Imported Geometry Issues in Revit

[Anonymous]

I have a model that I'm finally getting a chance to test importing into revit. I brought in using the converter add-in downloaded from the home page, but there some missing faces when imported. Everything seems fine in the formit model, so a little dissappointed there wasn't a clean import right out of the gate. Another issue is when I try to explode the mass faces so the work could be edited / repaired in the massing environment, it destroys the model with a warning displaying, "Import contained 3D data or points which can't be exploded. Only 2D data was exploded." I guess I was expecting a little more from this process even though it is nice to have about 20% of usable geometry ready to use in revit. However, I'm seeing the detailed work in formit being at a loss once in revit. Only basic mass geometry seems usable. Has anyone played with a process that utilizes the geometry more fully? First blush I'm concerned that the same issues with form generation in other platforms still has to be completely redone once in revit as it does here in formit.

Thanks,

Cody

[Tobias_Hathorn · Accepted solution]

Hi Cody - Thank you for trying out the converter! And especially for posting your findings...

The first thing with the missing face - I can almost guarantee that is due to non-manifold geoemtry. I just helped out a co-worker with a very similar sounding issue - she had a small line on each side of the face that was "dangling" and this caused the front face of her building mass to disappear.

So to check for non-manifold geometry (or watertight issues) do the following:

• Open your model in FormIt web or iOS
• Go to the Settings > Model Diagnostics > Display Watertight issues (or use keyboard shortcut DW)
• Examine your model (especially around the missing face) for bright purple lines -
• The purple lines will indicate mal-formed geometry, dangling edges, or other non-solid, non-watertight issues...
• Delete the dangling edges, or fill in the geometry in order to 'clean up' your model
• Try the export again (if you're on web you can export locally, then use the converter to create an RVT)

The other part you mention about exploding the geometry happens if your form isn't a basic extrusion, I'd recommend doing your edits in FormIt and re-importing - exploding geometry isn't always the best thing, even though it can work in some cases.

I hope that helps with your process,

Tobias