Monitoring Shared Projects in Revit

Structural engineers and architects often work together on projects, adjusting column locations and heights of floors to match the needs of the design with the structural integrity of the building.

Within Autodesk’s Revit building information modelling (BIM) software (Revit Architecture and Revit Structure), the Copy/Monitor tool coordinates the locations of grids, levels, columns, walls, floors, and slabs and associated shafts, openings, and doors.

Working with Copy/Monitor

When you are working with a linked file you can Copy these objects into the host drawing. You can also Monitor two objects (in the same file or one in a linked file) to ensure that the proper relationship between them is maintained — for example, two grid lines that you want to keep a certain distance apart. The two objects must be the same type.

• When you select an object that is copied or monitored, an “eye” icon is displayed beside it.

If you move an object that is copied into the host file you see an alert box. This does not prevent you from mak- ing the change but alerts you that this is a monitored object that needs further coordination with the other disciplines involved.

• When you select a monitored object, a Stop Monitoring button appears in the Options Bar that you can use to turn the monitoring off.

Coordination Review

When you manipulate copied or monitored objects, Revit issues a Coordination Monitor alert. You can then open Coordination Review to modify the connections as needed. The Coordination Review dialog box lists any conflicts detected. If there are no conflicts the Message area is empty.

CAD Tips are by ASCENT of Mississauga, Ontario. The company is a leading developer and publisher of professional training products and courseware for engineering software applications. See www.ASCENTed.com