IMAGINiT Building Solutions Blog

New Features in Autodesk Revit 2011

This is a list of new features for Autodesk Revit 2011. In later blog I will post the features in greater detail. This list contains new features in Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011, Autodesk Revit Structure 2011 and Autodesk Revit MEP 2011.

I am going to start what is common in all platforms.

1. User Interface

A. Contextural Tab Display:

By default a contextual tab will display when an element is selected, but users may now choose to keep the current tab active instead.
Access: Click AppMenu > Options > User Interface > uncheck Display the Contextual Tab on Selection.

B. Contextual Tab Display Behavior:

After creating an element, clearing a selection, or exiting from a tool, the ribbon can now be set to either return to the previous tab (the default behavior in the Project environment) or to stay on the Modify tab.
Access: Click AppMenu > User By default a contextual tab will display when an element is selected, but users may now choose to keep the current tab active instead. Interface > Tab Display Behavior.

C. Modeless Properties Palette:

Revit now displays instance properties of views and elements while you are working in a project.
This modeless palette also hosts the Type Selector (which can still be added to the QAT by right-clicking on it).
By default, it is docked above the Project Browser on the left side of the screen, but it can be docked in other locations or completely undocked (floated) elsewhere on the screen or another monitor.
Use the Element Filter drop-down (immediately below the Type Selector) to display/change parameters for the view or for currently-selected elements.
During sketch modes (roof, floor, etc) you can use the palette to change the properties for the element being created.
Access: The Properties palette can be toggled on/off via the Properties button, or keyboard shortcut (PP. VP, or Ctrl-1).

D. Modify Tab is Both Static and Contextual:

The Modify tab is now available without having first selected an element (static). When an element is selected or a placement/creation tool is launched, all Modify tools remain in the same location and the element-specific panels are added to the end (contextual).
Access: Click on Modify tab.

E. Modify Tools Improvements:

Many tools in the static Modify panel may now also be used without first selecting an element.

Access: With nothing selected, click a modify tools (such as Move, Rotate, etc) and the cursor will change to indicate the tool. Select the elements you wish to modify (hold down the Ctrl key to add more elements or the Shift key to remove elements) then finish the selection via Enter, Spacebar, or the contextual (right-click) menu.

F. Quick Access Toolbar Customization:

The QAT has new customization control (tool order, spacers, etc) via the Customize Quick Access Toolbar dialog.
Tools added to the QAT in one environment (say the Project) will now be added to other applicable environments (say the Family Editor, etc).

Access: Click on drop-down arrow at the end of the QAT > Customize Quick Access Toolbar; or right-click on any item in the QAT.

G. Resizable Dialogs:

Many dialogs are now resizable - These include: Visibility Graphics, Manage Links, Object Styles, Worksets, View Templates, New Schedule, New Material Takeoff, Phasing, Loaded Tags, Design Options, Insert Views, Export CAD, Manage Place and Location, Materials, Mechanical Settings, Electrical Settings, Building / Space Type Settings, Schedule Settings, Edit Circuits, Select Panels, Select Connector.

H. Worksets and Design Options:

In addition to the ribbon, new controls for Worksets and for Design Options now appear in the Status Bar at the bottom-right of the Revit window.
These tools will display, and allow you to change, the current active settings.

Access: View tab > Windows panel > User Interface button.

2. Worksets

A. Workset Visibility Enhancements:

Workset visibility has been given greater control on a project-wide basis:
Worksets dialog now offers the option to change the visibility of a workset globally.
Worksets tab in individual views has been enhanced to allow the per view workset visibility to be visible, not visible or to follow the global setting (from the worksets dialog).

3. Annotation

A. Tags - Custom Elevation:

User can create and customize Elevation Tags: Customers can edit their elevation tags in a manner similar to customizing section marks. There are two new annotation templates: an Elevation Body and an Elevation Pointer. The pointer family must be nested into the body family. Once the pointer is nested, it can be copied, rotated, and mirrored to represent the desired elevation tag. There is not a limit to the number of Elevation pointers that an elevation body can host.

