“Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?

”
Revit Multi-Discipline Collaboration
Chris Link, BIM Manager
Farnsworth Group, Inc.

Ellen Smith, Director of Technology

Christner Architects

Aaron Gipperich, BIM Manager

FGM Architects

Tom Colyer, BIM Technician

KJWW Engineering
 Merriam Webster defines Collaborate as:

1. to work jointly with others or together

especially in an intellectual endeavor

Synonyms - band (together), cooperate, concert, concur,

conjoin, conspire, join, league, team (up), unite

Major Concept for Collaboration:

Collaboration = Communication!!!
Project Stakeholders
Owner Team
Design Team – Architects, Consultants
Contractor Team
Manufacturer / Supplier Team
Non-Stakeholders
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Government Officials
Internal Team
Project Management to Delivery Team
Person to Person
Project Planning Meetings
Determine Project Delivery Method
Determine BIM uses
Project/BIM Execution Plan (PxP)
Roadmap to establish collaboration strategy
Identify all relevant project goals and information
Project Kick Off Meeting
Venue to make sure all project participants understand project
goals and answer questions upfront
Attendance from all project participants is a must – Project
Managers, BIM Managers, BIM Coordinators, etc.
Absolutely a must if there is no PxP for the Project – Suggest a BIM
FAQ to identify and address BIM related workflow concerns
BIM Coordination Meetings
Verify that project goals are being met during design and
construction
Venue to discuss design and construction coordination issues
Suggested Information
Project Information BIM Goals and Uses
Key Project Contacts Organizational Roles
BIM Goals and Uses Collaboration Procedures
Organizational Roles Quality Control
Information Exchange Procedures
Procedures Technological
Level of Development Infrastructure Needs
(LOD) and Model Element Model Structure
Author (MEA) Matrix & Project Deliverables
Definitions
BIM Facility Management
Requirements
Frequently asked
Questions Answered with
Best Practice Suggestions
 Q: All –

Why, whenever I link in other

models, do I see four (4) copies of
all the grids and levels in all my
views?
This question involves three related concepts:
Model Element Authoring
Who owns the Grids/Levels?
Could change depending on phase (SD, DD, etc.)
Copy/Monitor Strategy
Who should Copy/Monitor what and when?
Workset Strategy
What Workset are Elements placed on?
If all disciplines are consistent with Grid/Level Workset
placement, then all Teams can unload the “Shared Grids and
Levels” Workset in each link
Consider Workset control of other elements as well – Reference
Lines/Planes, Scope Boxes, Furniture/FF&E items, etc. In
addition Each Linked model should be on its own workset.

Document in PxP!!
 Q: All –

Why do other models not line up in

the right place when I link them
into my model?
There are multiple “base points” in Revit:
Internal point (Origin)
Central location of model template by default.
This point cannot be moved.
Project Base Point
This point can be moved by revealing the point
under Visibility Graphics (Model – Site). Often it is
placed at the intersection of a specific grid crossing.
Survey Point
This point can be used to coordinate “real world
coordinates” with Civil Engineers and can also be
revealed under “Site”.
Document this base point information in your PxP.
Architects:
Always build your building near the starting point of the default
template.
Model it with Project North pointing directly up. (lay it out as you would
have it appear on sheets)
If you are using a .dwg based site, Link your site file Center To Center.
Move or rotate the Site under your project until it is correctly positioned
relative to the building. (do not move or rotate the project itself).
Use the Acquire Coordinates tool and pick the site.
This will set your project's shared coordinated to those of the .dwg's
WCS. True North will be the .dwg's Y axis. Now your building knows
where the .dwg 0,0 is, but it can still record its own information in well
behaving small numbers. It knows and can orient to either True North,
or Project North. Once the Shared Coordinates are set, subsequent
imports can be made origin to origin using Shared Coordinates.
Other Disciplines:
Begin your model by referencing the architects model using “origin to
origin”
Revit to Revit Reference
Point:

Use “Origin to Origin”

Based on the Architectural
Model Origin Point.

This point cannot be

moved
AutoCAD to Revit Reference
Point:

By default this point is located

at the “Origin” of the model.
This point can be used to move
The world around your project.
This point will reflect “Acquired
Coordinates” from AutoCAD
Files.

