Forums >> Community >> The Studio >> Using a 2D AutoCAD site drawing under a (nominally) Revit model

AnejoDave

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Joined: Thu, Apr 12, 2012
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This is my first Revit project.  I did not start the project, I was handed a discombobulated microstation/autocad/revit/2d/3d nightmare of a screwed up nightmare inducing mess.

The civil engineers are incapable of using Revit so they gave me a 2D AutoCAD file for the site.  I need to place that on two sheets, clip one of them and then redo all of my annotations & dimensions.  Please don't facepalm too hard.  One office full of palm shaped facial bruises is enough.

My question is how can I make this happen?  Since this is not a true Revit project and a deadline is coming up, anything goes.  Everything except firing the civil pukes and hiring a competent firm.  

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rod23

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Joined: Wed, Dec 2, 2009
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My technique for CAD import site plans goes like this:

1.  Clean up the CAD file in AutoCAD with 'setbylayer', 'overkill', 'purge'.  Make sure everything's 'z' is zero.

2.  Insert CAD into generic family, explode all, convert to revit lines, set to one linetype

3.  COPYCLIP lines to new family, do not bring in text or hatches. Now everything is native Revit.

4.  Create linetypes as needed in family.

Once in the project I usually set it to halftone.  Now you have no reference problems!!

It is well known revit is not all that when it comes to Civil work, so when working with a civil team or on a time crunch, this is actually the preferred method.  I'll do all the site work in 2D and only the building in 3D.

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AnejoDave

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That's working well enough for this mess.  Thanks.  

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AnejoDave

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I need to add something to this for other novice users.  GROUP YOUR EXISTING SITE LINEWORK.  Keep it separate, keep it safe. 

You should also drink more coffee.  

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WWHub

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Joined: Tue, May 16, 2006
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Grouping is not really meant for this purpose and I don't see any reason for doing it.  Once the CAD is imported and exploded, it is just 2D linework and is only visible in the view it was created in.  So just don't mess with the linework in that view.

Sitework is one place where I think you leave the stuff in CAD and link the file.

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AnejoDave

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I wish it was that easy for us.  Just today I've received 2 updates to the site, had to revise one section myself and then add in the graphics for the site lighting.  Grouping is the only way I can see to make it idiot/me proof.

If there is a better way I'm all ears.  Our engineers on the other hand, aren't.

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Linking the same revit model into a site with different RL's

2

I wish Revit had the same drawing commands available as AutoCAD!!

3

To convert autocad x,y,z points into a site din revit project

0

Creating a Site

14

Moving from AutoCAD to Revit

9