Duct support placement using Dynamo!

[@TheLeonSilver]

for those just want to get this script to work, just install 2018 BiMorph node, it worked for me. I also have tried with cable trays, it worked as well. however, after the last "List.Combine", try not to flatten the list, this way, the support will follow the bottom elevations of the cable trays that bend up and down. for some reasons, if flatten the list, the hanger supports will only follow one bottom elevation.

[@TheLeonSilver]

also, thank you Aussie BIM Guru for sharing this scipt, it is amazing, it helps us so much.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Great tip, and yes I think that would make sense in that situation. I was a bit less experienced in Dynamo when I made this so my old videos sometimes take some awkward list management steps.

[@chanyiuhing]

your video is so informative. Thanks from Hong Kong

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome! Hope all is well on your side of the world.

[@robertorecoaro8423]

I am amazed at the skill you have with revit. It must have been many hours of study. Thanks for this video./Me sorprende la habilidad que usted tiene con revit. Deben haber sido muchas horas de esudio. Gracias por este video.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Thanks! Yes almost 10 years of using revit now, but i began with 0 experience like we all do :)

[@chethanmn6983]

It's very use full and worth learning to save the time, thanks a lot for sharing.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome!

[@couprog]

You are awesome, thank you for this professional video and thank you for every single moment you spent on it 👏👌

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Thanks for the kind words, and you are welcome!

[@Praveen_Enzo]

Great work.Thank You very much Mr.Aussie.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome!

[@R4k00n3D]

Thank you so much!!! Awesome stuff! Lots to study here! Thanks again!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome Dinos!

[@milenacasto8541]

Really great job! thanks a lot , It helps me :)

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome!

[@SiarheiSemashka]

Nitpicking: 13:20 if the second block's parameter call "req_c" instead of "count", it lowers the chance to connect "count" variable from the left block

[@AussieBIMGuru]

They appear in order of where they appear in the codeblock. Count is maybe a reserved word since i made this video a few years ago now so could be that.

[@jorgeanedez1687]

Can you help creat a similar line based hanger support script for 4 parallel piping with different system and with different sizes? Your video tutorials helped me a lot as a beginner in dynamo and has been a fan of your tutorials. Cheers!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Unfortunately beyond my experience at that point, but have a try and use dynamo forums as an active help resource where you get stuck.

[@archgyanrevit]

Can you make a video or blog on what to look forward to in 2020? super excited!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

I've scheduled a quick video on the 31st of this month to cover this briefly :) A bit more dynamo, some python, a new navisworks series and a surprise in march!

[@rkenna213]

Excellent video..., more MEP would be great :)

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Thanks Richard, a few videos lined up in the new year will deal with MEP or all round workflows. Not quite my field of expertise but many of my followers have helped give me some ideas

[@rkenna213]

@@AussieBIMGuru super videos, I look forward to them all

[@eliabim]

Thank you Master. I made it work

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Nice work! Now you're a master too ;)

[@eliabim]

I edited some nodes so that I have some options to select ducts per level.

[@ballemistry950]

Thank you so much! There's a lot to study What about cabletray supports?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Similar workflow. As long as theyre in connected systems it should almost be the same.

[@bender06160]

@@AussieBIMGuru there s no system for cable trays, maybe we can filter them by a shared parameter

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@bender06160 yes in that case you would need something the runs have in common, or manual selection of connected trays to be supported.

[@carriux]

Hi Aussie BIM Guru, the script worked perfectly, thanks. I was wondering if you have any ideas for hosting the support to the duct, so when you move the duct, the support moves with it, or in general if you know a way to locate hosted families.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

The best way to do this would be to build the support as a duct fitting. These typically move with the system.

[@niojuri6057]

Thank you so much! There's a lot to study what about pipe supports? It would be at same diameter and orientation than pipes How should I do it?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Similar to this workflow, but you could get the pipe centre elevation and diameter to place the support, then get the direction of the curve at that point (or normal + 90) for orientation

[@vrbaac1641]

hi ^^... why use a line based family (support) specifically for this workflow? thank you very much... very awesome tutorial ^^

[@AussieBIMGuru]

In this case i use line based as the family is best defined by its two points of support. Whilst it may sometimes be centred upon a duct run it isn't always necessarily. I go on to use dynamo to place these using reference curves also, which are much easier placed if line based.

