Forums >> Revit Building >> Technical Support >> REVIT MEP - Separate models for MEP disciplines

tdaggett

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Joined: Thu, Dec 3, 2009
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Hi Revit people. I am using Revit MEP version 2012 for a large elementary school project to begin in the next few weeks. My question for any MEP users is: Do any of you have experience with splitting up the discplines into separate models? Example: Electrical for one model, Mechanical in another, etc. and then linking them into a main model to keep file size/performance at a tolerable level?  I am considering all options because I saw what happened with a large elementary school that we helped out with and the file was very slow. Any suggestions/experience with this would be appreciated.

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mbsteve

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Joined: Fri, Sep 22, 2006
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I have only done, a couple of projects, with the MEP, I used the same model for the architecture, and the MEP, because you set up the views as such, I would always use the same model. My largest project is a small motel, with Retail attached mixed use. Don't really think it slowed down the model at all.

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jlights

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Joined: Tue, Dec 18, 2007
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We use only one model for all MEP disciplines, and we do a lot of very large projects. Multiple models linked to your central model can result in multiple headaches. We have a couple of projects set up that way and it's not ideal. Avoid this if possible; that's what worksets are for. Don't forget you'll also (I assume) have an architectural model linked to your central model. Managing all those links can get complicated.

In your central model, make sure you are using worksets for the various disciplines, and each user should turn off any worksets they don't need to see. Also, have team members check Big Purple R > options button > Graphics tab and check Use Harware Acceleration and Use Anti-Aliasing for 3D views; that may help speed up the project. Good luck.

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jlights

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WWHub

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Joined: Tue, May 16, 2006
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We are architects so we link in structiral, mechanical, plumbing and electrical models.  Managing links is not a problem when done correctly.  And for MEP people, I suggest you keep your models seperate just because of file size.

We don't do really large project so our largest architectural only model was 250 meg done in Revit 8 (32bit).  Without linked files controlled using worksets, we could never have been able to use our consultant files.

Learn to use worksets and really do your homework on file linking and the copy/monitor process.

BTW - We recently convcerted this old 2008 file to 2012 on a 64 bit machine.  What a joy!  Wish we had had that machine and program then.

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tdaggett

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Thanks!!

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erocs125

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Joined: Fri, Dec 7, 2012
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When using separate models, can the EE land power to electrical connectors on families that reside in the mechanical model?  I have always worked in a single model (M and E together) and so landing power was simple as long as the paramaters are under control, at my new company, we are utilizing separate models for speed but how does that EE pick up the connectors on a family that exists in a different model?

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