ArchiCAD - Revit Structure Interoperability Guide

ArchiCAD - Revit Structure Model-Based Interoperability

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Contents

CONTENTS

Introduction ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 5

Architectural Model Export ______________________________________________________________________________ 5Preparation for the Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Layer Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Partial Structure Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Load-Bearing Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Export from ArchiCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Save as IFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Structural-Related Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Model Import into Revit Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Open IFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Import Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Additional Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13List of Imported Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Structural Model Import _______________________________________________________________________________ 16Export from Revit Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Export Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Export IFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Import into ArchiCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18IFC Panel in Tool Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Display of Structural Profiles and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20List of Imported Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

ArchiCAD - Revit Structure Model-Based Interoperability 3

Contents

4 ArchiCAD - Revit Structure Model-Based Interoperability

Introduction

INTRODUCTIONThis guide introduces the recommended steps of the architectural-structural model exchange between ArchiCAD 13 and Revit Structure 2010. The guide is divided into two main chapters: “This guide introduces the recommended steps of the architectural-structural model exchange between ArchiCAD 13 and Revit Structure 2010. The guide is divided into two main chapters: and “Architectural Model Export” and “Structural Model Import”.

ARCHITECTURAL MODEL EXPORTThis chapter reviews the main steps and settings of exporting from ArchiCAD, and the import process and its result in Revit Structure.

Preparation for the ExportStructural models are simplified versions of architectural models – containing only load-bearing elements such as columns, beams, slabs and walls. In case of composite structures (such as multi-layered walls, slabs etc.) only the structural component – for instance the reinforced-concrete core – should be considered as a load-bearing element.In ArchiCAD, the Layer Combinations and the “Partial Structure Display” function allow you to display and output the load-bearing structural elements.


Architectural Model Export

Layer CombinationsAs a first step, the load-bearing elements of an architectural model can be filtered out from the entire structure by using Layers and Layer Combinations (Document > Layers > Layer Settings).



Partial Structure DisplayThe Partial Structure Display (Document menu) settings influence composite (Slab, Wall and Roof) and complex (Wall, Column and Beam) structures only. The load-bearing part of these elements is the Core skin. To display the Core skins only on screen, in preparation for export, choose Core Only in the Partial Structure Display dialog box. This display option can be applied in export settings by checking the “Follow Partial Structure Setting” box.



Load-Bearing PropertyRevit Structure is able to differentiate between load-bearing and non-load-bearing building elements. To enable this type of differentiation of elements in model exchange, ArchiCAD enables architects to expand the basic element properties to include load-bearing behavior.The Structural Property Add-On (installed by default with ArchiCAD) allows you to set the load-bearing function with a single click. To show this function in the Settings dialog box of Wall, Slab, Beam, Column and Roof elements, activate the Structural Property panel for each of these tools, at Options > Work Environment > Tool Settings Dialog Boxes.

Hint:By default, Revit Structure displays only the load-bearing walls in the “Structural” discipline views. If you forget to set the load-bearing property at Walls in ArchiCAD, structural engineers can change the display discipline to “Architectural” and thereby display all Walls exported from ArchiCAD (see later, “Additional Steps”).



Export from ArchiCADSave as IFCTo export the complete or the simplified architectural model or only its parts, use the Save as command (File menu) and choose IFC_2X3 (*.ifc) as the file type. After defining an exported file name, a dialog box appears with the export settings.Note:The IFC related Save as is available only in Floor Plan windows.

Structural-Related SettingsThis chapter summarizes only the most important settings of the IFC Options dialog box, for the architectural-structural connection.

Note:If you are interested in all IFC features and settings in ArchiCAD 13, please read the IFC 2x3 Guide (http://www.graphisoft.com/support/ifc/downloads/).

• Restore DefaultClick the Restore Default button if you want to discard your previous dialog settings and return to the default settings.

• UnitsDefine the units (Length, Angle, Area and Volume) for an IFC project when exporting from ArchiCAD.Note:Units are only set when exporting an IFC model from ArchiCAD, not when importing an IFC model.

