BIS - Chapter 01-05 PDF

Construction Industry Council
Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Advanced Modelling Course (Structure)
– Revit 2018
Course Notes
(Part 1)
Construction Building Information Modelling (BIM) Advanced Modelling Course
Industry Council (Structure) – Revit 2018
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 - STRUCTURE PROJECT START UP ........................................................................................ 2

CHAPTER 2 - STRUCTURAL COLUMNS.................................................................................................. 19
CHAPTER 3 - STRUCTURAL WALLS ....................................................................................................... 30
CHAPTER 4 - STRUCTURAL BEAMS (STRUCTURAL FRAMING) and BEAM SYSTEMS ............................ 39
CHAPTER 5 - STRUCTURAL FLOORS (SLABS) ........................................................................................ 50
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CHAPTER 1: STRUCTURE PROJECT START UP
1.1. Creating an Architectural Underlay
1. Set the location for Default template files in Option
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2. Create a New project from Structural Template
3. Link Architecture Model by Click Link Revit
4. Choose Positioning
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5. Reload or Unload Links by Manage Links
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6. Set the Visibility of Linked Models
The Revit Links tab in the Visibility/Graphics dialog contains the following
columns:
• Visibility: Select the check box to show the linked model in the view, or clear the
check box to hide the linked model.
• Halftone: Select the check box to draw the linked model in halftone.
• Underlay: Select the check box to display the linked model as an underlay in the
project. The geometry will display in halftone and will not obscure new lines and
edges you draw in the project.
• Note: Elements in a model set as an underlay are not eligible for tagging.
Optionally, in the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, specify the model as
"Halftone" instead of "Underlay" to display the model in halftone and allow
tagging of model elements.
• Display Settings: Options to override additional settings for each linked model
in the current host view. The button displays the current display setting state
(By Host View, By Linked View, or Custom).
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7. Copy/ Monitor Levels and Grids
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Edit Link Model

To update linked models without closing the current project, you can reload the linked
models. Unload linked models to temporarily remove them from the project.
Click Manage tab > Manage Project panel > (Manage Links).
1. In the Manage Links dialog, click the relevant tab.

2. Select the linked model.
3. To unload the selected model, click Unload. Click Yes to confirm.
4. Note: It is not required that you unload a linked model before reloading.
5. To reload the selected model, click Reload.
Reference Type
Reference Type has two types: Overlay and Attachment.
When you import a model that contains linked models, the nested links display
according to the Reference Type setting in their parent model.
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If you change the Reference Type setting for Project B to Attachment, when you
import Project B into Project C, the nested link (Project A) displays.
1.2 Importing and Linking CAD files
1. Import Floor plan CAD for Level 1
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2. Add Grids Line
3. Import Floorplan Level02 and Align to Level01
4. Go to the North Elevation

5. Set the Grid A as Work Plane
6. Link ElevationNorth.dwg
7. Align Grid and Level
8. Go to the East Elevation
9. Align CAD to Grid A
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Importing / Linking Drawing Files
Importing / Linking Drawing Files are essential when a project is not 100% in Revit by
all disciplines. It is also the normal industry practice that deliverables by some
professional services are still in CAD format, such as Topographic Survey Plan. Due to
some limitation in Revit for the drawing import/link, users always find difficulties in
the process. Here, steps for the Importing / Linking are explained. Also, some
tricks/hints are given to make Importing / Linking easy.
To make it simple, first of all, Importing and Linking are basically doing the same thing,
i.e. to Import a CAD drawing into Revit to use. The only difference for Linking is that
Revit keeps the path of the CAD file such that when the Revit Model is loaded, the
CAD file is re‐loaded. However, Revit do store the content of the CAD drawing in the
Revit Model. In case if the CAD file is not found while it is re‐loaded, the CAD drawing
can still be seen in the Revit Model.
The benefit of Linking is that Links can be managed. That means, the CAD file can be
Reloaded, Unloaded or Removed. The path can also be changed by using Reload
From. This is in particular good when users want to remove old imported drawings
but forget which view the drawing is added. The CAD drawing can be removed in
Manage Links.
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In some cases, users may find it frustrated once the linked file is not found when Revit
Model is opened. A warning message comes out to ask if Manage Link is opened to
correct or it is ignored. Although it can just be ignored and the drawing can still be
used, new users may think there is some problems with the Revit Model or they have
done something wrong.
Since Importing and Linking are doing the same thing except the “path”, the
description below will only use Importing as reference. Users may do the same for
Linking if it is needed.
CAD Formats
Revit accepts different types of CAD formats including “.dwg”, “.dxf”, “.dgn”, “.sat”,
“.skp”. Some of these are CAD are in 3D and some are in 2D. Basically, the import for
CAD for different CAD formats are same.
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2D / 3D
CAD can be imported as 3D which is similar to Model objects in Revit and can be seen
in different views. CAD can also be imported as 2D which is view related. The
advantage of importing to 3D is that the drawings can be presented in more than 1
View. It can also be seen in 3D Isometric Views or Camera Perspective Views. The
disadvantage of importing to 3D is that it would slow down the operation. The CAD
will need to be re‐generated when the View is re‐generated even if the CAD is out of
the View Range.
When the CAD is imported as 2D, the Z‐dimension in the CAD will be ignored. That
means, even if the CAD is drawn in 3D, it will become real 2D in Revit. For example, if
a Topographic Plan with 3D Contour is imported as 2D, the 3D properties will lose.
Hints: Most of the drawings should be imported as 2D (Current view only) unless real
3D CAD or Topographic Plan with 3D Contour that will be used for modelling purpose.
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Colors
Colors are colours of the drawings and layers after the CAD is imported. 3 Options
are available (Invert, Preserve and Black and White). Invert means the colour will be
changed such as Colour 1 (Red) becomes Colour 4 (Cyan). Preserve maintains the
same colour in CAD. Black and White will set all colours to black.
There is no standard about which colour setting should be used. In normal practice,
layer colours will be overridden in View Visibility or Object Style. So, it is not having
much difference in the colour selection.
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Layers
The CAD can be imported with All, Visible or Specify layers. In case if only some layers
are needed from the CAD, Visible and Specify should be chosen to reduce the size of
imported CAD. Otherwise, normally All layers are imported. On and off of layers can
be controlled in Visibility.
Import units
Import Units is used to define the scale of import for the CAD. The default value is
Auto‐Detect which reads the value of variables in the CAD file.
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Say, for example, when AutoCAD drawing is imported, the settings in Units will be
read. If the Insertion Scale is “Inches”, the CAD will be imported with a scale that 1
unit in CAD is 1 inch in Revit Model. If Insertion Scale is “Unitless”, “feet” is assumed.
There is also an option of “Custom factor:” in the Import Units such that user can input
a preferred scale. So, if the drawing scale is known, it is highly recommended to select
the right scale instead of just leaving it with “Auto‐Detect”.
Positioning
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The CAD drawings can be automatically placed to “Centre to Centre” or “Origin to

