Contents

Definition of BIM

A brief history of BIM

Building Information Modeling Benefits

12

Benefits of Using Revit to Improve Building Performance

16

What Is Revit Structure?

17

File Types

19

Types of Elements

20

The Revit Structure Interface

21

Creating and Using Levels

32

Creating Grid

39

Creating Columns

44

Creating Beam

50

Creating Beams systems

59

Creating Structure wall

65

Creating Floors

70

Creating Foundations

76

Adding Dimensions

80

Adding Tags

89

Views

93

Overview of Visibility and Graphic Display

97

Example

101

Summary

123

Preface
The future of the design and construction industry is going to be
driven by the use of technology and for Today's challenges for
the industry Complex projects, tighter budgets and deadlines,
Internal and external collaboration, Information overload and
Project risks . The best example emerging today is the use of
three-dimensional, intelligent design information, commonly
referred to as Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is
expected to drive the construction industry towards a Model
Based process and gradually move the industry away from a
2D Based process, This Model Based process where
buildings will be built virtually before they get built out in the
field is also referred to as Virtual Design and Construction
(VDC). This guide is for contractors who recognize this future is
coming and are looking for a way to start preparing themselves
so that when the future arrives, they will be ready. This guide is
intended to help contractors understand how to get started.


Over eight years of experience , two years With Dar Al Handsa and Four years with ECG
in structural engineering & analysis; preparation of concrete dimensions, sketches and
reports with supporting calculations; supplying drafting staff with information to assist
in the production of detailed drawings; design of reinforced concrete structures for
building projects including foundations, columns, beams, slabs, cores and shear walls;
development of initial designs, using mathematics to calculate the stress that could
arise at each point in the structure, and simulating and modeling possible situations,
such as high winds and earth movements; execution of work in compliance with
project requirements and the companys quality system and preparation of BOQ.
Familiar with local and international codes.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
M.Sc.In Reinforced Concrete, Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University
B.Sc., Civil Engineering, Helwan University, Egypt, 2005.
IENG of British civil Engineers
BIM Specialist and structural Engineer at Dar Al-Handasah .
Member of the Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers.
Member of British institute of civil Engineers.
Member of Federation of Arabic Engineers.
Author of Revit Structure Fundamental 2012 Book
Author of Building Information Modeling Book
NOBEL EGYPT academic committee member
Training Coordinator between Structure & HR Departments.
Approved technical instructor for Revit Structure.
Approved technical instructor for Revit Architecture.
Approved technical instructor for Csi Program ( Sap2000 Etabs Safe Csi-Column )
Approved technical instructor for "On the Job "training implemented at the Structural Department at ECG
Deputy Project Manager/technical manager of University To Work initiative at ECG,

(This initiative aims to produce world class skilled students among Egyptian universities and qualified
them by developing their technical and soft skills and molding their character to become to comply
with market needs).
Revit Structure Instructor at Kemet Authorized Training center from 2009-2011
Sap2000-Etabs-Safe-Csi Columns at Kemet Authorized Training center from 2009-2011
Revit Structure Instructor at MTC Authorized Training center from 2009-2011
Sap2000-Etabs-Safe-Csi Columns at MTC Authorized Training center from 2009-2011
I have the Order of scientific excellence from the College of reserve officers.

Definition of BIM
Unfortunately, there is currently no industry standard agreed definition
of BIM , the definition of BIM is best described by Graphisoft, which
describes BIM as three separate but linked activities:
Building Information MODELLING
Is a business process that allows all stakeholders to have access to the
same information at the same time through seamless interoperability
between technology platforms.
Building Information MODEL
Is the output of the business process, a virtual computer model of a
project that holds selected data (design, quantity, time, cost, asset etc.)
Building Information MANAGEMENT
Provides the benefits that can be divided from The Building Information
Model.

These

include

centralized and visual communication,

sustainability, efficient design integration of other disciplines, site

control, as built documentation etc.

The "I" in BIM is sometimes even more compelling in BIM, think about
cost estimating test, think about specification writing, think about
energy load analysis, think about heating and cooling, think about
structural loads, all this things require data, we have this data instead
of manually computing all of this various things that we need to get a
paper design, why not let the computer do while computer do best?, so
this is what BIM is all about, again let's focus just in "M", let us also
think about the "I" and if we have got the two together and fully
coordinate the package in a way that Revit would give us, then what
we have got is a fully implemented BIM solution Buildings are more
complex than ever before. Documentation sets span all disciplines, and
are hundreds of pages long. The numbers of people that will touch a
set of drawingsto produce them, evaluate them, or use them to build
the buildinghave become huge. Integrated building systems continue
to expand with the growth of technology. Today, we have more

security, electrical, data, telecom, HVAC, and energy requirement than

ever before.

Building Information Modeling or BIM brings with it many

advantages for the digital design of buildings. Yet with BIM comes
issues and risks that a design professional must consider. Enhanced
usage of electronic design and construction processes holds
promises for saving Time and money, reducing claims and increasing
the quality of performance, especially on complex projects. One
must consider and recognize however the individual risks associated
with this new process. Building information modeling supports the
continuous and immediate availability of project design scope,
schedule, and cost information that is high quality, reliable,
integrated, and fully coordinated.
9

 A brief history of BIM

1970 BIM term first used
1982 First version of AutoCAD released and Graphisoft founded
1983 First version of AutoCAD for Windows released
1985 Bentley founded
1987 First version of GraphisoftsArchiCADreleased
1997 Revit founded, First version of IFC released
1999 Revit first released
2002 Revit bought by Autodesk

10

 WHERE WE ARE?

11

Stage 0 2D Documents
0A Manual drafting
0B CAD 2D drafting

Stage 1 Modeling
1A 3D CAD modeling
1B intelligent 3D modeling

Stage 2 Collaboration
2A One-way collaboration
2B Two-way collaboration

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Stage 3 Integration
3A Local server
3B Web-based server

Building Information Modeling Benefits:

Building information modeling supports the continuous and immediate

availability of project design scope, schedule, and cost information that is
high quality, reliable, integrated, and fully coordinated. Among the many
competitive advantages it confers are:

Increased speed of delivery (time saved).

13

 Better coordination (fewer errors).

Clash Detection enables effective identification, inspection, and reporting of

interference clash in a 3D project model between various 3D solid objects.
Using Clash Detection can help you to reduce the risk of human error during
model inspections.

Decreased costs (money saved)

BIM makes it easier to estimate quantities of materials needed for a

project which reduces waste and saves money. Material waste in the

14

construction industry has been studied by the Construction Industry

Institute and Lean Construction Institute who have found that waste
accounts for 57% of money lost in the construction industry and 26%
in the manufacturing sector. This 2008 data shows that there was a
$400 billion aggregate loss resulting from such factors as
miscommunication among project partners and informational
inaccuracies which BIM can catch and prevent.1 Thus the
construction industry is starting to implement BIM and building
owners as well can reap the benefits.

Greater productivity.

BIM assists to incorporate facility performance with user assessments. The

results from user assessment studies and instrument measures of the
physical condition of the building can easily be allotted on floor plans
utilizing geographic information systems. The construction firms may link
these data to their geographic information systems for future planning and
design purposes.

