Standard Approach of Modelling

(SAM)
For Creating Building Information
Structural model
for
Development and Construction Division
of
Hong Kong Housing Authority

(First Edition)
March 2014

Prepared by Business Information Technology Unit

Development & Construction Division
Housing Department

©Hong Kong Housing Authority

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Introduction

The aim of this document is to establish a standard approach of modelling

(SAM) for assembling Building Information Modelling (BIM) models with the
incorporation of structural design concept. Through the SAM, the resulting
BIM model can facilitate cross-disciplinary coordination and collaboration at
design and drawings production stages (including plans, sections and
elevations). It also serves as a guide for creating BIM model which is ready
for exporting to other structural analytical/design software when the data
interlinking process becomes mature and practical.

This standard approach has incorporated some modelling technique to

facilitate quantities extraction from the BIM model. Due to the constraints of
current version of BIM software, the quantities extracted from BIM model can
only be served as references, quantity surveyors have to execute their
professional judgment and make necessary adjustments before using the
data.

This version of SAM in volves reinforced concrete elements of superstructure

only and Autodesk Revit Structure has been the modelling tools throughout
this document. It is assumed that users shall possess structural engineering
knowledge and Revit Structure modelling skill when using this guide.

It is advisable that all Revit models shall start with the using of Housing
Authority (HA) Revit Structure project templates, the component library and
shared parameters files developed by BIM Service Team (BIMST). The latest
version of these files can be obtained from BIMST on request. This document
shall also be read in conjunction with other BIM Standards / Guides issued by
BIMST which are available for download from e-housing portal with the path as
below.

e-housing > DC > Main > Main Page > Building Information Modelling (BIM)

The Annexes attached in this modelling guide contain some examples of BIM
models with explanatory notes to provide users with a quick step-by-step guide
for carrying out their modelling tasks. Colleagues may obtain more modelling
skills and tips in the HA Knowledge Management portal through the following
path.

-i-
e-housing > DC > Knowledge Management > Business Process and IT \ BIM
Documents \ Forum

SE/77
(Billy WONG)

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Contents
page
1 General Principles ...................................................................................1
2 Level of Detail..........................................................................................6
3 Modelling of Structural Elements and Components.................................7
3.1 Columns / Posts / Hangers .............................................................8
3.1.1 Modelling approach ............................................................8
3.1.2 Family Customization ....................................................... 10
3.2 Shear / Core / Bearing / Hanger / Stub / Screen Walls and Parapets
......................................................................................................12
3.2.1 Modelling approach .......................................................... 12
3.2.2 Family Customization ....................................................... 16
3.3 Beams........................................................................................... 17
3.3.1 Modelling approach .......................................................... 17
3.3.2 Family Customization ....................................................... 19
3.4 Ground Beams ................................................................................ 21
3.4.1 Modelling approach .......................................................... 21
3.4.2 Family Customization ....................................................... 21
3.5 Suspended Slabs and Transfer Structures ................................... 22
3.5.1 Modelling approach .......................................................... 22
3.5.2 Family Customization ....................................................... 24
3.6 On-Grade Slabs / Floating Slabs / Machine Bases / Pile Caps/Raft
Footings ........................................................................................ 25
3.6.1 Modelling approach .......................................................... 25
3.6.2 Family Customization ....................................................... 25
3.7 Staircases ..................................................................................... 27
3.7.1 Modelling approach .......................................................... 27
3.7.2 Family Customization ....................................................... 28
3.8 Water Tanks.................................................................................. 29
3.8.1 Modelling approach .......................................................... 29
3.9 Precast Façades (non-structural) .................................................. 31
3.9.1 Modelling approach .......................................................... 31
3.9.2 Family Customization ....................................................... 31
3.10 Plinths / Mass Fills / Curbs / Fillets................................................ 33
3.10.1 Modelling approach .......................................................... 33
4 Notes for Family, In-place Model and Sub-Model.................................. 34
4.1 Comparison between family, in-place Model and sub-model ........ 34
4.2 Generic Family.............................................................................. 34

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5 Model Auditing....................................................................................... 35

Annexes .........................................................................................................41

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1 General Principles

The followings are the general principles should be adopted when assembling
a Building Information Structure Model (BIM Structural model):

i) All BIM Structure Model should contain structural elements shown on

the framing plans only. Other building elements are assumed
containing in other discipline BIM models.

ii) The following elements are to be excluded from general BIM structural
model :
a. Non-structural building elements.
b. Reinforcement bars.

c. Elements / details shown in the typical details drawings only but not
in any other plans and sections including lift lips and column
shoulder for beam with different grade of concrete… etc.
d. Elements / details shown on plan for indication purpose only, their
detail dimensions and locations / distribution have to be referred to
other discipline drawings. For instances, wall cowl, lift lips and fluted
concrete of architectural feature.

e. Detail arrangement of semi-precast slabs in standard modular flat.

iii) A building or even a project model is advised to be divided into a

number of sub-models. By doing so,
a. a building model or even the whole project model can be worked out
simultaneously by group of modelers;

b. as there is no need to handle large model during modelling stage,

the demand on computer hardware configuration can be greatly
reduced.

iv) The following rules can be considered when determining the way to
divide a project model.

a. The sub-model can be used repeatedly in a project such as typical

floor.
b. Separated structure (such as multi-towers on a common podium,
multi-blocks in a site or podium separated by an expansion joint).

v) For facilitating the linking of individual sub-models to a building model at

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 the later stages, modeler should adopt the following practices when
making the sub-models.

a. The locations and orientations of all sub-models should refer to the

same origin.
b. All sub-models should be built at the levels according to project
design.

c. Select “Auto – Origin to Origin” for Positioning during the linking

sub-model process

Figure 2.1 Import/Link RVT dialog.

vi) All building should be modeled storey by storey. Each storey model is
an assembly of the structural floor system and its vertical supporting
structural elements together with the precast facades below the floor
level and the minor structural elements like parapets and plinths are
attached on top of the floor system.

vii) Storey models with same layout but with different concrete grade
should be saved as two distinct sub-models assigned with appropriate
materials.

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 Figure 2.2 Example of a storey model for a building

viii) The advised sequences to assemble a storey model are advised as

below:
Columns/Walls  Main Beams  Secondary Beams  Slab  Parapets /
Plinth / Mass Fill

ix) Appropriate families should be applied to model different structural

elements. The table below defines the convention that need to be
followed during modelling process.

Structural Elements Rev it Family Category

Columns, posts and hangers Structural Columns

Shear wall, core walls, bearing wall, hanger Walls (Structural Wall type)
walls, stud walls, screen wall and parapets

Beams and lintels Structural Framing or

Structural Beam Systems

Suspended slabs, transfer plates or beams, Floors (Structural Floor type)

and staircase landings

On-grade slabs and mechanical plant bases Structural Foundations (Foundation

Slab type)

Caps, footings and piles Structural Foundations

Stair flights Stairs

Other elements e.g. plinths, mass fills, fillets Generic Models (In-Place)
and curb…etc

x) A structural model should be assembled according to the following

rules:
a. each structural element should be modeled individually;
b. structural behavior of elements is incorporated.

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xi) As a result, all horizontal and inclined elements should be connected on
the center line (actually the family reference plane) of their support
elements instead of the edges.

xii) Revit treats beam as prismatic object and supported at its ends only. So,
all transfer structures should be modeled with Structural Floor elements
in order to cater for the complicated support conditions and the vertical
elements carried by them.

xiii) All elements should be specified with the designed construction material
(i.e. concrete for reinforced concrete structure). The material applied
should be customized with appropriate mechanical properties to the
prevalent Code of Practice. The modeler should also use with those
materials that their names can reflect the intended construction method.
Examples for concrete material are as follow:

Examples
Construction Method
Conc.
Material Name in Rev it
Grade

In-situ C30/20 HD_In-Situ Conc.C30/20

C45/20 HD_In-Situ Conc.C45/20

Precast C35/20 HD_Precast Conc.C35/20

C40/20 HD_Precast Conc.C40/20

Precast (Embedded into In-situ C35/20 HD_Precast Conc.(Embedded)C35/20

conc.)
C40/20 HD_Precast Conc. (Embedded)C40/20

Semi-precast C30/20 HD_Semi- Precast Conc.C30/20

C40/20 HD_Semi- Precast Conc.C40/20

Volumetric precast C30/20 HD_Vol. Precast Conc.C30/20

C45/20 HD_Vol. Precast Conc.C45/20

xi v) All customized standards within a project template and families (or

family types in case of system family) should provide with names start
with “HD_” so that they can be differentiated from the default ones.

xv) All families (except precast elements) should include data such as
material type, material volume, surface area and basic dimensions
which can be extracted for material takeoff purpose.

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xvi) New families to be submitted to HA BIM library should accompany with
an explanatory note. The note should include:

a. The category it belonged to;

b. Description of its application;
c. Components included and method used to create them;
d. Meaning of each parameter used;
e. Application step guide;
f. Limitations and points to note of the family; and
g. The way to extract data for material quantities takeoff.

xvii) It is advised that every structural element should be assigned with a

Mark or/and a descriptive Comment to their properties so that
cross-discipline collaboration process can be more effective.

xviii) For framing plans production, the Detail Level and Visual Style of all
plan views should set to “Coarse” and “Hidden Line” respectively.

(a) Options of Details Level (b) Options of Visual Style

Figure 2.3 Visual Control Panel of Revit

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2 Level of Detail

All BIM model can be developed stage by stage. The level of detail within a
model required is decided to suit the need of different project stages.

Proj ect Stages Lev el of Detail

Submission: No model except for special site.

 Architectural Advisory Panel;
 Engineering Advisory Panel;
 Project Design Review Committee (1);
 Senior Office Management Committee;
and Steering Project Committee.
Submission: No Model except for special site.
 Project Design Review Committee (2); and
 Building Committee.

Submission: DDRP 1 – full model for analysis as

 Detail Design Review Panel (1) & (2) appropriate.
DDRP 2 – full model for project
collaboration.
Submission: Full model for
Independent Checking Unit  analysis as appropriate;
 project collaboration;
 drawing production i.e. fully annotated

Tender-Out Ditto

Construction As-built model provided by Contractor

Maintenance Ditto

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3 Modelling of Structural Elements and Components

The following sub-sections describe the standard modelling approach for

major structural elements of a BIM structural model. Notes for family
customization and necessary parameters are also advised in the
corresponding sub-sections.

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3.1 Columns / Posts / Hangers

3.1.1 Modelling approach

i) All columns / post / hanger should be modeled with appropriate

Structural Column category family elements selected according to their
sectional shape. For those elements not to be included into the
building structure analytical model, modeler should set the element
instance property Analyze As to “Not for analysis”.

Figure 3.1.1 Column Properties palettes

ii) All columns should be defined between the levels where they serve as
support for other elements and top of their supporting elements (like top
of the column / wall / beam and foundation below), with required level
offsets.

Figure 3.1.2 Column elements

Figure 3.1.3 Post and hanger posts

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iii) A descriptive Comments like “Hanger post” and “Post” is advised to be
added to the Comment properties for those elements which are not
used as normal columns.

Figure 3.1.4 Column Properties palette

iv) Irregular shape column should be modeled according to the design

assumptions:

a. The whole irregular shape column is adopted for structural design :

The corresponding column family for the irregular shape column
should be used.
b. Only the regular part with the column is adopted for structural
design :
A regular shape column family is chosen for the column. In-Place
model(s) under Structural Columns family category is/are used to
model the rest of the column.

(a) Irregular column (b) Irregular column composes of

family instance. rectangular column family
instance and mass fill
Figure 3.1.5 Modelling of irregular column

The In-Place model should be provided with a family name like

“Mass Fill for Column C5” so that it can be recognized as parts of
that particular column. Similar description is also advised to be
added to the Comments field of its Properties palette.

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 (a) Family name for mass fill (b) In-Place model Properties
In-Place model palette
Figure 3.1.6 In-Place model for column

3.1.2 Family Customization: Structural Column (Loadable Family)

i) The reference planes “Centre (Front/Back)” and “Centre (Left/Right)”

predefined in Revit Structural Column family template should cut across
the column section and locate at the mid-point of the overall dimensions
perpendicular to them.

Figure 3.1.7 Location of Reference plans for

Structural Column family
ii) All Column Family should provide with suitable sharable parameters
such that their geometry data can be retrieved for other model users.
iii) For rectangular and circular column Families, the following sharable
parameters have to be added for facilitating quantities takeoff:

Column Width (for rectangular column);

Column Depth (for rectangular column);
Column Dia (for circular column);

iv) Column size has to be entered into the Description field for annotation
purpose.

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 (a) Rectangular Column (b) Circular Column
Figure 3.1.8 Customized parameters for Structural Column families

v) All vertical faces should be painted with material, name as “Column

Side Formwork”, so that the area of column formworks can be
estimated.

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3.2 Shear / Core / Bearing / Hanger / Stub / Screen Walls and Parapets

3.2.1 Modelling approach

i) All structural walls should be modeled with appropriate types from Basic
Wall category family with its Structural Usage property set to “Bearing”.
It can be achieved by selecting Revit ribbon, Home tag ➤ Structure
panel ➤ Wall dropdown list ➤Structural Wall when creating a wall.

(a) Wall Properties palette (b) Creating structural wall by selecting the
corresponding command from Revit ribbon

Figure 3.2.1Modelling of structural wall

ii) For those elements not to be included in analytical model, modeler

should unchecked the element property Enable Analytical Model
check box.

Figure 3.2.2 Properties palette of wall

iii) All walls should be defined with Top and Base Constraints between
the levels where they serve as support for other elements and top of
their supporting elements. Level offsets can be applied as appropriate.
The top level of walls should be extended to top of slabs being
supported instead of to the soffits of slab elements only.

- 12 -
 Figure 3.2.3 Shear wall elements

Figure 3.2.4 Bearing and hanger walls

iv) Descriptions like “Hanger wall” and “Bearing wall” are required to be
added to the Comments properties of wall such that their structural
usage can be identified.

Figure 3.2.5 The Comment and Mark field

in wall Properties palette

v) For irregular shape wall, modeler may consider such wall as a

composition of a regular wall panel with concrete fills for the rest of the
wall when the irregular parts are excluded from structural design. In
this case, the concrete fill part can be modeled as an In-Place model
under Walls category.

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 Figure 3.2.6 Mass fill attached to
wall

The In-Place model should be provided with a family name like “Mass
Fill for Wall W1” so that it can be recognized as the mass fill for that
particular wall. Similar description is also advised to be added to the
Comments field of its Properties palette.

(a) Family name for mass fill (b) In-Place model

In-Place model Properties palette
Figure 3.2.7 In-Place model for wall

vi) Parapet Walls

Both Top Level and Base Level of parapet walls should be assigned
with identical level together with the Top Offset made equal to the
required parapet height.

Parapet wall should be included into the storey model in which the
parapet wall is attached.

Figure 3.2.8 Parapet wall

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 For parapet walls with piers, they should be modeled as individual wall
spanned between piers edge

The pier should be modeled with structural column family element.

Their Analyze As property should be set to “Not for analysis” and a
description “Parapet Pier” added to the Comment property of the
element, sub-section 3.1 refers. Similar to the parapet wall, both Top
Level and Base Level of piers should be assigned with identical level
together with the Top Offset made equal to the required parapet height.

Wall pier

Figure 3.2.9 Parapet wall with piers

vii) Screen Walls

All screen walls should be modeled panel by panel such that their top
and bottom are spanned between successive levels with its ends joined
to the edges of connected columns.

Figure 3.2.10 Screen wall

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viii) Door and Window Openings :

The openings can be modeled as two aligned walls with a lintel beam
spanned between them. Even though, the dimensions of the structural
opening so formed are larger than the architectural requirement, the
surrounding concrete fill around the openings will not be included into
the model.

Figure 3.2.10 Structural opening

ix) Other Openings :

To be formed by adding Wall Opening (i.e. System Family: Rectangular
Straight Wall Opening) to wall element. For opening of other shapes,
new wall base generic families have to be created to suit specific need.

3.2.2 Family Customization: Basic Wall (System Family)

i) All Wall family type should be defined with single structure layer only
with required thickness and concrete grade.

