Ideate Solutions: #ADSK2013

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May 5, 2014

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Revit MEP - Overview

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Revit MEP - Mechanical

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Revit MEP - Documentation

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June 6, 2012

New Railing Functionality in Revit Architecture 2013

In coordination with the Ideate Inc. YouTube video on Autodesk Revit Architecture 2013 – Component-based Stairs, this blog describes how the Revit Architecture 2013 Railing tool has undergone a few improvements along with the new Component Stair tool.

Railing enhancements have been made to make the creation of railing elements more accurately. These new enhancements include a new handrail and top rail sub-category that can include the addition of extensions to these two elements. Extension options include a wall, post, and floor extension. Figure 1.

Figure 1

Top Rails and Hand Rails are selected for editing by using the [Tab] key to cycle through the elements within the railing. Once selected, the rails are pinned in place and must be unpinned in order to make modifications to the railing. In addition to using the built in railing extensions, custom extensions can be created through the use of sketching.

Another improvement made to stairs includes adjusting the transitions of railings between landings and runs. Figure 2. Transitions used can be defined through the use of pre-established settings such as simple and gooseneck. Figure 2.

Figure 2

When modifying the handrail elements, handrail supports may be added, and manipulated allowing control of their placement along the rail. Figure 3. Like other elements within Revit, edit the supports by first using the [Tab] key to select these new features.

Figure 3

These are only a few of the things that can be accomplished with the Revit Architecture 2013 Railing tools. Remember to review the instance and type properties of these elements as you are reviewing them as there are many properties that can be adjusted to create your custom railing elements. Good Luck!

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit MEP, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Navisworks, 3ds Max Design and more: ideateinc.com/2013

Ron Palma
AEC Solutions Application Specialist
Ron has 23+ years of experience in the AEC industry as a designer, lead project designer, trainer and CAD manager. His instructional background includes Autodesk Certified Instructor, trainer, support technician, educator at Portland Community College and Clackamas Community College, and a U.S. Army certified instructor. Follow Ron @RonPalmaAEC.

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June 4, 2012

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2013 – Under Pressure: More on Pressure Pipe Networks

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2013 has some great additions that save you time by making mundane tasks simpler and faster. Gaurav Bagga, Application Specialist at Ideate, Inc. reviews some of those productivity improvements.

Perhaps one of the most sought after features in Civil 3D has been pressure pipes. People had to jump hoops; make the best use of existing features of Civil 3D to create a water line.

With Civil 3D 2013 it is now very easy to create a pressure pipe network in plan and display it in profile.

The workflow is similar to the gravity flow as before – specify the parts list, surface and alignment to get started and then layout the network in plan.

Create the pressure pipe layout including the:

Pipes
Bends, tees, and other fittings
And valves, fire hydrants and other appurtenances

Display the pipes, fittings and appurtenances in profile with a relative ease.

The figure below shows the pressure pipe and a gate valve in plan, profile and model view.

Check out the YouTube Video that describes this advancement.

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Revit Structure, AutoCAD, Navisworks and more: ideateinc.com/2013

Gaurav Bagga
Infrastructure Solutions Application Specialist

Gaurav is a well rounded Application Engineer and Project Manager for Infrastructure Solutions at Ideate based out of San Francisco. He has over 15 years experience in construction industry and has been helping numerous small, medium and ENR 500 firms maximize their CAD investment for the last ten years. Gaurav is an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Autodesk Civil 3D Implementation Certified Expert. He has taught at several conferences, CAD Camps and Autodesk University. He has taught AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Land Desktop and Map 3D to thousands of students and helps Ideate develop the Infrastructure Services curriculum and courses. With his extensive CAD technology background he helps Bay Area engineering and surveying firms analyze and improve their design and drawing production process thereby improving productivity and the bottom line. Follow Gaurav on Twitter: @BeGeez

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June 1, 2012

Riding The Rails: Rail Design Enhancements in Civil 3D 2013

In this post, Ideate Application Specialist Matt Miyamoto provides some insight on the new Rail enhancements for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2013.

