Understanding the Three Types of BIM Techniques in Revit and How to Create a Revit Family

In Revit, families enable the parameterization and customization of 3D model element properties. These families are categorized into three types: system families, standard families, and built-in families. System families are predefined by the software and can only be modified within the project file. They cannot be loaded or saved as individual files. Standard families, on the other hand, are created using family templates and are customizable, with a file extension of *.rfa. These are commonly used for geometric shapes that are frequently repeated, allowing them to be saved separately and reused across multiple projects. Users most often create and modify these standard families. Built-in families are typically used for geometric objects with low reuse rates but that are related to other shapes within a project. They can only be used within the current project and cannot be saved or loaded independently.

Creating a Family

Revit comes equipped with a wide range of architectural component families, but bridge engineers often need to create numerous standard families. Bridge-specific families can also be downloaded from BIM-related learning websites to meet specialized requirements. Before starting to create a family, it is essential to select the appropriate family template, which presets the family category and parameters.

There are two main types of geometric shapes used in family creation: solid and void forms. Solid forms are used to create solid models, while void forms are used to cut openings. Basic geometric operations like extrusion, rotation, joining, and merging are used to shape these forms. Connections and cuts are performed through Boolean operations.

Families can also be nested by combining subfamilies, enabling the creation of more complex new families.

The parameterized steps to create a family include:

① Select the appropriate family template based on the content to be created;

② Define subcategories within the family and control the behavior of geometric primitives;

③ Build the family framework by setting insertion points, adding reference planes, and defining family types;

④ Add geometric shapes, create constraints, and adjust parameters;

⑤ Configure the display properties of graphical elements and verify that all parameters function correctly.

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