Drafting on a linked model or not?

[SerhanB]

Hi there,

I'm working on a structural model which already became huge in file size. I'm thinking of starting with a new file, link the main model and create all views and sheets in this new one. 

I'd like to stop the file growing further with all the annotations and hundreds of views and sheets. Would you recommend working on a separate model just for drafting/detailing as a viable option or should I keep everything in one big file.

What is the best practice? thanks..

[Anonymous]

Good question, you may find pros and cons, here is my 5 cents:

Having Revit Linked-files for “Model Elements Only” (I keep on thinking of Xref Files from the Autocad days) separate from a “Publishing Model” or “Master Revit File” is commonly used in the case of having more than one building on the Site. I’ve used this solution in multi-structures for Public Schools.

The issue I’ve had with linking “Model Only” to a “Master” or “Publishing Model” is the need to have duplicates of  the Datum Elements; Levels, Grids, Views (Plan, Sections, Elevation). It is not a must have, but with the way SEs are used to show or not show data on the drawings, it becomes a necessity.

I’ve also found that in the case of using a “Model Elements Only” to transfer data back and forth to and/or from  a 3D analysis model  (3rd party structural analysis and design software), it was much easier to handle. The leaner and cleaner the Model the better; for instance; in case the file may become corrupted you save yourself from having to recover from a backup or worst, recreate from scratch.

I believe the use of this practice is somewhat contrary to the way Revit intended use is. A single solution for modeling and publishing.

In case of intricate complex major structures, the Revit Model is sub-divided (Linked Modes) in the different major or significant systems of the structure or Typical repetitive elements; for instance in the case of High Rise Buildings: Typical floor, Exterior Envelope, Framing.

Wonder how come your Model is getting so large in size, have you tried to purge all unnecessary items?

Hope this helps. Best of luck to you.

[twebb4CYQY]

Also depends upon your idea of huge file size and your computer and company setups.  Are you experiencing lag and time issues already?  How far along are you in the project? 

Obviously it's alot of time, energy, setup and workarounds to use multiple links of your own content.  I find it frustrating and so much easier just to keep everything together and manage loaded model via worksets whenever possible.

[SerhanB]

Hi,

Due to the structural nature of the building we couldn't divide it into smaller pieces. Since the analytical model have to be one single connected model, linking wouldn't work. (will be transferred to Robot)

So building is 650k sqm. and near complete model file reached 450mb by now. I'm really anxious that drafting such a huge structure within the same file will make it unusable regarding collaboration with other disciplines aswell.

Mostly we will create structural plans with beam/floor tags and place dimensions. Do you have any idea how annotations views/sheets effect file sizes?

Thanks for the inputs..

[Anonymous]

Hi there:

Annotation should not add much to the file size. Hard to say, each case is different.

I went ahead and tried on one Model (Revit 2016) by removing Annotation elements such as Sheets and Drafting Views, leaving only Plans, Sections and elevations with their respective Annotations, after that, I Purged all unused items.

The File with Annotations is 93 Mb and the file without is 64 Mb. No way near the 450 Mb you mentioned.

Hope this helps. Best of luck to you!

[Karol_Piroska]

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