Convert and Update Doors and Windows

Session 4 of 7

Create Structural Openings based on linked Doors and Windows

Introduction

This session provides step-by-step guidance on how to create structural openings based on linked Doors and Windows in your model.

Video Tutorial

User Interface

Step 1: Import ConVoid Opening Families

Before beginning the process, be sure to import the following ConVoid Families into your project:

Step 1: Import Families

Structural Openings

CC Structural Opening - Door
CC Structural Opening - Window

Generic Openings:

CC Horizontal Opening Circular
CC Horizontal Opening Rectangle
CC Horizontal Recess Circular
CC Horizontal Recess Rectangle
CC Vertical Opening Circular
CC Vertical Opening Rectangle
CC Vertical Recess Circular
CC Vertical Recess Rectangle

The families are under the path [.../Documents/conclass/Revit Content/%year%/%language%]. If you cannot locate the families, you can download them here.

Step 2: Opening Filter

Step 2: Create an Opening Filter

Start ConVoid and begin by creating an Opening Filter. This filter will be used to define the conditions for the opening creation process. Since you want to create structural openings, the setup is simple. Begin by creating an Opening Filter and giving it a name, such as "Structural Openings". If you have multiple linked models that contain architectural doors and windows, you can also create one filter for each model.

Create a new Opening Filter.

Duplicate an existing Opening Filter.

Rename an existing Opening Filter.

Delete an existing Opening Filter.

Save all Opening Filters in a *.xml file and use them in other projects.

Import an existing Opening Filter into your project from a *.xml file.

Step 3: Creation Scope

Step 3: Set the Scope on where to create openings

Continue by defining the upper and lower levels and may include an offset. ConVoid will then adapt openings between these levels. If the Section Box in a 3-D View is activated, this option is grayed out, as the scope has already been set.

Step 4: Reference Projects, Categories and Elements

Step 4: Reference Elements

In this section, you must select the project(s) that include the Architectural Doors and Windows. After that choose the categories Doors and Windows.

Step 5: Host Elements

Step 5: Host Projects, Categories and Elements

In the section below, you must select your current project that includes the Walls. So most commonly, it is the structural model.

Select the category Walls under the section 'Create Horizontal Openings in'.

Step 7: Clash Detection

Step 6: Clash Detection

Click the Refresh Button to start the clash detection between the selected Reference- and Host Categories.

Step 8: Conditions

Step 7: Conditions and Parameter Filter

The Condition field will be enabled once the clash detection has been completed. Now you have to define the conditions of the openings.

Level for Horizontal Openings

Select the Level <Host Level>.

Host Level: By selecting <Host Level> the openings will follow the levels of the host element, such as the base and top level of the wall.

Other available options include:

Building Story: The openings will be constrained to the nearest upper and lower building story.
Reference Level: The openings will follow the level of the reference element.
Specific Level: The openings will be placed at a designated level of your choosing.

Creation Mode

In the next step, you must choose the creation mode "Opening":

Opening

ConVoid will create penetrations that fully intersect the host element, even if the reference element does not penetrate the host element completely.

Oversize

The oversize value is used to increase the dimension of an opening with a clearance zone. Since the aim is to adopt the exact dimension of the linked doors and windows, keep the value at 0.

Rectangle and Circular Families

In the dropdown 'Rectangle' select Door or Window Family:

CC Structural Opening - Door
CC Structural Opening - Window

If these openings are not listed, make sure to import the families into your project.

Parameter Filter

Select the Parameter 'Category' and the Value 'Doors' or 'Windows', depending on your select family above.

Add Opening Type:

Add an Opening Type by clicking on [Add Horizontal Opening Type] and configure the settings; apply the settings for windows instead of doors, or vice versa.

Step 9: Start Creation Process

Step 8: Start the Creation Process

Click [OK] to start the process of creating the structural openings. ConVoid will now place the openings automatically in your project. All your settings will be automatically saved by just clicking OK.

The structural openings are displayed as symbols in the 2-D view. The families contain a variety of symbols, which you can select according to your needs; please refer to the session Family Symbols. In a 3-D view, the openings are represented as solids.