Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Choosing the Right File Type
With a new project coming into the office, a meeting was set up
between the architects, structural engineers, and MEP engineers. Both
sets of engineers were using Revit as their base documentation
software, while the architects were confirmed Bentley Architecture
users. Although the architects had copies of Revit Architecture in the
office, they continued to use the Bentley solution and had supplied an
add-in for their current version of Revit to the engineers that allowed
the export of
i.dgn
. Although this was fine for the architects, they in
turn exported to IFC (using an appropriate plug-in). At around 50 MB,
this file could routinely take 3 to 4 hours to process into Revit. At the
same time, the internal fit-out was being done in 2D AutoCAD.
The engineers decided to do away with the IFC import altogether and
create a wireframe model from the 2D drawings. This made the project
much more efficient and manageable. Coordination did not lose out,
however, because all consultants agreed to use Autodesk®
Navisworks®. Each could discuss their issues at weekly project
meetings in front of a large-format display monitor.
The case study “Choosing the Right File Type” highlights some of the issues
that users face when using the IFC format. At the time of this writing,
numerous companies are producing free as well as fee-based IFC viewers,
which allow the user to view the building model and any properties that
are attached to the building elements. Some of these software vendors also
provide IFC cleaners that allow for the optimization of an IFC file prior to
opening it in any other suitable software.
AutoCAD DWG
As described earlier in this chapter, native AutoCAD and MicroStation files
are easily imported or linked into Revit. The purpose of doing so in the 2D
environment is that it can be a good way of bringing together a project team
with a wide range of skills.
The reasons for importing native 3D objects from AutoCAD can be a bit
blurred. If you were modeling 3D building objects in AutoCAD, why
wouldn't you do the same in Revit? It could be argued that a company
