I’m currently working my way through the Dynamo Primer to get a feel for this package.
I can see the attraction for Architects to create conceptual models and forms ‘very easily’ and communicate these ideas to the rest of the design teams.
However, for us who do general day to day buildings I discovered that some automation of the mundane tasks can probably be achieved. These are usually pile numbering with co-ordinates and cut off levels, rebar detailing of elements, (we’ve yet to explore this avenue in Revit, as RC detailing is still done by AutoCad in house).
So I’m curious if fellow Structural / Civil Engineers could point me in the right direction to online resources for Dynamo tutorials or articles that have a more Engineering bent to them. Also would learning Python be of benefit I’ve not done any programming other than BASIC many moons ago!
Craig, I am from a structural and civils profession point of view, but before you go creating your own things for RC detailing have a look at the new pre-cast addon for revit 201(has a rc element to it), and also sofistik revit addon as these may be quicker/cheaper wins than creating the same thing.
Also have a look at the new steelwork connections addon as this is a new one for you.
Back on dynamo I would suggest you look at the above posted information and stick to repetitive tasks you do on every project, like the following:
Project setup
View/level creation and apply view templates to these
Model checking/auditing to make sure things are correct prior to analysis transfer?
Once you have the above knowledge you may then be able to look at automatic generation of models if the buildings you are doing are modular/para-metrically similar from architectural information.
Then once at this stage you could possibly start pushing things further for generative design.
Yes you’re right regarding the RC and steel connection detailing in Revit as I’ve seen them on the ribbon in 2017.
I’m was a bit daunted at the scope of the program and best to start small and work my way up. I like your suggestions you listed and probably be the way forward to optimise time on projects for setting up projects, I’m guessing that you can link Revit drawing sheets to automate revisions in an Excel based issue sheet?
Renumbering by spline/grid is a good one to start with.
Dividing a curve to place piles/columns is also useful.
Dividing two parallel curves to lay out framing is also good.
I know at least one structural firm uses Dynamo (or at least similar concepts) to allow architects to adjust column grids and beam depths at the DD level.
That was an example of a single part of a plane, but it could certainly be applied to a building. I already know of engineers who do this for custom glass connectors. Any reason the panelized sheer walls of a wood structure can’t be next?
Basically what I am saying is that form creation isn’t necessarily out of the question for you guys, but it requires a complete understanding of the tools and their limits.
So even though you might not see a need for orienting solar panels towards the sun, do that exercise anyway. After all you may have to resist a prevailing wind load from a given direction someday in the future.
