Navigate the ribbon interface.

The ribbon is an efficient user interface style that works well in Revit. The ability to house numerous tools in a single area of the interface allows for maximum screen real estate for the drawing area.

Master It

Along with the standard tabs available on the ribbon interface, contextual tabs also are available while you're working on a project. Explain what a contextual tab is and how it may differ throughout your workflow.

Solution

A contextual tab is an additional tab that appears when an object is selected. It is an extension of the Modify tab that contains tools specific to the editing of the selected object.

Utilize user interface features.

Many features are available in the Revit MEP 2013 user interface that allow for quick access to tools and settings. The use of keyboard shortcuts can also improve workflow efficiency.

Master It

To enhance workflow efficiency, it is important to know how to access features of the user interface. What tool can be used to activate or remove user interface features?

Solution

The User Interface tool on the View tab can be used to turn on or turn off user interface features.

Use settings and menus.

Establishing settings for your user interface is another way to create a working environment that is the most efficient and effective for your use of Revit MEP 2013.

Master It

The use of keyboard shortcuts has been part of design and drafting software for a long time. The ability to customize the shortcuts to best suit your workflow is key to improved efficiency. How can the settings for keyboard shortcuts be accessed? How can modified keyboard settings be reset?

Solution

The Keyboard Shortcuts dialog box can be accessed from the User Interface tab of the Options dialog box, from the User Interface button on the View tab, or by using the KS keyboard shortcut. To reset keyboard shortcuts for Revit MEP 2013 to default settings, delete the file: %APPDATA%AutodeskRevitAutodesk Revit MEP 2013KeyboardShortcuts.xml.

Set up views and visibility.

The settings for views are crucial to being able to visualize the design and model being created and edited in a project. Establishing the default behavior for views and visibility of objects can increase not only the efficiency of working on a project, but also the accuracy of design.

Master It

The properties of a view determine how objects and the model will appear in the view. Along with Visibility/Graphic Overrides, what other view property determines whether items are visible in that view? For a floor plan view, describe the three major components of this property.

Solution

View Range determines what elements can be seen in a view based on their location. For a plan view, the Top setting defines the elevation from which the model is being viewed. The Bottom setting is the extent to which the model is being viewed from the Top. The Cut Plane setting is an imaginary plane that cuts through the architectural and structural elements.

Establish project settings.

Many project settings can be established in a Revit template to determine the display of objects in views and on construction documents. There are also settings that define the makeup of the project itself.

Master It

Phase settings for a project are very important to defining what portions of a building design occur in certain phases. Explain why having phases established in a template might cause a need for a separate template file for phased projects.

Solution

When phases are established in a project, it is important to assign a phase to each view so that objects modeled in a view will belong to the phase of the view. If you are creating a template with phases and preset views, you will want to have a view type for each phase. If you use this template for a project that does not require phasing, you will have many unnecessary views already established in your project.

Define preloaded content and its behavior.

The more items you have available for immediate use when a project begins, the more your focus can be on design decisions and less on loading required items. In a multiuser environment, preloaded content ensures that improper variations, which can cause inconsistencies in the project documentation, do not occur.

Master It

Having system family types defined in your template is just as important as having the appropriate components loaded. Explain why certain component families are required in order to create and define MEP system family types.

Solution

To create and define duct, pipe, cable tray, and conduit system family types, you need fitting component families loaded. The system families cannot be modeled without their fittings defined.

Create sheet standards.

As with other template elements, standards for sheets are a useful component to have established.

Master It

Having a predefined organization for drawing sheets in your template will ensure consistency from one project to the next. True or false: You must have all the required sheets for any project built into your template in order for them to be organized properly. Explain.

Solution

False. You need to establish only the organization settings. As new sheets are created in a project, they will be organized according to the settings.

Create a central file by dividing the model into worksets.

Setting up your Revit project file correctly will help users visualize and coordinate their systems easily.

Master It

You are working on a project with a mechanical engineer, a plumbing designer, and an electrical engineer. Describe the types of worksets into which the model can be divided to accommodate the different systems for each discipline.

Solution

The model can be divided into HVAC and mechanical piping worksets for mechanical systems, domestic and sanitary water piping worksets for plumbing systems, and lighting and power worksets for electrical systems.

Allow multiple users to work on the same dataset utilizing local files

Revit MEP provides functionality to set up your project in a manner that allows users to edit and manage their systems without conflicting with other systems in the model.

Master It

Describe how to create a local file copy of a central file and how to coordinate changes in the local file with other users who are accessing the central file.

Solution

Browse to the central file in the Open dialog box and select the Create New Local check box. Alternatively, copy/paste the central file to a new folder, open the pasted file, and click Save.

Work with and manage worksets.

Working in a project with multiple users means it is likely that you will need to coordinate the availability of worksets.

Master It

Describe how you would isolate a system in the model so that no other user could make changes to that system. What is the best way to release a system so that others can work on it?

Solution

Create a workset for that system, and place any model elements on that workset. Take ownership of the workset to prevent changes from other users. Use the Relinquish All Mine command to release ownership of the workset, allowing others to have access to the components on that workset.

Control the visibility of worksets.

Visualization is one of the most powerful features of a BIM project. Worksets give you the power to control the visibility of entire systems or groups of model components.

Master It

You are facing a deadline and need to add some general notes to one of your plumbing sheets. Because of the intricate design of the HVAC system, your project file is very large and takes a long time to open. What can you do to open the file quickly to make your changes?

