perfecting the system for the autodesk® revit® mep...

Perfecting the System for the Autodesk® Revit® MEP

Project David Butts – Gannett Fleming, Inc

MP1478-L

In Autodesk Revit software, systems help us to manage the MEP design in several

items help you to analyze and calculate loads and to control how the connected objects are displayed. In

an update to last year's Top Lab award

such as making sure the system and/or circuit is correctly defined; using the improved duct and pipe

calculation features; and controlling the view with systems, view templates, filters and color fills. You will

also learn new drafting tips to make sure the documents are complete.

and electrical items, so come and join us for the most entertaining and informative lab at AU

glad you did!

Learning Objectives

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

• Create and modify engineering

• Review and understand system calculations

• Optimizing your Views – Filters, View Templates and Color Fills

• Additional System Drafting Tips and Tricks

About the Speaker

David is a BIM Specialist for Gannett Fleming, a multi

with 60 offices in the US and overseas. Based in the Raleigh, NC office, he provides BIM Implementation

and training for the firm's engineering design software, including Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD MEP/P&ID

and more. He has 27 years of experience in both the design and Autodesk VAR channel, spending 13

years working as an instructor and consultant for the Autodesk building design product line. David also

worked as a training manager while in the channel, and was a member of the Au

Board for 2009-10. He is a Revit Architecture Certified Professional, and also earned the MEP

Implementation Certified Expert title.

David has spoken at AU for several years, and was named the Top Speaker for both labs and lectures at

AU 2011. As an author, he also contributes to 4D Technology's CADLearning training programs and has

written several training manuals on Revit MEP.

You can reach David via email at [email protected].


Gannett Fleming, Inc

In Autodesk Revit software, systems help us to manage the MEP design in several ways, but the main


an update to last year's Top Lab award-winning class, we'll use this hands-on lab to work on key features

stem and/or circuit is correctly defined; using the improved duct and pipe


also learn new drafting tips to make sure the documents are complete. The class will cover HVAC, piping,

and electrical items, so come and join us for the most entertaining and informative lab at AU

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

Create and modify engineering systems

Review and understand system calculations

Filters, View Templates and Color Fills

Drafting Tips and Tricks

David is a BIM Specialist for Gannett Fleming, a multi-discipline engineering firm based in Camp Hill, PA,



ars of experience in both the design and Autodesk VAR channel, spending 13


worked as a training manager while in the channel, and was a member of the Autodesk ATC Advisory

10. He is a Revit Architecture Certified Professional, and also earned the MEP

Implementation Certified Expert title.



written several training manuals on Revit MEP.

You can reach David via email at [email protected].


ways, but the main


on lab to work on key features

stem and/or circuit is correctly defined; using the improved duct and pipe


The class will cover HVAC, piping,

and electrical items, so come and join us for the most entertaining and informative lab at AU—you’ll be

rm based in Camp Hill, PA,



ars of experience in both the design and Autodesk VAR channel, spending 13


todesk ATC Advisory

10. He is a Revit Architecture Certified Professional, and also earned the MEP



Perfecting the System for the Autodesk® Revit® MEP Project

2

Introduction

Revit 2013 is the sum of several years of development for Autodesk, and defining systems in a

project is easier, and more comprehensive, than ever before. A major objective for Revit was to

improve how the program helps with analyzing and designing engineering systems in s project.

This is moving the tool even farther into a true engineering design tool, in addition to being a

robust construction document machine. This lesson focuses on systems in Revit – how they are

defined, how the augment the design process, and how the help you create a good-lookin’ set of

documents…all for just $19.95…just kidding…

Let’s get started…

Creating and Modifying Systems

As we progress in our implementation of BIM at Gannett Fleming, we focus on teaching users a

four-step process for approaching projects. By following the same repeatable process, we can

get more efficient at completing our projects on time and under budget. The primary steps are:

1. Add Equipment – the targets and sources that define a system;

2. Define the System – creating the system that connects the equipment together;

3. Add the connecting geometry – adding the ducts, pipe, conduit, cable tray and wire;

4. Annotating views for construction documents.

The logic in this approach was to create a consistent method of approaching work. The second

step, defining the system, was the one task we never had to do in plain AutoCAD or AutoCAD

MEP. It wasn’t needed, since we were manually drafting lines.