[@atnguyenthanh6802]

Thank you for your useful sharing. Would you mind if sharing the supporting family. Cause i follow you to final step in node "Familyinstance.Bycurve" returns to"null". I don't know the reason why. Thanks for this video.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Sure thing, it's on my github here: github.com/aussieBIMguru/Dynamo_Scripts/blob/master/ABG_201102_DynamoWallOpenings.dyn

[@atnguyenthanh6802]

@@AussieBIMGuru Thanks so much.

[@OdiaUTT]

Great video. I work with racks of pipes so to replicate this may be different. I have three concerns. 1) how will the workflow be if the pipe racks are on different systems? 2) eliminating vertical pipes/ducts 3) consideration for insulation - I guess when we place the family we can reduce the support height by minus the insulation thickness? Thanks in advance for your response. Fan from Canada 🍁

[@AussieBIMGuru]

In regards to your queries; 1. This is probably difficult to automate if pipes share racks, as eventually those runs would probably diverge apart. You could probably collect multiple systems and eliminate supports closer than a certain point apart using one of my nodes in Crumple (group by minimum separation). Pipes are also quite different to ducts in that you tend to run them in parallel, so required width and placement would be difficult to assess. 2. If you could get their location lines this would allow you to assess their propagation using the vector of the curve and its Z value. You could filter out all pipes with a Z value or 1 or thereabouts. 3. Exactly, you could obtain multiple parameters and add/subtract as needed.

[@OdiaUTT]

@@AussieBIMGuru thanks for your quick response.. you’re highly appreciated

[@osamahashem1041]

Hi ,really Great work , please can you tell me where i can find those custom nodes

[@AussieBIMGuru]

The nodes you need are in packages at 1:40, all downloadable from the package manager within dynamo. Manage > search for a package

[@osamahashem1041]

@@AussieBIMGuru thanks

[@alvernepaiva3287]

That Raybounce node is really helpful!!! Is there any version of him, but instead of checking a link, the node checks any geometry in a set distance and direction?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

I'd have a look at the 'RayBounce on Linked Model' node in the data shapes package, it has the ability to consider native and linked, or just linked in its fourth input.

[@juancarlosarguedas607]

Great Script.....I tried to follow up but something is wrong with the formula

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Hrm I'll grab a look...

[@minaelfar4652]

Thank For This Amazing video. However, When I use the duct system all elements in network custom node it doesn't get the elements in the mechanical system it gets me NULL ! What the problem here ??

[@AussieBIMGuru]

My best guess is you may be using revit 2023+ and now have the IronPython2.7 package installed. Mepover depends on it now.

[@carmineaucello3246]

Hi Gavin this is a super usuful script. Many thanks for it. Very complicated to understand but I'll get it one day hopefully! Just one question: I get the hanger channel's Support height up to 973836.0. Not sure why? Hence I loose completely the vertical hangers. Potentially the thing comes from the clash node Code block warning: "List.GetItemAtIndex operation failed. Index was out of range. Must be non-negative and lenn than the size of the collection. Paramter name:index". Not sure what value this warning refer to? Many thanks really appreciated!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

It's hard to say but my best guess is it could relate to imperial vs metric units, or the ray bounce wasn't successful and reached too far beyond the model. Cross check that the height number being provided is logical in Dynamo and if not look back through the data to see where it might be coming from.

[@Thameem63]

Hi Appreciate the work and i it helps me to learn dynamo script little. When I have tried to run your script. List.GetItemAtIndex operation failed. Index was out of range. Must be non-negative and lenn than the size of the collection. Paramter name:index". I am facing this error.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Typically this means nothing that list matched what you were searching for. Its a fairly generic error but hopefully knowing what it means helps troubleshoot it.

[@tonyhoward6085]

I have known about dynamo for a few years however moved into more of an engineering role over the last bit. Having moved back to a design engineering role (which I have always preferred) I am picking dynamo up again. I have found your tutorials to be very informative, not just in getting it done but also showing what is also potentially possible. Do you have any tips on understanding the nodes available as they seem to be very architecturally based, for obvious reason? Another question is how to best implement dynamo into a national company that doesn’t really understand what is required of its engineering staff due to perceived negativity to drafting?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Hi there Tony, I'm glad you're finding my channel and content helpful - and that the style of showing full workflow resonates with your needs. It might be worth viewing my 'learn dynamo' series as I focus more on nodes and less on workflow in these videos. A handy one is lesson 4; list management. Check out MEPover and Bimorph nodes for some helpful nodes related more closely to coordination and services. RE culture, if the company is not sold on BIM or CAD then dynamo will be a challenge. Consider if you are working with the right teams/firm if your passion is computation, and if it is, then start showcasing the potential benefits through business cases and live demos. Hope that helps!

