Revit, RISA (or other struct software), and Architectural AutoCAD

[ltlspf]

I am looking for some input from others who have utilized AutoCAD's Revit software, integrated it with a structural design program, as well as coordinated the project with the architect throughout. I am looking into this option for design, presentation, and coordination aspects as a few of the architects in the area are interested as well as myself. Any input from others who have used this setup would be useful.

Thanks!

 

[Prestressed Guy]

I use Revit Structure exclusively for my drawings. It is hard to beat the completeness and accuracy you can get with Revit. It also impresses the daylights out of your clients when you can walk them through their new building. I am currently working with an architect who also uses Revit and I was able to copy/monitor much of the structure from his layout.

Unfortunately I use Ram Advanse for my design modeling and Bentley has no intension of interfacing with Revit.

 

[Mike1144]

I have used Revit and RISA products together on a few small retail buildings. Our firm just started with Revit last month in anticipation of architects in our area using it. I understand my minimal training plays a part, but Revit is one of the most infuriating programs there is on this planet. The help files are useless and poorly indexed. Add that to RISA , the second most infuriating program there is, and well I'm struggling to keep my sanity. I never use RISA to generate accurate models. I always rounded off, and made conservative guesses on member locations. You don't have that luxury with Revit. Revit by its nature is exact. RISA by its nature is close simulation of the structure. I don't see how integrating the two will help me with the buildings I design. (Retail strip centers, school additions, and the occasional church) I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to decipher Revit before they have me committed.

I would really like to hear from other engineers who have used Revit to develop custom families.

 

[ltlspf]

Thanks for your input!