The system is what links the sources – end-of-line equipment that provide air, fluid and power –

to the targets – the other end of the line. The other end of the line equipment, such as air

terminals, motors, sinks, and more, are what was used to define the system – so these items

had to be in place first.

But, in a lot of projects, things simply don’t go this wall all the time. You may have the source

equipment placed, but are still coordinating items located in a ceiling - so defining systems

becomes more difficult. In our office, we didn’t even focus on systems, since a lot of ours were

completely open – for example a pipe entering the building would simply terminate into a basin.

It would have inline accessories such as a valve, but those items don’t define systems.

Starting in the 2012 release, Autodesk revised how systems worked, and added features that

made the tools easier to use. We’re going to start by looking at how systems are defined, and

learn the difference between system classifications and system types.


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Exercise 1 – Understanding System Classifications and Types

For this exercise, begin by opening the project file, 1478-1.rvt.

1. Once the file is open, go to the Families section of the project browser – expand the pipe

systems area:

2. Since this project was started from the Systems-Default template that ships with Revit

MEP, it’s a good place to start with your template. Note that there are several examples

of system types listed. Double-click on the Hydronic Supply system type first, to open it

up:

3. There are several parts to a system

• Graphic overrides

• Materials, which control the rendering material for the system;

• In the case of piping,

classification and fluid settings;

• Identity data covers abbreviations, type comments, URL’s and descriptions that

apply to every pipe component belonging to the system;

• And rise/drop symbols

There are distinct differences between a system

system classification represents the method used in previous releases to group pipe,

and to define the behavior of a pipe connector in a family. These settings

into Revit because the classification also determines

Here’s a list of the current pipe system classifications:

- Hydronic Supply (for HVAC supply piping)

- Hydronic Return (for HVAC return piping)

- Domestic Cold Water (for plumbing)

- Domestic Hot Water (for plumbing)

- Sanitary (for plumbi


There are several parts to a system type:

Graphic overrides, which control how pipe systems appear in a view;

, which control the rendering material for the system;

In the case of piping, mechanical settings cover calculations, system

classification and fluid settings;

covers abbreviations, type comments, URL’s and descriptions that

apply to every pipe component belonging to the system;

rise/drop symbols, for single and double line pipe display in views.

differences between a system classification and the system

represents the method used in previous releases to group pipe,

and to define the behavior of a pipe connector in a family. These settings

into Revit because the classification also determines how a pipe would be sized.

Here’s a list of the current pipe system classifications:

Hydronic Supply (for HVAC supply piping)

Hydronic Return (for HVAC return piping)

Domestic Cold Water (for plumbing)

Domestic Hot Water (for plumbing)

Sanitary (for plumbing waste)


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, which control how pipe systems appear in a view;

cover calculations, system

covers abbreviations, type comments, URL’s and descriptions that

, for single and double line pipe display in views.

and the system type. The

represents the method used in previous releases to group pipe,

and to define the behavior of a pipe connector in a family. These settings are hard-coded

how a pipe would be sized.


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- Vent (for plumbing vent)

- Fire Protection Wet

- Fire Protection Dry

- Fire Protection Pre-action

- Fire Protection Other

- Other

The system classification also determines whether or not a user can perform

calculations – for example, the hydronic and domestic systems allow for all calculations,

but the others allow for flow only or none, depending on the classification. The main

purpose of the system type is to control how things look.

4. In addition to the classifications, Revit includes a system type, which gives you additional

control over the items covered above. Since the hydronic system isn’t specific enough,

let’s use it to make a more defined system. From the type properties dialog, make sure

Hydronic Supply is selected – pick duplicate:

5. Create a new system named Chilled Water Supply.

6. Next, go to the Edit icon for the graphics overrides – select it:


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When the line graphics dialog appears, pick the No Override icon for the color – pick a

nice shade of blue, then pick OK twice to exit out of both dialogs.

7. The Chilled Water Supply system is now ready to use. Select OK to close the type

properties.

