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Physical to Analytical Automation

Automate the creation, element connection, and update of the analytical model using the physical model as context.

To use physical to analytical automation:

  • In the Analyze tab Structural Analytical Model panel, click (Analytical Automation).
    Using the physical model as context, generate the analytical elements and connect them. Once the analytical model is built, it can be updated based on physical model changes.


Input Data

Select Physical Elements

In the Revit model, select the physical elements for which you want to create or update the analytical representation.

Supported elements:
  • Structural columns (architectural columns are not supported).
  • Walls
  • Structural framing (including the ones that are part of beam systems or trusses).
  • Floors

Foundations are not considered in this process.

All the other elements are kept in the selection but excluded from the analytical model creation and update process.

The supported elements of a group are considered.

You can view the list of selected elements by clicking Show Elements. These are listed by their ID.


Adjust Elements Using Connectivity Rules

The analytical model creation and update based on the physical model is done in two steps:
  1. Create/Update the analytical element position, geometry and parameters.
  2. Connect the analytical elements.

To also connect the analytical elements after creation and update, the 2.1. Adjust analytical elements using connectivity rules option needs to be set to (True). The default value is True.

The connectivity rules adjust the analytical elements position starting from a mark.

This mark can be represented by:
  1. The nearest level - 3.1 Adjust analytical elements to nearest level is set to (True).

    A tolerance that defines the nearest level is set using the 3.2. Tolerance of the distance to the nearest level parameter. E.g., set the tolerance value to 0,5.

    Tip: This distance is set in the length units of the project. Fractional units can be set in their decimal form.

  2. The first group of elements considered in adjustment, when the nearest level option is disabled - Set 4.1The first group of elements considered in adjustment to Wall.

    There are two other priorities in considering the adjustment order:
  3. The second group of elements considered in adjustment - Set 4.2. Second group of elements considered in adjustment to Column.
  4. The third group of elements considered in adjustment - Set 4.3 .Third group of elements considered in adjustment to Beam.
    To consider elements that need to be connected, set the tolerance for the distance between two end/corner nodes of the analyzed elements - 2.2. Tolerance of the distance between analytical elements. E.g., set the tolerance value to 0,35.
    Tip: This distance is set in the length units of the project. Fractional units can be set in their decimal form.
Example 1: Adjust elements without considering the nearest level
Note:
  • All the analytical elements are aligned on the center of the physical beams.
  • The contour of the analytical panel is adjusted to the beams-wall perimeter.
Reasoning:
  • The option to adjust to nearest level is OFF.
  • The corresponding analytical members for the structural framings are created on their center line.
  • The beam group has the first priority (after the level) in adjustment - this makes them stay in place, while the contour of the analytical panel is adjusted.


Example 2: Adjust elements considering the nearest level as main reference
Note:
  • All the analytical elements are aligned on the bottom part on Level 2.
  • The contour of the analytical panel is adjusted to the beams-wall perimeter.
Reasoning:
  • The option to adjust to nearest level is ON.
  • The tolerance of the distance to it is set to 3 feet.
  • The beam group has the first priority (after the level) in adjustment - this makes them stay in place, while the contour of the analytical panel is adjusted.
Example 3: Adjust elements considering a very small tolerance between analyzed nodes
Note: The analytical panel was created on the floor contour. The analytical columns, analytical beams and the analytical wall positions are adjusted to the analytical panel surface, but these elements are connected on the area of the panel, not on its nodes.
Reasoning:
  • The floor is the landmark considered in adjustment (the option to adjust to the nearest level is not so important here, as for the floor the top face is considered as reference for the analytical panel creation).
  • The distance between any corner of the panel and the beam/column/wall node is greater than 0.6 feet.


Inherit Properties from the Physical Elements

On creation/update, you can choose if the analytical element parameters should match the values of the ones of their physical counterparts.

The option is enabled by default - 5. Inherit properties from physical elements (material, section type, cross-section rotation) is set to (True).

Only some parameters are matched:
  • Analytical member:
    • Section type and family.
    • Material.
    • Cross-section rotation.
    • Structural role.
  • Analytical Panel:
    • Thickness (structural layer thickness for the multiple layer elements).
    • Material (structural layer material for the multiple layer elements).
    • Structural role.

Create Analytical Opening

You may choose whether or not to create the analytical openings based on the physical ones.

The option is enabled by default - 6. Create analytical openings for the selected floors and walls is set to (True).

Associate with the Physical Counterpart

You may choose to associate the physical elements used as context and their analytical counterparts.

The option is enabled by default - 7. Associate with physical counterpart is set to (True).
Note: See Associate Physical and Analytical Elements

Output

After creation or update all the analytical members are grouped in two lists: one for the members and the other one for panels and openings.

The list can help you identify elements and/or changes in the creation and update process:



Parent topic: Structural Analytical Automation

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