• Object/Lamp as BREPIt is recommended to leave these boxes checked. If it is inactive, then Lamps and the Objects having no subtype definition, like Column, Beam, Footing etc., will not be exported.Note:A BREP is a simple form of boundary representation model having planar faces and straight edge lines.


http://www.graphisoft.com/support/ifc/downloads/


• Door/Window as BREPUncheck Door/Window as BREP box, if you would like to export openings as holes only (without frames or glass).

Note:Irrespective of this setting, Doors, Windows and Corner Windows are always exported with their holes only, if they belong to Walls placed on layers with 3D View Display set to Wireframe.

• Export Element

By default, “All visible” elements (as defined by the current layer combination) of the current project will be exported. But if you choose “All” you can export all project elements regardless of their layer status. You can also export elements of the current project based on their visibility or selected states.Note:Stairs, Roofs, Skylights, Meshes, Curtain Walls, Wall Ends and Objects placed on layers with 3D View Display set to Wireframe are not saved into IFC file. To export these types of elements, change the display mode of their layers to Solid.



• Follow Partial Structure SettingComposite and complex (profile) elements can be displayed using partial structure settings: either Core Only, Without Finishes, or Entire Structure. Check this box to take ArchiCAD’s “Partial Structure Display” settings into account when exporting to IFC. If you leave this box unchecked, all composite and complex elements will be exported as Entire Structures.Note:This option follows only the Partial Structure Display settings of the current Floor Plan view. 3D Window settings do not affect this exporting option.

• 2D ElementsIf you check this box, 2D elements like Text, Line, Arc/Circle, Polyline and Fills will be exported.

Model Import into Revit StructureOpen IFCTo open the exported architectural IFC file in Revit Structure, click > Open > IFC. In the Open IFC File dialog box, select the IFC file, and press Open. Revit Structure creates a new file and generates the model based on the default IFC template.

Import SettingsBefore importing an ArchiCAD model, the structural engineer can modify the default import settings that map IFC element types to Revit Structure categories and subcategories.To open, check and modify the import settings, click > Open > IFC Options. Add the proper Category name to an IFC element type category to override the current value.Note:The modified conversion table can be saved (Save as...) for the next projects and can be shared with others (Load…) too. To reset all values to the default settings, click Standard.



Example:Foundation-type Objects of ArchiCAD can be loaded as Structural Foundation elements into Revit Structure, if the importing rule of the footing elements is modified in Revit Structure. Type “Structural Foundations” in the column Category next to the “IfcFooting” cell (IFC Class Name).



Additional StepsCertain element types are hidden after the import by default, so some additional steps are needed to display them in Floor Plan and 3D Views.• Non-Load-Bearing Walls

ArchiCAD Walls exported with true Load-Bearing property (see “Load-Bearing Property” are displayed both in “Structural” and “Architectural” views. The non-load-bearing walls or the walls having an undefined load-bearing function are hidden in the default “Structural” views. To show these walls in the current view, change the view discipline to “Architectural” at the Properties.

Note:If needed, structural engineer can also define or change the Structural Usage (Bearing or Non-bearing) of selected walls to show them in “Structural” views.



• Elements displayed only in Floor Plan viewAfter importing ArchiCAD Column, Stair, Roof and 2D elements like Texts and Fills, they are hidden in 3D Views by default. To unhide these categories in 3D, first click the Reveal Hidden Elements icon on the View Control Bar, then select one “hidden” (displayed in red) element (e.g. a column) and apply the Unhide Category option on it. Repeat the steps for the other hidden categories. After unhiding the required categories, click the icon to exit Reveal Hidden Elements mode.

• Hidden ObjectsAfter importing Covering and Furnishing Objects, they are hidden both in Floor Plan and 3D views by default. To unhide these elements, apply the previously mentioned steps for them in the required view(s).



List of Imported ElementsThe following table summarizes the elements of the architectural model that can be imported to Revit Structure. Notes in the Comment column refer you to a related hint described in another part of this document.


Structural Model Import

STRUCTURAL MODEL IMPORTThis chapter reviews the main steps and settings of export inside Revit Structure, and the import process and its result in ArchiCAD.

