Solidworks elements to usable Revit geometry- best practices

[ant]

Hi all,

I work for a concrete element manufacturer and we use Solidworks, where we do very detailed models and production drawings (with reinforcement and all), some with a complex geometry, so drawing in Revit is a No. We are though facing the reality of BIM, and need to deliver usable models to architects and engineers. 

The different coordinate systems aside (SW's x-axis is Revit's z-axis for some inexplicable reason), I can go as far as exporting my files to somewhat usable in Revit models (simplify the geometry and  rotate the files at export). After having read all the forums on the topic I could find, I am down to 2 file formats that do the job (kind of)- IFC and .sat

But I would like to get some input from someone on the receiving end- architect/engineer, that get 3rd part models as ifc or .sat and link them to their Revit projects. i am looking for info on usability- both "only" for geometry checks and collisions but also if you have to use those models for schedules and information extraction (metadata I suppose).

In a project I have, lets say, 50 balconies that are each drawn in SW and then need to be sent to architect, for upload in model. I usually do this: export each balcony as ifc or sat file and send the bunch. This is not received very well, since my balconies do not just attach themselves to the right places- they are imported some place in the model and then the arch needs to place each and every one of them manually where it belongs. This is not only time consuming, but also prone to error. SW does not have the option of sharing coordinates or any other form for coordination of placement in the 3D space, that would match the Revit model. Not to mention, that I have heard from architects, that the .sat files do not show in section view and they do not have a material. 

Therefor I wanted to do something smarter and have some of the following ideas (bear in mind we only have SW and Revit):

1. Using .sat files: import the sat file in a Revit family. There I can assign shared parameters, colour, material etc., so info can be put in a schedule. Then in a new project, link the architect's model and place the families where they belong. Then Export as ifc or directly send the revit file to the architect, so he/she can use it the way they want.

Here I have the following question:

- if I create shared parameters for the first sat file that I turn into a family (lets say i want it to have a material, manufacturer and a specific name among others). Can I save this as family template and then the next sat element I make, using this family template, will have those parameters to begin with? I just don't want to add the same parameters for each element I turn into family. (This must be doable in some way? ) 

2. Using ifc: I can link the arch model in a new Revit file and then link my ifc files, exported from SW, directly in the Revit model and place them (instead of the architect doing that). Then I can send the Revit file to the arch, but as far as I understand, this can not be further exported to a ifc file, since the 50 ifc links of my balconies will not follow (unless I bind them separately, which I read is not particularly useful). 

Is such a file useful to an architect (a revit file, where the 50 balconies are linked as ifc to a linked original arch model)?

Ifc elements also have some strange geometry with many lines on the surface of the imported objects. Can I assign material/appearance to the ifc element? 

On that note: the metadata exported from SW: does it follow the .sat and ifc files into Revit automatically? Where can I see it? It is not in the property window, when I select an imported/linked element in Revit.  The metadata is, I presume, in the language it was created (the custom properties at least) and this language happen to to be Danish. I now have to send a file to Holland, so can they use the metadata that follows at all or they need to assign new parameters and translate it. Some of the data is standard classes and descriptions, but the rest is custom. Can custom data be aded to an ifc file and if yes, how? 

And may be most importantly of all- do you, architects, use those 3rd party models with all that info for other than just geometry check or they use their own revit generated models for that? i am not talking about furniture and HVAC, but balconies, stairs and facades, which are already drawn in the Revit model, when the model comes to us, as a manufacturer.  Cos for geometry check purposes only, there is no need for going to trouble with creating families and assigning parameters and materials? 

I know there is too many questions, but any input is appreciated.  Also if you use other programs... (apart from BIMdex- SW has promised, but not yet delivered, a direct "save as" Revit Family button in version 2019...so let's see if that's going to be the mother of all solutions once and for all).  Just looking for a better way to collaborate between the industries...

Thanks for reading this all-too-long post...

Best,

Aneliya

[L.Maas]

in the engineering world often the y-axis put upwards. In several other disciplines the z-axis points upwards (many are those with earth bound objects).

You can make a family template. Start with a standard revit template. Then add all your parameters and save it.

Then you can open that family and add your sat file.

You also could rename the extension of the new family from rfa to rft. Then it will behave more like normal family template.

Personally I would prefer to receive a single IFC file. Most of the times those files I only need for model completeness/clash detection. All other things are most of the time the responsibility of the creator of the model.

And if needed we can use (free) IFC viewers to check the model if needed.

I would advise to talk to your clients (preferable at the start of the project) and discuss how/what/when to submit to them.

[ant]

Hi Louis,

Thank you for the reply. I will definitely talk to the client. 

Just I have experienced, that some of the clients are not particularly interested in me sending so many ifc elements, that do not automatically snap into place and/or are rotated, cos they have to use a lot of time placing them, so I am hoping to find a better way of dealing with this and delivering a better model. I am also of the conviction, that the creator of the model/the BIM coordinator for the entire project should deal with this and with assigning info to the models, since they know best what they need and where things go. 

Do you know if I import and place my ifc models correctly into a linked architect model in Revit and then export as ifc with the option "Export linked files as separate IFCs", would the separate IFCs import at the right places? 

Best,

Aneliya