Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Importance of Pipe Type Fittings Selection
When possible, use fitting families that are true dimensions or that
closely resemble the dimensions of the pipe fittings you have in your
specifications. The physical dimensions are often very different because
of the various methods of assembling the pipe. The perfect situation is
to use fittings that have been properly modeled from the manufacturer.
As more manufacturers adopt BIM, this information will become more
accessible. It should be a regular task of every BIM manager to research
what manufacturer's content is available. Perhaps this can be done
annually in conjunction with each new Revit MEP release. Each time
this task is undertaken, review what options are available for pipe
fittings that come with Revit along with those available from other
sources. You will have to take some time to familiarize yourself with the
fittings directory located in the imperial library.
One noteworthy option that is missing from the fitting parameters is a pipe
spud. To date, Autodesk has not included this pipe fitting family with its
content. However, several pipe spud families can be downloaded from the
Internet. If you would like to use one in your Steel-Welded pipe type, you
first have to load the family into your project. Next, duplicate your pipe type
and rename it
Steel-Welded-Tap
. It is
critical
that you have a separate
pipe type because the Preferred Junction Type fitting parameter is set here.
Change it to
Tap
, set Tee to None, and set the Tap parameter to
PipeSpud
(the name of the family you have downloaded or created). Now you will be
able to easily choose whether to model pipe with tee fittings by selecting the
pipe type Steel-Welded or to model with spud-style tap fittings by selecting
Steel-Welded-Tap.
Choosing Pipe Materials and Sizes
To access the pipe material settings, choose Systems Plumbing & Piping
and then select the small arrow in the lower-right corner of the ribbon
panel. This opens the Mechanical Settings dialog box. (Alternatively, choose
Manage MEP Settings Mechanical Settings.) Next, choose Pipe Settings
Segments And Sizes. If you want to create a new pipe segment, you can
duplicate an existing pipe segment and rename it (see
Figure 11.6
)
. From
