RAM and Revit

So the folks at Bentley (RAM) are doing their part to help us structural engineers. No longer are we just limited to only linking Revit with RAM Structural. Bentley has developed a two new tools called ISM and Structural Synchronizer. Together, these tools now allow us to link Revit models with RAM Elements, RAM Concept, and RAM Connection. (So awesome!!!!)

So here's the really cool stuff. Using the ISM, you don't have to have both Revit and the RAM analysis program on the same computer. As long as both computers have the ISM viewer installed on them, one computer can be used for Revit and the other computer can be used for the RAM analysis......at the same time. While the RAM Structural/Revit link prevents opening both models at the same time, the ISM allows simultaneous use and syncing.

Now the not so cool news. ISM is in it's first release. It's not perfect yet, so there are still some significant limitations. It only works for 32 bit Revit right now, though a 64 bit version is being developed. Eventually, the ISM will replace the RAM/Revit Link, but right now, you still have to use the link to transfer to RAM Structural. Also, the ISM mapping dialog is a little limited right now. It doesn't handle customized families very well, so some elements don't transfer well (such as our MME footings). Bentley is aware of this and is working to improve this. In addition, continuous wall footings (a Revit system family) don't transfer into the ISM. Finally, steel joists don't transfer into the ISM yet. This isn't a big deal right now, since neither RAM Elements, Concept, nor Connection really deal with bar joists.

Once the second generation of ISM has been released (with RAM Structural supported), I'll put together a tutorial and video on how to use it. In the meantime, if you need to use ISM to take Revit to Elements or Concept, give me a call and I'll walk you through it (it's not that hard).

Simpson Connector Families

In case you didn't know, Simpson now provides 2d and 3d families for many of their wood connectors. As far as I know, all of these are downloaded into our family library. The 3d connectors are saved in:

MME Library\Structural\Library\Structural\Connections\SIMPSON CONNECTORS

And the 2d detail components are in:

MME Library\Structural\Library\Detail Components\Div 06-Wood and Plastic\060500-Basic Wood and Methods\Simpson Connectors Detail Components

http://www.strongtie.com/drawings/revit.asp

Template Additions

I know this is pretty boring for a first post, but at least it's fresh.

I added two tags to the template yesterday, one for metal roofs, and one for slabs on grade. The tag for metal roofs reads parameters for the deck thickness, gauge,finish, and deck type. All four of these are project parameters that need to be edited by the user. Start a new revit job and model a floor using the 1-1/2" metal deck. Note that the tag is actually a deck span symbol that can be rotated. Rotating this tag will also rotate the deck flute direction.

The floor tag also works as a deck span symbol. It reads parameters for slab thickness, concrete strength, WWF reinf, subgrade, and slab el. All of these are also project parameters that need to be edited by the user.

Lemme know if these give you any trouble.