15

Higher-quality work.

BIM provides object-oriented models with rich semantics and relationships

encoded, supporting the automated analysis of the performance of building
products and designs. This basically leads to improved design,
implementation and management at all stages of the buildings life cycle.

BIM afford manufacturers, designers and integrators advantages in design

efficiency and quality control. A single, connected model improves
communication within the design and construction teams and the
parametric elements of the model create a robust database. The Building
owner and facility manager can utilize the data within the model during the
Occupation of the building. Harvesting the information in that data base
can help everyone be more efficient and also create new opportunities for
revenue expansion.
16

 Benefits of Using Revit to Improve Building Performance

o

Applying Revit to designing a building can deliver a plethora of economic,

environmental, and societal benefits that go far beyond the advantages of

AutoCAD. Revit Architecture has many benefits over AutoCAD:
o

Identify Ways to Reduce Field Cycle Time

Greater Coordination and Collaboration

Short Turn Around Time (TAT)

Waste Minimization

Increase on-site Renewable Opportunities

Detects Errors and Mitigate Risks

Increase the public's confidence in Stewardship

Increase Employee Productivity

17

What Is Revit Structure?

Revit Structure is a modeling program. This means that everything placed into
a model simulates a true building material. It is important to note that there
is a distinct difference between the term modeling and the term 3D. While
Revit Structure has many advanced 3D capabilities, it is foremost a modeling
program. Most of your modeling occurs in a 2D environment, with 3D views
easily accessible at any time.

BIM and Structural Engineering

BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. BIM is the process of creating
a single, database-driven model by placing actual building components and
materials. Therefore, for the structural engineer and designer the BIM model
does not stop at the actual building. Since the components used in the model
represent real-life members, you can design for stresses as you draft and viceversa. Additionally, in a Revit/BIM environment when beams are attached to
columns, and columns to grids, the application understands that these
elements belong together. In plan, if a gridline moves, so do the columns and
subsequently the beams. In elevation, if a level moves, the columns increase
in length and any framing on that floor moves with it. Revit also
automatically updates the column schedule to reflect the change.
Drawings are now based on a model that is as close to an actual building as
possible. A design change can influence the building in another area. This is
known as parametric design. The move to this kind of modeling is becoming

18

the industry standard. As BIM applications become smarter, so does the

industry.

Revit Structure Projects

A project is a complete description of a building and the information
associated with it for displaying 2D and 3D views, as well as schedules. When
you open a Revit Structure project file, it opens the entire project or building
model. You can then work in different views, such as plan, section, elevation,
and 3D model, all within the same project file.

All of the views are associative. Changes to the model in one view are
automatically updated in all other views. For example, if you add an
opening to a wall in a plan view, it also appears in the related
elevation view and any related schedules (such as a lintel schedule).

You can place the views on sheets in a Revit Structure project to

create construction drawings. Callouts of details and elevations can
be automated with tags and titles on the sheets.

19

File Types
The following explains each Revit file type:
.RVT

The file format of a Revit model. There are three separate Revit
applications: Revit Structure, Revit Architecture, and Revit MEP. Each of
these applications saves a standard project file as the RVT format. Each
file can be opened directly in any of the three applications. RVT files can
also be inserted and linked into one another. This is crucial for
coordination between disciplines. If groups of objects are created and
saved out separately, they are also in the RVT format.

.RFA

The file format of a Revit Family. These files can be opened directly,
inserted, or loaded into an RVT file.

.RTE

The Revit project template file. When a new model is started, an RTE file
is used to create the model. When you save the file, it is saved as a new
RVT model. This file contains all of your companys standards and
settings. Views, sheets, and families should be set up and ready to use in
the project template.

.RFT

The Revit family template file. When a new family is started, an RFT file
is used to create the family. You can use a default or custom template.
When saved, the file becomes a new RFA family. You can customize the
family template to include commonly used reference planes,
parameters, etc.

20

Types of Elements
There are five main types of elements in a Revit Structure project, as
explained below:
Host elements are the built-in-place construction objects, such as floors, walls,
roofs, ceilings, stairs, and ramps. They can stand alone in the project.
Component

Component elements are objects that need to be attached to

host elements, such as openings, reinforcing, and footings, as
well as stand-alone elements, such as columns, beams and
equipment.

View

Views enable you to see and manipulate the project. For

example, you can view and work in floor plans, ceiling plans,
elevations, sections, schedules, and 3D views. You can change
a design from any view. All views are stored in the project.

Datum

Datum elements define the project context. These include

levels for the floors, column grids, and reference planes that
help you draw.

Annotation

Annotation elements are 2D objects that you place on views to

define the information drawn in the project. These include
dimensions, text, tags, and symbols. The view scale controls
their size.

21

The Revit Structure Interface

Revit Structure models are entirely driven by placing components; therefore,

the interface is different from the AutoCAD interface. There is no command
prompt, no layers, and fewer icons. Revit Structure is an application designed
solely for structural design.

The Revit Structure

interface is designed for intuitive and efficient access to commands and

views. It includes the Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, Application Menu, and
Status Bar, which are common to newer versions of all Autodesk software. It
also includes tools that are specific to Revit Structure, including the Project
Browser and View Control Bar. The interface is shown below.

1. Quick Access Toolbar

The Quick Access Toolbar provides access to commonly used commands,
such as Open, Save, Undo and Redo, Modify, and 3D View, as shown
below. You can also customize this toolbar by adding commands from any
of the Ribbon tabs.

2. InfoCenter
The InfoCenter enables you to quickly search for help on the web, as
shown below. You can specify which Help documents to search, and
collapse or expand the Search field to save screen space.

3. Application Menu
The Application Menu provides access to file commands, settings, and
documents, as shown below. Hover your cursor over a command to see a list
of additional tools.

If you click the primary icon rather than the arrow, it starts the
default command.

23

24

Recent and Open Drawings

To see a list of recently used documents, click

(Recent Documents) in

the Application menu. The documents can be reordered, as shown in the

image below.

Click

(Pin) next to a document name to keep it available and to prevent it

from dropping off the bottom of the list as more recent documents appear on
the list. When a file has been pinned, it will display with the push
pin tacked in

4. Ribbon
The Ribbon contains Revit Structure tools in a series of tabs and panels, as
shown in the image below. Selecting a tab displays a group of related panels.
The panels contain a variety of tools, grouped by function.

25

Contextual Tabs
When you select a command that creates new elements for example concrete
beam , the Ribbon switches to a contextual tab. The tab includes Element
Properties, the pull-down menu, and general commands for creating the
element, as shown in the image below.

When you select an existing element in Revit Structure, the Ribbon switches to
a contextual tab that includes general editing commands as well as
commands directly related to the element type, as shown below.

5. Options Bar
The Options Bar changes according to the selected command or element. For
example, when the Beam command is active, it displays options for placing
the beam, as shown below.

26

6. Tooltips
Tooltips display the elements name, a short description, and sometimes a
graphic, as shown below. They provide information about tools, commands,
and how to create specific elements.

