Technical Standards of Revit

[Mr_TripleM]

Dear Community,

I am seeking to understand the foundational aspects of creating Revit MEP software. Specifically, I would like to know the technical standards upon which Revit MEP bases its calculations across all MEP areas. For instance, my professor mentioned the integration of ASHRAE standards in the HVAC specialty. I am interested in obtaining a comprehensive list of technical standards for calculations used in all MEP disciplines, with references to the sources. I currently use Revit 2021 and 2024.

Yours sincerely,

Mr_TripleM

[steinryan28]

While I don't have access to the specific version and details of Revit you're using, you can find information about the standards integrated into Revit in the software's official documentation. Autodesk regularly updates its software to comply with the latest industry standards, and their documentation is a reliable source of information.

To find information about the integration of ASHRAE standards in Revit MEP, you can refer to the following sources:

1. Autodesk Official Documentation: Check the official documentation for the specific version of Revit you are using. Autodesk's website and user manuals often provide details about the standards incorporated into their software.

2. Revit Help and Support: Autodesk's support resources and forums can be valuable for getting information about specific features and standards integrated into Revit. Users often discuss and share insights on how the software aligns with industry standards.

3. ASHRAE Website: While not specific to Revit, the ASHRAE website may provide information about industry standards and their application. ASHRAE publishes standards and guidelines that are widely used in the HVAC industry.

Links to the resources

• Autodesk Revit Official Website
• Autodesk Revit Documentation
• ASHRAE Official Website

By consulting these sources, you should be able to find detailed information about how Revit MEP incorporates ASHRAE standards for HVAC design. Also if you are interested in knowing also about BIM standards for building Design, then link to source if have mentioned is quite resourceful.

[Mr_TripleM]

Hello my friend @steinryan28, I try to see what is in the link Autodesk Revit Documentation and the following message appears. I attach the screenshot.

[HVAC-Novice]

I think you have to be more specific what you want to know. Since you mention ASHRAE, I assume you mean k-values for fittings? That's basically what it is based on, the ASHRAE fitting tables. Flow calcs have options what you want to use Colebrook etc. So that is what those are based on. There probably some that aren't well documented. 

[Mr_TripleM]

Hi @HVAC-Novice,  I needed source about the flow calculations in HVAC, information like that. But, not only in HVAC, I want information about Technical Standars in all the specialties of MEP, referring to the calculations, please. I am currently using Revit 2021 and 2024.

[HVAC-Novice]

Manage -> MEP Settings

[Mr_TripleM]

@HVAC-Novice Ok but you're just giving me a name. I need the names of the technical standards used for calculations in the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing areas, and links to a reliable source so I can study them later, please.

[HVAC-Novice]

I'm not sure I understand what technical standard you are looking for. You will see here and there what standard they follow or what equation they use. But Revit won't have documentation on what they all are and how the equations are proven or why they work as they work. There are plenty of resources that explain the Colebrook equation, for example. It isn't really Autodesk's task to explain them in detail (I'm already surprised and happy they mention what they use). 

Same for ASHRAE fittings. You have to consult the ASHRAE books or other sources how they came up with hat. Revit is just using the data, they didn't invent them. 

I bet most of what Revit uses are industry standard equations or tables. 

[Mr_TripleM]

Dear @HVAC-Novice,

Thank you for your response and insights. I appreciate your clarification on the Revit documentation process.

To delve deeper into my query, I'm seeking reliable sources outside of Autodesk that detail the specific content of the standards integrated into Revit MEP for calculations. While I understand that Autodesk may not provide comprehensive documentation, I believe there are external references that delve into the details of these standards.

I'd also like to express my gratitude to @steinryan28 for their efforts to assist me.

If anyone has recommendations for reputable sources or texts that cover the content of the standards used in Revit MEP, I would greatly appreciate your guidance.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Mr_TripleM

[HVAC-Novice]

I think you have to be more specific what you want to know. Revit does a 1000 things and all are based on something invented or used by someone before them. 