B. Temporary Dimension:

User Controlled Appearance of Temp Dims: Customer can now access and change the background of a temporary dimension (between transparent and opaque), as well.
Edited References are Remembered: Customer can grab the blue grips defining what a temporary dimension is measuring and place them onto other more important references. This edit is then remembered the next time an object is selected and Temporary Dimensions are displayed. The system remembers these edits until the Revit document is closed.

C. Text Enhancements:

Added the ability to create text notes with bullets and numbering (see new ribbon controls).
Added the ability to specify leader attachment points on a text note (see new ribbon controls and instance properties).
Added the ability to put a box around a text note (see type properties).
Added the ability to adjust the distance between the leader end and the text note (see type properties).
Added Find/Replace text functionality (see new ribbon control).
Added options for exporting text to CAD formats to maintain Visual or Functional fidelity.

4. Visual Enchancements

A. Sun Path and Sun Settings:

The existing "Sun and Shadow Settings" dialog is now titled "Sun Settings", and has been revised to work with the new Sun Path functionality.
Sun Path can be turned on from the View Bar and in the Properties Palette (checkbox under "Graphics").
With SunPath visible, user can "grab" the Sun with their mouse and "move" it to a desired location. They may also enter a time and date in text boxes adjacent to the Sun and its Daily Path.
The Sun's time and date can also still be set in the Sun Settings dialog.

B. Rendering:

Customer can specify Background Image for Rendering: The customer can now browse to an image file to display as a background in their rendering. There are various controls for sizing, fitting, and adjusting the image to the crop region of the view being rendered.
RPC Content does not render:
The RPCs and RenderSettings folders must be copied from [INSTALLDIR]\Data\ into C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Materials2011\assetlibrary_base.fbm folder.
Custom render settings dialog does not work:>/li>
The RPCs and RenderSettings folders must be copied from [INSTALLDIR]\Data\ into C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Materials2011\assetlibrary_base.fbm folder. 

5. Display Enchancements

A. Ambient Occlusion:

Accessed via the Graphics Display Options Dialog box.
Only available when Hardware Acceleration is enabled.

B. Realistic View:

Accessed via the Visual Styles button on the View Control Bar.
Elements that have material definitions assigned will display texture maps in real time.
Only available when Hardware Acceleration is enabled.

C. Consistent Colors View:

Accessed via the Visual Styles button on the View Control Bar.
Displays faces of elements in flat color; faces of elements that are oriented at different angles to the camera will display in the same shaded color.

 

6. Parameters Enchancements

A. Reporting Parameters:

Customer can now apply a "reporting parameter" to reference elements in family templates. Reference elements are walls in a wall hosted family template (such as door or window family) or default reference planes in family templates. Reporting Parameters are "read only" and can be used in formulas and displayed in schedules (if they are "shared parameters").

B. UI Improvements and Defaults:

Parameter Properties creation dialog has been organized to improve workflow. Default Parameter type is now set to Length. There is now a mapping between type of parameter and Grouping of parameter.

C. Loose Labeled Dimensions:

Improvements to in canvas workflows from Conceptual Design environment in 2010 are now in other Family categories in 2011. Customer can lock parameters in the types dialog. Customer can also drag geometry or references that are controlled by parameters without getting a "Constraints not Satisfied" error. The Family environment is easier to work in without having to enter the Family Types dialog as often.

D. Editing Labeled Dimensions in Canvas:

Customer can now click on a parameter (labeled dimension) and input a new value. This will save time by avoiding the family types dialog.

7. Performance Enchancements

A. Model Open:

A portion of model open is now executed in multiple threads. File must be already saved in latest format. Upgrade is not multi-threaded.

B. View Open:

Time to open views has been reduced, especially large complex 3D views.

C. Curtain Wall manipulations:

Changes to curtain walls that propagate to many elements have been improved.
 
