BES227181-L

Perfecting the System for Revit – Piping System

Exercises
David A. Butts
Gannett Fleming

Learning Objectives
• Learn comprehensive steps for controlling project system settings, including
mechanical and electrical system project settings
• Learn how to capitalize on the system sizing and analysis tools, and learn how to
maximize project performance when you don't need these features
• Understand how to create the target and source relationship between equipment
without routing a duct, pipe, or wire
• Learn how to improve the quality of your construction documents by capitalizing on
system-based features

Description
Revit software systems help us to define the MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) design
in several ways, but the main purpose is to understand the relationships between system
equipment, such as air terminals to air handling units, or from light fixture to panel. This hands-
on lab will teach you the comprehensive steps needed for controlling project system settings,
and then it will demonstrate how to capitalize on (or disable) sizing and analysis tools related to
the system. We’ll cover creating the target-source relationship between parts, and then we’ll
review using the systems to improve the quality of your documentation. On top of this, you’ll get
a project template that already defines everything in the class, so you can take advantage of
these topics right away. The class will cover HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning)
and piping, so come and join us for this fast-paced but thorough lab—you’ll be glad you did!
This session features Revit MEP and Revit.

Your AU Expert
David Butts is an Autodesk Expert Elite Team member and Building Information Modeling (BIM)
specialist for Gannett Fleming with over 30 years of experience in the architecture, engineering,
and construction field. He is responsible for implementation, training, BIM project support, and
management for engineering design applications, including Revit, AutoCAD P&ID, AutoCAD
MEP, Navisworks, and more. He was an Autodesk Authorized Training Center (ATC) training
manager and application engineer for an Autodesk Reseller for 13 years, providing
implementation and training services across the United States, and serving as a subject matter
expert for Autodesk, Inc.’s, Building Design Solutions. He has design experience for a variety of
project types, and is an Autodesk University top-rated speaker for labs and lectures. He
authored training videos for 4D Technologies through the 2018 product cycle and presents BIM
topics for other industry associations annually.

Page 1
Perfecting the Piping System for Revit
When you are designing a project, there’s a big difference in how you approach your work in
CAD project versus a BIM project. In BIM there are tasks you have to complete that never came
up in a 2D project, but then there was a high likelihood of signals getting crossed, and systems
being incorrectly defined. Revit’s system and circuit tools, which have been around since the
beginning of the MEP tools, continue to be refined and improved. That is the focus of this
session, and hopefully you will take away some information to help you leverage the benefits for
these tools.

In this document, the specific steps for editing PIPING system settings, and creating the
systems, are covered. Refer to the document, BES227181-L Perfecting the System Intro - DB,
for the work process overview.

For this exercise, begin by opening the BES227181-L-MEP.RVT model. Make sure the PIPE
FIRST FLOOR view is the current view.

Defining Project Piping System Settings

When you start from a template, you can include predefined settings that apply to the most
common project types. Behind the scenes, there are common project tools that impact how
pipe, pipe, circuiting and more are defined in the project model, so it is a logical place to start
when working with systems. To begin, review the MEP project settings that affect all systems in
the project.

1. From the Manage tab, settings panel, click MEP Settings:

2. Click Mechanical Settings, and then click Pipe Settings:

Page 2
 Set the Pipe Fitting Annotation Size to 0.0765.
Pipe Fitting Annotation Sizes are project specific settings used in piping graphics, based
on the detail level of the view.

3. Select Angles:

Select Use Specific Angles as the default for pipe elbow fitting settings, and leave the
default settings as-is. This forces all pipes in a project, included layouts defined by the
system, to be placed in specific angle increments.
4. Select Conversion:

Page 3
 Change the System Classification to Hydronic Supply. Set the pipe type for Main and
Branch to Chilled Water, and the offset elevation to 10’-0”.
This sets the default pipe type and routing offset elevation for mains and branches, and
comes in handy when using the auto-layout tools for connected piping system classifications
(based on the default pipe system classifications).
5. Select Segments and Sizes:

Page 4
 Make sure Copper K is the default segment. For the Segment Description, enter Copper
Pipe – Soldered Connections. Deselect the 1/4” and 3/8” sizes from the Used in Size
Lists and Used in Sizing columns.
Segments and sizes allows you to define piping by material, and then assign the nominal,
inside and outside diameters of the pipe. You can also adjust the roughness of the pipe,
which is used as part of the pipe sizing tool.
6. Select Fluids. Review the fluid name types and temperature ranges settings – leave these
as is, as the values are correct for density and dynamic viscosity. You can add new fluid
values as needed:

7. Select Slopes.

Page 5
 Click New Slope and then enter 1/16”. The new size will automatically include the run
value. The slope will be available when the pipe routing solutions are available.