In this release of Civil 3D, Autodesk is raising the bar once again by including new Rail Design features and enhancements.

Included in this version are: a new Rail Alignment type, automatic Cant calculations, and added rail-specific parameters, making rail design in Civil 3d easier and more user friendly.

One of the bigger changes to Rail design functionality is the new Rail Alignment type. This alignment is now included along with the Centerline, Offset, and Miscellaneous alignment types of past releases.

When this alignment is used, an additional Rail Parameters tab is included and the Design Criteria defaults to Cant Design tables for passenger and freight trains. Rail alignments can also be measured along chord base lengths rather than only along centerlines.

The new Cant design wizard provides users with an interactive Cant calculation tool similar to the Superelevation calculator tool included for road design.

Cant calculations are done automatically, and the results appear in the Cant Tabular Editor when complete. The old Rail Sub-assembly has also been enhanced to support Cant design.

To see some of these new features in action, be sure to check out the What’s New Videos now posted on YouTube.

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Revit Structure, 3ds Max Design, AutoCAD, Navisworks and more: ideateinc.com/2013

Matt Miyamoto, P.E.
Infrastructure Solutions Application Specialist
Matt is a licensed Civil Engineer in the state of Hawaii. Matt obtained a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and has 7 years of private sector design experience which he applies in his role as an application specialist with Ideate, Inc. His project experience includes residential and commercial site development, private and public sewer, water and drainage systems, harbors improvements, and roadway improvements. While in Hawaii, Matt was involved in multidisciplinary projects for City and County agencies, State Departments, the Army COE and private developers. @MattM_PE

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May 30, 2012

Autodesk Navisworks 2013: New Features Focus

Teresa Martin, Senior Application Specialist, Ideate, Inc. reviews the best of the new features in Navisworks 2013.

Autodesk Navisworks 2013 has some fantastic enhancements this year. Two of the best new features are native Revit support (no more exporting via NWC from Revit!) and the display of levels and grids from Revit in a scene view. Both features have been high on user’s wish lists and this year Autodesk’s Navisworks team has delivered. The grids and levels can be turned on per level or all levels and can also be ghosted on levels above or below the designated level. For Navisworks project teams whom have been struggling with this issue by making their own 3D grids in either Revit or AutoCAD, this will be a most welcome feature.

Additional features that are worth a look are as follows:

Clash results that include locations by level as well as the grid reference. Further, clash results may be sorted by level, proximity as well as grid location!
Costs can now be added to scheduled tasks in Timeliner
Ability to drag and drop search and/or selection sets directly into the task manager in Timerliner! Huge time savings for creating simulations!
New Selection Inspector Tool for finding objects.
Vault integration
Additional file support for Primavera P6 v8, Archicad 14 and 15 as well as Faro 4.8.

See Ideate’s YouTube Playlist featuring Navisworks and a bevy of the new Autodesk 2013 software solutions.

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, AutoCAD and more: ideateinc.com/2013

Teresa Martin
AEC Solutions Application Specialist
Teresa is a graduate of Cornell University and has over 20 years experience in the architectural and construction industry. She has spent her career pursuing her interest in 3D modeling and computer-aided-design having worked alternately as a designer, project manager, CAD manager, 3D modeler and educator. Teresa currently develops curriculum and customized content as an Revit Implementation Expert. As a trainer in Revit, Navisworks, and Ecotect, Teresa brings her real-world experience to the classroom.

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May 28, 2012

What’s New in Revit Structure 2013: Area and Path Reinforcement Now Visible in 3D Views!

Thank you for visiting Ideate’s blog to check out the new features added to Autodesk Revit Structure 2013. My name is Shruti Harve and I work as a Senior Application Specialist at Ideate, Inc. When modeling Rebar using Revit Structure, I almost always have to use a combination of the Area, Path and Rebar reinforcement tools. But because rebar modeled using Area and Path reinforcement did not display in 3D, it was always a challenge to create a 3D reinforcement detail. But not anymore with Revit Structure 2013!