[@mohamedsamir8824]

Dear sir, Great script i want to automate all duct support for every level i filter ducts by level but the the script duplicate more than one hanger at the same place

[@AussieBIMGuru]

It sounds like an issue with levels and lacing. This script is built to do 1 level at a time. Go back step by step looking at the data in each node, eventually you should be able to find where the list structure isn't correct.

[@egmelaku]

🙏Thanks for this helpful tutorial. Have you ever tried...? I want to change the calculation Method in Revit ...... (Path => 1. Systems(tab) -> 2. Mechanical Settings -> 3. Pipe Setting -> 4. Calculation -> 5. Flow(tab) -> 👉 6. Calculation Method ) ...... from "the 2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC) Table E103.3 (3)" #to my custom fixture flow rate/table. 👉 How would you advise me, please? 👉 Can I use Dynamo to change input/references like IPC Table E103.3 (3)? Thanks!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Unfortunately I've got an architectural background so most of that goes right over my head! Maybe try the Dynamo forums for advice.

[@minaelfar6350]

Hello ! I have tried this amazing script and it’s really helpful I just have problem when the duct offsets and change its level the supports will be in the lowest level and the high level duct end up with low level supports ? Do u have a solution for that ! Thanks in advance !❤️

[@AussieBIMGuru]

The way I've set up this workflow the duct hangers only sit at one level I believe, to deal with offsets you'd need to adjust the workflow to check both the underside of duct from level and the offset up to slab overhead in two steps, then set both parameters this way.

[@jimmychan4868]

Hi, i don't know why have some error in my node, such as Curve.PointAtSegmentLength. however can you in case have time to teach how to solve placing opening for mep service cross the wall by using dynamo. Thank you so much!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Follow the warnings back to where they first occur and try to find any 'nulls'. I have a video on penetrations in walls here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWianX-crragaZI Springnodes have nodes for floor openings. I'll probably make a video on this eventually.

[@mohamedabdelhafiz2397]

is there anyway i can get the custom nodes you made ? , thanks

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Sure can, they're in a custom package I'm making. I keep a copy on my github; github.com/aussieBIMguru/Crumple

[@tingyunmao8861]

Hello, is the support family tyoes in your article convenient to share?thank you.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

I actually have a tutorial showing how to make the family here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4qreaWked-AfKc Good opportunity to learn, should take about 25 minutes in all.

[@tingyunmao8861]

​@@AussieBIMGuruThanks for your help. I have tried, but there are still some mistakes. The details cannot be well controlled, but it is a great progress，I hope more electromechanical projects will be provided in the future. Thank you for sharing

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@tingyunmao8861 you're welcome! I'll have more mep workflows in the new year, typically using the sample models.

[@tingyunmao8861]

@@AussieBIMGuru That's great. Now the mechanical and electrical processing is mainly pipe fitting processing, which is particularly difficult. I saw the mepover node today, and I don't have a good idea

[@maywaleed5639]

I use Revit 2021 and I couldn’t find LinkElement.ByRay node in the Bimorph package . Where else can I find it?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

In the latest version it is called LinkElement.ByRayBounce.

[@shivamsundaram7082]

Can you please make a script to place clevis hanger in slope pipe?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

It would be a similar workflow to this, maybe have a try and see how you go :)

[@shivamsundaram7082]

@@AussieBIMGuru I will try and let you know if any problem occurs.

[@MegaFahaaad]

I want to learn dynamo from where can or learn the basic please help

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Hi Fahad, the best places to begin are: Dynamo Primer: primer.dynamobim.org/ My learning series: kzbin.info/aero/PLBKwx9iS-Luk38UWL7gU9LCP_gojOu1qi There are various other series to learn Dynamo available, but I find they focus too much on geometry and too little on Revit suitable workflows. I also have a webinar on how to best begin your learning journey: campus.hexabim.com/bim/Getting-Started-with-Visual-Coding-Dynamo-Grasshopper-and-beyond-with-Gavin-Crump/

[@muhammedfasil.p3402]

Ray bounce for the fix height.. the node starting to find the Z value showing error. Please help.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Hard to say what the cause is. Reduce your data set down to a few objects and troubleshoot 1 or 2 at a time to see why they might not be raybouncing properly.

[@LeanderZ3]

Please, would you have a link to share the hang files?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Script: github.com/aussieBIMguru/Dynamo_Scripts/blob/master/ABG_191219_DuctSupports.dyn Hanger: github.com/aussieBIMguru/Revit-Files/blob/master/Families/ABG_GEN_Unistrut-Hanger_R20.rfa Noting I developed this in Revit 2020, so it may need some changes to suit later Revit builds.

