.rfa
The file format of family files in Revit®.
.rvt
The file format of Revit® project files.
2D Project
A project in Openings Studio that was created using a spreadsheet or manual entry to enter the openings into the Door & Frame Schedule. It is not directly tied to a Revit® project or any other BIM program.
3D Model
A representation of a building or parts of a building on a computer. Can be very generic or realistic (see LOD).
3D Project
A project in Openings Studio that was created from the Openings Studio Revit® plugin. All door schedule information comes directly from the Revit® model and each door has a unique GUID.
4D (Four-dimensional) Model
A 3D model that incorporates an additional dimension of time, which is typically depicted in a construction schedule.
5D (Five-dimensional) Model
The integration of quantities and cost estimates into the 3D model. Quantities can be imported directly into estimating software. 4D is not necessary for 5D.
Analyze or Analyzing
The process of extracting Revit® data (openings, wall details, 3D building geometry, PDFs, and door schedules) for use in Openings Studio. This action is typically performed by an architect.
ARCHICAD
A BIM program owned by Graphisoft that is used by architects. It is more common in Europe and Australia than it is in the United States. It also works on Apple computers. (See Revit® and MicroStation for other BIM programs)
AutoCAD
A drafting software owned by Autodesk® that was the #1 software used by architects from 1986 to the early 2000s. Still in use today, but it is not as common. Openings Studio does not work with AutoCAD.
Autodesk®
The company that owns AutoCAD, Revit®, Navisworks, BIM 360, and many other software programs.
BIM (Building Information Modeling)
As defined by Autodesk®: An intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction professionals insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.
BIM Execution Plan
A document that specifies the how BIM will be used on project, including but not limited to: Level of Development (LOD), naming conventions, model scheduling, and model exchanges between the parties using BIM on the project. BIM Executions Plans can be developed by anyone partaking in a BIM deliverable. For example, an owner may have a BIM Execution Plan that they require the architect and contractor to follow.
Built-In Parameters
Standard Revit® parameters that are included on all Revit® families. For doors, these parameters include: Mark, Width, Height, Thickness, Fire Rating, Type Mark, and more. Also called System Parameters.
Clash Detection
A review of the 3D Model that identifies where design components overlap or interfere with the proper operation of other design elements, This is a big BIM benefit Clash Detection reviews allow for a resolution to be developed in the 3D model during the design phase. Software programs like Navisworks are used for clash detection.
COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange)
A data format for the publication of building model information focused on delivering information only. COBie helps capture and record important project data at the point of origin, including equipment lists, product data sheets, warranties, spare parts lists, and preventive maintenance schedules to support operations, maintenance and asset management for facility end use. COBie is not a law, requirement, or code. It involves developing guidelines for information exchange (what, how much, format, when).
Configuration
The overall geometry of an opening. For example: SG for Single, AA for Active/Active Pairs, AI for Active/Inactive pairs, DE for Double Egress, etc.
Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
The most traditional and linear project delivery process that includes three main roles – owner, architect and contractor. The owner contracts an architect to produce the construction documents. Those construction documents are used to competitively bid for a separate contract between the owner and contractor. Contract documents are normally finished before construction.
Design-Bid-Build with Construction Management (CMAR)
Also known as CM at-Risk. This is similar to DBB, but in this method a construction manager is hired to manage and advise on the project and its technology issues during the design phase. A construction manager could be responsible for the trade contracts and construction performance, or a cost guarantee, also known as a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). The GMP may be due before construction documents are complete. The design and build are usually overlapping.
Design-Build (DB)
Unlike DBB and CMAR, DB involves only two roles, an owner and a design-build entity, and one contract between them. Designer-builder selection can be based on a number of things including direct negotiations, qualifications, best value, or low bid. This method also includes a GMP along with the design and build overlapping. The GMP may be due before construction documents are complete.
Design Options
A Revit® tool used to provide several alternate options of a space at the client’s request. Openings Studio will automatically select the ‘Primary’ design option when analyzing a project from Revit®.
Elevation Studio
The custom frame builder on the Frame Elevations tab.
Export (Import)
The process of bringing the Openings Studio opening data (families, parameters, door schedule information, hardware sets, etc.) back into the Revit® model.
Family
The classes of elements in a Revit® project that can be grouped together, such as Door Families. There are also window families, furniture families, and more.
Family Parameters
Parameters that exist on families only. These parameters cannot be scheduled. (Also see Project Parameters and Shared Parameters)
Federated Model
A model that is composed of multiple models representing the input from all design disciplines on a project.
Field
Specific to Revit®, fields are the columns used in schedules, including door schedules.
Green Checkmark
Part of the export process that includes creating and/or replacing door families in the Revit® with Openings Studio families and their associated data.
Handing
The swing of the door. This is important to adjust for frames with sidelites when building door families.
Import (Export)
The process of bringing the Openings Studio opening data (families, parameters, door schedule information, hardware sets, etc.) back into the Revit® model.
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC’s) - IFC’s are data elements that represent parts of buildings, or elements of the design process, and contain the relevant information about those parts. IFC’s are used by computer applications to assemble a computer-readable model. IFC’s were created by the buildingSMART alliance to mitigate interoperability problems.
