Objective
This article shows how to export a Revit model and import it into SimScale for simulations. This answers the following frequently asked questions:
- Can I export Revit models to SimScale?
- Can SimScale import native Revit formats?
Supported Formats From Revit
SimScale supports two of the Revit CAD export formats.
- ACIS (.sat)
- STL (.stl)
ACIS (.sat) Export
Revit supports a direct ACIS file export. Once when the model is ready and watertight without gaps, users can export it from Revit using File –> Export –> CAD Formats –> ACIS (SAT).
- 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.
STL Export
In the case of complex Revit models like cityscapes or building masses, STL exports are handy. An STL export option is possible only with a Revit add-on.
Details about how to get the Revit STL exporter can be found here.
- To export a Revit model or project as an STL, click Add-Ins –> STL Exporter for Revit
- To import the model with the correct size, units selected here should match at the time of SimScale CAD upload.
- Under the Categories tab, the list of necessary components/family groups can be selected for export.
- To find out how to prepare a CAD model in Revit, follow this article: How to make a Revit Model ready for Pedestrian Wind Comfort Analysis using SimScale?
- Once when the required elements are selected for export, the Save button can be pressed to write out the STL file.
To find out how to import a CAD model to SimScale and other CAD requirements click here.
Note: To use STLs from Revit for internal flow, structural and Incompressible analysis types, they have to be modeled watertight (without gaps ). Except for LBM/PWC analyses, it is advised to use an ACIS CAD format.
