Modeling flex pipes in a stright way

[HE-MJJ]

Hi,

When modeling a Flex Pipe, there doesn't seem to be a decent way to model a Flex Pipe in a straight way.

I can model a pipe exactly flat on a certain level, but when making adjustments to the pipe, the pipe will become under and above the level like shown in the link below.

http://screencast.com/t/cBUUk5gj

What is best way to easily model flex pipes in a straight way?

As a workaround we now us a 3D line for this.

http://screencast.com/t/AzEWVACamq6U

I can also show Supply and Return this way.

Maybe we should stick with the 3D lines also because of the "weight" of the model?

Best regards,

M

[L.Maas]

Correct, Flex pipes work with splines through points. So depending on the positions of the points the flex pipe will go through the point (below the floor) to keep a smooth curve.

What solution will work for you is up to you and your clients. If you can communicate enough information with a line than that can be solution.

Some possible other solutions.

-Use fixed pipes for the horizontal pattern. Document it in your model that it is actually flexible.

-Use flexible pipe. Lay the whole pattern in a plan view, all at the same level This keeps your flex pipe all at the same offset. When almost done raise the start and end point to the entry/exit points. You might want to add some additional vertexes at the beginning and the end. This will give you more control over the position of the flex pipe. Then you only have to 'eyeball' the beginning and the end of the flex pipe

[HE-MJJ]

Thanks for your reply.
For connecting radiators with distribution it works okay.
But to model floorheating ('freely translated, snalehouse layout we call it), like shown in the first link it's a pain.
In the past I had programmed this in AutoCAD: http://screencast.com/t/pJZdsCzs

It would be nice to have something like this in Revit aswell.