Automatic Wall Creation with the Revit API

From The Building Coder blog:

Automatic Wall Creation

By Jeremy Tammik
November 30, 2017

I highlight yet another thread from the Revit API discussion forum, on mathematical translations for automatic wall creation, with an exceedingly elegant solution by Alexander @aignatovich Ignatovich.

Alexander's macro illustrates a number of important concepts and implements the following functionality very succinctly indeed:

• Retrieve all the cube family instances
• Retrieve their height parameter value
• Retrieve their solids making use of the .NET yield operator
• Extract their horizontal outline contours using an ExtrusionAnalyzer
• Create walls along each contour curve segment
• Place a door family instance at the midpoint of each wall
• His code is well worth reading in detail!

An absolute must, actually!

Cube family instances before running command

Walls and doors added along cube horizontal
contours after running command

Read more on the Building Coder blog »

AutoSleeveDimension (ASD)

From the Autodesk App Store:

ASD finds all available sleeves (Specialty Equipment) and draws dimensions to the nearest horizontal and vertical gridline for current view (floor). The user need to provide two inputs - 'Sleeve Type' and 'Dimension Type' - in order to draw desired dimensions. It also allows the user to view dimension details, adding the suffix to dimensions with a click.

Modelling Variations from Sound Waves with Dynamo

From the Whole Construction Solutions LLC website:

Dynamo Workflow with Sound Waves

November 27, 2017

Here's an interesting workflow that allows you to take sound waves and modify elements in Revit. 

Here's what "Midnight Rider, Allman Brothers" looks like when I used it to modify a fence.

It's a actually a pretty easy process! 

Step one: Select elements in Revit

Step two:  Get your data from Excel and clean up the list for use in Dynamo

Read more on the Whole Construction Solutions LLC website »

Linking Revit Projects from BIM 360 with Autodesk Desktop Connector

From the CADD Microsystems Blog:

NEW AUTODESK DESKTOP CONNECTOR HEADS-UP ABOUT LINKS

By Jason Kunkel
Nov 28, 2017

We absolutely LOVE Collaboration for Revit, but definitely recognize that one of its issues is the inability to link in other files hosted in your BIM 360 Team project space. That’s why we’re thrilled to hear about the new Autodesk Desktop Connector. Information is still coming out, so we expect this software to evolve over the next few months. During some testing, we wanted to make you aware of a small oddity that might cause some confusion.

The Autodesk Desktop Connector essentially gives you a drive connection to your BIM 360 or Fusion 360 Teams right on your desktop. Like any other cloud drive application, this lets you drag and drop, rename, copy, etc. files in your cloud storage straight from Windows (or macOS).

The HUGE addition, however, is that with the new technology you can (in Revit 2018 only) link files that normally had to be linked from desktop or local network drives. This is a game changer for how useful using a BIM 360 Team project can be. Now anyone in that project can link in a file like a DWG, and anyone accessing a C4R model from the project will see those links.

Read more on the CADD Microsystems blog »

Guides for Using the Autodesk COBie Extension for Revit

Cadline Community has published a series of videos on using the Autodesk COBie Extension for Revit from the BIM Interoperability Tools website. The series includes tool setup, modify options, and export options. Read about it here: Delivering COBie – A Simple Guide

nodesolver for Product Line Placer – Eliminate Custom Fitting Warnings from Autorouting

From the MEP Content website:

New App functionality - nodesolver to get rid of custom fittings in Revit

21 November 2017

Do you recognize this situation? You are designing in Revit and all of a sudden, you get this warning: Custom fitting was created.

You dismiss the warning and continue designing when your colleague comes in the office and asks you what you want in your coffee. You forget about the warning, only to find out a couple of days later that you are missing some things on your bill of materials...

We have good news! Custom fittings in Revit can be a thing of the past when you use our apps in combination with a new functionality, the nodesolver.

Free Webinar Dec 7 – Data Management with Vault

From the registration website:

Data Management with Vault Webinar

Thu, Dec 7, 2017 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM GMT

Autodesk ® Vault® data management software helps design and engineering teams control project-related design data, manage change processes, minimize costly mistakes, and more efficiently release and revise designs.

