Using Autodesk Revit Structure for Steel Connection Design and Driving BIM Models to Fabrication

Doug Evans
Vice President of Sales

Michelle McCarthy
Strategic Sales Manager
2011 Autodesk

Class Summary
In this class you will learn how to design connections in Revit Structure using SDS/2 Connect. We will discuss how this plays into the latest industry trends and give examples of how SDS/2 Connect can be used by different project partners.

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Learning Objectives
At the end of this class, you will be able to: Design connections in Autodesk Revit Structure using SDS/2 Connect Apply principles of LEAN Construction and IPD to the design of your structures Why as-manufactured models are important Create accurate BIM models that can aid in estimating project costs Utilize the SDS/2 Connect Add-In on your next project

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Introduction to Design Data & SDS/2 Connect

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Who is Design Data?

Software Developer of SDS/2 Software Solutions

Based in Lincoln, NE 30 Years in business Industry leader in Steel Connection Design & Detailing SDS/2 Detailing is our flagship product

Smarter Models. Diverse Solutions. Software That Connects.

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SDS/2 Software Solutions

Click here to view an overview of SDS/2 on

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What is SDS/2 Connect?

Newest of the SDS/2 Software Solutions Autodesk Revit Structure Add-In

Enables connection design inside of Revit Includes true round-tripping capabilities between Revit and SDS/2 products www.sds2connect.com
SDS/2 Overview video on
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Designing Connections in Revit Structure

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Designing Connections Using SDS/2 Connect

Understanding Connection Design

Help Menus Commands Set-Up and Connection Design

Connection Types Options Design Information Manufacturing Standards Loads Framing Conditions Intelligent Connection Design User Connections

Technical Information on Revit Modifications

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SDS/2 Connect Help Menus

Getting Started

Install instructions

Connection Design

Explanation on how design is performed

Connection Guide
Listing of connections Instructions to create desired connections

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SDS/2 Connect: Commands

OptionsSet-Up Options EditAllows user to edit connection ReportAccess to basic and extended connection design calculations

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SDS/2 Connect: Commands

Connection TypeSelect and design connections Design AllTwo options

Designs established connections Designs whole structure

Export Revit Structure to SDS/2

All modified structural elements Selected modified structural elements All structural elements Selected structural elements All structural elements to a new SDS/2 job

Import SDS/2 to Revit Structure

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SDS/2 Connect Set-Up: Options

Established Connections
Only works on connections that have been designed previously in the model by either Revit Structure or SDS/2. Un-designed areas are not affected.

Whole Structure

Designs every joint possible in the model.

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SDS/2 Connection Types

SDS/2 Connect designs the following connection types:

Clip Angle

Shear Plate

End Plate

Beam Splice

Bent Plate

Seated

Vertical Brace

Horizontal Brace

Column Splice

User Base Plates

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SDS/2 Connect Set-Up: Design Information

Matches set-up options in SDS/2

Connection Design Codes Uniform Loading Bolt Design, and more

Settings WILL Affect Connections

Minimums and maximums for plate thickness Bolt size options Available connection materials

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SDS/2 Connect Set-Up: Design Information

User Preferences in Set-Up can cause connections to fail.

i.e. Gusset maximum of will not allow 1 thickness plates to be designed. Same theory applies for clipped vs. coped options on gusset plates.

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SDS/2 Connect: Manufacturing Standards

Allows you to value-engineer your connections with consideration for the way the connection material will be manufactured.

For the option below, you can see the difference that checking ON the Cope on Connections that extend past flange can make in the way it is designed.

Based on Fabricators preference for manufacturing.

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SDS/2 Connect: Framing Conditions

Analyzed during connection design Auto-standard connections are determined by the framing condition
Allows users mold the connection design to their needs Accounts for all members involved in the joint and adjusts accordingly

Auto Standard Connections video on

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SDS/2 Connect: Loads

2 Options for Connection Loading

Automaticsystem determines load based on set-up User-AddedUser inputs loads on a member by member basis

Load changes result in: increased bolt diameters, weld sizes, plate thickness or number of bolt rows

Adding Loads in SDS/2 Connect on

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SDS/2 Connect: Connection Specifications

Additional options for each connection type

Add moment Change setbacks Control specific conditions, etc.

