I was asked last week if there is a quicker method of adding openings to beams for service voids. I have been asked this question a few times in the past and thought I might have a look at possible methods to speed up this process.
I came up with the idea of using a beam as a void opening. The advantage of this method is that you can cut through many beams and very quickly align this to duct runs and change levels etc. I used a CHS section and moved the swept solid onto a sub category called void openings. This allows me to switch this off in the view templates. Once this is completed then you can draw a beam in the normal way and then use the notching tool to create the voids. You can set the notching distance to the clearance you require and if the beam moves it will automatically update the notches. Another good use if to reference the MEP model into Revit Structure and then simply align the beams to the ducts, pipes etc.
If the model is going out for analysis then you just need to make sure that the beams used as void formers are set ‘Not for Analysis’.
It’s not a perfect solution but at least speeds up the process!
LawrenceH
Autodesk Revit Structure 