Origin” when it is imported. “Centre to Centre” means the “Centre” of CAD drawing is
placed at the “Centre” of the Model on plan. Since the “Centre” of Model counts all
3D objects like Reference Plane, it may not be easily control the coordinates of the
CAD in relation to the Model. However, the CAD can be easily found after it is
imported.
“Origin to Origin” means the Origin (0, 0, 0) in CAD is placed at the Origin of the Revit
Model. Users may note that it may not be easy to locate the Origin of a Revit Model.
Also, there is a practice of using True Coordinates in CAD. So, the origin in CAD may
be far away from the drawing content
The CAD can also be positioned manually using Origin, Base Point and Centre. Base
Point is the value of variable “Insbase” in AutoCAD drawing. With these selections, the
CAD will follow the cursor before the insertion point is picked
Place at
Place at is a choice of placing the CAD at the current view of the lowest level in the
Revit Model. That means the “Z=0” in CAD is placed at the selected level. In case if
the CAD is imported to Elevation or Section, only the lowest level can be selected.
After the CAD is imported, the drawing can be moved vertically in Elevation or Section.
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Orient to View
When Orient to View is ticked, the CAD X‐Y plane will be oriented to the View. For
example, if the CAD is imported to a Plan View, the X‐Y plane is the CAD is oriented
to the X‐Y plane of the Model. If the CAD is imported to an Elevation, the Y‐direction
in the CAD is oriented to Z in the model. If this is un‐ticked, X‐Y plane in CAD will
always be imported to X‐Y plane in the Model.
Tricks / Hints
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In the older version of Revit, there is a limitation of 2 miles for the CAD import. This
limitation is relaxed in 2011 version. Only a message will appear when the CAD extent
is over 33km to re‐ confirm whether it should be continued. People may say it is quite
rare that the CAD drawing covers an extent of over 33km. However, it did happen
when the CAD is defined in True Coordinate (and even in mm). The coordinates in
Hong Kong will therefore over 800km. Of course, if there are no objects near the
origin, the coordinate system will not cause trouble to the drawing extent. However,
in most of the case, Block, Hatch or XRef in CAD may be mistakenly imported with
some definitions remained near the origin. This will then result with a large extent.
Difference between Link & Import
Linking CAD means the CAD file has a relative relationship with Revit project,
when CAD drawing is updated, the linked CAD drawing in Revit can be updated
simultaneously.
Importing CAD file means the CAD drawing was pasted it directly into the Revit
model, you can define the visibility of CAD file of its layers. And you can set the
visibility of CAD drawing in different Revit views. In order to maintain the CAD
drawing even when the Revit model was relocated, import tool is suggested.
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CHAPTER 2 - STRUCTURAL COLUMNS
Structural columns are loadable families in Revit. Create/Customize structural column family will be
taught later in the course. In this section, you will learn
• How to add columns (vertical and slanted).

• Adjust location of a column using temporary dimensions.
• Options in column placement.
• How to create column type by duplicating existing type.
• How to modify mechanical properties of a column.
2.1 Adding Columns with default settings
To add structural columns in Revit,
1 Open from the course folder the “Columns.rvt” file.
2 Click Structural Tab ➤➢ Column in Structure panel.
3 In the Properties Palette, select “600 x 750mm” type from Concrete-Rectangular-Column.
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4 Keep all options unchanged.
5 Select “At Grids” from the ribbon to place columns at grids.
6 Select Grids 1-5 and A-B.
Selection window
placed from right
to left.
7 Click “Finish” and “esc” a few times to complete placing the columns.
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8 Place column type “UB1016x305x249” at intersections of Grids 1-5 and A.
9 Click to view the columns placed in 3D.
2.2 Options in Column Placement
There are many options available to help you to place columns in Revit. Many of the options are self-
explanatory. You can hover over the option and see its description and press F1 for more help. Under
the contextual ribbon tab, the options for column placement are:
• Vertical Column / Slanted Column.

• Multiple “At Grids” / “At (Architectural) Column”.
• Tag on Placement
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• Rotate after placement.