Starting in Revit Structure 2013, Area and Path Reinforcement is now able to host structural rebar, much like the way that beam systems and trusses host structural framing. You can now display rebar elements in floors, walls or foundation slabs, in all views including 3D views, schedule rebar and remove the area or path system to expose the individual rebar elements.

In addition to that, the following enhancements have been made to modeling reinforcement in Revit Structure 2013:

Improved Snapping-To Fillets and Hooks
This feature provides references on a stirrup/tie rebar fillet and hook that provide standard bars an additional reference for rebar joins. Users can now select a layout rule before clicking to place rebar
Fabric Reinforcement Added to Revit Structure
You can now place evenly lap-spliced Fabric Sheets in floors, walls or foundation slabs
Several New Structural Units Added
Several new Structural units have been added including those for structural rebar, i.e. Reinforcement Area and Reinforcement Area per Unit Length.

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Civil 3D, 3ds Max Design, AutoCAD, Navisworks and more: ideateinc.com/2013

Shruti Harve,

LEED AP, AEC Solutions Application Specialist
Shruti holds a Master of Science degree in Architectural Computing from University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom and is LEED accredited. Her experience includes working in Architecture and Construction firms in India and the United Kingdom as well as Structural Engineering firms in the Bay Area providing design, 3D modeling and drafting services. At Ideate, Shruti provides training and support for Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, 3ds Max, Ecotect and AutoCAD Architecture.

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May 25, 2012

What’s New in 3ds Max Design 2013: Direct link of Revit Architecture (.rvt) Files.

Thank you for visiting Ideate’s blog to check out the new features added to Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2013. My name is Shruti Harve and I work as a Senior Application Specialist at Ideate, Inc.

One of the big steps in the Revit Architecture - 3ds Max Design workflow to create photorealistic renderings/animations, was exporting the Revit Architecture model as a ‘.fbx’ file to import into 3ds Max design and this had to be done every time the Revit Architecture model changed. I am glad that this is no longer the case starting in 3ds Max design 2013 with the addition of the “Link Revit” option that lets you directly link and import the Revit Architecture model into 3ds Max design.

The ‘Link Revit’ option can be found under the 3ds Max Design 2013 Application pull down grouped under ‘Import.’ This launches the File Link Manager that lets you insert a link to the Revit Architecture (.rvt) model.

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Navisworks and more: ideateinc.com/2013

May 23, 2012

AutoCAD 2013 – More on Enhanced Model Documentation Tools

Model Documentation Tools are back and better than ever! This is Derek Wielkopolski, Support Manager and Application Specialist at Ideate, Inc. and I’m happy to say this is one of my favorite new features in AutoCAD.

In this year’s release Autodesk has significantly improved upon this already very useful feature. Model Documentation Tools allow you to quickly create drafting views from 3D objects; and not just plans and elevations, but sections, details, and isometric views too.

Creating these views is as simple as going into the new Layout tab on the ribbon and selecting which objects to create the view from; and not just AutoCAD objects but objects modeled in Autodesk Inventor too! And all without the hassle of any type of file translator either

Once the views are created you have a near endless array of visual and styling options. Annotations like dimensions and text can even be applied to these views. And since they’re dynamic, any modifications to the object are immediately reflected in the view.

With the new section and detail tools creating sections and details are as easy as drawing in a section line or detail bubble. Just as you can change the visual settings of views, you can customize the look and feel of the sections and details using the section/detail style manager.

Want to learn more, take a look at the three videos I recorded highlighting the new Model Documentation Tools’ features in AutoCAD 2013.