[@ramonleen3472]

Hi Aussie BIM Gure, the script worked perfectly except when I make a drop in elevation with the ducts than the duct support placed everything on the highest bottom elevation of the duct system. Do you have any idea how to solve this?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

For this particular case you may need to use another mesh ray at these points at the duct level down to find out the drop in addition to the mesh ray upward to find the structure. My workflow here assumes flat duct runs currently.

[@Fun_Masters64]

hi Aussie.. you re really Guru, appreciate your work. can you please help me out to work out support for structural elements in same model, instead of linked model.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

If in the same model you could use a raybounce from the data shapes package instead - this has the option to use nonlinked elements instead

[@TheLegendMythMan]

Hi, great video and usefull in so many cases. But looking at the video it looks like you didn't achive the correct heights for fixings. In the first example the duct was fixed at the lowest point and in the second example it was all placed at the highest fixing point, as it looked like the fixing was inside the beam. I think you should go back and check the result, just to make sure.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're right... I didn't quite notice it in the first test! I believe there is probably some finessing required in the clash detection node workflow, it looks like it set to the beam underside in a few cases vs slab. Hopefully the workflow enables others to explore and refine further, and thanks for paying such close attention! I'll cross check the methodology in january... it might be a lacing issue. No access to dynamo in my holidays unfortunately! I seem to recall the clashes were all being identified to the right point, so I think it will be in the difference calculations where I've missed a step.

[@TheLegendMythMan]

@@AussieBIMGuru The model you used are the HAVOC model provided with Revit?, if so I can have a try. Anyways you have a great holiday and see you again in 2020!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@TheLegendMythMan thanks, have a great one too! Yes I've used the advanced sample projects for mep and structure. I had to adjust the levels to match, and the models dont quite match in plan, but close enough to allow testing.

[@rteiberis]

Hello, Mr. Guru, asking for help as the last straw, watched the video many times over, typed everything by hand AND downloaded the script from github along with the hanger .rfa and no matter what, the codeblock in the raybounce group returns "null" instead of the list of clash points. Tried running the script in a model with a linked structural, architectural models and tried runing the script on the revit sample project. Please help

[@rteiberis]

Edit, managed to make the supports extend to the element above, however it doesnt extend in the sample project file, only files with a linked ifc model. the problem im facing now is that some hangers extend beyond the slab, some inside of it. any tips?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Hrm it sounds like an error with the raybounce node. I havent tested this workflow beyond revit 2020 so might be some changes in node behavior since i made this unfortunately. I'll try to revisit it on the channel eventually for revit 2023.

[@newshunhk]

Hi I can make it work, but once I select another duct to run the dynamo, the supporting hangers in previous duct disappear... how to make it permanent? or I need to open the dynamo script everytime?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Run it in dynamo player.

[@mohammadrais-h2e]

hi, i am trying to execute this scrip but getting "Null" (DuctSystem all elements in network) and i and using Dynamo core 2.16.2.5624. dynamo revit 2.16.2.9354

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@mohammadrais-h2e make sure you have the ironpython package installed as mepover depends on it in revit 2022 and higher.

[@ibironke_regina]

The parameter values for "Bottom Elevation" and "Reference Level " are empty and this is clearly reflected in Revit. How can this error be corrected?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

I believe these are default parameters for ducts if you mean those, otherwise try out my hanger family on github.

[@vibhavarypatibandla4828]

How do start learning dynamo

[@AussieBIMGuru]

I recommend first going through dynamo primer then looking into taking a guided course if youre not ready to experiment. I offer one here if of interest which covers a lot of ground: courses.bimguru.education/courses/course-dynamo-4revit

[@vibhavarypatibandla4828]

@@AussieBIMGuru I will rent it out once I am done learning revit..thanks!!

[@vibhavarypatibandla4828]

And do you have any course for preparation of autodesk certification exam of revit in similar price range? I would like subscribe to it

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@vibhavarypatibandla4828 unfortunately not. I havent taken the exam for years now, so am not 100% sure what it consists of these days. I'd check if firms actually want you to have it or not, most firms in Australia where I work don't care about it that much.

[@vibhavarypatibandla4828]

@@AussieBIMGuru oh okay..I will surely rent out the dynamo course once I am done learning revit..thanks for the reply!

[@ateeqafzal5969]

How to download the script

[@AussieBIMGuru]

I keep my scripts on github under the dynamo repo.