In this webinar, we will focus Vault features which relate to content and drawing management. Vault provides tools to help you easily manage and distribute drawings and content  such as Revit families, AutoCAD blocks and Civil 3D objects.  This helps ensure that project teams have everything they need to comply with organization standards without taking away from their design time. In this presentation, you will see how to:

• Manage, track, and organize data automatically
• Save time with centrally located project data
• Standardize content for the entire project team
• And more!

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Register for the webinar here.

50% Off SketchUp to Revit App Helix this Week

50% Off of @SketchUp to @AutodeskRevit tool Helix this week. Promo code "Helix50" Learn more here: https://t.co/ncYIVBYVgA pic.twitter.com/zy1lp3gGzf

— EvolveLAB (@Evolve_LAB) November 27, 2017

Free Interactive Website Design – Embed 3D Models from BIM 360 into Websites

From the Autodesk App Store:

This app enhances your experience using Autodesk® BIM 360® 3D models and saves them for uploading to your website.

About this application:
This application is useful when designing your own HTML as it embeds 3D models into it and uploads them to a website. It is especially useful for 3D part online sellers as they can have a 3D model embedded into their website. It supports processing of 3D models.

About the interactive HTML:
This is the WebGL based 3D content, displayed in the browser along with interaction facility using mouse or touch controls.

Application Offers:

1. Add details of 3D model in HTML fields.
2. Save that page after done editing of data fields.
3. Upload saved HTML page to your website.

MyUpdateFile (MUF) – QR Code Generation for Sheets

From the Autodesk App Store:

MyUpdateFile collects all required information and generates a QR code for selected Autodesk® Revit® sheet-views. The user needs to enter a shared link and select specific printing setting and sheets in order to generate the QR code.

Comsense BIM Tools – Collaborate on Architectural Openings

From the Autodesk App Store:

Use the Comsense BIM Tools to collaborate with your Architectural Openings Consultant or Architectural Openings Distributor to import opening and product information from their Specification or Detailed Project. A simple export from your partner's Comsense software creates a file that you can then import into your Autodesk® Revit® model in a non-destructive manner. Once imported this additional information appears as properties on each door.

BIMcollab BCF Manager for Revit v4.0

From the Autodesk App Store:

About This Version

Version 4.0, 11/27/2017

The new Revit add-on offers a much better visual display of issues by their snapshots. With three possible snapshot-sizes and resizable panel-width users can choose how to use the available screen size. Also the issue history with comments is visually enhanced with their linked snapshots.

Extended filtering options – You can now filter issues on all properties. Especially when working in large projects with lots of issues it is much easier to keep an overview and find the issues to work on.

List of new features

• Issue list available as small, medium or large tile view.
• Comment history visually enhanced with snapshots.
• Issue-filter extended with all properties.
• More clear user interface for usage of colors.
• Updated logo’s and toolbar icons.
• Improved performance and reliability

Description

The BCF Managers by KUBUS add BIMcollab® connectivity as well as BCF file support to Autodesk® Revit®. It provides the ability to create and modify issues and communicate these through BIMcollab or via BCF files (supports version 1.0 and 2.x) directly from within Revit®.

AutoViewGenerator (AVG) – Generate 3D Views for All Rooms

From the Autodesk App Store:

AutoViewGenerator discovers all available roomtags and generates 3D View for each room from the current view (floor). The user need to provide one input 'Project Abbreviation' in order to generate desired 3D View of each room.

Free Webinar Nov 30 – MagiCAD for Revit

From the registration website:

MagiCAD for Revit - Enhanced coordination and modelling tools using MagiCAD in Revit

Thu, Nov 30, 2017 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM GMT

Highlights of the time saving modelling, coordination and connection tools available in MagiCAD for Revit for mechanical and electrical services.

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Register for the webinar here.

Free Webinar Nov 29 – Frame Complex Floors with Connections Automatically

From the AGACAD website:

WEBINAR: Frame Complex Floors with Connections Automatically

We're hosting a webinar to highlight a new function of our Framing software: automated framing of wood or metal floors. Whether your floors are simple or complex, you can frame them with speed and ease. We're here to show you how in this webinar!