Figure 3.2.11 Edit Assembly dialog for

Basic Wall

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3.3 Beams

3.3.1 Modelling approach

i) All beams should be modeled with appropriate family type from

Structural Framing or Structural Beam System category families.

ii) All continuous beams should be modeled span by span.

iii) All beams should be connected to their supports by one of the following
methods:

Case a – Main b eam

The handle of the beam should be connected to the reference plane of

its supporting beams. Normally, it is defined along the center of a
Structural Framing family.
Secondary
beam

Reference plane
of main beam

Beam handle Main beam

Figure 3.3.1 Secondary beam supported on

main beam (plan view)

Case b - Column

Beam supported on column should model with its end handle attached
to any one of the reference planes of the column. Normally, they are
along the major and minor axes of the column section

Reference plane
of column
Column

Beam Beam handle

Figure 3.3.2 Beams connected to

column (plan view).

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 Case c - Wall

In general, the handle of the beam should connect to the centerline of

its wall support except lintel beam which can be joined to the end of the
wall. In the latter case, the beam handle can attach to edge of the wall
end.

Lintel Wall
Beam

Centerline of wall Beam

Figure 3.3.3 Beams connected to their supports.

iv) To model inverted beam including lintel beam, modeler is required to

select “Other” under the z-Direction Justification in the elements
Properties palette and enter the beam up-stand value into z-Direction
Offset Value.

Figure 3.3.4 To specify inverted beam

in its Properties palette.

To cancel the beam up-stand, modeler should enter “0” into z-Direction
Offset Value, hence select “Top” from the z-Direction Justification
drop-down list.

Figure 3.3.5 To cancel the up-stand

of inverted beam

v) To model special element like cantilever and isolated beam (e.g. tie
beam and ground beam which does not sustain any slabs), modeler is
- 18 -
 advised to specify the structural usage of this element in its Properties
palette under Comments as below:

“Cantilever“;
“Tie Beam”; and
“Ground Beam”.
The description here can facilitate other model user to sort out the
elements according to their structural usage within a model.

Figure 3.3.6 To specify the structural

usage a beam

vi) To improve the appearance at the connections with adjacent slab and
wall elements, modeler should make the newly placed slab element
joined with these beam elements.

3.3.2 Family Customization: Structural Framing (Loadable Family)

i) The reference plane “Centre (Front/Back)” predefined in Revit

Structural Framing family template should cut across the beam section
and locate at the mid-point of the horizontal overall dimensions.

Figure 3.3.7 Location of Reference plans

for Structural Framing family

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ii) The following sharable parameters have to be added to the Family such
that they can provide relevant information for other model users or
element annotating:

Beam Width;
Bean Depth;
Features – e.g. “Rectangular”, “Cranked”, “Tapered” and “Stepped”
etc…;
Tag 1 ~ 5 – for beam tagging, contents refer to the format adopted in
the standards Structural Framing Tags Family adopted.

Figure 3.3.8 Customized parameters for Structural Framing family

iii) Both sides and bottom of the family should be painted with specific
material, name as, “Beam side formwork”, “Beam bottom formwork” and
“Beam bottom formwork (inclined)” so that the areas of beam formworks
in different location can be extracted.

Figure 3.3.9 Formwork areas for Structural

Framing family

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3.4 Ground Beams

3.4.1 Modelling approach

i) Ground beam is to be modeled with appropriate types from Structural

Framing or Structural Beam System category family for the beam and
In-Place model under Generic Models family category for the binding
layer.

ii) The extent of the binding layer has to be defined within the clear span of
the beam.

(a) Plan View (b) 3D View

Figure 3.4.1 Modelling of ground beam

iii) The In-Place model for the binding layer should be provided with a
family name which can be recognized as blinding layer for that
particular beam.

iv) Description such as “Binding under GB1” is advised to be added to the

Comments of its Properties palette.

(a) Family name for mass fill (b) In-Place model Properties
In-Place model palette
Figure 3.4.2 In-Place model for binding layer

3.4.2 Family Customization: Structural Framing (Loadable Family)

See Section 3.3.2.

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3.5 Suspended Slabs and Transfer Structures (transfer beams and
plates)

3.5.1 Modelling approach

i) All these elements should be modeled with appropriate types from Floor
category family with its Property Structural Usage set to “Bearing” i.e.
in Revit ribbon, select Home tag ➤ Structure panel ➤ Floor
dropdown list ➤Structural Floor.

ii) For those elements not to be included into the building structure
analytical model, the element property Structural check box should be
unchecked.

iii) All slab elements should be modeled panel by panel.

iv) All slab (except flat slab and free edge) boundaries should be defined
either
a. along the center lines of supporting walls; or
b. along the reference planes of supporting beams; or

c. edge of supporting slab.

Figure 3.5.1 Typical slab element supported on wall and beams

v) For flat slab floor system, the vertex of the slab boundaries should be
located at the centers of the supporting columns.

vi) For binding layer below suspended slab, paragraph v) of Section 3.6
refers.

vii) All walls should extend to the top level of the slabs being supported.

viii) For framing plan production purpose, all slabs should be:

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 a. joined manually with neighboring slabs in order to eliminate the
solid lines between them;
b. assigned with correct Span Direction for one-way slabs; and
c. annotated with Floor Tags instead of symbol.

ix) It is advised to specify the usage, where necessary, of slab elements in

its Properties under the Comments for facilitating quantities takeoff
purpose e.g. “Bay Window”, “A/C Hood”, “Landing” and “Canopy”…etc.

Figure 3.5.2 Comments properties for Floor element.

x) All semi or fully-precast slabs should be modeled with as suspended

slab but assigned with appropriate material specified for that kind of
construction, paragraph (xiii) in Section 1 refers.

Figure 3.5.3 Material properties for pre-cast slab element.

xi) Channels and Trenches

Modelling method is greatly relied on the design assumption. The

standard methods adopted are listed in the table below. Similar
principle should be followed for cases not included in the table.

(a)Reduced slab thickness (b)The reduced section does (c) Design is carried out for
was adopted for design not affect the slab design. individual portions of
slabs.

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(d) Slab of uniform thickness. (e) Deep trench where the
trench depth is greater
than the slab thickness
Table 3.5.4 Modelling of channel on slab

3.5.2 Family Customization: Structural Floor (System Family)

i) All the Family Types should be composed of structure layer only and
assigned with suitable concrete material and slab thickness.

Figure 3.5.5 Edit Assembly dialog

for Structural Floor

The slab thickness should be indicated in the Description property so

that it can be shown when applying Span Direction to slab elements.

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3.6 On-Grade Slabs / Floating Slabs / Machine Bases / Pile Caps / Raft
Footings

3.6.1 Modelling approach

i) All these elements should be composed of two types of Revit element:

the structural component and the binding layer beneath.

ii) The structural component should be modeled using appropriate

category families according to paragraph ix) in Section 1 while the
binding layer should be modeled with In-Place model under Generic
family category

iii) The boundaries of both the structural component and its binding layer
should be defined along the edges of the neighbor elements if any.

iv) Modeler is advised to specify the usage of the element in its Properties
palette under Comments as below:

“On-Grade Slab”;
“Floating Slabs”;
“Machine Base”;
“Pile Cap”;
“Raft Footing”; and other similar.
The description here can facilitate other model user to sort out the
elements according to their structural usage within a model.

v) The In-Place model for the binding layer should be provided with a
family name (e.g. “Binding under GS8”) and a similar description in its
Comments property (e.g. “Binding under GS8”) that its location and
function can be easily identified.

3.6.2 Family Customization: Foundation Slab (System Family)

i) All the Family Types should compose of a structure layer only and
should be assigned with suitable concrete material and thickness.

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Figure 3.6.1 Edit Assembly dialog for
Foundation Slab

- 26 -
3.7 Staircases

3.7.1 Modelling approach

i) All staircases are to be modeled as a composition of landings and stair

flights.

Stair Flight

Landing

Figure 3.7.1 Modelling of Staircase

ii) Landing slab, including half landing, stair beam and stair flight are to be
modeled using Structural Floor, Structural Framing and Stair Families
respectively.

iii) The stair flight should be spanned between the edges of the landing
elements.

iv) Note that element modeled by Stair family is belonged to architectural

discipline model element.

v) In-Place model under Floor category, if required, should be used to

supplement the modelling of staircase.

In-Place
Model

Figure 3.7.2 In-Place model applied

for staircase modelling

vi) The In-place model should be provided with a family name which can

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 be recognized as mass fill for that particular stair. Preferably, relevant
information should also incorporate into its Comments property so that
it is can easily be identified e.g. “Mass fill at SS1 stair end”.

(a) Family name for mass fill In-Place (b) In-Place model Properties
model palette
Figure 3.7.3 In-Place model for half-landing

vii) The floor elements should be specified as “Landing” or “Half-Landing” in

its Comments property.

Figure 3.7.4 In-place model applied

for staircase modelling

3.7.2 Family Customization: Stair (System Family)

i) Waist thickness has to be input into the property Description.

Figure 3.7.4 Type Properties dialog for Stair Family.

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3.8 Water Tanks

(a) Top Plan View (b) Section “1-1”

Figure 3.8.1 Water Tank

3.8.1 Modelling approach

i) In general, water tank have no standard layout but are composed of

standard component elements such as side walls, top and bottom slabs
and, sometimes, beams as well. It is advised to assembly water tanks
as individual sub-models and linked them into a host model.

ii) Plinths are advised to be modeled as In-Place model under Generic

category in the host model.

iii) Normally, elements of water tank will not be parts of structural analytical
model so relevant setting in their element Properties palettes should be
made in order to exclude them from the analytical model.

Elements Properties Setting

Wall Enable Uncheck the checker box.
Analytical Model
Beam Analyze As Select the “Not for analysis”
from the drop-down list.
Slab Structural Uncheck the checker box.

iv) All fillets and curbs are to be modeled as In-place models of Generic
family category with the same concrete grade as the water tank.

v) Vertical fillets are formed by Solid Extrusion spanned from the bottom of
top slab extended to top of bottoms slab.

vi) While horizontal fillets are formed by Solid Sweep with its path defined
along the intercept lines between the side walls and top of bottom slab.

- 29 -
 Vertical Fillet Sweep path for
Horizontal Fillets

(a) Vertical Fillet (b) Horizontal Fillet

Figure 3.8.2 Water Tank Fillets

Vertical Fillet

Horizontal
Fillets

Figure 3.8.3 Interception of Vertical and Horizontal Fillets

vii) Curbs surround water tank opening and edges should be modeled with
In-place model under Generic family category.

viii) Section 3.10 should also be referred for modelling of fillets and curbs.

- 30 -
3.9 Precast Façades (non-structural)

3.9.1 Modelling approach

i) All precast façades should be placed into the model in form of family
instances instead of assembled in its host model.

ii) Generic family has to be used to create the precast façade families.

3.9.2 Family Customization: Generic (Loadable Family)

i) Note that Generic family can only be an assembly of loadable family

elements including Structural Framing, Structural Column and Generic
Models only but not system families like Structural Floor and Basic Wall.

ii) As a result, the analytical model formed in the family is not sufficient for
exporting to form analytical model.

iii) To exclude the structural elements in façade families from including into
the analytical model for the whole building structure, their properties
should be set as “not for analytical model”.

iv) To facilitate framing plan production, a Fill Region family with

appropriate hatched pattern should be incorporated to the family. The
visibility setting of the fill region should be selected to Coarse Detail
Level only.

(a) Sample of Fill Region (b) Family Element Visibility

family for façade family Settings dialog for Fill Region
Figure 3.9.1 Fill region for precast façade.

v) Accordingly, all elements in the family should have the visibility settings
as follow:

- 31 -
 Figure 3.9.2 Family Element Visibility
Settings dialog for elements

vi) Two different materials should be assigned to the exposed and

embedded portions e.g. the portion embedded into the supporting wall.

Exposed portion

E mb ed d ed
P o rt i o n

Figure 3.9.3 Different portions of facade

vii) Surfaces at the edges of the facade model should be painted with
appropriate materials such that the areas of these surfaces can be
captured in Revit Material Schedules.

P ainted surface
along the side of
façade wall

P ainted surface at
the side of façade
boot

(a) (b)
Figure 3.9.4 Paints applied to facade

- 32 -
3.10 Plinths / Mass Fills / Curbs / Fillets

3.10.1 Modelling approach

i) These elements are advised to be modeled with In-Place model under

Generic family category and assigned with required concrete grade.

ii) The In-Place model should be provided with a family name such that
their locations and functions can be identified for material scheduling.

Plinth for 2000L Flush W/T at R/F

Figure 3.10.1 Family name dialog

for In-place model

iii) Description such as “Plinth for 2000L Flush W/T at R/F” is advised to be
added to its Comments Property.

- 33 -
4 Notes for Family, In-place Model and Sub-Model

4.1 Comparison between family, in-place Model and sub-model

The following table sums up the characteristics and usages of loadable family,
in-place model and sub-model in order to assist modeler to decide between
the modelling techniques.
Characteristics Loadable In-Plane Sub - Examples
Families Model Model
Supplementary parts to Irregular portion of
existing families type structural wall /
especially those belonging    rectangular column and
to system families channel on slab
Re-usable by other projects Cranked Beams and
   Precast elements
Sub-models which involve Water Tank
assembly of elements
belonging to system   
families e.g. wall and floor
Only the no. count of the Precast elements
element within the hoist   
model is required.

4.2 Generic Family

i) The quantities of generic elements in the linked sub-model will not be

included in the Material Takeoff Schedule of its host model. They have
to be extracted from the sub-model itself.

ii) For Revit Structure 2011, volume of the element under Generic
category (created by in-place model) will equal to zero in the Material
takeoff schedule if Paint has been applied on the element surfaces.

- 34 -
5 Model Auditing

This section provides a check list for project team to check the compliance of
the BIM structural models to this guide. Modeler is required to carry out a self
audit according to this guide to ensure that the developed models can comply
with this guide before issuing the models for project collaboration. On the
other hand, project team is advised to return the auditing result to the modelers
for rectifying the models when non-compliance and modeling errors are
discovered.

Checklist for RC Superstructure BIM Model

Reference /
Items Descriptions Yes No N/A
Remarks

A. General Principle

A.1 Models dev eloped are based on the project   

standards and families f ound in Housing Authority
BIM library .

A.2 Models contain structural elements only    1 i)

A.3 Model div ided into sub-models and complied with the   
1 iii) ~ vii)
Model hierarchy stated in Project BIM Execution Plan

A.4 Appropriate f amilies hav e been used    1 ix)

A.5 Assigned materials : 1 xiii)

A.5.1 construction method can be identified;   

A.5.2 the material properties complied with prevailed   

code of practice and relev ant Bulling Regulations.

A.6 Ev ery structural element has been assigned with a    1 xvii)

mark

B Levels of Details 2

B.1 Fully annotated f or drawing production.   

B.2 Full model f or project collaboration.   

B.3 Ready to export to f orm analytical model.   

C Modelling of Elements and Components 3

C.1 Columns / Posts / Hangers 3.1.

C.1.1 Each element has been defined between    3.1.1 ii)

appropriate lev els.

- 35 -
 Reference /
Items Descriptions Yes No N/A
Remarks

C.1.2 Appropriate comments hav e been added to    3.1.1 iii)

Comments property where necessary.

C.1.3 Irregular shape columns hav e been modeled as    3.1.1 iv)

per design assumption.

C.1.4 Hav e new f amilies been created (i.e. other than    If no, skip to
that in HA BIM library )? if yes, for every new C.2
f amilies :

a. All “Center” reference planes are located at    3.1.2 i)

the mid-points of the section overall
dimensions perpendicular to them.

b. Sufficient sharable parameters hav e assigned    3.1.2 ii)

to new f amilies f or quantities takeoff.

c. Column sizes have been added to their    3.1.2 iv)

Description property of the new f amilies.

d. All v ertical surfaces hav e been painted with    3.1.2 v)

“Column Formwork” materials.

C.2 Shear / Core / Bearing / Hanger / Stud / Screen Walls 3.2

and Parapets

C.2.1 Each element has been defined between    3.2.1 iii)

appropriate lev els.

C.2.2 All top of wall has been extended to top lev el of    3.2.1 iii)
slab being supported.

C.2.3 Appropriate comments have been added to    3.2.1 iv)

Comments property where necessary.