People created drawings and sheets, calculated air flow etc. in the paper age. All the design software we employ, use the same principles just with more sophistication. Calculations now can be much more complex than on paper since a computer can iterate a million times. But those principles were developed hundreds of years ago (like Fourier series that was used for electronic calculators hundreds of years later). I'm willing to bet Revit hasn't invented anything new besides putting it all into a software usable by regular AEC professionals. 

[Mr_TripleM · Accepted solution]

Greetings everyone! With the assistance of a knowledgeable community member, I have gathered some valuable information to share.

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1. Initial Links on Sizing Methods:

• Link 1

• Link 2

• Link 3

• Link 4

• These Autodesk resources are not just guides; they're dynamic educational tools. Offering insights into industry practices, they adapt to the latest standards and technological advancements in duct/pipe/electrical sizing, ensuring you stay at the forefront of best practices.

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2. Insights on HVAC, Plumbing, and Piping Standards: Explore ASHRAE for HVAC standards and IPC Codes for plumbing. ASHRAE, a globally recognized authority, sets standards for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. IPC Codes, being international, ensure a comprehensive understanding of plumbing systems with widely adopted regulations.

• ASHRAE: Dive into the world of HVAC standards with ASHRAE.

• IPC Codes: Understand international plumbing codes at IPC Codes.

• For compliance with ASHRAE standards, please note that these documents are not provided for free. Membership is required to download and use them as a reference. Refer to ASHRAE 90.1 and 140.1 for definitions and calculations related to room airflow, room/space type, building type, and default load values.

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3. Recommendations on Electrical Standards: For electrical standards, explore the National Electric Code (NEC) and Engineering Toolbox. The NEC, extensively used in the United States, provides regulations for safe electrical installations. Engineering Toolbox complements this with additional insights and practical calculations.

• NEC: Explore the National Electric Code at NEC.

• Engineering Toolbox for NEC: Get practical calculations and insights at Engineering Toolbox.

• In the US, the NEC is the standard for determining electrical load calculations. Access the NEC standards at NFPA and find practical information and calculations at Engineering Toolbox. It's important to note that Revit does not cover all conditions, such as arc flash. To perform more detailed calculations in such cases, you may need a third-party application like Designmaster.

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4. Suggestions on Fire Protection: While Revit doesn't perform fire protection calculations, use NFPA standards for electrical and fire protection. NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) is a global authority, ensuring that your standards align with widely accepted practices worldwide.

• NFPA: Dive into fire protection standards with NFPA.

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5. Link to Images Regarding Default Technical Standards: A community member shared a link with screenshots demonstrating observations on default technical standards in South America. This firsthand visual insight is valuable for understanding how Revit's default standards may vary by region. However, it's noteworthy that, based on the observations, the default technical standards in South America appear to align with those in the United States. This suggests that, at least in the provided context, there may not be significant variations in technical standards for this region. The shared link offers a practical perspective on the application of standards in real-world scenarios in South America.

• Link to Images: Explore firsthand observations on default technical standards in South America here.

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6. Advice on Upgrading to Newer Versions: Consider upgrading to newer versions of Revit (2023 or 2024) for enhanced electrical calculations. Explore the new features for each version to stay updated. These updates are designed to accommodate evolving industry standards and user feedback, ensuring your Revit experience aligns with the latest practices.

• New Features: Stay current with the latest features at Autodesk Help - New Features.

• In the United States, the NEC is the standard for determining electrical load calculations. Access to NEC standards at NFPA and practical information at Engineering Toolbox is restricted to members. Revit's source data, based on industry best practices and standards, including ASHRAE, is included in the provided links.

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Feel free to explore these resources and share your questions or insights. This marks the conclusion of our discussion on Revit's technical standards.

Best regards,

Mr_TripleM

[thomas.stright]

Pretty much general knowledge to those in the Trades.... Not sure the purpose of your question but glad you found an answer.