Efficient Model Exchange Between Revit and Solibri for AEC

Effective collaboration in AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) projects relies heavily on seamless model exchange and quality control. In this article, we’ll explore how to exchange models efficiently between Revit and other platforms, and provide tips on instantly checking your models in Solibri for clashes and compliance. These tools streamline workflows, reduce errors, and enhance project clarity.

Efficiently Exchanging Models Between Revit and Other Platforms

Model exchange is a critical component of integrated project delivery, enabling different teams to work with consistent, coordinated data. The most common format for this exchange is the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), along with Revit’s native formats like RVT, and other interoperable formats such as DWG and DXF. To ensure smooth file transfers:

  • Use Revit’s Export Options: Revit provides comprehensive export settings that allow you to control the level of detail, coordinate system, and data categories included in the exported file. Use the ‘IFC’ export for detailed interoperability with Solibri and other BIM tools.
  • Prepare Your Model: Before exporting, clean up the model by purging unused elements, managing links, and ensuring consistent naming conventions. This minimizes errors during exchange and improves model clarity.
  • Use Shared Coordinates: Establish shared coordinates in Revit to prevent misalignment when importing files into other software. This ensures models from different disciplines align correctly in the project environment.

Furthermore, utilize plugins and add-ins such as Revit to Solibri Model Checker or other third-party tools that facilitate quick exports and imports. These tools often provide guided workflows that preserve data integrity while streamlining the exchange process.

Instantly Checking Your Model in Solibri for Clashes and Quality Control

Once your model is imported into Solibri, the platform offers robust tools to instantly assess your BIM for clashes, inconsistencies, and compliance issues. Start by setting up the quality control rules tailored to your project’s standards. Solibri’s visual analysis features allow you to quickly identify conflicts between structural and MEP components, or verify adherence to building codes.

To maximize efficiency:

  1. Use the Model Viewer: The real-time visualization helps you navigate through different levels, sections, and details of your model to spot issues at a glance.
  2. Run Clash Detection: Utilize the clash detection feature to automate the identification of spatial conflicts. Customize clash criteria based on project-specific parameters, and review conflicts with detailed reports to prioritize resolutions.
  3. Leverage Rule-Based Checks: Define custom rules to automatically flag non-compliant elements or design inconsistencies. This proactive step ensures adherence to standards before progressing to construction.

By integrating Solibri’s instant model checking into your workflow, you significantly reduce the risk of costly errors and rework. The ability to immediately verify your BIM models accelerates decision-making, fosters collaboration, and enhances project quality.

Conclusion

Mastering model exchange between Revit and other platforms, combined with instant model checking in Solibri, empowers project teams to work more efficiently and accurately. These practices minimize errors, streamline communication, and improve overall project quality. Investing time in learning these tools ensures smooth collaboration and delivers better project outcomes.