C.2.4 According the design assumption, mass fills have    3.2.1 v)

been added to wall using In-place module under
Walls Column category for irregular shape wall.

C.2.5 Parapets hav e been placed at correct lev el.    3.2.1 vi)

C.2.6 Parapet walls hav e been modeled as individual   

wall spanned between piers edge

C.2.7 Piers have been modeled with both Top Level and   
Base Level assigned with identical lev el together
with the Top Offset equal to the required parapet
height.

C.2.8 Appropriate method has been used to model    3.2.1 vii)

screen walls.

C.2.9 Appropriate method has been used to model    3.2.1 viii)

opening f or dif ferent opening size and shapes.

C.2.10 Hav e new f amily types been created (i.e. other    If no, skip to
than that in HA project template)? C.3

C.2.11 New f amily ty pes contain single core concrete    3.2.2 i)

lay er only and assigned with appropriate concrete

- 36 -
 Reference /
Items Descriptions Yes No N/A
Remarks

grade.

C.3 Beam 3.3

C.3.1 Continuous beams hav e been modeled span by    3.3.1 ii)

span.

C.3.2 All beams have been connected to their supports    3.3.1 iii)
with proper method.

C.3.3 Inv erted beams have been model with z-Direction    3.3.1 iv)
Justification set to “Other” and set to “Top”
otherwise.

C.3.4 “Cantilev er” and isolated beams like “Tie beam” &    3.3.1 v)
“Ground beam”...etc have been specified in
Comments property

C.3.5 Joined with connected slab and wall elements.    3.3.1 iv)

C.3.6 Hav e new f amily types been created (i.e. other    If no, skip to
than that in HA project template)? C.4

a. The “Center (Front/Back)” ref erence plane is    3.3.2 i)

located at the mid-points of the overall
horizontal dimensions f or the section.

b. Sufficient sharable parameters hav e assigned    3.3.2 ii)

to new f amilies f or quantities takeoff.

c. All side and bottom surfaces have been    3.3.2 iii)

painted with “Beam side f ormwork” and
“Beam bottom f ormwork” materials
respectiv ely.

C.4 Ground Beam 3.4

C.4.1 Each ground beam Model as a composition of a    3.4.1 i)

Structural Framing family ty pe and an In-Place
model under Generic Models category element.

C.4.2 The binding layer defined within the clear span of    3.4.1 ii)
the ground beam only .

C.4.3 A proper description has been applied to the family    3.4.1 iii)
name of the binding lay er.

C.4.4 A proper description has been applied to the    3.4.1 iv)

Comments of the property of the binding lay er.

C.5 Suspended Slabs & Transf er Structures 3.5

C.5.1 All slabs hav e been modeled panel by panel.    3.5.1 iii)

C.5.2 All slabs boundaries hav e been their defined    3.5.1 iv) & v)
properly .

C.5.3 Binding lay er below suspended slab hav e been    3.5 vi)
modeled according to paragraph v ) of Section 3.6.

- 37 -
 Reference /
Items Descriptions Yes No N/A
Remarks

C.5.4 Wall attached to the top lev el of slabs being    3.5.1 vii)
supported.

C.5.5 Slabs joined with all neighbor slabs    3.5.1 viii)a

C.5.6 Slabs were annotated with Floor tags instead of    3.5.1 viii)b & c
sy mbols.

C.5.7 A proper description has been applied to the    3.5.1 ix)

Comments property of the f loor elements which
hav e specif ic usage.

C.5.8 Precast or Semi-precast materials hav e been    3.5.1 x)

specif ied f or precast of semi-precast elements.

C.5.9 Channels and trenches hav e been modeled    3.5.1 xi)

according to design assumption.

C.5.10 Hav e new family ty pes created (i.e. other than that    If no, skip to
in HA project template)? C.6

C.5.11 New f amily ty pes contain single core concrete    3.5.2 i)

lay er only and assigned with appropriate concrete
grade.

C.5.12 The slab thickness has been indicated in the Ty pe    3.5.2 ii)
property under Description

C.6 On-Grade Slabs / Floating Slabs / Machine Bases / 3.6

Pile Caps / Raf t Footings

C.6.1 All elements composed of a structural component    3.6.1 i)

and a binding lay er element.

C.6.2 All structural components were modeled with    3.6.1 ii)

appropriate category f amilies while the binding
lay er were modeled with In-Place model under
Generic f amily category

C.6.3 The boundaries of both the structural component    3.6.1 iii)

and the binding layer were def ined along the edge
of the neighbor elements if any.

C.6.4 Usages hav e been specified in the structural    3.6.1 iv)

component elements’ Comments property.

C.6.5 The In-Place model f or the binding layer was    3.6.1 v)

prov ided with identifiable f amily name and a
similar description in its Comments property.

C.6.6 Has new Foundation Slab f amily ty pe created (i.e.    If no, skip to
other than that in HA project template)? C.7

C.6.7 All new Family Ty pes were composed of single    3.6.2 i)

core layer only and were assigned with suitable
concrete material and thickness.

C.7 Staircase    3.7

C.7.1 All staircases were composed of landing elements    3.7.1 i)

- 38 -
 Reference /
Items Descriptions Yes No N/A
Remarks

and stair f light elements.

C.7.2 Half landings and stair beams were modeled with    3.7.1 ii)
Structural Floor and Structural Framing Families
respectiv ely.

C.7.3 Stair f lights were modeled with Stair Family .    3.7.1 ii)

C.7.4 The stair f lights were spanned between the edges    3.7.1 iii)
of the landing elements.

C.7.5 In-Place model under Floor category were used to    3.7.1 v)

supplement the modelling of staircase.

C.7.6 The In-place model lay er was provided with a    3.7.1 vi)
identif iable family name and a description in its
Comments property .

C.7.7 The f loor elements should be specified as    3.7.1 vii)

“Landing” or “Half-Landing” in its Comments
property ..

C.7.8 Hav e new Stair family types created (i.e. other    If no, skip to
than that in HA project template)? C.8

C.7.9 Waist thicknesses were input into the type    3.7.2 i)

property Description.

C.8 Water Tank 3.8

C.8.1 All water tanks were modeled as individual    3.8.1 i)

sub-models linked into the hoist model.

C.8.2 Plinths were modeled in the host model.    3.8.1 ii)

C.8.3 Vertical f illets were spanned from the bottom of top    3.8.2 v)
slab extended to top of bottoms slab.

C.8.4 Horizontal f illets were spanned along the intercept    3.8.2 vi)
lines between the side walls and top of bottom
slab.

C.8.5 Curbs surround water tank opening and edges    3.8.2 vii)
were modeled with In-place model under Generic
f amily category.

C.9 Precast Façade    3.9

C.9.1 All precast façades were placed into the model in    3.9.1 i)
f orm of family instances.

C.9.2 Hav e new families created (i.e. other than that in    If no, skip to
HA project template)? C.10

C.9.3 All components were excluded from analytical    3.9.1 ii)

model.

C.9.4 Only hatched patterns would be shown in plan    3.9.1 iv )

view at the locations of the precast f açade when
the v isibility of the plan v iew was changed to

- 39 -
 Reference /
Items Descriptions Yes No N/A
Remarks

Coarse Detail Lev el only .

C.9.5 All elements in the family should hav e proper    3.9.1 v )

v isibility settings

C.9.6 Two diff erent materials were assigned to the    3.9.1 v i)

exposed and embedded portions

C.9.7 Surfaces at the edges of the facade model were    3.9.1 vii)
painted with materials such that the areas of
those surfaces can be captured in Revit
Material Schedules.

C.10 Plinth / Mass Fill / Curb / Fillets

C.10.1 These elements were modeled with In-Place model    3.10.1 i)

under Generic f amily category and assigned with
required concrete grade.

C.10.2 The In-Place models were prov ided with a family    3.10.1 ii)
name such that their locations and f unctions can be
identif ied f or material scheduling.

C.10.3 Description such as “Plinth f or 2000L Flush W/T at    3.10.1 iii)

R/F” is advised to be added to its Comments
property .

- 40 -
ANNEXES

ANNEX I – Standard Template .............................................................................. 42

ANNEX II – Architectural Drawing......................................................................... 45
ANNEX III – Structural Wall .................................................................................... 51
ANNEX IV – Irregular – Shaped Structural Wall ................................................. 64
ANNEX V – Beam .................................................................................................... 68
ANNEX VI – Ground Beam..................................................................................... 84
ANNEX VII – Floor Slab .......................................................................................... 88
ANNEX VIII – Inclined Slab .................................................................................. 120
ANNEX IX - Slab with Top Fall............................................................................. 123
ANNEX X – Slabs Joint ......................................................................................... 127
ANNEX XI – Precast Stair Flight.......................................................................... 134
ANNEX XII – Precast Facades ............................................................................ 156
ANNEX XIII – Annotations .................................................................................... 164
ANNEX XIV - Excel ................................................................................................ 180

- 41 -
ANNEX I – Standard Template

Objective

To start a new Revit model with Housing Department standard

project template.

Prerequisite

Obtain the latest version of model template file.

Open a New Model

Steps:
1. Start Revit Structure. The Recent Files window displays.

Figure A1.1

2. Click ➤ New ➤ Project.

- 42 -
 Figure A1.2

3. In the New Project dialog, for Template file, click Browse.

Figure A1.3

4. Navigate to the location of the desired project template, select

the template file (with the file extension “.rte”), and click Open.
5. For Create new, click Project.
6. Click OK.
7. The Revit User Interface displays.

- 43 -
Figure A1.4

8. To save the file. Click ➤ Save.

9. To close the file. Click ➤ Close

- 44 -
ANNEX II – Architectural Drawing

Objective

To prepare and link an architectural CAD file (general building plan)

to a Revit project file as modelling reference.

Relocate the Origin in CAD Drawing

Notes:
1. Revit can only maintain elements placed within 20 miles from
the project origin. Revit Structure User’s Guide refers.
2. According to HA practice, all CAD drawings are drawn to the
Global Coordinate System. It is advised to redefine the CAD
drawing to center of the building.
3. All irrelevant objects located beyond the floor plan should be
removed.

Steps:
1. Open the AutoCAD architectural floor plan.
2. Determine the preferred location for the origin of new UCS.
(Recommendation: interception point of building center lines.)
3. Type UCS, and then press Enter on keyboard.
4. Specify the origin of user coordinate system by select a point
on the drawing.

- 45 -
 Figure A2.1

5. Press Enter to accept.

(Tip: To view the location of the new UCS icon : Select View in
the toolbar  Display  UCS Icon  made Origin checked.
6. At the Command prompt, enter “wblock”.
7. In the Write Block dialog box, click Select Objects button.

Figure A2.2

8. Use mouse to select the extent of site to be included in the new

drawing. Press ENTER to complete object selection.
9. Under Destination, enter a file name and path for the new
drawing, or click the [...] button to display a standard file
selection dialog box.
10. Click OK. A new drawing is created with the selected objects
and newly defined coordinate system.

- 46 -
Open Existing Project Files

Steps:

Open a Revit file in which the required levels have been defined for
the project.

Figure A2.3

Add New Floor Plan View

Notes:
User can check whether the required plan view exists inthe Project
Browser. If yes, skip this topics.

- 47 -
 Figure A2.4

Steps:
1. Click View tab ➤ Create panel ➤ Plan Views drop-down ➤
(Floor Plan).
2. In the New Plan dialog, select, say, 7/F or other level(s) for
which you want to create a plan view.
3. If you want to create a plan view for a level that has already an
existing plan view, clear the check box for “Do not duplicate
existing views”.

Figure A2.5

4. For Scale, select 1:100 or other as appropriate for the new

view.
5. Click OK to finish

- 48 -
Link the CAD File into Revit Model

Notes:
Linking is similar to having an “Xref” in AutoCAD. When the original
linked file changes, these changes are reflected in the file when you
reload the Revit file.

Steps:

1. Click Insert tab ➤ Link panel ➤ (Link CAD).

2. In the Link CAD Formats dialog, browse to the folder that
contains the file to link.

Figure A2.6

3. Select the file.

4. Specify the link options as below.
5. Click Open.

- 49 -
 Figure A2.7

Halftone the Linked CAD File

Steps:
1. Click View tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ (Visibility/Graphics).
2. In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, click the Imported
Categories tab.
3. In the Halftone column, select the check box for the linked CAD
drawing.
4. Click OK.
5. Save and close the file.

- 50 -
ANNEX III – Structural Wall

Objective

Placing, modifying and checking of structural walls in a BIM

structural model.

Prerequisite

1. Revit project with levels have been set.

2. Architectural AutoCAD GBP linked to required level.
3. Grid lines have already been drawn according to the GBP.
4. Open the floor plan view for top of the walls concerned.

Create New Wall Types

Purpose:
To create wall type of required properties including thickness and
concrete to if the required one is not existed in the template.

Note:
1. Wall is a system family that means family file can not be
created for wall but we can define new wall types for individual
models.
2. Some commonly used wall types have already defined in the
Department standard model template.

Steps:
1. Click Home tab ➤ Structure panel ➤ Wall drop-down ➤
Structural Wall.
- 51 -
 Figure A3.1

2. On the Properties palette, select one of any exist family type,

say “Insitu Conc. C35 225 Thk.” (i.e. 225 mm thick wall with
in-situ grade C35 concrete), from the Type Selector drop-down.

Figure A3.2

3. On the Properties palette, click (Edit Type).

4. In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate.
5. In the Name dialog, enter a name, say “Insitu Conc. C40 225
Thk.”, for the new type and click OK.

Figure A3.3

6. Click Edit for Structure in the In the Type Properties dialog.

Figure A3.4

- 52 -
7. Change the Material of Structure to “Concrete – C40”, and
Thickness to required value in the Edit Assembly dialog. Click
OK.

Figure A3.6

8. In the Type Properties dialog, click OK.

9. Repeat steps 2 to 8 until all required wall types are created.

Place Structural Walls

Purpose:
To add structural walls as per GBP wall locations.

Note:
In order to let the user easier to see the completed walls in plan
view, it is advised to change the Visual Style to Consistent Color in
the View Control Bar.

Figure A3.7

Although the following warnings may be prompted up constantly

during the process, user can neglect them.

- 53 -
 Figure A3.8

Steps:
1. Roll the mouse wheel to zoom the location of the walls to be
placed.
2. Select Home ➤ Structure panel ➤ Wall drop-down ➤
Structural Wall.

Figure A3.9

3. Select ModifyPlace Structural Wall ➤ Draw panel ➤ Line or

any Draw tools

Figure A3.10

4. Select Depth and the base level of the wall from the Options
Bar as shown below.

Figure A3.11

5. On the Option Bar select “Core Face: Exterior” or “Core Face:

Interior” for Location line as appropriate.
6. On the Options Bar, select Chain to create a series of walls.
Set Offset to 0.0 and leave Radius unselected as appropiate.
7. Select point along the wall as indicated in Figure 12. Use
Spacebar to change the orientation of the wall if necessary.

8. Select ModifyPlace Structural Wall ➤ Select panel ➤

Modify to finish the placing of walls.
9. Modify wall thickness as required during the course according

- 54 -
 to Modify Structural Walls Properties.

Figure A3.12

10. Repeat the process until all walls are completed.

11. To check the walls have been placed at the desired floor level,
select the walls. The top and bottom are shown in the
Properties palette.

Modify Structural Walls Properties

Purpose:
To change the properties of existing walls element including
thickness & concrete mix.

Steps:
1. Select the structural wall required to change its properties.

Figure A3.13

2. In the Type Selector drop-down, select the other family type as

required.
3. If the required family type does not appear in the list, follow the
- 55 -
 steps in the previous sub-topic Create New Walls Types to
create new wall type.

Modify Length, Location and Orientation of

Structural Walls

Purpose:
To modify the layout of the existing wall element including length,
location and orientation.

Steps:
1. Select the wall required to modify.

Figure A3.14

2. To flip the wall:

Press Spacebar or right click the double arrow beside the wall.
3. To move the wall:
Right click and drag it to new location.
4. To change the length and orientation of the wall:
Right click and drag one of the handle (blue dot) at wall ends.
5. Use the modifying tools in Modify panel to make any other
change.

6. On the ribbon, click Select panel ➤ Modify to finish.

Creating Filter for Walls Thickness Checking

Purpose:

- 56 -
To generate filtering criteria for wall thickness checking on framing
plan.