Solution

From the Open dialog box, select the Open drop-down, and choose the Specify option to open only the worksets required to complete the task.

Prepare your project file for sharing with consultants.

Taking care to provide a clean, accurate model will aid in achieving an integrated project delivery.

Master It

Describe the importance of making worksets visible in all views when your file will be shared with consultants.

Solution

If you do not make a workset visible in all views, the model elements on that workset will not be visible to consultants when they link in your file.

Work with linked Revit files.

There are many advantages to using linked Revit files in your project. Revit provides many options for the visibility of consultants' files, allowing you to easily coordinate your design.

Master It

How would you turn off a model category within a Revit link while allowing that category to remain visible in your model?

Solution

Select the Revit Links tab in the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog box. Click the By Host View button in the Display Settings column next to the appropriate linked file. Change the display to Custom. Select the appropriate tab within the RVT Link Display Settings dialog box, and turn off the desired category.

Coordinate elements within shared models.

Revit can alert you to changes to certain model elements within linked files. Managing these changes when they occur can reduce errors and omissions later in the project and help keep the design team coordinated.

Master It

MEP components within a linked file can be copied and/or monitored. True or false: You must have the same family loaded into your file in order to monitor it from a linked file.

Solution

False. You can use type mapping to monitor a component with another type that is loaded into your project.

Work with files from other applications.

Not all of your consultants may use Revit. This does not mean that you cannot use their files to develop and coordinate your design. You can also share your design by exporting your file to a format they can use.

Master It

Describe the difference between linking and importing a CAD file and why the linking option is preferred.

Solution

When a file is linked, it can be updated by reloading the link. An imported file will not update when the original CAD file is updated. Importing causes unnecessary information from the CAD file to be brought into Revit, which can increase file size and greatly impede file performance.

Set up a system for quality control.

As a BIM solution, Revit provides functionality to keep your design coordinated with your consultants.

Master It

What functionality exists in Revit that could allow a design reviewer to comment on coordination issues within a project?

Solution

Annotation symbols can be created and used throughout the model to comment on design issues. The annotations can be scheduled to organize and manage issues that need to be addressed.

Decide which type of data you want to use on a project.

Revit MEP 2013 allows the user to import and reuse existing drawings from AutoCAD and other formats.

Master It

Having a good command of the tools available for importing other file formats will extend and enhance the integration of Revit with other CAD systems. When importing a 2D format file into Revit, what are the two best ways of ensuring that the data is shown in only one view?

Solution

During the import process, ensure that the Current View Only check box is selected, or import the file directly into a legend or drafting view.

Link data consistently and in the correct location.

When bringing data into Revit, it is important to be able to define where the object is positioned.

Master It

An imported drawing has inaccurately placed or frozen layer objects that make the extents of that file greater than 2 miles. What should you do prior to the import?

Solution

Open the file in its native program, and clean the file before importing to Revit.

Prepare data prior to import.

Revit project files should be the easiest to link to your project. However, at times this process can become complicated.

Master It

After receiving a Revit Architecture model, you can see that some worksets are causing visibility issues when the file is linked to the Revit MEP model. How can this be solved?

Solution

Open the file and click Detach From Central. The next dialog box gives you the option Detach And Discard Worksets. When you choose this option and save this file, it then has no worksets. This option should be used only if you are working remotely, away from the other team members, or you are working on a frozen model.

Manipulate the properties of parameters.

The parameters used to define the properties of elements have properties of their own that define the behavior of the parameters and how they can be used.

Master It

It is important to know when and where parameters can be used for extracting data from the model or project. It is also important to understand how instance and type parameters are used. Describe how the use of instance and type parameters affects the way data is changed in a family.

Solution

Type parameters are used to define different family types within a family. Changes to a type parameter affect every instance of that type. Instance parameters are unique to each instance of an element as it exists in the project. Changes to an instance parameter occur only at the selected instance of a family.

Work with parameters in families.

Parameters created in family files are useful for defining the geometry of a family and also for assigning engineering data to the family.

Master It

Certain families can have multiple family types. If a family has many types, all of them will be loaded into a project when the family is loaded. What can be done to limit the number of family types that are loaded when a family is inserted into a project?

Solution

A type catalog can be created to allow for the selection of specific family types when a family is loaded into a project.

Work with shared parameters.

Shared parameters are very useful because they can be used in schedules and in annotation tags. Shared parameters can be applied directly to families or added as project parameters.

Master It

Managing shared parameters is as important as managing your component libraries. Explain the importance of keeping a common shared parameters file for multiple-user environments.

Solution

Because a shared parameters file is a library of parameters, you want to keep it in just one location to be shared by multiple users. This will prevent the unnecessary duplication of parameters that contain the same type of data.

Use parameters in project files.

The use of parameters is not limited to component families. Parameters can be added to any element that makes up a Revit project.

Master It

Parameters can be added to system families only by creating project parameters. When you create a project parameter, it will be added to all the elements in the chosen category. Explain why managing project parameters is important to using them in schedules within a project.

Solution

It is possible to create a project parameter that has the same settings as a parameter that already exists in some of the families being scheduled. This would create confusion as to which parameter should hold the data for the schedule.

Use the tools in Revit MEP 2013 for defining schedules and their behavior.

The capabilities of schedules in Revit MEP 2013 can increase your project coordination and the efficiency of your workflow. The ability to track items within a model can help you better understand the makeup of your design.

