REVIT
®
STRUCTURE
Coordination between
Revit Structure and
Revit Architecture
Structural engineers who use Revit
®
Structure
software can better coordinate their work with
architects using Revit
®
Architecture software. This
paper examines how building information is
shared between Revit Structure and Revit
Architecture users.
Linking Revit Models
Traditional structural processes begin with the architectural drawings, usually CAD-based
drawings. But structural engineers that are using Revit Structure and are working with
architects using Revit Architecture can
directly
link to the architectural Revit Architecture
file to start their structural design. Sharing the same building information model with
architects enables the structural and the architectural design and documentation to stay
coordinated.
Linking a Revit Architecture file with the Revit Structure model gives structural engineers a
starting point for their design, based on the architect's design intent. Changes made by
the architect can be tracked - facilitating design coordination and change management.
Similarly, architects using Revit Architecture can link a Revit Structure model into their
architectural models and reap the same coordination benefits.
Because both software solutions are using the same underlying building database, the
engineer can view, access, and query all the architectural properties of the model and the
architect can do the same for the structural elements.
Linking Models
Cross-linking the architectural and structural models is the preferred means of sharing the
models between architects and engineers if both are using Revit-based applications, but
are in separate organizations without access to a shared network. They can exchange
and cross-link their respective models, much like an architectural DWG file might be x-
referenced into a structural DWG file, but with far more intelligence.
Even when the engineers and architects are within the same A/E firm, linked files may still
be the preferred way of working - because they develop their respective designs at a
different pace and prefer the flexibility of keeping their own RVT files.
CONTENTS
Linking
Revit Models
.............
1
Sharing the Same
Revit Model
...............
8
Coordination
Monitor
....................
10
Interference
Checking
.................
12
