REVIT is an amazing software for Architectural modelling and detailing. But it lacks many functionalities required for Civil Engineering. This is important as we are speaking of Revit application for infrastructure projects.
I will elaborate on one such functionality which is required to be included in Revit.
One very basic but important activity in civil construction is excavation and refilling of excavated trenches after constructing foundation (or below ground structures). I tried many options with building pads and graded regions. Both the options quite accurately gives the volume of cut. But foundation trenches are excavated for constructing structures inside the trench. We excavate, construct foundation elements (levelling course, footings, columns, beams, retaining walls, etc.) and then refill these trenches with either compacted earth or lean concrete. While calculating filling in building pads or graded region trenches Revit doesn't count for the structures inside the trenches. In stead of reducing quantity of filling remains same. This results in getting wrong quantities in schedules.
If, just like building pads or Graded Regions, there is a provision on FOUNDATION TRENCHES and FILLING them, it would be very useful feature. A simple but important value addition.
There are very few parameters required to be considered:
- Size of base of trench,
- Depth / Level, and
- Side slopes (varying from 0 to 2.5) depending upon type of strata
This is possible at present using Graded Regions. What is missing is to account for the quantity og elements below ground.
If this functionality is added to SITE AND MASSING tab, it will make things easy for infrastructure modelers.
I have attached a Revit file (2018 Ver.) and few screenshots of what I tried with graded regions and failed.
Foundation construction is just an example. There are many other types of elements which are requies to be constructed below ground, like filter drains, manholes, etc. This feature, if added could be useful for all such structures.
Please consider seriously.
Regards,
Rajendra Deshpande
.