Revit MEP 2011 - Fundamentals
Introduction NOTES
The mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering industry is rapidly evolving -
with that change, the tools that are used by the engineers are changing as well.
Autodesk - the largest computer aided design software company in the world -
has released its fifth version of the Revit software that includes tools to help the
designer and engineer complete work in a much more efficient fashion than in
previous years. The Revit MEP 2011 software can help the engineer be more
productive, create accurate documents and coordinate with other disciplines in an
even more efficient process than in the past.
That leads to why we at Advanced Solutions, Inc. made the decision to produce
this technical training manual. Based on the authoring team’s experience with real
world projects, we felt it was important enough to develop training courseware
that follows the design process. We also strongly believed that the exercises
should reflect real-world examples as closely as possible, so we sought out the
advice of some of our clients - the engineering firms that are the end users of
software such as Revit MEP.
This collaboration has helped us to produce this document, which we feel will help
the MEP engineer learn not only how Revit MEP works, but why the tools work
the way they do - and how they can help the engineer in his daily work.
In this book, the engineer and designer are introduced to the fundamental items
they need to understand about the software. Beginning with the rules, the
interface and explanations of design and process workflow, the book moves into
where the project begins - with exercises on setting up a project in the most
efficient fashion possible. Since sustainability, LEED accreditation, and the desire
of the industry to create more energy efficient structures, a section on how to
analyze the building model follows the project setup. Breaking the project up into
workable pieces known as worksets, which allow multiple users to work off of a
single integrated project model, completes the first section of the training.
Subsequent chapters include explanations and exercises for creating HVAC,
electrical, plumbing, process piping and fire protection systems within the project.
After reviewing these items, the user is moved back into the common portions of
the program, including running interference detection tools, coordination with
other disciplines, annotating views and completing schedules. Once this course is
complete, we are also providing an additional class that provides even more
advanced training, including setting up templates, creating custom families, and
even more...but that’s the next book.
A special thanks go to Milton Small, Kerry Kane and Kim Peterson of Small
Kane Architects for providing the architectural design project to use as the
background for this project. Also, thanks go to Kristen Fierro of Advanced
Solutions for creating the Revit Architecture model from the backgrounds provided
by Small Kane.
We hope this book helps you get the most out of your Revit MEP software - so
enjoy!
David Butts Copyright 2009
Senior Technical Engineer and Training Manager - Advanced Solutions, Inc. Advanced Solutions Inc.
June 1, 2010
Page i
Revit MEP 2011 - Fundamentals
NOTES
Authors:
David Butts, Senior Technical Engineer/Training Manager
Advanced Solutions Inc.
Emy McGann, Technical Engineer
Advanced Solutions, Inc.
Jonathan Weinhold, Technical Engineer
Advanced Solutions, Inc.
Paul C. Sills, Senior Technical Engineer
Advanced Solutions Inc.
Doug Greenwell, Technical Engineer
Advanced Solutions, Inc.
David Kaldy, Technical Engineer
Advanced Solutions, Inc.
© Copyright 2009, Advanced Solutions Inc.
All Rights Reserved
This document may not be reproduced or revised without express written
permission from Advanced Solutions Inc., and any subsidiaries of Advanced
Solutions Inc., of Louisville, KY.
Dataset files are provided with permission by Small Kane Architects of Raleigh,
NC, (by G. Milton Small, III, AIA and Kerry Alan Kane, AIA, owners). Dataset files
may not be used for any other purpose other than as training examples for this
course. Any other use of this background, as well as all other datasets, including
but limited to any .RVT, .RTE, .RFA, .XML, .DWG files is expressly prohibited.
Portions of this document and images are used with permission from Autodesk,
Inc. 2009.
Autodesk, AutoCAD, Revit, Ecotect and Revit MEP are registered trademarks or
trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA
and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks
belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product
offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for
typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
© 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2009
Advanced Solutions Inc.
June 1, 2010
Page ii
Revit MEP 2011 - Fundamentals
Table of Contents NOTES
Chapter Page
1 Revit MEP—Interface 1
1.1 Interface 3
Exercise: The User Interface 25
2 Revit MEP—Project Fundamentals 31
2.1 The Rules for Revit MEP 33
2.2 What is BIM—Elements Explained 37
2.3 Design and Project Workflow 41
2.4 Project Template Settings 49
2.5 Project Set Up 73
Exercise: Preparing the Architectural Model 76
Exercise: Setting Up a Project 93
2.6 Worksets 113
2.7 Printing/Collaboration 125
Exercise: Importing CAD Formats and
Exporting CAD Formats 143
3 Analyzing the Model 153
3.1 Analyzing the Model 155
Exercise: Analyzing the Model 173
4 Mechanical Essentials 219
4.1 Adding and Modifying Equipment 221
Exercise: Adding and Modifying
Equipment 225
4.2 Defining the System Relationship 241
Exercise: Defining the System Relationship 245
4.3 Creating Connection Geometry 255
Exercise: Creating Connection Geometry 269
5 Electrical Essentials 309
5.1 Adding and Modifying Devices, Fixtures and
Equipment 311
Exercise: Adding and Modifying Devices,
Fixtures, and Equipment 315
5.2 Defining the System Relationship 337
Exercise: Creating Power and Switch
Systems 347
5.3 Creating Connection Geometry 357
Exercise: Creating Connection Geometry 377
6 Plumbing/Piping/Fire Protection Essentials 395
6.1 Adding and Modifying Fixtures and 397
Equipment
Exercise: Adding and Modifying Fixtures
And Equipment 403
6.2 Defining the System Relationship 427
Exercise: Defining the System Relationship Copyright 2009
Plumbing Systems 431 Advanced Solutions Inc.