Export from Revit StructureExport SettingsBefore exporting a Revit Structure model to IFC, the structural engineer can modify the default export settings that map generic family instances to IFC element types. If an element category is not exported by default or if the default IFC element type of an element category is not suitable, you must modify the export settings. To open, check and modify the export settings, click > Export > Options > IFC Options. Add an IFC name (in the IFC Class Name column) to any category that by default is set to “Not Exported” or that is set to an unacceptable type. The IFC names for the most common building elements are:IfcBeam, IfcColumn, IfcMember, IfcSlab, IfcWall, IfcPlate, IfcRoof, IfcStair, IfcRamp, IfcFooting, IfcBuildingElementProxy etc.The meaning of the elements can be found in the Alphabetical listing/ Defined Types documentation on the following website: http://www.iai-tech.org/ifc/IFC2x3/TC1/html/index.htmNote:The modified conversion table can be saved (Save as...) for subsequent projects, and they can be shared with others (Load...). To reset all values to the default settings, click Standard.


http://www.iai-tech.org/ifc/IFC2x3/TC1/html/index.htm

http://www.iai-tech.org/ifc/IFC2x3/TC1/html/index.htm


Example:Type “IfcBeam” in the cell IFC Class Name to export Structural Stiffeners into ArchiCAD as Beams.

Export IFCTo export the structural model based on the Export Settings, click > Export > IFC. In the Export IFC File dialog box, type a file name, and press Save.



Import into ArchiCADThere are two ways to import an IFC file. You can choose between Open and Merge.• Open IFC

To open the exported structural IFC file in ArchiCAD, click Open (File menu). In the Open file dialog box, select the IFC file, and press Open. ArchiCAD creates a new file and constructs the model out of ArchiCAD elements.

• Merge IFCTo merge an IFC model to the current ArchiCAD project (which can optionally be an empty project), click File > File Special >Merge.Note:Before merging an IFC file, you should save the ArchiCAD file.First set the file type to *.ifc, then browse for the custom IFC model in the Merge file dialog box. Press Open, and use the appearing IFC Merge dialog box to filter the elements to be merged. You can select elements for import by their status (e.g. new element compared to the current project), by their type (e.g. IfcWall = Wall), by their story position (e.g. First Floor) etc.To differentiate IFC file elements from the original ArchiCAD elements, place them onto a separate layer. To do this, check the Place merged elements on box, and define a common layer or add a uniform prefix to the respective separate layers of the selected IFC elements.Read more about Merge IFC to ArchiCAD in the IFC 2x3 Guide (http://www.graphisoft.com/support/ifc/downloads/).

IFC Panel in Tool SettingsAlthough the IFC Add-On is built in to ArchiCAD 13, the IFC panel in each Tool Settings dialog box is hidden by default. To show the IFC panels, go to Options > Work Environment, and open the Tool Settings Dialog Boxes page.The IFC panel is available for the following ArchiCAD tools:• Wall, Column, Beam, Slab, Roof• Window, Door, Corner-Window, Skylight• Object• Stair• Curtain Wall• Zone• Lamp


http://www.graphisoft.com/support/ifc/downloads/

http://www.graphisoft.com/support/ifc/downloads/)


For each tool, activate the eye icon of the Ifc 2x3 panel to make it visible.

Hint:After activating the IFC panel by element types, the currently defined Work Environment can be stored into a Scheme. Click on Tool Schemes and then Store as, and finally enter a name (e.g. “IFC Tools”). Now, you can easily turn on or off the IFC panel by changing between your saved scheme and the Standard Tools scheme. If you do not use the IFC Add-On on a daily basis, you are advised to hide the IFC panels to avoid loading the IFC properties when entering an element Settings dialog.



Display of Structural Profiles and MaterialsAfter importing a structural IFC model that contains column and beam profile names, the IFC panel shows the profile names by selected elements under Attributes and Pset_ColumnCommon. Imported structural materials can be queried under a special IFC property set called PSet_Revit_Materials.

Note:Materials are also represented by the ArchiCAD Cut Fill option (Floor Plan and Section settings, the Fill Type in the Profile Manager etc.).



List of Imported ElementsThe following table summarizes the elements of the structural model which can be imported to ArchiCAD. Notes in the Comment column refer you to a related hint described in another part of this document; these hints are applicable to the items highlighted in color in this table (in the Exported IFC Type and Generated Element columns).


Documents

ArchiCAD - Revit Structure Interoperability Guide