AutoCAD 2013 Model Documentation Tools 1 of 3

AutoCAD 2013 Model Documentation Tools 2 of 3

AutoCAD 2013 Model Documentation Tools 3 of 3

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, Navisworks and more: ideateinc.com/2013

Derek Wielkopolski
Technical Support Manager/Application Specialist
Derek holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Roger Williams University, Rhode Island. He is experienced working within the AEC industry from concept design through construction administration for both small and large scale projects. As Ideate’s Support Manager he ensures a timely and quality response to support requests and questions. Follow Derek on Twitter: @dwielk

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May 21, 2012

New Parts and Assemblies Functionality in Revit Architecture 2013

In coordination with the Ideate, Inc. YouTube video on Autodesk Revit Architecture 2013 – Construction Modeling, this blog describes a few improvements with the Revit Architecture 2013 Construction Modeling tools. Last year introduced new tools for the Construction Modeling industry, specifically Parts and Assemblies. With the new Revit Architecture 2013 these new tools have been improved for greater flexibility.

One such area is that Parts now have the capability of being merged/joined together with other parts, whether they were derived from the same host or not. Another improvement is that parts can now be excluded from the model. Excluded parts are not included in material takeoffs or schedules. Excluded parts will highlight when the cursor is over the part. To bring the part back, highlight the excluded part and use the Restore Parts tool.

For those of you working with parts, you know that you have had the ability to divide parts into smaller pieces. This was accomplished by sketching the division lines, or by using intersecting references such as levels or grids. With the Revit Architecture 2013 release, not only can divisions be made, but the division edited to include a gap between the parts as well as a division “split profile.” Figure 1. A new division profile family is available now so that new division edges may be created to fit your construction methods.

Figure 1

Previously the only type of elements that could be turned into parts were layered systems such as Walls, Floors, Roofs, and Ceilings. With the release of Revit Architecture 2013, Structural Beams and Columns can now have parts derived from them and modified with standard tools such as dividing, excluding, and restoring. Figure 2. Additionally, shape handles along the edges of all parts are now available to manipulate the size of and shape of your parts.

Figure 2

Revit Architecture 2013 has also expanded the capabilities of the assemblies’ tool. When generating views from an assembly, six new elevation views are available for inclusion to the assembly view package.

Another improvement made is that views generated within an assembly can now be placed on standard sheets or the assembly sheet making it easier to organize your drawing set. Additionally assembly views now include the Rotation on Sheet parameter allow you to rotate the view on a sheet in order to better arrange the views on your sheets.

I invite you to start looking at the new features and enhancements for the parts and assemblies tools as these tool sets can aid in creating an accurate model. Have Fun!

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit MEP, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Navisworks, 3ds Max Design and more: ideateinc.com/2013

May 18, 2012

Working with Saved Selection Sets in Revit 2013

Have you worked on a project in Revit and gone through the trouble of selecting a number of elements to be modified, then realized that you needed some additional information, or needed to check on something else before you modified the elements? Did you then clear the selection, checked on the information or reference, then went back and re-selected the same elements previously so that NOW you could modify it?

New to Revit 2013, you have the ability to save any selection of elements that you have selected, and recall those selections at any point.

In order to Save Selection Sets you must first select the elements that will be within the selection. Standard selection methods apply, [Cntrl] + Pick, Drag the cursor for Window and Crossing selections, or use Ideate Explorer for Revit 2013.

Once the elements have been selected, in the Modify| Xxxx tab, under the Selection panel, you can select the Save tool to create a Saved Selection. Enter a name for the desired selection. Later this selection set can be recalled at any time by accessing the Manage tab, and under the Selection panel selecting the Load tool. This will display the Retrieve Filters dialog where your saved selections can be recalled, selecting the elements within the filter.

As the Load button is placed in the Manage tab, I have found it advantageous for it to be placed in my Quick Access toolbar for quick retrieval of my saved selections. This has been something needed for quite some time and I am very excited to take advantage of selection sets that I create in my models.

