One-Click Bridge Automation Modelled in Revit

Synopsis:

Revit is built mainly for Building but with Dynamo and Python application, we can push to its limits for Bridges’ components creation. From curvy Decks family created as prefabrication brought into Project, Girders and Bearings then will be placed exactly as design requirement. Abutments, Pier and Piles will follow down to Piles. Finally, Barriers will be added along corresponding alignment strings. Is it possible to generate all these components by just one click?

Learning Objectives:

1. Place adaptive components along string alignment with skew angle taken into account

2. How to bring survey coordinates (usually far away) into Project Environment and Family Editor.

3. How to assign Bridges Categories to a Family

Body:

Bridge Deck surface following to road design strings in two directions, plan and elevation curves is quite challenging. It can be overcome by utilising adaptive family. With parametric profile families put along alignment string, the deck form will be built at exact size and shape include skew angle, with integrated information for thickness varies and on-site coordinates in Family Editor. Asphalt Finishes, Pavement and Approach Slab, Kerb Stitches are modelled as family in the same approach.

When loaded into Project the decks can be located into their span location easily thanks to their coordinates value. The decks soffit provides perfect set-out surface for Super-T Girders, Abutments and Piers arrangement. The Girder’s Flanges will follow the Deck cross fall with skew angle at their two ends as an option. The Abutments and Pier will snap into their place at the Decks’ ends, with option whether including Blade Walls and Pile Caps. The Girders soffit in turn provide spatial info for Tapered Plates and Bearings to come. Similarly, the Pile Cap with Piles. Back to top, Barriers, Safety Fence and Balustrades will be arranged along corresponding alignment strings with many pattern options.

The original input for there all components comes from the same LandXML file containing critical alignment strings, as a single source of true. As a side note, Revit actually support Bridges categories although these categories are not shown in User Interface (yet).