Many commands have shortcut keys.

For example, type BM for Beam or CL
for Structural Column. They are listed
next to the name of the command in
the tooltips.
NOTE: You do not need to press <Enter>
to execute two-letter
shortcuts.

7. Project Browser
The Project Browser lists the views of each
project that can be opened in Revit Structure as
shown in the image below. This includes all
views of the model that you are working in and
any additional views you create (such as floor
plans, 3D views, elevations, sections, etc.). It
also includes views of schedules, legends,
sheets (for plotting), families (such as beams
and walls), and groups and links.

27

8. View Windows

Each view of a project opens in its own window, as shown below. The

views display a Navigation Bar for quick access to viewing tools and a
View Control Bar that controls aspects of that view (such as the scale,
detail level, and shading).

You can use the Project Browser, or press <Ctrl> + <Tab> to switch

between windows. Additional window tools (such as Cascade and Tile)

are found in the View tab>Windows panel in the Ribbon, as shown below.

Window Panel

Each model that is open can have multiple view windows open, which can
affect the speed at which Revit performs. It is recommended that only the
necessary windows remain open. To control this and reduce memory usage
,click

(Close Hidden) in the View tab>Windows panel. To switch

between windows within the project, click Switch Windows, as shown below.
If multiple projects are open, these will also be displayed.

28

9. Status Bar
The Status Bar provides information about the current process, such as the
next step for a command, as shown below.

View Control Bar

The View Control Bar is at the bottom of the view window. This toolbar is
mainly responsible for the display of the model for a particular view.

Scale: Sets the scale of the view for plotting purposes, and controls the size
of annotations and symbols at the specified scale.

Detail Level:

Determines the level in which the

graphics of an element are displayed. There are three
detail levels: Coarse, Medium, and Fine. Viewing a
model at a Fine detail level shows the most amount of
detail, but affects the speed at which you can pan and zoom the model.
Coarse, however, shows the least amount of detail within the elements of
that view. For example steel column as shown below :

coarse( single line) medium (double line)

29

fine (double line and curvature )

Model Graphics Style:

Determines the display style of the model. There are
four model graphics styles to select from:
Wireframe, Hidden Line, shading and Shading
with Edges.

Wireframe:
All edges and lines are shown, and all surfaces are transparent. Use this for
plan views unless you want objects below to appear with hidden lines. This
display is not often used in 3D views as the wireframe display can make it
hard to understand the model.

Hidden:
Typically the first choice for plans and elevations. Most views are set to
Hidden line by default. Any obscured objects show as hidden line, while
objects that are not obscured show as continuous lines. This can sometimes
be controlled with the view range. Different displays in a typical foundation
plan view are shown below.

Wireframe

Hidden

30

Shading:
Shown for 3D illustrations. It shades the model but does not show the lines
defining the objects being shaded. It can also be shown in elevation and plan,
but becomes cumbersome when it comes time to plot the model. Shading
with this graphical style is not recommended.

Shading with Edges:

The natural choice for 3D. It shades the model and leaves the outlined edges.
This mode is not recommended for plan or elevation, especially when plotting.
Typically, views placed on sheets use a simple hidden line graphics style.

Shading

Shading with edge

Shadows:
Used for presentations. Showing a shadowed
model slows the system dramatically.

31

Do Not Crop and Hide Crop Region

are designed to behave similarly to viewports in AutoCAD. Cropping a view
involves showing the crop region and moving the boundary to the desired
location. Column grid lines and bubbles will display regardless of the crop
boundary.

Temporary Hide/Isolate
We used it when need to temporarily hide or
isolate specific elements in a view. First, select
the elements you want to hide or isolate. Then,
click and select one of the four hide/isolate
choices, as shown below. This function only hides
elements in a view; it does not remove them
from the actual model nor does it hide them
permanently.

Reveal Hidden Elements

is used to reveal hidden elements. The icon turns magenta and a magenta box
surrounds the perimeter of the view. Normally visible elements are grayed
out, and the permanently hidden elements appear in magenta. If you want to
show these objects again, you can select them in this mode and click
(Unhide Elements) on the contextual tab>Reveal Hidden Elements panel.

32

Creating and Using Levels

Creating level one of the first steps we do at every structural project

but the arch. Engineer who is responsible for this task every project
except steel project we can start before arch. Engineer.

One of the greatest benefits to using Revit is the ability to control

datum elevations in real-time by using levels. Having this functionality
in a single model without the need for external referencing systems is
also advantageous. From a simple tool shed to a skyscraper, Revit is
designed to manage an entire project, not just parts of a building. By
adding and managing all of the buildings levels in a single file, Revit
increases efficiency in the typical workflow of a project. More time
can be spent designing and less time spent managing files and
folders.

33

To Create a Level :
1- To create level you have to go to any elevation at first to active level
icon and order.

2- In the Home tab>Datum panel, click

(Level). The Ribbon
changes to the Place Level contextual tab and displays the options
and tools you can use to create levels.
2

34

3-In the Draw panel click

(Pick Lines).

4-Type 3000 in the Offset field in the Options Bar.

3000

5- when you go to any elevation by default you will find level 1 and level 2
Move your cursor over the Level 2 elevation line. A blue dashed alignment line
appears. If you move your cursor to either side of the existing elevation line,
the alignment line moves with it. When you see the alignment line appear
above Level 2, select it. Level 3 appears.

Level 3 appears

35

6- when you click the level line and select it The following elements that
appear enable you to do the following:

The Checkmark icon that appears on either side of the bubble is

a toggle that controls whether the bubble and level information is
shown at that end of the level line.

The 3D icon controls whether any movement or adjustment is

reflect ted in other elevations. If you select this icon, it displays as 2D,
which means changes to that level would only affect the current view.

The Padlock icon controls whether the level is locked in alignment

with the other levels. If it is locked, you will see the blue dashed
alignment line. If level object is stretched, all other levels will stretch
with it. This helps maintain conventional drafting standards. If it is
unlocked, the level will stretch independently of the other levels.

The Blue open circle icon at the base of both sides of the datum
enables you to drag the level head to a new location.

36

3000

The blue dimension that appears between the levels can be edited.
This is called a temporary dimension. Remember that any blue
element is editable or active.

The Dimension icon makes the temporary dimension permanent.

If this occurs, you can still modify the increment by selecting the level.
The permanent dimension temporarily turns blue enabling you to edit
the value.

The Add Elbow icon enables you to add a jog to the level line.
We use this option when you find two levels line very near and you
need to spate between them .

37

7- to change the name of the level for example Rename Level 3 as Roof.
A message appears, asking if you want to rename the corresponding views.
Click yes.

The Level 3 view under Structural Plans located in the Project Browser
has also been renamed as Roof.
8- when we need to make level without plan ( non-plan view ) we can make it
as following:
In the Modify Levels contextual tab click copy
and select a
point anywhere along the Level 1 line. Move your cursor straight
down.
Select the Constrain ( this option as Ortho mode in AutoCAD ) and
Copy options in the Options Bar. Clear the Multiple option.

