MANY points to help ensure that the

topolines will match the DWG file. You can use the simplify

Surface command to reduce the accuracy of the surface and

thereby reduce the number of points, and size of the file. Consider simplifying the surface of

extremely complex topography. You can reduce the complexity, then link the DWG into a site

plan view in 2D and use the DWG to display the contours even if the toposurface doesnt

exactly match. Just turn off the topography lines in visibility settings.

Update the reference and re-make the surface.Reload the Updated DWG.


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Then select the toposurface and Click Edit Surface.

Place 4 points well outside the boundaries of the toposurface, then delete the imported points.

Select Create From Import again,

then delete the extra 4 points.


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Managing sub regions and slabs

Have a plan to handle re-creating subregions if you are forced to recreate the topography

because of updates from the civil designer.

Fixing Coordinates in Multi-Model Projects

Issue:

You have multiple files linked together (IE Arch, Struct, MEP, Site, etc.) and for some reason

some or all files are not staying aligned.

Applies to:

Revit 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.File dialogs and menu descriptions are from Revit 2009.

Description:

There is an issue with the Shared Coordinates in this project. Not all files have the same

coordinate system published to them, and some linked files are not lining up in some of the

models.


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At least some of the projects files appear to not have the same alignment when linked into other

models. Just because files appear to align in one model doesn't mean it's correct. See

"Solution" below for the steps to correct everyone's shared coordinate settings.

Cause:

Usually this is because a model has been linked Center to Center (default value for Revit)

instead of Origin to origin. Always link Origin to Origin.

This can also happen if shared coordinates are in use, and someone moves a linked file

accidentally.

Avoid this by:

Always link Origin to origin.

Link other models in BEFORE you start drawing

PIN linked files so you don't drag them accidentally.

Know that Moving a linked file in your file isn't a simple solution to an error in one of the items above.

Solution

1. Pick a Shared Coordinates Master file. If a Revit site file exists, use it. If not, pickanother, or create a new empty file for Shared Coordinates, Save it to the project. Add aplaceholder Object (some geometry that can be seen and aligned to in other files) andlink all project files in, Origin to Origin.

2. Have your Project BIM Leader Edit the Shared Coordinates Master, Save a namedlocation in this file (ProjectModelOrigin), delete any additional, unnecessary locations,and Publish coordinates to all the other files. If there are issues with borrowing thecorrect worksets to publish, then:

a. Choose a person from the team for each file to check shared coordinates andupdate the files so that they align reliably for all other files.b. Have that person open their files and follow these steps:

1. choose a plan and/or section view, choose a linked file that aligns correctlywith your file. Use detail lines to document it's position.

2. Activate the Manage Links dialog and make sure the links are all loaded,including the Shared Coordinates Master file. If the Shared CoordinatesMaster file is not loaded, link it (by shared coordinates, Named Location,called " ProjectModelOrigin".

3. Find the Shared Coordinates Master file in a view. "Project BIM Leader,provide a description of what it looks like. ex: "It's a 3D cube (generic model)

just outside the building to the southwest."

4. Start the Tools>Shared Coordinates>Acquire Coordinatescommand, andselect the geometry from the Shared Coordinates Master file. If you get theerror message that coordinates are already coordinated, that's OK, proceed.

5. Go to the Settings>Manage Place an Locationstool. If ProjectModelOrigindoes not say (current) next to it, select it and make it current.

6. Save to central and let your project BIM Leader know that your file is done. Ifyour drawings no longer line up, don't panic.

7. When all files are located by the same shared coordinate system, the BIMleader can announce to everyone that it's time to proceed to step 8.


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8. Reload all linked files9. Select each linked Revit file in your model, click the Propertiesbutton.10. Under Shared Location, make sure the button is labeled

ProjectModelOrigin . If it does not, or says , click the buttonand proceed to step 11, If it does already say "ProjectModelOrigin, then thislink is correct. Click OK and proceed to step 12.

