What’s New in Revit MEP 2018 for Detailing MEP Fabrication Networks

Revit 2018 software has several new Revit MEP features related to detailing LOD 400 elements to help you extend design to fabrication. Improve modeling productivity with greater accuracy and achieve the detail needed for fabrication, estimation, and installation of building services.

For mechanical contractors using Revit MEP, here are two exciting areas of development:

Sloped fabrication pipework

The sloped model component interaction for fabrication elements has been improved in Revit 2018 by introducing part-by-part modeling for sloped pipes, and introducing the ability to apply slope to fabrication elements that have already been laid out.

Building upon last year’s part-by-part placement of fabrication elements, you can now apply slope to a part as you place it in the model. As you continue to apply elements, you can specify a different slope for each branch. To make it easier, you can select a user-defined slope for the element, rather than having to enter a slope each time. Elements that are required to be horizontal will remain horizontal and elements that require slope will be sloped.

Slope tools for MEP fabrication pipework are similar to slope tools for generic pipework parts. Many commands and workflows behave the same for both generic and fabrication sloped pipe. You no longer need to place an element and rotate it at the required angles before you can start sloping the pipe.

Take a look at the sloped fabrication pipework feature overview video for more detail.

Model sloped pipes part-by-part and apply slope to elements that have already been modeled.

To learn how to apply slope to fabrication pipework, check out the help files on Autodesk Knowledge Network.

Multi-point routing with MEP fabrication parts

Another improvement was detail modeling productivity in multi-point routing with MEP fabrication parts. The multi-point routing tool gives you the ability to create a run of connected MEP fabrication parts by clicking on points in the model, and more efficiently model ducts, pipes, and electrical containment elements.

Part-by-part modeling for fabrication elements were introduced to meet the needs of the fabrication detailer, especially when they get into tight coordination scenarios. Detailers need the flexibility of the part-by-part modeling tools to accurately place components in the right location and in the right direction.

In addition, you now have the ability to model fabrication components like you would with the design level of detail elements within Revit, or similar to design line in Fabrication CADmep. Parts are automatically selected from the current fabrication service and grouped in the MEP fabrication parts palette. You can change the shape, size, elevation, and the type of fittings as you route the elements, like from a mitered elbow to a radius elbow.

Take a look at the multi-point routing feature overview video.

Model Revit MEP fabrication elements with multi-point routing by clicking on points in the Revit model.

To learn how to use the multi-point routing tool, check out the help files or on Autodesk Knowledge Network.

From empty warehouse to bar and restaurant

For this project, Yanis Lachat used a model created for a client who wanted to visualize an empty space. He had rendered an empty model, but believed that this project had the potential to transform itself into something unique.

Creative Insipration

The large open space was an instant source of inspiration for him! He decided to add his personal touch, with an unrefined industrial look that included lots of metal and raw materials. He thought it would be interesting to contrast the cold space with warm elements; in order to achieve this, he added components that would make the space feel friendly and casual such as furniture, a bar, chairs, etc. Pinterest and Google searches were invaluable in getting the creative juices flowing.

3D Modeling

He modeled everything in the scene using 3ds Max, except for small accessories such as the forks, knives, and bottles placed in the bar.

He has a go-to set of tools in 3ds Max that he always uses simply because they are straightforward and suitable for all types of designs. He starts with a simple box, and then builds around it using cut, extrusion, slice, and sweep. For more organic shapes, he uses TurboSmooth to achieve a softer finish. With 3D software getting increasingly sophisticated, he finds the most basic tools to be the most efficient for his workflow.

Texturing

In terms of texturing, nothing was too challenging within this scene. He used the standard UV mapping and unwrapping tools found in 3ds Max. Personally, he finds the slate material editor intuitive to work with.

Lighting and Camera

The overall lighting of the scene is derived from Peter Guthrie’s HDRI map, however, to create a sense of warmth, he added approximately 50 small lights to the space such as candles and bottle lights.

Rendering

The renderer used for this scene was Corona. Isolating each element while working provides very fast rendering feedback, and he only pressed the render button at the very end. Usually, he renders at 4000px which is standard for print but lower for web resolution. All in all, he didn’t have to spend much time tweaking parameters.

Post-Production

The final render didn’t need a lot of post-production as the renderer includes an integrated LUT correction.

Nevertheless, he always ends up in Photoshop to add some finishing touches. He plays around with the levels, colors, add some vignetting, and includes some chromatic aberration. Where needed, he slightly sharpened the image and played with masks to lighten or darken specific elements. Lastly, for a more filmic look, he used Red Giant’s Magic Bullet Looks and After Effects.

For more unique projects #MadeinMax by Yanis Lachat – check out his profile on Behance.