June 1, 2010
Exercise: Defining and HVAC and Page iii
Sprinkler Piping System 439
Revit MEP 2011 - Fundamentals
NOTES Table of Contents Continued
Chapter Page
6.3 Creating Connection Geometry 445
Exercise: Creating Connection Geometry 451
7 Coordinating the Model 507
7.1 Interference Check 509
Exercise: Check and Fix Interference
Conditions 515
7.2 Coordination Review 522
Exercise: Coordination Review 529
8 Annotating the Model 533
8.1 Adding Tags 535
Exercise: Placing Tags in a View 539
8.2 Text and Dimensions 541
Exercise: Placing Text and Dimensions 547
8.3 Adding and Editing Schedules 555
Exercise: Creating an Air Terminal Schedule 557
Exercise: Creating a Light Fixture Schedule 561
8.4 Defining Additional Views with Callouts 567
Exercise: Define Additional Views with
Callouts/Sections 577
8.5 Placing Views on Sheets 585
Exercise: Placing Views on Sheets 589
Copyright 2009
Advanced Solutions Inc.
June 1, 2010
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Revit MEP 2011 - Fundamentals
About This Book NOTES
This book is intended to be used as a guide during the training class and as a
reference to be used after the course. This book is not a comprehensive
reference for all aspects of Revit MEP, it is intended to provide the user with the
fundamental concepts needed to get started and feel comfortable with the
software.
Each Revit MEP course offered at Advanced Solutions will explore different
chapters of this book. It is imperative that Revit MEP Fundamentals is taken prior
to taking any of the discipline specific classes.
This book is organized by chapters, sub-chapters and exercises. Each chapter
has multiple sub-chapters and many of the sub-chapters have exercises. The
datasets for the exercises will be provided to the student prior to the start of the
first class.
The agenda for each Revit MEP course offered at Advanced Solutions is listed
below:
Revit MEP Fundamentals Agenda
Chapter 1- Revit MEP Interface
The User Interface
Chapter 2 – Project Fundamentals
The Rules for Revit MEP
What is BIM – Elements Explained
Design Workflow
Project Template Settings
Project Set Up
Worksets
Printing/Collaboration (working with DWG files)
Revit MEP Mechanical Essentials Agenda
Chapter 3 – Analyzing the Model
Defining Spaces
Adding HVAC Zones
Color Scheme Legends
Heating and Cooling Load Analysis
HVAC Airflow Analysis Schedule
gbXML
Chapter 4 – Mechanical Essentials
Adding and Modifying Equipment
Defining the System Relationship
Creating Connection Geometry (adding and modifying ductwork)
Sizing Duct
Adding Accessories
Chapter 7 – Coordinating the Model
Interference Check
Coordination Review Copyright 2009
Advanced Solutions Inc.
Chapter 8 – Annotating the Model June 1, 2010
Adding Tags Page v
Revit MEP 2011 - Fundamentals
NOTES Adding Text and Dimensions
Adding and Editing Schedules
Defining Additional Views with Callouts
Placing Views on Sheets
Revit MEP Electrical Essentials Agenda
Chapter 3 – Analyzing the Model
Defining Spaces
Color Scheme Legends
Creating a Lighting and Power Load Usage Schedule
Chapter 5 – Electrical Essentials
Adding and Modifying Devices, Fixtures and Equipment
Defining the System Relationship
Creating Connection Geometry (adding and modifying wires)
Sizing Wire
Electrical View Filters
Chapter 7 – Coordinating the Model
Interference Check
Coordination Review
Chapter 8 – Annotating the Model
Adding Tags
Adding Text and Dimensions
Adding and Editing Schedules
Defining Additional Views with Callouts
Placing Views on Sheets
Revit MEP Plumbing, Piping, FP Essentials Agenda
Chapter 3 – Analyzing the Model
Defining Spaces
Creating a Plumbing Fixture Unit Analysis Schedule
Chapter 6 – Plumbing/Piping/Fire Protection Essentials
Adding and Modifying Fixtures and Equipment
Defining the System Relationship
Creating Connection Geometry (adding and modifying piping)
Sizing Pipe
Adding Accessories
Chapter 7 – Coordinating the Model
Interference Check
Coordination Review
Chapter 8 – Annotating the Model
Adding Tags
Adding Text and Dimensions
Adding and Editing Schedules
Defining Additional Views with Callouts
Placing Views on Sheets
Copyright 2009
Advanced Solutions Inc.
June 1, 2010
Page vi
Revit MEP 2011 - Fundamentals
Using the Book and Datasets NOTES
Throughout the book pay special attention to the Tip icons. The icons will
highlight additional hints or suggestions pertaining to the topic being covered.
To download the datasets navigate to Advanced Solutions’ Client Center located
at the following web address: www.advsolinc.com/clientcenter/
After registering with the site the datasets can be accessed under the Training
Class Datasets section of the Home page.
That file structure for the datasets should be maintained as provided. Each of the
datasets are referencing the same architectural model which is provided in the
root directory of the datasets folder.
The datasets were created in Revit MEP 2011. The files cannot be opened in a
previous version of the software. To obtain a free trial version of Revit MEP 2011
please contact your Advanced Solutions’ Business Development Manager or
navigate to Autodesk’s website to download a free trial.
Copyright 2009
Advanced Solutions Inc.
June 1, 2010
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Advanced Solutions Inc.
June 1, 2010
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