• Depth / Height and (Connected to) Specific level / Unconnected.
For vertical column, if you have checked the option “Rotate after placement”, then you can either pick
the angle on screen or enter it directly after you picked the column location.
2.3Adding Slanted Columns
A Slanted Column is a column that is not vertical. To add slanted columns in Revit,
1 Open from the course folder the “Slanted Column.rvt” file.
2 Click Structural Tab ➢ Column in Structural panel.
3 Click Slanted Column on the contextual ribbon.
4 Change the offset of the 1st Click to -200 (mm) and that of the 2nd Click to 500 (mm).
5 Pick the intersection of Grids 6 and A. This is the 1st point of the slanted column and defines its
base point.
6 Pick the intersection of Grids 7 and A. This is the 2nd point of the slanted column and defines its top
point.
7 Add similar slanted columns at intersection of Grids 6 and B, and Grids 6 and C.
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Offset from Level 2
Offset from Level 1
Notes (from Autodesk Knowledge Network):

The following general rules apply to the procedures for placing slanted columns.
• When placing slanted columns, the top of the column will always have a higher elevation
than its base. When you place the column, the endpoint at the higher elevation is the top,
and the lower elevation is the base. Once defined, the top may not be set below the base.
• When placed in a 3D view, your 1st Click and 2nd Click settings define the associated levels
and offset of the column. When placed in an elevation or cross section, the endpoints
associate with their nearest level. The distance between the endpoint and the elevation are
the offset by default.
• If 3D Snapping is disabled, snap references for elements on the current work plane display,
as well as typical temporary dimensions. When you place columns with 3D snapping
enabled, the 1st Click and 2nd Click level settings are used if a snap reference is not found
or utilized.
• Slanted columns do not appear in graphical column schedules. Columns in a slanted state
will not display element properties related to graphical column schedules, such as Column
Location Mark.
• The Copy/Monitor tool does not apply to slanted columns.
2.4Adjust Location of Columns using Temporary Dimensions
There are many ways to adjust the location of a column. One way is to change its temporary dimension
value.
1 Select the column at Grid 1-C.
2 Click on the temporary dimension “6000” and change it to “3000”. Press “enter” and “esc”.
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2.5Create a New Column Type “600 x 1200mm” by Duplicating an Existing Type
You can manage/modify the properties of a column from its Properties Palette.
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1 Select the column at Grid 1-B.
2 Click “Edit Type” from the Properties Palette.
3 Click “Duplicate” and change the “Name” to “600 x 1200mm”. Click OK.
4 Change the Value of “h” to 1200. Click OK.
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5 Now select the column at Grid 5-B. Select Type “600 x 1200mm” from the Type Selector and press
“esc”.
2.6 Modify the Mechanical Properties of a Column
1 Select the column at Grid 1-B.
2 To bring up the Material Browser, click on the builder button in structural material from its
properties palette.
2 Select the “Physical tab” and change the Density to 1 kg/m³. Click OK and press “esc”.
You have just changed the density of the material “Concrete, Cast-in-Place gray” and it will be the
same for all columns having this material in the same project.
You can also duplicate the material by right click at it in the Material Browser and give it a new name
to avoid overwriting the original material.
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2.7 Detail Description of Structural Column Instance Properties
(source: Autodesk Knowledge Network)
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-
explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2018/ENU/Revit-Model/files/GUID-5EBA5016-4E9C-4131-BD5B-
36FC99A92846-htm.html
Name Description
Constraints
Column Location Mark The coordinate location of a vertical column on the project grid.
Base Level Constraining level of the column base.
Base Offset Offset of base from base level.
Top Level Constraining level of the column top.
Top Offset Offset of top from top level.
Moves With Grids Changes the vertical column constraint to the grid. See Lock Columns to a Grid.
Move Top With Grids Constrains the top endpoint of the slanted column to the grid.
Move Base With Grids Constrains the base endpoint of the slanted column to the grid.
Top Cut Style Either Perpendicular, Horizontal, or Vertical. Specifies the cut style at the top of the
column when unattached to a reference or element.
Top Extension Offset of the top of the column when unattached to a reference or element.
Base Cut Style Either Perpendicular, Horizontal, or Vertical. Specifies the cut style at the base of the
column when unattached to a reference or element.
Base Extension Offset of the base of the column when unattached to a reference or element.
Column Style Either Vertical, Slanted - End Point Driven, or Slanted - Angle Driven. Specifies the slant
style of the column which enables type specific modification tools. See Slanted Column
Manual Adjustment Tools.
Base Geometry Either Location Line, Top of beam, Bottom of Beam, or Center of Beam. Specifies
Alignment the working point along an attached beam to which the centerline of a slanted column
adjusts at its base.
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Name Description
Top Geometry Either Location Line, Top of beam, Bottom of Beam, or Center of Beam. Specifies
Alignment the working point along an attached beam to which the centerline of a slanted column
adjusts at its top.
Base is Attached Read-only parameter specifying that the base of the column is mid-joined to a beam or
attached to a structural floor or roof.
Attachment Either Minimum Intersection, Intersect Column Midline, Maximum Intersection, or
Justification At Base Tangent. Specifies the degree of cutback or tangential justification at the base of the
column at the join.
Offset From Offset of the base of the column from the mid-joined beam or attached elements.
Attachment At Base
Top is Attached Read-only parameter specifying that the top of the column is mid-joined to a beam or
attached to a structural floor or roof.
Attachment Either Minimum Intersection, Intersect Column Midline, Maximum Intersection, or
Justification At Top Tangent. Specifies the degree of cutback or tangential justification at the top of the
column at the join.
Offset From Offset of the top of the column from the mid-joined beam or attached elements.
Attachment At Top
Room Bounding Changes column constraint to room-bounding conditions.
Materials and Finishes
Structural Material For more information, see Change the Physical Properties of a Material.
Structural
Top Connection Applies to steel columns only. Turns on the visibility of a moment or shear connection
symbol. The symbols are visible only in elevations and cuts parallel to the main axis of
the column in coarse view.
Base Connection Applies to steel columns only. Turns on the visibility of the base plate symbol. The
symbols are visible only in elevations and cuts parallel to the main axis of the column
in coarse view.
Enable Analytical Displays the analytical model and includes it in analytical calculations. Selected by
Model default. See Disable an Analytical Model.
Top Attachment Type Either Distance or Ratio. Determines if the top join of a slanted column is measured as
a distance or a ratio of the length of the beam.
Top Attachment Distance from the referenced end of the top attached beam to the join location on the
Distance slanted column.
Top Attachment Ratio The ratio of distance from the referenced end of the attached beam to the top join
location on the slanted column to the total length of the beam.
Top Attachment Either Start or End. Specifies the end of the top attached beam from which to calculate
Reference End distance or ratio.
Base Attachment Either Distance or Ratio. Determines if the base join of a slanted column is measured
Type as a distance or a ratio of the length of the beam.
Base Attachment Distance from the referenced end of the base attached beam to the join location on the
Distance slanted column.
Base Attachment The ratio of distance from the referenced end of the attached beam to the base join
Ratio location on the slanted column to the total length of the beam.
Base Attachment Either Start or End. Specifies the end of the base attached beam from which to calculate
Reference End distance or ratio.
Rebar Cover - Top Applies to concrete columns only. Sets the rebar cover distance from the column top
Face face.
Rebar Cover - Bottom Applies to concrete columns only. Sets the rebar cover distance from the column bottom
Face face.
Rebar Cover - Other Applies to concrete columns only. Sets the rebar cover distance from the column to
Faces other element faces.
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Name Description
Estimated Specifies the estimated reinforcement volume of the selected element. This is a read-
Reinforcement only parameter that only displays when rebar has been placed.
Volume
Dimensions
Volume Volume of the selected column. A read-only value.
Identity Data
Comments User comments.
Mark A label created for the column. Possible use: shop mark. This value must be unique for
each element in a project. Revit warns you if the number is already used but allows you
to continue using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings tool. For more
information, see Review Warning Messages.
Phasing
Phase Created Indicates in which phase the column component was created. For more information,
see Project Phasing.
Phase Demolished Indicates in which phase the column component was demolished. For more information,
see Project Phasing.
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CHAPTER 3 - STRUCTURAL WALLS
Structural walls are loadable families in Revit. You can Create/Customize structural wall family for
special use (not to be covered in this course). In this section, you will learn
• How to add structural walls.