Allows more user control over connections

Connection Specifications in SDS/2 Connect

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Intelligent Connection Design

Intelligently designed connections always consider framing condition

Designs the entire joint Automatic clash detection Fit-up & constructability Adapts to changes in framing conditions

Intelligent Connection Design in SDS/2 Connect

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User Connections

Manipulate connections to your specific requirements All fields available are editable

Hole types # of bolt rows Vertical distances Hole spacing # of bolt columns Connection material types/sizes Material lengths & widths

User Connections in SDS/2 Connect

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Modifications to Revit Structure

SDS/2 Connect modifies the following families during installation:

SDS/2 Connect adds the following families during installation:

Wide Flange W-Tee L-Angle LL-Angle Channel HSS Rectangular (not round)

Plate Angle RoundPlate Bolt StandardBolt StandardBoltArray BentPlate

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Modifications to Revit Structure

The materials in these families are not meant to be modified by hand once SDS/2 Connect is installed Differences in functionality may cause occasional improper transfer of members
A known example is the shift of the work line on L-Angle and LL-Angle vertical braces for the connections to be designed correctly This shift is added to the Revit Structure family

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Modifications to Revit Structure

Displaying connections in Revit Structure can push memory limits on very large jobs To improve performance:
Avoid fine grain views when not viewing connections Set up SDS/2 Connect to skip generating bolts Holes will not be generated in Revit Structure but will appear once transferred to SDS/2 View connections with bolts on in small view ports

Revit Structure 2012 will have advanced features for cutting and coping Design Data is now a Preferred Partner with Autodesk and will continue closely developing with the Revit Structure team.
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SDS/2 Connects to Lean Construction and Integrated Project Delivery

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Integrated Project Delivery

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a collaborative alliance of people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction.

Better thinking, better results: case study and analysis of an enterprise-wide lean transformation (2nd ed.). Kensington, Conn: Center for Lean Business Management.

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Lean Construction

Lean Construction is a production practice that considers the expenditure of resources for any goal other than the creation of value for the end customer to be wasteful, and thus a target for elimination. Its focus is on the elimination of waste and exposing systemic problems. Use the tools to achieve efficiencies within a smooth flow. As waste is eliminated quality and production improve along with costs being reduced. Reduce cost and inefficiency Accelerate and streamline operations
Abdelhamid (2007). Lean Construction Principles. Ballard, Glenn (2000b). Lean Project Delivery Systems.

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Target Value Design (TVD)

Target Value Design (TVD) or Target Costing falls in with Lean Construction and will become more desired by owners in projects of the future. Target Costing is the practice to incorporate cost as a factor in design to minimize waste and create value.

Glenn Ballard (2011) Target Value Design: Current Benchmark. Lean Construction Journal 2011 pp 79-84 http://p2sl.berkeley.edu/2009-05-26/Glenn%202008-07-29%20=%20Target %20Value%20Design.pdf

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Bi-Directional Model Round-Tripping

SDS/2 Connect is the API interface between Revit Structure and SDS/2
Allows model updates from either product Updates are easy to identify User can accept or deny changes

Maintain one model rather than keeping a Design Model and a Manufacturing Model

Round-Tripping via SDS/2 Connect

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Incorporating Manufacturing Standards

Materials can be manufactured at a lower cost with higher quality Several factors can be considered and incorporated into SDS/2 Connect Set-Up to improve design quality and speed up the manufacturing process
Shop equipment requirements Bolted vs. welded shop Standard fabricator connections

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Pre-Approved Connection Design

Automates Connection Design Automates Load Calculations Cost comparison or Value Engineering is easily done for connections
Changing the section size or steel grade may result in major savings on the steel This is easily tested with SDS/2 Connect

Early connection design saves cost later

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Transferring Connection Information

Clear interpretation of connection info Fewer RFIs on connections Easier to prep the model for fabrication
Adjusting vertical brace work points Adding secondary steel like handrails, ladders, embeds, etc.