This point can be

moved
 Q: MEP Engineer –

Can Architectural elements namely

walls, ceilings and floors, be ‘adjusted’
as opposed to being ‘deleted’ and
remodeled?
Never delete, Edit the element:

Face based elements will lose associations if the original

element face they are associated to is removed or deleted.
Edit/Change element types and locations using the
Properties menu to retain relationships.
If a host is deleted in the Architectural model, significant re-
work will be required to re-host MEP content once the
Architectural model is updated/reloaded into the MEP Revit
model.
Examples include: lighting fixtures, ceiling diffusers,
receptacles, light switches, etc…
In addition, avoid deleting any Level after MEP content has
been added. MEP content could be based off of the Level
that has been deleted, and if a Copy/Monitor relationship
was established with the Level, it will provide a warning and
if deleted, all content associated with that Level will also be
deleted.
 Q: MEPT Engineer –

Why should an Architect avoid rotating

or changing elevation of their model
after significant MEPT work has been
completed?
Establish the buildings final location and
orientation before MEPT work begins:

Physically moving the building in a Revit model or

changing Project Base Point or Survey Point
coordinates will disrupt established relationships.
Hosted items will be disrupted, things such as duct
connections and pipe fittings will be broken.
Also: views, elevations and section cuts placed on
sheets and in the model itself may need significant
re-work.
Changes are inevitable, and if they are indeed
needed, establish and communicate a plan between
all clients involved.
 Q: Architect –

When I link in Mechanical and

Plumbing Engineering models why do
the pipes, ducts, etc. show in different
colors? Adjusting the Object Styles
does not change them. How do I show
them in black for printing?
Look familiar?
Reason
MEP models typically assign the separate systems
their own color for easier coordination. Object
Styles do not affect the System based color
schemes when the model is linked. Changing these
color settings is very complex and time consuming
for the Architect each time a new model is received.

Solution
The simplest and most efficient way to override
these settings is with graphic Filters. Filters can be
added for model categories, with colors and line
weights assigned.
Add filters for various model categories to
override them in the view.

Add the filters to view

templates for faster
rollout across the project.
 Q: Structural Engineer –

When I link in the Architects model

and setup my Structural views why
do I not see any Walls?
Walls in Revit

Structural Property of Walls

Walls have a Structural Instance Parameter. Views set to Structural Discipline
only show walls with Structural Parameter checked.
Typically a Structural engineers would want to see Exterior Walls and Interior
Load Bearing Walls in their plans
Additional walls should be coordinated between Architect and Structural

Copy/Monitor Issues with Walls

Typically a Structural engineer only wants to show the load bearing
component of a compound wall (i.e. CMU, not the furring and Gyp. Bd.)
When walls are Copy/Monitored, they are aligned by center line of the wall, if
Structural substitutes the wall to just load bearing element, walls will be
different thicknesses and have different centerlines and will not align
Recommended procedure (Autodesk) is for Structural to remodel structural
component of walls and establish a monitor only relationship between new
walls and Architectural linked walls after components are aligned

Discuss, decide and document in PxP!!

 Q: All Team members–

How can scope boxes assist with

setting up your drawing set?
Ahhh, the Scope Box.

Most information you read about scope boxes illustrates how they work
with column grids and section/elevation views. They are useful for this,
but…
An often overlooked feature of the scope box is that its extents can be
assigned to the crop region of multiple views, thus creating a simple way
to match crop regions across your large projects.

The process is simple!

Create scope boxes around the areas you want to assign for plan areas
(areas A, B, C and D). Name the scope box accordingly.
In the view’s properties, under the “Scope Box” setting assign the scope
box for that area.
Done! Your view is now automatically cropped to that scope box.
If the scope box extents change, so does the crop region to all views
associated to it.
Be sure to pin scope boxes, ideally place them on a workset and turn them
off when not being adjusted.
Consultants can copy/paste the Architect’s scope boxes.
v v
 Q: Architect –

Why do my Engineers complain

about our use of Design Options?
I am just trying to provide my
client with the Alternates they
requested!
Design Options
Design Options are a great Revit tool that allows Architects to
provide alternate design ideas in the same area within the same
model
However, MEP Systems (Duct, Pipe and Electrical) in Revit cannot
be connected to elements within a Design Option. (i.e. – an Air
Terminal placed in a Design Option can not be connected to the
branch ductwork system not in the Design Option)
Design Options should be resolved (if possible) before the MEP
Engineers begin work in the affected area. If Design Options
are intended to be used to convey Alternates in the document
set, MEP Systems cannot be completed until Alternates are
accepted and resolved in model. Systems can still be shown in
Options but final connections and calculations for Systems
cannot be completed until Options are accepted into Main
Model.
Other Solutions???
 Q: All–

