What’s New for MEP in Revit 2023

What’s New for MEP in Revit 2023

by | May 9, 2022 | Autodesk, BIM

With Revit 2023, we’re pleased to provide capabilities that span all aspects of the workflow for electrical and mechanical design; from early conceptual design and analysis, to the creation and documentation of design deliverables, along with improvements to support detailed design for construction.

These improvements address a number of strategic areas, including using analysis as the basis of design, and using models as deliverables for construction. They also address quality-of-life issues for BIM practitioners, several of which were top vote-getters on on the Revit Idea Station.

Let’s get into it.

NEW ANALYTICAL WORKFLOW FOR ELECTRICAL PRELIMINARY DESIGN

We are pleased to deliver a new early stage design workflow for electrical engineers and designers. Similar in concept to the Systems Analysis Framework provided for mechanical engineers in the 2020.1 release, new functionality equips electrical engineers to define early stage design information pertinent to power distribution within Revit.

Unlike traditional workflows that have engineers managing information in different places — preliminary one-lines, spreadsheets, DWGs, and often PDFs — this new workflow provides a way for Revit to manage the key electrical loads and distribution information, without having to physically model any part of it. We heard from designers that the requirements for distribution systems are defined and iterated long before it is necessary or even desirable to create a physical model. As such, it is now possible to conceptually define and connect loads and distribution system elements before commencing model creation.

This new workflow provides a BIM centric way to commence electrical power distribution design workflows, with a vision towards connecting those workflows to downstream workflows in the future.

 

MAJOR PAIN POINT RESOLVED FOR MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DESIGNERS

One of the long standing big pain points with connected MEP networks is that they were never designed with phasing in mind. Over the years, this has resulted in two main problems that arise when an element is demolished, and resulted in one of the top MEP specific ideas on the Revit Idea Station. This release solves those two key problems, which are: elements losing their system association, and elements no longer connected to adjacent elements.

Historically, once an element (e.g., duct or pipe elements) is demolished, it no longer ‘remembers’ what system it was part of. As a result, various workarounds existed to be able to define views that show the appropriate demolished system elements (e.g., piping views for hydronic, plumbing, fire protection, medical gas, etc.) in appropriate demolition views. This has been resolved in this release. When an element is demolished, it still maintains relationship to the system, thus property values such as System Name, System Classification, and System Abbreviation persist.

Additionally, when elements are demolished (whether design duct/pipe, conduit, cable tray, or fabrication elements), they maintain their connectivity to adjacent elements, thereby support typical modification behaviors.

Note: this does NOT solve the larger problem of having independently computable states of mechanical or electrical system networks.

ENERGY ANALYTICAL MODEL IMPROVEMENTS

As the need to measure and reduce Building Energy Use and Carbon Emissions only grows and while Next Gen Insight is still in development we made a number of foundational improvements to Revit’s Energy Analytical Model. These will benefit Insight (for early stage / big picture energy analysis), Systems Analysis (for more detailed sizing and simulation) and gbXML export for 3rd party analysis tool.

While the main focus of these improvements relate to Accuracy, Precision and Performance, we started this by essentially refactoring key components originally written many years ago. This not only provides a better basis for making even more improvements in the future, it provides improved Revit processing speed up to 3X faster and now eliminates memory limitations for very large models in Revit 2023.

Beyond this, knowing the single biggest source of accuracy and precision issues with the Energy Analytics Model (EAM) come from the handling of curtain walls, the robustness and efficiency of this has now been greatly improved. For example, previously individual curtain panels would result in separate analytical surfaces, even when they had the same thermal properties. Now these are rationalized into a single analytical surface and this greatly reduces processing time in both Insight and Systems Analysis. There are also many other conditions/combinations of curtain panels and other elements that now resolve better.

Finally, and specifically for Systems Analysis because it uses EnergyPlus via OpenStudio measures, we’ve addressed a long list of small issues that together were pulling run success rate down to around 70% but is now close to 100%. This is based on our analytics and testing and we say close to 100% just because geometry never ceases to surprise and we’re not wanting to be complacent.

ELEVATION ANNOTATION IMPROVEMENTS

Two other highly rated MEP Idea Station items are related to improving the ability to annotate elevations of MEP segments. The improvement addresses both design and detailed fabrication elements, for mechanical, as well as electrical. Previously, the elevation of an element such as pipe or conduit was always reported relative to its reference level. This improvement provides the flexibility to define tags to annotate relative to the level, the project base point, or survey point. We also improved the available built-in parameters for annotating straight segment components of MEP systems to provide a lot more flexibility. These improvements address these Idea Station items:

  • “Currently with fabrication pipe in Revit you are unable to set the Spot/Invert Elevation tagged parameters to go off of a different value than level. For example, when doing underground pipe it often needs to be based off of sea level (project base point), not offset from level. I.E: we want to see 347′ – 6″ not -2′ – 1″.”
  • “Currently when using any of the elevation parameters they tag only one end of the pipe. For level runs this is not an issue, but it is not possible to get the top and bottom elevations of a sloped run.”