Steps:
1. Click View tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ (Filter).
2. In the Filters dialog, if the required wall filter has already existed,
the procedure completed. Click OK to exit. Otherwise
continue the following steps.
3. In the Filters dialog, click New.
4. Enter a filter name, say “550 Wall”. Click OK

Figure A3.15

5. Under Categories, click Walls.

Figure A3.16

6. From the Filter By list under Filter Rule, select Width.

7. Select the filter operator “equals”.
8. Enter value, say, 550 for the filter
9. Click OK twice.
- 57 -
 Created
filter

Figure A3.17

10. Repeat the above steps to create more filter of all required wall
thickness.

Checking Walls Thickness by Applying Filters

Purpose:
To check walls thickness by means of filter function.

Note:
1. Filter is view specific.
2. For facilitating user to view clearly, it is advised to hide the
imported CAD file:
Type VG (shortcut key for Visibility/Graphic) to open the
Visibility/ Graphics dialog. Select Imported Categories tag.
Unchecked the linked CAD file to make it invisible. Click OK.

Figure A3.18

Steps:
1. Click View tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ (Visibility/Graphics),

- 58 -
 and click the Filters tab.
2. On the Filters tab of the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, click
Add. If the required filters are already present, click OK to skip
the following steps
3. Select a filter, say “200 Wall” from the Add Filter dialog, and
click OK.

Click to select /change

color and fill pattern
Figure A3.19

4. Click Override under Projection/Surface Patterns field of the

added filter.
5. Change Color and Pattern in the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog as
appropriate. Click OK.

Figure A3.20

6. Repeat Steps 3 to 5 until all Wall filters have been added.

7. Check the Transparent of all unused filters e.g. those for slab.
Click OK to finish.

Figure A3.21

- 59 -
 Wrong w all sizes Wrong w all sizes
identified. identified.

Figure A3.22 Plan view with wall filters applied.

Good Practices:
1. Users are advised also check their work in 3D view & different
elevation views in order to ensure the walls have been place in
the collect levels.
2. User can save their View Template for future use. Select View

tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ View Template drop-down ➤

Create template from Current View.

3. On the New View Template dialog, enter, say, “Filter” for Name.
Click OK twice to finish.

- 60 -
Disabling Applied Filters for Walls Thickness
Checking

Purpose:
To disable the applied walls filters.

Steps:
1. Click View tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ (Visibility/Graphics),
and click the Filters tab.
2. Check Transparent for individual the wall filters. Click OK.

Figure A3.23

Adding Walls Marks

Purpose:
To add walls marks to individual wall or group of walls.

Notes:
1. HD standard Wall Tags family is to be used.

Steps:

1. Click Annotate tab ➤ Tag panel ➤ (Tag All).

2. In the Tag All Not Tagged dialog, select HD standard wall tag
family. Alternatively click Load to load the family. Click OK
to complete.
- 61 -
 Figure A3.24

3. Double click the question marks beside each wall. Type an

identity to add marks to individual walls. (Note: it is equivalent
to fill up the Mark property of the wall, step 4 refers). Enter to
finish.

Figure A3.25

4. Alternatively, select the wall. In the Properties palette, input

the wall mark for Mark.
5. Repeat step 3 or 4 for all walls.
6. In case wall group name is required (e.g. WC17 for WC17a,
WC17b &WC17c). Select the walls. On the Properties
palette, input the wall group name for Comment.
7. To hide the wall mark, type VG to open the Visibility/ Graphics
dialog. Select Annotation Categories tag. Unchecked Wall
Tags. Click OK to finish.
8. To show the wall mark again, type VG to open the Visibility/
Graphics dialog. Select Annotation Categories tag. Checked
Wall Tags. Click OK to finish.
9. Save and close the file.
- 62 -
Good Practices:
1. Assigning wall marks by input Mark in Properties palette (i.e.
step 3 or 4) instead of using text box is advised. Revit will
prompt users when duplicate wall marks are accidentally used.
2. Wall Marks will be used during scheduling.

- 63 -
ANNEX IV – Irregular – Shaped Structural
Wall

Objective

To model an irregular-shaped structural wall in which the irregular

part will be neglected from structural analysis.

Irregular part of
Basic w all
the w all

Figure A4.1

Prerequisite

The basic wall element, without the irregular part, using HD

standard family has been placed in the model.

Create In-place Model

1. Locate the concerned wall element.

2. In the ribbon, click Home tag ➤ Model panel ➤

- 64 -
 Component drop-down ➤ Model In-place.
3. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, select Walls for
Family Category. Click OK

Figure A4.2

4. In the Name dialog, type a name for in-place mode, preferably

same as the basic wall. Click OK

Figure A4.3

5. Use reference lines and dimensions to help the sketching of the

shape of the irregular part of the wall. On the ribbon, click
Home tag ➤ Datum panel ➤ Reference Line.
6. Choose the suite tool under ModifyPlace Reference Lines tag
➤ Draw panel to sketch the reference line.

Figure A4.4

7. To define the outline of the irregular part of the wall, click Home
tag ➤ Forms panel ➤ Extrusion.
8. Ensure the Work Plane (i.e. the bottom level of the wall) shown
in the Properties palette is at the one decided. Otherwise
reset it using the tool in ModifyCreate Extrusion tag ➤ Work
Plane panel ➤ Set.
9. Create an extrusion for the wall, click Home tag ➤ Forms

- 65 -
 panel ➤ Extrusion.
10. Choose appropriate draw tool to sketch the profile for the
irregular part of the wall from ModifyCreate Extrusion tag ➤
Work Plane panel

Figure A4.5

11. In the Properties palette, select the required concrete grade for
Material.
12. Click ModifyCreate Extrusion tag ➤ Mode panel ➤
Finish Edit Mode to finish.
13. Change to any elevation view in which the top edge of extrusion
can be selected later.

Figure A4.6

14. To align the top edge of the extrusion to the upper floor level,
click ModifyWalls tag ➤ Modify panel ➤ Align.
15. Click the level line of the floor level above the reference plane
level, and then select the top edge of the extrusion.
16. To create a constraint between the top edge and the aligned
floor level, click the lock shown above the floor level line.

- 66 -
 Figure A4.7

17. On the ribbon, click Modify to finish.

Figure A4.8

Join the Extrusion with the Basic Wall

1. To remove the solid lines between the basic wall and the
in-place model, click Modify tag ➤ Geometry panel ➤
Join dropdown list ➤ Join Geometry.

2. Select the basic wall then the in-place model.

3. On the ribbon, click Modify to finish.

Figure A4.9

Good Practices

Since the irregular part is an in-place under Wall category, its

information will be indicate in Revit Quantity and Material Takeoff
schedule for Walls.

- 67 -
ANNEX V – Beam

Objective

To add beams into a BIM model.

Prerequisite

1. HD families have loaded into the model.

2. Open the floor plan view for top of the walls concerned.

Good Practices

1. Tie beams is advised to be modeled in assembled domestic

block model instead of typical floor sub-model.
2. User may toggle on/off the visibility of the linked CAD GBP file
by selecting the corresponding floor plan view, then clicks
anywhere within the drawing area and type VG. Select
Imported Categories tag. Unchecked/check the GBP CAD file
to make it invisible/visible. Click OK.

Figure A5.1

3. Switch between the Visual Style to Wireframe and Consistent

Colors in the View Control Bar to see the structural walls and
beams in solid color respectively.

- 68 -
 Figure A5.2

Loading Beam Tag Family (for beam marking)

Purpose:
To load the HA customized beam tag family into the project.

Note:
The HA customized beam tag family should have already be loaded
into the HA standard template.

Steps:
1. Click Annotate tab ➤ Tag panel drop-down ➤ Loaded
Tags.

Figure A5.3

2. Check the Loaded Tags for the Structural Framing. If the HA

customized beam tag family has already been there. Click OK to
finish or process to the steps below otherwise.
3. In Tags dialog, click Load.

- 69 -
4. Navigate to select the required Structural Framing Tag family.
5. In Tags dialog, click the drop-list bottom beside the loaded
family and select the required family type e.g. Mark+DxB (figure
3).
6. Click OK to finish.

Creating New Beam Types

Purpose:
To create beam types of required dimension in case they are not
existed in the project template.

Note:
1. Most of the common use beam types are already created in the
project template.
2. The steps are for the creation of 390(D) x 400(W) beam.

Steps:

1. Click Home tab ➤ Structure panel ➤ Beam.

Figure A5.4

2. On the Properties palette, select one of any existing rectangular

concrete beam family type, say “B345x250” (i.e. 345 depth x
250 width beam) in HD family. See figure 5.
3. On the Properties palette, click (Edit Type).
4. In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate.

- 70 -
 Figure A5.5

5. In the Name dialog, enter a name, say “B390x400”, for the new
type and click OK.

Figure A5.6

6. In the Type Properties dialog, enter 400 for b and 390 for h.
Click OK.

Figure A5.7

7. Click Home tab ➤ Select panel ➤ Modify to finish.

Placing Beams (Other than that for Precast

Staircases)

Purpose:

- 71 -
To place beams into a model.

Steps:
1. Roll the mouse wheel to zoom the area where the beam to be
placed.
2. Click Home tab ➤ Structure panel ➤ Beam.
3. Turn the beam tag optionon: ModifyPlace Beam ➤ Tag panel
➤ Tag on Placement . (Good Practices)

Figure A5.8

4. On the Properties palette, select a B950x250 from the Type

Selector drop-down in the HD family otherwise create the beam
type (see “Creating New Beam Types” above).
5. Select ModifyPlace Beam ➤ Draw panel ➤ Line.

Figure A5.9

6. On the ModifyPlace Beam Option bar, check whether the

Placement Plane is at the correct level, say UPPER FL .
7. Modify the beam parameters on the Properties palette:
a. For inverted beam (for down-stand beam see note below),
set
i. z-Direction Justification to “Other”;
ii. z-Direction Offset Value to, say, 750.
b. Select, say Side 2 in this case, in Lateral Justification;
c. Select, say In-situ Concrete C35, for Beam Material.
d. Select, say Fixed, for Start and End Release. (Note:
Depending on the assumption in analytical model)
e. Select Auto-detect for Vertical and Horizontal Projection.
f. Select Yes for Rigid Link.
8. Sketch the beam by clicking the start point and endpoint in the
drawing area as shown in Figure A5.10(a)~(c).

- 72 -
 (a) (b)

(c)

Figure A5.10

9. To align the left side of the beam to left side of the wall on top of
it, click ModifyPlace Beam tab ➤ Modify panel ➤

(Align).
10. On the Options Bar:
g. Uncheck Multiple Alignment.
h. For the Prefer option select Wall Faces.

Figure A5.11

11. Click to select the left face of the upper wall and then the left
side of the beam. Enter Esc key to finish.

- 73 -
 (a) (b)

Figure A5.12

12. Change the beam tag for inverted beam according to

“Modifying Beam Tag for Inverted Beams” below.
13. Add sectional for checking the beam vertical alignment, see
“Adding Section” below.
14. Repeat the process until all beams are placed.

Good Practices:
1. For down-stand rectangular beam, set z-Direction Justification
to Top;
2. In case of change of design from inverted beam to down-stand
beam, modeler should set the z-Direction Offset Value to 0
before reset the z-Direction Justification to “Top” otherwise this
will cause misleading in element sorting process.
3. Place beam by “draw line” since it can also define the
setting-out of the beam such that the setting-out of the beam
will be maintained as the width of the beam changed.
4. As a convention, draw beam from bottom to top or from left to
right. By adopting this convention, the right or the bottom side
of beams will be the Side 1 while the other side will be the Side
2 of the beams.
5. To ensure the beam is connected to the decided structural wall,
sketch beam line by connecting its ends to well-defined points
e.g. wall center line and then aligning it according to its
setting-out.

- 74 -
Placing Supporting Beam for Precast-Staircases at
Landing Level

Purpose:
To place supporting beams for precast staircase at landing.

Steps:
1. Load the L-beam: select Insert tab ➤ Load from Library panel

➤ Load Family.
2. On the Load family dialog, navigate to the directory of the family
files. Select and Open the files.
3. Make the linked GBP visibility on for locating the supporting.
Zoom to the staircase by rolling the mouse wheel.

Figure A5.13

4. To make the tack tiles in the CAD invisible, if any, click

anywhere on the drawing area and type VG. On the Visibility/
Graphics dialog, select the Imported Categories.
5. Expand the CAD drawing. Unchecked the corresponding
layer, say “08-tacktile1”. See Figure A.14.

- 75 -
Figure A5.14 Figure A5.15

6. Draw model line for locating L-beam. Click Home tab ➤

Model panel ➤ Model lines.
7. Select ModifyPlace Lines tab ➤ Draw panel ➤ pick line.
8. On the ModifyPlace Lines option bar, enter 437.5 for offset.

Figure 16

9. Pick the first step line on the GBP with a green dotted line
shown on its right side. Esc to finish. A model line created.

Figure A5.17

10. Click Home tab ➤ Structure panel ➤ Beam.

11. On the Properties palette, select a L-beam type, say B390x400,
in the Type Selector drop-down in the HD L-Beam family
otherwise create the beam type. See “Creating New Beam
Types” above.
12. Select ModifyPlace Beam Wall ➤ Draw panel ➤ Pick Lines.
13. On the ModifyPlace Beam Option bar, check whether the

- 76 -
 Placement Plane is at the correct level, say, “UPPER FL”.
14. Modify the beam parameters on the Properties palette:
i. z-Direction Justification to “Other”;
j. z-Direction Offset Value to, say, -40.
k. Select “Center”, in Lateral Justification;
l. Select, say Insitu Concrete C35, for Beam Material.
m. Set dimension, say, Wing Width to 275 and Web Clear
Depth to 210.
n. Select, say “Pin”, for Start and End Release. (Note:
Depending on the assumption in analytical model)
o. Select “Auto-detect” for Vertical and Horizontal Projection.
p. Select “Yes” for Rigid Link.
15. Pick the model line created in step 9. A beam is then placed
with its center line align with the model line. (Note: neglect
any error message)

Double
arrow s

Figure A5.18

16. Flip the beam by clicking the double arrow beside the beam as
required. See Figure 18

Figure A5.19

17. Align the beam edge to the model line: select the beam, click

ModifyStructural Faming ➤ Modify panel ➤ Move.

Select points in the sequence shown in Figure A5.19.
Select Modify to finish

- 77 -
18. Delete the model line.
19. Extend the beam to the opposite wall. Select Modify ➤
Modify panel ➤ Trim/Extend Single Element.
20. Select the center line of the opposite wall then the beam. Esc
to finish.

(a) (b)

Figure A5.20

21. Repeat the L-beam at the opposite side of the staircase.

Placing Supporting Beam for Precast Staircases at

Half- Landing Level

Purpose:
To place supporting beams for precast staircase at half-landing.

Steps:
1. Load the inverted T-beams family: select Insert tab ➤ Load

from Library panel ➤ Load Family.

2. On the Load family dialog, navigate to the location of the family
files. Select and Open the files.
3. Draw model line for locating a T-beam. Click Home tab ➤
Model panel ➤ Model lines.
4. Select ModifyPlace Lines tab ➤ Draw panel ➤ pick line.
5. On the ModifyPlace Lines option bar, enter 600 for offset.
(Center line of the half-landing)
6. Pick the first step line on the GBP with a green dotted line
shown on half-landing.
- 78 -
7. Click Home tab ➤ Structure panel ➤ Beam.
8. On the Properties palette, select a T-beam type, say B390x275,
in the Type Selector drop-down in the HD Inverted T-Beam
family otherwise create the beam type (see “Creating New
Beam Types” above).
9. Select ModifyPlace Beam Wall ➤ Draw panel ➤ Pick Lines.
10. On the ModifyPlace Beam Option bar, check whether the
Placement Plane is at the correct level “UPPER FL”.
11. Modify the beam parameters on the Properties palette:
i. z-Direction Justification to “Other”;
ii. z-Direction Offset Value to, say, -40.
iii. Select “Center”, in Lateral Justification;
iv. Select, say, “Insitu Concrete C35” for Beam Material.
v. Set dimension, say, Wing Width to 275 and Web Clear
Depth to 210.
vi. Select, say “Pin”, for Start and End Release.
vii. Select “Auto-detect” for Vertical and Horizontal Projection.
viii. Select “Yes” for Rigid Link.
12. Pick the model line created in step 6. A beam is then placed
with its center line align with the model line. (Note: neglect
any error message)
13. Extend the beam to its support.
14. Adjust the beam level: Select the beam. On the Properties
palette, enter -1350 for Start Level Offset and End Level Offset.
Press Esc to finish.
15. Delete the model line.

