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Export from multiple Revit models to cove.tool
Export from multiple Revit models to cove.tool

Core+Shell, core & shell, multiple models, Revit import, drawing.tool

Christopher Riddell avatar
Written by Christopher Riddell
Updated over a week ago

Looking to export geometry from multiple models created as core & shell and interior or separate Core, Shell and Interior models? The process is simple thanks to the cove.tool Revit plug-in. The platform allows exporting geometry categories individually to the same project. This allows multiple BIM models to be part of a single building energy and analysis model!

Let's go over the building components within each model.

  • Core Model:
    The core of a building consists of interior elements such as staircases, elevator shafts, and MEP service risers. They can also include mechanical plant rooms, penthouse, and in some case toilets within a project. Core models are expected to include all the floors or slabs of a project. Typically structural models will include the elements which define these areas of a project.

  • Shell Model:
    The exterior envelope or shell model includes exterior features of the project, The facade, external skin or exterior structure are all part of the shell model. These can also include shading structures if included as part of the project. Typically these will be architectural models.

  • Interior Model:
    An interior or fit-out model includes all the interior finishes that make up the occupied areas of a project. This includes partitions, interior walls, internal doors and windows. Typically these will be architectural models.

Workflow

For a successful import we need to ensure that each geometry category is defined in a single Revit model. Next each model should be available to the team member performing the upload. Note, it's simplest if all the files are saved locally.

The plug-in allows users to export geometry one category at a time from and send information to any project in their project list. This function will be utilized to send information from multiple sources and collect it all into a single analysis model on the platform.

  1. Open the first Revit Model and complete the first portion of step 3 from the primary import workflow, number 1, 2 and 3 in the image below.
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  2. After creating the cove.tool views, open each 3D view that will be to exported from the active model. Refer to the graphic below for the recommended categories from each model type. Verify each view is showing the required geometry. Finally use the individual export buttons for each of the open geometry categories.

    Table 1: cove.tool Views to export from Models

  3. Once complete, open the next model and repeat steps 1 and 2. Make sure to select the same project name for all the models. Note: building height can be exported from any model, but typically would come from the core or shell models.

  4. Once all geometry categories from all the models are exported successfully, return to the cove.tool platform. To verify success, refresh the geometry page to find the areas exported.

  5. Proceed with the project analysis via either 3D analysis to complete the daylight, baseline energy and optimization workflows or to drawing.tool for loadmodeling.tool!

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