Master It

The information in schedules comes from information stored within the objects of a Revit model. Explain why editing the data of an object in a schedule will change the properties of the object.

Solution

Schedule views are just another view of the model objects. So, when you edit an object in a schedule, you are actually editing the properties of that object.

Schedule building components.

Scheduling building components is the primary use of the scheduling tools in Revit. Schedules are used on construction documents to provide additional information about components so that drawings do not become too cluttered.

Master It

Understanding what information can be used in a schedule is important to setting up a specific component schedule within your Revit project. What types of parameters can be included in a schedule? What types cannot?

Solution

Project parameters and shared parameters can be included in a schedule as well as some of those that are inherent in objects. Family parameters cannot be included in schedules.

Create schedules for design and analysis.

Scheduling can go beyond counting objects and tracking their information. You can also create schedules that assist in making design decisions by providing organized analytical information.

Master It

The information stored in Space objects often comes from their relationship with other objects. Some of the data for analysis needs to be input manually. Explain how using a schedule key can assist in adding data to a Space object.

Solution

A schedule key allows you to assign a value to a parameter based on the key value, which ensures consistency throughout the project. Key values can be added to objects via a schedule without having to access the properties of each individual Space object.

Schedule views and sheets for project management.

The views and sheets within your project can be scheduled, not just the components that make up a model. Specialized schedules for views and sheets are useful for project management.

Master It

A Note Block schedule enables you to list information about annotation families within your project. What are some of the benefits of using a Note Block instead of static text for plan notes?

Solution

When a note is removed from the list in a Note Block, all the associated annotation instances are removed from the plan. Notes can easily be renumbered in the Note Block schedule.

Prepare your Revit MEP model for analysis.

The key element to a successful building performance analysis is the proper accounting of all variables that will influence the results.

Master It

Describe the relationship between rooms and spaces—are they the same element? Describe an essential tool that can be created to maintain and track space input data and building construction for a heating and cooling load analysis.

Solution

A room is a region that can be occupied within the architectural building model. A space is the design region, based on an architectural room, within the MEP model. Be sure to select the Room Bounding option on your link to ensure that the same elements that define the room boundaries also define the respective space boundaries.

Perform heating and cooling analysis with Revit MEP 2013.

Before a piece of equipment can be sized or duct systems designed, the building heating and cooling performance must be known in order to condition your spaces accurately.

Master It

How does project location affect building heating and cooling loads? Describe methods to determine project location in Revit MEP 2013.

Solution

The location of the project building determines the environmental conditions surrounding the building. Conditions, such as ASHRAE climate zone data, determine minimum design conditions to which the building construction must perform. Two methods exist in Revit MEP 2013 to determine project location: selecting the design city from a list of default cities within Revit MEP or using an Internet mapping service and locating the exact coordinates of your design building.

Master It

What is the purpose of a conceptual energy analysis?

Solution

A conceptual energy analysis performed in Revit MEP 2013 will allow for a variety of design options to be tested quickly, showing the impact on the energy performance of the building with each change.

Master It

How is the pressure loss report a useful addition to Revit MEP?

Solution

The pressure loss reports generated within Revit MEP 2013 will show the pressure loss of each component in a completely modeled and sized duct or pipe system. This enables the user to check the modeled critical path in Revit versus outside calculations to verify the design, and subsequent reports can be generated to show how a change in the duct system affects the overall critical path pressure.

Export gbXML data to load-simulating software.

Often, to complete the building analysis, the Revit MEP model has to be analyzed in greater detail by a third-party simulation program.

Master It

What is gbXML? Why is it necessary to export your Revit MEP project?

Solution

gbXML is an Extensible Markup Language file that is able to be written and read by multiple programs. It allows interoperability between building modeling programs and energy-simulating programs.

Create and manage air systems.

Knowing how to manage air systems can help productivity by organizing systems so that items can be easily interrogated to verify that the systems are properly connected.

Master It

True or false: Outside air cannot be modeled because there is no default system type from which to select.

Solution

False. Although there is no default Outside Air system, the system can be created by using Supply Air and renaming the system to Outside Air.

Create and manage piping systems.

By understanding how to change and manage piping systems, the user can create and maintain different systems effectively.

Master It

A designer has been asked by an engineer to create a Grease Waste system to accommodate a new kitchen that has been added to a project. What would be the quickest way to accomplish this feat?

Solution

The designer can easily create a new system called Grease Waste and add all the plumbing components that are required to be on the system.

Manage display properties of systems.

Filters and Visibility settings can help the user show the intent of the layout.

Master It

A plumbing designer has just created a piping system, and now the engineer has decided that the Grease Waste piping should appear as a dashed line. How would the designer accomplish this?

Solution

The designer would create a filter that referenced the System Abbreviation, which, in this case, would be GW, and then add this to the Filters section of Visibility Graphics. Once this is added, the designer can add any line type, pattern, color, or line weight desired.

Distinguish between hosted and nonhosted components.

Deciding whether hosted or nonhosted components are used is crucial for the success of your project. This decision will play a large factor in performance and coordination with other companies.

Master It

Should you choose hosted or nonhosted components for your project?

Solution

A mixture may well be the best solution, but whichever you choose, consistency is the key. If you start with nonhosted, stick with that type of component during the life of the project, because you will find it difficult to change between hosted and nonhosted.

