1. MEP Fabrication Detailing in Autodesk® Revit® MEP 2016
Julien Drouet
BIM Technical Specialist – MEP, Construction & MEP Fabrication

2. Agenda | MEP Detailing in Revit
Strategy LOD 400 Features Hands on with features / functionality

3. MEP | Strategy

4. Product Strategy | MEP HVAC System Detailing + Fabrication
Improve the quality of building MEP systems through scalable modeling of complex HVAC designs through detailing + fabrication
HVAC System Detailing + Fabrication
Ductwork + Equipment modeling
Hanger layout
Hydronic piping
HVAC | electrical coordination support
Improved content editor
Manufacturer engagement to supply key content
Transition CAD to MEP Fabrication
North American + British Standard countrification

5. MEP Fabrication | HVAC System Detailing + Fabrication
North American trades
CADmep user migration to Revit
Part-by-part duct modeling in Revit
Connected experience with LOD 400 components
Our focus is on appealing to the large user base of CADmep users, to provide them a way to work in the Revit environment, to work more collaboratively with RAC and RST customers.
Our initial approach is focused on tight/congested modelling where it is imperative that components are accurately sized, where granular control is necessary, such as congested ceiling spaces and complex mechanical rooms.
Placement of parts is done as a contractor would – part by part assembly… not the traditional ‘design’ workflow of routing point-to-point-to-point.
LOD parts include details such as engagement length into fittings, realistic segment lengths, and validation that compatible parts are connected.
Bottom Line: The extended project team can now improve overall project performance by working on a common platform for modelling and coordination tasks.

6. Provide confidence to the Detailer within Construction firms that what is modelled can be fabricated, procured, and installed.
Autodesk Confidential Information – NDA Applies

7. MEP Fabrication | First Steps
Focused on model creation, creating a new detail oriented foundation
We are focused primarily on enabling existing MEP Fabrication users to begin working in the Revit environment collaboratively with RAC and RST to produce coordinated models.
The focus has been a combination of enabling the usage of ITM content + rules that define how that content interacts, providing a new foundation for detail oriented Revit modelling.
We have not focused on documenting that model within the Revit environment… traditional representations like hidden lines to communicate relative elevation, and surface patterns to communicate insulation, are not presently possible. +

8. MEP | LOD 400 Features + Functionality

9. Detail oriented tools allow system optimization, reducing time and cost of installation
Frequently, what is designed is far from optimal, nor constructible.
In this example, there wouldn’t be enough room for the two elbows based on the components the contractor stocks.
His new arrangement reduces the total fitting count from 8 to 3.
Content + detail oriented tools enable detailers to consider construction methods, work out optimal routing, and minimize fittings… reducing material and labor costs.
Design
8 Fittings
Construction
3 Fittings

10. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Utilize Autodesk Fabrication MEP Content
Customers utilize investment in Autodesk Fabrication MEP Content (CADmep, CAMduct, ESTmep)
Use Fabrication Configuration data within Revit projects
Autodesk provided sample Configuration.
Model using Services and ITM based content* (* some exclusions)
Uses Autodesk Fabrication MEP configuration data defined in current version of Autodesk Fabrication products (CADmep, ESTmep, CAMduct)
Select a configuration to be used within the Revit project.
Services from the configuration are added to the Revit project
Services are organized into groups as defined in Autodesk Fabrication MEP products.
ITM components within the Services are inserted from the Revit MEP Fabrication Part browser.
Exclusions
Generally, end of line equipment, flex (duct & pipe), and structural shapes.
Bottom Line: Supporting Autodesk Fabrication content within Revit helps existing Fabrication customers migrate to Revit when they are ready, protecting the investment they have already made, helping them be more productive sooner.
Extend investment in Autodesk Fabrication MEP solutions
Autodesk Confidential Information – NDA Applies

11. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Specification Driven
Specification defines applicable materials
Sets segment length
Controls fitting & segment end connectors
When placing Fabrication parts, Specifications defined in the Fabrication Configuration define what duct materials may be used.
The specification additionally controls material gauge (weight), the standard segment lengths, and the connectors applied to the fitting ends.
Bottom Line: Parts can be more confidently modeled to conform to shop standards.
Model ductwork based on shop standards
Autodesk Confidential Information – NDA Applies