8. Next up – let’s place a pipe and connect it to the pumps. From the Systems tab, select

the pipe tool:

9. Outside of the building, to the left of the double doors on the front, select a point to start

the pipe:


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10. Before taking another click, review the options bar – we want the pipe diameter to be

10”, and the offset 9’. Review the properties palette – make sure the Carbon Steel

Flanged type is current. While the system classification is grayed out, you can select the

system type prior to starting the pipe run. Make sure this is set to Hydronic Supply:

11. Pull your mouse straight up until you’re aligned with the center of the last pump – pick

that point:


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12. On the options bar, change the pipe size to 8” – then move across the pump to the top

connector (the supply connector):


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13. Select that point, and the pipe will connect to the pump, with the elbow and reducer

already placed. Select Modify to complete the command.


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14. The connection was made because the system classification was the same for the pipe

and the connector on the pump. If you select a connector that belongs to another

system, it will let you make the connection, but give you a warning (so go back and pick

the right connector).

15. Since you’re out of the command, go back and pick one of the pipes – change the

system Type to Chilled Water Supply:

16. The pipe has now changed color, based on the change we made to the graphic

overrides.

The same action applies to duct work. Let’s create a new duct system, then apply it to

ductwork.

17. From the project browser, go to the duct systems section – expand it to see the

examples:

18. Double click on supply air

Create a new system named

19. Pick the edit icon for the graphic overrides


supply air – when the type properties dialog opens, select

Create a new system named Makeup Air.

graphic overrides – change the color to cyan:


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ct Duplicate.


12

20. For the abbreviation, type in MKUP:

21. Select OK to close the dialog. Next, pick the supply air fan in the tank room:

22. The graphic representation for the grip shows the connector’s system classification. The

crossed box represents supply air. Similar icons appear for exhaust and return. Right

click on the supply air icon, and choose Draw Duct:

23. The duct will appear – change the offset to 11’, and check the duct type in properties – it

should be Rectangular Duct, with Mitered Elbows and Tees:


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24. Pick the second point to place the duct. Select Modify to complete the command, and

select the duct you just placed:

25. Change the system type to Makeup Air, and note the change to the color:


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You can see how the duct system behaves the same way as the pipe.

The system can do more than help color the pipe and duct. Let’s check out the system

browser to see if the analytical system is correctly defined.

26. From the View tab, go to the User Interface panel – check the box for the System

Browser:

27. The system browser displays how items are connected in a project. At the top, make

sure View is set to Systems, and the discipline is set to Piping:


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28. Items are grouped into two categories – unassigned and assigned. If an item is assigned

to a system, it shows up under the discipline. Select the chilled water supply system:

The system is highlighted in the view – so this system is correctly defined. In previous

releases, you have to pick a target (such as a pump, light or air terminal) to define a

system, and then select the objects you want to be part of the system. The pipe routing

took care of this for us, saving production time.

29. You can still define systems, even if there’s no connecting geometry. Pick the pump

that’s already in the system – on the ribbon, select the Piping Systems tab:


16

30. The system is already named, with a 1 added – the numbers are added incrementally,

but can be changed as needed. Select the Edit System tool on the ribbon, and then

select the rest of the pumps:


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31. Select Finish Editing System to complete the command:

The remaining pumps have been moved from the Unassigned area to the Chilled Water

Supply 1 system – but only the Hydronic Supply Connection portion of the pump. The

return part of the system will remain unassigned until they have pipe connected, or are

manually added to a system.

So that’s how a system works in Revit. Circuits are similar to air and water systems, with the

exception being that you don’t need to define system types, but the behavior is the same.


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About System Calculations Revit includes tools to help you size duct and piping for the systems you create in a model. The key to making this work properly is having a properly defined system. These tools have a few limitations, but for getting you started with your design, they provide a great starting point. In this segment, we’ll take a quick look at how Revit performs these calculations.

Exercise 2 – Performing Pipe System Calculations

To start, open the project MP1478-2.rvt. Open the 1-Mech view.