Faster to drawing production Increases efficiency of project workflow

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DWG Reference Models

Supplement the Revit Structure model with DWGs to include miscellaneous steel
Handrails Stairs Edge Angle, etc.

Detect potential clashes Keeps Revit Structure model accurate

DWG Reference Models and SDS/2 Connect
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SDS/2 Connect: a Tool for IPD & Lean Construction

Low High Operational Efficiency

Technolog y Business Practices Business Benefits SDS/2 Technolog y

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Practical Uses of SDS/2 Connect

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Fabricators/Detailers

Round-Tripping allows for updates and transfers of the model Connections are editable in Revit Structure and SDS/2 Detailing Manufacturing info can be shared with engineers and incorporated into SDS/2 Connect set-up

Allows for engineer-designed connections that are easier to fabricate and erect based on the fabricators needs
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Model Based Estimating

Utilize information that already exists Including connection material improves estimate Reduces assumption on estimates Having the connection info available improves subcontractors ability to estimate
Even if connections change later in the project Typical unless noted connections cause too many RFIs

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Model Based Estimating

Model Based Estimates inherently require model collaboration SDS/2 Connect is a better tool to communicate the necessary information

Particularly to estimating databases working with Revit Structure like:

Timberline Innovaya SKYBIM Tocoman

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General Contractors

Better Estimates with a more accurate Revit Structure Model Improved clash detection between multiple subcontractor models Easily incorporate as-manufactured information into the deliverable Revit Structure model

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The Value of As-Manufactured Models

Conveys the structure as it actually is Useful for in planning for subcontractors involved after steel
i.e. MEP designers can actively avoid clashing with gussets Reduces issues and costs

Occupancy and lifecycle of the structure

Access to the as-manufactured model aids in retrofit and repairs

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Tips for Maintaining As-Manufactured Models

Maintain model integrity

All materials must be modeled and in their correct location No fudging BOMs

No quick fixes on drawings Know the status of the model

Track your project through the model Status information is part of BIM model

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Engineers: Connection Design Tool

Use SDS/2 Connect to automate:

Sketchesthis sketch created in <30s Load calculations automatically created with the connection

Less conflicting connections due to full joint analysis

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Engineers: Value Engineering

Resolve and avoid connection issues before it gets to the detailer/fabricator Reduce RFIsby seeing real connection situations Provide more complete connection info than connection tables

Typical connection schedules, like the a 3 or 4 bolt shear plates in these pictures, may require en masse changes on a project. This example shows a common framing condition that requires a seat in addition to the shear plate connection .
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Engineers: Pre-Construction Models

SDS/2 Connect allows the EOR and Fabricator to work together within Revit Structure to iron out project details

Partially a pre-approval process that resolves some issues before manufacturing Improves BIM accuracy resulting in:
More immediate & reliable material take-offs Accurate shop drawings Less delay in fabrication

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Engineers: Model Transfer & Round-Tripping

IPD and Lean Construction utilize the BIM model to reduce waste

Importing the Revit Structure model to SDS/2 Detailing reuses the engineers model

Detailer saves input by importing Detailer/Fabricator can design connections and send them back via SDS/2 Connect Capability for multiple transfers reduce waste in using a design model and a manufacturing model

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How Can I Get SDS/2 Connect?

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Getting Your Copy of SDS/2 Connect

30-day trial version downloadable at www.sds2connect.com Includes: connection design & roundtripping Stop by booth #816 to learn more

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Autodesk, AutoCAD* [*if/when mentioned in the pertinent material, followed by an alphabetical list of all other trademarks mentioned in the material] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. 2011 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

2011 Autodesk