Analytical Model in Revit – Essential Skill The Analytical Model in Revit is used for structural and energy analysis, helping engineers understand how a building will perform under loads and forces. It is a simplified representation of the physical model used for analysis and simulations.
1. What is an Analytical Model in Revit? The Analytical Model is a simplified version of structural elements (beams, columns, walls, slabs) that helps with: ✅ Structural Analysis – Load distribution, stress calculations. ✅ Energy Analysis – Heat loss, solar gain, HVAC loads. ✅ Coordination with Structural & MEP Engineers – Export to analysis software.
📌 Tip: The Analytical Model exists inside the Structural Discipline in Revit.
2. Enabling the Analytical Model A) Check if Analytical Model is Enabled Select a Structural Element (Wall, Floor, Beam, Column). In Properties, look for "Enable Analytical Model" and make sure it is ON. Go to Manage Tab → Structural Settings → Analytical Model Settings to adjust tolerances. 📌 Tip: You can turn the analytical model ON/OFF per element or control it for the entire project.
3. Viewing the Analytical Model Go to View Tab → Visibility Graphics (VG). Under Model Categories, enable "Analytical Model Categories". Switch to "Analytical Model" View in 3D or Elevations to see only the analytical lines. 📌 Tip: Analytical elements appear as simplified lines, representing forces and connections.
4. Adjusting & Editing the Analytical Model ✅ Manually Adjust Elements:
Select an analytical element → Use Move, Align, or Trim tools. Adjust Nodes & Connections to fix errors. ✅ Set Load Conditions: Select an analytical element → Go to Properties → Analytical Properties. Define Load Cases, Supports, and Boundary Conditions. 📌 Tip: Use "Analytical Adjustments" to modify model behavior before exporting to analysis software.
5. Exporting the Analytical Model to Structural Software A) Export to Robot Structural Analysis Go to Analyze Tab → Structural Analysis. Click "Robot Structural Analysis" to export the model. Perform analysis in Robot and send results back to Revit. B) Export to Other Software (SAP2000, ETABS, StaadPro) File → Export → Structural Analysis Format (SAF) or IFC. Import into ETABS, StaadPro, or SAP2000 for further calculations. 📌 Tip: Always review the analytical model for connectivity issues before exporting.
6. Analytical Model for Energy Analysis ✅ Used for HVAC load calculations, daylight studies, and thermal performance. ✅ Enabled via Energy Settings:
Go to Analyze Tab → Energy Optimization. Define Building Envelope, Insulation, and Heat Gains. ✅ Send model to Insight 360 or Green Building Studio for energy simulations. 📌 Tip: Ensure analytical surfaces are properly assigned for accurate results.
🚀 Quick Summary: 🔹 Analytical Model = Simplified representation of structural and energy performance. 🔹 Enable in Structural Settings & Visibility Graphics (VG). 🔹 Modify nodes, supports, and load