Master It

When progressing your conceptual design, at what point should you convert placeholder ducts into ducts with fittings?

Solution

It is often best to wait to do this for as long as possible, there will always be areas where coordination is crucial in a confined space and 3D objects are the only way forward, but on a project where there are several ‘common’ or ‘typical’ layouts, the conversion can be left until later. As a designer, you could also consider discussing with the HVAC contractor whether a single line model is adequate for him to produce his construction drawings.

Use the different duct routing options.

When using Revit MEP 2013 for your duct layouts, the user must understand the functions of automatic duct routing and manual duct routing. Once these functions are mastered, the user can lay out any type of ductwork system.

Master It

When asked to submit a design proposal for a multifloor office building, the HVAC designer needs to show a typical open-plan office and the supply and extract ductwork. How should the designer start this process?

Solution

The designer should start by laying out air terminals and, if required, VAV units. Then, the designer should use the autorouting tools to generate an initial duct design.

Adjust duct fittings.

Duct fittings are needed in systems to make the systems function properly and to produce documentation for construction. Being able to add or modify fittings can increase productivity.

Master It

You have just finished your modeled layout and given it to your employer for review. Your boss asks you to remove a couple of elbows and replace them with tees for future expansion. What method would you use to accomplish this quickly?

Solution

Select the elbow and click the + sign; this will change the elbow to a tee.

Adjust the mechanical pipe settings.

Making sure that the mechanical piping settings are properly set up is crucial to the beginning of any project.

Master It

A designer has just been asked to model a mechanical piping layout, and the engineer wants to make sure the designer will be able to account for the piping material used in the layout. What steps must the designer take to the complete this request?

Solution

First, the designer must figure out what piping materials are needed. Next, the designer duplicates the piping and associated fittings. Once the piping and fittings have been duplicated and renamed to the piping material as needed, the designer assigns the fittings to the proper pipe types. This ensures that all of the fittings and piping can be accounted for when the piping is routed.

Select the best pipe routing options for your project.

When using Revit MEP 2013 for your mechanical layouts, you must understand the functions of automatic pipe routing and manual pipe routing. After mastering these functions, you can lay out any type of piping system.

Master It

The engineer has just come back from a meeting with the owner and architect, and it has been decided that there will be a heated-water system and a chilled-water system rather than a two-pipe hydronic system. How would you modify your hydronic layout to accommodate the change?

Solution

First, duplicate your mains. Rather than a two-pipe system (one supply, one return), you will have a four-pipe system (one heated-water supply, one heated-water return, one chilled-water supply, one chilled-water return). The designer will also have to change out the mechanical equipment to add chilled water coils. Additional chillers and pumps may also be required. Once you have all your equipment added and modified, add the mechanical equipment to the proper systems by changing the hydronic supply systems to heated-water supply, heated-water return, chilled-water supply, and chilled-water return. This will allow the pipes to be filtered properly.

Adjust pipe fittings.

Pipe fittings are needed in systems to make the systems function properly and to produce documentation for construction. Being able to add or modify fittings can increase productivity.

Master It

You have printed a check set for review and have noticed that there are no shutoff valves. Now, you need to load the shutoff family. In what directory should you look for pipe fittings?

Solution

You should first look in the Imperial Library for pipe and then valves. If you have a manufacturer that is creating proper Revit content, its fittings would be the preferred choice. Also, you can refer to Autodesk Seek at www.seek.autodesk.com. Check other sites, such as Autodesk User Group International at http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=99663, for additional content.

Adjust the visibility of pipes.

Being able to adjust the visibility of pipes gives the mechanical designer or user the ability to set up multiple views and control the graphics for documentation.

Master It

The engineer has just come back from a meeting with the owner and architect, and it has been decided that there will be a heated-water system and a chilled-water system. You have just modified your hydronic layout to accommodate the change. Now, the owner wants the pipes to be color-coded, so it's easier to visualize the changes. Describe how this would be done.

Solution

First, you will modify your system types' colors and assign the appropriate system abbreviation values; then create filters that match the system abbreviation (remember that the text is case sensitive) and apply the filters to each view. Remember that system types control how systems appear; filters control whether the system appears for a particular view.

Prepare your project for lighting design.

The greatest benefit you can receive from a lighting model is coordination with other systems. Properly setting up the project file is key to achieving this coordination.

Master It

Describe the relationship between ceilings and engineering spaces. How can you be sure that your engineering spaces are reporting the correct geometry?

Solution

Ceilings can be set to define the upper boundaries of Room and Space objects.

Use Revit MEP for lighting analysis.

Although the design of electrical systems is usually represented schematically on construction documents, you can use the intelligence within the model to create a design tool that analyzes lighting levels.

Master It

What model elements contain the data required to determine proper lighting layout?

Solution

Spaces contain data that determines the average estimated illumination within them. Lighting fixtures contain photometric web file information to provide accurate light output from the fixture family.

Compare and evaluate hosting options for lighting fixtures and devices.

As a BIM solution, Revit MEP offers multiple options for placing your lighting model elements into your project. These options are in place to accommodate several workflow scenarios.

Master It

What is the default hosting option for face-hosted families? Describe the limitations of representing wall-mounted lights with symbols and how they can be shown in a plan view.

Solution

The default hosting option for face-hosted families is to place them on a vertical face.

Develop site lighting plans.