We kindly invite all current users of our Framing software as well as potential users to attend this half-hour webinar. Come hear about the latest features that make framing floors in Revit easier than ever.

Free Webinar Nov 28 – BIMcollab 4.0 | New Look, Same Feel

From the registration website:

BIMcollab 4.0 | New look, same feel

Tue, Nov 28, 2017 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM GMT

BIMcollab 4.0 offers a new and redesigned interface. We want to give you the opportunity to get familiar with this look and feel.

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Register for the webinar here.

The Week that was in Revit Add-ons for November 20-26, 2017

The week of November 20, 2017 was a busy one here on Revit Add-ons with 37 posts published.

New

Revit

From the Autodesk App Store, we posted about IDEA StatiCa Connection, for analyzing, designing and checking steel connections and joints, Polygon Select, for selecting elements using irregular polygon shapes, and SheetEz, for more easily and powerfully managing sheets.

From around the Internet, we posted about the free BIMcollab ZOOM, for IFC model viewing and validation.

BIM 360

From the App Store, we posted about the free Voice 360, for controlling the Forge Viewer with voice commands.

Roundup – For November 20-26, 2017, New and Updated Revit Add-ins on the Autodesk App Store

The week of November 20, 2017 was a moderately busy one on the Autodesk App Store. One new Revit add-in was published, along with five being updated. Two Autodesk Advance Steel add-ins were updated. One new BIM 360 add-in was published. And one Navisworks add-in was updated.

Unfortunately, there were as many possible false updates last week as there were legitimate changes.

For new add-ins,  Polygon Select is for selecting elements in Revit using polygon shapes, and Voice 360 is for executing Forge viewer commands using voice recognition.

REVIT

New

Polygon Select
To select multiple elements, draw a polygon shape then the elements will be selected in this polygon area | USD 2.00/Y
☆☆☆☆☆ (0 reviews)
About This Version: Version 1.0.0, 11/21/2017 – First Version

Updated

Preview Image Generator (P.I.G.) Free Version!
In one click, create a consistent & clear preview image for your open Autodesk® Revit® family! No other add-in will provide this much satisfaction with so little effort! | Free
★★★★★ (5 reviews)
About This Version: Version 1.1.0, 11/24/2017 – Now, your settings are automatically synchronized with your cloud account. This version is fully functional and thoroughly tested.  We are committed to even further improvements to P.I.G.!

Free Webinar Nov 28 – New in Lumion 8

From the Brightman Designs website:

NEW IN LUMION 8

LIVE WEBINAR

Tuesday, 11/28/2017, 6PM - 7PM GMT

Lumion is the leading visualization program, and our renderer of choice.  The latest release brings more realistic shadows, sketchy edges, improved utilities, new effects, object grouping, expanded libraries, and ultimately faster, easier, and more beautiful visualizations.  Join Mike Brightman for a tour of the new features in Lumion 8.  During this session, you will learn where all of the new major and minor improvements, settings, and features are located.  A recording will be available after the live stream.  Learn more about Lumion 8 here.

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Watch the live stream here.

Lumion v8

From the Lumion website:

Lumion 8 is Available Now: Discover What’s New

Beautiful Renders within Reach 



Lumion 8 is available now! Check out the release video above to discover how this latest version can help you create stunning renders in seconds.

So, the question on everyone’s mind: what’s new in Lumion 8?

The short version is this — in Lumion 8, you can push the new Styles button to instantly create a beautiful render from your design.

You can also turn on the Sky Light daylight simulator, cast soft and finely detailed shadows across your scene, and watch as your design takes on a jaw-dropping level of photorealism.

Cyber Monday Sale – Save 50% on Find and Replace Materials Revit Add-in

CYBER MONDAY SALE!!!