12. | Fabrication Detailing
Detailed Fitting Properties
Template based parts allow detailed control of dimensional values
Connector settings provide ability to configure end conditions
Sheet metal ductwork, particularly rectangular, is contractor manufactured, and can be sized/shaped to project specific needs.
Bottom Line: project coordination is better achieved through template based content that can be defined as needed
Increased detail + control
Autodesk Confidential Information – NDA Applies

13. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Catalog Part Lists
Product Entry lists product sizes ensure that modelled components reflect dimensionally realistic parts
Bottom Line: project coordination is better achieved through having accurately dimensioned geometry that reflect real world parts
Defined parts conform to real sizes
Autodesk Confidential Information – NDA Applies

14. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Insulation Specifications
Defines insulation thickness and material based on fitting / segment size
Insulation Specification inherits from connected element
Bottom Line: Insulation is applied more easily conforming to rules, alleviating the user from having to know the rules as they are applying insulation.
Simplifies application of insulation
Autodesk Confidential Information – NDA Applies

15. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Specification Driven Straight Optimization
Breaks selected segments into standard lengths
Bottom Line: MEP segments may be divided into realistic lengths, allowing better installation planning and shop production
Edited segments updatable to match shop standards

16. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Fittings inserted based on size condition
Fittings insert based on size range conditions as defined within the Service
Bottom Line: Appropriate fittings are placed based on defined size ranges, making it easier for the user to select the proper fittings for given conditions.
Fitting application based on definable rules

17. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Smart Snapping and Help Tooltip
Smart Snapping makes it easier to place elements by increasing the snap diameter.
The help tooltip provides new user assistance with keyboard control details + =
Bottom Line: Improved snapping makes it easier to assemble connected routes.
Simplified placement and tips for learnability

18. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Modification Controls
Rotate part to orient part 45 or 90 degrees
Toggle connector to reposition connected end of fitting
Bottom Line: Fitting specific controls makes it easier to produce connected services models.
In canvas manipulation or from ribbon
Autodesk Confidential Information – NDA Applies

19. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Couplings and Welds
Couplings automatically insert as defined in the Service
Couplings are removed automatically when connected elements are removed
Bottom Line: Connector rules provides automatic couplings placement where required
Detailed connector definitions facilitate insertion

20. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Connect to Revit Families
Connect to equipment and air terminal families
Utilize Revit flex duct/pipe
Create models utilizing design intent end of line components

21. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Tap Placement
Tap fittings may be placed along straight segments
Snap to the centreline of the main
Spacebar rotates the tap around the segment (left, top, bottom, right), SHIFT+Spacebar changes the tap orientation
To reposition on another segment, drag away, and re-snap to the centreline +
Tap placement and orientation during insertion

22. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Hanger Elements
Hanger placement along fabrication segments
Sized automatically
Attach and adjust to architectural and structural elements in linked models
Bottom Line: modelling service element supports helps ensure congested above ceiling conditions are coordinated
- zigzag roof
Coordinate detailed fabrication model with supporting elements
Autodesk Confidential Information – NDA Applies

23. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
Electrical Component Support
Fabrication pattern support for
Cable Tray
Wire ways
Bus
Bottom Line: Coordinate detailed conditions for multiple trades
Multiple discipline to support detailed model coordination

24. | MEP Fabrication Detailing
We don’t support all components from the fabrication products. Specifically:
End of line components, such as equipment and air terminals. We see more and more vendors providing these as Revit families.
Structural members. Fabrication products have structural members, but given the Structural capabilities in Revit, supporting these from Fab would be redundant.
Flex duct… there are flex components in Revit already; the need to add flex from Fabrication was not a priority.
CADmep, ESTmep, or CAMduct required for content authoring and configuration modification
Autodesk Confidential Information – NDA Applies

25. Detailed modeling… … to EST + CAM output
Bottom Line: coordinated model data is utilized in downstream process to help with cost control and production to CAM equipment.
Go from a coordinated model in Revit out to EST and CAM
The output process is a subscription offering, and enables us to update/enhance off cycle.
… to EST + CAM output

26. | MEP Fabrication Detailing | Positioning
Demonstrating commitment to detailed needs of construction user
Fabrication (ITM) Content + Rules
Connected Experience with Fabrication products
Future directions: making certain modeling tasks easier, and incorporate annotation / documentation workflows +
“Nothing matters if we can't model it. Other workarounds may not be ideal or efficient, but multiple modeling platforms are what we want to avoid the most.”
Detailed coordination modelling focus.
Autodesk Confidential Information – NDA Applies

27. Hands On

28. Questions?

29. Thank-you!