Figure A5.21

16. Repeat the above steps for the other half-landing.

- 79 -
Adding Beam Marks

Purpose:
To add beam marks to beam.

Notes:
HD standard Beam Tags family is to be used. See Loading Beam
Tag Family above.

Steps:
1. Click Annotate tab ➤ Tag panel ➤ Tag by Category.
2. Select the beam. In the Properties palette, input the beam
mark for Mark.
3. To hide the beam tag, type VG to open the Visibility/ Graphics
dialog. Select Annotation Categories tag. Unchecked
Structural Framing Tags.
4. To show the beam tag again, type VG to open the Visibility/
Graphics dialog. Select Annotation Categories tag. Checked
Structural Framing Tags.

Good Practices:
1. Assigning wall marks by input Mark in Properties palette
instead of using text box is advised. Revit will prompt users
when duplicate beam marks are accidentally used.
2. Beam Marks will be used during scheduling.

Modifying Beam Tag for Inverted Beams

Purpose:
To change the beams tag type for inverted rectangular beams.

Steps:
1. Click the beam tag of the inverted beam.
- 80 -
 Figure A5.22

2. On Properties palette, click

Edit type.
3. In the Type Properties dialog, select Type, say,
“Mark+Size+INV.+ Offset”. Click OK.

Figure A5.23 Figure A5.24

Adding Sectional View

Purpose:
To add section view at the desired locations.

Steps:

1. Click View tab ➤ Create panel ➤ Section.

2. In the Type Selector, select Building Section.

Figure A5.25

3. On the Options Bar, select the view scale.

- 81 -
 Figure A5.26

4. Place the cursor at the starting point of the section, and drag
through the model or family.
5. Click when you reach the end point of the section.
6. The section line and the crop region appear and are selected,
as the following image shows.

Figure A5.27

7. If desired, resize the crop region by dragging the blue controls.

The depth of the section view changes accordingly.
8. Click Modify or press Esc to exit the Section tool.
9. To open the section view, double-click the section header, or
select the section view from the Sections grouping of the
Project Browser.
10. The section view changes when the design changes or the
section line is moved.

Modifying Beam Properties

Purpose:
To change the properties of existing beams e.g. size & concrete
mix.

Steps:
1. Select the beam/beams.
2. To change beam size: In the Type Selector, select the new
beam type.
3. To change other properties: change the information on the

- 82 -
 Properties palette.
4. Press Esc to finish.

- 83 -
ANNEX VI – Ground Beam

Objective

To model ground beam with binding layer which does not affect the
structural analysis model and also facilitates the process of material
take-off.

Figure A6.1

Prerequisite

Ground beams, without the binding layer, using the HD standard

family, has been placed in the model.

Creating In-place Model

1. Locate the floor element concerned.

2. In the ribbon, click Home tag ➤ Model panel ➤

Component drop-down ➤ Model In-place.
3. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, select Structural
Framing for Family Category. Click OK

- 84 -
 Figure A6.2

4. In the Name dialog, type a name for the in-place mode.

Preferably, it can be easily identified for material scheduling.
Click OK

Figure A6.3

5. On the ribbon, select Home tag ➤ Forms panel ➤

Extrusion.
6. Select any tool on the Click ModifyCreate Extrusion ➤ Draw
panel to defined the extent of the binding layer on plan view.
7. Click all the lock icon on each of the boundaries to create
alignment constraints to the beam outline.

Figure A6.4

8. Click ModifyCreate Extrusion tag ➤ Mode panel ➤

Finish Model.
9. Change the Material to required concrete grade in the
Properties palette.
10. Click ModifyExtrusion tag ➤ In-Place Editor panel ➤
Finish Model.
11. Change to any view (except 3D view) that can display the
elevation of the beam.
12. Select the binding has just been placed.
13. Click the ModifyStructural Framing tag ➤ Model panel ➤
Edit In-Place. Select again the binding.

- 85 -
 Figure A6.5

14. Select ModifyExtrusion tag ➤ Modify panel ➤ Align.

15. Pick the beam bottom line and then the binding top line.
16. Click the lock to create a constraint for the binding top level to
the beam bottom.

Figure A6.6

17. On the ribbon, click Modify.

18. Select again the binding. Drag the original binding bottom line
to a location below the beam bottom level.
19. Type “di” on the keyboard. Create a dimension for the binding
thickness. Press Esc twice.

Figure A6.7

20. Select again the binding. On the Properties palette, specify

the Extrusion Start to a value such that the binding layer is
equal to required thickness.

Figure A6.8

21. Select the dimension and click the lock icon to create a
constraint to the binding thickness.

Figure A6.9

- 86 -
22. Click ModifyExtrusion tag ➤ In-Place Editor ➤ Finish
Model to finish.

Good Practices

Since the binding layer is an in-place under Structural Framing

category, its information will be indicated in Revit Quantity and
Material Takeoff schedule for Structural Framing.

- 87 -
ANNEX VII – Floor Slab

Objective

To place floors slabs into a BIM structural model.

Prerequisite

The BIM model has been created with HD model template

otherwise transfer the customized slab family type from the HD
model template.

Loading Span Direction Symbol

Purpose:
To load the HA customized span direction symbol family into the
project.

Note:
The HA customized span direction symbol family should be already
loaded into the HA standard template.

Steps:

1. Click Insert tab ➤ Load from Library panel ➤ Loaded

Family.
2. On the Load Family dialog, navigate to the directory of the
family file. Select the family file and click Open to complete
the process. The updated HA standard family list refers

- 88 -
Creating New Slab Types

Purpose:
To create new slab types with required properties including
thickness and concrete grade if they are not existed.

Note:
1. Floor slab is a system family that means no family file can be
created.
2. Most of the required slab type have already made in the HD
standard project template.

Steps:
1. On the project browser, locate one of the HD customized floor
family type. Say Family\Floors\Floor\S160C35.

Figure A7.1

2. Double click the family type.

3. On the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate.
4. Enter a name, say S145C35, for the new slab type. Click OK.
5. On the Type Properties dialog, click Edit for Structure.
6. On the Edit Assembly dialog, enter Thickness, say 145, for
Structure.
7. Click <By Category> for Material of Structure and then clicking
the small button appeared to select concrete grade.

- 89 -
 Figure A7.2

8. On the Materials dialog, select the appropriate concrete grade,

say Insitu Concrete C35. Click OK twice to complete.

Figure A7.3

9. On the Type Properties dialog, enter, say 145 for Description.

See Figure 3.
10. Click Apply.
11. Repeat steps 3 to 10 until all slab types are created. Click OK
to finish.

Placing Floor Slabs at Bedrooms, Corridors and Lift

Lobby

Purpose:
To place slabs to the required locations.

Note:
1. To switch on the visibility of the linked GBP: type VG. On the
Visibility dialog, click Imported Categories tab. Check the

- 90 -
 check box beside the GBP file name. Click OK.

Figure A7.4

2. For facilitating to view the placed floor slabs, it is advised to

change the Visual Style to Consistent Colors in the View
Control Bar.

Figure A7.5

Steps:
1. Roll the mouse wheel to zoom the area concerned. The slab
is assumed to be 160 mm thick.

Figure A7.6

2. Click Home tab ➤ Structure panel ➤ Floor drop-down ➤

Structural Floor.
3. In the Type Selector choose a structural floor type, say
S160C35.
4. On the Properties palette, select UPPER FL for Level and enter
0 for Offset from Level.
5. On the ribbon, click Boundary Line.
6. Click Pick Lines. On Option bar, enter 0 for Offset and
check Lock to lock the slab boundaries to the picked lines.

- 91 -
 Figure A7.7

7. Pick lines to sketch the boundaries of the slab.

(a) (b)

Figure A7.8

8. Use the modifying tools in Modify panel to adjust the boundary

lines to form a close loop.
9. On the ribbon, click Mode panel ➤ Finish Edit Mode to
finish.

Figure A7.9

10. Click “No” for Revit prompt appeared. See Figure 9.

Good Practices:
1. It is advised to define slab boundaries using center lines of
walls and beams. Otherwise, there are unintended cantilever
slabs created beyond the supports or the slabs will become
unsupported in the analytical model.
2. Sketch slab one by one instead of on slab for whole floor.
Such that Slab Span symbols can be added for individual slabs.

Placing Sunken Slabs

Purpose:

- 92 -
To add sunken slabs.

Steps:
1. Roll the mouse wheel to zoom the area concerned. The
sunken slab is assumed to be 145 mm thick.

Figure A7.10

2. Click Home tab ➤ Structure panel ➤ Floor drop-down ➤

Structural Floor.
3. In the Type Selector select a structural floor type, say
S145C35.
4. On the Properties palette, select UPPER FL for Level and enter
-55 for Offset from Level.
5. On the ribbon, click Boundary Line.
6. Click Pick Lines. On Option bar, enter 0 for Offset and
check Lock to lock the slab boundaries to the picked lines.
7. Pick lines to define the right and bottom boundaries of the
sunken slab. See Figure 11 (a).
(Tips: The first line you draw will show with a symbol .
It indicates the span direction of the slab. Span direction is
only meaningful for one slab and can redefine later if one
wants.)

- 93 -
 (a) (b)

Figure A7.11

8. On Option bar, enter 55 for Offset. Define the rest of the

boundaries of the sunken slab.
9. Use the modifying tools in Modify panel to adjust the boundary
lines to form a close loop.

Figure A7.12

10. Click Mode panel ➤ Finish Edit Mode to finish.

11. Place also other floor slabs inside the flat unit. And proceed to
all other flat units.

Modifying Floor Slabs Properties

Purpose:
To change the properties of already placed slabs e.g. thickness &
concrete mix.

Steps:
1. Select the slab required to change its properties.
2. On the Properties palette, select any other family type from the
Type Selector drop-down.

- 94 -
 Figure A7.13

3. If the required family type does not appear in the list, see
Creating New Slab Types to create new floor type.

Modifying Floor Slabs Boundary

Purpose:
To change the layout of a floor slab panel.

Steps:
1. Select the slab required to change.

2. Click Modify  Floors ➤ Mode panel ➤ Edit Boundary.

3. Right click and hold boundary line to relocate it or the line end
to change the length and orientation of the selected boundary
line.

Figure A7.14

4. Use the tools in the Modify  Edit Boundary ➤ Draw to add

new boundary lines.
5. Use the modifying tools in Modify panel to adjust the boundary
lines to form a close loop.
6. Click Mode panel ➤ Finish Edit Mode to finish.

- 95 -
Creating Filter for Checking Slab Thickness on a
Framing Plan

Purpose:
To create filters which provide a way to display slab of different
thickness in different color.

Steps:
1. Click View tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ (Filter).
2. In the Filters dialog, if the required slab filter has already
existed, the procedure completed. Click OK to exit.
Otherwise continue the following steps.
3. In the Filters dialog, click New.
4. Enter , say, “Slab 145” for Name. Click OK

Figure A7.15

5. Under Categories, click Floors.

Figure A7.16

6. From the Filter By list under Filter Rule, select Description.

7. Select the filter operator “equals”.

- 96 -
8. Enter value 145 for the filter
9. Click OK twice.
10. Repeat the above steps to create more filter of all required slab
thickness.

Applying Filters for Checking Slabs Thickness on a

Framing Plan

Purpose:
To check slabs thickness by means of their display color.

Note:
1. Filter is view specific.
2. For facilitating user to view clearly, it is advised to hide the
imported CAD file:
Type VG (shortcut key for Visibility/Graphic) to open the
Visibility/ Graphics dialog. Select Imported Categories tag.
Unchecked the GBP CAD file to make it invisible. Click OK.

Figure A7.17

Steps:
1. Click View tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ (Visibility/Graphics),
and click the Filters tab.
2. On the Filters tab of the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, click
Add. If the required filters are already present, click OK to skip
the following steps

- 97 -
3. Select a filter, say “Slab 145” from the Add Filter dialog, and
click OK.

Click to select /change

color and fill pattern

Figure A7.18

4. Click Override under Projection/Surface Patterns field of the

added filter.
5. Change Color and Pattern in the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog as
appropriate. Click OK.

Figure A7.19

6. Repeat Steps 3 to 5 until all slab filters have been added.

7. Check the Transparent of all unused filter e.g. those for walls.
Click OK to finish.

Figure A7.20

- 98 -
 Sunken slab is
missing.

Wrong slab type, it

should be 250 thick.

Sunken slab is
missing.

Figure A7.21 Plan view with slabs filters applied.

Good Practices:
1. Users are advised also to check their work in 3D view &
different elevation views to ensure the slabs have been place in
the collect levels.
2. User can save their View Template for future use. Select View

tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ View Template drop-down ➤

Create template from Current View.

3. On the New View Template dialog, enter, say, “Filter” for Name.
Click OK twice to finish.

- 99 -
Disabling Applied Filters After Checking Slabs
Thickness

Purpose:
To disable the applied slabs filters.

Notes:
The following steps are applicable for solid fill pattern have been
select for filter color only.

Steps:
1. Click View tab ➤ Graphics panel ➤ (Visibility/Graphics),
and click the Filters tab.
2. Check Transparent for all filters. Click OK.

Figure A7.22

Slab Marks

Purpose:
To add slab marks to individual slabs.

Notes:
1. HD standard Span Direction Symbol family has been loaded.

Steps:

- 100 -
1. Select the slab.
2. On the Properties Palette, enter text for Mark. Click Apply.

FigureA7. 23

3. Alternatively, if Span Direction symbol with slab thickness it is

already there, double click the slab thickness. On the Change
Parameter Values dialog, enter Value for Mark. Click OK to
finish.

Figure A7.24

Note:
Slab Marks will be used during scheduling.

Placing Slab Span Direction Symbol

Purpose:
To place Span Direction symbol to floor slabs.

Notes:
1. HD standard family for Span Direction symbol has been loaded.

- 101 -
2. Span Direction symbol should be placed automatically on each
slab as you placing the slabs.

Steps:
1. Place span direction symbol:
i. Click Annotate tab ➤ Symbol panel ➤ Span Direction.
ii. Select Auto place on the Options bar.
Figure A7.25

iii. In the Type Selector select a span direction type.

Figure A7.26

iv. Click a structural floor to place the direction span.

Editing Span Direction Symbol

Purpose:
To edit span direction symbol to floor slabs.

Steps:
1. To change Span Direction type:
i. Select the symbol.
ii. Select another family type in the Type Selector.
2. To change location:
Right click and hold the symbol, drag to new location.
3. To redefine span direction:

- 102 -
 i. Select the slab floor.

ii. Click Modify  Floors ➤ Mode panel ➤ Edit Boundary.

iii. On the ribbon Click Draw panel ➤ Span Direction.
iv. User can either pick line or draw line to define the span
direction by using the appropriate tool on the Draw panel.

Figure A7.27

v. Click Finish Edit Mode to finish.

4. Alternatively, to align Span Direction perpendicular to a line:
i. Select the Span Direction symbol.
ii. Click Modify  Span Direction Symbol tab ➤ Align Symbol

panel ➤ Align Perpendicular.

iii. Select a structural floor boundary, beam, or grid line to which
the span direction will be perpendicular.
5. To hide the Label for thickness:
i. Select the Span Direction symbol.
ii. On the Properties Palette, click Edit type.
iii. On the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate.
iv. On the Name dialog, enter text, say, “Two Way Slab (3
Supports) - 4mm No Thk” for Name. Click OK.
v. On the Type Properties dialog, uncheck “Two Way
Mark+Thk” or “One Way Mark+Thk” and check “Two Way
Mark” or “One Way Mark”. Click OK.

Figure A7.28

6. To relocate the Mark and/or thickness label:

i. Select the Span Direction symbol.

- 103 -
 ii. On the Properties Palette, click Edit type.
iii. On the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate.
iv. On the Name dialog, enter text, say, “Two Way Slab (3
Supports) - 4mm No Mk & Thk” for Name. Click OK.
v. On the Type Properties dialog, uncheck all parameters for
Text. Click OK.