D. Sync with Central:

Links should not trigger regeneration if they remain unchange

8. Enhancements and Features

A. Align in 3D:

Align in 3D views in Project Environment: Customer can use the align tool (Found in the modify gallery) on vertical surfaces in 3D views. Examples include aligning the tops of walls with one another (and locking that relationship) or aligning surface patterns from adjacent walls to one another.
Align in 3D views in Conceptual Design Environment: Customer can use the align tool (Found in the modify gallery) in a very robust way in the Conceptual Design Environment. Customer can align almost any element to another element and lock the relationship. Examples include: point, line, face, edge, vertex, ref plane, level - all and any of these can be aligned to one another.

B. Conceptual Design:

Accessed through the Massing families, subprojects are Divided Surface Improvements (Intersects), Form Element Improvements (dissolve, workplane viewer, form element sketch editing), and Adaptive Components.

C. Location:

The old "Manage Place and Locations" dialog is now called "Location Weather and Site".
The former "Place" tab is now titled "Location", and contains a new map-based method of specifying a project's location, as well as the exiting list-based selection method.
The former "Locations" tab is now titled "Site"; its functionality remains unchanged.

D. Repeat Last Command:

Customers can now use the "Enter" key, or Right Click context menu to repeat the last command used.
Customers can right click and view the last 5 commands used and then they can Repeat Recent Commands.

E. Guide Grids:

Customers can display "Guide Grids" in Sheet Views only by going to the "View Tab", "Sheet Composition Panel", Guide Grid.
There can be multiple types of Guide Grids with different grid spacing stored in the project and applied to Sheets via element properties of the Sheet.
The Guide Grid can be used to align Views placed on sheets consistently. The Guide Grids can be snapped to Grid Lines, Levels, Ref Planes, View Ports. 

F. Keyboard Shortcuts:

A new Keyboard Shortcut dialog facilitates the assignment and management of hot keys for most Revit tools and commands.
New shortcuts are available immediately, without having to restart Revit.
Access: Open the dialog by typing KS (its default shortcut) highlight the tool/command, then type up to 5 alphanumeric keys, press Assign and OK; or click AppMenu > Options > User Interface > Keyboard Shortcuts > Customize.
 
H. Help:

Currently only working with Microsoft Internet Explorer as the default system browser.
 

9. Linking Files:

A. Linked Files Tagging and Reference Management:
New functionality around interfacing with linked models includes:
Tags may now be placed on elements in a linked model with the exception of areas, zones, spaces, keynotes, floor span symbols, path reinforcement span symbols, area reinforcement span symbols or the multi-tag beam annotations
Tags and face based elements which have been hosted on elements of a linked model will now be flagged and collected in a new browser which may be accessed on the collaborate tab via the new "Reconcile Hosting" command.

B. Linked Model Workset visibility and control:

Several enhancements to treatment of linked model have been implemented - These include:
Linked Revit model viewed "By Host" will set the visibility of linked model worksets which share the same name as host model worksets to the visibility of the host model worksets in that view.
In view Visibility Graphics under the Linked Revit Models tab, linked model worksets can be individually turned on or off
Linked model worksets may now be opened or closed from the "Manage Links" dialog by selecting "Manage Worksets".

10. Sheet List

A. Creation of Placeholder Sheets:

Customer can create a sheet list and add "Placeholder" sheets to represent consultant sheets that could not otherwise be displayed in the Revit file. The Placeholder sheets have the same editable parameters as normal sheets, but do not show up in the Project Browser. 

B.Turning Placeholder Sheets into Real Sheets:

The Placeholder sheet functionality can also be used to create multiple sheets quickly. When making a new sheet using the "Sheet" command the list of Placeholder Sheets is displayed - these can be multi-selected and assigned a titleblock - thus creating many sheets at once.
 

11. DWG Export

A. In this release improvements have been made to the Export to DWG feature.

B. You should see increased visual fidelity when export Revit files to DWG.

C. Export option for True Color from Revit to DWG has been added.

D. Export option for Text treatment from Revit to DWG has been added.

Revit Structure 2011 New Features

1. Structural - Analysis

A. Several structural analysis enhancements have been implemented - These include:

Horizontal projection from columns and beams.
Horizontal projection from the center of a wall core.
Vertical projection auto detect behavior of columns.
Vertical projection from beams.
Manual analytical adjustment of columns.
Rigid Links enhancements between Beams & Columns.