9. Type 2500 at the cursor.

38

10- Once the level is copied, rename it as T.O. Footing No additional floor plan
has been added to the Project Browser. This is because you only copied a
level. You did not create it using the conventional Level command. Therefore,
you need to create a floor plan based on the new level.
11-to create plan for this level make the following:
In the View tab>Create panel, expand Plan Views and select Structural Plan.

Select the T.O. Footing level in the New Plan dialog box.

A new floor plan now appears in the Project Browser.

39

Creating Grid
Grids are a very powerful (and consequently) useful feature within Revit Grids
are Annotation elements. That is, they are not part of your actual model- like
a wall, door or window would be. But they DO appear across different Views.
For example you can draw a grid on your ground floor plan and it would then
appear on the subsequent floors (ie Levels) of your model. The degree to
which the grid will appear in other views is dependent on its Extents- but
more about that later.
A grid line consist of two main parts. The grid line itself and the Grid Header
(ie the bubble at the end of the grid line). The default setting is for the grid
line to have a grid header at one end only. But you can have Grid Headers at
BOTH ends if you prefer. Just select a Grid line by clicking on it

40

1- where do we find the Grid command within Revit. Grids are right
there on the Home tab, in the Datum Panel

2-when you click grid icon The Ribbon changes to the Place Level
contextual tab and displays the options and tools you can use to create
Grid.

3- from drawing tools we can start draw grid as straight line or curve or
by pick line.
4- from drawing tools click straight line then the cursor will be in free
motion case and start to draw line at any place in drawing area
5- you can make anther grids by many options
array :
select grid line and from Ribbon chose array

When click array Contextual Tabs will appear by two options

41

1- 2nd this option to set the distance between the selecting grid and the
second grid
2- End this option to set the distance between selecting grid and the last
one

Note
in each option you have to set number of grids to array.

42

Grid line references (numbering / lettering)

Grid Lines are numbered automatically. The number (or Letter) increments
each time you draw a new one. The numbering of grid lines is very much
like the tagging of doors and windows. For example:- If your first grid line is
numbered 1, then Revit will number the rest of them 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.
But if you change your first grid line to A, Revit is clever enough to reference
subsequent grid lines as B, C, D, E, etc. You can override this automatic
referencing at any time by just clicking in the Grid Header and typing in the
number or letter you want for that particular grid line.

Controlling the grid spacing

So how do we get a series of grid lines onto a vew? The simplest method is to
simply draw the first Grid line and then use Multiple Copy to place the rest of
them. Do not worry about the spacing when you are placing new copies of the
gridlines. Ill show you a neat trick to quickly tidy up their spacing AFTER
you have placed them.
Heres 6 grid lines I have quickly created by copying the first one.

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Grid Extents
What may not be apparent when you first start experimenting with Grids is
that they are in fact 3D planes. You can see this for yourself if you switch to
an elevation view.

Grid Line Offsets

Just like Levels, you can offset the Grid Header from its associated grid line, if
things start to get a bit too busy (ie grid headers are too bunched up). Just
select the grid line and then click on the Add Elbow icon just above the Grid
Header. You can see it just above the Add Albow Tool Tip in the image
below

44

Creating Columns
1- where do we find the column command within Revit. there on the
Home tab, in the structure Panel .

when we choose structure column new tab will appear to choose placing
options ( manual or at grid or at column )
if manual we chose location of column and place it.

if we have arch link choose at

Arch columns option and select all arch

columns in link then structure columns will be create inside or overwrite Arch
columns.

45

Also we can choose At

Grid option to create columns by click in at grid on

multiple tab

When click at grid this tab (Column Options Bar )will appear to choose
direction of drawing column and levels

46

1- Select multiple grid intersections from right to left

47

Then click finish to finalize columns creation.

Note
Column will be placed at every intersection of selected grid lines,
according to the properties set on the Options Bar. No columns are
actually created until you press the Finish button.
48

 Press the SPACEBAR to rotate all of the columns that you are
creating.
Continue pressing SPACEBAR until the columns are in the desired
orientation.

When select any column you can see all properties of column from properties
tab .
Column base level and offset
Column top level and offset
Column material and etc )

49

Create Columns Sections

From properties tab you can choose column type from type selector
Drop-down and choose your type or create
new section from edit type.
To create new section you have two option

1-Rename
this option will modify the current
section to new section.

2-Duplicate
This option will make duplicate
from current section and then change
name and the parameters to new
section.

50

Creating Beam
Beams are structural elements used for load-bearing applications. Elements
of each beam are defined through the type properties of the specific beam
family. In addition, various instance properties can be modified to define the
functionality of the beam.

Sample beams
You can attach beams to any structural
element, including structural walls, in
your project. The beams join to
structural bearing walls when the
Structural Usage property of the wall is
set either to Bearing or to Structural
Combined.

Floor framing is a system that has horizontal beam elements supported by

vertical elements, such as walls and columns. Floor framing elements are
typically made of steel, wood, and concrete. They are added after the
columns and walls are placed in a model.

51

Examples of Floor Framing:

Steel beams supporting a composite concrete
slab on metal deck. The steel floor beams
transfer loads from the composite slab to steel
columns and masonry or concrete walls.

Cast-in-place concrete beams and pan joists

supporting a concrete slab. The concrete beams
and pan joists transfer loads from the concrete
slab to the concrete columns. The concrete beams
and pan joists are cast monolithically with the slab
and columns.

Precast, prestress inverted T-beams and L-beams

supporting double tee members. The beams
transfer loads from the double tees to the concrete
columns.

To draw beams between 2 points

1. Click Home tab

Build panel

Beam drop-down

Beam.

2. Click in the drawing area to specify the start point.

3. Use the mouse to sketch the beam, moving the cursor to the endpoint.
4. Click to specify the endpoint.
You can use the grid tool to add multiple beams to selected grids when
columns are also present at the working level.

52

To draw a beam to a specified length

1. Click Home tab

Build panel

Beam drop-down

Beam.

2. Click in the drawing area to specify the start point.

3. Use the mouse to sketch the beam, moving the cursor toward the
endpoint.
4. Type a length. A text box will appear to show your entry.
5. Click to specify the endpoint.
Use the grid tool to add multiple beams to selected grids when columns are
also present at the working level.

Enter beam length

When the Chain option is selected, Revit Architecture supplies

the endpoint of the last beam as the start point of the next
beam.

53

To sketch beams using the Chain option

1.

Click Home tab

Build panel

Beam drop-down

Beam.

2.

On the Options Bar, select Chain.

3.

Place the first beam in the chain. See Sketching Individual Beams.

4.

Place each additional beams by clicking the endpoints of the beams.

Sketching beams using the chain option

To sketch beams using on grid option

When you add beam you have to specify beam level and
usages .
After click on grid you have to choose beam family from
properties tab and then select all intersections between grid
which have column. Then click finish to finalize the creation.

54

Beam Properties
Beam properties are instance and type parameters
that define the characteristics of beams. You can
set values for beam properties to control the
representation of beams in a structural model.
After you select the Beam tool on the Structure
panel of the Home tab, you can use the Options
Bar to preset the beam properties.
Also you can make new sections for beam types as
column.