Figure A7.29

vi. Place an additional Span Direction symbol of type either

“Mark only” or “Mark + Thk only” as appropriate to the slab.
See Placing Slab Span Direction Symbol.

(a) (b)

Figure A7.30

vii. Select the newly placed symbol, drag it to a new location

and rotate it by using the Modify tool on the ribbon if
needed.

Modifying the Presentation of Slabs Boundaries

Purpose:
To eliminate the solid line around the slab boundaries and its
supporting elements including beams, slabs and wall.
- 104 -
Steps:
1. Click Modify tab ➤ Geometry panel ➤ Join drop-down ➤
Join Geometry.
2. On Option Bar, select Multiple Join.
Figure A7.31

3. Select the first geometry to join (for example, a slab).

Plan View Sectional View

Figure A7.32

4. Select the second geometry to join to the first (for example,

supporting wall, beam or adjacent slab), continue selecting
other geometry to join to the first.
5. To exit the tool, click Modify on the ribbon or press Esc.

Plan View

Plan View Sectional View

Figure A7.33

Overriding Boundary Line Types

Purpose:
To change the line types of common boundary of two slabs to that

- 105 -
required type in case joining of the slabs does not help changing
the solid line to hidden line i.e. short dash line.

Good Practices:
It is may be helpful to work on with the filers for walls and slabs
switching on. See Applying Filters for Checking Slabs Thickness
on Framing Plan.

Figure A7.34

Steps:
1. Click Modify tab ➤ View panel ➤ Linework ➤ Line Style
drop-down. Select appropriate line style, say, <Invisible
lines>.

Figure A7.35

2. Click the slab boundary line(s) required to change to the

selected style. (Tips: for line at slabs common boundary, it is
required to click the line twice.)
3. To exit the tool, click Modify on the ribbon or press Esc.

- 106 -
 Before After
Figure A7.36 Overriding line types

Tips:
In some cases the process causes some lines become invisible.
To compensate the error, user can draw detail lines manually at
that locations, Revit Structure User Guide refers.

Placing Symbol for Level Different

Purpose:
To place symbol “level different” at drop level location say sunken
bath.

Preparation:
The HA customized symbol family should be already loaded into
the HA standard template if not user should load the family into the
project before carrying out the following steps. Revit Structure
User Guide refers.

Steps:
1. Zoom to the location where the symbol required to place.

2. Click Annotate tab ➤ Symbol panel ➤ (Symbol).

3. In the type selector, select the symbol type for “Level Different”.

- 107 -
 Figure A7.37

4. Place the symbol(s) by selecting the line(s) showing the level

drop. Click Modify to finish.

(a) (b)
Figure A7.38

5. Input the value of level different by selecting the symbol. Click

the question shown on the symbol. Enter a value into the text
box. Enter to finish.

(a) (b)
Figure A7.39

6. To modify the symbol e.g. flip and rotate…etc, select the

- 108 -
 symbol. Use the Modify tools shown on the ribbon to make
the changes.

(a) (b)
Figure A7.40

Placing Opening

Purpose:
To place small opening on the floor as per GBP e.g. refuge chute.

Preparation:
To switch on the visibility of the GBP: type VG. On the Visibility
dialog, click Imported Categories tab. Check the check box
beside the GBP file name. Click OK.

Figure A7.41

Steps:
1. Zoom to the location where opening is required.
2. Click Home tab ➤ Opening panel ➤ By Face.
3. Select a structural floor.
4. Using the sketch tools on the Modify | Create Opening
Boundary tab ➤ Draw panel, sketch the boundaries of floor

- 109 -
 opening.

(a) (b)
Figure A7.42

4 When finished, click Modify | Create Opening Boundary tab ➤

Mode panel ➤ Finish Edit Mode.

Making Slab Edges in Walls Invisible

Figure A7.43

Purpose:
To make slab edge lines embedded inside a wall invisible by
placing solid fill above the wall..

Steps:
1. Zoom to the wall.
2. Click Annotate tab ➤ Details panel ➤ Region drop-down ➤
Filled Region.
3. On the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
4. On the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate.
5. In the Name dialog, enter a new name say “Solid Gray”. Click
OK.
- 110 -
6. In the Type Properties dialog, select “Solid fill” for Fill Pattern
and gray for Color. Click OK

Figure A7.44

7. In the Modify | Create Filled Region Boundary tab ➤ Draw

panel, select Pick Lines.
8. In the Modify | Create Filled Region Boundary tab ➤ Draw
panel ➤ Line Style panel, select Medium Line.
9. Draw the boundaries for solid fill around a wall. Click to
finish.

Figure A7.45

10. Click Modify to exit Create Filled Region Boundary mode.

Figure A7.46

Good Practices:
It is preferably to draw Filled Region for individual walls by
separated operation such that it will more simple for future

- 111 -
modification process.

Loading Fill Pattern

Purpose:
To load the customized hatch pattern for, for instance, precast
area.

Prerequisite:
Identify the location of the HD standard patterns file (*.pat) in the
HD BIM library otherwise prepare the pattern file.

Notes:
HA standard Fill Pattern should have been loaded into the project
template file.

Steps:
1. Click Manage tab ➤ Settings View panel ➤ Additional
Settings drop-down ➤ Fill Patterns.
2. In the Fill Patterns dialog, select Drafting for Pattern Types.
Click New afterward.

Figure A7.47

3. In the New Pattern dialog, select Custom and click Import.

- 112 -
 Figure A7.48

4. In the Import Fill Pattern dialog, browse to select the pattern file.
Click Open.

Figure
A7.49

5. In the New Pattern dialog, select the required pattern in the

Custom box. Click OK twice to exit.

Figure A7.50

- 113 -
Overlaying Fill Region

Purpose:
To add hatching over bathroom area and precast staircase on plan.

Prerequisite:
The required Fill Pattern should have been loaded into the project
otherwise user should refer to Loading Fill Pattern.

Preparation:
To switch on the visibility of the GBP: type VG. On the Visibility
dialog, click Imported Categories tab. Check the check box
beside the GBP file name. Click OK.

Steps:
1. Click Annotate tab ➤ Detail panel ➤ Region drop-down
➤ Filled Region.
2. In the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
3. If the required type already exist, select it and skip to step 9
otherwise follow the step below.
4. In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate.
5. In the Name dialog, type a name for the new Fill Region Type,
say “HD Bathroom Area”. Click OK to finish.

Figure A7.51

6. Select the value for Fill Pattern. Click the small button on
the right.

- 114 -
 Figure A7.52

7. In the Fill Pattern dialog, select the suitable pattern and click
OK to exit. Select Draft for Pattern Type. If the required
pattern does not exist, click New and refer to Loading Fill
Pattern for Bathroom Area to load the fill pattern(s).
8. Change Background to Transparent and Line Weight to 1.
(Line Weight 1 is equivalent to pen size 0.18mm as preset in
the HD project template) and Color to Black. Click OK to
finish.

Figure A7.53

9. To make the outline of the Filled Region with dash line, on the
ribbon, select Line Style panel ➤ Line Style: drop-down ➤
<Hidden > (or any other type as appropriate).
10. To define the extent of Filled Region, on the ribbon, use the
Draw panel tools together with those in Modify panel.

Figure A7.54

11. On the ribbon, click Modify panel ➤ Finish Edit Mode to

finish.
- 115 -
 Figure A7.55

Good Practices:
It is preferably to made fill regions one by one otherwise if one of
the fill region is changed/deleted then it will be apply to all.

Edit Fill Region – Pattern Scale

Purpose:
To change the fill pattern density of a fill region.

Notes:
This guideline is only applicable for Custom fill pattern. For
Simple one, user can refer to Rivet Structure User’s Guide.

Steps:
1. Select one of fill region want to change the fill pattern density.

Figure A7.54

2. On the Properties palette, click Edit Type.

3. In the Type Properties dialog, select to active the button on the
right of the value for Fill Pattern. Click the button.

- 116 -
 Figure A7.55

4. In the Fill Pattern dialog, click Edit.

5. In the Modify Pattern Properties dialog, click Import.
6. In the Import Fill Pattern dialog, browse to and Select the fill
pattern file that fill pattern imported from.
7. Adjust the Import Scale. Change the Name also if necessary.
Click OK three times to finish.

Figure A7.57

Figure A7.56

Edit Fill Region – Fill Pattern

Purpose:
To change the fill pattern of a fill region.

Notes:
This guideline is only applicable for the Custom fill pattern. For the
Simple one, user can refer to Rivet Structure User’s Guide.

- 117 -
Steps:
1. Select one of fill region want to change the fill pattern.
2. On the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
3. In the Type Properties dialog, select to active the button on the
right of the value for Fill Pattern. Click the button.

Figure A7.58

4. In the Fill Pattern dialog, click Edit.

5. In the Modify Pattern Properties dialog, click Import.
6. In the Import Fill Pattern dialog, browse to and Select the fill
pattern file that fill pattern wanted to be imported from.
7. Select the required fill pattern. Click OK three times to finish.

Edit Fill Region – Boundaries

Purpose:
To change the boundaries line type of a fill region.

Steps:
1. Select one of fill region want to change the boundary line type.
2. On the ribbon, click Mode panel ➤ Edit Boundary.
3. Select the lines for changing to another line type.

Figure A7.59

- 118 -
4. On the Properties palette, select the appropriate line type from
the Subcategory drop-down list.

Figure A7.60

5. On the ribbon, click Modify panel ➤ Finish Edit Mode to

finish.

- 119 -
ANNEX VIII – Inclined Slab

Objective

To create inclined a structural floor slab by editing its shape instead

of specifying its slope in the boundaries edit mode.

Figure A8.1

Good Practices

If we modeled the slab by means of the combination of different

elements with different gradient fall, the resulting slab may become
structurally unsupported.

Figure A8.2

Prerequisite

1. The details of the slab gradient at different locations.

2. The HD SE Revit family of the Structural Floor in which the
family type has been defined with single concrete core layer
only in which the parameter “Variable” was not selected.
(The standard family should have been loaded into the HD
standard project template. Or it has been saved in the SE BIM
- 120 -
 library.)

Edit the Shape of the Slab

1. Place a slab element into the model.

2. Switch to any plan view of the slab and click to select it

Figure A8.3

3. In the ribbon, click ModifyFloor tag ➤ Shape Editing ➤

Add Split Line. Draw the split lines with the aid of Modify
tools at any required locations. Click Modify to escape
from the Add Split Line mode.

Figure A8.4

4. Switch to 3D view, select the slab.

5. Click ModifyFloors tag ➤ Shape Editing panel ➤

Modify Sub Elements.
6. Select the middle split line, click the figure between blue up and
down arrow near the selected split line. Enter 500 to input
area shown. Click Enter key to finish.

- 121 -
 Figure A8.5

7. Click Enter to escape. On the ribbon, click Modify to

finish.

Figure A8.6

8. In case the Split Lines are embedded inside the slab supporting
element. Modeler can edit the Split Lines provided that the
supporting element is temporary hidden from the current view.

- 122 -
ANNEX IX - Slab with Top Fall

Objective

To construct a structural floor slab with level fall on top face, this
kind of elements are mostly found in a/c hood and canopy in a
building.

Figure A9.1

Prerequisite
1. The details of the element.
2. The HD SE Revit family of the Structural Floor in which the
family type has been defined with single concrete core layer
only in which the parameter “Variable” was not selected.
(The standard family should have been loaded into the HD
standard project template. Or it has been saved in the SE BIM
library.)

Modify the Existing Family Type

1. Place a slab element into the model.

2. Right mouse click to select the element.

- 123 -
 Figure A9.2

3. In the Properties Palette, click Edit Type.

Figure A9.3

4. In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate to create a new

Type..

Figure A9.4

5. In the Name dialog, enter a name for the new Type. And click
OK button to exit.

Figure A9.5

6. In the Type Properties dialog, click the Edit button for

Parameter “Structure”.

Figure A9.6

7. In the Edit Assembly dialog, check the box under Variable of

layer “Structure”.

Figure A9.7

8. Click OK twice to finish.

- 124 -
Editing the Shape of the Slab

1. Switch to any plan view of the slab and click to select it

Figure A9.8

2. In the ribbon, click ModifyFloor tag ➤ Shape Editing ➤

Add Split Line. Click to enter the split line start at any point
close to the intended location of the split line. Similarly, click
to enter the split line end

(a) (b)

Figure A9.9

3. To align the split with the wall surface, click ModifyFloors tag
➤ Modify panel ➤ Align. Select the wall surface then
the newly created split line.
4. On the ribbon, click Modify to finish.
5. Switch to 3D view, select the slab.

6. Click ModifyFloors tag ➤ Shape Editing panel ➤

Modify Sub Elements.
7. Select the split line, click the figure between blue up and down

- 125 -
 arrow near the selected split line. Enter 40 to input area
shown. Click Enter key to finish.

Figure A9.10

8. Select the wall supporting the slab. In the View Control bar,
click Hide Element. The wall will become temporary invisible.

Figure A9.11

9. Select the slab.

10. Click ModifyFloors tag ➤ Shape Editing panel ➤

Modify Sub Elements.
11. Select the slab boundary that actually embedded inside the wall.
Click the figure between blue up and down arrow near the
selected boundary line. Enter 40 to input area shown. Click
Enter key to finish.

Figure A9.12

12. In the View Control bar, click Reset Temporary Hide/Isolate.

The wall will become visible again.

13. On the ribbon, click Modify to finish.

- 126 -
ANNEX X – Slabs Joint

Objective

To demonstrate how to make a chamfer at the joint bottom between

two slabs which are of different thickness.

Before adding chamfer After adding chamfer

(a) (b)
Figure A10.1

Unjoining the Slab

In case the concerned slab has already joined with surrounding

elements, slab edge can not be added to the slab. User should
unjoin it with its adjacent elements.

Step:

1. Click Modify tab  Geometry panel  Join Geometry

drop-down  Unjoin Geometry.

Figure A10.2

2. Select the slab to be unjoined from the adjacent elements.

- 127 -
 Slab joined with other elements Slab unjoined from other elements
(a) (b)
Figure A10.3

Loading Slab Edge Profile Family

The slab edge profile defines the chamfer profile. User should
load the HA customized slab edge profile family into the project
before he can use it.

Steps:

1. Click Insert tab  Load from Library panel  Load Family.

In Load Family dialog, navigate to the directory of family library.
Open the profile family file.

Figure A10.4

Adding Slab Edge Profile Family Type

The slab edge profile dimensions define the chamfer dimensions.

- 128 -
Steps:

1. Check whether the family type with suitable chamfer

dimensions is available. In the project browser, expand the
profile family loaded under the category Profiles. Skip this
topic if the required one is already present.

Figure A10.5

2. Add profile family types. Right click one of the loaded slab
edge profile family type in the project browser. Select
Duplicate.

Figure A10.6

3. Enter a new name, say “120mm 60deg Chamfer”, to the text

box and press Enter.

Figure A10.7

4. Double click the newly created family type.

- 129 -
5. In the Type Properties dialog, enter the required value for
parameters Thickness and Chamfer Angle. Click OK to finish.

Figure A10.8

Adding Slab Edge to Floor Element

To add chamfer slab edge to the slab drop.

Steps:

1. Click Home tab  Structure panel  Floor drop-down 

Slab Edge.

2. Click Edit Type in the Properties Palette.

3. Select the required Profile type and concrete grade for Material
in the Type Properties dialog.

- 130 -
 Figure A10.9
4. In the Properties Palette, enter a value for Vertical Profile Offset.
(Note: It should be equal to the negative value of the thinner
slab at the slab drop.)

Figure A10.10
5. Click to select the slab edge to place the chamfer.

Figure A10.11

6. Click OK to finish.
7. Click Unjoin Elements for the any warning prompt appeared.

Figure A10.12

8. Click the double arrow beside the slab edge if the slab edge is
located on the wrong side of the slab edge. Keeps the slab

- 131 -
 edge being selected.

Before clicking the double arrow After clicking the double arrow
(a) (b)
Figure A10.13

9. In the Properties Palette, correct the value to say -180 for

Vertical Profile Offset if it is reset to 0.0 by the software. Click
Apply
10. Make an orthogonal section view across the slab junction and
go to the view.