11. In this dialog, choose (1) Acquire the coordinates from this file. Then (2),Verify that the position being used is ProjectModelOrigin . If not then (3)change it to be ProjectModelOrigin, then (4) Reconcile locations.

12. Repeat steps 8-10 for each linked file.13. check your view from step 1. If things don't line up, use Tools>Project

Position/Orientation>Relocate this Projectto move your file, vertically andhorizontally until the reference lines you drew line back up with the linkedfiles.

14. Turn the visibility of the Shared Coordinates Master file back off as needed.

15. Save to Centralc. This should ensure that everyone who thinks they are lining up with the model isactually lining up the same way in everyone else's model. It will also ensure thatfiles exported for NavisWorks clash detection align correctly.

3. Sometimes model managers will create the coordinates file, check out the ProjectInformation workset, and not check it back in. Theoretically, this will prevent users frominadvertently altering the shared coordinate locations, since they'll be prompted torequest permission before they're allowed to make any changes.

An Illustrated list of steps follows:

1. choose a plan and/or section view, choose a linked file that aligns correctlywith your file. Use detail lines to document it's position.

2. Activate the Manage Links dialog and make sure the links are all loaded,including the Shared Coordinates Master file. If the Shared CoordinatesMaster file is not loaded, link it (by shared coordinates, Named Location,called " ProjectModelOrigin".

3. Find the Shared Coordinates Master file in a view. "Project BIM Leader,provide a description of what it looks like. ex: "It's a 3D cube (generic model)

just outside the building to the southwest."

(this is an example, refer to your specific project team for what the Shared Coordinates Master file looks like.


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4. Start the Tools>Shared Coordinates>Acquire Coordinatescommand, andselect the geometry from the Shared Coordinates Master file. If you get theerror message that coordinates are already coordinated, that's OK, proceed.

5. Go to the Settings>Manage Place an Locationstool. If ProjectModelOrigindoes not say (current) next to it(1), select it and make it current (2).


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6. Save to central and let your project BIM Leader know that your file is done. If

your drawings no longer line up, don't panic.7. When all files are located by the same shared coordinate system, the BIM

leader can announce to everyone that it's time to proceed to step 8.8. Reload all linked files9. Select each linked Revit file in your model, click the Propertiesbutton.

10. Under Shared Location, make sure the button is labeledProjectModelOrigin. If it does not, or says , click the buttonand proceed to step 11, If it does already say "ProjectModelOrigin, then thislink is correct. Click OK and proceed to step 12.


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11. In this dialog, choose (1) Acquire the coordinates from this file. Then (2),Verify that the position being used is ProjectModelOrigin . If not then (3)change it to be ProjectModelOrigin, then (4) Reconcile locations.


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12. Repeat steps 8-10 for each linked file.13. check your view from step 1. If things don't line up, use Tools>Project

Position/Orientation>Relocate this Projectto move your file, vertically andhorizontally until the reference lines you drew line back up with the linked

files.


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14. Turn the visibility of the Shared Coordinates Master file back off as needed.15. Save to Central


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Conclusion, Location (Where is your plan?)

A Project Planning Checklist

1. Educate the clienta. Data requirements

2. Prepare the team

a. Deliverables List

b. File sharing strategy

c. Write a BIM Execution Plan Keep a copy in the project directory and update it

throughout the project. Tell everyone about it.

d. Kick off the project with a BIM planning meeting. Document items

discussed in the technical plan (BIM Execution Plan, or BEP)

i. Review the BEP

ii. Review the LOD, Model Progression matrix in detail.

iii. Confirm with group: Model Names, Workset Names,

Import/Export/upload/Download schedules.

iv. Discuss Efficiency Strategies and Ideas

1. Linking/Combining files, Hosting/not hosting MEP equipment

2. Groups, Similarities, Analysis procedures

v. Review with the group specific model goals and output/analysis that

will be needed from the BEP.

vi. Discuss Staff experience. Is there anything you dont know how to

do? When will you need training on this topic?

vii. Communicate with your office BIM Leader about staff, training, and

software/computer needs.e. Communicate with the team often. A 15-minute standing meeting every week

is appropriate. This is enough time to allow each user to state the following

i. What theyre working on this week

ii. What Information they need from Others

iii. Other changes or project impact they expect.

iv. If theyre ahead, behind, or on schedule/budget.