• Options in wall placement.
• How to add layers to a wall type.
3.1 Adding Walls with default settings
To add structural walls in Revit,
1 Open from the course folder the “Walls.rvt” file.
2 Click Structural Tab ➢ Wall in Structure panel. (The default option is Wall: Structural.)
3 In the Properties Palette, select “Generic – 300mm” type from Basic Wall types.
5 Pick the start point of the wall at Grid-2 and 3000mm up from Grid-B.
6 Continue to pick points B and C as shown below. Press “esc” a few times to complete adding the
walls.
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7 Click to view the walls placed in 3D.
3.2 Options in Wall Placement
There are many options available to help you to place walls in Revit. Many of the options are self-
the contextual ribbon tab, the options for wall creation and placement are:
• Draw by: Line / Rectangle / Inscribed Polygon / Circumscribed Polygon / Circle / Start-End-
Radius Arc / Center-ends Arc / Tangent End Arc / Fillet Arc / Pick Lines / Pick Faces.
• Depth / Height and (Connected to) Specific Level / Unconnected.
• Location Line: Wall Centerline / Core Centerline / Finish Face: Exterior / Finish Face: Interior /
Core Face: Exterior / Core Face: Interior.
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• Chair / Offset / Radius

• Join Status: Allow / Disallow
Notes:
• The Location Line option will affect how the wall is drawn.
• For examples: Wall drawn from Grid-1 to Grid-2 along Grid-A, with Location Line set as
“Wall Centerline” will look like
Location Line
• And wall drawn from Grid-1 to Grid-2 along Grid-A, with Location Line set as “Core Face:
Exterior” will look like
Location Line
• Once the wall has been created, changing the Location Line option in the Properties Palette
will change the location of the Location Line but not the position of the wall.
Wall placement unchanged
Location Line
3.3Adding (Non-structural) Layers to a Wall Type
To add layers to a wall type,
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1 Open from the course folder the “Wall Layer.rvt” file.
2 Select the horizontal wall.
3 Click “Edit Type” from the Properties Palette.
4 Click “Duplicate” and change the “Name” to “Generic 300mm + 100 Exterior Fill”. Click OK.
Now add an exterior layer to the wall.
5 Click “Edit” to open the “Edit Assembly” dialogue box.
6 Select layer “1” and click “Insert” to insert a layer outside “Core Boundary”.
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Exterior
Interior
7 Change the thickness of the exterior layer (Layer 1) to 100mm.
8 Change the “Material” of the exterior layer (Layer 1) to “Concrete, Sand/Cement Screed”.
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9 Now add a Section View across the horizontal wall and go to that view to see the added exterior
layer.
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3.4 Detail Description of Structural Wall Instance Properties
explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2017/ENU/Revit-Model/files/GUID-F1AD4E4F-3505-4B3F-8096-
61BAC86B7ACC-htm.html
Name Description
Constraints
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Name Description
Location Line Specifies the position of the wall with respect to the line sketched in the project
elevation. For more information, see Place a Wall. The wall location line remains the
same for that wall, even if the type changes.
Base Constraint Specifies the level from which the wall base is referenced.
Base Offset Specifies the offset of the base of the wall from its base constraint.
Base is Attached Indicates whether the base of the wall is attached to another component, such as a
structural floor. This is a read-only value.
Base Extension Distance Indicates the distance you have moved the base of the layers in a wall.
See Compound Structure. This parameter is enabled when the layers of a wall are
set to extendable.
Top Constraint The name of the level to which the wall top is set.
Unconnected Height If top constraint is unconnected, you may set an unconnected height of the wall. This
value is read-only if there is a top constraint.
Top Offset Specifies the offset of the top of the wall from its top constraint; enabled only when
the top constraint is set to a level.
Top is Attached Indicates whether the top of the wall is attached to another component, such as a
Top Extension Distance Indicates the distance you have moved the top of the layers in a wall. See Compound
Structure. This parameter is enabled when the layers of a wall are set to extendable.
Room Bounding Indicates whether the wall is part of a room boundary. This parameter is enabled after
you place the wall.
Related to Mass This is a read-only value.
Structural
Rebar Cover - Exterior Specifies the rebar cover distance from the wall exterior face.
Face
Rebar Cover - Interior Specifies the rebar cover distance from the wall interior face.
Face
Rebar Cover - Other Specifies the rebar cover distance from the faces of adjacent elements.
Faces
Estimated Reinforcement Specifies the estimated reinforcement volume of the selected element. This is a read-
Volume only parameter that only displays when rebar has been placed.
Structural Specifies the wall as being a structural element able to posses an analytical model.
Enable Analytical Model Displays the analytical model and includes it in analytical calculations. Selected by
default. See Disable an Analytical Model.
Structural Usage Either Bearing, Shear, or Structural Combined. The structural use of the wall.
Dimensions
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Name Description
Length Indicates the length of the wall. This is a read-only value.
Area Indicates the area of the wall. This is a read-only value.
Volume Indicates the volume of the wall. This is a read-only value.
Identity Data
Comments A field for entering comments about the wall.
Mark A label created for the wall. This value must be unique for each element in a
project. Revit warns you when the number is already used but allows you to continue
using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings tool. See Review
Warning Messages.
Phasing
Phase Created Indicates in which phase the wall component was created. See Project Phasing.
Phase Demolished Indicates in which phase the wall component was demolished. See Project Phasing.
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CHAPTER 4 - STRUCTURAL BEAMS (STRUCTURAL FRAMING) and BEAM