For limited time only, the Find and Replace Materials for Revit plugin is on sale: 50% OFFhttps://t.co/kEH4nKu3tN pic.twitter.com/hehFMPcjgl

— Polynine Studio (@PolynineStudio) November 27, 2017

Cyber Monday Deal – 20% Off Keyshot Upgrades and Add-ons

The 2017 KeyShot Cyber Monday Deal Week - 20% OFF KeyShot Upgrades & Add-Ons https://t.co/t6u04Z8fjj #cybermonday

— KeyShot (@KeyShot3D) November 27, 2017

BIMReview Import/Export for Autodesk Advance Steel

From the Autodesk App Store:

Users of Autodesk® Advance Steel now have a more direct flow of information between Advance Steel and StruMIS. Previously having to rely upon on the SMLX file export (previously GTCX) from Advance Steel to get the necessary information transferred to StruMIS. This addin outputs a BIMReview BSWX file which is native to StruMIS reducing the number of file read errors and producing a more tailored output file.

Fabrication information can also be imported back into Advance Steel via BIMReview BSWX file where the user will be given the option to map specific attributes from the BIMReview file to fields in the Advance Steel model.

Graitec PowerPack for Advance Steel

From the Autodesk App Store:

GRAITEC PowerPack for Advance Steel is packed with tools and utilities that deliver more functionality, better control and more automation for Advance Steel users across all industries.

This is the Full version -12 month Desktop Subscription. Purchasing a subscription for PowerPack for Advance Steel entitles the user to run both PowerPack for Advance Steel 2016 and PowerPack for Advance Steel 2017. Please use this link to access and install the PowerPack for Advance Steel 2016. 

A 5-day Free Trial version of the PowerPack for Advance Steel 2017 is available on the Store here! 

*IMPORTANT: This app is FREE if you have purchased subscription for Autodesk Advance Steel from GRAITEC - please contact GRAITEC for more details* 

Multi-year, network and bulk subscription options available from GRAITEC direct: graitec.com/world

Languages available on installation: English, French, Czech, German, Italian, Polish and Romanian. 

Steel Structure Designer for Advance Steel

From the Autodesk App Store:

The Steel Structure Designer for Advance Steel, creates complete steel frame structures of varying size in minutes and now allows any configuration to be saved to a personal library for instant recall, dramatically reducing design and modelling time. From multi-story commercial buildings to industrial platforms, structures of all shapes and sizes can be easily configured, edited and saved for reuse saving immeasurable setting-out time.

**Compatible with Autodesk Advance Steel 2016 and 2017 and GRAITEC Advance Design 2017 - updated on 01/08/2016 **

This is the Full version -12 month Desktop Subscription.

A 5-day Free Trial version of this app is available on the Store here!

Languages available on installation: English, French, Czech, German, Italian, Polish and Romanian.

Multi-year, network and bulk subscription options available from GRAITEC direct: graitec.com/world. 

GRAITEC Steel Structure Designer creates complete steel frame buildings in minutes, and the new option to save your building designs to a library means you can now load an entire building in seconds and then simply fine tune for the next project. Manage levels, bays, a range of options to add platforms, bracings, side-rails and roof purlins (automatically adjusted along a curved roof), gable ends as well as openings for doors and windows. You can even apply cladding to fit the shape of you building trimmed around openings in a single click. The GRAITEC Steel Structure Designer is an essential tool for engineers and detailers looking to save hours (days perhaps) during the design process when creating any type of steel structure.

Stair & Railing Designer for Advance Steel

From the Autodesk App Store:

GRAITEC Stair & Railing Designer for Advance Steel enables new types of stairs and railings to be modelled quickly and easily. Combining the full functionality of the Railing Designer this App is perfect for Advance Steel users looking to create stair and railing systems in Autodesk Advance Steel including:

• Saddle stairs
• Balanced stairs
• Ball post safety and hand railing systems
• Standard railing systems
• Wall-mounted railing (also works on curved walls)

**Compatible with Autodesk Advance Steel 2017 versions**

This is the full version = 12 month Desktop Subscription.

A FREE 5-day trial version is available from the Autodesk Store here! 

Languages available on installation: English, French, Czech, German, Italian, Polish and Romanian.

Multi-year, network and bulk subscription options available from GRAITEC direct: graitec.com/world. 