May 16, 2012

Autodesk Revit Server 2013 – WAN Collaboration Made Easier

I have to say I’m pretty happy with the updates Autodesk has made to Revit Server 2013. Although certainly not in the forefront of all of the hot new features of Revit 2013, model management and collaboration are certainly just as important in the BIM workflow. How do I know? I see it everyday in Ideate, Inc.’s technical support department; customers needing to know how their project teams spread about several offices can collaborate on a single Revit model.

The biggest change in Revit Server 2013 is now central models can be saved to different servers! Remember in Revit Server 2011 and 2012 there was a single central server and then multiple local servers setup in a hub and spoke-like environment.

In Revit Server 2013 they’ve switched to a matrix like environment allowing models to be stored on multiple servers depending on the roles assigned to that server.

There are three roles of which any combination can be assigned to a server.

Host The Host role supports storing of central models for server based worksharing

Accelerator The Accelerator role allows users to specify that server and access server based data through it

Admin If the Admin role is enabled, then the Revit Server Administrator web-based management utility can be invoked on this server.

Take a look at the quick video I made outlining the setup and some tips I learned when configuring our Revit Server 2013 Network.

May 11, 2012

What’s New in AutoCAD for Mac 2013

Autodesk just announced their new 2013 products; of which AutoCAD for Mac was released side by side with AutoCAD for the first time ever since the product was released for 2011. As the Support Manager and AutoCAD for Mac Application Specialist here at Ideate, Inc. I’ve been seeing more and more interest in AutoCAD for Mac as more people are using Macs in the workplace.

AutoCAD for Mac 2013 was released with a whole host of new features and enhanced functionality like, array enhancements, improvements to the hatch editor, more intuitive 3D modeling, PDF underlay support, strike through text, and Model Documentation support. But one of my favorite new features is the Project Manager.

One of the most requested features I saw from our customers was the ability to have sheet set manager like functionality in AutoCAD for Mac. The Project Manager is their answer, and even goes a step further to incorporate some Mac OS-centric features.

Think of the Project Manager as a file cabinet for your DWGs. It organizes your drawing’s layouts and sheets; all of which can be accessed, modified, and plotted right from within the Project Manager without having to use Finder or Spotlight to hunt through numerous project folders on your network.

The Project Manager uses .dst files to store project information. For those familiar with AutoCAD for the Windows platform you’ll notice this is the same file the Sheet Set Manager uses. You can work with these files between both platforms seamlessly adding to, modifying or creating new projects as needed. Each Project Manager project contains its own standard properties like, project name, number, client, etc. and any custom properties you define as well.

Projects can be organized by discipline in an easy to navigate drill down format, and can be divided into groups, for example; Architectural, Structural, and MEP. Those groups can then be divided into sub-groups; Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection. After adding your DWGs or specific layouts to their respective groups, the Project Manager will populate each drawing’s layouts as part of the sheet list. Sheets also contain both standard and custom properties that can be modified, including whether or not the sheet is included in the Publish list for batch plotting. Once a DWG has been added to a project you can easily open that file by first clicking on one of its layouts then by clicking on the reference, launching a new window with that drawing ready for editing. Need to find that dwg on your network? Not a problem, you can easily use the “Open in Finder” button to quickly find it (one of those Mac OS-centric features I can’t live without).

And when you’re ready to print your sheet set you can use Publish. Publishing a sheet set is a quick couple of clicks and eliminates having to open individual DWGs and manually plotting each layout. You have the option to plot to a physical plotter or the built in Mac OS PDF generator. Each sheet can use its own page setup or all sheets can use a specified uniform page setup.

Want to see the Project Manager in action? Take a look at this video.

May 9, 2012

New Stair Functionality in Revit Architecture 2013

In coordination to the Ideate Inc. YouTube video on Autodesk Revit Architecture 2013 – Component-based Stairs, this blog describes how the Revit Architecture 2013 Stair tool has undergone a few improvements. In addition to the Stair Sketch tools from previous Revit versions, a new Component based stair is now available. Component stairs refer to the new Assembled Stair system family. These new types of stair families consist of a number of sub families that represent parts of the stair such as the run type, landing type, stringer support types and even the cut mark type. Collectively these families form a component stair family.