55

Options for Setting Beam Properties:

After you select the Beam tool, the Place Beam tab displays various options
for setting beam properties, as shown.

Additional options for setting beam properties are displayed on the Options
Bar, as shown.

56

Vertical Justification of Beams

You can set the vertical justification of a beam relative to its associated
reference level. Revit provides four options to define the vertical justification:
Top, Center, Bottom, and Other. By default, the top of a beam is set to a
reference level. After a beam is placed, you can change the vertical
justification. The following illustration shows precast beams set to Top,
Center, and Bottom justifications.

Z-Direction Offset
You can define the vertical justification of a beam relative to its associated
reference level using Z-Direction Justification in the Instance Properties dialog
box. The following illustration shows the options for Z-Direction Justification.

57

Structural usage values for beams

Beams are assigned a Structural Usage property based on their function in a

structural model. By default, Revit Structure assigns the Structural Usage
property to a beam automatically, based on the structural elements that
support the beam. However, after a beam is placed in a model, the structural
usages can be changed using the instance properties of the beam element.
The following table describes the structural usages that Revit automatically
assigns to beams.

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Sloped beams
To adjust sloped beams
1. Select a beam that is connected to 2 structural members or warped
model objects at different heights.
2. Click Modify Structural Framing tab
Properties drop-down

Element panel

Element

Instance Properties.

3. In the Instance Properties dialog, enter a value for the Start Level
Offset instance parameter of the beam.
4. Enter a value for the End Level Offset instance parameter of the beam,
and click OK.
5. Verify that you have entered the correct offset values.
Note
A beam that has adjusted offset values will
become disassociated or free from the
current

work

plane.

Similarly,

any

structural element attached to a sloped

beam will also become free. You attach
free elements to another work plane using
the existing Edit Work Plane or Rehost
buttons on the Work Plane panel of the
Modify Structural Framing tab.

59

Creating Beams systems

About Beams and Beam Systems
You create beams in a structural model to connect various structural
elements. Beams can be placed in horizontal or vertical planes along straight
lines or along curved paths. To place beams, you use the Beam tool on the
Structure panel of the Home tab. To create more than one beam at a time,
you can create beam systems.

Methods for Creating Beam Systems

Using the Beam System tool on the Structure panel of the Home tab, you can
create a beam system in a structural model. To do this, select a support
formed by a closed loop of beams or structural walls. This method is called
the single-click placement method of creating beam systems. Another method
of creating a beam system is by sketching the outline of the beam system.
You can create 2D or 3D beam systems in the plan or 3D views. The 2D beam
systems are placed at the current level. In 3D beam systems, the elevation of
each beam is defined by the height and slope of the walls or by the beams
that support the beam system. In a 3D view, you can create 2D and 3D beam
systems by using the sketch method only. However, in a plan view, you can
also create 2D and 3D beams systems using the single-click placement
method.

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Example of Beams and Beam Systems

The following illustrations show different beams and beam systems.

Beam System Properties

You can set the beam system properties before creating the beam system.
The following illustrations show the beam system options on the Options Bar.

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The following table describes the beam system options.

Beam Type
Specifies the type of beams used in the beam system. The list displays the
same beam types as the Type Selector drop-down. You can load additional
beam types into the project if the beam you require is not in the Beam
Type list.

Justification
Specifies the justification type of the beam system as Beginning, Center, or
End.The justification type determines the placement of the first beam in the
beam system and each subsequent beam is spaced at a fixed distance from
that point.
Note: You can specify the justification only if you select the layout rule as
Fixed Distance.

Layout Rule
Specifies the pattern in which beams are arranged in a bay.
The layout rule can be of the following types:
Fixed Distance: Sets beams at a certain fixed distance from the
previous beam in the pattern.
Fixed Number: Sets a specified number of beams that are equally
spaced.
Maximum Spacing: Sets beams at a nominal spacing.
Clear Spacing: Same as Fixed Distance, but the spacing is measured
between the exteriors of the beams instead of between their centerlines. With
the Clear Spacing layout rule, when you adjust the size of an individual beam

62

in a beam system, the beams next to it move to maintain the distance

between the beams.

3D
Specifies whether the beams in the beam system are planar or nonplanar
with respect to the current level.
If the 3D check box is not selected, the beams are placed planar with the
current level, regardless of whether the supporting members are sloped.
This is often referred to as a 2D beam system.
If the 3D check box is selected, the elevations at the ends of the beams are
controlled by the slope of the supporting members. This means that the
beams can accommodate different support heights and can be nonplanar
with the current level. This is often referred to as a 3D beam system.

Walls Define Slope

Specifies the default value for the slope of the sketch lines that are
associated with walls in a beam system. You can set this property only for
sketch lines that have a wall as their support. When you set this property, the
heights are examined for the structural walls that outline the beam system
and then beams are placed accordingly.
Note: You can set this property only if you select the 3D Snapping check
box on the Options Bar.

Tag
Places a tag on either individual beams or a beam system.

Framing or System
Defines the type of tag to be placed for a beam or a beam system.

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When click Beam system you will find two options to create it

Automatic Beam System

We can use it when you have closed area and need to create
beam system

Direction of beam system is depending on the direction of the mouse

that is refereeing to .
If mouse referee to horizontal beam the beam systems will be in
horizontal direction And vice versa.

64

Sketch Beam System

This general option to create beam system for any area by sketch this area
and specify beam direction.
click sketch beam system and choose the tool of drawing to sketch
the area

beam direction
-

to change beam direction click

beam direction and specify new
direction.

65

Structure wall
You create a structural wall by sketching the location line of the wall in a plan
or a 3D view. To do this, you need to first activate the Structural Wall tool
available in the Wall drop-down on the Structure panel of the Home tab.
Then, you can add walls by drawing them, selecting lines in a CAD file, or
selecting faces of mass objects.

Wall Layers
Walls contain layers that correspond to the structure of wall systems. All
layers within the wall element have a definite purpose. For example, in a
metal stud over CMU wall type, the concrete masonry unit layer provides
structural support, the air and insulation layers act as thermal barriers, and
metal studs hold a gypsum wallboard finish. Each wall layer has specific
function, material, and thickness parameters, which you can modify based on
your requirements. Revit automatically detects the characteristics of each
layer and matches each characteristic to the appropriate function.
The following illustration shows the different wall layers in a structural wall.

66

Example of Structural Walls

1. Exterior - Concrete
2. Generic - Masonry
3. Exterior - Brick on Metal Stud
4. Exterior - Brick on CMU

Wall Properties Dialog Box

67

Wall Properties Dialog Box

You can modify the location line, base and top constraints, and structural
usage parameters using the Instance Properties dialog box.
Location Line
A location line represents a vertical plane in the wall. This parameter is
independent of the wall type and does not change if the wall type is changed.
You can specify the location line of a wall using any of the following options:
Wall Centerline
Core Centerline
Finish Face: Exterior
Finish Face: Interior
Core Face: Exterior
Core Face: Interior

Base and Top Constraints

The Base Constraint and Top Constraint parameters are used to define the
wall vertically in the model. When you specify the base and top constraint of a
wall, you connect the wall to specified levels.
After you specify the base constraint of a wall, you may also specify a value
for base offset. This sets the bottom of the wall elevation below the floor by a
certain distance to reach the foundation.