1. Select a pipe segment for the systems as shown, and then pick the Piping Systems tab:

2. Review the properties for the system. The palette displays the number of elements in a

system, the volume, static pressure and flow. In order to update these values, there are

a few items you need to have set, in order to size the pipe:

a. The Piping system should be closed, meaning there is at least a single target and

source component at each end of the system. You can also connect between two

targets, or receivers, in a system.

b. In the event the source is not available to size the system, you can place a pipe

connector as the source, and assign the data to the connector.

c. Equipment in the system should have flow rate, flow configuration, flow direction,

and loss method assigned to the connector. You can use the Assign Parameter

tool to associate these family parameters to a shared parameter, for use in a

project or schedule.


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d. The system classification must be assign to a type, with the exception of Other.

The Other pipe system classification does not allow for pipe sizing.

Let’s look at an example. Select one of the pumps – since these are all the same type, it

doesn’t matter which on you choose. Once it’s selected, pick the Edit Family tool from

the ribbon. When the family is open, select the discharge connection:

Note how the connector stores this data. Since loss method is not defined, the program

would not be able to calculate the pressure loss in the pipe. For Loss Method, select K

Coefficient from Table. After selecting this option, select the Outlet table.


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Once this is set, load the family back into the project, making sure you select the

Overwrite Parameters option.

If you get a Disconnect warning, close the dialog without disconnecting the system. The

connection will be maintained.

3. Next, let’s take a look at the Duct Pipe Sizing tool. Select the pipe again; from the Modify

Pipes tab, select the Duct/Pipe Sizing tool.


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4. The tool includes two methods for sizing pipe. Friction allows you to set the loss value

per foot in a 100’ segment. Velocity allows you to assign a default fluid speed value (in

this case, in Feet per second). You can use this value only, or you can use a

combination of Velocity and Friction, or Velocity or Friction, as the sizing method. By

simply selecting Friction as the default method, you reverse the same values, but

Friction becomes the primary method.

5. Constraints allow you to determine how the calculated value is assigned. For branch

sizing, you can choose between three options:

6. Calculated Size Only places whatever is determined, based on the settings. If a smaller

or larger pipe is required, compared to the connection, Revit will automatically place a

transition. Match Connector Size leaves the pipe connection to the equipment the same,

regardless of the calculation. Larger of Connector and Calculated is what we use the


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most, so select that option. This forces the same size or larger, and doesn’t allow a

smaller pipe to be used.

7. For Restrict Size, check this box to limit the upper limit size. Leave this unchecked, and

then select OK to continue.

8. After making this run, it should fail, with a warning about no flow being assigned. This

gets back to the original issue – the system has to be closed. To fix this, we’ll use a

Hydronic Supply Pipe Connector, which is defined as a piece of mechanical equipment.

Since this file already contains the connector, we’ll use this to close the system. From

the view, select the pipe as shown:

9. Drag the pipe down until the node snap appears – connect the pipe to the connector…


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10. And now the pipe system has a flow value assigned to it. It acquires this number form

the connector, which is considered the source for the system. Before running the sizing

tool again, edit the connector. Change the flow properties to 1500 GPM, and then run

the sizing tool again, using these settings:

11. Select OK to complete the calculation, and note the change in pipe size:


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12. To check the system and make sure items such as flow direction are correct, use the tab

selection to grab the entire run. From the Modify tab, select the System Inspector tool:

13. When the System Inspector dialog opens, select Inspect. The flow direction of the piping

will be displayed, and you can hover over a segment to see what errors and results will

appear:


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14. In this case, the pipe is sized, but no pressure loss is indicated. There’s a variety of

reasons why, including not have the loss method assign to fittings or pipe, so let’s review

a few more settings. To test for other areas that may cause sizing to have errors, select

the run again. From the Modify tab, select the Show Related Warnings tool:


26

15. After selecting this tool, warnings about errors that can cause sizing to fail will appear. In

this case, the connector does not have a loss method defined. As with the pump, we

would need to correct this error before sizing the remaining parts of the system.

16. Once these items are corrected, you can complete the sizing calculations.

Pipe Sizing Notes:

The Autodesk Help system includes several pages that provide information about how the

program sizes pipe. The program computes pressure loss based on the roughness of the pipe,

fluid density, and fluid viscosity, in addition to the pipe geometry. To edit the fluid density and

viscosity settings, use the Mechanical settings dialog:


27

You can select different types of fluid, including water, propylene glycol, and ethylene glycol as

the coolant.

