· Daniel Madeley ·

Revit for Structural Engineers: Tips and Best Practices

Practical tips for using Revit Structure effectively, from model organization to export workflows.

bim revit structural modeling

Revit for Structural Engineers: Tips and Best Practices

Revit has become the de facto standard for structural BIM modeling in the UK. After using it on projects ranging from single dwellings to high-rise towers, here are the tips I wish I’d known from the start.

Model Setup

Start with the Right Template

A good structural template includes:

  • Standard structural families
  • View templates for plans, sections, schedules
  • Pre-configured line styles and patterns
  • Sheet templates with title blocks
  • Standard annotation families

Don’t model from scratch - inherit from proven templates.

Levels and Grids First

These are the skeleton of your model:

Levels:

  • Create all structural levels before modeling
  • Name consistently (Level 00, Level 01, not Ground, First)
  • Include non-structural levels (Top of Parapet, Roof)
  • Set accurate elevations from survey data

Grids:

  • Establish grid system with architect
  • Use logical naming (A-Z horizontally, 1-n vertically)
  • Consider grid extents on different levels
  • Lock important grids

Worksets Strategy

For larger projects, organize with worksets:

Worksets example:
- Shared Levels and Grids
- Structural Foundations
- Structural Frame - Substructure
- Structural Frame - Superstructure
- Structural Slabs
- Analysis (if modeling)
- Coordination (reference links)

Key principle: Open only worksets you need. It improves performance.

Modeling Techniques

Foundation Modeling

Pad foundations:

  • Use Structural Foundations family
  • Model at correct level (underside of pad)
  • Include pedestal if needed

Pile foundations:

  • Custom families often needed
  • Consider how piles appear in schedules
  • Link pile layout from geotechnical engineer if available

Ground beams:

  • Use Structural Framing
  • Set correct reference level
  • Check beam family has appropriate parameters

Concrete Frame

Columns:

  • Host to correct level
  • Use base offset for accuracy
  • Define Top Level for multi-story columns
  • Check attachment to beams/slabs

Beams:

  • Reference Level vs Reference Point (understand the difference)
  • Use beam systems for regular layouts
  • Check beam-column connections

Slabs:

  • Structural floors, not architectural
  • Define layers properly (structural vs finishes)
  • Slab edge families for drop edges
  • Consider openings early (easier to add now)

Steel Frame

Standard sections:

  • Load UK sections (UKB, UKC, PFC, angles)
  • Set correct cross-section rotation
  • Check Start/End connection settings

Connections:

  • Model for visualization, not detail
  • Use generic connection families
  • Don’t over-detail - coordination purpose

Bracings:

  • Use structural framing
  • Check member is “Brace” type
  • Model to working points (node to node)

Productivity Techniques

Keyboard Shortcuts

Learn these, use them constantly:

VV / VG - Visibility Graphics
WT - Tile Views
WC - Close Hidden Views
ZA - Zoom All
HH - Hide Element
HR - Reset Hidden
DI - Aligned Dimension
EL - Spot Elevation
PP - Pin Element
UP - Unpin

Customize additional shortcuts in Options > Keyboard.

View Templates

Create and use view templates:

  • Structural Plan - Foundations
  • Structural Plan - Frame
  • Structural Section - Working
  • Structural Section - Presentation

Apply templates, then override only what’s necessary.

Filters for Structural Visualization

Create filters based on structural parameters:

  • By material (Concrete, Steel)
  • By size (highlight large sections)
  • By phase (existing vs new)
  • By design status (checked vs unchecked)

Schedules

Power features for structural engineers:

Calculated fields:

Volume (m³) = Length * Width * Height
Weight (kN) = Volume * Density

Conditional formatting:

  • Highlight oversized members
  • Flag missing parameters
  • Identify design issues

Export to Excel:

  • For quantities takeoff
  • For design input
  • For checking purposes

Coordination Workflows

Linking Architectural Models

  1. Copy/Monitor for grids and levels

    • Alerts when architect changes
    • Don’t copy elements you’ll model differently

  2. View filters to control link visibility

    • Create “Linked Architecture” filter
    • Set to halftone or transparent

  3. Coordination review workflow

    • Regular model exchange schedule
    • Clash detection in Navisworks
    • Issues tracked in shared system

IFC Export

When sending to analysis software:

  • Use built-in IFC export
  • Check settings (IFC 2x3 or IFC4 as required)
  • Test export/import cycle
  • Document any geometry translation issues

Working with Contractors

Model delivery:

  • Native RVT preferred (for Navisworks federation)
  • IFC for interoperability
  • DWG for legacy workflows

Shop drawing interface:

  • Define what contractor can modify
  • Consider live link for complex projects
  • Establish deviation tolerance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Wrong Reference Levels

Beams modeled at wrong level cause:

  • Incorrect schedules
  • Wrong quantities
  • Analysis model errors

Check reference levels when strange things happen.

2. Unhosted Elements

Elements not properly hosted:

  • Won’t move with grids
  • Break when levels change
  • Cause coordination issues

Host everything appropriately.

3. Over-Detailed Modeling

Not everything needs full detail:

  • Bolts in connection families - rarely needed
  • Rebar in concrete - separate discipline usually
  • Weld symbols - annotation, not geometry

Model what adds value. Over-modeling slows everything.

4. Ignoring Warnings

Revit warnings indicate problems:

  • Duplicate elements in same location
  • Slight off-axis geometry
  • Hosting issues

Address warnings regularly - they accumulate into serious problems.

5. Poor File Management

Avoid:

  • Working on central file directly
  • Not syncing regularly
  • Editing others’ worksets without checking

Practice:

  • Local files for all work
  • Regular sync with central
  • Compact file periodically
  • Audit and purge before issue

Integration with Analysis

Analytical Model

Revit’s analytical model:

  • Automatically generated from physical
  • Often needs adjustment (supports, releases)
  • Export to Robot, ETABS, or via open formats

Tips:

  • Check analytical model in 3D view
  • Verify node locations
  • Set supports correctly
  • Confirm member releases

Direct integration:

  • Sends geometry and loads
  • Returns results to Revit
  • Can update sections automatically

Caveats:

  • Not all Revit elements transfer perfectly
  • Complex geometry may need manual adjustment
  • Always verify results independently

Conclusion

Revit is powerful but requires discipline. The best Revit users:

  • Start with solid foundations (templates, standards)
  • Use keyboard shortcuts and view templates
  • Understand hosting and reference levels
  • Coordinate actively with other disciplines
  • Model purposefully (not everything, just what’s needed)

Invest in learning Revit properly - it’s a career-long tool. The time spent upfront pays dividends on every project thereafter.

London