Workflow: Copy/Monitor for Linked Models

This workflow describes a typical process to coordinate efforts between an architectural team and an engineering team working on the same building using linked models.

To use Copy/Monitor with linked models

1. The architect creates the architectural model, as follows:
   1. Creates levels and grids, at a minimum. The architect can also add columns, walls, floors, and other elements.
   2. Saves the architectural project file.
2. The engineer creates an empty structural model or an empty MEP model (the engineering model), as follows:
   1. Uses a project template that defines the desired views and settings.

      See Project Templates.

   2. Saves the empty project file.
3. The engineer copies relevant architectural elements to the engineering model, as follows:
   1. Links the architectural model into the engineering model.

      See Link One Model to Another.

   2. Pins the linked model in place, so that it cannot be moved inadvertently, as follows:
      • Selects the linked model in the drawing area.
        Tip: Move the cursor over the linked model in the drawing area. When its boundary is highlighted, click to select it.
      • Clicks Modify | RVT Links tabModify panel (Pin).
   3. Copies levels from the architectural model to the engineering model.

      See Copy Levels for Monitoring.

   4. Copies grids and other elements from the architectural model to the engineering model.

      See Copy Elements for Monitoring.

   5. (Optional) Hides levels (and grids and other copied elements) in the linked architectural model, or hides the linked architectural model.

      See Visibility of Linked Models or Hide a Linked Model in a View.

   6. Adds structural elements or mechanical elements to the engineering model, as desired.

   If any copied elements are moved or changed in the architectural model, the engineers are notified of the changes when they open the engineering model or reload the architectural model. These warnings also display in a coordination review.

4. In the architectural model, the architect monitors relevant structural elements or mechanical elements, as follows:
   1. Links the engineering model into the architectural model.

      See Link One Model to Another.

   2. Pins the linked model in place.
   3. Monitors (without copying) levels, grids, and other elements in the engineering model.

      See Monitor Elements in the Current Project.

   4. (Optional) Hides the linked model.
   5. Adds architectural elements to the architectural model, as desired.

   If any monitored elements are moved or changed in the engineering model, architects are notified of the changes whenever they open the architectural model or reload the engineering model. These warnings also display in a coordination review.

5. At regular intervals, architects or engineers can do the following:
   • Perform a coordination review to see changes to monitored elements, communicate with team members, and take appropriate action.
   • Perform an interference check to identify invalid intersections of elements between the current model and a linked model.