Structural Usage Parameters

The Structural Usage parameters determine the function of a structural wall
in a model. These parameters set apart structural walls from nonstructural or
partition walls. The Structural Usage parameters are categorized as
nonbearing, bearing, shear, and structural combined.
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The value of the Structural Usage parameter controls whether the wall is
placed as a structural or a partition wall. By default, structural walls are
assigned as bearing and partition walls are assigned as nonbearing.
Nonbearing walls do not appear in structural views. You can change the
Structural Usage parameter any time.

Wall Options Bar

When you select the Structural Wall tool, the Options Bar displays wall
placement options. The following illustrations show the various options
available on the Options Bar.

69

Wall sections
To modify wall section from Wall Properties Dialog Box click edit type

As pervious you have two options

Rename or Duplicate

1-Rename
this option will modify the
current section to new section.

2-Duplicate
This option will make
duplicate from current section
and then change name and the
parameters to new section.

Click edit and modify the

thickness of wall to new
section.

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Creating Floors
Floors are horizontal surfaces that support gravity loads and transfer these
loads to the supporting structure.
You add floor elements in a plan view using the Floor tool. When you select
the Floor tool, the sketch mode is activated and all the elements in the model
are halftoned and not accessible. In the sketch mode, you add sketch lines to
define the boundary of the floor. You can place sketch lines using the
Pick Walls, Pick Supports, or Line tool. You can create an opening in a floor by
editing the floor and sketching secondary loops inside the main floor outline.
You can also create an opening in a floor using the By Face, Shaft, and
Vertical tools on the Opening panel of the Modify tab. The openings that are
created by this method are hosted by floors, but these
openings remain independent.

Process of Adding a Floor Element:

To add a floor element to a project, you use the Floor tool on the Structure
panel of the Home tab.

Process: Adding a Floor Element

The following illustration shows the process of adding a floor element.

71

The following steps describe the process of adding a floor element.

1. Open the structural model in a plan or 3D view.
Open the structural model in a plan or 3D view to add a floor element.
2. Use the Floor tool.
Use the Floor tool to start placing a floor element.

3. Specify properties.
Specify properties of the new floor type by opening the Instance Properties
dialog box, followed by the Type Properties dialog box. Select Duplicate in the
Type Properties dialog box to create a new floor type, and then specify the
floor type properties.

72

4. Sketch the outline.

Sketch the outline of the floor type to place an opening. You can draw lines or
pick walls, supports, or lines.

73

5. Add openings in the floor sketch.

Add openings in the floor sketch using additional outlines. You can also use
the tools on the Opening panel of the Modify tab after the floor is completed.

74

Creating Shaft Openings in Floors

You can cut openings in the entire height of a building using the Shaft tool on
the Opening panel of the Modify tab. Using this tool, you can cut faces of
roofs, floors, and slab-on-grades simultaneously.
If you move the shaft opening on one level, it moves on all levels. The
symbolic lines are visible on all levels too.
Procedure: Creating a Shaft Opening in a Floor
The following steps describe how to create a shaft opening in a floor.
1. Open a plan or a 3D view.
2. Click Modify tab > Opening panel > Shaft.

3. Sketch a shaft opening by drawing lines or by picking walls.

75

5. Click Finish Opening.

Shaft

6. Select the opening and click Element Properties to adjust the levels
that the opening cuts.

For Base Constraint, specify a level for the start point of the shaft.
For Top Constraint, specify a level for the end point of the shaft. The
shaft cuts through and is visible on all intermediate levels.

76

Creating Foundations
Foundations are model elements that are used to represent the physical
building foundation in a structural model. Foundations are typically modeled
as either deep foundations or shallow foundations, depending on the soil
conditions of the building site. Deep foundations consist of grade beams
spanning pile caps supported on piles. Shallow foundations consist of wall
footings, isolated column footings, and foundation slabs or mats.

Types of Foundations
The following table describes the different types of foundations.

Example of Foundations

Foundation with pile caps, a foundation

slab, and beams

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Foundation with column footings, a

foundation slab, and wall foundations

Isolated Footing
Component families that are
placed

beneath

columns

or

other structural elements where

loads are concentrated at a
point. These include isolated
column footings for shallow
foundations and piles and pile caps for deep foundations.

Place an Isolated Footing

1. In the Structure tab> Foundation panel, click
the Structural Foundation: Isolated command.

2. In the Type Selector, select a footing type.

78

(Isolated) to start

3. In the drawing, click to place the individual footing as shown

in Figure

4. To add more than one footing at a time, in the Modify | Place

Isolated Foundation tab>Multiple panel, select
or

(At Grids)

(At Columns) and select the grids or columns.

5. Press <Esc> or

(Modify) to end the command.

An isolated footing attaches itself to the bottom of the

Component.

Instead of adding extra levels for foundations, you can place

foundation elements at the lowest floor level and then change the
Base Offset parameter for the columns and walls to lower the footing
below the floor. The foundation elements move with the base of the
walls and columns.
79

Slab Foundation
this general option to create foundations , by this option you can make
isolated footing , combined footing and raft.

Place a Structural Slab

1. In the Structure tab>Foundation panel, click
Structural Foundation: Slab command.

(Slab) to start the

2. In the Type Selector, select the slab type you want to use.

3. In the Modify | Create Floor Boundary tab>Draw panel, use the following
options to create a closed boundary:
Use the Draw tools, such as

(Line) or

(Pick Lines) when the

slab is not defined by walls or a structure and is free-floating.

Use

(Pick Walls) when walls define the perimeter (Pick Supports)

and select structural walls or beams when the slab is supported by

beams.
In the Modify | Create Floor Boundary tab>Mode panel, click
(Finish Edit Mode).
80

Adding Dimensions
The dimension tools available to you can be found on the Annotate menu,
in the Dimension tab

Aligned dimensions
The first dimension type that we are going to look at are Aligned Dimensions.
The key thing to note about Aligned Dimensions are that they can be placed
between 2 or more parallel references or 2 or more points- wall ends for
example. The dimensions in the image below are all Aligned Dimensions.

One important thing to note here is that when you select Aligned to start
dimensioning, the Options bar presents you with some important choices that
will aid you in creating your dimensions.
81

You will see above that you have a choice as to what Revit snaps to when
dimensioning. The Place Dimension drop down box contains Wall
centrelines, Wall faces, Centre of core and Faces of core. The second choice
you have when placing your dimensions are Pick.

At this point it is worth taking a moment to look at the differences between

these two options because this is something that you will use time and again.

If we leave Pick set at Individual References, you have the choice where to
dimension to, along a wall length- ie from the end of the wall to the start of
the first window opening

82

However, if you change Pick to Entire Walls, you can now just pick
anywhere on the wall and the entire wall is automatically dimensioned

Note that all the dimensions were added in one go, following a single click on
the wall. To tell Revit exactly what elements of the wall you wish to be
dimensioned, click on Options on the Options Bar (this is only available if
you have Pick set to Entire Walls.

