Link to YouTube Video: http://youtu.be/CridRbzEVQ8
In this tutorial we will take a look at the use and creation of filters that can be used specifically for structural consultants, as usual there is a link at the top of the post to a YouTube video showing the various techniques used. If you are currently not utilising filters within Revit Structure then these can dramatically improve the quality, speed, consistency and appearance of your models and associated drawings. There are many uses for filters within a structural model which can assist with some of the following design and modelling tasks:
- Floor Loading Diagrams
- Construction Methods
- Analysis tasks and results
- Piling and Foundations
In the below image you can see an example of filters applied to a plan and 3D view showing the construction methods used in concrete structures. This data can of course be used in a wide range of outputs including schedules.
Another method below is showing the analysis state of a steel framing model, the engineers simply state if a member is designed by checking a box in the instance parameters of the relevant structural members, a filter then colours the model based on this selection.
Nearly all of these filters rely on the use of Shared Parameters and Project Parameters which will also be included within this tutorial.
In this tutorial we will look at adding a designed parameter into structural objects and then creating the various filters that are required. This technique can then be used for many other applications as desired.
- Creating the Shared Parameter File (SPF)
The first step is to create the shared parameter. This would normally be added to your existing shared parameter file but for this example we will create a new one.
On the Manage ribbon click the shared parameter button as shown below.
In the Edit Shared Parameter dialog click the Create Button as shown below.
Save the Shared Parameter File somewhere safe as you may need to reference this file later to add additional items etc. In this example I am saving this to the desktop. Note that this is simply a text file.
The next stage is to create a group where the new parameter will be located. Click the New command and Label the group as Analysis as shown below.
Next you click the New Parameter button as shown below and create a new parameter labelled ‘Designed’, the discipline should be Common and the Type of Parameter should be set to Yes/No. Click OK to both dialog boxes.
This has now created a shared parameter but we now need to tell Revit what to do with this parameter, this is done with a Project Parameter.
- Creating the Project Parameters
Next we select the categories that we would like to use our ‘Designed’ parameter in, for example you may want to use this for Structural Framing, Structural Columns, Floors etc. On the Manage Ribbon click the Project Parameters Icon as shown below.
In the Project Parameters Dialog click the Add button and then select the Shared Parameter radio button and then the Select button as shown in the image below.
Select the ‘Designed’ Parameter and then click Ok.
Next you specify the parameter to be an instance as each structural member requires its own instance of the ‘Designed’ parameter. This parameter should be grouped under Structural Analysis. You then select all the Categories that this parameter should appear in; in this example we will select Floors, Structural Columns, Structural Foundations & Structural Framing. Click OK to the Parameter Properties dialog box.
You will now see that our ‘Designed’ parameter in ‘burnt’ into any new or existing member within this project. You would ideally add this to your project template to ensure that all future projects have this parameter embedded. It is also worth noting that it is possible to add two identical Shared Parameters with differing data so be aware of this!
- Filters and View Templates
A View Filter will simply allow control of a view in Revit by utilising common properties and then applying colours, patterns and shading combinations to identify objects.
You now create a filter and save this into a view template for use in other views. Select an existing 3D view and draw a few columns, beams etc. to test the filter.
On the View Ribbon, Click the Visibility/Graphics Icon as shown below or use the shortcut VV.
You will now see the Visibility/Graphics Override dialog as show below. Click the Filter Tab
In the Filters Tab you can now select the Edit/New button to create or edit existing filters that you may have.
The Filter Dialog Box
The Edit/New Filter dialog is Split into three zones, the first zone is for the creation and management of new and existing filters. Here you can copy and rename filters to create new versions. In the image below you can see that I have already created several parameters to control shading and hatching of a floor slab for loading diagrams, this has been simply copied from existing parameters.
The central zone allows the selection and filtering of categories, ensures that you only have the Structural Filter selected to reduce the quantity of items in the Parameter list.
The right hand zone is used to define the rules for filters, notice that you have three filters so that numerical zones can be created for structural loading values and other similar scenarios.
Click the New Filter Button and name the Filter ‘Designed’. Click OK.
In the Categories Section, select Floors, Structural Columns, Structural Foundations & Structural Framing. You may want to set just the structural category to make the list shorter. In the right hand side of the dialog you can now select our Designed parameter, set the Filter to Equals and the value to Yes. The Filter Dialog should now look similar to the image below. Click OK
Next you add this filter and configure the required graphical overrides, click the Add button and select the Designed Filter.
You will now have complete control over the visibility, colours of lines and patterns both in Projection and Cut, see the image below.
You now add a pattern and colour to the graphical override to show all designed members with a solid fill in green as shown below. Click OK to the Dialog box.
The filter will now be operating within your 3D view. Make sure that the view is shaded to see this override; if the view is set to realistic the filter will not override the graphics. Your view should now look similar to the image below.
- Creating and Applying a View Template
You may have more than one view that you want to utilise theses filter within your project so the best approach is to create a View Template from the current view and then edit this template so that it applies the filter and a visual style to the selected views.
On the View Ribbon Select the View Templates drop down and then select the Create Template from Current View Icon as shown below.
In the View Template Dialog box you will now notice that the Designed Template has been created based on the settings of the current view. This has captured all the settings including the visibility status, scale, detail level etc. You will need to uncheck all the check boxes under the Include column and just select V/G Override Filters and Model Display. Unfortunately there is not a check or uncheck all option here!
Link to YouTube Video: http://youtu.be/CridRbzEVQ8