Creating a site lighting plan will allow you to coordinate with civil engineering consultants as well as with your architect. These plans are also useful for presentation documents and visual inspection of lighting coverage on the site.

Master It

What is the benefit of using nonhosted lighting fixture families for site lighting?

Solution

Nonhosted fixture families can be adjusted to match the elevation of the topographic surface, if necessary. Hosted elements do not offer as much control when trying to coordinate with topography.

Place power and systems devices into your model.

Creating electrical plans that are correct not only in the model but also on construction documents can be achieved with Revit MEP 2013.

Master It

Having flexibility in the relationship between model components and the symbols that represent them is important to create an accurate model and construction documents. Is it possible to show a receptacle and its associated symbol in slightly different locations to convey the design intent properly on construction documents? If so, how?

Solution

Yes. You can add parameters that allow for an offset of the symbols that represent the model components in a plan view.

Place equipment and connections.

Electrical equipment often requires clearance space for access and maintenance. Modeling equipment in your Revit project allows you to coordinate clearance space requirements.

Master It

Interference between model components can be detected by finding components that occupy the same space. Explain how you can determine whether an object interferes with the clearance space of an electrical equipment component.

Solution

You can build the required clearance spaces into your equipment families or build a separate family to be used for clearance space. You can use Revit's interference-checking capabilities to find interferences with the clearance spaces.

Create distribution systems.

Proper setup of distribution systems is the backbone of the intelligence of your electrical design. It helps you track the computable data within your project.

Master It

Because your project may contain multiple distribution system types, explain the importance of assigning distribution systems to your electrical equipment and naming your equipment.

Solution

Assigning a distribution system to electrical equipment allows for other items of the same distribution type to be connected to the equipment. Naming equipment makes it easy to locate when connecting elements.

Model conduit and cable tray.

Large conduit and cable tray runs are a serious coordination issue in building designs. Revit MEP 2013 has tools that allow you to model conduit and cable tray in order to coordinate with other model components.

Master It

Conduit and cable trays can be modeled with two different styles. One style uses fittings, and one does not. Does this mean that no fittings need to be assigned to the style that does not use fittings? Explain how this affects the scheduling of the components.

Solution

You must assign fitting families to be used by the style without fittings. The fittings must exist in order for the conduit or cable tray to be modeled. Scheduling styles without fittings enables you to report the total length of a run. Scheduling styles with fittings is done to report data about the components that make up a run.

Establish settings for circuits and wiring.

Proper setup of a project's electrical characteristics is an important part of the workflow when creating circuits and wiring. Settings can be stored in your project template and modified on an as-needed basis.

Master It

The distribution systems defined in a project make it possible to connect devices and equipment of like voltages. Do you need to have voltage definitions in order to create distribution systems? If so, why?

Solution

Yes, voltages must be defined to create distribution systems because they are used to establish the line-to-line and line-to-ground values for the system.

Create circuits and wiring for devices and fixtures.

Circuits are the systems for electrical design. Wiring can be used to show the connection of devices and fixtures in a schematic fashion.

Master It

Circuits can be created for devices or equipment even if they are not assigned to a panel. Circuits can then be represented by wiring shown on construction documents. Give two examples of how you can add a device to a circuit that has already been created.

Solution

You can right-click the device connector, select the Add To Circuit option, and then click a device that is on the circuit to which you want to connect.

Manage circuits and panels.

With the relationship between components and panels established, you can manage the properties of circuits and panels to improve your design performance and efficiency.

Master It

While checking the circuits on a panel, you notice that there are only 14 circuits connected, but the panel has 42 poles. How can you reduce the amount of unused space in the panel?

Solution

Click the panel and access its instance properties. Change the value of the Max #1 Pole Breakers parameter to a smaller value, or right-click the panel in the Project Browser and select a template that utilizes fewer circuits.

Use schedules for sharing circuit information.

Panel schedules can be used on construction documents to convey the load information. Schedules can also be created for use as design tools to help track electrical data.

Master It

The information in Revit panel schedules may not meet the requirements of your document or design standards. Describe how you can use the data within your Revit model to provide the required information.

Solution

There is much more data contained in electrical circuits and panels than what may be shown in the panel schedules. You can create a schedule of electrical circuits that shows the information you need.

Customize out-of-the-box Revit plumbing fixtures for scheduling purposes.

Learning how to customize existing plumbing fixtures can help with productivity and provide more-robust building information.

Master It

When you are setting up your project/template views, where would you control the linetypes and colors from?

Solution

You would control them from the system type. The pipe type can be modified by expanding Families ⇒ Piping Systems ⇒ Piping System ⇒ Select the system you need to modify, right click and select Type Properties.

Use custom plumbing pipe assemblies to increase speed and efficiency in plumbing layouts.

Sometimes, you are required to think outside the box and learn how to use new tools to get the most benefit out of them. By utilizing the new Copy/Monitor feature when creating custom pipe assemblies, you can take production to the next level.

Master It

Why are nested pipe assembly families better to use than the modeled pipe assembly for a BIM project?

Solution

BIM stands for “building information modeling.” With nested families, you can create more-accurate information. If you are using Revit strictly as a modeling tool for drafting, the modeled pipe assembly will help keep the file smaller, but you'll lose some of the I in BIM.

Adjust the plumbing pipe settings.

Pipe settings are crucial to the ability to have Revit MEP model your plumbing layout, the way it will look, and the way it will perform.

Master It

Do fitting parameters have to be set up in the system pipe types?