Plan view Sectional View

(a) (b)
Figure A10.14

11. To remove the unwanted line in the sectional view. Click

Modify tab  Geometry panel  Join Geometry drop-down 
Join Geometry. Select the required elements to join.
Click Modify in the ribbon to finish.

Sectional View after joining all elements

Figure A10.15

12. Go to the corresponding plan view.

- 132 -
 Figure A10.16

13. To join the slab back to the adjacent elements. Click Modify
tab  Geometry panel  Join Geometry drop-down  Join
Geometry. Select the required elements to join. Click Modify
in the ribbon to finish.

Figure A10.17

- 133 -
ANNEX XI – Precast Stair Flight

Objective

To place a precast stair flight to a BIM Model.

Prerequisite

1. Supporting beams to the precast stair flight have been already

place into the model.
2. Architectural AutoCAD GBP linked to required level.

Loading Stair Tags and Run Direction Symbol

(Startup of a project)

Purpose:
To load the HA customized stair tags and run direction symbol
family into the project.

Note:
The HA customized stair tags and run direction symbol family span
direction symbol family should be already loaded into the HA
standard template.

Steps:
1. Click Insert tab ➤ Load from Library panel ➤ Loaded
Family.
2. On the Load Family dialog, navigate to the directory of the
family file. Select the family file and click Open to complete
the process. The updated HA standard family list refers.
- 134 -
Figure A11.1

Creating New Stair Types

Purpose:
To create new stair types with required properties including landing
and waist thicknesses and concrete grade if they are not existed.
Also customize them to suit B(P)R and Housing standard.

Note:
1. Stair is a system family that means no family file can be
created.
2. A standard stair type have already made in the HD standard
project template. User can duplicate it and change it to the
required type.
3. The following stair types are required for our case:
(195+40) mm thick landing and 160 mm thick waist with C35
concrete;
4. Don’t use the Calculate Rules.

Steps:
1. Open the project model or template.

- 135 -
2. In Project Browser, browse to the Stairs family.
3. Right click the Monolithic Stair and select Duplicate. A new
family type named Monolithic Stair2 created.

Figure A11.2

4. Double click the Monolithic Stair 2.

5. In the Type Properties dialog, select Monolithic Stair 2 and click
Rename.
6. In Rename dialog, enter a new type name say “HD RC Stair
C35 235L160W”. Click OK.

Figure A11.3

7. Input - 235 into Extend Below Base i.e. base landing thickness.
8. Change Landing Overlap to 0
9. In Monolithic Material, click to select, say, grade C35
concrete.
10. Change Minimum Tread Depth to 225. (B(P)R)
11. Change Noising Length to 15. (HD standard)
12. Change Maximum Riser Height to 175. (B(P)R)
13. Uncheck Begin with Riser.
14. Change Stringer and Landing Carriage Height to 160 and 235
respectively (i.e. the waist and upper & half landing thickness).

- 136 -
 (a) (b)
Figure A11.4

15. Enter thickness of the waist, say 160, for Description. Click
OK.

Placing Staircases

Purpose:
To add a flight RC staircase to the project.

Prerequisite:
Collect the following data before proceeding to the step below:
For our case
i. Stair Width = 1400 mm for our case;
ii. Desired Number of Risers = 8;
iii. Actual Tread Depth = 225mm.

Note:
To switch on the visibility of the GBP: type VG. On the Visibility

- 137 -
dialog, click Imported Categories tab. Check the check box
beside the GBP file name. Click OK.

Figure A11.5

Steps:

1. Click Home tab  Circulation panel  Stairs.

2. In the ribbon, select Railing Type. In the Railing Type

dialog, choose None. Click OK.

Figure A11.6

3. In Properties palette, click Edit Type.

4. In Type Properties dialog, select the appropriate stair type or
the one created previously. Click OK to exit.

Figure A11.7
5. In the Properties palette, input the Constraints and Dimensions
for the staircase. Click Apply (Note: This may not necessary if
the Apply button has automatically been dim).

(a) (b)

- 138 -
 Figure A11.8
6. On the ribbon, click Draw panel  Run and Line.
7. Right click to select a point for the start of base landing.
8. Right click to select a point for the end of top landing.
Point for start
of top landing.
Top
landing
line.
Point for start
of base landin
g. Base landin
g
line.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure A11. 9
9. In case error prompt “Line too short” appears, click Cancel.
Repeat steps 7 and 8 but with any other point as the end of the
top landing until no error occurs.

10. On the ribbon, click Mode panel ➤ Finish Edit Mode to

finish.

Note:
The above steps will only create the approximate layout of the stair.
However, we will correct the layout later, see Modifying Stair Layout

Modifying Stair Layout

Purpose:
To change the layout of stair including orientation, boundaries and
no. of risers.

Steps:

1. Select the stair. On the ribbon, click Mode panel ➤ Edit

Sketch.

- 139 -
2. To change the orientation of the stair, switch to the
corresponding plan view. Select the stair, click the flip control
arrow to change the orientation.

Flip control

Figure A11.10

3. To align the base/top landings to decided locations: On the

ribbon, click Modify panel  Align. Select the lines for the
landings to be aligned with, followed by selecting the landing
lines generated by Revit. On the ribbon, click Select panel 

Modify to finish.

Figure A11.11

4. To align the boundaies locations: On the ribbon, click Modify

panel  Align. Select the lines for the boundaries to be

aligned with, followed by selecting the boundaries lines
generated by Revit. Sometimes users may require trimming
the risers to the relocated boundaries. On the ribbon, click

Select panel  Modify to finish.

5. To delete the unnecessary risers generated by the software,
select the riser and press Delete button on keyboard. On the

- 140 -
 ribbon, click Select panel  Modify to finish.
6. To add risers to the stair: On the ribbon, click Draw panel 
Riser and Line. Draw line for the required riser. On

the ribbon, click Select panel  Modify to finish.

7. To align the risers to those shown on the architectural drawing:

On the ribbon, click Modify panel  Align. Select the riser

line in the architect drawing and then the riser line of the BIM

model. On the ribbon, click Select panel  Modify to

finish.
8. On the ribbon, click Mode panel ➤ Finish Edit Mode to
finish.

Good Practices:
1. To create stairs flight by flight.
2. Every time after creating and editing a stair, it is advised to
check the staircase configuration by means of 3D-View and
sectional views made along the stair flights. In the sectional
views, measure the stair dimensions by means of the
measuring tools in the Modify tab ➤ Measure panel.

(a) (b)
Figure A11.12

Modifying Stairs Properties

- 141 -
Purpose:
To change the properties of stairs.

Steps:
1. To change the thickness of landings, waist and concrete mix,
create a new stair type if the decided family type does not exist,
Creating New Stair Types refers.
2. Then select the stair and change to the new/another family type
in the Type Selector.

Adding Stair Marks

Purpose:
To add stair marks to individual flight.

Notes:
HD standard Stair Tags family should be loaded.

Steps:
1. Select the stair.
2. On the Properties Palette, enter text for Mark. Click Apply.

Figure A11.13

3. Alternatively, if Stair Tags with stair mark is already there,

double click the tag. On the Change Parameter Values dialog,
enter Value for Mark. Click OK to finish.

- 142 -
 Figure A11.14

Note:
Stair Mark will be used during scheduling.

Placing Stair Tag

Purpose:
To place stair span direction symbol to stair.

Notes:
Housing standard family for Stair Tags should be loaded.

Steps:
1. Place span direction symbol:
v. Click Annotate tab ➤ Tag panel ➤ Tag by Category.
vi. Uncheck Leader on the Options bar.

Figure A11.15

vii. Select the stair for placing the tag.

viii. On the ribbon, Click Select panel  Modify to end the

Tag mode.

- 143 -
 (a) (b)
Figure A11.16

2. Drag the tag to the required location.

3. On the ribbon, Click Select panel  Modify to end the Stair

Tag mode.

Editing Stair Tag

Purpose:
To change/edit span direction of the tag.

Steps:
1. Select the stair tag.
2. In the Type Selector, change to another a stair tag family.

Figure A11.17

3. Drag the tag to the required location.

Figure A11.18

- 144 -
4. On the ribbon, click Select panel  Modify to complete.

Shifting the Break Symbol

Purpose:
To shift the break symbol for showing more raisers on plan.

Steps:
1. In project browser select the corresponding plan view.
2. In the Properties palette, click to edit the View
Range.
3. In the View Range dialog, change the Offset values for Top &
Cut plane. Click OK to finish.

Figure A11.19

(a) Top Offset =1500 (b) Top Offset =1500

Cut Plane Offset = 100 Cut Plane Offset = 1000

Figure A11.20

- 145 -
Placing Up/Down Arrow

Purpose:
To place an HD standard Up/Down arrow on the stair .

Notes:
Housing standard Run Direction symbol family has been loaded
into the project otherwise Loading Stair Tags and Run Direction
Symbol refers.

Steps:
1. Select the concerned stair. In the Properties palette, uncheck
all options under Graphics group. Click Apply to finish.

Figure A11.21

2. Click Annotation tag ➤ Symbol panel ➤ Symbol.

3. In the Type Select choose the required symbol type.

Figure A11.22

4. Place the symbol at the mid-point of first riser. Click Modify in

the ribbon to finish.

- 146 -
 Figure A11.23

5. To align the arrow to center of the stair, click Annotation tag ➤

Detail panel ➤ Detail Line. Then draw a line from the
mid-point of one riser to that of any other riser. Align the arrow
symbol to that detail line and delete the line afterward.

(a) (b)
Figure A11.24

Configuring the Up/Down Arrow

Purpose:
To configure the Up/Down placed on stair.

Steps:
1. Select the Up/Down arrow.
2. In the Properties palette, change the parameters and
check/uncheck the available options. Click Apply to finish.

- 147 -
 (a) (b)
Figure A11.25

Placing Non-Shrink Grout between Staircases

Purpose:
To fill up the gap with non-shrink grout between the staircases.

Prerequisite:
1. Material for the non-shrink grout should be created if it is not
found in the project template library.
2. Floor slab composite of non-shrink grout should be made if it is
not found in the project template library..

Figure A11.26

Steps:
1. Click Home tab ➤ Structure panel ➤ Floor drop-down ➤

Structural Floor.
2. In the Type Selector choose a floor type, say Non-Shrink Grout
235Thk C35.
- 148 -
3. On the Properties palette, select UPPER FL for Level and enter
0 for Offset from Level. Uncheck the check box for Structural.
4. Follow the steps for Placing Floor Slab.

Figure A11.27

5. Delete the slab span direction symbol if it appears.

Overriding Line Types

Purpose:
To change the line types of risers for framing plan production.

Steps:
1. Click Modify tab ➤ View panel ➤ Linework ➤ Line Style
drop-down. Select appropriate line styles e.g. Lines for risers,
<Invisible lines> for beam flange and Hidden lines for beam top.
2. Click the lines needed to change styles.
3. To exit the tool, click Modify on the ribbon or press Esc.

- 149 -
 (a) Before (b) After
Figure A11.28 Overriding line types

4. Also add details lines as necessary.

Loading Fill Pattern for Precast Staircase

Purpose:
To load the customized hatch pattern for HD precast staircase.

Prerequisite:
Identify the location of the HD standard patterns file (*.pat) in the
HD BIM library otherwise prepare the pattern file.

Notes:
Housing standard Fill Pattern for precast staircase should have
been loaded into the project template file.

Steps:
1. Click Manage tab ➤ Settings View panel ➤ Additional
Settings drop-down ➤ Fill Patterns.
2. In the Fill Patterns dialog, select Drafting for Pattern Types.
Click New afterward.

- 150 -
 Figure A.11.29

3. In the New Pattern dialog, select Custom and click Import.

Figure A11.30

4. In the Import Fill Pattern dialog, browse to select the pattern file.
Click Open.

- 151 -
 Figure A11.31

5. In the New Pattern dialog, select the required pattern in the

Custom box. Click OK twice to exit.

Figure A11. 32

- 152 -
Overlaying Fill Pattern on Precast Staircase

Purpose:
To add hatching over precast staircase on plan.

Prerequisite:
The required Fill Pattern should have been loaded into the project
otherwise user should refer to Loading Fill Pattern for Precast
Staircase.

Steps:
1. Click Annotate tab ➤ Detail panel ➤ Region drop-down
➤ Filled Region.
2. In the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
3. If the required type already exist, select it and skip to step 9
otherwise follow the step below.
4. In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate.
5. In the Name dialog, type a name for the new Fill Region Type,
say “HD Precast Staircase”. Click OK to finish.

Figure A11.33

6. Select the value for Fill Pattern. Click the small button on
the right.

- 153 -
 Figure A11.34

7. In the Fill Pattern dialog, select the suitable pattern and click
OK to exit. If the required pattern does not exist, click New
and refer to Loading Fill Pattern for Precast Staircase to load
the fill pattern(s).
8. Change Background to Transparent for, Line Weight to 1.
(Line Weight 1 is equivalent to pen size 0.18mm as preset in
the HD project template) and Color to Black. Click OK to
finish.

Figure A11.35

9. To make the outline of the Filled Region invisible, on the ribbon,

select Line Style panel ➤ Line Style: drop-down ➤ <Invisible
Lines>.
10. To define the extent of Filled Region, on the ribbon, use the
Draw panel tools together with those in Modify panel.

Figure A11.36

11. On the ribbon, click Modify panel ➤ Finish Edit Mode to

finish.

- 154 -
 Figure A11.37

Notes:
For editing Fill Region, user can refer to the corresponding
sub-topic in Slabs.

- 155 -
ANNEX XII – Precast Facades

Objective

To add precast façade to the BIM model of a typical floor according

to architectural design.

Good Practices

The typical floor used in the procedures below is composed of HA

standard modular flats, so all precast façades used are also
standard types.

Prerequisite

1. Revit project with slabs, beams, columns and walls added.

2. Architectural AutoCAD GBP linked to required level.
3. Façade type for each flat should be referred to architect’s
design.

Loading Precast Façade Families and Annotation

Tag

Purpose:
To load the HA customized precast façade and corresponding
annotation tag families into the project.

Note:

- 156 -
The HA customized families should be already loaded into the HA
project standard template.

Steps:

1. Click Insert tab ➤ Load from Library panel ➤ Loaded

Family.
2. On the Load Family dialog, navigate to the directory of the
family file. Select the family file and click Open to complete
the process. The updated HA standard family list refers.

Figure A12.1

Figure A12.2

- 157 -
Placing Precast Facades

Purpose:
To add a precast façade to the typical floor model.

Prerequisite:
The distribution of different façade types, namely, T1, T2, T2a, T3,
T4, T5 & T6.

Note:
1. To switch on the visibility of the GBP: type VG. On the
Visibility dialog, click Imported Categories tab. Check the
check box beside the GBP file name. Click OK.

Figure A12.3

2. Change the Detail level to Medium on the View Option Bar

during placing the facades. Change it back to Coarse level
afterwards

Figure A12.4

Steps:
1. Change to appropriate Structural Plans view, say UPPER FL.
2. Click Home tab ➤ Model panel ➤ Component drop down
➤ Place a Component.
3. In the Type Selector, choose the required façade family and
type, say T1

- 158 -
 Figure A12.5
4. Place the façade at the designated location, press spacebar to
rotate it if necessary. On the ribbon, click Modify to escape
the Place mode.

Figure A12.6
5. Select the façade. On the Properties palette, change the Top
Level to working floor and Base Level to that below. Change
both the Top and Base Offset to 0.00.

Figure A12.7
6. To change the orientation of the façade, select the façade. Use

the flip controls ( and/or ) beside the façade and the

Modify tools to adjust it’s alignment. On the ribbon, click
Modify to finish.

Figure A12.8

- 159 -
7. Repeat steps 2 to 6 until all facades are placed.

Good Practices:
3. It is advised to check the orientation of each façade in 3D-View
mode after placing them.

Figure A12.9

Editing Precast Facades

Purpose:
To modify the width of precast façade which is wider than that in
standard design.

Steps:
1. Measure the gap between the façade edge and the wall side.
Type “di”. Select the corresponding lines, click anywhere
outside the dimension. On the ribbon, click Modify to
finish.

Figure 10
2. Select the façade concerned.
3. In the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
4. In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. In the Name
dialog, type in a new Type Name, say “T1a”. Click OK.

