| Applies To | |||
| Product(s): | AutoPIPE | ||
| Version(s): | All | ||
| Area: | Import / Export | ||
| Original Author: | Bentley Technical Support Group | ||
| Date Logged & Current Version | Jan. 2016 10.00.00.10 |
Problem:
How to import AutoDESK REVIT into AutoPIPE?
Solution:
REVIT has evolved over they years and as such there are a now 2 different procedures with which to import REVIT files into AutoPIPE: a. REVIT PCF file, or b. REVITmep file. See detailed instructions below.
| Import REVIT PCF file |
AutoDESK makers of REVIT software does not make exporting model information from the application an easy process, Please see AutoDESK WIKI here for details. User will need to create a macro, write some code, and follow a few specific steps to then convert a REVIT model to a PCF file. The PCF file can be imported into AutoPIPE using the AutoPIPE PCF translator. Only AutoDESK development can make this process easier.
Historically REVIT models are constructed by placing CAD solids close one another. Sometimes the solids are connected while other times there are some small gaps distance between the solids. AutoPIPE requires that a pipeline / segment be connected in a continuous run for best results during the analysis. AutoPIPE's PCF translator does have a feature to auto-connect components that are below a user defined tolerance. However, best to correctly connect components in REVIT and generate a good connected file. Otherwise, all disconnected components greater than the tolerance will need to be manually reconnected in AutoPIPE, it can be done but not very efficient use of time. Also AutoPIPE's PCF file requires that certain information be written to specific variables. See PCF help Attributes for detailed information. Autodesk mentioned best to use Fabrication Parts in constructing Revit models that are to be exported to PCF files (see here).
If the PCF file is poorly written because of bad modeling or bad translation, AutoPIPE's PCF file will replace misunderstood / missing information with default AutoPIPE settings. The PCF log files and CHK files will provide clear information on exactly what was ignored, overwritten, replaced, updated. However always good practice to perform a complete review of the model information imported into AutoPIPE.
| Import REVITmep file |
Short answer, it can be done but not directly, see 2 methods below:
Method #1:
According to the following AutoDESK web pages here, REVITmep can export a PCF file. This file can then be imported using AutoPIPE's PCF translator.
Method #2:
In addition, according to the following AutoDESK web pages here, REVITmep can export the following formats:
a. DWG (drawing) format is supported by AutoCAD® and other CAD applications.
b. DXF (data transfer) is an open format that is supported by many CAD applications. A DXF file is a text file that describes a 2D drawing. The text is not encoded or compressed, so DXF files are generally large. If you use DXF for 3D drawings, you may need to perform some cleanup to make the drawing display correctly.
c. SAT is the format for ACIS, a solid modeling technology that is supported by many CAD applications.
d. DGN is the file format supported by MicroStation of Bentley Systems, Inc.
Regardless of file a. Bentley Microstation DGN or b. AutoDESK DWG, the next steps of importing into AutoPIPE uses the same process; export coordinates from the respective application and then Import into AutoPIPE,
Import a Bentley Microstation DGN -
Open file in Microstation, export coordinates from Microstation into a TXT file, import TXT into AutoPIPE using the following command: File> Insert Model> Microstation Coordinates (*.txt).
Import a AutoDESK DWG -
Open file in AutoCADD, export coordinates from AutoCADD into a XLS file, import XLS into AutoPIPE using the following command: File> Insert Model> Coordinates (*.xls). See the following WIKI here for more details
| Import REVIT structure |
Use ISM technology to import structure from Revit into AutoPIPE. In AutoDesk Revit you will need to install a plugin called ISM PlugIn (click here). After installing the plug in, export the structure from Revit to ISM and then use AutopIPE's import ISM feature to import the ISM model.