2. Structural - Beam System

A. Several beam system enhancements have been implemented - These include:
Specify Beam Direction with walls and beams.
Specify Beam Direction from an independent sketch line.
Remove the Beam System while retaining beam elements.

3. Structural - Concrete Join/Cleanup

A. Several concrete end joins and cleanup conditions have been improved for:
Curved beam.
Variable beam profiles.

4. Structural - Connection Symbol

A. Several connection symbol enhancements have been implemented - These include:

Load new connection symbol families.
Load and manage connection symbol families.
More choices for connection symbols are allowed for structural columns and framings.

5. Structural - Reinforcement

A. Several structural reinforcement enhancements have been implemented - These include:

Reinforcement for Spiral.
Reinforcement project units.
Reinforcement of Slab Edges.
Configuring rebar sets.
Additional hook bend radius for rebar.
Concrete host cover reference has configurable object style.
Concrete host cover reference visibility.
Major spacing of area reinforcement in tags.
Reinforcement with spiral rebar.

6. Structural - Slanted Column

A.Several slanted column enhancements have been implemented - These include:

Plan view placement.
Column end geometry position control when attached to a beam.
Cut column tangent to an attached structural floor.
Unattached column end cut appearance.
Beam join elevation on resized columns.

7. Structural - Truss

A. Several truss enhancements have been implemented - These include:

Bottom chord attaches to structural floors and foundation slabs
Sketch chords on attached trusses
Remove the truss family while retaining beam elements
  

 

Revit MEP 2011 New Features

1. Cable Tray and Conduit Modeling

A. Can create and modify cable tray/conduit and relevant fittings in plan/section/elevation/3D view.
 
B. Can add cable tray surface or point connector and conduit connector in Family Editor.

C. Can connect conduit to cable tray.

D. Can connect conduit to an equipment anywhere surface with conduit/cable tray surface connector.

E. Define bend concept for cable tray/conduit without fittings type.

F. Can schedule cable tray/conduit, fittings and run.

G. Variable radius bends for conduit/cable tray.

H. Definable conduit materials with specified inside/outside diameters.

2. Copy/Monitor - MEP fixture

A. Revit MEP now has enhanced copy-monitor features:

Plumbing fixtures, air terminals, mechanical equipment and lighting fixtures may now be copy-monitored from a linked model.
Fixtures may all be copied at once using the new Batch Copy functionality (only applies to MEP fixtures).
Fixtures from linked models may be mapped to host families or copied directly into the host project via the "Copy Original" setting.
  

3. Duct - Oval Duct

A. Flat Oval duct is now an option when creating duct within a project.

B. When upgrading projects Oval Duct will not be available until Project Standards are transferred from the 2011 template. 

4. Electrical - Panel Schedules and Demand Factors:

A. Panel Schedule Template editing:

The preview window in the Edit Borders dialog is not repainting.
A deleted project parameter may still display in a panel schedule template until it is closed and reopened.
Multiple selection of non-contiguous cells is not supported.

B. Panel Schedule View:

The distribution system/voltage does not update dynamically.
Changes by other users are not always refreshing when using Reload Latest.
Merged cells flicker when the view is updated.
Circuits may end up in the same slot when a panel schedule is rebalanced.
Multiple selection of non-contiguous cells is not supported.
Move Up and Move Down tools are not working in Switchboard and Data panels.

C. Load Classifications:

Load Classification parameters may not display correctly when load are updated and LCs are added/removed.

5. Piping - Companion Flanges:

A. Flange content is not combined with other Fittings content, but instead can be found in:

[Revit Path]\[library]\Pipe\Fittings\Gray Iron Flanges
[Revit Path]\[library]\Pipe\Fittings\Steel Flanges

Autodesk Navisworks Family of Products

What are the different flavors of Navisworks?

The product family includes Autodesk® Navisworks® Review, Autodesk® Navisworks® Simulate, Autodesk® Navisworks® Manage and Autodesk®Navisworks® Freedom, which is a free* viewer for Autodesk Navisworks NWD native files and 3D DWF file formats.