Roughness is set at the segment and sizes properties in Mechanical settings for pipe or pipe

fittings:


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Once these items are set, the rest of the calculation use hard coded formulas. For example,

Hydronic Supply pipe pressure drop calculations follow these guidelines (from the help file):


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The example above uses an example of a 100’ segment of 4” carbon steel pipe, with 60 degree

water at 100gpm flow rate. Again, you can locate this example in the Autodesk WikiHelp file, for

Revit MEP. You can also find more data about pipe sizing at this link:

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Revit/enu/2013/Help/00001-Revit_He0/3251-Referenc3251/3268-

Pipe_Siz3268


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Duct Sizing Calculations

Now that we’ve taken a quick look at pipe calculations, let’s examine duct sizing tools. As with pipe, you need to have a closed run to perform duct sizing. In this exercise, we’re going to quickly connect air terminals to an air handling unit. While the example isn’t exactly real world, the work process is – so let’s see how this works.

Exercise 3 – Performing Duct Size Calculations

To begin, open the 1471-1 – Systems Complete.rvt file. Make sure the 1-Mech view is the current view.

1. Select any one of the air terminals. Select the Duct Systems tab to see the connected system, Mechanical Supply 1.

2. In order for duct to be sized, the system has to be closed and properly connected. In this

case, check for items such as endcaps on open ends of duct. You can also use the Tab

cycling tool to examine the duct. Place your mouse over a duct segment, and keep

pressing tab until the entire system is highlighted:


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3. Once it is highlighted, select the System Inspector tool on the Modify Ducts tab. When

the dialog appears, pick the Inspect tool. Move your mouse along the duct segment –

each section will show a pop-up dialog, that list the section number, flow rate at that

segment, static pressure and pressure loss value:

4. Red air flow line indicate the primary air flow route, while blue lines indicate the

secondary route. Select Finish to close the inspector.

5. Next, use the tab selection again to select the duct run:


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6. Pick the Duct/Pipe Sizing tool. There are four options for duct sizing:


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7. Friction measure friction loss by inches of water gauge per 100ft. Velocity measures in

air speed, or feet per minute. You can perform calculations based on each item

independently, both items combined, or either option using the Or condition. Other

options include equal friction and static regain. Select the Static Regain option, and

leave the airflow set to 1000fpm.

8. For branch sizing constraints, you have three options, the same as with pipe. Calculated

Size Only places whatever is determined, based on the settings. If a smaller or larger

duct is required, compared to the connection, Revit will automatically place a transition.

Match Connector Size leaves the duct connection to the equipment the same,

regardless of the calculation. Larger of Connector and Calculated is what we use the

most, so select that option. This forces the same size or larger, and doesn’t allow a

smaller duct to be used. Restrict height or width lets you set a maximum value, in the

event you are placing duct in a confined space.

Select OK. The program will calculate the duct sizes. If you get a warning, review the

messages. Revit will tell you what needs to be fixed in order to get the system sized

properly:

9. In our case, these errors are cause by a lack of room to place fittings. There are several

ways to remedy this:

a. Move the air terminals down in elevation to allow for the transition to be placed;

b. Replace the default fitting for the braches to use a transitioning elbow, allowing

the reducer to be omitted;


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c. Raise the main run of duct up to allow for more connection room;

d. Move the air handling unit away from the building to add more room.

The key in duct sizing is not to panic when the system returns errors. Review the errors, make

the adjustments necessary in the model, and run the test again – until you get it right.

Duct Sizing Notes

As with piping, you can review the Autodesk Wikihelp files to get more information about how

Revit sizes duct. For example, the help includes information about how the four methods are

used:


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One nice feature is the fact the fittings are sized using the ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database,

which provides the information on losses at specific fittings. You don’t need to do anything with

this file – Autodesk has provided it according to the ASHRAE standard…nice!

For calculating pressure loss, you can adjust the mechanical settings:

This controls the air density and viscosity settings. Predefined size lists are included as well:


36

You can uncheck or delete sizes in the project for any range you don’t want, such as the ½”

sizes, or odd sizes about 5”, etc.