Why does my system slow to a

crawl when linking models from
other disciplines?
Model Efficiency

Be Selective about Worksets loaded

When creating Worksets, consider categories of elements other disciplines
will not need to open
Close Hidden Views Frequently
Every open view will regenerate with every change in your model
Overlay vs Attach
Always select “Overlay” instead of “Attach”
Keep a clean room schedule
Redundant Rooms, unnecessary unplaced Rooms, unenclosed Rooms all
create more overhead in your models
Address Warnings
Periodically go through your project “Warnings” and fix as many items as you
can.
Limit CAD file linking and avoid CAD file inserts if possible
If you must reference a CAD file, first “wblock” only the necessary elements
in the file in AutoCAD. Link the CAD file in “current view only”. Copy/Paste
to other views as needed.
Purge Unused
Purge unused elements and views before sharing your model
Specify upon inserting:
After inserting reference go to “Manage Worksets”:
Efficiency Tips:

Close Hidden Windows Address Warnings Link CAD not Import CAD

Overlay Links
 Q: Architect –

Why does my Plumbing Engineer

leave furniture turned on in his
plans?
Linked Views and View Templates:

A Revit model is a database. Views are a means in which we

can look into and manipulate the project's database in a visual
manner.
Collaboration between consultants is necessary to achieve a
cohesive set of drawings.
An Engineering View linked to an Architectural View creates a
‘shared’ floor plan, section or detail view.
View Templates can be used to manipulate the look of the
views even further.
The result: No Furniture on a plumbing view and plans that
match.
The Linked View technique can also be used for Section Views
that contain Detail Components that need to be shown in other
disciplines views (i.e. – Detail Components added in a Section
in a Structural Model could show in the Architectural Sections)
 Q: Architect–

What are the expectations of the

model?
There is no simple answer to this, as expectations can vary
greatly based on contracts, client requirements, budget, and
the Team’s capabilities.

Expectations of the client should be discussed in early Programming

phases. Their requirements can have a big impact on fees. Ideally a savvy
client should be publishing their model requirements in RFQs prior to
selecting their A/E team.
Requirements of Consultant’s should be outlined in early BIM kick-off
meetings. Certain requirements (such as Facilities Management
deliverables) need to be implemented from the get-go.
Discuss, decide and document in PxP!!

What is involved in a minimum BIM deliverable?

Assuming a client has no set requirements, and all consultants are using
Revit (BIM), below is a guideline of what should be modeled in a BIM:

Architectural Model
All walls/partitions
All roofs
All floors All vertical circulation
All ceilings, soffits and bulkheads
All doors, windows and curtain
walls/storefronts
All millwork / casework
All equipment / fixtures that would be
identified on a floor plan or RCP and appear
in a schedule or legend
Structural Model
All Footings and Foundations
All Structural slabs, floors
All Columns
All Bearing and shear walls
All Beams, joists, major horizontal members
All Lateral bracing
Miscellaneous steel members larger than X”
Kickers
Mechanical Model
All RTUs, AHUs, MAUs, Boilers, all other
large equipment on roofs and in Mech.
rooms
All plenums, shafts, vertical transitions
All non-flex ducts
All air terminals (diffusers)
All stand-alone heating/cooling units
All Piping larger than X”
Plumbing Model
All plumbing fixtures
All major equipment
All gravity piping (roof drain piping, waste
piping)
Vertical venting
All piping larger than X”
Electrical Model
All lighting fixtures
All major equipment (panel boxes,
generators, transformers etc.)
All wall and ceiling devices such as
strobes, horns, exit signs, speakers, etc.
Conduit / piping larger than X”
 Q: Architect –

Why do my Engineers
models/documents not reflect
some of the work in other phases
of my multi-phased project?
Phase Collaboration

Phase Definitions
Phases for a Project should be discussed as early in the process as
possible, especially if the Phases involve a Fast Track Project
delivery method (i.e. Core and Shell, and Interior Fit-Out, etc.)
Decisions should be made as to how to handle the Phases
(Separate models or Phasing in Revit)
Phases should be documented in the PxP and must be defined in
each disciplines model

Phase Mapping
After Linking in each disciplines model, Phases should be mapped
in each link to the corresponding Phase in the host model
This is accomplished in the Phase Mapping dialog in the Type
Properties for each Linked Model

Discuss, decide and document in PxP!!