The Autodesk® Navisworks® family of products helps architecture, engineering,and construction teams improve controlover the outcome of their projects. WithNavisworks solutions, detailed designmodels can be aggregated and reviewed byall project stakeholders, helping users to benefit from the competitive advantages of building information modeling (BIM) workflows.
BIM processes allow team members to explore a project’s key physical and functional characteristics digitally before it is built, helping to deliver projects faster, more economically, and with reduced environmental impact.
With Autodesk Navisworks solutions,users can combine design data created in applications—such as the AutoCAD® software and Autodesk® Revit®-based applications—with geometry and information from other design tools in multiple file formats, regardless of file size.
The result is a whole-project view that helps all project stakeholders to make better design decisions, increase accuracy of construction documentation, and predict performance and planning.

The Autodesk Navisworks software family offers three products to provide project stakeholders with the right tools to help collaborate, coordinate, and communicate more effectively.

Autodesk Navisworks Manage Contains:

1. Project Review Features

Model File and Data Aggregation:

Autodesk Navisworks model file and data aggregation features enable you to combine design, construction, and other project data into a single integrated project model. The software incorporates files in any major 3D design or laser scan file format, reads intelligent data from original design files for viewing beside the model, and imports data from external databases and displays it within the model.

Review Toolkit:

The software’s review toolkit offers a host of tools that facilitate whole-project review.
Its features enable you to measure distance, areas, and angles;store, organize, and share camera views of a design and export those views into images or reports; and add cross sections and section plans to inspect details closely. Navisworks NWF reference files enable you to view the latest version of a CAD design while maintaining previous review data.

NWD and 3D DWF Publishing:

Publish your entire project for a whole-project view.
Complete project models can be published and stored in a single distributable NWD or DWF file with compressed file sizes up to 90 percent smaller than original design files.

Collaboration Toolkit:

Communicate design intent and encourage teamwork with the ability to add markups to viewpoints with advanced redlining tools, comment on viewpoints with searchable notes, record animated walkthroughs for real-time playback, and stream large  models and content, navigating the design as the model loads.

2. Simulation and Analysis Features

Photorealistic Visualization:

Use Autodesk Navisworks advanced visualization features to develop compelling 3D animations and imagery to present projects to stakeholders.
Customize and configure every render aspect, including materials, lights, backgrounds, and rendering styles; use environment backgrounds to add real-world scenery; and choose from more than 1,000 built-in materials to create an accurate, photorealistic look.

Object Animation:

The software’s object animation features help you create animations of objects for clash and interference analysis. You can create interaction scripts that link animations to specific events, triggers, or key comments, and link animations to tasks in a 4D schedule for improved construction planning.

4D Scheduling:

Simulate construction schedules and logistics in 4D to visually communicate and analyze project activities, and help reduce delays and sequencing problems. The 4D scheduling features enable you to verify building or demolition viability by developing construction or demolition sequences that link model geometry to times and dates; import times, dates, and other task data from project management software to dynamically link schedules with project models; and set up planned and actual times to visualize deviations from the project schedule.

3. Coordination

Clash and Interference Detection:

Anticipate and avoid potential problems before construction, reducing expensive delays and rework.
Clash and interference detection features in Autodesk Navisworks Manage software enable you to perform clash tests against specified geometry to more easily find and resolve conflicts.
Link clash tests to 4D simulations and object animations to analyze issues in space and time.

Clash and Interference Management:

Autodesk Navisworks Manage software provides the ability to manage and track clashes and interferences through to resolution. Reports of
clash tests, including comments and screenshots,can be exported to communicate issues to the project team.

4. Project Viewing

Real-Time Navigation:

Explore your integrated project model using advanced navigation tools that produce a realistic, real-time experience. Real-time navigation capabilities are included in all Autodesk Navisworks products.