Solution

Yes. If you do not set up the fitting parameters properly, you will have mixed materials or fittings that may not be placed automatically when routing piping in your model.

Select the best pipe routing options for your project.

When using Revit MEP 2013 for your plumbing layouts, you must understand the functions of automatic pipe routing, manual pipe routing, and sloping pipe. Once these functions are mastered, you can lay out any type of piping system.

Master It

A plumbing designer has just been asked to lay out a sloped plumbing system and has only a day to pipe up a clubhouse. Where should the designer start the pipe route?

Solution

The plumbing designer should start from a point of connection outside the building and work inward, from main to branch to fixture.

Adjust pipe fittings.

Pipe fittings are needed in systems to make the systems function properly and to produce documentation for construction. Being able to add or modify fittings can increase productivity.

Master It

You have just finished your modeled layout and given it to your employer for review. Your boss asks you to remove a couple of elbows and replace them with tees for future expansion. What would be your method to accomplish this quickly?

Solution

Select the elbow and then click the + sign. This will change the elbow to a tee.

Adjust the visibility of pipes.

Being able to adjust the visibility gives the plumbing designer or user the ability to set up multiple views and control the graphics for documentation.

Master It

There are too many systems showing up in your views. What would you do to show only one piping system in that view?

Solution

Type VG, go the Filters tab, and uncheck all the systems that you do not want to show up.

Place fire protection equipment.

When starting a fire protection model, placing the equipment can make or break your design. The ability of Revit to verify your layouts early through the coordination of this equipment with other disciplines can set the pace for a successful project.

Master It

What method can be used to help speed up production when using a standard fire riser on multiple buildings?

Solution

Create a nested family with all the components required on the fire riser.

Create fire protection systems.

Creating proper fire protection systems is essential to the performance and behavior of the fire protection model. Properly created fire protection systems also help with being able to coordinate with other disciplines during design.

Master It

Marty has just created a piping system called Fire Protection and for the System Abbreviation he used FP. He has created a filter set to System Abbreviation equals FP. Now Marty is in a presentation, and his system is not filtering properly. What should he check?

Solution

Marty should review whether the System Abbreviation value and the created filter for the system match exactly. Filters are case sensitive!

Route fire protection piping.

Fire protection piping can be routed by a couple of methods. It can be set up with different materials to help with takeoffs and specifications. Once piping has been routed, it can be coordinated with other disciplines to reduce errors and omissions.

Master It

What are some of the methods to deal with fittings that may not be supplied with Revit MEP 2013?

Solution

Use existing fittings for spatial restraints and visual coordination only, create your own fitting families, or use manufacturer-supplied content.

Model solids and voids.

Being able to model efficiently will decrease the time you spend creating content and give you more time to spend on design decisions. Solid geometry is crucial for the physical coordination of components to achieve a design that will result in fewer changes during construction—when changes are the most expensive.

Master It

Several tools are available to create the shapes needed to represent MEP discipline components. Each tool generates an extrusion in a unique way. Describe the difference between a swept blend and a regular sweep.

Solution

A swept blend is used when the shape of the extrusion changes from one end to the other. A sweep is an extrusion of a consistent shape along a path.

Orient geometry by using reference planes and lines.

Reference planes and lines are the most effective way to define the orientation of solid geometry within a family. Reference planes define how an object will be inserted into a project.

Master It

Knowing the resulting orientation of an extrusion prior to creating it will save lots of time by not having to duplicate modeling efforts. Nothing is more frustrating than taking the time to create a solid only to find out that it is in the wrong plane. Describe the process for creating an extrusion that is associated with a custom reference plane.

Solution

You first must create a reference plane and give it a unique name. Then, when you choose a form tool, you can set the reference plane that the form will be associated with by using the Set button on the Work Plane panel of the Home tab in the Family Editor.

Ensure the parametric change capability of models.

Building solid geometry to represent MEP discipline components is good. Building the geometry with parametric change capabilities is even better.

Master It

Solid geometry can be defined by parameters that can change the size or shape of the geometry. Reference planes and lines are an important part of creating parametric behavior. Why?

Solution

The dimensional parameters used to define geometry should be assigned to the dimensions associated with reference planes and lines to which the geometry is locked. This allows you to maintain the relationships of multiple solids when parameter values change.

Determine optimal visibility settings for solids.

The visibility behavior of solid geometry plays an important part in the creation of consistent and coordinated construction documents.

Master It

It is important to know how a family will be used in a project to determine the visibility settings required for the solid geometry in the family. Why is it important to set the Detail Level visibility settings for pipe- and duct-related families?

Solution

The pipe and duct system families have specific visibility behavior to show as a single or double line. Your pipe and duct component families should be set with the same visibility settings for consistency on construction documents.

Create in-place Mass objects for analysis and documentation.

In-place Mass objects allow the designer to quickly produce a building form at a time when the project architect may not be able to provide a model that is suitable for early analysis purposes.

Master It

Using massing tools can speed up the design process. What tools would you use to quickly model glass and windows?

Solution

Glazing can be quickly added to the model by using either face-based curtain systems or curtain walls cut into a host wall.

Create symbolic lines and filled regions.

Not only is Revit MEP 2013 a modeling application, but it also contains the tools necessary to accomplish drafting tasks.

Master It

Having a good command of the tools available for creating symbols will help you create families that represent your design elements exactly the way you want to see them. What line tool is best suited for duplicating the line work of an imported CAD symbol?

