topic Re: 4D BIM modeling in Revit MEP Forum

4D BIM modeling

mhillis — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 14:30:16 GMT

Hello everyone!

I have a question. We're looking to create some As-Builts within Revit for upcoming projects and the people looking for these As-Builts are wanting '4D Models'. In particular, they want 4D models to be able to put schedules on the maintenance of Mechanical Equipment (e.g., changing belts, PM checks, etc etc.)

How is this normally achieved in Revit?

My initial assumption is that this is simply information I would affix to Mechanical Equipment families, but regarding that, I wouldn't really know where to begin. Is there a default location on Mech. Equip in Revit that is used for this information or is it something added after the fact?

Any input from those experienced in 4D modeling would be greatly appreciated!

Re: 4D BIM modeling

Arun.Sarku — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:53:05 GMT

Hi,

4D or Fourth Dimension refers to Time. Time meaning the Construction Dates i.e., Planned Start Date, Planned End Date, Actual Start Date and Actual End Date.

We normally use Navisworks to do this 4D Simulation. The procedure in Navisworks would be to Link Revit Model, Link the Project Plan (Primavera or Microsoft Project) Document; followed by mapping Revit Elements to corresponding Construction Activities. After this Navisworks can simulate the virtual construction on Revit Model using the Dates provided in Project Plan.

However in your case, you want to use it for As Built. If I understand right, you may want to tag the Revit Elements with the above mentioned four construction dates. For achieving this you can create these four dates as a Project Parameters (Text Type & Instance). Further you can select the individual elements as required and update these fields.

To fasten the work you may look at using a custom macro or Dynamo script for this as well. Even creating some custom special purpose Revit Filters and Schedules would come handy in this process.

All the best!

Re: 4D BIM modeling

ASCunningham — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 19:53:22 GMT

You will need to come up with a comprehensive shared parameters list. The people looking for these "as-builts" might already have this? It is basically a text file generated from Revit. These shared parameters would then need to be added to the mechanical equipment so it can be scheduled. You might want to look into a program called RF tools if you will have to be adding a lot of parameters to a lot of equipment families. Out of the box revit you can only add one parameter at time but with RF tools you can batch add them all at one time to a particular family or to a entire directory of families.

Re: 4D BIM modeling

ToanDN — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 19:59:23 GMT

@ASCunningham wrote:

You will need to come up with a comprehensive shared parameters list. The people looking for these "as-builts" might already have this? It is basically a text file generated from Revit. These shared parameters would then need to be added to the mechanical equipment so it can be scheduled. You might want to look into a program called RF tools if you will have to be adding a lot of parameters to a lot of equipment families. Out of the box revit you can only add one parameter at time but with RF tools you can batch add them all at one time to a particular family or to a entire directory of families.

Why don't add the parameters directly in project and assign to whatever categories need them?

Re: 4D BIM modeling

ASCunningham — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 20:01:39 GMT

Do you mean creating project parameters instead of a shared parameter list?

Re: 4D BIM modeling

ToanDN — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 20:04:39 GMT

First, you can add shared parameters in project environment and assign them to categories.

Second, by adding them in project, you don't even need them to be shared parameters if the purpose is solely for scheduling.