OTHER IMPROVEMENTS FOR MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DESIGN FIRMS

We also added categories for Plumbing Equipment and Mechanical Control Devices (for things like thermostats), to make it easier to define views that contain the expected elements.

Additionally, in family editor, it is now possible to re-host a connector, allowing you to move it within family editor without having to redefine it.

Another request we implemented is adding a parameter for the circuit number for the Electrical Equipment category, so it can be included on tags, schedules, and view filters, just like all other electrical devices and mechanical equipment.

Lastly, we improved the way that annotation symbols nested in family with the ‘maintain annotation orientation’ option properly maintain orientation in certain cases. There were cases where symbols that are directional in nature (e.g., an exit sign with directional arrow) could show inconsistently between plan and ceiling views, and we also addressed the issue where a family rotated on the surface of a wall (e.g., rotating a duplex receptacle from vertical to horizontal) could result in unexpected annotation orientation.

 

Top Left and right: New categories for Mechanical Control Devices and Plumbing Equipment are in Revit 2023
Bottom Left: Nested annotation symbols within families maintain proper orientation in advisable cases

DETAILED MECHANICAL MODELING/FABRICATION IMPROVEMENTS

An improvement to manufacturing workflows is that we addressed consistency problems related to how holes for damper blades develop in duct fittings. Prior to this improvement, proper support for holes is somewhat inconsistent across patterns, and the behavior could be a bit unpredictable. In some cases, holes are not developing even if configured to do so, and in other cases, holes are developing at incorrect locations, resulting in a lot of manual 2D modification of duct developments, disrupting manufacturing operations.

Addressing this cuts out manual intervention in the process, thereby streamlining design to manufacturing and assembly workflows.

Building on the foundation of Revit 2022.1, Revit 2023 adds enhancements for the creation and editing of detailed mechanical models, making it easier to accurately create a model that is ready for installation, and in particular, making it easier to deal with the complexities of sloped piping systems.

In 2022.1 the improvements were:

  • Ensuring that routing rolled fittings (elbows and tees) maintain perpendicular orientation, and don’t become slightly askew.
  • Providing the ability to easily connect between two elements at an arbitrary slope, or place a vertical riser (similar options existed for some time already with the design LOD elements).
  • Improvements to maintaining sloped piping layouts – eliminating cases of undesirable shifting of elements in other parts of the network.

In 2023, additional enhancements improve the editability of fabrication elements, applying similar capabilities that historically only existed on design elements. These are:

  • Added end of element elevation controls to straight fabrication segments, making it easier to adjust the top and bottom elevation of a elements in canvas
  • Flip controls on in-line fittings such as wyes and valves, to easily adjust their orientation when necessary.

 

PLATFORM IMPROVEMENTS

There are a wide variety of improvements to the Revit platform that provide a benefit to MEP users. One of our favorites is the new ability to displace elements in 2D views, which addresses this long standing Idea Station item:

“We need the ability to offset annotation symbols in families to prevent overlapping symbols in our documentation. Maybe the annotation could attach to a widget (similar to the room calculation point) that allowed dynamic movement of the annotation in the project.” – Jerry

Additionally, improvements enable tagging of displaced elements which addresses this idea station item:

“I want to draw attention to the fact that several versions of Autodesk Revit tool we have “Displace Elements”. This tool would be very useful for engineers to create isometric views of piping systems, cable trays, air ducts, etc., but we cannot tag displaced elements!” – R_Mitin

Be sure to check out all the Design Productivity and Documentation Efficiency improvements in Revit 2023.

 

 
 
[Authored by: Ian Molloy, Martin Schmid, Brandon White]
Best Practices For Using BIM in IWMS

Best Practices For Using BIM in IWMS

by | May 5, 2022 | ARCHIBUS, BIM, IWMS, Workplace & Facility Management

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a collaborative project management process that is used to manage the design, construction, and process of real estate, infrastructure, and facilities assets. At its core is the inclusion of all (as many as possible) of the project’s stakeholders, including facility professionals.

More specifically, from a lifecycle management perspective, the process allows for a facilities and operation viewpoint to be considered throughout the building design and construction periods. The process also provides an opportunity to transfer quality data – through the model’s database – that is generated at different building lifecycle phases to an integrated workplace management system (IWMS). In turn, the IWMS enables facilities professionals to hit the ground running once the building is commissioned and occupied.

But what information is needed to ensure a seamless transition from the design-build phase to operations?

The following guide provides a BIM Execution Plan to define the BIM-related workflows and responsibilities for each project; a Level of Development (LOD) reference standard to provide clarity throughout the construction process; and answers many of the questions you may have when considering deploying and IWMS with BIM.

Download the guide, Best Practices for Using BIM in an IWMS, to explore best practices in data gathering and implementation.

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5 Ways Digitalization Fosters a Collaborative Culture in Architecture

5 Ways Digitalization Fosters a Collaborative Culture in Architecture

by | Jan 21, 2022 | Architecture, BIM, Collaboration

collaborative architecture cannondesign team

The CannonDesign team collaborates using VR and other visualization tools. Courtesy of CannonDesign.

