Some generic models not cutting in plan

[jesselMBKYB]

I'm an exhibit designer working on an aquarium and we are designing all of our elements in Rhino and importing them into Revit. This specific issue I'm having (which I haven't been able to find an answer to after looking for a day) is that I'm trying to import rockwork models (basically the scenic habitat inside the the concrete walls of the tanks) and they are not cutting in the main level plan, but they are cutting in the lower level plans.

The project base point is around 40' below the main level, and I'm importing these models (all into generic model families) so I can place them at the basepoint and they'll be in the correct position. So the geometry is actually about 40' above the level they're being placed on. But I'm doing the same thing with the tank concrete shell, which is roughly the same size, as well as every other model we've imported (all into generic model families), and everything else is cutting as expected.

The only difference is that the rockwork models are fairly high-poly meshes, whereas the other geometry are nurbs solids. Though there are actually a few other simpler meshes for other scenic elements inside families with nurbs solids that seem to be cutting fine. I've tried importing rockwork meshes through Proving Ground Conveyor and also just as DWGs, but same issue with both. I also tried replacing the high-poly mesh in one of the families with a simple extrusion to see if it was an issue with complexity, but the family was still not cutting in the main level plan. Again, though, they are cutting in plans where the cut plane is hitting the mesh lower. Does Revit just have issues with cutting meshes?

I wish I could share a model, but I don't think I legally can, so I'm not sure I can actually get an answer. But please, if anyone has run into similar issues in the past, please let me know if you have any ideas. I have a deadline this week and this killing me right now. 

[ToanDN]

Have you tried Rhino Inside Revit plugin?

https://www.rhino3d.com/features/rhino-inside-revit/

[Chuck.Ross]

@jesselMBKYB 

When I have used imported .dwg files I have found it necessary to import the .dwg into a generic model family and then place that family in the project. - It then will section properly in views. Perhaps this will work for you too.

If the import is updated along the way the family needs to be opened, the new import re-imported, and then the family reloaded into the project.

Hope this helps,

Chuck

[RDAOU]

@jesselMBKYB 

Yes it has issues..and if you are doing the transition manually you also need to check/watch-out for the normal in Rhino vs Revit

1. Either import as 3dm or as SAT (in-place or family) then explode and assign material and/or subcategory
2. Or use the Rhinoinside Plugin https://www.rhino3d.com/inside/revit/1.0/

The latter can be more practical when importing projects...the former when creating BIM objects

[jesselMBKYB]

Thanks all,

@ToanDN I've been using Rhino Inside Revit in conjunction with Proving Ground Conveyor, which does a much better job of translating the meshes into a readable visual style in Revit, but haven't tried importing through Rhino Inside Revit by itself, so perhaps that's worth trying.

@Chuck.Ross I have tried importing the DWG into a generic family, which is one reason I was confused why it wasn't cutting properly. So many answers I found have mentioned how other families might not cut how you'd expect, but that's not the issue in the case unfortunately.

@RDAOU I don't think you can explode meshes in Revit, but that's usually what I do with nurbs DWGs and it definitely works better as a family once you import it. Didn't think to check normals, but the mesh does seem water-tight based on how it's cutting in Rhino.

[RDAOU]

@jesselMBKYB 

You missed out on the part use .3dm or .SAT export in lieu of DWG. These formats can be safely exploded... Otherwise, RinR is the only other recommended option to use.

If DWG is a must for some reason in your workflow then you would need to take through Autocad, refine/convert the meshes then send the DWG to revit

[syman2000]

Revit has issue with cutting thru mesh and will only cut if it is ACIS 3d solid. I would try split the Rhino component as separate model instead of having one import model.

So do check out the Rhino inside Revit like other said. If you want bi-directional Rhino to Revit and Revit to Rhino, you should check this plugin

https://apps.provingground.io/docs/conveyor-documentation/video-tutorials-and-samples/new-in-v3/