8. Select Calculation:

The settings allow you to set the calculation method for closed loop hydronic piping
networks, for calculating pressure drop, and calculating flow based on fixture units for
domestic water and sanitary systems.

Click Pressure Drop. For Calculation Method, select the Colebrook Equation pressure
drop calculation.

Page 6
In earlier releases, you could only use the built in formulas while making minor modifications
in the pipe system. Now, you can choose between different methods and formulas to
calculate pressure drop based on the Colebrook, Haaland and Simplified Colebrook
equations.

Click Flow:

The plumbing fixture flow calculation method is based on the 2012 IPC table values, and
is the only method available.
Page 7
 Click OK to close the dialog and save the changes.

Defining Project Piping System Types

Revit gives you the ability to add your own system types, which are based on predefined system
classifications. While the classifications control the calculations used, the type lets you define
specific settings, such as whether calculations are performed, the graphics settings that appear
in a view, the abbreviation used in a label, and rise/drop symbology. The system types can be
predefined in a project, and are accessed using the Project Browser tool.

1. From the Project Browser, expand the Families section, and expand Pipe Systems:

Page 8
 These are examples of pipe system types that can be used in a project, and can be added
to your project template using the Transfer Project Standards tool located on the Manage
tab from this project when you get back to the office.
2. Double click on Hydronic Supply to open the type properties:

3. Click Edit for Graphics Overrides:

Page 9
 Select Color, and then choose Cyan as the color for the line graphics. Click OK to exit the
Line Graphics dialog.

This will override the default object style settings for any view the pipe appears in (but can
be overridden by a view filter or object override)

4. Click Calculations:

Choose All for the default.

If you are not using pipe sizing, leave this set to None or Performance only. Revit runs
calculations as items are placed, and continues running when set to All, but Performance
only runs calculations on demand. When the fluid type and temperature is set, the values
for dynamic viscosity and density that are defined in the MEP Settings tool are populated.

5. Set the Abbreviation to CHWS:

Revit will track the abbreviations stored as a list in a project, allowing you to select from
different options as the project progresses.

6. Click OK to exit the system type properties dialog.

Page 10
Defining an Piping System

In a project, a system is defined by a target, which is a piece of equipment that receives air, fluid
or power. When associated with a system, the target defines the flow or load associated with
the system. In order to have a well-formed system, a piece of equipment may be required, and
be the source for the air, fluid or power. When sizing systems, a well-formed system is defined
by having a target and source associated with each other. When defining the system, the place
to start is with the target.

1. From the PIPING FIRST FLOOR VIEW, navigate to the Chemical Storage room. Select
the center pump:

2. Once the pump is selected, click Piping from the Modify | Mechanical Equipment tab:

Page 11
3. When the Create Pipe System dialog appears, enter then name MEETING ROOM
SUPPLY AIR, and then click OK.

Naming the system makes it easier to track when adding schedules or using the System
Browser.

4. When a family has more than one connector, you will be prompted to select the
connection used to define the system. Select Connector #1: Undefined: Round: 3”:
Water/Other Liquid Out:

5. Click OK to finish defining the system. Next, select the Edit System tool from Modify |
Piping Systems tab, System Tools Panel:
Page 12
 The source equipment can be selected at several different points, including the Modify |
Pipe System tab when the system is first defined, or after the initial system has been
created.

Click Select Equipment and then choose the right tank:

6. Click Finish Editing System to complete the command and close the tab.

Note: You can also edit a pipe system by selecting any equipment that belongs to the
system, and then clicking the Pipe System tab when it appears:

Page 13
The system is now a well-formed system, and includes targets (the pump) and a source
(the tank).

At this point, you can choose to use the Generate Layout tool, which uses the system settings
to route the pipe based on variety of solutions, or you can manually add pipe to the view. When
the system is not defined, the act of routing the pipe will create the system – so either method
can be used.

Creating an Analytical Pipe Connection

Use the following steps to create an analytical connection between equipment and a pipe run.
Use this when you do not want to show higher level of detail pipe connections but want to
indicate the connection between equipment that contains a pipe connection, and the main pipe
run where it should be connected.

1. In the HVAC First Floor view, use the drag and drop feature to place a Fan Coil Unit –
Horizontal Ducted – CHW family, using the 1600 CFM type:

Page 14
Place the unit 11’ above the First Floor Level. Make sure the unit is rotated so the
connections are pointing at the pipe.