You will see that you can dimension (automatically) to openings, intersecting
wall and intersecting grid lines. Used appropriately, this feature can save you
a vast amount of time. Imagine a long elevation with 14 windows and 3
doors- and being able to dimension all of it with a single click! Ok, thats
enough of Aligned Dimensions, lets move on.

83

Linear dimensions
Next on our list are Linear Dimensions. We use Linear Dimensions, when we
want the absolute distance (measured vertically or horizontally) between two
offset points. This is better explained with a diagram.

Angular dimensions
As you may expect, Angular Dimensions are used to measure the angle
between two reference points that share a common intersection. Quite simply
click on the first reference element (be it a line, wall, etc) and then on the
second one.

84

Radial dimensions
Radial dimensions are used for measuring the distance from an arc to its
centre point. In the case of Walls, you can measure either to the wall
centreline or the wall face. Pressing the tab key when defining your
dimension will toggle between wall face and wall centerline.

Arc Length dimensions

Radial dimensions are used for measuring the distance along an arc segment.
This could be a line or wall. Again the Tab key will toggle between
centrelines and faces, in the case of walls.

85

Baseline and Ordinate dimensions

Two other linear dimension types that are available to you (but not obviously
evident) are Baseline and Ordinate dimensions. These are basically two
different types of Running Dimensions. In order top use these, you will need
to first create the dimension types. This is really easy to do- just pick the
default Linear (or Aligned) dimension family and duplicate it (renaming it of
course). Once you have a copy of the family, you can go into its properties
and Edit Type.

You will notice that the first parameter in the list is Dimension String Type.
This is the parameter we are interested in. If you activate the drop-down
menu for this parameter- you will see that you have a choice of Continuous,
Baseline or Ordinate. Go ahead and change the parameter to Baseline.
This results in a dimension like this.

86

And if then produce a second dimension family with the Dimension String
Type set to Ordinate, this is what you get.

On the face of it this looks just like a standard aligned / linear dimension. But
if you look closely you will see that each dimension value is measured back to
the base point of 0.

Spot Dimensions.
There are 3 types of Sot Dimensions: Spot Elevations, Spot Coordinates and
Spot Slopes.

Spot Elevation dimensions

Spot Elevations are used in elevation, section, plan and 3D views to display
the absolute (or relative) heights of reference points. They can also display the
upper and lower height values of an element with thickness (eg a floor), in
plan views.

87

Here is a Spot Elevation in a section view, telling us the height at the top of
the wall.

And here is a Spot Elevation in a plan view. This time it is displaying the
bottom and top heights of a floor plate element.

Spot Coordinates dimensions

Spot Coordinates display the North / South and East / West coordinates of the
reference point it is placed at. It can also display the elevation at that height
too.

88

Spot Slope dimensions

And finally.. Spot Slope Dimensions! As you might well expect, these are
used for displaying the angle of slope on various surfaces and elements. They
can be placed in section, elevation and plan views. Here is one being used on
a roof slope in a section view..

You have a choice of an arrow or a triangle for the symbol- we have obviously
chosen the triangle symbol in the above example.
And that concludes our introductory look at Dimensions in Revit. In other
articles we will go onto to look at how we can manipulate and customise the
look and operation of these various dimension types.

89

Adding Tags
Tags are annotations that display parametric information about the elements
with which they are associated. Tags use unique symbols to represent each
structural element. Unlike text, the values displayed in tags are updated
automatically when the structural model is updated. Tags are view specific,
can be placed with or without leaders, and have horizontal or vertical
orientation. Tags automatically adjust to the view scale and align with other
tags in the view. You can modify tags by changing their position in a view,
turning their leaders on or off, and changing their orientation. You can tag a
structural element with more than one tag if you have multiple tag types
loaded for that element.

Types of Tags
Structural Framing Tag :
Displays the Type Name property of a structural framing member. This tag
rotates with its associated element.
Structural Framing Tag-w-Studs-Camber:
Displays the Type Name, Number of Studs, and Camber Size properties of a
steel structural framing member. This tag rotates with its associated element.
Structural Column Tag :
Displays the Type Name property of a structural column member. This tag
orients to the view.
Structural Column Tag-45:
Displays the Type Name property of a structural column member at a 45degree angle to the column member. This tag orients to the view.
90

Tag Options:
You can place tags in a view using the tag options available in the Tag dropdown on the Tag panel of the Annotate tab. The Tag drop-down provides
three options: By Category, Multi-Category, and Material.

The following table describes the various tag options.

By Category:
Automatically identifies the category of the object being tagged and adds
the appropriate tag.

Multi-Category
Uses shared parameters to add tags that work across categories.
Multicategory tags are custom objects.

Material
Displays a question mark when first placed. You need to specify a value for
the material parameter, which is then displayed in the tag.

91

Beam Annotations Dialog Box:

Using the Beam Annotations dialog box, you can place or remove structural
framing tags and spot elevation symbols on selected or all beams in a view.
To access the Beam Annotations dialog box, you use the Beam Annotations
tool on the Tag panel of the Place Text tab. You can also specify the position
of framing tags or spot elevation symbols at the start, middle, or end of
beams.

92

Process of Adding Tags:

You can add tags to the selected or all structural framing members in a view.

Process: Adding Tags

The following illustration shows the process of adding tags.

The following steps describe the process of adding tags.

Activate the Tag tool :

Activate the Tag tool on the Tag panel of the Annotate tab.

Note: You can use the Tag All tool on the Tag panel of the Annotation tab to
tag all elements of one type, such as columns in the current view.

Specify tag properties:

Specify the tag properties such as tag orientation and leader length, on the
Options Bar.

Place tags:
Place tag using reference lines to align the tag with the nearby tags and text.
You can change the tag orientation and add or remove a leader after tag
placement.
93

Views
Definition of Views
Views provide a way of visualizing and working on a building model. You use
views to display a model from different directions and reference points that
help you build the model. In addition, you use views to generate plans,
elevations, sections, details, and schedules that are used to assemble
construction documentation. When you start a project, certain views are
created by default based on the project template that you select. You can edit
the properties of these views and create new views, as required. You can also
duplicate existing plan and 3D views to create new views. You can navigate
within a view using the mouse wheel, Steering Wheels, or the view cube, and
switch between views in the middle of an activity. For example, you can select
a floor in 3D view and edit it in plan view. However, only one view can be
active at any given time.

Options for Duplicating Views

By duplicating a view, you can display the same portion of the structural
model in multiple views with different view settings, if required.
The following table describes the three options that you can use to duplicate
views.

94

Duplicate:
This option creates a view that is a copy of the original view. A duplicate view
displays model elements but not annotation elements from the original view.
For example, you can use this option to create a duplicate foundation plan
that displays a referenced architectural plan and is used for coordination
purposes. The duplicate plan is independent of the original foundation plan.

Duplicate with Detailing:

This option creates a view that inherits all details of the original view. A
duplicate with detailing view displays both model and annotation elements
from the original view. For example, you can use this option to create an
overall foundation plan that includes the detailing you added to the original
foundation plan. The overall plan is independent of the original foundation
plan. Any additional annotation you add is displayed only in the view to which
it is added.