Instance
The individual door itself with unique properties. Example: Each door on a door schedule is typically an instance.
Instance Parameters
Properties that control the appearance or behavior of an individual object in a project. Instance parameters can have unique properties not governed by the Type.
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
A collaborative project delivery method that leverages intellectual and physical resources to produce the highest quality product by placing the owner, contractor, and architect/engineer at risk for profit or loss on the project. It requires ongoing shared team knowledge that is well facilitated through extensive BIM use. Integrated Project Delivery is a project delivery method that involves shared risk and reward, rather than just each party being responsible for their part. The intent is to work together and build as the design is developed with all parties collaborating in planning and scheduling.
Interoperability
The exchange of information among project participants throughout the lifecycle of a facility by direct communication between software applications. Interoperability is accomplished via a common set of exchange formats.
Level of Development (LOD)
The level of completeness to which a Model Element is developed. LOD varies from LOD 100 (least detailed or least complete) to LOD 500 (most detailed or most complete). Each subsequent LOD builds on the previous level and includes all the previous characteristics of previous levels. Each level is clearly defined, with LOD 500 modeled as accurate and actual constructed assemblies.
Library
A collection of families.
Linked Model
The ability in Revit® to link separate files or buildings together. For example, MEP and structural models are separate files that are linked to the architecture file. While many types of linked models do not include doors, sometimes there are other buildings or parts of the architectural file broken out into separate files that do include doors. When analyzing a project for Openings Studio, if the architect has any linked files, Openings Studio will recognize those files and ask if they want to send those files/models into Openings Studio.
Mapping
The process of assigning Revit® based parameters to the corresponding or similar Openings Studio columns.
MicroStation
A BIM software owned by Bentley. Typically found with firms in the United States that do government work, although not exclusively.
Nested Family
A family which has been loaded into another family, instead of a project. For example, door panels can be nested in frames instead of built together as one model. Nested families create fewer Types in the Revit® model.
Parameters make up the properties of the models in Revit®. For example, the width of a door is a parameter. The material of a door is a parameter. Parameters can define how a door looks. Parameters can also be simply text that has no other purpose other than storing information.
Parametric
Software objects/elements that reflect or describe the real-world behaviors and attributes of construction materials, equipment, and assemblies depicted. Objects possess characteristics of materials and assemblies and also depict the interrelationships and interaction among them. Relationships and interactions are maintained as the model is manipulated.
Phase
Models in Revit® are put into phase groups. Typically, these phases are Demo, New Construction and Existing, although an architect can create or name a phase as needed. Phase is a parameter that appears on each instance of a family.
Plugin
A third-party software extension to Revit®. Also frequently called an Add-In. Some plugins appear on the Add-Ins tab in Revit® or on their own tab. Plugins are typically designed to work with Revit® and may or may not function outside of Revit®.
Project Parameters
User defined fields added to multiple categories of elements, sheets, or views within a project. Project parameters are specific to the project file and cannot be shared with other projects. Openings Studio Project Parameters are identified in Revit® by the prefix “AAOS Project [PARAMETER NAME]'. Unlike shared parameters, project parameters cannot be used in door tag. (Also see Shared Parameters)
Rendering
Photorealistic digital image with lighting conditions, material textures, reflectivity, and shadows. Rendering is used for presentation and visualization.
Revit®
A BIM software owned by Autodesk® and the most common software in use by architects today. ARCHICAD is their largest competitor.
Sheets
Found in the Project Browser in Revit®, sheets are pages where floor plans, schedules, details, and more are placed for documentation. Sheets can be printed or turned into PDFs.
Shared Parameters
User defined fields added to families or projects that can be shared with other families and projects. Shared parameters are stored independently of a specific family file or Revit® project in a text file and can be added to any project or family as needed. Shared Parameters can also be used in floor plan tags. Openings Studio Shared Parameters are identified in Revit® by the prefix “AAOS Shared [PARAMETER NAME]'. (Also see Project Parameters)
System Parameters
See Built-In Parameters.
Tags
Many models can be tagged in floor plans in Revit®, including doors. This tag is usually a door number. The door number is also a parameter. If you delete or hide a door number tag, it still exists as a parameter on that door and will still appear on the door schedule.
Type
A subdivision within a Family. For example, a single hollow metal door family may have multiple types. Types can be defined by a door size or material change.
Type Parameters
Settings that control the appearance or behavior of all elements in a particular Family Type (Door Panel Type, Door Material Type, Frame Attachment, Frame Gauge, etc.).
Unique ID or Global Unique ID (GUID)
In most BIM systems (such as Revit®), conceptual and spatial elements have a unique identifier by which these elements can be addressed. Unique ID’s are created only once in the lifetime of a model, and each ID is associated with only one spatial element. This is not a door tag/number, but rather a unique number or ID assigned to each opening. If an opening is deleted, the unique ID is deleted and will not be used again in the project. Openings Studio tracks this unique ID, not the opening number.
Yellow Checkmark
Part of the export process that includes exporting Openings Studio door data back to the architects existing door families.