Solution

The Pick Lines tool allows you to select the line work of an imported file and creates a Revit line to match.

Use symbols within families for representation on drawings.

Given the schematic nature of MEP plans, symbols and annotation objects are important parts of your Revit MEP 2013 workflow, allowing you to represent your model components according to your company standards.

Master It

By having annotation symbols nested into your component families, you can create an accurate 3D model that is displayed schematically on your construction documents. Explain the importance of creating subcategories for the graphics in your annotation families.

Solution

Symbols are created as generic annotations, which is a single category within Revit. A subcategory must be created to control the visibility of a specific symbol independently from the Generic Annotations category.

Work with constraints and parameters for visibility control.

The parametric modeling capabilities of Revit MEP 2013 make it a powerful BIM solution. These capabilities can be used in annotation families as well.

Master It

A common scenario for a Revit project is to link consultant files into your project file. Because of this, face-hosted families are often used. Face-hosted components can be attached either to a vertical or horizontal host, so the ability to separate the annotation symbol from the host needs to be created in the annotation family.

Solution

You need to input a length that relates to the actual size of the symbol, because the symbol size in a view is determined by the view scale.

Use labels to create tags.

Tags are the most commonly used annotation families in a project. They are used to report information about objects in a Revit model.

Master It

The use of labels is a much more effective method than using text objects for keeping documents coordinated.

Solution

When defining the label in your pipe size tag, you can add DIA as a suffix for the label.

Create MEP equipment families.

The ability to create the types of equipment families needed for accurate modeling of components and systems is a major factor in the success of your Revit projects.

Master It

MEP equipment can be quite complex in its structure. Complex geometry can have an adverse effect on model performance. What are some ways to model equipment in the simplest form yet still convey the proper information on construction documents?

Solution

The basic shapes of equipment can be modeled, and symbolic or model lines can be used to represent the actual geometry in plan views. The solid forms used to create the geometry can be set to show only in 3D views. Simple forms can be set to show at lower levels of detail, while more-complex geometry can be reserved for finer detail.

Add connectors to equipment for systems.

Adding connectors to equipment families will make them functional for use in the design of engineering systems.

Master It

It is important to know how your equipment families will be used in your projects from an engineering standpoint as well as for model coordination. Explain how connectors determine the behavior of an equipment family.

Solution

Connectors have properties that define the behavior of the family, depending on the system type of the connector. Duct and pipe connectors determine the direction of flow that may affect how the equipment can be connected in project systems. Electrical connectors determine the distribution systems for which the equipment is used.

Create clearance spaces for equipment.

Space for safety and service of equipment is crucial to building design. The ability to coordinate clearances around equipment improves project quality and can reduce construction and design cost.

Master It

Equipment families with built-in clearance spaces allow you to determine quickly and easily whether the equipment will fit into your project model. Describe some options for controlling the visibility of clearance spaces so that they are not shown when not needed.

Solution

The visibility of clearance space geometry can be controlled by creating a unique subcategory for the geometry or by using Yes/No type parameters to toggle the visibility.

Add parameters to equipment.

Parameters in your equipment families can be useful for creating schedules in your Revit projects that report data directly from the equipment used in the design. Family parameters can enable you to make equipment families that are changeable without having to create new families.

Master It

Shared parameters must be used in your equipment families if you want to schedule the data they provide. If you are creating parameters for parametric behavior of the solid geometry, do they also need to be shared parameters?

Solution

They need to be shared parameters only if they are to be used in a schedule. Family parameters cannot be scheduled.

Create different types of lighting fixture families.

Many different types of lighting fixtures are required for various applications within a building. With Revit MEP, you can create any type of lighting fixture and include any data associated with that fixture.

Master It

Knowing how a lighting fixture will be used in a Revit model is important for determining the kind of fixture family to create. True or false: A face-hosted lighting fixture can be replaced by a nonhosted fixture by using the Type Selector.

Solution

False. Face-hosted fixtures can be replaced only by other face-hosted families of the same category.

Use a light source in your lighting fixture families.

Lighting fixtures can be used in making design decisions because they not only represent the fixture as a model but also contain photometric data from real-world lighting fixtures for use in lighting analysis.

Master It

Photometric web files can be obtained from lighting fixture manufacturers. These files provide the lighting distribution characteristics of a fixture when added to a family. How can you be sure that the IES file you are using is appropriate for the type of fixture in which it is being used?

Solution

The information in an IES file obtained from a manufacturer can be viewed using third-party software. Files should be renamed to indicate the type of fixture for which they are used.

Create and manage fixture types and parameters.

The parameters of a lighting fixture family are what make it an intelligent object. They can be used to create multiple types within the same family or to manage the electrical characteristics of a fixture.

Master It

Connectors are what determine the electrical properties of a lighting fixture family. Describe the process of ensuring that a connector has the same load and voltage values that have been assigned to the fixture.

Solution

The load and voltage values of a connector can be associated with the load and voltage of a fixture by accessing the instance properties of the connector and using the box in each parameter value to associate it with the appropriate family parameter.

Use lines and symbols to represent lighting fixtures.

Some lighting fixtures are shown on construction documents as symbols, while others are shown as their actual size. Symbolic lines or annotation symbols can be used to eliminate the need to display model graphics.

