Add-ons for Revit - How to accelerate the design procedure using InstaCrete?
Add-ons for Revit – Click this link to go to a more advance version of InstaCrete. In this version (InstaCrete 2.0), you can directly convert the design data from the Excel file to a Revit model.
Use the arrow sign on the left side of the page to open the video tutorial index.
Table of Contents
Add-ons for Revit - InstaCrete resources
Revit modelling vs InstaCrete modelling Part I
Grid, Level & Foundations.
Revit modelling vs InstaCrete modelling Part III
Beam tool comparison.
Revit modelling vs InstaCrete modelling Part V
Wall tool comparison.
Download InstaCrete – from Autodesk App store
Revit modelling vs InstaCrete modelling Part II
Columns tool comparison
Revit modelling vs InstaCrete modelling Part IV
Structural floor tool comparison
Revit Tutorial 2020 – Stair modelling
How to get a smooth join between the stair & the waist slab?
Add-ons for Revit - InstaCrete – Using data sheets
We have been using Revit since the year 2006. In those days, we use to receive the AutoCAD or the pdf files as the input drawings for the Revit models. We all know how much time & money is spent on that.
To cut short this time loss we developed InstaCrete which acts as a data entry software. We proposed to the RC designer to put forward his design in the form of a table. In that table, we proposed to write down the foundation, column, beam & slab details in front of the grid points.
The designer was more than happy with this new system. As a lot of drawing process is eliminated from the procedure. With this new idea making design changes became very easy.
We along with the designer prepared the datasheets which would be useful for the Revit modelling. And then, according to those data sheets we designed the dialogue boxes.
Once the data sheets are ready the revit modelling became an effortless job. So, in the end, the designer was happy. Revit modeller was happy.
We urge all the stakeholders to put forward their comments. We promise to answer each of them. And also let us know whether you are going to use this trick in your organisation.
If you like this idea, don’t forget to share with your friends.
Grid & Level...
The fact of the matter is you can use any tool to draw the grid lines. Be it instaCretes grid manager or Revit’s grid tool. InstaCrete can read all the grid lines whichever method you use.
Now let us add a few levels. To add levels you can use InstaCretes level manager or the level tool given by Revit. Let us open the level manager. Using level manager you can add a number of levels at a time. Suppose you want to add 4 levels & levels are at a non-uniform distance. Put the distances in the table. This the way you can add multiple levels using the level manager.
We all know that we can use the level tool to add the levels in the drawing. Let us open the level tool & select pick lines. Add the distances you want. This is another method to add levels in the drawing.
The reason to demonstrate the grid & level tool is that I want to stress that you can use any method to draw grids & levels. Istacrete is able to read them irrespective of the method you use to draw them.
Structural Foundation
Let us review the Foundation tool
Whenever you open any tool like foundation, column, beam or floor a warning message appears. Which says, do not use cut, copy, paste, redo, undo, delete commands. & also asks you not to change the property from the property palette box.
First time user might be wondering, “how I am going to build the model without these commands?” Because, while working, these are the most common commands used.
You will find that while using InstaCrete these commands are not required. All modelling is done from the dialogue boxes. It’s a complete automation tool for revit modelling. And due to this, you save more than 30% of your valuable time.
Let us select this checkbox so that you will not see this message again.
It’s necessary that you save the file at the proper location before beginning the modelling procedure. At the same location, all the data files are saved. In Instacrete automation is achieved by using these data files.
Let us load a few foundation families in this test file.
I have placed the foundations in the drawing using the foundation manager. This procedure we have seen in the foundation section of the video tutorials on my site www.rcccad.com
For more information please visit my site.
Data Files
The data file is created automatically once the foundations are placed in the drawing. Likewise whenever you place columns, beams, Floors the corresponding data files are created & placed in the folder.
I have saved the revit file with the name as demo 1. And this file is in the demo folder on D drive.
You can see the folder which is named as rcccaddatademo1. In this folder, all the data files are saved.
Let us open the folder. Here you can see the file demo 1foot which is an Excel file. This is all automatically done.
You can see the footing data in the excel file. You can see here the foundations placed at the corresponding grid points.
Never edit these files, never change its name because these are the files which are responsible for the modelling automation.
InstaCrete users have all the construction data in the form of the revit model as well as in the text format. You can see the model & it’s corresponding data. In this case which is a foundation data. Let us open the foundation manager. You can see the foundation data is in text format. So if you want to edit one foundation size & delete another do it from the dialogue box. That way the data is updated in the data files.
If you edit the foundation by the traditional method the data is not updated in the data file. And you lose the automation. Never edit the model this way.
You can download the trial version of InstaCrete from my site. Please share this video with your friends. Put your comments below this youtube video. I personally will reply to it. If you have doubts send me an email to support@rcccad.com
Points to remember
Always use InstaCrete to place or edit foundations. Never use the traditional method.
Never edit the data file.
Never change its name.
Please share, Like my video.
And finally –
How do you find placing & editing the foundations using InstaCrete?
Put your comments below the video or send them to support@rcccad.com
