Revit - Linking Model or Sharing the Same Model

[RFreund]

It seems as though linking a model between Arch and SE is the preferred way to go when the Arch and SE are not in the same company. However I was wondering if anyone uses a shared model with worksets when you are acting as a consultant to the Arch located in a different office?

Thanks!

EIT

http://www.HowToEngineer.com

 

[kylesito]

We link the models without exception. The shared model wasn't really an option until 2014 since anything before this required a discipline specific program (Revit Arch, Revit Structure, etc). I suppose with all of the programs now being included in the Suite, it's possible to share a model. However, I think we would be hard pressed to ever attempt to do this on any major project. Even with our best architectural clients, I am sure we would find their workflow and our workflow are too different to make the shared model work efficiently.

PE, SE
Eastern United States

"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi

 

[Galambos]

agree with kylesito. plus, you probably dont want to mess up your client's model and be responsible for it or vice versa.

 

[dcarr82775]

I like sharing, that way I move all the architects silly column locations to places that make more sense.

 

[RFreund]

Thanks for the responses.

From my understanding you can set up "worksets" so that the SE can work on the structural system and basically send updates into the core model as we/they work. Anyone tried this? I'm assuming the model would need to be on a shared server.

EIT

http://www.HowToEngineer.com

 

[kylesito]

From what I know about it, yes, this is how it would work.

I suppose if you were an A/E this could be a good strategy to save resources, but for an independent engineering company I would need convincing before trying it!

If you do attempt it, re-post on here how it worked. It could be we are missing out on some advantage I just am not aware of.

PE, SE
Eastern United States

"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi

 

[RFreund]

I will let you know. It's interesting because from what I've gathered thus far it sounds like the owner is requiring a final Revit Model to be submitted as part of the contract with the Arch. I'm not sure though if it has to actually be 1 model or if we'd be allowed to submit an Arch Model, Structural Model, and I suppose an MEP model.

EIT

http://www.HowToEngineer.com

 

[Galambos]

again, Id caution you before you decide to do this. There seems to be added liability here.

The first time something is missing from the architect's model, they are going to come looking for you. Also, this gives them the opportunity to move your structure without knowing it. And dont think an architect intern wont do that kind of thing. Even with worksets, its still possible.

Good luck.

 

[Galambos]

again, Id caution you before you decide to do this. There seems to be added liability here.

The first time something is missing from the architect's model, they are going to come looking for you. Also, this gives them the opportunity to move your structure without knowing it. And dont think an architect intern wont do that kind of thing. Even with worksets, its still possible.

Good luck.

 

[kylesito]

The owner may not understand the full ramifications of what he is asking for. A single model with every discipline would be an enormous resource hog for even the most robust computer (assuming a moderate or large project). He may want the idea of a shared model without knowing whether he even has the capability of running it. A linked model would allow them to piece out which parts they actually want to use.

PE, SE
Eastern United States

"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi