I covered rebar enhancements in Revit 2023 part 1. We will see more new features in the Revit for structure in this part.
Steel Connection Design Automation
The steel connection design automation is not a new feature. It’s already available in Revit 2022 but as sample Dynamo scripts. It remains the same in Revit 2023, but now you can access the tool directly from the Revit ribbon.
It is easier for Revit users who are unfamiliar with the Dynamo player. Finding the sample scripts can be challenging. In Revit 2023 you can find it next to the Connection tool without finding the scripts.
The steel connection automation palette is the Dynamo player. But you see the Autodesk samples script by default when using this button.
There are various connection types that you can automate using scripts. You can make multiple connections automatically, but the most exciting option is connection by range.
Steel Connections by Ranges
Steel connections by ranges can recognize the steel profile and sizes, then applies the connection only if the condition is met. For example, you want to use clip angle connections if the column is I-shape and the beam is W shape, and both sizes must be within a specific dimension.
Furthermore, you can use structural analysis results to check if the connection is applicable. Revit can import the analysis the result from Robot Structural Analysis and keep the information.
If you choose the automated steel connection with the “by ranges” option, you can select the analysis result to define the steel connection.
Revit Connection Library
Revit can choose the correct connection by referring to a connection library. In the Revit connection library, you can define steel connections types. And for each type, you can specify what conditions must be met to allow Revit to use that particular connection type.
Autodesk provides a sample steel connections library, but certainly, you can build your own library.
See how steel connection automation works in the video below.
New Analytical Model Creation Workflow
Prior to Revit 2023, Revit also creates the analytical model when you place a structural element. There is no way to create an analytical model without first creating the physical model.
This behavior changed in Revit 2023. Creating the physical model doesn’t make the analytical model automatically.
Analytical Model Creation
You can create a member or a panel using new tools in Analyze tab> Structural Analytical Model panel.
It allows you to create an analytical model based on a physical model in Revit. And it also allows you to create an analytical model without having the physical model. It is similar to creating an analytical model in your structural analysis software.
The analytical member properties now only show parameters related to analytical purpose.
Now that we can create analytical members and panels, we can create analytical models that weren’t possible before. An easy example is stairs.
Analytical Model Automation
Revit doesn’t automatically create the analytical model. But it doesn’t mean that you need to make the analytical model manually.
AISC v15 Database
How Do You Like Structure New Features?
Revit got significant changes in structural discipline. The adaptive propagation for rebar and steel connection automation definitely helps to finish tedious tasks quickly.
What do you think about Revit enhancements for structure? Which is your favorite?