By Povilas Sindriūnas, AGACAD Architectural Engineer & BIM Application Engineer
Challenges posed by poor Revit model management ultimately affect all parties involved in the project-handling and BIM processes. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with various tools and techniques that can bring your modelling and coordination to the next level. In previous articles we discussed Revit’s Inbuilt Warning System and Audit Tool and helpful modelling techniques. In part III we’ll look at what makes models sluggish and some additional tools for Revit model management.
Larger Revit models often get clunky with excessive modelling, inappropriate LOD, or improper modelling techniques. Here’s a list of things that slow models down:
- Number of warnings — and severity
- File size, amount of annotation, and complex geometry
- Hardware – workstation, servers and network (underperforming hardware)
- Irrational model structure
- Poor modelling techniques
- Excessive model constraints
- Void-based families
- Links that are no longer required
- High LOD where not required
- Redundant area schemes containing area separation lines
- Complex railings
- Walls extending through many levels
- Room separation line and wall overlaps
- Starting view upon model opening (Instead of having a complex, live 3D view, make a model audit/information sheet as an opening view or a simple JPEG of a project 3D view.)
- Uncropped/clipped views
- Shadows and realistic views where not required
- Colour schemes
- Having the structural analytical tab visible where structural calculations are not needed (This means Revit does calculation in the background; turn off via Revit settings.)
- Large number of 3D connection details
- Exploded DWG imports
- Irrational use of worksets (Open and close worksets selectively – use only those required for the task.)
- Inconsistent network connection
- Inconsistent synchronization of model (Aim for every 10 to 15 min or up to 30 min depending on the size of the task.)
- Inconsistent or over-detailed families. Families that have odd constraints, inappropriately high LOD, or are poorly drawn.
One size does not fit all. Typically, a project team or a BIM lead would pre-plan and document modelling strategies prior to commencing work. Just as projects differ from one to another, so does strategy. The purpose of a strategy is to aid the modelling process and have a clear understanding on how to resolve issues when they arise both at the individual and collective levels. It should be well thought through with a particular design task in mind. Project success depends on model health and stability.
Companies working with larger projects face more complicated problems as models become data heavy. To help manage large amounts of information, other software tools can be utilized. Below is a list of popular tools that can increase productivity and model efficiency.
AGACAD SMART BROWSER – BIM Solution for Revit
- Browse families and projects
- Manage Revit content
- Manage Revit parameters
AUTODESK MODEL CHECKER – plugin for Revit
- Rule-based checking plugin
- Customizable to company standards
- Generates compliance reports
This sums up our series on Revit model management. Stay on top of your models and staff training. Dedicate sufficient funding and human resources to prevent model failures. And make priorities when solving BIM issues.
If you want to know more about how to increase model efficiency and oversee potential problems before they occur get in touch and we will find a solution that fits your project nature.
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