Shared Parameters provided by client

[ddorseyKSHWR]

We're creating a model for a public entity that has their own BIM requirements spelled out. They have provided a Shared parameters file for use in the families. These Shared Parameters are preloaded into the template they provided as well. One section of their requirements says, "It is not necessary for all shared parameters to be present in all families. The shared parameter file is provided simply to facilitate adding parameters to families as needed".

When I bring a mechanical equipment family in the project model, it automatically assigns all Shared Parameters that were included in their template. So how can I limit the ones assigned to my Family if it's categorized as mechanical equipment and automatically assigning them from the template?
I am sorry if this question doesn’t make sense, I am a Revit Newbee.

[RobDraw]

If parameters are indeed being added, they are project parameters as opposed to shared.

[HVAC-Novice]

Did they provide the shared parameter txt file, or do the shared parameters just happen to be in families that came with their template/model?

The shared parameters don't automatically go into your family. you have to manually add them to the family. I think what you mean if you create a schedule, their shared parameters show up. That is because if a single mechanical equipment (or whatever) category family has a shared parameter, they show up as an option when you build a schedule. 

Note that shared parameters have a unique identifier. so even if you create a new parameter of the same name, that will be a different one. I generally use my own shared parameters. You should find out if you are required to use theirs, or if they provide them just for convenience. but generally you only add parameters to a family that you need. For example, a pump and boiler both are mechanical equipment. but the boiler gets the BTU/h shared parameter, the pump only gets the pressure parameter (if that is what you schedule). You don't just add all parameters to all families. You only add what is needed (mostly for schedules and tags etc.).

Not sure if this answers your questions. 

[ddorseyKSHWR]

Thank you for your response! They provided a Shared Parameters file (.txt) with a bunch of IFC parameters that are also project parameters in the template. I believe they export these out to another program. Every family I bring in has all the parameters in the properties dialog that I can assign different asset numbers to each instance. This allows me to assign them two nested 'shared' families as well by tab selecting. If I add the parameters to the nested families prior to insertion they're greyed out when brought in? I don't think their intention is to have all parameters in each family?

Is there a way to nest these parameters in a combined family with different parts and be able to assign values in the model without them graying out? They're set to 'shared' and 'instance' and it's not working? I am confused, if I am supposed to add them to my families prior to the model, since this is not working, and they are being added already as project parameters? I am wondering if the template was not set up properly. Again, I apologize if this is not clear. 

Thanks,

Dean

[ToanDN]

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@ddorseyKSHWR wrote:

When I bring a mechanical equipment family in the project model, it automatically assigns all Shared Parameters that were included in their template. 

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If you are using their template so those shared parameters are already added to the Mechanical Equipment category in the template.  You are good to go and need not to change anything.

[HVAC-Novice]

I don't have experience with IFC or what parameters that uses. You may want to ask that entity what they want you to do. If they want the model at the end, they may want you to use their parameters. Or not. 

I'm not sure if you mean "nesting" as in nesting families. Or if you use the word as in inserting a shared parameter into a family. Generally you want to limit nesting too many families or nesting levels. Nesting families has a use, but costs resources. 

If a parameter is "instance" or "type" is set in the family. A given parameter could be both. a project parameter is different from a shared or family parameter. You can create a project parameter from a shared parameter, though. 

[hmunsell · Accepted solution]

But cant Project Parameters be created from Shared Parameters? If so, that should allow any Shared Parameters loaded in the Families (loaded from the same Shared Parameter TXT) to be edit once placed in the model. 

If the shared parameter is not in the family, but only set up in the model, then it is just assigned to a category (i.e. Mechanical Equipment) and will show up in any Mechanical Equipment placed in the model, regardless of if it is in the family or not.  

[ddorseyKSHWR]

This is from their BIM requirements: "It is not necessary for all shared parameters to be present in all families. The shared parameter file is provided simply to facilitate adding parameters to families as needed". But the parameters are added to every Mechanical family brought in? The parameters show up under Project parameters and Shared within the template. The templates and standards were set up by a third party and I am wondering if it wasn't set up right? 

I will mark as accepted.

thanks,

[RobDraw]

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@ddorseyKSHWR wrote:

But the parameters are added to every Mechanical family brought in? The parameters show up under Project parameters and Shared within the template. The templates and standards were set up by a third party and I am wondering if it wasn't set up right? 

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They are added because they are project parameters assigned to the categories. That's what project parameters do.

If your wondering if their set-up is correct (their templates, their standards), then you should be talking to them. It might be exactly what they require.