Create Openings for MEP Services
Introduction
This session will provide comprehensive, step-by-step guidance on how to create openings for MEP services using best practices.
Video Tutorial
Step 1: Create one or multiple Opening Filters
Start ConVoid [Convert Void] and begin by creating an Opening Filter.
This filter will be used to define the conditions for the opening creation process. To create openings based on all MEP services, simply create a single filter. Alternatively, if you need to differentiate between MEP system types, disciplines, or models, create multiple filters, such as Ventilation and Plumbing. This can be beneficial if you want to avoid openings from the ventilation and plumbing systems joining automatically.
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Create | Create a new Opening Filter |
| Duplicate | Duplicate an existing Opening Filter |
| Rename | Rename an existing Opening Filter |
| Delete | Delete an existing Opening Filter |
| Save | Save all Opening Filters in a .xml file and use them in other projects |
| Import | Import an existing Opening Filter into your project from a .xml file |
Step 2: Import ConVoid Families
If you still need to load the ConVoid families into your project, a window will appear, prompting you to do so.
Click [Yes], and the ConVoid library will open. If you're having trouble finding the families, simply click on the bottom link in the window to download the library. Once downloaded, import the families listed in the window into your project.
Step 3: Set the Scope on where to create openings
Continue by defining the upper and lower levels and optionally include an offset. ConVoid will then generate 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
Select the project(s) that include the Reference Elements (e.g. Ducts, Pipes, Cable Trays, Insulation).
Choose the categories of Reference Elements. Common categories include Cable Trays, Ducts, Pipes, their Accessories, and Insulations. We suggest starting with these categories and then incrementally adding more, such as Fittings.
Step 5: Host Projects, Categories and Elements
Select the project(s) that include the Host Elements (e.g. Walls, Floors, Beams, Roofs).
Choose the categories of Host Elements where openings should be placed:
- Horizontal Openings in: Walls, Structural Framing, Structural Columns, etc.
- Vertical Openings in: Floors, Roofs, Stairs, etc.
Clicking the plus sign lets you select specific family types. If no family types are chosen, ConVoid will use all elements in the selected categories.
If you wish to exclude certain host elements from the creation process, see the Exclude Elements session.
Step 6: Settings
Click the Toolbox icon to access the ConVoid settings. These settings affect the creation and updating results. For a detailed explanation, refer to the Advanced Settings guide.
Step 7: Clash Detection
Click the Refresh button to start the clash detection between the selected Reference and Host Categories.
Step 8: Conditions and Parameter Filter
Once the clash detection is complete, the Condition field becomes available.
Level for Horizontal Openings
Select the level constraint for horizontal openings.
We highly recommend selecting Host Level, as it provides the best results. The openings will follow the levels of the host element, such as the base and top level of the wall.
Other options include:
- Building Story — constrained to the nearest upper and lower building story
- Reference Level — follows the level of the reference element
- Specific Level — placed at a designated level of your choosing
Level for Vertical Openings
Select the level constraint for vertical openings.
We highly recommend selecting Building Story. The openings will be constrained to the nearest upper and lower building story.
Other options include:
- Host Level — follows the levels of the host element
- Reference Level — follows the level of the reference element
- Specific Level — placed at a designated level of your choosing
Creation Mode
Choose the creation mode:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening | ConVoid creates penetrations that fully intersect the Host Element, even if the Reference Element does not penetrate it completely. |
| Recess | If the Reference Element does not fully intersect the Host Element, ConVoid creates a recess. If it does intersect, it generates a penetration. |
| Auto | ConVoid automatically decides whether to create a penetration or a recess based on the geometry. |
When running ConVoid for the first time, we recommend selecting the Opening mode.
Rectangle and Circular Families
The rectangular and circular opening families will be automatically selected. You can duplicate or rename the ConVoid families to create new types. Refer to the Revit Families session.
Oversize
Set a minimum oversize to keep enough clearance space between MEP Services and Host Elements. You can adjust the oversize of specific openings later using the Dimension Void feature.
Parameter Filter
We recommend selecting <All Reference Elements>, which uses all Reference Elements to create openings. If you want to limit the process to specific elements (e.g. Supply Air), use the corresponding parameter and value.
The green symbol indicates approximately how many openings will be created based on your parameter selection.
Add Opening Types
You can add and define more opening types by clicking [Add horizontal opening type] and [Add vertical opening type].
Step 9: Start the Creation Process
Click [OK] to start the process. ConVoid will place the openings automatically in your project. All settings are saved automatically.
The openings are displayed as symbols in 2-D views and as solids in 3-D views.
Step 10: Add more Opening Filters
After placing the first set of openings, you can run ConVoid with additional filters:
- Open ConVoid and create a new Opening Filter (or duplicate an existing one).
- Select the relevant categories for the new filter.
- Run ConVoid again.
Repeat as needed.
Avoid creating multiple filters that reference the same openings, as this can cause conflicts.