The following example is provided in the Wikihelp file:


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For more information on duct sizing, follow this link:

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Revit/enu/2013/Help/00001-Revit_He0/3251-Referenc3251/3259-

Duct_Siz3259/3260-Duct_Siz3260


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More Optimizing for your Views – Filters, Color Fills, and View

Templates

We’ll start this segment by reviewing filters. There are two types of filters in Revit – view filters

and schedule filters. Each one is used to narrow down the selection and behavior of objects.

View Filters can override the graphic display of objects in 2D or 3D views, and control the

visibility of elements that have common properties. Schedule filters limit what data is shown in a

schedule.

Exercise 4 – Defining View Filters

In this exercise, we’re going to focus on defining filters as they relate to views. You can start

from the project, 1478-1.rvt. Make sure the 1-Mech view is the current view.

1. From the View tab, select the Filters tool:

2. Select the New icon at the bottom left of the dialog:

3. For the filter name, type in

dialog, choose pipes, pipe fittings

use System Name. Set the rule to

Supply.

4. Select OK to complete the filter. To apply the filter, type in

Graphics in the view. Select the


For the filter name, type in Chilled Water Supply. In the categories section of the

pipes, pipe fittings and pipe accessories, and then set the

. Set the rule to Begins with, and then type in the name

to complete the filter. To apply the filter, type in VG to open the Visi

Graphics in the view. Select the Filters tab:


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section of the

, and then set the filter rules to

, and then type in the name Chilled Water

to open the Visibility

5. Select Add to apply the filter to the view:


to apply the filter to the view:


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6. Select the Chilled Water Supply filter, and then pick

this dialog as well – select the

7. Create another new filter

pipe accessories. Set the

rule. Type in Other for the system classification name:

8. Select OK to exit the dialog. Choose

9. The order of the filters also sets priority, so select the

until it is at the top of the list:

10. Move Other up to just below

dialog.

11. Now that you’re back in the view, note how the pipe and fittings are now set to the color

of the filter – in most cases,


Select the Chilled Water Supply filter, and then pick OK. You can also add filters from

select the Edit/New icon to add another filter:

Create another new filter – name this one Other, and apply it to pipes, pipe fittings

. Set the filter rules to system classification, and choose

for the system classification name:

to exit the dialog. Choose Add, and then select the Other filter.

The order of the filters also sets priority, so select the Chilled Water Supply

until it is at the top of the list:

up to just below Chilled Water Supply, and then select OK to close the

Now that you’re back in the view, note how the pipe and fittings are now set to the color

in most cases, filter overrides system type:


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. You can also add filters from

pipes, pipe fittings and

, and choose Equals for the

filter.

Chilled Water Supply filter. Pick Up

to close the

Now that you’re back in the view, note how the pipe and fittings are now set to the color


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12. Zoom into the lower right corner of the building where three feed pumps are located:

13. Select one of the pumps, right click and then pick draw pipe. Set the offset to 9’ to place

a riser, and select the PVC pipe type.


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14. Pick a point to place the pipe, and then pick modify. Notice how the pipe picks up the

information in the connector. If the connector is set to a specific system classification,

then that’s what used to define the pipe system. If the connection is set to global, it

selects the last system placed.

15. Select the system type – the system type will only be applied to items of the same

classification, so you’d have to define other system types in order to apply them to this

pipe.

16. Go back to Visibility Graphics for the view – go to the Filter tab, and uncheck Other.

Select OK to close the dialog:


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While the overall setting for pipes and fittings is to be visible, the filter also allows you to

turn on or off any systems you don’t want to display.

17. Let’s do a filter for the electrical users – switch to the 1 - Power plan view. Type in VG for

the view, and go to the Filters tab:

18. This view already has a filter applied – so let’s look at how this is defined. Select the

edit/new tool, and review the settings:

19. Let’s make the high voltage panels have a solid fill. Pick the

pick Duplicate. Rename the new filter

is set to HP:

20. Select OK. On filters tab, select

the color Red, and the pattern to


Let’s make the high voltage panels have a solid fill. Pick the 120V Panels

. Rename the new filter 277V Panels. Change the filter rule so the option

. On filters tab, select Add, and pick the 277 Panels filter. Set the

, and the pattern to solid:


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120V Panels filter, and the

. Change the filter rule so the option

filter. Set the Pattern to

Select OK, and exit the dialog.

