Best tutorial on modeling existing MEP for an architect

[jliF3G45]

I work for a small firm, and the MEP engineers we work with do not use Revit. I am working on a particularly complex office fit out where modeling the existing MEP systems would be highly beneficial. We have point cloud data linked in, but it is fuzzy and not a perfect substitute for modeled systems.

I have looked at a few tutorials and instructions, but they are all geared towards people with more knowledge of mechanical systems than me. We have the existing building model in Revit. 

It would probably be faster and easier for me to model in place extrusions, but we do a lot of adaptive reuse and renovation projects, so I wanted to know if there was a better way forward instead of such a hack job.

Any hope for me to learn how to model existing ducts, DCW, sanitary, etc? 

[Tom_Kunsman · Accepted solution]

check out the classes and offering from www.revxmep.com - they do have some portions of classes on YouTube - there is also this YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/live/Zn4dVamOvKQ?si=64cFME6JZe9V34iV

Try and show your MEP engineer how easy it is - I usually will start with the diffusers, then the main duct before duct branches - 

[HVAC-Novice]

Make them use Revit, it is 2026. Or hire better engineers. If they still use AutoCAD, they likely still install coal-fired boilers 🙂 

If you use point clouds, look into Qbitec. The oob Revit point tools really are not great and also are slow. 

As for modeling, any MEP guideline will do, you just skip the parts where flow etc. actually has to work. Look into duct and pipe routing options. Make sure to have 3D/Section and floor/ceiling plans open at the same time and pay attention the de heights set when creating ducts/pipes. 

[JoshEKing · Accepted solution]

Since you mentioned using a point cloud, I expect you have access to some sort of viewer/editor, like ReCap.  I would look into the meshing capabilities of your program and how to pull those meshes into Revit.

Otherwise, any MEP basics will work.  They all cover pretty much the same stuff.  It's just a matter of how well you can tolerate the presenter.  We usually point interns at this one:
https://www.autodesk.com/learn/ondemand/collection/building-mep 

You can pick and choose what modules to view.  If you're not interested in the calcs, don't view those modules.

[jliF3G45]

Thanks for the responses. I'll dig and see what I can figure out. 

We view all the point cloud data in Cintoo? And we just import the .rcp data into Revit as well. 

I honestly don't know the reasons for this engineer not moving onto Revit, but I suspect cost, lack of desire to learn something new, and relative low complexity on the typical project have to do with it. I started at a larger firm, so I'm accustomed to a more integrated workflow. I don't know the reasons for continuing to work w/these engineers, but my guess is long running relationships.

[jliF3G45]

Hi, are these courses behind a paywall? I get a 404 error when I click on the "view" button for the courses.

[JoshEKing]

I don't think they are.  Are you logged in to the site?

[jliF3G45]

Yes. I poked around and found a different collection of MEP tutorials though, so I think that will help!

[jliF3G45]

Thanks, everyone! I was able to model what I needed.

Turns out the MEP engineers are starting to use Revit but for whatever reason decided not to for this project. I don't know how they decide when to use what. It seems they are in a learning phase.