Bradley BIM-Revit Resource Portal

The efficient use of Revit VOIDS will minimize your Revit family file size. Bradley Revit Library (1,000 Revit Families) reduces both the number of voids and the size of the voids in our Revit families.

Its been my experience, that Extrusions (solids and voids) produce a smaller Revit family file sizes; when compared to using of Sweeps and Revolves.

I recommend incorporating the Revit Voids within the extrusion as "closed loops"; within the "extrusion's closed loop". This avoids the creation of individual VOIDS; that need to be Cut from the solid extrusion.

Consider using VOID Extrusions to efficiently sculpt your Revit family model.

Over-sized Extrusions increase the Revit family file size.

For example, if the void is penetrating 1/2" of material, use a void that is 5/8" to 3/4" deep. Excessively deep voids create larger Revit family file sizes.

Revit (BIM) Managers typically use the Revit SAVEAS Command and its "Compact File" Option to reduce a Revit project file size.

Bradley uses this process, as one of the last procedures; that we apply to reduce the file size of our final Revit Family models.

It's pretty common, to build a Bradley Revit family product model; that may be 800K in file size. However, once we use this 'compact file' process; the file size may be reduced by over 50%.

Consider testing this procedure on your Revit family library models or Revit family content; that you download from other Revit libraries.

Remember to delete or purge unused content within your families (materials, nested families, subcategories, CAD files, line patterns); prior to using this "Compact File" procedure in the Revit SAVEAS command.

Related Revit File Size Articles

1. Revit Family File Size | How Big is TOO BIG?

2. Revit Project Performance | Revit Family File Size vs Family Visibility Settings

3. Bradley Revit-BIM Family Quality Standards | Top 10 FAQs

Bradley's Revit Family models were created with a high Level Of Development (LOD). Bradley Revit models are designed to accommodate the needs of all four Revit project members; architect, engineer, contractor and facility owners.

There are several reasons the Bradley BIM Team chose to build a single Revit model; that was all-inclusive to serve all disciplines.

Bradley Revit-BIM Family Quality Standards | Top 10 FAQs

1) Logistically, its easier to manage embedded data parameters of more than 1,000 Revit models; as one inclusive model for all disciplines.

2) Ideally, a manufacturer's Revit model that is shared amongst the team; guarantees data consistency and minimizes the modeling costs for everyone. Consider this:

How often will your consultant(s) build a Revit model for both them and for your discipline?

How often do you build Revit models for your consultants?

3) Realistically, my onsite client visits confirm that BIM \ VDC Managers maintain a LOD definition; specific to their organization, projects and team members.

"We will decide what content we keep and delete within our Revit families."

[Common BIM-VDC Managers Response]

Bradley anticipated Revit Managers would remove content from Bradley Revit models; to meet their standards, preferences and criteria. It is far easier, faster and cheaper for them to delete content, from an all-inclusive Revit model.

Once they remove family content; perhaps after adding their own shared \ family parameters --they will save a Bradley Revit family file down to a smaller file size.

Bradley Revit Family Secrets – Compact File Reduces File Size

For example;

Architectural designers may remove the MEP connections, solids or voids --keeping only basic solids, masking regions and symbolic line-work.

Engineers may remove the materials, solids and voids --keeping the MEP connections and portions of the masking regions & symbolic line-work.

Contractors creating the Owner's as-built project Revit models; have typically requested and\or used the Bradley Revit models in their original high LOD format.

Technology's Exponential Growth Will Change Revit Family Rules

The Bradley BIM Initiative strategy forecasted; that Revit, LOD, BIM and supporting technology processes would remain "moving targets".

Join Bradley BIM at The ASPE Phoenix AZ Chapter - BIM Technical\Educational Seminar | BIM for the Plumbing Engineer on Friday, April 18, 2014 from 12:00 - 3:00pm.

The Bradley BIM 3-hour educational seminar is taught in two- presentation sessions; with a short intermission between sessions.

Session #1 - How BIM Changes Everything

The Building Information Modeling (BIM) process offers multiple opportunities to automate and coordinate the construction documents and specifications, using a virtual 3D facility model.

BIM authoring software (Revit, Bentley, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks) allow multiple users (disciplines) to work simultaneously in the facility model file during the construction + design processes. This collaborative workflow uses new tools for project programming & phasing, creating specifications & cost estimates, and prefabrication & commissioning documentation.

We'll take a visual tour of 3rd party applications, BIM-based projects & discuss how firms have saved time & labor using BIM.

Session #2 - Revit Family Secrets - Creating Quality Content

This technical session is designed for attendees; that are building or managing Autodesk Revit family content for their organizations and projects. Every Revit project has the time and labor costs for gathering and\or creating Revit project families.

Class content provides proven and tested Revit family creation techniques; that was used to create thousands of Revit families for hundreds of Revit projects since 2003.

It has trained more than 150 professionals to assume the role of a Revit-BIM Manager. It provides basic techniques to quickly evaluate, perhaps edit and use pre-built Revit family content found on manufacturers’ and Revit user group websites --to meet your standards.

ASPE - Phoenix Chapter Technical Seminar Location

Aunt Chilada's Restaurant
7330 North Dreamy Draw Drive
Phoenix, Arizona 85020 | T 602.944.1286

Cost: $25.00\person - Includes Lunch - Continued Education Units (CEU)

Please RSVP \ Email your reservations to Mark Tanner.

Image courtesy of ASPE Phoenix Chapter Website

Our thanks to John Lee, from PIR Sales Inc (Bradley Sales Rep Organization) for his efforts to bring the Bradley BIM educational presentations to ASPE Phoenix Chapter.

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Related Bradley BIM Articles:

Download Complete Bradley Revit Family Library (1000 Families) – Download All Options

Download Bradley Revit Family Library From Autodesk Seek Building Product Manufacturer Revit Library

Every Revit family is assigned a specific category; based on the Revit Family Template that was originally used to create the Revit family.

The Power of a Revit Family's Category Designation;

1. controls the family's visibility in each view; using the View Visibility (VV) Settings.
2. defines the Revit Tag that can be used for tagging the family
3. determines the Revit Schedule Type that will list & schedule the Revit family

When your Revit family...

1. doesn't respond to turning on/off its visibility in the view...
2. can't be tagged with it's appropriate category tag...
3. doesn't show up in its designated Revit Schedule...

You need to review and revise that family's Category Designation.

Follow these Simple Steps to Change a Revit Family Category Designation

The Bradley Revit-BIM library is currently created and saved in a Revit MEP 2012 format.