Some of the new functionality with component stairs includes the ability to create stair runs that can dynamically be previewed as 3D elements during sketch mode. Additionally, you can specify to create the run based upon a Location Line that allows you to draw the run on the left, center or right side of the run. (Figure 1)

Figure 1

In previous releases the sketching of stair runs automatically created landings. In the Revit 2013 release, landings can also be created automatically or added after laying out the stair runs, and as with runs can be viewed dynamically in 3D views during the sketching process.

With the creation of Component Stairs, new stair shapes are available when placing stair runs. These include spiral stairs that have angles greater than 360°, curved stairs of angles less than 360°, L-shaped winder stairs, and U-turn/switchback winder stairs. (Figure 2). The ability of creating stairs with angles greater than 360°, gives you the ability of creating stairs that overlap other runs, something that could not be accomplished in earlier releases.

Figure 2

A Precast Stair family is now available within Revit Architecture 2013 that allows you to specify how runs of stair attach to a landing. Notches can be applied to the run where the run stops at a landing and a run can also include a notch at the top of the run representing real building methods. (Figure 3)

Figure 3

In addition to the above items, Revit Architecture 2013 Stair elements now support the creation of stairs that include multiple runs leading to the same or different levels. Through the use of standard modifying tools such as Move, Mirror, Copy and Rotate, runs can be manipulated and Landings modified to support multiple stair runs. (Figure 4)

Figure 4

These are only a few of the things that can be accomplished with the Revit Architecture 2013 Stair tools. I challenge you to roll up your sleeves and start looking at the type properties and nested families that are used within the Component Stairs. As you are learning these new tools, the original sketching tools are also still available to make your transitioning toward using these new tools easier. Have Fun!

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit MEP, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Navisworks, 3ds Max Design and more: ideateinc.com/2013

April 24, 2012

What's New in Autodesk Revit 2013 – It's a Material World! - Enhanced Properties for Building Performance Analysis

Autodesk Revit 2013 now provides the ability to add and modify the thermal properties of walls, floor, roofs, and windows in order to facilitate more integrated building performance analysis, heating and cooling load calculations and gbXML support.

These improvements:

Allow for a single customizable deployment and a single content library.
Support and encourage multi-discipline workflows.
Give the user the ability to assign thermal and structural properties.
Permit the thermal and structural properties to gbXML.

Watch the video: Autodesk Revit 2013 – Enhanced Properties for Building Performance Analysis

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, Revit MEP, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, AutoCAD MEP, Navisworks and more: ideateinc.com/2013

Bill Johnson – MEP Solutions Application Specialist
Bill has over 20 years experience in applying AEC design solutions for large commercial companies. A graduate of Pasadena Institute of Technology, he has worked for TEECOM Design Group, GTE/GTEL, Greg LeDoux and Associates, and Scottish Power in England. Bill has also had the opportunity to act as Lead AutoCAD Designer for multimillion dollar communication sites which have included structural, electrical, HVAC, conduit, cable plans and equipment layouts. He has a Sustainable Design Certification from the University of California at Berkeley.

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April 23, 2012

What's New in Autodesk Revit 2013 Holistically Better or We’re All Together NOW! – Multi-discipline Workflow Improvements

Autodesk Revit 2013 has some great enhancements; two of my preferred improvements are the workflow improvements and the Enhanced Building Analysis tools.

Autodesk Revit allows you to customize discipline functionality based on your needs, another benefit is instead of having different content library for each Revit vertical, there will be one single content library to help organize your company library. With all the tools accessible within a single application, it improves the multi-discipline workflow for the industry.