SYSTEMS
Structural beams are categorized as structural framing in Revit. Usually beams are placed after
creating datum (grids / levels) and vertical elements (columns / walls). You can Create/Customize
structural beam family for special use (to be covered later in this course). In this section, you will learn
• How to add structural beams.

• Options in beam placement.
• How to add a system of beams (Beam System).
• Options in annotating beams.
4.1 Adding Beams with default settings
To add structural beams in Revit,
1 Open from the course folder the “Beams.rvt” file.
2 Click Structural Tab ➢ Beam in Structure panel.
3 In the Properties Palette, select “300 x 600mm” type from Concrete-Rectangular Beam types.
5 Pick the start point of the beam on the grid intersection Grid-A-1, then pick the grid intersections
along Grid-A. After picking the intersection point Grid-5-A then press “esc”.
6 Repeat Step 5 and add “300 x 600mm” beams along Grid-B.
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Now, add some steel beams
7 In the Properties Palette, select “UB305x127x37” type from UB-Universal Beams types.
8 Pick the intersection point Grid-A-5 and then pick the grid intersection Grid-A-7. Press “esc”.
9 Pick the intersection point Grid-B-5 and then pick the grid intersection Grid-B-7. Press “esc”.
10 Pick the column between Grid-1 and Grid-2 on Grid-C. Then pick the grid intersection points along
Grid-C (skip grid intersection point Grid-C-6). Press “esc”.
11 Add other beams as shown below.

300 x 600mm
300 x 600mm
400 x 800mm
400 x 800mm
400 x 800mm
300 x 600mm
300 x 600mm
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12 Click to view the beams placed in 3D.
4.2 Options in Beam Placement
There are many options available to help you to place beams in Revit. Many of the options are self-
the contextual ribbon tab, the options for beam creation and placement are:
• Draw by: Line / Start-End-Radius Arc / Center-ends Arc / Tangent End Arc / Fillet Arc / Spline
/ Partial Ellipse / Pick Lines.
• Place beams: On Grids / Tag on Placement.
• Placement Plane: Select an available structural level.
• Structural Usage: <Automatic> / Girder / Horizontal Bracing / Joist / Other / Purlin.
• 3D Snapping / Chair
4.3Adding a system of beams (Beam System)
Revit provides an easy way to add a system of beams within a closed boundary of area. It is called
Beam System in Revit. To add a system of beams (Beam System),
1 Open from the course folder the “Beam System.rvt” file.
2 Click Structural Tab ➢ Beam System in Structure panel.
P a g e | 41
3 There are two ways to add a Beam System. One is Automatic (set as default) and the other is by
Sketch where you can draw the boundary of an area to place the system of beams. By default, all
beams in the system will be tagged. Click the “Tag on Placement” to change the tag option.
4 Set the Beam Type, Justification, Layout Rule, Tag Style as shown below.
5 Hover the cursor near the beam on Grid-A and between Grid 4 and Grid-5, you will see a tentative
beam system displayed. Click to add the indicated beam system.
P a g e | 42
When you select a Beam System, you can then edit its boundary and the direction of the beams or
remove the beams from the Beam System.
4.4Beam Tag/Annotation
To control how the beams are tagged/annotated,
1 Select the beams in the beam system.
P a g e | 43
2 Click “Annotation” Tab ➢ Beam Annotations in Tag panel.
3 Click the builder button of the middle bottom tag and change the Display Elevation to “Bottom
Elevation” then click OK.
P a g e | 44
The annotation of the selected beams will change to
Notes on Beam Annotation:

• The Beam Annotations tool is only available when working in a structural plan or ceiling
plan view.
• At least one structural framing tag specified to “Rotate with Component” in their family
parameters must be loaded for the tool to be available.
• If no beam is selected, the Beam Annotations tool will tag all beams in the current view.
4.5 Detail Description of Structural Beam Instance Properties
explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/Revit-Model/files/GUID-89D4AB0D-4D2E-4391-802E-
F8AF478637FC-htm.html
Name Description
Constraints
Reference Level The constraining level. This is a read-only value that is dependent on the work plane on
which the beam was placed.
Work Plane The current plane on which elements are placed. This is a read-only value.
Start Level Offset The distance of the beam start point from the reference level. Values entered here are
reset when the member is pinned. Read-only when pinned.
P a g e | 45
Name Description
End Level Offset The distance of the beam endpoint from the reference level. Values entered here are reset
when the member is pinned. Read-only when pinned
Orientation The beam orientation to the current plane on which elements are placed. This is a read-
only value.
Cross-Section Controls rotating beams and braces. The angle of rotation is measured from the beam’s
Rotation work plane and the direction of the center reference plane.
Construction (Pre-2014 projects)
Start Extension Applies to steel beams only. The dimension between the edge of the start end of the beam
and the element to which it is connected.
This parameter is only available in projects created in versions prior to Autodesk Revit 2014
containing beam families that have not been updated. It is recommended to use the
Geometric Position Start Extension below. Using both is an additive extension.
End Extension Applies to steel beams only. The dimension between the edge of the finish end of the
beam and the element to which it is connected.
containing beam families that have not been updated. It is recommended to use the
Geometric Position Start Extension below. Using both is an additive extension.
Materials and Finishes
Structural Material Controls the hidden view display of structural elements. Concrete or Precast will display
as hidden. Steel or Wood will be visible when another element is in front of it. Unassigned
will not display if hidden by another element.
See Change the Physical Properties of a Material.
Structural
Stick Symbol Applies to steel beams only.

Location
Start Connection Applies to steel beams only. A moment frame, or cantilever symbol at the start end of a
beam.
End Connection Applies to steel beams only. A moment frame, or cantilever symbol at the finish end of a
beam.
Cut Length The physical length of the beam. This is a read-only value.
Structural Usage Specifies the usage. Either Girder, Horizontal bracing, Joist, Other, Purlin, or Chord.
Start Attachment Either End Elevation or Distance. Specifies the elevation orientation of the beam. End
Type Elevation maintains the placement level and Distance orients to the join location on a
column. See About Adjusting the Beam Elevation at Column Join.
P a g e | 46
Name Description
Start Attachment Specifies the offset of the beam start from the column connection point when Start
Distance Attachment Type is set to Distance. See About Adjusting the Beam Elevation at Column
Join.
End of Referenced Specifies either the Top or Bottom of the beam from which the Start Attachment Distance
Column is determined. See About Adjusting the Beam Elevation at Column Join.
End Attachment Type Either End Elevation or Distance. Specifies the elevation orientation of the beam. End
Elevation maintains the placement level and Distance orients to the join location on a
column. See About Adjusting the Beam Elevation at Column Join.
End Attachment Specifies the offset of the bean end from the column connection point when End
Distance Attachment Type is set to Distance. See About Adjusting the Beam Elevation at Column
Join.
End of Referenced Specifies either the Top or Bottom of the beam from which the End Attachment Distance
Column is determined. See About Adjusting the Beam Elevation at Column Join.
Rebar Cover - Top Applies to concrete beams only. The rebar cover distance from the beam top face.
Face
Rebar Cover - Bottom Applies to concrete beams only. The rebar cover distance from the beam bottom face.
Face
Rebar Cover - Other Applies to concrete beams only. The rebar cover distance from the beam to adjacent
Faces element faces.
Estimated Applies to concrete beams only. Specifies the estimated reinforcement volume of the
Reinforcement selected element. This is a read-only parameter that only displays when rebar has been
Volume placed.
Camber Size Applies to steel beams only. The beam camber.
Number of Studs Applies to steel beams only. The number of studs per beam.
Enable Analytical Displays the analytical model and includes it in analytical calculations. Selected by default.
Model See Disable an Analytical Model.
Dimensions
Length The length between beam handles. See About Beam Handles. This is the analytical length
of the beam. This is a read-only value.
Volume The volume of the selected beam. This is a read-only value.
Elevation at Top Indicates the elevation used for tagging the top of the beam. This is a read-only parameter
that reports Varies for sloped planes.
Elevation at Bottom Indicates the elevation used for tagging the bottom of the beam. This is a read-only parameter
that reports Varies for sloped planes.
Identity Data
P a g e | 47
Name Description
Comments User comments.
Mark A label created for the beam. Possible use: shop mark. This value must be unique for
each element in a project. Revit warns you if the number is already used but allows you
to continue using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings tool. See Review
Warning Messages.
Phasing
Phase Created Indicates in which phase the beam component was created. See Project Phasing.
Phase Demolished Indicates in which phase the beam component was demolished. See Project Phasing.
Geometric Position
Start Extension Applies to steel beams only. A dimension that adds beam geometry beyond the start end
of the beam.
End Extension Applies to steel beams only. A dimension that adds beam geometry beyond the finish end
of the beam.
Start Join Cutback Applies to steel beams only. The dimension between the edge of the start end of the beam
and the element to which it is connected. Only for the joined start of the element.
End Join Cutback Applies to steel beams only. The dimension between the edge of the finish end of the
beam and the element to which it is connected. Only for the joined end of the element.
yz Justification Applies to steel beams only. Either Uniform or Independent. Uniform allows setting the
same parameters to both start and end of a beam. Independent allows setting different
parameters to start and end of a beam.
y Justification Applies to Uniform justified steel beams only. Specifies the location of the physical
geometry with respect to the location line: either Origin, Left, Center, Right.
y Offset Value Applies to Uniform justified steel beams only. The numeric value that offsets the geometry.
The distance between the location line and the characteristic point set in y Justification
parameter.
z Justification Applies to Uniform justified steel beams only. Specifies the location of the physical
geometry with respect to the location line: either Origin, Top, Center, Bottom.
z Offset Value Applies to Uniform justified steel beams only. The distance between the location line and
the characteristic point set in z Justification parameter.
Start y Justification Applies to Independent justified steel beams only. Specifies the location of the physical
geometry of the start end of the beam with respect to the location line: either Origin, Left,
Center, Right.
Start y Offset Value Applies to Independent justified steel beams only. The numeric value that offsets the
geometry at the start end of the beam. The distance between the location line and the
characteristic point set in the Start y Justification parameter.
Start z Justification Applies to Independent justified steel beams only. Specifies the location of the physical
geometry with respect to the location line at the start end of the beam: either Origin, Top,
Center, Bottom.
P a g e | 48
Name Description
Start z Offset Value Applies to Independent justified steel beams only. The numeric value that offsets the
geometry at the finish end of the beam. The distance between the location line and the
characteristic point set in the Start z Justification parameter.
End y Justification Applies to Independent justified steel beams only. Specifies the location of the physical
geometry of the finish end of the beam with respect to the location line: either Origin, Left,
Center, Right.
End y Offset Value Applies to Independent justified steel beams only. The numeric value that offsets the
characteristic point set in the End y Justification parameter.
End z Justification Applies to Independent justified steel beams only. Specifies the location of the physical
geometry of the finish end of the beam with respect to the location line: either Origin, Left,
Center, Right.
End z Offset Value Applies to Independent justified steel beams only. The numeric value that offsets the
characteristic point set in the End z Justification parameter.
Other
Start Extension Applies to steel beams only. Specifies family parameters; defines maximum distance of
Calculation start extension parameter.
containing beam families that have not been updated.
This is a read-only value.
End Extension Applies to steel beams only. Specifies family parameters; defines maximum distance of
Calculation end extension parameter.
containing beam families that have not been updated.
This is a read-only value.
P a g e | 49
CHAPTER 5 - STRUCTURAL FLOORS (SLABS)
Slabs are called Floors in Revit. They are loadable families in Revit. You can Create/Customize
structural floor family for special use (to be covered later in this course). In this section, you will learn
• How to add structural floors.