21. The panel has to be modified so the filter will be applied. Select the high voltage panel

shown, and change the Panel Name


, and exit the dialog.

The panel has to be modified so the filter will be applied. Select the high voltage panel

Panel Name to HP1:


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The panel has to be modified so the filter will be applied. Select the high voltage panel


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22. Select Apply. The panel will now be filled with a red solid pattern.

Filters are the highest form of view control. They can be applied to everything in a view or

model, and they override any other view settings, controlling color, line pattern, lineweight,

visibility and more.

Exercise 5 - Creating a Color Fill View

If you want to dress your view up a little more, try a little color fill. Revit includes a couple of

default types for duct and pipe, and you can also create your own color fill. Let’s see how this

works.

Make sure you have the 1478-1 Systems Complete.rvt file open. Set the 1- Mech view current.

1. From the Annotate tab, select the Duct Legend on the Color Fill panel:

2. Select a point on the screen. When prompted, select the Duct Color Fill – Flow color

scheme:


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3. Select OK – and the legend appears. This scheme color-codes the duct based on the

airflow in each segment. If you want to change it, pick the legend and then pick Edit

Scheme tool from the Modify tab:


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4. In the edit color scheme dialog, there is also a Duct Color Fill – Velocity option. Select it

to see how these scheme works:

5. If you don’t find what you want, duplicate an existing version. Select the Duplicate tool in

the lower left corner, and name the new scheme Duct Size:


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6. Under Color, take a look at all the items you can use to define a color fill…and there’s a

lot here. Pick Size. The legend will be based on the sizes used in the current project:

7. Select OK – and now you have this nice, pretty color coded diagram and legend. It’s just

that easy!


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You can also use the system name, system abbreviation and more to define the color fill.

Review the defaults, make changes as needed, and add some pop to your drawings.


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Exercise 6 - Defining a View Template

Don’t let all this work setting up how you want the views to look go to waste. Save your changes

to a View Template, and apply them to new views. The best place to build view template is in

your project template, but we can transfer the ones we create here as needed.

Make sure you have the 1478-1 Systems Complete.rvt file open. Start by setting the 1 – Mech

view current.

1. In the Project Browser, right click on the 1 – Mech view, and choose Create View

Template from View:

2. Name the new view template Plan – Process. The View Template dialog will appear:


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3. Select the edit icon for V/G Overrides Filters:

4. Notice how the settings we applied for the view are now set into this template. Select

to exit the dialog. You can now right click on any view, and apply the view template to

use the same V/G settings.

One tip – you can turn and off features that are applied when the view template is set to a view.

I uncheck view range, since you may not want the template to set view depth automatically

the results might be mixed.


Notice how the settings we applied for the view are now set into this template. Select


ngs.

you can turn and off features that are applied when the view template is set to a view.

I uncheck view range, since you may not want the template to set view depth automatically


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Notice how the settings we applied for the view are now set into this template. Select OK


you can turn and off features that are applied when the view template is set to a view.

I uncheck view range, since you may not want the template to set view depth automatically –

Exercise 7 - BONUS TRACK - Usin

Here’s a real quick exercise that helps you make sure you have items connected correctly to

systems.

1. Go to the 1-Mech view in your current project.

2. Select the Analyze tab. Pick the

3. You can select any one or more of the following items:

4. Select Duct and Pipe for this view. Select


Using the System Check Tools


view in your current project.

tab. Pick the Show Disconnects tool:

or more of the following items:

for this view. Select OK to continue.


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5. Everywhere an item has an open connection, or is not properly connected, will display a

yellow marker. To see what the problem is, and how to fix it, move your mouse over a

marker and select it:

The warning is displayed, describing the problem. In this case, you either need to add

more duct, an endcap, or a diffuser, to eliminate the error.


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This comes in handy when you’re getting ready to size duct – since duct systems can’t

be sized with open connections, you’ll need to resolve all warnings first. Return to the

Show Disconnects tool, and uncheck all options.

6. Next up, pick the Check Pipe Systems tool from the Analyze tab:

This focuses strictly on piping systems. Pick the warning at the center of the pumps:

This shows a system error – where the pipe may be going in the wrong direction, so

you’ll need to fix this before sizing pipe.

