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    SimScale DocumentationKnowledge BaseHow to Export a Model From Revit to SimScale?

    How to Export a Model From Revit to SimScale?

    Created On
    byAjitkumar Ananthu Jeyakumar

    This article explains different ways to export a Revit model and import it into SimScale for simulations, thus answering the following frequently asked questions:

    • Can I export Revit models to SimScale?
    • Can SimScale import native Revit formats?

    Supported Formats From Revit

    SimScale supports the following Revit CAD export formats:

    • Revit (.RVT)
    • ACIS (.SAT)
    • STL (.STL)

    Direct Export to SimScale (.RVT)

    It is possible to directly export a model as .RVT, and then upload it to SimScale.

    • Select the ‘File’ tab;
    • Save your model as a ‘Project’:
    saving the revit model as project to export directly
    Figure 1: A direct export of the model as .rvt is possible when saving it as a Project.

    Then name the file, and choose the location where it will be saved:

    name and save the file as rvt
    Figure 2: Naming and saving the .rvt file at the end of the export

    It is now ready to be uploaded to SimScale.

    ACIS (.SAT) Export

    Revit supports a direct ACIS file export. Once the model is ready and watertight without gaps, users can export it from Revit using File –> Export –> CAD Formats –> ACIS (SAT).

    acis export revit to cfd
    Figure 3: Steps to perform an ACIS file export
    • Next, Revit asks for items to export.
    • Selecting an ‘<in-session view/sheet set>’ option from the list ensures the export of only elements in the current view.
    • Then select ‘Next’ to export the Revit model as ACIS.
    saving a file from revit as acis
    Figure 4: ACIS export panel

    STL Export

    In the case of complex Revit models like cityscapes or building masses, STL exports are handy. An STL export option is possible directly with Revit.

    Use STL Export to customize and export your Revit model to an STL file:

    • Open a 3D view.
    • Click the File tab –> Export –>CAD Formats –>STL.
    creating an stl file in revit
    Figure 5: STL Export Options

    Note

    The exported geometry will be based on the current view, and will reflect the visibility and graphics settings of it.

    • In the STL Export dialog , specify your STL file options and click save:
    Figure 6: In this panel, you will select the format of the STL file, the resolution that will be translated in the number of elements, as well as the units of the model. Make sure you chose the correct one, otherwise you will get an overly large or small model instead.

    Then you will be prompted to decide upon the location of the saved file. After you are done, select ‘OK’ to proceed:

    name and save the file in your pc as stl file
    Figure 7: Naming and saving the file after the creation

    Note

    STLs from Revit intended for internal flow, structural and Incompressible analysis types, have to be modeled watertight (without gaps ). Except for LBM/PWC analyses, it is advised to use an ACIS CAD format.

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    Last updated: September 21st, 2021

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