Master It

Annotation symbols nested into lighting fixture families can represent the fixture without having to show the model graphics. Is it possible to use a nested annotation family to represent a wall-mounted fixture in a face-hosted lighting fixture family? Explain.

Solution

No. When a face-hosted fixture is placed on a vertical face, the Front or Back elevation of the fixture is what is visible. Annotation families cannot be placed in elevation views in the family. A detail component family could be used instead.

Model device geometry.

The 3D geometry of a device family may not be its most important component, but there are things you can do to make the geometry useful for project coordination and accuracy.

Master It

Device families are commonly face-hosted because of the way they are used in a project model. Describe why a device family that is hosted by a floor in a project may not display correctly in a plan view.

Solution

If the geometry of the device family is flush with the host extrusion, it will not appear in a plan view when hosted by a floor if the bottom of the view range is set to the face of the floor.

Use annotations to represent devices.

Because of their size and simple shapes, device families are not typically shown on construction documents. Instead, a symbol is used to represent the device. Annotation families can be nested into device families for display in project views.

Master It

The orientation of an annotation family nested into a device family is important for proper display in project views. What is the device family parameter that allows for the display of the annotation in plan and section views? What hosting options in a project allow this parameter to work?

Solution

The Maintain Annotation Orientation parameter allows nested annotation families to be visible in plan and section views. The parameter displays the annotation when the device family is hosted to a vertical or horizontal surface.

Add parameters and connectors.

The connectors used in device families provide the engineering characteristics of the device so that it can be incorporated into systems within a project.

Master It

The parameters of a connector cannot be edited while working in a project file. Describe how you can change the properties of a connector without having to edit the device family.

Solution

The parameters of a connector in a device family can be associated with the device family parameters. The properties of a device can be modified directly in a project, thereby updating the connector properties.

Use Revit drafting and detailing tools efficiently.

Revit MEP 2013 has many tools for creating the details and diagrams needed to enhance your model and provide the necessary level of information for your projects.

Master It

Although the drafting tools in Revit MEP 2013 may be unfamiliar at first, learning to use them efficiently and effectively will help you spend more time focusing on design decisions instead of drafting efforts. Describe how filled regions can be used not only to display a pattern but also to provide line information in a detail.

Solution

The line styles used for the borders of a filled region can be used to convey information about the detail without having to overlap lines and regions.

Use CAD details in Revit projects.

Much of the detail information used in projects has already been drawn. When you transition to Revit, you can still use your CAD details.

Master It

Using CAD details in a Revit project can be a quick way to complete your construction documents in a timely manner. However, using many CAD files for details can have a negative effect on file performance, so it is important to link CAD files whenever they are used. Explain why importing and exploding CAD files can adversely affect your project.

Solution

Exploded CAD files cause many text and line styles to be created. These styles are unnecessary and could be used by mistake instead of the standard styles developed specifically for Revit projects.

Build a Revit detail library.

Having a library of details makes it easy to save time on projects by not having to spend time drawing details that have already been created.

Master It

Drafting views can be saved as individual files for use on projects as needed. True or false: A drafting view will be added to your project when you use the Insert 2D Graphics From View option of the Insert From File tool. Explain.

Solution

False. When you use this option, only the graphics drawn in the selected view will be placed into your project.

Create detail views of your Revit model.

Some details require the model to be shown in order to show installation or placement of objects.

Master It

Callout views can be created from plan, section, and elevation views. Explain how detail views are different from drafting views.

Solution

Detail views show a portion of the model from the callout border. You cannot show model graphics in a drafting view.

Create a titleblock.

A titleblock can be the signature for your projects. Its design and layout can be an immediate indicator as to who has created the construction documents. A titleblock is also important for conveying general project and specific sheet information.

Master It

To ensure that your Revit projects look the same as, or similar to, your other projects, it is necessary to have a titleblock family that looks the same as other file format titleblocks you use. Describe the process for creating a Revit titleblock family from an existing CAD format titleblock.

Solution

The CAD titleblock can be imported into a new Revit titleblock family. The drafting tools can be used to create Revit lines that match the CAD lines. Labels and text can be placed in the same locations as CAD text and attributes.

Establish sheets in your project.

The sheets that make up your construction documents can be organized in your Revit projects for easy access and for management of project information.

Master It

A Sheet List schedule is a useful tool for managing the information shown on your construction documents as well as for organizing the order of sheets for your project. Is it possible to create parameters for sheets that can be used in the sheet list? Explain.

Solution

Yes, custom parameters can be created for use in a sheet list. These parameters can be shared parameters or project parameters.

Place views on sheets.

For a Revit project, the construction documents are created as a result of the model, whereas in traditional CAD environments, the sheets are the main focus. You can put your construction documents together by placing the views you have created onto your sheets.

Master it

Uniformity among sheets in a document set is important not only to the look of a project, but also for ease in document navigation. Explain how guide grids can be used to place model views in the same location on individual sheets.

Solution

Guide grids can be established so that column grids in the model views can be snapped to the same location on each sheet.

Print and export sheets.

Although we live in a digital age, the need to print sheets and views is still part of our daily workflow. With the ability to work with consultants from all over the world, the need to share digital information is crucial. Exporting sheets and views to a file format that is easily shareable increases our ability to collaborate with consultants.

Master It

Printing sheets is often necessary for quality control of a project. How can you keep section and elevation marks of views that are not used on your sheets from printing?

Solution

The Options area of the Print dialog box has check boxes for hiding unwanted graphics and view tags.