 Q: MEP & S Consultants –

Why do the Architects sometimes

split their models between
Shell/Core and Interior fit-out?
Reasons to split models for
Shell/Core and Interior Fit-Out
Separate Bid Packages
It simplifies documentation when separate bid
packages are required
Multiple Design Firms
Separate model responsibilities
Smaller File Size
Model size management
Autodesk recommends splitting the model if
you cannot keep it under 200MB
 Q: Architect–

Contractors and Construction Managers are

frequently requesting our models for
construction use. We are happy to share
them as we understand the benefits of them
using models. However, we are not keen on
handing over our 100% CD models. What’s
the best way to approach this?
Answer/Best Practice #14

Quantities and take-offs (data extraction)

Generating shop drawings / fabrication drawings
Construction sequencing / phasing
Field coordination and layout
Identifying field changes
Assist in creating O&M manuals
Facilities Management deliverables (if contracted by
Owner). This is a separate topic…
This answer assumes that contractually the Architect is
not required to deliver a BIM to the Construction Team.

First and foremost, require a signed BIM release

form stating that the Construction Documents
take precedence over anything in the BIM. The
BIM is for information only and they use it at
their own risk!
Remove all sheets from the models
Leave all Construction Document views and
details in the BIM.
Delete non-relevant views, details and settings
(such as Design Options, working views, etc.)
Purge the model
 Q: Architect –

Why do my Engineers Grids / Levels

not align with mine? I know we
established a Copy/Monitor
procedure! And why are their fixtures
just floating out in space in my model?
Coordination Review Alerts
Don’t ignore Coordination Monitor alerts!!
This indicates that an object that has a Copy/Monitored relationship has
been changed in the host model, and should be reviewed and addressed
as soon as they become apparent.
The Coordination Review dialog allows you to accept and automatically
adjust the Copy/Monitored object to align with the host object. You can
also reject the change which will notify the host model author the next
time he reloads your model after a Coordination Review, facilitating
communication to decide on a course of action.

Reconcile Hosting Tool

MEP Engineers can and should utilize the Reconcile Hosting Tool to
identify objects that have lost their host due to objects being deleted in
the linked model. (i.e. – Walls, Ceilings, Floors, etc.) (Face Based Objects)
The Reconcile Hosting tool identifies objects that have lost their host in a
list, and allows you to change the color of the objects and quickly locate
the objects.
These objects can then be re-hosted to the new objects in the host model
or re-hosted to another adjacent host object.
However, Architects should minimize deletion of objects. Modify instead.
 Q: Architect –

Should ‘linked’ MEP content,

specifically lights and plumbing
fixtures be visible in the Architect’s
model? Or should content be
duplicated in the Architect’s model?
Determine the best Strategy on a per Project
basis:

Either the Lighting/Plumbing consultant can provide the

fixture families to the Architect to insert into their model.
Lights will cut the ceilings, and can be coordinated based upon
lighting design. Plumbing fixtures can be similarly placed in
restroom groups.
Or the Engineer places the fixtures and the Architect
copy/monitors them (Revit One Box only - 2013 and up) to cut
their ceilings and floor plans. Ceiling grids should still be
coordinated based on light locations determined by the
lighting designer. (Document in PxP)
There is no one answer to this question. The solutions given
above may not work for every project. Ultimately good
communication and defined roles between consultants will
garner the best results.
 Q: All–

Why do contractors create separate

models for their purposes and how
are they different?
Construction Model
Fabrication
Currently steel fabrication systems are not
compatible with Revit models
Additional Coordination Elements
Hangers for ventilation and duct
Insulations for duct and pipes
Clearances for electrical fixtures and VAV box
maintenance
Sequencing
The design is typically not created with
sequencing in mind
Design Model vs Fabrication Model:
Additional Coordination Elements:
 Q: Architect–

Is there a guide available with

recommendations when certain
objects should be placed in the
model for best collaboration
workflow?
The short answer:

No, there is not an industry standard guideline.

What is available:

BIM Forum – Level of Development Guide. In early 2013, a

think-tank group called “BIM Forum” released the most
comprehensive guide in the industry outlining model level of
development (LOD) based on Uniformat codes. While this
guide does NOT tell you what to place in your model and
when, it does allow the project team to communicate clearly
the expected LOD for various objects. The team can decide
“what and when” for a project using this guide.

Discuss, decide and document in PxP!!