- 160 -
 Figure A12.11
5. In the Type Parameter box, type, say 100 for Extension b (or
Extension a as required).
6. Type the revised the contents for Model and Description as
necessary. Click Apply and OK.

Figure A12.12
7. Check the result. If it is correct, delete the unnecessary
dimension made in step 1 otherwise redo steps 2 to 6.

Figure A12.13

Changing Façade Type

Purpose:
To change façade type.

Steps:
1. Select the façade concerned. On the Type Selector, choose
the required façade type.

- 161 -
 Figure A12.14

2. Flip, edit and/or align the façade element as necessary. On

the ribbon, click Modify to accept the change.

Placing Façade Type Marks

Purpose:
To place type marks to the standard precast façade.

Prerequisite:
1. HD standard family for Facade Tags should have already been
loaded.
2. Switch to corresponding plan view.

Steps:
4. Click Annotate tab ➤ Tag panel ➤ Tag by Category.
5. Uncheck Leader on the Options bar.

Figure A12.15

6. Select the facade for placing the tag.

7. On the ribbon, Click Select panel  Modify to end the Tag

mode.

(a) (b)
Figure A12.16

- 162 -
8. Drag the tag to the required location.
9. Press spacebar to switch its orientation between Horizontal and
Vertical as necessary.
10. On the ribbon, Click Select panel  Modify to end the Stair
Tag mode.

- 163 -
ANNEX XIII – Annotations

Objective

To place lines, dimensions, center lines, tags and tie beams to a

typical floor BIM model.

Adding Line Patterns

Purpose:
To add required line pattern to project.

Note:
1. This part is necessary only if the required line patterns are not
found in the standard project template.
2. To show out the existing line patterns, click Manage tab ➤
Setting panel ➤ Additional Settings drop-down ➤ Line
Patterns.

Steps:
1. Click Manage tab ➤ Setting panel ➤ Additional Settings
drop-down ➤ Line Patterns.
2. On the Line Patterns dialog, click New.

Figure A13.1

- 164 -
3. On the Line Pattern Properties dialog, enter a new name (say
“HD Center 6 mm) and pattern properties for the line pattern.
Click OK to exit.

Figure A13.2

4. Repeat steps 2 to 3 to continue to define new line patterns and

click OK to finish.

Customizing Line Styles

Purpose:
To customize line style in a project.

Notes:
1. This part is necessary only if the required line patterns are not
found in the standard project template.
2. to show the existing line styles, click Manage tab ➤ Setting
panel ➤ Additional Settings drop-down ➤ Line Styles.

Prerequisite:
The required line patterns have already been composted. For
detail see Adding Line Patterns.

Steps:
1. Click Manage tab ➤ Setting panel ➤ Additional Settings

- 165 -
 drop-down ➤ Line Styles.
2. On the Line Styles dialog, click the line category from Category
list for customization. Click the corresponding Line Pattern
and select the required line pattern from the selection list.
Repeat this procedure as necessary and Click OK to finish.

Figure A13.3
3. Alternatively, user can add new line categories by clicking the
New inside the Modify Subcategories box.
4. On New Subcategory dialog, enter a name for new line style.
Click OK.

Figure A13.4
5. On the Line Styles dialog, click the newly added line category
from Category list. Click the corresponding Line Pattern and
select the required line pattern from the selection list. Change
to the required line weight. Repeat this procedure as
necessary and Click OK to finish.

- 166 -
 Figure A13.5

Placing lines

Purpose:
To place annotation lines on framing plan.

Prerequisite:
The required line styles have already been added. For detail see
Adding Line Patterns and Customizing Line Styles.

Steps:

1. Click Annotate tab ➤ Detail panel Detail Line.

2. On the ribbon, click Line Style panel ➤ Line Style drop-down

➤ select the required line style.

- 167 -
 Figure A13.6
3. On the ribbon, select suitable tool from Draw panel to draw the
required lines.
4. On the ribbon, click Modify to accept the added lines.

Figure A13.7

Customizing Dimensions Arrowheads

Purpose:
To add required arrowhead style for dimensioning to a project.

Notes:
1. This part is necessary only if the required arrowhead styles are
not found in the standard project template.
2. To check the existing arrowhead style, click Manage tab ➤
Setting panel ➤ Additional Settings drop-down ➤
Arrowheads.

Steps:

- 168 -
1. Click Manage tab ➤ Setting panel ➤ Additional Settings
drop-down n ➤ Arrowheads.
2. On the Type Properties dialog, select one of the predefined
arrowhead types which close to the required style. Click
duplicate.

Figure A13.8

3. On the Name dialog, type in the new arrowhead type name.

Click OK.

Figure A13.9

4. On the Type Properties dialog, modify the parameters and click

OK to finish.

Figure A13.10

Customizing Dimension Styles

Purpose:
To add required dimension style to the project.

Notes:
1. This part is necessary only if the required dimension styles are
not found in the standard project template.

- 169 -
2. To check the existing dimension styles, click Annotate tab ➤
Dimension panel ➤ select required dimension type.

Figure A13.11

3. Click the type selector. Press Esc to exit.

Figure A13.12

Prerequisite:
The required arrowhead type has already been added. For detail
see Customizing Dimensions Arrowheads.

Steps:
1. Click Annotate tab ➤ Dimension panel ➤ select required
dimension type.
2. On the Properties palette, click Edit Type.

- 170 -
 Figure A13.13

3. Select, from the Type list, the family type which is close to the
required one and click Duplicate.

Figure A13.14

4. On the Name dialog, enter the name for the new dimension
type. Click Ok.
5. Change the Value of Parameters as appropriate. Click OK to
finish.

Dimensioning

Purpose:
To place dimensions to plan view.

Steps:
1. Click Annotate tab ➤ Dimension panel ➤ select required
dimension type. Alternatively, type “di” and skip to step 3.

- 171 -
2. In the type selector, select the appropriate family type.
3. Pick reference line or point according to the dimension type is
to be drawn.
4. Place the cursor on the desired location of the next reference
point or line, and click.
5. User can continue to select multiple references, if desired.
6. When you have reached the last reference point, move the
cursor away from the last component and click.
7. For details of all dimension types, refer to Placing Permanent
Dimensions in Revit Structure 2011 User's Guide.

Adding Dimension Witness Lines

Purpose:
To add witness line(s) for a chain dimension.

Steps:
1. Select the dimension.
2. Click Modify | Dimensions tab ➤ Witness Lines panel ➤
Edit Witness Lines.

Figure A13.15

3. Click the element for which you want to add a new witness line,
and then click in the drawing area.

Figure A13.16

- 172 -
4. When you are finished, press Esc.

Figure A13.17

Deleting Dimension Witness Lines

Purpose:
To delete witness line(s) from a chain dimension.

Steps:
1. Select a dimension.
2. Click Modify | Dimensions tab ➤ Witness Lines panel ➤
Edit Witness Lines.
3. Click the witness line you want to delete from the chain
dimension, and then click in the drawing area.

Figure A13.18

4. When you are finished, press Esc.

Figure A13.19

- 173 -
Loading Centerline Symbol

Purpose:
To load the HA customized centerline symbol into the project.

Note:
The HA customized families should be already loaded into the HA
project standard template.

Steps:
1. Click Insert tab ➤ Load from Library panel ➤ Loaded
Family.
2. On the Load Family dialog, browse to the directory of the family
file. Select the family file and click Open to complete the
process. The HA standard families list refers.

Placing Centerline Symbol

Purpose:
To place centerline symbol into a project.

Steps:
1. Click Annotate tab ➤ Symbol panel ➤ Symbol.
2. In the Type Selector, choose the required symbol type.

Figure a13.20

3. If the required symbol type is not found in the list, on the ribbon,

- 174 -
 click Loaded Family otherwise skip to step 5.
4. On the Load Family dialog, browse to the directory of the family
file. Select the family file and click Open to complete the
process. The HA standard families list refers.
5. Move the cursor to the designated location and click.

Figure A13.21

6. To rotate the symbol, on the ribbon, click Modify tab ➤

Rotate. Select or defined the start and end ray.
7. To move the symbol, click the symbol handle and drag to
desired location.
8. Repeat steps 5 to 7 as necessary. On the ribbon, click
Modify to finish.
9. To further change the location and orientation of the symbol,
select it.
10. Use the Modify tools on the ribbon to modify the symbol. Click
Modify to finish.

Figure A13.22

Placing a Text Note – Without Leader

Purpose:
To place a text note (without leader) into project.

- 175 -
Steps:
1. Zoom to the location where text notes are to be placed.
2. Click Annotate tab ➤ Text panel ➤ Text.
3. Select on Modify | Place Text ➤ Format panel ➤ No
Leader and Left Align (or other as appropriate).
4. To select the font type, click the type selector. Choose the
desired font type. If it is found in the drop-down list, go to step
9.

Figure A13.23

5. If the desired font type is not included in the type selector

drop-down list. Press Esc. On the Properties palette, click
Edit Type.
6. On the Type Properties dialog, select the any predefined font
type types. Click duplicate.
7. On the Name dialog, enter the name of the new font type, click
OK.
8. On Type Properties, change the parameters to desired values,
click OK to finish. For details about formatting the text note,
Revit Structure 2011User's Guide refers.
9. Right click at the location on the drawing area where the text
note is to be placed.
10. Enter text, and then click anywhere in the view to finish it.
11. The text note controls remain active so that you can change the
note’s position and width, and rotate it by means of using its
handles.

- 176 -
 Figure A13.24

Placing a Text Note – With Leader

Purpose:
To place a text note (with leader) into a project.

Prerequisite:
The required arrowhead type has already been added. For detail
see Customizing Dimensions Arrowheads.

Steps:
1. Zoom to the location where text notes are to be placed.
2. Click Annotate tab ➤ Text panel ➤ Text.
3. From the Modify | Place Text ➤ Format panel, select required
leader type, leader location and text alignment as follow (or
other as appropriate).

Figure A13.25

4. On the Properties palette, click Edit Type.

5. To select the font type, click the Type Selector. Choose the
desired font type, say 2.5mm Arial. If it is found in the
drop-down list. Go to step 10.

- 177 -
 Figure A13.26

6. If the desired font type is not included in the type selector

drop-down list. Press Esc. On the Properties palette, click
Edit Type.
7. On the Type Properties dialog, select the any predefined font
type types. Click duplicate.
8. On the Name dialog, enter the name of the new font type, click
OK.
9. On Type Properties, change the parameters to desired values,
click OK to finish. For details about formatting the text note,
Revit Structure 2011User's Guide refers.
10. Right click at the location on the drawing area where the leader
start end to be located. Proceed with right clicks to complete
the arrow.
11. Enter text, and then click anywhere in the view to finish it.
12. The text note controls remain active so that you can change the
note’s position and width, and rotate it by means of using its
handles.

Figure A13.27

- 178 -
Placing Wall/ Beam Mark

Relevant Annexes in sections related to wall and beam refers.

- 179 -
ANNEX XIV – Excel

Objective

To link Excel file to a Revit project for, say piling schedule, loading
schedule…etc.

Notes

1. Revit Structure 2011 and AutoCAD 2011 are used here.

2. Excel file can not link directly to Revit project, but it can link to
AutoCAD drawings. Base on this available functions, this
guidelines present a method for establishing an indirect link
between Excel file and Revit project.

Good Practices

It is advisable to format the table as far as possible in Excel file

rather than do it in AutoCAD of Revit.

Linking EXCEL File to AutoCAD Drawing

Steps:
1. Open a new AutoCAD file.
2. Click Insert tab ➤ Linking & Extraction panel ➤ Data Link.
3. In the Data Link Manager dialog, click Create a new Excel Data
Link.

- 180 -
 Figure A14.1

4. In the Enter Data Link Name dialog, enter a name for the Excel
link. Click OK.

Figure A14.2

5. In the New Excel Data Link dialog, browse to the Excel file.
For Link options, specify the Excel sheet and cell range
required. Press Preview button to check the Link options.

Figure A14.3

6. To expand the New Excel Data Link dialog, if required, press

at the bottom right corner of the dialog. Check the Use
Excel formatting option and select Keep table updated to Excel
format. Click OK twice to exit.

- 181 -
 Figure A14.4

Adding an EXCEL File link to an AutoCAD Table

Steps:
1. Click Home tab ➤ Annotation panel ➤ Table.
2. In the Insert Table dialog, for the Insert options choose From a
data link and click button.

Figure A14.5

3. In Select a Data Link dialog, click to select a defined data link

and Press OK twice to exit.

Figure A14.6

4. Drag and place the table to a preferred drawing location and

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 click to finish.

Figure A14.7

5. Exit and save the drawing.

Notes:
1. Single line borders will be assigned automatically to the cells
which the border lines have been deleted in the Excel file.
2. Other cell formats specified in Excel will be maintained in the
AutoCAD table.
3. AutoCAD can NOT be linked with Excel file with the following
format:
i. file with merged cells;
ii. Text within a cell is rotated;
iii. Cells with mixed text height;
4. User can leave the final format touch-up process until the
linking of the drawing to Revit completed. It is because not all
formats made in AutoCAD can be correctly revealed in Revit
especially the visibility of cell border lines, note 1 above refers.

Linking AutoCAD Table to Revit Project

Steps:

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1. Open the Revit project.
2. To add a draft view to the project, click View tab ➤ Create
panel ➤ Drafting View.
3. On the New Drafting View dialog, input the Name and Scale
(1:1 is advised). Click OK to finish.

Figure A14.8

4. To link AutoCAD drawing to the newly added view, click Insert

tab ➤ link panel ➤ Link CAD.
5. In the Link CAD Formats dialog, browse to the AutoCAD
containing the Excel table. Select Auto-Detect for Import Unit
and click Open.

Figure A14.9

6. To zoom to the table added, type ZF.

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 Figure A14.10

Sizing Linked AutoCAD Table in Revit

Steps:
1. Select the linked AutoCAD table.
2. On the properties palette, click Edit Type.
3. In the Type Properties, change the Scale Factor and click OK.

Figure A14.11

Splitting Linked Table

Steps:
1. Open the AutoCAD file.
2. To define the header of the linked table, select the top row of
the table.

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 Figure A14.12

3. In the Properties palette, change Row Style to Header. Press

Esc to finish.

Figure A14.13

4. The font size of the header row may be changed automatically

by the software. If it does so, reload the link: Select the table.
Click Insert tab ➤ Linking & Extraction panel ➤ Download
from Source. Adjust the header row height as necessary.
5. Select the table. In the Properties palette, change both
Enabled and Repeat top labels for Table Breaks to Yes.

Figure A14.14

6. While the table remains selected, drag the Table breaking grip
up to the row where the table is to be split. Press Esc to finish.

Figure A14.15

7. Save and close AutoCAD.

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Deleting Unnecessary Cell Border in Revit

Notes:
1. Revit always shows single line borders around cells of linked
AutoCAD table even the border lines have been omitted in
AutoCAD.
2. Revit cannot reformats the linked AutoCAD table so we cannot
remove those redundant borders but cover them with while
lines instead.

Steps:
1. Open the Revit file.
2. To add line style, click Manage tab ➤ Settings panel ➤
Additional Settings drop-down ➤ Line Styles.

Figure A14.16

3. In the Line Styles, click New for Modify Subcategories.

Figure A14.17

4. In the New Subcategory dialog, input Name and click OK.

5. Change Line Color of the newly added line style to white.
Click OK to exit.

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 Figure A14.18

6. To draw white to cover up the unnecessary lines on the table,

click click Annotation tab ➤ Detail panel ➤ Detail lines.
7. In the ribbon, choose the newly added line style in the Line
Styles panel. Use Draw and Modify tools to place the white
line over the unnecessary lines. Click Modify to end.
8. Also users can use similar technique in step 9 to modify the line
thickness of other border lines by choosing other available line
styles.

Figure A14.19

Refreshing the Linked Table

Steps:
1. Modify, save (and close) the Excel file.
2. Open the AutoCAD file. Select the table. Click Insert tab ➤
Linking & Extraction panel ➤ Download from Source.
Save (and close) the AutoCAD drawing.

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3. Open the Revit file. Click Manage tab ➤ Manage Projects
panel ➤ Manage Links.
4. On the Manage Links dialog, highlight the link and click Reload.
Click Confirm to finish.

Figure A14.20

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