Specifics of developing an information model (BIM) for automated systems using REVIT
Some of ENECA's main priorities are development and application of BIM technologies. BIM design allows not only to minimise mistakes caused by collisions of engineering networks intersections, but also to significantly reduce the design work deadlines. In this article, we will consider the use of BIM technologies for developing projects of automated process control systems (process technology automation, automation of heat and thermal engineering solutions for boiler plants, automation of HVAC systems, etc.) using Autodesk Revit software.
There is a range of plugins available for Revit for the design of cable routes and cable length calculation. For these purposes, Automation Department of ENECA uses OSTEC plugins (for laying cable routes), Connect To EIPanel (plug-in for forming electrical connections) and BIM Electrical Design by Schneider Electric (for cable length calculation).
- Automation construction project comprises the following documents:
- Automation functional diagrams,
- List of embedded parts for installation of C&I devices,
- Principle electrical diagrams,
- Diagrams and/or tables of external electrical wiring connections and terminals,
- Equipment and electrical wiring layout plans;
- Lists of equipment, items and materials;
- General arrangement drawings of non-typical items.
There is a range of plugins available for Revit for the design of cable routes and cable length calculation. For these purposes, Automation Department of ENECA uses OSTEC plugins (for laying cable routes), Connect To EIPanel (plug-in for forming electrical connections) and BIM Electrical Design by Schneider Electric (for cable length calculation).
Modelling cable routes using OSTEC plugin
Here is a short description of the cable tray modelling. Cable support systems are built on the already uploaded underlay (related files of other design disciplines) using OSTEC plug-in. Besides, all connecting elements (branch connectors, tee sections, etc.) are arranged automatically - this is very convenient. When a cable route section is ready, it is necessary to provide for tray fasteners (cable brackets, racks, hangers, etc.). Selecting the required fastening type and assigning it to the necessary tray, the plug-in automatically fixes the fastener to the needed surface. For example, if a tray is to be laid along the wall, then the plug-in will automatically place fasteners along the wall at a specified level with a specified interval and create a logical connection with the tray. Fixings to other surfaces (floor, slab, ceiling, etc.) are performed similarly.
Here is a short description of the cable tray modelling. Cable support systems are built on the already uploaded underlay (related files of other design disciplines) using OSTEC plug-in. Besides, all connecting elements (branch connectors, tee sections, etc.) are arranged automatically - this is very convenient. When a cable route section is ready, it is necessary to provide for tray fasteners (cable brackets, racks, hangers, etc.). Selecting the required fastening type and assigning it to the necessary tray, the plug-in automatically fixes the fastener to the needed surface. For example, if a tray is to be laid along the wall, then the plug-in will automatically place fasteners along the wall at a specified level with a specified interval and create a logical connection with the tray. Fixings to other surfaces (floor, slab, ceiling, etc.) are performed similarly.
Fig.2 Fragment of 3D model with a cable tray
All used installation materials are automatically recorded in the formed list.
Electrical communication modelling and calculation of cables
It is very convenient to use plug-in "Connect To EIPanel" for building electrical communications. Its advantage is that it enables to simultaneously connect several devices of the same type to one control cabinet (etc.). Each electrical communication is displayed in an automatically generated cable log. Using a script developed by BIM specialists of ENECA, the positions of cables are automatically generated in accordance with the BIM standard of the company and the tray filling ratio is calculated.
It is very convenient to use plug-in "Connect To EIPanel" for building electrical communications. Its advantage is that it enables to simultaneously connect several devices of the same type to one control cabinet (etc.). Each electrical communication is displayed in an automatically generated cable log. Using a script developed by BIM specialists of ENECA, the positions of cables are automatically generated in accordance with the BIM standard of the company and the tray filling ratio is calculated.
Fig.4 Fragment of layout plan including C&I devices and a cable route
When all electrical communications have been formed and positions have been assigned to all cables, plug-in " BIM Electrical Design" calculates the cable lengths. All the lengths are automatically recorded in the cable log.
Submission of assignments to MEP departments
After arranging the equipment and drawing the cable routes using Revit, you can submit an assignment to MEP departments. At the moment, it is possible to submit assignments to architects (holes, openings), electricians (equipment plan + load table), and MEP-specialists in the field of fire alarm systems (plan).
BIM Department of the company has developed a special script to submit assignments regarding holes and openings to the architects.
In conclusion, we would like to add that ENECA's team of BIM specialists actively works in all areas of BIM design, and list a number of advantages of implementing an automation project using Revit:
After arranging the equipment and drawing the cable routes using Revit, you can submit an assignment to MEP departments. At the moment, it is possible to submit assignments to architects (holes, openings), electricians (equipment plan + load table), and MEP-specialists in the field of fire alarm systems (plan).
BIM Department of the company has developed a special script to submit assignments regarding holes and openings to the architects.
In conclusion, we would like to add that ENECA's team of BIM specialists actively works in all areas of BIM design, and list a number of advantages of implementing an automation project using Revit:
- Enhancement of work productivity;
- Enhancement of project quality by minimising errors;
- Convenience of exchange of data, assignments between the specialists of MEP departments;
- Elimination of routine work on calculating cables and materials;
- Addition of creative touch to the design process.