Model steel connections

00:03

Autodesk Revit allows you to model steel frames using structural steel families out of the box.

00:10

Revit also gives you access to a comprehensive library of more than 125 parametric connections

00:16

to help you model steel connections quickly.

00:19

To begin, navigate to the desired RVT file, and then open it.

00:26

With the project open in Revit, select any steel frame element.

00:34

This activates the Modify ribbon and reveals several options in the Properties palette.

00:40

Here, you can scroll through and select from a variety of structural steel families, including structural sections, girders, flanges, and more.

00:50

Click the Steel ribbon, and in the Connection panel, expand the connection options by clicking the arrow icon.

00:56

This opens the Structural Connection Settings dialog.

01:01

In the Available Connections list, use the scroll bar to explore the available options.

01:07

To load a connection into your project, select it from the list, and then click Add.

01:13

This moves the connection to the Loaded Connections list.

01:17

Once you have selected all the connections you want to load into the project, click OK to close the dialog.

01:24

With the Steel ribbon still active, in the Connection panel, click Connection.

01:30

Select the steel members in sequence, as you want to connect them in the workspace.

01:36

In the Properties palette, expand the drop-down to view the connections you loaded into the project.

01:41

Then pick your connection.

01:43

Press Enter.

01:45

In this example, Clip angle is selected and added as a connection between the selected members.

01:51

You can now edit the connection.

01:54

With the Clip angle selected, click Edit Type to open the properties dialog specific to that connection family.

02:01

It is also possible to edit connection parameters from the Properties palette by clicking the Edit button next to Detailed Parameters.

02:09

Note that the connection object must be selected to enable this button.

02:14

The Override by Instance option must also be enabled.

02:18

In the properties dialog that opens, there are several options to adjust connection parameters.

02:25

Explore each tab to modify parameters like angle, bolt type, bolt count, and bolt spacings.

02:33

Revit also has a specific category for steel connections

02:37

and gives you control of the display of components like plates, bolts, and anchors.

02:43

To toggle the visibility of those components, use the keyboard shortcut “V, V” to open the Visibility/Graphic Overrides for 3D View dialog.

02:53

In Revit, you can model to a higher level of detail,

02:57

creating better-coordinated and more accurate models that connect steel design and detailing.