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Setting up Levels

     Setting up Levels is another important procedure that you should do it before starting your project modeling. If you use the default Revit Architecture template, you will see two levels. The default BCA template comes with 10 storeys for new project (may be different from your office standard template), but you can easily define as many levels in your project as you needed.

     To add new levels, open any one of the elevation views and then click Home tab > Datum panel > Level

     When you create a new level, Revit Architecture automatically creates a Floor Plan view and Reflected Ceiling Plan view for that level (if you turn on the Make Plan View option in the options toolbar ;Default is turn on).

     If you are not sure whether you want that view or not, you can turn off the Make Plan View first. Later if you need that view, click View tab > Plan Views and select the view as you needed.

     Now the important thing to do is to change the project datum level. If you are using the BCA template, you will see two types of Level Families as shown.

     Select all the level markers in any of the elevation view and then go to Properties > Element panel > change the element type to “Circle Head – Shared Datum”. After that click Manage tab > Project Location panel > Position > Relocate Project

     To move the project graphically in the view, click on the drawing area to enter move start point. Then the best way to enter move end point is, move the cursor vertically in the direction that you want and type a value for the distance and press ENTER.

    

     If you are using the default Revit Architecture template, you need to create at least two types of Level Families as shown.

     Select all the level markers in any of the elevation view and then go to Properties > Edit Type > Type Properties

     Under Type, click Rename to rename the existing family to add “-Project Datum” behind and click OK.

     You will get 8mm Head-Project Datum Family as shown

     And then click Duplicate to create the new type of family naming “8mm Head-Shared Datum” as shown and click OK.

     Then go to Type Properties > Type Parameters > Constraints > Elevation Base dropdown list, change Project to Shared and click Apply and OK. Now you have new 8mm Head-Project Datum Family as shown.

Starting New Project with Office Standard Template

     If you want to start a new project in Revit Architecture, you need to know which template file to choose. Template files are designed to hold standard information and settings for creating new project files. Your office may have their own standard template file created by BIM Consultant / BIM Manager based on BCA’s Architectural BIM e-Submission Template.
     From the application menu, click New > Project

     You will see the New Project dialog as shown below

     Under Template file, you will see the default template. If you want to use your office standard template, you can click “Browse” and navigate to the location of the office standard template (----.rte), and then click open.

     Another way to start a new project based on the default template is to use the Quick Access Toolbar. At the end of the Quick Access Toolbar,

clickand select “New” as shown in below.

     By doing that, you will see New icon on the Quick Access Toolbar and just click on it.

  

     You also can set up the default to your office standard template under options dialog. From the application menu, this time go down to the bottom and click options. In the options dialog, click “File Locations” tab. Under  “Default template file” click “Browse” and navigate to the location of the office standard template (----.rte), and then click open, and then click OK. This is a one-time setting, such that the office standard template is always loaded when you launch the Revit application.

Central file & Local file in Revit

     In many projects, most of the time the schedule get tight and the project management wants to add more team members to meet a deadline. In 2D CAD environment, we need to split the files and give them to new team members to help meet a deadline.

     In a Revit project, we can have a single model file called central file which is the main file that holds all of the worksets. This central file is created by the BIM Manager or Project Leader and stored on a server, enabling multiple users to access it and work on the same model simultaneously. After creating a central file with user-created worksets, you need to copy it and saved it in your local computer as a local file. When you are helping the project, this local file is to modify and save locally and synchronize it with the central file. 

     Workset is a collection of related elements in a project in which an individual team member would work on. Worksets are part of the worksharing process, allow you to divide up portions of the model. In 2D CAD environment, we can have separate layers and named views and can use the partial open option to select which view and layer geometry (graphical objects only) that you want to work with in a drawing. In Revit, worksets are similar to those layers and named views but more like the building assemblies and components and each workset can be selected to load or not to load when you open a project.

CAD Manager & BIM Manager

     Most companies have a CAD Manager but a CAD Manager is different to a BIM Manager. CAD Manager would have focused on layering standards and plotting issues, BIM Manager must determine how models from consulting engineers are coordinated. New skills and new way of thinking is required. Understanding the differences can get the benefits include accuracy, consistency, integration, coordination and synchronization.

     To fully support BIM, two important roles are required for each firm.

     Model manager looks after the technology and the content for that technology in regard to families, templates and procedures. Model Manager needs to understand different needs of the delivery team (Architects, Engineers, QS and Contractors). The Model Manager works much earlier with entire project team in setting up the project structure and data exchange formats. Model Manager must have technical knowledge of the BIM application used, related systems and network infrastructure, and awareness of new technologies. Model Manager must also have strong teaching and coaching skills to bring new team members up to speed.

     BIM Manager looks after the data structure, collaboration and auditing of the models. BIM Manager needs to understand project workflows (Conceptual Design, Schematic Design, Design development, Construction Documentation phases) and project management. BIM Manager must have the ability to communicate the benefits of BIM firm-wide and objective decision-making in times of crisis.

     If you would like to be a BIM Manager / Model Manager, you need to learn the application software (Autodesk Revit or GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD) for BIM first. Then you can sign up the Specialist Diploma programme in Building Information Modeling (BIM) at BCA Academy.

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)

     Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a new three-dimensional modelling
Technology and an integrated process that allows the building professionals of various disciplines to explore the building project digitally, before it is built. BIM facilitates better teamwork among the professionals, helping to reduce unnecessary reworks when the project is being constructed.
     Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become one of the most exciting developments in the building and construction industry in recent years. Most of the countries such as Unites States, Finland and Norway have made BIM mandatory for public sector building projects.
     As I am currently working in Singapore's Architectural Firm, I would like to share BIM information on my Blog. Since January 2010, BCA started accepting Architectural BIM submissions for regulatory approval. BCA will mandate electronic submissions in BIM format for architectural, structural and M&E plans for building works for regulatory approval by 2015, starting with architectural e-submissions in 2013. The public sector will also take the lead in driving BIM adoption and work towards specifying this as a requirement in new building projects from next year.
     I would like to suggest to all my fellows to start learning in Autodesk Revit Software (or) Griphisoft ArchiCAD software for BIM.