Creation Of Families In Bim Modeling

By Author: Kimberly Smith
Total Articles: 69
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Creating families in Revit means creating objects prior to starting a project with different parameters & similar 3D effects as actual representation with engineering dimensioning. These may be called as contents or families. One can utilize such families or contents for different future projects. These families are very useful for the clients who always search for the manufacturer specific content or their own specifications for creating different objects. By making use of Revit, specific needs of such clients can be easily fulfilled. Revit families not only contain physical 3D representation of the actual objects but also include specific characteristics & detailed data that are crucial during construction phase. Thus such families containing objects can be considered as conversion from virtual design to construction stage.

Types of Families:

1. Internal/Default Families:

Internal families are the families which already exists /inbuilt in Revit. Such Revit families consist of limited set of objects like standard ceiling, doors, windows, railings, staircases. You can create new types of internal ...
... families by duplicating existing objects and editing their dimensions or other parameters. Thus new created families can be effectively used for projects in future form the same client.

2. External Families:

External families are created for specific projects by keeping in mind clients specifications. These are stored in an external folder & can be imported into a project and can be used at any stage of project. When such families are imported in any current project it automatically occupies the dimensioning and shape predefined by the modeler. This gives the surety of graphic consistency throughout your project cycle and provides facility to edit the families throughout the project.

Creation of MEP BIM Revit families:

The advantage of creating Revit families for a project is that engineers can plan the equipment precisely a 3D virtual model during actual construction phase. This technology has helped many of the largest HVAC, Electrical and building component manufacturers in minimizing problems arising during installation of such components.

Family Content Folder:

Revit Family Content Folder is a system that runs as an application under Revit MEP/Structural. It helps the modeler from time consuming searches for the specified components of family. Revit modeler can quickly find out required elements from family content folder and make it useful by changing dimensions or other parameter.
Family Content Folder manages all primary information along with its 3D realistic view of objects having all detailed information as per as an engineer’s view are concerned. Family Content Folder can be opened directly and objects can be imported in actual running and future projects.

Benefits for Creation of Revit Families:

1. Reduces issues arising during construction and installation stage.
2. Minimizes the overall project cycle timing as one has already created families.
3. Makes the project accurate and cost efficient.
4. Includes detailed specifications of the components as per engineering point of view.
5. Provides Flexibility to adopt any dimensions as per the site requirements.

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