General Guidelines for entering model data

Architects – Get the MEP and Structural consultants involved early in the
process. The end of Schematic Design phase should have major
systems modeled for coordination. Promote a collaborative relationship
amongst the team early.
Decide which models host what items (column grids, structural
foundation walls, etc.)
The more decisions you can make and information you can place early
the better.
Try to break the “We’ll figure it out in Construction Documents”
mentality. By then it will take twice as long to work out.
Strive to keep “Design” in the design phases.
Take the time to design a workable solution in the early phases.
The extra time spend designing early will pay off on the back end
(CDs).
Decide on major elements that affect consultants as early
as possible:
Exterior & bearing walls
All ceiling heights and types
Locations of shafts and fire-rated walls
Floor construction types.
Roof drain locations that require interior drain piping.
Consider changing your typical SD / DD / CD percentages
Successful BIM is highly dependent on quality collaboration early
in the process. More time spent on development in SD and DD
phases benefits the entire process. Allow more time to these
phases while shortening the CD phase. It’s not creating more
work, just re-arranging when you perform it!
 Q: Architect –

Why do my Engineers complain

about how I place my Ceilings and
my Rooms?
Rooms
By default, Rooms come in with their Upper Limit set to the same Level
that they are created on with a Limit Offset of 8’-0”
MEP Engineers typically tag rooms for identification, but if the View Range
Settings are above the Room then it cannot be tagged. (i.e. – RCP Plan with
the Cut Plane set above 8’-0”)

Ceilings and Spaces

Mech Engineers place Spaces in order to perform energy and heat loss
calculations in Revit. Typically, the engineers calculate the total volume
from floor to floor for their calculations.
Ceilings in Revit have a Room Bounding instance parameter. When the
Arch model is linked in and Ceilings are set to room bounding, they also
prevent spaces from calculating the full volume of space from floor to
floor. Ceilings should always be set to non-room bounding if the Mech
engineer is doing volume calculations from Revit.
In addition, in order for Spaces to work in the MEP model, the Arch model
must be set to Room Bounding in the Type Properties for the link.

Discuss, decide and Document in PxP!!!

 Q: All–

What are my options for doing

collision detection if I do not have
Navisworks?
Collision Detection (Avoidance)
Navisworks
Although it is expensive, Navisworks is the best tool for
model coordination
It is less expensive to upgrade to Design Suite Ultimate
from an existing license
Leasing also available per month/quarter/year
Inside of Revit
Revit is able to detect collisions if all models are in Revit
but it is not as useful as Navisworks
BIM 360 Glue (cost per month per user)
New online, cloud based software for coordination
Used on Ipads/Iphone and PC
Designed to compliment Navisworks and BIM 360 Field
 Q: All Team members–

How early should clash detection

occur? What should clash
detection cover?
Clash Detection should occur first by the end of Schematic
Design

A schedule for clash detection at project milestones should be outlined by

the team (50% DD, 100% DD, 30% CD, etc.)

You don’t have to clash-detect everything!

Liberal use of clash detection can produce more information than a team
can actually use. If time-crunched, focus on the items that typically give
the greatest conflicts in the field. These conflicts are most common above
ceilings where space gets tight. This would include (but not be limited to):
Structural beam/joist to ductwork
Structural beam/joist to piping
Ceilings to structural beam / joist
Ceilings to piping
Ceilings to ductwork
Piping to ductwork
Light fixtures to beams / joists / ductwork / piping
Doors/windows to structural framing (especially lateral bracing)
 Q: Electrical Engineer –

How do I power Mechanical

Equipment that is in a linked
model? When I copy monitor the
Mechanical Equipment it moves in
location or elevation.
Determine the best Strategy on a per
Project basis:

Depending on how the mechanical content was made

(face based, work-plane based, level based) depends
on whether the content will copy monitor into the
electrical model in the correct location. Alternate
methods for circuiting mechanical equipment may be
utilized.
Using connector families hosted to the mechanical
equipment in the linked file may prove to be easier.
 Q: Architect –

Why can’t my Engineers notify me

when they add sheets or change
sheet titles so I can keep my sheet
index updated?
Schedule Sheets Lists from Linked Files
Sheets Lists can be scheduled from linked models
allowing coordinated sheet indexes to be automatically
updated when changes are made in the linked model.
Add a Shared Project Parameter named “Discipline Index”
to the Sheets category to assign a unique number to
each discipline to order the sheets according to your
company standard. Use Transfer Project Standards to
transfer Project Parameters and Information. Discuss and
document in PxP.
Additional Shared Project Parameters can be added to all
projects and scheduled to coordinate sheet issuances,
specific drawings packages, and revisions.
 Q: MEP & S Consultants –

Why does the Architect have so

many different Room Tags?
Room Tags
The architectural model goes through
many processes prior to design
development. Different tags are used for
different purposes
Programming/Early Planning
Schematic Design and Presentation
Documentation