Autodesk Revit MEP

[#1]

Hi;

I just want to know if there is a way (i.e.. An Autodesk software) to convert a mechanical layout (water pipes layout for example), in Revit format, into a 2D riser diagram (just similar to the one we used to draw using ACAD). This would be very helpful and less time consuming if the 3D layout can be directly converted to a 2D riser diagram. The draftsman is sometimes facing problems when drawing the riser diagram from the Revit model.

So please advice.

Regards;

[#2]

Hi;

I just want to know if there is a way (i.e.. An Autodesk software) to convert a mechanical layout (water pipes layout for example), in Revit format, into a 2D riser diagram (just similar to the one we used to draw using ACAD). This would be very helpful and less time consuming if the 3D layout can be directly converted to a 2D riser diagram. The draftsman is sometimes facing problems when drawing the riser diagram from the Revit model.

So please advice.

Regards;

Autodesk makes lots of software and I am nearly 100% sure that none of the software automatically converts any revit 3D model of a piping layout into a 2D piping diagram.  If your draftsman has trouble sketching out a simple 2D riser diagram in REVIT (or autocad), perhaps you should get another draftsman.  You can probably get an isometric diagram but you'd have items you don't want to show that if you hide, you'll get gaps in your pipes.    

This would be very helpful and less time consuming if the 3D layout can be directly converted to a 2D riser diagram.

You know what else would be less time consuming: if you openned REVIT and REVIT automatically did all the work for you in a few minutes.  I am sure the autodesk programmers are getting on that task for the next REVIT version.

[#3]

Howdy

If all the pipinging work is done in Revit and you would like to create isometrics from that work, there are ways to turn it into a 2D drawing in AutoCad.

However, it cannot be done in Revit '11.

In r. 12 & 13, First create a 3D view of the piping you need to show in isometric. Second, using Filters, shut off every element, line, etc., except the piping. Then, rotate the piping in the view to the angle you want, it doesn't necessarily have to be 30 degrees. Finally, LOCK THE VIEW.

One may export the results to AutoCad and text it up the way you want, or text it up in Revit, except Revit 2011.

I admit, though, that I have a standardized AutoCad Isometric plumbing file I developed over the years which I still use that to create isometric details and then Import them into Revit.

Hope that helps a little.

[#4]

Easy does it... Let's not attack.

Due to Revit's 3D existence, a one-line diagram is pretty much out of the question.  You can cut a section thru the whole building, turn all off but the equipment you are one-lining, however some might be behind others, and you cannot move them.  you can use it as a template, though.

For revit to do this automatically, you would have to accept the Revit OOTB way of doing it (there is none currently), which probably wouldn't be adjustable or customizable, most probably wouldn't like it and would do it manually anyway.

[#5]

Easy does it... Let's not attack.

The sarcastic nature of my response is not an attack on anyone.  The diagram showing the pipe sizes, flows, (whatever else you want to show) ... can come before the REVIT modelling instead of the other way around.  There's a certain "mentality" that I've encountered: REVIT (and especially "BIM", the magical database of stuff a lot people refer to that never used REVIT in their lives) can do anything and everything automatically, easily, and requires little time and effort.  This is usually found in people that either don't use REVIT, project managers that have no clue, senior engineers with their heads in the sand, or architects that should stick to architecture instead of trying to find ways to screw the other disciplines.  It also makes its way to the forums sometimes.

[#6]

To be fair to Sandleaz he has a point - the usual workflow is schematic design then more detailed designs. Therefore a riser diagram would normally be one of the earliest drawings that is produced on a project. 

That said - each project is different and we don't know why meu00 is putting the cart before the horse - could be a good reason or what they are asked to do.

Anyway - the simple answer is no, you can't get a schematic diagram as we are used to from ta 2D package.

The other options of isometrics are one option (and yes you can do it in 2011 but it is text and the 3D view ca be adjusted so that is not an ideal workflow) and asommers option is another (however also fraught with issues).

We normally do the 2D riser diagram in AutoCAD and link into a drafting view as in our workflow, this is the basis of the design and the piping, etc. is the real world interpretation of this design.

Sandleaz - I feel your frustration!!

[#7]

Agree 100%.  The one-Liners typically go first.  Just saying there is no way currently to take a 3d layout (Mue00 has already) and convert into 2d one-line automatically.  Dumb Squares and lines, unfortunately.  Tell the drafter he's not fired, just has to do it the long way around.

[#8]

I know that I am really late to the game but I wanted to share some of my thoughts on this subject. I see the point that everyone in this thread is trying to make, but I have to agree with the original posters stance that Revit should be able to help automate single line diagrams from the components placed in the model. Revit can make schedules, but it is up to the user to make the schedule act and be formatted in a way that works best for their needs. Same goes for single line schematics. This should be an option for those of us who rely on these diagrams to communicate our designs.

It is totally awesome that everything can be in 3D, but let’s face it; we still need these 2D representations for permitting, bidding, and actually building the project. Autodesk does have a lot of awesome tools for iPads and tablets that can be used on a construction site, but I personally don't know any contractor that is going to buy iPad for each employee to use during construction of a project. Let us also not forget about the construction worker who is trying to use an iPad or tablet to check out a connection in 3D, he may not be able to do it. Sure, there are a lot of younger people who work in construction and may have some tech savvy, but if you have a team of older people, they may not be able to ever use a device to check on their questions in 3D. My step-dad, been working in construction his whole life, will never use a device over paper.

Again, I say 3D is awesome, but we need to keep in mind who in the end has to use these drawings. Some sort of automation for riser would make things a little easier for those of us who have to make these all the time.

And for all of those people criticizing mue00 for wanting a little automation to save time, time is money; wouldn't you want to save some dough by not having to spend so much time drawing diagrams for a single project?

I would LOVE to work on diagrams all day, as long as they are for multiple projects. CA-CHING$$$$$$$