Step-by-Step Guide to Modeling a 2-Story Building in Revit

1. Setting Up Grids and Levels

Adding Levels:

1. Open an Elevation View:

o Go to the Project Browser and double-click on an elevation view (e.g., South or

2. Create Levels:

o Go to the Architecture tab → Level tool.

o Click to place the first level (e.g., Level 1) at 0 meters (ground level).

o Place the second level (Level 2) at 3 meters above Level 1.

3. Adjust Levels:

o Use the Move tool to adjust level heights if needed.

o Rename levels for clarity (e.g., "Ground Floor" and "First Floor").

Adding Grids:

1. Open a Plan View (e.g., Level 1):

o Go to Architecture tab → Grid tool.

2. Place Vertical Grids:

o Draw vertical grids at equal intervals (e.g., 5 meters apart).

o Name the grids sequentially (A, B, C…).

3. Place Horizontal Grids:

o Draw horizontal grids similarly and name them (1, 2, 3…).

2. Creating Floors and Slabs

Adding Floors:

1. Go to the Plan View:

o Select the Level 1 floor plan.

2. Create a Floor:

o Go to the Architecture tab → Floor tool.

o Select the Floor type (e.g., Concrete or Timber).

o Use the Line tool or Rectangle tool to define the floor area within the grids.

o Click Finish Edit Mode once the boundary is complete.

Copy Floors to Level 2:

1. Select the Floor:

o In Level 1, click on the floor to select it.

2. Copy to Clipboard:

o Click Copy (Ctrl+C).

3. Paste to Level 2:

o Go to Level 2 view and click Paste Aligned → Align to Selected Levels.

3. Adding Walls

Placing Walls:

1. Go to the Architecture Tab:

o Select Wall.

2. Choose Wall Type:

o In the Properties Panel, select the desired wall type (e.g., Generic - 200 mm or
Brick).

3. Draw the Walls:

o Place walls along the grid lines, ensuring they connect at corners.

o Use Align to ensure walls are precisely on grid lines.

Editing Walls:

• Adjust Height:

o Select the wall → go to Properties → set the Top Constraint to Level 2.

• Add Openings:

o Go to Architecture tab → Door or Window → place openings in walls.

4. Adding Roof and Ceiling

Creating a Roof:

1. Go to Level 2 Plan:

o Select Architecture tab → Roof tool.

o Use the Rectangle or Pick Walls tool to outline the roof.

o Set the Slope (e.g., 30 degrees) if it’s a sloped roof.

3. Finish and Confirm:

o Click Finish Edit Mode to complete.

5. Adding and Editing Doors and Windows

Place Doors:

1. Go to the Plan View:

o Open Level 1 or Level 2 plan.

2. Insert Door:

o Go to Architecture tab → Door.

o Choose a door type and click to place it within walls.

Place Windows:

1. Go to the Plan or Elevation View:

o Select Architecture tab → Window.

2. Position Windows:

o Align windows with walls and adjust their height from the floor.

6. Adding Stairs

Create Stairs:

1. Go to Level 1 Plan:

o Select Architecture tab → Stair.

2. Draw the Stair:

o Define the start and end points.

o Adjust riser height and tread depth as needed.

3. Connect Levels:

o Ensure the stairs connect Level 1 to Level 2 properly.

7. Editing and Modifying Elements

Modify Elements:
 1. Move or Copy:

o Select an element → use Move or Copy from the Modify tab.

2. Edit Profiles (Walls or Floors):

o Select the element → click Edit Profile (for walls) or Edit Boundary (for floors).

3. Adjust Dimensions:

o Use Dimensions Tool to set precise measurements.

Using Navisworks for Clash Detection in a 2-Story Building Project

Navisworks is an essential tool for clash detection and coordination in BIM projects. It integrates
models from various disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP) to identify conflicts before
construction begins. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Navisworks for clash detection in
your 2-story building project created in Revit.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Export Revit Models to Navisworks

1. Open Your Revit Project:

o Ensure your architectural, structural, and MEP models are complete.

2. Export Models:

o Go to File → Export → NWC (Navisworks Cache File).

o Export each discipline separately (e.g., one for architectural, one for structural, one
for MEP).

3. Save Files:

o Save the exported files in a common folder for easy access in Navisworks.

2. Open Models in Navisworks

1. Launch Navisworks Manage:

o Open Navisworks Manage and create a new project.

2. Append Models:

o Go to Home tab → Append → select your NWC files.

o Load the architectural, structural, and MEP models into a single project file.
 3. Verify Alignment:

o Ensure all models are aligned correctly. Use the Transform tool if any adjustments
are needed.

3. Perform Clash Detection

Setting Up Clash Detection:

1. Open Clash Detective Tool:

o Go to the Home tab → click Clash Detective.

2. Create a Clash Test:

o Click Add Test → name the test (e.g., "Structural vs. MEP").

3. Select Models for Comparison:

o Selection A: Choose the structural model.

o Selection B: Choose the MEP model.

4. Run the Clash Test:

o Click Run Test. Navisworks will detect clashes between the selected models.

Reviewing Clash Results:

1. View Clash List:

o Navisworks will generate a list of clashes, showing the exact locations of conflicts.

2. Navigate to Clashes:

o Click on a clash in the list, and Navisworks will zoom in to the clash location in the
model.

3. Classify Clashes:

o Use the Status Options (New, Active, Reviewed, Resolved) to track progress.

4. Add Comments:

o For each clash, you can add comments or assign issues to team members for
resolution.

4. Resolve Clashes in Revit

1. Identify Critical Clashes:

o Prioritize clashes that could cause significant issues on-site (e.g., HVAC ducts
intersecting with beams).
 2. Open Revit and Resolve:

o Return to the Revit model and make adjustments based on the clash detection
report.

o Examples:

▪ Modify Duct Routing: Adjust the ductwork to avoid structural elements.

▪ Relocate Conduits: Move electrical conduits to prevent conflicts with walls

3. Re-Export the Revised Model:

o After making changes, export the updated models to Navisworks again.

5. Validate Changes in Navisworks

1. Reload Updated Models:

o In Navisworks, replace the old models with the updated ones.

2. Re-Run Clash Test:

o Perform the clash test again to ensure that issues have been resolved.

3. Generate Clash Reports:

o Create detailed reports for the project team. Go to Reports → choose the format
(e.g., PDF or Excel).

6. Collaborate and Communicate

1. Share Clash Reports:

o Distribute the reports to relevant stakeholders (architects, engineers, contractors).

2. Coordination Meetings:

o Use Navisworks for visual walkthroughs during coordination meetings.

Benefits of Using Navisworks for Clash Detection

Benefit Description

Early Conflict Resolution Detects clashes during design, reducing costly on-site rework.

Enhanced Collaboration Facilitates better communication between teams.

Time Savings Reduces delays by addressing issues before construction.

Cost Efficiency Prevents budget overruns by avoiding unexpected clashes.

Using Navisworks for clash detection in your 2-story building project helps ensure that all systems
(structural, architectural, MEP) work together seamlessly. By resolving conflicts in the digital model,
you prevent costly mistakes during construction, improve project timelines, and enhance
collaboration among teams.