• Options in floor placement.
• How to edit boundary of a floor.
• Add slabs with metal deck.
5.1 Adding Floors with default settings
To add structural floors in Revit,
1 Open from the course folder the “Floors.rvt” file.
2 Click Structural Tab ➢ Floor in Structure panel. (The default option is Floor: Structural.)
3 In the Properties Palette, select “Generic – 300mm” type from Floor types.
4 Select “Boundary Line” and pick “Rectangle” from the Draw panel. Keep all options unchanged.
5 Pick the first point of the rectangle at Grid-A-1, then pick at Grid-B-2 to finish drawing the rectangle.
P a g e | 50
6 Click Finish Edit Mode to add the floor. You will be asked “Would you like walls that go up to
this floor’s level to attach to its (the slab’s) bottom”. Click “No” such that top of the walls will remain
unchanged.
5.2 Options in Creating the Floor Boundary
There are many options available to help you to define the boundary of a floors in Revit. Many of the
options are self-explanatory. You can hover over the option and see its description and press F1 for
more help. Under the contextual ribbon tab, the options for creating floor boundary are:
• Draw: Boundary Line / Slope Arrow / Span Direction
P a g e | 51
• Draw by: Line / Rectangle / Inscribed Polygon / Circumscribed Polygon / Circle / Start-End-
Radius Arc / Center-ends Arc / Tangent End Arc / Fillet Arc / Spline / Ellipse / Partial Ellipse /
Pick Lines / Pick Walls / Pick Supports.
• Options: Chair / Offset / Radius
• Note: By default, Revit will extend the floor into wall (to core). If you do not want the floor to
be extended into wall, uncheck this option before you click on any of the boundary creation
method.
Now, draw all the floors as shown using Rectangle or any method available. All the floors are Generic
300mm. (Note: Floors are created one at a time. You cannot create two or more floors at the same
time.)
P a g e | 52
5.3Edit Floor Boundary and Span Direction
1 Go to Structural Plan / Level 2.
2 Select the top right floor and click Edit Boundary.
3 Select the short edge on Grid-5. Move it to the outer edge.
P a g e | 53
4 Click on Span Direction and pick the edge near Grid-5 to change the span direction to this short
span. Click to finish editing.
5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other 3 floors along Grid-5.
P a g e | 54
5.4Composite Slab (Slab with Metal Deck)
1 Select the top right floor then change its type to “160mm Concrete With 50mm Metal Deck” from
the Type Selector.
P a g e | 55
2 Click Edit Type then duplicate. Change the name to “225mm Concrete With 75mm Metal Deck”.
Click Ok.
3 Click “Edit” (within the Type Properties dialogue box) to open the “Edit Assembly” dialogue box.
Click “Preview” to see the section of the floor type.
4 Select the Structural Deck layer [1] (Layer 3) and change the Deck Profile to “75 x 200mm”. Also
change the thickness of Structure [1] (Layer 2) to 225mm. (Note that 225 is the overall thickness of
the floor.) You can customize the deck profile and loaded it in the project for use.
P a g e | 56
5 Select the other 3 floors along Grid-5 and change their type to “225mm Concrete With 75mm Metal
Deck”.
6 Cut a section across the top right floor and then go to this section view to view the section.
P a g e | 57
You can create and load a customized metal deck profile for the composite floor. It will be discussed
in more detail in the customize families section later.
P a g e | 58
Notes:
• The amount of cantilever of concrete and metal deck can be adjusted separately for
composite floor. They can be set when you select an edge of the floor after entering Edit
Boundary mode.
Selected edge
• Steps to create a sloped structural floor:

