One of the specific and more difficult types of reinforcement to model in Revit is punching shear reinforcement on RC slabs. In this short article, we will look at how you can improve the process of preparing the drawing documentation in Revit by generating punching reinforcement using the Dynamo script, based on the reinforcement calculated in Advance Design.
Apart from the preparation of the script in Dynamo, the operating procedure consists of several simple steps:
- Calculate the Punching Shear Reinforcement with Advance Design in a model synchronized with Revit.
- Export the Punching Shear Reinforcement results from Advance Design to Excel, using results tables.
- Create and Run a Dynamo script that reads the data from the Excel sheet and generates the appropriate reinforcement in Revit.
The basis of the presentation will be a RC slab supporting columns that is calculated in Advance Design and then synchronized with Revit. Although we use a simple model with some plates and columns to present the process, we can successfully apply it to real projects.
Figure 1 – Model in Advance Design
Figure 2 – Top reinforcement area in Advance Design
In the example, the design calculations of reinforcement in reinforced concrete slabs were carried out, as well as the verification of the shear punching along with the determination of the required reinforcement.
In the case of bending reinforcement in the slab, we can automatically generate the reinforcement in Revit using Advance PowerPack tools. Also, with the use of the PowerPack, we can create additional structural reinforcement, such as edge or hole reinforcement.
In this example, however, we will only focus on the punching shear reinforcement. For this purpose, we export the report table ‘Provided punching reinforcement around perimeters’ from Advance Design to Excel sheet. The table contains all the data we need, including the ID numbers of slabs and columns, the location of perimeters with punching shear reinforcement, the number and diameter of bars in the perimeters as well as spacings.
Figure 3 – Provided punching reinforcement table exported to Excel
The Dynamo script needs only one input – Excel file. It extracts data from the spreadsheet and then groups the read data relative to plates and columns. Then the existing floors and structural columns in Revit model are found using the numbers stored in the ‘mark’ parameter, which was completed during model synchronization with Advance Design. Then other required information is collected from the Revit model, such as floor thickness, reinforcement cover or column geometry parameters. In the next step vertical bars of the shear punching reinforcement are generated, and thanks to the fact that they are grouped into perimeters, bars can be inserted as one set in Revit.
Figure 4 – Dynamo script
Figure 5 – Punching reinforcement in Revit
In addition to importing geometric information, the script can complement a number of other data. For example, for created rebars the „mark” parameter could be modified by combination of ID numbers of a floor + column + perimeter. Depending on the needs, we can group the bars in various ways, as well as add some shared parameters with the identification data, in order to be able to use them in reinforcement tables, tags or filters.
Figure 6 – Floor plan.
This is an example showing how Dynamo can be used to generate rebar in Revit saving a lot of time on the modeling and detailing side, but it shows as well the great potential that lies in the ability to automate the process of creating drawing documentation, especially with the use of detailed results from Advance Design!
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