Ref plane connection is lost while binding Linked Revit file

[Frans.Hessels]

My Revit 2017 model has a lot of Linked files. In these Linked files I have made use of inserted Families placed on a Ref plane.

While Binding the Linked files, all the parts placed at Ref planes lose their connection and show up horizontal.

The reason the Linked files have to be Bind is that the model has to be send in IFC format as one model. Trying to export the model with the linked files as a IFC file taking with it all linked files results in separate ifc files of which only the source file has the wright origin. The linked files lose there logical origin of placement.

Is there a way to bind a linked file and not losing the Ref plane - inserted Family connection?

[Frans.Hessels]

A Workaround to the problem is to unlink the linked files and then insert them as Group. However after having insert a group and mirror it ore copy and rotate it the connection between the in the group on a Ref plane placed family is again lost. When in need of two groups that are the same but placed under a diffirent horizontal angle you have to insert the group twice and give them each the wright angle. Doing so will not break up the connection between the family in the group and the assigned Ref.plane.

Making use of the export to ifc possibility to make separate files of all the linked Revit files will indeed result in having a list of ifc files but after reading them back in Revit as linked .ifc ore in Tekla they will not have a common origin anymore and seem to be placed several km apart.

[Jacob.westergaard]

Hi Frans,

Thank you for taking your time to post this on the forum, 

What's  important to note before we continue is that this is a user specified export option, a user can deside whether or not the linked files should export as separate IFC or one common within the export options. 

I've made a short recording for you below: 

• IFC Export - Check/UnCheck Export Linked files as separate IFC files

You should make sure to uncheck the option. 

Let me know if you have any questions and if not please confirm with me, 

Best Regards,

Jacob Westergaard

Autodesk Product Support Team

Revit/CAD Specialist

[Frans.Hessels]

Hello Jacob,

Thank you for your reply.

Leaving the option Export Linked files as separate IFC files UnChecked results in a IFC model without the Linked files. There is only the basic model with all inserted Families in it. Non of the Linked file parts is showing up. The Zoom Extends command at Site level reveals only the basic model and inserted Families.

I am working in Revit 2017.1.

Best Regards,

Frans Hessels

Technical Illustrator

[Jacob.westergaard]

Hi Frans, 

Thank you for getting back to me, 

I'm sorry I didn't get back to you before now, are you possibly able to share the file with me? 

I can set up a shared folder or you can send me a link if possible, I would be more than happy to try and solve it for you, 

Cheers,

[Frans.Hessels]

Hi Jacob,



The Revit 2017.1 model files you will find attached to a WeTransfer mail I
will send you in short notice.



There isn't a deadline anymore in this case because bridge # 207 (brug 207)
is already under construction.

I am curious however if there is a solution to the problem I revered to in
the Revit Structure Forum .



Kind regards,



Frans Hessels

M: +31 (0) 6 53337300



Tekenbureau F. Hessels

Contrabasweg 104

1312 WP Almere



T: +31 (0) 36 5350127

E: [email protected]

W: www.fhessels.nl



KvK Lelystad nr. 390 60527



VAT ID: NL-084.64.44.24.B01

[Jacob.westergaard]

Thank you Frans, 

I've sent you an email so that you know which address to use for the link, 

Let me know if you have difficulties sharing it, 

The email I used was [email protected]

[Frans.Hessels]

Jacob,

the files are on their way using the link you have send me.

Good luck in solving the problem.

Frans

[Jacob.westergaard · Accepted solution]

Hi Frans, 

Okay I've been through your file now and the reason, as you're aware, is because the IFC Exporter exports only native Revit objects. Linked file and its objects are cached objects in the main Revit model so they are not exported - links are only exported as separate IFCs. 

If you are using Navisworks you can use the Revit/Navisworks plugin to export it, which will have the links included. 

However, I am not sure why you are splitting the bridge components into separate rvt. files in the first place? is it because you need to have different people working on different parts? If that's the case I would recommend setting up worksharing instead which would be the normal workflow - possibly just using groups instead. 

[Frans.Hessels]

Hello Jacob,

The linked files are exported as separate ifc files, that's OK. Importing them in Revit or Tekla as linked ifc files results in files placed several km from their origin. They no longer form one integrated model.

I am using linked files because I am a - next to other software - AutoCAD user (sinds 1986) and used to the idea of X-Ref files.

The bridge models first setup was aimed to show the customer 24 different kinds of railings. Replacing the linked files is a simple way to make the desired changes in the model.

I am using Revit as part of the Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium. In most cases the customer wants me to deliver pdf files. This time however the customer wanted to have me send the digital files to a firm not having Revit and so the challenge of communication started.

Frans Hessels,

Technical Illustrator

Almere - The Netherlands