The system check tools help you locate and correct errors on duct, pipe, circuits, conduit and

cable tray – and let you use even more tools in the Revit MEP toolbox.


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Additional System Drafting Tips and Tricks

For the last part of this lab, we’ll look at another way to use systems in our project. Defining

systems before you added connecting pipe and duct was the practice prior to the 2012 release.

As we’ve seen system types, it’s not hard to assign systems, but we can also define the

systems first. Once they are assigned, we can use them to create out duct, pipe and wiring

layouts for us.

Exercise 8 – Quick Electrical Systems

In this exercise, we’ll learn how to create an electrical system using the fastest method. Start by

opening the 1 – Power view in your current project.

1. Zoom into the Mechanical room area:

2. Select all of the receptacles in the room:


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3. Pick the Power tool on the Create Systems panel, from the Modify Electrical Fixtures

tab:

4. The receptacles are all connected to the same circuit – from the Modify Electrical

Circuits tab, choose the Select Panel tool:


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5. From the options bar, pick the Panel tool and select panel LP1:

6. The view now shows the devices that are connected – and it looks a lot like a wiring

layout. Select the arc grip in the view:

7. The wiring is now added – and now you can see how defining a system or circuit first

can help you add connecting geometry.

Exercise 9 – Quick Piping Systems

Let’s try this with piping and define

8. Go to the 1 – Mech view. Select the two feed pumps on the right, since we didn’t add a

pipe to those:

9. Select the Piping tool on the

system Chemical Feed 2

10. Select Connector 1 for the

each item selected in the system):


Quick Piping Systems

Let’s try this with piping and define a new layout.

view. Select the two feed pumps on the right, since we didn’t add a

tool on the Create Systems panel. When the dialog appears, name the

Chemical Feed 2, and check the box for Open in System Editor:

for the Liquid In connection on both pumps (you have to do this for

each item selected in the system):


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view. Select the two feed pumps on the right, since we didn’t add a

panel. When the dialog appears, name the

n System Editor:

connection on both pumps (you have to do this for

11. From the Edit Piping System

12. Select the tank on the right:

13. Select the Liquid In Connection

Editing System to complete the task.


ystem tab, make sure the Add to System icon is highlighted:

right:

Liquid In Connection, and the tank is now part of the system. Select

to complete the task.


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icon is highlighted:

, and the tank is now part of the system. Select Finish


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14. Next, place your mouse over one of the pumps in the new system – don’t select it, but

press the tab key. The system will be highlighted:

15. Left click to select the system. From the Modify Piping systems tab, select the Generate

Layout tool.

16. A preliminary layout tool will appear. The blue line indicates the main run of piping, and

the green line represents the branch. But we’re not ready yet – select the Settings tool

on the ribbon:


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17. Change the offset elevation for the main and branch to 13’, and make sure the pipe type

is set to PVC:

18. Select OK – now you can cycle through the different layout options. Right now there are

5 for the network solution type:

19. Select the Finish Layout tool. You may not see the new pipe – remember, we turned off

the piping that belongs to the Other system classification – so go to VG, the filters tab,

and check the box for other so they can be seen. You can also go to the 3D view as well

and see the pipe:


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In this case, we leveraged the system we defined to help us draw the pipe. I don’t recommend

using the automatic layout tools all the time, but for most simple layouts – as this was – it’s a

pretty fast tool for doing the job. Another advantage is that this method properly makes all

connections – so it’s possible to use the pipe sizing tool on this system.

As long as you check the parameters (such as the pipe settings), review the locations of the

connections, and do a quick review to make sure the program can do what you’re telling it, then

this method can help out your production – but it’s just like anything else in Revit. If you try to tell

it to do something it can’t, then this won’t work.


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Conclusion

While systems have been around for a little while, Autodesk continues to improve this tool. The

system adds more detail and design consistency to the model, and helps users and owners

understand how equipment is tied together. Take the time to define your systems – you’ll be

glad you did!

For more tips and trick, refer to my blog, The MEP CAD Engineer, at http://mep-

cad.blogspot.com.

Thanks for attending!

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