Navisworks Simulate

Compared to Navisworks Manage, Simuate Contains:

1. Project Review Features

2. Simulation and Analysis Features

4. Project Viewing

Navisworks Review

Compared to Navisworks Manage, Review contains:

1. Project Review Features

4. Project Viewing.

Navisworks Freedom

 
Autodesk Navisworks Freedom:
Autodesk® Navisworks® Freedom software is the free* viewer for NWD and 3D DWF™ files.
Navisworks Freedom extends the whole-project view to all project stakeholders, helping to improve communication and collaboration.

Autodesk Revit Structure 2010 Wall Surface Patterns

In Autodesk Revit Structure 2010 I want to make a surface pattern on a wall.

Here are the steps:

1. From the Home Tab>Structure Panel>Wall Drop-down choose Structural Wall.

 

2. From the Change Element type list choose a wall close to what you want to make. For this example, choose Basic Wall-8".

 

3. From the Element Properties Drop-down choose Type Properties.

4. In the Type Properties choose Duplicate...button. Type in a name, example: Generic - 8" Corrugated.

5. From Type Parameters pick the Edit...button next to the Structure Parameter.

6. From Layer 2, under the Material Column pick the Browse button by <By Category>, this will open the Material Dialog box.

7. Pick the Material, "Default", Choose duplicate button from the bottom left in the dialog box.

 

8. Give the Material a name, in this example type in Corrugated, then click OK

9. In the Surface pattern Drop-down choose a pattern. In this example choose Vertical. You can also choose the browse button next to the surface pattern and pick a pattern in the Fill Pattern Dialog box.

10. In the Cut pattern Drop-down choose a pattern. In this example choose vertical-small.

11. Click OK in the dialog box until they all close.

12. Draw the wall in a view, then choose the default {3D} view under 3D Views from the Project Browser.

13. Note: you don't see the new surface pattern. In Revit Structure 2010 this is hidden in Visibility Graphics.

14. Open the Visibility Graphics box by typing the shortcut VV from your keyboard.

15. From Model Categories, scroll down to Walls. Under Projection/Surface the Patterns for the wall is Hidden. Pick on Hidden override.

16.  From the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog box turn on Visible, then pick OK until you are out of the dialog boxes.

 

17. The Surface Pattern now shows up on the wall.

Revit MEP Analytical Model and Building Load Calculations

Questions abound about how Revit MEP can interface or replace existing load calculation software like Trane TRACE or Career HAP.  If your design engineers are unwilling to move to a new program, Revit MEP features a native “Analytical Model” capable of exporting a gbXML file for analysis.  The Analytical Model provides mechanical engineers with a wealth of easy to understand visual information.  This model is a graphical representation of the envelope configuration engineers have been constructing in their minds eye, while creating text based input files, for a generation.  The procedure is as follows:

1)   With a linked Revit Architecture file loaded, ensure that the “Room Bounding” check box is selected from the Type Properties of the linked file.  This guarantees that the linked file properly defines the bounds of each space.  This is critically important for a successful calculation

 

 

2)   Activate the space tool.  The “Analysis” tab is unique to Revit MEP and where the user can find the internal Heating and Cooling Load engine.

 

3)   The graphical difference between an unbounded space (Revit will not allow a space to be placed) and a bounded one, respectively:

 

4)   Once each space has been defined, spaces are grouped using the zone tool.  Standard engineering practice for quality zoning is unchanged.  Knowledge of occupancy, use, and system type are critical to occupancy comfort and efficient building operation.  With each space added to the appropriate zone the engineer can quickly review the assignments graphically or in tree format using the “System Browser”

 

 

5)   With spaces and zones defined the engineer can export to gbXML to use an external software analysis package or use the “Heating and Cooling Loads” function within Revit MEP.  I believe the latter is more direct.  Either way the analytical model is displayed for visual confirmation that spaces and zones are properly defined.  Analytical models in the Export gbXML window and Heating and Cooling Load window are show:

Revit MEP 2010 moves closer to the ultimate goal of interoperability between analysis packages.  Professional skill and artistry can never be replaced by technology, but mundane and redundant tasks like building a unique three dimensional model for each analysis package can be streamlined using Revit.