3. Plan the model files

a. BIM Execution Plan

b. Model Progression Matrix

4. Plan analysis and clash detection

5. Utilize the model Data well.


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Opening Questions to pose with the Client & Constructor at project kickoff

1. Client: What information requirements doyou have for your facilities? What endgoals will you have for buildingdocumentation data on the day ofoccupancy? Do you have an FM System?What kind is it, and how do you use it?What is the ideal delivery method fordesign, construction, and operations information?

a. Discuss COBIE, Databases, FM Translation, FM System hosting2. Client & Constructor: How will the model be used during construction? Will the

constructor manage progress, coordinate drawings, document completion, and/or runclash detection using the models? If so, what type of data will be in the model? Whichelements could be reused from the design model and which will be re-created by design-assist contractors, the CM, or be replaced by shop drawings?

3. Client & Constructor: Discuss the model types and Terms:a. MEA, Model Element AuthorWho draws what which consultants,

contractors, and clients will add information to the model?b. LOD (Level Of Detail) How realistic and literal will the model be? What kinds of

information will it contain?c. Contract Document What will be the instrument of service? Drawings

(traditional management) or the model (IPD, or special contractualarrangements)?

d. Design Intent Model Used as, or to create contract documentse. Construction Model Could be an evolution of the design model, or a new model

altogether Elements broken down differently by trade, installation, etc.(includes Means & Methods). This model is usually more specific and detailed.

f. Federated Model (An aggregation of multiple models to construct the bigpicture; Usually done in NavisWorks.)

g. 3D Shop Drawings, Fabrication Model ( (LOD 400) used for manufacturing andpre-assembling units, usually done by subcontractor as a shop drawing, but canbe integrated into a federated model for construction coordination.)

h. As-Built vs Record Set model (As-Built model is expensive, changes LOD to 500,must be done by or with the CM. Record Set model doesnt change the LOD orMEA, but updates drawings to reflect change orders, etc. as in a traditionalrecord set.)

i. Model-based cost estimation What is and is not in the design model.j. Clash Detection, clash management: What is a clash free model? How is this

achieved? What kind of time investment is required to maintain clash detection?

What are the potential paybacks?4. Client & Constructor: Discuss the concept of IPD: Contractual changes, Performance

goals and reserves, Zero Change Order processes.5. Client & Constructor: When does Designer/Constructor interaction in the model begin?

Is the constructor willing to work with the AE during design on model integrity and CAreadiness? What kind of contract will be guiding the design and construction phases?Will collaboration be a possibility? Will the collaborating partners be paid for resultsand/or effort on collaboration pre and/or post-bid (IPD?)

Pre-Contract if possible!The items discussed in the conversation outlined below

& left can have an effect on the desired contractualarrangement, fee schedule, and other items best

broached prior to making legal arrangements.


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6. Client & Constructor: Introduce the effort curve for BIM vs. traditional delivery projects.Discuss billing cycles and deliverables.

7. Client & Constructor: Introduce the LOD/R Matrix; discuss data delivery fields, Levels of

Detail, and MEA/Ownership/Responsibility transfer for models.

8. Client & Constructor: Schedule a full BIM Planning session to begin prior to contractarrangement, if possible. List goals:

a. Identify BIM Management team Members from each party (contractor, client,designer, consultants)

b. Create a full LOD/R Matrix document for project delivery goalsc. Write a BIM Execution Plan (BEP, URS has a template.)d. Arrange regular review meetings to complete and maintain the procedures,

goals, and status of the LOD/R and BEP, this will evolve into a clashmanagement and model review meeting, and then into construction progressmeetings, and finally into BIM/FM Delivery meetings (if required.)

BIM Execution Plan Requirements

Reference; Penn State Model Template, IU Plan, Consensus Docs 300, AIA E202