[@yanuar9093]

hello, i cant find get paramater valu by name. can you explain where i can find this node?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

This comes with dynamo and is under Revit > Elements in the library.

[@yanuar9093]

@@AussieBIMGuru thanks,can i ask again? in my dynamo in node ByRayBounce have a warning "Warning: LinkElement.ByRayBounce expects argument type(s) (Autodesk.DesignScript.Geometry.Point, Autodesk.DesignScript.Geometry.Vector, Revit.Elements.Views.View3D, Revit.Elements.Category, bool), but was called with (Autodesk.DesignScript.Geometry.Point[], Autodesk.DesignScript.Geometry.Vector, Revit.Elements.Views.FloorPlanView, null, bool). " and my ByRayBounce not the same with your node in the video,my bolean have some option after direction,origin and 3D view,i have 5 option which is direction,origin,3D View,category,find nearest.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@yanuar9093 based on the warning it appears your view is a plan and a focal element hasnt been provided.

[@yanuar9093]

when I connect the point (curve point) to the origin (byraybounce), a warning appears like that

[@yanuar9093]

@@AussieBIMGuru can i know the version of Bimorphnodes in this video?

[@samehhanna2258]

I dont find Node ( duct system all elements in network )

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Make sure you have the MEPover package installed and browse through it - the node name might be different depending on the version you are using.

[@ahmedallam9733]

@@AussieBIMGuru please i cant find MEPover package could you help me please

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@ahmedallam9733 it is on the package manager in dynamo itself. If you cant access that it can be found here also; dynamopackages.com/#

[@REYNAES1]

this would be fine but in fabrication mep

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Similar workflow, but some different nodes would be required. You'd also need a fab part hanger which is harder to make than a revit family I think. Have a look at MEPover package.

[@sheaferravindran6668]

list=DSCore.List.Flatten(ducts); list[0]; "Bottom Elevation"; "Reference Level"; after this code block when bottom elevation is connected to parameter name it is showing errors

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Make sure the previous lists have no null values, and that the parameter by that name exists in your family you are setting the value of the parameter to.

[@ummarkhan561]

HI Aussie BIM Guru, Thank you for your useful sharing. I follow you to final step in node "Familyinstance.Bycurve" returns to"null". I Don't know what went wrong. Please Share me (ABG_GEN_Unistrut-Hanger_R20 )2019 Version Family.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

github.com/aussieBIMguru/Revit-Files/blob/master/Families/ABG_GEN_Unistrut-Hanger_R20.rfa

[@ummarkhan561]

In this link this family is saved in later version. Can u please share me 2019 version.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@ummarkhan561 unfortunately I made the family in 2020 so cannot downgrade it.

[@ummarkhan561]

In this tutorial, you used Revit 2019 version Family. I may see those family creation videos was also in R19 version here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4qreaWked-AfKc. And I want to thank you very much for this video. I really appreciate it.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Yes I believe by the time I uploaded my files to github I had begun using Revit 2020 so had to upgrade my old sample files I had on record.

[@relaxeabi6316]

I am new its difficult and lengthy anybody can help me I want to learn dynmo I will pay

[@AussieBIMGuru]

I should have a full course out in a month. It will be from beginner to intermediate and should be affordable as well. It will be structured and more organised than watching these types of tutorials so should hopefully help.

[@relaxeabi6316]

@@AussieBIMGuru can you help me I m beginner

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Check out my 'learn dynamo' series playlist. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZy1qGacjd6HqdU

[@AussieBIMGuru]

My Dynamo course is now available :) courses.bimguru.education/courses/course-dynamo-4revit

[@tanhieunguyen2387]

[@AussieBIMGuru]

:)

[@Karma-js3dl]

Great video,i want to ask in node code block "Points = DSCore.List.GetItemAtIndex(clash@L2, 1);" appear warning (Warning: List.GetItemAtIndex operation failed. Index was out of range. Must be non-negative and less than the size of the collection. Parameter name: index) How i solved this warning? thanks

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Work back through the workflow and find out why there is no match found. A -1 result means there wasnt a match in the list available to index.

[@PraveenkumarRavichandran]

@Aussie BIM Guru while im developing this Script i was facing some issues. List.IndexOf node i m getting -Ve value . If any one facing the same issuse .

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Generally this means something was not found, and there is likely a different case in your model to mine. Test with a very basic set of elements to see if that helps identify what is different.

[@PraveenkumarRavichandran]

@@AussieBIMGuru Than you let me check , appreciate your effort .