1. Draw a while sketching or editing the floor boundary.
2. Specify a value for the Offset from Base property for parallel floor sketch lines.
3. Specify values for the Defines Slope and Slope properties for a single floor sketch
line.
P a g e | 59
5.4 Detail Description of Structural Floor Instance Properties
explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2017/ENU/Revit-Model/files/GUID-1E6B2B45-1650-481B-AC72-
C755FC4BDAC6-htm.html
Name Description
Constraints
Location Line Specifies the position of the floor with respect to the line sketched in the project
elevation. For more information, see Place a Floor. The floor location line remains the
same for that floor, even if the type changes.
Base Constraint Specifies the level from which the floor base is referenced.
Base Offset Specifies the offset of the base of the floor from its base constraint.
Base is Attached Indicates whether the base of the floor is attached to another component, such as a
Base Extension Distance Indicates the distance you have moved the base of the layers in a floor.
See Compound Structure. This parameter is enabled when the layers of a floor are
set to extendable.
Top Constraint The name of the level to which the floor top is set.
Unconnected Height If top constraint is unconnected, you may set an unconnected height of the floor. This
value is read-only if there is a top constraint.
Top Offset Specifies the offset of the top of the floor from its top constraint; enabled only when
the top constraint is set to a level.
Top is Attached Indicates whether the top of the floor is attached to another component, such as a
P a g e | 60
Name Description
Top Extension Distance Indicates the distance you have moved the top of the layers in a floor. See Compound
Structure. This parameter is enabled when the layers of a floor are set to extendable.
Room Bounding Indicates whether the floor is part of a room boundary. This parameter is enabled
after you place the floor.
Related to Mass This is a read-only value.
Structural
Rebar Cover - Exterior Specifies the rebar cover distance from the floor exterior face.
Face
Rebar Cover - Interior Specifies the rebar cover distance from the floor interior face.
Face
Rebar Cover - Other Specifies the rebar cover distance from the faces of adjacent elements.
Faces
Estimated Reinforcement Specifies the estimated reinforcement volume of the selected element. This is a read-
Volume only parameter that only displays when rebar has been placed.
Structural Specifies the floor as being a structural element able to posses an analytical model.
Enable Analytical Model Displays the analytical model and includes it in analytical calculations. Selected by
default. See Disable an Analytical Model.
Structural Usage Either Bearing, Shear, or Structural Combined. The structural use of the floor.
Dimensions
Length Indicates the length of the floor. This is a read-only value.
Area Indicates the area of the floor. This is a read-only value.
Volume Indicates the volume of the floor. This is a read-only value.
Identity Data
Comments A field for entering comments about the floor.
Mark A label created for the floor. This value must be unique for each element in a
project. Revit warns you when the number is already used but allows you to continue
using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings tool. See Review
Warning Messages.
Phasing
Phase Created Indicates in which phase the floor component was created. See Project Phasing.
Phase Demolished Indicates in which phase the floor component was demolished. See Project Phasing.
P a g e | 61

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Construction Industry Council

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

CHAPTER 1 - STRUCTURE PROJECT START UP ........................................................................................ 2

CHAPTER 1: STRUCTURE PROJECT START UP

1.1. Creating an Architectural Underlay

1. Set the location for Default template files in Option

2. Create a New project from Structural Template

3. Link Architecture Model by Click Link Revit

5. Reload or Unload Links by Manage Links

6. Set the Visibility of Linked Models

7. Copy/ Monitor Levels and Grids

Edit Link Model

1. In the Manage Links dialog, click the relevant tab.

Reference Type has two types: Overlay and Attachment.

1.2 Importing and Linking CAD files

1. Import Floor plan CAD for Level 1

2. Add Grids Line

3. Import Floorplan Level02 and Align to Level01

4. Go to the North Elevation

Importing / Linking Drawing Files

The CAD drawings can be automatically placed to “Centre to Centre” or “Origin to

Difference between Link & Import

CHAPTER 2 - STRUCTURAL COLUMNS

• How to add columns (vertical and slanted).

2.1 Adding Columns with default settings

To add structural columns in Revit,

1 Open from the course folder the “Columns.rvt” file.

2 Click Structural Tab ➤➢ Column in Structure panel.

3 In the Properties Palette, select “600 x 750mm” type from Concrete-Rectangular-Column.

4 Keep all options unchanged.

5 Select “At Grids” from the ribbon to place columns at grids.

6 Select Grids 1-5 and A-B.

8 Place column type “UB1016x305x249” at intersections of Grids 1-5 and A.

9 Click to view the columns placed in 3D.

2.2 Options in Column Placement

• Vertical Column / Slanted Column.

• Rotate after placement.

2.3Adding Slanted Columns

1 Open from the course folder the “Slanted Column.rvt” file.

2 Click Structural Tab ➢ Column in Structural panel.

3 Click Slanted Column on the contextual ribbon.

Offset from Level 2

Offset from Level 1

Notes (from Autodesk Knowledge Network):

2.4Adjust Location of Columns using Temporary Dimensions

1 Select the column at Grid 1-C.

2.5Create a New Column Type “600 x 1200mm” by Duplicating an Existing Type

1 Select the column at Grid 1-B.

2 Click “Edit Type” from the Properties Palette.

4 Change the Value of “h” to 1200. Click OK.

2.6 Modify the Mechanical Properties of a Column

1 Select the column at Grid 1-B.

2.7 Detail Description of Structural Column Instance Properties

(source: Autodesk Knowledge Network)

CHAPTER 3 - STRUCTURAL WALLS

• How to add structural walls.

3.1 Adding Walls with default settings

To add structural walls in Revit,