2. Select the fan coil unit – from the ribbon, Modify | Mechanical Equipment tab, click
Analytical Connections:

Page 15
3. Next, select the pipe where the connection should be made. The pipe should be the
same system classification as a pipe connector in the model – if there is more than
one connection, the connection that matches the system classification for the pipe
connector is used, and the connection is defined:

4. Select the analytical pipe connection and review the properties. The flow assigned to the
connector is displayed:

5. To change this value, select the equipment and review the Chilled Water Flow instance
property. Change the flow to 10 gpm:

Page 16
6. Next, select the pipe the analytical connection is associated with, and review the
instance property for flow:

7. Rotate the fan coil unit 90 degrees – the connection will be maintained:

Page 17
8. The connection can be broken by simply deleting the line indicating the connection,
which also removes the flow from the pipe.

Page 18
The Role of the Connector

The MEP connector is what distinguishes engineering content from architectural

versions. The connector defines the system and key parameters that help share key
data needed for analysis and sizing.

The connector is edited in the Revit family. Begin by opening the Centrifugal Pump –
Horizontal.rfa family by selecting it in the Project Browser, and then right click – select
Edit.

1. From the 3D view, rotate the view to show the suction connector. Select the pipe
connector element and then review the Properties:

Page 19
2. The connectors in this family are considered the child connection in a system, since the
tank is the source (parent). But, a pump can be both a target and source, so it depends
on how the connection is defined. If the pump was selected as the source in this system,
then it would be considered the parent. Understanding this relationship is key to
understand the role of the flow values.
3. Flow configuration determines how the flow is calculated, and flow direction is the
data associated with the connector. For example, the fluid flow is considered out from
the tank and in to the pump suction connection, so leave the direction set to in.
4. Loss method can be set to specific pressure loss (provided by the manufacturer),
loss coefficient and not defined. The last option should only be set when the system
calculation method is set to none. Since this part requires that specific loss value be
entered, change the Loss Method to Specific Loss, so the Pressure drop parameter
is active.

To allow the part to be edited in a project (instead of opening the family to make a
change), you must associate the parameter to either a family parameter or shared
parameter. Select the icon on the right side of the Pressure drop line in Properties:

Page 20
 5. The Associate Family Parameter dialog appears. Select the New Parameter icon:

6. The Parameter Properties dialog appears. Normally you would use a shared parameter to
control this data, if the information is intended to be included in a schedule. For this class,
leave it as a family parameter, so it can still be exposed and edited in a project. Name the
new parameter Suction Pressure Drop, and leave all of the remaining settings as is:

Page 21
7. Click OK to close the dialog and the parameter will be selected in the Associate Family
Parameter dialog. Click OK to complete the command.

Note: this value can be changed from “PSI” to other format from the Manage tab,
Settings panel, Project Units tool, and selecting the Piping discipline, Pressure value:

8. After selecting the parameter, the pre-assigned value will appear on properties, and will
be greyed out:

Page 22
9. Repeat the steps for associating the parameter, and add a family parameter to the Flow
value named Suction Flow:

10. Click OK to save the changes after associating the parameter.

11. To change these values, select the family types tool located on the Properties panel:

12. The default type is the 90 GPM – 24 Foot Head type. Under Mechanical, for Suction
Pressure Drop, change the value to 0.4. Change the Suction Flow to 90:

13. After making the adjustments, click OK to save the changes. Next, load the unit into the
model. From the Modify tab, Family Editor panel, click Load into Project and Close

Page 23
 (do not save the file if prompted). When prompted, click Overwrite the existing version
and its parameter values:

The current version in the model will be updated. You’re now ready to start reviewing the pipe
sizing tools.

Using the Pipe Sizing Tools

Once you have all of the systems types, connectors and systems defined, the next step is to
leverage the system to check the pipe sizes. While most pipes are sized using external analysis
programs such as PIPING Solutions, Trace, IES and more, it’s nice to be able to make
adjustments as needed, without having to return to the analysis application.
Begin by opening the model, BES227181-L-MEP-Analysis.rvt. Open the view, PIPE FIRST
FLOOR.
1. From the Project Browser, expand Families, and then expand Pipe systems. Double
click Hydronic Supply, or right click and select Type Properties. Change the
Calculations parameter to All:

Page 24
2. Click Ok to close the dialog.
3. From the PIPE FIRST FLOOR view, use the TAB selection method to select the pipe
and tank:

4. Select the Pipe/Pipe Sizing tool from the Analysis panel. The Pipe Sizing dialog will
appear:

Page 25
5. Change the Sizing Method to Friction, making sure the value is set to 2.5; and then set
the Branch Sizing to Match Connector Size; and then Restrict the Size to 4”:

6. Click OK, and the pipe will be resized if needed. If the sizing fails, or nothing changes,
check for an error message in the lower right corner:

Page 26
Directions will be provided for how to fix the problem, such as adding flow to the tank.
Other errors, such as a flow direction mismatch, may result due to the configuration of
the connectors:

Make sure you don’t ignore these warnings – expand them, follow them and perform the
calculations again.

Page 27