How to draw a duct through several levels?

[Siberian]

What's the best way to draw a duct or pipe through two or more levels of a building such that calulations can still be performed? The level heights and constructs are defined in the Project Navigator. Ideas?

[tzframpton]

If you need it to be a continuous duct run, then you can keep the duct run in one level. Even if you draw the duct higher or lower than the defined level AFF or Height, it doesn't matter as it'll still come together in the complete model. That's how I would do it anyways.

[blackeagle1245]

After a long search, I have found out that you can do this. You just draw a duct for example from 1th floor to 10th floor. Then just save this construct then xref this file to other files ( normal plans 1th floor to 10th floor per each) . Then if you just connect the duct it will connected by itself and it will connect the duct in first drawing in xref. It has a video in internet but I dont know the link I can put here if you wish.

[Siberian]

Appreciate the replies Recently I've been trying to explore the concept of cut planes, in an attempt to ultimately be able to have my complete model within one dwg-file, bringing in the xrefs at different elevations as I need them. It might be a dead end, what do you think? In the application status bar (while in a loaded project) a drop-down list of all the levels appear with their respective elevations. I don't know how to use this list yet, but I'm sure it'll make my job easier once I figure it out! Any of you know?

[tzframpton]

I wouldn't attempt Cut Planes for each level if you're trying to plot sheets. The way I do it is XREF in the top and/or bottom level and connect the duct in the current level, dividing everything up accordingly. It sucks but it's really the best way I've seen it work.

 

Blackeagle's suggestion is a very good one, too. I've tried it before and it works great, but I still stick to my own procedure just out of preference.

[Siberian]

I wouldn't attempt Cut Planes for each level if you're trying to plot sheets.

I'm familiar with using cut planes within a single level, but not for seperating several of them. I'm though still interested in having my whole system of ducts and pipes in a single drawing. The probem then is how to "hide" my ducts/pipes on the levels I'm not currently working on...

[tzframpton]

I'm though still interested in having my whole system of ducts and pipes in a single drawing.

I'm not trying to sound at all rude or condescending but you're going to have to completely dissolve this idea if you want to be efficient in AutoCAD MEP. I've been using AutoCAD MEP since it was Autodesk Building Systems 2007 and through a lot of trial and error of my own experience in methods and procedures I have came to the conclusion this simply is not the way to do it.

 

Revit MEP is the only alternative since everything is housed within a single RVT file, thus making everything in "one model". Revit MEP can accomplish this very easily, AutoCAD MEP simply cannot.

[Siberian]

Revit MEP is the only alternative since everything is housed within a single RVT file, thus making everything in "one model". Revit MEP can accomplish this very easily, AutoCAD MEP simply cannot.

I thank you for your insight once again I've been looking at Revit MEP as well. One of the things I've noticed is that out of the box it seems to lack much of what AutoCAD MEP has regarding content like parts, pipes, fittings, you name it. Also it appears to be much less customizeable, for example in terms of looks. I remember trying to change the background color, and being presented with only a couple of choices, whereas in AutoCAD you can customize the overall look down to the most minute detail if you like. I've only had a few glances so I'm not saying it's so - only my first impression.

[tzframpton]

I thank you for your insight once again I've been looking at Revit MEP as well. One of the things I've noticed is that out of the box it seems to lack much of what AutoCAD MEP has regarding content like parts, pipes, fittings, you name it.

I can relate to that. AutoCAD MEP does offer a lot more "out of the box" but don't let this fool you into thinking that Revit's abilities are lacking. Once you build your library of functioning catalog parts, you'll never turn back to AutoCAD MEP.

 

 

Also it appears to be much less customizeable, for example in terms of looks. I remember trying to change the background color, and being presented with only a couple of choices, whereas in AutoCAD you can customize the overall look down to the most minute detail if you like.

Revit doesn't need much customizing. It's not AutoCAD. Most people that try to change Revit to look and feel like AutoCAD have lost the battle. Revit is best left alone, once I realized that it became logical to me and I understood Revit, and I then began to love Revit. Leave the background white don't change the shortcuts. Those are two pieces of advice that will help you go a long, long way in Revit MEP.

[Siberian]

The way I do it is XREF in the top and/or bottom level and connect the duct in the current level, dividing everything up accordingly. It sucks but it's really the best way I've seen it work.

 

Blackeagle's suggestion is a very good one, too. I've tried it before and it works great, but I still stick to my own procedure just out of preference.

I understand Blackeagles approach, but yours I don't get completely. Could you explain it further?