In 2017, CannonDesign broke ground by hiring Hilda Espinal as its first chief technology officer—a surprisingly uncommon position for large architecture and engineering firms.

With her background in architecture, information technology, and project management, Espinal helps the firm use technology to develop better design and stronger partnerships. This approach, she believes, leads to higher productivity, competitiveness, and profits for everyone involved in a project, from the designers to the builders to the building occupants. Firms might once have kept information close in the name of differentiation, but Espinal is seeing more of a collaborative spirit in the industry: an open-sharing environment that helps everyone start the race from farther down the track.

Though Building Information Modeling (BIM) is at the core of this shift, Espinal says a culture of sharing has spurred other practices, such as bringing subject-matter experts in-house for planning and design. Here, Espinal offers five lessons that illustrate ways digitalization is transforming the culture of collaboration for architects, engineers, contractors, and occupants and owners.

collaborative architecture kaiser permanente radiation oncology center in anaheim, california

CannonDesign’s in-house medical experts collaborated with the firm’s designers on the Kaiser Permanente Radiation Oncology Center project in Anaheim, CA. Courtesy of CannonDesign.

1. Sharing Information Facilitates Progress

Project delivery is not a linear process, but it’s often presented that way, Espinal says. In reality, many aspects of it are often cyclical, and therefore, the opportunities to share information are rich. “I’m a licensed architect, and while our expertise is crucial to a project, it is limited,” she explains. “Imagine how much better it would be if we had the additional insight of a contractor—early on—to help further educate us on constructability realities and help each other avoid design-to-build pitfalls. Because when we operate in silos, we are simply not equipped to foresee.”

When computer modeling first became part of design, it required such a massive investment of technology, time, education, and content building that firms were reluctant to share information, Espinal says. Now, the technology has evolved to a point where nearly everybody in developed economies can access it. Espinal hopes that best practices for using modeling and visualization software will be established for each industry sector; adopting a common approach could get people at all stages of a project on the same page much quicker.

“Information is power—when it’s shared, not when it’s kept to yourself,” she says. “That’s when we start to evolve and improve upon each other’s knowledge. Being able to free resources up, it’s ultimately going to benefit the actual product, whether it’s a building or a city.”

3. Collaboration Must Begin Within

In the next five years, Espinal says she’d like to see more digital collaboration happening within design, engineering, and construction firms, which will lead to better information sharing with other collaborators. On a strategic level, firms can start by having conversations about what they’re comfortable sharing and what they aren’t, so it’s all very intentional.

 

UC San Diego Health’s Jacobs Medical Center. Courtesy of CannonDesign.

“Knowledge sharing and knowledge capture really need to grow at the micro level and within our own firms, where we should make a more concerted effort toward digitizing our knowledge,” she says. “You need to not just have it all in your head; you need to record it somewhere and make it accessible and shareable. That’s the very first step.”

Because CannonDesign’s portfolio includes major health-care projects—such as UC San Diego Health’s Jacobs Medical Center and the Kaiser Permanente Radiation Oncology Center in Anaheim, CA—the firm has taken the uncommon step of hiring staff medical professionals that are integrated in project design from the get-go. Its practice, therefore, includes early advisory services all the way through post-occupancy engagement and facility-optimization solutions.

4. Visualization Software Is Here to Stay

There are many ways to approach client collaboration. When CannonDesign created the new student center for Toronto’s York University, for example, it engaged 11,000 students in every aspect of the process, working to ensure that inclusivity and wellness were at the forefront of the design. Designers are trained in a vocabulary of drawings. They can present building sections and elevations and convey what they represent to project stakeholders. But immersive visualization platforms—virtual reality, augmented reality, and the like—improve dialogue with clients and project partners, Espinal says.

“With the advent of technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality, we can say, ‘Here, please try on these goggles,’ and you can walk in this space and ask, ‘Does that ceiling feel too low? Does the width of this hallway feel right?’” she explains. “Now, clients can really experience design. It gives them a much louder voice to say, ‘Hey, this works; this doesn’t’—they become a further part of the design process.”

collaborative architecture York University student center Toronto cannondesign

York University’s new student center in Toronto. Courtesy of CannonDesign.

5. Information Sharing Is an Ecological Responsibility

Climate change puts increasing pressure on designers to create sustainable, resilient spaces—reusing materials, reducing waste, and orienting buildings to maximize daylight or other conditions. Because climate change poses threats to the built environment, it may not be ecologically responsible for individual firms to spend time and resources developing their own sustainability solutions when the greater community could benefit from those ideas.

“If you’re committed to being sustainably sensitive, you start to think about glazing versus opaque surfaces or about the orientation of a building, modeling it and testing options,” Espinal says. “After a few times of trying it, it becomes part of the intel.” She says designers have a responsibility to share this insight: “Ultimately, being responsible to the environment is just something we need to do and certainly not an area to be competing about. We have one earth to share and need not keep knowledge gained and best practices to ourselves.”

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