GRAITEC Stair & Railing Designer for Advance Steel makes it possible to rapdily model new stair and hand railing types. A key enhancement is the ability to place railing along a straight or curved 2D line or polyline (such as a 2D underlay), making the Railing Designers even more flexible and versatile that ever before. Complete with several worldwide supplier catalogs and with the ability for users to create their own configurations, custom libraries can be quickly developed for any region, making it adoptable globally.

Railing Designer for Advance Steel

From the Autodesk App Store:

**Formerly Ball Post Railing Designer now includes Standard Railing and Wall-mounted Railing**

 The Railing Designer for Advance Steel, part of the Stair & Railing BIM Designers Collection, is purpose-built Railing App for creating a variety of railing systems in Autodesk Advance Steel including Ball Post Hand Railing Systems, Standard Railing and Wall-Mounted Railing.

 **Compatible with Autodesk Advance Steel 2016 and 2017 versions - updated on 01/08/2016 **

 This is the Full version - 12 month Desktop Subscription.

A 5-day Free Trial version of this app is available on the Store here!

Also available in the range:

• Stair Designer for Advance Steel.
• Can be purchased together: Stair & Railing Designer for Advance Steel.

Languages available on installation: English, French, Czech, German, Italian, Polish and
Romanian.

Multi-year, network and bulk subscription options available from GRAITEC direct: graitec.com/world.

The Railing Designer for Advance Steel introduces new hand railing types enabling users to produce Ball Post Stanchion Railing systems, Wall-mounted Railing systems and Standard hand railing systems for their Advance Steel projects. A key enhancement is the ability to place railing along a 2D line or polyline (such as a 2D underlay) making the Railing Designers even more flexible and versatile that ever before. Complete with several worldwide supplier libraries pre-installed and with the ability for users to create their own configurations to quickly build supplier libraries for their regions, makes the Railing Designer extremely flexible and adoptable globally.

Retrieving Curtain Wall Panel Faces with the Revit API

From The Building Coder blog:

Curtain Wall Panel Geometry with Basic Wall Panel

By Jeremy Tammik
October 25, 2017

A quick geometrical question on retrieving geometry from a basic wall being used as a panel in a curtain wall:

Question: I am struggling to retrieve the geometry data from a curtain wall that contains a Basic wall in one of the curtain wall panels.

My example curtain wall has two panels. With one of the panels, a basic wall type is associated. I need to get the geometry data (i.e., the faces) for the entire curtain wall. When I reach the second panel in my code, the SymbolGeometry contains zero objects, so my code cannot retrieve any geometry for it. As a result, it is not able to handle the basic wall to retrieve its geometry face data.

Metal Framing Truss Update – Create Metal Floor Trusses

From the AGACAD website:

NEW FEATURE: Create metal floor trusses in Revit

By Andrius Bialyj
October 18, 2017

It’s about time for some news on the truss front. Our programmers and engineers have been hard at work developing the Metal Framing Truss BIM Solution so that it would allow users to incorporate floor trusses in their Revit® framing projects. Let’s see the fruit of their labor!

Free Robot-AdvanceSteel Link (Updated)

From the Autodesk App Store:

With Robot-AdvanceSteel Link, you can export a Robot structural model using the smlx format. You can then import the smlx file in Autodesk® Advance Steel in order to detail steel connections and automatically generate fabrication documents. From Robot, you can export values of internal forces with the model to the smlx file. After importing the file to Advance Steel, you can use these values to perform code checking of connections.

Conversely, you can export a model from Advance Steel in order to perform structural analysis and code checking in Robot.

You can also track changes in the same model in both applications using the synchronization feature.

Example

ElumTools v2018.4, 2017.7, & 2016.11

From the ElumTools website:

ElumTools New Features

These features are included in the latest releases of ElumTools 2018, 2017, and 2016.

Isolines and Spatial Maps

ElumTools now has two new tools to help you evaluate the gradient of light across a workplane or surface: Isolines and Spatial Maps. Isolines are contour lines drawn through values of equal illuminance and Spatial Maps are partially transparent shaded color plots showing similar gradients. You can use the two tools independently or together in the ElumTools calculation viewer.