Watch the video: Autodesk Revit 2013 – Multi-discipline Workflow Improvements

April 20, 2012

Autodesk Revit Structure 2013 Reinforcement Enhancements

This video made by Shruti Harve, Senior Application Specialist at Ideate, Inc. goes over enhancements made to reinforcement modeling in Autodesk Revit Structure 2013. These include:

Fabric Reinforcement has been added to Autodesk Revit Structure 2013. You can now place evenly lap-spliced Fabric Sheets in floors, walls or foundation slabs.
Area and Path Reinforcement can now host rebar. You can now display rebar elements in floors, walls or foundation slabs in 3D views, schedule rebar and remove the area or path system to expose the individual rebar elements.
Improved snapping and alignment to fillets and hooks. You can now avoid interferences and collisions with other rebar while placing a rebar/rebar set in the fillet or hook.
Several new Structural Unit Types have been added including those for Structural Rebar: Reinforcement Area and Reinforcement Area per Unit Length.

Watch the video: Autodesk Revit Structure 2013 Reinforcement Enhancements

April 19, 2012

What's New in AutoCAD MEP 2013: Tag You're It! – Schedule Tag Enhancement

AutoCAD MEP 2013 has some great Scheduling tag enhancements to increase control over how tags and tag attributes are rotated to align with objects. New schedule tag properties-including Reference Text Angle, Attribute Angle Method, and Maintain Attribute Angle – are available to support functions such as rotating the entire tag instead of individual attributes. The tag can update and attribute rotation angles to maintain Right Reading or Force Horizontal when existing tags are automatically rotated in response to existing objects being rotated.

These changes will allow:

Increased control of tag and attribute rotation
The option to rotate entire tag instead of individual attributes

Watch the video: AutoCAD MEP 2013: Schedule Tag Enhancement

April 18, 2012

What's New in Revit MEP 2013: Take this Route! – Duct and Pipe Routing Preferences

Autodesk Revit MEP 2013 has some great enhancements, one of the best is the new Duct and Pipe Routing Preference dialog boxes.

The new Pipe Segments are used in the new Routing Preference. The segments are assigned a material and schedule type, which in turn is used to automatically generate the pipe segment name. You no longer need to be concerned about the connection type as it has been removed.

Duct fittings have been moved to the Routing Preferences dialog as well. Multiple duct and pipe segments and fittings may be added to a routing preference to allow more efficient design and modeling. The Constrain to routing preferences tool applies to duct fittings and pipe fittings. When checked, the list of parts in the type selector is filtered to only show what is contained in the routing preference.

These new settings are:

For either Duct or Pipe
Can be constrained to routing preferences
Have unique material and schedule type combinations

Watch the video: Autodesk Revit MEP 2013 – Duct and Pipe Routing Preferences

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, AutoCAD MEP, Navisworks and more: ideateinc.com/2013

April 17, 2012

What's New in AutoCAD MEP 2013: Get Your Ducts in a Row! – Duct System Routing Enhancements

AutoCAD MEP 2013 has some great enhancements to the Duct Routing Preferences which will help you to route and lay out duct systems per design specification. The Duct Routing Preferences may now be linked to Duct System Definitions. When the Duct System is changed on the Properties palette, the routing preference will change accordingly. You can apply the changes to all segments and fittings connected to the object, and it will continue until it comes to an MVPart, reducer, tee, or cross.

These changes to the system are:

Linked to Duct System Definitions
Changeable on the Properties palettes
Can apply changes to all segments and fittings

Watch the video: AutoCAD MEP 2013: Duct System Routing Enhancement

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2013 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Navisworks and more: ideateinc.com/2013

April 16, 2012

What's New in Revit MEP 2013: This Fits Perfectly! Enhanced ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database

Revit MEP 2013 has some great enhancements; one of the most useful is the updated ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database. Revit now uses the latest 5.00.00 version of the ASHRAE duct fitting database. Many of the ASHRAE tables have been updated based on the latest standards. The new tables increase the coverage of pressure loss data for duct fittings.

In addition, oval fittings, taps, and tees where all of the ports are the same size are now supported.

With this enhancement MEP engineers can design duct systems with fittings based on current ASHRAE standards.

Watch the video: Autodesk Revit MEP 2013: Enhanced ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database