Duplicate as a Dependent:
This option creates a dependent view that inherits view properties and viewspecific elements from the original view, known as the parent view. A
dependent view is used to display only a specific area of the view. You can
insert matchlines to indicate where the view is split and view references to
link views. Annotation added to the dependent view is displayed in the parent
view and vice versa. This option helps to create views that show portions of a
plan when the entire plan is too large to fit on a drawing sheet.

95

The following illustrations show an original view and its duplicate

copies created by using the options for duplicating views.

Original view with annotation

Duplicate view without annotation

Duplicate with detailing view, with annotation included

96

Duplicate as a dependent view, with annotation included

97

Overview of Visibility and

Graphic Display
Most overrides for visibility and graphic display are made in the
Visibility/Graphics dialog. The exception is for individual element overrides;
these are made in the View-Specific Element Graphics dialog. From the
Visibility/Graphics dialog, you can view overrides that have already been
applied to a category. If the graphic display of a category has been
overridden, the cell displays a preview of the graphic. If no overrides have
been made to a category, the cell is blank, and the element displays as
specified in the Object Styles dialog.

In the following image, the doors

category has overrides for projection/surface lines and for cut pattern.

98

Move and Copy

Revit Structure contains editing tools and temporary dimensions that enable
you to edit elements. Additional modifying tools can be used with individual
elements or any selection of elements. They are found in the
Modify tab>Modify panel, and in contextual tabs.

The process of copying an element is identical to moving an element,

except that by default, a copy is moved instead of the original object.

Move or Copy Elements

1. Select the element(s) that you want to move.
2. In the Modify panel, click

(Move) or type MV or click

(Copy)

or type CO. A boundary box displays around the selected element(s).

3. Select a base point on or near the element.
4. Select a second point.
5. Use alignment lines and temporary dimensions to help place
the element(s). Snaps are also helpful for placement, or type the
distance by keyboard .
6. The element(s) remain highlighted, enabling you to start
another command, or you can press <Esc> to end the command.
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Move/Copy Options
The Move and Copy commands have several options that display in the
Options Bar.

Constrain: Only moves the element by 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees. If

the element is at an angle (i.e., an angled wall), Constrain also
enables it to move parallel to its current location.

Disjoin: Moves the element independent of any other elements to

which it is attached or related. For example, a wall joined to other
walls at each end can be moved without extending the joined walls
using Disjoin.

Copy: Creates a copy of the original element. This makes the Multiple
option available, which permits multiple copies. With the exception of
the Multiple option, the options revert to their defaults each time you
restart the command.

These commands only work within the current view, not between
views or projects. To copy between views or projects, use
(Copy to Clipboard) and

(Paste from Clipboard).

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Summary of Some commend

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Example
Our example will be building Consists of 6 floors with isolated
footing .

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Creating Level
1- go to elevation >East

2- From datum tab click level

3- In the Draw panel click

(Pick Lines).

4- Type 3000 in the Offset field in the Options Bar.

3000
0

5- Repeat these steps again with every level and type the level Height at
offset.
6- All plans automatic created

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Creating Grid
1- Go to any plan as example level 1 by double click on level 1 under
structure plan
2- From datum tab click Grid

3- when you click grid icon The Ribbon changes to the Place Level
contextual tab and displays the options and tools you can use to
create Grid.

4- from drawing tools we can start draw grid as straight line or

curve or by pick line.
5- from drawing tools click straight line then the cursor will be in
free motion case and start to draw line at any place in drawing
area
6- you can make anther grids by many options as array and copy.

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Creating Columns
1- there on the Home tab, in the structure Panel .

2- when we choose structure column new tab will appear to choose

placing options ( manual or at grid or at column )

choose At

Grid option to create columns by click in at grid on multiple tab

When click at grid this tab (Column Options Bar )will appear to choose
direction of drawing column and levels

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1- Select multiple grid intersections from right to left

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Then click finish to finalize columns creation.

Note
Column will be placed at every intersection of selected grid lines,
according to the properties set on the Options Bar. No columns are
actually created until you press the Finish button.
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 Press the SPACEBAR to rotate all of the columns that you are
creating.
Continue pressing SPACEBAR until the columns are in the desired
orientation.
To move any column select it and from modify tab choose move
Tool to move column by specific distance right or left by moving
column right or left .

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Creating Beams

To draw a beam
1. Click Home tab

Build panel

Beam drop-down

Beam.

2. Click in the drawing area to specify the start point.

3. Use the mouse to sketch the beam, moving the cursor toward the
endpoint.

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Creating Floors

The following illustration shows the process of adding a floor element.

The following steps describe the process of adding a floor element.

1. Open the structural model in a plan or 3D view.
Open the structural model in a plan or 3D view to add a floor element.
2. Use the Floor tool.
Use the Floor tool to start placing a floor el

3. Specify properties.
Specify properties of the new floor type by opening the Instance Properties
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dialog box, followed by the Type Properties dialog box. Select Duplicate in the
Type Properties dialog box to create a new floor type, and then specify the
floor type properties.

4. Sketch the outline.

Sketch the outline of the floor type to place an opening. You can draw lines or
pick walls, supports, or lines.

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Add opening to floor:

We have many option to add floor opening
1- when we draw the floor any closed area inside the floor area
will define as opening.
2- From opening tab choose by face option to add opening for
this floor , when you choose by face select the floor and then
sketch the opening shape .
3- When we need to add shaft for all floors in the same place
choose shaft option and sketch shaft shap.

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Copy this floor to other levels

Select all elements in drawing area and from filter select on beams
( structural framing and floors ,, if column drawn from level 1 to level 2
select it also if no drawn from first floor to roof dont select it )

filter
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Select copy clipboard and then past and choose the levels

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At Roof select slab and edit boundray and modefiy the floor boundary and
click finish.

Draw inclined roof by sketch the roof shape

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Select new roof and click modify sub element

Add split line and click Esc

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Click on the line and enter line height

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To attach column to inclined roof : select columns and choose attach to base
or top then select inclined roof

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Creating Foundation
To create foundation level -> go to elevation and create level under level 1 by
foundation level

Change base level for column to be a new level

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Place an Isolated Footing

1. In the Structure tab> Foundation panel, click

(Isolated) to start

the Structural Foundation: Isolated command.

2. In the Type Selector, select a footing type.

3. In the drawing, click to place the individual footing as shown

in Figure

4. To add more than one footing at a time, in the Modify | Place

5. Isolated Foundation tab>Multiple panel, (At Columns) and select the
columns.
6. Press <Esc> or

(Modify) to end the command.

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Summary
The use of a Revit building information model gives structural
firms an integrated modeling environment for analysis and
documentation so that the structural design and documentation
are coordinated, consistent, and complete. Leveraging existing
architectural digital design information and sharing the structural
building information model with architects and engineers further
coordinates the building design and documentation a winning
combination for all parties involved in the design, construction
and operation of a building.
The best example emerging today is the use of three-dimensional,
intelligent design information, commonly referred to as Building
Information Modeling (BIM).

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