MEP Modeling Made Easy with Dynamo

CI124118
Cesare Caoduro
Computational Design Addicted

Join the conversation #AU2017

Description

In this class, we’ll understand how to use Dynamo software to perform daily
activities from a Mechanical and Electrical contractor point of.
The requirement of a LOD500 model for 34 kilometres of tunnel can be
quite complex if you don't choose the right way. Starting from a simple
Microsoft Excel file with the tunnel alignment, you'll be able to create a fully
detailed design, including all the information useful for the facilities
management system.
Dynamo is the key when you've got to place thousands of elements based
on rules and algorithms. This is a real-world applications in one of the most
iconic rail projects in the Middle East
Learning Objectives

 Understand how to approach an alignment-based model

 Learn how to create families optimized for a rule-driven algorithm
 Learn about the basics of Python and Code Blocks to improve Dynamo
“out of the box” capabilities
 Learn how to use direct integration between Civil 3D and Revit to extract
alignment details
Agenda

 Introduction
 Tunnel modelling
 MEP tunnel modelling
 Back to basics
 Sprinkler System to CAD
 Shortest path problem
 What’s next for TBM tunnel
modelling
 Lesson learnt
Introduction
Me…

I’m an experienced BIM enthusiast and user of Revit MEP with

more than ten years of continuous experience
I believe the most important pieces of the “BIM puzzle” to be the 3C –
Collaboration, Communication and Coordination.
I’m also also well known for my creative visions and ideas – an innovative
and a practical thinker – “simplicity is the most sophisticated method”.
Introduction

 Why I’m here?

 What if I was on the other side?
 What I’m looking for during AU?

 The hands-out is your guide to find

emotions
Tunnel Modelling
First approach

We need to model the tunnel 3D with

all the systems and as-built data…
…and we have an Excel with the
alignment
….and we need it in 2 weeks
First approach

Challanges
 Revit limits about MEP modelling due
to the complexity of the alignment
 Huge amount of data collected during
as-built
 No clear information from the client
regarding the uses of the model
Solution
 Dynamo!
Easy geometric rules

 Read Excel XYZ alignment

 Draw the NURBS curve
 Split the NURBS curve each x
meters
 Find the Tangent Vector and
create a Coordinate System
 Define a Vertical and Horizontal
offset based on the coordinate
system
MEP Tunnel Modelling
B2B – Back To Basics
Back To Basics

 We need a preliminary model

based on the design alignment
 The alignment can change based
on the client requirements
 We use Bentley or any other
software, but not yours
Back To Basics

Challenges
 Design stage alignment
 Different software can produce different results due to approximation
 Revit doesn’t like Clothoid!
Solution
 Exchange LandXML
 Convert Clothoid to NURBS using a bit of math
 Extract XY from Alignment and Z from Profile
LandXML
LandXML importer

 Revit Site Designer isn’t able to

read clothoid!
 Convert Clothoid into NURBS
curve using Python
LandXML importer
Sprinkler System To CAD
Shortest path

Challenge  Use COM connection to send

 Extract a clean version of a piping elements to AutoCAD on the fly
system
 Export 3D lines to AutoCAD based
calculation software
Solution
 “Trim” lines using the closest fitting
 Remove fittings to fitting
connection
Python
Python
Shortest Path Problem
Shortest path

Challenge
 Identify the shortest path between
two electrical equipments using
the existing cable tray network
Solution
 Find connected elements to track
relationship between elements
 Use Dijkstra's algorithm for
shortest paths
Dijkstra's algorithm for shortest paths

Dijkstra's algorithm is an
algorithm for finding the shortest
paths between nodes in a
graph, which may represent, for
example, road networks.
Python
Python

 Based on Graph() class

 Many different implementation of
Dijkstra algorithm available
TBM Tunnel Modelling
What’s next
TBM Tunnel Modelling

 Create a fully parametric detailed

ring model in Inventor
 Publish the model using
Configurator 360
 Import the model in Revit using
Dynamo
 Verify the minimum curvature
radius
 Create a construction model
The ring model
Configurator 360
Lesson learnt
Take away your emotions

 Learn Python to boost

Revit+Dynamo capabilities
 Think bigger: use Dynamo and
Python to manage your data
 Ironpython within Dynamo is not
the best Python!
Take away your emotions

 Use CSV and JSON to

manipulate data with Python
outside Revit Environment
 Jupyter platform + NumPy-
Pandas-NetworkX-Bokeh
libraries are just the beginning
 Multi-platform workflow with
Inventor and Configurator 360 to
improve quality and accuracy
What’s next
 Machine Learning and data are
everywhere
 Use of Supervised Learning
Regression to create a Renaming
Tool able to rename families and
types based on classification
systems
 Use of Bokeh Server to publish
realtime data-visualization
dashboards
 Stay tuned!
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